Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thirty days post-operative mortality after surgery for colorectal cancer: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND The goal of surgery for colorectal cancer is cure. Unfortunately post-operative mortality occurs. This study aims to identify co-morbidity and causes of mortality in the post-operative period in relation to direct technical complications of surgery. METHODS All consecutive patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer were included. Co-morbidity was determined via the Charlson co-morbidity score. The post-operative course was studied and cause of death within 30 days was determined. Patients were divided in two groups: group 1 died within 30 days after surgery and group 2 survived for longer than 30 days. RESULTS Twenty three out of 333 patients (6.9%) with colon cancer and 6 out of 112 (5.3%) with rectal cancer died in the post-operative period. Patients in group 1 were significantly older than patients in group 2 (P<0.001). Patients in group 1 with colon cancer also significantly had more often a higher stage of cancer (P=0.03). The Charlson co-morbidity score for patients with colon cancer in group 1 was mean 5.17 (SD 1.57, range, 1-8), and for rectal cancer mean 4.83 (SD 2.32, range, 2-7). There was no difference in Charlson co-morbidity score when patients from groups 1 and 2 were compared. In group 1, 13 (44%) died as a direct consequence of technical surgical complications. Sixteen patients died due to complications because of pre-existing co-morbidity. CONCLUSIONS Post-operative mortality very often is the direct result of pre-existing co-morbidity and not always the direct result of the surgical procedure.
DETECTION, IDENTIFICATION, AND CORRECTION OF A BIAS IN AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

The relative lack of epidemiological studies of natural populations is partly due to the difficulty of obtaining samples that are both large enough and representative of the population. Here, we present the result of an epidemiological study (December 1992–August 1995) of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in a free-roaming population of domestic cats (Felis catus), with a special emphasis on sample bias. Over five trapping periods, the prevalence of FIV in sampled cats steadily declined. Across these samples we consistently achieved a very large sampling fraction (approximately 60% of the population), the sex ratio, age and weight distributions remained stable with time in the samples, and the sex ratio was similar in the samples and the population. These indices would normally indicate that our samples were representative, suggesting the decline in FIV prevalence to be real. However, a concomitant ecological study of the whole population revealed an important bias in the samples, with an initial high probability of capturing a few individuals, which appeared significantly more likely to be FIV-infected, and then a lower probability of recapturing them. Since our protocol resulted in a non-random sampling, subsequent trappings were designed to avoid this bias, by also capturing individuals who had previously learned to escape capture. This modified capture regime revealed that FIV prevalence was in fact constant in the population. This study shows how samples of large size, which are stable and appear representative of the population, can still be biased. These results may have major implications for other studies based on trapping.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND THE POTENTIALS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA

Friendly environment enhances enterprise and management practice. This study analysed potentials of SMEs in relation to business environment of Lagos State; to contribute to environment-enterprise policy mechanism and regulatory framework of the State and Nigeria, industry and management practice. With World Bank’s sample size model, and relevant criteria, 228 SMEs were drawn via convenience technique. Multifactor business environment-enterprise questionnaire (MBEEQ), akin to assessment tools of various agencies and institutions, was used to elicit cross-sectional survey responses. A system of simultaneous equations model (SSEM) was used to investigate environmental effects on the SMEs. Findings: legal-regulatory frameworks, policy stance and socio-cultural factors reduced potentials, competition aided innovation and growth; on aggregate, the environment significantly enhanced SMEs’ potentials. Recommendations: legal-regulatory and policy reformation towards SME-friendly environment, and SMEs should leverage on opportunities in the environment.
Rehabilitation outcomes in encephalitis--a retrospective study 1990-1997.

