Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of reflux in commercially available needle-free IV connectors

Introduction: Blood reflux is caused by changes in pressure within intravascular catheters upon connection or disconnection of a syringe or intravenous tubing from a needle-free connector (NFC). Changes in pressure, differing with each brand of NFC, may result in fluid movement and blood reflux that can contribute to intraluminal catheter occlusions and increase the potential for central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Methods: In this study, 14 NFC brands representing each of the four market-categories of NFCs were selected for evaluation of fluid movement occurring during connection and disconnection of a syringe. Study objectives were to 1) theoretically estimate amount of blood reflux volume in microliters (μL) permitted by each NFC based on exact component measurements, and 2) experimentally measure NFC volume of fluid movement for disconnection reflux of negative, neutral and anti-reflux NFC and fluid movement for connection reflux of positive displacement NFC. Results: The results demonstrated fluid movement/reflux volumes of 9.73 μL to 50.34 μL for negative displacement, 3.60 μL to 10.80 μL for neutral displacement, and 0.02 μL to 1.73 μL for pressure-activated anti-reflux NFC. Separate experiment was performed measuring connection reflux of 18.23 μL to 38.83 μL for positive displacement NFC connectors. Conclusions: This study revealed significant differences in reflux volumes for fluid displacement based on NFC design. While more research is needed on effects of blood reflux in catheters and NFCs, results highlight the need to consider NFCs based on performance of individual connector designs, rather than manufacturer designation of positive, negative and neutral marketing categories for NFCs without anti-reflux mechanisms.
Macroeconomic policy effects in a monetary union

This paper develops a two-country model of a monetary union. In order to analyze fully the linkages between the countries, the model specifies structural equations for the goods, money and bond markets in each country. Interdependencies arise through trade, the asset markets, and a common currency. The model also includes a supply side for each economy based on an expectations augmented Phillips curve. Using this model it is possible to trace the shifts in aggregate demand and aggregate supply in both countries resulting from a change in fiscal and monetary policies. The results suggest that given asymmetries in current account balances, fiscal policies may cause friction among countries in a European monetary union.
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation: Summary and meta‐analysis of outcomes

Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is currently the most common therapeutic surgical procedure for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have failed medical management. However, a recent summary of clinical evidence on the effectiveness of STN DBS is lacking. We report the results of such a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A comprehensive review of the literature using Medline and Ovid databases from 1993 until 2004 was conducted. Estimates of change in absolute Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores after surgery were generated using random‐effects models. Sources of heterogeneity were explored with meta‐regression models, and the possibility of publication bias was evaluated. Patient demographics, reduction in medication requirements, change in dyskinesia, daily offs, quality of life, and a ratio of postoperative improvement from stimulation compared to preoperative improvement by medication from each study were tabulated and average scores were calculated. Adverse effects from each study were summarized. Thirty‐seven cohorts were included in the review. Twenty‐two studies with estimates of standard errors were included in the meta‐analysis. The estimated decreases in absolute UPDRS II (activities of daily living) and III (motor) scores after surgery in the stimulation ON/medication off state compared to preoperative medication off state were 13.35 (95% CI: 10.85–15.85; 50%) and 27.55 (95% CI: 24.23–30.87; 52%), respectively. Average reduction in L‐dopa equivalents following surgery was 55.9% (95% CI: 50%–61.8%). Average reduction in dyskinesia following surgery was 69.1% (95% CI: 62.0%–76.2%). Average reduction in daily off periods was 68.2% (95% CI: 57.6%–78.9%). Average improvement in quality of life using PDQ‐39 was 34.5% ± 15.3%. Univariable regression showed improvements in UPDRS III scores were significantly greater in studies with higher baseline UPDRS III off scores, increasing disease duration prior to surgery, earlier year of publication, and higher baseline L‐dopa responsiveness. Average baseline UPDRS III off scores were significantly lower (i.e., suggesting milder disease) in later than in earlier studies. In multivariable regression, L‐dopa responsiveness, higher baseline motor scores, and disease duration were independent predictors of greater change in motor score. No evidence of publication bias in the available literature was found. The most common serious adverse event related to surgery was intracranial hemorrhage in 3.9% of patients. Psychiatric sequelae were common. Synthesis of the available literature indicates that STN DBS improves motor activity and activities of daily living in advanced PD. Differences between available studies likely reflect differences in patient populations and follow‐up periods. These data provide an estimate of the magnitude of the treatment effects and emphasize the need for controlled and randomized studies. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Meiotic crossover patterns: Obligatory crossover, interference and homeostasis in a single process

