Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How do we measure blood pressure at home?

Abstract Background. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is one of the measures that increases compliance with antihypertensive therapy. HBPM requires a proper measurement technique as well as an accurate sphygmomanometer. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of home sphygmomanometers (HS) in a big city in Turkey. Subjects and method. We assessed the HS of hypertensive patients (n = 452; male: 253, female: 199) who were examined for the first time in our outpatient center. General evaluation of HS included trademark, model, device's age, cuff size, validation and calibration status. Results. We interviewed 452 patients and 452 HS were identified. The most common factors affecting the patients’ choice for the type and model of the HS were its simplicity and ease of use (28.2%), followed by advertisements (44%), physician's advice (19.3%) and the belief in accurate measurement (< 1%). All patients were unaware of validation and calibration of their devices. Conclusion. Awareness of both patients and physicians about the validation status of HS is not enough. Some complaints from patients may be associated with using non-validated HS. There is a need for a policy or standard criteria for HS.
Prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in a traditional birth home in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Data on prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among pregnant women in non-institutionalized health facilities in Nigeria are missing. Aim: This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in a traditional birth home in Nigeria. Setting and Design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a traditional birth home. Materials and Methods: Blood and sera samples obtained from 360 pregnant women were tested for the presence of HIV, HBV, and HCV antibodies and hemoglobin concentration determined using standard technique. Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic information. Statistical Analysis: INSTAT ® statistical software. Results: The prevalence of HIV infection was significantly higher among pregnant women with no formal education and among those with multiple marriages (P = 0.008 and P = <0.0001 respectively). Only HIV infection was associated with anemia (OR = 4.154, 95% CI = 1.699, 10.157, P = 0.002). Age, gravidity, parity, marital status, history of blood transfusion, and educational status did not significantly affect the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections. Conclusions: The prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections were 7.2%, 2.2%, and 0.8%, respectively. Anemia was significantly associated with HIV infection only. Intervention effort at reducing HIV, HBV, and HCV infections and associated sequelae among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in traditional birth homes is strongly advocated.
Medical abortion by mifepristone with oral versus vaginal misoprostol

OBJECTIVE(S) : To compare oral with vaginal administration of misoprostol for induced abortion in women treated initially with mifepristone. METHOD(S) : We administered 200mg of mifepristone to 128 women seeking termination of pregnancy within 9 weeks of amenorrhea. Forty eight hours later, they were assigned to receive 800 ? g misoprostol either orally or vaginally. RESULTS : The complete abortion rates in vaginal group and oral group were 96.7% and 86.2% respectively. Median induction to abortion interval was significantly longer in women in the oral group compared to that in the vaginal group (P=0.04). CONCLUSION(S) : Mifepristone followed by vaginal misoprostol was more effective at inducing an abortion up to 9 weeks of pregnancy than followed by oral form.
Experience of buffy coat pooling of platelets as a supportive care in thrombocytopenic dengue patients: A prospective study

Random donor platelet (RDP) is not sufficient to improve the platelet count in most thrombocytopenic patients. Single donor platelet (SDP) or buffy coat pooled platelet (BCPP) are the two choices to provide a full therapeutic dose of platelets. However, there are constraints in the preparation of SDP due to stringent donor selection procedure, time required for procedure, and need of special expensive equipments and kits. BCPP is widely practiced, especially in the European countries, since 1995. In India, we decided to adopt the procedure of buffy coat pooling of platelets, especially for economically backward patients and for emergencies. This study was prospectively conducted from September 2009 to September 2010. A total of 129 units of BCPP [tested prior for viral markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and individual donor nucleic acid amplification test (ID-NAT)] were issued to 129 patients suffering from dengue and were included in this study. For comparison between efficacy of SDP and BCCP, patients were divided into two groups of 50 each. The post-transfusion platelet counts of the patients were noted after 2 hours of transfusion for each type of component. The platelet yield varied from 2.5 to 4.4 Χ 10ΉΉ in BCPP samples. The samples analyzed were sterile without any contamination. The different biochemical parameters were analyzed in detail. The observed post-transfusion platelet recovery and corrected count increment (CCI) at 1 hour and 24 hours after BCPP transfusion were similar to that after SDP transfusion. Hence, we concluded that BCPP can be a low cost alternative to SDP in the times of emergencies like dengue and non-affordability by the patient for SDP.
Circulating thrombopoietin levels in normal healthy blood donors and in aplastic anemia patients in relation to disease severity

