Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing pain reduction following kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis with subsequent osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures is an increasingly important disease due not only to its significant economic impact but also to the increasing age of our population. Pain reduction and stabilization are of primary importance with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Although many patients heal with conservative treatment consisting of rest or activity modification, analgesics, and bracing, the management of severe pain compels some patients to seek surgical intervention via 2 procedures: vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Although there is abundant support in the literature for both procedures, there remains debate over which procedure can most successfully reduce patients' perception of pain. OBJECTIVE To determine the amount of pain reduction using the visual analog scale (VAS) with kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. DESIGN Meta-analysis METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature was performed to quantify the amount of pain reduction using the visual analog scale (VAS) between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. RESULTS Twenty-one studies, 14 vertebroplasty and 7 kyphoplasty, qualified for inclusion representing totals of 1,046 vertebroplasty and 263 kyphoplasty patients treated, respectively. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty resulted in a more than 5 point drop in the VAS in the immediate postoperative period (p<0.00001). Between the two, the difference in early pain relief was not significant. At final follow-up, the long-term VAS was improved for both procedures, but the final follow-up VAS for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty was not significant when compared to the initial postoperative VAS (p=0.25, p=0.38, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The analysis demonstrates that both procedures reduce the amount of pain in the immediate postoperative period by approximately 50%. Both procedures reduce pain in symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures that have failed conservative treatment. Randomized controlled trials are needed to provide definitive data on which procedure is the most effective for vertebral compression fractures.
Application of Survival Analysis in Efficiency Evaluation of Professional Effectiveness Enhancement Programme

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the effect of a professional effectiveness enhancing programme on unemployment spells. The analysed programme was implemented by the Poviat Labour Office in Szczecin in 2009 and 2010 and was targeted at persons aged below 30. The methods of survival analysis are the starting point for the study. The differences in unemployment spells will be examined by means of the regression discontinuity model. The parameter values of this model will help evaluate the efficiency of the programme financed by the Labour Fund. The analysis is based on the data of people de-registered from the Poviat Labour Office in Szczecin in 2010. The control group consists of people de-registered in 2008, i.e. the year when the project was not realised.
Rural Property Rights, Migration, and Welfare in Developing Countries

Abstract Two-sector general equilibrium models are built to investigate how the quality of rural property rights influences rural-urban migration and national welfare in developing countries. In the basic model where the urban wage rate is exogenously given, the impacts of strengthened rural property rights on rural-urban migration and national welfare are determined by comparisons of the rent-gaining effect and the productivity-enhancing effect. Specifically, if the rent-gaining effect dominates the productivity-enhancing effect, strengthened rural property rights will increase the number of rural-urban migrants and reduce national welfare. Otherwise, the opposite impacts are exerted if the productivity-enhancing effect dominates the rent-gaining effect. When we extend the basic model by considering the endogenously determined urban minimum wage rate, the urban minimum wage determination mechanism is also of great importance in determining the outcomes of the basic model. When we extend the basic model by introducing an urban informal sector, the value of labor’s marginal product of the urban informal sector also plays a role in determining the impact of strengthened rural property rights on national welfare. In addition, urban unemployment is also taken into account by the basic and extended models.
Transcriptional Response Patterns of Chlamydophila psittaci in Different In Vitro Models of Persistent Infection

ABSTRACT The obligatory intracellular bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci is the causative agent of psittacosis in birds and humans. The capability of this zoonotic pathogen to develop a persistent phase is likely to play a role in chronicity of infections, as well as in failure of antibiotic therapy and immunoprophylaxis. To elucidate three different in vitro models for transition of C. psittaci to persistence (iron depletion, penicillin G treatment, and gamma interferon [IFN-γ] exposure), a set of 27 genes was examined by mRNA expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR. While the phenotypical characteristics were the same as in other chlamydiae, i.e., aberrant morphology of reticulate bodies, loss of cultivability, and rescue of infectivity upon removal of inducers, the transcriptional response of C. psittaci to persistence-inducing factors included several new and distinctive features. Consistent downregulation of membrane proteins, chlamydial sigma factors, cell division protein, and reticulate body-elementary body differentiation proteins from 24 h postinfection onward proved to be a general feature of C. psittaci persistence. However, other genes displayed considerable variations in response patterns from one model to another, which suggests that there is no persistence model per se. In contrast to results for Chlamydia trachomatis, late shutdown of essential genes in C. psittaci was more comprehensive with IFN-γ-induced persistence, which is probably due to the absence of a functional tryptophan synthesis operon.
Calibrating the Response to Health Warnings

