Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Couple attachment and the quality of marital relationships: Method and concept in the validation of the new couple attachment interview and coding system

This study investigates links between adult attachment and marital quality in 73 married couples, using a new Couple Attachment Interview that was modeled after the Adult Attachment Interview but focuses on the relationship between the partners. A coding system (CAICS) comparing the interview protocol to prototypes for secure, dismissing, and preoccupied attachment styles yielded continuous ratings of all three styles, and categorical classifications of secure/insecure for each partner. The study found direct links between couple attachment and both self-reported and observed marital quality, with all three continuous scores contributing uniquely to the equations. In most cases, the continuous scores explained variation in marital quality after the categorical security scores were entered into the regressions, although categorical scores also contributed uniquely to the explanation of marital quality. Pairing of partners' scores explained significant variance in both self-reported and observed evaluations of the couple relationship. Security of couple attachment served as a mediator in the link between self-reported marital satisfaction and observed marital quality. The results illustrated the interconnection of methodological choices and theoretical advances in the study of attachment and couple relationship quality.
Body mass index and risk of multiple myeloma: A meta‐analysis

Excess body weight has been identified as a risk factor for a variety of cancer types. However, whether excess body weight increases the risk of multiple myeloma remains controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis to quantitatively summarize the evidence from epidemiologic studies of the associations of overweight and obesity with the risk of multiple myeloma. We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (1966 to May 2007) and the reference lists of retrieved articles. Cohort and case–control studies were included if they reported relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relation between body mass index and multiple myeloma incidence or mortality. A random‐effects model was used to combine study‐specific results. A total of 11 cohort studies (involving 13,120 cases) and 4 case–control studies (1,166 cases and 8,247 controls) were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared with individuals with normal weight, the risk of multiple myeloma was statistically significantly higher among those who were overweight (cohort studies: RR, 1.12, 95% CI, 1.07–1.18; case–control studies: RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.23–1.68) or obese (cohort studies: RR, 1.27, 95% CI, 1.15–1.41; case– control studies: RR, 1.82, 95% CI, 1.47–2.26). Results from this meta‐analysis indicate that excess body weight may be a risk factor for multiple myeloma. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morbidity and Mortality of Cardiac Surgery Following Renal Transplantation

Abstract Background: With improved survival following renal transplantation, the number of patients undergoing cardiac surgery has increased. The purpose of this study was to review the morbidity, mortality, and allograft function in renal transplant patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. Methods: Retrospective database review of consecutive renal transplant patients undergoing cardiac surgery from 1987 to 2002. Patients requiring dialysis (D) before cardiac surgery versus those with stable renal transplants (ND) were compared. Results: Cardiac surgery was performed in 46 patients during the study period. Twenty patients (42%) required dialysis (D) before surgery while 26 (58%) had stable allograft function (ND). Among patients who had stable allograft function prior to surgery, there was no allograft loss. In the ND group, preoperative and discharge creatinine levels were 2.17 ± 1.0 and 2.4 ± 1.5 mg/dL, respectively. All operative deaths occurred in the dialysis dependent group. The 30‐day and 3‐year survival, respectively was 80% and 20% in the D group compared to 100% and 69% amongst the ND group (p ≤ 0.01). Infectious complications consisted of pneumonia and sepsis each in 8.5% and of deep sternal wound infection in 4.3% of the entire group. Conclusions: (1) Morbidity and mortality of cardiac surgery in renal transplant patients with stable allograft function is low and stable allograft function can be maintained without allograft loss. (2) Mortality following cardiac surgery is significantly higher among renal transplant patients who become dialysis dependent and intermediate‐term survival is poor.
Secure and Energy-Efficient Beamforming for Simultaneous Information and Energy Transfer

Some next-generation wireless networks will likely involve the energy-efficient transfer of information and energy over the same wireless channel. Moreover, densification of such networks will make the physical layer more vulnerable to cyber attacks by potential multi-antenna eavesdroppers. To address these issues, this paper considers transmit time-switching (TS) mode, in which energy and information signals are transmitted separately in time by the base station (BS). This protocol is not only easy to implement but also delivers the opportunity for multi-purpose beamforming, in which energy beamformers can be used to jam eavesdroppers during wireless power transfer. In the presence of imperfect channel estimation and multi-antenna eavesdroppers, the energy and information beamformers and the transmit TS ratio are jointly optimized to maximize the worst-case user secrecy rate subject to energy constrained users’ harvested energy thresholds and a BS transmit power budget. New robust path-following algorithms, which involve one simple convex quadratic program at each iteration are proposed for computational solutions of this difficult optimization problem and also the problem of secure energy efficiency maximization. The latter adds further complexity due to additional optimization variables appearing in the denominator of the secrecy rate function. Numerical results confirm that the performance of the proposed computational solutions is robust against channel uncertainties.
Urogenital Infection as a Risk Factor for Male Infertility.

