Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review of the use of somatosensory evoked potentials in the prediction of outcome after severe brain injury

ObjectiveReview the predictive powers of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in severe brain injury. Data SourcesPublications in the scientific literature, manual review of article bibliographies, and questioning workers in the field. Study SelectionStudies addressing the prediction of outcome after severe brain injury using SEPs. Data ExtractionTo determine the outcome of patients with either normal or bilaterally absent SEPs as categorized using the Glasgow Outcome Scale into favorable outcomes (good or moderate disability) or unfavorable outcomes (severe disability, vegetative, or dead). Studies were included if they were in English and allowed the determination of outcomes for all patients with normal or bilaterally absent SEPs. Papers were not considered if subjects were neonates, consisted of abstracts where all necessary details were unavailable, were case reports or duplications of other published studies, or dealt only with brain dead subjects. Data SynthesisFor all studies (n = 44), positive likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, and sensitivity were 4.04, 71.2%, and 59.0%, respectively, for normal SEPs (predicting favorable outcome) and 11.41, 98.5%, and 46.2%, respectively, for bilaterally absent SEPs (predicting unfavorable outcome). Summary receiver operating characteristic curve analysis detected a cut-off criterion effect for only blinded studies of bilaterally absent SEPs. Twelve patients (12/777) were identified with bilaterally absent SEPs who had favorable outcomes. These false positives are typically pediatric patients or have suffered traumatic brain injuries. We suggest criteria for the use of bilaterally absent SEPs in the prediction of poor outcome, which include absence of focal lesions, subdural or extradural fluid collections, and no decompressive craniotomy in previous 48 hrs. Using these criteria the data suggest that the false-positive rate is <0.5% for bilaterally absent SEPs. ConclusionsSEPs are powerful predictors of outcome, particularly poor outcome, if patients with focal lesions, subdural effusions, and those who have had recent decompressive craniotomies are excluded.
Pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and free MPA in paediatric renal transplant recipients--a multicentre study. The German Study Group on Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF) Therapy.

tion ﬁnished at day 9. This short observation time was chosen in order to improve the rate of reply of the centres to whom we sent kidneys. In previous studies of patients with normal renal function, PGE1 was shown to decrease the incidence of acute renal failure (serum creatinine > 2.0 mg / dl) from 37.5% to 11.5% after ischaemia during surgery of suprarenal or renal arteries. Dialysis treatment was necessary in 12.5% of controls and in none of the PGE1-treated patients [3]. This e V ect is comparable an ester prodrug of hibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase the immunosuppressant acid (IMPDH), the key enzyme in the de novo purine biosynthesis of proliferating T and B lymphocytes. pharmacokinetics of and the renal metabolite MPA glucuronide (MPAG) in the initial (sampling at 1 and 3 weeks) and stable phase (3 and 6 months) post-transplant in 17 children (age 12.0 ± 0.77 years; range 5.9–15.8 years) receiving the currently recom-might mended dose of 600 mg MMF / m 2 body surface area twice a high MPAG plasma concentrations day. Blood samples were collected at 0, 20, 40 and 75 min and at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h after dosing. Plasma concentrations albumin-of MPA and were measured HPLC. analysed free MPA ultraﬁltration. plant recipients. Currently, a ﬁxed dose regimen Background (600 mg of MMF / m 2 body surface area twice a day) Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is widely used for is recommended. However, in view of the considerable interindividual variability of mycophenolic acid (MPA) immunosuppressive therapy in paediatric renal trans-pharmacokinetics, it currently is being debated as to whether there is a need for a therapeutic drug monitoring of MPA to increase the clinical e Y cacy and safety of its use by individualized MMF dosing.
Direct Regulatory Control Policies and their Role in Small Enterprise Development in the Philippines: Analysis and Recommendations

The study described in this article details some specifications about the consequence of direct regulatory control policies of the government affecting small enterprises that contravene promotive policies for the development of small enterprises. Too many regulatory laws are passed that non-compliance becomes the mode of response by the firms. Enterprises must then contend with the balancing of the costs of legal compliance with the costs of avoiding such penalties. The firm loses in many respects while total productivity of the small enterprise sector suffers. Some proposals for alleviating the situation are indicated.
Simulation in interprofessional education for patient-centred collaborative care.