During meiosis, crossover recombination is tightly regulated. A spatial patterning phenomenon known as interference ensures that crossovers are well-spaced along the chromosomes. Additionally, every pair of homologs acquires at least one crossover. A third feature, crossover homeostasis, buffers the system such that the number of crossovers remains steady despite decreases or increases in the number of earlier recombinational interactions. Here we summarize recent work from our laboratory supporting the idea that all 3 of these aspects are intrinsic consequences of a single basic process and suggesting that the underlying logic of this process corresponds to that embodied in a particular (beam-film) model.
Serum magnesium, phosphate and calcium in Nigerian children with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND Biochemical abnormalities have been associated with sickle cell disease. Studies on phosphorus and magnesium in sickle cell disease have been conflicting. There is paucity of information on the role of these ions in the pathogenesis and management of sickle cell disease. This study was set out to determine the serum levels of magnesium, phosphorus and calcium in Nigerian children with sickle cell disease. STUDY DESIGN A case-control study carried out on children with HbSS genotype (cases) and age-matched controls with HbAA. Serum magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and albumin were measured using colorimetric methods. RESULTS Eighty-six subjects and forty-five controls were studied. The mean serum magnesium was 0.99mmol/L (0.02) and 0.98mmol/L (0.02) in the cases and controls respectively. The difference was not significant. Mean serum calcium was significantly lower in the cases [2.1mmol/L (0.3)] compared with the controls [2.3mmol/ L (0.15)]; p<0.01. Serum phosphorus was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls [2.2mmol/L (0.7) versus (1.5mmol/L (0.6); p<0.001]. There was no statistical difference in the albumin binding of calcium in both groups. A positive correlation existed between serum phosphorus and magnesium and also between serum calcium and magnesium in the cases group but no correlation between these parameters and age was found. CONCLUSION Children with sickle cell anaemia in this study had normo-magnesaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hypocalcaemia. Further studies on changes in intracellular concentrations of these ions in children with sickle cell disease are required. Such findings could be useful in designing better management in individuals with this abnormality.
Reaching the poor through rural public employment : a survey of theory and evidence

With the limited set of policy instruments typically available in the rural sectors of developing countries, imperfect coverage of the poor and leakage to the non-poor must be expected from even the most well intentioned poverty alleviation scheme. Labor intensive rural public works projects have the potential to both screen and protect the poor, as well as to create and maintain rural infrastructure. The limited evidence for South Asia suggests that few non-poor persons want to participate, and that both direct and indirect transfer and insurance benefits to the poor can be sizable. However, details of the project selection, design and financing, are crucial to success in poverty alleviation, both in the short and long run. Benefits to the poor can be rapidly dissipated by a badly conceived and executed project.
Programme and policy options for preventing obesity in China

By 2002, China's prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults was 18.9 and 2.9%, respectively. The replacement of traditional Chinese diet with ‘Western diet’, major declines in all phases of activity and increased sedentary activity are cited as the main reasons explaining the rapid increase in overweight and obesity, which bring major economic and health costs. The Nutrition Improvement Work Management Approach was released in 2010. Overweight and obesity prevention‐related policies were added to national planning for disease prevention and control. The Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity of Chinese Adults and the School‐age Children and Teenagers Overweight and Obesity Prevention and Control Guidelines in China were promulgated in 2003 and 2007, respectively. Few education programmes have been implemented. Selected academic intervention research projects dominate with a focus on reducing child obesity and promoting healthier diets; increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time; and facilitating changes in family, school, social and cultural environments. Intervention samples are small and have not addressed the increasing rates of obesity throughout the entire population. Government provision of effective policy measures, multisectoral cooperation and increasing corporate social responsibility are keys to curbing the trend towards overweight and obesity in China.
Transcatheter aortic-valve replacement with a self-expanding prosthesis.

David H. Adams, M.D., Jeffrey J. Popma, M.D., Michael J. Reardon, M.D., Steven J. Yakubov, M.D., Joseph S. Coselli, M.D., G. Michael Deeb, M.D., Thomas G. Gleason, M.D., Maurice Buchbinder, M.D., James Hermiller, Jr., M.D., Neal S. Kleiman, M.D., Stan Chetcuti, M.D., John Heiser, M.D., William Merhi, D.O. , George Zorn, M.D., Peter Tadros, M.D., Newell Robinson, M.D., George Petrossian, M.D., G. Chad Hughes, M.D., J. Kevin Harrison, M.D., John Conte, M.D., Brijeshwar Maini, M.D., Mubashir Mumtaz, M.D., Sharla Chenoweth, M.S., and Jae K. Oh, M.D., for the U.S. CoreValve Clinical Investigators*
The impact of institution quality, cluster strength and TLO licensing capacity on the rate of academic staff spin-offs

