Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cortical bone perfusion using dynamic contrast enhanced ultrashort echo time imaging: a feasibility study.

Background Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has been used to study perfusion in a wide variety of soft tissues including the bone marrow. Study of perfusion in hard tissues such as cortical bone has been much more limited because of the lack of detectable MR signal from them using conventional pulse sequences. However, two-dimensional (2D) ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequences detect signal from cortical bone and allow fast imaging of this tissue. In addition, adiabatic 2D inversion recovery UTE (IR-UTE) sequences can provide excellent signal suppression of soft tissues, such as muscle and marrow, and allow cortical bone to be seen with high contrast and reduced artefacts. We aimed to assess the feasibility of using 2D UTE and 2D IR-UTE sequences to perform DCE-MRI in the cortical bone of rabbits and human volunteers. Methods Cortical bone perfusion was studied in rabbits (n=12) and human volunteers (n=3) using 2D UTE and 2D IR-UTE sequences on a clinical 3T scanner. Dynamic data with an in-plane resolution of ~0.5×0.5 mm2, single slice thickness of 3 mm for rabbits and 10 mm for human volunteers, and temporal resolution of 23 s for 2D UTE imaging of rabbits, 28 s for 2D UTE imaging of human volunteers, and 60 s for 2D IR-UTE imaging of both the rabbits and human volunteers were acquired before and after the injection of a Gd contrast agent (Gd-BOPTA: Multihance; Bracco Imaging SpA, Milan, Italy). The dose was 0.06 mmol/kg for rabbits and 0.2 mmol/kg for human subjects. Kinetic analyses based on the Brix model, as well as simple calculations of maximum enhancement (ME) and enhancement slope (ES), were performed. Results The 12 rabbits showed a mean Ktrans of 0.36±0.07 min-1, Kep of 8.42±3.17 min-1, ME of 28.30±6.83, ES of 0.35±0.18 for the femur with the 2D UTE sequence, and a mean Ktrans of 0.45±0.10 min-1, Kep of 9.80±0.50 min-1, ME of 48.84±12.12, and ES of 0.69±0.27 for the femur with the 2D IR-UTE sequence. Lower ME and ES values were observed in the tibial midshaft of healthy human volunteers compared to rabbits. Conclusions These results show that 2D UTE and 2D IR-UTE sequences are capable of detecting dynamic contrast enhancement in cortical bone in both rabbits and healthy human volunteers. Clinical studies with these techniques are likely to be feasible.
以活體動物及離體細胞模式評估木犀草素治療肺炎及肺纖維化之療效及分子作用機轉;Luteolin alleviates experimental lung inflammation and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro

Luteolin possesses anti-inflammatory property and effectively in treatment of lung diseases. The present study investigated the antifibrotic effect and its molecular mechanism of luteolin on lung fibrosis in both in vivo and in vitro models. C57BL/6J mice were administered a single intratracheal injection with bleomycin and then treated orally with luteolin. Lung inflammation was examined by direct counting inflammatory cell population and cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) at day 7 and day 14. Antifibrotic effect of luteolin was determined by investigating histological changes, collagen contents and induction of TGF-β1 mRNA expression at day 21. To elucidate the antifibrotic mechanism of luteolin, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1 and phosphorylated Smad3 protein were analysized by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting in TGF-β1-stimulated primary mouse lung fibroblasts. The morphological changes as well as epithelial and mesenchymal marker were examined in TGF-β1-stimulated human lung carcinoma-derived alveolar epithelial A549 cell line. In vivo study showed that luteolin treatment ameliorated all these biochemical indices and histological alterations induced by bleomycin even delayed luteolin treatment. In vitro study showed that luteolin attenuated TGF-β1-induced α-SMA and collagen 1 upregulation and Smad3 phosphorylation in mouse lung fibroblasts.
How to Evaluate the Role of a Palliative Care DNP-Prepared APRN Embedded in an Oncology Outpatient Setting

