Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the genes of citohrom oxidase P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and apolipoproteine E (APOE) as risk factors for Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND/AIM: The presence of Parkinson's disease (PD) among the members of a family is a clear indication of the significance of genetics in its development. In spite of that, the majority of patients with PD shows a sporadic form of the disease induced as a result of interaction of both environmental and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of polymorphisms in the genes of cytohrome P450 2D6(CYP2D6), paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) and apolipoprotein E (APOE), as risk factors for PD. METHODS: We examined 106 patients with PD (65 men and 41 women) and 75 ethnically matched control subjects. The mean age at onset of PD in the patients was 46.9+/-9.4 years (ranging from 30 to 70 years). Genotyping was performed using standard PCR amplification and restriction endonuclease digestion protocols described for known polymorphism in the candidate genes under study. RESULTS: The genotype A/A polymorphisms 2D6* gene of CYP2D6 and genotype M/M polymorphisms L54M gene of PON1 were significantly more frequent in the patients with PD than in the control group. The patients with genotypes A/A and M/M had 3.4 and 3.2 higher risk of PD, respectively than the control group (p = 0.01). The relation between genotypes A/A gene of CYP2D6 and M/M gene of PON1 was modified by the age at onset. The genotypes were associated with early onset of PD (P = 0.001, p = 0.004). The carriers of the A and M alleles in homozygote had 2.4 and 4.2 years respectively earlier onset of PD than carriers of other genotypes with these polymorphisms. The frequency allele e4 gene of APOE was higher in the PD patients with early onset (20%) than in PD with later onset (7.4%), while the genotype epsilon3/epsilon3 was associated with PD late onset (p = 0.024). Combined genotype I (carriers of the two risk allels in homozygote and one alleles risk in heterozygote) and combined genotype II (carriers of the three alleles risk in homozygote) caused early PD. Combined genotype II was detected in 12.7% of the patients in the group of early onset, and in 2.4% of the patients with the onset after 45 years. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that the genotypes A/A and M/M genes of CYP2D6 and PON1, and allele epsilon4 gene are an important risk for the development of PD, causing its early onset. The cumulative effects of the risk genes cause an early onset of PD.
Predictors and outcomes of early adherence to the use of a home telehealth device by older veterans with heart failure.

OBJECTIVES The present study examined home telehealth (HT) adherence, and its potential predictors and outcomes, in older Veterans with heart failure (HF) using the Health Buddy (Bosch Healthcare, Palo Alto, CA) device. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective study using secondary data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) databases, describing adherence rates and patterns in the first 90 days after enrollment in 248 older Veterans with HF enrolled in the VA HT Programs using the Health Buddy at five medical centers in Southern California and Nevada, between June 1, 2006 and June 1, 2008. Adherence to the use of Health Buddy was defined as the number of days the patient completed an HT session over different time frames during the study period. RESULTS Significant differences occurred between average adherence across all three 30-day time frame increments, with adherence decreasing over time. Despite the use of standardized VA HT protocols and equipment, the department in which the HT program was embedded was a consistent significant predictor of patient adherence in all time frames, with odds ratios of 2.2-4.0 for the department with the consistent best adherence versus that with the worse adherence (confidence intervals varying with the time frame, p<0.03). Increased co-morbidity burden was associated with decreased adherence only in the first 30 days after enrollment. In this short-term study, no relationship was found between adherence to the use of the Health Buddy and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Program and patient characteristics warrant further study as potential predictors of HT device adherence. Additional research is also needed to further examine the relationships between HT device adherence and various outcomes.
Nonlinear ΔR  *2 effects in perfusion quantification using bolus‐tracking MRI

Dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI involves injection of a contrast agent, whose concentration is estimated from ΔR *2 changes. However, measurement of contrast‐agent concentration is prone to various sources of error; in particular, the commonly assumed linear relationship between contrast agent concentration and ΔR *2 in arterial blood is known to be invalid. In this study, we characterized the associated perfusion errors. Large errors were found when the linear assumption is used; these errors were highly dependent on the choice of tissue relaxivity. The errors were greatly reduced when using the quadratic model, and were further reduced when quantifying perfusion as a relative measure. This study suggests the linear assumption should be abandoned in favor of the quadratic model. Thus, the errors are minimized leading to improved quantification that will enable perfusion MRI to continue to play an important role in quantifying perfusion in brain diseases (e.g., acute stroke). Magn Reson Med 61:486–492, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluating opportunities for text message communication: a survey of parents and teens.

