Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advance care planning for patients with ALS: Feasibility of an interactive computer program

Abstract This pilot study examined whether an interactive, computer based decision aid can help patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) engage in effective advance care planning. Individuals being treated for ALS (>18 years old, English speaking, and without dementia) were recruited to use a decision aid and complete pre-/post-intervention measures. Seventeen individuals completed the pre-intervention questionnaires and decision aid; 16/17 (94%) completed the post-intervention measures, and none reported any burden from the intervention. ‘Overall satisfaction’ with the decision aid was very high (mean = 8.5 ± 0.27: 1 = not at all satisfied, 10 = extremely satisfied), as was ‘perceived accuracy’ of the computer generated advance directive in reflecting patients’ wishes (mean = 8.6 ± 0.27: 1 = not at all accurate, 10 = extremely accurate). Participants judged the ‘amount of information’ provided by the intervention appropriate (mean = 6.8 ± 0.38: 1 = too little, 5 = about right, 10 = too much), and on a detailed, 12-item assessment judged the decision aid very positively (mean = 4.16 ± 0.16: 1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied). The intervention prompted many participants to discuss advance care planning with loved ones and to share their computer generated advance directive with their physician. This study demonstrates that individuals with ALS can successfully complete a computer based decision aid for advance care planning, and suggests that this intervention can help promote effective advance care planning.
Student and Teacher Factors ’ Impact on Fourth Grade Students ’ Mathematics Achievement : An HLM Analysis of TIMSS 2007

Using TIMSS 2007, a large-scale international achievement assessment database, this study examined the relationships between contextual factors and fourth-grade student mathematics achievement in the U.S. Math achievement variation within and between schools was accounted for by a series of two-level HLM models representing student-level variables and teacher-level variables. Findings suggested that the strongest indicators of math achievement in 4 graders were student self-confidence in math and teachers’ perceptions of their content-area knowledge. Implications for teachers and school administrators are addressed.
Comparison of the Antihypertensive activity of Telmisartan Versus Valsartan in Queen Alia Heart Institute / Royal Medical Services

DOI: 10.21276/sajp.2018. 7.8. 5 Abstract: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. The goal of antihypertensive therapy is to maintain blood pressures of < 140/90 mmHg for most people. All international guidelines for the management of hypertension recommend angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) as an initial or add-on antihypertensive therapy. The ARBs are very well tolerated as monotherapy as well as in combination with other anti-hypertensive medications that improve adherence to therapy and have become a mainstay in the treatment of stage 1 and 2 hypertension. The 8 available ARBs have variable clinical efficacy when used for control of hypertension. Assessment of the efficacy and safety of Telmisartan (80 mg once daily) versus valsartan (160 mg once daily) for the management of blood pressure (BP) in patients with essential hypertension. A cross sectional retrospective single center, parallel-group study. Patients will be recruited from Queen Alia Heart Institute. Data will be gathered by reviewing the medical records. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two study groups. After 12 weeks, BP had fallen to a greater extent in the Telmisartan group compared to Valsartan group in terms of mean reductions in the systolic and diastolic BP of 126.2/80.4 (Adjusted change from baseline26.8/-20.9) and 133.3/ 86.8 mm Hg (Adjusted change from baseline--18 /-12.7) (p<0.0021). In Stage 2 hypertensive patients once daily Telmisartan 80 mg provides significantly greater BP lowering compared to Valsartan 160 mg.
Clinical significance of metabolic superscan in patients with hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND Hyperthyroid patients commonly complain of generalized bony aches, which are frequently overlooked due to the more prominent symptoms of cardiovascular and nervous disturbances. Hyperthyroid patients are expected to have abnormal bone metabolism as part of the generalized hypermetabolic status. The aim of this study is to verify the presence of metabolic bone superscan in association with the hypermetabolic stats in various groups of hyperthyroidism. Secondly, to correlate these superscan features with the various laboratory results in hyperthyroid patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-five hyperthyroid patients confirmed by clinical and laboratory results were enrolled in this work. In all patients, a (99m)Tc-pertechnetate thyroid uptake scan was acquired. On a different day, total body bone scan was acquired three hours post IV injection of 555-925 MBq of (99m)Tc-MDP. Serum FT3, FT4, TSH, Ca++, alkaline phosphatase (AP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were monitored in all patients as markers of thyroid and bone metabolism. Ten cases with no thyroid diseases were included as a control group. Patients with thyroiditis or long history of antithyroid drugs for more than one year were excluded from the study. RESULTS The patients were subdivided into three groups: Graves disease (GD) (n = 30), toxic nodular goiter (TNG) (n = 10) and autonomous toxic adenoma (AT) (n = 5). The TSH for the whole group was significantly suppressed compared to the control group with higher suppression in the Graves disease group than in the TNG or AT groups. (99m)Tc-pertechnetate uptake values in the Graves disease group were significantly higher than the TNG and AT groups (p < 0.05). Metabolic superscan (MSS) was noted in 90% of the Graves cases, 20% in TNG and in none of the AT group. There were no significant differences regarding Ca+, AP and PTH between the Graves and non-Graves groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Disturbances in bone metabolism are more prevalent in Graves disease than in other types of hyperthyroidism. The addition of the bone scan to the diagnostic work up of patients with Graves disease is a sensitive indicator for metabolic bone changes and could help in the future management and follow up for this group of patients.
Egocentric network data provide additional information for characterizing an individual's HIV risk profile

