Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical assessment of suspected deep vein thrombosis: comparison between a score and empirical assessment

Abstract. Miron M‐J, Perrier A, Bounameaux H (Division of Angiology and Hemostasis, and Medical Clinic 1, Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland). Clinical assessment of suspected deep vein thrombosis: comparison between a score and empirical assessment. J Intern Med 2000; 247: 249–254.
Effects of PEEP on splanchnic hemodynamics and blood volume

The effects of intermittent positive pressure ventilation with PEEP on splanchnic circulation and hepatic oxygen supply were studied in six beagles. PEEP of 0, 0.5 and 1.0 kPa (0, 5, 10 cmH2O, PEEP0, PEEP5 and PEEP10, respectively) of 30 min duration was applied in a random sequence. Hepatic arterial blood flow and portal venous blood flow were measured by electromagnetic flow meters. Blood volume changes in the splanchnic area were assessed from hepatic and splenic dimensions determined by sonomicrometry. PEEP5 and PEEP10 were associated with proportional decreases in both hepatic blood flow and cardiac output, while mean arterial pressure remained unchanged. Reflecting the decrease in hepatic blood flow, the hepatic oxygen supply decreased with the level of PEEP, and hepatic venous hemoglobin oxygen saturation was significantly less during PEEP10 (55.1 ± 14.3%) than during PEEP5 (62.6 ± 17.4%) and PEEP0 (62.3 ± 11.9%). Hepatic venous and portal venous pressure increased with the level of PEEP. Hepatic dimensions increased by 7–8% and 16–19% during PEEP5 and PEEP10, respectively, but no significant changes in splenic dimension were observed. We conclude that PEEP5 and PEEP10 are accompanied by a decrease in hepatic blood flow and oxygen supply along with hepatic congestion.
Analisis Pengaruh Faktor Internal Bank Terhadap Non Performing Loan Berdasarkan Generalized Method of Moment

This research aims at finding out the effect of bank internal factor towards Non-Performing Loan (NPL). The internal factors of bank used in this study cover credit expansion level, operational efficiency level, credit interest level, and the percentage of credit with problems in the previous period as dynamic effect. The research was very important to conduct considering in some recent periods, the ratio of NPL owned by the bank group tend to show an increase. If compared to some previous research (especially the research that took the study case in Indonesia), this study had some strengths such as the sample used was relatively bigger in number (used 97 banks as sample during quarterly period II of 2013 until quarterly period II of 2015) and the use of Generalized Method of Moment Model to analyze the effect of bank internal factor towards NPL. Based on the analysis result of Generalized Method of Moment, it could be concluded that the level of credit expansion, operational efficiency, credit interest and the percentage of credit with problems in one previous period individually gave positive effect towards NPL. Meanwhile, the percentage of credit with problems in two previous periods gave negative effect towards NPL.
Prevalence and Correlates of Client-Perpetrated Abuse Among Female Sex Workers in Two Mexico–U.S. Border Cities

History of abuse has been associated with greater HIV risk among women. This study examined client-perpetrated abuse among female sex workers (FSWs) in two Mexico–U.S. border cities where HIV prevalence is rising. Among 924 FSWs, prevalence of client-perpetrated abuse was 31%. In multivariate logistic regression models, intimate partner violence (IPV), psychological distress, and having drug-using clients were associated with experiencing client-perpetrated abuse. FSWs along the Mexico–U.S. border report frequently experiencing abuse from both clients and intimate partners, which may have serious mental health consequences. Our findings suggest the need for screening and gender-based violence prevention services for Mexican FSWs.
IOT Based Smart Agriculture Monitoring System

In old Days Farmers was very interested to figure out the fertility of soil and impact on feeling to grow which to quite yield. They brought some thoughts which leads to detect humidity level water level climatic condition with the help of internet of things (IOT) which is redesigning the farming sector through the wide range of strategies, as an example accuracy furthermore as practical farming to house challenging within farming sector. The application of IOT helps in gathering of information which is quietly helpful in farming sector like changing in climatic condition fertility of soil , amount of water needed for crops , bug location interruption of creature to the sphere, horticulture, . IOT helps farmers to proper utilize the technology together with the information with his residence from wherever and at whatever point. Different types of sensors are used for the inspection and control of the crop which are very significant under their precise output and use. cameras are used for remotely monitoring the field. IOT technology helps in best crop management, increase in productivity and reduce the trouble of farmer as compared to normal farming.
The threat of AIDS for women in developing countries.

