Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining Mediators of Child Sexual Abuse and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Background:Interpersonal violence has increasingly been identified as a risk factor for sexually transmitted infections. Understanding the pathways between violence and sexually transmitted infections is essential to designing effective interventions. Objective:The aim of this study was to examine dissociative symptoms, alcohol use, and intimate partner physical violence and sexual coercion as mediators of child sexual abuse and lifetime sexually transmitted infection diagnosis among a sample of women. Methods:A convenience sample of 202 women was recruited from healthcare settings, with 189 complete cases for analysis. A multiple mediation model tested the proposed mediators of child sexual abuse and lifetime sexually transmitted infection diagnosis. Bootstrapping, a resampling method, was used to test for mediation. Key variables included child sexual abuse, dissociative symptoms, alcohol use, and intimate partner violence. Results:Child sexual abuse was reported by 46% of the study participants (n = 93). Child sexual abuse was found to have an indirect effect on lifetime sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, with the effect occurring through dissociative symptoms (95% confidence interval = 0.0033-0.4714) and sexual coercion (95% confidence interval = 0.0359-0.7694). Alcohol use and physical violence were not found to be significant mediators. Discussion:This study suggests that dissociation and intimate partner sexual coercion are important mediators of child sexual abuse and sexually transmitted infection diagnosis. Therefore, interventions that consider the roles of dissociative symptoms and interpersonal violence may be effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections among women.
12 Weeks of Daclatasvir in Combination With Sofosbuvir for HIV-HCV Coinfection (ALLY-2 Study): Efficacy and Safety by HIV Combination Antiretroviral Regimens

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients, 12 weeks' daclatasvir + sofosbuvir once-daily provided ≥95% sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-treatment across a broad range of antiretroviral regimens, was well tolerated and did not compromise HIV virologic control.
Common structural correlates of trait impulsiveness and perceptual reasoning in adolescence

Background: Trait impulsiveness is a potential factor that predicts both substance use and certain psychiatric disorders. This study investigates whether there are common structural cerebral correlates of trait impulsiveness and cognitive functioning in a large sample of healthy adolescents from the IMAGEN project. Methods: Clusters of gray matter (GM) volume associated with trait impulsiveness, Cloningers' revised temperament, and character inventory impulsiveness (TCI‐R‐I) were identified in a whole brain analysis using optimized voxel‐based morphometry in 115 healthy 14‐year‐olds. The clusters were tested for correlations with performance on the nonverbal tests (Block Design, BD; Matrix Reasoning, MT) of the Wechsler Scale of Intelligence for Children IV reflecting perceptual reasoning. Results: Cloningers' impulsiveness (TCI‐R‐I) score was significantly inversely associated with GM volume in left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Frontal clusters found were positively correlated with performance in perceptual reasoning tasks (Bonferroni corrected). No significant correlations between TCI‐R‐I and perceptual reasoning were observed. Conclusions: The neural correlate of trait impulsiveness in the OFC matches an area where brain function has previously been related to inhibitory control. Additionally, orbitofrontal GM volume was associated with scores for perceptual reasoning. The data show for the first time structural correlates of both cognitive functioning and impulsiveness in healthy adolescent subjects. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knowledge management in the Malaysian aerospace industry

Purpose – This paper aims to study existing knowledge practices, the use of knowledge management (KM) as a strategic tool and the factors affecting the use of KM in the Malaysian aerospace industry.Design/methodology/approach – Senior personnel in the industry were interviewed using a grounded theory approach and convergent interviewing. Secondary data in the form of company documents and reports were used to clarify issues raised in the interview. Triangulation of the findings with the literature resulted in the identification of a framework for the application of KM practices.Findings – The framework identified in this study consists of four stages: awareness cultivation; objectives definition; strategy adoption; and action implementation. Each of these stages involves a number of key elements for successful KM implementation.Originality/value – KM is a considerable organizational asset as a source of competitive advantage and wealth. Thus, it is vital to identify those factors critical to the successfu.
The Occupational Profile of Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

