Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictive Abilities of Balance Confidence and Fear of Falling Measures on Falls in Polio Survivors

Abstract Purposes: To determine 1) predictors of falls in adult survivors of polio and 2) if Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale or Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) better predicted falls in this population. Methods: 415 participants completed anonymous on-line surveys, including fall history, walking status, ABC scale, FES-I, and Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Logistic and linear regressions and receiver operating curve analyses performed. Results: 69% and 81% of participants reported falls and fear of falling (FoF) (yes/no), respectively. Walking status significantly predicted falls in overall model. ABC significantly predicted falls in people who walk by separate logistic regressions. FES-I, reported FoF, and in-community walking status predicted fall frequency by linear regression. Conclusions: ABC, FES-I, and reported FoF are related to falling, especially in polio survivors who walk, with the ABC scale better predicting falls. Measures used were unhelpful in fall prediction for people who primarily use wheelchairs for locomotion.
Sequence-specific double-strand cleavage of DNA by Fe-bleomycin. 2. Mechanism and dynamics.

The mechanism of iron-bleomycin-mediated ds-cleavage of DNA has been investigated at specific sites within specific sequences using hairpin oligonucleotides (Absalon et al., 1995) and our recently developed technique for determining sequence-specific isotope effects upon oxidative degradation of DNA (Kozarich et al., 1989; Worth et al., 1993). Isotope effects upon ds-cleavage have been observed when the C-4' hydrogen of either nucleotide involved in the ds-break was substituted with deuterium. The values of the isotope effects determined for ss and ds events occurring at the same site were indistinguishable at four sites examined in detail. The results are consistent with a mechanism of ds-cleavage in which the pathways leading to ss- and ds-cleavage partition from a common intermediate subsequent to abstraction of the C-4' hydrogen from the first nucleotide involved in the cleavage. Deuterium substitution at the primary cleavage site of a ds-break failed to result in an equivalent effect on the amount of cleavage at the secondary cleavage site, suggesting that ds-cleavage may be initiated from either of the nucleotides involved in the ds-cleavage event. A kinetic preference for cleavage initiated at the 1 degree site, however, is probable. The requirement in the ds-cleavage process for O2, in addition to that needed to form "activated BLM", has been clearly demonstrated by the absence of ds-cleavage products in reactions performed under anaerobic conditions in which ss-cleavage still occurs. These results support, in part, the basic model for ds-cleavage proposed by Steighner and Povirk [(1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 8350-8354], in which a single molecule of BLM effects ds-cleavage and requires reactivation to effect cleavage at the second strand. The essential factor establishing the ratio of ss- to ds-cleavage at a specific site may be related to the efficiency by which Fe-BLM can be reactivated and/or repositioned at a second site for cleavage.
Regression stage senile plaques in the natural course of Alzheimer’s disease

Resolution process of cerebroparenchymal amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) deposition has become of increasing interest in the light of recent advance in the Aβ‐vaccination therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the neuropathological features of degraded and disappearing senile plaque remain poorly characterized, especially in the natural course of the disease. To clarify the natural removal processes of Aβ burden in the brain with AD, we devised a triple‐step staining method: Bodian for dystrophic neurites, anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein for astrocytes, and anti‐Aβ. We thus examined 24 autopsied AD brains. A novel form of senile plaques, termed ‘remnant plaques’, was identified. Remnant plaques were characterized by mesh‐like astroglial fibrils within the entire plaque part, Aβ deposit debris exhibiting weak Aβ immunoreactivity, and only a few slender dystrophic neurites. In remnant plaques, amyloid burden was apparently decreased. The density of remnant plaques increased significantly with disease duration. Dual‐labelling immunohistochemistry revealed many Aβ‐immunoreactive granules in astrocytes and a modest number in microglia, both of which accumulated in senile plaques. We consider amyloid deposits of diffuse and neuritic plaques to be shredded by astrocytic processes from the marginal zone of plaques, and to gradually disintegrate into smaller compartments. Cerebroparenchymal Aβ deposits undergo degradation. After a long‐standing resolution process, diffuse and neuritic plaques may finally proceed to remnant plaques. Astrocytes are actively engaged in the natural Aβ clearance mechanism in advanced stage AD brains, which may provide clues for developing new therapeutic strategies for AD.
Risk factors for syphilis in young women attending a family health program in Vitória, Brazil.