Studies show that palliative care APRNs are effective in mitigating patient symptoms and improving quality of life (QOL). Unfortunately, there are no theory-driven models that guide and evaluate the role of an APRN embedded in an outpatient oncology setting. Purpose. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a palliative care theory-driven APRN intervention using the newly developed Hanna QOL-Symptom Control Model © on the following patient-, provider-, and financialrelated outcomes: symptom control, QOL, patient satisfaction; time in and location of APRN follow up; provider satisfaction, number and timing of referrals; and Emergency Room visits and hospital, versus home versus hospice deaths. Methods: Design. Longitudinal, quasi-experimental pre-posttest feasibility study. Sample/Setting. All oncology patients referred to the Palliative Care APRN over one year at St. Jude Heritage Healthcare, Orange County, CA. Intervention: APRN practice translation of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) evidence-based symptom management guidelines. Instruments. St. Jude Electronic Medical Record Demographic and Medical Record Data; Patient and Provider Satisfaction Surveys; Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Data (ASCO-QOPI); The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and single item validated QOL scale, Data Analysis. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics.
Deep but Not Periventricular White Matter Disease Is a Marker for Frailty in Older Patients with Early Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Frailty and cognitive impairment are closely related in sharing several possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. There is a lack of clarity in published literature on whether cerebral infarcts or Alzheimer’s pathology accounts for the frailty phenotype in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, we investigated the structural neuroimaging predictors of frailty in mild AD patients to better elucidate the underlying pathophysiology. Methods: We recruited subjects who satisfied inclusion criteria from a clinical database of patients attending a tertiary hospital memory clinic between 2012 and 2017. AD patients with Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) 0.5 and 1.0 who had undergone MRI brain were included. Frailty Index (FI-CGA) was utilised for frailty assessment, and visual MRI rating scales were used by blinded raters to quantify the brain lesions. Results: A total of 342 mild AD patients with a mean age of 75.79 ± 7.18 were studied. A multivariate linear regression model adjusted for demographics, cognitive scores and functional status revealed only deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) but none other brain lesions to be significantly and positively correlated with FI-CGA (β = 0.178, SE = 0.047, p ≤ 0.001) This model which comprised age, CDR sum of boxes, basic activities of living and DWMH, accounted for 47.5% of the FI-CGA variance in the study population. Conclusions: The study has revealed DWMH to be independently associated with frailty in mild AD patients. With the current understanding of the aetiology of DWMH, control of vascular risk factors is vital to preventing and ameliorating frailty in patients with mild AD.
Nasofacial Anthropometric Study Among Nupe Ethnic Group, Nigeria

Anthropometry data of Nasofacial indices dimensions is vital in Nasofacial Surgery, Forensics Medicine and Diagnostic comprehension. This study is aimed at observing the variation of length and width of face and nose among Nupe Ethnic group of Katcha Local Government Area of Niger state. A cross sectional study was done on 400 colleges and secondary school students aged between 12-20years, using appropriate sampling method. The Nasal facial length and width were measured and recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS/16.0 software. The mean value of Facial index for the male and female Nupe subjects showed 70.2±0.61 and 69.1±0.53 with mean Nasal index of 90.87±0.42 and 90.3±0.584 indicating the dominance of hypereuryprosopic face type and platyrrine nose type. The difference in Facial and Nasal indices between male and female Nupe subjects was not statistically significant (p>0.05). These measurements in healthy subjects are useful for dysmorphologist in the early identification of some dysmorphic syndromes like cleft lip associated with nose disorders; it will also be relevant in Forensic Medicine, Rhinoplatsic Surgery and Physical Anthropology.
Prognostic values of transketolase family genes in ovarian cancer

