Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking outcomes in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic rates in a retrospective cohort

Genetic disease and congenital anomalies continue to be a leading cause of neonate mortality and morbidity. A genetic diagnosis in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a challenge given the associated genetic heterogeneity and early stage of a disease. We set out to evaluate the outcomes of Medical Genetics consultation in the NICU in terms of cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic rates and impact on management. We retrospectively reviewed 132 charts from patients admitted to the NICU who received a Medical Genetics diagnostic evaluation over a 2 year period. Of the 132 patients reviewed, 26% (34/132) received a cytogenetic or molecular diagnosis based on the Medical Genetics diagnostic evaluation; only 10% (13/132) received a diagnosis during their admission. The additional 16% (21 patients) received their diagnosis following NICU discharge, but based on a genetic test initiated during hospital‐stay. Mean time from NICU admission to confirmed diagnosis was 24 days. For those who received a genetic diagnosis, the information was considered beneficial for clinical management in all, and a direct change to medical management occurred for 12% (4/32). For those non‐diagnosed infants seen in out‐patient follow‐up clinic, diagnoses were made in 8% (3/37). The diagnoses made post‐discharge from the NICU comprised a greater number of Mendelian disorders and represent an opportunity to improve genetic care. The adoption of diagnostic tools, such as exome sequencing, used in parallel with traditional approaches will improve rate of diagnoses and will have a significant impact, in particular when the differential diagnosis is broad.
Human Uterine Endocrinology and the Implantation Window

The success of in vitro fertilization programs has been well recorded. Our own data show the chances of pregnancy to depend on the numbers of embryos replaced, the age of the woman, and on factors such as the endocrine status of the patient before oocytes were recovered. ',2 Accordingly, we have become accustomed to data such as those shown in TABLE 1, where the proportion of embryos implanting varies according to maternal age and the number of embryos replaced, rising to above 30%, and often approaching 40%, in patients under 40 who receive three embryos. We are also aware that many patients have a multiple pregnancy following the replacement of two or three embryos, involving twins or triplets. Some representative data are shown in TABLE 2. '
Nonlinear Analysis of Low-Frequency Oscillations in Gyrotrons

Low-frequency oscillations (LFOs) had been observed in many gyrotron experiments. These oscillations are believed to be caused by electrons trapped in the region between the electron gun and the cavity. A 1-D numerical simulation method is developed to analyze the self-consistent accumulation and bunching caused by the space-charge field of these trapped electrons. Velocity spread and loss mechanisms for the trapped electrons are taken into account. The threshold conditions for excitation, the spatial character, and the nonlinear evolution of the LFOs are analyzed and interpreted. The numerical simulation results agree with some experimental data.
Non-computer-assisted liquid-based cytology for diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract The development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occasionally follows the neoplastic progression of other premalignant lesions. Although biopsy is the definitive diagnostic method, liquid-based cytology is an adequate method for screening suspicious lesions. We compared liquid-based cytology to histology for diagnosis of OSCC in patients with oral lesions that raised clinical suspicion of malignancy. Our sample consisted of 48 patients. Cytological samples were obtained by scraping the lesion superficially using Cytobrush®. We conducted cytological and histopathological evaluation of all preparations. We estimated sensitivity and specificity levels as well as positive and negative predictive values. The degree of inter-observer agreement for both methods was assessed using the kappa index. Twenty-eight (58.3%) of the cases finally were diagnosed with OSCC and 20 (41.7%) were determined to be premalignant lesions. We observed eight false negatives and no false positives; OSCC prevalence was 56.5%. The values for diagnostic indices were: sensitivity, 69% (CI 95%, prevalence 51.87); specificity, 100%; positive predictive value, 100%; negative predictive value, 71% (CI 95% 54.82). A kappa index of 0.622 (CI 95% 0.93, 0.39) was observed.
A reference‐dependent regret model for deterministic tradeoff studies

