Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intravoxel incoherent motion MR imaging measurements of the bilateral parotid glands at 3.0-T MR: effect of age, gender and laterality in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of age, gender and laterality on the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR imaging measurements of parotid glands in healthy participants at 3.0-T MRI. METHODS A total of 108 healthy participants were prospectively recruited. IVIM MRI scan was performed using a 3.0-T MR scanner, and corresponding parameters (perfusion fraction, f; pseudodiffusion coefficient, D*; tissue diffusivity, D) were derived from biexponential fitting of IVIM data. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine the association between the IVIM MRI parameters and age. The parameter difference between male and female participants or between left and right parotid glands was compared using unpaired or paired t test, respectively. RESULTS Excellent interreader and intrareader agreements on the measurements of IVIM MRI parameters were achieved. Both D and f values correlated inversely with the age in both left and right parotid glands (p < 0.05) while D* value did not (p > 0.05). Male participants had higher IVIM MRI parameters than the female participants in both left and right glands (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the IVIM MRI parameters between left and right glands in both male and female participants (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The IVIM MRI parameters are age and gender dependent, but not laterality dependent. Age- and gender-related effect should be taken into consideration in future IVIM MRI studies for parotid glands. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE (1) Both D and f values correlated inversely with the age in healthy parotid glands, while D* value did not. (2) The parotid glands of males showed higher IVIM MRI parameters than that of females. (3) There were no significant differences on the IVIM MRI parameters between the left and right glands. (4) Age- and gender-related effect should be taken into consideration in future IVIM MRI studies for parotid glands.
Persuasive technology in the real world: a study of long-term use of activity sensing devices for fitness

Persuasive technology to motivate healthy behavior is a growing area of research within HCI and ubiquitous computing. The emergence of commercial wearable devices for tracking health- and fitness-related activities arguably represents the first widespread adoption of dedicated ubiquitous persuasive technology. The recent ubiquity of commercial systems allows us to learn about their value and use in truly "in the wild" contexts and understand how practices evolve over long-term, naturalistic use. We present a study with 30 participants who had adopted wearable activity-tracking devices of their own volition and had continued to use them for between 3 and 54 months. The findings, which both support and contrast with those of previous research, paint a picture of the evolving benefits and practices surrounding these emerging technologies over long periods of use. They also serve as the basis for design implications for personal informatics technologies for long-term health and fitness support.
Advances and challenges in studying hepatitis C virus in its native environment

Approximately 2% of the worldwide population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), the major causative agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis. Although substantial progress has been made in developing tools to dissect the viral life cycle, most in vitro studies rely on hepatoma cell lines, which are functionally disparate from the natural in vivo target of the virus – hepatocytes. To gain insights into virus–host interactions, there is a need for HCV-model systems that more closely mimic the physiological environment of the liver. Here, we discuss recent advances in culture and detection systems that facilitate the study of HCV in primary cells. Use of these new models may help bridge the gap between in vitro studies and clinical research.
Prescribing pattern of drugs in stroke patients: A prospective study

Objectives : The population-based estimates confirm a rising trend in both incidence and prevalence of stroke in India. The main objective is to assess the prescribing pattern of drugs in hospitalized stroke patients. Materials and Methods: A Prospective observational study was carried out for a period of 6 months in the inpatient department. The inclusion criteria of the present study are patients of either sex aged ≥ 18 years, patients who were diagnosed as a stroke patient, and admitted in the intensive care unit of the hospital. Results: A total of 102 prescriptions were analyzed during the 6-month study period. This was found to be higher in men 68 (33.33%). A total of 69 (67.64%) were having habits of smoking and alcohol consumption. In the study of 102 patients, 69 (32%) were identified as ischemic stroke patients and 33 (32%) suffered hemorrhagic stroke. The major co-morbidities identified were hypertension and diabetics mellitus, which were seen in 34 (33.33%) and 18 (17.64%), respectively. Among the 102 patients, 77 (75.49%) were administered cerebral activators. In this study of prescriptions of drugs in stroke, majority of the patients were treated with neurotonics drugs. Among the 102 patients, 85 (83.33%) were administered neurotonics drugs. In this study, we observed that the most popular antiplatelet was clopidogrel, which was prescribed to 48 (47.05%). In anticoagulants, only enoxaprain was used in our hospital for stroke patients. This medication was administered to 27 (26.47%) patients. Conclusion: The prescribing pattern of drugs should be based on severity of stroke, associated co-morbid conditions, and currently available evidences in order to promote the quality use of drugs.
Trampoline: a double-sided elastic touch device for repoussé and chasing techniques

