Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations in Polysomnographic (PSG) profile in drug-naïve Parkinson's disease

Objective: We studied the changes in Polysomnographic (PSG) profile in drug-naïve patients of Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent evaluation with sleep overnight PSG. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 30 with newly diagnosed levodopa-naïve patients with PD, fulfilling the UK-PD society brain bank clinical diagnostic criteria (M:F = 25:5; age: 57.2 ± 10.7 years). The disease severity scales and sleep related questionnaires were administered, and then patients were subjected to overnight PSG. Results: The mean duration of illness was 9.7 ± 9.5 months. The mean Hoehn and Yahr stage was 1.8 ± 0.4. The mean Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score improved from 27.7 ± 9.2 to 17.5 ± 8.9 with sustained usage of levodopa. Nocturnal sleep as assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was impaired in 10 (33.3%) patients (mean PSQI score: 5.1 ± 3.1). Excessive day time somnolence was recorded in three patients with Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score ≥ 10 (mean ESS score: 4.0 ± 3.4). PSG analysis revealed that poor sleep efficiency of <85% was present in 86.7% of patients (mean: 68.3 ± 21.3%). The latencies to sleep onset (mean: 49.8 ± 67.0 minutes) and stage 2 sleep (36.5 ± 13.1%) were prolonged while slow wave sleep was shortened. Respiration during sleep was significantly impaired in which 43.3% had impaired apnoea hyperpnoea index (AHI) ≥5, mean AHI: 8.3 ± 12.1). Apnoeic episodes were predominantly obstructive (obstructive sleep apnea, OSA index = 2.2 ± 5.1). These patients had periodic leg movement (PLM) disorder (56.7% had PLM index of 5 or more, mean PLMI: 27.53 ± 4 9.05) that resulted in excessive daytime somnolence. Conclusions: To conclude, sleep macro-architecture is altered in frequently and variably in levodopa-naïve patients of PD and the alterations are possibly due to disease process per se.
Para‐aural abscess in the dog and cat

The term para-aural abscess is used to describe the condition when suppuration has extended from the external ear canal or the middle ear cavity into the surrounding soft tissues. This report describes a series of 17 dogs and three cats in which otitis had advanced to the stage of para-aural abscess formation. The diagnostic procedures and subsequent treatments are rationalized but it is concluded that the prognosis is not favourable in most animals in which otitis has progressed to this state.
Revisiting the Myth of the Texas Miracle in Education: Lessons about Dropout Research and Dropout Prevention

This paper extends an examination of grade enrollment and high school graduation patterns in Texas presented in “The Myth of the Texas Miracle in Education” (Haney, 2000). Using enrollment data from 1975-76 through 1999-2000, I examine the pattern apparent between flunking grade 9 and failure to persist in school to high school graduation. Before focusing on this particular topic, I provide a summary of the “Myth” article, supplemented by new evidence available since publication of that article in August 2000.
Pseudo-dementia: A neuropsychological review

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, January-March 2015, Vol 18, Issue 1 our patient, both these pathways are important and the cavernous sinus pathway has both intracranial and extracranial routes. In addition, there is a third pathway through the scalp and occipital veins as mentioned above. Thus the extracranial collateral pathways through the facial veins, pharyngeal plexus, pterygoid plexus, superficial temporal vein, occipital vein and vertebral venous plexus are very important for drainage. These collateral pathways have a significant impact on the outcome as seen in our patient.
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and the clinical subtypes

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) requires objective findings referable to the central nervous system. A wide differential diagnosis often has to be considered. Magnetic resonance imaging and electrophysiologic and cerebrospinal fluid studies can all contribute to an early definitive diagnosis. The McDonald diagnostic criteria for MS (2005) are the currently recognized MS diagnostic criteria. The clinical subtypes of MS and their diagnosis are discussed in this article. Being informed of the diagnosis may be a stressful experience for the patient and this is also dealt with.
Cellular immunity in cured cancer patients

Cellular immune competence was quantitated in 100 postoperative cancer patients considered clinically free of tumor and compared with that of 200 preoperative cancer patients and over 400 cancer‐free persons. Immunity was assessed by in vitro phytohemagglutinin (PHA)‐induced lymphocyte reactivity and in vivo dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) contact sensitivity. The immune reactivity of the cured cancer patients correlated with the histology of the tumor previously excised. Patients cured of squamous carcinomas had high incidences of impairment of lymphocyte reactivity and DNCB contact sensitivity similar to that found in preoperative patients. Patients with sarcomas, melanomas, and adenocarcinomas, however, had lymphocyte reactivity higher than both their preoperative counterparts and normal subjects, and did not display the abnormalities of DNCB contact sensitivity present in the comparable preoperative groups. A suppressant effect on lymphocyte reactivity of sera from preoperative patients with squamous carcinomas and sarcomas also occurred with sera from cured squamous carcinoma patients. The persisting high incidence of impaired cellular immunity in patients cured of squamous carcinomas indicates the need for investigation of genetic and environmental factors which may be responsible for the defects and determination of their relation to tumor induction. Treatment of these tumors may be improved by monitoring immune reactivity during therapy and by regimens that correct these defects. The intact cellular immune competence of patients clinically cured of sarcomas, melanomas, and adenocarcinomas indicates that patients treated for tumors of these histologic types who display abnormalities by the assays used may be suspected of having residual tumor.
Place de la chimiothérapie dans la leucémie lymphoïde chronique

