Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors of Falling among the Elderly in Taiwan: A Longitudinal Study

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of falls and repeated falls of national elderly samples and to explore the risk factors of falls. Methods: Data were obtained from the ”Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan” conducted in 1996 (n=2,669) and 1999 (n=2,310). The related risk factors of falls included demographic variables, chronic diseases, disability and changes in physical function, depressive symptoms, exercise behavior, and use of assistive devices (walker/sticks or glasses). Logistic regression was used for analysis. Results: The prevalence of falls was 19.5%, with 12.3% single fall and 7.2% repeated falls. The risk factors of falls included being female, having disability, reduced ADL function, with depressive symptoms, using stick/walker but walking well, and not wearing glasses but not seeing clearly. Among the fallers, 73.8% reported fear of falls, and 45.1% attributed their falls to environmental causes. Conclusion: Physical and psychological factors as well as environmental factors may cause falls and injuries for elderly. Physicians in the fields of geriatrics or family medicine should pay more and closer attention to the possible risks of their senior patients; home safety and appropriateness of assistive devices for the elderly should be regularly evaluated and carefully maintained.
Maladaptive Coping and Depressive Symptoms Partially Explain the Association Between Family Stress and Pain-Related Distress in Youth With IBD

Objective To extend existing research on the pain burden experienced by youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by examining the complexity of psychosocial factors involved in pain-related distress. Methods Parents completed measures of family stress and their child's pain-related expressions of distress and coping. Youth with IBD rated their depressive symptoms (n = 183 dyads). Mediation analyses were performed using regression-based techniques and bootstrapping. Results Greater family stress was positively related to children's pain-related expressions of distress and passive coping. Significant indirect effects were found in the relationship between family stress and expressed pain-related distress through parent-reported passive coping, depressive symptoms, and both passive coping and depressive symptoms sequentially. Conclusions Results suggest that family stress can place children at risk for greater expressed pain-related distress through effects on coping and depressive symptoms. Addressing psychosocial difficulties is important for closing the gap between disability and health in youth with IBD.
Bio-social predictors of low birth weight- a prospective study at a tertiary care hospital of north Karnataka, India

BACKGROUND: Low Birth Weight is a multi-factorial problem of health and social concern Worldwide. India accounts for 40 percent of Low birth weight (LBW) babies of the developing World and more than half of those in Asia. Despite the multitude of services rendered to improve maternal health care, LBW remains a public health problem in India. Objective: To determine bio-social predictors of low birth weight amongst the institutional births in North Karnataka, India. METHODS: A prospective hospital based study was conducted in Belgaum district of north Karnataka during July 2012-March 2013. A total of 426 pregnant women registered within 20 weeks of gestation during July–September 2013; eventually delivered in the same hospital were included in the study. Birth weight was measured by a digital weighing scale of 100 gram accuracy. Data were collected through individual interviews using pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS (16.0 Version). Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression were applied. P value < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects was 23.2254±3.09 years. About 96.7% were literates. Mean age at first pregnancy was 21.37±2.70 years. Low birth weight was observed amongst 22.5% new born (Mean weight: 2089.58±268.31gm). Almost 10.0% were preterm births. Paternal education and occupation, socio-economic status, religion, maternal blood group and gestation age at delivery were found to be the independent and significant bio-social factors predicting the low birth weight. About 68.0% variations in the birth weight were explained by these predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Low paternal education and occupation (farmers/laborers), low socio-economic status, maternal blood group (A is protective) and prematurity were found to be independent bio-social predicators of LBW. Programme targeting paternal education may be useful and study of biological plausibility associated with the maternal blood group is recommended.
Effects of cigarette smoking on oral hygiene status

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the oral hygiene status between cigarette smokers and nonsmokers among patients with periodontitis. Methods: The study included 40 individuals aged 25 to 60 years who showed at least 1 site with probing depth ≥ 4 mm and clinical attachment loss ≥3 mm. Smokers were classified according to the number of cigarettes smoked per day (heavy vs. light smokers) and smoking duration (short- vs. long-term smokers). The oral hygiene status was assessed by plaque index (PI) and calculus index (CI), and gingival inflammation was evaluated by the gingival index (GI). Results: Smokers showed more sites with visible plaque (63.84±19.19) as compared to nonsmokers (61.76±25.25). Compared to other subgroups, CI was largest among heavy (0.6503±0.2575) and long-term smokers (0.7303±0.1656), and GI was highest in the nonsmoker group (0.3467±0.2749) (all P<0.05, Student’s t-test). Conclusion: The results suggest that smokers demonstrate less inflammatory response, poorer oral hygiene, and greater calculus accumulation compared to nonsmokers.
Evaluation of NFKB1A variants in patients with knee osteoarthritis

