Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of Warm Compresses in the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Demodex Folliculorum Blepharitis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate and compare the effect of warm compresses on meibomian gland dysfunction and Demodex folliculorum blepharitis. Methods: Forty-two subjects (13 males, 29 females; mean age of 56.45 years) enrolled and completed the two-month warm compress treatment study. Three warm compress therapies were compared: Warm face cloth, MGDRx EyeBag® and OPTASETM Moist Heat Mask. Subjects attended for four visits: baseline, two weeks, four weeks, and eight weeks. Subjective symptoms, osmolarity, non-invasive tear break-up time, ocular surface staining, Schirmer I test, meibum expressibility and clarity, and eyelash manipulation and epilation to assess for the presence of Demodex folliculorum, were measured at each visit. Results: Meibomian gland dysfunction, based on a composite score of meibum quality and expressibility, reduced significantly with the MGDRx EyeBag® and the OPTASETM Moist Heat Mask (p < .05). There was no significant difference in efficacy for treating meibomian gland dysfunction between the two devices (p = .29). No improvement in meibomian gland dysfunction was detected with the warm face cloth. Only the OPTASETM Moist Heat Mask significantly reduced the quantity of Demodex folliculorum over eight-weeks of treatment (p = .036, only baseline to week eight significant p = .008). Symptoms and ocular surface staining improved significantly in all three groups (p < .05). There was no significant change observed in osmolarity, non-invasive tear break-up time or Schirmer I test within each group (p > .05, respectively). Conclusion: The MGDRx EyeBag® and the OPTASETM Moist Heat Mask exhibited superior efficacy in treating signs and symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction, compared to the use of a warm face cloth, over the eight-week period. The OPTASETM Moist Heat Mask demonstrated dual therapeutic abilities, treating both meibomian gland dysfunction and Demodex folliculorum blepharitis. Repeated application of heat for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction may continue to present a good home-remedy option for patients.
Local release of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors after a successful revascularisation procedure

An altered balance between metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may influence the healing process of a minor amputation following a successful vein graft. To speed up this process, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and advanced moist wound dressing have been proposed. We determined the systemic and local release of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐9, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and their influences in the healing process in 26 patients who underwent minor amputation after a successful revascularisation procedure. Twelve patients (group 1) were medicated with NPWT and 14 (group 2) with advanced moist wound dressing. Plasma samples were collected on the morning of surgery and thereafter at 1, 3, and 5 months; exudates were collected 3 days after surgery when amputation was performed and thereafter at 1, 3, and 5 months. Fifteen age‐matched healthy male volunteers served as controls. All wounds healed in 5 ± 0.5 months. Follow‐up plasma and local release of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and ‐9 were overall significantly lower when compared with the preoperative levels, while those of TIMP‐1 and ‐2 were significantly higher with no differences among the groups. Despite no differences in the healing process being observed among the two types of medications, at 1 month the local release of MMP‐2 and ‐9 was significantly lower (P = .013 and .047, respectively) and that of TIMP‐1 was significantly higher (P = .042) in group 1 as compared to group 2. A correct and aggressive local approach to the wound is able to promote the healing of the lesion stimulating the extracellular matrix turnover with local MMP/TIMP adequate balance and favouring the creation of granulation tissue. However, a successful restoration of an adequate blood flow remains the key point of a durable and rapid wound healing.
The Effect of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Obesity and Obesity-related Disease : the Results of 10 Initial Cases.

Introduction : The number of patients who undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been increasing. Department of Surgery, Tokushima University performed the first LSG in 2013. The aim of this study was to report the results of the initial ten cases who underwent a LSG. Patients and methods : Ten obese patients : five males and five females ; age range from thirty-three years to fifty-six years (mean age 42.2 years) ; mean body mass index (BMI) 50.3 ; five with diabetes ; nine with hypertension (HT) ; four with hyperlipidemia (HL) ; eight with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) who underwent LSG were enrolled in this study. The data was analyzed retrospectively and included short- and long-term outcomes. Results : There were no post-operative complications in this study. The %EWL at three and six months and one year post-operative were 44.2%, 50.2% and 48.6% respectively. In three months post-operative the non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) had improved transaminase (AST/ALT), liver to spleen ratio in plain CT value. Improvements were also evident in the obesity-related diseases : diabetes 80% (4/5) ; HT 67% (6/9) ; HL 75% (3/4) ; and SAS 88% (7/8). Conclusion : LSG is a promising option for the treatment of morbid obesity and obesity-related diseases. J. Med. Invest. 66 : 289-292, August, 2019.
Safety in the Operating Theatre | a Multi Factor Approach for Patients and Teams