Objective: We investigated the hypothesis that partner-specific characteristics are important to improve an individual's risk characterization. Design: It has been shown that the egocentric network structure is important to establish a person's risk for infection. Methods: The study was cross-sectional in its design and enrolled 1231 volunteers at one HIV testing site in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and applied an adapted ego-network questionnaire. Each individual was interviewed about their own risk factors and those related to up to 10 sex partners. We used the dyadic data analysis method in which each relationship forms a record. Two receiver operator characteristic curves were generated, and the ability to correctly predict volunteers' HIV serostatus based on a model with characteristics of volunteers and sex partners and another with only volunteers' characteristics was evaluated. Results: Partner-related variables were associated with HIV serostatus both for men and women. The model with volunteer/sex partners' characteristics performed better in discriminating between HIV-positive and negative volunteers only for men but not for women. The c statistic for men volunteers was 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–0.87] for the volunteer alone model and 0.88 (95% CI 0.86–0.91) for the combined model (P = 0.03). The values for women were 0.75 (95% CI 0.65–0.86) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.71–0.85), respectively (P = 0.71). Conclusion: Ego-network theory-based approaches provide additional information for characterizing risk for HIV infection among men.
The Tasks and Characteristics of Management Accountants : Insights from Finnish Recruitment Processes

The purpose of this study is to investigate the tasks and characteristics of management accountants in the context of recruitment. The empirical materials comprise 122 job advertisements for management accounting jobs and 12 research interviews of employers at six companies. The findings suggest that the tasks of management accountants appear to be relatively traditional. However, the findings also suggest that employers appreciate business-oriented skills and qualities in their employees. Nevertheless, limitations in provided tasks may hinder opportunities for management accountants to add value to
MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HYBRID PIKEPERCH (SANDER LUCIOPERCA f × SANDER VOLGENSIS m) (OSTEICHTHYES, PERCIDAE)

Sander lucioperca (LINNAEUS, 1758) and S. volgensis (GMELIN, 1788) have been successfully hybridized under laboratory conditions with the common fertilization procedure, resulting fertile hybrids as viable as the parent species are. Although natural hybrids have not been reported yet, failing an effective postzygotic reproductive barrier, natural hybridization can also not be excluded. In order to facilitate the recognition of hybrid Sander we studied morphological characteristics of S. lucioperca and S. volgensis compared with their laboratory bred F1 hybrids. There are some evident external features, which are generally used to distinguish the parent species, such as the presence of canine teeth in S. lucioperca, the position of the end of maxilla related to centre of eye and the different body pattern of the two species. However, in case of hybridization, these characters cannot be used for identification since even F1 hybrids cover the full transitional scale between the parent species. Out of the 38 morphometric and 10 meristic characters examined, only the number of perforated scales in lateral line did not overlap among the three genotypes. We found, however, that S. lucioperca, S. volgensis and their F1 hybrids can clearly be separated based on multivariate analysis of meristic and morphometric characters.
The relationship between serum levels of vitamin D and migraine

Background: Migraine is common worldwide. In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has been determined as a global health problem. A few studies have shown inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels and headache. Thus, in this study, we assessed relationship between serum vitamin D levels with migraine. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional. Seventy-six migraine patients aged 10-61 years were included. The multiple linear regression was used to show association between serum 25-0H-D3 and migraine. Adjustments were performed for age, sex, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), number of chronic diseases, and education level. Results: The positive weak relationship was observed between serum vitamin D and headache diary result (P = 0.042, r = 0.19). But, no significant relationship was observed between serum vitamin D and migraine severity (P = 0.741). Conclusion: High levels of serum 25-OH-D3 was related to higher headache diary result. After adjustment for confounding variables, this significant association remained. No significant relationship was shown between serum vitamin D and migraine severity.
The association of socioeconomic status of family and living region with self-rated health and life satisfaction in children and adolescents: The CASPIAN-IV study

