Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Children With Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Little generalizable information is available on the outcomes of children diagnosed with bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) after a urinary tract infection (UTI). Our objectives were to describe the clinical characteristics of children with BBD and to examine the effects of BBD on patient outcomes in children with and without vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). METHODS: We combined data from 2 longitudinal studies (Randomized Intervention for Children With Vesicoureteral Reflux and Careful Urinary Tract Infection Evaluation) in which children <6 years of age with a first or second UTI were followed for 2 years. We compared outcomes for children with and without BBD, children with and without VUR, and children with VUR randomly assigned to prophylaxis or placebo. The outcomes examined were incidence of recurrent UTIs, renal scarring, surgical intervention, resolution of VUR, and treatment failure. RESULTS: BBD was present at baseline in 54% of the 181 toilet-trained children included; 94% of children with BBD reported daytime wetting, withholding maneuvers, or constipation. In children not on antimicrobial prophylaxis, 51% of those with both BBD and VUR experienced recurrent UTIs, compared with 20% of those with VUR alone, 35% with BBD alone, and 32% with neither BBD nor VUR. BBD was not associated with any of the other outcomes investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Among toilet-trained children, those with both BBD and VUR are at higher risk of developing recurrent UTIs than children with isolated VUR or children with isolated BBD and, accordingly, exhibit the greatest benefit from antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Echocardiographic phenotype in osteogenesis imperfecta varies with disease severity

Background and objectives Our purpose was to investigate cardiovascular abnormalities in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Methods Two hundred children (100 OI, 100 matched volunteers) were prospectively studied. Aortic and left ventricular (LV) measurements were performed using transthoracic echocardiography. Patients were typed according to modified phenotypical Sillence classification as published in the Nosology and Classification of Genetic Skeletal disorders: 2015 Revision. Results Patients (age 9.6±4.1 years, body surface area 1.08±0.47 m2) consisted of OI types: 1 (n=44), 3/4 (n=54), 4 (n=1) and 15 (n=1). The 95% CIs for Zscore of aortic annulus, sinus, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta for OI were 0.43 to 0.73, 0.56 to 0.94, 0.28 to 0.70 and 0.78 to 1.24, respectively. In type 1, sinus, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta diameters were 2.29 cm, 1.81 cm and 2.05 cm, respectively, which did not differ compared with controls. The LV dimensions were larger in type 1. In type 3/4, aortic dimensions were larger than controls at all levels: annulus (1.61 vs 1.50 cm, p<0.001), sinus (2.19 vs 2.05 cm, p=0.001), sinotubular junction (1.77 vs 1.64 cm, p<0.001) and ascending aorta (1.98 vs 1.82 cm, p<0.001), but LV dimensions were normal. Conclusions Cardiovascular effects are identifiable in childhood even in mild forms of OI. Aortic dilation was the predominant finding, while valvular abnormalities were infrequent. Patients with more severe skeletal pathology (types 3/4) have more significant findings. Aortic and LV dilation in type 1 vs type 3/4 appears to differ based on the biochemical mechanism of disease.
Increased QT variability in young asymptomatic patients with beta-thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND Despite recent progress in iron chelation therapy, sudden cardiac death due to malignant ventricular arrhythmias remains a vexing, clinical problem in patients with beta-thalassemia major (TM). In this study we assessed whether the major indices of QT variability, emerging tools for risk stratification of sudden cardiac death, differ in young asymptomatic patients with TM and healthy persons. METHODS Thirty patients with TM and 30 healthy control subjects underwent a 5-min electrocardiography recording to calculate the following variables: QT variance (QT(v)), QT(v) normalized for mean QT (QTVN) and QT variability index (QTVI). All subjects also underwent a two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography study and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine cardiac and hepatic T2* values. RESULTS No differences were observed in clinical and conventional echo-Doppler findings in healthy control subjects and patients with TM whereas QT(v), QTVN and QTVI values were significantly higher in patients than those in controls (QT(v), P < 0.001; QTVN, P < 0.05 and QTVI, P < 0.001) and cardiac T2* and hepatic MRI T2* values were significantly lower in patients with TM (P < 0.001). The indices of temporal QT variability correlated significantly with MRI data. CONCLUSIONS Young asymptomatic patients with TM have increased cardiac repolarization variability as assessed by QT variability indices, probably due to cardiac iron deposition. These easily assessed, non-invasive markers could be used to identify increased myocardial repolarization lability early in asymptomatic patients with TM.
Assessment of myocardial viability using coronary zero flow pressure after successful angioplasty in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction

