Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The CLOSER (CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy's Impact On SEx and Relationships) survey: implications of vaginal discomfort in postmenopausal women and in male partners.

INTRODUCTION Postmenopausal vaginal atrophy (VA) is a chronic condition with symptoms that include vaginal dryness, soreness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia. AIM The CLarifying Vaginal Atrophy's Impact On SEx and Relationships survey evaluated the impact of VA on the physical and emotional aspects of sexual relationships between postmenopausal women and their male partners. METHODS Four thousand one hundred females and 4,100 males representing the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, France, Canada, and the United States were surveyed. Assessments included: (i) talking about VA and its symptoms; (ii) the impact of VA on intimacy, relationships, and women's self-esteem; (iii) talking about VA and erectile dysfunction (ED); and (iv) the impact of local estrogen therapy (LET) on intimacy and relationships. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Descriptive data on the impact of VA. RESULTS Twenty-eight percent of women did not tell their partners when they first encountered vaginal discomfort, mainly because they felt "it was just a natural part of growing older" (52%) or because of "embarrassment" (21%). Eighty-two percent of males wanted their partner to share their experiences with VA; males were also more comfortable discussing VA than females (68% vs. 58%, respectively). Having sex less often (women: 58%, men: 61%), less satisfying sex (women: 49%, men: 28%), and putting off having sex (women: 35%, men: 14%) were the main effects of VA. Intimacy avoidance was attributed to painful sex (women: 55%, men: 61%) and women's reduced sexual desire (women: 46%, men: 43%). Discussions about vaginal discomfort and ED were generally limited to partners and healthcare providers (HCPs). LET use resulted in less painful sex (women: 62%, men: 59%) and more satisfying sex (women: 47%, men: 49%). CONCLUSIONS VA has an adverse emotional and physical impact on postmenopausal women and their partners. These findings may encourage more open communication about VA between couples and their HCPs.
Effect of Marketing Communication on Income Levels and Lottery Purchasing Behavior in Central Thailand

The objectives of this study were to analyze marketing communication’s perception of three groups of income levels (low, middle, and high) and to examine the impact of marketing communication in terms of mass media advertising and word of mouth (WOM) from family, colleagues, and friends on lottery purchasing behavior. The study was conducted using a quantitative research method (MANOVA analysis and MIMIC model), based on a questionnaire completed by 400 volunteers from central Thailand recruited by stratified-sample random method. Results demonstrated that the low income group had the highest perception in mass media advertising regarding lottery purchasing behavior, which was at a significant level in comparison to the middle and high income groups. Similar patterns were seen for WOM. In addition, mass media advertising had a strong impact on lottery purchasing behavior both in terms of frequency and expenditure, whereas the correlation of WOM to these two variables was very low and had no significant impact on behavior. Results confirmed that income levels and marketing communication perception were in a significant reversed relationship. Moreover, mass media communication can directly influence frequency and expenditure of lottery purchasing in the central region of Thailand.
Mirtazapine Versus Venlafaxine in Hospitalized Severely Depressed Patients With Melancholic Features

