Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study on prevalence of cardiac valvular calcification and its correlation with serum phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease

Background: Higher cardiovascular morbidity found to be more in early stages of chronic kidney disease patients. Present study was done to study the prevalence of cardiac valvular calcification correlated with serum phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease.Methods: A total of 153 (78 chronic kidney disease patients, 75 controls with age and sex matched) coming to ESIC Hospital, Chennai were utilized to conduct the present study. Patients of stages 3 to 5 with matched controls of age and sex were considered for this study. Cases were classified in to different stages of chronic kidney disease based on estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate which was calculated using Cockcroft-Gault equation using age, body weight, and serum creatinine. The blood samples of patients belonging to both the groups were tested for serum creatinine and serum phosphate. The Echocardiogram was done for the patient with chronic kidney disease to assess cardiac valvular calcification.Results: 51% of the subjects in the study group were detected as having chronic kidney disease in ultrasonogram. 20% of the patients in the study group were having coronary artery disease compared to 4% in the control group. Mean serum phosphate levels between subjects with Valvular calcification in chronic kidney disease and without calcification was statistically significant among the study group was noted in the present study.Conclusions: Elevated levels of serum phosphate correlated with cardiac valvular calcification showed significant role in chronic kidney disease.
Hope and Hopelessness – Nourishment for the Patient’s Vitality

The purpose of this inquiry was to increase the understanding of the significance of hope and hopelessness for patients’ vitality. Fifty women suffering from breast cancer have contributed their stories. The stories were submitted to an analysis of content and were interpreted within the framework of Eriksson’s theory. The findings show that hope and hopelessness succeed each other in a borderland situation of threatening death. The threat of death opens up the possibility of receiving hope. Communion with others and meaning in life are the sources of hope that provide strength to live and to endure hopelessness. Hope and hopelessness presuppose each other and stimulate vitality, the core substance of health.
In vivo assessment of endothelial function in small animals using an infrared pulse detector

Objective: Endothelial dysfunction is the earliest change in atherosclerosis. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is used to assess endothelial function in humans. However, this assessment is not easy in small animals. This study demonstrated the reliability and reproducibility of a proposed instrument for in vivo assessment of FMD in a rodent model using infrared pulse sensors. Materials and Methods: We used 24 adult male Wistar Kyoto rats randomly divided into three groups. FMD was measured under continuous infusion of normal saline followed by intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine (Ach; n = 8), sodium nitroprusside (SNP; n = 8), or N∞-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; n = 8). Results: The dilatation indices (DIs) of all three groups were similar before application of the vasoactive agents (1.82 ± 0.46, 1.81 ± 0.44, and 1.93 ± 0.40, P = 0.877, by one-way analysis of variance). The DI was significantly increased during infusion of Ach (2.97 ± 1.03 vs. 1.82 ± 0.46, P = 0.015), unchanged during infusion of SNP (1.81 ± 0.44 vs. 1.98 ± 0.40, P = 0.574), and attenuated during infusion of L-NAME (1.91 ± 0.40 vs. 1.42 ± 0.35; P = 0.028). Conclusion: The results of this study correlated well with those of human studies, suggesting that this method can be used for in vivo evaluation of endothelial function in small animals.
A technique for humeral prosthesis placement in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for fracture