Objectives: To investigate the relation between coronary flow reserve (CFR), coronary zero flow pressure (Pzf), and residual myocardial viability in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Designs: Prospective study. Setting: Primary care hospital. Patients: 27 consecutive patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction. Main outcome measures:18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) was used in 27 patients who underwent successful intervention within 12 hours of onset of a first acute anterior myocardial infarction. Within three days before discharge they had < 25% stenosis in the culprit lesion as determined by angiography 24 (3) days after acute myocardial infarction. Pzf and the slope index of the flow-pressure relation (SIFP) were calculated from the simultaneously recorded aortic pressure and coronary flow velocity signals at peak hyperaemia. %FDG was quantified by comparing FDG uptake in the infarct myocardium with FDG uptake in the normal myocardium. Results: There was a correlation between %FDG and CFR, where y = −1.477x + 62.517, r = −0.072 (NS). There was also a correlation between %FDG and SIFP, where y = −0.975x + 60.542, r = −0.045 (NS), and a significant correlation between %FDG and Pzf, where y = −0.98x + 85.108, r = −0.696 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CFR does not correlate with FDG-PET at the time of postreperfusion evaluation of residual myocardial viability. The parameter that correlates best with residual myocardial viability is Pzf and this may be a useful index for predicting patient prognosis.
Long-term effects of weight reduction on the severity of psoriasis in a cohort derived from a randomized trial: a prospective observational follow-up study.

BACKGROUND Weight reduction may reduce the severity of psoriasis, but little is known about the long-term effects. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate long-term effects of weight reduction in psoriasis. DESIGN We previously conducted a randomized trial (n = 60) involving patients with psoriasis who were allocated to a control group or a low-energy diet (LED) group. Here we followed the participants for an additional 48-wk period. In total, 56 patients with psoriasis [mean ± SD body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 34.4 ± 5.3] underwent a 64-wk weight-loss program consisting of an initial 16-wk randomized phase with an LED for 8 wk and 8 wk of normal food intake combined with 2 LED products/d, followed by a 48-wk period of weight maintenance with the latter diet. After the randomization phase, the control group received the same 8 + 8-wk LED intervention, and all patients were then followed for 48 wk while on the weight-loss maintenance diet. The main outcome was the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and secondary outcome was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS For the present study, 56 patients were eligible, 38 agreed to participate, and 32 completed. After the 16-wk LED-only period, the mean weight loss was -15.0 kg (95% CI: -16.6, -13.4 kg), and PASI and DLQI were reduced by -2.3 (95% CI: -3.1, -1.5) and -2.3 (95% CI: -3.2, -1.4), respectively. At week 64, the mean weight loss compared with baseline was -10.1 kg (95% CI: -12.0, -8.1 kg), and PASI and DLQI were maintained at -2.9 (95% CI: -3.9, -1.9) and -1.9 (95% CI: -3.0, -0.9), respectively. CONCLUSION Long-term weight loss in patients with psoriasis has long-lasting positive effects on the severity of psoriasis. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01137188.
The determinants of internet financial reporting in Slovenia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish the level of internet financial reporting (IFR) of Slovenian companies, including the contents as well as the presentations of online financial information. The second objective was to explore the opinions of users towards newer methods of online financial reporting. Design/methodology/approach – IFR was evaluated on the basis of the IFR index composed of 32 contents-related and 18 presentations-related elements. By means of regression analysis, the authors have established the intensity and direction of impact of six factors on the IFR index: size, profitability, the company's legal form, ownership concentration, age and sector. Findings – During the first research phase, the authors established that 110 (52.64 per cent) of large companies disclose its financial information on its web site. Factors which impact the IFR are as follows: company size, ownership concentration, legal form and sector of operation. Larger companies, companies with a lower owne.
N‐RAP expression during mouse heart development

N‐RAP gene expression and N‐RAP localization were studied during mouse heart development using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. N‐RAP mRNA was detected at embryonic day (E) 10.5, significantly increased from E10.5 to E16.5, and remained essentially constant from E16.5 until 21 days after birth. In E9.5–10.5 heart tissue, N‐RAP protein was primarily associated with developing premyofibril structures containing α‐actinin, as well as with the Z‐lines and M‐lines of more‐mature myofibrils. In contrast, N‐cadherin was concentrated in patches at the periphery of the cardiomyocytes. N‐RAP labeling markedly increased between E10.5 and E16.5; almost all of the up‐regulated N‐RAP was associated with intercalated disk structures, and the proportion of mature sarcomeres containing N‐RAP decreased. In adult hearts, specific N‐RAP staining was only observed at the intercalated disks and was not found in the sarcomeres. The results are consistent with N‐RAP functioning as a catalytic scaffolding molecule, with low levels of the scaffold being sufficient to repetitively catalyze key steps in myofibril assembly. Developmental Dynamics 233:201–212, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B virus-human immunodeficiency virus co-infection in France: a cross-sectional multicentre study

