Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knee and Elbow Range of Motion in Healthy Older Individuals

Normative values for range of motion in older individuals, essential in evaluation and treatment planning, are few. In this study, effect of age, sex, sidedness, type of motion, and general activity level on range of motion was examined, with a clinical goniometer, in knee and elbow joints of 60 healthy subjects. Subjects, 10 per group, were divided into 3 age groups, 55 to 64,65 to 74, and 75 to 84 years, for each sex. Data for right and left sides were combined since a significant difference was demonstrated only for elbow flexion in females. A significant decrease in female knee joint range of motion with age was observed but was not considered clinically relevant. Only small differences between the sexes, and no relationship between activity levels and range of motion were observed. Arnerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' values for the knee joint may not be appropriate for older individuals because their estimates differ by more than the known measurement error from these data and other published .
Copy number variation in the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a strong genetic component and etiology characterized by chronic inflammation and autoantibody production. The purpose of this study was to ascertain copy number variation (CNV) in SLE using a case-control design in an admixed Brazilian population. The whole-genome detection of CNV was performed using Cytoscan HD array in SLE patients and healthy controls. The best CNV candidates were then evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR in a larger cohort or validated using droplet digital PCR. Logistic regression models adjusted for sex and ancestry covariates was applied to evaluate the association between CNV with SLE susceptibility. The data showed a synergistic effect between the FCGR3B and ADAM3A loci with the presence of deletions in both loci significantly increasing the risk to SLE (5.9-fold) compared to the deletion in the single FCGR3B locus (3.6-fold). In addition, duplications in these genes were indeed more frequent in healthy subjects, suggesting that high FCGR3B/ADAM3A gene copy numbers are protective factors against to disease development. Overall, 21 rare CNVs were identified in SLE patients using a four-step pipeline created for identification of rare variants. Furthermore, heterozygous deletions overlapping the CFHR4, CFHR5 and HLA-DPB2 genes were described for the first time in SLE patients. Here we present the first genome-wide CNV study of SLE patients in a tri-hybrid population. The results show that novel susceptibility loci to SLE can be found once the distribution of structural variants is analyzed throughout the whole genome.
Dental caries and oral hygiene status of school children in Davangere related to their socio-economic levels: an epidemiological study.

: Dental caries and periodontal disease, the most commonly seen disease show striking geographic variation, socio-economic patterns and severity of distribution all over the world. Hence, an attempt has been made to determine the relationship of oral health status with socio-economic status in Davangere town. A total of 2007 children of 13 to 14 years age belonging to both sexes were examined. Type III examination was carried out during the survey. DMFcaries Index and Oral Hygiene Index was used to assess caries experience and oral hygiene status. Prasad's classification was used to know the social classification of the children. It was concluded that dental caries experience and oral hygiene status of children are strongly correlated to socio-economic status.
A prospective clinical study of Primo-Lacto: A closed system for colostrum collection

Background Colostrum is the first nutritional liquid that comes out of the breast during lactation. Colostrum collection can be challenging due to the small volume produced, and because breast pumps are not designed for colostrum collection. Besides pumping colostrum, the generally accepted practice is to use any available container to hand-express colostrum. Transfer between containers may lead to contamination, higher chance of infection and loss of colostrum. Our aim was to understand if a dedicated colostrum collection system (Primo-Lacto, Maternal Life, LLC, Palo Alto, CA) is more effective than standard hospital practice. Methods Mothers who delivered preterm infants < 34 weeks gestation and mothers with non-latching infants were approached within 24 hours of delivery. Surveys were distributed to participating patients (n = 67), and nurses or lactation consultants (n = 89). Mothers compared ease of use, their confidence level and satisfaction with the amount collected during standard practice vs. the colostrum collection system. Nurses or lactation consultants compared ease of use, differences in colostrum loss and time invested collecting. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and qualitative data were analyzed with grounded theory methods. Results For mothers, ease of use and confidence were significantly better when they used the colostrum collection system than when they used the standard collection procedure, and this difference was true for both hand and pump expression (p<0.01). Nurses and lactation consultants perceived that ease of use was better, and percent of colostrum lost was significantly less with the colostrum collection system for both hand and pump expression. The collection times were not significantly different between the colostrum collection system and standard practice. Conclusion The colostrum collection system is a tool to help facilitate successful colostrum collection and improve the experience both for clinicians and patients.
Integrated transcriptome and hormone profiling highlight the role of multiple phytohormone pathways in wheat resistance against fusarium head blight

Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab) caused by Fusarium spp. is a destructive disease of wheat. Since the most effective sources of FHB resistance are typically associated with unfavorable agronomic traits, breeding commercial cultivars that combine desired agronomic traits and a high level of FHB resistance remains a considerable challenge. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing FHB resistance will help to design more efficient and precise breeding strategies. Here, multiple molecular tools and assays were deployed to compare the resistant variety Sumai3 with three regionally adapted Canadian cultivars. Macroscopic and microscopic disease evaluation established the relative level of Type II FHB resistance of the four varieties and revealed that the F. graminearum infection process displayed substantial temporal differences among organs. The rachis was found to play a critical role in preventing F. graminearum spread within spikes. Large-scale, organ-specific RNA-seq at different times after F. graminearum infection demonstrated that diverse defense mechanisms were expressed faster and more intensely in the spikelet of resistant varieties. The roles of plant hormones during the interaction of wheat with F. graminearum was inferred based on the transcriptomic data obtained and the quantification of the major plant hormones. Salicylic acid and jasmonic acid were found to play predominantly positive roles in FHB resistance, whereas auxin and ABA were associated with susceptibility, and ethylene appeared to play a dual role during the interaction with F graminearum.
Depression and Cerebrovascular Disease: a phenomenological study

textabstractThe main topic of this thesis is the clinical presentation of depression in subjects with cerebrovascular disease. It concerns patients with post-stroke depression, depression in subjects with vascular risk factors or in subjects with vascular lesions on MRI- or CT-scan. Some of the studies presented do indicate that there might be a specific symptom profile of depression in these subjects. These subjects show more so-called 'motivational' symptoms of depression and less 'mood' symptoms. This relation is more prominent in a clinical sample. In population-based studies, we only found this relation in one study, but could not confirm it in another. The motivational symptoms are also found to be related to more prominent cognitive disturbances in stroke or vascular subjects. In the general discussion the complex relation between vascular damage of the brain and its cognitive and affective consequences is described. Various levels of explanation are at hand and! the findings of this study could contribute to a part of the complex, explanatory etiological pathway that leads to development of post-stroke and vascular depression or dementia.
Preliminary Research Intravenous Magnesium for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS 1) Patients: A Pilot Study

Objectives. To explore the feasibility of intravenous magnesium administration as a potential can- didate intervention for a large size trial in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS 1). Design. Randomized clinical trial. Setting. Outpatient pain clinic. Patients. Ten CRPS 1 patients. Interventions. Eight patients received 70 mg/kg magnesium sulphate infusions in 4 hours for 5 days. For blinding purposes, 2 patients received equal amount NaCl 0.9% solutions (data not analyzed or presented). Interventions were accompanied by standardized physical therapy. Outcome Measures. Pain was assessed using an 11-point Box scale (three times daily for a week) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Skin sensitivity was measured with the Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments, (other) impairments with the Impairment Level Sumscore. In addition, functional limitations (Radboud Skills Questionnaire, questionnaire rising and sitting down) and quality of life (Short Form-36 (SF-36), EuroQol) were evaluated. Assessments were performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after intervention. Results. Mild systemic side effects were experienced and the infusions were locally well tolerated. Pain was significantly reduced at all follow up compared with baseline (T1: P = 0.01, T3: P = 0.04, T6: P = 0.02, T12: P = 0.02). McGill sensory subscale improved significantly at T1 (number of words chosen: P = 0.03 and pain rating index: P = 0.03). Impairment level (P = 0.03) and quality of life (EuroQol P = 0.04, SF-36 physical P = 0.01) were significantly improved at T12. No improve- ment was found for skin sensitivity and functional limitations. Conclusion. Intravenous magnesium significantly improved pain, impairment and quality of life and was well tolerated. The results of this pilot study are encouraging and suggest that magnesium IV as a treatment in CRPS 1 should be further explored in a large size formal trial design.
Surgeons are deeply affected when patients are diagnosed with prosthetic joint infection

