Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Placement Stability for Children in Kinship Care: A Long-Term Follow-Up of Children Placed in Kinship Care through Care Proceedings

One of the key arguments put forward for the benefits of kinship placements is that they are likely to provide permanency for children. However, little is known about the factors which promote placement stability or the reasons for placement disruption. Eleanor Lutman, Joan Hunt and Suzette Waterhouse examine placement stability and disruption for a cohort of children placed in kinship care through care proceedings (Hunt et al, 2008). When compared with disruption rates for other forms of care, it appears that for younger children kinship care can be a positive option but the figures are less positive for older children. However, after disruption over half of the kinship-placed children remained within their family networks and many kinship carers retained a positive relationship with the child. The findings indicate placements of older children, placements with aunts/uncles and placements where the carer and child are less familiar with each other are more likely to disrupt and thus may need more support.
Fungal Formulations to Control Rhipicephalus sanguineus Engorged Females

Entomopathogenic fungi are promising alternatives to chemical acaricides in controlling tick populations; however, biological formulations are required to improve conidial performance of these pathogens in the field. This study evaluated the effect of in vitro treatment of Rhipicephalus sanguineus with conidial formulations of Beauveria bassiana (Bb) or Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma). Conidia were formulated (at 108 conidia mL−1) in (1) emulsifiable concentrate (EC), (2) polymerized cellulose gel (PCG), or both (3) emulsifiable concentrate and polymerized cellulose gel combined (EC+PCG). Engorged females were weighed and exposed to one of six treatment groups: EC+Bb, EC+Ma, PCG+Bb, PCG+Ma, EC+PCG+Bb, EC+PCG+Ma; or to control groups: C1 (untreated) or (C2) treated with Tween 80 aqueous solution, EC or PCG. After exposure, ticks were placed in petri plates and kept at 27 ± 1°C and 80% relative humidity (RH). Ticks treated with formulated conidia of entomopathogenic fungi showed significantly higher control percentage in comparison to that of control groups. The formulation of B. bassiana with EC and PCG combined (EC+PCG+Bb) caused the highest control percentage (86.79%) of R. sanguineus. This study concludes that entomopathogenic fungus conidial formulations are important to ensure effective tick control.
Sperm morphology: assessment, pathophysiology, clinical relevance, and state of the art in 2017

For over 30 years, sperm morphology assessment has been one of the most common tests in evaluation of fertility. This review examines the clinical relevance of sperm morphology assessment in the diagnosis of infertility and in assisted reproductive technology, as well as its analytical reliability. Publications on the pathophysiology, the analytical reliability of the test and its clinical relevance in diagnosis and in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) were evaluated. This review compared and discussed study methodologies and results, including patient characteristics, preparation, smear staining methods and classification systems. The assessment of the percentage of some abnormalities such as for example thin head, amorphous head, or bent or asymmetrical neck is of little clinical use, and their pathophysiology is not well explained as most are physiological traits. Some studies have highlighted correlations between the percentage of normal forms and functional sperm abnormalities, as well as correlations with ability to conceive in vivo and, in some situations, with the success of intra‐uterine insemination (IUI) or conventional IVF. However, except in the case of some specific sperm defects (easy to detect with 99 or 100% of spermatozoa affected) and which are often linked to genetic disorders (globozoospermia, macrocephaly, decapitated sperm syndrome and fibrous sheath dysplasia), sperm morphology assessment has very poor sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of infertility. Moreover, there is very little evidence that indices of multiple sperm defects [sperm deformity index (SDI), teratozoospermia index (TZI), and multiple abnormalities index (MAI)] are relevant. Above all, many publications report a major lack of analytical reliability of this test, mainly in assessment of the details of sperm abnormalities. Many questions arise concerning how and when sperm morphology should be assessed, and how to interpret the thresholds of normal forms. Questions are raised on the real clinical impact of this test.
Neuroimaging in Human MDMA (Ecstasy) Users

MDMA (3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) has been used by millions of people worldwide as a recreational drug. The terms “MDMA” and “Ecstasy” are often used synonymously, but it is important to note that the purity of Ecstasy sold as MDMA is not certain. MDMA use is of public health concern, not so much because MDMA produces a common or severe dependence syndrome, but rather because rodent and nonhuman primate studies have indicated that MDMA (when administered at certain dosages and intervals) can cause long‐lasting reductions in markers of brain serotonin (5‐HT) that appear specific to fine‐diameter axons arising largely from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR). Given the popularity of MDMA, the potential for the drug to produce long‐lasting or permanent 5‐HT axon damage or loss, and the widespread role of 5‐HT function in the brain, there is a great need for a better understanding of brain function in human users of this drug. To this end, neuropsychological, neuroendocrine, and neuroimaging studies have all suggested that human MDMA users may have long‐lasting changes in brain function consistent with 5‐HT toxicity. Data from animal models leads to testable hypotheses regarding MDMA's effects on the human brain. Because neuropsychological and neuroimaging findings have focused on the neocortex, a cortical model is developed to provide a context for designing and interpreting neuroimaging studies in MDMA users. Aspects of the model are supported by the available neuroimaging data, but there are controversial findings in some areas and most findings have not been replicated across different laboratories and using different modalities. This paper reviews existing findings in the context of a cortical model and suggests directions for future research.
Glutamate Cysteine Ligase Modifier (GCLM) Subunit Gene Is Not Associated with Methamphetamine‐Use Disorder or Schizophrenia in the Japanese Population

