Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outpatient satisfaction: validation of a French-language questionnaire: data quality and identification of associated factors.

OBJECTIVES Following 1996 legislation requiring French hospitals to assess patient satisfaction, this study developed and validated a brief French-language multidimensional questionnaire designed to measure outpatient satisfaction with hospital visits and compared data quality for two patient-satisfaction survey methods. DESIGN Authors developed a 19-item questionnaire following a strict procedure (identification of dimensions to explore, formulation, and selection of items). SETTING Validation data were obtained from patients of six outpatient clinics in a teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS 586 consenting eligible patients were randomized to receive the questionnaire 2 weeks after their visit with one of two survey methods: a mailed self-administered questionnaire or a telephone interview. RESULTS The response rate (79%) was not significantly different between the two survey methods. The risk of having one or more missing values was higher in the mail survey group (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.63), but mail respondents were less likely to use the "extremely positive" response category. Principal component analysis identified four factors that accounted for 56% of the variance: interpersonal skills and information transfer, physical surroundings, convenience, and appointment delay. Patients' comments on open-ended questions validated the semantic content of the factorial construct. The internal consistency coefficient was greater than 0.70 for three of four subscales. Patient background characteristics accounted for less than 10% of the factorial score variance. Patient satisfaction was correlated with age, type of visit, and, to a lesser extent, gender and education level. CONCLUSION This easily administered, multidimensional out-patient-satisfaction questionnaire provided encouraging preliminary psychometric characteristics.
Chaperone‐like effect of monoclonal antibodies on refolding of heat‐denatured carboxypeptidase A

The availability of monoclonal antibodies which bind to a specific antigen at distinct and well‐defined sites has led to a better understanding of the effects of highly specific enzyme–antibody interactions on enzyme behaviour. By appropriate selection it has been possible to isolate those antibodies that are non‐inhibitory to biological activity of the enzyme and bind at strategic locations on the antigen molecule, resulting in a considerable stabilization effect on the enzyme conformation. Moreover, such monoclonal antibodies proved to have a chaperone activity leading to aconsiderable refolding effect on the enzyme which was already partially heat denatured. Renaturation of carboxypeptidase A after heat denaturation in the presence of selected monoclonal antibodies, was followed by recovery of its enzymatic activity. The refolding effect of anti‐CPA monoclonal antibodies, was followed by recovery of its enzymatic activity. The refolding effect of anit‐CPA monoclonal antibodies on heat‐denatured enzyme depends on the degree of denaturation of the enzyme and on the location of the antigenic site of each antibody. The additively effect of the pairs of monoclonal antibodies on the refolding process of CPA proved to be dependent on the localization of the antigenic sites of the monoclonal antibodies studied.
Isoflavone Consumption Does Not Increase the Bone Mass in Osteopenic Obese Female Zucker Rats

Some controversy exists in the literature concerning the effects of leptin on bone metabolism. Thus we have compared femoral bone density and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in male and female fatty (leptin-resistant) Zucker rats and their lean homozygous controls at 3 and 6 months of age. At 3 months, no differences concerning total, diaphyseal (cortical bone), and distal metaphyseal (trabecular bone) femoral bone densities, plasma osteocalcin concentrations, and urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion were observed between fatty and lean rats. On the opposite, at 6 months of age, in both males and females, total, diaphyseal, and distal metaphyseal femoral bone densities and plasma osteocalcin concentrations were lower in Zucker than in lean rats. Soybean isoflavone consumption (40 µg/g body weight/day for 90 days, a dose which prevents osteopenia following ovariectomy both in lean Zucker homozygous controls and in Wistar rats) by obese female Zucker rats had no significant effect upon their bone mass.
Oxytocin inhibits the progression of human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

The neurohypophyseal nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) is involved in many biologic functions and regulation of cell proliferation under both physiologic and neoplastic conditions. In some cases, OT exhibits an oxytocin receptor (OTR)‐mediated antiproliferative effect on cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effects of OT on ovarian carcinoma progression in vitro and in vivo. We investigated the inhibitory effects of OT on cell growth, invasion and migration in vitro. Furthermore, we examined the OT effects in vivo ovarian carcinoma model. We demonstrated OTR expressions in the large majority of ovarian carcinoma tissues, and OT inhibited not only proliferation but also migration and invasion in ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro. Furthermore, we examined the mechanisms of the antiinvasive ability of OT. Secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 2 was slightly inhibited by 10−7 M OT, while treatment with 10−7 M OT for 24 hr remarkably enhanced the expression of E‐cadherin. In addition, our in vivo study showed that intraperitoneal administration of OT resulted in the reduction of intraperitoneal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma cells. Mean tumor burden in the OT‐treated group (0.2 ± 0.11 g) was significantly (p < 0.05) less than that of physiologic saline‐treated group (0.5 ± 0.54 g). This evidence implies that OT may functionally suppress peritoneal dissemination in ovarian carcinoma. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intercultural Coaching: Developing Educational Leadership in the United Arab Emirates