Recent trends have illustrated the benefits of treating displaced fractures of the proximal humerus with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Clinical results have demonstrated reliable restoration of function in situations where results following hemiarthroplasty have been variable and difficult to predict. Data have demonstrated landmarks to assist with humeral stem height in hemiarthroplasty. However, intraoperative landmarks to guide placement of the humeral component in reverse shoulder arthroplasty have not been described. In this technique, the superior border of the pectoralis tendon is utilized. A distance of 5.0 cm is used to assist in placement of the most superior aspect of the metallic humeral component and with humeral stem version. This technique can be used as a guide to assist a treating physician in situations where bony fracture and comminution make humeral stem height placement difficult to judge.
Longitudinal Overgrowth in Pediatric Forearm After Fracture Fixation with Flexible Intramedullary Nail: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Pediatric forearm fracture is one of the most common upper extremity fractures in young sters. The treatment is often non-surgical. In patients, who need surgical intervention, intramedullary nails are used. Growth disturbances in long bones of the lower extremity occur in youngsters however. Longitudinal overgrowth is very rare in the upper extremity. Case Presentation: This report presents a five-year-old child, who had radius and ulna shaft fracture in the distal one third of his forearm. This child was treated with radius fracture fixation by flexible intramedullary nails. After six months, the child had wrist pain and limitation in range of motion. On the radiography, 4 mm increase in radius was observed. Conclusions: Overgrowth of long bones after application of intramedullary nails is known in the lower extremity however it is uncommon in the upper extremity and the exact mechanism of this phenomenon has not yet been determined and needs further investigation.
Maternal health after having survived a potentially life-threatening complication in pregnancy

Background: Women who have had pre-eclampsia in their previous pregnancies demonstrate a greater prevalence of cerebral white matter lesions several years after the pregnancy than women who have been normotensive during their pregnancy. Both the pathophysiology and the timing of development of these lesions are uncertain. White matter lesions, in the general population, are associated with an increased risk of stroke, dementia and death. Aims and objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of cerebral white matter lesions amongst women with severe pre-eclampsia at delivery, 6 months and 1 year postpartum and to establish the possible pathophysiology and risks factors. Methods: This was a longitudinal study performed at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Pretoria South Africa. Ninety-four women with severe pre-eclampsia were identified and recruited during the delivery admission. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed post – delivery and at 6 months and 1 year postpartum. Results: Cerebral white matter lesions were demonstrated in 61.7% of women at delivery, 56.4% at 6 months and 47.9% at 1 year. Majority of the lesions were found in the frontal lobes of the brain. The presence of lesions at 1 year post-delivery was associated with the number of drugs needed to control blood pressure during pregnancy (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3–11.3, p < 0.001). The prevalence of WMLs at 1 year was double in women with chronic hypertension at 1 year compared to those women who were normotensive (65.1% vs 32.3%). Conclusion: Women who require 2 or more drugs to control blood pressure during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing cerebral white matter lesions after delivery. 2017 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Abstract 14124: A Marked Increase in Myocardial Oxidative Stress Associated With Sympathetic Hyperactivity is Related to Transient Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Sympathetic hyperactivity is considered as one of the most likely pathogenic mechanism in takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). However, little is known about the relationship between sympathetic hyperactivity and myocardial oxidative stress (OS). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that cardiac sympathetic hyperactivity was associated with cardiac myocardial OS, and OS related to transient myocardial dysfunction in patients with TC compared with acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: In 8 TC patients and 8 AMI patients (NYHA 3), ECG, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and serial measurements of plasma catecholamines, urinary (U) 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a marker of OS and plasma CPK were performed for two weeks from onset. Results: Blood sampling from coronary sinus (CS) and aorta (Ao) at 1st day showed that norepinephrine (NE) levels and 8-OHdG level in CS were significantly higher than those in Ao and peripheral blood, indicating that an increase in myocardial OS .
Perceptions of preparedness and intimate partner violence screening practices amongst hand therapists

