Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a New Rebound Self-tonometer, Icare HOME: Comparison With Goldmann Applanation Tonometer

Purpose: To compare measurements from an Icare HOME rebound self-tonometer compared with those from a Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). Materials and Methods: A total of 130 subjects with suspected or confirmed glaucoma in our outpatient clinic were examined. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using both an Icare HOME unit, by an ophthalmologist and by each participant, and again using a GAT, by an ophthalmologist. The Icare HOME self-measurement [Icare HOME performed by the patients (HOMEp)] was compared with those taken by the specialist using that unit and a GAT. Results: In total, 128 participants (98%, 128/130) were able to correctly conduct self-measurement. Of the 128 participants, the mean IOP was 12.2±2.8 mm Hg (range, 7 to 20 mm Hg) via GAT, 12.8±3.7 mm Hg (range, 6 to 24 mm Hg) with HOMEp and 13.1±3.8 mm Hg (range, 6 to 25 mm Hg) by Icare HOME specialist measurement [Icare HOME performed by the ophthalmologist (HOMEo)]. The mean difference between HOMEp and HOMEo was 0.21 mm Hg (P=0.068; paired t test). The mean difference between the HOMEp and GAT measurements was 0.70 mm Hg (P<0.001; paired t test), and between the HOMEo and GAT measurements it was 1.00 mm Hg (P<0.001; paired t test). The IOP difference between the HOMEp and GAT measurements was >3 mm Hg in 9.4% of cases (12/128), and >5 mm Hg in 2.3% of cases (3/128). A positive correlation was found between the central corneal thickness (CCT) and each of the 3 IOP values (HOMEp, HOMEo, and GAT: r=0.405, P<0.001; r=0.424, P<0.001; and r=0.400, P<0.001, respectively; Spearman correlation coefficient). The difference between HOMEp and GAT values was significantly increased with increasing CCT (P=0.024; Spearman correlation coefficient), indicating that a 10% increase in CCT predicted a 1.2% increase in the difference. Conclusions: The Icare HOME tonometer is feasible for use in self-monitoring of IOP. Icare HOME tonometry measurements tend to overestimate IOP relative to GAT measurements.
Breastfeeding Among Women in the Alabama WIC Program

Women who participated in the Alabama WIC Program during 1986-88 and ceased breastfeeding during the months of May to August duringthoseyearsbreastfed an average 5.6months. Slightly fewer than 15 percent of the women who breastfed continued for 12 months or longer; 45 percent continued for six months; 59 percent did so for 4 months; and 21 percent breastfed for one month or less. Breastfeeding duration was related positively and independently to increased maternal age and parity. Younger women were more likely than older women to stop breastfeeding due to perceived insufficient milk, in order to return to work or school, or to use oral contraceptives. Women who ceased breastfeeding at or after one year postpartum tended to be older.
Thyroxine treatment induces upregulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system due to decreasing effective plasma volume in patients with primary myxoedema.