BACKGROUND Infections of the genital tract are considered common causes of male fertility disorders, with a prevalence of 6-10%. Most of the affected men are asymptomatic. The diagnostic evaluation is based mainly on laboratory testing. Inconsistent diagnostic criteria have been applied to date, and this may explain the controversial debate about the role of infection and inflammation in the genital tract as a cause of infertility. The risk of an irreversible fertility disorder should not be underestimated. METHODS This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search in PubMed, including guidelines from Germany and abroad and systematic review articles. RESULTS The main causes of inflammatory disease of the male genital tract are ascending sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and uropathogens. Chronic prostatitis has no more than a limited influence on ejaculate variables. By contrast, approximately 10% of men who have had acute epididymitis develop persistent azoospermia thereafter, and 30% have oligozoospermia. Obstruction of the excurrent ducts can ensue, as can post-infectious disturbances of spermatogenesis. The differential diagnostic evaluation includes the determination of testicular volumes, hormone concentrations, and ejaculate variables. Epidemiological data are lacking with regard to infertility after primary orchitis of infectious origin; however, up to 25% of testicular biopsies obtained from infertile men reveal focal inflammatory reactions. Multiple studies have suggested a deleterious effect of leukocytes and inflammatory mediators on sperm para - meters. On the other hand, the clinical significance of bacteriospermia remains unclear. CONCLUSION Any suspicion of an infectious or inflammatory disease in the male genital tract should prompt a systematic diagnostic evaluation and appropriate treatment. For patients with obstructive azoospermia, the etiology and site of the obstruction determine the surgical approach to be taken. In the near future, the elucidation of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the identification of suitable biomarkers may enable new strategies for conservative treatment.
Response to ‘Lack of Diagnostic Value of High-Pass Noise Masking of Auditory Brainstem Responses in Meniere’s Disease Neurotology (2007)

In the recent paper “Lack of Diagnostic Value of High-Pass Noise Masking of Auditory Brainstem Responses in Meniere’s Disease” by De Valck et al. (2007), the authors concluded that, due to its low sensitivity (31%) and low specificity (28%), the ABR high-pass noise masking technique (Don et al., 2005), commercially known as CHAMP (Natus/Bio-logic Corp.), had “…no discriminative value in differentiating Meniere’s from non-MD subjects with otovestibular symptoms” (p. 706). In reviewing their data and analyses, we found errors that led to misleading and inappropriate conclusions. This response will briefly review the errors and suggest that once these errors are corrected, the revised values of 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity are consistent with the excellent sensitivity and specificity described in the original paper (Don et al., 2005). Before discussing the errors, it is important to note that the authors state, “… when only definite MD patients were included, and only the interpretable tests were used, a 100% sensitivity was obtained “… none of our MD
The Global Maritime Mental Health Promotion Program

Background: The nautical employees face more difficult working conditions in the sea than other employees. The mental health is affected by the living conditions and long working hours that can contribute to stress, anxiety, loneliness, that again can lead to depression and suicide. The aims are to improve the seafarers’ mental health by introducing a comprehensive, evidence-based global maritime mental health promotion. Further to attract the youngest seafarers to choose seafaring as their carrier and to stay for years in the job. Methods: The theories on empowerment, life-long- and problem oriented learning with inclusion of all stakeholders form the theoretical background are applied. A joint action is established among the unions, the ship owners, the maritime authorities and a network of the universities´ research centres in suicide prevention, public health and maritime health departments. Results: A: Review studies on the prevalence of depression, quality of life, social isolation, loneliness and associated risk factors; B: Dynamic cohort studies of students from maritime academies with baseline questionnaires and follow-up after experience gained at sea and then every 5 years; C: Analysis of the etiological indicators for the drop-out rates of the students and trained seafarers; D: The training methods the maritime students, seafarers and personnel in the shipping companies in groups with problem solving and life-long learning; E: Organising the students into small groups that stay in contact while at sea and at home; F: Training the students to assist each other in difficult situations on-board and onshore; G: Giving mental health care training through classes, online courses, information materials and the obligatory health examinations. Conclusions: Empowerment of the youngest seafarers through a multi-phased life-long- and problem oriented learning is supposed to be effective to improve the quality of life at sea. Political and international guidelines are needed to minimise those risk factors that are not cost-effective immediately.
Natural Phosphoryl and Acyl Variants of Lipid A from Neisseria meningitidis Strain 89I Differentially Induce Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Human Monocytes*