BACKGROUND Text messaging is a widespread, cost-effective method for communicating. It is widely used by both parents and teens. The study objective was to survey teens and their parents to assess the capability and willingness of teens to receive healthcare-related text messages from their physician. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Parents and teens (12-17 years old) at an adolescent clinic were asked to complete surveys. Surveys were available in hard copy or electronically (via Survey Monkey) using computer kiosks in the waiting room. Approval was received from two local Institutional Review Boards. RESULTS Of the 93 pairs who began the survey, 47 pairs (51%) qualified and completed both the teen and parent surveys. Over 85% of teens were willing to receive texts from their doctor. Teens were most interested in appointment reminders (81%), immunization reminders (53%), and general test results (for example, strep [53%]). Parents' willingness to allow teens to receive text messages directly varied by content. Many parents preferred to also receive a copy of any text message sent to their teen. CONCLUSIONS Both parents and teens endorse using text messages for appointment reminders. Parents appear willing for their teens to receive some health information directly. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of using text messages for communication with teens to improve care and utilization of services for adolescents.
Morphological features of bone in calcium and vitamin D deficiency

Abstract The authors aim to identify morphological features of the bone abnormal development caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency (CDD) and possible risk factors in the occurrence of these changes. The study is conducted on a selected group of 102 children aged 10-12 years with bone changes due to CDD, diagnosed and treated in Constanţa City from 2000 - 2010. For cases where the same child presented several bone deformities, we considered every bone deformity as an independent entity. In this study we observed deformation of the bones of the skull, prominent frontal bone 62 cases (60.78%); “beads rib” 49 cases (48.03%) sub mammary grooves 31 cases (30.32%), increasing the volume of knee joint 75 cases (73.52%) and wrist 68 cases (66.66%). The changes visible under direct examination are accompanied by structural changes visible by radiological exam, so the epiphysis plate has an irregular appearance (35 cases), serrated (35 cases), are enlarged (34 cases) or cup (31 cases). Analysis of sex distribution shows higher involvement of male children, sex ratio 3/1. Age group most affected in the studied group is 3-36 months. Skeletal deformities in CDD conditions are associated with peculiar situations of risk: monthly income below Average 72 cases (70.5%), increased pigmentation of the skin 61 (59.8%), prematurity 20 (19.6%). Increased incidence of developmental abnormalities of the bones due to CDD in the studied group and in different regions (England, Turkey, USA, etc) in recent years coincides with modern life style, which involves skin protection against solar radiation and a lack of exposure to sunlight.
Findings on Advance Care Plans among Cognitively Impaired Older Adults*

RÉSUMÉ Les personnes âgées qui ont une déficience cognitive et celles qui sont intactes cognitivement diffèrent apparemment par rapport à leur participation dans aspects de la planification préalable des soins (PPS). Utilisant les rapports d'informateurs dans l'Étude canadienne sur la santé et le vieillissement, nous avons examiné les différences entre les adultes décédés avec des troubles cognitives et les personnes âgées intactes dans les processus PPS en ce qui concerne: (1) des discussions ou dispositions pour les soins à la fin de vie; (2) la création de documents juridiques, et les résultats de PPS; (3) le lieu du décès; et (4) une mort qui conforme aux souhaits. Les personnes âgées qui ont été atteints de déficience cognitive étaient plus susceptibles d'avoir pris des arrangements pour un mandataire (RC = 1,90), et ont créé des documents juridiques (RC = 2,64 pour les préférences de soins de santé, RC = 2,00 pour nommer un décideur). Elles étaient moins susceptibles d'avoir discutées leurs préférences vis-à-vis les soins de fin de vie (OR = 0,62). Ces résultats suggèrent que PPS diffèrent chez les personnes souffrant de troubles cognitifs, indiquant un besoin pour une enquête plus approfondie. Ceci est une étape vers la compréhension de ce processus complexe dans un population particulièrement vulnérable. ABSTRACT Cognitively impaired and cognitively intact older adults seemingly differ regarding engagement in aspects of advance care plans (ACPs). Through informant reports in the Canadian Study on Health and Aging, we examined differences between deceased cognitively impaired and intact older adults in components of ACPs: (1) discussions/arrangements for end-of-life care; (2) creation of legal documents; and in ACP outcomes, (3) location of death; and (4) dying in accordance with wishes. Cognitively impaired older adults were more likely to have made arrangements for a substitute decision-maker (OR = 1.90) and to have created legal documents (OR = 2.64 for health care preferences, OR = 2.00 for naming a decision-maker). They were less likely to have discussed preferences for end-of-life care (OR = 0.62). These findings suggest that ACPs differ for cognitively impaired persons, indicating a need for further investigation. This is a step towards understanding this complex process in a particularly vulnerable population.
Determinants of Loneliness among Older Adults in Canada

