Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pregnant Women after Physical and Sexual Abuse in Germany

Background/Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of abuse among pregnant women in Germany attending our antenatal outpatient clinic and to observe whether a history of abuse had consequences for women’s feelings about their pregnancy. Methods: 455 women between the 35th and 42nd weeks of gestational age were included and were asked to fill out an anonymous questionnaire concerning their pregnancy, their actual psychological state, and their history of physical/sexual abuse. 600 questionnaires were distributed (return rate 75.8%), 70 women (10.4%) were excluded because of male companionship to ensure their safety in case that they were currently in an abusive relationship with the attending man. Results: 88 women (19.3%) reported a history of sexual and/or physical abuse. Pregnant women after physical and/or sexual abuse significantly more frequently associate negative feelings with their pregnancy than nonabused women. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and the SCL-K-9 demonstrated significantly more negative feelings of depression and anxiety, strain, loneliness and less expectation of happiness for their future in abused women. Conclusion: Physical and sexual abuse are relevant problems among women in obstetric care that may complicate their pregnancies and make them feel more depressive.
Breath Hydrogen Produced by Ingestion of Commercial Hydrogen Water and Milk

Objective To compare how and to what extent ingestion of hydrogen water and milk increase breath hydrogen in adults. Methods Five subjects without specific diseases, ingested distilled or hydrogen water and milk as a reference material that could increase breath hydrogen. Their end-alveolar breath hydrogen was measured. Results Ingestion of hydrogen water rapidly increased breath hydrogen to the maximal level of approximately 40 ppm 10–15 min after ingestion and thereafter rapidly decreased to the baseline level, whereas ingestion of the same amount of distilled water did not change breath hydrogen (p < 0.001). Ingestion of hydrogen water increased both hydrogen peaks and the area under the curve (AUC) of breath hydrogen in a dose-dependent manner. Ingestion of milk showed a delayed and sustained increase of breath hydrogen in subjects with milk intolerance for up to 540 min. Ingestion of hydrogen water produced breath hydrogen at AUC levels of 2 to 9 ppm hour, whereas milk increased breath hydrogen to AUC levels of 164 ppm hour for 540 min after drinking. Conclusion Hydrogen water caused a rapid increase in breath hydrogen in a dose-dependent manner; however, the rise in breath hydrogen was not sustained compared with milk.
Atomized lidocaine as topical anesthesia for nasogastric tube placement: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of topical atomized 4% lidocaine in reducing the pain associated with nasogastric tube (NGT) placement. METHODS This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in the emergency department of a university teaching hospital. Study participants were alert, hemodynamically stable adult patients requiring NGT placement for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Atomized 4% lidocaine or normal saline solution was administered in the nasopharynx and oropharynx before NGT placement. All patients also received topical 2% lidocaine jelly intranasally after atomization. The pain of NGT placement was measured using a standard 100-mm visual analog scale. RESULTS A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study, with 20 in the lidocaine group and 20 in the placebo group. Mean pain scores were 37.4 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.4 to 49.4) for atomized lidocaine and 64.5 mm (95% CI 51.8 to 77.1) for placebo with a mean difference of 27.1 mm (95% CI 14.8 to 39.4), achieving both clinical and statistical significance. CONCLUSION Atomized nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal 4% lidocaine results in clinically and statistically significant reductions in pain during NGT placement.
Tourist Satisfaction Enhancement Using Mobile QR Code Payment: An Empirical Investigation

Innovative technologies have greatly changed people’s lives, including their travel experiences. This study investigates the antecedents and outcomes of the quick response (QR) code payment technology used in tourism to provide empirical evidence that mobile technologies can be used to enhance tourist satisfaction. An empirical analysis using 247 field survey responses reveals that relative advantage, compatibility, and observability innovation attributes significantly affect tourists’ attitudes positively toward QR code payment services, which results in their use of the technology while traveling. However, image—the subjective norm in innovation diffusion—has no effect on such use. Furthermore, the study confirms that the use of the QR code payment technology in tourism influences an individual’s transaction satisfaction and travel satisfaction, suggesting that this technology can be used to advance the tourism industry. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings and future research directions are also discussed.
Adaptive Responses in Hepatic and Intestinal Cholesterogenesis Following Ileal Resection in the Rat *

