Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Return to work following acquired brain injury: the views of patients and employers

Abstract Purpose: To investigate which factors are experienced as facilitators of or barriers to return to work (RTW), or as solutions to RTW-problems, by patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) and by employers. Design: Qualitative study. Method: Ten patients with ABI and seven employers participated in semi-structured interviews. Patients and employers were unrelated. Transcripts were open coded. Factors perceived to be facilitators, barriers, or solutions to RTW-problems were grouped on a thematic basis. Results: Both patients and employers distinguished patient-related and work-related facilitators. When questioned about barriers, both patients and employers emphasized the importance of work-related factors such as sensory overload at the workplace and condition-related factors such as fatigue. Patients regarded poor guidance and support as barriers, but employers did not. Employers and patients suggested that solutions to RTW-problems were work-related, if necessary backed up by professional supervision. Patients also mentioned the need for understanding and acceptance of the limitations resulting from ABI. Conclusions: Both patients and employers mentioned work-related and patient-related facilitators, work-related and condition-related barriers, and work-related solutions to RTW-problems. Patients mentioned lack of guidance and support as barriers, and stressed the need for understanding and acceptance of the limitations resulting from ABI in any RTW-solution. Implications for rehabilitation •Patients and employers are important stakeholders in the return to work (RTW) process of a patient with acquired brain injury (ABI) •Professionals in rehabilitation practice, occupational and insurance physicians need to help patients and employers to realize RTW •Professionals have to be aware of the perspectives of patients and employers regarding RTW, such as: ^Little understanding of limitations resulting from ABI ^Work-related aspects hindering RTW, such as sensory overload and high work pressure ^Condition-related barriers to RTW such as (invisible) cognitive limitations and fatigue ^Need for professional assistance during the RTW process
Combined Use of Rituximab and Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Severe Autoimmune Cicatricial Conjunctivitis—An Interventional Case Series

Purpose: Despite the availability of systemic immunosuppressants, cicatricial conjunctivitis (CC) remains a potentially blinding ocular surface disease. We aim to describe the combined use of rituximab (RTX) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) for severe recalcitrant autoimmune CC. Methods: In this single-center retrospective interventional case series with follow-up between 32 and 65 months, 3 cases with mucous membrane pemphigoid (patients 1–3) and 1 case with linear IgA disease (patient 4) were included. Initial conventional immunosuppressive therapy regimens included systemic steroids, dapsone, and mycophenolate. At the time of initiation of RTX and IVIg, all patients had only one eye with good visual acuity or good visual potential. Treatment included 1 to 2 cycles of RTX (1000 mg twice at an interval of 2 weeks apart), and 2 to 9 monthly courses of IVIg (2 g/kg over 3 days). Outcome measures were blindness, as defined by best spectacle-corrected visual acuity <0.05 on a decimal scale, and clinical staging of cicatricial disease (Rowsey and Foster staging). Results: In 4 presented cases, progression of cicatricial disease was stopped as assessed by the Foster grading scale and visual acuity was stabilized in all patients. Conjunctival scarring was stabilized in 2 cases and continued to progress in 2 cases. One patient developed septicemia 6 weeks after RTX infusion, which was successfully treated. Conclusions: Combination therapy of RTX and IVIg is a potent treatment regimen for recalcitrant autoimmune CC. Further prospective controlled studies on efficacy and safety are warranted before widespread clinical application.
Adaptation of an ethnographic method for investigation of the task domain in diagnostic radiology

A number of user-centered methods for designing radiology workstations have been described by researchers at Carleton University (Ottawa), Georgetown University, George Washington University, and University of Arizona, among others. The approach described here differs in that it enriches standard human-factors practices with methods adapted from ethnography to study users (in this case, diagnostic radiologists) as members of a distinct culture. The overall approach combines several methods; the core method, based on ethnographic ''stream of behavior chronicles'' and their analysis, has four phases: (1) first, we gather the stream of behavior by videotaping a radiologist as he or she works; (2) we view the tape ourselves and formulate questions and hypothesis about the work; and then (3) in a second videotaped session, we show the radiologist the original tape and ask for a running commentary on the work, into which, at the appropriate points, we interject our questions for clarification. We then (4) categorize/index the behavior on the ''raw data'' tapes for various kinds of follow-on analysis. We describe and illustrate this method in detail, describe how we analyze the ''raw data'' videotapes and the commentary tapes, and explain how the method can be integrated into an overall user-centered design process based on standard human-factors techniques. © (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prognostic roles of human equilibrative transporter 1 (hENT‐1) and ribonucleoside reductase subunit M1 (RRM1) in resected pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Previous studies have suggested that in pancreatic cancer, human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT‐1) and ribonucleoside reductase subunit M1 (RRM1) expression may have prognostic value as well as predictive value with sensitivity to gemcitabine. This study investigated the prognostic value of hENT‐1 and RRM1 expression in resected pancreatic cancer.
People with chronic low back pain have poorer balance than controls in challenging tasks

