Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for non-communicable disease: a population based study in Mashhad (Iran).

Aims: Non-communicable disease currently accounts for 55% of the global disease burden, and is predicted to make up 73% of all causes of death by 2020. There have been few studies into chronic diseases in developing countries. Considering the priorities for health care systems (prevention and control of non-communicable diseases), this study aimed to compare the risk factors for chronic disease for males and females in a metropolitan area of Iran. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Location and Duration of Study: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2007 in Mashhad (Iran) as a part of a national survey to assess the risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Methodology: One thousand participants aged between 17 and 67 years were included and a standardized national questionnaire about each participant was completed. Height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and blood biochemical factors were measured. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Chi-square tests, T-tests and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for statistical analysis; p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. SPSS version 11.5 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Half of the participants were male; 46.4% lived in rural areas; 36% were housewives; and 0.04% were unemployed. BMI, smoking, waist circumference and physical activity were statistically different between the two genders (in all cases p <0.001). HDL was the only difference between men and women in terms of their lipid profiles ( p <0.001). The most important risk factors for chronic diseases were high BMI, waist circumference and low levels of HDL-cholesterol in women; in men, smoking was the most significant risk factor. Systolic and diastolic hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were important risk factors for both genders. Conclusion: The risk factors for chronic diseases were different for the two genders and each will need different approaches to control these risk factors.
Epidemiology, risk factors, and the promotion of pancreatic cancer: Role of the stellate cell

There are approximately 277 000 new cases of pancreatic cancer and 266 000 deaths from pancreatic cancer annually, indicating a mortality rate of 96% of the cases diagnosed. Because of the ineffectiveness of therapies, a major emphasis needs to be placed on prevention. This paper reviews the epidemiology and risk factors for pancreatic cancer, and uses this information to propose plausible research directions for determining the biological mechanisms mediating the effects of risk factors on the promotion of pancreatic cancer, with a focus on the pancreatic stellate cell.
Carpenter-Coustan Compared With National Diabetes Data Group Criteria for Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Use of Carpenter-Coustan compared with National Diabetes Data Group criteria increases the number of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by 30–50%, but whether treatment of this milder GDM reduces adverse outcomes is unknown. We explored the effects of the diagnostic criteria used on the benefits of GDM treatment. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized trial for treatment of mild GDM diagnosed using Carpenter-Coustan criteria. We evaluated the effect of treatment within two mutually exclusive diagnostic groups: 1) women who met the stricter National Diabetes Data Group as well as Carpenter-Coustan criteria (National Diabetes Data Group), and 2) those diagnosed by Carpenter-Coustan but not meeting National Diabetes Data Group criteria (Carpenter-Coustan only). Maternal outcomes examined were pregnancy-induced hypertension, shoulder dystocia, maternal weight gain, and cesarean delivery. Neonatal outcomes were large for gestational age, macrosomia (greater than 4,000 g), fat mass, small for gestational age, and a composite outcome of perinatal death, birth injury, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and hyperinsulinemia. Analysis of variance or the Breslow-Day test, as appropriate, was used to test for the interaction between diagnostic criteria and GDM treatment on the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Of 958 patients, 560 (58.5%) met National Diabetes Data Group criteria and 398 (41.5%) met Carpenter-Coustan only. Compared with untreated women, the direction of treatment effect did not differ by diagnostic criteria used and was consistent with the original trial. The P value for interaction between diagnostic criteria and treatment status was not significant for any outcome. CONCLUSION: The overall beneficial treatment effect on pregnancy-induced hypertension, shoulder dystocia, cesarean delivery, and macrosomia was seen in patients diagnosed by the higher National Diabetes Data Group and by the lower thresholds of the Carpenter-Coustan criteria.
The effects of long‐term exposure to extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields on bone formation in ovariectomized rats