Due to the advances in high-tech technology in the operating theatre, the increased number of persons involved, and the increased complexity of surgical procedures, medical errors are inflicted. To answer the main question: How to improve patient safety in the operating theatre during surgery? this thesis is split into three parts. Part A focuses on the processes concerning ‘planning, acting/ performing and recording’ surgical procedures. Currently, no surgical protocol uniformity exists and most operative notes are still dictated postoperatively. Operative notes are sometimes not written according to the guidelines for operative note writing, are subjective, and do not fully correspond to the actual events observed in the video recordings of that particular procedure. Part B focuses on the implementation of a Time Out Procedure plus Debriefing (TOPplus). Results show that operating team members hold different perceptions of communication, teamwork and situation awareness. Designing TOPplus by means of the user-centred participatory design approach, in combination with the context-specific design principles, proves advantageous for implementing the procedures and acts as a catalyst for related patient safety initiatives. Part C focuses on improving the working conditions of the operating team. During surgery problems are encountered within the sensorial, cognitive, physical, and environmental domain. Surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery experience physical discomfort in mainly neck, shoulder, and back. Although the importance of ergonomics is recognised, only few surgeons are aware of general ergonomic guidelines to improve their working conditions. Finally, product evaluation of two types of surgical lights shows that specific disciplines require different lights.
Endophyte-assisted phytoremediation: mechanisms and current application strategies for soil mixed pollutants

Abstract Phytoremediation uses plants and associated microbes to remove pollutants from the environment and is considered a promising bioremediation method. Compared with well-described single contaminant treatments, the number of studies reporting phytoremediation of soil mixed pollutants has increased recently. Endophytes, including bacteria and fungi, exhibit beneficial traits for the promotion of plant growth, stress alleviation, and biodegradation. Moreover, endophytes either directly or indirectly assist host plants to survive high concentrations of organic and inorganic pollutants in the soil. Endophytic microorganisms can also regulate the plant metabolism in different ways, exhibiting a variety of physiological characteristics. This review summarizes the taxa and physiological properties of endophytic microorganisms that may participate in the detoxification of contaminant mixtures. Furthermore, potential biomolecules that may enhance endophyte mediated phytoremediation are discussed. The practical applications of pollutant-degrading endophytes and current strategies for applying this valuable bio-resource to soil phytoremediation are summarized.
Intra-discal drain insertion for culture and drainage of pyogenic spondylodiscitis: A one-step diagnostic and therapeutic procedure

Background Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is diagnosed in recent years at higher rates due to the aging population, increased survival of chronic and immune suppressed patients, and the higher rate of invasive procedures leading to bacterial seeding or direct contamination of the disc space. Treatment guidelines encourage bacterial sampling before initiation of antibiotic therapy, and drainage of pus collections. We present our experience with percutaneous CT-guided drain insertion into the disc space itself as a one-step procedure for both culturing and subsequent continuous drainage of the infected disc space. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed all cases of pyogenic spondylodiscitis admitted to our spine surgery unit during the past five years and treated with CT-guided percutaneous drain insertion into the infected disc space. All patients were followed until complete resolution of the infection. Results We retrieved electronic records of 12 patients, none presenting with neurological compression symptoms. Cultures taken at the time of drain insertion were positive in 10 patients (83.3%), much higher than the reported yield for needle aspiration (14–48%) and comparable to the yield of open biopsy. In all patients complete resolution of the infection was reached, determined by clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters. Conclusions Our retrospective case series demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of intra-discal CT-guided drainage of an infected disc space. The procedure does not add much burden to current practice as disc-space sampling for culture is commonly performed anyway, and adds the benefit of direct drainage of the pus at its source.
Group-based, individualized exercises can provide perceived bodily changes and strengthen aspects of self in individuals with MS: a qualitative interview study