This paper examines the spawning of new company founders' from 124 leading U.S. academic institutions, using a unique database. We examine both local and non-local spin-offs of academic faculty members. Accordingly, the rate of spawning is positively affected by the institution quality, the strength of the local entrepreneurial cluster in the region where the institution is located, and the share of R&D expenditure financed by the federal government. On the other, hand the effectiveness of the university technology licensing office (measured by license revenues per R&D expenditure) has a negative impact on the rate of academic spawning. Moreover, we find evidence that after controlling for the entire institution rank, the rank of the business school has a positive and significant impact on the institution spawning rate. When comparing the local spin-offs to non-local spin-offs we find that 42% of faculty spin-offs are created in the region of the academic institution. This finding contrasts the common notion that most of the academic spin-offs are local. Not surprisingly, we find that local cluster culture and local availability of VC has very limited impact on non-local academic spin-offs. Moreover, institution R&D expenditure and sources of R&D finance has low impact on non-local academic spin-offs.
The evolution and functions of nuclei of the visual pulvinar in primates

In this review, we outline the history of our current understanding of the organization of the pulvinar complex of mammals. We include more recent evidence from our own studies of both New and Old World monkeys, prosimian galagos, and close relatives of primates, including tree shrews and rodents. Based on cumulative evidence, we provide insights into the possible evolution of the visual pulvinar complex, as well as the possible co‐evolution of the inferior pulvinar nuclei and temporal cortical visual areas within the MT complex.
Unemployment and Subjective Well-being: Does Money Make a Difference

In this paper we focus on the level of subjective well-being and its determinants among the unemployed as compared with those currently in paid labour. In theoretical terms, strongly contradictory views prevail on the effects of unemployment on subjective well-being. Whereas the traditional deprivation theory maintains that unemployment is a major psychological stressor, the incentive theory suggests that the level of well-being among the unemployed is far too high for them to actively and effectively search for a new job and to reenter the labour market. Using the European Social Survey (ESS) data our empirical analysis suggests that perhaps, neither of these theories are entirely correct. The deprivation theory points to the right direction by stressing the psychological factors associated with unemployment but makes a notable mistake by disregarding the economic factors which prove to be mot most crucial factor for the well-being of the unemployed. The incentive theory gets no support at all in our empirical analysis.
Adults born preterm: a review of general health and system‐specific outcomes

In this review of 126 publications, we report that an overwhelming majority of adults born at preterm gestations remain healthy and well. However, a small, but a significant fraction of them remain at higher risk for neurological, personality and behavioural abnormalities, cardio‐pulmonary functional limitations, systemic hypertension and metabolic syndrome compared to their term‐born counterparts. The magnitude of increased risk differed across organ systems and varied across reports. The risks were proportional to the degree of prematurity at birth and seemed to occur more frequently among preterm infants born in the final two decades of the 20th century and later. These findings have considerable public health and clinical practice relevance.
Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Small Business

PART ONE: STUDYING ENTERPRISE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS Introduction Studying Enterprise What, Where, When, Who and How? PART TWO: INSIDE ENTERPRISE Entrepreneuring Firms, Organizations and the Entrepreneur Entrepreneuring Explanations of the Entrepreneurial Self Managing Smaller/Entrepreneurial Enterprises Working in Smaller/Entrepreneurial Enterprises Entrepreneuring in the Corporate Environment Reflecting on Practice Finance, Marketing and Networking, Strategy and Growth PART THREE: OUTSIDE ENTERPRISE Economic Contexts of Enterprise Social Contexts of Enterprise Cultural Centrality, Diversity and Marginality Political Contexts of Enterprise Governments and Smaller Enterprise Conclusion
Should I stay or should I go? : the Gotland ferry traffic and its impact on enterprises

This study discusses possible effects on investment decisions among Gotland enterprises from the ongoing public discourse over the present and future Gotland ferry traffic to mainland Sweden. Central topics are a substantial freight cost disadvantage, level and classification of state funding. By way of critical discourse analysis of statements from the most visible, powerful and persistent stakeholders surrounding the Gotland ferry issue are two major discursive thrusts identified. The level of enterprise awareness of the ferry discourses is investigated in a survey and correlated to perceived political uncertainty. Also is uncertainty related to investment reluctance. Further is the share of mainland marketed products related to the share of value-added products, and finally are enterprises asked whether they have invested to enhance the share of value-added products or if such investments are planned. The findings indicate that enterprises are well aware of the ferry discourse which is bringing about a high level of political uncertainty, while the level of investment hesitancy is somewhat more modest. Still a majority of enterprises are postponing or even refraining from investments. Also of interest is the high degree of consistency between enterprises with a high share of mainland marketing and high share of value-added products. A minority of enterprises has chosen the strategy to enhance their share of value-added products or is planning investments to that end in order to compensate for the higher transport costs. Longitudinal studies comparing the transport cost share of overall turnover for Gotland enterprises and their mainland competitors in the agriculture/food, manufacturing and tourism sectors are suggested, together with a study whether a more strategic investment pattern might evolve among Gotland enterprises.
Microwave diathermy induces mitogen-activated protein kinases and tumor necrosis factor-α in cultured human monocytes