Abstract Purpose: To compare the balance of individuals with and without chronic low back pain during five tasks. Method: The participants were 20 volunteers, 10 with and 10 without nonspecific chronic low back pain, mean age 34 years, 50% females. The participants completed the following balance tasks on a force platform in random order: (1) two-legged stance with eyes open, (2) two-legged stance with eyes closed, (3) semi-tandem with eyes open, (4) semi-tandem with eyes closed and (5) one-legged stance with eyes open. The participants completed three 60-s trials of tasks 1–4, and three 30-s trials of task 5 with 30-s rests between trials. The center of pressure area, velocity and frequency in the antero-posterior and medio-lateral directions were computed during each task, and compared between groups and tasks. Results: Participants with chronic low back pain presented significantly larger center of pressure area and higher velocity than the healthy controls (p < 0.001). There were significant differences among tasks for all center of pressure variables (p < 0.001). Semi-tandem (tasks 3 and 4) and one-leg stance (task 5) were more sensitive to identify balance impairments in the chronic low back pain group than two-legged stance tasks 1 and 2 (effect size >1.37 vs. effect size <0.64). There were no significant interactions between groups and tasks. Conclusions: Individuals with chronic low back pain presented poorer postural control using center of pressure measurements than the healthy controls, mainly during more challenging balance tasks such as semi-tandem and one-legged stance conditions. Implications for Rehabilitation People with chronic low back had poorer balance than those without it. Balance tasks need to be sensitive to capture impairments. Balance assessments during semi-tandem and one-legged stance were the most sensitive tasks to determine postural control deficit in people with chronic low back. Balance assessment should be included during rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic low back pain for better clinical decision making related to balance re-training as necessary.
Impact of Ophthalmic Surgeon Experience on Early Postoperative Central Corneal Thickness After Cataract Surgery

Purpose: To assess the impact of surgeon experience on early postoperative central corneal thickness (CCT) in eyes that have undergone phacoemulsification-based cataract surgery. Methods: One hundred sixty eyes underwent phacoemulsification-based cataract surgery performed by an experienced surgeon (n = 110; senior group) or a surgically less experienced ophthalmic assistant (n = 50; junior group), using the divide-and-conquer or tilt-and-tumble technique for cataractous lens extraction. The primary endpoint was postoperative corneal edema 2 hours after surgery, determined by pachymetry-based CCT. Results: Mean age of patients was 71.5 ± 9.1 years. Mean CCT at postoperative hour 2 was 622.8 ± 69.3 &mgr;m: an increase of 14.3% ± 10.8 from 545.3 ± 33.7 &mgr;m preoperatively (P = 0.0028). Mean CCT at postoperative hour 2 and postoperative corneal edema were significantly higher for the junior group than the senior group, with mean respective increases of 105.8 ± 81.4 &mgr;m (19.3% ± 14.2%) and 66.4 ± 3.7 &mgr;m (12.3% ± 8.3%), P = 0.0001. After adjustment for confounding factors, surgical experience was the only factor significantly associated with corneal edema: &bgr; = 39.58; SD = 11.05; P = 0.0005. Other intergroup differences observed included significantly longer mean operating and mean ultrasound times in the junior group than in the senior group. A final corneal suture was used more frequently in the senior than in the junior group, at rates of 32.7% and 2.0%, respectively, P < 0.0001. Conclusions: Greater surgical experience was found to be associated with reduced early postoperative corneal edema, shorter operative time, and shorter ultrasound time. This suggests that beyond mastering the initial learning curve of phacoemulsification, surgical experience enables faster and safer surgery.
Assessing the impact of comorbid illnesses on death within 10 years in prostate cancer treatment candidates