Relief is often used to add patterns to product surfaces, but interaction techniques for modeling relief on the surface of virtual objects have not received due attention. We adopt the repoussé and chasing artwork techniques in an alternative interaction technique for modeling relief on virtual surfaces. To support the interaction technique, we develop a double-sided touchpad called Trampoline that can detect the position and force of a finger touch on both sides. In addition, it provides an elastic feedback to users as the surface consists of an elastic fabric. With this device and the interaction technique developed, we implement a relief application and present modeling results that demonstrate the efficacy of our system.
The International Scientific Conference on Probiotics and Prebiotics

The 5th International Scientific Conference on Probiotics and Prebiotics was held in the Doubletree Hotel in Kosice, Slovakia, and highlighted current advances in the research and use of probiotics and prebiotics in both animal and human health. The conference attracted academic and industry representatives from over 35 countries and facilitated networking between research scientists and industry. A poster session was on display throughout the entire meeting. Over the course of the 3-day symposium, 12 sessions addressed issues related to the use of probiotics and prebiotics in the prevention and treatment of chronic and infectious diseases, their effects on host immune function and how they may modulate existing gut microbes.
Meditative music listening to reduce state anxiety in patients during the uptake phase before positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

OBJECTIVE This study examines the effects of listening to meditative music on state anxiety and heart rate variability (HRV) of patients during the uptake phase before positron emission tomography (PET) scans. METHODS A two-group randomized experimental design was used. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. All patients received baseline assessments of state anxiety using Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and HRV before receiving an intravenous injection of radiopharmaceutical fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose in the uptake room. The experimental group (n = 35) listened individually to 30 min of meditative music, integrating Chinese "Chi" and western frequency resonation in the uptake room. The control group (n = 37) lay on bed quietly for 40 min in the uptake room without music. All patients were assessed for their anxiety level and HRV again, before receiving PET scanning as post-test. RESULTS The results indicated that patients in the experimental group showed a significant reduction in state anxiety and heart rate, and increase on high frequency norm of HRV (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant reduction on anxiety level (p < 0.001), heart rate (p < 0.001) and high frequency norm (p = 0.001) in the experimental group compared with those of the control group. CONCLUSION Listening to meditative music as a non-invasive and cost-effective strategy can help maximize efforts to promote comfort and relaxation for patients awaiting stressful procedures, such as PET scans. Meditative music can be effective in alleviating state anxiety of patients during the uptake phase before PET scans. Advances in knowledge: The study provides scientific evidence of the effects of listening to meditative music for reducing state anxiety in patients during the uptake phase before PET scans. It may have the potential to lower the risk of unwanted false-positive fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose uptake in normal organs and to further improve image quality and image interpretation. Listening to meditative music is a safe and inexpensive intervention which can be incorporated into routine procedures to reduce anxiety of patients undergoing PET scans.
Psychological factors and stress in inflammatory bowel disease

The role of psychological distress and personality as predisposing factors for the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains controversial. Attempts to investigate the role of psychological factors in IBD exhibited rather conflicting results. Among the studies concerning the effects of stress or depression on the course of IBD, the majority suggest that stress worsened IBD, the rest giving either negative or inconclusive results. However, application of strategies, including avoidance of coping and training patients in problem solving or emotion-oriented, could influence the course of IBD. Large controlled clinical trials are needed in order to clarify the impact of psychological interventions on the quality of life and the course of disease.
Acute myeloid leukemia stem cells: seek and destroy

Most adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) die from their disease. Relapses are frequent even after aggressive multiagent chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. AML is a biologically heterogeneous disease, characterized by frequent cytogenetic abnormalities and an increasing spectrum of genetic mutations and molecular aberrations. Laboratory data suggest that AML originates from a rare population of cells, termed leukemic stem cells (LSCs) or leukemia-initiating cells, which are capable of self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. These cells may persist after treatment and are probably responsible for disease relapse. This review will describe bench and translational research in LSCs and discuss how the data should be used to change the direction of developmental therapeutics and clinical trials in AML.
Mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells into the peripheral blood

Hematopoietic stem cells can be mobilized out of the bone marrow into the blood for the reconstitution of hematopoiesis following high-dose therapy. Methods to improve mobilization efficiency and yields are rapidly emerging. Traditional methods include chemotherapy with or without myeloid growth factors. Plerixafor, a novel agent that disrupts the CXCR4–CXCL12 bond, the primary hematopoietic stem cell anchor in the bone marrow, has recently been US FDA-approved for mobilizing hematopoietic stem cells in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Plerixafor and myeloid growth factors as single agents appear safe to use in family or volunteer hematopoietic stem cells donors. Plerixafor mobilizes leukemic stem cells and is not approved for use in patients with acute leukemia. Patients failing to mobilize adequate hematopoietic stem cells with myeloid growth factors can often be successfully mobilized with chemotherapy plus myeloid growth factors or with plerixafor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.
Anatomical and MR correlative study of the proximal sciatic nerve vasculature.

