Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of vitamin D therapy on bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

OBJECTIVE To (1) assess the rate of reduction in bone turnover with vitamin D and bisphosphonate therapies and (2) evaluate the clinical utility of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) in monitoring treatment response. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with newly diagnosed osteopenia and osteoporosis from 2002 to 2009 at Loyola University Medical Center. A cohort of postmenopausal women with hip or spine T-scores of less than -1, normal serum creatinine, and no prior vitamin D or bisphosphonate therapy was divided into vitamin D-deficient (n = 29) and vitamin D-sufficient (n = 13) groups. Vitamin D-deficient patients received high-dose vitamin D, whereas vitamin D-sufficient patients received orally administered bisphosphonates. BSAP levels at baseline and 1 year were compared. RESULTS Vitamin D therapy in the group with vitamin D deficiency led to a 26.7% decrease in BSAP (P<.01). Bisphosphonate therapy in the vitamin D-sufficient group led to a 32.7% decrease in BSAP (P = .01). The magnitude of BSAP change in the 2 study groups (6.74 ± 6.48 μg/L and 8.72 ± 9.94 μg/L) did not differ significantly (P = .45). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that correction of vitamin D deficiency in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis can lead to a decrease in bone turnover as measured by BSAP and that the magnitude of this reduction is similar to that achieved with orally administered bisphosphonates.
Maximum Power Training Load Determination and Its Effects on Load-Power Relationship, Maximum Strength, and Vertical Jump Performance

Abstract Smilios, I, Sotiropoulos, K, Christou, M, Douda, H, Spaias, A, and Tokmakidis, SP. Maximum power training load determination and its effects on load-power relationship, maximum strength, and vertical jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 27(5): 1223–1233, 2013—This study examines the changes in maximum strength, vertical jump performance, and the load-velocity and load-power relationship after a resistance training period using a heavy load and an individual load that maximizes mechanical power output with and without including body mass in power calculations. Forty-three moderately trained men (age: 22.7 ± 2.5 years) were separated into 4 groups, 2 groups of maximum power, 1 where body mass was not included in the calculations of the load that maximizes mechanical power (Pmax − bw, n = 11) and another where body mass was included in the calculations (Pmax + bw, n = 9), a high load group (HL-90%, n = 12), and a control group (C, n = 11). The subjects performed 4–6 sets of jump squat and the repeated-jump exercises for 6 weeks. For the jump squat, the HL-90% group performed 3 repetitions at each set with a load of 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), the Pmax − bw group 5 repetitions with loads 48–58% of 1RM and the Pmax + bw 8 repetitions with loads 20–37% of 1RM. For the repeated jump, all the groups performed 6 repetitions at each set. All training groups improved (p < 0.05) maximum strength in the semisquat exercise (HL-90%: 15.2 ± 7.1, Pmax − bw: 6.6 ± 4.7, Pmax + bw: 6.9 ± 7.1, and C: 0 ± 4.3%) and the HL-90% group presented higher values (p < 0.05) than the other groups did. All training groups improved similarly (p < 0.05) squat (HL-90%: 11.7 ± 7.9, Pmax − bw: 14.5 ± 11.8, Pmax + bw: 11.3 ± 7.9, and C: −2.2 ± 5.5%) and countermovement jump height (HL-90%: 8.6 ± 7.9, Pmax − bw: 10.9 ± 9.4, Pmax + bw: 8.8 ± 4.3, and C: 0.4 ± 6%). The HL-90% and the Pmax − bw group increased (p < 0.05) power output at loads of 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80% of 1RM and the Pmax + bw group at loads of 20 and 35% of 1RM. The inclusion or not of body mass to determine the load that maximizes mechanical power output affects the long-term adaptations differently in the load-power relationship. Thus, training load selection will depend on the required adaptations. However, the use of heavy loads causes greater overall neuromuscular adaptations in moderately trained individuals.
Similar Electromyographic Activities of Lower Limbs Between Squatting on a Reebok Core Board and Ground

