LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
The beneficial effects of weekly low-dose vitamin A supplementation on acute lower respiratory infections and diarrhea in Ecuadorian children.

BACKGROUND
Previous studies of large-dose vitamin A supplementation on respiratory morbidity have produced conflicting results in a variety of populations. The influence of malnutrition has not been examined in the majority of these trials. We hypothesized that weekly low-dose vitamin A supplementation would prevent respiratory and diarrheal disease morbidity and that malnutrition might influence the efficacy of vitamin A supplementation.


METHODS
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled field trial of 400 children, 6 to 36 months of age in a high Andean urban slum, half of the children received 10 000 IU of vitamin A weekly and half received placebo for 40 weeks. Children were visited weekly at home by physicians and assessed for acute diarrheal disease and acute respiratory infections.


RESULTS
Acute diarrheal disease and acute respiratory infection did not differ globally or by severity between supplement-treated and placebo groups. However, the incidence of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) was significantly lower in underweight (weight-for-age z score [WAZ] <-2 SD) supplement-treated children than in underweight children on placebo (8.5 vs 22.3 per 10(3) child-weeks; rate ratio: 0.38 [95% CI: 0.17-0.85]). ALRI incidence was significantly higher in normal-weight (WAZ >-2 SD) supplement-treated children than in normal-weight children on placebo (9.8 vs 4.4 per 10(3) child-weeks; rate ratio: 2.21 [95% CI: 1.24-3.93]). By logistic regression analysis the risk of ALRI was lower in underweight supplement-treated children than in underweight children on placebo (point estimate 0.148 [95% CI: 0.034-0.634]). In contrast, risk of ALRI was higher in normal-weight supplement-treated children (WAZ >-1 SD to mean) than in normal-weight children on placebo in the same WAZ stratum (point estimate: 2.51 [95% CI: 1.24-5.05]). The risk of severe diarrhea was lower in supplement-treated children 18 to 23 months of age than in children on placebo in this age group (point estimate: 0.26 [95% CI: 0.06-1.00]).


CONCLUSIONS
Weekly low-dose (10 000 IU) vitamin A supplementation in a region of subclinical deficiency protected underweight children from ALRI and paradoxically increased ALRI in normal children with body weight over -1 SD. Protection from severe diarrhea was consistent with previous trials. Additional research is warranted to delineate potential beneficial and detrimental interactions between nutritional status and vitamin A supplementation regarding ALRI.
Postoperative stability on lateral radiographs in the surgical treatment of pertrochanteric hip fractures

Fixed-angle sliding hip-screw devices are commonly used to treat pertrochanteric fractures. The controlled impaction between the head and neck fragment and the femoral shaft fragment is crucial. However, the poor quality of fracture reduction can intercept controlled impaction and lead to excessive sliding. We hypothesized that excessive sliding occurs when most of the impaction is placed on the fragile posterior cortex of the fracture site. This retrospective study included 128 AO/OTA type 31-A1 or 31-A2 fractures treated with fixed-angle sliding hip-screw devices. Cases involving reduced continuity of the anterior cortex at fracture site were defined as Type 1, those involving head and neck fragment anteriorly displaced relative to the femoral shaft fragment as Type 2, and those involving head and neck fragment posteriorly displaced relative to the femoral shaft fragment as Type 3. The extent of postoperative sliding distance of lag screw was measured. There were 52 cases of Type 1, 30 of Type 2, and 46 of Type 3, with no differences in patient characteristics between types. The mean ± standard deviation extent of sliding for types 1–3 was 4.5 ± 4.9 mm, 7.8 ± 5.6 mm, and 11.1 ± 6.0 mm, respectively (p < 0.0001). Sliding was significantly greater for Type 3 cases than for Type 1 or 2 (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.044, respectively). Excessive sliding occurs in surgical treatment for pertrochanteric fractures with posterior displacement of the head and neck fragment. In such cases, we recommend appropriate reduction prior to internal fixation.
A prospective study of the impact of serial troponin measurements on the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and hospital and six-month mortality in patients admitted to ICU with non-cardiac diagnoses

INTRODUCTION
Troponin T (cTnT) elevation is common in patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and associated with morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to determine the epidemiology of raised cTnT levels and contemporaneous electrocardiogram (ECG) changes suggesting myocardial infarction (MI) in ICU patients admitted for non-cardiac reasons.


METHODS
cTnT and ECGs were recorded daily during week 1 and on alternate days during week 2 until discharge from ICU or death. ECGs were interpreted independently for the presence of ischaemic changes. Patients were classified into four groups: (i) definite MI (cTnT ≥15 ng/L and contemporaneous changes of MI on ECG), (ii) possible MI (cTnT ≥15 ng/L and contemporaneous ischaemic changes on ECG), (iii) troponin rise alone (cTnT ≥15 ng/L), or (iv) normal. Medical notes were screened independently by two ICU clinicians for evidence that the clinical teams had considered a cardiac event.


