Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors for incomplete HBV DNA suppression in HIV/HBV‐co‐infected patients initiating tenofovir‐based therapy

Suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA to undetectable levels is an important goal for HIV/HBV‐co‐infected patients receiving anti‐HBV‐active antiretroviral therapy (ART), and current guidelines recommend that this outcome should be reached by 1 year of treatment. However, the proportion of patients that fail to achieve an undetectable HBV DNA at this time point and its determinants remain unknown in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for incomplete HBV suppression following 1 year of tenofovir‐based ART. We performed a cohort study among tenofovir‐treated HIV/HBV‐co‐infected patients. Patients had HBV viraemia, initiated tenofovir‐based ART and had HBV DNA measured at 1 year of therapy. The primary outcome was incomplete HBV suppression (HBV DNA ≥2.6 log IU/mL) at 1 year. Logistic regression determined odds ratio (ORs) of incomplete HBV suppression for risk factors of interest. Among 133 patients, 54% (95% CI, 46–63%) had incomplete HBV suppression at 1 year. Incomplete suppression was associated with higher baseline HBV DNA (OR, 1.46 per log IU/mL increase; 95% CI, 1.1–1.94) and detectable HIV viraemia at 1 year (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.19–5.32). Among 66 patients with suppressed HIV RNA at 1 year, 28 (42%) failed to achieve an undetectable HBV DNA. Failure to suppress HBV DNA by 1 year occurred in a sizeable proportion of tenofovir‐treated HIV/HBV‐co‐infected patients. Higher HBV DNA and detectable HIV viraemia were risk factors for incomplete HBV suppression.
Normal reference ranges for echocardiography: do we really need more?

Echocardiography is the most widely used non-invasive cardiac imaging for assessing the cardiac structure and function. Echocardiography has the advantage of low cost, no radiation risk, and great availability. However, as for any diagnostic test, its interpretation depends on its ability to accurately detect abnormalities.1 Actually, the definition of ‘abnormal’ relies on the definition of ‘normal’ and differs according to age, gender, body surface area, and ethnicity.2–4 Currently, available echocardiographic ‘reference values’ that define ‘normality’ are mostly based on cross-sectional observations and refer to earlier studies obtained in the 1970–80s from North American cohorts, which do not reflect the diversity of the world's population.5 Establishing ‘normal’ reference values for echocardiography represents a major need in the field of cardiology.6 Needless to say that the targeted population and the method used to collect the data are vital. Regarding the target population, if not otherwise specified, a standard ‘reference’ range generally denotes the one in ‘healthy’ individuals, or without any known condition that directly affects the ranges being established. Regarding the method used, prospective studies are very welcome but still scanty. Therefore, the compilation of large databases can be used …
Personality disorders and relationship to personality dimensions measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder

The occurrence of personality disorders was investigated in 36 patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder by means of the SCID Screen questionnaire. In addition, the personality dimensions were explored by means of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). In total, 75% of the patients fulfilled the criteria for a personality disorder according to the SCID Screen questionnaire, mostly (55%) within cluster C. Several significant correlations were found between the separate personality disorders (PD) and subscales of the TCI, the most pronounced being between avoidant and obsessive‐compulsive PD and novelty‐seeking and self‐directedness. Strong correlations were also found between self‐directedness and paranoid and borderline PD. In multiple regressions where the presence of PD in clusters A, B and C, respectively, were used as dependent variables and where the separate subscales of the TCI were used as independent variables, the multiple R reached 0.68, 0.76 and 0.80 in clusters A, B and C, respectively. Thus 46–64% of the variance in the personality disorder clusters could be explained by the TCI subscales.
Discrimination of Individuals by Odor in Male Mongolian Gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus

Abstract The ability to discriminate among individuals plays a fundamental role in the establishment of social relationships in animals. We examined how Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) discriminate among individuals using odor. In the first experiment, the ability of male gerbils to discriminate among five odor sources from different individuals was investigated using a habituation-dishabituation paradigm. After male gerbils had been habituated to a scent from one individual, they were exposed to familiar and unfamiliar scents from different donors simultaneously. Where urine and ventral gland secretions were used, the subjects spent more time investigating novel odors than familiar ones, suggesting that they were able to discriminate individual differences in these odor sources. However, with the scents of feces and saliva, they could detect, but could not discriminate individual differences; with scent from inside the pinnae, they could not even detect. In the second experiment, we tested whether cross-habituation occurred between the scents of urine and ventral gland secretions. A male was exposed repeatedly to urine from one of two familiar donor males during four habituation trials, and was then exposed to the ventral gland secretions from two donors simultaneously. The subject males spent more time investigating scents of ventral gland secretions, but there was no difference in the investigation time between ventral gland scents from the two donors. These results suggest that male gerbils discriminate among individuals using odors from urine and ventral gland secretions and that cross-habituation may not occur between these scents during social-memory formation.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus cell walls in experimental osteomyelitis