Abetracf. Groups of rate were prep& with a complete resection of either the jejunum or the ileum. Ratea of cholesterol synthesis in the liver and small bowel, and faecal excretion of neutral and acidic sterols were then measured approximately 63 days after surgery and compared with similar measurements made in control animals that had had transection and reancrstomosis of the intestine. Following resection of the ileum the faecal excretion of neutral sterols (cholesterol + coprostanol) increased from 2.18 to 4.12mg-dar1.100g1. In addition, the taurocholic acid pool decreased from 11.3 to 3.9 mg ~ 100 mg-1 and the half-life for this bile acid declined from 2.8 to 0.4days; hence, the metabolic production rate of taurocholic acid increased from 2.71 to 6.70mg. day-1100 mg-1. Coincidental with this accentuated turnover of both neutral and acidic sterols, the rate of dc synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and small bowel, as judged by the rate of incorporation of [t-W]acetate into digitonin precipitable sterols, increased to a nearly identical degree in the animale with ilea1 resection. This was accomplished in the liver solely by an increase in the rate of synthesis per unit weight of tissue while in the inteatine there was both increase in the weight of the jejunum and an increase in the rate of cholesterol synthesis per unit weight of tissue. In contrast to these striking changes in sterol balance in animals with ileectomy, the experimental group with jejunectomy did not differ significantly from control animals in rates of hepatio and inhtinaq cholesterol Synthesis or in rates of neutral and acidic sterol excretion. Hence, it is apparent from these studies that following m c t i o n of the ileum in the rat them is increased endogenous synthesis of cholesterol that fully compensates for the augmented excretion of sterols which follows this operation 80 that the circulating serum cholesterol pool remains essentially unchanged.
Aberrant activation of canonical Notch1 signaling in the mouse uterus decreases progesterone receptor by hypermethylation and leads to infertility

Significance These studies show a physiological role for Notch signaling in female reproduction. The fact that both loss and gain of function of Notch signaling result in the impairment of early pregnancy identifies Notch1 signaling as a critical regulator of endometrial function. We also provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that Notch signaling can regulate methylation of exon 1 of the progesterone receptor (Pgr) gene through its target PU.1, which provides novel insight into the role of Notch in steroid hormone regulation. This mechanism also provides an opportunity for future studies in identifying the cause of progesterone resistance in gynecological pathologies in women, such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, in which the hypermethylation of Pgr has been reported. In mammalian reproduction, implantation is one of the most critical events. Failure of implantation and the subsequent decidualization contribute to more than 75% of pregnancy losses in women. Our laboratory has previously reported that inhibition of Notch signaling results in impaired decidualization in both women and a transgenic mouse model. In this study, we generated a Notch gain-of-function transgenic mouse by conditionally overexpressing the Notch1 intracellular domain (N1ICD) in the reproductive tract driven by a progesterone receptor (Pgr) -Cre. We show that the overexpression of N1ICD in the uterus results in complete infertility as a consequence of multiple developmental and physiological defects, including the absence of uterine glands and dysregulation of progesterone and estrogen signaling by a Recombination Signal Binding Protein Jκ-dependent signaling mechanism. We further show that the inhibition of progesterone signaling is caused by hypermethylation of its receptor Pgr by Notch1 overexpression through the transcription factor PU.1 and DNA methyltransferase 3b (Dnmt3b). We have generated a mouse model to study the consequence of increased Notch signaling in female reproduction and provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that Notch signaling can regulate epigenetic modification of the Pgr.
Undersampling Errors in Region-of-Interest Tomography

A detailed error analysis for the dual-sampling region-ofinterest X-ray tomography is presented. Simulation studies are used along with a range of sampling rates to quantitate the amount of sampling errors within the region of interest. It is shown that as the rate of sampling outside the region of interest becomes sparse the amount of sampling errors within the region of interest increases considerably.
Identification of AKAP‐4 as a new cancer/testis antigen for detection and immunotherapy of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cancer in older men, after skin cancer. PC is difficult to diagnose because the prostate‐specific antigen screening method is associated with many false positives. In addition there is a need to develop new and more effective treatments. Among presently available new treatments, immunotherapy is a promising approach. We investigated the expression of the cancer/testis antigen, AKAP‐4, in PC patients to evaluate the possibility of exploiting AKAP‐4 as a target for immunotherapy.
Factors Affecting Wound Infection Rates in Head and Neck Surgery