BACKGROUND The high prevalence of STDs among women indicates the need to implement approaching techniques, case detection and prevention of new cases. OBJECTIVES To describe the frequency of risk factors for syphilis and assess attitudes towards sexual risk in a population of young women in Vitória, ES. METHODS Cross-sectional, population-based study, performed in Vitória. Interviews were held and VDRL and MHA-TP were investigated in blood samples. RESULTS Among the 904 eligible women (18-29 years) sampled from the Family Health Program (FHP), 11 were diagnosed with syphilis, a prevalence of 1.2% (CI95% 0.5-1.9). Median age was 23 years (interquartile range 20-26 years); 65.7% of participants were in high school or college and 85.4% lived with their family or sexual partner. Factors associated with syphilis included: lower educational level (<8 years of schooling) [Adjusted Odds Ratio aOR=4.3 (CI 95% 1.01-17.99)]; >1 lifetime sexual partners [(aOR) =6.50 (CI95% 1.37-30.82)], and history of a previously diagnosed STD [aOR=10.3 (CI95% 2.37-44.33)]. Two thirds (67.7%) of the women surveyed agreed that it is not easy to tell their sexual partner they do not want to have sex without condoms; 52.3% thought it is difficult to use condoms in all sexual intercourses, and 36.2% said they cannot do anything if their partner refuses to use condoms. CONCLUSIONS Using the FHP as an approach to perform routine VDRL can contribute to decreasing the vulnerability of these women and help control congenital syphilis.
The Backbone of Gamification - a Theoretical Consideration of Play and Game Mechanics

Challenges in idea management research and practice no longer revolve around why it is important for people to pa rticipate. Instead, the focus has shifted onto how participants can be motivated n , in addition, how their full creative potential can be exploited. This pape r d velops a theoretical framework that emphasizes the benefits of game mech ani s within the context of idea management in scientific literature. In a t wo-step approach, the aspect of why play is relevant for an organization is addr essed first, before specific game mechanics are integrated.
Discrimination of calcium and strontium by the kidney.

Skeletal retention and excretion of strontium were directly compared with those of calcium, by injecting solutions containing both radioisotopes, Ca 45 and Sr 90 , into rats and rabbits. In normal animals, a greater fraction of the injected dose of Ca 45 was retained in the skeleton than was observed for Sr 90 . In complementary fashion, the fraction of the injected Sr 90 which appeared in the urine was greater than the fraction of the dose of Ca 45 which was excreted. However, in rats which were actively calcifying tibial fractures, this difference disappeared. The enhanced accumulation of radioactivity in deposits of new bone possessed the same ratio of Sr 90 : Ca 45 as the solution injected. Furthermore, when the functions of the kidneys of normal rabbits were impaired by poisoning with mercuric chloride or were completely extinguished by nephrectomy, again the usual differences in Ca 45 and Sr 90 deposition in bone tissue disappeared. When plasma containing both Ca 45 and Sr 90 was shaken with powdered bone, both radioisotopes were extracted in equivalent amounts. It was concluded that the avidity of bone tissue, per se, for strontium ions is not discernably different from that for calcium ions. The retention by the skeleton of a larger fraction of an injected quantity of calcium than of simultaneously administered strontium was attributed, in part, to a renal discrimination causing a greater relative loss of strontium to the urine.
Simultaneous quantitative analysis of nine vitamin D compounds in human blood using LC-MS/MS.