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) is a major determinant of health inequality in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of SES of family and living region with self-rated health (SRH) and life satisfaction (LS) among children and adolescents. Methods: This study was a part of the fourth survey of a national surveillance program, which was conducted in 30 provinces of Iran in 2011-2012. LS and SRH were assessed by a questionnaire based on the World Health Organization-Global School-based student Health Survey (WHO-GSHS). Family SES was estimated using principal component analysis (PCA) and based on family assets, parental education and occupation, and type of school. Region SES was calculated using PCA and some variables including literacy rate, family assets and employment rate. Results: Out of 14,880 invited students, 13,486 (participation rate: 90.6%) completed the survey; of whom, 49.2% were girls, and 75.6% were from urban areas with the mean ± SD age of 12.47±3.36 years. In the multivariate model, SES of family and living region was associated with LS and good SRH. In the full models, in addition to all potential confounders, family and living region SES were included simultaneously. However, only the association of family SES with LS, and good SRH remained statistically significant. Conclusion: The effect of families’ SES on SRH and LS is more important than regional SES. The presented patterns of SRH and LS may be useful in developing better health policies and conducting complementary studies in this field.
Concurrent systemic therapy with radiotherapy for the treatment of poor-risk patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer: a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND There is no consensus on the therapeutic approach to poor-risk patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), despite the increasing number of these patients in current clinical practice. In terms of survival, the combination of concurrent systemic therapy with standard radiotherapy might be advantageous over radiotherapy alone. The purpose of this review is to ascertain the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the combination of concurrent systemic therapy and standard radiotherapy in these patients. METHODS A computer-based literature search was carried out using PubMed and Science Direct for relevant publications; data reported at major conferences in abstract form were also included. RESULTS In unresectable stage III NSCLC, advanced age, poor performance status, weight loss and comorbidities are factors that influence treatment options and disease outcomes in clinical practice. Prospective studies including poor-risk patients have been reviewed. Trials specifically recruiting poor-risk patients have been separated into those using chemotherapy and those using targeted agents with or without chemotherapy. Only two phase III studies specifically including poor-risk patients have been published. Some recent studies suggested that tolerable radio-sensitizing therapy combined with radiotherapy can provide longer survival outcomes than those reported earlier with chemo-radiotherapy or with radiotherapy alone. CONCLUSIONS There is an unmet need to develop well-designed clinical trials with tolerable combinations of systemic therapy and radiotherapy specifically tailored to this lung cancer population. Such trials should incorporate careful comorbidity measurement and, in older adults, a validated geriatric assessment.
The theoretical and methodological problems in the usage of police personality measurement to predict job performance

The recruitment and assignment procedure of police officers involve the measurement of personality through designated inventories. Despite more than a century of experience and developments, the research and practice on police personality measurement still suffer from three major problems – lack of sound theoretical framework, lack of congruency between the definition of personality traits and police tasks, and poor measurement tools. In this paper, based on the historical development of police personality measurement practices, these three problems and possible solutions are discussed through classical and modern theories in personality psychology. Policy recommendations and directions for future research are presented to remedy these problems.
CONTENT : AN EXPLORATORY REPLICATION AND EXTENSION OF PAST INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING RESEARCH TO OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

One of the core issues in international marketing is the degree of adaptation or standardization of marketing messages, including advertising (Baack & Singh, 2007; Khang, Han, Shin, Jung, & Kim, 2016). Past research has identified two main drivers of message adaptation – cultural differences and level of development (Abernethy & Franke, 1996; Baack & Singh, 2007). However, the determination that culture and development shapes message adaptation is based on decades of research focused almost exclusively on three forms of media: television, magazines, and, more recently, web content. These media can be information rich, which easily permit the incorporation of cultural information. Noticeably absent in adaptation and standardization discussions are other types of media, which, if included, would help researchers better understand the generalizability of the theory. This study focuses on one of these overlooked media, outdoor advertising (Khang, et al., 2016; Taylor, 2012, 2005).
Acetabular labrum: MRI in asymptomatic volunteers.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe the MR appearance of the acetabular labrum in asymptomatic hips on high resolution MRI. METHOD Fifty-two hips in 46 asymptomatic volunteers with an age range of 15-85 years were evaluated with coronal and axial T1-weighted and T2-weighted sequences. The shape, margin, size, and signal intensity of the acetabular labrum were analyzed. RESULTS The labrum was absent in its anterosuperior aspect in five hips (10%). Intralabral regions of intermediate of high signal intensity were detected in 30 hips (58%) imaged with T1-weighted and proton density-weighted sequences. Intralabral linear hyperintense foci reaching the articular surface and consistent with a labral tear were detected in four labra on T2-weighted images. Intralabral microcysts were seen in three labra. CONCLUSION The MR appearance of the hip labrum is varied in asymptomatic volunteers. Intralabral increased signal intensity and absent anterosuperior labra are especially frequent and may represent asymptomatic lesions or normal variations.
Application of CPPU on Muskmelon Alters Fruit Size and Quality