The effects of long‐term extremely low‐frequency magnetic field (ELF‐MF) exposure on bone formation and biochemical markers were investigated in ovariectomized rats. Sixty mature female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four different groups (n = 15): (i) unexposed control (CTL); (ii) ovariectomized only (OVX); (iii) non‐ovariectomized, exposed (SHAM + ELF‐MF); and (iv) ovariectomized, exposed (OVX + ELF‐MF). The third and fourth groups were exposed to 1.5 mT ELF‐MF for 4 h a day for 6 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined using dual energy X‐ray absorption (DEXA) measurements. The formation and resorption of bone were evaluated using bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin, osteoprotogerin, and N‐telopeptide. After 6 months of ELF‐MF therapy, BMD values were significantly lower in the OVX group and higher in the OVX + ELF‐MF and SHAM + ELF‐MF groups than they were before therapy (P < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in BMD values among the groups before therapy, the BMD values increased significantly after 6 months in the OVX + ELF‐MF and SHAM + ELF‐MF groups and were reduced in the OVX group compared to the CTL group (P < 0.001). The concentrations of BAP, osteocalcin, osteoprotogerin, and N‐telopeptide in the three experimental groups also changed in a significant way compared to the CTL group. The results of the present study suggest that osteoporosis can be inhibited by ELF‐MF stimulation treatments. It was also concluded that ELF‐MF may be useful in the prevention of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Bioelectromagnetics 33:543–549, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of pulsed magnetic field treatment of soybean seeds on calli growth, cell damage, and biochemical changes under salt stress

The effects of magnetic field (MF) treatments of soybean seeds on calli growth, cell damage, and biochemical changes under salt stress were investigated under controlled conditions. Soybean seeds were exposed to a 1.0 Hz sinusoidal uniform pulsed magnetic field (PMF) of 1.5 µT for 5 h/day for 20 days. Non‐treated seeds were considered as controls. For callus regeneration, the embryonic axis explants were taken from seeds and inoculated in a saline medium with a concentration of 10 mM NaCl for calli growth analysis and biochemical changes. The combined treatment of MF and salt stress was found to significantly increase calli fresh weight, total soluble sugar, total protein, and total phenol contents, but it decreased the ascorbic acid, lipid peroxidation, and catalase activity of calli from magnetically exposed seeds compared to the control calli. PMF treatment significantly improved calli tolerance to salt stress in terms of an increase in flavonoid, flavone, flavonole, alkaloid, saponin, total polyphenol, genistein, and daidzein contents under salt stress. The results suggest that PMF treatment of soybean seeds has the potential to counteract the adverse effects of salt stress on calli growth by improving primary and secondary metabolites under salt stress conditions. Bioelectromagnetics 33:670–681, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study of p53 expression and post‐transcriptional modifications after GSM‐900 radiofrequency exposure of human amniotic cells

The potential effects of radiofrequency (RF) exposure on the genetic material of cells are very important to determine since genome instability of somatic cells may be linked to cancer development. In response to genetic damage, the p53 protein is activated and can induce cell cycle arrest allowing more time for DNA repair or elimination of damaged cells through apoptosis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the exposure to RF electromagnetic fields, similar to those emitted by mobile phones of the second generation standard, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may induce expression of the p53 protein and its activation by post‐translational modifications in cultured human cells. The potential induction of p53 expression and activation by GSM‐900 was investigated after in vitro exposure of human amniotic cells for 24 h to average specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0.25, 1, 2, and 4 W/kg in the temperature range of 36.3–39.7 °C. The exposures were carried out using a wire‐patch cell (WPC) under strictly controlled conditions of temperature. Expression and activation of p53 by phosphorylation at serine 15 and 37 were studied using Western blot assay immediately after three independent exposures of cell cultures provided from three different donors. Bleomycin‐exposed cells were used as a positive control. According to our results, no significant changes in the expression and activation of the p53 protein by phosphorylation at serine 15 and 37 were found following exposure to GSM‐900 for 24 h at average SARs up to 4 W/kg in human embryonic cells. Bioelectromagnetics 34:52–60, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Deer Antler Velvet on Aerobic, Anaerobic and Strength Performance

Deer antler velvet (Dav) supplementation purportedly increases athletic performance; however, little data support this claim. the primary aim of our study is to examine Dav and exercise performance. We randomized 32 men (18–35 y) participating exclusively in resistance training (>4 y) to 10-weeks of randomly assigned, double blind, Dav (1350 mg, 2×/day) or placebo treatments. Primary outcomes included maximal aerobic capacity (vo2max), maximal strength (1rM; bench press and squat) and anaerobic cycling power. Secondary outcomes included comprehensive blood profiles and body composition. We used general linear models to determine changes following treatment. Eighteen participants (n = 9) completed the study with Dav participants showing significant improvements in vo2max (4.30 ±0.45 to 4.72 ±0.60 l/min, P < 0.04). the placebo and Dav groups increased bench press and squat 1rM (both, P < 0.04); yet, when expressed relative to body mass, only the Dav group showed significant bench press (4%) and squat (10%; both, P < 0.02). Neither group improved cycling performance or showed adverse changes in blood chemistries. We did observe a significant reduction in lDl-C (12%) accompanying Dav supplementation and both groups significantly reduced percent body fat (P < 0.05). our results suggest that Dav may have ergogenic effects in men participating solely in resistance training.
Recent Increases in the U.S. Maternal Mortality Rate: Disentangling Trends From Measurement Issues