A key feature of osteoarthritis (OA) is articular cartilage loss mediated by numerous catabolic factors including pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Cytokine expression is modulated by the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) family of transcription factors that are in turn, regulated by the inhibitor of NF‐κB IκBα encoded by NFKB1A. We examined eight, previously reported common germline polymorphisms to determine whether NFKB1A variants are associated with knee OA. Eight common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the NFKB1A gene were genotyped in 189 cases with knee OA and 197 healthy controls. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were compared between case and control groups and stratified according to gender due to the increased prevalence of female OA. Serum concentrations of four biochemical markers elevated in OA were compared with genotype for each knee OA case. None of the SNPs showed an association with knee OA; however, stratification of the data for gender showed an increased frequency of the rs8904 variant allele in the female knee OA case group (P = 0.02). Six common haplotypes were identified (H1–H6). H6 was marginally more prevalent in the knee OA group (P = 0.05). The rs8904 variant was associated with increased levels of hyaluronan (HA), a marker of synovial inflammation at 12 and 24 months compared to baseline levels. The nearby rs696 variant demonstrated increased levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) at 12 months and HA at 12 and 24 months. A reduction in CRP levels at 12 months was observed for the rs2233419 variant. These findings provide evidence for the association of NFKB1A variants and knee OA.
16th IHIW: International Histocompatibility Working Group in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

The International Histocompatibility Working Group is a collaborative international effort to understand the HLA and non‐HLA genetics of the transplantation barrier. The Working Group is comprised of experts in the fields of histocompatibility and immunogenetics, hematopoietic cell transplantation and outcomes research. Data for 25 855 unrelated donor transplants were submitted in support of research studies for the 16th International Histocompatibility Workshop. Active investigation is in progress in seven key areas: the impact of HLA matching, role of race and ethnicity, identification of permissible HLA mismatches, haplotype‐associated determinants, minor histocompatibility antigens, immune response genes and KIR genetics. New hypotheses for the 16th workshop were developed for immunogenetic studies in cord blood and haploidentical‐related donor transplantation.
Physical training for McArdle disease.

BACKGROUND McArdle disease is a rare metabolic myopathy caused by a complete absence of the enzyme muscle glycogen phosphorylase. Affected people experience symptoms of fatigue and cramping within minutes of exercise and are at risk for acute muscle injury (rhabdomyolysis) and acute renal failure. If the first few minutes of exercise are paced, a 'second wind' will occur enabling exercise to continue. This is due to mobilisation and utilisation of alternative fuel substrates. Aerobic training appears to improve work capacity by increasing cardiovascular fitness. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of aerobic training in people with McArdle disease. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (11 January 2011), CENTRAL (2010, Issue 4), MEDLINE (January 1966 to January 2011) and EMBASE (January 1980 to January 2011). SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled studies of aerobic exercise training in people of all ages with McArdle disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors identified possible studies for inclusion and assessed their methodological quality. Had more than one study of sufficient methodological quality been identified we would have undertaken a meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS There were no randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of aerobic training in people with McArdle disease. However, three open studies using small numbers of participants provided some evidence that aerobic training improves fitness without adverse events in people with McArdle disease. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence from non-randomised studies using small numbers of patients suggest that it would be safe and worthwhile for larger controlled trials of aerobic training to be undertaken in people with McArdle disease.
Molecular modelling of HLA‐B*35:132

Here we describe the molecular modelling of the new variant HLA‐B*35:132. This allele shows one mismatch with B*35:01:01:01 in exon 3 at position 575 where a T is substituted by a C, which implies an amino acidic change from Leucine to Proline. This seems not to alter the molecular structure and not to compromise the HLA complex and T‐cell receptor interaction.
A novel KIR3DS1*0130107 allele isolated by sequencing from an Asian donor

This novel KIR3DS1 allele officially named as KIR3DS1*0130107 was isolated from DNA samples from Asia using high‐resolution sequenced‐based techniques. KIR3DS1*0130107 differs from the first member of the KIR3DS1*013 subgroup (KIR3DS1*0130101) by a single mutation at position 8922A>G (intron 5), just nine nucleotides away from the start of exon 6.
Identification of a new HLA‐G allele, HLA‐G*01:19, by cloning and phasing

