Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human albumin solution for resuscitation and volume expansion in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND Human albumin solutions are used in a range of medical and surgical problems. Licensed indications are the emergency treatment of shock and other conditions where restoration of blood volume is urgent, burns, and hypoproteinaemia. Human albumin solutions are more expensive than other colloids and crystalloids. OBJECTIVES To quantify the effect on mortality of human albumin and plasma protein fraction (PPF) administration in the management of critically ill patients. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group trials register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and BIDS Index to Scientific and Technical Proceedings. Reference lists of trials and review articles were checked, and authors of identified trials were contacted. The search was last updated in August 2004. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing albumin/PPF with no albumin/PPF, or with a crystalloid solution, in critically ill patients with hypovolaemia, burns or hypoalbuminaemia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We collected data on the participants, albumin solution used, mortality at the end of follow up, and quality of allocation concealment. Analysis was stratified according to patient type. MAIN RESULTS We found 32 trials meeting the inclusion criteria and reporting death as an outcome. There were 1632 deaths among 8452 trial participants. For hypovolaemia, the relative risk of death following albumin administration was 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.92, 1.10). This estimate was heavily influenced by the results of the SAFE trial which contributed 91% of the information (based on the weights in the meta-analysis). For burns, the relative risk was 2.40 (1.11, 5.19) and for hypoalbuminaemia the relative risk was 1.38 (0.94, 2.03). There was no substantial heterogeneity between the trials in the various categories (chi-square = 21.86, df = 25, p =0.64). The pooled relative risk of death with albumin administration was 1.04 (0.95, 1.13). REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS For patients with hypovolaemia there is no evidence that albumin reduces mortality when compared with cheaper alternatives such as saline. There is no evidence that albumin reduces mortality in critically ill patients with burns and hypoalbuminaemia. The possibility that there may be highly selected populations of critically ill patients in which albumin may be indicated remains open to question. However, in view of the absence of evidence of a mortality benefit from albumin and the increased cost of albumin compared to alternatives such as saline, it would seem reasonable that albumin should only be used within the context of well concealed and adequately powered randomised controlled trial.
Sacral nerve stimulation induces pan‐colonic propagating pressure waves and increases defecation frequency in patients with slow‐transit constipation

Objective Colonic propagating sequences are important for normal colonic transit and defecation. The frequency of these motor patterns is reduced in slow‐transit constipation. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a useful treatment for faedcal and urinary incontinence. A high proportion of these patients have also reported altered bowel function. The effects of SNS on colonic propagating sequences in constipation are unknown. Our aims were to evaluate the effect of SNS on colonic pressure patterns and evaluate its therapeutic potential in severe constipation.
The epidemiologic, health‐related quality of life, and economic burden of gastrointestinal stromal tumours

Background and objectives: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are uncommon tumours believed to arise from interstitial cells of Cajal or their precursors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, accounting for a small percentage of GI neoplasms and sarcomas. Given the recent recognition of GIST as a distinct cancer, as well as new treatment options available today, a review of the epidemiologic, health‐related quality of life (HRQL), and economic burden of GIST is timely from a payer, provider and patient perspective and may provide guidance for treatment decision making and reimbursement.
Ovarian follicle dynamics of female Greater Scaup during egg production

Studies of female waterfowl nutrient reserve use during egg production require a precise understanding of ovarian follicle dynamics to correctly interpret breeding status, and, therefore, derive proper inference. Concerns over numerical declines of North American scaup have increased the need to better understand the role of female condition in reproductive performance. We quantified ovarian follicle dynamics of female Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, using a method that accounts for within day variation in follicle size. We considered several models for describing changes in follicle growth with the best supported model estimating the duration of rapid follicle growth (RFG) to be 5.20 ± 0.52 days (±95% confidence intervals) for each developing follicle. Average diameter and dry mass of preovulatory follicles were estimated to be 9.36 mm and 0.26 g, respectively, at the onset of RFG, and these follicle characteristics were 41.47 mm and 15.57 g, respectively, at ovulation. The average diameter of postovulatory follicles immediately following ovulation was estimated to be 17.35 mm, regressing quickly over several days. In addition, we derived predictive equations using diameter and dry mass to estimate the number of days before, and after, ovulation for pre- and postovulatory follicles, as well as an equation to estimate dry mass of damaged follicles. Our results allow precise definition of RFG and nest initiation dates, clutch size, and the daily energetic and nutritional demands of egg production at the individual level. This study provides the necessary foundation for additional work on Greater Scaup reproductive energetics and physiology, and offers an approach for quantifying ovarian follicle dynamics in other species. SINOPSIS. Din´ amica de los fol´ iculos en el ovario de Aythya marila durante la producci´ huevos Los estudios sobre las reservas de nutrientes utilizadas por hembras de patos durante la produccide huevos requiere un entendimiento claro sobre la dinde los folen los ovarios para interpretar el estatus reproductivo de las aves y poder hacer inferencias apropiadas sobre el asunto. La preocupacisobre la reduccien n´
AGGRESSION AND VIOLENCE TOWARDS MEDICAL DOCTORS AND NURSES IN A PUBLIC HEALTH CARE FACILITY IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