The aim of this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 8-week study was to compare the antidepressant efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine and venlafaxine in the treatment of hospitalized patients with DSM-IV diagnosis of severe depressive episode with melancholic features. Patients with a baseline score of ≥ 25 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17) were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either mirtazapine (N = 78, 15–60 mg/day) or venlafaxine (N = 79, 75–375 mg/day, twice a day) in a rapid up-titration schedule. Efficacy was assessed with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), HAM-D-17, and Clinical Global Impression scale, and quality of life was assessed with the Quality of Life, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction Questionnaire and Quality of Life in Depression Scale. Tolerability was assessed with the Utvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser (UKU) side effect scale and by reporting adverse events. Both drugs were effective in reducing overall symptoms of depression, showing substantial reductions in group mean MADRS scores (−20.1 for mirtazapine and −17.5 for venlafaxine) and HAM-D-17 scores (−17.1 for mirtazapine and −14.6 for venlafaxine) at the end of the treatment. Although not statistically significant, at all assessment times higher percentages of patients treated with mirtazapine were classified as responders (≥50% reduction) on the HAM-D (at endpoint, 62% vs. 52%) and MADRS (at endpoint: 64% vs. 58%). Likewise were the percentages of remitters (HAM-D score ≤7; MADRS score ≤12) also higher in the mirtazapine group. A statistically significant difference favoring mirtazapine was found on the HAM-D Sleep Disturbance factor at all assessment points (p ≤ 0.03). Both treatments were well tolerated. Although slightly more subjects treated with mirtazapine reported at least one adverse event, a statistically significantly higher percentage of patients treated with venlafaxine (15.3%) than mirtazapine (5.1%) dropped out because of adverse events (p = 0.037). Quality of life improved in both treatment groups. In this study, treatment with mirtazapine resulted in a trend toward more responders and remitters than treatment with venlafaxine and in significantly fewer dropouts as a result of adverse events.
ACT and UCH‐L1 polymorphisms in Parkinson's disease and age of onset

α1‐Antichymotrypsin (ACT) and ubiquitin carboxy‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH‐L1) have been suggested as susceptibility factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). We replicated these findings in a Chinese case‐control sample consisting of 160 PD cases and 160 carefully matched control subjects. Genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction and BstN1 or Rsa1 restriction enzyme assay. Analysis showed no significant difference between PD patients and controls for genotype or allele frequencies of the ACT and UCH‐L1 S18Y polymorphisms. UCH‐L1 S18Y polymorphism carriers, however, were found to be significantly less frequent in early‐onset PD patients with a reduced risk of 0.557 (95% C.I. = 0.314–0.985; P = 0.043). These data suggest that ACT polymorphism does not influence the risk for developing PD. UCH‐L1 S18Y polymorphism, however, may be a weak protective factor against early‐onset PD. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
The Shielding Function of Task Rules in the Context of Task Switching

There is increasing evidence that task rules help shield the response against distractor interference. Here, the authors investigate the cognitive mechanisms underlying this assumed shielding function of task rules and how it is adjusted to changing task demands. In two experiments, participants switched between a noun categorization and an adjective categorization task. Target words were superimposed on distractor pictures. These pictures were always irrelevant and depicted either objects also used as target words in the noun task (noun distractors) or objects that were not part of the noun target-set but could be categorized according to the noun task (noun-related distractors). Results show that (a) on task repetitions shielding prevents interference from any distractors associated with a competing task; this is indicated by the lack of interference on adjective task repetitions; and (b) shielding is reduced on task switches. In the noun task, this reduction resulted in attenuated interference by noun-related distractors. In the adjective task, spatial distractors did not interfere despite the reduction. This result suggests that shielding is supported by a processing advantage for task-related information and not by distractor suppression.
ANALISIS PENGARUH RISIKO KREDIT, INTERMEDIASI PERBANKAN, RISIKO LIKUIDITAS, DAN EFISIENSI MANAJEMEN TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS PERBANKAN INDONESIA (Studi Kasus pada Bank Umum Konvensional yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2010-2014)

This study aims to examine the effect of credit risk, banking intermediation, liquidity risk, and management efficiency to banking profitability. The dependent variables in this study are Return On Assets (ROA) and Return On Equity (ROE). Meanwhile, the independent variables in this study are Allowance for Impairment Losses Ratio (CKPN), Loans to Deposits Ratio (LDR), Liquidity Gap, and Operating Expenses to Operating Incomes Ratio (BOPO). The sampling technique is conducted by purposive sampling method. The number of total samples in this study is 9 conventional commercial banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2010-2014. Data processing was performed using multiple linear regression analysis through classic assumption test beforehand. The results using ROA as the dependent variable showed that CKPN and LDR have a positive and significant effect on ROA, BOPO has a negative and significant effect on ROA, and Liquidity Gap has a positive but insignificant effect on ROA. Meanwhile, the results of this research using ROE as dependent variable showed that LDR and BOPO have a negative and significant effect on ROE, CKPN has a positive but insignificant effect on ROE and Liquidity Gap has a negative but insignificant effect on ROE. The results concluded that the profitability of banks can be influenced by CKPN, LDR, and BOPO.
The ramp power test: a power assessment during a functional task for older individuals.