Today's typical multi‐criteria decision analysis is based on classical expected utility theory that assumes a mythical “Rational Individual” immune to psychological influences such as anticipated regret. It is therefore in conflict with rational individuals who trade off some benefits and forgo the alternative with the highest total classical utility for a more balanced alternative in order to reduce their levels of anticipated regret. This paper focuses on decision making under certainty. It presents a reference‐dependent regret model (RDRM) in which the level of regret that an individual experiences depends on the absolute values rather than the differences of the utilities of the chosen and forgone alternatives. The RDRM best choice may differ from the conventional linear additive utility model, the analytic hierarchy process, and the regret theory of Bell and Loomes and Sugden. Examples are presented that indicate that RDRM is the better predictive descriptor for decision‐making under certainty. RDRM satisfies transitivity of the alternatives under pairwise comparisons and models rank reversal consistent with observed reasonable choices under dynamic or distinct situations. Like regret theory, the RDRM utilities of all the alternatives under consideration are interrelated. For complex tradeoff studies, regret is incorporated as an element of a cost‐utility‐regret analysis that characterizes each alternative in terms of its monetary cost, an aggregate performance utility, and a regret value. This provides decision makers adequate information to compare the alternatives and depending on their values they may trade off some performance and/or cost to avoid high levels of regret. The result is a well‐balanced alternative often preferred by reasonable decision‐makers to the optimal choice of classical multi‐attribute utility analysis. The model can readily be extended to incorporate rejoicing to suit decision makers who seek it. The approach is illustrated using a hypothetical but realistic aircraft selection problem. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 8: 119–137, 2005
Extreme body cooling and psychomotor performance.

Abstract In a series of experiments on the effect of body cooling ( the lowering of Mean Weighted Skin Temperature (MVVST) while maintaining normal Hand Skin Temperature (HST)) on psychomotor performance, the following results were obtained. (I) Block-stringing (BS) and block-packing (BP) performance decreased linearity across levels of body cooling (MWST's of 78° 74° 70° and 66° f). (2) Body cooling (MWST— 70° f) affected steadiness-aiming (SA) performance, but did not affect performance on the Craik screw task, the Purdue pegboard assembly ( PA) task and the two-plate-tapping task. (3) The effect of level of body cooling on SA performance was similar for fast and slow cooling rates. Significant BS and PA performance decrements occurred only under the low level (70° f MWST) and slow rate (90 min exposure) condition. (4) Increasing the duration of exposure for 20 and 40 min after a given MWST condition was attained resulted in significant decreases in BS performance. (5) Practice resulted in improved BS p.
Hypercholesterolemia Abrogates Sevoflurane-Induced Delayed Preconditioning Against Myocardial Infarct in Rats by Alteration of Nitric Oxide Synthase Signaling

ABSTRACT The aim of the current study was to determine whether hypercholesterolemia affects the delayed sevoflurane preconditioning against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and, if so, the underlying mechanism. Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed 2% cholesterol-enriched chow for 8 weeks were subjected to sevoflurane preconditioning (2.4% vol/vol, 1 h) 24 h before myocardial ischemia was induced by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 120 min. The hemodynamic parameters left ventricular developed pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and maximal rise/fall rate of left ventricular pressure were continuously monitored, and myocardial infarct size was determined at the end of reperfusion. The protein expression of myocardial nitric oxide synthase (NOS), Bcl-2, and Bad was assessed before ischemia. We found that the left ventricular hemodynamic parameters during the whole IR procedure and the myocardial infarct size did not significantly differ between the normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic control groups. The hemodynamic parameters were all markedly improved during the reperfusion period, and the myocardial infarct size was significantly reduced by delayed sevoflurane preconditioning in normocholesterolemic rats, but all of these improvements were reversed by N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl) acetamidine (1400W, 1 mg/kg; i.v., 10 min before ischemia), a selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor, and 5-hydroxy decanoate sodium (5 mg/kg, i.v., 10 min before ischemia), a mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+ channel blocker. Such cardiac improvement induced by delayed sevoflurane preconditioning did not occur in hypercholesterolemic rats and was not exacerbated by 1400W or 5-hydroxy decanoate sodium. The expression of myocardial iNOS was markedly enhanced by delayed sevoflurane preconditioning in normocholesterolemic, but not in hypercholesterolemic rats. The expression of endothelial NOS and Bad did not differ among all groups. The expression of myocardial phosphorylated endothelial NOS, Bcl-2, and phosphorylated Bad in normocholesterolemic rats was not affected by delayed sevoflurane preconditioning but was decreased in the hypercholesterolemic control group, and this was not reversed by sevoflurane, compared with the normocholesterolemic control group. Taken together, these results indicate that sevoflurane preconditioning exerts delayed cardioprotection against IR injury in normocholesterolemic rats, which is blocked by hypercholesterolemia potentially via interference with the iNOS/mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+ channel pathway.
Investigation on the Impact of Job Stressors on Nurses in Malaysia

Stress can affect individual’s performance which in turn can impact an organization’s performance. This study was conducted in order to gain a better understanding of what types of situations cause stress in health service providers and how that stress affects job performance especially services that provided to the patients in hospitals. Authors hope to identify the relationship between the job stressors towards job performance of nurses. 300 questionnaires were distributed to qualified nurses in 7 private hospitals across Malaysia. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used as the software to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. Outcomes from a series of hypothesis tests support the researchers’ study that each independent variable has significant relationship to job performance of nurses.
Quasiparticle dynamics and in-plane anisotropy in YBa 2 Cu 3 O y near the onset of superconductivity