Abstract Li, Y, Cao, C, and Chen, X. Similar electromyographic activities of lower limbs between squatting on a reebok core board and ground. J Strength Cond Res 27(5): 1349–1353, 2013—Reebok Core Boards (RCB) used as a platform in training provide an unstable environment for resistance training. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of unstable surface on muscle electromyographic (EMG) activities during a deep squat task. Thirteen male subjects participated in the study. Electromyographic activities of soleus (SO), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GMa), gluteus medius (GMe), and upper lumbar erector spinae (ULES) muscles were collected when subjects were performing a deep squat task on a RCB and ground with different weight loads (body weight, 30%RM (repetition maximum) and 60%RM). No significant difference was observed for all muscle EMG between unstable and stable surface during all weight load conditions (p > 0.05). Muscle EMG significantly increased when the weight load increased (p < 0.05). Similar muscle activities were observed when subjects performed a deep squat task on a stable and unstable surface. Simply applying unstable surface might not provide extra stimulation to the superficial muscles during squatting in resistance-trained students.
Genetic diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders: The opportunity and challenge in the genomics era

Abstract A genetic etiology for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) was first suggested from twin studies reported in the 1970s. The identification of gene mutations in syndromic ASDs provided evidence to support a genetic cause of ASDs. More recently, genome-wide copy number variant and sequence analyses have uncovered a list of rare and highly penetrant copy number variants (CNVs) or single nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with ASDs, which has strengthened the claim of a genetic etiology for ASDs. Findings from research studies in the genetics of ASD now support an important role for molecular diagnostics in the clinical genetics evaluation of ASDs. Various molecular diagnostic assays including single gene tests, targeted multiple gene panels and copy number analysis should all be considered in the clinical genetics evaluation of ASDs. Whole exome sequencing could also be considered in selected clinical cases. However, the challenge that remains is to determine the causal role of genetic variants identified through molecular testing. Variable expressivity, pleiotropic effects and incomplete penetrance associated with CNVs and SNVs also present significant challenges for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.
Managing the Dually Diagnosed Patient — Current Issues and Clinical Approaches, 2nd edn. By D. O'Connell and E. Beyer, The Haworth Press, New York. £33.00. 352 pgs. ISBN 0 7890 0877 7

This text, first published in 1990 and updated for this recent edition, was one of the original textbooks to discuss the management of patients with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance misuse. When first published, the number of books published on the subject would barely fill a small shelf. In the intervening twelve years, the texts on dual diagnoses could fill a library. Is there a need for a second edition? The answer is yes. The authors work at the Caron Foundation, a large inpatient addiction treatment centre …
Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder: Does it Exist?

Multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder is a complex condition which remains a great challenge for orthopaedic surgeons to fully understand and successfully treat. We explore the origins of MDI of the shoulder and review the basic science of its proposed aetiology and the results of non-operative and operative treatment modalities. We then propose a new theory as to the aetiology and treatment of this complex condition.
Proteases from Psychrotrophs: An Overview

Proteases are hydrolytic enzymes which catalyze the total hydrolysis of proteins in to amino acids. Although proteolytic enzymes can be obtained from animals and plants but microorganisms are the preferred source for industrial applications in view of scientific and economical advantage. Among various groups of microbes, psychrotrophs are ideal candidates for enzymes production keeping in mind that enzymes active at low temperature and stable under alkaline condition, in presence of oxidants and detergents are in large demand as laundry additive. The proteases from psychrotrophs also find application in environmental bioremediation, food and molecular biology. During the previous two decades, proteases from psychrotrophs have received increased attention because of their wide range of applications, but the full potential of psychrotrophic proteases has not been exploited. This review focuses attention on the present status of knowledge on the production, optimization, molecular characteristics, applications, substrate specificity, and crystal structure of psychrotrophic proteases. The review will help in making strategies for exploitation of psychrotrophic protease resources and improvement of enzymes to obtain more robust proteases of industrial and biotechnological significance.
Meeting the Needs of Maori with Diabetes: an Evaluation of a Nurse-Led Service