AIM This paper is a report of preliminary evaluations of an interprofessional education through simulation project by focusing on learner and teacher reactions to the pilot modules. BACKGROUND Approaches to interprofessional education vary widely. Studies indicate, however, that active, experiential learning facilitate it. Patient simulators require learners to incorporate knowing, being and doing in action. A theoretically based competency framework was developed to guide interprofessional education using simulation. The framework includes a typology of shared, complementary and profession-specific competencies. Each competency type is associated with an intraprofessional, multiprofessional, or interprofessional teaching modality and with the professional composition of learner groups. METHOD The project is guided by an action research approach in which ongoing evaluation generates knowledge to modify and further develop it. Preliminary evaluations of the first pilot module, cardiac resuscitation rounds, among 101 nursing students, 42 medical students and 70 junior medical residents were conducted in 2005-2007 using a questionnaire with rating scales and open-ended questions. Another 20 medical students, 7 junior residents and 45 nursing students completed a questionnaire based on the Interdisciplinary Education Perception scale. FINDINGS Simulation-based learning provided students with interprofessional activities they saw as relevant for their future as practitioners. They embraced both the interprofessional and simulation components enthusiastically. Attitudinal scores and responses were consistently positive among both medical and nursing students. CONCLUSION Interprofessional education through simulation offers a promising approach to preparing future healthcare professionals for the collaborative models of healthcare delivery being developed internationally.
The Case for Human Agency, Well-Being, and Community Reintegration for People Aging in Prison

This study profiled 2,913 adults aged 50 and older sentenced to a statewide correctional system and their parole eligibility status with implications for community reintegration, resettlement, and recovery needs. The research team developed the Correctional Tracking Data Extraction Tool to gather official data and personal and legal characteristics from a state department of corrections website. The majority of older prisoners were men from racial/ethnic minorities between the ages of 50 and 59 with a range of minor to serious offenses. Time served in prison ranged from 1 month to 45 years; more than 40% were eligible for parole within 5 years. These findings underscore the need for an intervention that can address the differing typologies and individual-level and systemic issues that gave rise to the aging prisoner population. Promising practices that address elements of a conceptual model in prison and community reintegration and recovery for older adult prisoners are reviewed.
Predictors of registered nurses' organizational commitment and intent to stay.

BACKGROUND Health care reform has significantly altered employment relations. Research findings suggest that the presence or absence of supportive work environments helps explain the differences observed in employee attitudes and turnover intentions. PURPOSES The purposes of this study were to examine frontline registered nurses' (RNs') perceptions of organizational culture and attitudes and behaviors and test a model linking culture to outcome (organizational commitment and intent to stay). METHODOLOGY A non-experimental predictive survey design was used to test the model in a sample (N = 343) of acute care RNs employed in one Canadian province. Data were collected with the following scales: Emotional Climate, Practice Issues, Collaborative Relations, Psychological Contract Violation, General Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, and Intent to Stay. FINDINGS The response rate was 29.4%. Most respondents were middle aged and diploma prepared, were in their current positions for 5 years or more, had 10 or more years of nursing experience, and worked full time. Despite moderate levels of job satisfaction, RNs held negative perceptions of culture (emotional climate, practice-related issues, and collaborative relations), trust, and commitment and were unlikely to stay with current employers. Structural equation modeling provided support for the impact of culture, trust, and satisfaction on commitment and partial support for intent to stay, explaining 45 and 31% of the variance, respectively. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The development and implementation of policies and interventions aimed at creating more supportive work environments and greater trust in employers and job satisfaction have merit. The most obvious benefit from such strategic interventions is the potential for improving RNs' organizational commitment and reducing turnover intentions.
TP53 alterations and clinical outcome in low grade astrocytomas

