Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salivary alpha-amylase as a biomarker for the osmopressor response in healthy adults

Abstract Water ingestion induces a sympathetically mediated increase in blood pressure in dysautonomic patients and the elderly, but not consistently in young healthy subjects. The aim of study was to determine the extent of the pressor response and changes of sympathetic activity biomarker salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) after water ingestion in young healthy subjects. Compared with ingestion of 50 mL of water, the blood pressure, total peripheral resistance and sAA significantly increased and the plasma osmolality decreased 25 min after drinking 500 mL of water. The results confirm the osmopressor response in young subjects and suggest that sAA may be used as a non-invasive marker of sympathetic activity in future studies.
Strokerummet — en webbplats för lärande

The widespread use of web-based resources has dramatically increased access to scientifically based information of use to both health professionals and the general public. Scientific results are, however, often hard for people outside the scientific community to understand. Moreover, access to large amounts of information of various kinds often places insurmountable demands on the readers to understand, assess and select what is relevant and trustworthy. This article describes the development of «Thematic Room Stroke- care, social care and rehabilitation» at Vårdalinstitutet, the Swedish Institute for Health Sciences. This is a Swedish project resulting from close cooperation between an editing committee and about 30 researchers. It aims to present research findings on a website that healthcare teams, patients and their families and the public can easily access and use. A syllabus and texts connected with each theme may be downloaded for use in local study circles. The idea is to stimulate the participants' interest in learning independently and create a forum for dialogue and discussion in different contexts. Professionals use the website material regularly for classes and informing patients. It is hoped that an interactive forum to determine how the information is understood and used will provide important feedback on how the virtual Thematic Room Stroke may be further improved.
Artrite reumatoide e síndrome metabólica

In the past 20 years, the life expectancy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been shown to be reduced by three to ten years as compared to that of the general population. Currently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in patients with RA, and acute myocardial infarction can be up to four times more frequent in these patients. The autoimmune systemic inflammatory response, along with the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), doubles the risk for fatal or non-fatal CVD and coronary atherosclerosis, regardless of age and sex. Rheumatoid arthritis has been associated with increased prevalence of MetS, but its role in the different characteristics of the disease, such as disease duration, activity, and treatment with glucocorticoids, is not well defined. This study aimed at reviewing the prevalence of MetS and the factors implicated in the development of atherosclerosis in RA patients, assessing the clinical aspects of RA and its association with the development of MetS.
Influence of diabetes on natriuretic peptide thresholds in screening for Stage B heart failure

Abstract Context: Natriuretic peptide (NP) has been shown to be an effective screening tool to identify patients with Stage B heart failure and to have clinical value in preventing heart failure progression. The impact of associated metabolic confounders on the screening utility of NP needs clarification. Objective: To assess the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on NP screening for asymptomatic Stage B heart failure. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 1368 asymptomatic patients with cardiovascular risk factors recruited from general practice as part of the STOP-HF trial. B-type NP (BNP) was quantified at point-of-care. Results: BNP was found to be as accurate for detecting Stage B heart failure in DM patients compared to non-DM patients (AUC 0.75 [0.71,0.78] and 0.77 [0.72,0.82], respectively). However, different BNP thresholds are required to achieve the same level of diagnostic sensitivity in DM compared with non-DM patients. To achieve 80% sensitivity a difference of 5-ng/L lower is required for patients with DM. Conclusion: Although a significantly different BNP threshold is detected for patients with DM, the BNP concentration difference is small and unlikely to warrant a clinically different diagnostic threshold.
Características del carcinoma broncopulmonar en una región del norte de España

