Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal Trends in Health and Fitness of Military Personnel A Literature Review and Recent Bibliography

The military frequently requires its personnel to serve in physically demanding conditions. Therefore, the effectiveness of military operations is often dependent upon the physical fitness of its members. The impacts of low fitness are evident in studies that have examined aspects of military performance such as training outcomes, attrition, injuries, and readiness. 1 Since military recruits are drawn from the civilian population, negative trends in physical fitness, overweight and obesity, and health behaviours observed in many countries may have an impact on the ability of military organizations to recruit and retain high-quality, physically fit personnel. The present report reviews literature on health and fitness among military members, indicating parallel trends in civilian populations. Physical fitness consists of a number of components, including muscular (e.g., muscular strength and endurance), motor (e.g., speed), cardiorespiratory, and morphological (e.g., body mass index : see Knapik et al., 2006b). Body mass index (BMI), which is calculated using a ratio of height and weight, is an indicator of health-related risks associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity (WHO, 1995 ; 2000). Very high BMI scores indicate a greater risk of disorders such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, while very low BMI scores, although less common, are associated with greater risk of undernutrition, osteoporosis, and impaired immune system functioning (Health Canada, 2003). In addition to the health risks associated with BMI, cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality, 2 while musculoskeletal fitness is associated with health benefits such as lower risk of mortality and greater overall quality of life (Warburton et al., 2001). Since military personnel differ in several aspects from the general population (e.g., being on average younger and predominantly male), trends in the military may not exactly mirror those in the general population. However, research demonstrating that the younger age groups in the general population have shown the greatest increases in obesity has important implications for military recruiting. Since military personnel are recruited from the civilian
Analysis of the level of selected parameters of inflammation, circulating immune complexes, and related indicators (neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte, CRP/CIC) in patients with obstructive diseases

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disorder of the airways. An important element of COPD assessment is the evaluation of immune mechanisms involved in non-specific and specific response to ongoing inflammation. Aim of the study To evaluate the level of selected inflammatory and immunological parameters in patients with COPD, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and circulating immune complexes (CIC), as well as CRP/CIC index. Material and methods The study group consisted of 49 patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD, asthma, and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome) hospitalised in the Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Pulmonology Centre in Bydgoszcz. Patients with COPD were divided into two subgroups, taking into account the severity of the disease according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD; stages B and D). The control group consisted of 30 healthy persons. Levels of CIC were determined by the method of Hasková, and the concentration of CRP in serum by the standard immunoturbidimetric method. Results The median values of examined parameters (neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio – NLR, platelet/lymphocyte ratio – PLR, CRP, CIC, and CRP/CIC index) were significantly higher among patients with obstructive diseases than in the control group. A tendency towards higher lymphocyte count, CRP, and CRP/CIC index in COPD stage D, compared to stage B, was observed. Conclusions Based on our results, we suggest that the role of non-specific inflammatory mechanisms may increase in more advanced COPD stages (D), compared to less advanced stages (B).
CONSTRUCTION OF A CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR DENTAL CARIES MANAGEMENT USING BAYESIAN NETWORKS

Caries are still a major problem and an active area of research; it is a multifactorial dynamic process, and therefore, management should be dichotomous, acting on both the symptoms and the causal factors. On this scenario, we propose a clinical decision support system for modern caries management using a Bayesian network as framework. The first version of the network was modelled using recent findings and conclusions from the scientific literature on cariology area. Two specialists were asked about the network on a personal meeting, and their opinions agree: this kind of system can be helpful on areas such as: public health, supporting the primary dental care; and dentistry education, as a problem based learning system. In addition, we used some well-defined cases on the network, the suggested outputs are in agreement with our expectations. The next steps are the validation of the Bayesian network using data from specialist's decisions.
Molecular effects of tobacco smoke and bile reflux in Barrett’s esophagus in vitro

Background: Chronic gastroesophageal-reflux disease creates an environment of high oxidative stress believed to contribute to the carcinogenic transformation from reflux esophagitis to the premalignant condition Barrett’s esophagus (BE). BE ultimately progresses to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The aim of this study was to confirm the molecular effects of tobacco smoke and bile reflux in the molecular carcinogenesis of Barrett’s adenocarcinoma. Methods: Tobacco smoke condensate (4,000 ng/mL and dilutions) and a standardized bile acid (0.4 mM) were used to determine effects on a human hTERT-immortalized non-neoplastic Barrett’s esophageal cell line (BarT) and a human esophageal squamous cell line (Het-1a). Fourteen clinically relevant genes were evaluated via relative quantification real-time PCR analysis. Results: There was a synergistic relationship regarding the effects of bile acids and smoke condensate on both the BarT and Het-1a cell lines. Genes for inflammatory mediators COX2, IL1β, IL6, and IL8 were significantly up-regulated by combination smoke and bile treatment in both cell lines, while genes vital for cellular protection such as superoxide dismutase genes, MUC family of genes, CDX2 and CYP3A4 had varying expression changes. Conclusions: Tobacco smoke may enhance harmful effects of bile-acid refluxate on esophageal mucosa and is a significant factor in EAC carcinogenesis.
band ultraviolet B phototherapy versus narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy in vitiligo

