Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sit-to-Stand Transition Reveals Acute Fall Risk in Activities of Daily Living

The focus of this paper was on finding wrist sensor-derived features for detecting highly acute fall risk from the sit-to-stand transitions performed in a non-ambulatory environment. Furthermore, the influence of the dominant and non-dominant hand on these features was investigated. A cohort of 174 older subjects was monitored for seven consecutive days in their home setting by using inertial sensors attached at the wrist. Based on the reported falls during a one-month follow-up phase, two groups were defined. Twenty-one time and frequency domain features were implemented for the quantitative assessment of extracted sit-to-stand transitions. The statistical analysis yielded two features that could convincingly distinguish fallers from non-fallers for the dominant hand, and six for the non-dominant hand. A novel feature, energy of the applied support during standing up, showed statistically good performance independently of on which hand the sensor node was worn, as well as for the dominant and non-dominant hand (p <; 0.014, p <; 0.027, and p <; 0.020, respectively). This paper overcomes limitations of clinical tests and shows a reliable application of wrist-worn bands in terms of assessment of highly acute fall risk. In addition, it reveals the sit-to-stand transition as a potential assessment source for the wrist-worn devices in the elderly population. Early assessment of the risk of falling in a widely accepted and non-stigmatized manner has the ability to bring crucial changes in fall prevention strategies, reducing the number of falls and the fall rate.
Endoscopic Findings in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Kano, North-Western Nigeria

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical condition that results in high morbidity and mortality, especially if not properly and aggressively managed. Identification of cause of bleeding is paramount towards effective management. The aim of this study was to determine the common causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Kano, Nigeria, with a view to formulating rational protocol/armamentarium for its management. Records of all patients referred with upper gastrointestinal bleeding to the endoscopy unit of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital from September 2001 to September 2006 were retrieved from the endoscopy register. Relevant demographic information and findings at upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were noted. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 10.0. A total of 1117 patients had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for various indications during the study period, and 85 (7.3%) of these were for UGIB. The mean age of patients with UGIB was 43.2 + 13.5 (Range: 17-75 years) and the male: female ratio was 3.04: 1. Out of the 85 cases with UGIB, oesophageal varices were seen in thirty one (36.5%), forty five (52.9%) had peptic ulcer disease or erosions while gastric cancer and oesophageal cancer were seen in 3(3.5%) and 1(1.2%) of cases respectively. The probable cause of bleeding could not be found in 3 (3.5%) of the patients. Peptic ulcer disease and erosions are the commonest endoscopic findings associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding in our environment. Oesophageal varices however account for a large proportion of cases seen in Kano, North-Western part of Nigeria. Key Words: Endoscopic, findings, upper, gastrointestinal, bleeding, Kano.
DPP and DSP are Necessary for Maintaining TGF-β1 Activity in Dentin

Porcine dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is the most abundant non-collagenous protein in dentin. It is processed by proteases into 3 independent proteins: dentin sialoprotein (DSP), dentin glycoprotein (DGP), and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). We fractionated DPP and DSP along with TGF-β activity by ion exchange (IE) chromatography from developing pig molars and measured their alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-stimulating activity in human periodontal (HPDL) cells with or without TGF-β receptor inhibitor. We then purified TGF-β-unbound or -bound DPP and DSP by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) using the ALP-HPDL system. The TGF-β isoform bound to DPP and DSP was identified as being TGF-β1 by both ELISA and LC-MS/MS analysis. We incubated carrier-free human recombinant TGF-β1 (CF-hTGF-β1) with TGF-β-unbound DPP or DSP and characterized the binding on IE-HPLC using the ALP-HPDL system. When only CF-hTGF-β1 was incubated, approximately 3.6% of the ALP-stimulating activity remained. DPP and DSP rescued the loss of TGF-β1 activity. Approximately 19% and 10% of the ALP stimulating activities were retained by the binding of TGF-β to DPP and DSP, respectively. The type I collagen infrequently bound to CF-hTGF-β1. We conclude that both DPP and DSP help retain TGF-β1 activity in porcine dentin.
Child abuse in South Africa: rights and wrongs

In a country in which human rights feature prominently in our discourse about who we are, as well as in the South African constitutional and legal framework, so many wrongs continue to be done to children. One category of wrongs is abuse, but it is not the only one. Poverty, patriarchy and gender violence, as well as the socialised obedience, dependency and silence of women and children, create conditions in which abuse can occur, often with few consequences. South Africa has extremely high rates of both physical and sexual abuse of children. Progressive, rights-based legislation exists to protect children, but it is not adequately supported or resourced by services to fulfil their provisions. Child abuse and neglect will not be significantly reduced in South Africa, without simultaneous improvements in the social and economic conditions in which very large numbers of children live. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Newly Identified Pathogens Associated with Periodontitis

