Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistent Rotating Shift-Work Exposure Accelerates Development of Metabolic Syndrome among Middle-Aged Female Employees: A Five-Year Follow-Up

Limited follow-up studies are available as to whether special job-types, such as day-night rotating shift work, contribute to the progression of metabolic syndrome among female industrial employees. A retrospective cohort study on the development of metabolic syndrome was conducted by utilizing health examination records for a five-year interval. The records of 387 female employees without metabolic syndrome at baseline were used for the analysis. Data analyzed included age, metabolic syndrome components, insulin resistance status, lifestyle factors, and job-types. The initial mean age of subjects was 32.8 yrs. Abnormal rates at baseline, including metabolic syndrome components and insulin resistance, were all significantly higher among the 34 female workers with metabolic syndrome outcome. Also, the persistent rotating shift-work exposure rates and five-year change of metabolic syndrome component measurements were significantly unfavorable for subjects with metabolic syndrome outcome. After controlling for the potential confounders, significant raised risks were found in the female worker with persistent rotating shift-work exposure (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–9.0 vs. day workers) and in smokers (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.1–25.8 vs. non-smokers). At the same time, the female workers initially with one or two metabolic syndrome components had a 4.6-fold (95% CI, 1.3–17.0) and 12.7-fold (95% CI, 3.2–50.1), respectively, increased risk of progressing to metabolic syndrome within five years. In conclusion, persistent day-night rotating shift work, smoking, and baseline metabolic syndrome components associate with the progression toward metabolic syndrome for middle-aged female workers. (Author correspondence: pchen@ntu.edu.tw, gphinx@gmail.com).
European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on the use of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy. Report of a joint task force of the European Fe‐deration of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society

Background: Revision of the guidelines on the use of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, published in 2005, has become appropriate owing to publication of more relevant articles. Most of the new studies focused on small fiber neuropathy (SFN), a subtype of neuropathy for which the diagnosis was first developed through skin biopsy examination. This revision focuses on the use of this technique to diagnose SFN.
Reflections of Malaysian parents of children with developmental disabilities on their experiences with AAC

Abstract Parents play an important role in the successful implementation of AAC. Previous research has indicated that parents in different countries have varying perceptions about the use of AAC and face different challenges in its implementation. To date, there is limited information about the use of AAC by children in Malaysia or parents’ views about its use. The aim of this study was to explore Malaysian parents’ perception of AAC and their experience when supporting their children who use AAC. For this study, 12 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy were involved in semi-structured individual interviews. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze interview data. Following analysis, three themes were identified: (a) impact of the use of AAC, (b) challenges faced, and (c) hopes and expectations. Participants reported that the use of AAC had a positive impact on their children, but that they faced challenges related to the child, the settings, and the system itself, as well as a lack of time and support. Findings from this study provide an insight for Malaysian speech therapists about the challenges faced by parents when supporting their children who use AAC, and how important it is to overcome these challenges to ensure successful implementation of AAC.
The use of neuropsychological tests across Europe: the need for a consensus in the use of assessment tools for dementia

Background and purpose: The centres dedicated to dementia throughout Europe use different neuropsychological tests in clinical practice. The European Federation of Neurological Societies task force on neuropsychological tests produced this survey on neuropsychological tests currently being used in different European countries to gather knowledge on the practice of dementia centres and to promote the harmonization of such instruments and future multicentre collaborations.
Towards a gender analysis of breastfeeding

According to the Department of Health ‘Almost half the mothers who start breastfeeding have stopped within six weeks. ’ (1995). Women continue to give the same reasons for giving up despite the many innovative education programmes, and the encouragement and support given by midwives and others. Could it be that the reasons given by women — lack of milk, painful nipples, baby won't suck and tiredness — are a substitute for other reasons that women are unwilling or unable to articulate.
Enforcing an Outdoor Smoking Ban on a College Campus: Effects of a Multicomponent Approach

Abstract Objectives: Data on effective strategies to enforce policies banning outdoor smoking are sparse. This study tested the effects of an enforcement package implemented on a college campus. Participants: Thirty-nine observers recorded compliance of 709 outside smokers. Methods: Smoking within 25 feet of buildings was noncompliant. The intervention included moving receptacles, marking the ground, improving signage, and distributing reinforcements and reminder cards. Results: The proportion of smokers complying with the ban was 33% during the baseline observation period, increased to 74% during the intervention week, and was at 54% during the follow-up. Differences across conditions was statistically significant (χ2 (2, N = 709) = 6.299, p <. 001). Compliance proportions varied by location in all conditions. Conclusions: Enforcing an outdoor smoking ban using a multiple component package increased compliance with the nonsmoking policy on a college campus.
The Role of Skin Tightening in Improving Cellulite

