Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Applications of Raman spectroscopy to the urinary bladder for cancer diagnostics

Abstract Biomolecular changes associated with cancer progression can be identified using Raman spectroscopy, allowing for this technique to be utilized as a non-invasive tool for the diagnosis of bladder cancer. Applications of Raman spectroscopy for diagnostics in real-time have consistently produced higher sensitivities and specificities than current clinical methods. This technique can be applied in vivo during bladder visualization (cystoscopic) procedures as an “optical biopsy” or in vitro to cells obtained from urine cytology specimens. This review follows the evolution of studies in this field from the first in vitro experiment to the most recent in vivo application, identifies how diagnostic algorithms are developed, and provides molecular information associated with the etiology of the biochemical continuum of disease progression. Future prospects for the application of Raman spectroscopy in bladder cancer diagnostics are also discussed.
Risk Factors of Urinary Bladder Cancer in Islamabad, Federal Area of Pakistan

It is retrospective and hospital based case control study which was conducted in the federal city of Islamabad in Pakistan in order to assess the risk factors of the urinary bladder cancer. This study was based on the 100 controls and 50 cases comprising 150 subjects which were selected for interview from the two hospitals and required information like gender, age, smoking habits, family history of cancer, etc., was achieved. Both the descriptive and analytical approaches were used to find out the dominating risk factors of the disease. Odds ratios and 95 % Confidence Intervals were obtained for analytical purpose by using the binary logistic regression model. Three factors including cigarette smoking, source of drinking water and fried items were found to be significant having odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of (17.158, 6.24447.147), (0.192, 0.061- 0.603) and (12.206, 3.291- 45.275), respectively. The study revealed that cigarette smoking, consumption of tap water and high use of fried items increases the risk of developing bladder cancer. On the other hand, the use of government provided for drinking purpose is a protection against the urinary bladder cancer as compared to tap water.
Serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, their relationship with baseline functional and cognitive status, and their utility in predicting mortality in nonagenarians

Aim: Little is known about the role of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in oldest‐old subjects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between HDL‐C levels and physical and cognitive performance indicators in nonagenarians, and also to determine the influence of HDL‐C levels on the 3‐year mortality risk.
Povidone-iodine Solutions Inhibit Cell Migration and Survival of Osteoblasts, Fibroblasts, and Myoblasts

Study Design. In vitro laboratory study. Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of dilute povidone-iodine (PVI) solutions on human osteoblast, fibroblast and myoblast cells in vitro. Summary of Background Data. Dilute PVI wound lavage has been used successfully in spine and joint arthroplasty procedures to prevent postoperative surgical site infection, but their biologic effect on host cells is largely unknown. Methods. Human primary osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and myoblasts were expanded in cell culture and subjected to various concentrations of PVI (0%, 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.35%, 1%) for 3 minutes. To assess the effect of PVI on cell migration, a scratch assay was performed, in which a “scratch” was made by a standard pipette tip in a cell monolayer following PVI exposure, and time to closure of the scratch was evaluated. Cell survival and proliferation was measured 48 hours post-PVI exposure using a cell viability and cytotoxicity assay. Results. Closure of the scratch defect in all cell monolayers was achieved in <24 hours in untreated controls and following exposure to PVI concentrations <0.1%. The scratch defect remained open indefinitely following exposure to PVI concentrations of ≥0.1%. PVI concentrations <0.1% did not have significant effect on survival rates compared with control for all cell types. Cells exposed to PVI ≥ 0.1% had cell survival rates of less than 6% (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Clinically used concentration of PVI (0.35%) exerts a pronounced cytotoxic effect on osteoblasts, fibroblast, and myoblasts in vitro. Further investigation is required to systematically study the effect of PVI on tissue healing in vivo and also determine a safe and clinically potent concentration for PVI lavage. Level of Evidence: N/A
Pasteurella multocida pneumonia: Zoonotic transmission confirmed by molecular epidemiological analysis

