Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acyclovir and famciclovir in the management of herpes zoster.

BACKGROUND Over the years, acyclovir has been the oral antiviral agent approved for the treatment of patients with acute herpes zoster,Its effectiveness in lessening the acute signs and symptoms of herpes zoster has been established but the effects on post herpetic neuralgia are less clear cut. Famciclovir is a new member of guanine nucleoside family of drugs. It is a well absorbed oral form of penciclovir with longer half life. This was a open comparative randomized study carried out to compare the safety and efficacy of famciclovir administered at 250mg thrice daily with acyclovir 800mg five times daily for the treatment of acute uncomplicated herpes zoster in immunocompetent individuals aged above 40 years. AIM To assess the clinical profile of Herpes zoster, compare the efficacy and safety of acyclovir and famciclovir in the treatment of herpes zoster and to describe the effectiveness of acyclovir and famciclovir preventing post herpetic neuralgia. METHODS A total of 100 newly zoster were randomized in 1:1 ratio into acyclovir and famciclovir groups after inclusion criteria were satisfied.Treatment was initiated within 72 hrs of onset of symptoms and was continued for 7 days and evaluated at the end of each week up to six weeks period for full crusting of the lesions, complete healing of the lesion and loss of acute pain. RESULTS It was observed that famciclovir was as effective as acyclovir with no significant difference in time taken for full crusting, complete healing of lesions or loss of acute pain. Famciclovir was well tolerated with a better safety profile comparable to that of acyclovir. Constipation, headache, nausea and vomiting were the most commonly reported adverse effects, but constipation was considered to have a possible relationship to treatment. CONCLUSION In conclusion, oral famciclovir administered three times daily for 7 days during acute zoster infection is as effective as acyclovir, administered 800mg five times daily.In addition it offers significant benefit by providing a well tolerated, cost effective, convenient dosage regime and accelerated rate of lesion resolution and a reduced duration of PHN.
Estimation of Recent Transmission of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Strains among Iranian and Afghan Immigrants: A Cluster-Based Study.

BACKGROUND Iran has extended borders with high-TB burden countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan) and immigrations of these populations influences TB distribution in the region and threatens the control strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of recent TB transmission among Iranian and Afghan cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Spoligotyping and 15-locus variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) typing were applied to genotype 102 MTB isolates (2009 to 2010). Phylogenetic relationships were analysed by two methods: a cluster-graph method and a minimum spanning tree (MST) method. Furthermore, evaluation of recent TB transmission was assessed with three indices including, RTIn, RTIn-1 and TMI. RESULTS Using molecular typing, 35 different spoligotypes were detected among the studied isolates. Seventy seven cases (75.4%) were distributed into 10 clusters and the remaining 25 (24.5%) isolates had a unique pattern. The cluster sizes also ranged from 2 to 21 isolates. The most frequent spoligotype in our populations belong to Haarlem (n=30, 29.4%) followed by CAS (n= 29, 28.4%) and Beijing (n=16, 15.6%) lineages. The used indices give the following values: RTIn = 0.75, RTIn-1 = 0.65 and TMI = 0.24. CONCLUSION The low rate of TB transmission in our findings (24%) showed that the mode of TB transmission in Iran is mostly associated with reactivation of a previous TB infection and that recently a transmitted disease has a minor role. However, the increasing incidence of the intra-community transmission in recent years highlights the need for establishing new strategies for control of TB.
The Effect of Training and Behavioral Therapy Recommendations on Smoking Cessation (A Report of the First " Smoking Cessation Clinic" in Iran)

Background: Cigarette smoking is considered as the commonest preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: The present study shows that over a 2- year period, a total of 743smokers have been registered in monthly therapeutic and training courses of Smoking Cessation Clinic. They have received audio-visual training and behavioral therapy. For Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), nicotine dependence of the patients was assessed by Fagrostrom Tolerance Test in the beginning of each course. Results: The test scores of 170 people (31.2%) were less than 7 (low nicotine dependence), and 376 individuals (68.8%) had scores of 7 or more (high nicotine dependence). At the end of the course, 90% from the first group and 87.5% from the second group had successfully quitted smoking. In the above-mentioned groups, 23.5% from the first group and 48.9% from the second one received not only behavioral therapy but also NRT. However, it is noteworthy that all the smokers with respect to the training provided during the course were prescribed NRT while its usage was up to the patient. This means that half of the second group (51.1%) had succeeded to quit smoking only by means of education and behavioral therapy without any NRT. Conclusion: The role of this kind of training in implementing smoking cessation program is essential. (Tanaffos 2003; 2(6): 39-44)
Antiplaque Efficacy of Lemongrass Oil Mouthwash – An in-vitro Study