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate and compare the immunoglobulin G antibody response to Staphylococcus aureus cell walls of rabbits with either chronic staphylococcal osteomyelitis or subcutaneous abscesses. Osteomyelitis of the femur was produced by the intramedullary application of a sclerosing agent (3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate) and S. aureus. Radiographic evidence of osteomyelitis was observed in 10 of the 13 animals that survived the 10-week experimental period, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology in 8 of the 10 instances. Abscess formation was initiated in a separate group of rabbits by the subcutaneous injection of S. aureus cells. All 10 of these rabbits subsequently developed abscesses, which usually resolved spontaneously within 3 to 5 weeks. Elevated levels of immunoglobulin G antibodies to the cell wall antigen were detected in 7 of 10 rabbits with osteomyelitis at 21 days postinfection, and these animals continued to display high antibody levels even at 59 days postinfection. In contrast, elevated levels of anti-cell-wall antibodies were only detected in 1 of 10 rabbits with subcutaneous abscesses. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was found to be a rapid and sensitive serological technique for the detection of cell wall antibodies in this experimental osteomyelitis model and may be useful for the diagnosis of staphylococcal bone infections in humans.
Anomalous Poole-Frenkel mode of current-conduction mechanism in the P-I-N thin-film light-emitting diodes

The current density-applied voltage (J-V) characteristics of the p-i-n thin film light-emitting diode (TFLED) were studied. It is found that when the applied voltage is less than the threshold voltage, the current densities of reverse and forward bias are essentially equal. This indicates that the current is limited by the i-layer, which has the highest resistance. In order to study the current-conduction mechanism in the i-layer, numerical approximation in a one-dimensional model is used to calculate the internal distributions of the potential, electric field, and carrier concentration, etc. The theory of anomalous Poole-Frenkel emission gives a calculated result, which agrees with the experimental result. The relationship between the implicated generation rate and radiative recombination rate with electric field is then analyzed. It is found that the electron impact ionization is the primary cause of electron-hole pairs production which upon recombination results in light emission in the i-layer. The current density was calculated by setting appropriate initial conditions for ionization. Radiative recombination rate needed to fit depends on the magnitude of electric field in the i-layer, being slower as the magnitude of electric field increases.
Intermittent feeding programme and addition of Bacillus subtilis based probiotics to the diet of growing broiler chickens: Influence on growth, hepatic enzymes and serum lipid metabolites profile

Abstract. This study was conducted to examine the effects of Intermittent feeding programme (IFP) and Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic (BSP) addition in diet on liver malic enzyme and isocitrate dehydrogenase activity, lipid metabolism and performance in broiler chickens. Five hundred and four one-day old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated in four experimental treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4). Groups T1 (control diet) and T3 (Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic diet) were fed ad libitum, whereas groups T2 (control diet) and T4 (Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic diet) served as IFP from day 8 to the end of the experiment. The data on initial body weight, weekly feed consumption and body weight gain were recorded up to six weeks of age. Carcass composition, blood parameters and hepatic enzyme activity were measured at the end of the experiment. Although body weight gain was not significantly different among any of the treatments, the birds raised under IFP consumed significantly (P
Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Factors Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Mothers of Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: The experience of having a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can negatively impact on the mother's well-being and trigger posttraumatic stress symptoms. To date, only one study has examined the role of non-cognitive factors in predicting the occurrence of PTSD in parents of children diagnosed with diabetes. However, in the broader PTSD literature is has been shown that both non-cognitive variables and cognitive variables predict PTSD in traumatized populations. Aims: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship of both non-cognitive (trauma severity, psychiatric history and social support) and cognitive variables (negative cognitive appraisals and dysfunctional cognitive appraisals) with PTSD in mothers of children recently diagnosed with diabetes. Method: A single group survey design and self-report questionnaires were used to investigate the relationship between both non-cognitive (trauma severity, psychiatric history and history of trauma, and social support) and cognitive factors (negative cognitive appraisals and dysfunctional strategies) and PTSD symptoms in mothers of children who had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the last 5 years. Results: All cognitive variables were positively associated with PTSD symptoms. In contrast, of the non-cognitive variables, only social support was significantly (negatively) associated with PTSD symptoms. Moreover, regression analysis found that cognitive variables explained variance in PTSD symptoms over and above that contributed by the non-cognitive variables. Conclusions: This supports the cognitive model of PTSD. The implications of the study with regards to early detection of and therapies for PTSD in this population are discussed.
Effect of resistance training on women's strength/power and occupational performances.