Background: Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the key hematopoietic growth factor regulating the production of platelets from bone marrow megakaryocytes and maintaining platelet hemostasis. This study was done to find any relationship between the levels of thrombopoietin and the severity of disease in patients with aplastic anemia. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 52 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of aplastic anemia and 45 normal healthy blood donors of both sexes over a period of 2 years, and TPO was estimated by using commercially available TPO-specific-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The median TPO level of 1190 pg/ml (range 625-7651 pg/ml) in aplastic anemia patients was significantly higher than the median TPO level of 121.1 pg/ml (81.25-237.7 pg/ml) in normal healthy blood donors (P = 0.000). No significant difference was observed in TPO levels of male and female patients (P = 0.453). The median TPO concentrations observed in very severe aplastic anemia, severe aplastic anemia, and nonsevere aplastic anemia were 2765 pg/ml (range 625-6451 pg/ml), 1190 pg/ml (range 672.1-7651 pg/ml), and 1111.5 pg/ml (range 761.1-2289.2 pg/ml), respectively. TPO in patients of very severe aplastic anemia was significantly higher than patients of nonsevere aplastic anemia (P = 0.043), with no significant relation among rest of the groups. Discussion: TPO levels in aplastic anemia patients were significantly higher than in healthy blood donors; however, in aplastic anemia patients TPO levels were significantly higher only in patients with very severe disease.
Rehospitalization rate after continued electroconvulsive therapy—A retrospective chart review of patients with severe depression

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, is an effective acute treatment for severe depression. Today ECT is usually discontinued when the patient's depressive symptoms abate, although relapse is common. Some studies suggest that continuation ECT (cECT) may prevent relapse of depression, but there are few studies available. Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the need for inpatient care before, during and after cECT. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients (n=27) treated with cECT between 2005 and 2007 at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. All patients were severely depressed at the initiation of index ECT. The DSM-IV diagnoses were major depression (n=19), bipolar depression (n=5) or schizoaffective depression (n=3). Results: The hospital day quotient was lower (HDQ=15) during cECT (mean duration±standard deviation=104±74 days) than during the 3 years prior to cECT (HDQ=26). The rehospitalization rate was 43% within 6 months and 58% within 2 years after the initiation of cECT. Seven patients were rehospitalized while on cECT. Conclusion: The need for inpatient care was reduced during cECT. However, rehospitalization was common. At the initiation of the cECT, the patients were improved by the index ECT. Also cECT was often terminated after rehospitalization, which contributed to the lowered hospital day quotient during cECT. Randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of cECT. Clinical implications: Relapses and recurrences in depressed patients are common after ECT treatment. The results indicate that continuation ECT combined with pharmacotherapy might be an alternative treatment strategy.
Quantifying the multi-scale performance of network inference algorithms

Abstract Graphical models are widely used to study complex multivariate biological systems. Network inference algorithms aim to reverse-engineer such models from noisy experimental data. It is common to assess such algorithms using techniques from classifier analysis. These metrics, based on ability to correctly infer individual edges, possess a number of appealing features including invariance to rank-preserving transformation. However, regulation in biological systems occurs on multiple scales and existing metrics do not take into account the correctness of higher-order network structure. In this paper novel performance scores are presented that share the appealing properties of existing scores, whilst capturing ability to uncover regulation on multiple scales. Theoretical results confirm that performance of a network inference algorithm depends crucially on the scale at which inferences are to be made; in particular strong local performance does not guarantee accurate reconstruction of higher-order topology. Applying these scores to a large corpus of data from the DREAM5 challenge, we undertake a data-driven assessment of estimator performance. We find that the “wisdom of crowds” network, that demonstrated superior local performance in the DREAM5 challenge, is also among the best performing methodologies for inference of regulation on multiple length scales.
Alpinia calcarata Roscoe: A potential phytopharmacological source of natural medicine

Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Family: Zingiberaceae), is a rhizomatous perennial herb, which is commonly used in the traditional medicinal systems in Sri Lanka. Alpinia calcarata is cultivated in tropical countries, including Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia. Experimentally, rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata are shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, gastroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, steroid glycosides and alkaloids in the extract and essential oil of this plant. Essential oil and extracts from this plant have been found to possess wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. This article provides a comprehensive review of its ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents and the pharmacological profile as a medicinal plant. Particular attention has been given to the pharmacological effects of the essential oil of Alpinia calcarata in this review so that the potential use of this plant either in pharmaceutics or as an agricultural resource can be evaluated.
Infections Caused By Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus European Clone (ST80) In Slovenia Between 2006 And 2013

