Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hearing-aid counseling: Comparison of single-session informational counseling with single-session performance-perceptual counseling

Abstract Objective: Hearing-aid counseling can improve outcome but programs are often too resource-intensive to be clinically practical. Here we examined the effectiveness of single-session informational counseling with single-session performance-perceptual counseling. Design: Two forms of counseling were compared: informational counseling (IC) and performance-perceptual counseling (PPC). IC focused on discussing communication strategies and tips for hearing-aid use. PPC addressed the discrepancy between measured and perceived ability to understand speech. Outcomes were measured eight-to-ten weeks post-counseling using quantitative and qualitative measures: Hearing handicap inventory, abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit, psychosocial impact of assistive devices scale (PIADS), international outcome inventory for hearing aids, and a semi-structured exit interview. Study sample: Seventy-four hearing aid-users with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss participated. Results: Scores on the hearing questionnaires showed no change following either form of counseling. Scores on the PIADS improved for participants as a whole, and the semi-structured interview revealed increased hearing-aid use, better understanding and acceptance of hearing loss, increased use of communication strategies, and improved ability to explain hearing difficulties to others. Conclusions: A single session of hearing-aid counseling can improve hearing-aid use and satisfaction. Open-ended interview and/or quality of life measures are more sensitive to these benefits than hearing questionnaires.
What is the addicts' grapevine when there's 'bad dope'? An investigation in New Jersey.

After a rash of fatal overdoses among drug users that was attributed to the synthetic narcotic analgesic fentanyl, the New Jersey Department of Health conducted street interviews with 160 injection drug users in an attempt to identify the channels through which this population had heard about the outbreak and to gauge drug addicts' responses to the incident. The results of the investigation suggest that the drug users learn about such severe threats to health from a variety of sources. The frequency with which some of these sources are reported differs significantly according to the sex of the drug user and, even when sex is controlled, the frequency may vary substantially from city to city in a relatively limited geographic area. Although television was, for this population, a more important source of information about the outbreak than was any other formal means of communication, drug users did not regard TV as a reliable source of good information about "bad dope. " Moreover, it does not appear that broadcasts of public warning messages about such substances are a guarantee that addicts will not search for the drug. The data reported in this study point up a need for health officials' greater understanding of the channels through which drug users receive information on threats to their health. The study also provides an understanding of how public health messages are perceived and processed by needle users. The final lesson is the need for close collaboration among drug enforcement personnel, testing laboratories, and health officials in the various affected locales to clarify the public health message.
Identification of gene products present in Triton X‐100 soluble and insoluble fractions of human spermatozoa lysates using LC‐MS/MS analysis

A comprehensive analysis of the proteins found in human spermatozoa is essential for understanding the events leading up to, and including, fertilization and development. Proteomics offers a platform for investigating this process, provided that the dynamic range is relatively low. In this report, spermatozoa from a number of human sperm ejaculates were isolated in a pure state using discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. Triton X‐100 soluble and insoluble proteins were recovered and separated by SDS‐PAGE. The separation lanes were dissected into 96 fractions and analyzed individually by LC‐MSn. A comprehensive protocol, involving LC‐MS/MS analysis eventually down to the ninth most intense peak found in the MS‐survey scan, was performed. Analysis of purified human sperm populations resulted in the identification of 1056 gene products, of which approximately 8% have not previously been characterized. The data were supported by the large number of proteins represented by expressed sequence tags in the testis. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that 437 of the gene products were involved in various metabolic pathways including glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. The inventory of proteins present in the human sperm proteome includes a number of notable discoveries including the first description of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, dual‐oxidase 2, finally laying to rest any doubts about the presence of such enzymes in spermatozoa. Furthermore, a number of different classes of receptor have also been detected in these cells and are potential regulators of sperm function. This list includes at least six seven‐pass transmembrane receptors, six tyrosine kinase receptors, a tyrosine phosphatase receptor, glutamate‐gated ion channel receptors, transient receptor potential cation channels, and a non‐genomic progesterone receptor. This is the first published list of identified proteins in human spermatozoa using LC‐MS/MS analysis.
Prevalence of erosive tooth wear and associated risk factors in 2-7-year-old German kindergarten children.

OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to (1) investigate prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear among kindergarten children and (2) determine the relationship between dental erosion and dietary intake, oral hygiene behaviour, systemic diseases and salivary concentration of calcium and phosphate. MATERIALS AND METHODS A sample of 463 children (2-7 years old) from 21 kindergartens were examined under standardized conditions by a calibrated examiner. Dental erosion of primary and permanent teeth was recorded using a scoring system based on O'Sullivan Index [Eur J Paediatr Dent 2 (2000) 69]. Data on the rate and frequency of dietary intake, systemic diseases and oral hygiene behaviour were obtained from a questionnaire completed by the parents. Unstimulated saliva samples of 355 children were analysed for calcium and phosphate concentration by colorimetric assessment. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were applied to the data. RESULTS Prevalence of erosion amounted to 32% and increased with increasing age of the children. Dentine erosion affecting at least one tooth could be observed in 13.2% of the children. The most affected teeth were the primary maxillary first and second incisors (15.5-25%) followed by the canines (10.5-12%) and molars (1-5%). Erosions on primary mandibular teeth were as follows: incisors: 1.5-3%, canines: 5.5-6% and molars: 3.5-5%. Erosions of the primary first and second molars were mostly seen on the occlusal surfaces (75.9%) involving enamel or enamel-dentine but not the pulp. In primary first and second incisors and canines, erosive lesions were often located incisally (51.2%) or affected multiple surfaces (28.9%). None of the permanent incisors (n = 93) or first molars (n=139) showed signs of erosion. Dietary factors, oral hygiene behaviour, systemic diseases and salivary calcium and phosphate concentration were not associated with the presence of erosion. CONCLUSIONS Erosive tooth wear of primary teeth was frequently seen in primary dentition. As several children showed progressive erosion into dentine or exhibited severe erosion affecting many teeth, preventive and therapeutic measures are recommended.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in survivors of a mass shooting.

OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been best studied among combat veterans. Less is known about PTSD among civilian populations exposed to traumatic events. A recent mass murder spree by a gunman in a cafeteria in Killeen, Tex. , has provided a unique opportunity to study acute-phase civilian responses to a combat type of experience. METHOD Approximately 1 month after the disaster, 136 survivors were interviewed with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule/Disaster Supplement. RESULTS In the acute postdisaster period, 20% of the men and 36% of the women met criteria for PTSD, which was the most prevalent psychiatric disorder. Most subjects who developed PTSD had no history of psychiatric illness. Rates of preexisting PTSD were relatively high and did not predict the presence of PTSD after the disaster. A history of other predisaster psychiatric disorders predicted postdisaster PTSD in women but not in men. One-half of the women and one-fourth of the men with postdisaster PTSD also met criteria for another postdisaster psychiatric diagnosis, especially major depression. Psychopathology was infrequent in subjects without PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Disaster intervention workers may be able to most effectively use limited mental health provider resources in the acute postdisaster period by focusing on screening for acute PTSD, which will identify the majority of cases with psychiatric disorders following this kind of disaster. Survivors who have no history of psychiatric disorder should be screened along with those who do because in the present study, they represented the majority of the PTSD cases. Subjects with a history of major depression and women with preexisting psychopathology may be especially vulnerable to posttraumatic syndromes. Individuals with PTSD should be further examined for additional psychiatric diagnoses that may complicate recovery, especially major depression. PTSD among survivors of civilian combat-like experiences does not appear to present in the same way that it has been described in Vietnam veterans.
Preparing tourist spaces for the 2014 Fifa World Cup thoughts about deterritorialisation, reterritorialisation and gentrification

The present paper has to aim into territorial reflect changes in Rio de Janeiro –which hosted some of the games of the 2014 FIFA World Cup–, including the preparation of urban space for accommodating tourists and setting up the necessary sports infrastructure for the mega event, identified as tourist areas. Based on newspaper clippings on the subject from the Brazilian press and bibliographic research, the study research method used was exploratory, which made it possible to adopt a qualitative outlook. It was assumed that there is currently sufficient information on the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Consequently, it was possible to expand the scope to include the relevant variables in the case study, which cannot be quantified. Tools used to collect information included bibliographical and document research, which enabled the study to conclude that the process of urban replanning adjusted the area to the needs of the sports mega event. It also triggered the displacement of the communities living in the areas targeted for improvement and expansion of the necessary infrastructures, in many cases against the will of the dwellers, with the excuse that their living conditions would improve, the risk of life would be reduced and appropriate housing would be guaranteed, while democratic access to goods and services was not expanded.
Trichomonas, Candida, and Gardnerella in Cervical Smears of Iranian Women for Cancer Screening