The global world of international work assignments is very real. The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) employ Western ‘experts’ on a large scale to progress their stated vision to be recognised as a world-class education system within a short time frame. ADEC has identified the development of leadership in school principals as a crucial component of the reform agenda. However, research has suggested that many successful leaders, when transitioned into an international, cross-cultural context, fail to function effectively in the position for which they have been employed and that many leaders are not prepared adequately for dealing with the complexity of this environment. Although extreme differences in culture do not preclude effective coaching, the lack of a common language can be a significant barrier to working together effectively. Further, preliminary research indicated a dearth of literature on definitive coaching approaches or guidelines that were relevant to a complex, intercultural context such as the Middle East, which could facilitate the desired outcome of improving educational leadership capability. This doctoral study analysed the extent to which existing Western leadership coaches identified with and applied specific coaching approaches in developing the leadership capability of principals, before considering the factors that both enhanced and inhibited the coaching relationship in this unique intercultural context. The observed practices and interview responses were analysed in considering whether: 1. there was a unique application of intercultural coaching approaches 2. there were specific factors that enhanced and/or inhibited the coaching relationship. DEVELOPING EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN THE UAE v
The Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire: The theoretical development and empirical validation of an evaluation instrument for stakeholders working with sustainable development

In this paper, the concept of sustainability consciousness, an individual's experience and awareness of sustainable development, is introduced. Based on UNESCO's definition of sustainable development, a sustainability consciousness questionnaire (SCQ) is theoretically and empirically developed. Using the data of 638 respondents from Sweden aged 18–19 years old, the scale is developed in two versions. The long version (SCQ‐L) can be used to measure individuals' environmental, social and economic knowingness, attitudes and behaviour (nine valid and reliable subscales), in addition to the second order constructs of sustainability knowingness, sustainability attitudes and sustainability behaviour, as well as the third order construct, sustainability consciousness. For the short version (SCQ‐S) 27 items were identified that can be used to measure the second and third order constructs. Both versions of the scale present excellent psychometric quality. Possible applications of the questionnaire instruments in the context of evaluation of sustainability policies, practices and stakeholder engagement are discussed.
Fluoride releasing and uptake capacities of esthetic restorations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare in vitro the fuoride release and uptake from 5 different esthetic restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials tested were conventional GIC - Fuji 7, GC (group1), resin modifed GIC - Vitremer, 3M ESPE (group 2), polyacid modifed composite - Dyract, Dentsply (group 3), fuoride releasing composite - Tetric ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent (group 4), Giomer-Beautifl, Shofu (group 5). Fluoride release was estimated at 6th, 24th, 48th hour and weekly interval for 5 weeks. For fuoride recharge, each specimen was exposed to 2 ml of 1.23% APF gel for 4 minutes and fuoride release measured at 1st, 2nd, 3rd day and 7th day. The fuoride release and recharge was measured using fuoride ion specifc electrode. RESULTS ANOVA and Tukey HSD test were used for statistical analysis. During tested period all materials showed statistically different capability to release and uptake fuoride. Groups 1 and 2 results were comparable in fuoride release. Similarly groups 3 and 5. Groups 1 and 2 vs 3, 4, 5 were statistically very highly signifcant. Only conventional GIC showed initial 'burst effect'. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION Materials tested showed potential for fuoride release and recharge. Different esthetic materials had variable fuoride release hence selection of materials should be guided by specifc clinical situations.
Frequent p53 gene mutations in blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia, especially in myeloid crisis harboring loss of a chromosome 17p.

We investigated chromosome alterations and mutations of the p53 gene in 118 samples from 92 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in various clinical phases, i.e., chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast crisis (BC). Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and subsequent nucleotide sequencing disclosed no alteration of the p53 gene in chronic phase (no mutation in 80 samples), while five of 31 BC samples showed point mutations: four in myeloid and one in lymphoid crisis. One of seven accelerated phase samples also showed a p53 gene mutation. Ten of 31 BC samples showed loss of one of the short arms of chromosome 17 (17p) through the formation of isochromosome 17q, i(17q), or unbalanced translocations. Loss of heterozygosity at the p53 locus in the accelerated phase and BC was detected only in two cases with i(17q) but not in seven cases with normal chromosome 17 homologues, suggesting that loss of one p53 allele is rare without cytogenetically detectable loss of a 17p. Among those six samples with p53 gene mutations, five showed loss of a 17p cytogenetically, and only one lymphoid crisis case exhibited normal chromosome 17 homologues. Thus, mutations of the p53 gene were closely associated with myeloid crisis with loss of a 17p (four mutations in ten samples), in contrast to myeloid crisis with normal chromosome 17 homologues (zero in 13) or lymphoid crisis (one in seven). Our results also suggest that alterations of the p53 gene might occur after loss of a 17p during the course of chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Measurement of the hyperelastic properties of 44 pathological ex vivo breast tissue samples

