anthonyyazdaniml/gliner-biomed-curated-corpus huggingface dataset:
Although anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most frequently performed spinal surgeries, there is no consensus regarding the necessity of prescribing a cervical brace after surgery. This study aimed to investigate any difference in radiological and clinical outcomes when wearing or not wearing cervical braces after single- or double-level ACDF. We examined 2 cohorts of patients who underwent single- or double-level ACDF surgery with and without a cervical brace: patients who underwent ACDF between March 2018 and December 2019 received a cervical brace, while patients who underwent ACDF between January 2020 and May 2021 did not. Each patient was evaluated radiologically and functionally using plain X-ray, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score, and visual analog scale for neck and arm until 12 months after surgery. Fusion rate, subsidence, and postoperative complications were also evaluated. Eighty-three patients were included in the analysis: 38 were braced and 45 were not. The demographic characteristics and baseline outcome measures of both groups were similar. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the clinical measures at baseline. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score and visual analog scale for neck and arm were similar in both groups at all time intervals and showed statistically significant improvement when compared with preoperative scores. In addition, fusion rate, subsidence, and postoperative complications were similar in both groups. Our results suggest that the use of cervical braces does not improve the clinical outcomes of individuals undergoing single- or double-level ACDF.
Delirium is the most common neurological complication after cardiac surgery with adverse impacts on surgical outcomes. Advanced age is an independent risk factor for delirium occurrence but its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Although increased A1 astrocytes and abnormal hippocampal networks are involved in neurodegenerative diseases, whether A1 astrocytes and hippocampal network changes are involved in the delirium-like behavior of aged mice remains unknown. In the present study, a mice model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion mimicking cardiac surgery and various assessments were used to investigate the different susceptibility of the occurrence of delirium-like behavior between young and aged mice and the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that surgery significantly increased hippocampal A1 astrocyte activation in aged compared to young mice. The high neuroinflammatory state induced by surgery resulted in glutamate accumulation in the extrasynaptic space, which subsequently decreased the excitability of pyramidal neurons and increased the PV interneurons inhibition through enhancing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors' tonic currents in the hippocampus. These further induced the abnormal activities of the hippocampal neural networks and consequently contributed to delirium-like behavior in aged mice. Notably, the intraperitoneal administration of exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, downregulated A1 astrocyte activation and alleviated delirium-like behavior in aged mice, while IL-1α, TNF-α, and C1q in combination administered intracerebroventricularly upregulated A1 astrocyte activation and induced delirium-like behavior in young mice. Therefore, our study suggested that cardiac surgery increased A1 astrocyte activation which subsequently impaired the hippocampal neural networks and triggered delirium development.
Decision Aid Video: The research interventionist will show the participant the Dartmouth Knee OA Decision Aid video entitled "Treatment Choices for Knee Osteoarthritis." The video gives a detailed explanation of 1) the damage to the knee joint caused by OA; 2) treatment options including lifestyle changes, medications, injections, complementary therapy, and surgery; 3) the risks, benefits, and known efficacy of each treatment option.
Alzheimer's disease is a form of general dementia marked by amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuron degeneration. The disease has no cure, and early detection is critical in improving patient outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important in measuring neurodegeneration during the disease. Computer-aided image processing tools have been used to aid medical professionals in ascertaining a diagnosis of Alzheimer's in its early stages. As characteristics of non and very-mild dementia stages overlap, tracking the progression is challenging. Our work developed an adaptive multi-thresholding algorithm based on the morphology of the smoothed histogram to define features identifying neurodegeneration and track its progression as non, very mild, mild, and moderate. Gray and white matter volume, statistical moments, multi-thresholds, shrinkage, gray-to-white matter ratio, and three distance and angle values are mathematically derived. Decision tree, discriminant analysis, Naïve Bayes, SVM, KNN, ensemble, and neural network classifiers are designed to evaluate the proposed methodology with the performance metrics accuracy, recall, specificity, precision, F1 score, Matthew's correlation coefficient, and Kappa values. Experimental results showed that the proposed features successfully label the neurodegeneration stages.