Self-affirmation, reflecting on one’s defining personal values, increases acceptance of threatening information, but does it do so at the cost of inducing undue alarm in people at low risk of harm? We contrast an alarm model, wherein self-affirmation simply increases response to threat, with a calibration model, wherein self-affirmation increases sensitivity to the self-relevance of health-risk information. Female seafood consumers (N = 165) completed a values self-affirmation or control task before reading a U.S. Food and Drug Administration brochure on mercury in seafood. Findings support the calibration model: Among frequent seafood consumers, self-affirmation generally increased concern (reports of depth of thought, personal message relevance, perceived risk, and negative affect) for those high in defensiveness and reduced it for those low in defensiveness. Among infrequent consumers of seafood, self-affirmation typically reduced concern. Thus, self-affirmation increased the sensitivity with which women at different levels of risk, and at different levels of defensiveness, responded cognitively and affectively to the materials.
Comparison of dermatoses seen in community health camps and a tertiary care centre in Kashmir.

BACKGROUND Various environmental, socio-economic and geographical factors influence the pattern of dermatoses in an area. Observations made at tertiary dermatology centres may not reflect the actual pattern of dermatoses at the community level. AIMS To evaluate the pattern of dermatoses at community level and compare it with that at a tertiary centre. METHODS Cases were registered through community visits in block Hazratbal in Kashmir valley, once a week over a calendar year. The pattern of dermatoses observed was compared with that seen at the tertiary centre over the same period. RESULTS A total of 1065 community cases, with 1105 dermatoses, were compared with 4358 patients with 4466 dermatoses seen at the tertiary centre. Non-infectious dermatoses in each group were more common than infectious dermatoses (34.08% infectious dermatoses versus 65.97% non-infectious in community cases and 29.42% infectious dermatoses versus 70.58% non-infectious in hospital patients). Infectious cases were seen significantly more in the community (34.08%) than at the tertiary centre (29.42%). Among the infectious diseases, fungal infection was the most common and in the non-infectious group, pigmentary disorders were the most common, followed by acne and eczema. CONCLUSION Infectious dermatoses were found statistically significantly more in community cases as compared to hospital patients while the opposite was the case with non-infectious dermatoses. The study emphasizes the need for providing frequent dermatology services to the community at the primary healthcare level so that the burden of dermatoses, especially infectious, may be reduced. Also, wider studies should be conducted in different regions in order to assess the actual magnitude of dermatological illnesses in the community.
Is FDG‐PET a useful tool in clinical practice for diagnosing corticobasal ganglionic degeneration?

Seven consecutive patients were suspected to suffer from corticobasal ganglionic degeneration (CBGD) and were studied with [18]F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging of the brain. At the time of their FDG‐PET scan, 4 of 7 patients fulfilled the clinical criteria of CBGD as proposed by Lang and associates [In Calne DB, 1994; Neurodegenerative disease. Philadelphia: Saunders]. For 2 of these 4 patients, however, an alternative clinical diagnosis was also considered. Three of the seven patients underwent an FDG‐PET scan when their clinical features were not yet developed sufficiently to confirm a clinical diagnosis of CBGD. Simple visual analysis of the FDG‐PET scans was carried out. All 7 patients showed an asymmetrical pattern of glucose metabolism that was demonstrated in previous studies to be characteristic in patients who had a clinical diagnosis of CBGD. The PET results helped to confirm the clinical suspicion of CBGD in 2 patients and to rule out other diagnoses in 2 other patients. For 3 patients with no sufficient symptoms to diagnose CBGD, the pattern of glucose metabolism was characteristically asymmetrical. A probable diagnosis of CBGD was made in these patients. Our results suggest that routine visual inspection of a cerebral FDG‐PET scan is a useful tool to confirm suspicion of the clinical diagnosis of probable CBGD, to differentiate from other hypokinetic‐rigid syndromes, and to support a diagnosis CBGD in patients who do not (yet) sufficiently fulfill the clinical criteria. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Media Ameliorate Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Case Study

Psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, affects a vast number of peoples around the world. In this report, we discuss our findings about a scalp psoriasis suffering patient with a Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) score of 28, who was treated with Mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media (MSC-CM). Remarkably, complete regression was recorded within a treatment period of one month only (PSSI score of 0). A number of bioactive factors like cytokines and growth factors secreted by MSCs in the conditioned medium are very likely to be the principle molecules which play a vital role in skin regeneration. Treatment using MSC-CM appears to be an effective tool for tackling the psoriatic problem and, thus, may offer a new avenue of therapy which could be considered as an alternative approach to overcome the limitations of the cell-based therapy.
Suicidal ideation among MSM in three West African countries: Associations with stigma and social capital

