Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cyclodextrins: improving the therapeutic response of analgesic drugs: a patent review

Introduction: Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides that have recently been recognized as useful tools for optimizing the delivery of such problematic drugs. CDs can be found in at least 35 pharmaceutical products, such as anticancer agents, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Besides, several studies have demonstrated that CD-complexed drugs could provide benefits in solubility, stability and also improve pharmacological response when compared with the drug alone. Areas covered: The patent search was conducted in the databases WIPO, Espacenet, USPTO, Derwent and INPI, using the keywords cyclodextrin, pain and its related terms (analgesia, hyperalgesia, hypernociception, nociception, antinociception, antinociceptive). We found 442 patents. Criteria such as the complexation of analgesic agents and evidence of improvement of the therapeutic effect were indispensable for the inclusion of the patent. So, 18 patents were selected. Expert opinion: We noticed that some patents are related to the complexation of opioids, NSAIDs, as well as natural products, in different types of CDs. The use of CDs creates the prospect of developing new therapeutic options for the most effective treatment of painful conditions, allowing a reduction of dosage of analgesic drugs and the occurrence of side effects. Thus, CDs can be an important tool to improve the efficacy and pharmacological profile of analgesic drugs.
Refractive Errors in Patients with Migraine Headache

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate refractive errors in patients with migraine headache and to compare with healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: This prospective case-control study includes patients with migraine and age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were noted. Detailed ophthalmological examinations were performed containing spherical refractive error, astigmatic refractive error, spherical equivalent (SE), anisometropia, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness. Spectacle use in migraine and control groups was compared. Also, the relationship between refractive components and migraine headache variables was investigated. Results: Seventy-seven migraine patients with mean age of 33.27 ± 8.84 years and 71 healthy subjects with mean age of 31.15 ± 10.45 years were enrolled (p = 0.18). The migraine patients had higher degrees of astigmatic refractive error, SE, and anisometropia when compared with the control subjects (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Migraine patients may have higher degrees of astigmatism, SE, and anisometropia. Therefore, they should have ophthalmological examinations regularly to ensure that their refractive errors are appropriately corrected.
Radiographers at risk of assault

Purpose: To identify the types and causes of violence towards radiographers by the patient and or relatives/friends. To determine actions to minimise these incidents. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to radiographers in New South Wales, Australia. The sample group was originally obtained from the Australia Institute of Radiography then the University of Sydney's NSW clinical database. The questions asked related to violence towards radiographers - experienced or observed, triggers for the violence and responses to the events. Results: The survey responses allowed the identification of violence into various categories. To determine the cause of violence (these responses were placed into two groups: patient related and employer related); to establish how the radiographer/management handle these incidents. The most frequent type of violence by the patient and or relatives/friends towards radiographers was verbal abuse, followed by threats of physical aggression. Conclusions: The best way for the radiographer to deal with violence is to remain calm yet assertive, by taking control and reasoning with the patient. (author abstract)
Monotherapy versus combination therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B

Background: Nucleos(t)ide analogues, active against hepatitis B polymerase, suppress viral replication and improve clinical outcome. However, the emergence of drug-resistant mutants can result in treatment failure. Objectives: We describe how the choice of first-line therapy is critical to long-term treatment success. Methods: A review of current drug therapies is provided. Results/conclusions: Monotherapy with early-generation drugs (lamivudine or adefovir) was associated with a high rate of viral drug resistance and combination therapy with these agents was shown to reduce the incidence of resistance. The latest-generation drugs (entecavir and tenofovir) are potent inhibitors of viral replication and, in treatment-naive subjects, viral resistance to entecavir is uncommon and is not yet reported to tenofovir. Therefore, monotherapy with either entecavir or tenofovir is the current preferred option in treatment-naive patients. Combination therapy is appropriate in those with drug-resistant HBV infection, where drug choice is guided by the viral drug-resistance genotype/phenotype. Although combination therapy has been advocated in other patient groups (e.g., those with decompensated cirrhosis and following liver transplantation), there are, as yet, no data to mandate the use of combination therapy in such patients and any perceived benefit must be weighed against increased cost and risk for toxicity.
Prevalence of Brucella antibodies in marketed milk in Jos and environs.