BACKGROUND Encephalitis is an uncommon clinical entity compared to traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Many encephalitis survivors have disabling sequelae. There is scant information in the literature addressing outcome following inpatient rehabilitation for encephalitis. Further, it is unclear which of these patients will benefit from acute in-patient rehabilitation. PURPOSE The purposes of this study are to (1) describe the outcome following in-patient rehabilitation in a cohort of patients with encephalitis, and (2) develop preliminary criteria to guide the selection of patients with encephalitis who may benefit from inpatient rehabilitation. METHOD The demographic, clinical, functional (functional independence measure-FIM) and neuro-psychological data were retrospectively abstracted for eight subjects with a clinical diagnosis of encephalitis aged 5 to 75 years, who were admitted to a brain injury rehabilitation unit between 1990 and 1997. RESULTS In the eight subjects, the mean age was 38 years, mean acute hospital stay (ALOS) was 40.3 days, and mean rehabilitation length of stay (RLOS) was 75.9 days. Mean admission FIM (AFIM) was 40.1, mean discharge FIM (DFIM) was 69.9. Mean FIM gain was 29.8 and mean FIM efficiency was 0.39. Adult subjects with an AFIM > 30 at 5 weeks from onset of illness (n = 4) had a FIM LOS efficiency of 0.64 and all four were discharged home. None of the adult subjects with an AFIM < 30 at 5 weeks from onset of illness (n = 3, FIM efficiency = 0.14) were discharged home. A child with an AFIM < 30 (n = 1) had a FIM LOS efficiency of 1.24, made good recovery and was discharged home. FIM LOS efficiency of 0.64 in encephalitis is less, as compared to traumatic brain injury (TBI -1.27) and stroke (1.06). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed that, although subjects with encephalitis make functional gains in rehabilitation, the rate of recovery varies and is generally less than that for TBI and stroke. The study also suggests that FIM scores can be used for screening adult patients after encephalitis for admission to inpatient rehabilitation. Adult patients with an AFIM > 30, 5 weeks post onset of illness are likely to make reasonable progress and be discharged home. If replicated, these results suggest that despite low AFIM scores at 5 weeks from onset of illness (AFIM < 30), children may still make good progress and should be given a trial of in-patient rehabilitation.
A review of mating behavior in slugs of the genus Deroceras (Pulmonata: Agriolimacidae)*

The genus Deroceras Rafinesque, 1820 (the largest genus of terrestrial slugs) shows a high diversity of penis morphologies and mating behaviors. The function of most of the appending external and internal penial structures, some of them truly bizarre, is largely unknown. This paper reviews mating behavior and reproduction, based on data on 16 species from the literature and from unpublished observations. I analyze patterns common to all Deroceras species and differences among species. The general mating pattern consists of a long courtship with mutual stroking with a sarcobelum, a sudden penis eversion, and external sperm exchange (copulation). I distinguish also precourtship and withdrawal phases. Sperm exchange is usually very quick but, in a few species, occupies a considerable proportion of the total mating duration. Mutual sperm exchange is the rule. Species differences involve the durations of certain mating phases, presence and nature of initial trail following, nature and intensity of stroking (including the degree of contact with the sarcobelum), aggressiveness of courtship behavior, and the timing of the penial gland eversion. I hypothesize that the radiation of mating behaviors and associated structures has been driven by an arms race resulting from conflicting interests of mating partners over sperm donation and use. This could also have increased the rate of speciation in Deroceras. There are indications of the presence of sperm competition and conflicting interests between mating partners: individuals mate repeatedly, can store and digest sperm, and simultaneously use sperm from different mating partners for fertilization. Some details of mating behavior also indicate conflict. The timing of the penial gland eversion after sperm exchange suggests a manipulation akin to the role of love darts in helicid snails. Finally, some recommendations for studying mating behavior in Deroceras are given.
Fetal and Maternal Secretion Rate of Cortisol in Sheep: Diffusion Resistance of the Placenta