Auteur(s) : Stephane Lepretre1, Eric Van Den Neste2 1CLCC H Becquerel, 14000 Rouen 2Departement d’hematologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Universite catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgique La prise en charge therapeutique de la leucemie lymphoide chronique (LLC) a beaucoup evolue ses dernieres annees grâce a une meilleure comprehension biologique permettant des strategies plus pronostiques, comprehension qui vient d’une meilleure definition de la place des [. ]
Adult Asthma: The Use of Novel Public Health Methods to Investigate the Prevalence of Environmental Risk Factors

Although the incidence of new cases of asthma has decreased in recent years, the prevalence of asthma morbidity continues to be a significant clinical and public health issue. The measures of morbidity include the need for urgent medical care and high-dose asthma medications due to uncontrolled asthma symptoms. However, the risk factors for uncontrolled asthma symptoms are poorly defined, especially for the adult asthmatic. Much interest in the host-environment interaction has evolved in response to the greater morbidity observed in adult asthmatics. Thus, the need to identify risk factors is greater than ever. An underlying problem is that surveillance for asthma does not exist at the local or state level. Here we address the concept of environmental health surveillance by demonstrating the utility of local asthma hospitalization data to estimate the burden of asthma morbidity in hopes of identifying environmental risk factors. We examine this burden within 2 geographic settings: 1. a selected urban-rural setting in Pennsylvania and 2. within the 89 zip codes in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. We also demonstrate that such hospitalization records are a rich source for data needed to generate hypotheses with respect to the prevalence of environmental risk factors and chronic disease morbidity. Lastly, we demonstrate the use of a non-invasive biomarker (i.e. antibodies specific for atypical respiratory pathogens) to assess the risk of exposure to a biological environmental agent to adult asthma morbidity. Given the poor understanding of risk factors for adult asthma prevalence and morbidity, this research is both relevant and important in addressing environmental public health disparities.
Amputation and Mortality in New-Onset Diabetic Foot Ulcers Stratified by Etiology

OBJECTIVE —Foot ulcers and their complications are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. The present study aims to examine the long-term outcome in terms of amputations and mortality in patients with new-onset diabetic foot ulcers in subgroups stratified by etiology. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —Patients presenting with new ulcers (duration RESULTS —Of the 185 patients studied, 41% had peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and 61% had neuropathy; 45%, 16%, and 24% of patients had neuropathic, ischemic, and neuroischemic ulcers, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (range 1–65) including survivors and patients who died during the study period. Five-year amputation rates were higher for ischemic (29%) and neuroischemic (25%) than neuropathic (11%) ulcers. Five-year mortality was 45%, 18%, and 55% for neuropathic, neuroischemic, and ischemic ulcers, respectively. Mortality was higher in ischemic ulcers than neuropathic ulcers. On multivariate regression analysis, only increasing age predicted shorter survival time. CONCLUSIONS —All types of diabetic foot ulcers are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The increased mortality appears to be independent of factors increasing ulcer risk—that is, neuropathy and PVD—in patients with established foot ulcers.
High Levels of Cell-Free Circulating Nucleic Acids in Pancreatic Cancer are Associated With Vascular Encasement, Metastasis and Poor Survival

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive disease with rapid invasion and early encasement of blood vessels. Hence, levels of circulating nucleic acids and tumor-associated mutations in them may have clinical importance. We analyzed the levels of circulating tumor DNA and oncogenic k-ras mutation in plasma of patients with pancreatic cancer and correlated their levels with survival and clinicopathological parameters. Higher levels of plasma DNA (>62 ng/mL) was found to associate significantly with lower overall survival time (p = .002), presence of vascular encasement (p = .030) and metastasis (p = .001). However, k-ras mutation status did not correlate with any of the clinicopathological parameters or survival. We conclude that circulating DNA in plasma can be an important predictor of prognosis in pancreatic cancer.
The Human VG5Q Gene Transcript is Over Expressed in Colorectal and Bladder Carcinomas