RESULTS
Data from 144 patients were analysed (42% female; mean age 61.9 (SD 16.9)). A total of 121 patients (84%) had at least one cTnT level ≥15 ng/L. A total of 20 patients (14%) had a definite MI, 27% had a possible MI, 43% had a cTNT rise without contemporaneous ECG changes, and 16% had no cTNT rise. ICU, hospital and 180-day mortality was significantly higher in patients with a definite or possible MI.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of critically ill patients (84%) had a cTnT rise and 41% met criteria for a possible or definite MI of whom only 20% were recognised clinically. Mortality up to 180 days was higher in patients with a cTnT rise.
Autoencoder-based holographic image restoration

We propose a holographic image restoration method using an autoencoder, which is an artificial neural network. Because holographic reconstructed images are often contaminated by direct light, conjugate light, and speckle noise, the discrimination of reconstructed images may be difficult. In this paper, we demonstrate the restoration of reconstructed images from holograms that record page data in holographic memory and quick response codes by using the proposed method.
A Review on State Complexity of Individual Operations

The state complexity of a regular language is the number of states of its minimal determinitisc finite automaton. The complexity of a language operation is the complexity of the resulting language seen as a function of the complexities of the operation arguments. In this report we review some of the results of state complexity of individual operations for regular and some subregular languages. 1 State Complexity and Nondeterministic State Complexity The state complexity of a regular language L, sc(L), is the number of states of its minimal DFA. The nondeterministic state complexity of a regular language L, nsc(L), is the number of states of a minimal NFA that accepts L. Since a DFA is in particular an NFA, for any regular language L one has sc(L) ≤ nsc(L). It is well known that anym-state NFA can be converted, via the subset construction, in an equivalent DFA with at most 2 states [116] (we call this conversion determination). Thus, sc(L) ≤ 2. To show that (i) 0 1 2 · · · m− 2 m− 1 a b a, b a, b a, b a, b
A review of evidence-based practice, nursing research and reflection: levelling the hierarchy.

AIM
This paper examines the evidence-based practice movement, the hierarchy of evidence and the relationship between evidence-based practice and reflective practice.


BACKGROUND
Evidence-based practice is equated with effective decision making, with avoidance of habitual practice and with enhanced clinical performance. The hierarchy of evidence has promoted randomized control trials as the most valid source of evidence. However, this is problematic for practitioners as randomized control trials overlook certain types of knowledge that, through the process of reflection, provide useful information for individualized and effective practice.


METHOD
A literature search was undertaken using CINAHL, medline and Ovid electronic databases in early 2006. The search terms used were: evidence-based practice, research evidence, evidence for practice, qualitative research, reflective practice, reflection and evidence. Other sources included handpicking of books on evidence-based practice, reflection and research. Only material written in English was included.


FINDINGS
The hierarchy of evidence that has promoted randomized control trials as the most valid form of evidence may actually impede the use of most effective treatment because of practical, political/ideological and epistemological contradictions and limitations. Furthermore, evidence-based practice appears to share very similar definitions, aims and procedures with reflective practice. Hence, it appears that the evidence-based practice movement may benefit much more from the use of reflection on practice, rather than the use of the hierarchical structure of evidence.


CONCLUSION
Evidence-based practice is necessary for nursing, but its' effective implementation may be hindered by the hierarchy of evidence. Furthermore, evidence-based practice and reflection are both processes that share very similar aims and procedures. Therefore, to enable the implementation of best evidence in practice, the hierarchy of evidence might need to be abandoned and reflection to become a core component of the evidence-based practice movement.


RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Provides an elaborated analysis for clinical nurses on the definition and implementation of evidence in practice.
Validity and Reliability of Using a Self-Lavaging Device for Cytology and HPV Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening: Findings from a Pilot Study