Extract: Three pregnant ewes and their fetuses, in utero, were infused constantly with 14C-cortisol and 3H-cortisol. The maternal concerntrations of cortisol in plasma were 5.24±1.15 μg/100 ml and the fetal concentrations in plasma were 2.39±0.25 μg/100 ml. Metabolic clearance rates were estimated to have a mean of 1,397 liters/24 h in the ewes and 92 liters/24 h in the fetuses. The mean rates of blood production for the ewe and the fetus were 73.6 and 2.14 mg/24 h, respectively. Application of the theoretical model presented, allowed us to calculate the contribution the mother was making to the cortisol concentration in the plasma of the fetus and vice versa. We also calculated the ratio of relative resistance for transplacental passage of cortisol.Speculation: From the model proposed, it was calculated that the fetus contributed very little to the maternal cortisol levels. In two experiments, more than 60% of the fetal origin, while in another experiment, almost all the cortisol was produced by the fetus. We speculate, therefore, that a ‘plcental barrier’ exists in sheep during pregnancy. The physiological role of this barrier remains to be determined.
Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A variable disease in childhood

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is rare in childhood but occurs most commonly in children with multisystem (MS) LCH. In adults, by contrast, the lung is the most common and usually the sole organ affected. This retrospective study describes the clinical manifestation, course, and outcome of PLCH in children consecutively diagnosed at two Canadian institutions.
Role and Gonadotrophic Regulation of X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein Expression During Rat Ovarian Follicular Development In Vitro1

Abstract Although FSH up-regulates follicular cell X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) expression and suppresses apoptosis in vivo, if these events are coincidental or causally related remains to be investigated. The present study examined the role and gonadotrophic regulation of XIAP expression during follicular development in vitro. Follicles (160–210 μm) cultured for 0–6 days with FSH (100 ng/ml) showed significant growth, as evidenced by increases in follicular size, cell number, and DNA contents. Follicular XIAP content was low in the absence of FSH but was increased by the addition of gonadotropin. Apoptosis was evident in follicles cultured without FSH but was suppressed in the presence of gonadotropin. At low FSH concentration (5 ng/ml), adenoviral XIAP sense cDNA expression increased XIAP and DNA contents, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced follicular growth. Infection of the FSH-stimulated follicles with XIAP antisense elicited opposite responses. In primary granulosa cell cultures, FSH significantly increased XIAP content, inhibited apoptosis, and decreased cell number, a response potentiated by XIAP sense expression. In conclusion, the present studies demonstrated, to our knowledge for the first time, that XIAP plays an important role in the regulation of ovarian follicular development. In addition, a follicle culture system coupled to an adenoviral gene-manipulation procedure has been established and may prove to be a useful approach in assessing the role of specific genes in follicular development and atresia.
The Demographic Impact of Colonization

The arrival of Europeans in the Americas resulted in what was perhaps the greatest demographic collapse in history. In 1492 the native population is estimated to have been between fifty and sixty million; by the mid-seventeenth century it had fallen to between five and six million. Subsequently, it recovered slowly. But even today the indigenous population is only about half of its pre-Columbian size. However, not all groups declined equally or have shared in the recovery; many have become extinct, and others have been transformed through cultural change and racial mixing. For many Indians, biological survival has been achieved at the expense of cultural change. The decline in the native population and the expansion of other social groups was a consequence of the introduction of Old World diseases and the arrival of immigrants who set in motion economic, social, and political changes that fundamentally altered the character and distribution of the population. According to Alexander von Humboldt, by the beginning of the nineteenth century Indians accounted for only about 37 percent of Latin America’s total population of twenty-one million, whereas the mixed races accounted for about 30 percent. However, these overall proportions varied widely according to the extent of the native population’s decline, the intensity of Iberian and African immigration, and the types of institutions and enterprises used to control, “civilize,” and exploit native peoples. These interactive processes reflected not only colonial objectives, but also the nature of the societies that Europeans encountered. Demographic trends were a barometer of economic and social change as well as a formative influence upon it. The relationship was reciprocal and complex.
Impact of External Fixation on Adolescents: An Integrative Research Review