Designated Maori health service providers and specialised Maori nursing roles using "culturally appropriate" practices have been developed in New Zealand to address health disparities between Maori and non-Maori citizens. This study considers the effectiveness, from several perspectives, of a Maori nurse-led diabetes programme offered by Te Hauora O Ngati Rarua. It also identifies salient features of the experience of having diabetes and being on the programme, which consists of the combination of a six week course of group education sessions with one-to-one case management, involving health care, education and support. Programme evaluation was conducted using an embedded case study design. Seven programme participants were followed for 9-12 months, during which time multiple sources of data were accessed, including programme documents, clinical notes, laboratory results and stakeholder interviews. Client outcomes were measured in terms of physiological measures, knowledge acquisition, diabetes management and lifestyle behaviour. Some participants demonstrated improved diabetes management and lifestyle behaviour while actively engaged with the programme, but efforts tended to lapse once support was reduced. This highlighted the importance of optimising the level of long-term self-management support for clients with diabetes. High levels of co-morbidity were common and tended to complicate management. The Transtheoretical Model of Change, Chronic Care Model and Systems Theory shaped the evaluation. The study makes four important contributions to knowledge in this area: 1) it confirms the importance of Maori values and processes in "by Maori for Maori" services as they help to keep clients engaged, 2) it describes how small Maori health providers meet the needs of the local community, and 3) it identifies the value of the Maori Diabetes Nurse Educator (MDNE) role in primary health care. Thus it serves as an affirmation of the importance of the Maori Health Strategy and Maori self-determination in organising and delivering health care for Maori clients. The fourth valuable contribution is the insight gained into the dynamics of Pakeha researchers working in partnership with Maori organisations.
Basic Concepts of Hemostasis and Thrombosis

What do you do to start reading basic concepts of hemostasis and thrombosis? Searching the book that you love to read first or find an interesting book that will make you want to read? Everybody has difference with their reason of reading a book. Actuary, reading habit must be from earlier. Many people may be love to read, but not a book. It's not fault. Someone will be bored to open the thick book with small words to read. In more, this is the real condition. So do happen probably with this basic concepts of hemostasis and thrombosis.
Minimizing Carry-Over Effects After Treatment Failure and Maximizing Therapeutic Outcome

According to experimental and clinical evidence, the experiences of previous treatments are carried over to different therapeutic approaches and impair the outcome of subsequent treatments. In this behavioral pilot study we used a change in administration route to investigate whether the effect of prior treatment experience on a subsequent treatment depends on the similarity of both treatments. We experimentally induced positive or negative experiences with a topical analgesic treatment in two groups of healthy human subjects. Subsequently, we compared responses to a second, unrelated and systemic analgesic treatment between both the positive and negative group. We found that there was no difference in the analgesic response to the second treatment between the two groups. Our data indicate that a change in administration route might reduce the influence of treatment history and therefore be a way to reduce negative carry-over effects after treatment failure. Future studies will have to validate these find.
A commentary on current perspectives on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Johne’s disease and Crohn’s disease: A review by Over et al. (2011)