There is substantial evidence supporting the role of certain oral bacteria species in the onset and progression of periodontitis. Nevertheless, results of independent-culture diagnostic methods introduced about a decade ago have pointed to the existence of new periodontal pathogens. However, the data of these studies have not been evaluated together, which may generate some misunderstanding on the actual role of these microorganisms in the etiology of periodontitis. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the current weight of evidence for newly identified periodontal pathogens based on the results of “association” studies. This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to September 2013 for studies (1) comparing microbial data of subgingival plaque samples collected from subjects with periodontitis and periodontal health and (2) evaluating at least 1 microorganism other than the already-known periodontal pathogens. From 1,450 papers identified, 41 studies were eligible. The data were extracted and registered in predefined piloted forms. The results suggested that there is moderate evidence in the literature to support the association of 17 species or phylotypes from the phyla Bacteroidetes, Candidatus Saccharibacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, and Synergistetes. The phylum Candidatus Saccharibacteria and the Archaea domain also seem to have an association with disease. These data point out the importance of previously unidentified species in the etiology of periodontitis and might guide future investigations on the actual role of these suspected new pathogens in the onset and progression of this infection.
Dietary habits of Swedish adult coeliac patients treated by a gluten-free diet for 10 years

Background: Uncertainty still exists whether coeliac patients living on a gluten-free diet for several years are ensured a nutritionally balanced diet. Objective: To evaluate the dietary habits of adults with longstanding coeliac disease Design: The intake of nutrients and foods was assessed in 49 Swedish coeliac patients (32 women) aged 45-64 years treated for 8-12 years using 4-day dietary record. Compliance with the diet was ascertained by showing a villous intestinal structure at repeat biopsy or normal serological tests. The control group (n=498) consisted of a general population sample of same age. Results: The coeliac patients showing the same energy intake as controls had a lower intake of fibre, niacin equivalents, folate, vitamin B 12 , calcium, phosphorus and zinc. In relation to recommended intakes, low levels of fibres, folate, vitamin E and selenium were seen in both coeliacs and controls. Significant differences between coeliac patients and controls were seen for half of the food groups under study and this was particularly true for women. Conclusions: The results suggest that Swedish coeliac patients living on a gluten-free diet for several years need to improve their dietary habits. To this end, regularly visiting a dietitian could be helpful to introduce oat-based options and increase the intake of fresh fruits and greens. Key words: Coeliac disease, gluten-free diet, nutrition, vitamin
Enhanced M1/M2 Macrophage Ratio Promotes Orthodontic Root Resorption

Mechanical force–induced orthodontic root resorption is a major clinical challenge in orthodontic treatment. Macrophages play an important role in orthodontic root resorption, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined the mechanism by which the ratio of M1 to M2 macrophage polarization affects root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. Root resorption occurred when nickel–titanium coil springs were applied on the upper first molars of rats for 3 to 14 d. Positively stained odontoclasts or osteoclasts with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase were found in resorption areas. Meanwhile, M1-like macrophages positive for CD68 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) persistently accumulated on the compression side of periodontal tissues. In addition, the expressions of the M1 activator interferon-γ and the M1-associated pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were upregulated on the compression side of periodontal tissues. When the coil springs were removed at the 14th day after orthodontic force application, root resorption was partially rescued. The number of CD68+CD163+ M2-like macrophages gradually increased on the compression side of periodontal tissues. The levels of M2 activator interleukin (IL)-4 and the M2-associated anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 also increased. Systemic injection of the TNF-α inhibitor etanercept or IL-4 attenuated the severity of root resorption and decreased the ratio of M1 to M2 macrophages. These data imply that the balance between M1 and M2 macrophages affects orthodontic root resorption. Root resorption was aggravated by an enhanced M1/M2 ratio but was partially rescued by a reduced M1/M2 ratio.
The ethics of using dolls and soft toys in dementia care

Recent advancements in dementia care have moved away from a custodial type of care where people have been considered well cared for if they were clean, dry, fed, quiet and not at any risk. This type of care often failed to recognize the person with dementia as an adult human being with a right to lead a dignified and meaningful life. In this new culture of care, which promotes a person-centered approach (Kitwood and Bredin, 1992), infantilization can be seen as inappropriate.
Role of Ocimum sanctum in the experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease in rats