PURPOSE The effects of resistance training programs on strength, power, and military occupational task performances in women were examined. METHODS Untrained women aged (mean +/- SD) 23 +/- 4 yr were matched and randomly placed in total- (TP, N = 17 and TH, N = 18) or upper-body resistance training (UP, N = 18 and UH, N = 15), field (FLD, N = 14), or aerobic training groups (AER, N = 11). Two periodized resistance training programs (with supplemental aerobic training) emphasized explosive exercise movements using 3- to 8-RM training loads (TP, UP), whereas the other two emphasized slower exercise movements using 8- to 12-RM loads (TH, UH). The FLD group performed plyometric and partner exercises. Subjects were tested for body composition, strength, power, endurance, maximal and repetitive box lift, 2-mile loaded run, and U.S. Army Physical Fitness Tests before (T0) and after 3 (T3) and 6 months of training (T6). For comparison, untrained men (N = 100) (MEN) were tested once. RESULTS Specific training programs resulted in significant increases in body mass (TP), 1-RM squat (TP, TH, FLD), bench press (all except AER), high pull (TP), squat jump (TP, TH, FLD), bench throw (all except AER), squat endurance (all except AER), 1-RM box lift (all except aerobic), repetitive box lift (all), push-ups (all except AER), sit-ups (all except AER), and 2-mile run (all). CONCLUSIONS Strength training improved physical performances of women over 6 months and adaptations in strength, power, and endurance were specific to the subtle differences (e.g., exercise choice and speeds of exercise movement) in the resistance training programs (strength/power vs strength/hypertrophy). Upper- and total-body resistance training resulted in similar improvements in occupational task performances, especially in tasks that involved upper-body musculature. Finally, gender differences in physical performance measures were reduced after resistance training in women, which underscores the importance of such training for physically demanding occupations.
Accounting for Indonesia's economic growth: Recent past and near future

This paper revisits the discussion about the contribution of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth to Indonesia’s economic growth during 1971-2005. It re-estimates the contribution of TFP to economic growth during this period on the basis of new estimates of GDP, capital stock, education-adjusted employment, and factor income shares. After accounting for the growth of capital stock and education-adjusted employment, the residual TFP growth found to have been on average -0.1% per year, contributing -2% to 1971-2005 GDP growth. Capital stock growth and employment growth explained around 75% and 25%, respectively. Using the results of this estimation and assumptions about the expected growth of capital stock, labour force and education, the paper notes that Indonesia’s economy may potentially grow at a rate between 5.3 and 7.8% per year up to 2030. The growth rate will depend crucially on an increase of investment.
Bullies and victims at school: are they the same pupils?

BACKGROUND The reported prevalence of bully-victims and aggressive/provocative victims varies quite considerably in previous research, and only a few studies have reported prevalence rates across grades. There is also a lack of detailed analyses of the extent to which victims are also bullies, and bullies are also victims. AIMS To study the prevalence of male and female bully-victims across grade/age and to establish the degree of overlap or relative size of the bully-victim group by relating them to all victims, all bullies and all involved students. SAMPLES Participants in Study 1 were 5,171 pupils in grades 5-9 from 37 schools. Study 2 comprised 12,983 pupils in grades 4-10 from 66 schools. METHODS The Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire was administered to the pupils in their ordinary classrooms. RESULTS The prevalence of bully-victims was low and mainly declined across grades. There were far more boys than girls in the bully-victim group. Bully-victims resembled victims only (pure victims) in terms of age-trends and bullies only (pure bullies) in terms of sex composition. The overlap of bully-victims with the total victim group was fairly small (10-20%) in all grades. In primary grades, bully-victims constituted about 30-50% of the total bully group, whereas in higher grades these proportions were considerably lower. CONCLUSION Our analyses and overview of previous research suggest that the bully-victim group is small, and that the large variations across studies are mainly due to differences in choice of cutoff point. Bully-victims should generally be seen and treated statistically as a distinct subgroup. The relatively larger proportion of bully-victims in lower grades should be explored further.
The Association of Driver Age with Traffic Injury Severity in Wisconsin

