Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes And Abnormal FPG Due To Shift Work Differs According To Gender: A Retrospective Cohort Study Among Thai Workers In Bangkok, Thailand

Purpose The gender differential evidence of the association between shift work and type 2 diabetes risk remains scarce. This longitudinal study determines whether the association between shift-work exposure and type 2 diabetes risk and abnormal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) differs according to gender; the study aims to find the association between shift work and changes in physiological, behavioral, and psychosocial stress. Patients and methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted among 5947 workers (4647 female and 1300 male) aged ≤60 years old in Bangkok, Thailand. Participants required a normal FPG level (<100 mg/dL) at baseline and at least two health check-up results from 2009 to 2016. Shift-work exposure history was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire; FPG levels were measured annually. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the aforementioned association. Results During the follow-up period, 1470 new abnormal FPG and 154 new type 2 diabetes cases developed. Stratified analysis of male workers’ data revealed an association was significant in the unadjusted model, which tended to be stronger after adjustment for demographic data and the baseline values of anthropometric and biochemical parameters. This was the case both for type 2 diabetes [Hazard Ratio (HR) (95% Confidence Interval (CI))=2.98 (1.58–5.62)] and abnormal FPG [HR (95% CI)=1.86 (1.43–2.41)]; this association was less obvious among women. Conclusion Shift work is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and abnormal FPG; this risk is gender differential, being more pronounced in men. Preventive measures aiming at ameliorating shift work induced type 2 diabetes risk should pay more attention to men.
The iron and testosterone levels in amoebic liver abscess patients - a preliminary study from northern Sri Lanka

Amoebic liver abscesses (ALA) are observed among adult males who consume locally brewed alcohol in the tropics. The contributory role of alcohol-induced hepatic iron stores and the male hormone testosterone were said to be playing a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ALA. This descriptive preliminary study was intended to see a possible relationship of serum iron profile and testosterone level among toddy (a local palm wine) drinkers who presented with ALA to the Teaching Hospital Jaffna. Results have shown very high serum ferritin levels (902.58ng/ml) in these patients with ALA. However, the serum iron levels (43.05µg/dl) and the transferrin saturation levels (22.01%) were observed to be normal or below normal and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) level was unexpectedly low (193.3µg/dl) for the corresponding low serum iron levels. Furthermore, the serum testosterone level (2.44ng/ml) was also low or low normal when compared with the reference range in the study population. As this preliminary study contrasts with previously postulated theories, further study is recommended to arrive at a concrete conclusion.
Diagnostic validity of the use of questionnaires, clinical examination and a portable single-channel electromyography device for Sleep Bruxism

Diagnostic validity of the use of questionnaires, clinical examination and a portable single-channel electromyography device for Sleep Bruxism The presented study intended to compare two methods for assessing Sleep Bruxism (SB): International Classification of Sleep Disorders diagnostic criteria (ICSD-3) and a portable single-channel electromyography (EMG) device (Grindcare) with gold standard polysomnographic (PSG) examination. The comparison with PSG was used to determine an appropriate cut-off value and the number of nights of sleep with the Grindcare device necessary for a valid/reliable SB diagnosis. Twenty consecutive post-graduate students and staff at Bauru School of Dentistry composed the sample. Each participant underwent interview, clinical assessment, the Grindcare for five consecutive nights and a PSG exam. The discrimination between bruxers and non-bruxers was based only on the PSG analysis. Data about electromyography per hour with Grindcare (EMG/h) and PSG (bursts/h) were scored. The validity of ICSD-3 criteria and the Grindcare device were assessed by using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis (AUC), likelihood ratios (LR), the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and Bland-Altman analysis. The ICSD-3 diagnostic criteria items for SB had fair to moderate concordance with PSG diagnosis, with AUC ranging from 0.55 to 0.75. The best value of agreement was obtained by the report of SB more than once a week associated with a report of transient morning jaw muscle pain or fatigue with a moderate, but significant agreement with the PSG SB diagnosis (AUC=0.75) with 90% specificity, positive LR=6 and DOR=13.5. When the frequency of self-reported SB increased to more than 4 times per week, the combination of this finding with tooth wear had also high values of agreement with PSG SB diagnosis (AUC= 0.75, LR=6, DOR=13.6). Bland-Altman analysis of the EMG bursts/h showed positive agreement between Grindcare device and PSG exam. The ROC analyses also showed that using a minimum of 18 EMG/h for 3 nights and 19 EMG/h for 5 nights in Grindcare as cut-offs resulted in a 90% specificity and positive LR equal to 5. Since there is considerable heterogeneity in the results, the application of ICSD-3 for SB clinical diagnosis may be limited. Moreover, the Grindcare is able to predict SB diagnosed by PSG with a reasonable accuracy, when used for 3 or 5 consecutives nights, and it may be a valid choice in clinical practice for SB assessment.
Urethral duplication with rectourethral fistula: Review of two cases