PURPOSE To define the state of nursing knowledge about the psychological impact of treating adolescents with external fixation devices (EFDs). METHOD An integrated research review was conducted on literature available from CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. Keywords used were external fixation, fracture fixation, orthopaedic or orthopaedic, limb lengthening, Ilizarov, halo traction, Orthofix, EBI fixator, pelvic fixator, ring fixator, body image, self-concept, self-esteem, self-perception, adaptation, emotional, behavior, and outcome. Inclusion criteria for studies were (a) publication from 1990 to 2003, (b) focus on psychosocial and functional outcomes of treating adolescents with EFDs, and (c) publication in English. Studies were categorized by author, year, discipline(s), design, focus, sample, measurement, findings, and research recommendations. Findings and recommendations were compared across publications. RESULTS All studies reported psychological and behavioral changes after EFD treatment. Pain and pin-site infections were the most problematic physical findings. Depression was universally evident to varying degrees, with some suicidal ideation and self-destructive behaviors, although mostly reported as transient. This predominantly retrospective cohort of studies reported social isolation as well as eating and sleep disturbances. Family and nursing support, a multiple disciplinary approach, and better preoperative preparation were crucial to adolescents psychological health after EFD treatment. CONCLUSION Adolescents treated with EFDs require significant psychosocial support. The findings reveal major gaps in the knowledge on adolescents treated with external fixation for traumatic injury and none focused on EFD treatment in the acute period.
Isolation and characterization of Campylobacter flagellins

Sequential acid pH dissociation, differential ultracentrifugation, and neutral pH reassociation were used to partially purify serotypically distinct flagella from three strains of Campylobacter jejuni and the two antigenic phases of flagella of Campylobacter coli VC167. Each C. jejuni flagellin and C. coli VC167 antigenic phase 1 flagellin were purified to homogeneity by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a C8 Spheri-10 column. C. coli VC167 antigenic phase 2 was purified to homogeneity by ion-exchange chromatography with a Mono-Q column. Amino acid compositional analysis put the C. jejuni flagellin molecular weight in the range 63,200 to 63,800 and the C. coli antigenic phase 1 and 2 flagellins at 61,500 and 59,500, respectively. The amino acid compositions of the C. jejuni were similar to each other and to the C. coli VC167 antigenic phase 1 and phase 2 flagellins. One-dimensional peptide mapping of the C. jejuni flagellins by partial digestion with trypsin or chymotrypsin confirmed the structural similarities of the C. jejuni flagellins and the C. coli VC167 antigenic phase 1 flagellin and showed that C. coli VC167 antigenic phase 2 flagellin was structurally distinct from the phase 1 flagellin. The antigenic phase 2 flagellin was especially sensitive to digestion by chymotrypsin. Amino-terminal sequence analysis showed that the 20 N-terminal amino acids of the Campylobacter flagellins were highly conserved. The Campylobacter flagellins also shared limited sequence homology with the N-terminal sequences reported for Salmonella and Bacillus flagellins.
Measures of respiratory function correlate with fatigue in ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Purpose: This article examines the association between measures of respiratory muscle function and fatigue in individuals with mild-to-moderate disability multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 37 ambulatory volunteers with MS (28 F/9 M, 52.7 ± 10.2 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] = 3.5 ± 1.9). No patients withdrew from the study. Primary outcome variables included measures of respiratory function: maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV12); and a self-reported measure of fatigue: the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Secondary measures included 6-min walking test (6MWT), a timed stair climb, the Short Form (SF)-36, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Physical Activity and Disability Scale (PADS). Results: Significant correlations were shown between expiratory muscle strength (MEP) and the MFIS total (p < 0.03, r = –0.362) and between MEP and physical fatigue scores (p < 0.03, r = –0.360), as well as between MVV12 percent predicted (respiratory muscle endurance) and both the 6MWT (p = 0.045, r = 0.346) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (p = 0.006, r = 0.447). Conclusions: Respiratory muscle performance is correlated with perceived fatigue (MFIS), whereas respiratory endurance correlated to reductions in physical function and sleep quality among individuals with mild-to-moderate severity MS. Implications for Rehabilitation Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in peripheral and respiratory muscle weakness and affected individuals report fatigue as one of their most disabling symptoms. Expiratory muscle strength was correlated with self-reported physical fatigue, while respiratory muscle endurance was correlated with functional performance and sleepiness. Respiratory muscle strength was not correlated with lung spirometry testing. These findings highlight the importance of considering the effects of respiratory muscle weakness when evaluating causes of fatigue among individuals with mild-to-moderate MS.
A nosological study of patients presenting with somatic complaints