The aims of this study were to assess the functional level of women with fibromyalgia; to investigate the differences in the occupational activities between women with fibromyalgia and healthy women; and to analyse the perceived importance of occupational performance during self-care, productivity and leisure activities. A cross-sectional case control study was performed. Twenty women with fibromyalgia and 20 healthy women completed the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), a Numerical Pain Rating Scale, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the SF-36 health survey. The Chi-square test (χ2), the Student's t test and the Spearman's test were used on the data. The FIM revealed significant differences regarding several activities: personal hygiene, bathing and memory (p < 0.01). The COPM scores did not reveal significant differences between groups (p > 0.10). Women with fibromyalgia had higher disability and reduced quality of life and required greater assistance to perform specific activities of daily living, i.e. hygiene, than healthy women. This highlights the specific occupational therapy needs these women have for performing many basic activities and for improving their quality of life. Limitations of the study include the small sample size, the exclusion of male participants and the possible influence of the women's psychological status on the assessments performed. Findings should be generalized with caution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Refinement of the Automated Method for Human Islet Isolation and Presentation of a Closed System for In Vitro Islet Culture

Background. The procedure of human islet isolation needs further optimization and standardization. Here, we describe techniques to enhance enzymatic digestion and minimize mechanical forces during the digestion process. The isolation protocol has also been modified to meet current GMP (cGMP) standards. Moreover, the impact of donor- and process-related factors was correlated to the use of islets for clinical transplantation. Methods. One hundred twelve standardized consecutive islet isolations were evaluated. Metyltioninklorid and indermil (topical tissue adhesive) were applied to detect leakage of collagenase injected and to repair the damaged pancreatic glands. The effects of dye and glue were evaluated in terms of islet yield, islet function using the perifusion assay, and success rate of the isolation. To analyze key factors for successful isolations, both univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed. Results. Both Metyltioninklorid and Indermil were effective to prevent leakage of enzyme solutions from the pancreatic glands. Both islet yield and success rate were higher when these tools were applied (4,516.1±543.0 vs. 3,447.7±323.5, P=0.02; 50.0% vs. 21.3%, P=0.02, respectively). No adverse effects on islet function or collagenase activity were observed. Multivariate regression analysis identified the maximal recorded amylase >100 U/L (P=0.026), BMI (P=0.03), and the use of catecholamine (P=0.04) as crucial donor-related factors. In addition, cold ischemia time (P=0.005), the dissection procedure using whole glands with duodenum (P=0.02), and the local procurement team (P=0.03) were identified as crucial isolation-related variables. Conclusions. A standardized technique of islet isolation is presented applying novel means to improve enzymatic digestion and to meet cGMP standards.
Interstrain differences in susceptibility to liver carcinogenesis initiated by N-nitrosodiethylamine and its promotion by phenobarbital in C57BL/6NCr, C3H/HeNCrMTV- and DBA/2NCr mice.