OBJECTIVE: to examine the frequency, possible associated factors & consequences of workplace violence towards doctors and nurses in a public healthcare facility in Lahore, thereby providing a basis for ap- propriate intervention. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a retrospective exploratory cross sectional study in a public sector hospital in Lahore, employing self-ad- ministered questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of workplace violence against doctors and nurses, in 12 months preceding the study. The sample covered 164 respondents (response rate 65.6%). Sugges- tions for restricting future violent incidents were also sought. The data was analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 17. RESULTS: More than 2/3rd of the respondents (n=121/164, 73.8%) were the victims of violence in the preceding 12 months with verbal abuse (n=104/121, 86%) being the main aggression type encountered. Only 72/121 (59.5%) victims of violence reported the violence and ma- jority of incidents (n=29/72, 40.3%) were reported to colleagues only. "No previous action" (73%) was the commonest reasons cited for not reporting the incidents. Workers exposed to violence & aggression, ex- perienced high level of psychological distress. Most common assailants were patients' relatives (n=86/121, 71%) followed by patient themselves (n=37/121, 30.5%). Overcrowding and lack of security were cited as the main reasons for such incidents. CONCLUSION: Health care workers in public sector hospital setting in Lahore are frequently exposed to aggression and violence & it is as- sociated with many adverse consequences including high level of stress. Appropriate preventive measures including occupational support are required to make hospitals safer environments.
Renal clearances in unilaterally nephrectomized pigs and in pigs with an autotransplanted kidney.

The concentration of creatinine and urea in plasma and clearances of inulin, endogenous creatinine, urea, and PAH have been measured in pigs on which were performed unilateral nephrectomy (Group A), renal autotransplantation with uretero-vesical anastomosis (Group B), and renal autotransplantation with uretero-ureteral anastomosis (Group C). In Groups B and C contralateral nephrectomy was carried out simultaneously. The concentration of creatinine and urea of the pigs in Group A was normal throughout the experimental period. In Groups B and C the concentration rose rapidly immediately after the operation to become normal in the course of 7 days. In Group B a secondary rise was observed between the 7th and 42nd day, in all probability due to ureteral stricture. On the 94th day the clearances of inulin and PAH, calculated per 10 kg body weight, were 17 and 57 ml/min for Group A, 15 and 50 ml/min for Group B, and 18 and 67 ml/min for Group C. The maximal tubular excretion (Tm) of PAH was 19, 19 and 25 mg/min/10 kg body weight for Groups A, B, and C, respectively. These values are 70–100% of the values in normal pigs, indicating that compensatory hypertrophy has occurred in all cases.
Arginine deprivation by arginine deiminase of Streptococcus pyogenes controls primary glioblastoma growth in vitro and in vivo

Arginine auxotrophy constitutes a weak point of several tumors, among them glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Hence, those tumors are supposed to be sensitive for arginine-depleting substances, such as arginine deiminase (ADI). Here we elucidated the sensitivity of patient-individual GBM cell lines toward Streptococcus pyogenes-derived ADI. To improve therapy, ADI was combined with currently established and pre-clinical cytostatic drugs. Additionally, effectiveness of local ADI therapy was determined in xenopatients. Half of the GBM cell lines tested responded well toward ADI monotherapy. In those cell lines, viability decreased significantly (up to 50 %). Responding cell lines were subjected to combination therapy experiments to test if any additive or even synergistic effects may be achieved. Such promising results were obtained in 2/3 cases. In cell lines HROG02, HROG05 and HROG10, ADI and Palomid 529 combinations were most effective yielding more than 70 % killing after 2 rounds of treatment. Comparable boosted antitumoral effects were observed after adding chloroquine to ADI (>60% killing). Apoptosis, as well as cell cycle dysregulation were found to play a minor role. In some, but clearly not all cases, (epi-) genetic silencing of arginine synthesis pathway genes (argininosuccinate synthetase 1 and argininosuccinate lyase) explained obtained results. In vivo, ADI as well as the combination of ADI and SAHA efficiently controlled HROG05 xenograft growth, whereas adding Palomid 529 to ADI did not further increase the strong antitumoral effect of ADI. The cumulative in vitro and in vivo results proved ADI as a very promising candidate therapeutic, especially for development of adjuvant GBM combination treatments.
Oral Pressure and Nasal Flow on /m/ and /p/ in 3- to 5-Year-Old Children without Cleft Palate