This prospective, multicentre study was conducted between September and October 2003 in 38 French departments of internal medicine, infectious disease and hepatogastroenterology and included 406 consecutive HBV-infected patients (positive HBsAg), half of whom were HIV-infected (53%). The aim was to outline the main characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infected patients in French hospitals. HBV-HIV co-infected patients (85% were receiving HAART; mean CD4 count 447±245/μl, HIV RNA load <400 copies/ml, 67% of patients), compared to HIV-negative patients, were more often male, injecting drug users, HBeAg-positive and HCV-HIV co-infected (P<10−4). They underwent liver biopsy less often (31% vs. 51%, P<10−4), particularly those with severe immunodeficiency. They received anti-HBV treatment more often (75% vs. 45·7%, P<10−4), mainly lamivudine and tenofovir. Significant improvements in the management of such patients are awaited mainly in the appraisal of liver disease by either liver biopsy or non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy.
Growth Process Modeling of III–V Nanowire Synthesis via Selective Area Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition

While selective area metal-organic chemical vapor deposition has been widely recognized as a promising nanowire fabrication technique, its growth mechanism still remains indecisive in the literature. There are active debates on the effects of various process parameters on nanowire growth. In this paper, we attempt to establish a growth process model that coherently explains various growth patterns observed in experiments. By quantifying contributions from various diffusion sources, the model not only confirms the synthesis mechanism, but also explains the spatial and temporal patterns of nanowire growth. The model sets the basis for systematic process optimization and control.
Identifying the Right Surface for the Right Patient at the Right Time: Generation and Content Validation of an Algorithm for Support Surface Selection

Support surfaces are an integral component of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, but there is insufficient evidence to guide clinical decision making in this area. In an effort to provide clinical guidance for selecting support surfaces based on individual patient needs, the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN®) set out to develop an evidence- and consensus-based algorithm. A Task Force of clinical experts was identified who: 1) reviewed the literature and identified evidence for support surface use in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers; 2) developed supporting statements for essential components for the algorithm, 3) developed a draft algorithm for support surface selection; and 4) determined its face validity. A consensus panel of 20 key opinion leaders was then convened that: 1. ) reviewed the draft algorithm and supporting statements, 2. ) reached consensus on statements lacking robust supporting evidence, 3. ) modified the draft algorithm and evaluated its content validity. The Content Validity Index (CVI) for the algorithm was strong (0.95 out of 1.0) with an overall mean score of 3.72 (out of 1 to 4), suggesting that the steps were appropriate to the purpose of the algorithm. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence and consensus based algorithm for support surface selection that has undergone content validation.
Hypoxia symptoms reported during helicopter operations below 10,000 ft: a retrospective survey.

INTRODUCTION During routine aviation medicine training, rotary-wing aircrew are instructed that the impact of hypoxia on them from flying in unpressurized cabins up to 10,000 ft (3048 m) above mean sea level (AMSL) is relatively small and has few implications for aviation safety. Such reassurance is based on data derived from experiments conducted on resting subjects and may not reflect the true impact of hypoxia in aircrew engaged in operational tasks. METHOD A survey listing common symptoms of hypoxia was distributed to Australian Army helicopter aircrew who had operated at altitudes up to 10,000 ft AMSL. RESULTS There were 53 surveys that were returned (71% response), representing 25 loadmasters, 23 pilots, and 5 aircrewman technicians. All respondents were Australian Army aircrew. One or more symptoms consistent with hypoxia were reported by 86.6% of non-pilot aircrew and 60.9% of pilots. 60% of non-pilot aircrew reported four or more symptoms, compared with only 17% of pilots. The most commonly reported symptoms were difficulty with calculations (45%), feeling light-headed (38%), delayed reaction time (38%), and mental confusion (36%). Loadmasters reported more symptoms (mean 5.4) than pilots (mean 2.2) (p < 0.001). From the narratives provided (n = 21), aircrew experienced potentially operationally significant symptoms at a mean altitude of 8462 ft (2579 m). CONCLUSION The helicopter aircrew surveyed reported symptoms consistent with hypoxia at altitudes within the so-called physiological zone; loadmasters reported more effects than pilots. It may be inappropriate to emphasize the benign nature of the physiological zone during aviation medicine training of a non-resting population such as helicopter aircrew.
The relationship between self-care agency, disability levels and factors regarding these situations among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between self-care agency scores, disability levels and factors regarding these situations among Turkish patients with rheumatoid arthritis. BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by severe to slight synovial joint inflammation that can lead to pain, stiffness and joint destruction with subsequent physical deformities, disabilities and reduced self-care. Self-care is an important component of comprehensive chronic disease management such as rheumatoid arthritis. If patients have high levels of self-care and adhere to rheumatoid arthritis treatment, it can be expected that they will have fewer symptoms and better functional capabilities. DESIGN A cross-sectional, design was used. METHOD This study was conducted with 467 rheumatoid arthritis patients who applied at the Rheumatology Outpatient Department of Gaziantep University between September 2008-February 2009. The data collection instruments used in this study were the Demographic Data Form, Health Assessment Questionnaire (including disability index and pain scale) and Self-as-Carer Inventory. The frequency, mean, Student's t-test, one-way anova, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, correlation and regression analysis were used; p < 0·05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS For patients the self-care agency classification of 13·7% and 86·3% were 'moderate' and 'poor', respectively; while the disability levels of 12·2 51·2 and 36·6% were 'mild', 'moderate' and 'severe', respectively; and their pain average was 'moderate'. It was also determined that, as the patients' self-agency scores declined, their disability levels deteriorated even further and their pain levels increased even more. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion we found that in Turkish patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, the higher disability and pain rate were, the lower self-care agency score was. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses should strive to provide individuals with RA the knowledge, skills and resources necessary for active participation in self-care, as this might promote the capacity for self-care.
Ablation of the Complementarity-Determining Region H3 Apex of the Anti-HIV-1 Broadly Neutralizing Antibody 2F5 Abrogates Neutralizing Capacity without Affecting Core Epitope Binding

