Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Brief Review of the History of Electrotherapy and Its Union with Acupuncture

This is a brief review of the history of electrotherapy. Pain has been relieved by electricity since ancient times, at first by means of applying live electric fish to the tender part to cause numbness. But once frictional machines were found to produce electro-static electricity (Franklinism) in the mid 18th century the use of living organisms was discontinued. By the late 18th century Galvani had rediscovered the fact that animals developed electricity spontaneously. Volta discovered a chemical means of producing electricity from the first form of battery or voltaic pile without recourse to animal tissues or frictional machines whose efficiency varied with atmospheric conditions. This discovery led to the medical use of direct current (Galvanism). Its ability to cause necrosis by electrolytic means was employed in the destruction of tumours. Galvanism was also applied to needles, hence the first form of electroacupuncture pioneered by Berlioz and Sarlandiére. For the first time the combination of electrotherapy and oriental ideas about needling were brought together. Furthermore these early experimenters showed how stimulation of the nervous system brought profound relief from pain. In the early 19th century Faraday's work on the production of alternating currents and his understanding of electrolysis provided medicine with the escape that was required from the dangers of Galvanism. A variety of safer alternating and interrupted currents (Faradism) have been employed in electrotherapy ever since, particularly in the form of electroacupuncture, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation) and Dorsal Column Stimulation. The popularity of electrotherapy fell during the early part of the 20th century as no one knew how its effects were obtained. However now we know how afferent nerve fibres respond to different frequencies and amplitudes, electrotherapy permits the modern practitioner to stimulate the nervous system in a number of different ways to induce the selective production of various monoamines, amino acids and peptides in the central nervous system. However more experiments are required to make electrotherapy realise its true potential in stimulating the patient's own pain relieving substances.
The role of pressure in pressure ulcer aetiology: a review of the literature

Pressure ulcers are localised areas of tissue breakdown affecting the skin and/or underlying tissues including subcutaneous fat and muscle. Applied pressure is a major factor in the aetiological process of pressure ulceration, although it is acknowledged that the exact mechanisms are complex and poorly understood. It is not known how external loads affect the tissues and how this eventually leads to tissue damage. This paper reviews the key scientific literature with specific respect to how pressure affects different functional units of the tissues, namely though occlusion of blood vessels, impaired transport of nutrients through the interstitium and deformation of the cells.
NITRATE, NITRITE AND ASCORBIC ACID CONTENT OF COMMERCIAL AND HOME - PREPARED COMPLEMENTARY, INFANT FOODS

The contents of nitrate, nitrite and ascorbic acid were determined in four samples of commercial and fifteen samples of home - prepared complementary infant foods common in Nigeria. The nitrate and nitrite values of the commercial food samples ranged from 3.1– 3.9mgNO3- N/100g and 5.0 - 16.0ug N02 - N/100g respectively while the ascorbic acid content ranged from 6.0 – 13/lmg 1100g. The nitrate and nitrite content of the home prepared complementary infant foods varied considerably according to recipes with maximum values found in foods containing vegetables and legumes. The highest levels of nitrate were found in yam and vegetable pottage (25.1mg N03 - N/100g), followed by soybean moin-moin (16.3mgNO3 -N/100g) and that of nitrite in pureed spinach vegetable (72.0mgNO2 -N/100g). The ascorbic acid content of the home - prepared complementary foods were very low. Therefore these foods should be-supplemented with vitamin C. However, the nitrate and nitrite levels of these complementary infant food as well as the estimated possible intake from meal per day were well below tolerance levels and these foods do not pose any health problem for infants.
Green Space and Deaths Attributable to the Urban Heat Island Effect in Ho Chi Minh City

Objectives To quantify heat-related deaths in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, caused by the urban heat island (UHI) and explore factors that may alleviate the impact of UHIs. Methods We estimated district-specific meteorological conditions from 2010 to 2013 using the dynamic downscaling model and calculated the attributable fraction and number of mortalities resulting from the total, extreme, and mild heat in each district. The difference in attributable fraction of total heat between the central and outer districts was classified as the attributable fraction resulting from the UHI. The association among attributable fraction, attributable number with a green space, population density, and budget revenue of each district was then explored. Results The temperature-mortality relationship between the central and outer areas was almost identical. The attributable fraction resulting from the UHI was 0.42%, which was contributed by the difference in temperature distribution between the 2 areas. Every 1-square-kilometer increase in green space per 1000 people can prevent 7.4 deaths caused by heat. Conclusions Green space can alleviate the impacts of UHIs, although future studies conducting a heath economic evaluation of tree planting are warranted.
Increases in Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection Related to a Growing Opioid Epidemic and Associated Injection Drug Use, United States, 2004 to 2014