AIM It has been suggested that each member of the family of vitamin D compounds may have different function(s). Therefore, selective quantification of each compound is important in clinical research. MATERIALS & METHODS Development and validation attempts of a simultaneous determination method of 12 vitamin D compounds in human blood using precolumn derivatization followed by LC-MS/MS is described. Internal standard calibration with 12 stable isotope labeled analogs was used to correct for matrix effects in MS detector. RESULTS & CONCLUSION Nine vitamin D compounds were quantifiable in blood samples with detection limits within femtomole levels. Serum (compared with plasma) was found to be a more suitable sample type, and protein precipitation (compared with saponification) a more effective extraction method for vitamin D assay.
Clinical outcome of invasive infections by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in Korean children.

One hundred six cases of invasive pneumococcal infections diagnosed from 1985 to 1996 were analyzed retrospectively. The types of infection were bacteremia without focus (45%), meningitis (19%), peritonitis (17%), pneumonia (bacteremic) (16%), and others (3%). Penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae was first detected in 1989, and its incidence increased rapidly thereafter, reaching 89% in 1995. Initial empirical regimens were of parenteral beta-lactam antimicrobials with or without an aminoglycoside, but these were modified subsequently. Among the 72 nonmeningeal infections analyzed, a favorable response at 72 hours and death were observed in 83% and 2.5%, respectively, of 40 penicillin-susceptible infections, as compared with 86% (P = 1.0) and 7.1% (P = .45) of 14 infections due to intermediate strains and 61% (P = .07) and 11% (P = .22) of 18 due to resistant strains. The favorable-response rate and mortality among 49 patients not in initially critical condition were 92% and zero, respectively, as compared with 52% (P = .00027) and 17% (P = .008) of 23 in critical condition. The data suggest that clinical outcome of penicillin-nonsusceptible pneumococcal infection outside the CNS may be more closely related to clinical condition at presentation than to the level of resistance of the causative strain when such infection is treated with parenteral beta-lactams.
FIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND MINDS : THE EFFECT OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON CIVIL CONFLICT

"Hearts and minds" approaches to con ict resolution are based on the premise that development projects reduce violent con ict, either by attracting popular support for the government or by increasing individuals' relative returns to peaceful activities. But if insurgents are aware that development projects weaken their position, they have an incentive to oppose them, which may lead to increased violence. To formalize this intuition, we develop a theoretical model of bargaining and conict in the context development projects. Our model predicts that development programs will cause an increase in con ict if governments cannot credibly commit to (1) ensuring the project's success in the face of insurgent opposition and (2) honoring agreements reached before the start of the project. To test the model, we estimate the causal e ect of a large development program on con ict casualties in the Philippines. Identi cation is based on a regression discontinuity design that exploits an arbitrary poverty threshold used to assign eligibility for the program. Consistent with the model's predictions, we nd that eligible municipalities su ered a substantial increase in casualties. The e ect is split evenly between government troops and insurgents and only lasts for the duration of the project. ∗Ph.D Candidate, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California Berkeley. †Research Fellow, International Security Program, Belfer Center for Science and International A airs, Harvard Kennedy School.
An evaluation of two behavioral rehabilitation programs, qigong versus progressive relaxation, in improving the quality of life in cardiac patients.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare two different behavioral rehabilitation programs in improving the quality of life in cardiac patients in Hong Kong. DESIGN AND SETTING The current study was carried out in the outpatient unit of Occupational Therapy Department in the United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong. Convenience sampling with referral from the cardiac specialty was used in the present study. SUBJECTS A total of 65 subjects, with a mean age 65 (range, 42 to 76), were recruited in the study. The cardiac diseases included myocardial infarct, postcoronary intervention, valve replacement, and also ischemic heart disease. INTERVENTIONS Patients were alternately allocated to the two groups. The first group of patients received instructions and practiced on progressive relaxation. The second group of patients underwent training in qigong. A total of eight sessions were conducted and each session lasted 20 minutes. OUTCOME MEASURES Demographic and clinical data such as gender, age, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded. The psychological and Quality of Life assessment was performed using the Chinese versions of Short Form 36 (C-SF36), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (C-STAI), and General Health Questionnaire (C-GHQ-12). RESULTS Fifty-nine (59) subjects (44 men and 15 women) completed all eight rehabilitation sessions in the study. Patients allocated to the two treatment groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Progressive relaxation was more effective in reducing blood pressures compared to qigong. Relaxation appeared to be particularly beneficial in somatic domains. qigong group demonstrated greater improvement in psychologic measures in addition to reduction in systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Progressive relaxation and qigong exercise improved the quality of life for cardiac patients with reference to certain physiologic and psychologic measures. The result was supported by previous studies and literature reviews on qigong in terms of its effect on the psychologic dimension.
Molecular variability of a Minnesota population of Phoma medicaginis var. medicaginis, the causal agent of spring black stem and leaf spot of alfalfa