M anipal University Madhav Na gar, Manipal Ab stract - De ntal plaque is one of the etiologic factors in gingival and periodontal disease. Considering the uses of lemongrass oil the aim of the present study was to find out the antiplaque property in vitro. Pooled saliva was put into the tissue culture plates and incubated for 72 hours for plaque. Each of the 4 wells were treated differently with using disclosing agent, lemongrass oil mouthwash( 0.25 % & 0.5%), distilled water, glodent tooth paste slurry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. The results showed that the lemongrass oil mouthwash at both the concentration showed reduction in the plaque better than that of chlorhexidine. The glodent toothpaste slurry reduced the plaue to a lesser extent to that of both lemongrass oil and chlorhexidine mouthwash. The present study concluded that the lemongrass oil mouthwash can be used as an adjunct to the mechanical oral hygiene. K eywords : Le mongrass oil, chlorhexidine, disclosing agent, distilled water, antiplaque, antibacterial, antibiofilm, tissue culture plate, micropipette, Lamda max. GJMR-L Classification : NLMC Code: WB 350,WU 158, WU 113, WU 101.5
Study of morbidity profile of a rural population in Tamil Nadu.

OBJECTIVE To identify the reported morbidity profile of people according to age, gender and organ system affected using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding, in a demographically defined area in Tamil Nadu in order to identify their health care needs and to plan appropriate interventions strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a-cross sectional study using a convenience sample of 12308 persons sceened from the 41 panchayat units of the Kattankulathur block, comprising 90 villages with a population of about 2,00,890, over a period of one year. Diagnosis made were coded using ICD 10 version and data collected was analysed by appropriate statistical methods to explain the distribution of morbidity profile among the study population. RESULT Out of total, 38.1% screened were males and 61.9% were females. Underfives were 5.3%, school going children 43.3%, adults 39.2% and elderly 12.3%. Majority had illness affecting respiratory system (20%), 'symptoms and signs' (19%), musculo-skeletal system (16.1%) and digestive system(11.9%). 'Symptoms and signs' classification, is a group of conditions which is of nonspecific diseases, signs, symptoms, abnormal findings and complaints, apart from the system specific conditions diagnosed properly and not elsewhere classified, More males were affeced with respiratory, digestive and illnesses with 'symptoms and signs' while more women were affected with musculo-skeletal problems. Only 9.7 % of patients reported with non-communicable diseases. Among them, 55 % women and 42.3 % men had osteoarthritis and 15.7 % women and 21.3 % men had cataract. About 15.8 % women and 18.1 % men had hypertension and other heart diseases while 9.7 % women and 8.4 % men had diabetes and 10.0 % men and 3.9 % women had chronic respiratory diseases. CONCLUSION School going children and adults have higher levels of morbidity when compared to elderly and under five children. More females reported with illness but morbidity was found to be higher among males. The burden of illness increased with age. Acute ailments were responsible for high morbidity among children, while chronic ailments caused high morbidity among the elderly.
Radiation attenuation of boron doped clay for 662, 1173 and 1332 keV gamma rays

Background: Radiation shielding properties is an important for a material wish can be used the photon attenuation coefficients of clay produced using different rate of boron have been measured for the purpose of radioactive waste disposal. Materials and Methods: The measurement has been performed using gamma spectrometer contains NaI (Tl) detector at the photon energies of 662, 1173 and 1332 keV. The mean free path and transmission rate of the samples were also obtained. Results: From the measurement of linear attenuation coefficients it was found that using boron in the clay increased the linear attenuation coefficients. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this work that the boron is effective to shield radiation and it can be used for storing of nuclear waste. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2011; 9(1): 37­40
Clinical significance of postprandial hyperglycemia

This review will summarize evidence that postprandial hyperglycemia (1) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease; (2) increases earlier and faster than fasting plasma glucose levels; and (3) contributes more to HbA1c levels than fasting hyperglycemia when HbA1c levels approach target values and, therefore, is the rate‐limiting factor for achieving optimal glycemic control. Finally, treatment recommendations will be presented. Drug Dev. Res. 67:587–590, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stroke unit care, inpatient rehabilitation and early supported discharge

