Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Strokes Presenting with Disabling Neurologic Deficits without Intracranial Vascular Occlusion

Background Patients with moderate to severe acute ischemic stroke without intracranial vessel occlusion are an intriguing subset of stroke patients. They pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the physician. We sought to study these patients with an emphasis on their radiological and clinical outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of ischemic stroke patients (NIHSS ≥ 6), with no intracranial vessel occlusion on computed tomography angiography within six-hours of symptom onset. Follow-up imaging – either computed tomography brain or magnetic resonance imaging – was performed within one- to seven-days. The primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2 at three-months. Results In a database of 1308 patients, we identified 99 (7·6%) patients with NIHSS≥6 and no intracranial vessel occlusion on computed tomography angiography. The mean age was 67·8 ± 15·4 years and 60 (60·6%) were men. The median baseline NIHSS was nine (6–28). The initial computed tomography head was normal in 79 (79·8%) patients. Dramatic early clinical improvement at 24 h (NIHSS score ≤2 at 24 h or change between baseline and 24 h NIHSS score 15 points) was seen in 38 (38·4%) patients. Follow-up scans showed infarcts in 66 (66·7%) patients. Fifty (50·5%) patients received tissue plasminogen activator; one (2%) tissue plasminogen activator-treated patient developed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. At three-months; 59 (59·6%) patients were independent (modified Rankin Scale ≤2), 34 (34·3%) patients were dependent (modified Rankin Scale 3–5), and six (6·1%) were dead. The factors associated with the unlikelihood of good outcome were higher initial NIHSS (odds ratio 0·86 per additional point, 95% confidence interval 0·77–0·95, P = 0·003), and older age (odds ratio 0·95 per additional year, 95% confidence interval 0·92–0·98, P = 0·004). Conclusion Stroke without intracranial occlusions are not a benign entity. Factors that are independently associated with decreased likelihood of a good outcome are higher baseline NIHSS, and older age. Treatment with tissue plasminogen activator is not a predictor of outcome.
Carbohydrate histochemistry of rat respiratory glands

Cytochemical methods applied to examination of rat respiratory tract glands have revealed diversity of secretory complex carbohydrates. With the Alcian blue‐periodic acid Schiff (AB‐PAS) and the high iron diamine (HID) techniques at the light microscopic level, certain patterns of glycoprotein content were noted at various levels of the respiratory tract. Serous tubules and demilunes found in abundance in laryngeal and tracheal glands contained neutral glycoprotein. Mucous tubules found in abundance in epiglottal and laryngeal glands and in lesser number in tracheal glands most often produced sulfated glycoprotein. However, mucous tubules in epiglottal and tracheal glands contained a few cells with sialylated glycoprotein, and mucous tubules in some areas in laryngeal glands contained mainly cells producing sialylated glycoprotein. Mucous ducts found in abundance in lower laryngeal and tracheal glands formed mainly sialylated glycoprotein and contained infrequent cells with sulfated glycoprotein. The type of glycoprotein found in each cell type by light microscopy was confirmed at the ultrastructural level by the periodic acid‐thiocarbohydrazide‐silver proteinate (PA‐TCH‐SP), dialyzed iron (DI) and high iron diamine (HID) methods. Serous cell granules displayed light reactivity with the PA‐TCH‐SP method and no DI or HID affinity and were judged to contain sparse neutral glycoprotein. Serous granules disclosed negative central foci with the PA‐TCH‐SP method. Granules of most mucous tubule cells stained strongly with the PA‐TCH‐SP and HID procedures and contained abundant sulfated glycoprotein. Occasional mucous tubules stained with the PA‐TCH‐SP but not with the HID method and apparently corresponded with cells judged to form sialylated glycoprotein from their blue staining with the HID‐AB sequence. Two zones within individual granules in some cells revealed different HID staining intensity and appeared to differ in the amount or kind of sulfated glycoprotein they contained. Some cells exhibited granule heterogeneity containing both HID‐positive and unstained granules. Spherical cores present in granules of mucous tubules below the upper laryngeal level occasionally appeared bizonal and invariably lacked reactivity demonstrative of complex carbohydrate. Mucous duct cell granules stained heavily with the PA‐TCH‐SP and DI methods and reacted infrequently with the HID procedure and were considered generally to contain sialylated glycoprotein, and occasionally to form sulfated glycoprotein. The three carbohydrate stains distinguished a heavily and a moderately reactive zone in the cortex outside the monophasic or biphasic, carbohydrate‐free cores in granules of some mucous duct cells.
Use of exogenous hormones hormones and risk of papillary thyroid cancer (Washington, United States).