BACKGROUND In experimental animals and humans, hypothyroidism is associated with fluid retention and generalized oedema, increased antidiuretic hormone (ADH), decreased atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH), and decreased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which subsequently can be corrected by thyroid hormone replacement. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of thyroxine therapy on RAAS and neurohormones affecting water and electrolyte metabolism and the reason for these changes in patients with primary myxoedema. METHODS We measured changes in the plasma renin activity (PRA), serum aldosterone (Aldo), ADH, ANH levels, serum and 24 h urinary electrolytes and osmolalities, and cardiac function in 22 female patients with primary myxoedema before and after correction of hypothyroidism. We also evaluated age-, sex-, and BMI-matched 15 healthy control subjects (Cont). RESULTS It took an average of 4.3 months (range, 3-9 months) to normalize thyroid function. The mean reductions of body weight and estimated plasma volume were 1.8+/-1.0 kg (P=0.002) and 8.5% (P<0.001), respectively. In addition, serum Na+ and osmolality and the haematocrit were significantly elevated after correction of hypothyroidism (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). Increased F(E)Na and C(OSM) (P<0.05) levels in patients with hypothyroidism (Ho) compared with those in Cont did not change after thyroxine therapy (Eu). However, C(H(2)O), U(E)K, F(E)K, and TTKG levels as well as creatinine clearance (Ccr) were markedly increased in Eu compared with Ho and Cont (P<0.01, respectively). Increased plasma ADH concentration and decreased plasma ANH concentration were normalized compared to Cont after thyroxine therapy (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). Low PRA and serum Aldo concentration in Ho were significantly increased in Eu (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). In addition, increased left ventricular mass index and decreased cardiac output in Ho were normalized compared to Cont after thyroxine therapy (P<0.01, respectively) CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the exaggerated upregulation of RAAS after correction of hypothyroidism in patients with primary myxoedema is associated with an increase in Ccr and a decrease in plasma volume resulting from water diuresis, natriuresis, osmotic diuresis and inappropriate changes in plasma ADH and ANH levels. The improved renal function coincided with an amelioration of cardiac function. These changes seem to be an adaptive response for preventing excessive plasma volume and weight loss after thyroxine therapy.
Prolonged lactation in mice and its effect on mammary tumorigenesis

Prolongation of lactation was induced by litter replacement in MTV‐infected (♀ C3H × ♂ O20) F 1 mice, each bearing two pituitary isografts under the kidney capsule. Measurement of litter‐growth revealed that milk production occurs in cycles of 2–3 weeks' duration.
THE INFLUENCE OF NURSES ' ENGAGEMENT AND OPENNESS ON PATIENTS ' REPORTS OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION SATISFACTION

This study analyzed patients’ perceptions of their nurses’ willingness to engage in interaction and patients’ satisfaction in communication about health with their nurses (N = 270). Results indicated that a strong and significant positive correlation exists between patients’ perceptions of their nurse’s interaction engagement and their satisfaction with their relationship with their nurse (r = .70). Results also indicate a strong and significant negative correlation exists between patients’ perceptions of their nurse’s closedness to the relationship and the patient's relational satisfaction with their nurse (r = -.55).
Bicalutamide monotherapy versus flutamide plus goserelin in prostate cancer patients: results of an Italian Prostate Cancer Project study.

PURPOSE To compare the efficacy of bicalutamide monotherapy to maximal androgen blockade (MAB) in the treatment of advanced prostatic cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Previously untreated patients with histologically proven stage C or D disease (American Urological Association Staging System) were randomly allocated to receive either bicalutamide or MAB. After disease progression, patients treated with bicalutamide were assigned to castration. The primary end point for this trial was overall survival. Secondary end points included response to treatment, disease progression, treatment safety, quality-of-life (QOL), and sexual function. RESULTS A total of 108 patients received bicalutamide and 112 received MAB. There was no difference in the percentage of patients whose prostate-specific antigen returned to normal levels. At the time of the present analysis (median follow-up time, 38 months; range, 1 to 60 months), 129 patients progressed and 89 died. There was no difference in the duration of either progression-free survival or overall survival. However, a survival trend favored bicalutamide in stage C disease but MAB in stage D disease. Overall and subgroup trends were confirmed by multivariate analysis. Serious adverse events and treatment discontinuations were more common in patients receiving MAB (P =.08 and P =.04, respectively). Fewer patients in the bicalutamide group complained of loss of libido (P =. 01) and of erectile dysfunction (P =.002). Significant trends favored bicalutamide-treated patients also with respect to their QOL, namely relative to social functioning, vitality, emotional well-being, and physical capacity. CONCLUSION Bicalutamide monotherapy yielded comparable results relative to standard treatment with MAB, induced fewer side effects, and produced a better QOL.
Evolutionary history of the little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata before global invasion: inferring dispersal patterns, niche requirements and past and present distribution within its native range

