Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CZT SPECT imaging for cardiac sympathetic innervation in healthy individuals and patients with atrial fibrillation

Background ― Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) solid-state detectors have been recently introduced in the field of nuclear medicine in cardiology. The aim of the current study was to investigate the scintigraphic patterns of total uptake and the regional distribution of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (I-mIBG) in healthy volunteers and patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) using a gamma camera equipped CZT detectors. Material and Methods ― The total number of included subjects was 30 (15 patients with a paroxysmal form of AF and 15 healthy volunteers). Using a novel single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) cardiac dedicated gamma camera equipped CZTdetectors the scintigraphy was performed 15 minutes and 4 hours after intravenous administration of norepinephrine structural analogue I-mIBG. Thus, data from early and delayed phases were obtained. The heart-to-mediastinum ratio of I-mIBG uptake at 15 minutes (HMRe) and 4 hours (HMRd), as well as the washout rate (WR) and summed I-mIBG score (SMSe, SMSd) were measured. Results ― Patients and volunteers showed comparable results of the median ratio of I-mIBG uptake in the heart and mediastinum (HMR) in the early and delayed phases (p>0.05). In 14 (93%) patients with AF, I-mIBG uptake defects in LV myocardium were detected as compared with 8 (53%) healthy individuals (p<0.05). The healthy volunteers showed no significant I-mIBG uptake defect in delayed scans compared with a median result in patients with AF (p<0.001). Conclusion ― SPECT gamma camera with CZT-detectors is suitable to obtain qualitative tomographic slices of the myocardium and to assess regional changes in sympathetic innervation of the heart, which can be the early signs of an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, this camera may be useful for managing patients with various forms of AF.
Eliciting clinical empathy via transmission of patient-specific symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Clinical empathy can have numerous benefits for patients, clinicians, and health-care providers. Traditional empathy training techniques (e.g. storytelling, videos, or disease simulators) are centered on the health condition rather than the individual. This condition-centric approach perpetuates the belief that the disease, rather than the patient, is at the core of the experience. This process can be ineffective in generating the ability to understand and accurately acknowledge the feelings of another. A more effective means of eliciting empathy can be through technology-mediated symptom transference for transmitting an individual patient’s actual experience, rather than a simulation, to the user—a process termed “tele-empathy. ” We developed an investigational digital tele-empathy device for use toward patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), known as SymPulse™. The device plays back muscle tremors using an armband, giving the wearer a replication of the involuntary muscle activity that a patient with PD feels. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the SymPulse™ device could enhance feelings of empathy in test participants (wearing the device) versus control participants (not wearing the device). A sample of 45 participants (22 test; 23 control) reported their level of empathy via self-report questionnaires. Results revealed significantly higher empathy scale scores for test compared to control participants, demonstrating the effectiveness of the SymPulse™ for use in tele-empathy. The use of such technology for eliciting tele-empathy may have practical and clinical implications for providing effective training to health-care providers.
How do the Psychosocial Factors Affect Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertension? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hypertension leads to complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal failure if not treated appropriately. Blood pressure is influenced by biopsychosocial factors such as physical, environmental, emotional, cognitive and behavioral. The aim of this study is to find the relationship between blood pressure levels of patients with hypertension and sociodemographic characteristics, traumatic life events and depression status. Method: Our sample was 305 hypertensives visiting a family physician in Rize, a city in the Black Sea (Northern part) Region of Turkey. The study was completed between December 2017 to April 2018. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire including questions for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, psychiatric complaints traumatic life events, and blood pressure control. Depression status was assessed using The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Data as analyzed using the SPSS 21 statistical analysis program. Results: Of the participants, 54.0% (n = 165) had psychiatric complaints, 52.5% (n = 160) had traumatic life events, and 37.7% (n = 115) stated that they had controlled blood pressure. Blood pressure levels were significantly related with psychiatric complaints, life events, HAD-Anxiety (HAD-A) and HAD-Depression (HAD-D) scores (p = 0.001, p = 0.000, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). There was reverse relationship between blood pressure levels and monthly household income (p = 0.03). Conclusion: It is harder to have controlled blood pressure for hypertensives in the presence of traumatic life events, psychiatric complaints, higher HAD-A and HAD-D scores, compared to hypertensives with none of these. Psychosocial factors should be questioned in hypertensives when especially blood pressure cannot control.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF I-GEN TITANIUM MEMBRANE AROUND IMMEDIATE DENTAL IMPLANTS REPLACING POSTERIOR MANDIBULAR TOOTH WITH BUCCAL BONE DEFECT

