Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can Estimation of Sodium Intake Be Improved by Borrowing Information From Other Variables?

Estimation of dietary sodium intake is problematic. The most accurate measure is average sodium excretion from multiple 24-hour urine collections, but such an approach is impractical. Using data from the Women ’ s Health Initiative, Prentice et al. ( Am J Epidemiol . 2017;186(9):1035 – 1043) assessed the relationship of calibrated estimates of sodium and potassium excretion with cardiovascular outcomes. The calibrated estimates were a function of self-reported sodium-to-potassium ratio from a food frequency questionnaire, age, body mass index, race, supplement use, smoking status, educational level, income, and aspirin use. In general, associations with outcomes using the calibrated estimates were in the expected direction: direct for the sodium-to-potassium ratio and sodium intake and indirect for potassium. The unexpected associations were an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with lower sodium-to-potassium ratio and sodium intake and increased risk with higher potassium intake, along with a null relationship of sodium intake with ischemic stroke. Overall, our assessment is that the authors have improved the estimation of mean dietary sodium and potassium intakes. However, more work is needed to show that calibrated estimates actually improve estimation of future clinical events. If this methodological issue can be successfully addressed, their approach has the potential to improve estimation of dietary sodium and potassium intakes in observational studies.
Longitudinal psychological outcomes of the small-scale nursing home model: a latent growth curve zero-inflated Poisson model

ABSTRACT Background: This study aims to examine the longitudinal effects of a small-scale nursing home model on the change rates of psychological outcomes by comparing green house (GH) and traditional nursing home residents. Methods: A total of 242 residents (93 GH and 149 traditional home residents) who resided at the home least 6 months from admission. Four minimum dataset assessments every six months from admission were included. The main psychological outcomes were depressive mood, and social engagement. The main independent variable was the facility type that the resident resided in: a GH or traditional unit. Age, gender, ADL function, and cognitive function at admission were controlled in the model. A zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) growth curve model was utilized to compare change rates of two psychological outcomes between the two groups taking into account many zero counts of two outcome measures. Results: A rate of increase in depressive symptoms for GH home residents was higher than that of traditional home residents (β = 0.135, p-value = 0.025). GH home residents had a lower rate of increase of the probability of “not being socially engaged” over time compared to traditional home residents (β = −0.274, p-value = 0.010). Conclusion: The GH nursing home model had a longitudinal effect on increasing the probability of residents’ social engagement over time, but also increasing the recognition of depressive symptoms compared to traditional nursing homes.
Pilot Study of Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis

Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from debilitating fatigue which is not alleviated by rest. In addition to the fatigue‐related symptoms suffered by patients with CFS/ME and MS, dysfunction of the immune system and, in particular, reduced natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity has also been reported in CFS/ME and MS. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare NK cellular mechanisms in patients with CFS/ME and MS to investigate potential dysfunctions in the NK cell activity pathway. Flow cytometry protocols assessed CD56dimCD16+ and CD56brightCD16+/− NK cell expression of adhesion molecules, NK activating and inhibiting receptors, NK cell maturation and lytic proteins. All participants in this study were female and included 14 patients with CFS/ME, nine patients with MS and 19 non‐fatigued controls. The patient groups and the non‐fatigued controls were not taking any immunosuppressive or immune‐enhancing medications. In the MS cohort, KIR2DL5 was significantly increased on CD56brightCD16+/− NK cells and expression of CD94 was significantly increased on CD56dimCD16+ NK cells in comparison with the controls. Co‐expression of CD57 and perforin was significantly increased on CD56dimCD16+ NK cells from patients with CFS/ME compared to the MS and non‐fatigued control participants. The results from this pilot study suggest that NK cells from patients with CFS/ME and MS may have undergone increased differentiation in response to external stimuli which may affect different mechanisms in the NK cell cytotoxic activity pathway.
Use of CSF α-synuclein in the differential diagnosis between Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders

ABSTRACT Background: The etiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders has yet to be elucidated, so their differential diagnosis is a challenge. This is especially true in differentiating Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson disease (PD), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Methods: A total of 11 eligible articles were identified by search of electronic databases including PubMed, Springer Link, Elsevier, and the Cochrane Library, up to June 2014. In meta-analyses, standardized mean differences (SMD), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), comparing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures of α-synuclein between the above conditions were calculated using random-effects models. Results: CSF α-synuclein concentrations were significantly higher in AD compared to DLB [SMD: 0.32, 95% CI: (0.02, 0.62), z = 2.07, P = 0.038]; PD [SMD: 0.87, 95% CI: (0.15, 1.58), z = 2.38, P = 0.017]; or MSA [SMD: 1.14, 95% CI: (0.15, 2.14), z = 2.25, P = 0.025]. However, no significant difference was found between patients with AD and neurological cognitively normal controls [SMD: 0.02, 95% CI: (−0.21, 0.24), z = 0.13, P = 0.894]. Conclusions: Results of these meta-analysis suggest that quantification of CSF α-synuclein could help distinguish AD from other neurodegenerative disorders such as DLB, PD, or MSA.
Continuous treatment with antidementia drugs in Germany 2003–2013: a retrospective database analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Continuous treatment is an important indicator of medication adherence in dementia. However, long-term studies in larger clinical settings are lacking, and little is known about moderating effects of patient and service characteristics. Methods: Data from 12,910 outpatients with dementia (mean age 79.2 years; SD = 7.6 years) treated between January 2003 and December 2013 in Germany were included. Continuous treatment was analysed using Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests. In addition, multivariate Cox regression models were fitted with continuous treatment as dependent variable and the predictors antidementia agent, age, gender, medical comorbidities, physician specialty, and health insurance status. Results: After one year of follow-up, nearly 60% of patients continued drug treatment. Donezepil (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.82–0.95) and memantine (HR: 0.85; 0.79–0.91) patients were less likely to be discontinued treatment as compared to rivastigmine users. Patients were less likely to be discontinued if they were treated by specialist physicians as compared to general practitioners (HR: 0.44; 0.41–0.48). Younger male patients and patients who had private health insurance had a lower discontinuation risk. Regarding comorbidity, patients were more likely to be continuously treated with the index substance if a diagnosis of heart failure or hypertension had been diagnosed at baseline. Conclusions: Our results imply that besides type of antidementia agent, involvement of a specialist in the complex process of prescribing antidementia drugs can provide meaningful benefits to patients, in terms of more disease-specific and continuous treatment.
Gray matter characteristics associated with trait anxiety in older adults are moderated by depression

ABSTRACT Background: Structural gray matter characteristics of anxiety remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of current depressive symptoms and history of depression on the gray matter characteristics of trait anxiety. Methods: Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 393 individuals aged 65 years or older were used. Regions of interest (ROIs) included the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and temporal cortex. Trait anxiety was measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Depression and depressive symptoms were measured using DSM-IV criteria and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Results: After adjustments for sociodemographics and health-related variables, anxiety had a significant influence on the gray matter characteristics in all cortical ROIs. First, in participants without depression antecedents, higher trait anxiety was associated with a larger cortical thickness in all cortical ROIs. Second, in participants with a previous history of depression, higher trait anxiety was associated with a smaller cortical thickness in all cortical ROIs. Conclusions: These results suggest that anxiety is related to cortical thickness differently in healthy older adults and in older adults with psychiatric antecedents. Anxiety associated with thinner cortical areas could reflect symptoms of a specific type of depression or a vulnerability to develop depression.
Non-Psychiatric Services Provided in a Mental Health Unit in a County Jail

Abstract Mental health service provision by social workers in a county jail is examined through a retrospective review of 359 mentally ill jail inmates' health and mental health records. Length of stay and number of service episodes are compared by crime, gender, race, and psychiatric disorder. Male inmates stayed on the mental health unit significantly longer and inmates with psychotic disorders had significantly more service episodes. Of the non-psychiatric, mental health services provided beyond initial assessment, housing placement evaluations and follow-up sessions were the most frequent. Suggestions for ongoing service efforts, with an emphasis on release planning, are made.
The influence of sense of coherence and mindfulness on PTSD symptoms and posttraumatic cognitions in a sample of elderly Austrian survivors of World War II