Objective To determine the efficacy of combined treatment with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB-UVB) and topical tacrolimus in comparison with NB-UVB alone with placebo control in the treatment of vitiligo affecting face and neck. Methods We included 60 patients with vitiligo affecting face and neck with or without involvement of the rest of body, in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients were randomly allocated in two groups as A and B. Topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment was given for vitiligo patches twice daily in group A, while placebo ointment was given to be applied in similar way for vitiligo patches in group B. Tri-weekly NB-UVB for depigmented areas with starting dose of 0.1J/cm 2 with increment of 10% at every visit was given to the patients in both groups. Percentage of depigmented patches was calculated at the baseline, 1, 2 and 3 months. Results All patients completed the treatment period of 3 months. The mean response at the end of the 3 rd month revealed excellent response (>75% repigmentation) in 16 (53.3%) patients in group A and 9 (30%) patients in group B. Good response (50-75% repigmentation) was seen in 11 (36.7%) in group A and 12 (40%) patients in group B. Moderate response (25-49% repigmentation) was shown by 3 (10%) patients in group A and 5 (16.7%) patients in group B. None of the patient showed poor response (<25% repigmentation) in group A, however 4 (13.3%) patients showed poor response in group B. Comparison of efficacy in both groups show excellent and efficacious response in 16 (53.5%) of patients in group A and in only 9 (30%) of patients in group B ( P <0.05). Conclusion Combined treatment with NB-UVB and topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment in comparison with NB-UVB with placebo control in the treatment of vitiligo affecting face and neck is more effective.
1 Innovative approaches to autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) - The Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) experience

The RHH’s bone marrow (BM) or haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation program was established in 1979. We have since performed over 250 transplants. Our programme for autologous transplantation has distinguished itself from those of many other hospitals in three aspects: 1) Outpatient transplantation. In 1997 we introduced a system whereby the entire transplant process (pre-transplant chemotherapy, stem cell reinfusion, post-transplant care) is carried out on the day ward, so far as possible, aiming to minimise hospital admission. With a 30-day mortality rate of <2%, our program has proved to be safe and is much preferred by most patients. Our average length-of-stay is 8 days compared with national figures of around 21 days and about 10% of patients avoid hospital admission altogether. 2) Continued use of bone marrow as a stem cell source. While most BMT services have switched to peripheral blood (PB) as the sole source of haemopoietic stem cells, we have continued to use BM in certain circumstances. However in contrast to historical collection methods, we use G-CSF-stimulated BM which, compared with unstimulated BM results in more rapid engraftment. The advantages over PB HSCs include collection on a predefined single day, avoidance of need for insertion of large-bore central cannulas, and smaller volume for cryopreservation. 3) Rainy day HSC harvesting. When patients with lymphomas and some other malignancies relapse, cure may still be possible with a transplant using HSCs collected at that time. However there are theoretical and in some cases practical advantages in having HSCs collected and cryopreserved at the time of first remission. Our routine policy is to offer this to all our patients with NHL and high-risk Hodgkin’s disease in first remission. We have cells stored from over 400 such patients. Our studies have shown that in vitro the cells retain adequate viability for safe transplantation for at least 14 years. We have reinfused HSCs from nearly 40 patients after storage of >1 year (maximum 9.3 years) without engraftment failure. The engraftment kinetics of cells reinfused after long-term cryopreservation appear similar to those after short-term storage. In summary, our innovative approaches to autologous BMT are potentially of benefit to a large number of patients requiring HSC services.
Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. There have been recent concerns about increased prevalence, and this article seeks to elaborate on factors that may influence prevalence rates, including recent changes to the diagnostic criteria. The authors review evidence that ASD is a neurobiological disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors affecting the developing brain, and enumerate factors that correlate with ASD risk. Finally, the article describes how clinical evaluation begins with developmental screening, followed by referral for a definitive diagnosis, and provides guidance on screening for comorbid conditions.
Stability of hepatitis B viral load during pregnancy and implications for antepartum prophylaxis: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND We examined changes in hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral loads (VLs) in pregnancy, their association with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and the associated infant outcomes. METHODS We prospectively followed 132 mothers positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and their 135 infants from 2011 to 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Outcome measures included association between maternal HBeAg and high (>200,000 IU/mL) or low (≤200,000 IU/mL) HBV VL, changes in HBV VL through pregnancy, infant HBsAg status, and infant completion of the HBV vaccination series. RESULTS f the 91 participants with an available HBV VL, 13 (14.3%) had an HBV VL of more than 200,000 IU/mL. Of 59 participants with paired HBeAg and HBV VL in pregnancy, 6 had an HBV VL of more than 200,000 IU/mL; of interest, 2 of the 6 (33.3%) were HBeAg-negative. Thirty-eight participants had HBV VL results at both mid-trimester and delivery. For these 38 participants, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for paired data found that an HBV VL remained stable (p = .58). We observed no perinatal transmissions. However, 20.7% of infants did not have a documented complete HBV vaccination series, 20.0% did not have post-vaccination HBsAg testing completed, and 18% did not have anti-HBs titres measured by age 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that HBeAg and HBV VL are not reliably predictive of each other. This supports the improved predictive value of VL measurement in pregnancy to risk stratify pregnant patients to offer antiviral treatment when indicated and further minimize the risk of perinatal transmission.
ebv dutpase modulates host immune responses potentially altering the tumor microenvironment in ebv associated malignancies