Objectives To compare US trends in rates of injection drug use (IDU), specifically opioid injection, with national trends in the incidence of acute HCV infection to assess whether these events correlated over time. Methods We calculated the annual incidence rate and demographic and risk characteristics of reported cases of acute HCV infection using surveillance data from 2004 to 2014 and the annual percentage of admissions to substance use disorder treatment facilities reporting IDU for the same time period by type of drug injected and demographic characteristics. We then tested for trends. Results The annual incidence rate of acute HCV infection increased more than 2-fold (from 0.3 to 0.7 cases/100 000) from 2004 to 2014, with significant increases among select demographic subgroups. Admissions for substance use disorder attributed to injection of heroin and prescription opioid analgesics increased significantly, with an almost 4-fold increase in prescription opioid analgesic injection. Significant increases in opioid injection mirrored those for reported cases of acute HCV infection among demographic subgroups. Conclusions These findings strongly suggest that the national increase in acute HCV infection is related to the country’s opioid epidemic and associated increases in IDU.
Comparison of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors

Of the current options available to treat erectile dysfunction, oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the recommended first‐line treatment. This review compares the three currently licensed PDE5 inhibitors: sildenafil citrate (sildenafil), vardenafil HCl (vardenafil) and tadalafil. All three drugs have similar efficacy and toxicity profiles. Sildenafil and vardenafil have similar molecular structures, but tadalafil is structurally different, which is reflected in its pharmacokinetic profile. With regard to the onset of action, achievement of an erection that leads to successful intercourse has been reported for 35% of patients treated with sildenafil within 14 min, 21% of patients treated with vardenafil within 10 min and 16% of patients treated with tadalafil within 16 min. Sildenafil and vardenafil both have half‐lives of approximately 4 h but the half‐life of tadalafil is 17.5 h. Another difference between the PDE5 inhibitors is that food, especially fatty food, affects the pharmacokinetic profiles of sildenafil and vardenafil, but not that of tadalafil. These pharmacokinetic differences among the PDE5 inhibitors may underlie patient preference, an important and emerging aspect of ED therapy.
Seroprevalence of HIV infection among tuberculosis patients in Kassala, eastern Sudan

There is strong need to address the tuberculosis (TB) and human immune deficiency (HIV) virus infection convergence. Aiming to investigate the seroprevalence of HIV among TB patients all notified cases of TB that were reported in Kassala Teaching Hospital, eastern Sudan, during January 2008– through December 2010 were reviewed and analyzed. There were 858 TB patients enrolled in the study, of these 152 (17.7%) were counseled, 109 (12.7%) underwent HIV testing. The overall HIV infection rate was 18.3% among the investigated patients while the type of the disease was not associated with HIV co infection. Low CD4 (< 200\cu.mm 3 ) count was significantly associated with HIV co infection (P value 0.5 and 000 respectively). In conclusion there is high seroprevalance rate of HIV among TB patients in Kassala, eastern Sudan; thus urgent intensified intervention is needed including voluntary screening for all tuberculosis patients.
Role of comorbidity, symptoms and age in the health of older survivors following treatment for cancer

Men and women aged over 65 years represent 60% of the 10.8 million cancer survivors in the US. The proportion of older cancer survivors will increase significantly with the aging of the population. Unlike younger survivors, the experience of cancer in those diagnosed with cancer as older adults is often superimposed on existing health conditions, which disproportionately affect the elderly population. Understanding the extent to which having cancer contributes to decrements in physical, mental and social function, above and beyond the influence of other chronic health conditions and normative aging, will be critical to the long-term care of older cancer survivors. In this article, we review the extant research on the influence of comorbidity, symptoms and age on the health and functioning of older survivors following treatment for cancer. Future research directions are highlighted, along with several approaches to advancing the field, including the identification of strategies to deliver care to the older population after cancer treatment, changing how we view older adults and consider their health, and, finally, finding systematic approaches to monitor the impact of cancer on older survivors’ health and wellbeing. One of the great medical achievements of the latter part of the last century was the ability to turn cancer, once an almost uniformly fatal illness, into a curable disease for some – in particular our
The use of portfolio learning in medical education

SUMMARY Portfolio learning is a method of encouraging adult and reflective learning for professionals. Derived from the graphic arts it is based on developing a collection of evidence that learning has taken place. Portfolios are being used more in nursing and medical education. They are excellent tools for assisting formative assessment and professional development. They are also being developed for formal assessment processes, being seen as one form of authentic assessment particularly suited to evaluating the application of theory in practice. There are, however, difficulties associated with the lack of standardization of the content of portfolios in terms of developing assessment instruments. As long as formal assessment is based on the philosophy of measurement, portfolios will be difficult to assess and will require the development of noncomparative methods of assessment. This article describes some of the history of portfolios, how to develop a portfolio to assist learning or for professional devel.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guideline on: the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections of the hip and knee.