ABSTRACT Stroke units reduce death and disability through the provision of specialist multidisciplinary care for diagnosis, emergency treatments, normalisation of homeostasis, prevention of complications, rehabilitation and secondary prevention. All stroke patients can benefit from provision of high-quality basic medical care and some need high impact specific treatments, such as thrombolysis, that are often time dependent. A standard patient pathway should include assessment of neurological impairment, vascular risk factors, swallowing, fluid balance and nutrition, cognitive function, communication, mood disorders, continence, activities of daily living and rehabilitation goals. Good communication and shared decision making with patients and their families are key to high-quality stroke care. Patients with mild or moderate disability, who are medically stable, can continue rehabilitation at home with early supported discharge teams rather than needing a prolonged stay in hospital. National clinical guidelines and prospective audits are integral to monitoring and developing stroke services in the UK.
Effects of Weight Control Program on Dietary Habits and Blood Composition in Obese Middle-Aged Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of weight control program on dietary habits and blood com- position in obese middle-aged women. The program consisted of nutrition education, physical exercise and nutrition counseling was conducted for 12 weeks. Participants of the preliminary study were 255 obese women, among which 82 women participated in the nutrition education program. We evaluated the anthropometry, blood lipid profiles, dietary habits of obese women before and after the nutrition education. Dietary habits of the subjects were significantly im- proved in regularity of having breakfast (p < .05), the frequency of eating snack after dinner (p < .001), eating out (p < .01) and the speed of meal (p < .05) after the program. There was significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and systolic pressure of the subjects after nutrition education. Changes of atherogenic index and dias- tolic pressure were not significant, but had a tendency to decrease. All of the anthropometric outcomes except lean body mass such as BMI, percent body fat, fat mass, and WHR were significantly decreased after weight control program. These findings show that weight control program including nutrition education and counseling can improve dietary habits and weight control pattern, and lead the authors to recommend that public health organizations and dietetic pro- fessionals should educate obese women on practical strategies for an effective weight management. (Korean J Nutr 2010; 43(3): 273 ~ 284)
Effect of dexamethasone on osteoclast formation in the alveolar bone of rabbits

This study was planned to determine whether a short period dexamethasone treatment induce alveolar bone loss or not, therefore, twenty six male albino rabbits were divided into three groups as follow: Test groups I (10 rabbits) received 1.56 mg/kg dexamethasone intraperitoneal injection daily for two weeks, test group II (10 rabbits) received 3.12 mg/kg dexamethasone intraperitoneal injection daily, and the control group (6 rabbits) received saline solution for same period. The animals were sacrificed and histological sections were prepared from the alveolar bone of molar areas of mandible, as well as morphometric analysis of osteoclasts number was performed. The results showed a significant increase in the number of osteoclasts, which indicates that bone loss, is quite inevitable secondary to dexamethasone treatment even in a short period of treatment for two weeks. Keyword: Dexamethasone, Alveolar bone, Rabbit. Available online at http://www.vetmedmosul. org/ijvs
A group analysis evaluation of the class Insecta in terms of known materia medica

Group analysis of homoeopathic remedies is a relatively new methodology, linking naturally related substances via their common symptomatology. At its very basic level of understanding, it is an attempt to identify a mechanism for understanding groups of related remedies according to the natural classification of various sources used in homoeopathic practice (Scholten, 1993). This not only offers new aspects to well known remedies, but illuminates the smaller, less well known remedies, resulting in a more comprehensive and rounded understanding of the materia medica
Sonographically Guided High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the Management of Uterine Fibroids

High‐intensity focused ultrasound therapy has received increasing interest in the management of solid malignancies and benign tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging has always been used to define the target for controlling and monitoring the ablation. Recently, sonographically guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound has been introduced to monitor the ablation process. This article provides an overview of the background, clinical use, and treatment outcomes of sonographically guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of uterine fibroids.
ÉTUDE EXPÉRIMENTALE DE L'HYPERRÉFLEXIE TENDINEUSE EN CLINIQUE NEUROLOGIQUE

does not appear in the bibliography). One misses discussions of more modern techniques such as the use of radioactively labelled substances for studying, say, the morphogenesis of the nervous system. This 'outof-date' impression is strengthened by a look at the bibliography: one chapter chosen at random has 81 references to papers written before 1960 and 18 to papers written since then. Twelve pounds seems rather a lot to pay for a textbook which badly needs a new edition.
Reproductive effects of early neonatal exposure to genistein in Wistar rats

This chemical is one of the dietary phytoestrogens. Human genistein exposure comes primarily from the consumption of soy products. Human milk concentrations of the isoflavones genistein, daidzen, and their glycosides are very low (5 to 15 ng/ml) and although they can increase up to 10-fold when the lactating mother consumes soy foods (Frank et al., 1996), the daily intake by the infant of phytoestrogens from human milk is only 0.005 to 0.01 mg (Setchell et al., 1997). Genistein competes with estradiol for binding to the estrogen receptor, with a stronger affinity for the p than a receptor. Because of the weak estrogenic activity of isoflavones to that of 17P-estradiol) (Setchell et al., 1988), the dietary intake of phytoestrogens from human milk is unlikely to expert biological effects.
Effects of implementing electronic medical records on primary care billings and payments: a before-after study.