A total of 200 milk samples comprising 100 from Fulani cattle herds and 100 from milk sellers in and around Jos metropolis were screened for Brucella antibodies by milk ring test (MRT). About 5 ml of bulk milk was collected immediately after milking into sterile bijou bottles with screw caps. Similarly, 5 ml of milk were also collected from milk sellers at various selling points within the Jos metropolis. This study was carried out within a period of four months, from March to June, 2005. The herds for this study were randomly selected and vaccinated herds and mastitic cows were excluded to avoid false positive reactions. 15% of the milk samples from Fulani herds were positive for Brucella antibodies while 12% of the samples obtained from milk sellers in designated sheds were positive for Brucella antibodies. The overall prevalence was 13.5%. The result showed a higher prevalence rate in herds where fresh milk was collected compared to those from milk sellers in designated shed. Since the milk samples were collected from pooled milk in the herd, the infected animals could not be easily identified. About 90% of the milk sold in the study area is neither pasteurized nor boiled. The finding of this study is of public health significance. Local milk producers and sellers should therefore be educated on the importance of pasteurization or boiling of milk and making these regulations mandatory for milk intended for human consumption.
Safety and Efficacy of Early Cranioplasty after Decompressive Craniectomy in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Large cranial defects can result from decompressive craniectomy performed for rapid relief of intractable intracranial hypertension. Decompressive craniectomy reduces the risk of death in patients experiencing severe brain edema. However, patients with large cranial defects may experience complications, including sinking flap syndrome and syndrome of the trephined. A large cranial defect is one of the indications for cranioplasty, and, according to prior practice, this procedure is commonly performed 3-6 months after craniectomy because of infection risks or unresolved brain swelling. Recently, the purpose of cranioplasty has changed, from cosmetic or protective effects to therapeutic effects. We performed early cranioplasty in an effort to diminish complications from large cranial defects. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of early cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy. Considering the hospitalization periods and complications that proceed from large cranial defects, another goal of this study is the prompt reintegration of these patients into their normal living environments.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Eccrine Spiradenoma of Back: Report of a Rare Case

Eccrine spiradenoma is an uncommon benign adnexal tumor. Cytological features of eccrine spiradenoma have been described very rarely in English literature. In the present case, we are describing a case of eccrine spiradenoma of back, which was diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology and subsequently confirmed by histopathology. Its cytology revealed tight multilayered clusters of uniform benign cuboidal epithelial cells along with spindle-shaped myoepithelial cells and occasional lymphocytes.
Surfing the Net in Later Life: A Review of the Literature and Pilot Study of Computer Use and Quality of Life

The Internet offers new opportunities for communication that can help older adults avoid social isolation. Although elders may need more time and assistance in learning computer systems, many are embracing this new technology. There is growing potential not only for recreation and communication through the Internet but also the delivery of services. This study examines the feasibility of providing Internet and electronic mail access to older adults in a retirement community and the extent to which this improves psychosocial well-being. In contrast to members of a comparison group, a trend toward decreased loneliness was observed among participants. In addition, the number of computer-related problems decreased and use of the applications increased throughout the study. These preliminary results support the feasibility of implementing computer-based interventions with the potential of improving psychosocial well-being among older adults.
Current Status of Allograft Tolerance in Intestinal Transplantation

Solid organ transplantation has become a clinical practice after the development of different immunosuppressive drugs that allowed controlling rejection. The price to be paid for that is the permanent risk of infections and malignancies and a significant drug-associated toxicity. The establishment of transplant tolerance has been the “holy grail” for transplantation medicine since its beginnings. Different experimental approaches and clinical trials resulted in the accumulation of knowledge on mechanisms and strategies that favor the establishment of tolerance without achieving the objective of autonomous allograft tolerance in the clinical field. Development of tolerance in intestinal transplantation constitutes a challenging situation due to several particular features that contribute to the generation of a strong allogeneic response. In the present review, we summarize the different immune mechanisms that may contribute to allograft tolerance. The different barriers that should be bypassed in intestinal transplantation to tolerate the graft are discussed. Finally, we revise the strategies that were applied with different degrees of success in the clinical field including the most promising recent approaches and the forthcoming candidates in the field that might be translated into clinical trials in the near future.
Primary Immunodeficiencies with Elevated IgE

In recent years a number of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) characterized by elevated Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels have been uncovered and termed as Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES). In addition to the elevated levels of IgE, patients with these PIDs display a spectrum of infections by staphylococci and fungi, and in some cases viruses, particularly affecting skin and lungs. Most of these PIDs also have a non-infectious phenotype, comprising musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurological abnormalities. The genetic basis for the majority of conditions with elevated IgE has now been established and includes mutations in STAT3, DOCK8, TYK2, and most recently PGM3 molecules. However, in some patients with the relevant phenotype, mutations in these molecules are not identified, suggesting additional genetic etiologies of HIES not yet discovered. As the immunological and molecular basis of HIES is being unraveled, important insights are emerging that may have implications for our understanding of basic principles of immunology and protective immunity as well as for the pathogenesis and clinical management of patients with these complex and challenging PIDs. In this review, are presented the current knowledge on the clinical presentation, infectious phenotype, and the genetic and immunological pathogenesis of hyper-IgE syndromes as well as some other PIDs with elevated levels of IgE.
Alternating central serous chorioretinopathy in two consecutive pregnancies