Thirty‐eight WHO grade II astrocytomas and 10 malignant recurrent gliomas in these patients were examined for the presence of TP53 alterations. Seventeen/38 low grade astrocytomas and 6/10 malignant recurrent tumors harbored mutations of the gene detected by SSCP analysis and direct sequencing of PCR products. TP53 mutations in five out of six high grade mutant tumors were already present in the corresponding low grade astrocytomas. In two cases, TP53 mutations present in the low grade astrocytoma could not be demonstrated in the recurrent glioma. Immunohistochemistry with two different antibodies to the human TP53 protein revealed nuclear immunoreaction of tumor cells in 11/38 low grade and in 8/10 recurrent tumors. There was no correlation between the presence of TP53 alteration and clinical course. We conclude that, although TP53 mutations are detectable in a substantial fraction of WHO grade II astrocytomas, they do not appear to play a role in the malignant progression of these tumors and they are not of prognostic significance. Genes Chromosom Cancer 10:143–149 (1994). © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro cytotoxic effect of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in combination with purine nucleoside analogues on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells

Abstract: Objective: The anti‐tumour in vitro activity of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (PS‐341, VELCADE) in combination with purine nucleoside analogues, cladribine (2‐CdA) and fludarabine (FA) was tested in lymphocytes derived from 26 patients with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL). Methods: Cell viability was assessed by propidium iodide staining, and apoptosis by annexin‐V and caspase activation flow cytometry assays. Additionally, expression of the apoptosis‐regulating proteins Bax, Bak, Bid, Bcl‐w, Bcl‐2, XIAP and Mcl‐1 was evaluated in B‐CLL lymphocytes. Results: Bortezomib alone induced significant, dose‐dependent cytotoxicity starting from the low concentration 2.5 nm, inducing apoptosis of B‐CLL cells. Combination of this agent with 2‐CdA or FA resulted in an increase of cytotoxicity when compared with that mediated by single drugs. The observed increase was especially evident when 5 nm of bortezomib were combined with suboptimal doses of 2‐CdA or FA. The combination index (CI) was 0.87 for bortezomib + 2‐CdA and 0.82 for bortezomib + FA, indicating an evident additive effect of these combinations. Moreover, B‐CLL cells were more sensitive to proteasome inhibitor used alone or combined with 2‐CdA or FA comparing to CD3+ lymphocytes. Corresponding to enhanced apoptosis, the expression levels of several apoptosis‐regulating proteins were altered. The most pronounced changes were down‐regulation of XIAP and up‐regulation of Bid proteins by the combination of bortezomib with either 2‐CdA or FA. Conclusions: This study suggest that the in vitro cytotoxic effect through proteasome inhibition by bortezomib can be increased substantially with low doses of the purine nucleoside analogues, 2‐CdA and FA, and that this effect on B‐CLL cell is selectively higher than on normal, CD3‐positive lymphocytes.
Ischemia- and reperfusion-sensitive cardiac sympathetic afferents: influence of H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals.

Activation of cardiac sympathetic afferents leads to excitatory cardiovascular reflexes and pain during myocardial ischemia. We hypothesized that cardiac sympathetic afferents are activated by reactive oxygen species produced during ischemia and reperfusion. Single-unit nerve activity of 55 afferents was recorded from the left paravertebral sympathetic chain (T1-T4) in cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose. Receptive fields of all afferents were located on the right or left ventricle. Mechanical and chemical sensitivities of each afferent ending were evaluated by von Frey hairs, cardiac distension, and local application of bradykinin (BK, 142 pmol) or H2O2 (7.5-15 mumol) to the receptive field. Thirty-one afferents (56%) were responsive to bradykinin (BK), H2O2, and ischemia (2 or 10 min). Deferoxamine (Def, 10-100 mg/kg), dimethylthiourea (DMTU, 10-100 mg/kg), or iron-loaded Def (10 mg/kg) were employed to evaluate the role of H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals (.OH) in activating these afferents (10A delta and 21C fibers) during ischemia and reperfusion. Treatment with the nonspecific scavenger DMTU (n = 10) significantly diminished the increase in discharge activity evoked by ischemia and reperfusion. Treatment with Def also significantly attenuated the responses during ischemia and reperfusion. Thus reactive oxygen species, particularly . OH, activate a group of cardiac sympathetic A delta- and C-fiber afferents during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion and may play an important role in mediating cardiovascular sympathetic reflex responses and/or pain transmission.
Lack of association between Helicobacter pylori infection and extracardiac atherosclerosis in dyspeptic elderly subjects.