Treatment choice in prostate cancer is influenced by pre‐existing comorbid illnesses, but information about their individual prognostic impact is sparse, and only 1 comorbidity index has been developed for this setting. The authors assessed the impact of individual comorbid illnesses on the risk of early, other‐cause death in prostate cancer treatment candidates and propose a modification of an existing comorbidity scale.
Post‐transplant Burkitt lymphoma is a more aggressive and distinct form of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder

Although the literature reports a low incidence of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) as a post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), this entity appears to be different from other monomorphic PTLDs (M‐PTLDs), both in its aggressive clinical presentation and its distinct pathologic profile.
Recent Advances in Combination Treatments for Photoaging: Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND Photoaging of the skin is a condition characterized by a combination of physical findings including dyspigmentation, fine wrinkles, telangiectasias, tactile roughness, and precancerous change. A combination approach, treating these changes in skin pigmentation and texture simultaneously, is often required to ensure patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE To review the dermatologic literature on the use of combination treatments in photoaging using Medline. RESULTS Review of the Medline literature identified 24 studies of combination approaches to photoaging in which physician and patient evaluation of efficacy of the treatment approaches were performed. Ten studies contained histologic evidence that combination approaches to photoaging, including nonablative and ablative laser resurfacing, topical retinoids, and topical photosensizers with lasers and light sources, produced cutaneous repair of photodamaged skin. These studies documented histologic improvement in various features of photodamaged skin, including change in epidermal and dermal thickness and stratum corneum compaction, greater type I and III collagen production, and less sunburn cell and thymine dimer formation after ultraviolet light exposure. CONCLUSIONS Review of the literature demonstrates the progress of dermatologic science in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ultraviolet light–induced damage and in the development of novel combination approaches for repair of photodamage and prevention of cutaneous malignancy. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
In Vivo Microscopic Approaches for Facial Melanocytic Lesions after Quality‐Switched Ruby Laser Therapy: Time‐Sequential Imaging of Melanin and Melanocytes of Solar Lentigo in Asian Skin

BACKGROUND The quality‐switched ruby laser (QSRL) has been widely used for the treatment of pigmented lesions, but clinical evaluations in most studies have been conducted on macroscopic skin color observation comparing the laser‐treated skin with its nontreated surrounding area. A few investigations examined skin changes after laser therapy at a cellular level, but almost none did so noninvasively. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the dynamic changes after QSRL irradiation of facial solar lentigo using noninvasive optical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS Time‐sequential imaging of Japanese female patients with a clinical diagnosis of solar lentigo was performed using ultraviolet photography, high‐magnification videomicroscopy, and reflectance‐mode confocal microscopy to examine pigmentary change after QSRL irradiation. RESULTS The present study showed that remaining melanocytes were visible in the solar lentigo of all subjects when crusts peeled off, despite hardly observable skin pigmentation to the naked eye. Moreover, noninvasive confocal imaging revealed that pigmented melanocytes varied in each solar lentigo after QSRL treatment, as indicated by melanin reflection level. CONCLUSIONS Optical techniques facilitate the evaluation of the in vivo dynamics of epidermal–melanocytic changes in solar lentigo after QSRL therapy and may be useful for monitoring outcomes after laser irradiation. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
Content and psychometric evaluations of questionnaires for assessing physical function in people with neck disorders: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract Purpose: The purpose was to investigate how physical function is assessed in people with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the neck. Specifically, we aimed to determine: (1) Which questionnaires are used to assess physical function in people with MSD in the neck? (2) What do those questionnaires measure? (3) What are the measurement properties of the questionnaires? Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed to identify questionnaires and psychometric evaluations. The content of the questionnaires was categorized according to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health, and the psychometric properties were quality-rated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist. Results: Ten questionnaires and 32 articles evaluating measurement properties were analyzed. Most questionnaires covered only the components body functions and activity and participation, more often activity participation than body function. Internal consistency was adequate in most questionnaires, whereas responsiveness was generally low. Neck Disability Index was most evaluated, but the evaluations of all questionnaires tended to cover most properties in the checklist. Conclusions: The questionnaires differed substantially in items and extent to which their psychometric properties had been evaluated. Focus of measurement was on activities in daily life rather than physical function as such. Implications for Rehabilitation To provide early diagnostics and effective treatment for patients with neck disorders, valid and reliable instruments that measure relevant aspects of the disorders are needed. This paper presents an overview of content and quality of questionnaires used to assess physical function in neck disorders, which may facilitate informed decisions about which measurement instruments to use when evaluating the course of neck disorders. Most of the questionnaires need more testing to judge the quality, however the NDI was the most frequently tested questionnaire. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist is a useful tool in relation to psychometric testing of questionnaires, but clear definitions of interpretation of the quality criteria in each study would enhance comparability of results.
Quantification and visualization of relative local ventilation on dynamic chest radiographs