Urethral duplication is a very rarely observed congenital anomaly, mostly affecting the males. This case report highlights the management of two patients diagnosed with Type II A, Y-type urethral duplication. An 11-year-old boy was diagnosed with Type II A of Y-type urethral duplication, where the dorsal urethra was completely hypoplastic, and the ventral urethra was communicating with rectum. After the failure of a single-stage inner preputial pedicled tube urethroplasty, a perineoscrotal flap urethroplasty was done, and at present, the patient is waiting for the 2nd stage of surgery. Case 2 is a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with Type II A2, Y-type urethral duplication, where the dorsal urethra at proximal part was hypoplastic with normal caliber of penile urethra, and the ventral urethra was communicating with rectum. The boy was treated with end-to-end urethroplasty, and good surgical outcome was observed. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the management of unusual form of Y-type urethral duplication by staging the surgical procedure.
A Multicenter Study of Pediatric Macular Holes: Surgical Outcomes With Microincisional Vitrectomy Surgery

Purpose: Pediatric macular holes occur often related to trauma and rarely require surgical intervention. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate outcomes of microincisional vitrectomy surgery. Methods: A multicenter retrospective consecutive case series was conducted of pediatric patients undergoing surgery for macular hole repair. Results: A total of 31 eyes from 8 centers were included in this study. The mechanism of macular hole development was blunt trauma in 30 eyes (97%) and industrial laser in 1 eye (3%). The rate of anatomic closure after primary vitrectomy was 81% (25 eyes); the final anatomic closure rate after a secondary vitrectomy was 94% (29 eyes). There was a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity from initial presentation (20/164) to final follow-up (20/100) (P = .009). Conclusions: Microincisional vitrectomy surgery for pediatric macular holes results in substantial anatomic success and modest improvement in visual acuity.
Histology, Respiratory Epithelium

The respiratory system is constantly filtering through the external environment as humans breathe air. The airways must maintain the ability to clear inhaled pathogens, allergens, and debris to maintain homeostasis and prevent inflammation. The respiratory system subdivides into a conducting portion and a respiratory portion. The majority of the respiratory tree, from the nasal cavity to the bronchi, is lined by pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium. The bronchioles are lined by simple columnar to the cuboidal epithelium, and the alveoli possess a lining of thin squamous epithelium that allows for gas exchange.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycosylated hemoglobin in patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus taking oral antidiabetic drug metformin

