Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical small bowel obstruction in children at a tertiary care centre in Kashmir.

BACKGROUND Small bowel obstruction is the commonest surgical emergency encountered in childhood. We observed that intestinal obstruction caused by ascariasis is one of the leading causes of death in our children and consumes a major portion of our hospital resources. Other causes include intussusception, adhesions, volvulus, hernias, and worm obstruction. The aim of this study was to analyze the presentation, diagnosis, management of mechanical bowel and complication of obstruction in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was conducted from Jan 2005 to Dec 2007 in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir. All patients who presented in the emergency department with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction were recruited. Patients with a dynamic obstruction were excluded from the study. Diagnosis was based on history and radiological findings. Data regarding the type of management, operative findings, operative procedure and post-operative complications were collected. RESULTS There were 207 patients admitted for intestinal obstruction. Males and females were equally affected. Most of the children (55%) were aged 3-5 years. The causes of obstruction included ascariasis 131 (63.2%), adhesion 23 (11.1%), intussusception 21 (10.1%), obstructed hernia 17 (8.2%), and volvulus 11 (5.3%). One hundred twenty-six patients needed an operative intervention and 81 were treated conservatively. The operative procedures performed included enterotomy in 37 (29.3%), milking of worms in 18 (14.2%), resection anastomosis in 31 (24.6%) and adhesiolysis in 13 (10.3%). Appendicular perforation was seen in 4 (1.9%) and worm in gall bladder in 1 (0.5%) patients. Surgical complications were wound infection in 18 (14.2%), burst abdomen in 5 (3.9%) and fecal fistula in 3 (2.3%) patients. CONCLUSION Intestinal obstruction is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in children. Obstruction by ascariasis constituted the majority of intestinal obstruction in this study. Efforts should be made to eradicate ascariasis in endemic areas through proper sanitation, hygiene and use of antihelminthics.
Mild head injury and sympathetic arousal: Investigating relationships with decision-making and neuropsychological performance in university students

Summary: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between neuropsychological performance, physiological arousal and decision-making in university students who have or have not reported a history of mild head injury (MHI). Methods: Forty-four students, 18 (41%) reporting a history of MHI, performed a design fluency task and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) while electrodermal activity (EDA) was recorded. Results: General cognitive ability and overall choice outcomes did not differ between groups. However, self-reported MHI severity predicted decision-making performance such that the greater the neural indices of trauma, the more disadvantageous the choices made by participants. As expected, both groups exhibited similar base levels of autonomic arousal and physiological responses to reward and punishment outcomes; however, those reporting MHI produced significantly lower levels of EDA during the anticipatory stages of decision-making. Conclusions: Overall, these findings encourage the acceptance of head injury as being on a continuum of brain injury severity, as MHI can emulate neurophysiological and neuropsychological features of more traumatic cases and may be impacting mechanisms which sustain adaptive social decision-making.
Long-Term Coronary Vascular Response to 32P β-Particle–Emitting Stents in a Canine Model

Background—The arterial placement of 32P β-particle–emitting stents in various experimental animal models results in discordant effects on neointimal formation. We studied the vascular effects of β-particle–emitting stents in normal canine coronary arteries because compared with pigs and rabbits, the canine model may more closely mimic the vascular response of humans. Methods and Results—Thirty stents (control nonradioactive, n=10; low-activity 32P, 3.5 to 6.0 μCi, n=11; high-activity 32P, 6.5 to 14.4 μCi, n=8) were implanted in normal canine coronary arteries through the use of a single balloon inflation at nominal pressure. Histological analysis after 15 weeks included the measurement of neointimal and adventitial area and thickness. Neointimal fibrin area was measured with the use of computer-assisted color segmentation on Movat pentachrome sections. Luminal stenosis was significantly increased in 32P stents compared with control stents (44.6±16.8% versus 32.7±10.8%; P=0.05) and was highest in the high.
Use of Rapamycin in Pediatric Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic disease (ADPKD) is characterized by the development of renal cysts. Objectives: 1) To assess the kidney and cyst volume growth in patients treated with Rapamycin compared to patients who receive standard ADPKD treatment. 2) Evaluate the occurrence of adverse effects related to the use of Rapamycin. 3) To assess the changes in blood pressure, proteinuria and estimated Glomerular Filtration rate (eGFR). Materials and Methods: During 24 months were randomized 12 patients with ADPKD in a Rapamycin group (6 patients, received rapamycin 2-3 mg/m2/day, max. 5mg/dia) and a Control group (standard treatment). Results: Of the 12 patients, 6 entered the Rapamycin group and had a total renal volume and cystic volume increase at study completion of 13% and 32% respectively. In the Control group (6 patients) the increases were 11% and 23% respectively. The eGFR was normal for both groups. The proteinuria for rapamycin group and control group was initially 7.3 mg/m²/hour and 6 mg/m2/hour respectively, at the end was normal for both groups. 3 patients had arterial hypertension, but at the 24th month, were normal. The adverse effects were: Anemia, diarrhea and oral sores. Conclusions: Rapamycin not decrease the kidney volume and cystic. There was no significant increase in proteinuria or eGFR decrease. Mean blood pressure remained normal.
Entorhinal Cortex Volume in Antipsychotic-naïve Schizophrenia