Transketolase genes are key rate-limiting enzymes in the non-oxidative part of the pentose phosphate pathway, which is an important metabolic pathway in ribose-5-phosphate production. Three human transketolase genes have been identified: Transketolase (TKT), transketolase-like gene 1 (TKTL1) and transketolase-like gene 2 (TKTL2). Transketolase genes serve crucial roles in the tumorigenesis, metastasis and outcome of multiple types of cancer. However, the expression levels and prognostic values of transketolase family genes in patients with ovarian cancer remain unclear. The purpose of the study was to analyze the expression level and prognostic significance of transketolase family genes in ovarian cancer. In the present study, the mRNA expression levels of three transketolase genes in ovarian cancer and normal ovarian tissue were compared by Oncomine. The prognostic values of these genes were systemically assessed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. In addition, the associations between the mRNA levels of these transketolase genes and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with ovarian cancer, such as histological subtype, clinical stage, grade, tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutation status and chemotherapy history were studied. The prognostic roles of transketolase genes were also evaluated in a validation dataset. The results demonstrated that TKT and TKTL1 expression in ovarian cancer tissues was elevated compared with that in normal ovarian tissues. In addition, high mRNA expression of the three transketolase genes was identified to be associated with poorer progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with serous ovarian cancer, especially in patients at an advanced stage. TKTL2 was significantly associated with poor overall survival in all patients with ovarian cancer. Additionally, transketolase family genes served a role in predicting PFS in patients with ovarian cancer treated with platinum and/or taxol. High expression of the three transketolase genes was associated with unfavorable PFS in patients with TP53-mutated ovarian cancer, but not in patients with TP53 wild-type ovarian cancer. These results suggested that transketolase family genes may serve important roles in the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer.
Perceptions of the roles and skills of primary health care professionals: implications for innovative and sustainable rural primary health care delivery

A report completed by the Australian National Hospital and Health Care Reform Commission made recommendations for reform of the primary health care system, including the need to ensure health care organisation is underpinned by the inclusion of the views of all Australians and the sustainability of rural service delivery through innovative workforce models. Previous research has concluded that it is unrealistic to introduce new approaches to health care delivery, particularly in relation to workforce reform, without first understanding how patients perceive the current roles of primary health care professionals. This study explores the perceptions patients have of their rural primary health care professionals and explores the impact of this in relation to innovative approaches to achieve sustainable rural primary health care delivery. Aims and objectives: The key aim of this study is to explore individual patient perceptions of existing primary health care professionals (general practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals and ambulance paramedics) in four discrete rural and remote service locations (RRMA 5-7). The services represent the four main variants of primary health care delivery in north Queensland and include both GP and non-GP led models of care. The objectives are the identification and investigation of: (i) individual patient perceptions of existing health care professionals; and the perceptions of the PHC professionals themselves, in four rural communities; (ii) broad differences and similarities between rural patients' perceptions of PHC professionals and the key factors that contribute to these differences (with particular focus on the role of patient experience and the context of service delivery); (iii) patient perceptions of the broad archetypal views of the health care professions; and (iv) how these perceptions may impact on the development and introduction of innovative approaches to primary health care delivery. Methods: The study design has two stages: (i) development of detailed case study profiles for each of four health care services and rural communities; including in-depth interviews with a total of 16 primary health care professionals; and (ii) in-depth semi-structured interviews with 43 patients. Stage two is informed by findings from a review of the national and international literature relating to patient perceptions. Interviews explore perceptions of health care professionals from patients' 'lived experiences' of these roles. In addition, patient perceptions of primary health care profession stereotypes are also investigated. An adapted organisational change theory approach is used as the theoretical basis for data analysis. Data are managed using QSR NVivo7 software and emergent themes relating to patient perceptions of their primary health care professionals are compared and contrasted across all interviews. Findings are then explored in the context of the case study profiles.
Occupational therapy models for intervention with children and families