The evolutionary history of invasive species within their native range may involve key processes that allow them to colonize new habitats. Therefore, phylogeographic studies of invasive species within their native ranges are useful to understand invasion biology in an evolutionary context. Here we integrated classical and Bayesian phylogeographic methods using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers with a palaeodistribution modelling approach, to infer the phylogeographic history of the invasive ant Wasmannia auropunctata across its native distribution in South America. We discuss our results in the context of the recent establishment of this mostly tropical species in the Mediterranean region. Our Bayesian phylogeographic analysis suggests that the common ancestor of the two main clades of W. auropunctata occurred in central Brazil during the Pliocene. Clade A would have differentiated northward and clade B southward, followed by a secondary contact beginning about 380 000 years ago in central South America. There were differences in the most suitable habitats among clades when considering three distinct climatic periods, suggesting that genetic differentiation was accompanied by changes in niche requirements, clade A being a tropical lineage and clade B a subtropical and temperate lineage. Only clade B reached more southern latitudes, with a colder climate than that of northern South America. This is concordant with the adaptation of this originally tropical ant species to temperate climates prior to its successful establishment in the Mediterranean region. This study highlights the usefulness of exploring the evolutionary history of invasive species within their native ranges to better understand biological invasions.
Electrically pumped 1.3-μm InAs/GaAs quantum dot laser monolithically grown on Si substrate lasing up to 111°C

A silicon-based InAs/GaAs quantum dot laser that lases up to 111°C, with a threshold current density of 200 A/cm2 and an output power exceeding 100 mW at room temperature, has been achieved by using InAlAs/GaAs strained-layer superlattices as dislocation filter layers.
Physical security measures for computer-based information systems: A case study of selected academic libraries in Kenya

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming an important facilitator of effective and efficient delivery of services in higher education institutions (HEIs). The introduction of open, distance and e-learning (ODEL) mode of study has made it necessary for academic libraries to incorporate computer-based information systems (CBIS) in order to facilitate easier access to information for learning, teaching and research to all library users. To meet this objective, HEIs need to put in place measures of securing these systems. This study investigated the security measures employed by selected academic libraries in Kenya. The specific objective of this paper is to address the physical measures used by academic libraries to secure their CBIS. Data was collected through observation and interviews and was analyzed, interpreted and presented using qualitative methods. Results revealed the libraries studied had taken several physical measures to protect their CBIS. Suggestions for further research are discussed.
Fixed point iteration using stochastic reward nets

Stochastic Petri net models of large systems that are solved by generating the underlying Markov chain pose the problem of largeness of the state-space. Hierarchical and iterative models of systems have been used extensively to solve this problem. A problem with models which use fixed point iteration is the theoretical proof of existence, uniqueness, and convergence of the fixed point equations, which still remains an "art". We establish conditions, in terms of the net structure and the characteristics of the iterated variables, under which existence of a solution is guaranteed when fixed point iteration is used in stochastic Petri nets.
Binding of monobactams to penicillin-binding proteins of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus: relation to antibacterial activity

A series of novel monocyclic beta-lactam antibiotics having side chains related to penicillin, piperacillin, azlocillin, and cefotaxime were examined with respect to binding to essential penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In the penicillin series, there was poor binding to all essential PBPs of E. coli (greater than 100 micrograms/ml) but good binding to PBPs 1, 2, and 3 of S. aureus (approximately 1 microgram/ml). In the piperacillin and azlocillin series, there was good binding to PBP 3 of E. coli (0.1 microgram/ml) and PBPs 1, 2, and 3 of S. aureus (approximately 1 microgram/ml). In the cefotaxime series, there was generally good binding to PBP 3 of E. coli (0.1 micrograms/ml) but poor binding to PBPs 1, 2, and 3 of S. aureus (greater than or equal to 100 micrograms/ml). With a few exceptions in the cefotaxime series, antibacterial activity paralleled essential PBP binding. Binding studies with radioactively labeled compounds revealed no additional essential monobactam-binding proteins in the two organisms. The studies suggest that monobactams are intrinsically active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; the activity spectrum of a given monobactam is determined by the binding to essential PBPs, which in turn is determined by the nature of the substituents on the beta-lactam nucleus.
Social Impact Research Experience ( SIRE ) Wharton Undergraduate Research 2013 Government-run Credit Rating Agency and Social Welfare

