Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Group Versus Home Visit Safety Education and Prevention Strategies for Falling in Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons

This research study explored the effectiveness of group versus home education in teaching fall prevention to community-dwelling elderly. Twelve elderly volunteered to participate. Group 1 received an inservice instructing them in prevention strategies. Group 2 received individual home visits for the same purpose. All subjects received follow-up home visits to assess modifications and fall occurrence. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups at follow-up or within Group 2 initially or at follow-up. Further research is needed to explore more effective teaching strategies to emphasize the importance of prevention and affect modification of the home environment.
Running Barefoot or in Minimalist Shoes: Evidence or Conjecture?

SUMMARY RUNNING BAREFOOT OR IN MINIMALIST FOOTWEAR HAS BECOME A POPULAR TREND. WHETHER THIS TREND IS SUPPORTED BY EVIDENCE OR CONJECTURE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. THIS ARTICLE WILL REVIEW THE BIOMECHANICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RUNNING BAREFOOT AND IN SHOES THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE LITERATURE. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN EVIDENCE-BASED PREPARATORY EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TRANSITIONING TO THE BAREFOOT STYLE OF RUNNING.
Glue-assisted intrascleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens

Purpose: To analyze the visual outcome of patients undergoing glue-assisted intrascleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) in the absence of posterior capsular support. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzes 25 eyes which underwent IOL implantation by the glued intrascleral fixation technique. The pre and post-operative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), pre and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), IOL position, anterior chamber reaction and central macular thickness were assessed and recorded. Immediate and late post-operative complications were also recorded. Results: A total of 25 eyes of 22 patients were reviewed and analyzed over a period of one year. All eyes had a foldable three-piece IOL implanted. About 84% of the eyes had a gain of one or more lines, 12% had no gain, and 4% had a fall of three lines of BCVA on Snellen's visual chart, which was attributed to cystoid macular edema (CME). Postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in the UCVA (P < 0.05) and in the BCVA (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications included decentration in one case and vitritis with chronic macular edema in another case. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated well placed IOL with no tilt. Conclusion: Although the results of one year follow-up of glued intrascleral fixation are promising, long term studies are recommended.
Bronchial Responsiveness, Spirometry and Mortality in a Cohort of Adults

Objective. Prospective population studies have reported that pulmonary function, measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), is an independent predictor for mortality. Besides, several studies found that death from all causes is higher in asthmatics than in non-asthmatics. However, none of these studies examined whether bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), one of the key features in asthma, can be used as a predictor for mortality. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the association between BHR, FEV1, and all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort of adults. Methods. Within the cross-sectional survey ECRHS-I Erfurt (1990–1992), 1162 adults aged 20–65 years performed lung function tests, including spirometry and BHR testing by methacholine inhalation up to a cumulative dose of 2 mg. BHR was assessed from the methacholine dose nebulized at ≥ 20% fall of FEV1. After circa 20 years of follow-up, the association between baseline lung function, BHR, and mortality was investigated. Results. A total of 85 individuals (7.3%) died during a mean follow-up period of 17.4 years (SD = 2.4). FEV1, but not forced vital capacity (FVC), was a predictor for mortality. In men, BHR increased the mortality risk (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.3–5.3; adjusted for age and BMI). Additional adjustment for asthma did not change the results (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–5.0). However, after an additional adjustment for pack years of cigarette smoking or airway obstruction, the association was not statistically significant anymore (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 0.8–4.0, OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 0.9–4.3, respectively). Conclusions. BHR was associated with an increased mortality risk in men. Potential explanatory factors for this association are cigarette smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma. Thus, BHR might be an indirect predictor for all-cause mortality. FEV1 was an independent predictor for all-cause mortality.
Salbutamol Sulfate Absorption Across Calu-3 Bronchial Epithelia Cell Monolayer is Inhibited in the Presence of Common Anionic NSAIDs