BACKGROUND Power is critical to mobility and activities of daily living and is a key determinant of independence and falls prevention. Therefore, the quantification of power in older persons is critical. The power tests currently available are often expensive, potentially dangerous, and not reflective of everyday activities. We present a modification of an existing field test that uses ambulation up a standard access ramp to quantify functional power in older individuals. METHODS Three hundred sixty-three women and 157 men, aged 73.1 +/- 7.0 years, ambulated up a standard access ramp (1:12 rise/run ratio) as quickly as possible. Each person performed one practice and two timed trials. RESULTS Comparisons with accepted power measures and reported patterns of change with aging supported the validity of the ramp power test. The test was found to be reliable across multiple trials and days. Pair-wise comparisons showed that for women the test was sensitive to differences in power output by half-decade, whereas for men it could distinguish between 9 of the 15 comparisons among age groups. Percentile scores are reported by half-decade for power in both genders. In > 1200 trials performed during this study, only one injury (a slightly strained hamstring) occurred. CONCLUSIONS The ramp power test is valid and reliable and can safely distinguish power by half-decade in women and among the majority of age groups in men. Its safety, low cost, and ease of administration make it a feasible diagnostic tool to assess functional power levels in ambulatory older persons.
Timing of pure tone and noise-evoked responses in macaque auditory cortex

We compared onset latencies for characteristic frequency pure tone and broadband noise responses in AI and posterior belt regions of the auditory cortex in awake macaques. We found that (1) in AI, responses to characteristic frequency tones and broadband noise have similar latencies, (2) in belt regions, characteristic frequency tone and broadband noise latencies differ significantly; broadband noise latencies are shorter, while characteristic frequency tone latencies are longer than corresponding values in AI, (3) for both pure tone and broadband noise responses in AI, latency decreases with increasing characteristic frequency and (4) despite a similar inverse relationship of tone latency and local characteristic frequency in belt areas, broadband noise latencies are uniformly short, and appear unrelated to local characteristic frequency. Dissociation of broadband noise and pure tone latencies may reflect the use of parallel anatomical routes into belt regions.
Common and diverse features of cocirculating type 2 and 3 recombinant vaccine-derived polioviruses isolated from patients with poliomyelitis and healthy children.

BACKGROUND Five cases of poliomyelitis due to type 2 or 3 recombinant vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) were reported in the Toliara province of Madagascar in 2005. METHODS We sequenced the genome of the VDPVs isolated from the patients and from 12 healthy children and characterized phenotypic aspects, including pathogenicity, in mice transgenic for the poliovirus receptor. RESULTS We identified 6 highly complex mosaic recombinant lineages composed of sequences derived from different vaccine polioviruses and other species C human enteroviruses (HEV-Cs). Most had some recombinant genome features in common and contained nucleotide sequences closely related to certain cocirculating coxsackie A virus isolates. However, they differed in terms of their recombinant characteristics or nucleotide substitutions and phenotypic features. All VDPVs were neurovirulent in mice. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the genetic relationship between type 2 and 3 VDPVs, indicating that both types can be involved in a single outbreak of disease. Our results highlight the various ways in which a vaccine-derived poliovirus may become pathogenic in complex viral ecosystems, through frequent recombination events and mutations. Intertypic recombination between cocirculating HEV-Cs (including polioviruses) appears to be a common mechanism of genetic plasticity underlying transverse genetic variability.
Relationship between renal resistance index and renal function in liver transplant recipients after cessation of calcineurin inhibitor