Objectives: To assess the outcome of vitamin D as adjunctive therapy in reducing the serum level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in type 2 diabetic patients taking anti-diabetic drug metformin. Study Design: An Observational study. Setting: This study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro in collaboration with Sindh Institute of Endocrinology & Diabetes (SIED) Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro. Period: December 2017 to May 2018. Material and Methods: We carried out this study on 140 patients. Diagnosed patients of type 2 DM With duration more than 5 years, age between 35 to 60 years, HbA1c equal to or more than 6.0%, and diabetic patients which were on metformin and had vitamin D deficiency (level less than 30ng/ml) were included in the study. Results: Total 140 type 2 diabetic patients were taken in study. At baseline, in Group B, mean HbA1c ± SD was 7.92±1.54 while at 3 months intervention, in Group B, mean HbA1c ± SD was 7.18±1.53. No significant difference in HbA1c between Group A and B at baseline and after three months of intervention (P value = 0.46). The mean value of vitamin D before supplementation was 16.23±3.45 vs 28.96±5.25 after 3 months supplementation. There was a significant increase in 25 (OH) D levels after vitamin D supplementation after 3 months. (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Supplementation of vitamin D did not show any effect on blood sugar control in our patients with type 2 DM.
Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Cobalt Deficiency in Acute Childhood Leukemia

*Correspondence: Moses O Akiibinu, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Caleb University Lagos, G.P.O Box 11379 Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, E-mail: akiibinumoses@yahoo.com Received Date: 05 Sep 2019 Accepted Date: 27 Sep 2019 Published Date: 10 Oct 2019 Citation: Akiibinu MO, Oseni BS, Adesiyan AA, Anetor JI. Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Cobalt Deficiency in Acute Childhood Leukemia. Clin Oncol. 2019; 4: 1663.
Relationships between Daily Diary Assessments of Perceived Discrimination and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Is Inflammation a Biological Pathway?

There are stark racial disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD), with Black Americans at higher risk than their White counterparts. Differential exposure to race-related stressors, such as discrimination, may contribute to these disparities. Higher levels of discrimination may confer increased risk for CVD, but the biological pathways by which discrimination influences CVD are not fully understood. Inflammation may be one such pathway, as inflammatory processes drive CVD pathophysiology and systemic inflammation is associated with exposure to psychosocial stressors. Evidence linking discrimination to systemic inflammation is mixed, possibly due to exclusive use of retrospective reports of discrimination. Thus, the goals of this study were to 1) use daily diary assessments to measure perceived discrimination and 2) explore relationships between perceived discrimination, systemic inflammation, and preclinical CVD risk disparities. Participants were 111 healthy Black and White adults from the Pittsburgh area. Participants completed a questionnaire battery, 14 daily surveys, and a laboratory visit. The daily surveys assessed discrimination frequency and discrimination-related distress. At the laboratory visit, participants provided a blood sample to assess the inflammatory markers interleukin(IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) and completed a psychophysiological assessment to measure pulse wave velocity (PWV), a preclinical measure of arterial stiffness. We hypothesized positive associations between daily discrimination and IL-6, CRP, and PWV, but found null relationships in most cases. In stratified analyses, Black participants reporting no daily discrimination or discrimination distress had higher levels of IL-6 and PWV compared to those reporting low levels. Exploratory analyses testing the relationship between daily discrimination and health behaviors indicated that participants reporting greater daily discrimination and discrimination distress had poorer sleep quality; this pattern was not seen for physical activity or alcohol consumption. Overall, there was limited support for a relationship between daily discrimination and systemic inflammation or arterial stiffness. Contrary to hypotheses, there was evidence in the Black subsample that reporting no daily discrimination is linked with increased CVD risk. Future studies should explore this pattern of results and work toward improved measures of daily discrimination. With more sensitive measures, future work can increase our understanding of how daily experiences of discrimination impact cardiovascular health.
Sex, age and socioeconomic inequalities in older people’s unscheduled care

