Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Homocysteine Level as a Risk Factor among Patients with Ischemic Stroke and Its Subtypes

Background: Epidemiological research has shown that increased total homocysteine (tHcy) levels are associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic disease; however, controversy still exists over which subtype of stroke is allied to hyperhomocysteinemia. This study aimed to investigate whether elevated tHcy is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and to compare tHcy levels in patients with ischemic stroke subtypes. Methods: We performed a case-control study, in which 171 ischemic stroke patients aged over 16 years and 86 age and sex-matched controls were eligible to participate and were enrolled from January 2009 to January 2010. The patients’ demographic data, traditional stroke risk factors, and the results of fasting tHcy, vitamin B12, and folate of serum were collected in the first 5 days after ischemic stroke. Stroke subtypes were classified according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. SPSS software (version 13) was used for the statistical analysis of the data, and a P value smaller than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean fasting Hcy levels was significantly higher in the cases (16.2 μmol/L, 95% CI: 14.8 to 17.5) than in the controls (13.5 μmol/L, 95% CI: 12.4 to 14.6) (P=0.013). The mean Hcy levels was elevated significantly in those with cardioembolic strokes compared with the controls (17.7 μmol/L, 95% CI: 14.8 to 20.5; P=0.010). The plasma Hcy level was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.17 (95% CI: 1.24 to 3.79; P=0.004) for Hcy above 15 μmol/L concentration for all types of stroke. Conclusion: Our data showed that elevated serum Hcy is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and it has a strong association with cardioembolic subtype.
Self-Concept, Social Comparison, and Ability Grouping: A Reply to Kulik and Kulik

Self-concept, like other psychological impressions, is relativistic and depends on some frame of reference. In educational settings, for example, the other students in the same classroom serve as one basis of comparison. According to the frame of reference model, academic self-concept will depend on a student’s own academic ability and the ability levels of other students within the same class. Thus academic self-concept is expected to vary with the average ability level in a classroom. However,Kulik and Kulik (1982), on the basis of their meta-analysis, found that the average student self-concept in classes where students were grouped according to ability level did not differ from those in comparable ungrouped classes. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that ability grouping is likely to have substantial effects on self concepts within different ability groupings, even though these effects may be lost when data are averaged across ability groupings. This contention is consistent with predictions from the frame of reference model of self-concept and data that support the model.
Physician knowledge and opinions about sexually transmitted infections and the human papillomavirus vaccine: a community based survey.

BACKGROUND The new Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is targeted to pre-adolescents; therefore pediatric providers will be its most frequent supplier. METHODS A survey focusing on physician knowledge and opinions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the HPV vaccine was distributed to pediatric providers in Chattanooga, TN. RESULTS Response rate of 171 distributed surveys was 59 percent. Most doctors rated their STI knowledge base as adequate (93 percent), felt comfortable counseling on STIs (80 percent), and felt comfortable counseling about the vaccine and administering it (78 percent). Most also felt the vaccine should be incorporated into the current pediatric vaccination schedule (63 percent) eventually for males and (females (63 percent), aged 10-14 years (54 percent). While four percent of respondents felt this vaccine might promote a false sense of security against STIs, none felt it would promote promiscuity. CONCLUSION Most surveyed providers feel comfortable counseling their patients about STIs and support the current recommendations for the HPV vaccine.
Sexual dysfunction in women with ESRD requiring hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The few existing studies of sexual dysfunction in women on hemodialysis are limited by small sample size. This large, cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence and correlates of female sexual dysfunction in advanced kidney disease. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, METHODS: A total of 1472 women with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis were recruited to a multinational, cross-sectional study conducted within a collaborative dialysis network in Europe and South America. Sexual dysfunction was identified by the Female Sexual Function Index. Correlates of self-reported sexual dysfunction were identified by regression analyses. RESULTS Of the 1472 women, 659 completed questionnaires (45%). More than half (362 of 659 [55%]) lived with a partner, and 232 of 659 (35%) reported being sexually active. Of these 659 respondents, 555 (84%) reported sexual dysfunction. Women with a partner (282 of 362 [78%]) were less likely to report sexual dysfunction than those without a partner (273 of 297 [92%]) (P<0.001). Sexual dysfunction was independently associated with age, depressive symptoms, less education, menopause, diabetes, and diuretic therapy. Nearly all women who were not wait-listed for a kidney transplant and were living without a partner (249 of 260 [96%]) reported sexual dysfunction. More than half (128 of 232 [55%]) of sexually active women reported sexual dysfunction, associated with age, depressive symptoms, menopause, low serum albumin, and diuretic therapy. CONCLUSIONS This descriptive study suggests most women on hemodialysis experience sexual problems. Additional research on the relevance of sexual dysfunction to symptom burden and quality of life in these women is needed.
The new fitness geography: the globalisation of Japanese gym and fitness culture