Semin Oncol 2004; 31 (6 Suppl 18): 29–36. 5 Mendoza AR, Tomlinson MJ. The split denture: a new technique for artificial saliva reservoirs in mandibular dentures. Aust Dent J 2003; 48: 190–194. 6 Michael T, Leila J, Ship JA. Hyposalivation, xerostomia and the complete denture-A systematic review. J Am Dent Assoc 2008; 139: 146–150. 7 Sheiham A, Steele JG, Marcenes W et al. The relationship among dental status, nutrient intake, and nutritional status in older people. J Dent Res 2001; 80: 408–413. 8 Lindstrom RE, Pawelchak J, Heyd A, Tarbet WJ. Physicalchemical aspects of denture retention and stability: a review of the literature. J Prosthet Dent 1979; 42: 371–375. 9 Kikuchi M, Ghani F, Watanabe M. Method for enhancing retention in complete denture bases. J Prosthet Dent 1999; 81: 399–403. 10 Ship JA, Pillemer SR, Baum BJ. Xerostomia and the geriatric patient. J Am Geriatr Soc 2002; 50: 535–543. 11 Givens E Jr. Update on xerostomia: current treatment modalities and future trends. Gen Dent 2006; 54: 99–101. 12 Brennan MT, Shariff G, Lockhart PB, Fox PC. Treatment of xerostomia: a systematic review of therapeutic trials. Dent Clin North Am 2002; 46: 847–856. 13 Cassolato SF, Turnbull RS. Xerostomia: clinical aspects and treatment. Gerodontology 2003; 20: 64–77. 14 Niedermeier W, Huber M, Fischer D et al. Significance of saliva for the denture-wearing population. Gerodontology 2000; 17: 104–118. 15 Márton K, Boros I, Fejérdy P, Madléna M. Evaluation of unstimulated flow rates of whole and palatal saliva in healthy patients wearing complete dentures and in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. J Prosthet Dent 2004; 91: 577–581.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Clinical Outcomes Between Zero-Profile and Traditional Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery for Cervical Myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN Prospective randomized study from a single center OBJECTIVE. : The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between a zero-profile (ZP) anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) construct to a traditional ACDF with anterior cervical plate (ACP) in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy can be treated by a variety of techniques, most commonly with corpectomy, ACDF, posterior cervical fusion, or a combination of the three. Examples in the literature of comparative effectiveness of different anterior approach types are few. METHODS A total of 104 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy were randomized in equal proportion between treated with ACDF and ZP or ACDF with ACP. Clinical efficacy of two groups was evaluated preoperatively and at all postoperative time points through 2 years postoperative by the Japanese Orthopedic Association score and the neck disability index. Radiographic changes from baseline, including disc height and cervical lordosis, were evaluated at the same postoperative time points. Complications were assessed perioperatively and through 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS The ZP and ACP ACDF groups demonstrated substantially equivalent Japanese Orthopaedic Association, neck disability index, disc height, and lordosis improvements from baseline, which were maintained through 2 years postoperatively. Complications occurred in 4% of ZP and 17% of ACP patients (P = 0.052), and zero (0%) ZP and four (8%) ACP patients reported hoarseness or dysphagia. CONCLUSION ZP used in multilevel ACDF may obtain favorable clinical outcomes and a lower postoperative complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2.
Cartilage Endplate Thickness Variation Measured by Ultrashort Echo-Time MRI Is Associated With Adjacent Disc Degeneration