In Scotland, unscheduled care is usually received at hospital accident and emergency (A&E) departments or referral by GPs to medical assessment units (MAU). Almost a quarter attendances are for those aged 65 years+. Demand for unscheduled care will increase as the population ages. This study measures inequalities in unscheduled care presentations among those aged 65 years+. A&E and MAU attendance data between April 2017 and March 2018 for Glasgow residents were analysed. Data were modelled using poisson modelling for outcome measures attendances, rate of attendance and length of stay, adjusting for agegroup, sex and deprivation. A second set of models also adjusted for time of day, month and referral source, including interaction terms. While there was a higher number of attendances among females (RR and 95% CI = 0.30 (0.28, 0.32)), and among those aged 65-69 years compared with older ages (RR = 0.03 (0.01, 0.06)), modelling rates showed that males were significantly more likely to attend (RR = 0.14 (0.13, 0.16)) and that likelihood rose with age, eg RR for 85+ years significantly greater than 80-84 years, significantly greater than for 75-79 years etc. There was no gender difference in length of stay but this increased with increasing age. Attendance was significantly more likely for those living in the most deprived quintile of deprivation (RR = 0.30 (0.27, 0.34) compared with the most affluent quintile). SES inequalities in attendance and length of stay became less pronounced with increasing age. Referrals via 999 emergency services increased with age while referrals by GP and NHS24 reduced with age. Attendance was more likely in December (RR = 0.15 (0.11, 0.18)) and likelihood of a morning attendance reduced significantly with increasing age and deprivation. Inequalities in attendance, length of stay and methods of referral are observed which should be considered when planning to meet the demand for unscheduled care. Age, sex and socioeconomic inequalities in unscheduled care exist even at the oldest ages. When planning to meet the demand of future unscheduled care, patterns of current use and population projections should be considered in tandem.
Effect of sildenafil citrate on uteroplacental perfusion Doppler indices in growth-restricted fetuses

Objective The aim of the paper was to study the effect of phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor, sildenafil citrate (SC), on uteroplacental perfusion. Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is the second common cause of perinatal morbidity. It is related to an increased risk of perinatal complication such as hypoxemia, low Apgar scores, and cord blood acidemia, with possible negative effects for neonatal outcome. Materials and methods The study was a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. A total of 54 pregnant women whose pregnancy was complicated with FGR were divided into two groups. The first group received single dose of SC and the other received placebo. Doppler indices of umbilical, middle cerebral, uterine arteries were taken before and 2 h after medication administration. Results A total of 54 women yielded data for analysis. Of these, 27 women received SC and 27 received placebo. There was significant improvement of fetal Doppler indices by 66.7% among the SC group (P = 0.001) and insignificant changes in fetal Doppler indices among the placebo group (P = 0.06). Conclusion Doppler velocimetry index values reflect decreased placental bed vascular resistance after sildenafil administration. SC can improve fetoplacental perfusion in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. It could be a potential therapeutic strategy to improve uteroplacental blood flow in pregnancies with FGR.
The associations between body fat distribution and bone mineral density in the Oxford Biobank: a cross sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Body composition is associated with bone mineral density (BMD), but the precise associations between body fat distribution and BMD remain unclear. The regional adipose tissue depots have different metabolic profiles. We hypothesized that they would have independent associations with BMD. Research Design and Methods We used data from 4,900 healthy individuals aged 30–50 years old from the Oxford Biobank to analyze associations between regional fat mass, lean mass and total BMD. Results Total lean mass was strongly positively associated with BMD. An increase in total BMD was observed with increasing mass of all the fat depots, as measured either by anthropometry or DXA, when accounting for lean mass. However, on adjustment for both total fat mass and lean mass, fat depot specific associations emerged. Increased android and visceral adipose tissue mass in men, and increased visceral adipose tissue mass in women, were associated with lower BMD. Conclusions Fat distribution alters the association between adiposity and BMD.
BMI-based figure rating scale (FRS) as an adjunctive aid in nutritional screening and assessment in a resource-limited setting