To highlight the similarity in onset, clinical course, and resolution of central serous chorioretinopathy in two eyes, in two consecutive pregnancies in the same patient. A case report. Snellen visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A 31-year-old female had central serous chorioretinopathy with sub-retinal exudates in left eye during the sixth month of her first pregnancy and later in right eye also during the sixth month of her second pregnancy two years later. Both eyes had spontaneous resolution of the lesions with final visual acuity of 1.0 each eye. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of alternating CSCR with sub-retinal exudates, occurring exactly in the sixth month of two consecutive pregnancies, two years apart, with spontaneous resolution after deliveries.
Challenges of Genomics and Proteomics in Nephrology

An increasing number of patients suffering from renal diseases and limitations in standard diagnostic and therapeutic approaches has created an intense interest in applying genomics and proteomics in the field of nephrology. Genomics has provided a vast amount of information, linking the gene activity with disease. However, proteomic technologies allow us to understand proteins and their modifications, elucidating properties of cellular behavior that may not be reflected in analysis of gene expression. The application of these innovative approaches has recently yielded the promising new urinary biomarkers for acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, thus providing a better insight in renal pathophysiology and establishing the basis for new therapeutic strategies. Despite significant improvements in therapeutics, the mortality and morbidity associated with acute renal failure (ARF) remain high. The lack of early markers for ARF causes an unacceptable delay in initiating therapy. These biomarker panels will probably be useful for assessing the duration and severity of ARF, and for predicting progression and adverse clinical outcomes. Kidney failure leads to the uremic syndrome characterized by accumulation of uremic toxins, which are normally cleared by the kidneys. Proteomics has gained considerable interest in this field, as a new and promising analytical approach to identify new uremic toxins. The urinary proteome as a tool for biomarker discovery is still in its early phase. A major challenge will be the integration of proteomics with genomics data and their functional interpretation in conjunction with clinical results and epidemiology.
The Effect of Strict Volume Control on Cognitive Functions in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Cognitive dysfunction is a well-known complication of chronic renal failure that is evident in 30% of hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, the pathogenesis of this dysfunction is unknown. Left ventricular hypertrophy could develop in hypertensive HD patients without establishing normovolemia. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of strict volume control by salt restriction and ultrafiltration on cognitive functions in HD patients. This cross-sectional study was composed of 22 HD patients who were normotensive by applying a strict volume control, 24 HD patients who were normotensive by receiving anti-hypertensive drugs, and 20 healthy controls. The strict volume control was defined as managing of blood pressure control by strict salt restriction and insistent ultrafiltration. P300 recording as an indicator of cognitive disfunction was measured when blood pressures were reached at target level at the end of six-month follow-up period. In all patients, dimensions of the heart were evaluated with echocardiography on an interdialytic day. The cardiothoracic ratio and echocardiographic dimensions were significantly lower in patients with strict volume control. P300 amplitudes were significantly lower in patients on antihypertensive drugs than in patients with strict volume control (9.5 ± 5.1 versus 11.3 ± 5.4 μV). P300 latency was longer in patients on antihypertensive drugs than in the control group and patients with strict volume control (359.9 ± 39.6 versus 345.6 ± 36.7 ms). Our results suggest that hypervolemia may be one of the causal and potentially modifiable factors of cognitive dysfunction. Strict volume control may have beneficial effects on cognitive functions in hemodialysis patients.
Does advice based on less restrictive sucrose intake affect glycaemic control in individuals with established type 2 diabetes