The cytokinin-active compound, N1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N3-phenylurea (CPPU), applied on unpollinated and pollinated ovaries, affected the fruit growth and quality of muskmelon. 10, 20 and 30 mg L CPPU applications on the emasculated ovary on day 1 (0 day after anthesis) effectively induced fruit parthenocarpy. However, fruit growth was slightly reduced and the weights of the mature fruits were approximately 93-96% of the control fruit (seeded fruit set by hand pollination). Moreover, the contents of sugar, vitamin C and the esters volatiles in fruit were significantly lower than those of the control fruit. These results indicate that the seeds play important roles in determining fruit growth and quality of muskmelon. On the other hand, CPPU application on the pollinated fruit markedly enhanced fruit growth and improved fruit quality. Among the assayed treatments, 20 mg L CPPU was effective for enhancing fruit growth and quality. Interestingly, we also found that CPPU applications on the pollinated fruit enhanced significantly the length and diameter of the mature fruits. Moreover, the increase in the length of the mature fruits was especially significant, resulting in elongated fruit shape of the treated fruits. Results indicate that the appropriate concentration of CPPU, when applied to pollinated fruit, is an effective technique to increase the fruit growth and quality of muskmelon. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Role of Unenhanced CT scan of Non-Traumatic Acute Abdomen and its comparison with Ultrasonography

1 Associate Professor, Department of Radio diagnosis, Index Medical College and Research Centre, Index City near Khudel, NH59A Nemawar Road, Indore, M.P, India 2 Professor, Department of Radio diagnosis, Index Medical College and Research Centre, Index City near Khudel, NH59A Nemawar Road, Indore, M.P, India 3 Resident, Department of Radio diagnosis, Index Medical College and Research Centre, Index City near Khudel, NH59A Nemawar Road, Indore, M.P, India
Molecular and serological aspects of HBsAg‐negative hepatitis B virus infections in North America

A few hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are characterized by the presence of HBV DNA in serum or liver tissue, or both, in the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum. However, such infections have rarely been described previously in North American patients. In the present study, 31 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients from the United States and Canada who had no detectable HBsAg in their serum were studied. In these 31 HBsAg‐negative HCC patients, HBV DNA was detected in HCC and/or in adjacent nontumorous liver tissue using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 5/9 (56%) patients from the United States and in 12/22 (55%) from Canada. The 17 HBV DNA‐positive/HBsAg‐negative patients from the United States and Canada included 9 without any serological markers for HBV and 8 with detectable antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen. In these patients, HBV genotype C was the most prevalent genotype (11/17; 64%). HBV genotypes have not been previously reported in HCC patients from North America. Replicative intermediate forms of HBV (covalently closed circular HBV DNA) were detected in 2/17 (12%) HBV DNA‐positive/HBsAg‐negative patients, indicating that at least two of these patients had actively replicating HBV infections. The use of tests to detect HBV DNA permitted the identification of HBV infections in HBsAg‐negative HCC patients from North America. Among these patients, those with antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) would otherwise have been designated “HCV‐associated HCCs” based on serological tests alone. These findings provide a new perspective on determining the possible viral etiologies of HCCs in North America. J. Med. Virol. 70: 20–26, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rice proteomics: A move toward expanded proteome coverage to comparative and functional proteomics uncovers the mysteries of rice and plant biology

Growing rice is an important socio‐economic activity. Rice proteomics has achieved a tremendous progress in establishing techniques to proteomes of almost all tissues, organs, and organelles during the past one decade (year 2000–2010). We have compiled these progresses time to time over this period. The present compilation discusses proteomics research in rice published between 1st April 2008 and 30th July 2010. Progress continues mainly towards protein cataloging deep into the proteome with high‐confident protein assignment and some functional significance than ever before by (i) identifying previously unreported/low‐abundance proteins, (ii) quantifying relative/absolute values of proteins, (iii) assigning protein responses to biotic/abiotic stresses, (iv) protein localization into organelles, (v) validating previous proteomes and eliminating false‐positive proteins, and (vi) discovering potential biomarkers for tissues, organs, organelles, and for screening transgenic plants and food‐safety evaluation. The notable achievements in global mapping of phosphorylation sites and identifying several novel secreted proteins into the extracellular space are worth appreciating. Our ever‐increasing knowledge on the rice proteomics is beginning to impact the biology of not only rice, but also crops and plants. These major achievements will be discussed in this review keeping in mind newcomers, young, and established scientists in proteomics and plants.