AAOS Guideline on The Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Hip and Knee Summary of Recommendations The following is a summary of the recommendations in the AAOS’ clinical practice guideline, The Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Hip and Knee. This summary does not contain rationales that explain how and why these recommendations were developed nor does it contain the evidence supporting these recommendations. All readers of this summary are strongly encouraged to consult the full guideline and evidence report for this information. We are confident that those who read the full guideline and evidence report will note that the recommendations were developed using systematic evidence-based processes designed to combat bias, enhance transparency, and promote reproducibility. This summary of recommendations is not intended to stand alone. Clinical decisions should be made in light of all circumstances presented by the patient. Procedures applicable to the individual patient rely on mutual communication between patient, physician, and other healthcare practitioners. 1. In the absence of reliable evidence about risk stratification of patients with a potential periprosthetic joint infection, it is the opinion of the work group that testing strategies be planned …
Health Communication via New Media: An Internet-Based Peer Community Dedicated to Health Information Created by Youth in Dakar, Senegal CASES

Abstract Reseau Africain de l’Education pour la Sante (RAES) developed and implemented a health communications pilot project targeting sec-ondary school students throughout Dakar, Senegal, in the summer of 2008. The program focused on the development of a scholastic, Internet-based community dedicated to health information, educa-tion, and dissemination, created by and for Senegalese youth. This article focuses on the summer pilot aspect of this program. Forty-five students from three local high schools in Dakar were recruited during their summer break to participate in a 10-week pilot project conducted at RAES. This summer project developed students’ com-munication and technical skills; youth leaders formulated health messages communicating HIV/AIDS issues to their peers by produc-ing their own digital content. Youth designed, wrote, and produced content using web-based applications, audio/visual equipment, and traditional journalistic approaches. The program was designed to positively impact health behaviors and attitudes among Senegalese youth in the domains of HIV/AIDS stigmatization and discrimina-tion. This included emphasizing the importance of voluntary coun-seling and testing (VCT) for HIV, as well as the role of peer support in reducing health risks. This program can help usher in a new and effective health communications method that may be implemented in high schools throughout Dakar, as well as be scaled up to serve the interest of the greater African community.
Epilepsia mioclónica refleja del lactante: un nuevo síndrome epiléptico reflejo o una variante de la epilepsia mioclónica benigna del lactante

Casos clinicos. Analizamos ocho pacientes con un cuadro electroclinico compatible con una epilepsia mioclonica refleja del lactante, a fin de ratificar la existencia de este sindrome, descrito inicialmente por Ricci et al en 1995. Resultados. Durante el periodo comprendido entre febrero de 1990 y julio de 2002, identificamos 64 pacientes epilepticos con crisis mioclonicas de comienzo en los seis primeros anos de vida, de los que ocho (12,5%) tuvieron mioclonias de estimulo sensible. Los ocho pacientes presentaron un examen neurologico normal, con mioclonias generalizadas provocadas ante estimulos tactiles en seis pacientes y auditivos en dos. En uno de ellos las mioclonias se desencadenaron por ambos tipos de estimulos. Las crisis se iniciaron entre los 5 y los 20 meses de vida. Dos de ellos tuvieron sacudidas espontaneas durante el sueno. El electroencefalograma (EEG) intercritico en vigilia fue normal, y durante el sueno se registraron ocasionales paroxismos de puntas y polipunta-onda lentas. El EEG critico en sueno y vigilia mostro actividad de punta y polipunta-onda lenta generalizada. Los estudios de neuroimagen y neurometabolicos fueron normales. Las miclonias cedieron rapidamente con la administracion de acido valproico en seis pacientes y clobazam en dos. Tras un seguimiento promedio de seis anos, seis ninos estan sin medicacion y libres de crisis. Conclusion. Nuestros pacientes cumplen criterios clinicoelectroencefalograficos compatibles con la epilepsia mioclonica refleja del lactante, por lo cual pensamos que podria considerarse un nuevo sindrome epileptico reflejo o una variante de la epilepsia mioclonica benigna del lactante.
Monitoring and Evaluation of a Model Development Project and StrategicCampaign on HIV/AIDS Prevention among Muslim Communities in Thailand