Purpose. The aim of this study was to characterize the permeability kinetics of salbutamol sulfate, a commonly used β2-agonist in the treatment of asthma exacerbation, across Calu-3 respiratory epithelial cell monolayers in the presence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they have been implicated to be able to modulate organic cation transporters (OCTs). Methods. Calu-3 cell monolayers were grown in a liquid covered culture (LCC) configuration on 0.33 cm2 Transwell polyester cell culture supports. Monolayers, cultured between 11 and 14 days were evaluated for epithelial resistance, tight junction integrity, and expression of OCT using Western blot analysis. The transport of salbutamol across the monolayer was studied as a function of concentration. Directional transport was investigated by assessing apical–basal (a–b) and basal–apical (b-a) directions. The influence of a non-specific OCT inhibitor (tetraethylammonium, TEA) and three NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, and indomethacin) on the uptake of salbutamol was studied. Results. The flux of salbutamol sulfate increased with increasing concentration before reaching a plateau, suggesting the involvement of a transport-mediated uptake mechanism. Western blot analysis detected the presence of OCT1-3 and N1 and N2 sub-types, suggesting the presence of functioning transporters. The apparent permeability (Papp) of 0.1 mM salbutamol across the epithelial monolayer displayed directional transport in the a–b direction which was inhibited by ˜70% in the presence of TEA, suggesting OCT-mediated uptake. Likewise, the uptake of 0.1 mM salbutamol was decreased in the presence of all the three NSAIDs, supporting a mechanism whereby NSAIDs inhibit absorption of salbutamol across the bronchial epithelium via effects on the OCT transporters. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that NSAIDs influence the uptake kinetics of salbutamol in an in vitro Calu-3 cell system.
Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry is involved in Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Facilitated Proliferation of Rat Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective. To investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in mediating the promoting effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 on the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Methods. Rat bronchial smooth muscle cells were cultured as we described previously. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of ASMCs was measured by laser confocal microscope Ca2+ fluorescence imaging with Fluo-3/AM. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and p27 expression assay were used to determine the proliferation rate of ASMCs. Results. We demonstrated that TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) increased basal (Ca2+]i) level, [Ca2+]i rise induced by thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release and SOCE in rat ASMCs. This effect of TGF-β1 on SOCE was not inhibited by glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DXM, 100 nM), antioxidant α-tocopherol (100 μM), and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (IKCa) inhibitor charybdotoxin (100 nM), suggesting that reactive oxygen species and IKCa channels might not mediate the effect of TGF-β1. TGF-β1 slightly increased the expression of Orai1 and STIM1, two important molecules involved in the molecule component and regulation of SOC channels, in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The proliferation of ASMC stimulated with 2.5% FBS was promoted by TGF-β1, and partly inhibited by non-specific Ca2+ channel blocker SKF-96365 (10 μM) and Ni2+ (100 μM). DXM, α-tocopherol, and charybdotoxin had no effect on the proliferation promoted by TGF-β1. Conclusion. TGF-β1 promotes ASMC proliferation partly through increasing the expression and activity of SOC channels.
Optimizing the Inhalation Flow and Technique Through Metered Dose Inhalers of Asthmatic Adults and Children Attending a Community Pharmacy

Objective. Despite training, many patients continue to misuse their metered dose inhaler (MDI). Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained to evaluate two different methods to help patients use a slow inhalation flow when they use their MDI. Methods. Asthmatic children (n = 17) and adults (n = 39) prescribed an MDI had their inhaler technique assessed. Those who achieved the recommended inhalation flow rate (IFR) of <90 l/min through their MDI formed the reference group (named (control—CT)). Others that had a poor inhaler technique with an IFR ≥ 90 l/min were randomized into either the verbal counseling (VC) group, who received verbal training on the correct MDI use with emphasis on using a slow IFR or into the 2ToneTrainer (2TT) group, who received the VC and a 2Tone Trainer to take home and use. 2TT is a training aid with audible feedback when the required slow inhalation flow is used. The participants were assessed on two occasions, 0 (baseline) and 6 weeks later. Results. For the asthmatic adults, the median IFR at visit 1 was 68, 200, and 240 l/min for the CT, VC, and 2TT groups, respectively. Whereas on visit 2, the median IFR was 88, 48.5 (p < .001), and 65 (p < .001) l/min for the CT, VC, and 2TT groups, respectively. Improvements in asthma quality of life were achieved in VC and 2TT groups. The asthmatic children showed a similar trend. Conclusions. Training by VC and a training aid helps patients use a slow IFR with an MDI and improves asthma-related quality of life.
Clinical impact of an angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion and kinin B2 receptor +9/-9 polymorphisms in the prognosis of renal transplantation

Abstract There is a consensus in the scientific literature that supports the importance of the kallikrein kinin and renin angiotensin systems in renal physiology, but few studies have investigated their importance after renal transplantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of the insertion/deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and the +9/-9 polymorphism in the kinin B2 receptor (B2R) gene in kidney-transplanted patients (n=215 ACE, n=203 B2R) compared with 443 healthy individuals. Demographic results showed that there is a higher frequency of the D allele (high plasma ACE activity) and +9 allele (lower B2R expression) in transplant patients compared with control individuals. We also observed a higher frequency of these alleles in patients who had an elevated level of plasma creatinine. At day 7 post-transplantation, we found a higher prevalence of individuals with the DD genotype with elevated plasma creatinine level. Furthermore, individuals with the DD genotype had a higher chronic allograft dysfunction and graft loss compared with the II patient genotype, which showed no loss of graft. Taken together, our data suggest that the DD genotype is an indicator of an unfavorable prognosis following renal transplantation and could be related to kinin modulation.
Multifocal visual evoked potential in optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy and compressive optic neuropathy