Knee replacement is a common preference sensitive quality-of-life procedure that can reduce pain and improve function for people with advanced knee arthritis. While most patients improve, knee replacement surgery has the potential for serious complications. Prosthetic knee infection is an uncommon but serious complication. This study explored the impact of cases of prosthetic knee infection on surgeons’ personal and professional wellbeing. Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with consultant orthopaedic surgeons who treated patients for prosthetic knee infection in one of six high-volume NHS orthopaedic departments. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Eleven surgeons took part. Analysis identified three overarching themes: (i) At some point infection is inevitable but surgeons still feel accountable; (ii) A profound emotional impact and (iii) Supporting each other. The occurrence of prosthetic joint infection has a significant emotional impact on surgeons who report a collective sense of devastation and personal ownership, even though prosthetic joint infection cannot be fully controlled for. Surgeons stressed the importance of openly discussing the management of prosthetic joint infection with a supportive multidisciplinary team and this has implications for the ways in which orthopaedic surgeons may be best supported to manage this complication. This article also acknowledges that surgeons are not alone in experiencing personal impact when patients have infection.
Desigualdades sociais e tuberculose: análise segundo raça/cor, Mato Grosso do Sul

OBJECTIVE To describe the sociodemographic and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis cases and identify associated factors with abandoning treatment and death whilst undergoing treatment. METHODS Epidemiological study based on cases of tuberculosis recorded in indigenous and non-indigenous individuals according to race/color in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwestern Brazil, between 2001 and 2009. Descriptive analysis of the cases was carried out according to the variables of sex, age group, residence, type of test used in the diagnosis, clinical form, supervised treatment and final status, according to race/color. Univariate/multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of abandoning treatment and death, using odds ratio as a measure of association. A time series of incidence according to race/color was constructed. RESULTS In the period, 6,962 new cases of tuberculosis were registered, 15.6% being among indigenous. The illness was predominantly found in men and adults (20-44 years old) in all groups. Most of the indigenous patients lived in rural areas (79.8%) and 13.5% of the records in indigenous occurred in children aged 45 years (OR = 3.0, 95%CI 1.2;7.8) and with the mixed form (OR = 2.3, 95%CI 1.1;5.0) showed association with death. Although they only account for 3.0% of the population, the indigenous were responsible for 15.6% of cases recorded during the period. CONCLUSIONS Major inequalities in the tuberculosis illness process were found between the categories studied. Incidence in the indigenous population was consistently higher than recorded in any other group, reaching more than six times the national average. It was among those with black and brown skin that the worst treatment results were observed, as they were twice as likely to abandon treatment as the indigenous. Poor program performance was strongly associated with abandoning treatment and death. It is thought that as long as there is no reduction in poverty inequalities in health indicators will remain.
Injury as a chronic health issue in Australia

This briefing provides an overview of injury as a chronic health issue in Australia. The report highlights the long-term health consequences following severe injury and the effects on individual's physical and psychosocial wellbeing. Types of injuries covered include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns as well as injury comorbidities such as fractures and self-harm. Key findings: • Injury is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity and permanent disability that affects the quality of life of injured people and their families in Australia. • In 2003, the burden of injury was 7.0% of total Disability-Adjusted Life Years, with 76% of the overall injury burden due to mortality. • The injury burden in Australia is dominated by suicide and self-inflicted injuries, road traffic accidents and accidental falls. • Injury was a major cause of hospitalisation, accounting for 5.5% of all hospital separations. • People with a prior injury have significantly more health service use (hospital admissions and physician claims) than do the general population. • Injuries appear to increase mental health service use for those with pre-existing mental health problems and lead to mental health service use among those without pre-injury mental health conditions. • Post traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorders were the most frequently diagnosed health conditions following post-injury trauma. • There appears to be an aetiological link between mental health conditions and injury, particularly in relation to risk taking behaviours, alcohol misuse, and psychological traits such as impulsivity, sensation seeking, and risk perception. • Given the human and economic costs of injury, it is important to address the chronic health effects of injury and to identify and reduce pre-existing risk factors that predispose people to injury.
Diagnosis and decision making in endodontics with the use of cone beam computed tomography

In the current thesis the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in endodontics has been evaluated within the framework of ex vivo and in vivo studies. The first objective of the thesis was to examine whether CBCT scans can be used for the detection of vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth. The results of two ex vivo and one in vivo studies support the use of CBCT scans for the detection of vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth. They also suggest that the reproducibility and accuracy in vertical root fracture detection depend on the CBCT system used. The second objective was to follow the volumetric changes of periapical radiolucencies in endodontically treated teeth one year after orthograde retreatment with the use of CBCT scans. The volume of periapical radiolucencies reduced in 57% teeth, remained unchanged in 23% and increased in 20%. The third objective was to compare the precision of root canal length measurement on CBCT scans and periapical radiographs and to examine the influence of tooth type on these measurements. Root canal length measurements of posterior maxillary teeth were more accurate on CBCT images than periapical radiographs. The present thesis does not suggest that CBCT scans should replace the periapical radiographs for every endodontic patient. It rather emphasizes the need for careful patient selection together with the most suitable CBCT system and settings. Furthermore, it points out the importance of making the best use of available pre-existing CBCT scans before a patient is treated.
What is a pediatric tumor