Abstract Using a minor case study of the local fitness culture scene in Tokyo, Japan, this exploratory and qualitative article aims to discuss and analyse the consequences of globalisation of fitness culture. The article focuses particularly on how fitness culture is negotiated in Japanese society – at a national, local and subjective level, and in relation to attempts to uniformly rationalise and standardise gym and fitness culture. The results indicate that the fitness geography is changing, and through the establishment of a globalised fitness culture, Japanese youth are following in the footsteps of many other countries. However, this does not mean that we are witnessing a homogenisation process, or a completely McDonaldised version of fitness culture in Japan. Instead, this cultural phenomenon is shaped and formed in particular ways, pointing towards certain strong national sentiments concerning body ideals, views on gender and exercise and relaxation. For example, the cuteness ideal has a strong influence on the way young women talk about and perceive body ideals and corporeal performances in Japan.
The use of inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme and its relation to events in the postoperative period of CABG.

BACKGROUND Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the chance of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in patients with coronary disease. However there is no consensus as to its indication in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between preoperative use of ACE inhibitors and clinical outcomes after CABG. METHODS Retrospective cohort study. We included data from 3,139 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG in Brazilian tertiary care hospital between January 1996 and December 2009. Follow-up was until discharge or death. Clinical outcomes after surgery were analyzed between users and nonusers of ACE inhibitors preoperatively. RESULTS Fifty-two percent (n=1,635) of patients received ACE inhibitors preoperatively. The use of ACE inhibitors was an independent predictor of need for inotropic support (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.47, P = 0.01), acute renal failure (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.73, P = 0.04) and progression to atrial fibrillation (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.7, P = 0.03) postoperatively. The mortality rate among patients receiving or not preoperative ACE inhibitors was similar (10.3% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.436), as well as the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke (15.6% vs. 15.0%, P = 0.694 and 3.4% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.963, respectively). CONCLUSION The use of preoperative ACE inhibitors was associated with increased need for inotropic support and higher incidence of acute renal failure and postoperative atrial fibrillation, not associated with increased rates of myocardial infarction, stroke or death.
Analysis of the Self-Concepts of Handicapped Students

The phenomenal and nonphenomenal self-concepts of 120 handicapped students (emotionally disturbed, educable mentally retarded, learning disabled, speech/language impaired) were compared to those of 30 nonhandicapped students. The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, a self-reporting instrument, was used to assess phenomenal (conscious) attitudes toward the self. The Human Figure Drawing Test, a projective measure, was administered to assess nonphenomenal (unconscious) attitudes regarding the self. The results indicated that handicapped students had significantly more negative phenomenal and nonphenomenal self-concepts; higher anxiety levels; more negative perceptions of their intellectual abilities, school status, and popularity; and more emotional feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, guilt, impulsivity, and immaturity than nonhandicapped students.
Rate of CD4 Decline and HIV-RNA Change Following HIV Seroconversion in Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Comparison Between the Beijing PRIMO and CASCADE Cohorts

Objective:Little is known about the natural history of the HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Methods:We compared changes in CD4+ T-cell count and HIV-RNA following seroconversion before starting antiretroviral therapy between MSM in China and in resource-rich countries using data from the Beijing PRIMO cohort and Concerted Action on SeroConversion to AIDS and Death in Europe (CASCADE), respectively. Linear mixed models were used to compare rates of CD4 decline (cubic root scale) and changes in HIV-RNA (log10 scale) in the first 3 years following seroconversion. Results:For 131 PRIMO and 3171 CASCADE MSM infected in 2001–2010, estimated CD4+ T-cell count at seroconversion was lower in PRIMO (504 cells/mm3; 95% confidence interval: 463 to 547) compared with CASCADE (554 cells/mm3; 544 to 564). CD4 decline was significantly faster for PRIMO men [−0.59 (−0.72 to −0.47) and − 0.41 (−0.44 to −0.38) cubic root of CD4 count/year for PRIMO and CASCADE, respectively], even after restricting to subtype B (P = 0.01). HIV-RNA at seroconversion was lower in PRIMO compared with CASCADE MSM [difference 0.425 log10/mL (0.249 to 0.603), P < 0.001]. After the first year of seroconversion, PRIMO MSM experienced a faster increase in HIV-RNA [0.830 log10/mL per year; (0.484 to 1.168)] compared with CASCADE MSM [0.018 (− 0.035 to 0.067)] (P < 0.001). Conclusions:CD4 decline and HIV-RNA increase are faster between MSM in China compared with MSM from resource-rich settings. Whether this is due to differences in host immunity or viral characteristics requires further exploration.
Pediatric Heart Transplantation: Report from a Single Center in China