Background: Entorhinal cortex (ERC), a multimodal sensory relay station for the hippocampus, is critically involved in learning, emotion, and novelty detection. One of the pathogenetic mechanistic bases in schizophrenia is proposed to involve aberrant information processing in the ERC. Several studies have looked at cytoarchitectural and morphometric changes in the ERC, but results have been inconsistent possibly due to the potential confounding effects of antipsychotic treatment. Materials and Methods In this study, we have examined the entorhinal cortex volume in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients (n=40; M:F=22:18) in comparison with age, sex, and handedness, matched (as a group) with healthy subjects (n=42; M:F=25:17) using a valid method. 3-Tesla MR images with 1-mm sections were used and the data was analyzed using the SPSS software. Results: Female schizophrenia patients (1.25±0.22 mL) showed significant volume deficit in the right ERC in comparison with female healthy controls (1.45±0.34 mL) (F=4.9; P=0.03), after controlling for the potential confounding effects of intracranial volume. However, male patients did not differ from male controls. The left ERC volume did not differ between patients and controls. Conclusions: Consistent with the findings of a few earlier studies we found a reduction in the right ERC volume in patients. However, this was limited to women. Contextually, our study finding supports the role for ERC deficit in schizophrenia pathogenesis — perhaps mediated through aberrant novelty detection. Sex-differential observation of ERC volume deficit in schizophrenia needs further studies.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improves long-term mental fatigue after stroke or traumatic brain injury

Objective: Patients who suffer from mental fatigue after a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a drastically reduced capacity for work and for participating in social activities. Since no effective therapy exists, the aim was to implement a novel, non-pharmacological strategy aimed at improving the condition of these patients. Methods: This study tested a treatment with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). The results of the programme were evaluated using a self-assessment scale for mental fatigue and neuropsychological tests. Eighteen participants with stroke and 11 with TBI were included. All the subjects were well rehabilitated physically with no gross impairment to cognitive functions other than the symptom mental fatigue. Fifteen participants were randomized for inclusion in the MBSR programme for 8 weeks, while the other 14 served as controls and received no active treatment. Those who received no active treatment were offered MBSR during the next 8 weeks. Results: Statistically significant improvements were achieved in the primary end-point—the self-assessment for mental fatigue—and in the secondary end-point—neuropsychological tests; Digit Symbol-Coding and Trail Making Test. Conclusion: The results from the present study show that MBSR may be a promising non-pharmacological treatment for mental fatigue after a stroke or TBI.
Health and wellness characteristics of persons with traumatic brain injury

Objective: To describe health and wellness characteristics of persons with TBI living in the community, compare to other disability populations and evaluate the associations between health-related constructs. Design: Observational. Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital and a Veterans Affairs Medical Centre. Participants: Seventy-four community-dwelling adults with moderate-to-severe TBI. Interventions: None. Main measures: Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), Self Rated Abilities Health Practices Scale (SRAHP), Barriers to Health Promoting Activities for Disabled Scale (BHPAD), Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Health Status Survey Short Form (SF-12), Personal Resource Questionnaire-adapted (PRQ-a), Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS), Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools–Objective (PART-O). Results: Health-promoting behaviours, self-efficacy and barriers to health were comparable to other disability populations. Perceived health status, participation and life satisfaction were decreased. Measures of health promotion and self-efficacy were positively associated with perceived mental health status, life satisfaction and participation. Barriers to healthy activities were negatively associated with health promotion, self-efficacy and perceived mental health status. Conclusions: Health and wellness status was below desired levels for the study cohort, and comparable to other disability populations. Better understanding of associations among health-related constructs is needed. Continued research on conceptually-based health and wellness interventions for persons with TBI is recommended.
Help-seeking Behaviors Among Caregivers of Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Patients: A Hospital-based Study in Two Geographically and Culturally Distinct Indian Cities