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the oral supporting tissues lost by disease or trauma is essential to tooth replacement with dental implant therapy. This treatment requires evidence based augmentative procedures combined with up-to-date and current techniques. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) aims to initialize this process of alveolar ridge reconstruction by utilizing biologically active and supportive materials best coupled to the body’s healing processes. The use of non resorbable, titanium membranes can achieve GBR by ensuring graft stability and space maintenance so as to ensure optimal neovascularization. OBJECTIVES: evaluate the use of I-Gen titanium membrane used with immediately placed implant replacing a posterior mandibular tooth with buccal bone defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted clinically on 10 patients indicated for extraction of a posterior tooth with buccal bone defect, tooth was extracted and an immediate implant, bone graft and I gen titanium membrane were placed. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically by using panoramic radiograph and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). RESULTS: In this study no severe pain was recorded postoperatively. No signs of inflammation or swelling were observed in almost all of the patients along the follow up period. Sufficient bone thickness which is a minimum of 2 mm was formed in the targeted defect with good stability of the implants after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: I gen titanium mesh should be considered as a valuable option for GBR in small and medium sized bone defects.
Anterior Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the preferred treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip. The posterior, posterolateral, direct lateral, anterolateral, or the anterior approaches are the currently established surgical approaches for THA. Over the last decade, the anterior approach has gained increasing popularity. Its muscle-sparing nature and flu -oroscopy-guided component positioning are the most important benefits. It has been suggested that postoperative recovery is facilitated by an anterior approach. Patients do not need to follow hip precautions, and can return to driving after 1 week. The anterior approach uses a muscle interval between the tensor fasciae latae and the rectus femoris to open the capsule without detachment of muscles. Especially, the external rotators and posterior capsule remain intact and reduce the risk of posterior dislocation. Accuracy of acetabular component positioning has an impact on postoperative dislocation rates, polyethylene wear, and impingement. When the operation is done in a supine position, fluoroscopy is available to check the acetabular component inclination and anteversion during THA as well as leg length and offset. The current chapter reports on the surgical approach, surgical technique, and results of anterior THA.
The efficacy of injury prevention training is greater in high risk compared to low risk elite female youth soccer players

Background: The efficacy of robustness training on high versus low risk individuals within high risk groups is currently unknown. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of robustness training on injury risk factors in female youth soccer players and examine if high risk individuals are greater responders to such training Study design: Controlled laboratory study Methods: 125 elite youth female footballers on the English FA talent pathway were randomly selected into a training (n = 71) or control group (n = 54). Relative leg stiffness, 2D knee valgus and knee flexion range of motion (ROM) from a single leg counter-movement jump and probability of high knee abduction moment (pKAM) risk were all determined before and after a 16 week robustness training programme. For further analysis participants in the training group were split into high (pKAM >0.80; n = 33) and low risk (pKAM <0.55; n = 33) groups. Magnitude based inferences (MBI) were used to explore differences between the control and intervention and the high and low risk groups. Results: MBI demonstrated significant beneficial effects in the training group for knee valgus, pKAM and leg stiffness compared with the control group. The control group demonstrated possible worthwhile differences in knee flexion ROM compared to the intervention group. The high risk group demonstrated likely/very likely worthwhile differences compared to the low risk group for all parameters. Conclusion: Robustness training induces significant beneficial improvements in injury risk factors in female youth soccer players. The beneficial effects of this multi-dimensional program are greater in those individuals who are classified as high risk.
Robotic approach for mediastinal diseases: state-of-the-art and current perspectives

In the past, mediastinal surgery required a sternotomy approach to maximize exposure. Subsequently, in the 1990s, minimally invasive techniques, including thoracic surgery, became a popular matter of debate in many surgical specialties. Video-assisted thoracic surgical techniques have several advantages over an open approach, including less trauma, shorter hospitalization duration, better cosmetic results, and preserved lung function. It also presents disadvantages such as less surgical exposure and inadequate technical requirements. In this review, we analyzed current literature and authors’ expertise in robot-assisted thoracic surgery, which provides better flexibility, more intuitive movements, and high-definition and three-dimensional view, in mediastinal surgeries.
Evaluating the Effect of 12 Weeks Football Training on the Posture of Young Male Basketball Players

