Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Yoga in the Management of Overweight and Obesity

Although yoga may help manage conditions comorbid with overweight and obesity, such as low back pain, whether yoga helps with weight loss or maintenance beyond that which can be achieved with diet and exercise remains unclear. A search of multiple databases through September 2012 was undertaken identifying peer-reviewed studies on yoga, meditation, mindfulness, obesity, and overweight. Studies on yoga and weight loss are challenged by small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of control groups. In addition, there is little consistency in terms of duration of formal group yoga practice sessions, duration of informal practices at home, and frequency of both. Studies do however suggest that yoga may be associated with weight loss or maintenance. Mechanisms by which yoga may assist with weight loss or maintenance include the following: (a) energy expenditure during yoga sessions; (b) allowing for additional exercise outside yoga sessions by reducing back and joint pain; (c) heightening mindfulness, improving mood, and reducing stress, which may help reduce food intake; and (d) allowing individuals to feel more connected to their bodies, leading to enhanced awareness of satiety and the discomfort of overeating. Thus, yoga appears promising as a way to assist with behavioral change, weight loss, and maintenance.
E-cigarette use in the past and quitting behavior in the future: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES We examined whether smokers who used e-cigarettes are more likely to quit after 1 year than smokers who had never used e-cigarettes. METHODS We surveyed California smokers (n = 1000) at 2 time points 1 year apart. We conducted logistic regression analyses to determine whether history of e-cigarette use at baseline predicted quitting behavior at follow-up, adjusting for demographics and smoking behavior at baseline. We limited analyses to smokers who reported consistent e-cigarette behavior at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS Compared with smokers who never used e-cigarettes, smokers who ever used e-cigarettes were significantly less likely to decrease cigarette consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30, 0.87), and significantly less likely to quit for 30 days or more at follow-up (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.18, 0.93). Ever-users of e-cigarettes were more likely to report a quit attempt, although this was not statistically significant (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 0.67, 1.97). CONCLUSIONS Smokers who have used e-cigarettes may be at increased risk for not being able to quit smoking. These findings, which need to be confirmed by longer-term cohort studies, have important policy and regulation implications regarding the use of e-cigarettes among smokers.
The Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families

The Framework for the assessment of children in need and their families (Department of Health et al., 2000) has been developed to provide a systematic way of analysing, understanding and recording what is happening to children and young people within their families and the wider context of the community in which they live. From such an understanding of what are inevitably complex issues and inter-relationships, clear professional judgements can be made. These judgements include whether the child being assessed is in need, whether the child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, what actions must be taken, and which services would best meet the needs of this particular child and family. The Assessment Framework was issued jointly by the Department of Health, Department for Education and Employment and Home Office. It was issued as Section 7 Guidance under the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, which means it must be complied with unless local authorities can justify why not.
N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide, C-Reactive Protein, and Urinary Albumin Levels as Predictors of Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Older Adults

ContextB-type natriuretic peptides have been shown to predict cardiovascular disease in apparently healthy individuals but their predictive ability for mortality and future cardiovascular events compared with C-reactive protein (CRP) and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio is unknown.ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic value of the N-amino terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) vs CRP and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in an older adult population.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA population-based prospective study of 764 participants aged 50 to 89 years from a community in Copenhagen, Denmark, in which 658 participants provided blood and urinary samples and were examined between September 1, 1998, and January 24, 2000. Of these participants, 626 without heart or renal failure were enrolled. A subgroup of 537 had no history of cardiovascular disease at baseline. During 5 years of follow-up (to December 31, 2003), 94 participants died and 65 developed a first major cardiovascular event.Main Outcome MeasuresRisk of mortality and first major cardiovascular event by baseline levels of NT-proBNP, CRP, and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio levels.ResultsAfter adjustment for the cardiovascular risk factors of age, sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or ischemic heart disease, total cholesterol, and serum creatinine, the hazard ratio (HR) of mortality for values above the 80th percentile of NT-proBNP was 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-3.19); for CRP, 1.46 (95% CI, 0.89-2.24); and for urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, 1.88 (95% CI, 1.18-2.98). Additional adjustment for left ventricular systolic dysfunction did not markedly attenuate the predictive value of NT-proBNP (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.11-2.98). The absolute unadjusted increase in mortality risk for participants with values above the 80th percentile vs equal to or below the 80th percentile was 24.5% for NT-proBNP, 7.8% for CRP, and 19.5% for urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. The NT-proBNP levels were associated with first major cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, unstable angina, heart failure, stroke, and transient ischemic attack) with an adjusted HR of 3.24 (95% CI, 1.80-5.79) vs 1.02 (95% CI, 0.56-1.85) for CRP and 2.32 (95% CI, 1.33-4.05) for urinary albumin/creatinine ratio when comparing participants with values above the 80th percentile with those with values equal to or below the 80th percentile.ConclusionsMeasurements of NT-proBNP provide prognostic information of mortality and first major cardiovascular events beyond traditional risk factors. NT-proBNP was a stronger risk biomarker for cardiovascular disease and death than CRP was in nonhospitalized individuals aged 50 to 89 years.
A Balance-Specific Exercise Intervention Improves Falls Risk but not Total Physical Functionality in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