Introduction While hand injuries are reported as common sequelae of intimate partner violence, there is limited attention to hand therapist’s screening practices and perceived preparedness to deal with intimate partner violence in hand therapy setting. The primary aim of the current study is to describe the intimate partner violence training, knowledge of referrals, perceived preparedness, and screening practices of hand therapists. Methods An online survey investigating the perceptions regarding issues pertaining to intimate partner violence was completed by a sample of 189 hand therapists. Areas addressed included intimate partner violence training, perceived preparedness to deal with intimate partner violence-related responsibilities, screening practices and knowledge of resources for referrals. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while comparisons of groups used non-parametric analyses to evaluate the impact of training, intimate partner violence experience and knowledge of referrals on preparedness and screening practices. Results Hand therapists reported low perceived preparedness scores (median = 2.1/7) and screening practices. The majority (73%) of hand therapists indicated having received no intimate partner violence training. Additionally, intimate partner violence training, intimate partner violence experience, and knowledge of referrals had significant impact on hand therapists’ perceived preparedness and screening practices. Conclusion Training is significantly related to perceived preparedness and screening practices. Intimate partner violence screening may result in clients receiving appropriate referrals leading to improved quality of life. Future research should seek out ideal methods for offering intimate partner violence training for hand therapists so that they can meet the needs of clients with intimate partner violence experience.
Validation of neoadjuvant rectal cancer (NAR) score as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival in real-life practice settings.

3517Validation Of Neoadjuvant Rectal Cancer (NAR) Score As A Surrogate Endpoint For Overall Survival In Real-life Practice Settings Background: Response to neoadjuvant therapy(NT) for rectal cancer(RC) correlates with long-term outcome. Pathologic complete response(pCR) has been used as an early endpoint in RC clinical trials, but is limited by its binary nature. NAR, a composite score available after resection, is a novel short-term surrogate endpoint. The association between overall survival(OS) and NAR has not been validated in clinical practice outside of clinical trials. Methods: The National Cancer Database (2004-2013) was queried for patients with non-metastatic RC and known staging and survival data (N = 47,833). Those who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation (45-54 Gy) and proctectomy formed the study cohort (N = 19,831). NAR was defined as [5 ypN - 3 (cT - ypT) + 12]2/9.61. Patients were categorized by ypCR, pathologic stage, and NAR score (Table). OS was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method an.
Pathogenesis of non steroidal anti inflammatory drug NSAID induced renal damage

The ability to relieve pain is one of the greatest gifts of modern medicine to human beings. There are two major types of “pain killers” or analgesics – opioids and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs). Opioids are used to treat acute and intense pain, such as pain associated with myocardial infarction. They are not generally used for long-term pain relief due to associated adverse effects such as opioid-induced hyperalgesia, hormonal imbalances and impaired immune function. In addition, they have a very strong addictive potential and can cause lifethreatening complications when used at high doses. Therefore, the mainstay of treatment of chronic, low-to-moderate grade pain is the use of NSAIDs. The major goal of the studies described was to elucidate various biochemical events that occur in the rat kidney in response to the administration of indomethacin, so as to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms that may contribute to NSAID-induced renal dysfunction. It was also aimed to determine the possible mechanisms by which zinc attenuated indomethacin-induced renal dysfunction. Indomethacin caused activation of HO-1 in the rat kidney, which was possibly mediated by Nrf2 and MAPK signaling. The light pathway of ER stress was also activated in response to the drug. This pathway would also activate HO-1 via PERK and Nrf2. Activation of these pathways is known to occur in response to oxidative stress, which has been shown to occur in the kidney in response to indomethacin. This was associated with decreased heme content in the tissue and in NOS, resulting in reduced NOS activation and decreased NO levels. NO is involved in maintenance of normal renal perfusion. Decreased levels of NO may leads to reduction in renal perfusion and hence contribute to indomethacin-induced renal dysfunction. Disturbances in NF-κB signaling pathway and apoptotic events were not seen to occur in response to indomethacin. Hence it is unlikely that these events contribute to indomethacininduced renal dysfunction. Zinc pretreatment resulted in attenuation of indomethacin-induced activation of stress proteins viz., HO-1 and hsp70 and drug-induced reduction in heme content in the kidney. It also prevented activation of Nrf2 and MAPK signaling and the light pathway of the ER stress response seen in response to the drug. These effects are likely to contribute to the protective effect of zinc in ameliorating indomethacin-induced renal dysfunction and likely to be due to the ability of zinc to act as an anti-oxidant and reduce oxidative stress. Effects of zinc did not seem to be mediated by MT.
Rosuvastatin Decreases Caveolin-1 and Improves Nitric Oxide–Dependent Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Variability in Apolipoprotein E−/− Mice In Vivo