During the growth and study of NSCs, a range of molecules present on the surface of multipotent neural stem and progenitor cells (NSCs) were identified. These markers were identified using a number of human and murine neural stem cell lines, including retinal stem cells (RSCs). The NSC-specific markers identified included gene products as well as non-protein molecules and sugar epitopes not directly coded in the genome. Together with surface markers which were determined to be absent from the surface of hNSCs, the molecules described herein provide a means to enrich for neural stem cells, or neural progenitor subpopulations, particularly using combinatorial cell sorting strategies. These same molecules also represent targets for pharmacological manipulation of NSC populations and subpopulations, both in vivo and ex vivo. Furthermore, these molecules provide potential targets for therapeutic manipulation of other neural precursor-related cell types including malignant conditions as well as other diseases originating from, or preferentially affecting, various uncommitted or replication-competent cell types.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a medicine, and a food and feed composition, having excellent improving activities of blood fluidity and excellent in safety by using a specific higher fatty acid and lipophilic antioxidant as an active ingredient. SOLUTION: This medicine and composition includes γ-linolenic acid alone, or γ-linolenic acid and lipophilic antioxidant in combination as active ingredients. The γ-linolenic acid is safe because the γ-linolenic acid is originally a body composition included in human milk. Vitamin E and coenzyme Q are preferably used as the lipophilic antioxidant. The lipophilic antioxidant is used in 1-50wt.% based on the amount of the γ-linolenic acid. The medicine is excellent in safety, and useful as a preventive for a hemodialysis patient and diabetic, and further a person such as a reserve thereof especially as a blood fluidity-improving agent of the hemodialysis patient, particularly as a fluidity-improving agent of the white blood corpuscle.  The composition is also effectively used for improving the blood-fluidity of an animal by formulating the one in a food or a pet food.
Periprosthetic joint infections occur in about 2% of patients who undergo primary total joint arthroplasty, a procedure performed over 1 million times in the United States. The gold standard of treatment is a two-stage revision. This study aimed to establish a two-stage procedure in a preclinical small animal model (rat) to test and compare the efficacy of an antibiotic-eluting material in managing infection. Joint replacement was simulated by transchondylarly implanting a polyethylene (PE) plug into the distal femur and a titanium screw in the proximal tibia. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) 108  CFU/mL was injected into the tibial canal and the joint space before wound closure. The control groups were killed on postoperative day (POD) 18 (n = 12) and on POD 42 (n = 4) to assess both early and later-stage outcomes in the control group. The test group underwent revision surgery on POD 18 for treatment using gentamicin-eluting polyethylene (GPE, n = 4) and was observed until POD 42 to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. Our results showed that the bone loss for the treatment group receiving GPE was significantly less than that of the control (p < 0.05), which was supported by the histology images and an AI-tool assisted infection rate evaluation. Gait metrics duty factor imbalance and hindlimb temporal symmetry were significantly different between the treatment and control groups on Day 42. This animal model was feasible for evaluating treatments for peri-prosthetic joint infections (PJI) with a revision surgery and specifically that revision surgery and local antibiotic treatment largely hindered the peri-prosthetic bone loss. Statement of clinical significance: This revision model of peri-prosthetic infection has the potential of comparatively evaluating prophylaxis and treatment strategies and devices. Antibiotic-eluting UHMWPE is devised as at tool in treating PJI while providing weight bearing and joint space preservation.
This project aims to identify the prevalence of compassion fatigue and the coping strategies for the nurses who work on the frontline of healthcare and are responsible for caring for patients with COVID-19 in Taiwan. The investigators planed to carry a cross-sectional study by a reliable and valid online questionnaire to explore the stressors related to COVID-19, coping status, resilience, and compassion fatigue of nurses who had the experience of caring for the COVID-19 confirmed cases in a medical center during the community outbreak in Taiwan from May 2021. Online questionnaires are used to collect the data. About two hundred and fifty nurses will be recruited, and the data will be analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation statistics and Hayes's PROCESS model 6. It is expected that the research results can understand the current status and relationship of compassion fatigue, resilience and the adaptability of clinical nurses who are caring for the COVID-19 confirmed cases. The results can be contributed to develop the direction of nurses' mental health-related interventions during pandemic of emerging contagious disease.
One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for performing ablation planning and/or ablation performance are provided. Examples of applications for such devices, systems, methods and storage mediums include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, lesions and tumors, and such devices, systems, methods and storage mediums may be used for radiotherapy applications ( e.g. , to determine whether to place seed(s) for radiotherapy). Preferably, a medial axis or a center line for a predetermined biological object ( e.g. , a lesion or tumor) is determined/found, one or more target points are picked along the medial axis or center line, and the ablation or radiotherapy zones are defined and optimized. Security checks may be performed in one or more embodiments to ensure proper use of the equipment and patient information.
Patients enrolled at iNTD sites will travel to their iNTD site according to standard of care requirements. Data collection includes clinical history and relevant laboratory-chemical, therapeutic, instrumental and neuropsychological parameters by the study centers. Data collection takes place within the framework of elective outpatient visits. The collected parameters are congruent with the current standard investigations. Electronic surveys will be sent out every 6 months. Imaging and neurophysiological data will be collected if performed during the clinical visit or if performed as part of the site's ongoing research. Yearly bio-specimen collection will be attempted after consent is obtained from the family.