Summary We studied the pattern of the human VG5Q (AGGF1) mRNA expression in both normal and noeplastic colorectal and bladder tissues. VG5Q mRNA was detected by RT-PCR technique. VG5Q is weekly expressed in the majority of normal cases (n=12). Seven of eight colorectal carcinomas (87.5%) overexpressed VG5Q mRNA when compared to their corresponding normal colorectal tissues of the same patient. The level of VG5Q expression in primary tumor is also upregulated in (75%) of the cases when compared to their corresponding liver metastasis. No consistent relationship in the expression level of VG5Q could be deduced when comparing normal colorectal samples to their liver metastasis colorectal tumors. Comparing 4 normal bladder and 16 bladder carcinomas samples reveal that VG5Q expression is also upregulated in bladder carcinomas. The level of VG5Q expression is more frequently upregulated in low grade when compared to high grade bladder carcinomas. These are the first results indicating the association of the newly discovered VG5Q gene transcript with human colorectal and bladder carcinomas. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usage of VG5Q as a complementary histopathologic and a candidate tumor marker among other modalities in both and other types of cancers.
The combined exposure to intra-amniotic inflammation and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome increases the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of combined exposure to intra-amniotic inflammation and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on the development of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm neonates. Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes 207 consecutive preterm births (24.0–33.0 weeks of gestation). Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentration >23 ng/mL. According to McMenamin’s classification, IVH was defined as grade II or higher when detected by neurosonography within the first weeks of life. Results: (1) IVH was diagnosed in 6.8% (14/207) of neonates in the study population; (2) IVH was frequent among newborns exposed to intra-amniotic inflammation when followed by postnatal RDS [33% (6/18)]. The frequency of IVH was 7% (8/115) among neonates exposed to either of these conditions – intra-amniotic inflammation or RDS – and 0% (0/64) among those who were not exposed to these conditions; and (3) Neonates exposed to intra-amniotic inflammation and postnatal RDS had a significantly higher risk of IVH than those with only intra-amniotic inflammation [odds ratio (OR) 4.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–19.3] and those with RDS alone (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.0–30.9), after adjusting for gestational age. Conclusion: The combined exposure to intra-amniotic inflammation and postnatal RDS markedly increased the risk of IVH in preterm neonates.
Differential Expression of Cancer Stem Cell Markers ALDH1 and CD133 in Various Lung Cancer Subtypes

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are hypothesized to be the main culprit of lung cancer progression. Clinicopathological significance of stem cell markers CD133 and ALDH1 in a large group of lung cancer patients was evaluated. ALDH1 and CD133 had higher expression levels in the NSCLC compared to the SCLC. Over-expression of both ALDH1 and CD133 markers was exclusively found in SCC and ADC. Low level of ALDH1 expression was strongly correlated with poor differentiation in ADC cases. Thus, ALDH1high/CD133high phenotype can be considered as a CSC marker in some lung cancer subtypes.
Expression of placental regulatory genes is associated with fetal growth

Abstract The placenta is the principal organ regulating respiratory, nutritional, endocrine and metabolic functions on behalf of the developing fetus. Changes in gene expression patterns of placenta-specific genes may influence fetal growth. We profiled the expression of 17 genes related to placenta functioning in term placentas (n=677) to identify genes differentially expressed across birth weight categories [small (SGA), appropriate (AGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age]. ABCG2, CEBPB, CRH, GCM1, GPC3, INSL4, PGF and PLAC1 were inversely associated with LGA status, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranging from GCM1 (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.70) to CRH (OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.88). NR3C1 was positively associated with LGA status (OR=2.33, 95% CI: 1.43, 3.78). PLAC1 (OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.92) and ABCG2 (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.91) were additionally inversely associated with SGA status, and PGF was positively associated with SGA status (OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.08, 2.35). General trends were confirmed in an independent cohort (n=306). Given that aberrant fetal growth may have long-lasting effects, our results suggest the potential utility of placental gene expression profiles as potential early markers of disease onset later in life.
Adult onset Still's disease: Role of scintigraphy

Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) often poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and clinical guidelines are lacking. It is often diagnosed after a considerable delay; bone scintigraphy imaging may offer new imaging techniques for early diagnosis and successful therapy in follow-up examinations. We describe the liver and bone scan findings in a 21-year old female patient with AOSD, who had been having fever of high grade, recurrent and intermittent in character, associated with severe sore throat and joint pains. She had been extensively investigated for possible infectious disease. She had received antibiotics and antimalarial drugs without any response.
Commentary The outcome of patients presenting to the emergency department with severe sepsis or septic shock