Spring black stem and leaf spot of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) caused by Phoma medicaginis var. medicaginis is an important disease of alfalfa in temperate regions of the United States, causing yield losses and decreasing forage quality. Isolates of the fungus vary in morphological and cultural characteristics, as well as aggressiveness on alfalfa. The sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting were used to characterize the diversity of P. medicaginis var. medicaginis isolates collected from leaves and stems of alfalfa plants from northern and southern areas of Minnesota. Sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of the rDNA repeats from 14 isolates were highly conserved. AFLP analysis of 121 isolates with eight primer pair combinations revealed a moderate amount of variation as measured by the Dice coefficient (55%) and a gene diversity index of H = 0.23. Molecular polymorphisms were not correlated with geographic locations or plant organs from which the isolates were isolated. Analysis of molecular variance tests revealed a very low level of population subdivision between northern and southern isolates (FST = 0.02) and between isolates collected from leaves and stems (FST = 0.01). AFLP fingerprinting was successful in detecting polymorphisms among P. medicaginis var. medicaginis isolates, whereas the utility of ITS region may be restricted to taxonomic or phylogenetic studies.
The bicarbonate Acidity and buffering system of ocular surface ( according to study of conjunctival sac )

ANNALS OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 5, 2014 The acid–base balance is a part of human homeostasis. Cells and tissues of the human body are susceptible to pH change: stability of molecular structures and enzyme activity can be maintained only in the tolerable range of pH. The maintenance of the acid–base balance is vital biochemical parameter required for normal physiology, and its change is associated with a wide variety of human diseases [1]. The ocular surface is a widespread medical term used for the group of anatomical structures (the cornea, the conjunctiva, the lacrimal apparatus and eyelids) interconnected as a single anatomo–functional system. The conjunctiva, as well as any other mucous membrane, has its own specific pH value required for maintaining normal functioning of the ocular surface. According to published data, human tear pH varies from 6.5 to 7.8, and mean value received in some studies varies from 6.93 to 7.45 [2–7]. The ocular surface comfort zone of pH is relatively considered as a range of 6.6–7.8 [8]. The acidity overrange results in eye discomfort common for numerous eye diseases [6, 9, 10]. Physiological pH levels should be taken into account in order to avoid irritation, discomfort or abnormal changes of the ocular surface, when pharmaceuticals, contact lens solution and cosmetics are produced. Acidity alterations were found in contact lenses wearers, in lacrimal stenosis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca , and postoperatively after corneal transplantation [6, 9]. Taking into consideration pH changes seen in different eye diseases, acidity can be regarded as an associated clinical manifestation or a diagnostic criterion. The tear pH is considered to be a component of keratoconus pathogenesis. Tentative data received during the pilot study, allows making a link between the tendency towards tear alkalization in keratoconic eyes and abnormal allocation of trace elements in keratoconic corneas. Thus, a fundamentally new pathogenetic scheme of keratoconus development was suggested [10]. Determination of the ocular surface pH with a glass microelectrode prevails in medical trials for measuring tear acidity [2–6]. The conjunctival sac contains 6–7 μl of fluid and the tear film thickness is about 6–12 μm – thus, it is really difficult to carry out pH measurement with a glass microelectrode in the immediate region of the tear film, as there is a high probability of a glass microelectrode application onto the conjunctiva. At that, the conjunctival epithelium pH is likely to be measured rather than pH of the free tear fluid. There are few studies on the subject of the tear composition influence on the tear pH. The bicarbonate Acidity and buffering system of ocular surface (according to study of conjunctival sac)
Review of deprescribing processes and development of an evidence‐based, patient‐centred deprescribing process