Purpose: To investigate the effect of optic neuritis (ON), ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) and compressive optic neuropathy (CON) on multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) amplitudes and latencies, and to compare the parameters among three optic nerve disorders. Materials and Methods: mfVEP was recorded for 71 eyes of controls and 48 eyes of optic nerve disorders with subgroups of optic neuritis (ON, n = 21 eyes), ischemic optic neuropathy (ION, n = 14 eyes), and compressive optic neuropathy (CON, n = 13 eyes). The size of defect in mfVEP amplitude probability plots and relative latency plots were analyzed. The pattern of the defect in amplitude probability plot was classified according to the visual field profile of optic neuritis treatment trail (ONTT). Results: Median of mfVEP amplitude (log SNR) averaged across 60 sectors were reduced in ON (0.17 (0.13-0.33)), ION (0.14 (0.12-0.21)) and CON (0.21 (0.14-0.30)) when compared to controls. The median mfVEP relative latencies compared to controls were significantly prolonged in ON and CON group of 10.53 (2.62-15.50) ms and 5.73 (2.67-14.14) ms respectively compared to ION group (2.06 (-4.09-13.02)). The common mfVEP amplitude defects observed in probability plots were diffuse pattern in ON, inferior altitudinal defect in ION and temporal hemianopia in CON eyes. Conclusions: Optic nerve disorders cause reduction in mfVEP amplitudes. The extent of delayed latency noted in ischemic optic neuropathy was significantly lesser compared to subjects with optic neuritis and compressive optic neuropathy. mfVEP amplitudes can be used to objectively assess the topography of the visual field defect.
The importance of being bitter - a qualitative study on cassava cultivar preference in Malawi

We conducted qualitative interviews in Nkhata‐Bay district in Malawi to elucidate why farmers preferentially grow cassava cultivars providing bitter roots. Cassava was mainly grown to produce flour for making the staple food, kondowole. Plants were identified as belonging to one of the 54 mentioned cultivars with local names. All the farmers stated that bitter taste of roots predicted toxicity and necessity for processing. Cultivars were grouped into “cool” or “bitter” based on whether the roots could be eaten fresh, or required processing before consumption as kondowole. Farmers strongly preferred cultivars grown for flour production to have bitter roots since this protected against theft, destruction by animals and deterred household members from unplanned harvest. Since processing is done by women bitterness empowers women to control the families staple crop. Bitter cultivars reportedly yielded more and roots produced an easier to mould kondowole. Bitterness and toxicity were not perceived as a problem.
Pre-operative variables affecting final vision outcome with a critical review of ocular trauma classification for posterior open globe (zone III) injury

Purpose: To identify pre-operative variables affecting the outcome of posterior open globe (zone III) injuries. Secondary objective was to re-look at the definition or landmarks for zone III injury and its clinical significance for predicting visual prognosis following open globe injury. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of all hospitalized patients with surgical repair of open globe injury over last 10 years at a tertiary referral eye care center in Singapore. Out of 172 eyes with open globe injury, 28 eyes (16.3%) with zone III injury was identified and reviewed further. Pre-operative visual acuity (VA) and other variables, extent of scleral wound in reference to rectus insertion, relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) and final vision outcome were recorded. Results: Median age was 37 years with male predilection (92.9%). Mean follow-up was 12.9 months. Pre-operative VA was no light perception (NLP) in 16 (57.1%) eyes. Final VA remained NLP in 14 eyes (50.0%). The factors contributing to poor post-operative vision based on univariate regression analysis were the presence of RAPD, poor pre-operative VA, blunt trauma, extent of trauma, associated traumatic cataract, hyphema, vitreous loss and associated vitreo-retinal trauma. Further on, zone III injuries with scleral wound limited anterior to rectus insertion (6 eyes) had better vision outcome than those with injuries extending beyond rectus insertion (22 eyes). Conclusion: Initial VA, blunt ocular trauma, visual axis involvement, loss of light perception, presence of RAPD, traumatic cataract, hyphema, vitreous loss were the important determinants for final visual outcome in patients with zone III injury. Wound extending posterior to rectus insertion has poorer outcome as those limited anterior to rectus insertion. We suggest that there may be a need to relook at zone III injuries with reference to rectus insertion for prognostic significance, and further studies are warranted.
Comparison of three peripherally- inserted central catheters: pilot study

Peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICCS) are non-tunnelled, central catheters inserted through a peripheral vein of the arm. They are 50-60 cm long and are usually made of either silicone or second-third generation polyurethane. PICCs can be used for prolonged, continuous or intermittent infusion therapies (up to 3 months) both in hospitalized patients and in patients treated as outpatients, in a hospice, or at home. When establishing a vascular service it is key to select a PICC that meets the requirements of safety, cost-effectiveness, high resistance (ability to take increasing fluid volumes with high pressure devices) and durability, and low complications rate. The complications and dwell times of three different PICCs were studied: coated polyurethane, valved silicone and power- injectable. The study was conducted at the chemotherapy suite at the author's hospital with the aim of selecting the right PICC based on low incidence of complications, resistance and enhanced dwell time. Results show a low incidence of complications and long dwell time among patients with the power-injectable PICC. Furthermore, this study demonstrated a reduction on the rate of occlusion and rupture with power-injectable PICCs, which makes them safer to use for administration of chemotherapy and other vesicant agents, as well as for the management of patients in critical care.
Changing paradigms of anti-VEGF in the Indian scenario

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) agents have revolutionized the treatment of retinal diseases. Use of anti-VEGF agents in the Indian Scenario present some unique challenges considering the absence of compounding pharmacies, poor penetrance of health insurance and limited affordability of the citizens of a developing economy. To study the changing paradigms of anti-VEGF use in the Indian scenario, all articles published by Indian authors, data from web-based surveys amongst Indian vitreo-retinal specialists were reviewed. In the paucity of compounding pharmacies in India, fractionation and injection techniques differ from those of developed countries. Frequent anti-VEGF monotherapy offers the best anatomical and visual results, but economics of scale do not allow the same in the Indian scenario, resulting in PRN dosing and combination of anti-VEGF with laser photocoagulation, being the commonly employed treatment protocols.
Utilization Patterns of Clients Admitted or Assessed but not Admitted to a Long-term Care Program – Characteristics and Differences

ABSTRACT Clients who were either admitted to a long-term care program (N = 7251) or assessed but not admitted to the program (N = 1680) were evaluated for their utilization of health care services in 1981–82. Mean utilization values were calculated and analyses of variance were performed in order to respond to: a) whether utilization patterns of clients admitted to the program differed from patterns of clients who were not admitted; b) whether clients admitted to institutions were different from clients admitted to the program who stayed at home. The data show that among clients who were not admitted to the program utilization levels nearly tripled during the year following assessments. Among clients who were admitted to the program, hospital use decreased for facility dwellers only. The findings suggest that admission to the program can reduce health care utilization particularly if medical surveillance is provided in institutions.
Role of centrosomal adaptor proteins of the TACC family in the regulation of microtubule dynamics during mitotic cell division

Abstract During the mitotic division cycle, cells pass through an extensive microtubule rearrangement process where microtubules forming the mitotic spindle apparatus are dynamically instable. Several centrosomal- and microtubule-associated proteins are involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics and stability during mitosis. Here, we focus on members of the transforming acidic coiled coil (TACC) family of centrosomal adaptor proteins, in particular TACC3, in which their subcellular localization at the mitotic spindle apparatus is controlled by Aurora-A kinase-mediated phosphorylation. At the effector level, several TACC-binding partners have been identified and characterized in greater detail, in particular, the microtubule polymerase XMAP215/ch-TOG/CKAP5 and clathrin heavy chain (CHC). We summarize the recent progress in the molecular understanding of these TACC3 protein complexes, which are crucial for proper mitotic spindle assembly and dynamics to prevent faulty cell division and aneuploidy. In this regard, the (patho)biological role of TACC3 in development and cancer will be discussed.
Daily physical activity in asthmatic children with distinct severities

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate daily physical activity (DPA) in asthmatic children with different levels of disease severity, but with good asthma control, relative to a control group. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which a total of 121 children between the ages of 7 and 12 years old were evaluated; 72 were asthmatic children (32 mild, 24 moderate and 23 severe), and 42 children were not asthmatics. The asthmatic children studied had been in medical treatment for at least 6 months and experienced no change in symptoms during the 4 weeks prior to the study. The DPA was monitored over 6 days (4 weekdays and 2 weekend days). Motor activity was recorded with an accelerometer that measured the total number of steps (TNS), the number of steps in moderate physical activity (NS-MPA) and the duration, in minutes, of physical activity performed at moderate intensity. Results: There were no differences among the TNS performed by children with mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma and the control group (14 410 ± 4379, 14 710 ± 4892, 13 838 ± 3341 and 12 968 ± 3682 steps, respectively). The NS-MPA was also similar among all of the groups (6589 ± 2065, 6605 ± 2324, 6223 ± 1689 and 5990 ± 1840 steps, respectively). Sedentary asthmatic children were overweight more often than asthmatic children who were physically active, although lung function was not different between these groups. Conclusion: Children with good asthma control, independent of disease severity, had DPA levels similar to children without asthma. However, more asthmatic children were overweight if sedentary as compared to physically active asthmatic children.