Abstract: End stage renal disease is a major complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Vasoconstriction of renal arterial vessels because of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) treatment plays a pivotal role in the development of renal insufficiency following OLT. Renal resistance can be measured non‐invasively by determining the resistance index (RI) of segmental arteries by color‐coded duplex ultrasonography, a measure with predictive value for future renal failure. Sixteen OLT patients on long‐term CNI therapy were recruited prospectively and randomly assigned either to receive the m‐TOR inhibitor sirolimus (SRL) or to continue on CNI treatment, and were followed for one yr. Serum creatinine (crea) declined after conversion to SRL, whereas it tended to increase in patients remaining on CNI (meanΔ crea SRL: −27, −18, −18, −15 μmol/L; meanΔ crea CNI: 4, 5, 8, 11 μmol/L at 1, 3, 6, 12 months, p = 0.02). RI improved after switching to SRL and was lower on SRL than on CNI (meanΔRI SRL: −0.04, −0.04, −0.03, −0.03; meanΔRI CNI: −0.006, 0.004, −0.007, −0.01 after 1, 3, 6, 12 months, p = 0.016). Individual changes of RI correlated significantly with individual changes of crea (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). Conversion from CNI to SRL can ameliorate renal function accompanied by a reduction of intrarenal RI after OLT.
A Phase I/II trial of concurrent docetaxel and radiation after induction chemotherapy in patients with poor prognosis squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

The authors conducted a Phase I/II study in patients with a poor prognosis who had locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and who were treated initially with induction chemotherapy. Patients were treated with weekly docetaxel and concurrent daily fractionated radiation therapy to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of docetaxel and the efficacy of the regimen.
Rare-Earth-Doped Sesquioxides for Diode-Pumped High-Power Lasers in the 1-, 2-, and 3-μm Spectral Range

Sesquioxides combine excellent thermomechanical properties, comparably low phonon energies and a strong crystal field, making them ideally suited for broad band emitting high power laser materials in the infrared and mid-infrared spectral range. In this paper, the latest progress on diode pumped highly efficient high-power solid-state lasers based on rare-earth doped sesquioxides, Lu<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, Sc<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, and Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, as well as different mixed sesquioxides (Lu<sub>a</sub>Sc<sub>b</sub>Y<sub>c</sub>)<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> with a + b + c = 1 is reviewed. While Yb<sup>3+</sup> -doped sesquioxides allow for record high efficiencies at several 100 W of output power in continuous wave operation and record high average powers in pulsed mode in the 1-μm spectral range, Tm<sup>3+</sup>- and Ho <sup>3+</sup>-doped sesquioxides enable efficient broad band laser operation and ultrashort pulse duration around 2 μm. Finally, Er<sup>3+</sup>-doped sesquioxides enabled the highest efficiencies and output powers demonstrated so far at room temperature in the mid-infrared range at 3 μm.
Mapping of fruit allergens by 2D electrophoresis and immunodetection

Proteomic analyses of fruits are confronted with a series of specific obstacles: a general low protein content in plant tissues, allergen extraction from highly complex matrices and protein determination in the presence of interfering compounds. Different methods are currently being introduced to achieve higher protein yields and a simultaneous removal of interfering substances, such as polyphenols and polysaccharides. However, no universal protocol suitable for protein purification from any given plant species is available. Protein profiling by 2DE-western blotting offers a powerful tool for the detection and characterization of known and novel plant allergens. Moreover, the detection of IgE-reactive proteins from fruits is improved by combining western blot and alternative visualization techniques. The recent developments in bioinformatics and databases facilitate the interpretation of profiling studies with regard to novel potential fruit allergens.
Assessing the Overall Performance of Microfinance Institutions