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder incapacitating elderly people towards the end of their life, accounts for approximately 70% of dementia. It affects 17-25 million elderly people worldwide. In spite of the remarkable increase in scientific knowledge about the pathobiology of AD, attempts other than modifying the cholinergic neurotransmission have proved futile. In Ayurveda a number of agents are in use, since ancient times, for chronic debilitating disorders. One such preparation, Ocimum sanctum (OS) has been found to possess anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Because of the nonavailability of proper curative therapy for AD, the present study has been undertaken to evaluate the possible role of OS in experimental AD in rats. Experimental AD in rats was produced by a nucleus basalis magnacellularis lesion with ibotenic acid (IB) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) administration of colchicine (Col). Various behavioural tests and biochemical analysis were performed to explore the possible role of OS in AD. OS exhibited anxiolytic activity in an open field test. In an elevated plus maze test, OS significantly alleviated IB, and Col induced anxiety and depression in the Porsolt’s swim test. In Morris’ water maze test, OS pretreatments improved reference memory, working memory and spatial learning. Both IB and Col induced deficits in active avoidance learning and retention of learned behaviour, which were significantly reversed by OS. IB and Col induced increased lipid peroxidase activity, which was significantly reversed by OS (as seen from the reductions in the malondialdehyde level) and stabilized the rise in superoxide dismutase activity, but it had no effect on the acetylcholinesterase activity. OS might be effective in clinical AD by virtue of its cognition enhancement, antidepressant and antianxiety properties, which are the primary needs to be addressed in AD. Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, eugenol, Ocimum sanctum
Residual Analysis for Feature Detection

It is shown that in a very simple form residual analysis achieves results that are at least as good as if not better than those obtained by other techniques. There are many ways for extensions of the method. For example, moving average filters of regularization can be used to obtain the residual images. Also, the strength of the correlation, measured by D/sub rr/(O), can be used to eliminate noise, weak edges, etc. A more ambitious extension is by considering smoothing filters that leave invariant the function representing the reflectance from smooth surfaces. >
NeuroSPECT correlates of disabling mild head injury: Preliminary findings

Objective: To study mild head injury patients with poor psychosocial and vocational outcomes using neurological single photon emission computed tomography (neuroSPECT) imaging. Design: Case‐comparison study. Setting: VA Medical Center, outpatient clinics. Patients: Fourteen mild head injury patients with normal computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and five normal controls. Head‐injured patients were selected because they had obtained and maintained highly responsible employment prior to injury, but were unable to sustain any occupation despite multiple attempts over a number of years after injury. Intervention: NeuroSPECT with technetium Tc 99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime. Main Outcome Measure: Regional abnormalities in cerebral perfusion as indicated by neuroSPECT. Results: This carefully preselected population consistently showed anterior mesial temporal hypoperfusion. By contrast, posterior temporal abnormalities were very infrequent. NeuroSPECT findings with regard to orbitofrontal damage were not as striking, but were statistically significant on the left and were sufficient to raise the question of dysfunction in this area as well. Conclusions: Findings indicate that some “mild” head injuries with unusually catastrophic psychosocial consequences can produce regional abnormalities in cerebral perfusion that are apparent with neuroSPECT, even in the absence of abnormalities seen on CT or MRI.
Type of community as confounding variable in the satisfaction of rural child and youth mental health clinicians: implications for evidence‐based workforce development

Purpose – This paper seeks to present findings from a study soliciting the perspectives of child and youth mental health clinicians practising in rural/remote settings in British Columbia, Canada. Satisfaction is assessed in four areas: lifestyle, practice, preparation for practice, and fit of organizational standards.Design/methodology/approach – An online survey using a variety of closed and open‐ended questions was administered to clinicians practising in four distinct settings: small rural, large rural, small remote, and large remote. Closed questions were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 while open ended questions were analyzed using manual open and axial coding.Findings – Findings indicate moderate to high levels of satisfaction in all areas. Satisfaction with rural lifestyle and professional practice was strongest for clinicians recruited from within the community. However, clinicians from small remote communities indicated much lower levels of satisfaction in all four areas.Originality/value – The study u.
Examining the effects of cognitive consistency between training and displays

An experiment was performed testing the "display cognitive consistency hypothesis" proposed in Adelman et al. (1996). This hypothesis states that the effectiveness of a display format for decision-aiding systems depends on the consistency between how the system displays its reasoning process and how the person is processing the information. Results of an experiment using a simulated Army air defense task and college students found support for the hypothesis, but only at a situation-specific, not global level. Although unexpected, these results were consistent with other research indicating the importance of situation-specific context for understanding judgment and decision processes in individual and group settings.
A Nonclinical Competency Model for Case Managers

Case management (CM) is a client-level approach to treatment that promotes the integration of human services across service providers. This approach has been adopted for home health care–based services through the case manager role. Few studies have explored the nonclinical competencies needed for case managers to be effective in their roles. This research documents the design and validation of a nonclinical competency model for case managers. Five competencies were identified: systems thinking, personal and professional accountability, facilitating creative thinking, communicating, and building relationships. Behavioral statements for each competency were assessed by a sample of case managers (for clarity, frequency of use, and experience needed) and generally supportive of the model structure. Implications for competency-based research and practice in CM are discussed.
Bone Aging by Advanced Glycation End Products