The elastic and hyperelastic properties of biological soft tissues have been of interest to the medical community. There are several biomedical applications where parameters characterizing such properties are critical for a reliable clinical outcome. These applications include surgery planning, needle biopsy and brachtherapy where tissue biomechanical modeling is involved. Another important application is interpreting nonlinear elastography images. While there has been considerable research on the measurement of the linear elastic modulus of small tissue samples, little research has been conducted for measuring parameters that characterize the nonlinear elasticity of tissues included in tissue slice specimens. This work presents hyperelastic measurement results of 44 pathological ex vivo breast tissue samples. For each sample, five hyperelastic models have been used, including the Yeoh, N = 2 polynomial, N = 1 Ogden, Arruda–Boyce, and Veronda–Westmann models. Results show that the Yeoh, polynomial and Ogden models are the most accurate in terms of fitting experimental data. The results indicate that almost all of the parameters corresponding to the pathological tissues are between two times to over two orders of magnitude larger than those of normal tissues, with C11 showing the most significant difference. Furthermore, statistical analysis indicates that C02 of the Yeoh model, and C11 and C20 of the polynomial model have very good potential for cancer classification as they show statistically significant differences for various cancer types, especially for invasive lobular carcinoma. In addition to the potential for use in cancer classification, the presented data are very important for applications such as surgery planning and virtual reality based clinician training systems where accurate nonlinear tissue response modeling is required.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 16 of Goat Origin from India

ABSTRACT In this article, we document the first complete genome sequence of an isolate of bluetongue virus serotype 16 (BTV16) from a goat in India. The virus was isolated from an in-contact goat from an animal farm in Chennai where clinical disease occurs in sheep. The total size of the genome is 19,185 bp. The information provided for full-length sequences of all 10 segments will help in understanding the geographical origin and transmission of the Indian isolate of BTV16 as well as its comparison with global isolates of BTV16 of sheep, cattle, and other host species origins.
Promotion of cell proliferation by the proto‐oncogene DEK enhances oral squamous cell carcinogenesis through field cancerization

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) develops through a multistep carcinogenic process involving field cancerization. The DEK gene is a proto‐oncogene with functions in genetic and epigenetic modifications, and has oncogenic functions, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and senescence. DEK overexpression is associated with malignancies; however, the functional roles of DEK overexpression are unclear. We demonstrated that DEK‐expressing cells were significantly increased in human dysplasia/carcinoma in situ and OSCC. Furthermore, we generated ubiquitous and squamous cell‐specific doxycycline (DOX)‐inducible Dek mice (iDek and iDek‐e mice respectively). Both DOX+ iDek and iDek‐e mice did not show differences in the oral mucosa compared with DOX‐ mice. In the environment exposed to carcinogen, DOX‐treated (DOX+) iDek mice showed field cancerization and OSCC development. Microarray analysis revealed that DEK overexpression was mediated by the upregulation of DNA replication‐ and cell cycle‐related genes, particularly those related to the G1/S transition. Tongue tumors overexpressing DEK showed increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen and elongator complex protein 3 expression. Our data suggest that DEK overexpression enhanced carcinogenesis, including field cancerization, in OSCC by stimulating the G1/S phase transition and promoting DNA replication, providing important insights into the potential applications of DEK as a target in the treatment and prevention of OSCC.
Response of Native American Clients to Three Treatment Methods for Alcohol Dependence

SUMMARY Objective: It is well-documented that American Indians suffer disproportionately high rates of alcohol use disorders as well as correspondingly high rates of alcohol based mortality, health, and social problems. Despite these health disparities, anecdotal evidence continues to guide alcohol treatment approaches in Indian Country, in part due to a dearth of clinical trials with Native Americans. Project MATCH, a multisite clinical trial, included 25 Native Americans (1.4% of the total sample) who were randomized to three psychosocial treatments. Based on cultural compatibility, our a priori hypothesis was that Native Americans in Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) would fare better than those assigned either to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or to Twelve-step Facilitation (TSF). Method: Of 25 Native Americans in Project MATCH, 23 (92%) were interviewed at all six assessment points. Four ANOCOVA's were computed to investigate possible differential treatment response. Results: Despite a small sample, Native Americans assigned to MET reported significantly less drinking intensity relative to those assigned to CBT or TSF, with the highest proportion of abstinent days and lowest drinking intensity at both proximal and distal follow-ups. Conclusions: These findings suggest a differentially better response to MET than to TSF or to CBT among Native Americans with alcohol dependence. Although this is, to date, the largest randomized trial of treatments for alcohol dependence in Native Americans, the findings require replication.
Value of dynamic MRI using the Ktrans technique for assessment of native kidneys in pre-emptive renal transplantation