Background— Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) and increased blood pressure variability (BPV), determined in part by nitric oxide (NO)–dependent endothelial dysfunction, are correlated with adverse prognosis in cardiovascular diseases. We examined potential alterations in BPV and HRV in genetically dyslipidemic, apolipoprotein (apo) E−/−, and control mice and the effect of chronic statin treatment on these parameters in relation to their NO synthase (NOS)–modifying properties. Methods and Results— BP and HR were recorded in unrestrained, nonanesthetized mice with implanted telemetry devices with or without rosuvastatin. Cardiac and aortic expression of endothelial NOS and caveolin-1 were measured by immunoblotting. Both systolic BP and HR were elevated in apoE−/− mice, with abolition of their circadian cycles. Spectral analysis showed an increase in their systolic BPV in the very-low-frequency (+17%) band and a decrease in HRV in the high-frequency (−57%) band, reflecting neurohumoral and autonomic dy.
Pain in malaria: An assessment of its prevalence, characteristics and determinants in Ibadan, Nigeria

Morbidity and mortality due to malaria in sub-Sahara Africa remains unacceptably high, slowing socioeconomic development in endemic communities. Pain is one reason why malaria-patients seek medical attention. However, pain due to malaria is often ignored, poorly evaluated and virtually un-studied. This study explored this pain among outpatients in Ibadan, Nigeria. This facility-based, cross-sectional survey conducted in Ibadan examined seven-hundred out-patients, aged ≥6years, with acute-uncomplicated-malaria. They were evaluated for the presence, quality, intensity and effects of pain using validated instruments incorporating the category and Wong-Baker faces scales. Data were summarized, tested for association at α=0.05 and a logistic regression model of covariates fitted to predict the risk of pain. Respondents’ mean age was 33.0±16.1years, 12.7% children, 66.6% females and 72.3% had “malaria pain”. The head (66.0% vs.72.8%), general muscular sites (17.0% vs.39.5%), abdomen (37.7% vs.11.4%) and joints (5.7% vs.17.0%) were the commonest localization of malaria-pain while, the character was aching in 91.9% vs.90. 6%, intermittent pattern in 71.2% vs. 64.7% among children versus adults, respectively. At peak, pain-intensity was rated moderate and severe in 47.2% and 23.4% of respondents, able to completely interrupt work/school in 4.3%. Respondents’ gender, age-group, packed cell volume, using any antimalarial and non-usage of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy had significant association with experiencing malaria-pain. This study highlighted pain as a significant symptom of malaria with higher risk in children, males, persons with hematocrit <30% and those not using artemisinin-based combination therapy. More attention needs to be paid to the assessment and effective treatment of malaria-pain. Keywords : Acute-uncomplicated-malaria, Malaria-pain, Malaria-pain-intensity, Malaria-pain-character
Introduction to Special Edition on Covenant University’s Perspectives on Nigeria Demography and Achievement of SDGs-2030

This special edition of African Population Studies (Etude de la Population Africaine) is the initiative of the Programme of Demography and Social Statistics, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria, to harvest in a single compendium, the various research outputs that could provide insightful understanding and enhancement of the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 (SDGs-2030) as it relates to Nigeria. The theme is Covenant University’s Perspectives on Nigeria Demography and Achievement of SDGs-2030. This expository compilation covers certain salient challenges of Nigeria, ranging from family breakdowns and wellbeing, Boko Haram insurgency, environment and climate change, effects of smoking, child mortality, agricultural output, human capital and inclusive growth, unsuspected self-help medical knowledge, and best approach to health-aid. The findings presented in this edition are ground breaking qualitative and empirical findings coming from indigenous data and knowledge in attempt to provide solutions to the problem of Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.
Study on Nerve Conduction Abnormalities in Organo Phosphorus Poisoning