Study Design. A magnetic resonance imaging study of human cadaver spines. Objective. To investigate associations between cartilage endplate (CEP) thickness and disc degeneration. Summary of Background Data. Damage to the CEP is associated with spinal injury and back pain. However, CEP morphology and its association with disc degeneration have not been well characterized. Methods. Ten lumbar motion segments with varying degrees of disc degeneration were harvested from six cadaveric spines and scanned with magnetic resonance imaging in the sagittal plane using a T2-weighted two-dimensional (2D) sequence, a three-dimensional (3D) ultrashort echo-time (UTE) imaging sequence, and a 3D T1&rgr; mapping sequence. CEP thicknesses were calculated from 3D UTE image data using a custom, automated algorithm, and these values were validated against histology measurements. Pfirrmann grades and T1&rgr; values in the disc were assessed and correlated with CEP thickness. Results. The mean CEP thickness calculated from UTE images was 0.74 ± 0.04 mm. Statistical comparisons between histology and UTE-derived measurements of CEP thickness showed significant agreement, with the mean difference not significantly different from zero (P = 0.32). Within-disc variation of T1&rgr; (standard deviation) was significantly lower for Pfirrmann grade 4 than Pfirrmann grade 3 (P < 0.05). Within-disc variation of T1&rgr; and adjacent CEP thickness heterogeneity (coefficient of variation) had a significant negative correlation (r = −0.65, P = 0.04). The standard deviation of T1&rgr;and the mean CEP thickness showed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.40, P = 0.26). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that quantitative measurements of CEP thickness measured from UTE magnetic resonance imaging are associated with disc degeneration. Our results suggest that variability in CEP thickness and T1&rgr;, rather than their mean values, may serve as valuable diagnostic markers for disc degeneration. Level of Evidence: N/A
Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Toksyczna nekroliza naskórka (zespół Lyella) to zagrażająca życiu choroba skóry i błon śluzowych, rozwijająca się po ekspozycji na niektóre leki. Powstające w keratynocytach metabolity leków stymulują produkcję TNF-α, który aktywuje apoptozę kolejnych komórek naskórka. Toksyczna nekroliza naskórka objawia się rumieniem wielopostaciowym, złuszczającymi się pęcherzami i martwicą, prowadzącymi do spełzania dużych powierzchni naskórka. Zmiany dotyczą skóry i błon śluzowych. Śmiertelność w zespole Lyella wynosi 30–40%. Chorych leczy się objawowo, stosując odpowiednie nawodnienie i profilaktykę zakażeń. Podejmowano próby leczenia przyczynowego (glikokortykosteroidy, cyklosporyna A, cyklofosfamid, immunoglobuliny podawane dożylnie), lecz wyniki dotyczące skuteczności leczenia są sprzeczne.
Effect of Etanercept, a Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibitor, on Neuropathic Pain in the Rat Chronic Constriction Injury Model

Study Design. The effects of a low, local dose of a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-&agr;) inhibitor on neuropathic pain behaviors in a rat chronic constriction injury model were evaluated. Objective. To investigate whether a peripherally implanted polymer drug depot can deliver a dose of etanercept sufficient to reduce thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Summary of Background Data. TNF-&agr; inhibitors reduce pain-associated behavior in experimental models of neuropathic pain. Moreover, systemic injections of TNF-&agr; inhibitors have suggested some efficacy in treating sciatic pain in limited, off-label clinical studies. Improvements in these results may be obtained by optimal dosing via targeted, sustained delivery at the site of disc-induced inflammation. Methods. Unilateral chronic constriction injury was applied to the sciatic nerve of 56 male, Wistar rats. Four groups of animals (n = 7) received 0.5 mL phosphate-buffered saline every 3 days, 0.3 or 3 mg/kg etanercept every 3 days, or gabapentin (60 mg/kg) 1 hour before each behavioral test all via subcutaneous injection. Two groups of animals received 1.5 or 3.0 &mgr;g/h etanercept delivered by poly(lactic-co- glycolic acid) (PLGA) millicylinders (1 mm diameter × 10 mm long) implanted near the injured sciatic nerve. One group received a PLGA millicylinder implanted near the injured sciatic nerve. The final group received 3.0 &mgr;g/h etanercept via PLGA millicylinder implanted next to the uninjured, contralateral sciatic nerve. Results. A low, local dose of etanercept (∼3 &mgr;g/h) delivered by a polymer depot significantly reduced (P < 0.05) thermal hyperalgesia for 57 days as compared to polymer depot without drug or an etanercept-loaded depot implanted near the contralateral sciatic nerve, and equivalent to a 10-fold higher dose delivered by repeat subcutaneous injection. Conclusion. This preclinical study indicates that delivering TNF-&agr; inhibitors by means of a locally administered polymeric formulation provides long-lasting analgesia in an inflammatory neuropathic pain model.
The Emerging Mobile Internet Underclass: A Critique of Mobile Internet Access