Recently-developed dynamic flat-panel detector (FPD) with a large field of view is possible to obtain breathing chest radiographs, which provide respiratory kinetics information. This study was performed to investigate the ability of dynamic chest radiography using FPD to quantify relative ventilation according to respiratory physiology. We also reported the results of primary clinical study and described the possibility of clinical use of our method. Dynamic chest radiographs of 12 subjects involving abnormal subjects during respiration were obtained using a modified FPD system (30 frames in 10 seconds). Imaging was performed in three different positions (standing, and right and left decubitus positions) to change the distribution of local ventilation by changing the lung's own gravity in each area. The distance from the lung apex to the diaphragm (abbr. DLD) was measured by the edge detection technique for use as an index of respiratory phase. We measured pixel values in each lung area and calculated correlation coefficients with DLD. Differences in the pixel values between the maximum inspiratory and expiratory frame were calculated, and the trend of distribution was evaluated by two-way analysis of variance. Pixel value in each lung area was strongly associated with respiratory phase and its time variation and distribution were consistent with known properties in respiratory physiology. Dynamic chest radiography using FPD combined with our computerized methods was capable of quantifying relative amount of ventilation during respiration, and of detecting regional differences in ventilation. In the subjects with emphysema, areas with decreased respiratory changes in pixel value are consisted with the areas with air trapping. This method is expected to be a useful novel diagnostic imaging method for supporting diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary disease, which presents with abnormalities in local ventilation.
The factor structure of the Disability Rating Scale in individuals with traumatic brain injury

Abstract Purpose: To examine the factor structure of the Disability Rating Scale and the predictive validity of the scale’s factors among individuals with traumatic brain injury. Materials and methods: Five hundred and eight individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury were administered the Disability Rating Scale. The sample was randomly divided into two groups. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on Group 1, and a confirmatory factor analysis on Group 2. Regressions were performed to determine the predictive ability of the factors. Results: The exploratory factor analysis generated a three-factor structure, explaining 82.1% of the variance. Factor 1, comprising three disability items (feeding, toileting, and grooming), accounted for 58.4% of the variance. Factor 2, comprising three impairment items (eye opening, communication ability, and motor response), accounted for 14.8% of the variance. Factor 3, comprising two handicap items (level of functioning and employability), accounted for 8.9% of the variance. The three-factor solution was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Regressions revealed the impairment factor at admission and the disability factor at discharge accounted for unique variance in predicting functional outcomes at one year post-injury. Conclusion: Each factor of the Disability Rating Scale may independently serve as a clinically useful outcome predictor after traumatic brain injury. Implications for rehabilitation The Disability Rating Scale is a measure used in brain injury rehabilitation that generates a total score indicating level of disability. This study confirmed a three-factor structure and showed that the individual factor scores provide unique information in predicting rehabilitation outcomes at one year post-injury.
Infection Rates of Wound Repairs During Mohs Micrographic Surgery Using Sterile Versus Nonsterile Gloves: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study

BACKGROUND Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a multistep outpatient procedure that has become the treatment of choice for the removal of many cutaneous malignancies. The surgeon initially removes the tumor with nonsterile gloves in MMS. Sterile or nonsterile gloves are then used during the final repairs. OBJECTIVE This prospective patient‐blinded single‐institution pilot study was performed to evaluate whether there is a difference in infection rate when using clean, nonsterile gloves versus sterile gloves during tumor removal and the wound repair phases of MMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study randomized 60 patients undergoing MMS. Data on age, sex, anatomic location, number of Mohs stages, closure type, size of final defect, operative time, number of pairs of gloves used, and type of glove used were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS Three infections were identified. Two infections occurred in the sterile glove arm and one in the clean glove arm. Overall, there was no greater infection rate when using clean, nonsterile gloves than sterile gloves (p=.99). CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the use of clean, nonsterile gloves as a safe alternative to sterile gloves during all steps of MMS, at a significant cost savings. A larger confirmatory study comparing the equivalence in infection rates between clean and sterile gloves is warranted. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.