"Occupational Therapy Models for Intervention with Children and Families" explores recent theoretical models that enable occupational therapists to practice and interact with families in a more holistic and occupation-centered manner. This comprehensive and dynamic text offers the latest information on viewing the broader contexts of environment and family in order to meet diverse occupational needs in a range of settings. Edited by Sandee Dunbar, the text presents a variety of case scenarios that feature culturally diverse populations and varying diagnoses of children with occupational needs. With contributions from 11 renowned leaders in occupational therapy, this comprehensive text is designed to increase awareness and understanding of theoretical models and their relationship to current occupational therapy practice with today's children and families. Inside this dynamic text, traditional frames of reference in pediatric practice are explored, including Sensory Integration and Neurodevelopmental Therapy. Some current theoretical models discussed include the Model of Human Occupation, the Person-Environment-Occupation Model, the Ecology of Human Performance Model, and the Occupational Adaptation Model. Incorporated throughout the text is the new Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. Employing a practical approach to this significant aspect of pediatric practice in occupational therapy, "Occupational Therapy Models for Intervention with Children and Families" is an invaluable tool for students at all curriculum levels.
Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine : A Practical Introduction and Survival Guide

This is the first Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) book to introduce this complex imaging standard from a very practical point of view. It is aimed at a broad audience of radiologists, clinical administrators, information technologists, and digital medicine practitioners. It provides a gradual, down-to-earth introduction to DICOM and is accompanied by an analysis of the most common pitfalls and problems associated with its implementation. Whether you are running a teleradiology project or writing DICOM software, this book is for you; it will prepare you for any DICOM project or problem solving and will help you to take full advantage of this powerful tool.
A review of the role of platelet rich fibrin in healing and regenerative process and its use in orthopaedic surgery

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a naturally derived fibrin scaffold and second-generation platelet concentrate with great potential for promoting wound healing and the regenerative process via the secretion of different cytokines and growth factors, enhanced osteoblast adhesion, and augmentation of collagen protein expression. Given the significance of the scope of PRF in the field of orthopedic surgery, this study presents an overview for the role of PRF in the recovery and the regenerative process with emphasis on its rationale for use and outcome in orthopedic surgery. In conclusion, PRF offers a new dimension for clinical research with expanded range of potential applications in orthopedic surgery with a simpler preparation protocol, a stronger and more stable fibrin polymerization leading to a physiologic architecture, occurrence of natural clot formation allowing formation of a flexible and fine fibrin network and a continual and steady release of cytokines and growth factors, mimicking the requirements of the reparative tissue and wound healing processes.
The Relationship between Diagnostic Accuracy and Confidence in Medical Students.

Studies in psychology and clinical decision making have shown that research subjects and physicians are often overconfident in the accuracy of their judgments. In these studies, groups of 20 first-year and 27 third-year osteopathic medical students at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Athens) were slightly underconfident in their ability to classify artificially-generated abnormal heart rhythms, with good "calibration" at higher confidence levels. Evaluating individuals on "adjusted resolution," which provides an index of the ability to sort correct and incorrect diagnoses into different confidence levels, reveals a curvilinear relationship between diagnostic metacognition (adjusted resolution) and accuracy. The best metacognition was found in subjects achieving 70 to 85 percent diagnostic accuracy. Implications of these findings are discussed. Three figures illustrate the discussion, and an appendix contains a diagram of the decomposition of mean probability scores. (SLD) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************
Gender Differences in Importance of Stroke Health Beliefs in Timing of Seeking Treatment for Acute Stroke Symptoms