ABSTRACT The nosological status of patients presenting with multiple somatic complaints with reference to ICD‐9 was examined in the present study. In 22% of the cases it was not possible to arrive at a single ICD‐9 diagnosis. The majority of these cases had combinations of somatic, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Nine percent of the cases could not be given any psychiatric diagnosis using ICD‐9. These cases had very few psychological symptoms and were not identified as pscyhiatric cases by the present state examination. The various possible factors responsible for this diagnostic uncertainty have been highlighted.
Treatment of postinfectious olfactory disorders with minocycline: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study

Infection of the upper respiratory tract is one of the most common causes of olfactory loss. One of the possible underlying pathologic pathways is an increase of apoptosis of olfactory receptor neurons. Therefore, treatment with the antibiotic minocycline, which has been shown to act as an antiapoptotic agent, is thought to accelerate improvement of olfactory function. To investigate this idea, 55 patients with postinfectious olfactory dysfunction were tested for their olfactory ability.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Using International Diabetes Foundation and Adult Treatment Panel III Criteria

OBJECTIVE—Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Definitions exist to identify those “at risk. ” Treatment of HIV infection with highly active antiretroviral therapy can induce severe metabolic complications including lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected patients and compare insulin resistance and total body, limb, and visceral fat and adipokines in those with and without metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was an international cross-sectional study of a well-characterized cohort of 788 HIV-infected adults recruited at 32 centers. Metabolic syndrome prevalence was examined using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) criteria, relative to body composition (whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal computed tomography), lipids, glycemic parameters, insulin resistance, leptin, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS—The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 14% (n = 114; 83 men) by IDF criteria and 18% (n = 139; 118 men) by ATPIII criteria; the concordance was significant but only moderate (κ = 0.46, P < 0.0001). Many patients (49%) had at least two features of metabolic syndrome but were not classified as having metabolic syndrome as their waist circumferences or waist-to-hip ratios were in the non–metabolic syndrome range. Metabolic syndrome was more common in those currently receiving protease inhibitors (P = 0.04). Type 2 diabetes prevalence was five- to ninefold higher in those with metabolic syndrome. With IDF criteria, subjects with metabolic syndrome showed disturbances in inflammation and adipokines: they had higher CRP (5.5 ± 7.0 vs. 3.9 ± 6.0 mg/l, P < 0.003) and leptin (9 ± 9 vs. 4 ± 6 ng/ml, P < 0.0001) and lower adiponectin (12 ± 8 vs. 15 ± 10 μg/ml, P < 0.0001) levels. By ATPIII criteria, those with metabolic syndrome had higher leptin (6 ± 8 ng/ml, P = 0.006) and lower adiponectin (15 ± 10 vs. 18 ± 8 μg/ml, P < 0.0001) levels. CONCLUSIONS—Metabolic syndrome prevalence in HIV-positive adults was lower than that reported for the general population. Metabolic syndrome was associated with a substantially increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes in this specific cohort. Many subjects without metabolic syndrome had at least two metabolic syndrome components (particularly elevated lipid levels) but did not meet waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio cutoff metabolic syndrome criteria in this group with high rates of body fat partitioning disturbances.