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study is to demonstrate that increased T2 signal on MRI could be due to intraneural vessels in asymptomatic individuals, and may therefore be a normal finding. METHODS An initial anatomic cadaveric study was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the vascular supply of the proximal sciatic nerve. Secondly, a retrospective study of MR imaging of patients without sciatic symptoms was performed to assess the prevalence of intraneural vessels, defined as hyperintensity on at least three consecutive slices on both T2 and gadolinium enhanced T1 weighted imaging, visible on routine MSK pelvic imaging. RESULTS The anatomical study demonstrated a relatively abundant blood supply in the peri-ischiatic region. In the MR study, 20/76 (26%) patients showed visible intraneural vessels. More than one intraneural vessel was depicted in two of the sciatic nerves. Direct branching between the extrinsic and intrinsic systems was seen in only five cases. CONCLUSION Normal intraneural vessels can frequently be seen within the sciatic nerve on routine musculoskeletal pelvic imaging. Advances in knowledge: T2 hyperintensity in the proximal sciatic nerve can be due to intraneural vessels and should not necessarily be reported as abnormal.
JAK2 V617F and beyond: role of genetics and aberrant signaling in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms

Dysregulated signaling is a hallmark of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), as evidenced by the identification of the activating JAK2 V617F somatic mutation in almost all patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and 50–60% of essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis patients. These disorders are clinically distinct, raising the question of how a single mutation can result in such phenotypic diversity. Mouse models have demonstrated that the level of JAK2 V617F expression can modulate the phenotype, and clinical studies of JAK2 V617F allele burden have reported similar findings. It has also been hypothesized that one or more pre-JAK2 V617F events may modify the MPN phenotype. However, the molecular basis of JAK2 V617F-negative essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis remains largely unexplained. Mutations in the TET2 gene have been identified in both JAK2 V617F-positive and -negative MPNs and other myeloid neoplasms, but their functional and clinical significance have yet to be clarified. In addition, recent reports have identified a specific germline haplotype that increases the predisposition to MPNs. The role of inhibitory pathways (e.g., SOCS and LNK) in regulating JAK–STAT signaling in MPNs is being increasingly recognized. The implications of these findings and their clinical relevance are the focus of this article.
“Overuse”—an overused term?

Use of the term overuse injury should be avoided until there is definite proof of the cause of the injury Injuries are often categorised as being due to trauma or overuse. When no moment of trauma is recalled, then an assumption is made that an injury is the result of overuse. In this article, I will argue that there is insufficient evidence to support this extensive use of the term “overuse” and that there are problems associated with using it. Thus, we should avoid the term, which implies the cause of the injury, until we have proof of the cause. Overuse injury is now categorised in medical subject headings as “cumulative trauma disorder (CTD)”. This is a subcategory of sprains and strains. CTD is defined as a “Harmful and painful condition caused by overuse or overexertion of some part of the musculoskeletal system, often resulting from work-related physical activities. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, or dysfunction of the involved joints, bones, ligaments, and nerves. ” The term includes overuse injury, overuse syndrome, repetition strain injury, repetitive strain injury, and repetitive motion disorders. As CTD is defined as being caused by overuse, this definition fails to clarify the meaning of overuse injury. Overuse probably implies there is an amount of use that is excessive, and if use reaches or exceeds that amount then injuries arise. Consider now this term as used in sports medicine. Traumas, such as a fractured tibia caused by a tackle in soccer, are likely to be most common among players who play or train most. Yet, overuse is not said to be the cause of this injury. Injuries arising from obvious trauma are excluded from the category of overuse injuries. Such a trauma may be witnessed or may be felt as an acute moment of injury. An …
Pediatric cardiology: the requisites in pediatrics

