Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lifelong Significance of Disempowering Experiences in Prenatal and Maternity Care

In this article I show how the effects of harsh and humiliating treatment, experienced by a number of Swedish women in antenatal care and childbirth in the mid-20th Century, endured for the rest of their lives. This treatment was carried out by medical staff in conformity with a view of expectant mothers as irresponsible and ignorant and with the prevalent idea of “natural birth. ” These effects were findings in an interview investigation that, with a colleague, I conducted into paid and unpaid work and health of 20 women, seen in a lifetime perspective. Our biomedical way of understanding risks and complications during pregnancy and birthing was confronted with many participants’ feelings of distress, guilt, and grief linked to their childbearing experience. I interpret the treatments as “violations of dignity” and as abuse. The consequences are similar to those following traumatic birth experiences described in today’s literature.
The Value Relevance of Other Comprehensive Income and Its Components

The value relevance of comprehensive income, other comprehensive income, and its components were investigated in this paper. Using data of S&P 500 for 2014 and utilizing the pricing model developed by Ohlson, the results suggest that both comprehensive income and other comprehensive income have no value relevance as measured by the coefficient of determination (R2). However, the components of other comprehensive income, such as derivatives, hedging and gains and losses from available for sale securities do have value relevance. The results of this research support the Financial Accounting Standard Board position on disclosure of other comprehensive income and its components
Facing a patient who seeks help after a suicide attempt: the difficulties of health professionals.

BACKGROUND Although intervention with suicidal patients is one of the hardest tasks in clinical practice, little is known about health professionals' perceptions about the difficulties of working with suicidal patients. AIMS The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the difficulties of professionals facing a suicidal patient; (2) analyze the differences in difficulties according to the sociodemographic and professional characteristics of the health professionals; and (3) identify the health professionals' perceived skills and thoughts on the need for training in suicide. METHOD A self-report questionnaire developed for this purpose was filled out by 196 health professionals. Exploratory principal components analyses were used. RESULTS Four factors were found: technical difficulties; emotional difficulties; relational and communicational difficulties; and family-approaching and logistic difficulties. Differences were found between professionals who had or did not have training in suicide, between professional groups, and between the number of patient suicide attempts. Sixty percent of the participants reported a personal need for training and 85% thought it was fundamental to implement training plans targeted at health professionals. CONCLUSION Specific training is fundamental. Experiential and active methodologies should be used and technical, relational, and emotional questions must be included in the training syllabus.
Hypothalamic input is required for development of normal numbers of thyrotrophs and gonadotrophs, but not other anterior pituitary cells in late gestation sheep

To evaluate the hypothalamic contribution to the development of anterior pituitary (AP) cells we surgically disconnected the hypothalamus from the pituitary (hypothalamo‐pituitary disconnection, HPD) in fetal sheep and collected pituitaries 31 days later. Pituitaries (n= 6 per group) were obtained from fetal sheep (term = 147 ± 3 days) at 110 days (unoperated group) of gestation and at 141 days from animals that had undergone HPD or sham surgery at 110 days. Cells were identified by labelling pituitary sections with antisera against the six AP hormones. Additionally, we investigated the colocalization of glycoprotein hormones. The proportions of somatotrophs and corticotrophs were unchanged by age or HPD. Lactotrophs increased 80% over time, but the proportion was unaffected by HPD. Thyrotrophs, which were unaffected by age, increased 70% following HPD. Gonadotrophs increased with gestational age (LH+ cells 55%; FSH+ cells 19‐fold), but this was severely attenuated by HPD. We investigated the possible existence of a reciprocal effect of HPD on multipotential glycoprotein‐expressing cells. Co‐expression of LH and TSH was extremely rare (< 1%) and unchanged over the last month of gestation or HPD. The increase of gonadotrophs expressing FSH only or LH and FSH was attenuated by HPD. Therefore, the proportions of somatotrophs, lactotrophs and corticotrophs are regulated independently of hypothalamic input in the late gestation fetal pituitary. In marked contrast, the determination of the thyrotroph and gonadotroph lineages over the same time period is subject to complex mechanisms involving hypothalamic factors, which inhibit differentiation and/or proliferation of thyrotrophs, but stimulate gonadotrophs down the FSH lineage. Development of a distinct population of gonadotrophs, expressing only LH, appears to be subject to alternative mechanisms.
Presence and type of oncogenic human papillomavirus in classic and in differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and keratinizing vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