RÉSUMÉ L'objectif de cette étude était de découvrir les déterminants principaux de la solitude des Canadiens âgés. Nous avons tiré sur des hypothèses concernant l'importance de la concordance entre la personne et l'environnement pour tester l'importance relative des caractéristiques personnelles, des conditions de vie privées, du réseau social/engagement social, et de la plausibilité de l'explication de la solitude. Les données comprenaient un échantillon de 3 799 répondants âgés de plus de 65, tirées de l'Enquête sociale générale de Statistique Canada, Cycle 22. Les caractéristiques personnelles, la dimension et la composition des réseaux sociaux, et la satisfaction avec les contacts du réseau, tous sont révélés d'être liés à la solitude, de même que les indicateurs de vivre sous des conditions économiquement et socialement difficiles. Les personnes âgées qui ont connu un recul récente de leurs situations financières, et qui n'avaient pas l'aide nécessaire pour faire face à un défi personnel récente, ont déclaré des niveaux plus élevés de la solitude. Une caractéristique frappante de nos résultats, cependant, c'est les scores relativement faibles sur la solitude des Canadiens âgés par rapport aux personnes âgées dans d'autres pays. ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the key determinants of loneliness of older Canadians. We drew on the assumptions concerning the importance of person-environment fit to test the relative importance of personal characteristics, deprived living conditions, social network/social engagement, and satisfaction in explaining loneliness. Data comprised a sample of 3,799 respondents over age 65 drawn from Statistics Canada’s General Social Survey, Cycle 22. Personal characteristics, social network size and composition, and satisfaction with network contact were found to be related to loneliness, as were indicators of living in economically and socially challenging conditions. Older adults who had experienced a recent downturn in their financial situation, and who lacked the help needed to cope with a recent personal challenge, reported higher levels of loneliness. A striking feature of our findings is the relatively low scores on loneliness of older Canadians compared to older adults in other countries.
Intra-couple Caregiving of Older Adults Living Apart Together: Commitment and Independence

RÉSUMÉ Récemment, un nombre accroîssant d’adultes d’âge mûr ou plus agés se lancent dans des relations de “vivre ensemble séparément” après le divorce ou pendant le veuvage. Un "VES" est une relation intime dans laquelle les partenaires maintiennent domiciles séparées. Cette étude a examiné les types de soins pour les couples VES plus âgés et à long terme, et a dévoilé des commentaires personnels au sujet des soins pour ces couples. Nous avons interrogé 25 VES partenaires et aussi avons interrogé un groupe de comparaison de 17 personnes âgées qui se sont remariées dans les Pays-Bas, à travers une étude ancillaire à la Panel Study Pays-Bas parenté (PSP-BP). Les résultats ont révelé qu’environ la moitié de ces partenaires VES a l’intention d’ échanger des soins si nécessaire (engagement du partenariat); l’autre moitié a éprouvé des sentiments ambigus, ou avait l’intention de refuser des soins (l’orientation indépendante). Toutefois, pour les partenaires VES déjà confrontés aux maladies dans leur relation actuelle, tous ont soigné partenaires dans leur besoin. La minorité de partenaires VES qui ne voulait pas échanger réciproquement les soins sont plus susceptibles de donner, plutôt que de recevoir, des soins. ABSTRACT Recently, rising numbers of mid-life and older adults are starting a “living apart together” (LAT) relationship following divorce or widowhood. LAT describes an intimate relationship wherein partners maintain separate households. This study investigated the characteristics of care arrangements in older long-term LAT couples and elicited personal comments about intra-couple care. We interviewed 25 LAT partners and a comparison group of 17 remarried older adults in the Netherlands in a side study of the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study. Results showed that about half of the LAT partners intended to exchange care if needed (partnership commitment); the other half had ambiguous feelings or intentions to refuse care (independence orientation). However, for those LAT partners already confronted with illness in their current relationship, all provided care to the partner in need. The minority of LAT partners who would not exchange care reciprocally are more likely to give as opposed to receive care.
Comparison of 1H blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) and 19F MRI to investigate tumor oxygenation