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in microfinance institutions (MFIs). Some studies assess the financial condition of MFIs on the basis of individual criteria while a few others attempt to explain differences in profitability on the basis of firm-level attributes and country-level characteristics. However, there is no widely accepted measure for assessing the performance of MFIs. The present study employs a two stage analysis. In the first stage, I propose the use of the PROMETHEE II multicriteria method. This allows the evaluation of the overall performance of the MFIs. In the second stage of the analysis, I use regression analysis to explain differences in the overall performance of the MFIs on the basis of various country-specific characteristics. The results show that the size of the MFIs has a robust non-linear, inverted U-shaped impact on overall performance. Age and the status of non-governmental institution also appear to matter. As it concerns the country-level attributes, GDP growth has a robust positive impact on overall performance. Regional differences also appear to matter.
Life after cancer: adaptation issues faced by Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors in Hong Kong

An explorative study using qualitative data collection methods was used to look at the adaptation issues faced by Chinese survivors of gynaecological cancers. Eighteen women who were free from illness and between 2 and 16 years post‐diagnosis participated. Content analysis of the data revealed that cancer and its treatment led to a positive revival of these women as they re‐evaluated their life, started treasuring family relationships, improved their mood and became more sensitive to other people's needs. However, they also described problems with marital relationships, concerns about the future of their children, sexuality and femininity, loss of fertility and discomfort due to pain and weakness. A third of the sample reported that their husbands had extramarital affairs. Despite this, women, especially those who had good communication with their partners, commented that they maintained a loving relationship. Cultural beliefs and misconceptions about sexual functioning were also depicted as affecting adaptation to illness. Long‐term psychosocial care may help these women to adapt better to the demands of the illness, especially sexual and psychosexual rehabilitation, as sexual problems were reported by all women in the study. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased salt sensitivity induced by sensory denervation: role of superoxide.

AIM To test the hypothesis that production of superoxide in mesenteric resistance arteries is increased and contributes to the development of hypertension induced by sensory denervation plus high salt intake. METHODS Newborn Wistar rats were given capsaicin 50 mg/kg sc on the 1st and 2nd d of life. After weaning, male rats were grouped as follows and treated for 3 weeks with: capsaicin pretreatment plus normal sodium diet (0.5 %, CAP-NS), CAP plus high sodium diet (4 %, CAP-HS), control plus NS (CON-NS), or CON-HS. Both tail-cuff systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured in each of the groups. Western blot analysis was used for measurement of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the mesenteric resistance arteries. Lucigenin chemiluminescence assay was used for superoxide production in the mesenteric resistance arteries. The Griess method was used for measurement of nitrite/nitrate levels in plasma. RESULTS Both tail-cuff pressure and MAP were higher in CAP-HS compared with CAP-NS, CON-HS, and CON-NS rats (P<0.05). Both MnSOD and eNOS in the mesenteric resistance arteries were increased in CAP-HS compared with CAP-NS, CON-HS, and CON-NS (P<0.05). However, nitrite/nitrate levels in plasma were not different among 4 groups. Acute iv administration of tempol, a membrane-permeable superoxide scavenger, decreased MAP in both CAP-HS and CON-HS when compared with their respective controls. However, the decreases of MAP between these two groups were not different. Chronic treatment with tempol failed to prevent the development of hypertension in CAP-HS rats. Superoxide production in the mesenteric resistance arteries was increased in CAP-HS compared with CAP-NS, CON-HS, and CON-NS (P<0.05). However, chronic treatment with tempol did not prevent the increase of mesenteric superoxide production in CAP-HS rats. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of increased vascular MnSOD levels, salt sensitive hypertension induced by sensory degeneration is associated with increased vascular superoxide production. Although tempol is incapable of preventing the development of hypertension in sensory denervated rats fed a high salt diet, increased superoxide levels may contribute to exacerbated vascular impairment which may take longer time to develop. Given that superoxide may be produced by sources other than mitochondrion, future studies using other inhibitors (eg, inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase) may unveil the effectiveness of reducing superoxide on lowering blood pressure in this model.