Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tunngajuq: Stress and resilience among Inuit youth in Nunavut, Canada

As part of a cross-national collaborative study of resilience among circumpolar youth, we examined the life experiences, stressors, and coping or resilience strategies of Inuit youth in the community of Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada. An Inuit steering committee was formed with youth, adults, and one elder. The steering committee led this project in the community, informing community members of progress and helping direct all aspects of the study from research questions to methods to data collection to dissemination. A structured interview used across sites allowed youth to describe what matters to them, that is, what is at stake for them in terms of challenges and successes. Developing stable and secure relationships with one’s friends and family members enabled Inuit youth to become more resilient in the face of stresses related to social change in the Canadian Arctic.
Comparison of Enhancement, Image Quality, Cost, and Adverse Reactions Using 2 Different Contrast Medium Concentrations for Routine Chest CT on 16-Slice MDCT

Objective: To evaluate the degree of enhancement and image quality of chest computed tomographic (CT) examinations on 16-slice multidetector CT using low-concentration [300 milligrams of iodine per milliliter (mg I/mL)] and high-concentration (370 mg I/mL) contrast media; to assess the impact on cost and adverse reactions of the use of high-iodine concentration contrast medium. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients scheduled for routine chest CT examinations were administered nonionic contrast medium of 2 strengths: low-iodine concentration contrast medium (300 mg I/mL) [group A: n = 50; male-female ratio, 28:22; mean age, 58.4 years] and high-iodine concentration contrast medium (370 mg I/mL) (group B: n = 50; male-female ratio, 18:32; mean age, 57.6 years) with a constant amount of iodine (400 mg) injected per kilogram of body weight. Contrast media were injected using a dual injector at 2.5 mL/s followed by a 30-mL saline at 2.5 mL/s. The degree of enhancement was quantified by measuring Hounsfield unit values in different arteries and veins and was also rated on a 5-point scale for qualitative assessment. We also evaluated perivenous contrast-related artifacts. The data were compared using Mann-Whitney U test for both qualitative and quantitative enhancement ratings. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The P value was adjusted using Bonferroni correction for statistical significance when multiple comparisons were performed. The difference in cost and the incidence of adverse reactions in both groups were calculated. Results: The mean enhancement values in group B were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those in group A. The mean Hounsfield units and standard deviation in groups A and B were aorta = 153 ± 4, 216 ± 20; pulmonary artery = 147 ± 10, 208 ± 20; superior vena cava = 155 ± 27, 299 ± 72; and pulmonary vein = 134 ± 10, 215 ± 30, respectively. The mean enhancement on a 5-point scale was greater in group B (4.2) than in group A (3.3) (P < 0.01). No significant difference between groups in perivenous artifacts was seen. Up to 5.5% savings in cost resulted from the use of a higher concentration of iodine, with no increase in adverse reactions. Conclusions: Use of higher-concentration contrast media provides a higher degree of contrast enhancement and image quality for a routine chest CT on a 16-slice multidetector CT. It also contributes to considerable cost savings with no increased risk of adverse reactions compared with low-concentration contrast media.
Outcome and Prognostic Factors in Bronchial Carcinoids: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess factors influencing survival in patients with bronchial carcinoids (BCs). Methods: A retrospective review of our surgical database of patients operated for primary lung cancer with a final histologic diagnosis of BC in the period from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2010 was carried out. Results: There were 126 patients (74 women): 83 had a typical carcinoid and 43 an atypical one (AC). All patients received a radical resection; systematic lymphadenectomy was accomplished in 120. Lymph nodal metastases were observed in 26 cases (12 N2) and were more frequent in ACs (p = 0.009). Twelve patients received adjuvant therapy (chemo/radio/biological). Distant metastases (DM) and local tumor recurrence occurred in 28 (22%) and 8 (6.3%) cases, respectively: DM were more frequent in ACs (p = 0.0001) and in N2 patients (p = 0.0001). Smoke, atypical histology, lymph nodal metastases, and high cellular proliferative index demonstrated to be statistically negative prognostic factors. Conclusion: Even if characterized by an indolent behavior, BCs may spread to lymph node or distant or present with local recurrence. Amid all prognostic factors, the presence of DM demonstrated to be the strongest negative one.
Dynamic Regret Avoidance

In a stock market experiment, we examine how regret avoidance influences the decision to sell an asset while its price changes over time. Participants know beforehand whether they will observe the future prices after they sell the asset or not. Without future prices, participants are affected only by regret about previously observed high prices (past regret), but when future prices are available, they also avoid regret about expected after-sale high prices (future regret). Moreover, as the relative sizes of past and future regret change, participants dynamically switch between them. This demonstrates how multiple reference points dynamically influence sales. (JEL C91, G12, G41)
Characterization and phenotypic analysis of differentiating CD34+human bone marrow cells in liquid culture