Objectives (1) To compare oral pressure and nasal airflow in 3- to 5-year-olds versus older children and adults; (2) to describe stability of these measures in 3- to 5-year-olds at two recording times; and (3) to report participation rates of 3- to 5-year-olds for the aerodynamic protocol. Design Prospective, nonrandomized, convenience samples in four age groups. Setting University clinic. Participants A total of 105 individuals without cleft palate and with normal speech for their age who were 3 to 5 (n = 45), 7 to 9 (n = 20), 11 to 13 (n = 20), or 20 to 30 years old (n = 20). All had normal nasal resonance and absence of nasally obstructive conditions on the testing day. Main Outcome Measures Oral pressure and nasal airflow on /p/ and /m/ in syllable series and the word “hamper. ” Results Oral pressure was significantly higher on /p/ for 3- to 5-year-olds versus the two oldest groups. Nasal airflow on /p/ occurred infrequently across groups. Oral pressure on /m/ was significantly higher for 3- to 5-year-olds versus adults. Nasal airflow on /m/ increased significantly with age. Oral pressure and nasal flow did not differ at two measurement times for the 3- to 5-year-olds. Of the 3- to 5-year-olds, 88% completed the protocol. Conclusions Oral pressure decreased on /p/ and nasal airflow increased on /m/ from early childhood into adulthood. Nasal air escape on /p/ occurred rarely for speakers of any age; when it did occur, the magnitude was limited. Most preschool-aged children should be able to complete a velopharyngeal aerodynamic protocol, and measures are stable even for these young speakers.
The Impact of Bilingualism on Executive Functions in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review Based on the PRISMA Method

Approximately half of the world's population is bilingual or multilingual. The bilingual advantage theory claims that the constant need to control both known languages, that are always active in the brain, to use the one suitable for each specific context improves cognitive functions and specifically executive functions. However, some authors do not agree on the bilingual effect, given the controversial results of studies on this topic. This systematic review aims to summarize the results of studies on the relationship between bilingualism and executive functions. The review was conducted according to PRISMA-statement through searches in the scientific database PsychINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, and PUBMED. Studies included in this review had at least one bilingual and monolingual group, participants aged between 5 and 17 years, and at least one executive function measure. Studies on second language learners, multilingual people, and the clinical population were excluded. Fifty-three studies were included in the systematic review. Evidence supporting the bilingual effect seems to appear when assessing inhibition and cognitive flexibility, but to disappear when working memory is considered. The inconsistent results of the studies do not allow drawing definite conclusions on the bilingual effect. Further studies are needed; they should consider the role of some modulators (e.g., language history and context, methodological differences) on the observed results.
The Effects of Trait Rumination and Reflection on Mental Health among Japanese University Athletes

The purpose of this study was to use structural equation modeling to examine the effects of trait rumination and reflection on stress response and subjective well-being among Japanese university athletes. One hundred and eighty-two Japanese university athletes (114 males, 68 females, mean age = 20.15 years) participated. Trait rumination was positively associated with stress response and negatively associated with subjective well-being. On the other hand, trait reflection showed a negative association with stress response and a positive association with subjective well-being. In order to develop effective interventions for athletes high in rumination and/or low in reflection, future research should examine the mechanism that explains the different effects of rumination and reflection on athlete mental health.
Pain and stress in sickle cell disease: An analysis of daily pain records

This study examined daily reports of pain, medication use, health care use, and activity reduction in adults with sickle cell disease, and their association with stress. Participants were 53 adults with sickle cell disease. They completed the Daily Hassles questionnaire at the start of the study, and they kept daily records of pain and pain response over the following 14 days. On average, patients reported pain on 6.5 days of the 14-day study period. The average pain intensity rating during a painful episode was 4.4 on a 10-point scale. Pain was most often managed at home. Patients took medication (analgesics and/or narcotics) on 80% of the days they experienced pain, and they were morelikely to use medication, particularly narcotics, as pain levels increased. At higher pain levels some patients also utilized arange of health care services. On average, patients also cut back considerably on household and social activities, especially when pain reached a level of over 5 on the 10-point scale. Those who were employed, however, were likely to continue to work, even when in pain. In addition, stress had significant positive associations with average pain intensity as well as reductions in household and social activities. Furthermore, stress predicted activity reductions even after controlling for pain intensity. Stress was unrelated to medication and health care use in this study.
Presidential Address, Committing to Commit: Short-term Debt When Enforcement Is Costly