Background: Suicidal ideation is understudied among men who have sex with men (MSM) across Sub-Saharan Africa. Aims: This study aimed to explore social capital and sexual behavior stigma associated with suicidal ideation among MSM in the West African nations of The Gambia, Burkina Faso and Togo. Methods: Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and snowball sampling across multiple cities (n = 1555) from July 2011 to August 2013. During a single study visit, participants completed a survey. Logistic regression models were used to assess bivariate and multivariable associations with suicidal ideation. Results: The prevalence of lifetime suicidal ideation was 13% overall and ranged 6%–17% across study sites. After adjusting for potential confounders, MSM who reported stigma as a result of having sex with men were more likely to report suicidal ideation. Physical and sexual violence was strongly associated with suicidal ideation, including being physically harmed (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.91, 4.52), tortured (aOR = 3.86, 95% CI = 2.17, 6.86) and raped (aOR = 3.07, 95% CI = 2.05, 4.60). In contrast, increasing social participation with the broader community was associated with decreased report of suicidal ideation (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85, 0.99). Conclusion: Sexual behavior stigma should be addressed to improve mental health among MSM in Western Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Incidence of Candida Albicans in the Vagina of “Healthy Young Women”

Abstract. The frequency of vaginal Candida albicans was investigated in 603 healthy women at a “Contraceptive Clinic”. Swabs were taken from the rectum, which is thought to be the reservoir and thereby the cause of reinfection of the vagina with Candida albicans. A neat correlation exists. Women who have received antibiotics within 3 months prior to the investigation have significantly more frequent bouts of candidosis. The same is true of with users of “the pill” and women using sanitary towels only for menstrual protection, compared with women using tampons only. The women were asked about bathing facilities and the frequency with which they use soap and water for washing of the external genitalia. The latter showed no difference, while there was an apparently increased frequency of positive swabs for Candida albicans in women who were “spot” washing, compared with those who took a shower and those who took a bath. This difference was not significant, however.
Youth Ministry and Beliefs and Values Among 10- to 19-year-old Students in the Seventh-day Adventist School System in North America

Problem. A survey of the literature revealed that there was little by way of empirical study on the relationship between youth ministry and attitudes, beliefs, and values held by young people. We empirically tested the anecdotal evidence that youth ministry is effective in the transmission of beliefs and values. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether Seventh-day Adventist youth ministry in North America makes any difference in the lives of youth in the Seventh-day Adventist school system. Method. The sample for this study was 10,832 10- to 19-year old students enrolled in SDA schools in 2001. This study used the data collected by the Valuegenesis study team in 2001. The survey instrument contained 396 items and included a number of questions on youth ministry. A youth ministry scale was developed. Chi square, t tests, and analysis of variance were performed to investigate the relationship between the youth ministry scale and individual youth ministry factors, and Christian orthodoxy, SDA fundamental beliefs, faith maturity, understanding grace and works, intrinsic and extrinsic orientation to religion. The same tests examined the relationship of youth ministry to at-risk behavior, intention of future church involvement, church standards, the perceived influence of the pastor, and perceptions youth hold of the church. Results and conclusions. The results of the study indicated that youth ministry has a significant relationship with the development of attitudes, beliefs, and values in adolescents attending Seventh-day Adventist schools in North America. There is a relationship between youth ministry and commitment to Seventh-day Adventist fundamental beliefs and values. Youth with high exposure to youth ministry had a lower likelihood of involvement in at-risk behavior than their peers. More exposure to youth ministry meant a greater likelihood of the youth's satisfaction with their church and also of intention to be involved in it in the future. They showed higher levels on concurrence to church standards, saw the Pastor as having more influence in their faith development, and were much more positive in their perceptions of the church.
Implementing and certifying ISO 14001 in Portugal: motives, difficulties and benefits after ISO 9001 certification