ABSTRACT Aims: The aim of this research was to investigate whether a simple balance-specific exercise simultaneously improves physical functionality and falls. Methods: Thirty-two community-dwelling individuals aged 65–92 years were assigned to either the control or wobble-board group. Participants were assessed pre- and postintervention using the Physiological Profile Assessment (a measure of falls risk) and the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance-10 (a measure of physical functionality). Results: Participants in the intervention group, wobble-board training, had a decrease in their risk of falling by 36% (p = 0.009, ηρ2 = 0.396), while the control group recorded a slight but nonsignificant increase (6%). No change was seen in their total Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance-10 score. Conclusion: A balance-specific intervention decreased falls-risk and improved balance but not sufficiently to affect total physical functionality.
Topical sucralfate therapy for oral ulcers in Behçet's disease: a randomized double-blind study

Sucralfate has been described as a cytoprotective agent and successfully used in the treatment of peptic ulcer, mucositis, and various types of mucosal ulcerations. In a double-blind randomized study, 35 patients with Behqet's disease having oral aphthous ulcerations were treated with topical sucralfate application or placebo. Oral aphthous ulcers were evaluated according to their number, duration, size and painfulness throughout a 12-week period. No statistically significant difference was found between the periods with and without sucralfate or placebo treatment. In conclusion, sucralfate was found to have no therapeutic or preventive effect on major or minor oral aphthous ulcers seen in patients with Behqet's disease.
A Study on Eating Disorder, Body Image and Self-Esteem of Female University Students

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem of female university students. Methods: A total 123 university female students were recruited in April 2009. Data was collected by using questionnaires. The collected data was analysed by SPSS/WIN using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, & Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: As defined by body mass index (BMI), the obese subjects were rare (8.9%) and the rest (91.1%) was under weight or normal. More than 51.2% of the subjects perceived their weight as overweight, while 8.9% of the women were obese as defined by BMI. Eighty-eight percent of the subjects were not satisfied with their body shape. The total mean score of anorexia nervosa was higher than bulimia nervosa. The scores of eating disorders did not differ significantly by the BMI score. The score of body image was highest in the group of the overweight. There was high positive correlation between self-esteem and body image. Conclusion: To ensure resonable body image and weight control behaviors in female university students, education should be reinforsed. Therefore, nursing intervention programs for cognitive changes correcting the understanding about body image need to be developed.
Retaining quality beginning teachers in the profession

Despite increased success in attracting quality graduates into teacher education and growing support for the induction and mentoring of beginning teachers, it is well established in countries in the Western world that between 25% and 40% of all newly-recruited teachers resign or burnout in their first three to five years of teaching. The recent Review of Teacher Education in New South Wales, Australia, highlighted the alarming upward trend in early career teacher resignation rates in NSW over the past four years (Ramsey, 2000, p. 197). This trend, critical in New South Wales, is representative of attrition trends in other Australian States and territories, as well as is in other parts of the world. Further, there are claims that it is the most able who are most likely to leave. Given the resultant wastage of teacher education resources coupled with the impending shortage of teachers (Baird, 2001, p.5) it is imperative to explore the reasons for this trend within the broader context of beginning teacher experiences on entry into the profession. This paper reports data from the first phase of a longitudinal research project (1997-2002) designed to understand more fully the forces that shape the work patterns of beginning and early career teachers both within and outside the classroom. The data reported in this paper focuses specifically on the survey, interview and narrative data of University of Sydney graduates. The paper examines features of the pre-service teacher education programme that participants perceived as valuable in preparing them to teach alongside the structures that were in place to support and sustain them as they began their professional journey.
The Impact of Changing Storage Area on Flood Magnitude and Occurrence

This study focuses on the impact of combined catchment and storage upon flood occurrences and flood peaks. A significant factor that plays an important role of the combined catchment and storage is the ratio of contributing catchment area to storage area (AC/AS) where the impact significantly shows increasing frequency of storage overflow and flood peaks with the increasing of AC/AS. Some case studies examined in this work, i.e. Way Pegadungan (Lampung, Sumatra) and NagaraRiver (South Kalimantan) catchments show similar behavior. Swamps located on the sides of downstream of Way Pegadungan as well as Nagara River act as storages during flood events. The dyke which was planned to be built increases the ratio of AC/AS significantly as storage area reduced considerably. This has an impact on flood peaks which can increase considerably. The improved understanding of these process controls will be useful in assisting the management of such catchments, particularly to assist in flood prevention and mitigation.
Firearm Ownership and Suicide Rates Among US Men and Women, 1981-2013.

OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between state-level firearm ownership rates and gender-specific, age-adjusted firearm and total suicide rates across all 50 US states from 1981 to 2013. METHODS We used panel data for all 50 states that included annual overall and gender-specific suicide and firearm suicide rates and a proxy for state-level household firearm ownership. We analyzed data by using linear regression and generalized estimating equations to account for clustering. RESULTS State-level firearm ownership was associated with an increase in both male and female firearm-related suicide rates and with a decrease in nonfirearm-related suicide rates. Higher gun ownership was associated with higher suicide rates by any means among male, but not among female, persons. CONCLUSIONS We found a strong relationship between state-level firearm ownership and firearm suicide rates among both genders, and a relationship between firearm ownership and suicides by any means among male, but not female, individuals. POLICY IMPLICATIONS For male persons, policies that reduce firearm ownership will likely reduce suicides by all means and by firearms. For female persons, such policies will likely reduce suicides by firearms.
Expression of Adhesion Molecules CD 11/CD 18 (Leu-CAMs, β2-Integrins), CD54 (ICAM-1) and CD58 (LFA-3) in B -Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are cell surface proteins with unique specificities that allow intercellular adhesion. The importance of CAMs for normal lymphocyte growth and differentiation is underscored by the association between neoplastic disease states and abnormal CAM expression. In the present study we analysed the cell surface expression of several CAMs on peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with progressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B-cell type (B-CLL) (n = 21) and stable monoclonal B-lymphocytosis of undetermined significance (B-MLUS) (n = 20). The CAM expression was analysed on the B-cell clone and on normal T- and NK-cell populations separately using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A phorbol ester-induced lymphocyte aggregation assay and blocking MAbs were also used. The B-cell clone in B-CLL expressed ICAM-1 (CD54) more frequently and at a higher density than in B-MLUS. The brightest CD54 expression was noted in patients with prominent lymphadenopathy and/or splenomegaly. The β2 in.
Prevalence of Hearing Loss by Severity in the United States.

OBJECTIVES To estimate the age- and severity-specific prevalence of hearing impairment in the United States. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional analyses of 2001 through 2010 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on 9648 individuals aged 12 years or older. Hearing loss was defined as mild (> 25 dB through 40 dB), moderate (> 40 dB through 60 dB), severe (> 60 dB through 80 dB), or profound (> 80 dB). RESULTS An estimated 25.4 million, 10.7 million, 1.8 million, and 0.4 million US residents aged 12 years or older, respectively, have mild, moderate, severe, and profound better-ear hearing loss. Older individuals displayed a higher prevalence of hearing loss and more severe levels of loss. Across most ages, the prevalence was higher among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites than among non-Hispanic Blacks and was higher among men than women. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss directly affects 23% of Americans aged 12 years or older. The majority of these individuals have mild hearing loss; however, moderate loss is more prevalent than mild loss among individuals aged 80 years or older. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Our estimates can inform national public health initiatives on hearing loss and help guide policy recommendations currently being discussed at the Institute of Medicine and the White House.
Diet, Lifestyle, Biomarkers, Genetic Factors, and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in the Nurses' Health Studies.

OBJECTIVES To review the contributions of the Nurses' Health Studies (NHSs) to the understanding of cardiovascular disease etiology in women. METHODS We performed a narrative review of the publications of the NHS and NHS II between 1976 and 2016. RESULTS Diets low in trans fat, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and sugar-sweetened beverages and rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and sources of unsaturated fats are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Healthy lifestyle choices include smoking avoidance, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body mass index, and moderate alcohol consumption. Adherence to a combination of these healthy diet and lifestyle behaviors may prevent most vascular events. Studies also covered oral contraceptive use, postmenopausal hormone therapy, shift work, sleep duration, psychosocial factors, and various biomarkers and genetic factors. Findings, such as the association of trans fat with cardiovascular disease, have helped shaped medical guidelines and government policies. CONCLUSIONS The NHS has provided compelling evidence that the majority of vascular events may be prevented by avoiding smoking, participating in regular physical activity, maintaining normal body mass index, and eating a healthy diet.
Impact of the Berkeley Excise Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption in Berkeley, California, which became the first US jurisdiction to implement such a tax ($0.01/oz) in March 2015. METHODS We used a repeated cross-sectional design to examine changes in pre- to posttax beverage consumption in low-income neighborhoods in Berkeley versus in the comparison cities of Oakland and San Francisco, California. A beverage frequency questionnaire was interviewer administered to 990 participants before the tax and 1689 after the tax (approximately 8 months after the vote and 4 months after implementation) to examine relative changes in consumption. RESULTS Consumption of SSBs decreased 21% in Berkeley and increased 4% in comparison cities (P = .046). Water consumption increased more in Berkeley (+63%) than in comparison cities (+19%; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Berkeley's excise tax reduced SSB consumption in low-income neighborhoods. Evaluating SSB taxes in other cities will improve understanding of their public health benefit and their generalizability.
US Food Industry Progress During the National Salt Reduction Initiative: 2009-2014.