Objetivo Conocer las caracteristicas y supervivencia del carcinoma broncogenico (CB) diagnosticado en las unidades de neumologia del Principado de Asturias. Pacientes y metodos Se ha realizado un estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se ha empleado un protocolo comun de recogida de datos. Se incluyeron los CB diagnosticados en el ano 2001 con confirmacion citohistologica o por concordancia basada en datos clinicos, radiologicos y/o endoscopicos. Resultados Las tasas de incidencia estandar para toda la poblacion, varones y mujeres, ajustadas a la poblacion mundial fueron de 22,4, 42,6 y 4,6/100.000 habitantes, respectivamente. El 92% era varon; la edad media (± desviacion estandar) fue de 67 ± 10,9 anos. Tenia habito tabaquico el 98% de los varones y el 44% de las mujeres. Se alcanzo confirmacion citohistologica en el 92% y la mayoria era CB no microciticos (81,4%). En el momento del diagnostico el 65% de los pacientes tenia enfermedad avanzada, con metastasis a distancia en el 26,6% de los CB no microciticos y en el 52,8% de los de celulas pequenas. Se trato con cirugia el 21,3% de los casos, con quimioterapia sola o asociada a radioterapia el 43,1%, con radioterapia exclusivamente el 9,3% y recibio tratamiento paliativo el 26,2%. La mediana de supervivencia global, en semanas, fue de 36,4 (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 29,4-43,4) y para los istintos tratamientos fue la siguiente: para la cirugia, 69,3 (IC del 95%, 49-9,5); para la quimioterapia sola o asociada a radioterapia, 39,6 (IC del 95%, 31,2-48); para la radioterapia sola, 30 (IC del 95%, 15,4-44,6), y para el paliativo, 13,3 (IC del 95%, 5,9-20,6) (p Conclusiones En nuestra region, las caracteristicas del CB en cuanto a edad, sexo, incidencia, histologia, extension tumoral y tabaquismo no difieren significativamente de las halladas en otras areas del ambito nacional. El tabaquismo activo es la causa fundamental de su alta prevalencia. Se ofrecio solamente tratamiento de soporte al 26%. El porcentaje de pacientes quirurgicos es bajo.
Orofacial Clefts: A Worldwide Review of the Problem

Orofacial cleft is one of the commonest congenital abnormalities which impacts negatively on the life of the individual and to a large extent affects the family. Caused by the interaction of environmental and genetic factors, this abnormality brings about decreased quality of life. Management of this abnormality entails a team involving a cleft surgeon, speech therapist, dentist, orthodontists, and so forth. This study involves the review of the various literatures on orofacial clefts, discussing the problems on the genetic basis, associated syndromes, and their management. Counseling of prospective mothers should be promoted to ensure that the abnormality is prevented at the early stages. Education on orofacial clefts should be promoted to create awareness on its preventive measures. Much attention must be geared towards cleft genetics studies to identify potential risk factors which might be predisposing individuals to the anomaly.
Developing interprofessional simulation in the undergraduate setting: Experience with five different professional groups

This article reports our experience of developing half-day sessions of interprofessional simulation for pre-qualifying students from medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, radiography and operating department practice. One hundred and ninety-one students participated in a session. A questionnaire consisting of Likert type, visual analog and open comment questions explored their perceptions of the sessions as a learning experience, their attitudes toward interprofessional learning and the factors important for good patient care either after, or before and after, the session, as appropriate. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, statistical tests for difference or thematic coding. Our data suggest that routine scenarios following patient journeys offer such students valuable educational experiences. In order to maximize the educational value of such sessions, particular attention should be paid to the benefits anticipated for individual professions, as well as those for all groups; to the wider educational context in which sessions lie and to the careful management of debriefing. A collaborative approach to the development of these increasingly popular but time and resource intensive educational interventions is advantageous for both staff and students.
Working in “teams” in an era of “liquid” healthcare: What is the use of theory?

“Team” is used throughout the healthcare literature as if it had a transparent, single meaning, and in policy documents it has become a mantra. Yet, “team” is a contested and imprecise term, inviting theoretical sophistication. New forms of team working in healthcare contexts can be understood as a complex set of practices and a discourse – both performed, and written and talked about as a supplementary practice. In the context of fluid and unpredictable social conditions, teams are now theorized in terms of contradictory process as well as stable membership. Cultural–historical activity theory in particular provides a rich approach to understanding such process, in an era where the desire for stable networks – a will-to-stability – may be secondary to the need for a will-to-adaptability. A new vocabulary has emerged in theoretical accounts to describe activities of an emergent work order, in terms of a shift from stable “networking” to unstable “knotworking. ” However, this conceptual language can be overwrought and may alienate practitioners. Theory can be developed with practitioners themselves to avoid widening the gap between experience and the understanding and explanation of experience. Teams are not problems to be solved but activities to be expanded.
Molecular Detection of Fastidious and Common Bacteria as Well as Plasmodium spp. in Febrile and Afebrile Children in Franceville, Gabon.

Malaria was considered as the main cause of fever in Africa. However, with the roll back malaria initiative, the causes of fever in Africa may change. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of bacteria and Plasmodium spp. in febrile and afebrile (controls) children from Franceville, Gabon. About 793 blood samples from febrile children and 100 from controls were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with sequencing. Plasmodium spp. was the microorganism most detected in febrile (74.5%, 591/793) and controls (13%, 13/100), P < 0.0001. Its coinfection with bacteria was found only in febrile children (P = 0.0001). Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent bacterium in febrile children (2.8%, 22/793) and controls (3%, 3/100). Eight cases of Salmonella spp. (including two Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi) and two of Streptococcus pneumoniae were found only among febrile children. Borrelia spp. was found in 2 controls while Rickettsia felis was detected in 10 children (in 8 febriles and 2 afebriles). No DNA of other targeted microorganisms was detected. Plasmodium spp. remains prevalent while Salmonella spp. , Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were common bacteria in Gabon. Two fastidious bacteria, Rickettsia felis and Borrelia spp. , were found. Inclusion of controls should improve the understanding of the causes of fever in sub-Saharan Africa.
Textaphrenia: An emerging silent pandemic