Abstract Introduction According to the existing literature, a heterogeneous sequence type (ST) or clones of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) circulate in Europe. In Europe, the European clone that belongs to sequence type ST80 is predominant. Methods The aim of the study was to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and epidemiological data of CA-MRSA ST80 and its occurrence in Slovenia. We retrospectively analyzed those CA-MRSA isolates that were isolated during microbiological procedures in microbiological laboratories between 2006 and 2013. Only CA-MRSA isolates from the national collection of CA-MRSA strains that belonged to ST80 (European clone) were analyzed. We determined the Pantone-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), mec A genes, exfoliative toxin genes and type of staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCCmec) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We determined also spa type and sequence type. Results ST80 was confirmed in only 2 (0.5%) out of 385 CA-MRSA isolates, collected in a national collection of CAMRSA. Both isolates were positive for the PVL genes, mec A gene, exfoliative toxin type D gene and SCCmec IV. One CA-MRSA isolate was confirmed in a wound swab taken from a 47-year-old male, and the second was isolated from blood cultures of a 69-year-old female. No epidemiological connections between them were found. Conclusions In Slovenia CA-MRSA infections caused by ST80 are rare. In the future, it is necessary that a surveillance study of CA-MRSA at the national level continues and CA-MRSA be considered as a public health threat.
Efficacy of two sperm preparation techniques in reducing non-specific bacterial species from human semen

CONTEXT: Artificial reproductive techniques using seminal preparations with bacteria may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and its sequalae. AIMS: To assess efficacy of two sperm preparation techniques to clear bacteria and the effect of bacteriospermia on sperm recovery rates. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among males of subfertile couples. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Semen samples were randomly allocated into swim-up method (group S, n = 68) and density gradient method (group D, n = 50) for sperm preparation. Seminal fluid analysis and bacterial cultures were performed in each sample before and after sperm preparation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: McNemar's chi-squared test and independent samples t-test in SPSS version 16.0 were used. RESULTS: Organisms were found in 86 (72.88%) out of 118 samples, before sperm preparation; Streptococcus species (n = 40, 46.51% of which 14 were Group D Streptococcus species), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (n = 17, 19.76%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 13, 15.11%), Coliform species (n = 11, 12.79% of which 09 were Escherichia coli) and Corynebacterium species (n = 5, 5.81%). There was a statistically significant reduction of culture positive samples in raw vs. processed samples; in group S, 49 (72.05%) vs. 16 (23.52%) and in group D, 37 (74%) vs. 18 (36%). In group S and D, mean (SD) recovery rates of culture positive vs. culture negative samples were 39.44% (SD-14.02) vs. 44.22% (SD-22.38), P = 0.39 and 52.50% (SD-37.16) vs. 49.58% (SD-40.32), P = 0.82 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both sperm preparation methods significantly reduced bacteria in semen, but total clearance was not achieved. Sperm recovery rate was not affected by bacteriospermia.
Unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism and its effect on the testicular morphology, histology, accessory sex organs, and sperm count in laboratory mice

BACKGROUND: Experimental unilateral cryptorchidism (ULC) and bilateral cryptorchidism (BLC) are excellent methods to study undescended testis in relation to spermatogenesis against a temperature gradient. OBJECTIVES: In case of ULC, it is possible to compare the testicular functions between normal condition and cryptorchidism in the same animal, whereas BLC shows the necessity of testicular androgens for proper maintenance of reproductive structures and functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, experimental ULC and BLC was done on same-aged adult mature male mice and kept for 15 days and 30 days, respectively, to observe the changes due to the induced cryptorchidism on the different reproductive organs, viz., the testis and accessory sex organs along with epididymal sperm count. Reproductive tissues were collected from individual animals and histopathological studies of testis were done to investigate different cytological changes. RESULTS: The size of the testes and accessory sex organs were found to be significantly reduced in BLC mice, whereas only testicular weight reduction was observed in ULC mice. Histopathological studies showed degenerative changes throughout the seminiferous tubules. CONCLUSION: Thus, the present investigation showed compensatory androgen production in ULC mice, whereas absence of androgen mediated reproductive functions in BLC animals.
Improved health-related quality of life 12 months after bypass or angioplasty for peripheral arterial disease☆