Working together with medical oncologists, the question of whether a Ewing sarcoma in a 25-year-old is a pediatric tumor comes up repeatedly. Like Ewing's, some tumors present characteristically at ages that cross over what has been set as the definition of pediatrics (15 years, 18 years, or 21 years? ). Pediatric oncology textbooks, surprisingly, do not address the subject of defining a pediatric tumor. They all begin with an epidemiology chapter defining the types of tumors appearing at distinct stages of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Describing the epidemiology of tumors in relation to age, it becomes clear that the disease is related to the phenomenon of aging. The question, however, remains: is there a biological definition of what pediatric age is? And if so, will tumors occurring during this period of life have anything to do with such biological definition? With the aim of finding an objective definition, the fundamental concepts of what defines "pediatrics" was reviewed and then the major features of tumors arising during development were analyzed. The tumors were explored from the perspective of a host immersed in the normal process of growth and development. This physiological process, from pluripotential and undifferentiated cells, makes possible the differentiation, maturation, organization, and function of tissues, organs, and apparatus. A biological definition of pediatric tumors and the infancy-childhood-puberty classification of developmental tumors according to the infancy-childhood-puberty model of normal human development are proposed.
Comparison of the Effects of In-office Bleaching Times on Whitening and Tooth Sensitivity: A Single Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES The objective of the present study was to compare the bleaching efficacy (BE) and tooth sensitivity (TS) of in-office bleaching applied under different time protocols. METHODS AND MATERIALS Fifty-three patients were randomly distributed into three groups: the bleaching agent was applied in one (1×15), two (2×15), or three (3×15) 15-minute applications. The labial surfaces of the anterior teeth were bleached using a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel. Two bleaching sessions with a one-week interval between were performed. The shade evaluation was performed with a visual shade guide and spectrophotometer before and 30 days after bleaching. Participants recorded TS with a five-point verbal scale. Color change was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests. The absolute risk of TS and TS intensity were evaluated by the Fisher exact and Friedman/Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively (α= 0.05). RESULTS Significant whitening was observed in all groups, with statistically lower BE for the 1×15 group (p<0.05). The absolute risk of TS (95% confidence interval) was lower for the 1×15 group than for the other groups (p<0.05). The TS intensity of the 3×15 group was statistically higher than that associated with the other protocols (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A single 15-minute application produced less TS but reduced BE. The protocol with 2×15 produced a degree of BE similar to that of the 3×15 group, but with reduced overall TS intensity.
Occupational therapists' involvement views, and training needs of evidence-based practice: a rural perspective

Aim: To date, a number of studies on occupational therapists’ views and perceptions of evidence-based practice (EBP) have been published; however there has been little research with the same purposes focusing on therapists who work in rural areas in the UK. This study aims at exploring the perception, involvement and participation of EBP of occupational therapists in rural areas, and the indication of future improvements. Methods: A questionnaire reflecting practitioner's attitudes, involvement in EBP activities and training needs was mailed to 73 therapists who practice in one rural area in England. All of the 64 (response rate 87.7%) respondents were from one NHS trust, and the majority work in mental health/learning disability settings. Results: The results showed no significant difference between the sample and those who work in urban areas. Most participants were positive to EBP, but generally had a low involvement in EBP related activities due to various barriers. Postgraduate education demonstrated.
Reliance on Facebook for news and its influence on political engagement

This paper examines the link between reliance on Facebook for news, political knowledge, and political engagement in the Philippines. We tested five hypotheses using data gathered from an online survey of 978 Filipinos conducted from February 1 to March 31, 2016. Findings support the hypothesis that those who rely less on social media as a news source exhibit higher levels of perceived knowledge about politics than those who rely more on it for news. Controlling for traditional news use, following political officials or institutions on social media is associated with higher levels of political interest and engagement, those with more politically active friends on Facebook have higher levels of exposure to political content online, and there is a positive correlation between Facebook being a source of information about politics and discussing politics more often with others. However, the hypothesis that those with more friends on their network who are politically active, will have greater political knowledge and more political engagement than those who have few politically active friends on their Facebook network is not supported.