Fluorine‐19 [19F] MRI oximetry and 1H blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) MRI were used to investigate tumor oxygenation in rat breast 13762NF carcinomas, and correlations between the techniques were examined. A range of tissue oxygen partial pressure (pO2) values was found in the nine tumors while the anesthetized rats breathed air, with individual tumor pO2 ranging from a mean of 1 to 36 torr and hypoxic fraction (HF10) (<10 torr) ranging from 0% to 75%, indicating a large intra‐ and intertumor heterogeneity. Breathing oxygen produced significant increase in tumor pO2 (mean ΔpO2 = 50 torr) and decrease in HF10 (P < 0.01). 1H BOLD MRI observed using a spin echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequence revealed a heterogeneous response and significant increase in mean tumor signal intensity (SI) (ΔSI = 7%, P < 0.01). R 2* measured by multigradient‐echo (MGRE) MRI decreased significantly in response to oxygen (mean ΔR 2* = −4 s−1; P < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between changes in mean tumor pO2 and mean EPI BOLD ΔSI accompanying oxygen breathing (r2 > 0.7, P < 0.001). Our results suggest that BOLD MRI provides information about tumor oxygenation and may be useful to predict pO2 changes accompanying interventions. Significantly, the magnitude of the BOLD response appears to be predictive for residual tumor HFs. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The validity of physical therapy assessment of low back pain via telerehabilitation in a clinical setting.

BACKGROUND Back pain is a common and disabling condition for people in rural and remote areas. In these areas, access to rehabilitation services is limited by service availability. Telerehabilitation is suggested as a solution for providing physical therapy services; however, the validity of clinical assessment is largely unproven. The aim of this study was to establish the validity of clinically pragmatic remote assessment of spinal posture, active movements of the lumbar spine, and the passive straight leg raise (SLR) test. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Face-to-face physical therapist assessment was compared with telerehabilitation assessment of spinal posture, active movements of the lumbar spine, and the SLR test. Twenty-six participants recruited from a rural population with current or recent low back pain (LBP) were assessed by a face-to-face physical therapist and a remote physical therapist. Pain, disability, and clinical measurements were assessed. Outcomes were compared to establish agreement. RESULTS High levels of agreement were found with detecting pain with specific lumbar movements, eliciting symptoms, and sensitizing the SLR test. Moderate agreement occurred with identifying the worst lumbar spine movement direction, SLR range of motion, and active lumbar spine range of motion. Poor agreement occurred with postural analysis and identifying reasons for limitations to lumbar movements. CONCLUSIONS Conducted in a rural clinical setting, this study validates elements of the physical assessment of the lumbar spine and identifies technical and clinical issues to be addressed by future research. Important components of the standard musculoskeletal assessment of LBP are valid via telerehabilitation in a clinical setting.
Individual modulation of pain sensitivity under stress.