A new HLA‐G allelic variant, HLA‐G*01:19, was identified in a southern Chinese Han population by polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT), cloning and phasing. HLA‐G*01:19 differs from HLA‐G*01:04:01 by a nonsynonymous cytosine at position 99 in exon 2, resulting in amino acid change from valine to leucine at codon 34 of the mature HLA‐G molecule.
Impact of Text Messaging on Diabetic Foot Self-Care Behaviors Using a Single-Case Design

There are sweeping changes ahead in the delivery of healthcare due to the passage of the Affordable Care Act with an increase in patient-centered care, a potential rise in patients living longer with chronic diseases, and an anticipated critical shortage of health providers. Nurses must be poised to become frontline leaders in this movement. These comprehensive changes will require nurses come better prepared through higher levels of education and enhanced research methodologies. This paper presents the single-case design (SCD) methodology as a viable option to create evidence-based interventions that are more patient-centered, individualized, and easily transferable to meet the coming challenges. An overview of the scope, process, and utility of the SCD research methodology will be presented along with examples of how it has been used in nursing research and other disciplines. Limitations and possible recommendations for use in future nursing studies will also be discussed.
Vitamin D compounds for people with chronic kidney disease not requiring dialysis.

BACKGROUND Vitamin D compounds are used to suppress elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of vitamin D therapy on biochemical, bone, cardiovascular, and mortality outcomes in people with CKD and not requiring dialysis. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched The Cochrane Renal Group's specialised register, Cochrane's Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and reference lists of retrieved articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different forms, schedules, or routes of administration of vitamin D compounds for people with CKD not requiring dialysis were included. Vitamin D compounds were defined as established (calcitriol, alfacalcidol, 24,25(OH)(2)vitamin D(3)) or newer (doxercalciferol, maxacalcitol, paricalcitol, falecalcitriol) vitamin D compounds. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were extracted by two authors. Statistical analyses were performed using the random effects model. Results were summarized as risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes or mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS Sixteen studies (894 patients) were included. No formulation, route, or schedule of vitamin D compound was found to alter the mortality risk or need for dialysis. Vitamin D compounds significantly lowered serum PTH (4 studies, 153 patients: MD -49.34 pg/mL, 95% CI -85.70 to -12.97 (-5.6 pmol/L, 95% CI -9.77 to -1.48)) and were more likely to reduce serum PTH > 30% from baseline value (264 patients: RR 7.87, 95% CI 4.87 to 12.73). Vitamin D treatment was associated with increased end of treatment serum phosphorus (3 studies, 140 patients: MD 0.37 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.09, 0.66 (0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.03, 0.21)) and serum calcium (5 studies, 184 patients: MD 0.20 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.23 (0.05 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.06)). Few data were available comparing intermittent with daily vitamin D administration, or other schedules of dosing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There are not sufficient data to determine the effect of vitamin D compounds on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in people with CKD not requiring dialysis. While vitamin D compounds reduce serum PTH (49.3 pg/mL (5.6 pmol/L)) compared with placebo, the relative clinical benefits of PTH lowering versus treatment-related increases in serum phosphorus and calcium remain to be understood.
Reference values for reticulocyte parameters and hypochromic RBC in healthy children

New erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters available on modern hematology analyzers have shown to be useful markers in children. However, pediatric method‐specific reference ranges for these indices are sparse. We aim to establish pediatric reference values for reticulocyte parameters and hypochromic red blood cells in healthy children with the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer.
Post publication peer review in Iranian biomedical journals

Background: letters to the editor provide an opportunity for readers to state their views about published articles. Research on this issue has been mainly on western journals and there is no study on the Iranian journals. The present study aimed to investigate this subject in Iranian biomedical journals.Materials and Method: This was a bibliometric study. The databases of Iran Medex, Medlib, and SID were searched to find the letters published in Iranian biomedical journals. The letters in formats such as commentaries, concise articles, and the preliminary results of studies or brief reports were excluded from the study.Results: 184 letters were found in Iranian journals; 49 of them were responses of authors to the criticism made by readers. As a result, the number of letters that commented on or criticized the original articles reduced to 135. For every 1198 articles published in Iranian journals, there is only one letter written in correspondence to published articles. 76% of letters published in 2010 to 2012.Conclusions: the Iranian readers are much less productive in writing letters to Iranian biomedical journals compared to their peers in other places. The low number of letters could be attributed to several issues including a broad unawareness of the importance of the letters and little incentive for writing letter.The sharp rise in the number of letters after 2009 indicates a boosted motivation of Iranians for writing more letters to the editor.
Current and emerging approaches for evaluating platelet disorders