This paper considers the social welfare implications of having a public rating agency in-stead of private sector credit rating agencies. The public rating agency is assumed to pay a fix compensation rather than a performance sensitive compensation and is assumed to dismiss its employee in case of "misconduct. " The model predicts that the public rating agency may be socially beneficial if investors assign a large enough value to high ratings so that the private rating agency would have an incentive to engage in regulatory arbitrage. However, the model also reveals that the public rating agency’s performance in terms of social welfare is sensitive to its penalty provisions and thus may create inefficiency under changing regulatory and technological environments.
Preliminary Phytochemical and Anti-Bacterial studies on Flowers of selected medicinal plants

The present study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of the flower extracts of Albizia lebbeck, Cordia sebestena, Thunbergia gra ndiflora and Antigonon leptopus. Preliminary phytochemi- cal screening was done by the standard methods described by Harborne. Antibacterial study was carried out by disc di f- fusion method. The results of the phytochemical antibacterial screening revealed the presence of higher degree of chemi- cal diversity and antibacterial activity in the methanolic extracts of A. lebbeck and A. leptopus. Antibacterial activity is comparatively less in methanolic extracts of flowers from T. grandiflora which show the presence of only three groups of compounds (alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids). The methanolic extracts of A. lebbeck, A. leptopus and C. sebestena show the presence of several bioactive compounds. The isolation of the pure compounds and screening of the bioactivi ty of individual compounds of the flower extracts will give much information on the medicinal values of these plants.
Repolarization dispersion and sudden cardiac death in patients with impaired left ventricular function.

AIMS Prolongation of repolarization dispersion measured from the 12-lead surface ECG has been associated with sudden cardiac death and ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a variety of heart disorders. This study tested the hypothesis that increased repolarization dispersion is of prognostic value in identifying chronic heart failure patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. RESULTS In 163 patients, ischaemic (n = 126) and idiopathic dilated (n = 37) cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular ejection fraction < or = 40% were diagnosed by left ventricular angiography. During follow-up (26 +/- 15 months) 24 patients died suddenly, 10 experienced ventricular tachyarrhythmia, 19 died from pump failure, six died from acute myocardial infarction, and 97 survived. Bazett's formula rate-corrected JT-interval dispersion (JTc-d) was found to be 109 +/- 23 ms in sudden cardiac death/ventricular tachyarrhythmia patients, 57 +/- 20 ms in survivors, and 55 +/- 20 ms in patients who died from pump failure or acute myocardial infarction. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed JTc-d to be the most important independent predictor of sudden cardiac death/ventricular tachyarrhythmia. A cut-off value of 85 ms for JTc-d had a 74% positive and a 98% negative predictive accuracy in identifying patients at risk for sudden cardiac death/ventricular tachyarrhythmia. CONCLUSION Analysis of repolarization dispersion from the 12-lead surface ECG seems to be a useful screening method for identifying chronic heart failure patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death/ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
A smoking cessation program in the neonatal intensive care unit