Revascularization procedures are known to have a favorable influence on multiple outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial disease. Their affect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is less certain. This study was conducted to document changes in HRQOL associated with revascularization procedures and to identify variables associated with HRQOL and changes in HRQOL 12 months after revascularization. Forty-four patients undergoing arterial bypass or angioplasty improved significantly in their HRQOL as measured by the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS)scales of the SF-12. These measurements of HRQOL at 12 months were most highly correlated with the same measures at baseline. For the 12-month PCS, regression analysis showed that a higher baseline PCS, a greater improvement in vascular status, and a higher baseline MCS were predictive of higher scores. For the change in PCS, regression analysis revealed that men with lower baseline PCS scores showed the greatest improvements. Higher 12-month MCS but lesser changes in MCS were shown by regression analysis to be predicted by a higher baseline MCS. Obesity contributed positively to 12-month MCS but negatively to MCS change. In conclusion, the results of this study verify that HRQOL can be improved by revascularization procedures, but that HRQOL at 12 months and improvement in HRQOL are determined by baseline measures. (J Vasc Nurs 2000;18:75-82)
Migration and health-care access: Barriers to access government health services by migrant tribal community living in an eastern Indian city

Background: Internal migrants and tribal populations are vulnerable in India. Migrant tribal communities in urban areas, due to doubled vulnerability, are at the risk of low health-care access. Objective: To appraise the extent of, and barriers to, accessing government health care by tribal migrants in an eastern Indian city. Materials and Methods: This study, undertaken in slums of Bhubaneswar, a city in eastern India, adopted a mixed-method approach with quantitative data from mothers of children aged 0–14 years (n = 175) and qualitative data from community members (n = 50) and key informants (n = 26). Results: A majority of participants (82%) did not visit any government health facility during the past year. Barriers to access government health-care facilities are related to both the health system and the community. Distance and lack of knowledge regarding the location of government health facilities and lack of trust in the government services are responsible for low use. Some cultural perceptions such as perceived etiology of illness and faith in traditional healers contribute toward low health-care access. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need to consider the cultural beliefs and practices of people while planning health programs for tribal migrant communities, in addition to addressing the health system-related issues to improve the services.
Dissociation in Children and Adolescents: A Developmental Perspective

dissociation in children and adolescents a developmental dissociation in children and adolescents a developmental guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of dissociation in children and adolescents a developmental e.b. o.o. k dissociation in children and adolescents: a dissociation and criminal responsibility: a developmental dissociation in children and adolescents as reaction to the treatment of dissociation in sexually abused children child dissociative checklist (cdc), version 3 ce-credit adolescent ptsd and dissociative disorders trauma recovery trauma & dissociation resource list relational trauma, brain development, and dissociation child and adolescent estd chapter 2 dissociative disorder in children and adolescents dissociative behavior in early adolescence: a vol 3 chapter 7 adolescent problems asch development of dissociation and development of the self european society for trauma & dissociation, uk network mythssummary sk bb teachtrauma psychopathology, 2 nd edition chapter 14 | dissociative chapter 10 assessment of pediatric posttraumatic stress resources for the clinical treatment of dissociative responses looking at early years education and care nolia wcat1936-15211536-153xjournal of child & adolescent trauma guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of complex trauma in children and adolescents trauma center home care services boscos the effects of trauma on children and adolescents wear a silver ribbonrecommended readings: how to get help section i – adoption, attachment, foster section ii aacc-restoring the shattered self-pdf heathergingrich dissociation following traumatic medical treatment program outline complex trauma southeast institute for understanding adolescent development and child trauma developmental psychology european journal of fitness and your health nownfc children and adolescents, trauma and disasters windows post traumatic stress disorder1 symptoms of ptsd: re psychiatric annals 2 harris county, texas a passion for birds eliot porters photography boscos
The incidence of scarlet fever

SUMMARY This study attempted to find the incidence of scarlet fever in the Oxford region, including the proportion of patients from whom Streptococcus pyogenes could be isolated. General practitioners collected throat swabs from patients with suspected scarlet fever. The swabs were examined for viral and bacterial pathogens. Children admitted to hospital were used as controls. Twenty-five of 105 patients with suspected scarlet fever grew Str. pyogenes; M type 4 was the commonest type. The clinical diagnosis of scarlet fever was not always confirmed by throat culture. The annual incidence of scarlet fever was estimated to be 0·3 cases per 1000 per year.