The purpose of this study is to characterise the environmental management systems (EMS) certification process (International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001) in Portuguese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) following quality management system (QMS) certification (ISO 9001). The study is based on a sample from Portuguese SMEs which characterise the local reality in terms of companies certified in accordance with ISO 14001 after ISO 9001 certification. Some Portuguese SMEs have the EMS implemented but not certified, mainly given the lack of investment support and because it is considered merely a form of marketing. As such, they do not feel motivated to certificate an EMS in the company since they consider that it is a form of advertising and not a way to protect the environment. Nonetheless, it is already evident form other Portuguese SMEs that gained EMS certification that gains supersede marketing benefits and allow for evermore enduring benefits such as prevention of environmental risks, environment protection, improved company image, compliance with legislation and efficient use of natural resources. This paper also presented the main difficulties in achieving an EMS certification, including high certification costs, human resources, motivation issues and difficulties in changing the company's culture.
Characteristics of women with recurrent molar pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and characteristics of women who develop a second molar pregnancy after a previous episode of gestational trophoblastic disease. METHODS A retrospective analysis was carried out on completed registration forms from referring hospitals in the North of England to the Sheffield Trophoblastic Screening Service over a 13-year period. All cases of second molar pregnancy were identified. Details of histology, blood group, ethnic origin, age, and subsequent pregnancies were examined. RESULTS Between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1997, 5030 patients were registered for follow-up and 275 (5.5%) required treatment for persistent disease. Thirty-five women had a subsequent molar pregnancy, a total of 0.70% of all registrations. There was no significant difference in age at first registration between those who were registered for one molar event and those who developed a subsequent molar pregnancy. The risk of a second molar event was highest in the second year after the initial diagnosis and reduced thereafter. There was a trend toward an increased risk of second molar pregnancy in Indian/Pakistani women when compared to Caucasian women (relative risk 2.4) but this was not significant at conventional levels. There was a significantly increased incidence of blood group B in patients that developed a molar pregnancy when compared to the normal population (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in distribution of blood group between those registered for their first molar event and those with two or more events. Patients who presented with a partial mole tended to have a partial mole as the second event but patients who presented with a complete mole were at risk of a subsequent complete mole, partial mole, or choriocarcinoma. Six percent of patients required chemotherapy for the second molar event, indicating no increase in aggressiveness in second moles. Two patients had three molar events. CONCLUSION In the United Kingdom the risk of second molar pregnancy is less than 1%. There is an increased risk of molar pregnancy in women with blood group B and a trend toward an increased risk of second molar pregnancy in Indian/Pakistani women. Only 6% of patients required chemotherapy for the second mole; a second molar pregnancy is not an indication for chemotherapy.
Outcome of Patients with Preformed Donor‐Specific Antibodies Following Alemtuzumab Induction and Tacrolimus Monotherapy

It has been shown that low‐level preformed donor‐specific antibodies (DSAbs) detected by luminex beads in the setting of a negative CDC and flow cytometry crossmatch (CDC/FCXM) are associated with inferior allograft outcomes. The relevance of preformed DSAbs in patients receiving alemtuzumab induction and tacrolimus monotherapy has not been studied. Four hundred and eighty renal transplant recipients with a negative CDC/FCXM had their pretransplant sera retrospectively screened for DSAbs. 45/480 (9.4%) of patients were found to have preformed DSAbs. Females and patients receiving regrafts were more likely to have a DSAb (p = 0.008 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Patients with DSAbs had inferior allograft survival (p = 0.047), increased incidence of antibody‐mediated rejection (p < 0.0001) and inferior allograft function at 6 months posttransplant (p = 0.017). Patients with HLA class I DSAb (alone or in combination with a Class II DSAb) with high mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) were at highest risk. We conclude that patients with preformed DSAb are at high risk of adverse outcomes when receiving a minimal immunosuppressive regime incorporating alemtuzumab induction. Patients found to have a preformed DSAb despite a negative crossmatch might benefit from augmented immunosuppression.
A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Smartphone Adoption by Canadian and Turkish Organizations

The objective of this study is to identify the impact of cultural differences on adoption of smartphones in Canada and Turkey and investigate the differences in patterns between the adoption behaviors of the two countries. Sequential explanatory design mixed-method research strategy, which incorporates quantitative and qualitative approaches, was used in this research. A multi-group structural equation model analysis was conducted to assess the model based on the data collected from senior and middle managers at 213 and 141 private sector organizations in Turkey and Canada, respectively. Constant comparative method was used to analyze follow-up data that resulted from transcription of the interviews. Results show that national culture has a significant effect on adoption behavior and there are major differences in adoption characteristics between the two countries. For example, organizational characteristics, especially top management support, have a stronger effect on adoption of smartphones by organizations in Canada, while environmental characteristics, including competitive pressure, partner expectations, and customer expectations have a stronger effect on the adoption in Turkey. Implications of these results are discussed.