The presence and type of oncogenic papillomavirus (HPV) in classic warty/basaloid vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and in differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and keratinizing vulvar squamous cell carcinoma was investigated using three techniques, that is, histology, in situ hybridization, and PCR–ELISA. HPV typing was performed using in situ hybridization and PCR–ELISA. Differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive keratinizing vulvar squamous cell carcinoma proved completely negative for HPV by PCR–ELISA, in situ hybridization, and histologic examination, while in classic vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, a HPV positivity of 66.1% was found. HPV 16 was the predominant type, with HPV 35, 33, and 52 types found rarely and sometimes together with HPV 16. PCR–ELISA proved to be the most suitable method to detect and type mucosal oncogenic HPVs. The absolute absence of HPV DNA in differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias and in keratinizing vulvar squamous cell carcinoma suggests a strong HPV‐independent pathway of malignant progression to invasive carcinoma. J. Med. Virol. 77:102–106, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Soft Drinks on Resting State EEG and Brain–Computer Interface Performance

Motor imagery (MI)-based brain–computer interface (BCI) using electroencephalography (EEG) allows users to directly control a computer or external device by modulating and decoding the brain waves. A variety of factors could potentially affect the performance of BCI such as the health status of subjects or the environment. In this paper, we investigated the effects of soft drinks and regular coffee on EEG signals under resting state and on the performance of MI-based BCI. Twenty-six healthy human subjects participated in three or four BCI sessions with a resting period in each session. During each session, the subjects drank an unlabeled soft drink with either sugar (Caffeine Free Coca-Cola), caffeine (Diet Coke), neither ingredient (Caffeine Free Diet Coke), or a regular coffee if there was a fourth session. The resting state spectral power in each condition was compared; the analysis showed that power in alpha and beta band after caffeine consumption were decreased substantially compared with control and sugar condition. Although the attenuation of powers in the frequency range used for the online BCI control signal was shown, group averaged BCI online performance after consuming caffeine was similar to those of other conditions. This paper, for the first time, shows the effect of caffeine, sugar intake on the online BCI performance, and resting state brain signal.
Evaluating the Impact of Defect Risks in Residential Buildings at the Occupancy Phase

This study investigated defect risks in residential buildings using the Loss Distribution Approach (LDA), a method of identifying and quantifying operational risks in economic terms. Analysis was performed on 7554 defects in 48 residential buildings where defect disputes occurred between 2008 and 2017. Defects were classified into eight types: affected functionality, broken items, corrosion, detachment, incorrect installation, missing task, surface appearance, and water problems. Work types were classified into seven groups: reinforced concrete (RC), masonry, finish, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), door and windows, furniture, and miscellaneous. Using a risk matrix from these categories, the frequency distribution and severity distribution for each matrix cell was used to calculate loss distributions; these were combined to find the total loss distribution. The defect risks centered on RC and MEP. For RC, broken items and water leaks due to cracks or damage represented the most severe defects. For MEP, severe defects occurred owing to malfunctions in products and installation problems. Loss distributions can be used to create scenarios and corresponding response plans; thus, when a defect dispute occurs, the cost can be assessed. Furthermore, residential buildings’ loss distributions for each cell can be used to evaluate the types of work where defects occur and to verify relevant subcontractor’s abilities.
Profilin as a severe food allergen in allergic patients overexposed to grass pollen

Profilins are ubiquitous proteins that act as panallergens in sensitized patients, considered to be mild or incomplete food allergens. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of profilins as severe food allergens in allergic patients overexposed to grass who were referred for severe food reactions and were sensitized to profilins.
Intrabulbar associational system in the rat olfactory bulb comprises cholecystokinin‐containing tufted cells that synapse onto the dendrites of GABAergic granule cells

The intrabulbar associational system (UAS) originates from tufted cells whose axons terminate in the internal plexiform layer (IPL) on the opposite side of the same olfactory bulb. The postsynaptic targets of the IAS are unknown. Subpopulations of tufted cells contain different neuropeptides and transmitters but it is not known if tufted cells forming the IAS are homogeneous with respect to neurotransmitters. Therefore, the goals of the present study were to identify thepostsynaptic targets of the IAS and to determine the major transmitter in this intrabulbar circuit.
Dendritic L‐type calcium currents in mouse spinal motoneurons: implications for bistability