BACKGROUND There are conflicting data on the association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and cardiovascular diseases. AIM To determine if there is an association between gastric HP infection and atherosclerosis of cerebral or peripheral arteries in elderly subjects. METHODS 90 dyspeptic elderly subjects had upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy and the gastroduodenal pathology was identified. HP infection was confirmed by gastric histology and the rapid urease test. Vascular ultrasonography of extracranial cerebral arteries and leg arteries was performed to evaluate (i) the presence of an atherosclerotic lesion, (ii) the total length of all plaques documented and (iii) the number of arteries with atherosclerotic lesions. Statistical analysis was by the chi2 test, Yates's corrected chi2 test, the Mann-Whitney test and logistic regression. RESULTS 59 subjects were HP-positive. These had a higher prevalence of peptic ulcer disease (P = 0.01) and higher serum levels of IgG anti-HP antibodies (P = 0.0001), but no significant differences in the number of atherosclerotic lesions, the total length of the plaques or the number of arteries with lesions. No significant association of HP positivity was found with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cigarette smoking or coronary heart disease, nor with serum concentrations of HDL-cholesterol, fibrinogen, triglycerides or glucose. CONCLUSIONS Elderly dyspeptic subjects with gastric HP infection had significantly more peptic ulcer disease but no more atherosclerotic lesions than those who were HP-negative. Atherosclerosis was not associated with HP infection. In this cross-sectional study of elderly patients with dyspepsia, no association between HP infection and extracardiac atherosclerosis was found.
The Commodification of the Body Positive Movement on Instagram

Since 2012 there has been a heightened presence of the body positive movement on Instagram. Women who occupy non-normative bodies use the platform to post selfies to challenge dominant ideals of feminine beauty, including the demands to produce smooth skin, adhere to body size norms, and avoid bodily fluids. This has been accompanied by a barrage of media outlets advising their readers on the top body positive accounts they need in their life to boost their body confidence, and how to be body positive on Instagram for more self-love (Irish Examiner, 2016; Burke 2015; Vino, 2015; O'Reilly, 2016). News media circulated articles across social media platforms with stories heralding women who, through the use of selfies, open up about their experiences with eating disorders, shut body shamers down, challenge "bikini body" myths, and confront expectations directed at women's post-pregnancy bodies. Women who share the same experiences of and frustration with dominant ideals of femininity have identified with and participated in this movement through the use of body-positive hash tags, captions, and subject matter. However, as the popularity of the body positive movement and the influence of advocates grew, corporations began commoditizing the body positive advocates and using their influence to push products, capitalizing off of the movement. During the commodification process, the body positive advocates lose sight of their purpose and reproduce dominant capitalist ideologies, objectify their own bodies, and accept beauty modification practices.
A comparison of new and existing mild traumatic brain injury vignettes: Recommendations for research into post-concussion syndrome

Objective: To review and compare the mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) vignettes used in postconcussion syndrome (PCS) research, and to develop 3 new vignettes. Method: The new vignettes were devised using World Health Organization (WHO) mTBI diagnostic criteria [1]. Each vignette depicted a very mild (VM), mild (M), or severe (S) brain injury. Expert review (N = 27) and readability analysis was used to validate the new vignettes and compare them to 5 existing vignettes. Results: The response rate was 44%. The M vignette and existing vignettes were rated as depicting a mTBI; however, the fit-to-criteria of these vignettes differed significantly. The fit-to-criteria of the M vignette was as good as that of 3 existing vignettes and significantly better than 2 other vignettes. As expected, the VM and S vignettes were a poor fit-to-criteria. Conclusions: These new vignettes will assist PCS researchers to test the limits of important etiology factors by varying the severity of depicted injuries.
Democratic legitimacy and the European Citizens' Initiative: a recipe for disappointment and disaffection?