A central assertion of the recent review by Over et al. (2011) was that “MAP (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) is also a potential human food borne pathogen because it survives current pasteurization treatments”. However, that belief does not accurately reflect current knowledge of actual commercial milk processes. We are concerned that readers may be misled by such statements, especially as they may assume the review to be a critical review. Whilst portions of the review do usefully explain disparate knowledge from the literature (such as the section on Koch’s postulates and Hill’s criteria), the section on Thermal resistance has selected a quite misleading set of publications with little discernment of their merits or drawbacks. Because review articles are often used by other workers who may be new or unfamiliar with a field, review authors have a particular responsibility to ensure that they present an accurate account of the current state of knowledge on their topic. Of relevance to public health, the efficacy of commercial pasteurization is dependent not only upon correct time and temperature combinations, but also upon engineering considerations, which deal with heat transfer through turbulent flow within processing pipework. Much of the early heat inactivation work on MAP was performed on model-type laboratory systems that hold little relationship to real-world commercial pasteurization. Recommendations on the methodology of heat resistance measurement were made by Cerf and Griffiths (2000). Subsequent research has met those recommendations by utilizing commercial-type pasteurizers with turbulent flow (Lynch et al., 2007; McDonald et al., 2005; Pearce et al., 2001; Rademaker et al., 2007; Stabel and Lambertz, 2004). These international studies demonstrate effective MAP kill under pasteurization treatments at 72°C for 15 s. It is important for authors to realize that, when reporting low levels of surviving bacteria, there is a responsibility to first demonstrate not only that these are viable but also that these are not due to cross-contamination. Over et al. (2011) must have had knowledge of the existence of the commercial-type turbulent flow studies − as shown by their inclusion of a reference to the seminal work of Pearce et al. (2001). However, they chose to ignore the context of heat inactivation, which was its foremost purpose, instead citing Pearce et al. (2001) only for identification of surviving bacteria. Such omission of a decisive body of knowledge is inexplicable for a critical review. The internationally reproduced literature is now clear that properly maintained and operated pasteurization equipment ensures the microbiological safety of retail milk and other pasteurized dairy products against viable MAP (Cerf et al., 2007).
BEYOND DXA: ADVANCES IN CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF NEW BONE IMAGING TECHNOLOGY.

UNLABELLED Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is generally a very useful tool for assessing bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. However, observational studies have shown that in certain instances, BMD as measured by DXA systematically over- or underestimates fracture risk. We herein describe the clinical conundrums encountered when assessing fracture risk by DXA in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism or type 2 diabetes and those of Chinese ethnicity. Furthermore, we discuss how advanced imaging technology that examines skeletal microarchitecture is furthering our understanding of fracture risk in these clinical situations. ABBREVIATIONS BMD = bone mineral density BMI = body mass index BMS = bone material strength BMT = bone microindentation testing 3D = 3-dimensional DM2 = type 2 diabetes mellitus DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry μFEA = microstructural finite element analysis FRAX = fracture risk assessment tool HRpQCT = high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography ID = indentation distance IDI = indentation distance increase ITS = individual trabecular segmentation PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism PTH = parathyroid hormone TBS = trabecular bone score.
OMENTIN-1 AND NONFATAL ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: A POPULATION-BASED STUDY.

