Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RELIGION ON HEALTH FACTORS RELATED TO AGING AMONG AMERICAN ADULTS USING THE NATIONAL SURVEY OF MIDLIFE DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

There is a substantial body of evidence that demonstrates an association between religiosity and health outcomes in adults of all ages. Many studies have demonstrated that factors such as religious importance and service attendance may provide social vehicles for factors such as increased access to health care, better management of chronic diseases, and increased availability to preventive health services and education. These religious factors may also influence the way in which a person perceives and copes with his or her health issues. Successful aging theory is a combination of three factors or characteristics: low risk of disease and disease-related disability, high mental and physical function, and active engagement with life. This theory allows for a more holistic approach to aging and health. The overall goal of this observational study using quantitative data from the 1994/95 National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) was to analyze whether any statistically significant relationships exist between religiosity defined as religious devotion, importance, influence, and service attendance and the three factors of successful aging. The results demonstrated significant relationships between all religiosity variables and active engagement in life. Other statistically significant findings were discovered with the factors: self physical and mental health rating, times in the hospital, routine visits to the doctor, and certain religiosity variables. Many of the findings still existed when analyzed across demographic co-variants. Finally, the use of a theoretical model and logistic regression demonstrated that active engagement in life may be a bridge variable between successful aging health outcomes and service attendance. The results don't show more religion means healthier, but that religion can play an intricate role in an individual's own health. The public health relevance of the study is to make public health professionals aware of the relationships that exist between religiosity and successful aging health outcomes. Religious venues may provide a good resource for preventive health services and education. Most importantly, a person's religious beliefs may affect the way a person deals with physical or mental illness. Public health professionals should embrace the religious beliefs of patients regardless of their own beliefs.
An Empirical Examination of the Characteristics, Consequences, and Causes of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

This study examines the characteristics, consequences, and potential causes of patient abuse in U.S. nursing homes. Using standard thematic content analysis, 488 incidents of abuse reported to Medicaid Fraud Control Units throughout the nation were reviewed. Results suggest that the presence of a witness, gender of the offender in relation to the victim, and job-related factors have important implications in the prevention of nursing home patient abuse.
Costos directos de atención médica en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en México: análisis de microcosteo

OBJETIVO: Estimar los costos directos de la atencion medica a pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). METODOS: Se revisaron expedientes clinicos de 497 pacientes que ingresaron a unidades de segundo y tercer nivel de atencion durante el periodo 2002-2004. Los costos se cuantificaron utilizando el enfoque de costeo de enfermedad (CDE) desde la perspectiva del proveedor, la tecnica del microcosteo y la metodologia de abajo-arriba (bottom-up). Se estimaron costos promedio anuales de diagnostico, por complicacion y total de la enfermedad. RESULTADOS: El costo total anual de los pacientes con DM2 para el IMSS fue de US$452 064 988, correspondiente a 3,1% del gasto de operacion. El costo promedio anual por paciente fue de US$3 193,75, correspondiendo US$2 740,34 para el paciente sin complicaciones y US$3 550,17 para el paciente con complicaciones. Los dias/cama en hospitalizacion y en unidad de cuidados intensivos fueron los servicios con mayor costo. CONCLUSIONES: Los elevados costos en la atencion medica a pacientes con DM2 y complicaciones representan una carga economica que las instituciones de salud deben considerar en su presupuesto, a fin de poder brindar un servicio de calidad, adecuado y oportuno. El empleo de la metodologia de microcosteo permite un acercamiento a datos reales de utilizacion y manejo de la enfermedad
Should I stay or should I go?: Motivators, decision factors, and information sources influencing those predisposed to medical tourism

Abstract This exploratory study, employing a national sampling of persons in the USA, focused on a group of respondents who self-identified as willing to consider seeking medical care abroad, otherwise known as medical tourism. To learn more about how such individuals approach the decision of whether to engage in medical tourism, they were surveyed regarding their motivations to do so, the decision factors they would consider important, and the information sources they would consult. In addition, the study sought to determine if these responses differed across several variables, such as: (a) the nature of the medical condition for which treatment is sought (life threatening, serious but not life threatening, medically optional or life enhancing), (b) prior international travel experience and prior receipt of care abroad, (c) confidence that their health insurance was sufficient to cover current and future medical needs, (d) risk aversion, and (e) a number of basic demographic variables. The results contribute to limited empirical research on the consumer decision-making process of those considering medical tourism. Findings provide tentative guidance to countries and healthcare providers marketing their services to medical tourists, as well as to domestic healthcare providers either competing against or referring patients to medical tourism options.
Does Gallbladder Wall Thickening of Cirrhotic Patients Increase the Risk of Formation of Gallstones?