The native lipooligosaccharide (LOS) from Neisseria meningitidis strain 89I was analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry and the spectrum compared with that of the LOS after O-deacylation and hydrogen fluoride treatment. The data are consistent with the presence of natural variations in the LOS, which include a triphosphorylated lipid A (LA) with and without a phosphoethanolamine group, and both hexa- and pentaacylated LA molecules. Thin-layer chromatography was performed on 89I LA produced by hydrolysis of the LOS, and the purified LA molecules were analyzed by MALDI-TOF and tested for their relative ability to induce the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α by human monocytic THP-1 cells and primary human monocytes. The potency of tumor necrosis factor-α induction varied by ∼2–10-fold, depending on the state of acylation and phosphorylation. The results highlight the significance of phosphorylation along with acylation of the LA component of LOS in stimulation of inflammatory signaling, and suggest that natural strain variation in these moieties may be a feature of meningococcal bacteria, which is of critical importance to the progression of the infection.
Comparisons of problems reported by parents of children in 12 cultures: total problems, externalizing, and internalizing.

OBJECTIVE To compare parent-reported problems for children in 12 cultures. METHOD Child Behavior Checklists were analyzed for 13,697 children and adolescents, aged 6 through 17 years, from general population samples in Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, Greece, Israel, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States. RESULTS Comparisons of 12 cultures across ages 6 through 11 and 9 cultures across ages 6 through 17 yielded medium effect sizes for cross-cultural variations in Total Problem, Externalizing, and Internalizing scores. Puerto Rican scores were the highest, while Swedish scores were the lowest. With great cross-cultural consistency, Total and Externalizing scores declined with age, while Internalizing scores increased; boys obtained higher Total and Externalizing scores but lower Internalizing scores than girls. Cross-cultural correlations were high among the mean item scores. CONCLUSIONS Empirically based assessment provides a robust methodology for assessing and comparing problems reported for children from diverse cultures. Age and gender variations are cross-culturally consistent. Although clinical cutoff points should not necessarily be uniform across all cultures, empirically based assessment offers a cost-effective way to identify problems for which children from diverse cultural backgrounds may need help.
Semis de cultures vivrières dans des couvertures végétales en zone forestière de Côte d'Ivoire

En zone forestiere de Cote d'Ivoire, sur des dispositifs perennises en milieu reel, des solutions a la culture itinerante sont evaluees. Face a un accroissement continu de la population rurale, les temps de jachere diminuent et un changement des techniques culturales doit etre envisage. Une gestion agrobiologique des sols combinant des jacheres de courte duree (entre 6 a 18 mois) et l'emploi minimise d'intrants permet pour certains systemes de culture d'envisager une agriculture durable et interessante sur le plan economique. Chromolaena odorata, l'adventice qui domine les paysages agricoles sur les sols non inondes, peut etre geree en mulch pour un semis direct de cereales et etre controlee facilement a moindre cout avec l'herbicide 2,4-D. Son maintien dans le cadre de succession six mois de culture/six mois de jachere revele des aptitudes a maintenir la fertilite du soi qui est bonne au depart. Cependant, sur ce temps de duree, l'effet maitrise des adventices est insuffisant. Comme autre solution, sa substitution par du P phaseoloides permet avec un minimum d'investissement de limiter le recours aux intrants chimiques. La principale option envisagee, la gestion en couverture vive avec des herbicides, montre tout son interet dans le cadre de succession avec du mais et des jacheres de six mois. Pour les systemes de culture a base de riz, de manioc et d'igname, la poursuite des experimentations avec des evaluations economiques en grandeur reelle sont necessaires, Sur les essais, ces memes solutions sont ameliorees et comparees pour evaluer leurs impacts sur la fertilite du sol. Ces deux niveaux d'analyse sont complementaires. Ils permettront de pouvoir mieux definir le domaine d'application de ces itineraires techniques. (Resume d'auteur)
Diallyl trisulfide ameliorates arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity by abrogation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats

The present study investigates the possible ameliorative effects of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) against arsenic (As)-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. The four experimental groups evaluated include: (1) vehicle control; (2) As (5 mg/kg/day); (3) DATS (80 mg/kg/day) + As; and (4) DATS. Induction of As in rats caused severe hepatotoxicity as evidenced by an elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities and increased total bilirubin concentration, indicating hepatic function abnormalities. Histopathological examination revealed various structural changes in the liver, characterized by hepatocyte degeneration/necrosis, congestion, sinusoidal dilatation, vacuolation, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The significant decrease in reduced glutathione content, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities and the significant increase in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) and protein oxidation (protein carbonyl) contents indicated that As-induced hepatotoxicity was mediated through oxidative stress. As intoxication also elevated the levels of Cas-3 and nitric oxide and increased the expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 in the liver. In contrast, DATS pretreatment significantly improved As-induced serum biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histopathological alterations reflecting hepatic dysfunction. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the hepatoprotective role of DATS, emphasizing the influence of this garlic trisulfide in the diet for human health, possibly preventing the hepatic injury associated with As intoxication, presumably due to its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and restoration of antioxidant status.
Prevalence of celiac disease among the Iranian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The current systematic review and meta-analysis study assessed the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane library Collaboration, and Iranian scientific databases, were searched from 1993 to 2013 for English and Persian articles. The following terms were used, alone or combined, "celiac (MeSH)," "ceoliac," "prevalence (MeSH)," and "Iran*. " Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic with a cut-off value of 50%, and the Chi-square test was used to define a statically significant degree of heterogeneity with a p value of <0.10. The publication bias of literatures was assessed by visual examination of the funnel plot and Begger's funnel plot. RESULTS Meta-analysis was conducted on seven publications with 9,720 subjects. Overall, the pooled prevalence of CD among the Iranian population was 0.72% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62%-0.98%]. There was no significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2=4%, p=0.396). The pooled prevalence of CD on the basis of IgA-anti tissue transglutaminase (tTGA) and tTGA and duodenal biopsy positivity was 0.83% (95% CI: 0.69%-1.14%) and 0.79% (95% CI: 0.66%-1.09%), respectively. No significant publication bias was observed using the funnel plot and Begger's funnel plot. CONCLUSION CD prevalence among the Iranian population was approximately similar to that of the American and European populations.
Variation in the Quality of Surgical Care for Uterovaginal Prolapse

Background:Pelvic organ prolapse is a common disorder, affecting an estimated 24% of women in the United States, with more than 200,000 surgical procedures performed annually. Current treatment recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists include pelvic floor reconstruction (or pexy) procedures to correct prolapse, with or without hysterectomy; however, many women are treated by hysterectomy alone. Objective:To determine whether hospital characteristics predict compliance with recommended surgical care for uterovaginal prolapse. Methods:Retrospective analysis of linked California hospital discharge and financial data. International Classification of Diseases, ninth Edition Clinical Modification codes identified records with a primary diagnosis of prolapse and concomitant coding for surgical procedures. &khgr;2 analysis and multivariable models were used to characterize the associations between hospital characteristics and compliance. Compliant care was defined as prolapse treatment by pelvic floor reconstruction (pexy) procedure with or without hysterectomy. Failed compliance was defined as hysterectomy alone. Results:A total of 28,539 cases in 343 hospitals were analyzed. Low compliance rates were detected in all hospital types, though some were better than others. High-volume (odds ratios [OR] = 1.75; 95% CI: [1.62, 1.89]), teaching (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: [1.84, 2.25]), and private (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: [1.14, 1.46]) hospitals were more likely, while disproportionate share hospitals were less likely (OR = 0.58; 95% CI: [0.54, 0.63]) to comply with evidence-based recommendation. Conclusion:Although we did find significant variation in compliance by hospital characteristics, compliance rates were low in all settings. Quality improvement efforts in the surgical treatment of uterovaginal prolapse should focus on increasing adherence to evidence-based practice.
Assessment of Heads of Schools’ Strategies in Managing Conflicts in Secondary Schools: A Case of Kinondoni Municipality

This study is on assessment of heads of schools’ strategies in managing conflicts in secondary schools. Study objectives were: to examine the heads of school knowledge and skills in managing conflicts in secondary schools, strategies employed by head of school in managing school conflicts, To assess the effectiveness of strategies used by the heads of schools in managing conflicts and challenges they face in applying the strategies in conflict management, and to suggest measures that could be taken to avoiding future conflicts in schools. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research findings revealed that heads of school had little knowledge and skills on how to manage the conflicts. It was also that heads of school employed different conflicts management strategies in managing conflicts. Regarding the effectiveness of the strategies in resolving conflict in the public secondary school, all heads of school indicated that heads of schools had made effort to manage conflicts by using different strategies. It recommended that the District Education Office should organize seminars and workshops aimed at improving good rapport between heads of schools and their staff and building good working relations between them. It should also organize workshops for heads of school every vacation to enable them acquire or improve their leadership skills and conflict resolution strategies so as to improve their managerial effectiveness.
Broadband small patch antenna array for Ka-band application

In the paper, we developed a relatively broadband high-gain small antenna array composed of two layers. The antenna operates at about 27.0 GHz (Ka-band). First, we designed a bottom layer composed of 2×2 patches with an inset feed. Then, we added a second layer with parasitic patches to obtain better impedance and radiation properties. Since the antenna was required to be fed through a waveguide, we had to design and supplement the antenna structure by a transition waveguide to microstrip line. The final structure was fabricated and obtained measured results were compared with simulations.