ellulite is characterized by alterations to the skinsurface of the affected areas, giving an orangepeel, cottage cheese, or mattress-like appearance.Depressed lesions are the most frequent and occurbecauseofthepresenceofﬁbrousseptapullingtheskindown, whereasraised areas resultfrom the projectionof underlying fat to the skin surface. These lesionsaffect mainly women after puberty, and on theposterior upper thighs and buttocks.With the aging process, the skin becomeshyperdistended and loose, resulting in a drapedappearance, and consequently worsening all cellulitelesions. Skin laxity is a signiﬁcant aggravating factorof cellulite, commonly seen in patients after thefourth decade of life, sometimes earlier. Hexsel andcolleagues
The Freshman 15—A Closer Look

Abstract Objectives and Participants: Changes in body weight, composition, and size were examined in college freshmen at the beginning (initial, n = 240) and end of fall semester 2007 (n = 214) and the end of spring semester 2008 (n = 205). Methods: Height, weight, body composition, and waist and hip measurements were assessed. Results: Mean weight, body mass index (BMI), absolute and percent body fat all increased significantly over fall semester and the academic year. About 31% of freshmen lost ≥5 lbs. Mean academic year weight gain was 2.6 lbs (entire group) and 6.0 lbs (weight gainers); body fat increased by 4.4 lbs in the weight gainers. A significant correlation (r = .509) was found between weight change and waist circumference change, but not between weight change and waist to hip ratio change. Conclusions: Freshmen weight gain is associated with increases in body fat and waist circumference, which may be troublesome should the trend continue throughout college.
Urban living as a risk factor for atopic sensitization in Swedish schoolchildren

The prevalence of atopic sensitization was compared among all pupils in three urban school classes (median age 10, 12 and 14 years, respectively) and three corresponding classes in the adjacent rural district (642 pupils in all). A written questionnaire, oral interview and skin prick testing against 7 allergens were used, with skin tests performed on 93.4 % of the urban, and 92.0 % of the rural pupils. Contact with domestic animals was much more common in the rural area. Urban living was a risk factor for at least one positive skin test to pollen or animal dander, with odds ratio (OR) 1.83 and confidence interval (CI) 1.26–2.67. This was even more pronounced for children with both positive skin test and allergic symptoms (OR 2.13; CI 1.38–3.28). An increased prevalence of positive skin prick tests in the urban area compared with the rural environment was also found for 3 individual allergens, i.e. birch pollen (OR 1.78), timothy pollen (OR 1.87) and cat dander (OR 2.29). The relative risk for positive skin test in the urban area was further increased when standardized for allergic heredity, type of dwelling, daily exposure to tobacco smoke and dampness or abnormal smell in the home. This study suggests that various adjuvant factors increase the risk of sensitization in urban environments, particularly among children with a positive family history of allergy
Safety and Efficacy of Combining Microfocused Ultrasound With Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing for Lifting and Tightening the Face and Neck

BACKGROUND Microfocused ultrasound (MFU) and ablative fractionated laser (AFL) resurfacing techniques have been used separately to noninvasively improve skin laxity and rhytides on the face and neck. Simultaneous combination treatment would be anticipated to provide further improvement but has not previously studied. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 100 combination face and neck treatments from 3 centers was performed, including collective treatment protocols, postoperative recovery, side effect profile, and clinical results. RESULTS Skin laxity and photodamage (rhytides and texture) showed significant improvement with combination MFU + AFL treatment. Except for increased facial swelling in a small percentage of patients, postoperative recovery and side effects were comparable with those obtained after application of individual treatments. CONCLUSION Combination MFU–AFL on the face and neck is a safe and effective method for targeting multiple facets of facial and neck skin aging and can be safely performed in a single treatment session.
Ancrod: A Potential Treatment for Acute, Ischemic Stroke from Snake Venom

The direct effect of ancrod is defibrinogenation. This results in several secondary effects that differentiate ancrod from typical thrombolytics such as rt-PA. The combined actions of indirect fibrinolysis, reduced fibrin deposition, and decreased blood viscosity represent a constellation of actions that should be beneficial in a variety of thrombotic conditions. The clinical condition explored most thoroughly in recent years with ancrod has been its acute application to ischemic stroke. Two clinical studies (one of them with a 6 h time-to-treatment window) have demonstrated significant benefit in increasing the proportion of patients alive and disability-free at 3 months, but higher doses of the drug appear to increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and reduce efficacy. Although the evidence is not conclusive, it suggests that, with modified dosing, ancrod could yield a favorable risk–benefit ratio in stroke by limiting the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.
Impact of Intradermal AbobotulinumtoxinA on Facial Erythema of Rosacea