Background: India is a country of several diversities and cultures, which may influence the help-seeking behavior of mentally ill patients and families. Only a few Indian studies have focused on help seeking, especially for severe mental disorders. Objective: The study aimed to describe and compare the help-seeking behaviors among caregivers of psychotic patients visiting psychiatric clinics at two distinct cities of India. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional exploratory study of key caregivers (N=50) of patients with a DSM-IV TR diagnosis of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, visiting psychiatric out-patient departments of VIMHANS, New Delhi, and CIMS, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. After due informed consent was taken, a semi-structured proforma was administered for socio-demographic profile, illness details, causative beliefs, and information on help seeking. Results: Supernatural forces were held responsible by 40% of the Bilaspur sample in contrast to 8% in New Delhi sample. Faith-healers were initial contacts for 56% and 64% of sample, respectively, at New Delhi and Bilaspur. Faith-healers followed by a psychiatrist formed the commonest pathway of care at both centers (32% and 36%, respectively). The sample at New Delhi spent significantly more money (median: $4000 vs. $10) and traveled greater distances (median: 35 km vs. 10 km) for faith-healers during the course of illness. Two-thirds of sample in New Delhi and one-third at Bilaspur were aware of the nearby psychiatrist at the time of initial help seeking; however, only 28% and 12%, respectively, chose psychiatrist as an initial contact. The New Delhi sample reported a fear of medication adverse effects and stigma as perceived disadvantages of psychiatric help. The median time lost at both the centers was 1 month, with a maximum of 8.4 years in New Delhi and 4.9 years in Bilaspur. Of the total, 16% caregivers at New Delhi and 32% at Bilaspur center reported an intention to continue with faith-healing practices alongside psychiatric care. Conclusion: In spite of differing causal attributions, the patients and families across these cities may not be as different when it comes to behaviors related to help seeking for mental illness. Future large-scale studies across various regions of India may help in determining sociocultural and regional patterns of help seeking in greater detail.
RESEARCH ON WILLINGNESS TO STUDY NURSING, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WORKS AMONG SENIOR MALE STUDENTS IN VYSOCINA REGION

This paper summarizes the results of the research that centered on the decision-making process of senior male students in the Vysocina Region for a field of study on a higher education institution. The survey was administered to male students in their last year of the high school who were enrolling for the first time. The focus of the research was on the choice factors. The particular aim was to find out whether the male students were considering as their field of study nursing, education and social works; majors that are traditionally dominated by women. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used to measure statistical dependence between choice factors and the tendency to choose ‚female profession‘.
An investigation of sonographers unaffected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders

There is much concern amongst sonographers that reported cases of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) seem to be increasing at an alarming rate. Various studies have been published quoting high incidences within the profession, but there is a dearth of contemporary, robust evidence. Within the profession, anecdotal evidence suggests that a number of sonographers have been practising full-time for a number of years without experiencing any symptoms of WRMSD. In order to explore this phenomenon in more detail, a small study was undertaken looking at 22 sonographers. It was anticipated that those who have avoided the condition may offer examples of preventative strategies which could be shared within the profession. Several common themes were identified which may be protecting some of them from developing WRMSD, however, not all the findings were common to all participants. It appears that the avoidance of, as well as the development of, WRMSD is multifactorial. A high sense of personal well-being, high levels of job satisfaction and a responsive posture may be linked with avoiding WRMSD. The main learning points from this study appear to be the importance for sonographers taking responsibility for themselves, and of maintaining a constant awareness of potential problems. We recommend that, based on the experiences of our participants, sonographers experiment with different approaches at an individual level to find what works for them.
Running abnormalities after traumatic brain injury