Objectives: Many existing malnutrition screening and diagnostic tools require body mass index (BMI) and quantification of weight change to detect malnutrition or risk thereof. This is often a challenge in South African public hospitals due to missing data, including patient records. This study investigated the extent to which hospitalised patients can gauge their current and usual body size from a validated BMI-based figure rating scale (FRS). It also ascertained whether a relationship exists between a change in clothing size and a change in perceived BMI, derived from the FRS. Methods: A total of 196 adult patients participated in a cross-sectional study, in three Eastern Cape public hospitals. Data were collected by consulting medical files, patients and taking anthropometric measurements. Validated FRSs were used to determine patients’ accuracy of actual and usual BMI. Data were analysed with Statistica® and Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: Some 66% (n = 131) of participants were accurate in selecting an image representative of their BMI, which was statistically significant (r 2 = 0.80; p < 0.001). Female participants were more likely to select the correct corresponding BMI image (p < 0.05; r 2 = 0.77 for males; r 2 = 0.82 for females). Altogether, 61% (n = 79) of participants with a known previous weight were accurate in selecting an accurate image representative of their usual BMI, also statistically significantly (r 2 = 0.71; p < 0.001). Conclusion: An existing FRS may be a useful adjunctive aid in clinical practice to estimate certain anthropometric indices when not otherwise available. This may be especially relevant to nutritional screening practices conducted by frontline healthcare professionals, e.g. nurses and doctors not specifically trained in anthropometry. This in turn may improve malnutrition detection rates and facilitation of appropriate nutrition care pathways.
VOCAL FUNCTION EXERCISES FOR NORMAL VOICE: THE EFFECTS OF MAXIMALLY SUSTAINED PHONATION

OF THESIS VOCAL FUNCTION EXERCISES FOR NORMAL VOICE: THE EFFECTS OF MAXIMALLY SUSTAINED PHONATION Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs) is a well-known treatment program that consists of four exercises, in which the first and fourth tasks require maximally sustained phonation. However, the active ingredients responsible for treatment efficacy are still unknown. The primary purpose of this investigation was the explore the effects of maximally sustained phonation on the VFE outcome measure of maximum phonation time (MPT) in individuals between the ages of 18-40 with normal voice. Participants were randomized into three experimental groups that completed VFEs for six weeks. The baseline group sustained tasks one and four for as long as was achieved at the baseline session; The three-week group sustained the exercises for as long as possible the first three weeks, then to their three-week MPT average for the remaining three weeks of the program; The standard group maximally sustained phonation for all six weeks. Results indicated significant improvement in percent to MPT goal attainment in the standard group and three-week group. The baseline group did not result in significant change. Including maximally sustained phonation throughout the course of VFEs is essential to producing substantial improvements in voice production, in terms of percent to MPT goal.
Is MR imaging correlated with mid-term clinical results after arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair?

Aim: To research the correlation between clinical and radiological results after arthroscopic meniscus repair with all-inside suture technique and to assess the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic value on previously repaired meniscus. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients were included in the study.All-inside suture technique with a Fast-Fix suture device was used for all patients. After at least 24 months follow-up, the affected knee was checked with 1.5 Tesla MRI if there was an additional pathology or the meniscal pathology persisted with criteria of Crues et al. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores were used for evaluation of the functional status of patients. Barrett’s criteria wascriteria were used for failure rates and clinical improvement. Correlation between clinical results and MRI findings were investigated. Results: The mean follow-up was 39.6 (range, 24–60) months. The mean age was 31.4 (range, 21–45) years. At the last time follow up the mean IKDC and Lysholm scores were improved significantly (p<0.001). Healing in RR zone tears were significantly better than for the RW zone according to the clinical scores (p=0.02). MRI had one false negative and 11 false positive resultsresult when compared with the clinical results. In radiological results, repairs after at least 8 weeks were different from early repairs and had significantly higher failure rates (p=0.01). Conclusion: Clinical examination and radiological investigation for meniscal healing with 1.5 Tesla MRI gave significantly different healing and failure rates (p=0.006). Evaluating a previously repaired meniscus with MRI is controversial.