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN IMPORTANCE OF STROKE HEALTH BELIEFS IN TIMING OF SEEKING TREATMENT FOR ACUTE STROKE SYMPTOMS By Brenda S. Nyenhuis The purpose of this study was to describe gender differences in importance of stroke health beliefs in timing of seeking treatment for acute stroke symptoms. The data came from a larger study titled ‘Discovering Factors Related to the Timing o f Seeking Health Care for Acute Stroke Symptoms” (ODonnell, Roberts, Ruhlandt, & Baer, 1999). The current study included 51 subjects who were asked to rate the importance o f 13 belief statements on their decision to seek treatment. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was the conceptual framework for this study. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and Mann-Whitney U. There were no significant differences between gender and importance of perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived barriers, or knowledge, in the stroke victim’s timing to seek treatment. Although females have higher morbidity and mortality rates, no statistical difference was found between beliefs and timing to seek treatment. Dedication I want to thank my family and friends for all their love and support as I reached for my goal. A special thank you to Denise, Karen, Mary, and Nadine for their daily words of encouragement and to my husband Jeff for being there for me through three years of school.
Multifidus Muscle Size and Atrophy Among Dancers With and Without Low Back Pain

Multifidus Muscle Size and Atrophy Among Dancers With and Without Low Back Pain Alyssa Smyres Department of Exercise Sciences, BYU Master of Science Design: A single-blinded, cross-sectional observational study. Objectives: Examine muscle cross-sectional area and symmetry of the lumbar multifidus muscle in elite ballroom dancers with and without low back pain (LBP). Background: The prevalence of LBP among elite ballroom dancers is high and at Brigham Young University is 57%. Previous research has linked lumbar multifidus muscle atrophy to low back pain; however this relationship has not been examined in ballroom dancers. Methods and Measures: Lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area was assessed at rest on the right and left side at levels L1-L5. Thirty-seven subjects (age 24 ± 3.2 years; height, 172.8 ± 11.3 cm; mass, 54.6 ± 4.5 kg) were divided into one of three groups. Participants who reported LBP severe enough to interfere with dance training and daily living were allocated to the LBP group (reported pain at rest, during dance, and following dance) (n=15). Subjects who reported LBP that was not strong enough to interfere with training and daily living were allocated to the minimal pain group (reported pain during dance and following dance) (n= 6). And those who reported no back pain were put into the no pain group (n=16). Results: There were no significant difference in demographics between the groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in multifidus cross-sectional area (P = .437). Asymmetry was found in all groups with the left side being larger than the right (P < .002). Conclusion: This study provides new information on lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area in elite ballroom dancers. Future research needs to examine other causes of LBP in elite ballroom dancers in an attempt to decrease LBP in these athletes.
Impact of different blood sampling techniques on plasma biomarkers for skeletal myopathy in conscious rats

To characterize variability of various musculoskeletal biomarkers by different blood sampling techniques in conscious rats, plasma asparate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and its isoenzymes, fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3), myosin light chain 3 (Myl3) and microRNA (miR-133a) obtained by jugular venipuncture (C-JV) or tail venipuncture (C-TV) were compared with those obtained by jugular venipuncture (A-JV) in isoflurane-anesthetized rats. Plasma CK, FABP3 and Myl3, especially when collected by C-TV, were higher with larger variability than when collected by A-JV, whereas miR-133a displayed large variability in all techniques. Interestingly, higher CK obtained by C-JV or C-TV was largely attributable to higher CK-MM or CK-BB, respectively. Handling and restraint stress were identified as possible factors contributing to larger variability for CK, FABP3 and Myl3. A close correlation between CK and FABP3 was demonstrated both in the C-JV and C-TV techniques. Next, we evaluated the impact of C-JV and C-TV techniques for detecting skeletal myopathy in 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine-treated rats. In this model, CK and CK-MM obtained by C-TV were significantly increased, but those obtained by C-JV were not modified. In contrast, AST, FABP3, Myl3 and miR-133a obtained by both techniques were drastically elevated to a similar extent. The results suggest that, in conscious rats, the tail venipuncture technique may be more appropriate to detect skeletal myopathy despite the higher variability with this technique than with the jugular venipuncture technique. Furthermore, FABP3, Myl3 and miR-133a may serve as more sensitive biomarkers with large signal-to-noise ratios regardless of the blood sampling technique in conscious rats.