A recent study showed a significant association between schizophrenia in European samples and the glutamate cysteine ligase modifier (GCLM) subunit gene, which is the key glutathione (GSH)‐synthesizing enzyme. Since the symptoms of methamphetamine (METH)‐induced psychosis are similar to those of schizophrenia, the GCLM gene is thought to be a good candidate gene for METH‐use disorder or related disorders. To evaluate the association between the GCLM gene and METH‐use disorder and schizophrenia, we conducted a case‐control study of Japanese subjects (METH‐use disorder, 185 cases; schizophrenia, 742 cases; and controls, 819). Four SNPs (2 SNPs from an original report and JSNP database, and 2 “tagging SNPs” from HapMap database) in the GCLM gene were examined in this association analysis; one SNP showed an association with both METH‐use disorder and METH‐induced psychosis. After Bonferroni's correction for multiple testing, however, this significance disappeared. No significant association was found with schizophrenia. Our findings suggest that a common genetic variation in the GCLM gene might not contribute to the risk of METH‐use disorder and schizophrenia in the Japanese population.
The limits of narrative: provocations for the medical humanities

This paper aims to (re)ignite debate about the role of narrative in the medical humanities. It begins with a critical review of the ways in which narrative has been mobilised by humanities and social science scholars to understand the experience of health and illness. I highlight seven dangers or blind spots in the dominant medical humanities approach to narrative, including the frequently unexamined assumption that all human beings are ‘naturally narrative’. I then explore this assumption further through an analysis of philosopher Galen Strawson's influential article ‘Against Narrativity’. Strawson rejects the descriptive claim that “human beings typically see or live or experience their lives as a narrative” and the normative claim that “a richly Narrative outlook is essential to a well-lived life, to true or full personhood”. His work has been taken up across a range of disciplines, but its implications in the context of health and illness have not yet been sufficiently discussed. This article argues that ‘Against Narrativity’ can and should stimulate robust debate within the medical humanities regarding the limits of narrative, and concludes by discussing a range of possibilities for venturing ‘beyond narrative’.
Succination of Proteins by Fumarate

S‐(2‐succinyl)cysteine (2SC) is a chemical modification of proteins formed by a Michael addition reaction between the Krebs cycle intermediate, fumarate, and thiol groups in protein—a process known as succination of protein. Succination causes irreversible inactivation of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in vitro. GAPDH was immunoprecipitated from muscle of diabetic rats, then analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectroscopy. Succination of GAPDH was increased in muscle of diabetic rats, and the extent of succination correlated strongly with the decrease in specific activity of the enzyme. We propose that 2SC is a biomarker of mitochondrial and oxidative stress in diabetes and that succination of GAPDH and other thiol proteins may provide the chemical link between glucotoxicity and the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.
AB1167-HPR Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI)