BACKGROUND Several barriers to the adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) by family physicians have been discussed, including the costs of implementation, impact on work flow and loss of productivity. We examined billings and payments received before and after implementation of EMRs among primary care physicians in the province of Ontario. We also examined billings and payments before and after switching from a fee-for-service to a capitation payment model, because EMR implementation coincided with primary care reform in the province. METHODS We used information from the Electronic Medical Record Administrative Data Linked Database (EMRALD) to conduct a retrospective before-after study. The EMRALD database includes EMR data extracted from 183 community-based family physicians in Ontario. We included EMRALD physicians who were eligible to bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan at least 18 months before and after the date they started using EMRs and had completed a full 18-month period before Mar. 31, 2011, when the study stopped. The main outcome measures were physicians' monthly billings and payments for office visits and total annual payments received from all government sources. Two index dates were examined: the date physicians started using EMRs and were in a stable payment model (n = 64) and the date physicians switched from a fee-for-service to a capitation payment model (n = 42). RESULTS Monthly billings and payments for office visits did not decrease after the implementation of EMRs. The overall weighted mean annual payment from all government sources increased by 27.7% after the start of EMRs among EMRALD physicians; an increase was also observed among all other primary care physicians in Ontario, but it was not as great (14.4%). There was a decline in monthly billings and payments for office visits after physicians changed payment models, but an increase in their overall annual government payments. INTERPRETATION Implementation of EMRs by primary care physicians did not result in decreased billings or government payments for office visits. Further economic analyses are needed to measure the effects of EMR implementation on productivity and the costs of implementing an EMR system, including the costs of nonclinical work by physicians and their staff.
Patterns of use for brand-name versus generic oral bisphosphonate drugs in Ontario over a 13-year period: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND Bisphosphonates are the first-line therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis. In the province of Ontario, the Ontario Drug Benefit Program funds medications for patients aged 65 years and older. The Ontario Drug Benefit Program has a generic substitution policy that requires lower-cost generic drugs to be dispensed when they are available. However, there is controversy surrounding the efficacy and tolerability of generic bisphosphonates. The objective of this study was to describe patterns in the use of brand-name versus generic formulations when dispensing oral bisphosphonate over a 13-year period. METHODS We identified all osteoporotic preparations for alendronate and risedronate that were dispensed through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program from 2001 to 2014. We stratified our sample into community-dwelling residents and residents in long-term care facilities. The number of prescriptions dispensed per month were plotted to illustrate trends over time. RESULTS We found a rapid switch from brand-name to generic bisphosphonate equivalents immediately after the generic became available on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary, with generics accounting for > 88% of dispensed drug within 2 months. We also observed a reduction in the number of generic drugs dispensed each time a new brand-name alternative (e.g., monthly risedronate, weekly alendronate plus vitamin D) was introduced to the formulary. The dispensing trends were similar in the community and long-term care settings. INTERPRETATION The Ontario Drug Benefit Program generic substitution policy resulted in rapid uptake of generic oral bisphosphonates among seniors in Ontario. However, there was a switch away from generic medications to new brand-name alternatives whenever they were introduced to the formulary. Therefore, some patients continued to use brand-name bisphosphonate despite the availability of generic options.
The domus philosophy: A comparative evaluation of a new approach to residential care for the demented elderly

This study reports a cross‐sectional comparison between three continuing care facilities for severely disturbed elderly demented people: two mental hospital psychogeriatric wards and a unit run according to the domus philosophy of care. The domus was characterized by greater expectations for residents' functioning, policy choice, resident control and availability of social and recreational activities. The level of staffing was higher on the domus than on the two wards. The residents on the three settings were broadly comparable with regard to age, diagnosis, length of stay, objectively assessed cognitive impairment and depression, but the domus residents were rated by the staff as less disabled in self‐care tasks, orientation and communication. Direct non‐participant observation using the Short Observation Method demonstrated significantly higher levels of activities and staff‐resident interaction on the domus compared to the hospital wards. There were no differences between the settings with regard to staff absenteeism, job turnover or psychological impairment, but the domus staff expressed higher levels of job satisfaction. These findings are discussed in the context of the limitations of study design and method.
Assessing Pharmacokinetics of Different Doses of Fosfomycin in Laboratory Rats Enables Adequate Exposure for Pharmacodynamic Models

Fosfomycin has been the subject of numerous pharmacodynamic in vivo models in recent years. The present study set out to determine fosfomycin pharmacokinetics in laboratory rats to enable adequate dosing regimens in future rodent models. Fosfomycin was given intraperitoneally as single doses of 75, 200 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight to 4 Sprague-Dawley rats per dose group. Blood samples were collected over 8 h and fosfomycin concentrations were determined by HPLC-mass spectrometry. Fosfomycin showed a dose-proportional pharmacokinetic profile indicated by a correlation of 0.99 for maximum concentration and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). The mean AUC0-8 after intraperitoneal administration of 75, 200 or 500 mg/kg bodyweight fosfomycin were 109.4, 387.0 and 829.1 µg·h/ml, respectively. In conclusion, a dosing regimen of 200-500 mg/kg 3 times daily is appropriate to obtain serum concentrations in laboratory rats, closely mimicking human serum concentrations over time.