BACKGROUND Facial erythema is a frequent and often distressing complaint of patients with rosacea. Treatment of facial erythema with botulinum toxin has previously been proposed and reported. However, the current literature has mixed results. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intradermal abobotulinumtoxinA on facial erythema of rosacea. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five subjects aged 35 to 70 years with Fitzpatrick skin Types I to IV and facial erythema of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea were enrolled in the trial. Subjects received 15 to 45 units of intradermal injections of abobotulinumtoxinA to the nasal tip, nasal bridge, and nasal alae. A nontreating investigator assessed the facial erythema of rosacea using a standardized grading system (0 = absent, 1 = mild erythema, 2 = moderate erythema, and 3 = severe erythema) to evaluate digital photographs at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment. Statistical analysis of erythema grade included one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons using SPSS (IBM Corporation) software. RESULTS Fifteen of the 25 enrolled subjects completed all the appropriate follow-up visits. Only the 15 subjects with complete data were included in analysis. The subjects were of Fitzpatrick skin Types I to III, a mean age of 54 years, and 80% women. The mean baseline erythema grade was 1.80 (±0.56), and the mean erythema grade at 3 months after treatment was 1.00 (±0.38). The treatment resulted in statistically significant improvement in erythema grade at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment when compared with baseline (p < .05, p < .001, and p < .05, respectively). Pairwise comparison to baseline showed a mean erythema grade improvement of 0.80 (p < .001) at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Intradermal injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of facial erythema of rosacea seems both effective and safe. Larger, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled studies are warranted. Additionally, further investigation is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action by which botulinum toxin improves facial flushing of rosacea.
Topical oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05% as a strategy to reduce intraoperative wound oozing in Mohs micrographic surgery.

Despite firm pressure dressings and seemingly adequate electrocautery, physicians are routinely called to address persistent slow bleeding between Mohs layers. The waiting time between layers is often accompanied by patient position changes and ambulation. Leakage from under abandage is bothunsettling topatients and family members and suboptimal infection control, as drips tend to make their way onto the chair or floor.
Effectiveness of the Brief Alcohol and Screening Intervention for College Students (BASICS) Program With a Mandated Population

Abstract Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a large-scale intervention designed to reduce alcohol abuse among adjudicated college students. Participants: Participants were college students mandated to attend a Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) program and a randomly selected comparison group of high-risk drinkers. Methods: Data were collected from January 2006 through December 2008. A total of 1,390 (67%) students in the intervention group and 508 (61%) students in the comparison group completed baseline and 6-month follow-up surveys. Results: Male students in the intervention group significantly decreased their drinking at follow-up, whereas those in the comparison group increased their drinking. Women in both the intervention and comparison groups decreased their drinking at 6 months. Conclusions: When implemented with fidelity, BASICS is a generally effective intervention, especially for male adjudicated college students. The intervention was most effective for moderate- and high-risk drinkers.
Voxel‐wise meta‐analysis of gray matter abnormalities in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease

Structural neuroimaging studies on idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) with voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) yielded variable and conflicting findings. A systematic review of VBM studies of patients with IPD and healthy control (HC) subjects published in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases from 1995 to 25 October 2010 was conducted. Coordinates were extracted from clusters of significant gray matter (GM) difference between patients with IPD and HC subjects. Meta‐analysis was performed using signed differential mapping. A total of 17 VBM studies involving 498 patients with IPD and 375 HC subjects met the inclusion criteria. A significant regional GM volume decrease was detected in the left inferior frontal gyrus (BA47) extending to the left superior temporal gyrus (BA38) and the left insula (BA13) of patients with IPD compared with HC subjects. The findings of this study remain largely unchanged in quartile and jackknife sensitivity analyses and in subgroup analyses. Robust GM reductions in the inferior frontal/orbitofrontal gyrus (BA47) are implicated in IPD, and the reductions may be related to the mediation of the non‐motor IPD symptoms, such as cognitive, emotional, and autonomic functions. Further studies must be conducted to determine whether the findings are specific to all IPD subtypes or different from the atypical Parkinsonism.
A Case of Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Manifestation as Apical Ballooning Syndrome

Critical ill patients with pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A are associated with mortality, including cardiovascular, respiratory and re nal dysfunction. Understanding of risk factor and clinical manifestation that suggest a higher mortality can recognize high risk patients earlier. There are many reports for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure and renal failure with pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A. But cardiovascular disease with pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A remains unknown. This is the report of pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A association with apical balloning syndrome.
Use and Perception of Electronic Cigarettes Among College Students