ABSTRACT Background: Sense of Coherence (SOC) and mindfulness are known protective factors against psychopathology, also in older age. We set out to investigate the influence of SOC and mindfulness on posttraumatic symptoms and cognitions in the context of lifetime trauma in elderly persons with a history of childhood war-experiences. Methods: Elderly Austrians (N = 97) filled in questionnaires on traumatic lifetime experiences and posttraumatic symptoms (ETI), posttraumatic cognitions (PTCI), SOC (SOC-13) and mindfulness (FFMQ). We expected the influence of SOC scores on posttraumatic symptoms and cognitions to be on one hand influenced by mindfulness. On the other hand, we expected that both aspects would uniquely explain fewer posttraumatic symptoms and cognitions. Results: Participants reported various lifetime traumas (M = 2.42), including experiences during World War II (WWII) as children and adolescents. Mindfulness partially mediated the association of SOC scores with posttraumatic cognitions, but not with posttraumatic symptoms. However, in a two-stage mediation model, mindfulness significantly predicted posttraumatic symptoms via its effects on posttraumatic cognitions. Conclusion: Although SOC was the strongest predictor of posttraumatic symptoms, mindfulness influenced the severity of posttraumatic symptoms via its effects on posttraumatic cognitions. We discuss implications for mindfulness-based interventions on trauma-related cognitions in the elderly.
Risk of urinary retention after nerve‐sparing surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Recently, nerve‐sparing (NS) techniques have been incorporated in surgeries for deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) to prevent urinary complications. Our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the risk of urinary retention after NS surgery for DIE compared with classical (non‐NS) techniques.
Causes of nursing home placement for older people with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Up to half of people with dementia in high income countries live in nursing homes and more than two-thirds of care home residents have dementia. Fewer than half of these residents report good quality of life and most older people are anxious about the prospect of moving into a nursing home. Robust evidence is needed as to the causes of admission to nursing homes, particularly where these risk factors are modifiable. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search to identify controlled comparison studies in which the primary outcome was admission to nursing home of older adults with dementia. Identified studies were assessed for validity and 26 (17 cohort and 9 case-control) were included. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted, including meta-analysis of 15 studies. Results: Poorer cognition and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) were consistently associated with an increased risk of nursing home admission and most of our meta-analyses demonstrated impairments in activities of daily living as a significant risk. The effects of community support services were unclear, with both high and low levels of service use leading to nursing home placement. There was an association between caregiver burden and risk of institutionalization, but findings with regard to caregiver depression varied, as did physical health associations, with some studies showing an increased risk of nursing home placement following hip fracture, reduced mobility, and multiple comorbidities. Conclusion: We recommend focusing on cognitive enhancement strategies, assessment and management of BPSD, and carer education and support to delay nursing home placement.
Improvised bubble continuous positive airway pressure (BCPAP) device at the National Hospital Abuja gives immediate improvement in respiratory rate and oxygenation in neonates with respiratory distress

Background : Prematurity accounts for 25% of Neonatal mortality in Nigeria and Respiratory Distress Syndrome is responsible for half of these deaths. Introducing continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of RDS in Nigeria where health care financing is predominantly out-of-pocket is quite challenging. It was hypothesized that applying the principle of under-water-seal pressure generation could convert a simple oxygen delivery system into an effective Bubble CPAP device. Objectives : To provide evidence in support of the immediate clinical effectiveness of the NHBCPAP device. Design/Methods : At the neonatal unit of the National Hospital Abuja, we assembled a circuit of tubing connecting a gas source (oxygen concentrator or cylinder) through an interface (nasal prongs) to the baby and this was further connected through an expiratory tube to an under-waterseal bottle to generate CPAP. The device is activated by turning on the oxygen source. The device was applied to preterm babies with RDS as well as some term babies with respiratory distress admitted into the neonatal intensive care units. Respiratory rate, SPO2 and other signs of respiratory distress were monitored before and at 1 hour, 6 hours and 12 hours after the application. Results : Forty eight newborn babies with respiratory distress were treated with the device out of whom twenty three (48%) were very low birth weight with respiratory distress syndrome. The mean respiratory rate dropped from 64.5 (19.2)/min before commencement of CPAP to 59.5(11.6)/min, 56.6 (10.5), and 56.6(10.7) at 1, 6 and 12 hours respectively, p<0.05. The corresponding values for SPO2 were 84.5(14) before and 95.9 (5.3), 95.9(6.5) and 96.9(6.4) at 1, 6 and 12 hours respectively, p<0.05. The respiratory changes were however less marked among very low birth weight babies. Conclusion : The simplified customized device produces clinical responses similar to those reported for the conventional CPAP devices.
A Survey on Driving in Clients With Mental Health Disorders

Few studies have explored driving issues in adult mental health. In this pilot study, 48 drivers were compared to 24 participants who had ceased driving, on their clinical and driving characteristics. Driving-related services offered to them were also documented. Participants who had stopped driving were more likely to be in-patients on antipsychotic or several medications. A third of the participants reported negative effects of their illness and/or medications on driving. Psychiatrists and occupational therapists offered assessments and recommendations related to fitness to drive to 30% of their clients using complementary approaches. This survey indicates that few drivers with mental health disorders receive driving-related services. More evidence-based practice guidelines are needed.
Urinary neurotrophic peptides in postmenopausal women with and without overactive bladder

The aim of this study was to compare the expression of urinary nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), substance P (SP), and calcitonin‐gene related peptide (CGRP) in women with and without overactive bladder (OAB). We sought to determine factors associated with higher expression of these neuropeptides.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Steady-State Magneto-Optical Trap with 100-Fold Improved Phase-Space Density