The quality and quantity of mandibular bone are essential prerequisites for osseointegrated implants. Only the Hounsfield unit on preoperative computed tomography is currently used as a clinical index. Nevertheless, a considerable mismatch occurs between bone quality and the Hounsfield unit. Loss of bone toughness during aging has been accepted based on empirical evidence, but this concept is unlikely evidence based at the level of mechanical properties. Nonenzymatic bone matrix cross-links associated with advanced glycation end products predominate as a consequence of aging. Thus, loss of tissue integrity could diminish the bone toughening mechanism. Here, we demonstrate an impaired bone toughening mechanism caused by mimicking aging in rabbits on a methionine-rich diet, which enabled an enhanced nonenzymatically cross-linked bone matrix. A 3-point bending test revealed a greater reduction in femoral fracture resistance in rabbits on a methionine-rich diet, despite higher maximum and normalized breaking forces (287.3 N and 88.1%, respectively), than in rabbits on a normal diet (262.2 N and 79.7%, respectively). In situ nanoindentation on mandibular cortical bone obtained from rabbits on a methionine-rich diet did not enable strain rate–dependent stiffening and consequent large-dimensional recovery during rapid loading following constant displacement after a rapid-load indentation test as compared with those in rabbits on a normal diet. Such nanoscale structure-function relationships dictate resistance to cracking propagation at the material level and allow for the overall bone toughening mechanism to operate under large external stressors. The strain-dependent stiffening was likely associated with strain-energy transfer to the superior cross-linked bone matrix network of the normal diet, while the reduction in the enzymatically cross-linked matrix in bone samples from rabbits on a methionine-rich diet likely diminished the intrinsic bone toughening mechanism. The present study also provides a precise protocol for evaluating bone mechanical properties at the material level based on observations from a series of nanoindentation experiments.
Gene-environment Interactions in the Etiology of Dental Caries

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that can be conceptualized as an interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of AMELX, CA6, DEFB1, and TAS2R38 gene polymorphism and gene-environment interactions on caries etiology and susceptibility in adults. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buccal mucosa, and adults aged 20 to 60 y were placed into 1 of 2 groups: low caries risk (DMFT ≤ 5; n = 77) and high caries risk (DMFT ≥ 14; n = 77). The frequency of AMELX (+522), CA6 (T55M), DEFB1 (G-20A), and TAS2R38 (A49P) single-nucleotide polymorphisms was genotyped with the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Environmental risk factors examined in the study included plaque amount, toothbrushing frequency, dietary intake between meals, saliva secretion rate, saliva buffer capacity, mutans streptococci counts, and lactobacilli counts. There was no difference between the caries risk groups in relation to AMELX (+522) polymorphism (χ2 test, P > 0.05). The distribution of CA6 genotype and allele frequencies in the low caries risk group did not differ from the high caries risk group (χ2 test, P > 0.05). Polymorphism of DEFB1 (G-20A) was positively associated, and TAS2R38 (A49P) negatively associated, with caries risk (χ2 test, P = 0.000). There were significant differences between caries susceptibility and each environmental risk factor, except for the saliva secretion rate (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.000). Based on stepwise multiple linear regression analyses, dental plaque amount, lactobacilli count, age, and saliva buffer capacity, as well as DEFB1 (G-20A), TAS2R38 (A49P), and CA6 (T55M) gene polymorphism, explained a total of 87.8% of the variations in DMFT scores. It can be concluded that variation in CA6 (T55M), DEFB1 (G-20A), and TAS2R38 (A49P) may be associated with caries experience in Turkish adults with a high level of dental plaque, lactobacilli count, and age and when saliva buffer capacity is low.
Starting Points: Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest Children

As a general pediatrician in the Bronx, I see the dire health and social problems facing young children and families living in poverty. A dearth of decent-paying jobs, lack of affordable and adequate housing, limited availability of quality child care, and deficient educational opportunities have contributed to increased social disparities in our community. Widespread addiction has exacerbated family and community violence and child neglect. Health care is fragmented and inaccessible to many. In the United States, rates of low birth weight, immunizations, and teen pregnancy compare unfavorably with other industrialized nations. Young urban children of color have been notable victims of these circumstances. In 1991, the Carnegie Corporation of New York established a Task Force on Meeting the Needs of Young Children with the assignment of providing scientific knowledge and offering an "action agenda to ensure the healthy development of children before birth to age three," with a particular emphasis