Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of spinal endoscopic adhesiolysis in post lumbar surgery syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Post lumbar surgery syndrome with persistent chronic low back and lower extremity pain is common in the United States. Epidural fibrosis may account for as much as 20% to 36% of all cases of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Percutaneous adhesiolysis with a catheter or direct visualization of the spinal canal and the contents with an endoscope are techniques employed in resistant cases when patients fail to respond to conservative modalities of treatment, including fluoroscopically directed epidural injections. Some patients failing to respond to percutaneous adhesiolysis are candidates for spinal endoscopic adhesiolysis. However, literature evaluating the effectiveness of spinal endoscopic adhesiolysis is sparse and discussions continue about its effectiveness, utility, and complications. STUDY DESIGN A systematic review of the available literature. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of spinal endoscopic adhesiolysis in the management of chronic low back and lower extremity pain in post surgical patients with chronic recalcitrant pain, non-responsive to conservative modalities of management and fluoroscopically directed epidural injections. METHODS A search of relevant resources (PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database) was accomplished and the resulting publications were examined based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria set forth. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies were included in the search. Two reviewers assessed the studies' methodologies and outcomes. Randomized clinical trials were assessed and scored based on the criteria established by the Cochrane methodological assessment criteria of randomized clinical trials and the observational studies were assessed and scored based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) criteria. Clinical relevance was evaluated utilizing Cochrane review criteria. Analysis was conducted using 5 levels of evidence, ranging from Level I to III, with 3 subcategories in Level II. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was pain relief (> or = 50%) in follow-up for at least 6 months. Pain relief for longer than 6 months was considered long-term and 6 months or less was considered short-term. The secondary outcome measures were functional and psychological status, return to work, patient satisfaction, and opioid intake. RESULTS Of the 13 studies considered for inclusion, one randomized trial and 5 observational studies met inclusion criteria for evidence synthesis based on the inclusion criteria and methodologic quality scores of 50 or more. The indicated level of evidence for endoscopic adhesiolysis is Level II-1 or II-2 evidence for short- and long-term relief based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. LIMITATIONS There was a paucity of literature for randomized trials. CONCLUSION Spinal endoscopic adhesiolysis may be used as an effective treatment modality for chronic refractory low back pain and radiculopathy that is related to epidural adhesions.
What is beyond the big five?

Previous investigators have proposed that various kinds of person-descriptive content--such as differences in attitudes or values, in sheer evaluation, in attractiveness, or in height and girth--are not adequately captured by the Big Five Model. We report on a rather exhaustive search for reliable sources of Big Five-independent variation in data from person-descriptive adjectives. Fifty-three candidate clusters were developed in a college sample using diverse approaches and sources. In a nonstudent adult sample, clusters were evaluated with respect to a minimax criterion: minimum multiple correlation with factors from Big Five markers and maximum reliability. The most clearly Big Five-independent clusters referred to Height, Girth, Religiousness, Employment Status, Youthfulness and Negative Valence (or low-base-rate attributes). Clusters referring to Fashionableness, Sensuality/Seductiveness, Beauty, Masculinity, Frugality, Humor, Wealth, Prejudice, Folksiness, Cunning, and Luck appeared to be potentially beyond the Big Five, although each of these clusters demonstrated Big Five multiple correlations of . 30 to . 45, and at least one correlation of . 20 and over with a Big Five factor. Of all these content areas, Religiousness, Negative Valence, and the various aspects of Attractiveness were found to be represented by a substantial number of distinct, common adjectives. Results suggest directions for supplementing the Big Five when one wishes to extend variable selection outside the domain of personality traits as conventionally defined.
Plasticity and Imaging Research in Healthy Aging: Core Ideas and Profile of the International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC)

The key objective of the International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center (INAPIC) at the University of Zürich is to facilitate research on normal healthy behavioral and neural development and aging to explore the potential for plasticity and compensation across the lifespan. The INAPIC invites international research groups to submit proposals for collaborative projects on these subjects. It is unique in Europe in giving partner groups ‘plug and play’ access to state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques, technical support, and assistance in data collection. This article introduces the core ideas of the INAPIC, its key research areas, and the available infrastructure.
Adding metformin versus insulin dose increase in insulin‐treated but poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus: an open‐label randomized trial