The intrinsic properties of mammalian spinal motoneurons provide them with the capability to produce high rates of sustained firing in response to transient inputs (bistability). Even though it has been suggested that a persistent dendritic calcium current is responsible for the depolarizing drive underlying this firing property, such a current has not been demonstrated in these cells. In this study, calcium currents are recorded from functionally mature mouse spinal motoneurons using somatic whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques. Under these conditions a component of the current demonstrated kinetics consistent with a current originating at a site spatially segregated from the soma. In response to step commands this component was seen as a late‐onset, low amplitude persistent current whilst in response to depolarizing–repolarizing ramp commands a low voltage clockwise current hysteresis was recorded. Simulations using a neuromorphic motoneuron model could reproduce these currents only if a noninactivating calcium conductance was placed in the dendritic compartments. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that both the late‐onset and hysteretic currents demonstrated sensitivity to both dihydropyridines and the L‐channel activator FPL‐64176. Furthermore, the α1D subunits of L‐type calcium channels were immunohistochemically demonstrated on motoneuronal dendrites. It is concluded that there are dendritically located L‐type channels in mammalian motoneurons capable of mediating a persistent depolarizing drive to the soma and which probably mediate the bistable behaviour of these cells.
Cellular Factors for Resistance against Antiretroviral Agents

Substantial advancements have been made in our understanding of the complex replication cycle of, and immunopathology associated with HIV infection as well as the drugs used to treat the disease. The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors remain the cornerstones of current antiviral treatment modalities. Unfortunately, their long-term use often leads to adverse reactions and the emergence of virus mutants with decreased susceptibility to therapeutic agents. In addition to viral resistance, prolonged antiviral treatment may affect metabolic changes in the host cells that can diminish the efficacy of the treatment. Thus, both viral and cellular resistance mechanisms must be considered in the context of failing antiviral chemotherapy. This review article concerns the intracellular pharmacology of antiviral nucleoside analogues in human lymphoid cells and the possible impact of a newly identified nucleotide transporter on drug resistance.
CEO Duality and Firm Performance: Does Economic Policy Uncertainty Mediate the Relation?

Exploiting two exogenous shocks, we examine the relation between CEO–Chairman duality and firm performance. We report evidence that CEO duality benefits a firm when economic policy uncertainty is high. This implies that CEO–‐Chairman duality is an advantageous governance mechanism for coping with economic policy uncertainty. We show that the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act reduced firm performance if a firm had separate leadership in 2001. However, this negative effect was mitigated if a firm had combined leadership in 2001. The results suggest that CEO duality is complementary to board independence and that the value of CEO duality is contingent on a firm’s environment.
Hepatotoxic slimming aids and other herbal hepatotoxins

Perceptions of safety and/or cultural mores prompt individuals to seek herbal slimming aids in preference to conventional dietary, physical activity and medication‐based protocols. In recent years, terpenoid‐containing dietary supplements have been implicated in causing severe and sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity. Teucrium polium (germander) was the first of these herbal products to be clearly linked to cases of acute liver failure. Subsequently, similar hepatotoxicity has been observed with other members of the Teucrium genus. While diterpenoid‐derived reactive metabolites are central to germander hepatotoxicity, it may also be that the hepatic effects of compounds such as Sho‐saiko‐to, Centella asiatica and Black cohosh are linked to their triterpenoid content. Other non‐terpenoid‐containing herbal remedies marketed for weight reduction have been causally associated with significant liver injury. Important among these are preparations containing N‐nitrosofenfluramine, usnic acid and ephedra alkaloids. Finally, we review recent data on known and emerging hepatotoxins such as Boh‐Gol‐Zhee, Kava, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and Shou‐Wu‐Pian. Better public and physician awareness through health education, early recognition and management of herbal toxicity and tighter regulation of complementary/alternative medicine systems are required to minimize the dangers of herbal product use.
Neurofilament a biomarker of neurodegeneration in autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Monitoring neuroaxonal loss in multiple sclerosis is an important objective to study the pathogenesis and response to treatment of the disease. The release of neurofilaments is a potential surrogate biomarker of neurodegeneration. One route to explore this aspect further is through the use of animal models that have well-defined, and predictable, disease courses. The release of neurofilaments into plasma across the course of relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Biozzi ABH was assessed, as well as measuring anti-neurofilament antibodies using ELISA. It was found that there was an immediate release in neurofilaments into the blood following the initial paralytic attack. Neurofilament release was continuous in relapse and remission but returned towards baseline in chronic disease, as animals entered the post-relapsing progressive phase of the disease. This was mirrored by a loss of neurofilament-specific antibodies. In contrast neurofilament levels increased dramatically as neurodegeneration and clinical disease occurred in the G93A SOD1 transgenic C57BL/6 x SJL mice, model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These data further support neurofilament levels as a good surrogate measure of neurodegeneration and their potential use as a surrogate endpoint in neuroprotective studies.
Performance Characteristics of Semirigid Thoracoscopy in Pleural Effusions of Undetermined Etiology