We read the article by Ramlall et al (2013) with great interest which presents one of the few studies conducted on African population for prevalence of Dementia and Minimal Cognitive Deficits. The study brings to the fore some important data regarding the prevalence of Minimal cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in the African population as well as their socio-demographic profiles. Additionally the authors have also detailed the associated medical problems with these disorders in the backdrop of the available literature. However, we would humbly like to point out an important lacuna in the diagnostic evaluations used in the study which is common to earlier prevalence studies of dementia and MCI.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Catalyst for interprofessional education and collaborative practice

Abstract Patient-centred and community-based care is required for promotion of health equity. To enhance patient-centred interprofessional care, the World Health Organization recommends using the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Stellenbosch University’s Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) strategy has promoted using ICF since 2010. Undergraduate medical students on rural clinical placements are expected to use ICF in approaching and managing patients. Students’ ability to develop interprofessional care plans using ICF is assessed by a team of preceptors representing various health professions. This study explored the experiences of medical students and their preceptors using ICF in IPECP, and how patients perceived care received. Associative Group Analysis methodology was used to collect data for this study. In total, 68 study participants were enrolled of which 37 were medical students, 16 preceptors and 15 patients. Students found ICF enabled a patient-centred approach and reinforce the importance of context. Patients felt listened to and cared for. Preceptors, obliged to use ICF, came to appreciate the advantages of interprofessional care, promoting mutually beneficial teamwork and job satisfaction. The value of integrating IPECP as an authentic learning experience was demonstrated as was ICF as a catalyst in pushing boundaries for change.
Development of an interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaborative research practice for clinical faculty

ABSTRACT This article describes an interprofessional collaborative research practice fellowship designed to foster the research skills of clinical faculty. The year-long fellowship was grounded in big data analysis and the triangle of informatics—knowledge, information, and data. Fellows were selected to include diverse perspectives, training, and knowledge but had limited experience in team science or being a member of an interprofessional research team. The underlying philosophy of the fellowship was experiential learning. Protected time and formal mentorship were necessary factors for developing the interprofessional research practice and the skills to participate in an interprofessional research team. We believe that this innovative interprofessional faculty research fellowship is a viable option for supporting scholarly activity and research collaboration. The findings could inform interprofessional clinical practice and be implemented for patient care. Engagement in interprofessional collaborative research and incorporation of the perspectives, knowledge and expertise of multiple professions, is a model to de silo knowledge creation.
The symptothermal (double check) method: An efficient natural method of family planning

This letter to the editor comments on a review article focused on the efficacy of contraceptive methods. Its main focus is the section on natural methods of family planning and notices that the literature review did not include the key words - natural family planning. It states that if it had it would have found an article which contributes reliable data on one of the most efficient natural methods - the symptothermal method.
A Continuing Medical Education Campaign to Improve Use of Antibiotics in Primary Care

Because inappropriate use of antibiotics is common, it is an important area for continuing medical education. At an annual review, we conducted a two-year campaign to achieve appropriate use. Our methods included two surveys, directed course content, programmatic evaluation, and a sample practice audit. Ninety percent of learners perceived inappropriate antibiotic use as a “very big” or “big” problem in the United States, but only 44% perceived this about their practice (). Top perceived barriers to appropriate antibiotic use were patient expectations, breaking old habits, and fear that patients would go elsewhere. Top strategies to overcome these barriers were patient educational materials, having guidelines accessible, and developing practice policies. In a hypothetical patient with acute bronchitis, 98% would likely prescribe an antibiotic in certain clinical scenarios even though The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend empiric antibiotic treatment. The most common scenarios leading to likely antibiotic prescription were symptoms over 15 days (84%), age over 80 years (70%), and fever (48%). Practitioners are under multiple pressures to prescribe antibiotics even in situations where antibiotics are not recommended (such as acute bronchitis). To achieve complex practice changes such as avoiding inappropriate antibiotic use, no one strategy predominated.
Warming and humidification have no effect on oxidative stress during pneumoperitoneum in rats