Background The Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) is a patient reported outcome measure with sound clinimetric properties and clinical viability for determination of upper limb status and impairment. To date, no validated Turkish version is available. Objectives The purpose of this study is to cross-culturally adapted the ULFI for Turkish-speaking patients (ULFI-Tk) and determine the psychometric properties of reliability, validity, factor structure in a Turkish population with upper limb problems. Methods The ULFI English version was culturally adapted and translated into Turkish and back-translated according to established guidelines. Patients (n=l02, 70% female, age 49.1±16.6) with upper limb disorders completed the ULFI-Tk at baseline and day-three for test-retest reliability. The Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Turkish version was concurrently completed as a criterion. Additional psychometric properties were determined for internal consistency (Chronbach's α), criterion validity and factor structure. Results ULFI-Tk demonstrated good internal consistency (α=0,87) and reliability (ICC=0.72,CI=0.58-0.80). Factor analysis demonstrated two factor structures, explaining 31,23% of total variance. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r=0,679;p<0,05) revealed modarete criterion validity between the ULFI and DASH. Conclusions The ULFI-TK demonstrated a 2 factor 25 item structure and is reliable and valid instrument. The ULFI-Tk consists of simple and easily understood words therefore it may be used to assess upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in Turkish speaking patients. References Badalamente M, Coffelt L, Elfar J, Gaston G, Hammert W, Huang J, Lattanza L, Macdermid J, Merrell G, Netscher D, Panthaki Z, Rafijah G, Trczinski D, Graham B & American Society for Surgery of the Hand Clinical Trials and Outcomes Committee (2013b): Measurement scales in clinical research of the upper extremity, part 2: outcome measures in studies of the hand/wrist and shoulder/elbow. J Hand Surg Am 38, 407-412. Gabel CP, Michener LA, Melloh M & Burkett B (2010a): Modification of the Upper Limb Functional Index to a Three-point Response Improves Clinimetric Properties. J Hand Ther 23, 41-52 Gabel CP, Burkett B. The Upper Limb Functional Index: Development and Determination of Reliability, Validity, and Responsiveness. J Hand Ther. 2006;19:328–49. Gabel CP, Yelland M, Melloh M & Burkett B (2010b): A modified QuickDASH-9 provides a valid outcome instrument for upper limb function. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 10, 161. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4506
THE TAPS PROJECT. 30: QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ELDERLY MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS—A COMPARISON OF HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS

A study was mounted to compare the quality of life for psychogeriatric patients in a psychiatric hospital with that in four community residences developed as part of a reprovision programme for the hospital. The views of 61 relatives of hospital patients and 49 relatives of community patients were compared. On all the items on which the two groups of relatives differed, greater satisfaction was expressed with the community facilities. These data were supplemented with an observational study of patients’ activities in the two types of setting. Observations were made of 92 hospital patients and 82 community patients. The average percentage time spent in social contact was greater for the community patients (p<0.009), who also spent more time having drinks between meals (p<0.001) and being with relatives (p<0.001). These observations confirmed the relatives’ perception that the community residences provided a less institutional environment than the hospital wards.
Measurement of Circulating Neuron‐Specific Enolase mRNA in Diabetes Mellitus

In this study we measured the levels of neuron‐specific enolase mRNA as a possible marker of diabetic neuropathy. Blood samples were collected from healthy controls (n= 26), diabetic controls (no known neuropathy or retinopathy) (n= 22), and diabetics with clinically diagnosed neuropathy (n= 24) into PAXgene blood RNA tubes. mRNA was extracted, reverse‐transcribed to cDNA, and measured by real‐time quantitative PCR. Enolase mRNA levels were normalized by the simultaneous measurement of β‐actin mRNA. The results showed that the enolase mRNA was significantly (P= 0.002) higher in the diabetic control (median = 0.018; range = 0.006–0.037) group compared to healthy subjects (median = 0.0086; range = 0.0016–0.039). However, the diabetic neuropathy group showed lower enolase levels (median = 0.0067; range = 0.0025–0.017) compared to both healthy subjects (P= 0.06) and diabetic controls (P < 0.001). In the diabetic neuropathy group patients with preproliferative (median = 0.01; range = 0.008–0.017) or proliferative retinopathy (median = 0.011; range = 0.007–0.015) had significantly (P= 0.001) higher enolase mRNA compared to patients with background retinopathy (media = 0.004; range = 0.0025–0.0092). It is concluded that levels of enolase mRNA are decreased in diabetic neuropathy and this molecular marker may also be useful in differentiating early from advanced eye disease in those diabetics diagnosed with neuropathy.
The SAMMPRIS trial: the end or just the beginning

The results of the Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial were published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine . 1 The trial was a randomized controlled trial which was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT0057693). Entrance into the trial required the presence of a symptomatic 70–99% stenosis of a large vessel intracranial artery (internal carotid, M1 segment of middle cerebral artery, vertebral or basilar). Patients had to be randomized within 30 days of their qualifying event. Patients were randomized to receive either maximum medical therapy alone or maximum medical therapy in combination with angioplasty and stenting of the target lesion using the Gateway/Wingspan system (Boston Scientific/Stryker, Fremont, CA, USA). The maximum medical therapy regimen was defined as: aspirin 325 mg/ day; clopidogrel 75 mg/day for 90 days after enrolment; management of primary risk factors (elevated systolic blood pressure and elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels) and management of secondary risk factors (diabetes, elevated non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, smoking, excess weight and insufficient exercise). The study provided enrolled patients aspirin, clopidogrel, one drug from each major class of antihypertensive agents and rosuvastatin. In the stenting arm, the Gateway/Wingspan system was provided to the patient. Lifestyle modification was facilitated by a study provided ‘lifestyle coach’. The study results demonstrated a higher than expected 30 day stroke rate in the stent plus medical therapy arm (14.7%) and a lower than expected 30 day stroke rate in the medical therapy alone arm (5.8%). The estimated 1 year stroke rate for the …
Drug‐resistant MS spasticity treatment with Sativex® add‐on and driving ability