The objective of this study was to investigate whether gallbladder wall thickening in cirrhotic patients adds risk to the formation of gallstones. In this retrospective study, 259 patients with cirrhosis resulting from hepatitis B or hepatitis C were included (152 men, 107 women; mean ± SD, age 48.8 ± 11.4 years [range, 29–77 years]) and compared with 300 healthy participants comprising the control group. All participants had a standard abdominal sonographic assessment. The prevalence of gallstones in cirrhotic patients with and without gallbladder wall thickening was studied, and the distribution of gallstones and gallbladder wall thickening in different Child-Pugh classes was compared. The prevalence of gallstones in cirrhotic patients, cirrhotic patients with and without gallbladder wall thickening, and healthy participants was 27.4%, 28.8%, 13.0%, and 5.3%, respectively. The prevalence of gallstones in cirrhotic patients with gallbladder wall thickening was not significantly higher than in those without gallbladder wall thickening (P > .05). Gallbladder wall thickening occurred with a higher frequency in Child-Pugh B and C patients, and normal thickness of the gallbladder wall was seen more frequently in Child-Pugh A patients (P < .05). Gallstones were found more frequently in Child-Pugh A and C patients (P < .05). In conclusion, gallbladder wall thickening in cirrhotic patients does not significantly add any risk for the formation of gallstones.
Lutein and zeaxanthin for macular degeneration.

PURPOSE The effects of increasing lutein and zeaxanthin dosages in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are discussed. SUMMARY AMD is a disorder of the macula, the area associated with the sharpest visual acuity. AMD is classified as dry (nonneovascular) or wet (neovascular) and is associated with several risk factors, the biggest being age. The pathogenesis of AMD is unknown. Like many chronic illnesses, prevention is a key factor for managing AMD. Lutein and zeaxanthin, natural xanthophylls not synthesized by the human body, have been investigated for their use in promoting visual health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are dietary carotenoids that are components of a normal diet. The mechanism of protection that they confer is unknown, but two mechanisms have been hypothesized. Several studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between plasma levels of lutein and zeaxanthin and the risk of developing AMD and have yielded conflicting results. Increased dietary intake of or supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin was found to result in increased plasma levels, which were positively and significantly associated with macular pigment optical density. Limited data have suggested that supplementation may also improve visual function. The optimal dose of lutein and zeaxanthin for the prevention or treatment of AMD has not yet been defined. CONCLUSION A definite association between lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation and clinical benefit has yet to be shown; however, it may still be an appropriate cautionary measure for patients at high risk for developing AMD.
Overlay versus underlay myringoplasty: A comparative study

Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare the outcome of overlay versus underlay myringoplasty procedure in the management of chronic inactive mucosal otitis media in terms of graft uptake, hearing improvement and complications. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M. G.S Hospital, Government Medical College, Jammu from June 1, 2012 to September 31, 2013 and clinical records of 77 patients who underwent myringoplasty by either overlay or underlay technique in this period were analyzed. A total of 72 patients with dry central tympanic membrane perforations of various sizes were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups. In Group A, 37 patients were included in which tympanic membrane was repaired by using overlay technique of myringoplasty, whereas Group B comprised of 35 patients who underwent underlay myringoplasty. The results of two techniques were compared in terms of graft success rate that is, full uptake or failure to take up, medialization or lateralization of graft within 6 months of operation and improvement in hearing at the end of 6 months of follow-up. Results: In terms of graft uptake and postoperative AB gap improvement, Group B (underlay group) was slightly better with 91.43% uptake rate and mean postoperative AB gap of 11.11 dB than Group A (overlay group), which had 89.18% uptake rate and 11.72 dB as mean postoperative AB gap, though the difference was not statistically significant. There was only 1 case of graft medialization in Group B, while 3 cases had lateralization of graft in Group A. Conclusion: Both techniques of myringoplasty achieve satisfactory results, with the underlay technique being slightly better than the overlay technique. Therefore, underlay technique being technically simple should be preferred, but the ultimate decision about the technique to be employed depends on the surgeons preference and the site of perforation.
Chemoprevention of breast cancer.