Background:Although heart transplantation (HTx) has become a standard therapy for end-stage heart diseases, experience with pediatric HTx is limited in China. In this article, we will try to provide the experience with indications, complications, perioperative management, immunosuppressive therapy, and survival for pediatric HTx based on our clinical work. Methods:This is a retrospective chart review of the pediatric patients undergoing HTx at Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Union Hospital from September 2008 to December 2014. We summarized the indications, surgical variables, postoperative complications, and survival for these patients. Results:Nineteen pediatric patients presented for HTx at Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, of whom 10 were male. The age at the time of transplantation ranged from 3 months to 18 years (median 15 years). Patient weight ranged from 5.2 kg to 57.0 kg (median 38.0 kg). Pretransplant diagnosis included cardiomyopathy (14 cases), complex congenital heart disease (3 cases), and tumor (2 cases). All recipients received ABO-compatible donor hearts. Postoperative complications occurred in 12 patients, including cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmia, pulmonary infection, renal dysfunction, and rejection. Two of them experienced cardiac failure and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The immunosuppression regimen was comprised of prednisone, a calcineurin inhibitor, and mycophenolate. All patients recovered with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I–II cardiac function and were discharged. Only one patient suffered sudden death 19 months after transplantation. Conclusion:Orthotopic HTx is a promising therapeutic option with satisfying survival for the pediatric population in China with end-stage heart disease.
Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education

In the last decade, with the increased attention to learner-centred curricula, the topic of self-assessment and peer assessment has become of particular interest in testing and evaluation. The present study explores the role of self-assessment, and peer assessment in promoting writing performance of language learners. To do this, 157 intermediate TEFL (Teaching English as Foreign Language) students were assigned to five different treatments in five groups: four experimental groups and one control group. The first experimental group did journal writing as a selfassessment technique, the second group self-assessed their own writings, the third group employed peer assessment, and the fourth group had both selfand peer assessment. Moreover, there was teacher assessment in all experimental groups, except the fourth group, i.e., the selfand peer assessment group. In the control group, there was only teacher assessment. Also, at the beginning and end of the semester, all participants took a writing test. The design of the study was quasiexperimental, non-randomised control group, pre-test–post-test design. The results revealed that in the second and third groups, in which the students employed selfassessment and peer assessment, together with teacher assessment, we observed the maximum improvement in writing.
Evaluation of a Community-Based Falls Prevention Program in South Florida, 2008-2009

Introduction Many older adults experience fear of falling, which may reduce participation in routine activities. A Matter of Balance (MOB) and Un Asunto de Equilibrio (ADE) workshops were offered in South Florida to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels in older adults. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of the lay leader model of the programs in the first year of their implementation and to further report on participant outcome measures. Methods We analyzed reach, adoption, and implementation data for participants who attended workshops between October 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, who were aged 60 years or older, and who had both baseline and posttest outcome data. Workshops were in English and Spanish and consisted of 8 two-hour sessions. Participants completed a 7-item baseline and posttest questionnaire that consisted of a falls management scale, a social activity item, and modified version of Physician-Based Assessment and Counseling on Exercise. We analyzed outcome data on multiple characteristics using a general linear model. A class evaluation questionnaire measured participant satisfaction. Results Results for 562 participants who provided both baseline and posttest data showed significant improvement on 6 of 7 questions for MOB and all questions for ADE (P < .001). The 391 participants who provided evaluation data indicated that the programs were effective, beneficial, and well organized. Conclusion Lay leaders successfully implemented the programs in community settings. The programs were effective in reducing fear of falling among older adults.
Confirmatory factor analysis and temporal stability of the caffeine expectancy questionnaire (CaffEQ)

Caffeine is the most widely consumed behaviorally active drug in the world, yet little is known about the expectancies consumers have about its effects. In a series of prior studies, we assessed self-reported expectancies for caffeine among caffeine consumers and non-consumers to identify the nature and scope of caffeine expectancies and to develop a valid and reliable seven factor caffeine expectancy questionnaire (CaffEQ). In the present study the CaffEQ was administered to 665 participants to evaluate the fit of the hypothesized seven factor CaffEQ. Associations between CaffEQ factors and caffeine exposure, frequency of caffeine use, symptoms of substance dependence and caffeine administration vehicle were also accessed. The CaffEQ was readministered to 440 (66.2%) of the original sample approximately two weeks later to assess the temporal stability of the CaffEQ factors. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the seven factor solution indicating good model fit and test-retest reliability. The frequency and quantity of caffeine use was associated with greater expectancies for Withdrawal/Dependence, Energy/Work Enhancement, Appetite Suppression, Social/Mood Enhancement, and Physical Performance Enhancement and lower iii expectancies for Anxiety/Negative Physical Effects and Sleep Disturbance, with the largest effects observed in the Withdrawal/Dependence scale. Caffeine expectancies predicted various features of substance dependence (e.g., use despite harm, withdrawal incidence and severity, perceived difficulty stopping use, tolerance) as well as latency to consume caffeine after waking. Expectancies for caffeine consumed via coffee were stronger than for caffeine consumed via soft drinks. The CaffEQ demonstrates good reliability and construct validity, and should facilitate the advancement of our knowledge of caffeine and drug use in general.
Replacement, reduction and refinement alternatives to animal use in vaccine potency measurement