PURPOSE: This study was planned with 2 goals in mind: to evaluate the efficacy of prolonged and 1-day antibiotic regimens for prophylaxis and to evaluate the effect of various factors such as neck dissection, localization and stage of tumor, type of laryngectomy, and history of prior radiotherapy, tracheotomy, and diabetes mellitus on postoperative wound infection rates. METHODS AND MATERIAL: In this study, 408 head and neck procedures (201 clean and 207 clean-contaminated) performed at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Prolonged and 1-day antibiotic regimens for both clean and clean-contaminated procedures were similar in efficacy (7% vs 3% for clean procedures [P = 0.165] and 30% vs 28% for clean-contaminated procedures [P = 0.777]). The wound infection rate was higher (13%) after clean radical neck dissections versus other clean procedures (1%) (P = 0.001). For clean-contaminated procedures, factors affecting postoperative wound infection rates were performance of bilateral neck dissections (P = 0.014), disease stage (P = 0.002), type of laryngectomy (P = 0.002), and history of prior tracheotomy (P = 0.006).
The effect of intensification with raltegravir on the HIV-1 reservoir of latently infected memory CD4 T cells in suppressed patients

Objectives:The stability of the reservoir of latently infected memory CD4+ T-cells may be associated with continuous replenishment from residual HIV-1, not completely eliminated by otherwise successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). Treatment intensification could help to control residual virus and to modify the latent reservoir. The objective of this work is to assess the effect of intensifying therapy with raltegravir on the HIV-1 cell reservoir. Design:A pilot open-label phase-II clinical trial was performed to analyze ART intensification with raltegravir after 48 weeks in chronically HIV-1-infected patients on stable ART. Methods:We measured the number of latently infected memory CD4+ T cells, residual viremia, 2-long terminal repeat circles, CD4+/CD8+ T-cell activation, lymphocyte subpopulations, gut homing receptor, and bacterial translocation. Results:A significant decay of HIV-1 latent reservoir was observed after intensification in the nine patients included (P = 0.021). No variation was found in either residual viremia or 2-long terminal repeat circles, whereas CD8+ T-cell activation decreased at week 36 (P = 0.028). No differences were found in naive T-cell or effector memory cell counts, and the frequencies of gut homing receptor on activated or effector memory CD8+ T cells. Bacterial translocation was stable, with the exception of a late decrease in lipopolysaccharide levels. Conclusions:In this pilot noncomparative trial, treatment intensification with raltegravir significantly decreased the latent cellular HIV-1 reservoir and CD8+ T-cell activation. Despite the limitations inherent to trial design, our results suggest that ART intensification should be considered as an adjuvant strategy to eradicate HIV-1 infection.
Cardiac effects of dexamethasone in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the cardiac effects of dexamethasone in very low birth weight infants. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Enrolled subjects were randomized to receive either a 42-day tapering course of dexamethasone or a saline placebo. Echocardiographic measurements were obtained on days 0, 7, 14, 28, and 42. SUBJECTS Thirteen infants received dexamethasone and 13 a saline placebo. The two groups were similar in birth weight, gestational age, age at enrollment, and sex/ race composition. RESULTS Patients receiving dexamethasone had a significantly larger increase in septal thickness on days 7, 14, and 28 and left ventricle (LV) posterior wall thickness on day 14. A significantly lower left ventricular end-diastolic dimension in the dexamethasone group was initially noted on day 7 and persisted until day 42. With the reduced left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, no significant differences in LV mass were noted, despite the increased wall thickness. No differences in LV systolic function, as assessed by area shortening, were seen. Assessment of diastolic function showed a significant increase in the atrial portion of mitral inflow in dexamethasone patients on day 14, as well as a significant prolongation in isovolumic relaxation time on days 7, 14, and 28. CONCLUSIONS Infants receiving dexamethasone developed evidence for impaired LV filling with a lager increase in wall thickness but no increase in LV mass, asymmetric septal hypertrophy, or augmented systolic function. This suggests that alterations in left ventricular filling play an important role in the development of hypertrophy seen with dexamethasone administration.
Splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura: Surgery for the 21st century

Although immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common autoimmune hematological disorder, there is still controversy regarding the optimal management of this condition. Medical therapy may cure a proportion of patients with ITP but there are still a significant number of these individuals who are at risk for bleeding events. Surgery has become the least popular therapeutic option for ITP as other medical therapies have become available that attempt to avoid splenectomy and its morbidity. However, the clinical response to these therapies has not been overwhelming based on the fairly small number of trials conducted to date. With current minimally invasive surgical techniques, splenectomy should be again regarded as a viable therapeutic option in patients with ITP. The laparoscopic approach avoids much of the morbidity and complications seen with the conventional open surgical approach and studies have demonstrated similar, if not better, outcomes. In addition, the risk of infection following splenectomy is not as high as may be suspected, particularly with current vaccination regiments. It should be a priority for both the hematology and medical community to advocate for clinical trials to rationally study alternatives to splenectomy. In the interim, laparoscopic splenectomy should be considered as an additional front line therapeutic option in ITP patients. Am. J. Hematol. , 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Dietary Probiotic Supplementation on Growth Performance in the Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca)