OBJECTIVE: To develop methods for trend analysis of vital statistics maternal mortality data, taking into account changes in pregnancy question formats over time and between states, and to provide an overview of U.S. maternal mortality trends from 2000 to 2014. METHODS: This observational study analyzed vital statistics maternal mortality data from all U.S. states in relation to the format and year of adoption of the pregnancy question. Correction factors were developed to adjust data from before the standard pregnancy question was adopted to promote accurate trend analysis. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze trends for groups of states with similar pregnancy questions. RESULTS: The estimated maternal mortality rate (per 100,000 live births) for 48 states and Washington, DC (excluding California and Texas, analyzed separately) increased by 26.6%, from 18.8 in 2000 to 23.8 in 2014. California showed a declining trend, whereas Texas had a sudden increase in 2011–2012. Analysis of the measurement change suggests that U.S. rates in the early 2000s were higher than previously reported. CONCLUSION: Despite the United Nations Millennium Development Goal for a 75% reduction in maternal mortality by 2015, the estimated maternal mortality rate for 48 states and Washington, DC, increased from 2000 to 2014; the international trend was in the opposite direction. There is a need to redouble efforts to prevent maternal deaths and improve maternity care for the 4 million U.S. women giving birth each year.
Parental Substance Abuse and Family Reunification

This study examines the reunification outcomes of 4 groups of children placed in foster care in Oklahoma: those referred due to parental alcohol-only abuse, those due to parental drug-only abuse, those with both alcohol and drug involvement, and those with neither alcohol nor drug involvement. Following bivariate analysis to examine group differences, survival analysis was utilized to predict reunification rates. Overall, differences in time to reunification among the 4 groups were significant. The neither alcohol nor other drug group was significantly different from the other 3 groups, but the alcohol-only group was different from the groups that included any drug involvement.
Weight control practices of Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes

ABSTRACT Objectives: Altering body weight can have substantial effects on an athlete’s performance and well-being. Limited information is available describing the weight control practices of Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes. Methods: Weight control practices data from 188 (138 male and 50 female; 18-23 y) Division I NCAA athletes were analyzed as a part of this cross-sectional, retrospective study. Participants completed questionnaires on weight control practices and weight control nutrition knowledge at the end of their season and were classified into weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports. Results: A higher proportion of females attempted to lose weight than males among less weight-sensitive sports (61% vs. 22%, chi-square = 15.8, p < 0.001). However, the prevalence of weight loss attempts was not different between females and males among weight-sensitive sports (50% vs. 60%, chi-square = 0.5, p = 0.479). The prevalence of weight gain attempts differed by gender for less weight-sensitive sports (65% vs. 4% for males and females, chi-square = 33.5, p < 0.001) but not weight-sensitive sports (24% vs. 9% for males and females, chi-square = 2.1, p = 0.146). Weight control knowledge did not differ between participants attempting versus not attempting to lose weight (Mann-Whitney U = 3340, z = -1.37, p = 0.17). Common maladaptive behaviors used to lose weight included skipping meals and exercising more than usual. Conclusion: Weight loss attempts are common among Division I NCAA athletes, and the differences between males and females may be more pronounced among less weight-sensitive sports. Weight gain attempts are more common in select male sports.
Perceptions of staff quality improvement training needs among Veterans Affairs nursing home leadership

This study seeks to describe clinical leadership’s perceptions of staff understanding of the minimum data set (MDS) quality indicators (QIs) and ways to improve staff understanding of this system, as well as specific perceived training needs among Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing home care unit (NHCU) clinical leadership. This cross-sectional online survey using structured (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) items took place in 97 VA NHCUs nationwide. A total of 289 leadership staff including directors of nursing, medical directors, MDS coordinators participated. Qualitative analysis yielded several themes regarding why staff do/do not understand MDS QIs, and strategies to improve staff understanding included involvement, staffing/staff roles, education/training, mechanics, big picture. Regarding how to improve understanding, respondents recommended education/training, involvement, reinforcement and others. Of specific training strategies/needs, the most frequently identified were using the MDS as a clinical assessment tool. Quantitative analyses were not significant. These results highlight the range of causes identified by managers for frontline staff’s understanding (or lack thereof) of the QIs, and their preference for ways to improve staff understanding of what the MDS means. Understanding and applying these strategies may help improve staff’s use of the MDS QIs in VA and non-VA skilled nursing facilities.
Return to play after treatment of shoulder labral tears in professional hockey players