The AIDS pandemic seriously threatens women in developing countries. The direct and indirect negative consequences of AIDS in developing countries reviewed below make AIDS prevention important for all women regardless of their age social status or personal risk of contracting AIDS. The many economic political social and cultural factors that affect discrimination against women in other aspects of their lives also present barriers to the recognition of womens special needs related to AIDS and the allocation of resources to meet those needs. Women in developing countries suffer more inequality and lack opportunities relative to both men and women in industrialized countries. The effect of AIDS for women and their children in developing countries are devastating and require more programs responsive to womens specific needs. This chapter identifies key factors affecting women in all developing countries with attention to the most important regional variations. A review of ongoing prevention efforts and treatment programs in developing countries reveals that such programs have not been adequately responsive to the unique needs of women although the number of programs for women and their sensitivity to womens issues is increasing. Awareness of the social position of women can facilitate development of prevention and treatment programs that will minimize the negative impact of AIDS on women in developing countries. (authors)
A comparative study of transulnar and transradial artery access for percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES Transradial access has become commonly used for elective evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease, but it has some disadvantages and has had limited use in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Because the diameter of the ulnar artery is usually larger than that of the radial artery, we hypothesized that the ulnar artery could be used as an access for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The present study compares the feasibility, safety, and outcome of transulnar artery and transradial artery access for PCI in patients with ACS. METHODS We reviewed 636 patients who had PCI for ACS from May 2006 to May 2009. The patients were randomly assigned to transulnar intervention (TUI; 317) or transradial intervention (TRI; 319). RESULTS Several outcomes were similar in the TUI and TRI groups: success rate of first puncture, duration of guiding catheter engagement, puncture-to-balloon inflation time, final thrombolysis in myocardial grade 3 flow, complications at the vascular access site, and postprocedure complications. The incidence of severe arterial spasm and forearm hematoma in the TUI groups was significantly less than that in the TRI group. At 1-year follow-up, the level of blood oxygen saturation at the middle finger and Doppler ultrasonographic characteristics of the ulnar artery did not significantly change from pre-PCI values for these criteria in either group. CONCLUSION The TUI approach has results and access complications similar to the TRI approach and is a safe and feasible alternative for ACS patients.
Strategic CSR, Heterogeneous Firms and Credit Constraints

We set out a model of strategic CSR with consumers’ demand for CSR products, where ethical features improve the “quality” of goods through a complementarity between production and CSR provision. Our model builds on the literature based on heterogeneous firms in monopolistic competition with quality product differentiation. By letting the optimal level of ethical standards to be endogenously determined by each profit-maximizing firm, we analyse the link between heterogeneity in productivity and CSR intensity. The analytical results are confirmed by a numerical analysis. We then consider the need for external financing, finding that credit constraints may lead active firms to reduce the optimal CSR level whereas the reputational effect of CSR firms may help in dampening the reduction in firms’ optimal CSR level. Finally, we find that policy interventions may lead to a higher level of the optimal CSR, when addressed to change firms’ incentives and consumers’ ethical awareness.
Betting Against Correlation: Testing Theories of the Low-Risk Effect

We test whether the low-risk effect is driven by (a) leverage constraints and thus risk should be measured using beta vs. (b) behavioral effects and thus risk should be measured by idiosyncratic risk. Beta depends on volatility and correlation, where only volatility is related to idiosyncratic risk. Hence, the new factor betting against correlation (BAC) is particularly suited to differentiating between leverage constraints vs. lottery explanations. BAC produces strong performance in the US and internationally, supporting leverage constraint theories. Similarly, we construct the new factor SMAX to isolate lottery demand, which also produces positive returns. Consistent with both leverage and lottery theories contributing to the low-risk effect, we find that BAC is related to margin debt while idiosyncratic risk factors are related to sentiment and casino profits.
Telomerase expression and activity are coupled with myocyte proliferation and preservation of telomeric length in the failing heart

The role and even the existence of myocyte proliferation in the adult heart remain controversial. Documentation of cell cycle regulators, DNA synthesis, and mitotic images has not modified the view that myocardial growth can only occur from hypertrophy of an irreplaceable population of differentiated myocytes. To improve understanding the biology of the heart and obtain supportive evidence of myocyte replication, three indices of cell proliferation were analyzed in dogs affected by a progressive deterioration of cardiac performance and dilated cardiomyopathy. The magnitude of cycling myocytes was evaluated by the expression of Ki67 in nuclei. Ki67 labeling of left ventricular myocytes increased 5-fold, 12-fold, and 17-fold with the onset of moderate and severe ventricular dysfunction and overt failure, respectively. Telomerase activity in vivo is present only in multiplying cells; this enzyme increased 2.4-fold and 3.1-fold in the decompensated heart, preserving telomeric length in myocytes. The contribution of cycling myocytes to telomerase activity was determined by the colocalization of Ki67 and telomerase in myocyte nuclei. More than 50% of Ki67-positive cells expressed telomerase in the overloaded myocardium, suggesting that these myocytes were the morphological counterpart of the biochemical assay of enzyme activity. Moreover, we report that 20–30% of canine myocytes were telomerase competent, and this value was not changed by cardiac failure. In conclusion, the enhanced expression of Ki67 and telomerase activity, in combination with Ki67-telomerase labeling of myocyte nuclei, support the notion that myocyte proliferation contributes to cardiac hypertrophy of the diseased heart.
Religious beliefs, knowledge about science and attitudes towards medical genetics