Background: Parental smoking remains a significant risk to the preterm infant both pre and post delivery. Pharmacologically supported interventions have been previously contraindicated in this group during the perinatal period and during breastfeeding. We designed an evidence-based intervention for use in our high-risk population. This report assesses our outcomes after one year. Method: Questionnaire administered a median of 6 months after intervention. Results: There was no significant difference between those participants who returned the survey ( n= 42) versus the group as a whole ( n= 70). A total of 33% ceased smoking, p< . 0001. If no nonresponders ceased smoking then this gives an overall success rate of 20%, p< . 0001. Successful quitters had been smoking for a mean of 11 ( SD =7) years. Self-reported light smokers (< 10 cigarettes per day) were significantly more likely to quit ( p < .01). Purchase of follow-on nicotine patches was a significant predictor of success in quitting ( p= .02). If relapse occurred, it appeared to happen early and was mainly associated with current stressors. Conclusions: We have designed and applied a multidisciplinary intervention for parents and carers to be used in the perinatal period to decrease the postnatal risk for neonatal intensive care graduates. Our rates of successful smoking cessation are as good as, or better than, many published rates for opportunistic intervention. We suggest that randomised trials be focused on ways to further improve interventions at this time of opportunity for these infants and their families.
Basal muscle amino acid kinetics and protein synthesis in healthy young and older men.

CONTEXT Sarcopenia is associated with loss of strength and function, eventually leading to loss of independence. Some studies suggest that basal muscle protein turnover is reduced with aging, but other studies do not confirm this finding. OBJECTIVE To determine if aging per se affects basal muscle protein turnover in men. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study conducted from June 1997 to July 2000 in a general US community. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-six young (mean [SE] age, 28 [2] years) and 22 older (mean [SE] age, 70 [1] years) men, who were healthy and independent based on activities of daily living, physical examinations, and screening tests. Subjects were excluded if they had cardiac, pulmonary, liver, or kidney disease; any impairment in activities of daily living; or steroid use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured basal muscle protein and amino acid kinetics, based on stable isotope techniques with femoral arteriovenous catheterization and muscle biopsies. Three models (arteriovenous balance, three-pool, and fractional synthesis rate) were used to estimate the metabolic parameters. RESULTS Mean (SE) total leg volume was 9.60 (0.32) L in older men vs 10.83 (0.43) L in younger men, which suggests muscle loss in the older men. Net muscle protein balance was similar in both groups (older men, - 19 [2] nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume vs younger men, - 21 [2] nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume; P =.51). Small differences were found in mean (SE) muscle protein synthesis in comparisons of older vs younger men: arteriovenous balance, 48 (5) nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume vs 32 (3) nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume; P =. 004; three-pool, 58 (5) nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume vs 43 (4) nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume; P =. 04; and fractional synthesis rate, 0.0601 (0.0046) %/h vs 0.0578 (0.0047) %/h; P =. 73. Small differences were also found in mean (SE) muscle protein breakdown: arteriovenous balance, 66 (5) nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume in older vs 53 (4) nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume in younger men, P =. 045; and three-pool, 76 (6) nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume vs 64 (5) nmol/min per 100 mL of leg volume, P =. 14. CONCLUSION Differences in basal muscle protein turnover between older and younger men do not appear to explain muscle loss that occurs with age.
Comparison of Background Characteristics and Behaviors of African-American, Hispanic, and White Substance Abusers Treated in Federal Prison: Results from the TRIAD Study

Abstract The lack of empirical literature describing minority substance abusers who seek treatment serves as an obstacle for providing empirically-driven, culturally-relevant substance abuse treatment to minorities in both prison-based and community-based programs. The purpose of this study was to address this gap in the literature by describing and comparing the background characteristics and preincarceration behaviors and social environments of adult African-American, Hispanic, and white substance abusers who were treated in Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) residential drug abuse treatment programs. The study sample included 279 African-American, 72 Hispanic, and 512 white male substance abusers who were treated in 16 prison-based residential drug treatment programs from 1991 to 1995. Consistent with the limited literature, this study tested the hypothesis that there would be significant differences among the groups on most of the variables, with the greatest differences to be noted between African-American and white participants. The results indicated that there were numerous significant differences in demographic and background, family background and criminal history characteristics, but there were only a few differences in preincarceration behaviors and social environment among participants. The findings suggested that addressing participants' treatment needs within the context of their cultural characteristics would enhance treatment for participants.