This article provides a critical comparative analysis of mobile versus personal computer (PC)-based forms of Internet access. Drawing from an interdisciplinary body of literature, it illustrates a wide range of ways in which mobile Internet access offers lower levels of functionality and content availability; operates on less open and flexible platforms; and contributes to diminished levels of user engagement, content creation, and information seeking. At a time when a growing proportion of the online population is “mobile only,” these disparities have created what is termed here a mobile Internet underclass. The implications of this argument for digital divide policymaking and, more broadly, for the evolutionary trajectory of the Internet and the dynamics of Internet usage are discussed.
Needle Puncture Injury Affects Intervertebral Disc Mechanics and Biology in an Organ Culture Model

Study Design. A bovine intervertebral disc organ culture model was used to study the effect of needle puncture injury on short-term disc mechanics and biology. Objective. To test the hypothesis that significant changes in intervertebral disc structure, mechanics, and cellular response would be present within 1 week of needle puncture injury with a large-gauge needle but not with a small-gauge needle. Summary of Background Data. Defects in anulus fibrosus induced by needle puncture injury can compromise mechanical integrity of the disc and lead to degeneration in animal models. The immediate and short-term mechanical and biologic response to anulus injury through needle puncture in a large animal model is not known. Methods. Bovine caudal intervertebral discs were harvested, punctured posterolaterally using 25G and 14G needles, and placed in organ culture for 6 days. Discs underwent a daily dynamic compression loading protocol for 5 days from 0.2 to 1 MPa at 1 Hz for 1 hour. Disc structure and function were assessed with measurements of dynamic modulus, creep, height loss, water content, proteoglycan loss to the culture medium, cell viability, and histology. Results. Needle puncture injury caused a rapid decrease in dynamic modulus and increase in creep during 1-hour loading, although no changes were detected in water content, disc height, or proteoglycan lost to the media. Cell viability was maintained except for localized cell death at the needle insertion site. An increase in cell number and possible remodeling response was seen in the insertion site in the nucleus pulposus. Conclusion. Relatively minor disruption in the disc from needle puncture injury had immediate and progressive mechanical and biologic consequences with important implications for the use of discography, and repair-regeneration techniques. Results also suggest diagnostic techniques sensitive to mechanical changes in the disc may be important for early detection of degenerative changes in response to anulus injury.
Clinical Factors That Affect Walking Level and Performance in Chronic Spinal Cord Lesion Patients

Study Design. Observational Study. Objective. To evaluate the effects of neurologic and non-neurologic factors on walking level and performance in chronic spinal cord lesion (SCL) patients. Summary of Background Data. Walking is one of the primary goals of patients after a SCL. Several studies have demonstrated that different neurologic and non-neurologic factors can affect walking level and performance. However, in SCL age and muscle strength have always been considered the major determinants of walking. Methods. Sixty-five patients with chronic SCL were included. Their demographic, neurologic status (ASIA standards), balance, and spasticity were recorded. Pearson and Spearman correlations were adopted to quantify the association between patients' characteristics and walking ability. The relationship between functional walking measures, Timed Up and Go, Six Minutes Walking Test (SMWT), Ten Meters Walking Test, and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury, and demographic and neurologic factors were measured by regression analyses. Results. Strength, balance, spasticity, and age were strictly correlated with walking level and walking performance. They also were the best predictors of walking features. Conclusion. Results confirm the recognized importance of age and upper and lower extremity strengths for walking after a SCL. They also highlight the role of 2 other factors, i.e., balance and spasticity, seldom considered as thoroughly in SCL.
Toward a Multifaceted Model of Internet Access for Understanding Digital Divides: An Empirical Investigation