Abstract Objective: This study provides insight into how electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) may affect the social normative environment for tobacco use among college students. Participants: Participants were 244 freshman and sophomore students. Methods: Students completed an online self-report survey in April 2011. Results: There is a higher acceptance rate of e-cigarette smoking in public than traditional tobacco. For intention to use an e-cigarette, the strongest predictor is current tobacco use, followed by a positive orientation toward public use of e-cigarettes. Positive orientation toward public use of e-cigarettes is significantly predicted by the use of alternate tobacco, intention to use or try e-cigarettes, positive orientation toward public use of tobacco, positive attitude toward e-cigarettes, positive perception of social norms for use of e-cigarettes, and favorable orientation toward e-cigarettes as an innovation. Conclusions: These models suggest attitudinal, social normative, innovation, and behavioral factors may combine to bring the e-cigarette into wider use among college students.
The Relationship Between Spiritual Well-Being and Health-Related Quality of Life in College Students

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the relationship between spiritual well-being (SWB) and various aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQL) of college students. Participants and Methods: Two hundred twenty-five participants were surveyed during October 2010 to assess SWB and HRQL using the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's scale for HRQL, respectively. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses tested the relationship between SWB and multiple measures of HRQL while controlling for sex, age, and race. Results: Participants who reported higher SWB scores were more likely to participate in religious-type activities and report better HRQL compared with students who reported a moderate sense of SWB. Jointly, SWB and participation in religious activities explained 18% of the variance in HQRL in this sample. Conclusions: SWB made a significant contribution to HRQL in a sample of college students. Such a relationship should be considered by campus health program planners to improve the quality of life of young adults.
Differences in Sleep Quality and Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Adults With Allergies and Asthma and Their Healthy Peers

Abstract Objective: The current study examined the relationship between sleep quality and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Participants: Participants were 501 undergraduate students with allergies (167), asthma + allergies (167), or with no history of a chronic illness (167) completed study measures from August 2011 to April 2012. Methods: The undergraduate students completed questionnaires online as part of a larger study of psychosocial adjustment of young adults. Results: Young adults with allergies and asthma + allergies reported significantly worse sleep quality and HRQOL than healthy peers. Additionally, those with allergies and asthma + allergies had significantly more sleep disturbances and used sleeping medication significantly more often in the previous month than healthy peers. Conclusions: These results highlight concerns regarding quality of life and sleep problems in an often-overlooked population. Importantly, sleep difficulties can result in difficulties in daily living and impairment in academic functioning.
Evaluation of the Merz Hand Grading Scale After Calcium Hydroxylapatite Hand Treatment

BACKGROUND Measurement scales that quickly and rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of filler treatment in hands are important tools in clinical practice. The Merz Hand Grading Scale (MHGS) is used to grade the appearance of the dorsal hand. The MHGS has been validated for photographic and live assessment of the hands. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity of the 5-point MHGS to detect clinically meaningful and aesthetically pleasing changes in hand appearance after treatment with a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)-based dermal filler. METHODS The controlled 4-week study randomized 30 subjects (60 hands) 2:1 to a Treatment group (treatment at enrollment) or a Control group (treatment at end of study). Effectiveness was evaluated with live MHGS ratings and photographic assessments with the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). RESULTS At Week 4, all Treatment group subjects (20/20) achieved a ≥1-point improvement on the MHGS compared with 0/10 (0%) of the Control group (p < .0001). Subjects and treating physicians rated 92.5% (37/40) and 100% (40/40), respectively, of hands as at least “improved,” using the GAIS. CONCLUSION The MHGS is an appropriate and validated tool that clinicians can use to counsel patients and evaluate clinically meaningful and aesthetically pleasing changes after hand treatment with CaHA.
A Pilot Study of 2 Brief Forms of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training for Emotion Dysregulation in College Students

Abstract Objective: To examine the feasibility and initial efficacy of 2 abbreviated dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training groups: emotion regulation skills only and emotion regulation with mindfulness skills. Participants: Participants were 24 undergraduates (aged 18–29) with significant emotion dysregulation who participated between February and May of 2010, 2011, and 2012. Methods: Participants participated in 2-hour weekly group sessions for 8 weeks and completed outcome measures at baseline, midtreatment, posttreatment, and 4-week follow-up. Results: Participants in both conditions made significant gains, with large effect sizes, across measures of emotion regulation, affect, skills use, and functioning. There were no differences between the 2 groups, suggesting no additive benefit of mindfulness skills. Conclusions: This pilot study provides support for the acceptability and efficacy of abbreviated DBT skills training in colleges, given significant improvements, positive feedback, and low attrition. Impediments to feasibility included recruitment difficulties, particularly due to scheduling constraints.