ABSTRACT Objectives: Shoulder labral injuries in professional hockey players are often treated surgically to minimize missed ice time. Previous studies have shown that post-operative outcomes in these players are favorable, although they have not specifically focused on athletic performance and time to return to sport. Our objective was to report time to return to play and post-operative on-ice performance metrics after shoulder labral repair in professional ice hockey players. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the clinical records of all professional hockey players (NHL) who underwent arthroscopic shoulder labral repair by one surgeon between January 2004 and December 2008. Operative data included labral injury type, number of anchors used, concomitant pathology, and complications. Player information included position, shooting hand, games played before and after surgery, date of return to play (RTP), time on ice (TOI) and shots on goal before and after surgery. Paired sample t-test and independent sample t-tests or their non-parametric equivalents were used to compare pre-and post-operative player performance variables using the SPSS statistical package. Results: Eleven NHL Players (13 shoulders) were included in the study. The average follow-up was 19.4 months (12.7–37 months, SD 7.4) and average age was 29 years (20–36, SD 5.1). Of the 13 shoulders, there were various types of labral tears including three Bankart tears, three superior (SLAP) tears, two posterior tears, three combined anterior/posterior tears, and two panlabral tears. All 11 players returned to play (RTP) after surgery at an average time of 4.3 months. There were no significant differences between time to RTP for players with dominant-sided injuries (4.2 months) and non-dominant injuries (4.6 months), p = 0.632. Five players had increased time-on-ice (TOI) and five players had decreased TOI after surgery, though this difference was not significant (p = 0.3804). On average, the shots on goal per game played (SOG/GP) decreased by 0.13 after surgery which was not significantly different (p = 0.149). There were no post-operative complications observed. Conclusion: Professional ice hockey players can safely return to full competition at an average of 4.3 months after arthroscopic shoulder labral repair without significant decline in player performance.
Efeitos de programa de exercícios físicos direcionado ao aumento da mobilidade torácica em pacientes portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is detrimental to lung mechanics and peripheral muscles. The physical programs developed for this condition are usually targeted to an improvement on aerobics capacity. Programs that approach specifically the changes in thoracic mobility and thoracic muscles are rare. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a physical exercise program designed to increase chest wall mobility on functional and psychosocial capacity in moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were studied. They were randomized to 2 groups: control group (CG) and treated group (TG). The CG was submitted to an educational program and the TG was submitted to an educational program plus a physical exercise program aiming to increase chest wall mobility. Variables included spirometry, thoracic mobility, quality of life, anxiety and depression levels and a six minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: After 2 months of training, only the TG presented improvements on chest wall mobility (from 4.20 ± 0.58 cm to 5.27 ± 0.58 cm; p = 0.05) and 6MWT (from 469.73 ± 31.99 m to 500.60 ± 27.38 m; p = 0.01). It was also observed that the TG presented improvement on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), and Beck's depression scale after 2 months of treatment. Pulmonary function did not improve either in the CG or in the TG group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that exercises aimed to the increasing of chest wall mobility improve thoracic mobility, quality of life, submaximal exercise capacity, and reduce dyspnea and depression symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Comparison of skin prick test and serum specific IgE measured by ImmunoCAP system for various inhalant allergens

Purpose: It appears that much of the discordance between skin prick test (SPT) and ImmunoCAP in clinical practice. We investigated the comparison and correlation between SPT and ImmunoCAP for inhalant allergens. Methods: A total of 1,400 patients who were tested SPT and ImmunoCAP were recruited from June 2011 to May 2014 in Dong-A University Hospital, and the results of two assays were compared for 17 inhalant allergens. For SPT, mean wheal size≥3 mm or allergen/ histamine≥1 at 15 minutes, and the result of ImmunoCAP of ≥0.35 kU/L was considered positive, respectively. Results: Of the study subjects, bronchial asthma was 29.3%, rhinitis 36.8%, atopic dermatitis 0.6%, and chronic urticaria 4.3%. The agreement rate of between two assays was 77.4%. When ImmunoCAP was compared with SPT as the reference, the sensitivity, specificity was 75.5% and 80.0%, respectively. Significant correlation was observed (r=0.59), and birch, mugwort, Japanese hop, house dust mites, and cockroach showed very strong correlation (r>0.7). Conclusion: The agreement, sensitivity, and specificity between SPT and ImmunoCAP was various according to allergens. We should determine the clinical relevance of the allergen sensitization using both SPT and ImmunoCAP not alone with combination of clinical symptoms.