BackgroundThe utility of the recently introduced semirigid thoracoscopy in undiagnosed pleural effusions is still unclear. MethodsA single-center, 4-year retrospective analysis of all semirigid medical thoracoscopy procedures was done. The diagnostic accuracy of thoracoscopy was calculated as the number of positive diagnoses achieved by thoracoscopy in relation to the end-diagnosis achieved in the patient group by any means. ResultsOne hundred fifty procedures were analyzed. Ninety-two patients (62.3%) were diagnosed as having a malignant disorder, of which mesothelioma was the most common (26%). Pleural thickening and nodularity were the most common abnormalities noted. The combined presence of nodules and hemorrhagic fluid increased the likelihood of malignancy 9-fold. Thirteen patients with a high clinical suspicion of malignancy but negative by thoracoscopy underwent mediastinoscopy, computed tomography-guided biopsy, or open thoracotomy. A malignant etiology was confirmed in all of them. Overall, thoracoscopy provided a diagnostic accuracy of 91.3%, sensitivity of 87%, and specificity of 100%. The addition of a second procedure in selected patients improved the diagnostic accuracy for malignancy by 8.7%. The procedures were well tolerated and only 6 patients developed minor and transient complications such as pain, hypoxia, and bradycardia. ConclusionSemirigid thoracoscopy is a safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious procedure for establishing the diagnosis in pleural effusions of undetermined etiology.
Implications of Exchange Rate Fluctuation and Economic Performance: The Nigerian Experience

The study gauged the influence of exchange rate fluctuations on the Performance of the Nigerian Economy over the time from of 1986 to 2016, utilizing secondary data tracked from the statistical report of the Apex Nigerian bank, and utilizing techniques such as Unit root test, Generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH), Impulse-Response Output and Variance-Decomposition Test to evaluate variables such as Interest rate, inflation rate, exchange rate against a sole indicator of Economic Performance I.e. Gross Domestic Product Growth rate (GDPGR), it was discovered that despite the short run influx of the spill over volatility of Interest rate and inflation rate, there exist no long run volatility influence of interest rate on Economic Performance in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that the apex financial institution and relevant policy makers should ensure an interest rate system and status that could stimulate growth or production and the nation should endeavour to utilize her interest rate in controlling its output level as it motivates Economic Performance (GDPGR).
Predicting generalization in the training of irregular-word spelling: Treating lexical spelling deficits in a child

This paper presents a single case study investigating the mechanisms underlying generalization of treatment benefits to untrained words in spelling. Brunsdon, Coltheart, and Nickels (2005) observed that untreated words that improved tended to be those whose errors were closest to being correct prior to treatment. These words also tended to be high in written frequency. The present study employed the same treatment techniques as those used by Brunsdon et al. with K.M. , a developmental surface dysgraphic. During a first treatment the characteristics of words whose spelling improved without specific training were identified. These characteristics were then used in a second treatment to test whether it was possible to predict generalization. The results showed that treatment generalization to untreated irregular words was best predicted by neighbourhood size and frequency. We suggest that the processes underlying treatment generalization are based on the interaction between the orthographic lexicon and the graphemic buffer. Clinical implications are discussed.
Reactive oxygen species and antioxidant status in essential arterial hypertension during therapy with dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists.

PURPOSE To evaluate reactive oxygen species and antioxidant status in essential arterial hypertension during therapy with dihydropiridine calcium channel antagonists. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifteen patients, affected by essential arterial hypertension, were examined. They received once a day oral dihydropyridine calcium antagonists for 10 weeks: five patients received felodipine (5 mg), five amlodipine (10 mg) and five lercanidipine (10 mg). The levels of end products of lipid peroxidation, free radicals and hydroperoxides and total antioxidant capacity were determined in the plasma of all subjects before and during treatment. Values are expressed as mean +/- S.E. Systolic blood pressure decreased from 171 +/- 4 to 135 +/- 6 mmHg (p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 99 +/- 5 to 82 +/- 3 mmHg (p < 0.01). Hydroperoxides and free radicals decreased from 321.3 +/- 8.96 to 247.9 +/- 8.69 units (p < 0.01) and the end products of lipid peroxidation decreased from 11.0 +/- 1.93 to 6.74 +/- 1.41 nmol/ml (p < 0.01). Total antioxidant capacity increased from 0.74 +/- 0.03 to 1.05 +/- 0.05 mmol/l (p < 0.01). RESULTS Imbalance in the pro-oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium shifts in favour of antioxydant namely oxidative stress decreases. The calcium channel antagonists decrease peripheral arterial resistances and therefore decrease or abolish relative ischaemia, moreover decrease arterial pressure and therefore normalize parietal stress on endothelial cells. As a conseguence they act on two hypothesized mechanisms of oxidative stress in hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Dihydropyridine calcium antagonists used in this trial seem useful in hypertension because they decrease oxidative stress, and normalize of pressure values.