OBJECTIVES Greater incidence of thyroid cancer in women than men, particularly evident during the reproductive years, has led to the suggestion that female hormones may increase risk of this disease. We conducted a population-based case-control study in women aged 18 to 64 years in three counties of western Washington State (United States) to assess the relation of use of exogenous hormones, including oral contraceptives (OC) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to risk of papillary thyroid cancer. METHODS Of 558 women with thyroid cancer of the follicular epithelium diagnosed during 1988-94 who were identified as eligible, 468 (83.9 percent) were interviewed; this analysis was restricted to women with papillary histology (n = 410). Controls (n = 574) were identified by random digit dialing, with a response proportion of 73.6 percent. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and associated 95 percent confidence intervals (CI) estimating the relative risk of papillary thyroid cancer among users of exogenous hormones. RESULTS Among women aged 45 to 64 years, we observed no association of use of OCs or HRT with risk of papillary thyroid cancer. Among women less than 45 years of age, risk of papillary thyroid cancer was reduced in women who had ever used OCs (OR = 0.6, CI = 0.4-0.9); beyond the relation with ever-use, there was no further association with specific aspects of exposure such as estrogenic potency, latency, recency, age at first or last use, or use at the reference date. CONCLUSIONS Our data do not support the hypothesis that use of exogenous estrogens increases the risk of female thyroid cancer.
Preliminary analysis of the effectiveness of the use of artificial neural networks for modeling time-voltage signal of the combination wave generator

This paper presents the construction the time-voltage signal output model of the combination wave generator using neural networks. The discussed model of surge was developed using feedforward neural networks with one hidden layer with four neurons. The results of the comparative tests show the high efficiency of Leveneberg-Marquardt algorithm using in the developed model, despite the lack of optimization of the structure. Presented at work model of the combination wave generator described in neural network, you can replace the traditional mathematical model of such a generator. Discussed above model can be used, inter alia, in the analysis of the operating of components and systems for surge protection of electrical equipment. This approach allows a particularly efficient execution of simulation calculations of the effects of atmospheric origin overvoltage protection systems operating on the surge electrical equipment.
Can third trimester ultrasound predict the presentation of the first twin at delivery?

Objective: To determine the ability of early sonogram to predict the presentation of twin A at birth. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all twin pregnancies evaluated at our Fetal Evaluation Unit from 2007 to 2009. Sonogram records were reviewed for the presentation of twin A at seven gestational age intervals and inpatient medical records were reviewed for the presentation of twin A at delivery. The positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of presentation as determined by ultrasound, at each gestational age interval, for the same presentation at delivery were calculated. Results: Two hundred and thirty-eight twin pregnancies met inclusion criteria. A total of 896 ultrasounds were reviewed. The positive predictive value of cephalic presentation of twin A as determined by ultrasound for the persistence of cephalic presentation at delivery reached 95% after 28 weeks gestation. The positive predictive value for noncephalic presentation as established by sonogram for noncephalic at delivery was >90% after 32 weeks gestation. Conclusions: The presentation of the first twin at delivery can be determined by sonogram by the 32nd week of gestation in over 90% of twin pregnancies.
Interactive Technologies Utilization Model for University Relationship Marketing Strategies

purpose of this paper was to develop a usage model for interactive technologies for university marketing strategies, using a combination of the task technology fit (TTF) model and the information systems acceptance (ISA) model. Interactive technologies enables the universities to inexpensively engage their customers in one- to- one. Over the years relationship marketing has emerged as a popular new paradigm in marketing. It has been proposed as the newest mainstream school of thought in marketing, beyond the twelve commonly accepted schools, that is, commodity, functional, regional, institutional, functionalist, managerial, buyer behavior, activist, macro-marketing, organizational dynamics, systems, and social exchange. The target population of the study was universities marketing departments within Kisii County. A quantitative research design was adopted and random sampling method was used to select respondents. Data was collected by means of questionnaires. Many universities are increasingly strengthening their marketing strategies by effectively interacting with their customers. This is normally done with the help of interactive technologies, such as interactive telephone, internet and digital technologies, in an integrated manner. However, there exists no model that tries to explain the factors behind the utilization patterns of these gadgets.
A Global Liquidity Factor for Fixed Income Pricing

Liquidity premiums have been widely documented for equity and bond markets. However, there is a lack of easily implementable measures of systematic liquidity for bond markets, which are typically far less liquid. We show that a simple liquidity factor - based on the difference between corporate bond spreads and credit default swaps - is signifcantly associated with returns in a wide range of fixed income markets. The corresponding liquidity premium is time-varying but persistent and drives a fair amount of serial and cross-sectional variation in fixed income prices. Moreover, liquidity exposure varies predictably with maturity and credit rating suggesting a ight-to-quality phenomenon.
Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy: Is Four Hours Necessary?