Objectives: To quantify the association of driver's age with the risk of being injured, dying, and experiencing injuries of different severity when involved in a motor vehicle crash. Methods: Data from the Wisconsin Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) from 2002 to 2004 were used to study 602,964 drivers of a car or truck who were involved in a motor vehicle crash. Odds ratios (OR) or relative risk ratios (RRR) and their 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for age groups, in relation to the outcomes of injury, fatality, and injury severity using logistic regression models, which controlled for sex, alcohol use, urban/rural location, seat belt use, ejection, airbag deployment, vehicle type, and highway class. Results: Increasing age was strongly associated the risk of dying or experiencing severe injuries for drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes with the greatest risk in drivers 85 years and older. Compared to drivers aged 25–44, drivers 85 years and older had the highest risks for moderate injury (ISS = 9–15; RRR = 5.44, 95% CI: 3.97–7.47), severe injury (ISS = 16–74; (RRR = 4.32, 95% CI: 2.73–6.84), and fatality (OR = 10.93, 95% CI: 7.76–15.38). In contrast, drivers 85 years and older had no increase in risk for minor injury (ISS = 1–8; OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.84–1.05). Conclusions: The oldest drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes had the highest risk for severe injury and fatality. In light of the increasing number of the oldest drivers and their poor outcomes from severe trauma, substantial morbidity can be expected to occur in the oldest drivers. Evidence-based measures to reduce the risks to older drivers should continue to be developed, evaluated, and implemented.
Formation of adhesion after intraperitoneal application of TiMesh: experimental study on a rodent model

Abstract Background: After laparoscopic repair of an incisive hernia, intraperitoneal prosthetic mesh, as a foreign material, is a strong stimulus for the development of adhesion, which may be the cause of serious complications. This experimental study compared three different meshes and their ability to prevent the formation of adhesion and shrinkage. Methods: Ninety rats were divided randomly into three groups: in Group 1 Proceed mesh was implanted, in Group 2 Ultrapro mesh was implanted, and in Group 3 TiMesh was implanted. Mesh samples were fixed as an intraabdominal mesh in the upper part of the abdomen. Ten animals from each group were sacrificed on days 7, 28 and 60 post-surgery. After opening the abdomen, the formation of adhesion was assessed according to the Surgical Membrane Study Group (SMSG) score, the percentage of shrinkage of the mesh was established and inflammatory reaction scored. Results: The SMSG score for adhesion was statistically significantly higher on all the postoperative days in the Proceed and Ultrapro mesh groups than in the TiMesh group which caused milder inflammatory reaction on 60th day than others meshes. The size of the mesh after 7 days was statistically significantly smaller in the Proceed and Ultrapro groups than in the TiMesh group, but after 60 days it was statistically significantly larger than in the TiMesh group. Conclusion: The least formation of adhesion was noted in the TiMesh group, in which the highest level of shrinkage was noticed after 28 and 60 days. TiMesh has advantages over the other meshes studied, but a larger size mesh may be recommended for intraperitoneal application.
Cartilage Damage Determines Intermediate Outcome in the Late Multiple Ligament and Posterolateral Corner-Reconstructed Knee

Background Patients with chronic ruptures of 1 or both cruciate ligaments in combination with posterolateral rotatory instability of the knee often have some degree of cartilage damage at the time of surgery. Hypothesis Chondrosis at the time of reconstruction does not influence early and intermediate functional outcome of the multiple ligament reconstructed knee. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Twenty-one patients were available from an original 27 treated between 1995 and 2000. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by physical examination and by applying 4 different knee rating scores. All patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 39 months (range, 14–75 months) and 87 months (range, 62–123 months). Results At the first follow-up, all knee rating scores had improved significantly (P < .0003) compared with preoperatively; 84% of the reconstructed knees had normal to nearly normal laxities according to the International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 score. At the second follow-up, the functional scores remained significantly (P < .0089) better than preoperatively. Patients with chondrosis at the time of surgery did not have significantly different knee rating scores at the first follow-up compared with patients without cartilage damage. Four years later, the results in the chondrosis group were significantly worse (P < .05) for all knee rating scores compared with the patients without chondrosis. The results in 3 of 4 knee rating scores declined significantly in the chondrosis group over the 48-month interval between follow-up sessions. In the Tegner and Lysholm score, the results deteriorated to the preoperative level. Patients with different cruciate ligament reconstructions did not have significantly different knee rating scores. Conclusion The posterolateral sling procedure is a stable and reliable technique for posterolateral corner reconstruction. The presence of chondrosis at the time of surgery is an important prognosticator of functional outcome at intermediate follow-up.
Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressures on Colchicine-Damaged Mast Cells of Peritoneal Fluid.∗

Summary and Conclusions Abnormally shaped mast cells of peritoneal fluid in colchi-cine-treated rats are affected by the application of high hydrostatic pressure. The changes observed under pressure include rounding up of the cell, suggesting that the abnormal morphology is maintained by a strongly gelated cytoplasm. Induction of localized foci of gelation by colchicine is postulated to explain the formation of polymorphic mast elements.