The use of genetics in medical research is one of the most important avenues currently being explored to enhance human health. For some, the idea that we can intervene in the mechanisms of human existence at such a fundamental level can be at minimum worrying and at most repugnant. In particular, religious doctrines are likely to collide with the rapidly advancing capability for science to make such interventions. The key ingredient for acceptance of genetics, on the other hand, is prototypically assumed to be scientific literacy – familiarity and understanding of the critical facts and methods of science. However, this binary opposition between science and religion runs counter to what is often found in practice. In this paper, we examine the association between religiosity, science knowledge and attitudes to medical genetics amongst the British public. In particular, we test the hypothesis that religion acts as a ‘perceptual filter’ through which citizens acquire and use scientific knowledge in the formation of attitudes towards medical genetics in various ways.
Dental characteristics in Williams syndrome: a clinical and radiographic evaluation

Williams syndrome is a rare congenital syndrome with distinctive craniofacial features, cardiovascular abnormalities, and behavior characteristics including mental retardation. The dental abnormalities have received scant attention in previous literature. The aim of this study was to describe dental characteristics in individuals with Williams syndrome. In a group of 41 individuals more than 10 years of age, 40.5% had agenesis of one or more permanent teeth and 11.9% had agenesis of 6 permanent teeth or more. The mesio-distal and labio-lingual dimensions of permanent tooth crowns were measured on 31 dental study casts from individuals older than 12 years. The mesio-distal and labio-lingual dimensions were significantly smaller compared with a reference sample. An analysis of tooth morphology was performed on the same dental study casts revealing altered tooth morphology. A high proportion of maxillary and mandibular incisors was tapered or screwdriver shaped. An evaluation of taurodontism on mandibular permanent molars was performed using a metric crown-body/root ratio. However, most of the molars rated as being taurodontic had short or extremely short total tooth lengths and could thus be rated taurodontic without meeting the classical definition. The results of this study indicate that although there is variation in dental development in individuals with Williams syndrome, agenesis of permanent teeth in combination with aberrations in tooth size and morphology may affect dental esthetics and complicate orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment.
Evaluating vernal pools as a basis for conservation strategies: A maine case study

Vernal pools in northeastern North America are typically seasonal woodland pools that support breeding populations of amphibians and invertebrates dependent upon fishless environments for successful reproduction. A survey of 304 vernal pools in southern, central, and northern Maine, USA was conducted to assess pool physical characteristics, landscape setting, and presence of pool-breeding amphibians for the purpose of guiding potential pool conservation strategies. In particular, information on reproductive effort by pool-breeding amphibians was used to assess the statewide applicability of the Maine Natural Resources Protection Act’s proposed definition of Significant Vernal Pool, a category of Significant Wildlife Habitats that allows closer environmental review of proposed impacts to vernal pools. The results of our study show regional differences in pool characteristics and amphibian usage. Defining “significance” based on number of egg masses and diversity of vernal pool indicator species is a useful tool but should be considered in the context of such landscape characteristics as availability of suitable terrestrial habitat and distribution of other breeding habitats and wetlands.
FIT for the future: a case for risk‐based colorectal cancer screening using the faecal immunochemical test

Worldwide, the guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) is being replaced with the more accurate faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. From January 2016, the National Screening Committee in the UK has recommended a change from the gFOBT to the FIT following a successful Bowel Cancer Screening Programme pilot study with over 40 000 participants. Although the test has shown improved uptake and the ability to detect significantly more colorectal cancers and advanced adenomas, the higher uptake and test positivity will challenge the capacity of colonoscopy services. One of the main advantages of the FIT is that it provides a quantitative haemoglobin concentration which has been shown to relate to the risk of CRC. Risk scoring systems which combine the FIT concentration with risk factor assessment have been shown to improve the sensitivity of the test. This individualized approach to screening could enable those at greatest risk to be referred for colonoscopy, optimizing resource use and ultimately patient outcomes.
Immunologic abnormalities in angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy

