Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIETARY SUPPLEMENT USE AND JOINT FUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SELF-REPORTED KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Relationship between Dietary Supplement Use and Joint Function in Individuals with SelfReported Knee Osteoarthritis By Nimmi Biju Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the number one musculoskeletal disorder in the developed world and it ranks among the top problems of the health care systems in developed countries. In the United States more than 13% of persons aged 55 to 64 years and more than 17% of those aged 65 to 74 years have OA-related pain and disability. This imposes an enormous economic burden, with total costs attributable to arthritis in 1997 estimated at $86 billion. It is projected tat by the year 2020; approximately 18.2% of Americans will be affected by arthritis disorders equaling 60 million people. Persons with knee and other joint pain often take over-the-counter nutritional supplements available in grocery stores, in drug stores, or online for treatment of their joint pain. There are numerous biological mechanisms by which nutritional factors may exert favorable influences on pathophysiological processes in osteoarthritis. Methods: A total of 63 subjects, between the ages of 46 –68 participated in this study. Subjects were recruited regardless of sex, ethnicity and race. A health and medical history questionnaire was completed by the participants. Study participants also filled out vitamin/mineral supplement use questionnaire, physical activity questionnaire and the pain assessment questionnaire. Anthropometric data including height, weight and body composition were also recorded. Results: Results indicated that men tended to take slightly more supplements than women. Women tended to experience higher pain intensity characteristics than males. Hence the perceived effect of using different supplements in reducing pain may be greater in males than females. However, there is no significant decrease on pain parameters in male and female subjects. There was also no significant difference in the values of flexion and abduction in either knee across the genders when corrected for supplement use levels. Conclusion: Our study findings indicate that dietary supplements may not be effective in the treatment of pain or joint flexibility related to self-reported knee osteoarthritis.
Use of pressure-regulated volume control in the first 48 hours of hospitalization of mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis or septic shock, with or without ARDS

Purpose To evaluate the impact of pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC/VC+) use on delivered tidal volumes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or at risk for ARDS. Materials and methods Retrospective study of mechanically ventilated adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Results A total of 272 patients were divided into patients with recognized ARDS, patients without ARDS, and patients with unrecognized ARDS. Over 90% of patients were ventilated with PRVC on admission, resulting in delivered tidal volumes significantly higher than set tidal volumes among all groups at all time points, even after ARDS recognition (p < 0.001). Tidal volumes were lower for patients with pulmonary sepsis as compared to those with a nonpulmonary origin (p < 0.001). Conclusions Using PRVC promotes augmented delivered tidal volumes, often in excess of 6 mL/kg ideal body weight. Correct recognition of ARDS and having pulmonary sepsis improves compliance with low-stretch protocol ventilation.
Neuromuscular impairments to flexibility and strength in adults with muscular dystrophy : acute response to physiotherapy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a set of progressive muscle wasting conditions characterised by progressive muscle weakness and limited range of motion (ROM). Current evidence of these clinical features, their associations and impacts on quality of life (QoL) are however, largely focussed on children with Duchenne MD (DMD). By comparison, quantified evidence of these features remains limited in adults with Becker’s MD (BMD), Limb-Girdle MD (LGMD) and Facioscapulohumeral MD (FSHD), and unreported in adults with DMD. Current guidance on living with MD encourages physical activity (PA) and physiotherapy as methods to maintain health and function, however the understanding of PA and the effectiveness of physiotherapy, remains limited in its reporting in adults with MD. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to quantify lower limb strength and ankle ROM in adults with MD, identify the associations of these clinical features and the impact of muscle weakness on QoL, measure the effectiveness of physiotherapy on ROM, and quantify the progression of muscle weakness, in adults with MD. Healthy adult controls (CTRL) were shown to have greater maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of plantar-flexion (PFMVC) and knee extension (KEMVC), ROM measures of passive ROM (ROMPassive) and active ROM (ROMActive) than adults with DMD (75%, 92%, 66%, 82%), BMD (51%, 41%, 34%. 55%), LGMD (58%, 53%, 45%, 60%) and FSHD (35%, 25%, 35%, 56%). KEMVC and PFMVC were positively associated with 10m walk time in ambulant adults with MD (r= 0.484 and r= 0.502), and PFMVC was associated with ROMActive in all adults with MD (r= 0.376-.750). Strength (KEMVC) was positively associated with only two domains of QoL, in BMD (r= 0.544 and r= 0.609). By comparison, activities of daily living (positively), self-efficacy (positively), pain (negatively) and fatigue (negatively) were more consistently associated with QoL in adults with MD. The stiffness properties of the Gastrocnemius Medialis (r= -0.494) and muscle tendon unit (MTU) (r= -0.464) were both negatively associated with ROMPassive in BMD and DMD, respectively. Physiotherapy was shown as effective for acutely improving ROMPassive (19%) and decreasing MTU stiffness (-27%), in adults with DMD. PA was shown to explain both the variance in 10m walk time in ambulant adults with MD (R2 = 0.540), and the change in lower limb strength over 12 months in adults with BMD (PFMVC, R2 = 0.585; KEMVC, R2 = 0.532). Change in lower limb muscle strength in adults with DMD was reported as -19% PFMVC and -14% KEMVC per year. Evidence from this thesis suggests in ambulant adults with MD PA is an important measure to promote to help maintain lower limb strength and function. While in non-ambulant adults with MD a shift in focus to measures of pain and fatigue is required, and that there is some benefit from physiotherapy on the ROMPassive of the ankle in DMD, likely due to reductions in the stiffness properties of the MTU.
Comparative evaluation of the physicochemical properties of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen and natural bone ceramic/collagen scaffolds and their osteogenesis-promoting effect on MC3T3-E1 cells