To compare the effect of adding metformin to insulin therapy with a moderate increase in insulin dose alone in insulin‐treated, poorly controlled Type 2 diabetic patients, 47 consecutive such patients (baseline daily dose >0.5 IU kg−1 and HbA1c >8 %) were openly randomized either to a combination of their previous insulin schedule plus metformin (2.55 g daily in three divided doses, n = 24) or to a moderate insulin dose increase (20 % of baseline, n = 23). The patient status/biochemical profile was assessed at entry and at 4 months. Among those assigned to insulin + metformin, 18 took the drug. Upon an intention‐to‐treat basis, patients assigned to insulin dose increase had a statistically significant weight gain (1.16 + 1.9 vs 0.3 ± 4.5 kg, p < 0.05). Patients assigned to the insulin + metformin regimen experienced a significantly greater fall in HbA1c (−1.87 ± 2.16 vs 0.03 ± 1.68 %, p < 0.01), total cholesterol (−0.56 ± 0.89 vs 0.14 ± 0.72 mmol l−1, p < 0.05) and LDL‐cholesterol (−0.51 ± 0.73 vs 0.19 ± 0.6 mmol l−1, p < 0.01). These data suggest that adding metformin to insulin in poorly controlled Type 2 DM patients offers an advantage in terms of glycaemic control and lipid plasma profile. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Entrapping of Impermeant Probes of Different Size into Nonpermeabilized Synaptosomes as a Method to Study Presynaptic Mechanisms

Abstract: Small molecules present during brain tissue homogenization are known to be entrapped within sub‐sequently isolated synaptosomes. We have revisited this technique in view of its systematic utilization to incorporate into nerve endings impermeant probes of large size. Rat neocortical synaptosomes were prepared in the absence or in the presence of each of the following compounds: 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), tetanus toxin (TeTx) or its light chain (TeTx‐LC), pertussis toxin (PTx), anti‐syntaxin, or anti‐SNAP25 monoclonal antibodies. Release of endogenous GABA and glutamate was then evoked by high K+ depolarization. GABA and glutamate overflows were inhibited by entrapped BAPTA and in synaptosomes prepared by homogenization in the presence of varying concentrations of TeTx or TeTx‐LC. When synaptobrevin cleavage in synaptosomes entrapped with TeTx was monitored by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by western blotting, the extent of proteolysis was found to correspond quantitatively to that of release inhibition. GABA and glutamate overflows were increased by entrapped PTx; moreover, (‐)‐baclofen inhibited amino acid overflow more potently in standard than in PTx‐containing synaptosomes. The overflows of GABA and glutamate were similarly decreased following incorporation of anti‐syntaxin or anti‐SNAP25 antibodies. Synaptosomal entrapping may be routinely used to internalize membrane‐impermeant agents of different size in studies of presynaptic mechanisms.
N-(3,4-Dimethylphenyl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C15H17NO2S, the conformations of the N—C bond in the C—SO2—NH—C segment are trans and gauche, respectively, with respect to the S=O bonds. The molecule is bent at the S atom with a C—SO2—NH—C torsion angle of −61.8 (2)°. Furthermore, the conformation of the N—H bond and the 3-methyl group in the aniline benzene ring are nearly anti to each other. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 47.8 (1)°. In the crystal, N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains.
Promoting early presentation of breast cancer: a preliminary evaluation of a written intervention

Objectives Older women are more likely to delay presentation with breast cancer, which contributes to poorer survival. We evaluated a written intervention that was designed to provide women with the knowledge, motivation, confidence and skills to present promptly with breast cancer symptoms. Methods We assessed acceptability and understanding of the intervention by interviewing 43 women. We used their responses to refine the intervention. We tested the effect of the intervention on breast cancer awareness, confidence and intentions to check breasts and perceived barriers to help-seeking using a self-report questionnaire administered to 61 women prior to and one month after receiving the intervention. Quantitative data were analysed using the McNemar test. Results Women were not made anxious by the intervention and understood its messages. At one month, a greater proportion of women knew that breast cancer risk increases with age, identified ≥5 non-lump symptoms and reported breast checking at least monthly in comparison to before the intervention was implemented. Discussion The intervention does not induce anxiety, is understandable, and appears to increase breast cancer awareness. The results provide justification for a more rigorous trial to test efficacy.
Branded versus Generic Clozapine for Treatment of Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings resulting from a switch from branded to generic clozapine. METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were followed in this naturalistic outpatient study. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, and the Movement Disorder Assessment were used to assess differences in the clinical status of patients before and after switching from Clozaril to generic clozapine (Mylan Pharmaceuticals). Results were analyzed by means of the paired t-test and by calculation of the percent change in mean scores. A clinically significant change as measured by the PANSS was defined as a ± 20% change in mean scores at final evaluation. The design was open-label and non-blinded. RESULTS: At the final evaluation, the t-test revealed no significant differences between branded and generic clozapine for the total PA NSS, the positive symptom, negative symptom, and the general psychopathology subscales of the PANSS, and the BAI. There were no clinically significant changes for any measure. CONCLUSIONS: In this small group of patients with schizophrenia, no deterioration in clinical status in several domains was noted after changing from branded to generic clozapine. This finding is consistent with pharmacologic data suggesting bioequivalence of the 2 products. Results, however, must be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of optimal study controls and small sample size.
Determinants of Return to Play After the Nonoperative Management of Hamstring Injuries in Athletes