Introduction: Recommendations for gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) suggest imaging over 4 hours to better define gastroparesis. Aims: To determine the value of defining delayed gastric emptying at time points earlier than 4 hours. Methods: GES was performed with ingestion of a liquid egg white meal with imaging at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours. Patients completed the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms questionnaire immediately before GES. Results: Of 1499 patients undergoing GES from September 2007 to January 2010 (76.2% were female, mean age of 45.5±0.5 y, 21.3% had diabetes, 9.5% had earlier gastric surgery), 160 (10.7%) had increased gastric retention at 1 hour (>90%), 404 (27%) had increased retention at 2 hours (>60%), 576 (38.4%) had increased retention at 3 hours (>30%), and 629 (42%) had increased retention at 4 hours (>10%). Gastric retention at 4 hours correlated with retention at 3 hours (r=0.890; P<0.001), 2 hours (r=0.738; P<0.001), and 1 hour (r=0.510; P<0.001). Symptoms correlated better with the gastric retention at later time points. The symptoms correlating with gastric retention at 4 hours included early satiety (r=0.170; P<0.01), vomiting (r=0.143; P<0.01), feeling excessively full after meals (r=0.123; P<0.01), and loss of appetite (r=0.122; P<0.01). Conclusions: Gastric retention at 4 hours correlates well with gastric retention at 3 hours, good at 2 hours, but only fair with gastric retention at 1 hour. Gastric retention at 1 hour may miss 36% of patients found to have delayed gastric emptying at 4 hours. Symptoms (early satiety, vomiting, feeling excessively full after meals, and loss of appetite) correlated better with the gastric retention at later time points.
Impact of MDR1 and CYP3A5 on the oral clearance of tacrolimus and tacrolimus-related renal dysfunction in adult living-donor liver transplant patients

Objective The potential influence of the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene and the cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, on the oral clearance (CL/F) of tacrolimus in adult living-donor liver transplant patients was examined. Furthermore, the development of renal dysfunction was analyzed in relation to the CYP3A5 genotype. Methods Sixty de novo adult liver transplant patients receiving tacrolimus were enrolled in this study. The effects of various covariates (including intestinal and hepatic mRNA levels of MDR1 and CYP3A4, measured in each tissue taken at the time of transplantation, and the CYP3A5*3 polymorphism) on CL/F during the first 50 days after surgery were investigated with the nonlinear mixed-effects modeling program. Results CL/F increased linearly until postoperative day 14, and thereafter reached a steady state. The initial CL/F immediately after liver transplantation was significantly affected by the intestinal MDR1 mRNA level (P<0.005). Furthermore, patients carrying the CYP3A5*1 allele in the native intestine, but not in the graft liver, showed a 1.47 times higher (95% confidence interval, 1.17–1.77 times, P<0.005) recovery of CL/F with time than patients having the intestinal CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype. The cumulative incidence of renal dysfunction within 1 year after transplantation, evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method, was significantly associated with the recipient's but not donor's CYP3A5 genotype (*1/*1 and *1/*3 vs. *3/*3: recipient, 17 vs. 46%, P<0.05; donor, 35 vs. 38%, P=0.81). Conclusion These findings suggest that the CYP3A5*1 genotype as well as the MDR1 mRNA level in enterocytes contributes to interindividual variation in the CL/F of tacrolimus in adult recipients early after living-donor liver transplantation. Furthermore, CYP3A5 in the kidney may play a protective role in the development of tacrolimus-related nephrotoxicity.
Investigating the drivers of internet banking adoption decision: A comparison of three alternative frameworks

Purpose – The paper seeks to compare, through empirical evidence, two widely adopted models (the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovations (DoI) model) to an underutilized one (Perceived Characteristics of the Innovation) in order to examine which is better in predicting consumer adoption of internet banking (IB), while investigating innovation attributes vis‐a‐vis other important predictors of adoption of innovations, such as consumer personal characteristics.Design/methodology/approach – The data derive from both users and non‐users of IB through a web survey. The paper assesses the psychometric properties of the measures through confirmatory factor analysis and then employs logistic regression analysis in order to assess and compare the ability of the models to accurately predict consumer adoption of IB.Findings – The paper finds that PCI performed significantly better than TAM and DoI in predicting consumer adoption of IB, whereas the addition of consumer demographics and psyc.
Engaging Academics in Training in Information Communication Technology (ICT): An African Experience with special focus on Uganda