Abstract The use of various types of calcium phosphate has been reported in the preparation of repairing materials for bone defects. However, the physicochemical and biological properties among them might be vastly different. In this study, we prepared two types of calcium phosphates, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) and natural bone ceramic (NBC), into 3D scaffolds by mixing with type I collagen (CoL), resulting in the nHA/CoL and NBC/CoL scaffolds. We then evaluated and compared the physicochemical and biological properties of these two calcium phosphates and their composite scaffold with CoL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and compressive tests were used to, respectively, characterize the morphology, composition, distribution and the effect of nHA and NBC to collagen. Next, we examined the biological properties of the scaffolds using cytotoxicity testing, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, biocompatibility testing, CCK-8 assays and RT-PCR. The results reflected that the Ca2+ released from nHA and NBC could bind chemically with collagen and affect its physicochemical properties, including the infrared absorption spectrum and compression modulus, among others. Furthermore, the two kinds of scaffolds could promote the expression of osteo-relative genes, but showed different gene induction properties. In short, NBC/CoL could promote the expression of early osteogenic genes, while nHA/CoL could upregulate late osteogenic genes. Conclusively, these two composite scaffolds could provide MC3T3-E1 cells with a biomimetic surface for adhesion, proliferation and the formation of mineralized extracellular matrices. Moreover, nHA/CoL and NBC/CoL had different effects on the period and extent of MC3T3-E1 cell mineralization.
Evaluation of Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake and Risk Factors Knowledge: Health Beliefs Model (HBM)

Background: Even though 20 million women are eligible for cervical screening in Ethiopia only less than 1% of women are screened. Part of the explanation for the low uptake of cervical cancer (CC) screening could be rooted women`s health beliefs and inadequate knowledge of risk factors. Objectives: To assess women health beliefs on CC screening and CC risk factors knowledge who visited Sister Aklesia Memorial Hospital (SAMH) for any medical reasons in Adama town, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted and a total of 412 women participated between September and
Weight-Based Enoxaparin Achieves Adequate Anti-Xa Levels More Often in Trauma Patients: A Prospective Study