Primary objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the type and incidence of running abnormalities following TBI when compared to a group of healthy controls (HC) and report if these abnormalities were similar to those which are present during gait. Research design: A convenience sample of 44 people with TBI receiving therapy for mobility limitations and a sample of 15 healthy controls (HCs). Main outcomes and results: Spatio-temporal, kinematic and kinetic data at self-selected walking and running speeds were collected. People with TBI ran at significantly slower self-selected speeds than HCs. At matched running speeds, people with TBI used a higher cadence and shorter step length. The most commonly observed biomechanical abnormalities occurred at the knee during stance phase. Few trunk, pelvic or hip abnormalities were detected. Ankle power generation at push-off was significantly reduced, whereas hip extensor power generation at initial contact was significantly increased. Conclusion: Many people with TBI may actually be capable of running, despite the presence of significant biomechanical abnormalities during gait. A stable trunk may be an important requirement for people following TBI to achieve running.
Development of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health core sets for traumatic brain injury: An International consensus process

Background: In a patient-oriented healthcare system, the integration of the functional status of the patient from the perspective of different professionals is understandable by the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Objective: A formal decision-making and consensus process is presented to develop the first version of the International Classification on Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for Traumatic Brain Injury. Method: A panel with the results from preparatory studies that included a literature review, a qualitative study, empirical data collection and an expert survey, was presented. A consensus conference was held in Barcelona, March 2010 and 23 professionals attended representing nine countries. Results: The preparatory studies identified 183 eligible categories. After the voting process, 139 constituted the Comprehensive Core Sets for TBI and 23 the Brief Core Sets for TBI. Conclusions: The consensus conference led to the integration of evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF. The adoption of the ICF Core Sets for TBI provides a basic international standard for the multidisciplinary assessment of a TBI patient's functioning.
Besides Symptoms: Unheard Narratives in Research on Schizophrenia

The question that arises further is what can be other mechanisms of assessment. The answer to that may not be straightforward. Other options include considering clinical achievements and experience, teaching expertise, community service, impact of the work, qualitative assessment of publications, and others. It is incumbent upon the regulatory and sponsoring authorities such as the Medical Council of India and others to consider whether the present method is the best one, or another holistic approach can be promulgated.
Describing conversations between individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and communication partners following communication partner training: Using exchange structure analysis

Abstract Primary objective: To describe conversational discourse change after joint communication training for individuals with TBI and their everyday communication partners (ECPs), as compared to untrained controls. Hypothesis: Joint training would lead to significantly greater changes in the discourse behaviour of trained participants. Methods and procedures: In this multi-centre non-randomized controlled trial, 29 participants with severe TBI and their ECPs were allocated to either the JOINT training or CONTROL group. Social communication training aimed to train ECPs to better support their partner with TBI to produce more effective conversations. Pre- and post-training casual conversations were compared using exchange structure analysis (ESA) and productivity analysis. Results: ESA and productivity analysis revealed significant change in the use of testing moves by trained ECPs and significant change in productivity by trained participants with TBI. ESA facilitated development of discourse profiles (excessive or impoverished) for participants with TBI, which distinguished the groups at baseline. Conclusions: This study extends one’s understanding of individual discourse styles in people with TBI. The impact of different discourse styles on group outcome studies has been highlighted. These discourse findings may facilitate goal-setting in social skills intervention after TBI, with focus on training ECPs to support people with TBI in conversations.
Unravelling the influence of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) on cognitive-linguistic processing: A comparative group analysis

Abstract Background: Cognitive-linguistic deficits often accompany traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can negatively impact communicative competency. The linguistic sequelae underpinning mild TBI (MTBI) remain largely unexplored in contemporary literature. Objectives: The present research methods aim to provide group evidence pertaining to the influence of MTBI on linguistic and higher-level language processing. Extrapolating on the findings of recent case reports, it is hypothesized that performance of the MTBI patients will be significantly reduced compared to normal controls performance on the employed high-level linguistic tasks. Methods: Sixteen patients with MTBI and 16 age- and education-matched normal control participants were assessed using a comprehensive battery of cognitive-linguistic assessments. Results: The results demonstrated statistically significant differences between MTBI and normal control group performance across a number of higher-level linguistic, general cognitive and general language tasks. MTBI group performance was significantly lower than the normal control group on tasks requiring complex lexical semantic operations and memory demands, including: Recall, organization, making inferences, naming and perception/discrimination. Conclusions: These outcomes confer that post-MTBI, cognitive, high-level language and isolated general language performance (e.g. naming) is significantly reduced in MTBI patients, compared to normal controls. Furthermore, the detailed cognitive-linguistic profile offered provides a necessary direction for the identification of areas of linguistic decline in MTBI and targets for therapeutic intervention of impaired cognitive-linguistic processes to ultimately improve communicative outcomes in MTBI.