In this study we describe the results of phenotypic, serologic, and functional analyses performed in nine patients with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AILD). The study investigates the nature of the T‐cell defects which seem to represent a consistent feature in this disease. The study, based on the analysis of T‐cell subsets with monoclonal antibodies and on functional in vitro tests, showed the following main abnormalities: reduction of the absolute number of circulating T‐cells; inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio, both in the peripheral blood and in the involved lymph nodes; high percentages of activated T‐cells (CD8+/HLA‐DR+); defective T‐cell response in vitro to the PHA mitogen; and minimal helper and enhanced in vitro suppressor functions. Some of these immunologic dysfunctions are also observed in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) which has in common with AILD several clinical features. However, no evidence of HTLV‐III infection could be demonstrated in our patients with AILD.
Affixing N-terminal α-Helix to the Wall of the Voltage-dependent Anion Channel Does Not Prevent Its Voltage Gating*

Background: There is ongoing controversy concerning the location and mobility of the N-terminal α-helix in VDAC1 during voltage gating. Results: mVDAC1 with the N-terminal α-helix cross-linked to β-strand 11 forms typical voltage-gated channels. Conclusion: The N-terminal domain of VDAC1 does not move independently during voltage gating. Significance: This study dramatically alters the current view of voltage gating dynamic in VDAC1. The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) governs the free exchange of ions and metabolites between the mitochondria and the rest of the cell. The three-dimensional structure of VDAC1 reveals a channel formed by 19 β-strands and an N-terminal α-helix located near the midpoint of the pore. The position of this α-helix causes a narrowing of the cavity, but ample space for metabolite passage remains. The participation of the N-terminus of VDAC1 in the voltage-gating process has been well established, but the molecular mechanism continues to be debated; however, the majority of models entail large conformational changes of this N-terminal segment. Here we report that the pore-lining N-terminal α-helix does not undergo independent structural rearrangements during channel gating. We engineered a double Cys mutant in murine VDAC1 that cross-links the α-helix to the wall of the β-barrel pore and reconstituted the modified protein into planar lipid bilayers. The modified murine VDAC1 exhibited typical voltage gating. These results suggest that the N-terminal α-helix is located inside the pore of VDAC in the open state and remains associated with β-strand 11 of the pore wall during voltage gating.
Intrapleural analgesia for post-thoracotomy pain and blood levels of bupivacaine following intrapleural injection.

An epidural type catheter was placed in the pleural space under direct vision before the closure of the chest in 24 patients who underwent thoracotomy for various types of lung or aortic surgery. All patients received intrapleural injections of 20 ml of 0.5 per cent bupivacaine with or without epinephrine as initial pain therapy. Patients also received subsequent doses of a similar volume of 0.375 per cent bupivacaine with epinephrine 1:200,000 up to four times a day for a maximum duration of seven days. Good pain relief was achieved in patients who underwent lateral and posterior thoracotomies. No pain relief was achieved in patients who underwent anterior thoracotomy or in patients in whom there was excessive bleeding in the pleural space. Bupivacaine blood concentrations were measured in 11 patients following the initial dose of 20 ml of 0.5 per cent bupivacaine (with epinephrine 1:200,000 in five of the 11 patients). The mean peak plasma concentration of bupivacaine when used with epinephrine was 0.32 +/- 0.02 microgram.ml-1. The mean peak plasma concentrations of bupivacaine when used without epinephrine was 1.28 +/- 0.48 microgram.ml-1. Our present data show that intrapleural analgesia is useful in the management of postoperative pain in patients who undergo thoracotomy. Our data also show that there is a significant decrease in peak plasma concentrations of bupivacaine when epinephrine is added to the solution (P less than 0.05).
Greek state-school teachers’ educational priorities: a preliminary review

The paper reviews the major priorities in the domain of in-service ESOL teacher education and training in Greece. State-school teachers currently beginning their postgraduate studies at the Hellenic Open University were asked to rate their perceptions about issues that are “traditionally” considered of central concern (e.g., teaching methodology, class management, language skills instruction, learner assessment) and issues that are “non-traditional” (e.g., English as a Lingua Franca, intercultural competence, the native/non-native speaker dichotomy, the use of technology in teaching, etc). The paper provides a critical understanding of these issues with reference to a number of parameters and concludes by discussing implications for academically-oriented teacher education programmes.
Genetic research on stored tissue samples from minors: A systematic review of the ethical literature

The potential benefits of biobank research are well known. Also, the ethical implications of genetic research on stored tissue samples are well discussed in existing literature. The inclusion of tissue samples from minors may have significant scientific value. However, this inclusion raises specific ethical questions. We have performed a systematic search of the literature and found 21 theoretical and empirical articles dealing with the issue. After review, we distilled five clusters of themes: consent, risks, benefits, return of results, and ownership. We have described the different components of these themes, as they occurred in the literature and have provided a discourse on the topic. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.