Background Previous research demonstrates that twice-daily enoxaparin is inadequate for venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis in critically ill trauma patients prompting dose adjustment based on anti-Xa levels. Most studies evaluate peak anti-Xa levels; however, data suggest that trough levels are associated with decreased VTE. We evaluated trough anti-Xa levels in noncritically ill trauma patients receiving fixed or weight-based enoxaparin. Methods Peak and trough anti-Xa levels were prospectively collected from patients receiving at least 3 consecutive doses of enoxaparin (PRE). A performance improvement project prompted a change to weight-based dosing. Peak and trough levels were subsequently prospectively collected from the weight-based group (POST). Adequate peak was defined as ≥0.2 IU/mL and adequate trough as ≥0.1 IU/mL. PRE and POST groups were compared. Results 200 patients were evaluated (100 PRE, 100 POST). In the PRE group, only 34% of trough and 61% of peak anti-Xa levels were adequate compared with 82% and 97%, respectively, in the POST group (P < .01). Median trough improved from 0.07 IU/mL to 0.2 IU/mL (P < .01). Median peak improved from 0.22 IU/mL to 0.47 IU/mL (P < .01). More patients achieved adequate peak and trough levels in the POST group (79% vs 31%, P < .01). 95% of patients with adequate troughs also had adequate peaks, whereas 75% with adequate peaks had adequate troughs. Discussion Traditional enoxaparin dosing in noncritically ill trauma patients results in suboptimal anti-Xa levels. Weight-based enoxaparin improves both trough and peak anti-Xa levels obviating dose adjustment. Furthermore, troughs better predict adequate anti-Xa levels.
Small molecule-based drug design of anticancer agents that target protein kinase B/ AKT, Bcl-xL and DNA methyltransferases for the treatment of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. So far, several mechanisms have been identified by which androgen-independent prostate cancer can develop, including constitutively active AKT pathway, overexpression of Bcl-xL and hypermethylation of tumor suppressor and caretaker genes, such as RASSF1A and GSTP1. In this dissertation research, we have developed three classes of anticancer agents that target the AKT signaling pathway, Bcl-xL, and DNA methyltransferases based on small molecules as our molecular templates. In terms of targeting the AKT pathway, we examined the antiproliferative effect of our lead compound doxazosin, our pharmacological study revealed that doxazosin’s apoptotic effect was mediated, in part, through the down-regulation of phospho-AKT. Therefore, a systematic modification of doxazosin was carried out yielding the optimal compounds 33 and 44 which exhibited an order of magnitude improvement in antiproliferative potency. Development of the Bcl-xL inhibitor arose from our attempt to develop non-nucleoside DNA hypomethylating agents based on procainamide and procaine as molecular templates. However, the antiproliferative effects of these procainamide derivatives in PC-3 cells could not be attributed to the alteration of DNA methylation
Scoring System to Stratify Malignancy Risks for Mammographic Microcalcifications Based on Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 5th Edition Descriptors

Objective To develop a scoring system stratifying the malignancy risk of mammographic microcalcifications using the 5th edition of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). Materials and Methods One hundred ninety-four lesions with microcalcifications for which surgical excision was performed were independently reviewed by two radiologists according to the 5th edition of BI-RADS. Each category's positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated and a scoring system was developed using multivariate logistic regression. The scores for benign and malignant lesions or BI-RADS categories were compared using an independent t test or by ANOVA. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was assessed to determine the discriminatory ability of the scoring system. Our scoring system was validated using an external dataset. Results After excision, 69 lesions were malignant (36%). The PPV of BI-RADS descriptors and categories for calcification showed significant differences. Using the developed scoring system, mean scores for benign and malignant lesions or BI-RADS categories were significantly different (p < 0.001). The AUROC of our scoring system was 0.874 (95% confidence interval, 0.840–0.909) and the PPV of each BI-RADS category determined by the scoring system was as follows: category 3 (0%), 4A (6.8%), 4B (19.0%), 4C (68.2%), and 5 (100%). The validation set showed an AUROC of 0.905 and PPVs of 0%, 8.3%, 11.9%, 68.3%, and 94.7% for categories 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5, respectively. Conclusion A scoring system based on BI-RADS morphology and distribution descriptors could be used to stratify the malignancy risk of mammographic microcalcifications.
Protective effect of dexpanthenol on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Aim: We evaluated the protective effects of dexpanthenol (Dxp) in rats with gentamicin (Genta)-induced nephrotoxicity by assessing a panel of biochemical and histopathologic parameters. Material Methods: Forty rats were divided randomly into the following four groups: Control group, physiological saline solution (0.5 cc intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 8 days; Dxp group, Dxp (500 mg/kg i.p.) for 8 days; Genta group, Genta (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 8 days; and Genta+Dxp group, Gent a and Dxp (100 and 500 mg/kg i.p., respectively) for 8 days. Results: TIn the Genta group, the urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher and the catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were significantly lower than those in the control group. In the Genta+Dxp group, the urea, creatinine, and TNF-α, TOS, OSI and MDA levels were significantly lower and the CAT and GSH-Px activities were significantly higher than those in the Genta group. Histopathological investigation showed severe tubular necrosis in the Genta group, which was of lesser severity in the Genta+Dxp group. Conclusion: The biochemical and histopathologic results of this study indicate that Dxp can ameliorate Genta-induced nephrotoxicity.
Complete response rates with lenalidomide plus rituximab for untreated indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

8036 Background: The optimal treatment for newly diagnosed indolent non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) has not been determined. While several combination chemotherapy regimens have response rates approaching 90%, toxicity is common with genotoxic drugs. Lenalidomide has been shown to have single-agent activity in indolent NHL, and is approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. Rituximab is effective alone and in combination with chemotherapy for indolent NHL. The aim of this phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide and rituximab in patients (pts) with untreated, stage III/IV, indolent NHL. Methods: Pts with measurable (>1.5 cm) untreated indolent NHL received 20 mg/day of lenalidomide on days 1-21 and rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 1 of each 28 day cycle for up to 6 cycles. Response was assessed after 3 and 6 cycles using the International Working Group Response Criteria. Results: At the time of this report, initial planned accrual of 30 patients was com.
"PRECLINICAL" AND "CLINICAL" EVIDENCE