The design is a prospective 16-week open-label study of inhaled FP hydrofluoroalkane-propelled metered dose inhaler (HFA-MDI), 220 mcg, 4 puffs BID in 36 ICS naive asthma subjects. This is followed by a 4-week run-out period, including FP 220 mcg 2 puffs BID for 2 weeks, then either continue FP 220 mcg 2 puffs BID or discontinue FP (as tolerated), for the remaining two weeks, with subsequent transition to clinical care.
There is a recognized need for novel, more simplified, approaches to isolation of plasma from whole blood, as well as a need to isolate cell-free plasma fractions containing different plasma proteins. Methods are divulged for use of aqueous phase systems, formed in blood or blood containing solutions via addition of a single polymer at relatively low concentration, to effect isolation (clarification) of plasma proteins from blood cells. Methods are also divulged to replace widely used Cohn-type plasma protein fractionation which is based on sequential addition of up to 40% (v/v) ethanol and other precipitants, with simple sequential addition of a polyacid. The latter results in isolation of plasma protein fractions (i.e. fibrinogen, immunoglobulin, albumin) in sequence similar to that obtained with Cohn Fractionation and therefore may be suitable for use to reduce solvent use and solvent-related process complications in existing plasma protein purification processes. It may also support use of polymeric film based containers in novel solvent free plasma fractionation processes. The methods disclosed may also be suitable for use in smaller scale plasma protein isolation, in research and diagnostic applications. The general methodologies are robust and can function over a broad range of process variables such as temperature and pH.
PURPOSE:To obtain a calcium phosphate compound having superior compatibility with a living body and a superior capacity for forming a new bone by thermally decomposing and removing org. matter remaining in bones of an animal freed of fat and protein and by calcining the bones. CONSTITUTION:Bones of an animal are immersed in boiling water for >=about 24hr to remove fat and water-soluble protein. They are then degreased in an org. solvent such as acetone for >=about 12hr and immersed in about 5-10% H2O2 soln. for several days to remove water insoluble protein. The treated bones are heated to 400-700 deg.C to thermally decompose and remove the remaining org. matter, and by calcining the bones at 700-1,300 deg.C, a calcium phosphate compound is obtd. When the thermal decomposition temp. is below the lower limit, the org. matter is not thoroughly removed and remains as it is or as C. When the temp. exceeds the upper limit, the org. matter is liable to burn suddenly and exposes the bones to a high temp., and the resulting product particles are made larger and ununiform in size.
This study is a randomized, multicenter clinical study aimed at EGFR positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subjects with concurrent Driver gene mutations who have not previously received systematic treatment. After comparing EGFR-TKI alone or EGFR-TKI combined with chemotherapy for 4 cycles, after the efficacy evaluation was stable (CR, PR, and SD), the safety and clinical efficacy of maintenance therapy every 6 weeks were compared. The eligible subjects in this study will be randomly assigned into the following two groups according to the 1: 1 ratio: (A) Standard programme group, EGFR-TKI targeted therapy; (B) controlled programme group, EGFR-TKI targeted therapy combined chemotherapy (pemetrexed plus carboplatin for 4 cycles ) During the course of the trial treatment, if the subject develops disease (the first PD), the researcher will decide whether to continue the medication according to the patient's situation and communicate with the patient, as follows: After the first PD of the subject, the researcher decides whether to continue the treatment with the original regimen according to the disease state of the subject. At least 4 weeks later, the tumor is evaluated again. If the tumor progresses again (the second PD), the subject's study treatment ends and the follow-up period is entered; if there is no progress, the original regimen is continued.

The primary end point was descriptive analysis of progression-free survival and Objective response rate.The secondary end point of this study was to compare the incidence of treatment-related grade 3-5 adverse events between the standard group and the controlled group. Using RECIST 1.1 as the evaluation standard, the independent imaging evaluation committee (IRRC) conducted the evaluation. For the first time to evaluate PD, regardless of whether they continue to study treatment after progression, the date of the first PD evaluated by IRRC will be used for all statistical analysis containing progress information.
Despite the vital importance of monitoring the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an efficient imaging modality that is readily available at hospitals is currently lacking. Here, a new magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI)-based imaging modality is presented that allows for efficient and longitudinal monitoring of NAFLD and NASH progression. The imaging modality uses manganese-ion (Mn2+)-chelated bilirubin nanoparticles (Mn@BRNPs) as a reactive-oxygen-species (ROS)-responsive MRI imaging probe. Longitudinal T1-weighted MR imaging of NASH model mice is performed after injecting Mn@BRNPs intravenously. The MR signal enhancement in the liver relative to muscle gradually increases up to 8 weeks of NASH progression, but decreases significantly as NASH progresses to the cirrhosis-like stage at weeks 10 and 12. A new dual input pseudo-three-compartment model is developed to provide information on NASH stage with a single MRI scan. It is also demonstrated that the ROS-responsive Mn@BRNPs can be used to monitor the efficacy of potential anti-NASH drugs with conventional MRI. The findings suggest that the ROS-responsive Mn@BRNPs have the potential to serve as an efficient MRI contrast for monitoring NASH progression and its transition to the cirrhosis-like stage.