OBJECTIVE There is growing evidence that supports the existence of a link between lower levels of circulating omentin-1 and the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis. However, no population-based study has been performed to elucidate the cardioprotective role of this beneficial adipocytokine. METHODS A total of 378 healthy, postmenopausal women were randomly selected from 13 clusters in the port city of Bushehr, Iran. The prevalence of nonfatal ischemic heart disease (IHD) was assessed using the Minnesota code with a 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (EKG). EKG with evidence of IHD (IHD-EKG) was defined as myocardial infarction (codes 1.1 and 1.2) and ischemia (codes 1.3, 4.1 to 4.4, 5.1 to 5.3, and 7.1) occurring together. Serum omentin-1 and adiponectin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. RESULTS The prevalence of IHD-EKG among the studied population was 41.8% (159 women). Serum levels of omentin-1 were significantly lower in women with ischemic EKG than in normal subjects (geometric mean ×/multiplicative standard deviation, 10.31 ×/2.35 ng/mL versus 12.44 ×/2.12 ng/mL, respectively; P = .038). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that higher serum levels of omentin-1 were significantly associated with a lower prevalence of ischemic EKG after adjusting for potential confounders, including classical cardiovascular risk factors and circulating adiponectin levels (odds ratio, 0.48; confidence interval, 0.24 to 0.95; P = .038). CONCLUSION A higher level of circulating omentin-1 is independently associated with a lower prevalence of nonfatal IHD in postmenopausal women. The cardioprotective role of this novel adipocytokine needs to be further elucidated in large-scale longitudinal studies. ABBREVIATIONS BMI = body mass index EKG = electrocardiogram ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay HDL = high-density lipoprotein IHD = ischemic heart disease LDL = low-density lipoprotein.
ACTN3 GENE R577X POLYMORPHISM ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL AND ADIPONECTIN IN RUGBY PLAYERS.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between the R577X polymorphism of the α-actinin-3 (ACTN3), which may play a role in the individual differences observed in the effects of exercise on health benefits and antiatherogenic markers (i.e., high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and adiponectin) in athletes. METHODS Seventy-six male rugby players (mean age 19.8 years) were enrolled in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, and restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reactions were conducted to assess ACTN3 genotypes. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, serum lipids including HDL-C, and adiponectin levels were measured. Current smoking and alcohol intake habits were evaluated with a questionnaire. All of the parameters were compared between 2 groups displaying frequently observed genotypes: one group consisting of patients having either the R/R or R/X genotype and a second group with the X/X genotype. RESULTS The frequency of the X allele was 0.55 and the distribution of the genotypes was 35.5% (n = 27) for X/X, 39.5% (n = 30) for R/X, and 25.0% (n = 19) for R/R. Serum HDL-C and adiponectin levels were significantly higher in X/X genotype compared to the R/R or R/X genotype (HDL-C 1.6 ± 0.3 [SD] vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 mmol/L; P<.01, adiponectin 8.8 ± 2.6 vs. 6.9 ± 2.3 μg/mL; P<.01), even after adjustments for confounders (P<.01). CONCLUSION There may be a relationship between the ACTN3 genotype and HDL-C and adiponectin levels in rugby players. This may be useful information when determining the individual responses of antiatherogenic markers to exercise. ABBREVIATIONS ACTN3 = α-actinin-3 BMI = body mass index CVD = cardiovascular disease HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol R = arginine (R) at amino acid position 577 of the ACTN3 protein TC = total cholesterol TG = triglyceride X = truncation at amino acid position 577 of the ACTN3 protein.
THE DIABETES EPIDEMIC IN CHINA: AN INTEGRATED REVIEW OF NATIONAL SURVEYS.

OBJECTIVE To review trends in the prevalence and incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and related risk factors in China. METHODS We searched the literature using PubMed, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and China Wanfang Digital Database for large epidemiologic studies and national surveys. RESULTS During the past 30 years (1980-2010), 7 national diabetes mellitus surveys were conducted in China mainland, indicating that the prevalence of DM has increased 17-fold, from 0.67 to 11.6% of the population. The prevalence of impaired glucose regulation (IGR, including impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance) also increased, from 2.09 in 1994 to 27.2% in 2010. There was no national representative study of the incidence of diabetes to date; the reported incidence of type 2 diabetes during past 25 years in several cohort studies varied (2.7 to 15.8 per 1,000 person-years). Potential risk factors which could have contributed to the increasing prevalence and incidence of DM and IGR in the Chinese population include social and economic development, urbanization, dietary pattern, and Westernized lifestyle. Further, genetic studies have suggested that unique inheritable risk factors in the Chinese population may increase the risk for DM when compared to Caucasians. CONCLUSION DM and IGR have become epidemic in China. Public health strategies should focus on modifying lifestyle and dietary factors, particularly among those with a susceptible genetic background. ABBREVIATIONS BMI = body mass index DM = diabetes mellitus FBG = fasting blood glucose GWAS = genome-wide association study IGR = impaired glucose regulation IGT = impaired glucose tolerance OGTT = oral glucose tolerance test T2D = type 2 diabetes WC = waist circumference WHR = waist-hip ratio.