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardrenella vaginalis, and Candida sp are responsible for 90% of vaginitis which has been reported as important risk factors for cervical cancer. Aim: This study aimed to find the prevalence of T. vaginalis, Candida sp, and G. vaginalis in women attended the cancer clinic charity, Babol, Iran and to identify the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study carried out from 1996 to July 2012 on women who attended to a cancer screening program at the cancer clinics charity, Babol, Iran. Papanicolaou test and clinical examinations were performed for each woman. In addition to Papanicolaou test results, demographic data were collected. The data were analyzed with X2 test using SPSS software, version 18. Results: In total, 2511 out of 33600 (7.5%) cases had vaginal infections. A total of 71 (0.2%), 2248 (6.7%), and 192 (0.6%) of subjects were infected by T. vaginalis, Candida sp, and Gardnerella, respectively. The highest rate of infection was seen in 20-30 and 30-40 years age group. The frequency of vaginal ulcers was higher in trichomoniasis (14.1%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the prevalence of T. vaginalis, Candida sp, and Gardnerella was low among the studied population. Moreover, malignant cytological alternations were not seen in any infected women.
Discount Pricing

We investigate the practice of framing a price as a discount from an earlier price, with information such as &#8220;was $200, now $100. &#8221; We discuss two reasons why a discounted price&#8212;rather than a merely low price&#8212;can make a consumer more willing to purchase. First, a high initial price can indicate the seller has chosen to supply a high&#8208;quality product. Second, when a seller with limited stock runs a clearance sale, later consumers infer that unsold stock has higher expected quality when its initial price was higher. We also suggest a behavioral explanation, which is that consumers with reference&#8208;dependence preferences are more likely to buy if they perceive the price as a bargain relative to the earlier price. Discount pricing is therefore an effective marketing technique, and a seller may wish to deceive potential customers by offering a false discount. The welfare effects of regulation to prevent fictitious pricing are subtle, with potential unintended consequences, and depend on whether consumers are sophisticated or naive.
Self-reported oral problems, compared with clinical assessment in an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVES To study self-reported oral problems in relation to periodontal clinical findings in an epidemiological investigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS 1676 individuals, 828 men and 848 women, participated. The clinical examination comprised the number of remaining teeth excluding third molars, plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP%), calculus index (CI) and the number of teeth with pocket depth (PD) > or =5 mm. Participants answered a questionnaire concerning smoking and snuffing habits and described in their own words any oral problems present. Analysis of variance (anova), unpaired t-test and chi-squared test were the statistical methods used. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 99.4% of participants. Problems of the teeth and mouth were reported by 28.9% of respondents comprising 31.8% females and 26.2% males. The difference between the sexes was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Of the reported oral problems, 57.4% was of periodontal origin. The differences between subjects with and without self-reported mobile teeth showed significant clinical outcome in PLI (P < 0.001), CI (P < 0.01), GI (P < 0.001), BOP% (P < 0.01), the number of teeth with PD > or = 5 mm (P < 0.001) and the number of remaining teeth (P < 0.001). The differences between subjects with and without self-reported periodontal disease and with and without bleeding gingiva also showed significant differences in CI (P < 0.05), GI (P < 0.05) and the number of teeth with PD > or = 5 mm (P < 0.05) and in PLI (0.001), CI (P < 0.01), GI (P < 0.001) and BOP% (P < 0.001) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Present study clearly shows that self-reported periodontal problems were confirmed by clinical assessments.
Perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with oligohydramnios after preterm premature rupture of membranes