CONCLUSIONS: Organophosphorous poisoning is most prevalent in the 21-30 age group. Incidence is more common in males. • Organophosphorous poisoning is more common among agricultural labourers and unskilled workers. • The most important cause for consumption of organophosphorous poison is self harm. • The common route of exposure is ingestion of poison and it is associated with clinical severity. • The quantity consumed has direct proportional relationship with severity of poisoning. • The duration of stay in the hospital has significant correlation with clinical severity. • The higher the clinical grade of poisoning at initial presentation more the need of ventilatory support and adverse the outcome. • The following parameters predict the need of ventilatory support, grade 3 clinical severity, proximal muscle affection, low values of day 1 serum cholinesterase. • Ingestion of OPCs produced abnormalities in Nerve Conduction Studies in the form of axonopathy, sensory neuropathy and demyelination. • Ingestion of Monocrotophos produced death in three patients and neuropathy in remaining patients. • Ingestion of Dimethoate produced all the three abnormalities in NCS. • Ingestion of Monocrotophos caused axonopathy and sensory neuropathy. SUMMARY: Organophosphorous poisoning is a menace to the human race both as a weapon of mass destruction and a misused pesticide of self harm. The case fatality rate exceeds 60% in developing countries where there are many pit falls in treatment protocol and research activities. So a comprehensive analysis of 29 patients of organophosphorous poisoning was done in Poison Centre, Government General hospital Chennai. All the cases included in the studied underwent detailed clinical evaluation, extensive laboratory work up and nerve conduction studies. Each patient was monitored periodically till the outcome. There were 24 males and 5 female patients. The predominant age group was 21- 30years. 28 patients were suicide attempts and 1 had accidental exposure. 27 of the patients were poisoned through the gastrointestinal route. One patient had inhalational poisoning and one patient had topical exposure. There were 9 different types of OP insecticide agents involved. According to Dreisbach clinical criteria at admission, all patients belong to the severe grade of poisoning. Serum cholinesterase levels had significant correlation with clinical severity, mechanical ventilation and outcome. Nerve conduction studies were done on the third or fourth week of hospital stay. Both upper and lower limb nerves were studied. Thirteen patients had evidence of OPIDP. Three patients had evidence of significant axonopathy, 6 patients had evidence of demyelination and 8 patients had evidence of sensory neuropathy.
THE PREDICTIVE FUNCTION OF RATES OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES/INHIBITORS SYSTEM WHEN ASSESSING REPARATIVE CHANGES IN THE LUNG TISSUE IN THOSE WITH INFILTRATE PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

The objective: to study the rates of matrix metalloproteinases/inhibitors system in infiltrate pulmonary tuberculosis during changes occurring in the intensive phase of treatment in order to develop a statistic model aimed to predict reparative changes. Subjects and methods . The test of ELISA (Bender MedSystems, USA) was used to measure the levels of MMP-1, MMP-8,-9. TIMM and α 2 -macroglobulin in blood serum of 35 patients with verified infiltrate pulmonary tuberculosis and various reparative changes during the intensive phase of treatment. The extension of infiltrative changes in the lung tissue was calculated (Vitrea, Nodule Analysis). The software of Statistica 10, ANOVA Repeated Measures and multiple discriminant analysis were used. Results. Infiltrate pulmonary tuberculosis disrupts the balance in MMP/inhibitors system regardless of the character of reparative changes: MMP-9 goes higher and the reference level of TIMM-1 and α 2 -macroglobulin persists. The level of MMP-9 significantly goes down but does not become normal in all variants of the disease involution. Persisting high levels of MMP-8 reduces the chances of cavity healing, while the increasing level of MMP-1 promotes resolution of cavities. To predict the character of reparative changes upon the completion of the intensive phase of treatment of infiltrate pulmonary tuberculosis, the combination of levels of MMP/inhibitors with lung tissue changes during the intensive phase of treatment is the most informative.