Background: It is important for clinicians to rely on suitable prognosis factors after hamstring injuries because of the high incidence of these injuries and time away from athletic activities. Purpose: To summarize the current literature on factors that influence return to play after a hamstring injury in athletes. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A computer-assisted literature search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, and EBM Reviews databases (and a manual search of the reference lists of all selected articles) was conducted using keywords related to hamstring injuries and return to play. The literature review criteria included (1) patients with an acute hamstring or posterior thigh injury; (2) a randomized controlled trial, cohort study, case-control study, case series, or prospective or retrospective design; (3) information on rehabilitation, physical therapy, clinical assessment, imaging techniques, and return to play; and (4) studies written in English or French. Results: The search strategy identified 914 potential articles, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. In terms of the clinical assessment, the following factors were associated with a longer recovery time: stretching-type injuries, recreational-level sports, structural versus functional injuries, greater range of motion deficit with the hip flexed at 90°, time to first consultation >1 week, increased pain on the visual analog scale, and >1 day to be able to walk pain free after the injury. As for magnetic resonance imaging studies, the following factors correlated with a longer recovery time: positive findings; higher grade of injury; muscle involvement >75%; complete transection; retraction; central tendon disruption of the biceps femoris; proximal tendon involvement; shorter distance to the ischial tuberosity; length of the hamstring injury; and depth, volume, and large cross-sectional area. With respect to ultrasound studies, the following factors were associated with a poor prognosis: large cross-sectional area, injury outside the musculotendinous junction, hematoma, structural injury, and injury involving the biceps femoris. Lastly, rehabilitation approaches that included hamstring loading during extensive lengthening or 4 daily sessions of static hamstring stretching led to shorter rehabilitation times. Conclusion: Numerous determinants have an effect on return to play after a hamstring injury in athletes. It is important for sports professionals to be aware of those determinants to guide athletes through the rehabilitation process and refine return-to-play strategies.
Joint Analysis of the Discount Factor and Payoff Parameters in Dynamic Discrete Choice Models

Most empirical models of dynamic games assume the discount factor to be known and focus on the estimation of the payoff parameters. However, the discount factor can be identifed when the payoffs satisfy parametric or other nonparametric restrictions. We show when the payoffs take the popular linear-in-parameter specification, the joint identification of the discount factor and payoff parameters can be simplified to a one-dimensional model that is easy to analyze. We also show that switching costs (e.g. entry costs) that often feature in empirical work can be identifed in closed-form, independently of the discount factor and other specification of the payoff function. Our identification strategies are constructive. They lead to easy to compute estimands that are global solutions. Estimating the discount factor permits direct inference on borrowing rate. Our estimates of the switching costs can be used for specification testing. We illustrate with a Monte Carlo study and the dataset from Ryan (2012).
Assessment of the alveolar bone support of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the bone support of the teeth adjacent to a cleft using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS The CBCT scans of 31 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were assessed. The data for teeth neighboring the cleft were compared with those of contralateral noncleft teeth. For each tooth analyzed, the distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the bone crest (AC) at the buccal side was measured as was the thickness of the buccal bone level at 0, 1, 2, and 4 mm. RESULTS The bone thicknesses of the central teeth at the cleft region at the crest and 2 mm apically were statistically significantly thinner than that of the central incisor at a noncleft region. The CEJ-AC distance for central teeth at the cleft region was higher than that for central teeth in a noncleft region. CONCLUSIONS Subjects with UCLP showed reduced bone support at teeth neighboring the cleft compared with controls. This may cause some problems during orthodontic treatment.
A Quadruple Examination of Ictal EEG Patterns in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy With Hippocampal Sclerosis: Onset, Propagation, Later Significant Pattern, and Termination