Selected inbred strains of mice were compared with respect to their susceptibility to two-stage liver carcinogenesis. Five-week-old male mice of strains C57BL/6NCr (C57), C3H/HeNCrMTV- (C3H) and DBA/2NCr (DBA) were given a single i.p. injection of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN, 90 mg/kg body weight) or the solvent tricaprylin (10 ml/kg). Beginning 2 weeks later, half of the DEN-treated and half of the control mice were given drinking water containing 0.05% phenobarbital (PB). Ten mice from each treatment group were killed at 12, 24, 36 and 52 weeks of age (5, 17, 29 and 45 weeks exposure to PB). PB significantly increased both the number of hepatocellular foci/cm2 and the incidence of hepatocellular tumors after 17 weeks of treatment in 24-week-old DEN-initiated mice of strains C3H (0.11 +/- 0.07 versus 2.9 +/- 0.3 foci/cm2 and 20 versus 70% incidence of hepatocellular tumors) and DBA (0.09 +/- 0.09 versus 3.72 +/- 0.6 foci/cm2 and 0 versus 90% incidence of hepatocellular tumors) but was ineffective in C57 mice (0.04 +/- 0.04 versus 0.07 +/- 0.07 foci/cm2). At 36 weeks of age the incidence of liver cell tumors in mice given DEN but not PB was 10 (DBA), 10 (C57) and 50% (C3H); the incidence was increased by PB to 90% in DBA and 100% in C3H mice, but there was no increase in C57 mice. Even at 52 weeks, the low incidence of hepatocellular tumors in C57 mice given DEN only (20%) was not significantly increased by subsequent exposure to PB. Serum PB levels observed at 12, 24 and 36 weeks of age were significantly higher in DBA mice than in C57 or C3H mice. Similar results were observed in a separate study in which PB was administered in drinking water to 7-week-old male mice of these three strains for 20 days, during which period serum PB levels were measured at shorter intervals. DBA mice thus appear to be unable to metabolize PB, which itself rather than its metabolites is probably responsible for tumor-promoting effects. DBA mice were especially sensitive, while C57 mice were refractory to promotion of hepatocarcinogenesis by PB. These two strains, which differ with respect to other significant parameters for chemical carcinogenesis including inducibility for aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and susceptibility to promotion of hydrocarbon-initiated skin tumors by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, thus also provide a means for analysis of the pharmacogenetics of susceptibility to hepatocellular tumor promotion.
Is sulfasalazine effective in ankylosing spondylitis? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of sulfasalazine (SSZ) for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS We searched randomized and quasi-randomized trials in any language comparing SSZ with placebo in treatment of AS. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and assessed the methodological quality. Data were extracted from the chosen studies and metaanalysis was conducted with RevMan software. RESULTS We identified 11 trials, in which a total of 895 patients were treated for periods ranging from 12 weeks to 3 years. The pooled analysis showed that differences between SSZ and placebo were statistically significant only in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the severity of spinal stiffness, favoring SSZ over placebo. Weighted mean differences were ESR -4.79 mm/h (95% CI -8.80 to -0.78) and spine stiffness -13.89 mm (95% CI -22.54 to -5.24) on 100 mm visual analog scale (where 0 = no stiffness, 100 = severe stiffness). Nissila 1988 is the only trial in which SSZ showed benefit in primary outcome analyses, including back pain, chest expansion, occiput-to-wall test, and patient's general well-being. Compared with other trials, patients in this trial had the shortest disease duration and highest level of baseline ESR, and it had the greatest proportion of patients with peripheral arthritis. Significantly more withdrawals for side effects (relative risk 1.47, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.13) were found in the SSZ than in the placebo group, although severe side effects were rare. CONCLUSION Across all patients with AS, SSZ showed some benefit in reducing ESR and easing spinal stiffness, but no evidence of benefit in physical function, pain, spinal mobility, enthesitis, or patient and physician global assessment. Patients at an early stage of disease, with higher level of ESR (or active disease) and peripheral arthritis, might benefit from SSZ.
Treatment outcomes of dose-attenuated CHOP chemotherapy in elderly patients with peripheral T cell lymphoma

Background While cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic regimen for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs), elderly patients are more vulnerable to associated toxicities. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of dose-attenuated CHOP in elderly patients with PTCL. Methods Patients with PTCL aged >70 years or 65–70-years with comorbidities were treated with dose-attenuated CHOP (cyclophosphamide: 562.5 mg/m2, doxorubicin: 37.5 mg/m2, vincristine: 1.4 mg/m2, and prednisolone: 100 mg for five days; 25% reduced dose of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin vs. full-dose CHOP) as first-line therapy were included. Results Forty-four patients (median age, 74 yr) were analyzed. The majority (N=42, 95.5%) had advanced stage disease and 36 (81.8%) were classified as high/high-intermediate risk by the international prognostic index. The overall response rate was 61.4%, and 21 patients achieved complete response (47.7%). With median follow-up period of 28.8 months, the estimated two-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 36.7% and 46.6%, respectively. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 26.9% and 7.4% of 204 total cycles, which affected 76.7% and 25.6% of the patients, respectively. Nineteen patients (44.2%) experienced febrile neutropenia, and six died due to treatment-related toxicities. High lactate dehydrogenase levels and an involvement of >1 extranodal sites were prognostic indicators of poor survival. Conclusion Dose-attenuated CHOP does not compromise treatment efficacy but retains significant toxicity. Our results suggest that some patients can be effectively treated with dose-attenuated CHOP, however a novel therapy for elderly patients with PTCL is required.
Evaluation of C. Albicans and S. Mutans adherence on different provisional crown materials