Abstract: Our current understanding of human haematopoietic stem cell biology is based in part on the characterization of human CD34+ bone marrow cell differentiation in vitro. CD34 is highly expressed on early stem cells and haematopoietic progenitor cells with clonogenic potential and is gradually lost during differentiation and commitment. However, CD71 (transferrin receptor) is expressed at low levels on early stem cells and generally increases during haematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation. We reasoned that the combination of these surface markers would provide a useful framework for the simultaneous analysis of multiple lineage differentiation of CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor cells in liquid culture. In this report, we identify the phenotype of distinct subpopulations of myeloid, erythroid and lymphoid cells in liquid suspension culture using differential expression of CD34 vs. CD71 in combination with specific lineage markers. Freshly isolated human CD34+ bone marrow cells were introduced into suspension culture and monitored over a 6‐d period using 3‐colour flow cytometry. This is the first demonstration that differential expression of CD34 vs. CD71 can be used to simultaneously monitor differentiation of multiple haematopoietic cell lineages in liquid suspension culture, facilitating the study of cytokine‐, drug‐ or chemical‐induced alterations in haematopoietic progenitor cell differentiation in vitro.
The influence of selective pulmonary perfusion on the inflammatory response and clinical outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVES Patients undergoing cardiac surgery presenting with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a higher 30-day mortality risk. In these patients, pulmonary dysfunction linked to an inflammatory response is frequent after cardiac operations using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which causes pulmonary hypoperfusion. We hypothesize that selective pulmonary perfusion (sPP) of the lungs leads to a reduction of pulmonary inflammation and a better clinical outcome. METHODS Fifty-nine COPD patients (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/vital capacity <70%) undergoing cardiac surgery procedures (coronary artery bypass grafting 64%, valve 14%) were block-randomized to sPP (venous blood, temperature 2°C, 4 l) or standard CPB (28/28). The primary end-point of the study was to evaluate the effect of pulmonary perfusion on gas exchange by measuring alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient. The surrogate end-points were inflammatory response, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, time on respirator (TOR) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. A cytokine assay for interleukin-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and polymorphonuclear elastase was performed with peripheral blood at different time-points [(t1) pre-CPB, (t2) end of CPB, (t3) 3 h, (t4) 24 h, (t5) 48 h postoperatively]. Repeated-measure analysis of variance and non-parametric statistics were used to assess the between-group and during time differences. RESULTS The two groups proved comparable for perioperative variables. Serum cytokines were not different in the two groups throughout the study (P > 0.05 at single time-points), but as a function of time, the markers of the inflammatory response increased after CBP (P < 0.05 pre-CPB to 24 h). Clinical end-points were statistically comparable in both groups, but with a trend towards a shorter TOR (72 ± 159 h/106 ± 193 h) and ICU stay (3.9 ± 7.2 days/5.5 ± 9.2 days) in the sPP group despite a slightly longer time on extracorporeal circulation (120 vs 158 min). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate a non-significant trend that repeated hypothermic lung perfusion with venous blood during CPB may have a protective effect on the lungs. A multicentre study design and larger cohort seem necessary to demonstrate the benefits of sPP more clearly.
Resin salve from the Norwegian spruce tree: a 'novel' method for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Infected pressure ulcers are a common clinical problem in institutions and wards that care for older patients with chronic illnesses. These ulcers are difficult to treat and are a source of hospital-acquired infection. Modern treatment options, such as hydrogels, are frequently ineffective and expensive, and patient outcomes are often poor.
Understanding Millennial, Generation X, and Baby Boomer Preferred Leadership Characteristics: Informing Today’s Leaders and Followers

Part of the Aerospace Engineering Commons, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Business and Corporate Communications Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Performance Management Commons, Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, and the Training and Development Commons
Organizational form and efficiency of franchise chains

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a new model allowing the implementation of a benchmarking process that jointly measure the efficiency of franchise chains and determine their optimal organizational form. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology is based on a non-econometric technique developed by management scientists on economic concepts for evaluating the performance of decision-making units and implementing a benchmarking process. An extended model is developed in the paper for evaluating the efficiency and determining the optimal percentage of company-owned outlets (PCO) of each franchise chain. Findings - First, results showed that the PCO has a positive impact on franchise chain efficiency; even if other chain characteristics have a larger impact. Second, the optimization of the PCO allows for additional improvements in efficiency. Research limitations/implications - Even though this study has some limitations (e.g. sample and variable selection), it contributes to the literature on franchising by providing an approach allowing us to answer to the question of Shane (1998) on the optimal proportion of franchised units given other firm characteristics. Practical implications - By developing a model that allows for the joint evaluation of franchise chain efficiency and optimal PCO, this study offers to franchisors a new benchmarking process allowing for both a competitive and functional benchmarking. Originality/value - The originality of this research can be found in the new model developed for allowing a benchmarking of franchise chains that allows an evaluation of efficiency jointly with a determination of their optimal organizational form.
The efficacy of lens removal plus IOL implantation for the treatment of spherophakia with secondary glaucoma