The European Union has long been argued to suffer from a deficit of democratic legitimacy. One recent innovation introduced with the intention of addressing this deficit is the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), a means by which 1 million EU citizens can ask the European Commission to propose new legislation. In 2015, three years following its introduction, opinions on the performance of the ECI amongst EU politicians, journalists and campaigners are tinged with disappointment and disaffection. This thesis asks to what extent the sceptics are warranted in their frustrations towards the ECI or whether it is able to live up to the high expectations of the EU institutions at the time of its introduction. By drawing analytic criteria directly from the theory of democratic legitimacy and applying them in a systemic manner, I address how the ECI can, in principle, and has thus far, in practice, affected the EU in terms of inclusion in policy making, impacts on policy outcomes, and the pursuit of normatively justifiable and salient issues. Using case studies of the first four ECI campaigns registered by the Commission, I argue that the ECI has the potential to contribute to the inclusion of EU policy making through the activation and formation of multiple, issue-specific demoi in the EU, which can form the basis of democratic legitimacy. I also find the ECI capable of producing tangible impacts on EU, national and local policy, though mostly in ways unintended by the Regulation underpinning the instrument. Effects on inclusion and impacts are, furthermore, affected by the salience of the issues the ECI is used to pursue, and the normative justifiability of the issue in terms of how it upholds the political equality of the people can directly enhance the EU’s democratic legitimacy. Given these findings, it is concluded that the ECI, despite the current disappointment of many commentators, has scope for unanticipated positive, though limited, impact on the EU’s democratic legitimacy.
Corneal edema after phacoemulsification surgery in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION Corneal edema delays early visual recovery after phacoemulsification surgery in diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE To compare corneal edema of eyes in patients with type II diabetes mellitus and in non-diabetics after phacoemusification surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A hospital-based, retrospective study involving 96 eyes that underwent phacoemulsification surgery for immature cataract at the Department of Ophthalmology, Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal was carried out. Evaluation was performed of 33 eyes in patients with diabetes mellitus (diabetic group) and of 63 eyes in patients without diabetes mellitus (non-diabetic group). All diabetic patients had controlled blood glucose for at least one week prior to the surgery. The operated eye was examined before surgery and on one day, one week, and one month after surgery. Intraocular pressure was measured on each visit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The findings of post-operative corneal edema and visual acuity between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups were studied and compared. RESULTS There was no difference clinically in any pre-operative corneal examination between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. The corneal edema after surgery was significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the non-diabetic group (p less than 0.001). The number of patients with corneal edema one day and one week after surgery was significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the non-diabetic group (after 1 day, OR = 62.5; 95 % CI = 15.31 - 255.11, p less than 0.000) and after 1 week, OR = 6.77; 95 % CI = 1.28 - 35.76, p less than 0.006). CONCLUSION Corneal edema following phacoemusification surgery in diabetic eyes is likely to be more frequent than in non-diabetic eyes.
The Costs of College Attendance: Examining Variation and Consistency in Institutional Living Cost Allowances

ABSTRACT Discussions of college costs often focus on tuition and fees, but living cost allowances for room, board, and other expenses account for more than half of the total cost of attending college. The allowances, developed by colleges and universities, also affect student eligibility for federal financial aid and the accuracy of accountability systems. This study examined institutional variation in living cost allowances and assessed the consistency of allowances by comparing them to living cost estimates specific to the college’s region. Results across multiple specifications indicated that nearly half of all colleges provide living-cost allowances at least 20% above or below estimated county-level living expenses.