While the use of long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved immune function and reduced the incidence of some malignancies in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infected patients, this is not the case for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an AIDS-defining cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma, a non-AIDS defining cancer. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an independent factor that adversely affects risk and/or survival among patients with Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) or classical Hodgkin lymphoma in immunocompetent patients as well as in HIV-1 infected individuals on ART. While cells infected with EBV in EBV-associated malignancies generally express one type of the latency programs, a small number of cells in these tumors are expressing EBV genes associated with lytic replication of the virus, which suggests that products from lytic or abortive-lytic replication may contribute to lymphomagenesis. However, the potential roles of these proteins in lymphomagenesis remain unclear. In this study we demonstrate that the EBV deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase), an early protein produced during abortive/lytic EBV replication, is expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumors in a mouse model of NPC, an EBV associated malignancy. Furthermore, screening of sera from 4 cohorts of patients diagnosed with AIDS, DLBCL, NPC and breast cancer (BC) by ELISA revealed an increase in IgG antibodies to the EBV-dUTPase in a subset of patients with AIDS, DLBCL and NPC relative to the controls. Finally, using an in vitro model of EBV infection we demonstrate that the EBV-dUTPase also inhibits T-cell function thus, allowing the proliferation of EBV immortalized B-cells. Altogether, our data support the premise that the EBV-dUTPase can modulate host immune responses and potentially alter the tumor microenvironment by promoting the survival/proliferation of immortalized B-cells, which may lead to lymphomagenesis.
Is Pallido‐Pyramidal Syndrome Still a Useful Concept? No

A syndrome is a characteristic collection of symptoms and signs that tend to cluster together. It is sometimes unique to a single disease but more commonly has multiple potential aetiologies. However, the identification of a syndrome limits the list of etiological differential diagnoses and guides diagnostic investigations and/or management. The term pallido-pyramidal disease, revised to pallido-pyramidal syndrome (PPS) by subsequent authors and used hereafter to denote either, was coined byDavison in 1954 to denote the combination of parkinsonism and bilateral pyramidal signs. His report was based on clinical findings observed in 5 patients, and a genetic aetiology was presumed as a result of the familial occurrence of the syndrome in 4 patients. Postmortem examination of the fifth, sporadic case, originally regarded by Ramsay Hunt as having dyssynergia cerebellaris progressiva but who then evolved into a parkinsonism syndrome with bilateral Babinski and pyramidal signs, showed pallor and bluish pigmentation of the globus pallidus, mild shrinkage with neuronal loss and depigmentation in the substantia nigra, and signs of demyelination of the corticospinal tract. Occasional reports subsequently appeared of other patients with PPS but use of the term has increased particularly in the past decade, mostly in the context of describing the phenotype of patients with genetically determined, young-onset or juvenile-onset parkinsonism. Here we argue that the term PPS is not useful in clinical practice and should be abandoned for several reasons. First, the clinicopathological concept of PPS is misleading as evidence suggests that pallidal pathology of itself does not cause the tremulous parkinsonism that is integral to the syndrome. Second, PPS is not a valid pathological entity as there are no known diseases that affect only the pallidum and pyramidal system without affecting other structures. Third, although various genetically determined movement disorders have been reported as being causes of PPS because parkinsonism and pyramidal signs are frequently part of their phenotype, their relationship to the underlying etiology in the originally reported patients is unknown. Therefore, in agreement with and as similarly argued by others, we propose that the term PPS be abandoned and be replaced by the more valid formulations of parkinsonism–pyramidal and dystonia–pyramidal syndromes. In contrast to PPS, these alternative syndromic formulations do have diagnostic value as they have been proven to be associated with specific etiologies, especially genetic movement disorders.
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: Diagnostic Issues in Korea