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary probiotic supplementation on growth performance in the rock partridge. One hundred 1-day-old chicks were used. They were divided into 2 groups and each group was divided into 5 replicate groups containing 10 chicks. One group served as the control, while the other group was the treatment group fed 0.15% probiotic (Lactobacillus bulgaricus) in the diet. The experimental period was 12 weeks with the first 6 weeks as the starter period and the last 6 weeks as the grower period. There were no statistical differences between the groups in growth performance at the end of the study. Live weight (g), cumulative feed consumption (g) and average feed conversion ratio (kg feed / kg gain) for the control and probiotic groups were 396.3, 2682 and 7.78 and 392.6, 2549 and 7.36, respectively, at the end of the study. In conclusion, under good hygienic conditions probiotic supplementation may not be necessary for improving partridge performance .
An exploration of wireless computing risks: Development of a risk taxonomy

Wireless computing, as a way of providing mobile services, has been growing steadily during the past few years. While wireless communications offer organizations and users many benefits such as portability, flexibility, increased productivity, and lower installation costs; on the other hand, risks inherent and exacerbated by wireless connectivity are widely reported, wherein networks are open to intruders who may cause unwanted consequences to an organization's information resources. Hence, understanding these risks will help protect against unforeseen threats, delays and costs. This paper aims at the development of a taxonomy for wireless computing risks. Six levels are identified including risks associated with the users, mobile devices, wireless networks, wireless applications, the Internet and the corporate gateway. The findings show that there is a need for systematic studies on wireless risk assessment and management. The implications of these findings for both researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Do Tubular Changes in the Diabetic Kidney Affect the Susceptibility to Acute Kidney Injury?

Diabetes is the single largest contributor to the growing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) increase the risk of advanced CKD in diabetic patients. Here we discuss whether the pathophysiological changes that occur in the tubular system of the diabetic kidney affect the intrinsic susceptibility to AKI. There is abundant data showing that drug-induced nephrotoxicity is attenuated in rodents with experimental diabetes mellitus, and some mechanistic explanations have been provided, in particular in response to aminoglycosides. Besides downregulation in proximal tubular megalin, which mediates the aminoglycoside uptake in proximal tubules, a role for hyperglycemia-induced activation of regenerative mechanisms has been proposed. The available clinical data, however, indicates that diabetes is a risk factor for AKI, including aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity. While much needs to be learned about this disconnect, the isolated induction of diabetes in otherwise healthy young adult rodents may simply not fully mimic the influence that diabetes exerts in the setting of a critically ill and often elderly patient. We speculate that diabetic tubular growth and the associated molecular signature (including upregulation of TGF-β, senescence, and inflammation) set up the development of diabetic nephropathy and renal failure in part by increasing the susceptibility to AKI, which further promotes hypoxia and apoptosis. Considering the strong association between AKI episodes and the cumulative risk of developing advanced CKD in diabetes, strategies that reduce AKI in these patients are expected to help reduce the growing burden of end-stage renal disease.
A comparison of confidence interval methods for the intraclass correlation coefficient in cluster randomized trials

A Correction has been published for this article in Statistics in Medicine 23(18) 2004, 2935. This study compared different methods for assigning confidence intervals to the analysis of variance estimator of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ρ). The context of the comparison was the use of ρ to estimate the variance inflation factor when planning cluster randomized trials. The methods were compared using Monte Carlo simulations of unbalanced clustered data and data from a cluster randomized trial of an intervention to improve the management of asthma in a general practice setting. The coverage and precision of the intervals were compared for data with different numbers of clusters, mean numbers of subjects per cluster and underlying values of ρ. The performance of the methods was also compared for data with Normal and non‐Normally distributed cluster specific effects. Results of the simulations showed that methods based upon the variance ratio statistic provided greater coverage levels than those based upon large sample approximations to the standard error of ρ. Searle's method provided close to nominal coverage for data with Normally distributed random effects. Adjusted versions of Searle's method to allow for lack of balance in the data generally did not improve upon it either in terms of coverage or precision. Analyses of the trial data, however, showed that limits provided by Thomas and Hultquist's method may differ from those of the other variance ratio statistic methods when the arithmetic mean differs markedly from the harmonic mean cluster size. The simulation results demonstrated that marked non‐Normality in the cluster level random effects compromised the performance of all methods. Confidence intervals for the methods were generally wide relative to the underlying size of ρsuggesting that there may be great uncertainty associated with sample size calculations for cluster trials where large clusters are randomized. Data from cluster based studies with sample sizes much larger than those typical of cluster randomized trials are required to estimate ρ with a reasonable degree of precision. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.