Abstract Pneumoperitoneum is reported to induce oxidative stress due to the desiccative effect of cold, dry gas insufflation. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of warmed, humidified insufflation to standard gas, by measuring oxidative stress markers in a physiologically relevant animal model. Twenty male Wistar rats (330–650 g) were alternately assigned to the Warm Humidified group (WH, n = 10) and Control group (n = 10). All rats underwent pneumoperitoneum at 5 mmHg and a controlled flow rate for 110 min. The WH group received warmed (37°C) and humidified (98% Relative Humidity (RH)) gas and the control group received standard gas at room temperature (19°C) and 0% RH. At the end of pneumoperitoneum, samples of liver, kidney, pancreas, jejunum, and lung were excised. Levels of plasma and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC) were measured. Organ light microscopy was performed. There were no differences between groups for MDA or PC concentrations in plasma, liver, kidney, jejunum, or lung tissue. There were no differences in histological score between groups. Warming and humidification of pneumoperitoneum insufflation gas have no effect on measures of oxidative stress compared to non-warmed, non-humidified controls.
Lapabot: A compact telesurgical robot system for minimally invasive surgery: Part I. System description

Abstract The applications of robotic minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have widened, providing new advantages such as augmented dexterity and telesurgery. However, current commercial robotic laparoscopic surgical systems still have aspects to be improved such as heavy and bulky systems not suitable for agile operations, large rotational radii of robot manipulator arms, limited remote control capacity, and absence of force feedback. We have developed a robotic laparoscopic surgical system that features compact slave manipulators. The system can simultaneously operate one laparoscope arm and up to four instrument arms. The slave robot is controlled remotely through an Ethernet network and is ready for telesurgery. The developed surgical robot has sufficient workspace to perform general MIS and has been shown to provide acceptable motion tracking control performance.
Design and preliminary study of custom laser scanning cystoscope for automated bladder surveillance

Abstract Background: The current gold standard of bladder cancer surveillance, endoscopic visualization, is manually manipulated and still has significant room for improvement in performance and controls. Methods: This paper reports our developments toward automated bladder surveillance that employs a shape memory alloy-based machine-controlled scanning mechanism. In conjunction with the electro-mechanical advances, we use modified commercial post-processing computer vision software capable of converting cystoscopic video of the bladder into stitched panoramas. Results: Experimental results conducted on a synthetic bladder demonstrate that this computer-aided scanning tool can help 82% of the entire bladder surface being scanned. Although the panoramic stitching algorithm increases the field of view and generates reasonable results in many cases, some image matching failures result in incompleteness in its full panoramic reconstruction. Conclusion: Our current study ensures that the automated steering mechanism can follow the desired trajectory to scan the surface of the bladder but must be improved. The current reconstruction algorithm needs further modification. Our methodology may constitute a first step in suggesting a new automated and computer-aided bladder surveillance system.
Development of the Insomnia Screening Scale Based on ICSD-II

Objective. Although various instruments have been developed to evaluate insomniac symptoms in individuals, none of them are based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorder, 2nd (ICSD-II). The purpose of this study is to develop a new scaling system, the Insomnia Screening Scale (ISS) to fit the new diagnostic criteria. Methods. Study 1 was conducted to formulate the new items of the insomnia screening scale (ISS), which were divided into four major subscales, and establish the reliability and validity of the ISS in clinical insomniac subjects. Study 2 tested the external validity of the ISS, which was used in a community survey, and investigated the relationship between ISS and daytime function, especially working memory. Results. The final version of the ISS has good internal consistency (α = 0.87–0.98), and explains 64% of the variance. The insomnia group had poor working memory performance on the cognitive tasks. Conclusions. The ICSD-II based ISS is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating an individual's insomniac symptoms. The major difference between the ISS and the previous instruments is that the ISS not only assess the subjective insomniac and daytime symptoms but also examines the sleep environment and sleep opportunities of the participants.
Quality of life and resilience related to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients post treatment with platinums and taxanes

The aim of this study was to ascertain patients' quality of life and resilience related to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) after treatment with platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy drugs. A self-administered questionnaire combining the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3), the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 and the resilience scale RS-14TM was posted to a non-probability sample of 100 patients who had recently completed treatment with a platinum- or taxane-based drug. In total, 86 completed questionnaires were returned (86% response rate). Participants rated their overall quality of life and overall health over the previous week. The combined global health status score was 70, indicating that participants had a relatively high health status. Similar to the scores on the EORTC QLQ-30, scores for the EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 showed that the majority of participants indicated experiencing very little impact (not at all, a little) on sensory, motor and autonomic scales. However, motor scale items were generally rated lower than items concerning sensory functioning. The study results are an encouraging indication of minimal impact on quality of life when treatment with taxanes and platinums ended. The results also indicate that resilience scores among the participants were moderately high.