Background: Prevention and control of HIV/AIDS among Muslim communities using religious principles and practices helps to prevent HIV/AIDS epidemic. Therefore, monitoring and evaluation of outcome achievements will shape policy implications. Methods: A mixed method design using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods was performed to verify the project achievements, best practices on strategic campaign and strengthening partnership and networking for project management among Muslim communities. Results: A total of 60 trainees were selected from 10 communities as peer educators in a training of trainer program to conduct training activities on HIV/AIDS prevention and control among Muslim communities. Best practices focused on people’s perceptions that HIV/AIDS reflects the morals and ethics of community members, using the Noble Al Quran to teach people on appropriate sexual behaviours, to sacrifice themselves for others, and to strengthen partnership and networking through religious leaders, community leaders, housewives, village health volunteers and teenagers as a change agent for sustainable project management. Regarding 84% of returned questionnaires from the target communities, the respondents had their knowledge on HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission and their awareness on HIV/AIDS severity in a moderate to high level. There mean scores of knowledge and awareness between male and female respondents were not significant different. Around 59.5% of them reported on sexual experiences and preventive behaviours. In all, 30% had sexual experiences and100% denied having sex with HIV patients but only 20% always used condoms when having sex. Among 70% who never have sexual experience, 56.7% will always use condom when having sex. Conclusions: The Noble Al Quran helped Muslims to realize appropriate sexual behaviours. Religious leaders are the catalysts of HIV/AIDS prevention and sex education that can be expanded as a nationwide program in every Islamic school.
New properties of afocal lens pairs with Gaussian beams.

Some unexpected properties of Gaussian beams when they are used with afocal lens pairs are presented. It is shown that the output confocal parameter is simply equal to the input confocal parameter multiplied by the square of the magnification of the afocal lens pair. It is not a function of the location of the input beam waist. Applications of these analytical results are discussed in a general way, and one particular application is discussed in detail.
Collaborative Practices Related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Although speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are typically responsible for the treatment of communication problems, the development and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions requires the expertise and involvement of additional educational team members (e.g., general and special education teachers, physical therapists, parents). Effective collaboration by these team members is necessary to develop and implement appropriate AAC interventions for students with disabilities. However, it is unclear if university preservice training programs for SLPS are providing appropriate knowledge and skill training in the collaborative skills that are critical to the appropriate provision of services to students who require AAC. This article discusses specific collaborative skills required for AAC service delivery and examines available information about the state of the profession with regard to preprofessional preparation in collaboration skills for team members. Data from a pilot survey of the preservice professional training experiences in the area of collaboration for SLPs and special and general educators who teach students who use AAC are presented, as is information from university faculty who currently teach AAC courses. Suggestions are provided regarding further examination of issues related to preservice training for team members who provide AAC services to students in schools.
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with the oxford prosthesis in patients with medial compartment arthritis.

BACKGROUND The mobile-bearing feature of the Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement has the potential to optimize polyethylene wear, thereby leading to longer-term function of the implant. The function of the bearing requires intact soft tissues, with the ligaments being balanced throughout the range of motion intraoperatively through bone resection only. Final limb alignment is determined by the restored soft-tissue tension. The purposes of this study were to determine the limb alignment achieved in the absence of ligament release and to investigate the interplay of failure mode, survivorship, and limb alignment. METHODS Fifty-five knees in fifty-one patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis had a unicompartmental replacement with an Oxford prosthesis. Evaluation included Knee Society clinical scores, radiographic evaluation, survivorship analysis, and modes of failure. The average duration of clinical follow-up was 11.8 years. Only two patients (three knees) were lost to follow-up. RESULTS The mean postoperative Knee Society knee score and function score at the latest follow-up evaluation were 75 and 90 points, respectively. The overall alignment of the knee was restored to neutral, averaging 5.6 degrees of valgus alignment. Forty-seven of the fifty-five knees had the mechanical axis crossing the central 50% of the tibial plateau. Seven knees had revision surgery, and six of them required conversion to a total knee prosthesis. The main reason for revision was the progression of arthritis in the lateral compartment, which occurred in four knees at an average of 10.2 years postoperatively. These four knees had not been overcorrected into excessive valgus at the time of the original surgery, and we found no correlation, with the numbers studied, between alignment and bearing size. Survivorship analysis showed that the rate of survival at ten years was 85% with failure for any reason as the end point, 90% with progression of lateral compartment arthritis as the end point, and 96.3% with component loosening as the end point. CONCLUSIONS With this unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, the mechanical limb alignment resulting from balancing the knee ligaments, accomplished without releasing them, was consistently through the center of the knee. Progression of arthritis in the lateral compartment was the most common reason for late failure in this series and was not related to the initial postoperative alignment.