PURPOSE Bacterial adhesion on provisional crown materials retained for a long time can influence the duration for which permanent prosthetic restorations can be healthily worn in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to compare seven different commonly used provisional crown materials with regard to Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans surface adhesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS For each group, twenty specimens of the provisional fixed prosthodontic materials TemDent (Schütz), Imıdent (Imıcryl), Tab 2000 (Kerr), Structur Premium (Voco), Systemp (Ivoclar Vivadent), Acrytemp (Zhermack), and Takilon-BBF (Takilon) were prepared (diameter, 10.0 mm; height, 2.0 mm). Surface roughness was assessed by atomic force microscopy. Each group was then divided into 2 subgroups (n=10) according to the microbial suspensions used: S. mutans and C. albicans. The specimens were incubated at 37℃ with S. mutans or C. albicans for seven days. Bacterial adherence on surfaces was assessed using the 2,3-bis[2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay. RESULTS S. mutans showed maximum adhesion to Structur, followed by Systemp, Acrytemp, Takilon, Tab 2000, Imident, and TemDent (P<.05). The highest vital C. albicans adhesion was noted on Takilon, followed by Imident and Tab 2000; the lowest adhesion was noted on Systemp (P<.05). CONCLUSION The materials showed significant differences in the degree of bacterial adhesion. C. albicans showed higher surface adhesion than S. mutans on provisional crown and fixed partial denture denture materials.
Circadian Variations in Natural Coagulation Inhibitors Protein C, Protein S and Antithrombin in Healthy Men: A Possible Association with Interleukin-6

Summary Recent observations describe an increase in platelet aggregability and a decrease in fibrinolytic activity in the early morning hours. To determine whether anticoagulant proteins also show such a circadian variation we measured protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin (AT) and heparin cofactor-II (HC-II) levels on venous plasma samples taken from 10 healthy men at three-hour intervals throughout a 24-hour period. To investigate the possible temporal mapping of circadian periodicity, we also measured plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin (β-TG) as an indicator of platelet activation, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as one of the possible regulatory factors that drive this rhythm. Blood samples were drawn at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. , 6 p.m. , 9 p.m. and midnight. PC, IL-6 and β-TG were measured by ELISA, PS and AT by latex immune assay and HC-II by chromogenic substrate method. A significant circadian variation was found in PC, PS, AT, β-TG and IL-6, but not in HC-II levels. PC, PS, IL-6 and β-TG were at their peaks at 6 a.m., and nadirs at a time from noon to midnight. AT peak was at 6 p.m. and nadir at noon. The regression of PS on IL-6 was significant. Although the fluctuations of PS and AT were within the normal ranges during the day, some PC levels of two subjects were below the lower normal limit (0.70). These data indicate that PC, PS, and AT show a marked circadian periodicity as the other components of the blood coagulation and fibrinolytic system do. The similar trends in plasma concentrations of PC, PS, β-TG and IL-6 may be coincidental, but could reflect a common regulatory mechanism or an effect on each other. The clinical implications of these physiological changes in coagulation inhibitors and the role of IL-6 in the anticoagulant response deserve further studies.
Achieving low defibrillation thresholds at implant: pharmacological influences, RV coil polarity and position, SVC coil usage and positioning, pulse width settings, and the azygous vein