PURPOSE The risk factors for and risk assessment of breast cancer, recommendations for risk reduction, and roles of tamoxifen and raloxifene in the prevention of breast cancer are discussed. SUMMARY Breast cancer either may be a familial syndrome or develop sporadically. In familial syndromes, cancer occurs in multiple family members and the risk factors are primarily genetic. The majority of breast cancers are sporadic, and risk factors are primarily related to estrogen exposure. Recommendation strategies for reducing breast cancer risk include engaging in a healthy lifestyle by decreasing alcohol consumption, following a low-fat diet enriched with fruits and vegetables, exercising, and reducing weight if obese. Breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations, and screening mammographies are strategies for the early detection of breast cancer. Recommendations for the use of tamoxifen for risk reduction are intended only for women who are at an increased risk for the development of breast cancer as assessed by the Gail model. One study found a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events and hypertriglyceridemia in the tamoxifen group compared to placebo. Raloxifene is also intended for women at high risk for breast cancer. During clinical trials, hot flashes, influenza like syndromes, peripheral edema, and leg cramps were reported more frequently in patients receiving raloxifene when compared with patients receiving placebo, and the risk of thromboembolic disease was 3.1 times higher in the raloxifene group compared with the placebo. CONCLUSION Tamoxifen and raloxifene are both indicated for and equally effective in the prevention of breast cancer in women at high risk for development of the disease. Raloxifene may have a more favorable adverse-effect profile, with fewer thromboembolic events and less uterine hyperplasia when compared with tamoxifen. Despite being at high risk, many women decide against breast cancer chemoprevention with either tamoxifen or raloxifene.
Practice-based learning experience to develop residents as clinical faculty members.

PURPOSE A practice-based learning experience designed to expose postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and 2 (PGY2) residents to and prepare them for a career as clinical faculty is described. SUMMARY A practice-based learning experience was designed to give PGY1 and PGY2 residents exposure to the responsibilities of a clinical faculty member, integrating clinical practice, preceptor duties, and other academia-related responsibilities. The learning experience is a four-week, elective rotation for PGY1 and PGY2 residents. The rotation is designed to correspond to a four-week advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) rotation, allowing the resident to work continuously with the same one or two APPE students for the entire rotation. The resident is required to design and implement a rotation for the students and provide clinical services while integrating students into daily tasks, facilitating topic and patient discussions, evaluating assignments, providing constructive feedback, and assigning a final rotation grade. The resident also attends all academic and committee meetings and teaching obligations with his or her residency director, if applicable. The resident is mentored by the residency director throughout all phases of the rotation and is evaluated using goals and objectives tailored to this experience. CONCLUSION The development of a formal, structured rotation to give postgraduate residents experience as a preceptor provided an opportunity for residents to further explore their interests in academia and allowed them to serve as a primary preceptor while being guided and evaluated by a mentor.
Effect of the ABCB1 3435C>T polymorphism on tacrolimus concentrations and dosage requirements in liver transplant recipients.

PURPOSE The effect of ABCB1 3435C>T on tacrolimus concentrations in liver transplant recipients was studied. Tacrolimus is a substrate for P-glycoprotein, the product of the ABCB1 gene. To determine whether the ABCB1 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 3435C>T was associated with variation in the tacrolimus concentration:dose ratio (C:D) in 42 liver transplant recipients during three months after transplantation. METHODS Forty-two Caucasian patients who underwent an orthotopic liver transplantation from cadaveric donors received a basic immunosuppressive regimen containing tacrolimus and corticosteroids; mycophenolate mofetil was added in 18 cases. The SNP 3435C>T in exon 26 was investigated by MboI restriction-enzyme digestion, leading to the identification of CC, TT, or CT status at nucleotide 3435. Results obtained for the three genotypes were compared for each of three values: daily weight-adjusted tacrolimus dose, blood trough tacrolimus concentration, and C:D. RESULTS The wild-type genotype (3435CC) was observed in 10 patients (24%); 23 patients (55%) were heterozygous (3435CT) and 9 patients (21%) were homozygous for the mutation (3435TT). One to three days after liver transplantation, the mean +/- S.D. C:D was significantly higher in subjects homozygous for the mutation compared with subjects with the wild-type allele (236 +/- 119 ng . kg/mL . mg versus 104 +/- 74 ng . kg/mL . mg, respectively; p = 0.0167). Subjects with the heterozygous allele had an intermediate mean +/- S.D. C:D (131 +/- 108 ng . kg/mL . mg). One or three months after transplantation, no significant difference in the tacrolimus C:D was evident among the three groups. CONCLUSION The ABCB1 3435C>T polymorphism influenced the tacrolimus C:D in the first days after liver transplantation.
Childhood malignancies in University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria.