Models to measure potency in vaccine research and development and preclinical testing are frequently based on an immunization–challenge procedure in laboratory animals. These models have proven to be very instrumental in scientifically underpinning the correlation of protection of selected vaccine antigens and their efficacy. In vivo models in vaccine research and development are, for the time being, irreplaceable, although significant progress has been made in using in vitro prescreening tests to evaluate particular immunological parameters. For a long time, in vivo potency tests have been similarly relevant for routine vaccine lot-release testing. The design of a potency test, defined in most pharmacopeias, relied on a direct or indirect-challenge procedure in laboratory animals. For various reasons, there now is an increased interest in the development of alternatives to the current in vivo potency tests. Animal models have their limitations, with respect to their relevance, reliability, costs and moral acceptability. All alternative approaches have in common that they ultimately result in a refinement, reduction or replacement in the use of animals. The new models range from modifications of the existing in vivo test procedure (e.g., use of humane end points or serology instead of challenge) to in vitro antigen-quantification tests. A new paradigm in quality control of vaccines is the consistency approach. This approach is state-of-the-art in quality control of the new-generation vaccines and it is now finding its way into the quality control of traditional vaccines. The consistency approach implies the use of a set of parameters to constitute a product profile, which is monitored throughout production, and which guarantees that each lot released is similar to a manufacturer-specific vaccine of proven clinical efficacy and safety. Consistency relies heavily on the implementation of quality systems, such as good manufacturing practice and quality assurance, and on the use of in vitro analytical tools, such as immunochemical and physicochemical tests.
Pengaruh Pendidikan dan Pelatihan Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Universitas

Result of analysis show the carrying out of training and education very good with rate score 227,8. rate of employee performance very good with rate score 226. Result of regression analysis show traiming and aducation influenced to performance employee with coefisien regression value 0,911. Coefisien determination value 0,644, show that training and aducation influence to employee performance 64.4 %. Resercher suggestion, Muhammadiyah University of Malang should maintain and increase the employee performances.
Erythroid colony formation in cultures of human marrow: Effect of leukocyte conditioned medium

A method, based on the differing capacities of cells to adhere to a column of polyester fibres, has been described for separating human bone marrow cells into a nonadherent and an adherent fraction. The effect of this cell separation procedure on colony formation by erythroid progenitor cells was investigated. In contrast to the unseparated population, it was found that erythropoietin‐dependent erythroid colony formation by nonadherent cells could be considerably enhanced by the addition of leukocyte conditioned medium to the cultures. Similar erythroid enhancing activity was also detected in a partially purified preparation of granulocytic colony stimulating activity obtained from human embryo kidney culture supernatants.
Morphogenesis of Self-Assembled Nanocrystalline Materials of Barium Carbonate and Silica

The precipitation of barium or strontium carbonates in alkaline silica-rich environments leads to crystalline aggregates that have been named silica/carbonate biomorphs because their morphology resembles that of primitive organisms. These aggregates are self-assembled materials of purely inorganic origin, with an amorphous phase of silica intimately intertwined with a carbonate nanocrystalline phase. We propose a mechanism that explains all the morphologies described for biomorphs. Chemically coupled coprecipitation of carbonate and silica leads to fibrillation of the growing front and to laminar structures that experience curling at their growing rim. These curls propagate in a surflike way along the rim of the laminae. We show that all observed morphologies with smoothly varying positive or negative Gaussian curvatures can be explained by the combined growth of counterpropagating curls and growing laminae.
Women and Girls in the Criminal Justice System: Policy Issues and Practice Strategies

Edited by Russ Immarigeon. Kingston, NJ: Civic Research Institute, 2006. 564 pp. $135.95. Women and Girls in the Criminal Justice System: Policy Issues and Practice Strategies is a reference text composed of 52 chapters, all of which have been published in the journal Women , Girls , and Criminal
InSAR time series investigation of land subsidence due to groundwater overexploitation in Tehran, Iran

Land surface deformation associated with groundwater overexploitation is a serious challenge for plain aquifers of Iran, particularly in semiarid and arid region. In the Greater Tehran area, the capital of Iran with a population of 14 million people, ground-water discharge has exceeded natural recharge over the last decades, causing significant drawdown of groundwater level and land subsidence. In this study we use 46 Envisat ASAR data acquired in descending and ascending orbits between 2003 and 2007 to examine in detail the spatio-temporal pattern of land subsidence in Tehran.