ABSTRACT The identification and characterization of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against HIV-1 has formed a major research focus, with the ultimate goal to help in the design of an effective AIDS vaccine. One of these bnAbs, 2F5, has been extensively characterized, and residues at the apex of its unusually long complementarity-determining region (CDR) H3 loop have been shown to be crucial for neutralization. Structural studies, however, have revealed that the 100TLFGVPI100F apex residues of the CDR H3 loop do not interact directly with residues of its core gp41 epitope. In an attempt to gain better insight into the functional role of this element, we have recombinantly expressed native 2F5 Fab and two mutants in which either the apical Phe100B(H) residue was changed to an alanine or the CDR H3 residues 100TLFGVPI100F were replaced by a Ser-Gly dipeptide linker. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and competitive-binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) rendered strikingly similar affinity constants (Kd [dissociation constant] of ∼20 nM) for linear peptide epitope binding by 2F5 Fabs, independent of the presence or absence of the apex residues. Ablation of the CDR H3 apex residues, however, abolished the cell-cell fusion inhibition and pseudovirus neutralization capacities of 2F5 Fab. We report competitive ELISA data that suggest a role of 2F5 CDR H3 apex residues in mediating weak hydrophobic interactions with residues located at the C terminus of the gp41 membrane proximal external region and/or membrane components in the context of core epitope binding. The present data therefore imply an extended 2F5 paratope that includes weak secondary interactions that are crucial for neutralization of Env-mediated fusion.
Periphyton Function in Lake Ecosystems

Periphyton communities have received relatively little attention in lake ecosystems. However, evidence is increasing that they play a key role in primary productivity, nutrient cycling, and food web interactions. This review summarizes those findings and places them in a conceptual framework to evaluate the functional importance of periphyton in lakes. The role of periphyton is conceptualized based on a spatial hierarchy. At the coarsest scale, landscape properties such as lake morphometry, influence the amount of available habitat for periphyton growth. Watershed-related properties, such as loading of dissolved organic matter, nutrients, and sediments influence light availability and hence periphyton productivity. At the finer scale of within the lake, both habitat availability and habitat type affect periphyton growth and abundance. In addition, periphyton and phytoplankton compete for available resources at the within-lake scale. Our review indicates that periphyton plays an important functional role in lake nutrient cycles and food webs, especially under such conditions as relatively shallow depths, nutrient-poor conditions, or high water-column transparency. We recommend more studies assessing periphyton function across a spectrum of lake morphometry and trophic conditions.
Subjective Reports of Trouble Tolerating Sound in Daily Life versus Loudness Discomfort Levels.

Purpose A retrospective analysis of tonal and speech loudness discomfort levels (LDLs) relative to a subjective report of sound tolerance (SRST) was performed to explore the relation between the 2 commonly used clinical measures. Method Tonal LDLs and SRST were measured for 139 U.S. military veterans who were recruited into a study providing intervention for tinnitus. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were computed to assess the relation between the tonal and speech LDLs and the SRST. Results Only weak correlations were found between tonal LDLs and SRST and between speech LDLs and SRST. Conclusion If LDLs ratings of SRST measured the same phenomenon, the measures would be strongly negatively correlated. The weak correlations found between the measures suggest that LDLs do not accurately represent a patient's ability to tolerate sound in daily life.