Although multiple studies of acute myocardial infarction, trauma, and stroke have been translated into improved outcomes by applying diagnosis and therapy at the most proximal stage of hospital presentation (before intensive care unit arrival), this approach to the sepsis patient has been lacking. In response to this, a trial comparing early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) versus standard care was performed using internally and externally validated criteria for early identification of high risk patients, established definitions, and a consensus-derived protocol to reverse the hemodynamic perturbations of hypovolemia, vasoregulation, myocardial suppression and increased metabolic demands. That trial of EGDT resulted in significant reductions in morbidity, mortality, vasopressor use, and health care resource consumption. The end-points used in the protocol and the outcome results were subsequently externally validated, revealing similar or better mortality benefit. This commentary examines the rational and validation for the use of early markers of illness severity. Current evidence support the endpoints in the EGDT protocol, external validity in regards to outcome benefit and the universal need to improve the quality of care for early sepsis.
RENAL SIDE EFFECTS OF IFOSFAMIDE IN PATIENTS ADMITTED FOR CHEMOTHERAPY

BACKGROUND: Ifosfamide (IFO) is an alkylating cytostatic agent with nephrotoxic properties. Most often it causes dis- turbances in proximal tubular function manifesting as glycosuria, albuminuria, hyperphosphaturia with hypophos- phatemia, tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia. Impairment of renal glomerular function is less frequent and manifests as reduced glomerular filtration or distal tubulopathy along with the symptoms of diabetes insipidus. A significant per- centage of patients also develop neurotoxic side effects. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of side effects in patients treated with IFO for neoplastic diseases. METHODS: This was a prospective study on all admitted patients that received Ifosfamide for chemotherapy. After full physical examination and performing necessary paraclinical examinations (sodium, potassium, calcium, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, SGOT, SGPT, bilirubin and ECG), information forms for all of them were filled out at admission and in follow up visits to be used in final assessment. Renal function was assessed at the beginning of chemotherapy and then regularly during subsequent cycles. RESULTS: Sixty-six cases were male and 34 cases were female. Mean age was 36.4 years. Alopecia was recorded in 70 cases (70%) and nausea and vomiting in 43 cases (43%). Nephropathy (increased BUN and creatinine, gross hematuria, phosphaturia, glucosuria) was not observed in any patient. In 8 patients, microscopic hematuria was detected. Twenty- three patients had bone marrow suppression, and 7 cases showed severe neutropenia and broad spectrum antibiotics were prescribed for them. I did not find any culture positive infection. Serum electrolyte imbalance, diarrhea and severe allergic reactions were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ifosfamide may potentially produce both mild and severe renal side effects. Side effects of IFO should be evaluated in different populations with different genomic profiles.
Novel Strategies in Anti-Platelet Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease

Treatment with oral anti-platelet agents constitutes a cornerstone in the therapy of coronary artery disease. Coronary angioplasty and stent implantation improved the therapy of coronary artery disease and especially the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Implementation of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition further advanced anti-platelet therapy as a central component in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Sustained prevention of reocclusion was achieved when dual anti-platelet therapy had been introduced and reduced the risk of stent thrombosis to ~1% following elective stenting in stable coronary artery disease. However, targeting more complex lesions or performing the intervention in states of increased platelet reactivity such as in acute coronary syn- dromes or in diabetic patients is still associated with a higher risk of stent thrombosis. Additionally, incomplete ADP- receptor inhibition by thienopyridine treatment contributes to increased cardiovascular events and mortality after coronary intervention. This review describes the underlying pathophysiology leading to coronary atherothrombosis and contributing to stent thrombosis as well as the pharmacological approach to prevent it by dual anti-platelet therapy. It summarizes the assess- ment of anti-platelet therapy by different analytical methods such as platelet aggregation, platelet function analyzers, and the platelet reactivity index. Impaired clopidogrel responsiveness and its implication for adverse cardiovascular events and stent thrombosis are discussed. Current strategies in improving the efficacy of clopidogrel treatment as well as the next generation of anti-platelet substances such as novel thienopyridines and non-thienopyridine P2Y12-receptor blocking agents are addressed. Finally, we discuss the potential of von-Willebrand factor aptamers compared to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in acute coronary syndromes.
Biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas: a critical review

The fuel crisis and environmental concerns, mainly due to global warming, have led researchers to consider the importance of biofuels such as biodiesel. Vegetable oils, which are too viscous to be used directly in engines, are converted into their corresponding methyl or ethyl esters by a process called transesterification. With the recent debates on “food versus fuel,” non-edible oils, such as Jatropha curcas, are emerging as one of the main contenders for biodiesel production. Much research is still needed to explore and realize the full potential of a green fuel from J. curcas. Upcoming projects and plantations of Jatropha in countries such as India, Malaysia, and Indonesia suggest a promising future for this plant as a potential biodiesel feedstock. Many of the drawbacks associated with chemical catalysts can be overcome by using lipases for enzymatic transesterification. The high cost of lipases can be overcome, to a certain extent, by immobilization techniques. This article reviews the importance of the J. curcas plant and describes existing research conducted on Jatropha biodiesel production. The article highlights areas where further research is required and relevance of designing an immobilized lipase for biodiesel production is discussed.