This Supplemental Material contains in-depth information about our apparatus and approach used to demonstrate a steady state magneto-optical trap with a phase space density of 10 − 3 . In Sec. I we give details on the experimental setup. In Sec. II we describe the characterization of the velocity distribution from the 2D Blue MOT. In Sec. III we estimate the heating rate at the location of Red MOT I arising from blue photons scattered from the 2D Blue MOT. In Sec. IV we describe and discuss key features observed in the results we obtain from a 3D Monte Carlo numerical model of the atoms ﬂowing through the system
Characteristics and health conditions of a group of nursing home patients with mental–physical multimorbidity – the MAPPING study

ABSTRACT Background: Long-term care facilities have partly taken over the traditional asylum function of psychiatric hospitals and house an increasing group of patients with mental–physical multimorbidity (MPM). Little is known about the characteristics, behavior, and care dependency of these patients. This paper aims to describe these aspects. Methods: Explorative, descriptive study among patients with MPM without dementia (n = 142), living in 17 geronto-psychiatric nursing home (NH) units across the Netherlands, stratified by those referred from mental healthcare services (MHS) and other healthcare services (OHS). Data collection consisted of chart review, semi-structured interviews, (brief) neuropsychological testing, and self-report questionnaires. Patients referred from MHS (n = 58) and from OHS (n = 84) were compared by descriptive statistics. Results: Despite exclusion of patients with dementia, the majority of participants had cognitive impairment. Prevalence and severity of frontal impairment were high, as well as the number of patients with clinically relevant neuropsychiatric symptoms. MHS patients were younger, had more chronic psychiatric disorders, and more often used antipsychotics. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, domains of care dependency, physical conditions and concomitant medication use differed not significantly between the subgroups. Conclusions: Both groups of patients with MPM showed heterogeneity in various aspects but differed not significantly regarding the consequences of their multimorbidity. In a variety of characteristics, this group seems to be different from other NH patient groups, which requires extra knowledge and skills of the staff. To uncover which knowledge and skills are necessary, the next step should be to investigate the specific care needs of NH patients with MPM without dementia.
Hearing impairment, disability, and handicap in older people

In this review the hearing problems associated with aging are discussed using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps as a conceptual framework. Research evidence about the etiology, prevalence, and measurement of hearing impairment in older people is presented initially, followed by a review of studies that have considered the disability and handicap associated with such hearing impairment, that is, the effects of hearing impairment on the everyday lives of older people. The rehabilitation process and options for this population are discussed, including research data on the efficacy of the available options. The conclusion notes that despite evidence about the effectiveness of aural rehabilitation options, many health professionals and older people themselves consider hearing impairment to be a benign problem that does not require rehabilitation. Investigating the role of aural rehabilitation in slowing the progress of dementia is identified as an important area for future research.
A randomized, open‐label, multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of intravesical hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate versus dimethyl sulfoxide in women with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis

Intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid (HA) plus chondroitin sulfate (CS) in women with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) has shown promising results. This study compared the efficacy, safety, and costs of intravesical HA/CS (Ialuril®, IBSA) to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
Care staff and the creative arts: exploring the context of involving care personnel in arts interventions

ABSTRACT Background: Arts-based interventions play an important role in the care of people with dementia. Yet, creative arts are seldom implemented as a tool to enhance the care and wellbeing of people with dementia. Methods: We examined the involvement of care staff in creative arts activities in residential care. Aspects of involvement that appear to influence outcomes in people with dementia were identified and analyzed. A broad systematic literature search of MedLine, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, ASSIA, SCOPUS, and Web of Science led to the identification of 14 papers. The studies identified through the search process were examined in terms of intervention, context, mechanism and outcome, and the relationships between these aspects. Results: Training sessions were identified as an opportunity to educate care personnel on useful techniques that are relevant to daily care practice. Evidence from the literature suggests that creative arts programs play a significant role in the way staff and residents interact and as a result influence the care practice of staff. Under certain conditions creative arts programs, that involve and engage staff, facilitate enhanced interactions and improve care strategies, which leads to the recognition and validation of personhood in residents with dementia. Conclusions: These findings provide a basis for illustrating which elements of care staff involvement in creative arts programs could be implemented in residential care contexts in order to have the upmost benefit.
Long‐term compliance and results of intravesical botulinum toxin A injections in male patients

Intravesical injections with botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) is an established treatment for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. However, most studies have evaluated the efficacy of this treatment in women and report short‐term results. In this study, we evaluated the long‐term compliance of BoNT‐A in a heterogeneous group of male patients.