The aim of the present observational study was to determine the effects of a delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray (Sativex® spray), brand name Sativex®, indicated for drug‐resistant MS spasticity, on the driving ability of treated MS patients.
AngioSuite: an accurate method to calculate aneurysm volumes and packing densities

Objective AngioSuite was developed to allow the easy and accurate calculation of cerebral aneurysm volumes and packing densities. The present study was undertaken to validate its accuracy. Methods Mathematical models and software were created to facilitate more complex aneurysm volume calculations than previously described three-dimensional geometric models. 20 phantom aneurysm clay models were created and analyzed (length, width, depth and volume) using angiographic mathematical modeling (AngioSuite), geometric modeling (AngioCalc) and three-dimensional volume reconstructions from the vendor's Leonardo workstation (Siemens). Results The mean volumes of all phantoms analyzed by the AngioSuite system differed from true volumes by an average of 2.2%. Mean volumes of all phantoms analyzed by the AngioCalc system differed from true volumes by an average of 11.3%. Mean volumes obtained from the Leonardo workstation windowed for best appearance differed by an average of 5.18%. Conclusions The AngioSuite software system provides an accurate means of calculating aneurysm volumes. Typical packing densities (40% or less) are thus accurate within ±1%. Angiographic mathematical modeling with AngioSuite is more accurate than geometric modeling and three-dimensional volume reconstructions windowed for best appearance (Leonardo).
Emergent stent-assisted angioplasty of extracranial internal carotid artery and intracranial stent-based thrombectomy in acute tandem occlusive disease: technical considerations

Objective Tandem occlusions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and a major intracranial artery respond poorly to intravenous thrombolytic therapy, and are usually managed by endovascular means. This study describes experience with stent-assisted endovascular ICA revascularization and stent-based thrombectomy. Methods In patients with tandem ICA–middle cerebral artery (MCA)/distal ICA occlusion, the carotid occlusion was recanalized by primary angioplasty and stent implantation, and the distal occlusion by stent-based thrombectomy. Two variant techniques are described. Results Seven consecutive patients, mean age 64.1 years (range 49–75) and mean admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 23, were included. Occlusion sites were tandem proximal ICA and MCA trunk (six patients) and tandem proximal left ICA and ICA terminus (one patient). Complete recanalization with complete perfusion (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] 3, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [TICI] 3) was achieved in six patients and partial recanalization with partial perfusion (TIMI 2, TICI 2A) in one. Mean time to therapy was 4.9 h (range 3–6.5); mean time to recanalization was 55 min (range 38–65 min). CT performed 1 day after recanalization showed cortical sparing (>90% of the cortex at risk) in seven patients. Five patients (72%) presented with good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2) at 1 month; one patient (patient No 7) reached an mRS score of 3 and one patient died. Conclusions In selected cases of acute ICA occlusion and concomitant major vessel embolic stroke, angioplasty and stenting of the proximal occlusion and stent-based thrombectomy of the intracranial occlusion may be feasible, effective and safe, and provide early neurological improvement. Further experience and prospective studies are warranted.
Delayed Diagnosis After Atypical Glandular Cells on Cervical Cytology

Objective. This study evaluated the prevalence of clinically significant delayed diagnosis after a negative evaluation for a Pap test with atypical glandular cells (AGCs). Materials and Methods. From 1998 to 2003, all Pap tests at Hartford Hospital were reviewed. Women with a negative comprehensive evaluation within 12 months of initial AGC cytology were included. Subjects were excluded if they had no uterus, had less than 12 months of follow-up, had a history of AGC, or had known cervical or uterine disease likely to account for the AGC Pap test. A delayed diagnosis was defined as histology of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or greater that was diagnosed more than 12 months from the initial AGC Pap test. Results. Of the 380,744 Pap tests, 892 (0.23%) had AGCs and 176 met study criteria. Nineteen of the 176 (10.8%) had a delayed diagnosis, including 8 (4.5%) with a malignancy. Women with persistent AGCs had a significantly higher (p <.001) prevalence of a delayed diagnosis. There were 9 patients (5.1%) with CIN 2,3. The remaining diagnoses were classified as a cervical cancer, a glandular disease, or an extrauterine cancer. Women with a cervical cancer or a glandular disease were diagnosed earlier than women with CIN 1,2,3 (p =.041). Conclusions. Women who developed a delayed cervical cancer or glandular disease were diagnosed significantly earlier than women with a CIN. Women with an AGC Pap test, despite a negative comprehensive evaluation, may be at increased risk for clinically significant disease, especially if they have persistent AGC cytology.