In this investigation, a multifaceted model of Internet appropriation that encompasses four types of access—motivational, material, skills, and usage—is tested with a representative sample of the Dutch population. The analysis indicates that while the digital divide policies' focus has moved to skills and usage access, motivational and material access remain relevant since they are necessary through the entire process of Internet appropriation. Moreover, each type of access has its own ground of determination and they interact together to shape digital inequalities. Therefore, digital divide policies should address material, skills, and usage access simultaneously.
Judicious Resection and/or Radiosurgery for Parasagittal Meningiomas: Outcomes from a Multicenter Review

BACKGROUND: Parasagittal meningiomas, especially when associated with the middle or posterior third of the superior sagittal sinus, pose difficult management challenges. Initial surgical excision is associated with high morbidity and frequent tumor recurrence after subtotal resection. Neurological deficits are cumulative when multiple resections are required. No consistent management approach exists for patients with such tumors. In addition to observation, management options include resection, stereotactic radiosurgery, or fractionated radiation therapy used alone or in combination. METHODS: Sixteen centers where resection, gamma knife radiosurgery, and/or radiation therapy were available provided management data on 203 patients with histologically benign meningiomas from the time of initial diagnosis through follow-up after radiosurgery. The timing of resections, parameters of radiosurgery, rates of tumor control, morbidity, and functional patient outcomes were studied. The median follow-up duration in this study was 3.5 years (maximum, 33 yr after presentation and 6 yr after radiosurgery). RESULTS: The tumors were located in the anterior superior sagittal sinus in 52 patients, at the middle of the sinus in 91, and at the posterior portion of the sinus in 60. The mean tumor volume at the time of radiosurgery was 10 cc. In patients who underwent radiosurgery as the primary therapy (n = 66), the 5-year actuarial tumor control rate was 93 ± 4%. No clinical failure (need for additional therapy or worsened neurological function) occurred in patients who had smaller tumors (<7.5 cc) and who had never undergone resection (n = 41). The 5-year control rate for patients with previous surgery was only 60 ± 10%; the control rate for the radiosurgerytreated volume was 85%. Most failures resulted from remote tumor growth. Multivariate analyses identified significantly decreased tumor control with increasing tumor volume (P = 0.002) and previous neurological deficits (P = 0.002). The rate of transient, symptomatic edema after radiosurgery was 16%, was more common with larger tumors, and occurred within 2 years. Of 33 patients who were employed at the time of radiosurgery for whom a minimum of 1 year of follow-up data were available, 30 remained employed (91%). A decrease in functional status after radiosurgery was noted in only 3 of 33 (9%) employed and 7 of 77 (9%) unemployed patients. CONCLUSION: In patients with smaller tumors (<3 cm in diameter) and patent sagittal sinuses, we advocate radiosurgery alone as the first surgical procedure. Patients with larger tumors and those with progressive neurological deficits resulting from brain compression should first undergo resection. Planned second-stage radiosurgery should be performed soon afterward for any residual tumor nodule or neoplastic dural remnant. Multimodality management may enhance long-term tumor control, reduce the need for multiple resections, and maintain the functional status of the patient.
Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Compliance to Medication in Elderly Kidney Transplant Patients

Copyright: © 2012 Theofilou P. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Over the last few years there has been a growing interest in the development of accurate and reproducible methodologies aimed at assessing quality of life [1-3] as well as compliance to medication [4-7] in chronic illness, like chronic heart failure [8], end-stage renal disease and maintenance dialysis [9-20], kidney transplantation [21], Alzheimer [22], multiple sclerosis [23], Parkinson’s disease [24], rheumatoid arthritis [25], systemic lupus erythematosus [26], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [27], breast cancer [28], pancreatic cancer [29] or obesity [30].