OBJECTIVES To assess the US packaged food industry's progress from 2009 to 2014, when the National Salt Reduction Initiative had voluntary, category-specific sodium targets with the goal of reducing sodium in packaged and restaurant foods by 25% over 5 years. METHODS Using the National Salt Reduction Initiative Packaged Food Database, we assessed target achievement and change in sales-weighted mean sodium density in top-selling products in 61 food categories in 2009 (n = 6336), 2012 (n = 6898), and 2014 (n = 7396). RESULTS In 2009, when the targets were established, no categories met National Salt Reduction Initiative 2012 or 2014 targets. By 2014, 26% of categories met 2012 targets and 3% met 2014 targets. From 2009 to 2014, the sales-weighted mean sodium density declined significantly in almost half of all food categories (43%; 26/61 categories). Overall, sales-weighted mean sodium density declined significantly (by 6.8%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS National target setting with monitoring through a partnership of local, state, and national health organizations proved feasible, but industry progress was modest. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS The US Food and Drug Administration's proposed voluntary targets will be an important step in achieving more substantial sodium reductions.
Therapeutic strategies for Cushing’s syndrome: an update

Introduction: Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a severe clinical condition caused by excess cortisol secretion. The treatment goals (with surgery, radiotherapy or medical therapy) are to normalize cortisol levels, reverse the clinical symptoms and remove the secreting neoplasm. Areas covered: Medical treatments are increasingly used in CS, especially when surgery fails or is not indicated, or while waiting for radiotherapy to take effect. This review summarizes the different medical approaches for treating CS (adrenal- or pituitary-directed drugs, glucocorticoid receptor antagonist), alone or in combination. Expert opinion: Adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors have been the mainstay of medical treatment for CS: the most used are ketoconazole (or fluconazole), which inhibits adrenal steroidogenic enzymatic activities; metyrapone and LCI699 that inhibit 11β-hydroxylase (the latter is still an experimental compound); mitotane, used in adrenocortical carcinoma. The available glucocorticoid receptor antagonist is mifepristone, recently approved for use in controlling hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism. There has recently been a lot of interest in using agents directly targeting the pituitary corticotroph cells to reduce Adreno Cortico Tropic Hormone secretion and, if possible, control the volume of pituitary adenomas. This is because corticotroph cells contain dopamine receptors (targets of bromocriptine and cabergoline), retinoic acid receptors, PPAR-γ or somatostatin receptors, the target of the first drug developed and approved for Cushing’s disease (pasireotide).
UNILATERAL HYDRONEPHROSIS- A CLINICAL STUDY -

Bachground: Unilateral obstructions of ureter either due to extramural, or intramural, and or intraluminal lead to unilateral hydronephrosis. Ureteral obstruction, partial or complete, produces a progressive disease in excretory functions of the kidneys with subsequent destruction of renal parenchyma. Material and Methods: 30 cases of unilateral hydronephrosis who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were admitted to our hospital, investigated and treated thoroughly. Results: 60% of patients had ureteric calculi and 30% with Pelviureteric junction obstruction. More than 85% patients presented with pain abdomen and mass were palpable in 13.3%. Ultrasound abdomen was diagnostic in 20 cases with ureteric calculi and 10 cases with Pelviureteric junction obstruction. Among 20 cases of ureteric calculi, open procedure was done in 4 cases and endoscopic surgery in 16 cases. Pyeloplasty was performed in 10 cases of Pelviureteric junction obstruction. Conclusion: Males from lower socio-economic status affected during their third decade. Tenderness was prominent clinical sign with pain abdomen, hematuria, frequency and painful micturition as common symptoms. Surgical management turned out to be most effective while few cases were managed by endoscopic