OBJECTIVES Stress has a strong influence on pain sensitivity. However, the direction of this influence is unclear. Recent studies reported both decreased and increased pain sensitivities under stress, and one hypothesis is that interindividual differences account for these differences. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of stress on individual pain sensitivity in a relatively large female sample. METHODS Eighty female participants were included. Pain thresholds and temporal summation of pain were tested before and after stress, which was induced by the Mannheim Multicomponent Stress Test. In an independent sample of 20 women, correlation coefficients between 0.45 and 0.89 indicated relatively high test-retest reliability for pain measurements. RESULTS On average, there were significant differences between pain thresholds under non-stress and stress conditions, indicating an increased sensitivity to pain under stress. No significant differences between non-stress and stress conditions were found for temporal summation of pain. On an individual basis, both decreased and increased pain sensitivities under stress conditions based on Jacobson's criteria for reliable change were observed. Furthermore, we found significant negative associations between pain sensitivity under non-stress conditions and individual change of pain sensitivity under stress. Participants with relatively high pain sensitivity under non-stress conditions became less sensitive under stress and vice versa. DISCUSSION These findings support the view that pain sensitivity under stress shows large interindividual variability, and point to a possible dichotomy of altered pain sensitivity under stress.
k‐t PCA: Temporally constrained k‐t BLAST reconstruction using principal component analysis

The k‐t broad‐use linear acquisition speed‐up technique (BLAST) has become widespread for reducing image acquisition time in dynamic MRI. In its basic form k‐t BLAST speeds up the data acquisition by undersampling k‐space over time (referred to as k‐t space). The resulting aliasing is resolved in the Fourier reciprocal x‐f space (x = spatial position, f = temporal frequency) using an adaptive filter derived from a low‐resolution estimate of the signal covariance. However, this filtering process tends to increase the reconstruction error or lower the achievable acceleration factor. This is problematic in applications exhibiting a broad range of temporal frequencies such as free‐breathing myocardial perfusion imaging. We show that temporal basis functions calculated by subjecting the training data to principal component analysis (PCA) can be used to constrain the reconstruction such that the temporal resolution is improved. The presented method is called k‐t PCA. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subjective tiredness does not correlate with the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index.

INTRODUCTION Sleepiness is a frequent complaint and might be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea. Our aim was to examine if patient-reported tiredness on either the Epworth Sleepiness Scale or on a visual analogue scale was associated with the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index. METHODS We conducted a retrospective database study on 215 patients referred on suspicion of obstructive sleep apnoea. Before cardiorespiratory monitoring, all patients answered the Epworth Sleepiness Scale Questionnaire and rated their tiredness on a visual analogue scale. RESULTS No correlation was found between the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Spearman's ρ = 0.02) or the visual analogue scale of tiredness (ρ = -0.04). This also applied for a subgroup of patients with an Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index score > 15. CONCLUSIONS Monosymptomatic patient-reported tiredness should not raise suspicion of obstructive sleep apnoea. Conversely, if obstructive sleep apnoea is suspected, a lack of tiredness should not postpone further evaluation. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
Psychosocial Aspects of Normal Ageing

351 노화(Ageing)는 오늘날 전 세계가 당면한 공중보건 의 가장 중요한 과제이다. 의학의 발전으로 기대 수명(life expectancy)은 지난 한세기 동안 급격히 길어 졌으며 전 세계 인구는 지속적으로 늘어나는 추세이다. 특히 한국은 지난 2000에 이미 65세 인구의 7.0%를 넘 어선 노령화 사회(aging society)에 접어들었으며, 2019 년에는 65세 인구가 전체인구의 14.0%을 넘어선 노령 사회(aged society)로 접어들 전망이다. 이는 세계에서 유례를 찾아보기 힘들 정도로 빠른 속도이기 때문에 급속 히 증가하는 노령 인구들의 요구를 반영하여 건강한 삶의 질 향상을 위한 방법을 찾는 것은 매우 중요하다(1). 사 실상 선진국들은 이미 적극적 노화(active aging) 의 시 대에서 성공적 노화(successful ageing) 의 시대로 접어 들고 있다(2). 즉 단순한 평균수명의 연장에서 벗어나 새 로운 가치관과 생산성의 창조에 접근방향을 두고 노화의 유전, 생명공학은 물론 다방면에서 성공적 노화 의 정의 및 구체적 실현방법을 찾고자 노력중에 있다(3). 일반적으로 노화의 정의를 살펴보면, 노화란 질병과는 관계없이 나이가 들어감에 따라 변화되는 신체의 기능을 말한다. 즉 노화는 시간이 지남에 따라 생존의 가능성을 감소시키고, 외부 환경적 요구에 대한 생리적 능력이 저 하되는 생물체 내에서 일어나는 변화를 뜻한다. 인생은 Psychosocial Aspects of Normal Ageing