Approximately 30% of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients still die of sudden death. A major cause of these sudden deaths is the failure to defibrillate because of failure to achieve a low defibrillation threshold (DFT). Anti‐arrhythmic drugs can have a profound positive or negative effect on the DFT. Unfortunately, present clinical practice continues to feature many procedures and tactics that have minimal to negative DFT benefit. In addition, many demonstrated helpful tactics are not understood or followed. This review covers the optimal RV (right ventricular) coil position and polarity, superior vena cava (SVC) coil positioning and usage, pulse width settings, and azygous vein coil implants. Specifically, the RV coil should be set to an anodal polarity and never ‘reversed’. The optimal RV coil position appears to be along the mid‐septum. The SVC coil should be kept out of the right atrium and placed in the innominate vein junction. The SVC coil should be always on for high impedance patients. For low impedance patients, the SVC coil should be set on or off depending on which setting gives the lowest DFT. Pulse widths should be set to correspond to optimally charging and discharging a cardiac membrane time constant of between 3.5 and 4.5 ms. For the highest DFT patients, a separate coil should be placed in the azygous vein and connected to the ICD ‘SVC’ port. Anachronistic approaches such as the use of polarity reversal, apical RV coil tip forcing, and subcutaneous arrays are also discussed.
Acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in Catalonia, Spain: Norovirus versus Salmonella

Objective. To describe the epidemiology of norovirus (NV) and Salmonella gastroenteritis outbreaks in Catalonia between 15 October 2004 and 30 October 2005. Material and methods. Epidemiological data were obtained from outbreak reports. The aetiologic agent was investigated by culture for enteric bacteria, enzyme immunoanalyses, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and molecular epidemiology genotyping for NV. The χ2 test was used to compare proportions. Incidence rates and their confidence intervals (CI) were calculated assuming a Poisson distribution. Results. A total of 225 acute gastroenteritis (AG) outbreaks were reported, with 3436 persons affected and 115 hospitalized. Sixty outbreaks (27%) accounting for 1791 cases (52%) were caused by NV, with an attack rate (AR) of 34.7% and a hospitalization rate (HR) of 0.2%. Seventy- four outbreaks (33%) were caused by Salmonella spp. , affecting 646 persons (18.8% (AR 45.6% and HR 13.7%)). The difference in AR between Salmonella spp. and NV was statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) 1.57; 95% CI: 1.39–1.78; p <0.001). The median number of affected persons per outbreak was 3-fold higher for NV (15 (2–174)) than for Salmonella (5 (2–44)). The incidence rate of AG cases associated with NV outbreaks was significantly higher (24.9 per 100,000 persons/year (95% CI: 23.7–26.1)) than for those associated with Salmonella (5(2–44)) outbreaks (9.2 per 100,000 persons/year (95% CI: 8.5–9.9)). Conclusions. The disease burden and impact of NV highlight the importance of timely notification and investigation of outbreaks and the development and implementation of preventive measures, such as health and safety education for caregivers and food handlers in order to reduce the incidence of infections.
Is racial salary discrimination disappearing in the NBA? evidence from data during 1985–2015

This study re-examines the racial salary gap of National Basketball Association players by constructing a long unbalanced panel covering the 1985–1986 to 2015–2016 seasons. Contrary to the results of previous studies, we find that non-white players are paid equally to white players with similar characteristics in the 1980s and 1990s, but that white players started to be paid about 20% more than non-white players in the last 10 years. Our results are robust to all specification checks, such as quantile regressions, controlling sample selection, different contract types, and player nationality. We find that neither employer preference nor income gap of white and black residents explains this increasing salary gap.
Interviewing practices in California restaurants: Perspectives of restaurant managers and student job applicants

ABSTRACT Adherence to hiring practices that are fair, ethical, and non-discriminatory are vital to both organizations and job applicants. This study examined employee hiring in California restaurants from the perspectives of unit managers as well as student job applicants, with a focus on the interview step. Results of this study revealed that unit managers believed the presence and adherence to policies and procedures were indicators of ethical hiring. On the other hand, job applicants perceived verbal and non-verbal behaviors of interviewers as indicators of ethical or non-ethical hiring practices.