This 12-month, randomised study of individuals with established type 2 diabetes investigated whether dietary advice emphasising a single message to reduce fat intake, would improve weight loss, glycaemic and lipid control, compared to advice based on the once traditional lowfat, low-sucrose message. Participants (n=37, mean BMI 33.25 (+1.0) kg/m2, age 58.0 (+3.3) years, diabetes duration 6.8 (±0.9) yrs, 51% male), were randomised into 2 dietary groups. The 'moderate-sucrose' group (n=19) were advised to reduce total fat intake only; the 'low-sucrose' group (n=18), to reduce both total fat and total sugar intake. Repeated measures ANOVA determined group effects on anthropometric/biochemical variables and Spearman's rank correlations determined relationships between changes in diet and study variables. Reported energy and fat intake significantly reduced in both groups, with no difference in reported sucrose intake. HbA1c fell in both groups (7.7%-7.1% (low-sucrose) vs 7.6%-7.4% (moderate-sucrose), both p=0.003), with no additional effect of the single dietary message. HOMA-IR fell by 33.4% in the 'low-sucrose' group (p≤0.005), but not in the moderate sucrose group. Advice to relax sucrose intake restrictions in favour of a single low fat message had no additional effect on reported behaviour or glycaemic control.
Renal Ischemic Injury Affects Renal Hemodynamics and Excretory Functions in Sprague Dawley Rats: Involvement of Renal Sympathetic Tone

The role of renal sympathetic nerves in the pathogenesis of ischemic acute renal failure (ARF) and the immediate changes in the renal excretory functions following renal ischemia were investigated. Two groups of male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were anesthetized (pentobarbitone sodium, 60 mg kg−1 i.p.) and subjected to unilateral renal ischemia by clamping the left renal artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion. In group 1, the renal nerves were electrically stimulated and the responses in the renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were recorded, while group 2 was used to study the early changes in the renal functions following renal ischemia. In post-ischemic animals, basal RBF and the renal vasoconstrictor reperfusion to renal nerve stimulation (RNS) were significantly lower (all p < 0.05 vs. control). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), basal RVR, urine flow rate (UFR), absolute and fractional excretions of sodium (UNaV and FENa), and potassium (UKV and FEK) were higher in ARF rats (all p < 0.05 vs. control). Post-ischemic animals showed markedly lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p < 0.05 vs. control). No appreciable differences were observed in urinary sodium to potassium ratio (UNa/UK) during the early reperfusion phase of renal ischemia (p > 0.05 vs. control). The data suggest an immediate involvement of renal sympathetic nerve action in the pathogenesis of ischemic ARF primarily through altered renal hemodynamics. Diuresis, natriuresis, and kaliuresis due to impaired renal tubular functions are typical responses to renal ischemia and of comparable magnitudes.
CURRENT PRACTICE OF LAPTOP COMPUTER AND RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS: A SURVEY BASED ON ERGONOMICS

Background: In recent years, laptop computers were popular among college students for the purpose of education as well as recreation. Aims & Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the current practice of Laptop computer and computer related health problems among college students, based on ergonomics. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted over a three month timeframe, from April to June, 2013 in tertiary care hospital and teaching medical college. We included 100 students with age group 22-28 years, using laptop computer. Pre-designed and content validated, self-reporting questionnaire was used for data collection. Student’s refusal for participation and incomplete questionnaire were excluded in the study. Results: Current practice of laptop’s usage was ergonomically improper. Prolonged usage in improper posture has created various musculoskeletal problems among medical students. Conclusion: Current practice of laptop’s usage exposes students to prolonged poor postures which leads to various musculoskeletal problems. There is a need to increase the awareness of ergonomics to improve the current practice of laptop’s usage and to minimize health problems among students.
Mocetinostat (MGCD0103): a review of an isotype-specific histone deacetylase inhibitor

Introduction: HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) have the potential to restore gene expression and display antitumor effects in vitro. As single agents, HDACIs have clinical activity in lymphoma. In myeloid leukemias, combinations of DNA methylation inhibitors and HDACIs are promising. Other combinations are being studied in solid tumors. Areas covered: This article covers basic information and an update on preclinical and clinical experience with the oral isotype-selective HDACI MGCD0103 (mocetinostat) in hematological malignancies and solid tumors. It also examines data concerning MGCD0103 from recent conferences and articles through to November 2010, including new data regarding responses in lymphoma and toxicities. Expert opinion: MGCD0103 is well-tolerated and exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, demonstrating target inhibition and clinical responses. It induces cell death and autophagy, synergizes with proteasomal inhibitors and affects non-histone targets, such as microtubules. In 2008, new patient enrollment in trials was temporarily suspended due to potential cardiac complications. This restriction was lifted in 2009 as no correlation between MGCD0103 exposure and pericardial effusions was found. New patient enrollment in MGCD0103 clinical trials requires the exclusion of patients diagnosed with significant cardiac abnormalities prior to enrollment. Clinical and pharmacodynamic data support a three-times-weekly administration at a 90 mg fixed dose. MGCD0103 displays promising antitumor activity in several hematological diseases.