Posture is the most healthy and correct placement of each region in the body when compared to the whole body. The predominantly use of one side of the body disrupts the posture. A bad posture changes the center of gravity of the body and causes chronic skeletal and muscle soreness. It is aimed to determine whether there is a rehabilitative effect of football training that does not require the use of dominant arms on posture asymmetries which may occur in the basketball which requires the use of dominant arm and leg in the study.15 male basketball players who played basketball for an average of 8 years with a mean age of 21.7 ± 1.5 years participated as volunteers. Postures of the subjects were measured with PostureScreen Mobile® before and after 12 week football trainings with lateral and anteriorly taken photographs. SPSS 22 was used program for statistical analysis. While analyzing of data Wilcoxon Test method was used and it is determined as significance level was p<0.05. After 12 weeks of football training, statistically significant differences were found in measurements taken from the anterior and lateral positions on the head, shoulder, ribcage, hip, and knee measured tilts and shifts. Estimated average head weight decreased depending on the posture of the cervical vertebrae and a significant difference was detected. Postures of subjects came close to the correct posture.Basketball is an acycle sport branch that requires the use of muscles on the dominant side. It creates an asymmetric position on the athlete due to this feature; causes shifting and tilts. In order to eliminate postural disorders that occur, the effectiveness of football training that does not require to use of the dominant side of the body has been demonstrated.
Comparison of body image perception and the actual BMI and correlation with self-esteem and mental health: A cross-sectional study among adolescents

INTRODUCTION: Body image perception refers to an individual's idea about his/her body. Dissatisfaction regarding body image may have a major impact on one's psychological well-being and may be a risk factor for eating disorders. This is generally seen to be more prevalent among growing individuals, namely, adolescents, and this study was conducted to assess the prevalence, find the underlying risk factors, and assess means to manage the conditions effectively to prevent an adverse impact on mental health and well-being. This study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction among adolescents and to make a comparison of these findings among male and female adolescents, and also between the early, middle, and late teens. METHODOLOGY: A total of 309 adolescents (M = 128, F = 181; age range 10–19 years; and mean age = 15.2) were assessed using anthropometric measurements, Body Mass Index calculation, and body image perception questionnaire. This information was correlated with the self-esteem scores of these individuals using Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Questionnaire. RESULTS: Both males and females were found to be equally concerned about their appearance and body shape (51.46% and 48.53%, respectively). Among these, we found that the middle (14–16 years) and late teens (17–19 years) had higher scores of body image dissatisfaction compared to early teens (10–13 years). Majority (62.38%) of the early teens was unconcerned with their body shapes. Not only overweight but also even underweight adolescents had higher body shape dissatisfaction with 64.72% perceiving their body shape wrongly. Mental health and self-esteem scores were shown to have a positive correlation with body dissatisfaction indicating that those who were dissatisfied with their body were more likely to have lower self-esteem (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The present study found that majority of the adolescents has body dissatisfaction, which negatively affects their self-esteem.
Parent-Carer Education: Reducing the Risks for Neonatal and Infant Mortality

In this chapter, the role of engaging parents, family members, partners, significant others and carers (subsequently referred to as parent-carers) as key partners in targeted strategies for reducing the risks associated with neonatal mortality is discussed, especially within the context of less resource-constrained environments. Parent-carer education, sharing information on regionally prevalent risk factors and associations with death in the first 28 days of life and in infancy, can be potentially impactful and could drive behavioural changes, while promoting acquisition of newer life-saving skills such as basic life support training. Such education can be considered participatory learning and action. It affords parent-carers the confidence and knowledge on measures to key risks in infancy, such as the risk of sudden infant death, and how to recognize when their baby may be ill, facilitating timely access to appropriate healthcare services. Potentially, these then empower parent-carers to work with health services proactively in measures to reduce the risks for neonatal mortality.
Statins Do Not Impair Whole-body Fat Oxidation During Moderate-intensity Exercise in Dyslipidemic Adults

Lipid-lowering drugs are amongst the most commonly subsidized prescribed drugs world-wide, including Europe and the United States (USA). In 2016, atorvastatin and simvastatin were ranked in positions 1 and 7 in the USA [1]. In the same year, in Australia, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were in positions 1 and 3, with the number of Australians per thousand taking the drug daily being 53 for atorvastatin and 34 for rosuvastatin [2]. Physiologically, these drugs inhibit liver enzyme HMGCoA reductase, blocking cholesterol synthesis. They are recognized as effective in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality [3]. However, it is now well established that a healthy diet and regular physical activity are valuable contributors to maintaining healthy blood lipids, with exercise improving cardiovascular fitness; reducing all-cause mortality and the risk of coronary heart and cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus Research Article Exercise Medicine Open Access eISSN: 2508-9056
Quality of Life and Anxiety in Military Personnel