ABSTRACT Background: Group-based physiotherapy is effective for individuals with MS; nevertheless individualization within groups is questioned and little is known regarding individuals´ experiences with individualization in small groups. Objective: We aimed to explore the short- and long-term experiences of individuals with MS participating in a 6-week, group-based, individualized physiotherapy-intervention. Methods: Within a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 25 in-depth interviews with a strategic sample of 13 people (9 women; age 25–79 years old; European Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 1–6.5) were conducted at weeks 7 and 30 using systematic text condensation, with dynamic systems theory and phenomenology as analytical frameworks. Results: The main categories were: 1) movement control, orientation and insights: Bodily improvements were associated with targeted exercises, specific adjustments by the physiotherapist, emotional engagement and re-access to activities; and 2) the individual within the group: Equal distributions of one-to-one interactions and attention were important for experiencing success. Less attention and improvements turned attention toward own disability. Physical changes felt particularly emotional short term, implying that individuals’ feelings of ownership and control of body and movement, new views of themselves and changed affordances in daily life were involved. Conclusion: Equally distributed attention and engagement, targeted exercises and hands-on adjustments resulting in visible and perceived bodily changes were experienced as key factors of individualization in small groups.
Metabolic Remodeling in the Pressure‐Loaded Right Ventricle: Shifts in Glucose and Fatty Acid Metabolism—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Background Right ventricular (RV) failure because of chronic pressure load is an important determinant of outcome in pulmonary hypertension. Progression towards RV failure is characterized by diastolic dysfunction, fibrosis and metabolic dysregulation. Metabolic modulation has been suggested as therapeutic option, yet, metabolic dysregulation may have various faces in different experimental models and disease severity. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to identify metabolic changes in the pressure loaded RV and formulate recommendations required to optimize translation between animal models and human disease. Methods and Results Medline and EMBASE were searched to identify original studies describing cardiac metabolic variables in the pressure loaded RV. We identified mostly rat‐models, inducing pressure load by hypoxia, Sugen‐hypoxia, monocrotaline (MCT), pulmonary artery banding (PAB) or strain (fawn hooded rats, FHR), and human studies. Meta‐analysis revealed increased Hedges’ g (effect size) of the gene expression of GLUT1 and HK1 and glycolytic flux. The expression of MCAD was uniformly decreased. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity and fatty acid uptake varied considerably between studies, yet there was a model effect in carbohydrate respiratory capacity in MCT‐rats. Conclusions This systematic review and meta‐analysis on metabolic remodeling in the pressure‐loaded RV showed a consistent increase in glucose uptake and glycolysis, strongly suggest a downregulation of beta‐oxidation, and showed divergent and model‐specific changes regarding fatty acid uptake and oxidative metabolism. To translate metabolic results from animal models to human disease, more extensive characterization, including function, and uniformity in methodology and studied variables, will be required.
A Simple and Rapid Staining Technique for Sex Determination of Trichinella Larvae Parasites by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Abstract The roundworms of Trichinella genus are worldwide distributed and their prevalence in nature is high. Trichinella genus parasites are the causative agents of foodborne zoonosis trichinellosis. The main prevention and control of the infection are meat inspection by the magnetic stirrer method for the detection of Trichinella larvae in muscle samples. The treatment can be effective if the parasite is discovered early in the intestinal phase. Once the Trichinella larva has reached the muscle tissue, the parasite remains therein and there is no treatment for this life cycle stage. The Trichinella species is dioecious with separate male and female individuals. The developed staining technique that uses confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) displays sufficient results for Trichinella larvae examination and this protocol is applicable to study the internal and external structures and for the sex determination of T. britovi and T. spiralis larvae samples. In the present study, a luminescent derivative was synthesized and used for staining of T. spiralis and T. britovi larvae samples for the examination by CLSM. Various fixatives, such as AFA, 70% ethanol, and Bouin's and Carnoy's solutions were tested for sample preparation. The synthesized luminescent compound demonstrates best visualization results for samples fixed in Bouin's fixative.
High risk of activation of latent tuberculosis infection in rheumatic disease patients

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the risk of activation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in Chinese patients with rheumatic diseases who have received glucocorticoid treatment. Methods: We conducted a 2-year study, enrolling 1788 patients with rheumatic diseases who were treated with glucocorticoid for at least 4 weeks at the Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Interferon-release assays (IGRA) were performed with patient blood samples obtained at baseline. Patient data, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), duration and dosage of glucocorticoid and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (immunosuppressant) treatment and comorbidities (malignancies, diabetes, chronic renal failure, silicosis) were collected. Patients were followed for 2 years to detect the emergence of active tuberculosis (TB). Results: 21.8% (349/1600) of the patients tested positive in IGRA, indicating LTBI. 2-year follow-up showed that 18 (5.16%) patients with positive IGRA but only 4 (0.35%) patients with negative IGRA developed active TB (p < .05). SLE patients had the highest activation rate of 2.22 per 100 total recruitment cases/year. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that low BMI(<18.5), administration of high dose glucocorticoids (>15 mg daily), and comorbidities that included interstitial lung disease and malignant cancers were significantly associated with LTBI activation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that screening and preventive therapy of LTBI may be advisable for Chinese rheumatic disease and particularly SLE patients undergoing glucocorticoid therapy with dosage above 15 mg prednisone equivalent daily for more than 4 weeks.
Evaluating the impact of membership of Active Retirement Ireland on the lives of older people