Inappropriate use of medication is widespread, especially in older people, and is associated with risks, including adverse drug reactions, hospitalization and increased mortality. Optimization of appropriate medication use to minimize these harms is an ongoing challenge in healthcare. The term ‘deprescribing’ has been used to describe the complex process that is required for safe and effective cessation of medication. Patients play an important role in their own health and, while they may complain about the number of medications they have to take, they may also be reluctant to cease a medication when given the opportunity to do so. A review of previously proposed deprescribing processes and relevant literature was used to develop the patient‐centred deprescribing process, which is a five‐step cycle that encompasses gaining a comprehensive medication history, identifying potentially inappropriate medications, determining whether the potentially inappropriate medication can be ceased, planning the withdrawal regimen (e.g. tapering where necessary) and provision of monitoring, support and documentation. This is the first deprescribing process developed using knowledge of the patients' views of medication cessation; it focuses on engaging patients throughout the process, with the aim of improving long‐term health outcomes. Despite a comprehensive review of the literature, there is still a lack in the evidence base on which to conduct deprescribing. The next step in broadening the evidence to support deprescribing will be to test the developed process to determine feasibility in the clinical setting.
Impact of Ischemia and Reperfusion Times on Myocardial Infarct Size in Mice In Vivo

The murine in vivo model of acute myocardial infarction is increasingly used to study signal transduction pathways. However, methodological details of this model are rarely published, and durations of ischemia and reperfusion (REP) time vary considerably among different laboratories. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that infarct size (IS) is dependent on both duration of ischemia and REP time. Pentobarbital-anesthetized male C57BL/6 mice were intubated, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented for continuous monitoring of mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. After left fourth thoracotomy, the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated. Mice were randomly assigned to receive 30, 45, or 60 mins of coronary artery occlusion (CAO) and 120, 180, or 240 mins of REP, respectively. IS was determined with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and area at risk (AAR) with Evans blue, respectively. Arterial blood gas analysis and hemodynamics were not different among groups. Prolongation of CAO from 30 to 60 mins significantly (* P < 0.05) increased IS from 18% ± 5% to 69% ± 3%*, from 20% ± 2% to 69% ± 6%* and from 42% ± 10% to 75% ± 2%* after 120, 180, and 240 mins REP, respectively. Moreover, IS was increased from 18% ± 5% to 42% ± 10%* (30 mins CAO) and from 40% ± 3% to 72% ± 6%* (45 mins CAO) when REP time was prolonged from 120 to 240 mins. IS was not increased when REP was prolonged from 120 to 240 mins at 60 mins CAO (69% ± 3% vs. 75% ± 2%). In the present study, we describe important methodological aspects of the murine in vivo model of acute myocardial infarction and provide evidence that, in this model, IS depends both on duration of ischemia and on REP time.
Surgical Treatment with Locoregional Flaps for the Eyelid: A Review

Reconstruction of the eyelids after skin cancer excision can be challenging. Surgical treatment options are multiple; deep anatomy knowledge of lamellar components is mandatory to choose the most adequate surgical planning. Eyelids' role in vision and social relationship is critical; both function and aesthetics are tough to restore. Using a flap provides a satisfying texture and colour match with adjacent tissues and ensures short contraction during healing; furthermore, grafts are sometimes necessary to achieve pleasing results. Hundreds of surgical techniques have been described aiming for eyelid reconstruction; in our paper, we want to provide for our audience the most reliable and useful procedures for subtotal and total eyelid reconstruction following NMSC full-thickness excision.