Training academics in ICT utilisation has been widely regarded as a key to successful staff development practice in higher education and, hence, considerable efforts and resources have been invested into ICT training programmes. However, little is known about the extent to which higher education policymakers in Africa give attention to the issue of preparing academics for ICT usage. This paper reports the findings of a research study exploring the utilisation of ICT in Uganda, Africa. Qualitative research methods were employed and data were collected through interviews, observations and open-ended questionnaires. The findings indicate that the university has put resources into the development of ICT policies, including policies related to training academics. Subsequently, academic staff were trained in ICT utilisation. However, little attention appears to have been given to the issue of engaging academics in ICT training. The paper also highlights the importance of engaging academics in ICT training for successful ICT staff-development outcomes.
Chronic pain and opioid abuse: Factors associated with health‐related quality of life

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES While research on the separate relationships between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and chronic pain, and HRQOL and opioid abuse has been sparse, even less work has investigated the factors associated with HRQOL in individuals who have both chronic pain and meet criteria for opioid use disorder. The data presented in this analysis should allow a better understanding the factors important to quality of life among this dual-diagnosed population. METHODS Individuals with dual diagnoses of chronic pain and opioid use disorder were recruited for clinical research studies at Columbia University Medical Center. Participants (n = 47) completed inventories to assess pain (Brief Pain Inventory), opioid (ab)use, and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). Variable from these and other inventories, along with demographic factors (age, race, sex, pain severity, depressive symptoms, duration of opioid use, route of opioid use, amount of opioid use) were entered into a regression analysis in order to identify the strongest predictors of SF-36 Health Survey score. RESULTS In the bivariate analysis we found that demographic and drug use variables were rarely associated with HRQOL. Typically, ratings of pain severity and pain interference were the best predictors. In the multivariate analysis, we found that across the several HRQOL dimensions greater Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) ratings of pain "interference" and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were consistently associated with lower HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE These data suggest that insufficient pain management and depression are significant variables contributing to lower quality of life among individuals with chronic pain and opioid use disorder. (Am J Addict 2017;26:815-821).
Prevalence of human parvovirus (B19) and rubellavirus infections in urban and remote rural areas in northern Brazil

Sera from inhabitants of Belém, Pará (542 sera), Brazil and of members of 3 Brazilian tribes—Tiriyo/Alto Paru (near Surinam) (212 sera), Xicrin (128 sera), and Mekranoiti (121 sera)—of different age and sex groups were tested for the presence of specific antibody against human parvovirus (B19) (RIA) and rubellavirus (latex agglutination test).
The effect of tranexamic acid for treatment irregular uterine bleeding secondary to DMPA use.

OBJECTIVE Evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid and placebo for controlling irregular uterine bleeding in depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) users. MATERIAL AND METHOD A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 100 DMPA users attending the Family Planning Clinic King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. All users had abnormal bleeding. They were randomly divided in two groups; a group of 50 received tranexamic acid, 250 mg four times a day for 5 days and another group of 49 received placebo in the same manner. One subject dropped out from the study. Total day of bleeding/spotting and percentage of women in whom bleeding was stopped were analyzed at the end of weeks 1 and 4. RESULTS The percentage of subjects in whom bleeding was stopped during the first week after initial treatment was significantly higher in the tranexamic acid group than the placebo group (88% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.001). During the follow-up period (4 weeks after initial treatment), a bleeding-free interval of > 20 days was found in 68% of subjects treated with tranexamic acid and 0% treated with placebo(p < 0.001). The mean number of bleeding/spotting days were also significantly different between the groups (5.7 +/- 2.5 vs. 17.5 +/- 7.2 days, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Tranexamic acid was more effective than placebo in short-term treatment of irregular uterine bleeding/spotting associated with DMPA use.
Factors influencing the intention to adopt NFC mobile payments - A South African perspective

Near-field communication (NFC) is an emerging technology that is receiving global attention. NFC mobile payments are being deployed by many hardware vendors, technology companies and financial institutions. Their aim is to facilitate the use of mobile phones as a contactless payment device. A problem is the uncertainty around consumer adoption of this emerging technology. In this study we examined several factors from prior mobile payment studies, as antecedents of the intention to adopt NFC mobile payments. We present results from an online survey of 331 respondents, testing our proposed research model. Using the PLS approach to structural equation modeling (SEM) we find that security and trust concerns play a significant role in influencing perceived risk. Social influence and ease of use have a significant positive effect on perceived value. We find that perceived value is the only significant factor influencing the intention to adopt. Our findings support previous studies in the mobile payments domain. Our model can be of practical value in deciding where to invest resources in the marketing and deployment of such technologies.