Public discourse in relation to older people has often tended to construct them as “a burden” on the government and public policy has focussed narrowly on the costs of health-care, long-stay care and pensions. This is also evidenced by the fact that most of the resources devoted to healthy ageing in the community are spent on medical services provided by a range of professionals while a relatively small proportion is devoted to providing social, physical, cultural and educational programmes designed to promote and preserve health. This ignores the fact that it is increasingly recognised at international policy level that healthy ageing requires a broad holistic approach to health production; this requires not only investment in medical care, but also investment in health-promoting behaviours in the community which can help to prevent the onset of ill-health and to delay mortality. Older people are now living longer and tend to be healthier than were previous generations of older people. It is increasingly recognised that people need to have access to meaningful forms of engagement in society at a time when they may be retiring from employment and/or be less engaged with family. Active Retirement Ireland (ARI) aims to foster independence, solidarity and support among older people in Ireland. It is a national umbrella body for 550 affiliated Active Retirement Associations (ARAs) with an estimated membership of over 23,000 men and women, throughout Ireland. ARI (formerly known as FARA) has been in existence for 27 years. The impact of being a member of an ARA has not yet been comprehensively assessed. This year (2012), the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between the Generations, is an appropriate time for such an evaluation. The main questions posed by this research are to establish: 1. What constitutes healthy ageing and a good quality of life for older people? 2. What are the processes through which quality of life for older people is enhanced? 3. Does involvement in a social organisation such as ARI promote a healthier lifestyle and/or lead to enhanced quality of life in older ARA members? 4. What are the next steps for ARI in pursuing the aim of enhancing quality of life for older people in Ireland? In addressing these questions, the research also considers whether ARI succeeds in being an organisation that people are proud to be part of - locally, regionally and nationally; whether it is a recognised voice for older people on issues that concern them; and whether it is working towards becoming a self-sustaining organisation.
College students and the public stigma of dementia

As populations age the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have been sharply growing. In 2015, an estimated 46.8 million people with dementia lived worldwide, and by 2050 there will be 131.5 million presenting with this condition, most of them living in lowand middle-income countries. The prevalence of dementia is estimated to vary between 4.4% and 8.7% in the population over 60, and it presents an exponential growth as people get older. As about three-quarters of the people affected by dementia do not have a diagnosis, and they do not receive adequate treatment and/or care (Prince et al., 2015). Not only is there a lack of public knowledge about dementia, but also the stigmatization has been pointed out as an important barrier to dealing with the growing impact of dementia (WHO, 2018a). Even though the Technical Consensus Statements produced by the Old Age Psychiatry section of the World Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, published in 2003 called attention to and recommended policies, programs and actions to fight the stigma against older people with mental disorders (Graham et al., 2003), only more recently has such stigma received interest and concern. The fact that the forthcoming World Alzheimer Report to be published in 2019 will look at the stigma and the attitudes concerning dementia (Alzheimer Disease International, 2019) and is an example of the attention this topic is raising.
İLERİ DERECEDE SKOLYOZLU HASTADA SPİNAL ANESTEZİ (OLGU SUNUMU)

Vertebral deformities may cause difficulties with both spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia management. At the begining of anesthesia as may be encountered technical difficulties in maintain anesthesia may cause complications. In this case anesthesia management of the patient with severe thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis of anesthesia is presented. The patients was 21 years old and will be operated for umbilical hernia. the patient had pain in the lower back and legs. Physical examination and chest x-ray thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis was present. Pulmonary function test values were normal. L 3-4 space with a 25 G needle intrathecal attempt was made to. Applications in the third attempt was successful. 12.5 mg hyperbaric heavy marcaine and 20 mcg fentanyl was performed to subarachnoid space. Sensorial and motor block was provided and sensorial block was increased T6 level in the supine position. There was no complication during the operation. As a result of spinal anesthesia in scoliosis may be a good alternative