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze electrophysiological properties of four main stages of ictal patterns of patients with operated temporal lobe epilepsy related to hippocampal sclerosis. Methods: We included 48 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy–hippocampal sclerosis. Seizures were classified according to their electrophysiological properties and surgical outcomes as seizure-free and not seizure-free. The EEGs with artifacts at the beginning were analyzed separately. Results: The most frequent type of ictal onset patterns was rhythmic theta/alpha activity, which was correlated to seizure-free group, whereas “switch of lateralization” and “bitemporal asynchrony” correlated to not seizure-free group. When bilateral independent ictal propagation patterns emerged, seizures tended to predict the side of epileptogenic zone wrongly. As a later significant pattern, rhythmic theta/alpha activity lateralized the focus correctly. Seizure termination was significantly concordant with hippocampal sclerosis lateralization in the seizure-free group. Conclusion: Ictal onset pattern with rhythmic theta/alpha activity correlates well with seizure freedom. Morphology of later significant patterns was more important in determining the lateralization reliability than time of appearance. The EEGs with short artifacts at the beginning are seen to be valuable in presurgical evaluation. Lateralization of ictal termination ipsilateral to MRI indicates good prognosis after surgery. Scalp EEG monitoring helps predict epileptogenic zones and postsurgical outcomes.
Cell Membrane Stability and Association Mapping for Drought and Heat Tolerance in a Worldwide Wheat Collection

Worldwide periods of heat and drought are projected to be more frequent, longer, and occurring earlier, which could deleteriously affect the productivity of cool-season crops including wheat (Triticum spp.). The coexistence of heat and drought stresses affects plant biochemical and physiological processes including cell membrane function. The increased permeability and leakage of ions out of the cell has been used as a measure of cell membrane stability (CMS) and as a screen test for stress tolerance. The main objectives of this research were to: (1) screen a global spring wheat panel for CMS by exposing leaf tissue to heat treatment and osmotic pressure (PEG 600), (2) identify potential quantitative trait loci (QTL)/genes linked with CMS using genome-wide association mapping, and (3) estimate the relationship between the field performance and measured CMS. The results indicated highly significant differences among the 2111 spring wheat accessions regarding CMS. Moreover, several SNPs were found to be significantly linked with CMS. The annotation of the significant SNPs indicated that most of these SNPs are linked with important functional genes, which control solute transport through the cell membrane and other plant biochemical activities related to abiotic stress tolerance. Overall, this study demonstrated the use of genome-wide association mapping for the identification of potentially new genomic regions associated with CMS. Tolerant genotypes identified in this study proved to be more productive under preliminary field stress conditions. Thus, the identified membrane-stable accessions could be used as parental genotypes in breeding programs for heat or drought stress tolerance.
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation and Graft-versus-Host Disease: A Case Study

Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is an acceptable treatment option for children with hematologic malignancies that are refractory to traditional treatments. Reports in the literature suggest that acute graft-verus-host disease (aGVHD), a common complication of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. aGVHD, a complex immunologic response, is reported in allogeneic transplants in which there is antigen presentation and activation of the donor T cell. The release of cytokines from the activated lymphocytes results in host cell death. This article reports on a 3-year-old child with a hematologic malignancy who, upon relapse, had received an identically matched allogeneic stem cell transplant from a sibling. Prophylaxis against aGVHD included several immunosuppressive agents. The dosage and serum levels of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus were carefully monitored; however, the aGVHD progressed to include the liver and gut. As the child continued to deteriorate the aggressive treatment against aGVHD continued without success. A review of this case of aGVHD will provide nurses a knowledge base that is necessary to provide optimal care to the patient and family members alike.
Respiratory uptake of ozone in dogs.

We measured the uptake of ozone by the surgically isolated upper airways in 11 anesthetized, paralyzed, mechanically ventilated dogs. The gas was administered either by nose or mouth, each exposure lasting 20 to 30 minutes. The relative uptake of O3 was found to be inversely related to concentration and flow rate, and was higher nasally than orally. Changes in nasal flow resistance, induced by aerosols of histamine and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) hydrochloride, had little effect on the process. The removal of O3 from inspired air by the lower airways and parenchyma was measured in five additional dogs that were mechanically ventilated through a tracheal cannula. The concentration ranged from 20 to 85 pphm, the tidal volume was constant, and the pump frequently was either 20 or 30 cycles per minute. Under these circumstances, the rate of uptake varied between 80% and 87%.