Abstract The quality of life of military personnel represents their self-evaluation of the quality of their own mental and physical health, social relations, and the environment in which they live and work. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between quality of life and anxiety levels in military personnel of the Serbian Armed Forces. The cross-sectional study included a total of 311 randomly selected professional military personnel (officers, non-commissioned officers and professional soldiers) between 23 and 53 years of age (mean, 35.3±7 years) without current mental health problems. For the purpose of this study, we used the World Health Organization Abbreviated Instrument for Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The statistical analysis included parametric and non-parametric descriptive statistics. Professional military personnel showed high satisfaction with their quality of life in the categories of social relations (82.52), psychological health (82.10) and physical health (81.68), while the satisfaction scores in the category environment category were the lowest (62.77). The average value for the total BAI score was 4.83±5.66. Quality of life decreased, while anxiety increased, with increasing age of the military personnel. Higher BREF score values were associated with lower scores on the BAI questionnaires in all subscales (p<0.001). Military personnel of the Serbian Armed Forces showed a high degree of satisfaction with their own quality of life. Learning techniques to easily overcome everyday stress would reducedreduce anxiety and improve the quality of life in military personnel of the Serbian Armed Forces.
A simplified table for staging anuran embryos and larvae with notes on identification

The description of anuran embryos and larvae is facilitated by the use of staging tables, and such tables are indispensible to many studies involving frog life-history materials. Earlier papers in this field by the present author and others adapted existing tables to this purpose. Since this literature now involves two systems for numbering the larval stages, a brief review of the problem is in order, and a simplified table adequate for staging "generalized" developmental series will be presented. The proposed table is original only to the extent that it is a simplification of those already in existence.
Effectiveness of formal physical therapy following total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review

Background Physical therapy is considered routine practice following total shoulder arthroplasty. To date, current regimens are based on clinical opinion, with evidence-based recommendations. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of total shoulder arthroplasty physical therapy programmes with a view to inform current clinical practice, as well as to develop a platform upon which future research might be conducted. Methods An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane Library to March 2018 was complemented by hand and citation-searching. Studies were selected in relation to pre-defined criteria. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results A total of 506 papers were identified in the electronic database search, with only one study showing moderate evidence of early physical therapy promoting a more rapid return of short-term improvement in function and pain. No studies evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapy programmes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty procedures. Discussion Restoring range of motion and strength following total shoulder arthroplasty is considered important for patients to obtain a good outcome post-surgery and, when applied early, may offer more rapid recovery. Given the rising incidence of total shoulder arthroplasties, especially reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, there is an urgent need for high-quality, adequately powered randomised controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes following these surgeries.
Risk Factors Associated With Psychiatric Comorbidity in a Sample of Male Egyptian Patients With Substance Use Disorder

Background: The co-occurrence of psychiatric and substance use disorder increases the duration of illness, hospitalization rates, and causes more functional impairment and legal problems, which may increase the burden of illness. Hence, identifying the risk factors of such comorbidity may help in mitigating such problems. Objective: This study examined the risk factors associated with comorbid Axis I and Axis II disorders in a sample of male Egyptian patients with substance abuse. Patients and Methods: A total of 158 male inpatients diagnosed with substance use disorder according to diagnostic and statistical manua-IV diagnostic criteria answered the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I and Axis II disorders (SCID-I and SCID-II). They were also evaluated by the Addiction Severity Index scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning. Results: An overall 60% were diagnosed with another Axis I or Axis II disorder. An overall 26% of them had psychosis, and 21% had borderline personality disorder. Unemployment, history of child abuse, high cannabis, opioid and tramadol abuse, frequent overdosing, longer hospitalization, aggressive behavior, family dysfunction, and occupational and legal problems were significantly more in patients with comorbidity. Moreover, 62% of them had severe problems on the Addiction Severity Index scale. The predictive risk factors for comorbidity were familial problems, aggressive symptoms, cluster B personality traits, past history of psychiatric disorders, longer time of hospitalization, and lower Global Assessment of Functioning scores. Conclusions: Identifying the risk factors for psychiatric comorbidity in patients with substance dependence highlights the importance of developing a dual diagnosis service to meet the needs of this population.