Background Different non-invasive imaging techniques such as Doppler ultrasonography and renal scintigraphy are commonly employed to assess allograft function and associated complications. However, all such methods lack sufficient specificity to discriminate between residual renal function of native kidneys. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) evaluates signal dynamics during the passage of contrast material through the renal cortex, medulla, and collecting system. Purpose To investigate the value of DCE 3T MRI using a quantitative pharmacokinetic parameter (Ktrans) for the assessment of native kidneys before and after pre-emptive renal transplantation. Material and Methods Twenty-five consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease underwent DCE MRI before and 6 months after kidney transplantation. MRI was performed using a 3T scanner. Regions of interests were drawn over each kidney, encompassing the cortex and medulla but excluding the collecting system and any coexisting cysts. Parametric Ktrans values were automatically generated. Results In the pre-transplantation group, mean Ktrans values for the right and left kidneys were 0.55 ± 0.09 min–1 and 0.44 ± 0.15 min–1, respectively. In the post-transplantation group, mean Ktrans values of the right and left kidneys were 0.27 ± 0.07 min–1 and 0.25 ± 0.10 min–1, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between right and left kidneys in terms of mean Ktrans values in the pre- and post-transplantation groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion Our preliminary results show that native kidneys were still functioning 6 months after transplantation. MR perfusion using Ktrans may constitute a non-invasive means of determination of the viability of native kidneys after renal transplantation.
Technology staff development: Is it effectively designed to increase classroom use of technology?

Teachers play a central role in the successful implementation of technology into education. The goal of most technology staff development training programs is to have teachers effectively implement technology into their classroom practices and curriculum. As part of this particular project, teachers are participating in a technology staff development program that was designed to help teachers increase the use of technology in their classrooms. With this technology program in place, the project was able to assess if the participants technology skills improved as a direct result of the technology training program. The project also appraised if the staff development training program truly increased the teachers use of technology in the classroom. As a result of this project, it was identified that staff development program was necessary to increase technology integration and that lack of it was a hindrance to technology implementation. In conclusion, this study of a technology staff development program determined that there was a higher occurrence of technology implementation in the classroom and an increased use of technology by students as a result of teachers having participated in an extensive technology staff development program.
Transient stability emergency control of power systems employing UFLS combined with generator tripping method

This paper concerns with transient stability control which is part of transient stability assessment which needs to be considered so that the power systems remained intact when failures originating from faults occurred in power systems. Conventional UFLS system is designed to retrieve the balance of generation and consumption following disturbances occurrences in the system. In UFLS method, whenever the system's frequency drops below a predetermined value, the system loads are shed in stages. An efficient UFLS method needs to be devised so as to reduce the impacts of transient disturbance on power systems and prevent total system blackout. In this paper, an emergency control scheme known as the combined UFLS and generator tripping is developed in order to stabilize the system when unstable faults occurred in a power system. The performance of the combined UFLS and generator tripping scheme is compared with the conventional UFLS control scheme. The results show that the combined control scheme performed better.
Effects of Bacillus cereus var. toyoi as probiotic feed supplement on intestinal transport and barrier function in piglets

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of feed supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus cereus var. toyoi on transport and barrier properties of pig jejunum. Sows and their respective piglets were randomly assigned to two feeding groups: a control group and a probiotic group in which the standard diet was supplemented with Bacillus cereus var. toyoi. At the age of 14, 28, 35 and 56 days, 5 piglets per subgroup were killed and tissue samples from the mid jejunum were mounted in conventional Ussing chambers. Absorptive and secretory properties of the jejunum epithelia were assessed by stimulation of Na-coupled glucose and L-glutamine transport and stimulation of ion secretion by PGE2. Kinetic parameters maximal transport velocity (Vmax) and Michaelis Menten constant (Km) were calculated for glucose and PGE2-stimulated ion secretion. Mannitol fluxes and tissue resistance were measured to evaluate barrier function. With respect to absorption, glucose transport was not changed by treatment and only a slightly higher L-glutamine transport was observed in the probiotic group compared with the control group. The PGE2-stimulated the short circuit current (ΔIsc) in the small intestine and Vmax were higher in the probiotic group at days 28 and 35 compared with the control group. The probiotic seems to have a stabilising (decreasing) effect on the variability of the data. Changes of absorptive and secretory transport properties dependent on age were observed.