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a CNS demyelinating disorder, characterized by optic neuritis and acute myelitis. A specific autoantibody of NMO, NMO-IgG was recently detected, which resulted in the revision of the diagnostic criteria of NMO, proposed in 1999. The new diagnostic criteria emphasized the long cord lesion over 3 vertebral segments and the presence of NMO-IgG. In addition, with the positivity of NMO-IgG in longitudinal extensive myelitis, recurrent optic neuritis and autoimmune disorders, the spectrum of NMO-related disorders were broadened. The review for NMO spectrum disorders and NMO-IgG will provide a help to understand NMO, this rapidly disabling disease.
Assessing service satisfaction: Experiences of individuals living with HIV/AIDS

Individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) ( frequently have psychosocial needs that require a diverse and comprehensive approach to service delivery. The purpose of this study was to assess client satisfaction with HIV/AIDS related support services. A survey-questionnaire design was used to examine satisfaction among clients receiving HIV/AIDS related support services. Availability sampling was used to gather data from sixty subjects, both male and female, at r a community based organization that serves members of the community living with HIV/AIDS. The results indicated that, overall respondents were satisfied with the services that they receive. The.results indicated that, overall respondents were very satisfied with the services that they receive. The results also indicated no statistically significant differences in satisfaction in relation to respondent's age, gender, or employment status. The findings of this study and recommendations for social work practice are discussed.
Effect of amyloidosis and proteinuria on augmentation index in patients with familial mediterranean fever

Aim: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an auto-inflammatory disease which is characterized by amyloid deposition in multiple organs.Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) are associated with cardiovascular diseases and important predictors of long term prognosis.We aimed to investigate effect of amyloidosis and amount of proteinuria on subclinical atherosclerosis determined by PWV and AIx in patients with FMF. Material and Methods: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx) were measured in 35 FMF patients (12 amyloidosis and 23 non-amyloidosis) and in 34 control subjects.Demographic, clinical and laboratory features and aortic stiffness parameters were compared between three groups (control, FMF with and without amyloidosis). Results: There was no difference between groups in terms of age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors. AIx was higher in FMF patients with amyloidosis compared with FMF patients without amyloidosis and control group (respectively; p = 0.04, p = 0.006). AIx did not differ between FMF patients without amyloidosis and control group (p = 0.4). There was a positive correlation between AIx and amount of proteinuria in patients with FMF (r=0.51,p=0.002). Multivariable linear regression analysisdemonstrated that age, presence of amyloidosis and amount of proteinuria were independent factors affecting AIx. Conclusion: AIx is increased in FMF related amyloidosis.Presence of amyloidosis and amount of proteinuria in patients of FMF may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Prevalence of White Spot Lesion during Orthodontic Treatment with Fixed Appliance

Background: White spot lesions (enamel demineralization) is one of the most common and a significant risk associated with orthodontic treatment. Objective: To determine the prevalence of white spot lesion during fixed orthodontic treatment. Method: This prospective observational study and was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from January 2016 to December 2017 over a period of two years. Patients with fixed orthodontic appliance age between 12-30 years of both sex attended for follow up were included in this study. After taking written consent, a questionnaire included socio-demographic data, clinical and outcome variables including routine clinical photographs to examine WSL were filled up for each patient. Routine clinical photographs to examine WSL were taken after 6 months and 12 months of fixing orthodontics appliance. Qualitative data were expressed as frequency distribution and percentage. Results: Maximum patients were in age group 12 – 16 years and prevalence of WSL was also sought maximum in this group. Out of 36 cases with WSL, 14 (38.9%) were male and 22 (61.1%) were female. Prevalence of WSL after six month of fixing orthodontic appliance was 21.8% and 26.1% after 12 months. Prevalence of WSL after six month of fixing orthodontic appliance in male was 26.4% & in female was 19.6% and after 12 month of fixing orthodontic appliance it was 30.2% in male and 24.1% in female. After six months of fixing orthodontic appliance 1-3 WSLs was found in 17.0% cases and ≥ 4 WSLs in 4.8% cases. After twelve months of fixing orthodontic appliance 1-3 WSLs was found in 19.4% cases and ≥ 4 WSLs in 6.7% cases. Maximum WSL was found in maxillary incisors. Conclusion: This study showed that 21.8% of the study subjects developed white spot lesions during orthodontic procedure and incisors were the most common affected teeth. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2019; 9 (2): 40-42