Edited by Victoria L Vetter. Published by Mosby Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2006, £37.99 (hardback), pp 366. ISBN 0-323-02367-3 ! [Graphic][1] I am delighted that Pediatric cardiology: the requisites in pediatrics has been published. There is a distinct lack of textbooks available for those who wish to advance their knowledge on the topic of paediatric cardiology without immersing themselves in the minutiae of the subject. This book is ideal for doctors who are considering pursuing a career as a paediatric cardiologist or as a paediatrician with a special expertise in cardiology. It would also be useful for nurses and junior doctors working in a paediatric … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Dependence of volume calculation and margin growth accuracy on treatment planning systems for stereotactic radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE Uncertainties in radiotherapy target structures are partly dependent on differences between volume calculation and margin growing methods in treatment planning systems (TPS). These uncertainties are exacerbated with very small structures such as those common in stereotactic radiosurgery. METHODS Data from a national commissioning programme for SRS was used to assess variation in reported volumes for six benchmark cases, including malignant and benign indications. Reported volumes were compared both with and without any margins added according to local practice. RESULTS 137 plans were submitted, with a total of 311 structures and covering seven TPS. For volumes < 1 cm3 agreement was within 0.05 cm3, and for volumes > 1 cm3 agreement was within 5%. Systematic differences were seen between TPS, partly because of different methods for calculating the end slice volume. About one third of structures had a margin added, of 1-2 mm. Most TPS over-grew the volumes, compared to the approximation of a perfect sphere, especially Pinnacle and Eclipse. CONCLUSION Differences between volume calculation methods may lead to 5-10% variation in reported volumes from different TPS. This should be taken into account when comparing multicentre studies, and it is recommended that a minimum volume of 0.05 cm3 be used for any near-point doses to allow more consistent comparisons. When margins are added to small structures, there may be up to 40% difference to nominal margin size. Such differences are still small compared to interobserver variation in delineation. Advances in knowledge: This study quantifies the potential uncertainties in clinical volume calculation and margin growth with small radiosurgical targets.
Assessing efficacy in myelofibrosis treatment: a focus on JAK inhibition

Myelofibrosis (MF) is characterized by splenomegaly, anemia and a debilitating symptom burden (e.g., fatigue, night sweats, pruritus, bone and muscle pain, undesired weight loss). Moreover, these symptoms impair activities of daily living and quality of life. Until recently, there have been no approved therapies for MF, and management of MF has been predominantly palliative. Dysregulated JAK-STAT signaling is associated with the pathologic MF disease state. A novel class of therapies, the JAK inhibitors, offers the potential to abrogate this pathologic signaling pathway. In clinical trials of patients with intermediate- and high-risk MF, JAK inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in reducing splenomegaly and MF-associated symptoms. Evidence from ruxolitinib trials also suggests that JAK inhibitors may improve survival outcomes.
Targeting neovascularization in ischemic retinopathy: recent advances

Pathological retinal neovascularization (RNV) is a common microvascular complication in several retinal diseases including retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and central vein occlusion. The current therapeutic modalities of RNV are invasive and although they may slow or halt the progression of the disease, they are unlikely to restore normal acuity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop treatment modalities that are less invasive and thus associated with fewer procedural complications and systemic side effects. This review article summarizes our understanding of the pathophysiology and current treatment of RNV in ischemic retinopathies, lists potential therapeutic targets and provides a framework for the development of future treatment modalities.
Basic Principles of Extremity Joint Mobilization Using a Kaltenborn Approach

Context: Knowledge and understanding of the principles and applications of joint-mobilization techniques are becoming commonplace for entry-level certified athletic trainers. Data Sources: Various textbooks written on this topic. Data Synthesis: The authors collected information from commonly used textbooks on joint mobilization in both athletic training and physical therapy curriculums. Conclusion: Undoubtedly, before using joint mobilization, the clinician should demonstrate mastery-level understanding of joint biomechanics, application principles, and indications and contra-indications. This article provides basic information on the principles of joint mobilization.
LASER THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF NONSPECIFIC LUNG DISEASES IN CHILDREN

Endobronchial laser therapy was used in children with nonspecific lung diseases. Effectiveness of laser therapy was evaluated using cytogram of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). There was observation of 29 children with nonspecific lung diseases: they were performed endobronchial laser therapy with use of gallium arsenide laser. This investigation has proved the effectiveness of laser therapy, and the method is recommended for treatment of nonspecific lung diseases in children. LOLA MUHAMADIEVA
Helicobacter pylori immunoproteomics in gastric cancer and gastritis of the carcinoma phenotype

Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to the development of gastric cancer. Atrophic body gastritis is considered the first important step in the histogenesis of such neoplasia. H. pylori infection is involved in the induction of atrophic body gastritis, but documentation of H. pylori infection is difficult because of the progressive disappearance of the bacterium. Host–pathogen interactions may be investigated by means of immunoproteomics, which provides global information regarding the host humoral response to H. pylori infection and allows the identification of relevant specific and nonspecific antigens, and can be used for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. In the present review, we describe how several research groups used H. pylori immunoproteomics to investigate highly immunoreactive bacterial antigens related to the development of gastric cancer.