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether singleton pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and oligohydramnios are at an increased risk of having maternal and neonatal morbidity. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 389 women with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation in a single tertiary center during 2008–2014. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of amniotic fluid index (AFI) < 5 cm (n = 188) or AFI ≥ 5 cm (n = 201). Perinatal outcomes were compared according to amniotic fluid volume. The Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare variables with normal and abnormal distribution, respectively. Categorical variables were examined by the chi-square test. Results: Patients with an AFI < 5 cm demonstrated a significantly shorter latency to delivery (p < 0.001), a higher rate of clinical chorioamnionitis (p = 0.029) and emergency cesarean delivery (p = 0.043) and a lower neonatal Apgar score at first minute (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Initial oligohydramnios after PPROM is associated with shorter latency to delivery, higher rate of clinical chorioamnionitis, higher rate of emergency cesarean delivery, and lower 1-min Apgar score.
Operative versus nonoperative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter trial to compare operative with nonoperative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. METHODS Eighty-two patients who presented to five trauma centers from 1994 to 1998 with an intra-articular calcaneal fracture with ≥2 mm of displacement (as verified by computed tomography) were randomized to operative or nonoperative treatment. Independent observers followed the two groups radiographically and clinically at one year and eight to twelve years. The primary outcome measures were a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and function and the self-administrated Short Form (SF)-36 general health outcome questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures were residual pain evaluated with a VAS, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, and the Olerud-Molander (OM) scale. RESULTS Forty-two patients in the operative treatment group and forty in the nonoperative group were included. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, and fracture types. Seventy-six patients were available for follow-up at one year and fifty-eight at eight to twelve years. The primary and secondary outcome measures did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups at one year of follow-up. At eight to twelve years of follow-up, there was a trend toward better scores on the patient-reported primary VAS score for pain and function (p = 0.07) and the physical component of the SF-36 (p = 0.06) in the operative group. The prevalence of radiographically evident posttraumatic subtalar arthritis was lower in the operative group (risk reduction, 41%). CONCLUSIONS Operative treatment was not superior in managing displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures at one year of follow-up but appeared to have some benefits at eight to twelve years. Operative treatment was associated with a higher risk of complications but a reduced prevalence of posttraumatic arthritis evident on follow-up radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic level II. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Contribution of Round vs. Rectangular Expandable Cage Endcaps to Spinal Stability in a Cadaveric Corpectomy Model

Background Expandable cages are gaining popularity in anterior reconstruction of the thoracolumbar spine following corpectomy as they can provide adjustable distraction and deformity correction. Rectangular, rather than circular, endcaps provide increased resistance to subsidence by spanning the apophyseal ring; however their impact on construct stability is not known. The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of expandable corpectomy cage endcap shape (round vs. rectangular) and fixation method (anterior plate vs. posterior pedicle screws) to the stability of an L1 sub-total corpectomy construct. Methods Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens (T11-L3) were subjected to multi-directional flexibility testing to 6 N·m with a custom spine simulator. Test conditions were: intact, L1 sub-total corpectomy defect, expandable cage (round endcap) alone, expandable cage (round endcap) with anterior plate, expandable cage (round endcap) with bilateral pedicle screws, expandable cage (rectangular endcap) alone, expandable cage (rectangular endcap) with anterior plate, expandable cage (rectangular endcap) with bilateral pedicle screws. Range-of-motion across T12-L2 was measured with an optoelectronic system. Results The expandable cage alone with either endcap provided significant stability to the corpectomy defect, reducing motion to intact levels in flexion-extension with both endcap types, and in lateral bending with rectangular endcaps. Round endcaps allowed greater motion than intact in lateral bending, and axial rotation ROM was greater than intact for both endcaps. Supplemental fixation provided the most rigid constructs, although there were no significant differences between instrumentation or endcap types. Conclusions These results suggest anterior-only fixation may be adequate when using an expandable cage in a sub-total corpectomy application and choice of endcap type may be driven by other factors such as subsidence resistance.
Does capital structure mediate the link between CEO characteristics and firm performance?

The purpose of this paper is to empirically capture the impact of a chief executive officer’s (CEO) personal and organizational characteristics on firm performance in the context of a developing country and to explore whether capital structure mediates the relationship between CEO characteristics and firm performance. ,In order to test the hypothesized model, CEO duality, tenure and personal characteristics (age, gender and education) were taken as explanatory variables to study their impact on firm performance. Data were collected from 179 Pakistani companies from 2009–2015. The collected data were processed via panel data regression analysis under fixed effect assumptions. ,Results show that CEO duality has a negative impact on firm performance and that a CEO with a dual role is more inclined toward debt financing. Moreover, a CEO with a longer tenure tends to be opportunistic and prioritize his/her personal interest while making strategic financial decisions, thus creating agency costs for the firm. Furthermore, CEO characteristics like age, gender and education have significant effects on firm financial decisions and firm performance. Finally, the debt and equity ratio partially mediates the link between CEO characteristics and firm performance. ,The findings of this study have limited generalizability due to the specific nature of the sample characteristics. ,To the best of the authors knowledge, this study is the first to explore the impact of CEO characteristics on capital structure and firm performance. This work is also the first to explore the mediating role of capital structure in the relationship between CEO characteristics and firm performance by using Pakistani data.