OBJECTIVE: Exploring the relationship between the cardiometabolic index (CMI) and serum testosterone levels as well as testosterone deficiency in American adult males. Additionally, comparing the diagnostic value of the CMI with several common obesity and metabolism indices for identifying testosterone deficiency.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2016. Serum testosterone levels and testosterone deficiency were used as dependent variables, with the cardiometabolic index as the independent variable. Multivariable regression was used to assess the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, while subgroup analyses were performed to ensure the stability of the results. Smooth curve fitting was utilized to evaluate the nonlinear relationship between the CMI and testosterone levels. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted for several obesity and metabolism prediction indices and the area under the curve was calculated to compare the specificity and sensitivity of each diagnostic index in the diagnosis of testosterone deficiency.
RESULTS: Among 3541 adult male participants, CMI is negatively associated with serum testosterone levels and positively associated with testosterone deficiency. In the fully adjusted model, for every unit increase in CMI, serum testosterone decreased by 14.89 ng/dl. Comparing the highest quartile to the lowest quartile of CMI, each unit increase in CMI, serum testosterone decreased by 98.58 ng/dl. Furthermore, each unit increase in CMI was associated with a 16% increase in incidence of testosterone deficiency. By plotting the ROC curves, we found that the AUCs for Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Body Mass Index (BMI), Weight Adjusted Waist Index (WWI), CMI, Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Triglyceride glucose index (TyG) were 0.73, 0.72, 0.71, 0.69, 0.66, and 0.66 respectively.
CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of CMI are associated with lower testosterone levels and an increased risk of testosterone deficiency. The predictive value of the LAP was superior to that of CMI, while the predictive value of CMI was higher than VAI and TyG.
Toxicities from Long-Term Use 

It is important to consider potential toxicities suggested by animal studies, specifically, liver, kidney, and cardiac toxicity and immunosuppression. Severe liver toxicity was observed in dogs treated for 2 weeks, with elevated liver enzymes, hepatocellular necrosis, bile duct necrosis, and bile duct hyperplasia. Renal toxicity was observed in monkeys treated for 2 weeks, with focal mineralization and dilation of the renal tubules and tubular nephrosis. Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were observed in several of these animals. An increased rate of opportunistic infections was observed with chronic imatinib treatment in laboratory animal studies. In a 39 week monkey study, treatment with imatinib resulted in worsening of normally suppressed malarial infections in these animals. Lymphopenia was observed in animals (as in humans). Additional long-term toxicities were identified in a 2-year rat study. Histopathological examination of the treated rats that died on study revealed cardiomyopathy (both sexes), chronic progressive nephropathy (females) and preputial gland papilloma as principal causes of death or reasons for sacrifice. Non-neoplastic lesions seen in this 2-year study which were not identified in earlier preclinical studies were the cardiovascular system, pancreas, endocrine organs, and teeth. The most important changes included cardiac hypertrophy and dilatation, leading to signs of cardiac insufficiency in some animals.
Patients will receive Triferic 6.75 mg IV plus the appropriate volume of unfractionated heparin for continuous infusion over 3 hours into the pre-dialyzer "heparin line". This mixture will be administered by the on-machine syringe infusion pump for continuous infusion. Anti-coagulation will be provided by a bolus of heparin administered into the venous return line immediately prior to the initiation of hemodialysis followed by a continuous infusion of Triferic + heparin. The infusion of Triferic + heparin will be stopped at hour 3 of hemodialysis.
Nearly 70% of Americans express the desire to die at home, and most individuals want to avoid aggressive or futile care. Despite this, more than half of Americans die in a hospital. Advance directives provide the opportunity to provide, in advance, one's wishes for end of life care, however their completion rates are low. The overall objective of this project is to assess if an active choice intervention can increase AD completion rates. Eligible participants for this study will be all new employees of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) who need to complete their online employment paperwork via the On Boarding portal. Participants will have an advanced health care planning task programmed as part of their On Boarding online employment paperwork. Upon selection of the task, each participant will be directed a designated Advance Healthcare Planning (AHCP) website. Participants will be randomized into either the active choice or control arm of the study and proceed through steps to complete or not complete an AD according to the decision making process of the given study arm. All participants in both groups will have access to additional online and telephone resources thought the entire study for any questions. Participants in the active choice group will be given directions stating they are required to complete either the advanced directive or the declination form in order to complete their On Boarding process. Participants in the control group will be given directions stating that completion of the AD is optional.