Aims To evaluate the efficacy of lens removal plus intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for spherophakia with secondary glaucoma. Methods A series of 19 patients (n=24 eyes) were split into two groups according to the degree of zonular abnormality as follows: group 1 (within the range of one quadrant, n=7 eyes) and group 2 (beyond the range of one quadrant, n=17 eyes). The patients in group 1 underwent phacoemulsification+capsular tension ring (CTR)+IOL, whereas patients in group 2 underwent pars plana lensectomy with scleral-fixated posterior chamber (PC) IOL implantation. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR unit) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were documented at presentation and at 1 day, 7 days, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years postoperatively. Results The IOP in both groups significantly decreased after surgery (group 1:28.84±5.36 mm Hg at presentation, 15.86±0.79 mm Hg at the 3-year visit, t=6.34, p=0.000; group 2:26.18±12.16 mm Hg at presentation, 14.54±3.40 mm Hg at the 3-year visit, t=3.80, p=0.01). The BCVA increased from 0.79±0.36 at baseline to 0.44±0.38 at the 3-year follow-up but did not reach a significantly different level in group 1 (t=1.72, p=0.11), whereas the BCVA significantly increased from 1.15±0.75 at baseline to 0.43±0.38 at the 3-year visit in group 2 (t=3.45, p=0.02). Conclusions Both phacoemulsification+CTR+IOL and lensectomy with scleral-fixated PC IOL implantation are effective in lowering the IOP and enhancing the visual acuity in patients with spherophakia and secondary glaucoma.
CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF A SLEEP ASSESSMENT FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE SETTINGS

Disturbed sleep affects multiple aspects of an individual's life, including daytime activity, social interactions, mood, and quality of life. Individuals with mental health issues often experience disturbed sleep, and particular attention must be given to underlying lifestyle, family issues, and health problems that may perpetuate a sleep complaint. In addition to patients' medical conditions, clinicians should ask patients about their sleep-wake patterns and medication use, since these factors contribute to disturbed sleep and adverse mental health outcomes. This article provides advanced practice nurses with a brief sleep assessment guide for use in psychiatric practice with adults or children.
Polarity of Water Transport across Epidermal Cell Membranes in Tradescantia virginiana1[W][OPEN]

An outward bias polarizing of water transport, which appears to be a property of the intact membrane/protein complex of epidermal cells in situ. Using the automated cell pressure probe, small and highly reproducible hydrostatic pressure clamp (PC) and pressure relaxation (PR) tests (typically, applied step change in pressure = 0.02 MPa and overall change in volume = 30 pL, respectively) were applied to individual Tradescantia virginiana epidermal cells to determine both exosmotic and endosmotic hydraulic conductivity (LpOUT and LpIN, respectively). Within-cell reproducibility of measured hydraulic parameters depended on the method used, with the PR method giving a lower average coefficient of variation (15.2%, 5.8%, and 19.0% for half-time, cell volume [Vo], and hydraulic conductivity [Lp], respectively) than the PC method (25.4%, 22.0%, and 24.2%, respectively). Vo as determined from PC and PR tests was 1.1 to 2.7 nL and in the range of optically estimated Vo values of 1.5 to 4.9 nL. For the same cell, Vo and Lp estimates were significantly lower (about 15% and 30%, respectively) when determined by PC compared with PR. Both methods, however, showed significantly higher LpOUT than LpIN (LpOUT/LpIN ≅ 1.20). Because these results were obtained using small and reversible hydrostatically driven flows in the same cell, the 20% outward biased polarity of water transport is most likely not due to artifacts associated with unstirred layers or to direct effects of externally applied osmotica on the membrane, as has been suggested in previous studies. The rapid reversibility of applied flow direction, particularly for the PR method, and the lack of a clear increase in LpOUT/LpIN over a wide range of Lp values suggest that the observed polarity is an intrinsic biophysical property of the intact membrane/protein complex.
Starter strain related effects on the biochemical and sensory properties of Cheddar cheese