Most of the pages in Pediatrics are reserved for original descriptions of a wide variety of phenomena which interest those concerned with the health of children. Advanced technics of biologic investigation are used increasingly to study these natural events in minute detail and at various levels (often subcellular) of organization. As a result, readers are now presented with much basic ("preclinical") evidence which provides the foundation for improved understanding of many outstanding problems in clinical pediatrics. Since there has been some discussion about the apportionment of space in Pediatrics between "preclinical" and "clinical" reports, it is appropriate to comment on some aspects of this particularly artificial dichotomy.
The Quality Of Evidence In Preclinical Medical Education Literature: A Systematic Review

Introduction To practice effective evidence-based teaching, the need for well-designed studies that describe outcomes related to educational interventions is critical. The quality of the literate in basic science disciplines is unknown. The study objective was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess study design in articles describing innovations in preclinical medical education. Method The authors searched PubMed for all articles published in English between 2000 and 2017 describing interventions in preclinical medical education related to anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Articles were scored using a modification of the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Results Of the 817 articles identified, 177 met final inclusion criteria (75 anatomy, 86 physiology, and 16 biochemistry). Laboratory, student-driven, and online activities were the most frequently reported. The average score for all papers was 15.7 (27 points possible). More than 80% reported experiences with one cohort of students and >97% involved only one institution. Only 25–49% of reports utilized a comparison (control) group. Proper statistical models for analysis of results were used in only 44–62% of papers. Conclusion Manuscripts had a strong tendency toward single institutional studies that involved one cohort of students. The use of a control/comparison group when assessing effectiveness was seen in <50% and nearly all reported outcomes solely in the form of student satisfaction or factual recall/skill performance.
Preliminary Findings of a Dedicated Ocular Myasthenia Gravis Rating Scale: The OMGRate

ABSTRACT There is a pressing need for a robust rating scale for ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). Rating scales for myasthenia gravis (MG) research have a predominant focus on generalised disease. We present results of the first dedicated rating scale for OMG: the ocular myasthenia gravis rating scale (OMGRate). The OMGRate was developed through an international collaboration between neuromuscular and neuro-ophthalmology experts in OMG. It comprises two components: a physician- examination (OMGRate-e) and a patient questionnaire (OMGRate-q). The OMGRate was prospectively validated in patients attending a neuro-ophthalmology clinic from April 2017 to October 2018. External validity and reliability of OMGRate were evaluated using validated MG rating scales: the Myasthenia Gravis Composite (MGC), the Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life (MG-QOL), and the ocular component from the Myasthenia Gravis Impairment Index questionnaire (MGII). Two hundred and eleven assessments were completed in 104 patients (67 males, mean age 55 y, range 18–86 y). There was very good external validity of the OMGRate: good correlation between OMGRate-e and MGC (r = 0.64, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.54–0.74, p < .0001); excellent correlation between OMGRate-q and MGII (r = 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.91, p < .0001) and good correlation between OMGRate and MG-QOL (r = 0.68, 95% CI 0.60–0.77, p < .0001). A higher correlation of OMGRate and MG-QOL compared with MGC and MG-QOL (r = 0.47, 95% CI 0.34–0.59, p < .0001) suggests that OMGRate is better able to capture significant QOL information in patients with OMG. It had excellent reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.83 (95% CI 0.67–0.92). Feedback from examiners and patients indicated that the OMGRate was easy to use. In conclusion, OMGRate is an easy-to-use, valid and reliable rating scale for monitoring the severity of OMG.
Social Deprivation of Newborn Rats Modifies Exploratory and Defensive Behavior at Mature Age

The effect of complete social deprivation in early postnatal ontogenesis on adult behavior in Wag/Rij rats with a genetic predisposition to the development of absence epilepsy was studied. From the 2nd to the 8th day of life, a 3-hour daily isolation of the pups from the mother and siblings was performed, the control animals were handled. In adulthood, offspring behavior was tested in an elevated plus-maze, an open field, and for an ability to learn the conditioned reflex of active avoidance. In isolated earlier rats, an increase in emotional reactivity, exploratory behavior in a potentially dangerous space, the speed of learning a conditioned reflex with negative painful reinforcement, and a disturbance of the formation of a defensive reaction were revealed. It is assumed that high emotional reactivity creates the prerequisites for the development of absence epilepsy.