UNLABELLED
Self-sampling could increase cervical cancer screening uptake. While methods have been identified for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, to date, self-sampling has not provided adequate specimens for cytology. We piloted the validity and reliability of using a self-lavaging device for cervical cytology and HPV testing. We enrolled 198 women in New York City in 2008-2009 from three ambulatory clinics where they received cervical cancer screening. All were asked to use the Delphi Screener™ to self-lavage 1-3 months after clinician-collected index cytological smear (100 normal; 98 abnormal). Women with abnormal cytology results from either specimen underwent colposcopy; 10 women with normal results from both specimens also underwent colposcopy. We calculated sensitivity of self-collected cytology to detect histologically confirmed high grade lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN, 2+); specificity for histology-negative (CIN 1 or lower), paired cytology negative, or a third cytology negative; and kappa for paired results. One hundred and ninety-seven (99.5%) women self-collected a lavage. Seventy-five percent had moderate to excellent cellularity, two specimens were unsatisfactory for cytology. Seven of 167 (4%) women with definitive results had CIN2+; one had normal and six abnormal cytology results with the self-lavage (sensitivity = 86%, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 42, 100). The kappa for paired cytology was low (0.36; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.47) primarily due to clinician specimens with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) coded as normal using Screener specimens. However, three cases of HSIL were coded as ASC-US and one as normal using Screener specimens. Seventy-three women had paired high-risk HPV tests with a kappa of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.84). Based on these preliminary findings, a larger study to estimate the performance of the Screener for co-testing cytology and HPV or for HPV testing with cytology triage is warranted.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00702208.
University Students ’ Attitudes Towards Quantitative Research Methods : A Comparative / Contrastive Analysis

The study sought to determine the university undergraduate sociology and psychology students' attitudes towards the learning of the quantitative research methods course, since attitudes influence students' performance at a discipline. The sample consisted of 55 second year undergraduate social science students. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the students. The research findings indicated that more psychology than sociology students had positive attitudes towards the learning of quantitative research methods and seemed more interested to study the discipline. The methods of instruction used seemed to influence the attitudes of the students. The study recommends that the instructional process should be managed in appropriate ways, for example which provoke critical thinking in students, so as to create positive attitudes towards the quantitative research methods course which is numeric in nature.
Interfacial heat transfer coefficient for non-equilibrium convective transport in porous media

The literature has documented proposals for macroscopic energy equation modeling for porous media considering the local thermal equilibrium hypothesis and laminar flow. In addition, two-energy equation models have been proposed for conduction and laminar convection in packed beds. With the aim of contributing to new developments, this work treats turbulent heat transport modeling in porous media under the local thermal nonequilibrium assumption. Macroscopic time-average equations for continuity, momentum and energy are presented based on the recently established double decomposition concept (spatial deviations and temporal fluctuations of flow properties). Interfacial heat transfer coefficients are numerically determined for an infinite medium over which the fully developed flow condition prevails. The numerical technique employed for discretizing the governing equations is the control volume method. Preliminary laminar flow results for the macroscopic heat transfer coefficient, between the fluid and solid phase in a periodic cell, are presented. D 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The ability of multifamily groups to improve treatment adherence in Mexican Americans with schizophrenia.

CONTEXT
Evidence-based interventions to improve medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia are lacking. Although family psychoeducation has demonstrated efficacy in improving outcomes in schizophrenia, empirical support for its ability to enhance medication adherence is scarce.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a culturally adapted, multifamily group (MFG) therapy would increase medication adherence and decrease psychiatric hospitalizations for Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans with schizophrenia.


DESIGN
A total of 174 Mexican American adults with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and their key relatives were studied in a 3-armed, randomized controlled trial of MFG therapy focused on improving medication adherence. Assessments occurred at baseline and at 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months.


SETTING
Two community mental health centers in Los Angeles, California.


PARTICIPANTS
Patients had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder with a recent exacerbation of psychotic symptoms and nonadherence to medication before enrollment. Intervention  Patients participated in 1 of 2 MFGs (MFG-adherence or MFG-standard) or treatment as usual. Groups convened twice monthly in 90-minute sessions for 1 year.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The Treatment Compliance Interview uses multiple sources of information to quantify medication adherence. Computerized records were used to collect information on the use of inpatient resources.


RESULTS
At the end of the 1-year treatment, MFG-adherence was associated with higher medication adherence than MFG-standard or treatment as usual only (F = 6.41; P = .003). The MFG-adherence participants had a longer time to first hospitalization (χ(2) = 13.3; P = .001) and were less likely to be hospitalized than those in MFG-standard (χ(2) = 8.2; P = .04) and treatment as usual alone (χ(2) = 11.3; P < .001). Increased adherence accounted for one-third of the overall effect of treatment on the reduced risk for psychiatric hospitalization.