A detailed investigation was undertaken to determine the effects of four single starter strains, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 303, Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris HP, Lc. lactis subsp. cremoris AM2, and Lactobacillus helveticus DPC4571 on the proteolytic, lipolytic and sensory characteristics of Cheddar cheese. Cheeses produced using the highly autolytic starters 4571 and AM2 positively impacted on flavour development, whereas cheeses produced from the poorly autolytic starters 303 and HP developed off-flavours. Starter selection impacted significantly on the proteolytic and sensory characteristics of the resulting Cheddar cheeses. It appeared that the autolytic and/or lipolytic properties of starter strains also influenced lipolysis, however lipolysis appeared to be limited due to a possible lack of availability or access to suitable milk fat substrates over ripening. The impact of lipolysis on the sensory characteristics of Cheddar cheese was unclear, possibly due to minimal differences in the extent of lipolysis between the cheeses at the end of ripening. As anticipated seasonal milk supply influenced both proteolysis and lipolysis in Cheddar cheese. The contribution of non-starter lactic acid bacteria towards proteolysis and lipolysis over the first 8 months of Cheddar cheese ripening was negligible.
Attenuated Bordetella pertussis Vaccine Candidate BPZE1 Promotes Human Dendritic Cell CCL21-Induced Migration and Drives a Th1/Th17 Response

New vaccines against pertussis are needed to evoke full protection and long-lasting immunological memory starting from the first administration in neonates—the major target of the life-threatening pertussis infection. A novel live attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine strain, BPZE1, has been developed by eliminating or detoxifying three important B. pertussis virulence factors: pertussis toxin, dermonecrotic toxin, and tracheal cytotoxin. We used a human preclinical ex vivo model based on monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) to evaluate BPZE1 immunogenicity. We studied the effects of BPZE1 on MDDC functions, focusing on the impact of Bordetella-primed dendritic cells in the regulation of Th and suppressor T cells (Ts). BPZE1 is able to activate human MDDCs and to promote the production of a broad spectrum of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines. Moreover, conversely to its parental wild-type counterpart BPSM, BPZE1-primed MDDCs very efficiently migrate in vitro in response to the lymphatic chemokine CCL21, due to the inactivation of pertussis toxin enzymatic activity. BPZE1-primed MDDCs drove a mixed Th1/Th17 polarization and also induced functional Ts. Experiments performed in a Transwell system showed that cell contact rather than the production of soluble factors was required for suppression activity. Overall, our findings support the potential of BPZE1 as a novel live attenuated pertussis vaccine, as BPZE1-challenged dendritic cells might migrate from the site of infection to the lymph nodes, prime Th cells, mount an adaptive immune response, and orchestrate Th1/Th17 and Ts responses.
Clonidine as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgeries

Background: In elderly patients, use of adjuvant with small doses of local anesthetics is a preferred technique for spinal anesthesia for lower limb surgeries. This study tested the hypothesis that addition of small doses of clonidine augments the spinal block levels produced by hyperbaric bupivacaine in elderly without affecting the side-effects if any of clonidine in these patients. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Above 60 years male patients were allocated to three equal groups. Group C received 9 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine without clonidine while Group C15 and Group C30 received 15 μg and 30 μg clonidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine respectively for spinal anesthesia. Effect of clonidine on sensory block levels was the primary study outcome measure. Motor blockade and hemodynamic parameters were also studied. Results: A significantly higher median block levels were achieved in Group C15 (P < 0.001) and Group C30 (P = 0.015) than Group C. Highest median sensory block level, the mean times for sensory regression to T12 level and motor block regression were statistically significant between Groups C15 and C and between Groups C30 and C. On comparison of fall in systolic blood pressure trends, there was no significant difference in the clonidine groups as compared with the control group. Conclusions: In elderly patients, clonidine when used intrathecally in doses of 15 μg or 30 μg with bupivacaine, significantly potentiated the sensory block levels and duration of analgesia without affecting the trend of systolic blood pressure as compared to bupivacaine alone. Clonidine in doses of 30 μg however facilitated the ascent of sensory level block to unexpectedly higher dermatomes for a longer time.
Identification of suppressive components in "Haemophilus somnus" fractions which inhibit bovine polymorphonuclear leukocyte function

"Haemophilus somnus" fractions which inhibited iodination of protein by bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes were isolated by heat extracting a washed bacterial suspension at 60 degrees C or incubating the bacterial suspension at 37 degrees C and were partially purified by ultrafiltration. The components in each fraction were separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and identified as ribonucleotides, a ribonucleoside, and purine and pyrimidine bases. Most of the compounds were found to be inhibitory to iodination in a dose-dependent manner. When the effect of each component on iodination at the concentrations present in "H. somnus" fractions was determined, it was found that guanine and GMP were the components responsible for most of the suppression in the fraction isolated by heat extraction, whereas guanine and adenine were the major inhibitory components in the fraction isolated by incubation at 37 degrees C.
Correlates of Cognitive Function Scores in Elderly Outpatients

To determine medical, ophthalmologic, and demographic predictors of cognitive function scores as measured by the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), an adaptation of the Folstein Mini‐Mental Status Exam. A secondary objective was to perform an item‐by‐item analysis of the TICS scores to determine which items correlated most highly with the overall scores.