In legal systems with expensive or ineffective contract enforcement, it is difficult to induce lenders to enforce debt contracts. If lenders do not enforce, borrowers will have incentives to misbehave. Lenders have incentives to enforce given bad news when debt is short-term and subject to runs caused by externalities across lenders. Lenders will not undo these externalities by negotiation. The required number of lenders increases with enforcement costs. A very high enforcement cost can exceed the ex ante incentive benefit of enforcement. Removing lenders' right to immediately enforce their debt with a "bail-in" can improve the ex ante incentives of borrowers. Copyright 2004 by The American Finance Association.
Soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization caused by pig slurry application under different soil tillage systems

The objective of this work was to evaluate the change in soil C and N mineralization due to successive pig slurry application under conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) systems. The experiment was carried out in a clayey Latossolo Vermelho eutrofico (Rhodic Eutrudox) in Palotina, PR, Brazil. Increasing doses of pig slurry (0, 30, 60 and 120 m3 ha-1 per year) were applied in both tillage systems, with three replicates. Half of the pig slurry was applied before summer soil preparation, and the other half before the winter crop season. The areas were cultivated with soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) in the summers of 1998 and 1999, respectively, and with wheat (Triticum sativum Lam.) in the winters of both years. Soil samples were collected at 0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 cm depths. Under both CT and NT systems, pig slurry application increased C and N mineralization. However, increasing pig slurry additions decreased the C to N mineralization ratio. Under the NT system, C and N mineralization was greater than in CT system.
Firm Scope Experience, Historic Multimarket Contact with Partners, Centrality and the Relationship between Structural Holes and Performance

This study investigates characteristics that affect the relationship between firms' positions in a network of collaborative ties with other firms and their performance. Firms located in similarly structured networks rich in structural holes may obtain different performance results depending on their (1) capacity to absorb heterogeneous information, (2) ability to protect against partner noncooperation, and (3) bargaining power. In this paper, I argue that firms with a wide scope of experience have superior absorptive capacity for dealing with heterogeneous information; hence, such firms will be able to extract performance improvements from network positions rich in structural holes. Furthermore, firms with a high level of historic multimarket contact (MMC) with their partners are able to reduce the risks of partner noncooperation, hence augmenting their performance compared to firms in open networks that do not enjoy MMC with their own partners. Finally, firms of low centrality in the industry's network of alliances will extract performance benefits from enhancing bargaining power as a result of exploiting brokerage opportunities in open networks. These arguments are corroborated in a study of relationships formed among investment banks' advising on the merger and acquisition transactions in the United Kingdom between 1992 and 2001.
Methazolamide for essential voice tremor

We studied the safety and efficacy of methazolamide (average dose 168 mg/day) in a placebo-controlled blinded investigation in nine patients with essential voice tremor. There were no significant differences for physician or patient clinical rating scores. Digital audio tape recordings showed no difference for amplitude modulation, but frequency modulation was significantly altered by methazolamide. Side effects were common with the drug. We conclude that methazolamide has limited usefulness in the treatment of essential voice tremor. NEUROLOGY 1996;47: 1331-1332
Further study on the intraretinal action potentials and on the site of ERG generation.

1. The intraretinal action potentials (EIRG's) were recorded with superfine electrodes (less than 1μ) located at different depths in the retina. Actual depths of the electrode within the retina were carefully controlled by means of a combination of the methods of 1) confirming the electrode tip to be just on the retinal surface at the start of each experiment, 2) correcting errors in the micrometer readings due to the mechanical resistance of the retinal tissue to the penetrating electrode, and 3) measuring the thickness of the retina.2. Alternate micro-and even illuminations of the retina provided another method of the control. By a weak microillumination of the retinal region where the electrode was situated, action potentials were detectable only when the electrode was within the retina. This was found useful as a measure of depth, particularly when the electrode was inserted from the receptor side of the retina, the thickness of which could not be measured.3. The EIRG's due to microillumination or the focal potential were almost purely negative everywhere within the retina, being most active in the bipolar layer. Their nature was discussed in connection with the origin of the ERG.4. Recordings of the EIRG's due to even illumination upon the whole retina confirmed the previous result (21) obtained by means of bigger microelectrodes.5. After the removal of the focal potential changes by strychnine, the configurations of the EIRG's were much alike and similar to the normal ERG, but their amplitudes depended upon the depths. The changes in the amplitudes of a-, b-, and d-wave in them went nearly in parallel, and were most distinct during the electrode excursion within the bipolar layer, implicating a main origin of all the fast components of the ERG in this layer. Some contribution of other retinal layers to the ERG was thought probable, but the isolation was not successful with the present method.6. The result was favored by a supplemental experiment with the use of a “pencil electrode”, which was originally designed for simultaneous recording of intra-and extracellular action potentials.