CONCLUSION
Multifamily group therapy specifically tailored to improve medication adherence through a focus on the beliefs and attitudes of the target population is associated with improved outcome for Mexican American adults with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Trial Registration  clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01125267.
Randomized comparative study of left versus right radial approach in the setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND
Growing evidence suggests that the left radial approach (LRA) is related to decreased coronary procedure duration and fewer cerebrovascular complications as compared to the right radial approach (RRA) in elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the feasibility of LRA in primary PCI has yet to be studied further. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of LRA compared with RRA for primary PCI in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 200 consecutive patients with STEMI who received primary PCI were randomized to LRA (number [n]=100) or RRA (n=100). The study endpoint was needle-to-balloon time, defined as the time from local anesthesia infiltration to the first balloon inflation. Radiation dose by measuring cumulative air kerma (CAK) and CAK dose area product, as well as fluoroscopy time and contrast volume were also investigated.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The coronary procedural success rate was similar between both radial approaches (98% for left versus 94% for right; P=0.28). Compared with RRA, LRA had significantly shorter needle-to-balloon time (16.0±4.8 minutes versus 18.0±6.5 minutes, respectively; P=0.02). Additionally, fluoroscopy time (7.4±3.4 minutes versus 8.8±3.5 minutes, respectively; P=0.01) and CAK dose area product (51.9±30.4 Gy cm(2) versus 65.3±49.1 Gy cm(2), respectively; P=0.04) were significantly lower with LRA than with RRA.


CONCLUSION
Primary PCI can be performed via LRA with earlier blood flow restoration in the infarct-related artery and lower radiation exposure when compared with RRA; therefore, the LRA may become a feasible and attractive alternative to perform primary PCI for STEMI patients.
Sotalol in the treatment of fetal dysrhythmias.

BACKGROUND
Fetal tachycardia may cause hydrops fetalis and lead to fetal death. No unanimity of opinion exists regarding the optimum treatment. This study evaluates our experience with transplacental sotalol therapy to treat fetal tachycardias in terms of safety and efficacy.


METHODS AND RESULTS
The charts of 21 patients who were treated with sotalol for fetal tachycardia were reviewed. Ten fetuses had atrial flutter (AF), 10 had supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and 1 had VT. Hydrops fetalis was present in 9 fetuses. Drug treatment was successful in establishing sinus rhythm in 8 of 10 fetuses with AF and in 6 of 10 fetuses with SVT. The mortality rate in this study was 19% (4 of 21 fetuses; 3 had SVT and 1 had AF); 3 deaths occurred just days after the initiation of sotalol therapy, and 1 occurred after a dosage increase. At birth, tachycardia was present in 6 infants. Two patients who converted to sinus rhythm in utero suffered from neurologic pathology postnatally.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal tachycardia is a serious condition in which treatment should be initiated, especially in the presence of hydrops fetalis. The high success rate in fetuses with AF suggests that sotalol should be considered a drug of first choice to treat fetal AF. The low conversion rate and the fact that 3 of the 4 deaths in this study occurred in fetuses with SVT indicate that the risks of sotalol therapy outweigh the benefits in this group and that sotalol should, therefore, be limited in the treatment of fetal SVT.
United States women and pornography through four decades: exposure, attitudes, behaviors, individual differences.

Responding to a call for research on pornography and women's sexuality made by Weinberg, Williams, Kleiner, and Irizarry (2010), this study assessed pornography consumption, predictors, and correlates using nationally representative data gathered from U.S. women between 1973 and 2010 (N = 18,225). Women who were younger, less religious, and non-White were more likely to consume pornography. Women who consumed pornography had more positive attitudes toward extramarital sex, adult premarital sex, and teenage sex. Women who consumed pornography also had more sexual partners in the prior year, prior 5 years, and were more likely to have engaged in extramarital sex and paid sex. Consistent with Wright's (2011a) acquisition, activation, application model of mass media sexual socialization and the theorizing of Linz and Malamuth (1993), liberal-conservative ideology moderated the association between pornography exposure and sexual behavior. Specifically, the positive association between pornography exposure and women's recent sexual behavior was strongest for the most liberal women and weakest for the most conservative women. Cultural commentators and some academics argue that technological advances have resulted in a steady increase in the percentage of individuals who consume pornography. Little support was found for this assertion among U.S. women.
Driving and Enabling Factors for Purchasing Involvement in Product Development

This article is the second in a series of two focusing on the involvement of purchasing and suppliers in product development. The first article has introduced a framework defining purchasing involvement in product development in terms of a series of specific activities across four different management areas. These activities range from operational activities concerning the actual design of a new product to strategic activities, like the formulation of policies for supplier involvement in development projects. This second article investigates the driving and enabling factors that influence the need for and the ability of firms to carry out the various activities from our framework. In that way, it provides indications in which situations certain activities are more important than others and suggestions as to how to enable an organisation to perform purchasing involvement in product development in an effective and efficient way. 1. A Framework for Purchasing Involvement in Product Development Previously, we introduced a framework that defines purchasing involvement in product development in terms of a series of specific activities across four different management areas (Wynstra et al. (1999), see Table 1). The framework has been developed on the basis of a large number of exploratory case studies in the Netherlands and Sweden, across a broad range of industries.