Platelets play a central role in physiological hemostasis and also in pathological thrombosis. It is well established that congenital or acquired abnormalities of platelet function are associated with a heightened risk of bleeding of variable severity and excessive hemorrhage after surgery or trauma. Several kinds of different platelet function tests have been developed over the years to identify or diagnose platelet function disorders. The use of these tests for the assessment of thrombotic risk or for monitoring the effects of drugs inhibiting platelet function is not well established. Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is the gold standard for the study of patients with defects of platelet function. Its results are affected by several pre‐analytical and analytical variables. The Subcommittee on Platelet Physiology of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis published official guidelines for the standardization of the variables affecting LTA, which should be followed to harmonize the procedures across different laboratories worldwide. The lumi‐aggregometer, a modification of LTA that measures platelet secretion in parallel with aggregation, is preferable to LTA for diagnosing inherited defects of platelet function, because it is more sensitive to the most common disorders, which are characterized by abnormalities of platelet secretion. LTA (or lumi‐aggregometry) is useful as a first screening test of patients with the clinical suspicion of defects of platelet function, because it helps to provide an interim diagnostic hypothesis, which can then be confirmed or discounted using appropriate and specific tests.
Relevance of sample preparation for flow cytometry

Flow cytometry is a useful tool for diagnosis and minimal residual disease (MRD) study of hematological diseases. Standard sample preparation protocols are characterized by stain‐lyse‐wash (SLW). To prevent nonspecific bindings and achieve high sensitivity in MRD studies, lyse‐wash‐stain‐wash (LWSW) is required. To our knowledge, no comparison between the two methods has been performed.
Computer-assisted versus oral-and-written family history taking for identifying people with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND Diabetes is a chronic illness characterised by insulin resistance or deficiency, resulting in elevated glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Because diabetes tends to run in families, the collection of data is an important tool for identifying people with elevated risk of type2 diabetes. Traditionally, oral-and-written data collection methods are employed but computer-assisted history taking systems (CAHTS) are increasingly used. Although CAHTS were first described in the 1960s, there remains uncertainty about the impact of these methods on family history taking, clinical care and patient outcomes such as health-related quality of life. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of computer-assisted versus oral-and-written family history taking for identifying people with elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Library (issue 6, 2011), MEDLINE (January 1985 to June 2011), EMBASE (January 1980 to June 2011) and CINAHL (January 1981 to June 2011). Reference lists of obtained articles were also pursued further and no limits were imposed on languages and publication status. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of computer-assisted versus oral-and-written history taking in adult participants (16 years and older). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently scanned the title and abstract of retrieved articles. Potentially relevant articles were investigated as full text. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were abstracted for relevant population and intervention characteristics with any disagreements resolved by discussion, or by a third party. Risk of bias was similarly assessed independently. MAIN RESULTS We found no controlled trials on computer-assisted versus oral-and-written family history taking for identifying people with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is a need to develop an evidence base to support the effective development and use of computer-assisted history taking systems in this area of practice. In the absence of evidence on effectiveness, the implementation of computer-assisted family history taking for identifying people with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes may only rely on the clinicians' tacit knowledge, published monographs and viewpoint articles.
The Evolution of Sustainability Measurement Research

Research in sustainability measurement has been growing at a very high pace over the past years, and it has explored a variety of issues, from sustainability disclosure to measurement in green supply chains, from the diffusion of environmental standards to the political use of sustainability metrics. This study is the first to report and discuss the results of a comprehensive review of the sustainability measurement literature. In particular, the authors adopt a wide conceptualization of the measurement process, and analyze data through a bibliometric method–bibliographic coupling. The results show that the literature is divided into eight distinct areas of inquiry and 12 sub‐fields, some of which have expanded significantly over recent years, and others appear to be waning. Furthermore, the lack of a comprehensive view of sustainability measurement has led to the development of many separate communities, resulting in duplications of effort, incomplete framing of the problem, and the proposal of partial solutions. However, findings drawn in sustainability measurement research could inform current debates in performance measurement and management in three main ways: by emphasizing stakeholders’ roles in the design, implementation and use of measures; by indicating ways to establish common measures and sharing data between organizations; and by adopting novel theoretical perspectives. Equally, future sustainability measurement studies could benefit from consideration of extant research on strategic performance measurement and on the behavioral effects of measurement practices.