Background: Mortality from malignancies in children remains high. Creating awareness of the disease and advocacy for funding of a cancer research center are pertinent. Objective: To determine the incidence and outcome of children with cancers at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwaglada, Abuja- FCT, Nigeria Method: This was a 5 year prospective study of all diagnosed cancer patients admitted into the paediatric ward. The type of cancer, method of diagnosis, clinical staging and outcomes were entered and frequency tables generated on Microsoft Excel. Results: Forty-six patients were diagnosed with cancer within the study period. Burkitt's lymphoma was the highest encountred malignancy, while medulloblastoma was least occurring. Only 36.9 percent (N=17) of patients received chemotherapy. Of these, 6.5 percent (n=3) completed therapy. Twenty nine percent of patients died. 4 percent of those that died had commenced chemotherapy. There was a 70 percent treatment default rate. One patient was referred on request to another tertiary center. All other patients were lost to follow up. Conclusion: Management of childhood cancers still poses a problem. Poverty, ignorance and lack of cancer research units contributed to our poor outcome. The greater involvement of government and international non-governmental organizations (NGO) which assist health sector is advocated in the establishment of cancer research centers and the provision of free chemotherapeutic agents. Key words: Cancers, mortality, Advocacy
A REVIEW AND UPDATE

Alcoholism is related to the development of several human and experimental cancers. The possible mechanisms by which alcohol might induce cancer are reviewed together with the pertinent experimental data including the equivocal role of nitrosamines. Well known human cancers clearly related to alcoholism include head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, but the evidence linking alcohol and pancreatic cancer or alcohol and colorectal cancer is much weaker. There are hints that alcohol may be one important factor in individuals who develop multiple primary cancers.
Binary adaptive optics: atmospheric wave-front correction with a half-wave phase shifter: addenda.

The author is with the U.S. Air Force Phillips Laboratory, PL, LIMI, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, and also with the Department of Physics andAstronomy, University of NewMexico, Albuquerque, NewMexico 87131. Addendum received 23 October 1995 0003-6935@96@030347-04$06.00@0 r 1996 Optical Society of America First, the manuscript was received in 30 August 1993, not 11 May 1994. Second, Fig. 5 did not reproduce well. It is reprinted on the following pages.
A fuzzy measurement-based assessment of breast cancer prognostic markers

The paper aims to assess breast cancer prognostic markers and to determine an optimum subset that can yield high prediction accuracy for an individual breast cancer patient's prognosis by means of a fuzzy measurement derived from the fuzzy k-nearest neighbour algorithm (FK-NN). The analyses are carried out for both nodal involvement and five-year survival. The data set used for the analysis of breast cancer prognosis consists of seven input markers (histology type, grade, DNA ploidy, S-Phase Fraction (SPF), G/sub 0/G/sub 1//G/sub 2/M ratio, minimum and maximum nuclear pleomorphism indices (NPI)) and two corresponding outputs to be predicted (negative or positive nodal status in the case of nodal involvement assessment, and whether the patient is alive or dead within 5 years of diagnosis for survival analysis). The highest predictive accuracy is 78% with the fuzzy measurement of 0.7254 for nodal involvement assessment, and 88% with the fuzzy measurement of 0.8183 for survival analysis. The best results are obtained from the subset (Histology type, Grade, DNA. Ploidy, SPF (%), G/sub 0/G/sub 1//G/sub 2/M Ratio) for survival prediction and the subset (Grade, SPF, minimum NPI) for nodal involvement analysis.
Impact of health information technology on detection of potential adverse drug events at the ordering stage.

PURPOSE The impact of implementing commercially available health care information technologies at hospitals in a large health system on the identification of potential adverse drug events (ADEs) at the medication ordering stage was studied. METHODS All hospitals in the health system had implemented a clinical decision-support system (CDSS) consisting of a centralized clinical data repository, interfaces for reports, a results reviewer, and a package of ADE alert rules. Additional technology including computerized provider order entry (CPOE), an advanced CDSS, and evidence-based order sets was implemented in nine hospitals. ADE alerts at these hospitals were compared with alerts at nine hospitals without the advanced technology. A linear mixed-effects model was used in determining the mean response profile of six dependent variables over 28 total months for each experimental group. RESULTS Overall, hospitals with CPOE and an advanced CDSS captured significantly more ADE alerts for pharmacist review; an average of 336 additional potential ADEs per month per hospital were reviewed. Pharmacists identified some 94% of the alerts as false positives. Alerts identified as potentially true positives were reviewed with physicians, and order changes were recommended. The number of true-positive alerts per 1000 admissions increased. CONCLUSION The implementation of CPOE and advanced CDSS tools significantly increased the number of potential ADE alerts for pharmacist review and the number of true-positive ADE alerts identified per 1000 admissions.