ABSTRACT Although rehabilitation practice for most patients consists of a combined use of thermotherapy that is produced from diathermy devices resulting faster and deeper heating to the patient, major concerns about occupational exposure to electromagnetic radiation for the operators must be considered. In most occasions, physiotherapists have involved multi-hour treatment sessions to different patients, resulting overuse of the diathermy device. Recently, our team along with other groups have raised serious concerns about the occupational safety aspects related to microwave diathermy (MWD) use. Driven by these recent reports, in this work, we tried to investigate the in vitro effects of a physiotherapist routine MWD device regarding its potential inflammatory biological effects that could be evoked in human cultured monocytes. Our results show that MWD does not alter the integrity of the cell membrane and, consequently, the viability of monocytes as assessed by Trypan blue and MTT measurements. Then again, members of the MAPK family (p38 and ERK1/2) were activated upon MWD exposure at 5–30 min, eventually leading to a time-dependent considerable increase in TNF-α production, a key pro-inflammatory mediator. Our results are indicative of a stress-activated phenomenon of monocytes upon MWD radiation, which could trigger potential hazardous cellular outcomes due to thermal and/or non-thermal bystander effects. Our results deserve further investigation, planned by our team in due course, to delineate the clinical correlations of these findings.
Increase in Incidental Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Northern Part of the Netherlands

Objectives: Evaluating in a retrospective survey the incidence of incidental and symptomatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) between 1977 and 1994 in the northern part of the Netherlands and the mode of their detection. Patients and Methods: Retrospectively, 173 patients surgically treated for RCC were divided into two groups according to the period of detection, 1977–1987 (n = 87) and 1987–1994 (n = 86). Because of the increase in abdominal ultrasound in 1987, this year was used as the cutoff date. In both periods the patients were grouped according to whether the tumor was found incidentally or whether the tumor was suspected. The mode of detection was recorded together with the tumor stage at presentation and survival. Results: The incidental detection rate was 33% (29/87) in the 1977–1987 group and 49% (42/86) in the 1987–1994 group, showing a significant difference (p = 0.038). In the 1977–1987 group incidental tumors were detected with ultrasound in 83% and symptomatic tumors with ultrasound in 36%. Of the cases in the 1987–1994 group this percentage was 91 and 43%, respectively. Disease–free survival rates after a mean follow–up of 10 years were 63% in the incidental RCC group and 37% in the symptomatic RCC group (p = 0.0159). Conclusions: There is an increase in incidental tumors in this part of the Netherlands with ultrasound as the mode of detection. The disease–free survival is significantly better in the incidental tumor group.
What factors are associated with reporting lacking interest in sex and how do these vary by gender? Findings from the third British national survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles

Objectives To investigate factors associated with reporting lacking interest in sex and how these vary by gender. Setting British general population. Design Complex survey analyses of data collected for a cross-sectional probability sample survey, undertaken 2010–2012, specifically logistic regression to calculate age-adjusted OR (AOR) to identify associated factors. Participants 4839 men and 6669 women aged 16–74 years who reported ≥1 sexual partner (opposite-sex or same-sex) in the past year for the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3). Main outcome measure Lacking interest in sex for ≥3 months in the past year. Results Overall, 15.0% (13.9–16.2) of men and 34.2% (32.8–35.5) of women reported lacking interest in sex. This was associated with age and physical and mental health for both men and women, including self-reported general health and current depression. Lacking interest in sex was more prevalent among men and women reporting sexually transmitted infection diagnoses (ever), non-volitional sex (ever) and holding sexual attitudes related to normative expectations about sex. Some gender similarities in associated relationship and family-related factors were evident, including partner having had sexual difficulties in the last year (men: AOR 1.41 (1.07–1.86); women: AOR 1.60 (1.32–1.94)), not feeling emotionally close to partner during sex (men: 3.74 (1.76–7.93); women: 4.80 (2.99–7.69) and ease of talking about sex (men: 1.53 (1.23–1.90);women: 2.06 (1.77–2.39)). Among women only, lack of interest in sex was higher among those in a relationship of >1 year in duration and those not sharing the same level of interest (4.57 (3.87–5.38)) or preferences (2.91 (2.22–3.83)) with a partner. Conclusions Both gender similarities and differences were found in factors associated with lacking interest in sex, with the most marked differences in relation to some relationship variables. Findings highlight the need to assess, and if appropriate, treat lacking interest in sex in a holistic and relationship-specific way.