We report on an infrared study of carrier dynamics within the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes in heavily underdoped detwinned single crystals of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{y}$. In an effort to reveal the electronic structure near the onset of superconductivity, we investigate the strong anisotropy of the electromagnetic response due to an enhancement of the scattering rate along the $a$ axis. We propose that the origin of this anisotropy is related to a modulation of the electron density within the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes.
Relative Bioavailability of Three Newly Developed Albendazole Formulations: a Randomized Crossover Study with Healthy Volunteers

ABSTRACT This study of healthy volunteers shows that the relative bioavailability of albendazole formulations that use arachis oil-polysorbate 80 or hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin as an excipient was enhanced 4.3- and 9.7-fold compared to the results seen with commercial tablets. Administration of macrogol suppositories did not result in measurable plasma concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide.
Positional information and opsin identity in retinal cones

To test the hypothesis that local environmental cues regulate the expression of middle wavelength‐sensitive (MWS) and short wavelength‐sensitive (SWS) opsins in cone photoreceptors, we examined the development of the neonatal mouse retina in an organotypic culture system. The segregation of MWS and SWS cones into dorsal and ventral fields in the mouse retina offers an opportunity to isolate a phenotypically homogeneous population of immature cones prior to opsin expression.
Changes in sexual behavior and condom use among teenaged males: 1988 to 1995.

OBJECTIVES This study examines shifts in sexual experience and condom use among US teenaged males. METHODS Results from the 1988 and 1995 National Surveys of Adolescent Males were compared. RESULTS The proportion of never-married 15- to 19-year-old males who had had sex with a female declined from 60% to 55% (P = .06). The share of those sexually active using a condom at last intercourse rose from 57% to 67% (P < .01). Overall, the proportion of males who had sex without condoms last year declined from 37% to 27% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Although protective behaviors among teenagers have increased, significant proportions of teenagers--especially Black and Hispanic males--remain unprotected.
Alternation of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in rat cardiac sarcolemmal membranes during different phases of sepsis.

OBJECTIVE To study the alteration of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in rat cardiac sarcolemmal membrane during phases of septic shock. METHODS Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange was assayed by radioactive analysis. RESULTS Na(+)-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake was decreased by 62%-69% in late phase of sepsis, whereas it was not affected in early phase of sepsis. Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange stimulated by 5' guanylyl imidodiphosphate [Gpp (NH) p] was decreased by 65.7% in late phase of sepsis but unaltered in early phase of sepsis. Two agonists (angiotensin II and phenylephrine) coupled to Gq and a protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) all inhibited Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in late phase of sepsis. Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange activities induced by phosphorylation of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange were decreased in late phase of sepsis, whereas inhibition of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange by dephosphorylation was increased both in early and late phases of sepsis. CONCLUSION The alteration of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange during different phases of sepsis might be related to the activities of Gq, protein kinase C, and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation.
Improved perfusion system for bipolar radiofrequency ablation of liver: preliminary findings from a computer modeling study

Current systems for radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors are unable to consistently treat tumors larger than 3 cm in diameter with a single electrode in a single application. One of the strategies for enlarging coagulation zone dimensions is to infuse saline solutions into the tissue through the active electrodes. Nevertheless, the uncontrolled and undirected diffusion of boiling saline into the tissue has been associated with irregular coagulation zones and severe complications, mainly due to reflux of saline along the electrode path. In order to improve the perfusion bipolar ablation method, we hypothesized that the creation of small monopolar coagulation zones adjacent to the bipolar electrodes and previous to the saline infusion would create preferential paths for the saline to concentrate on the targeted coagulation zone. Firstly, we conducted ex vivo experiments in order to characterize the monopolar coagulation zones. We observed that they are practically impermeable to the infused saline. On the basis of this finding, we built theoretical models and conducted computer simulations to assess the feasibility of our hypothesis. Temperature distributions during bipolar ablations with and without previous monopolar coagulation zones were obtained. The results showed that in the case of monopolar coagulation zones the temperature of the tissue took longer to reach 100 °C. Since this temperature value is related to rise of impedance, and the time necessary for this process is directly related to the volume of the coagulation zone, our results suggest that monopolar sealing would allow larger coagulation zones to be created. Future experimental studies should confirm this benefit.
Chronic Refractory Myofascial Pain: Characteristics of Patients who Self-select Long-term Management with Electrical Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation

Introduction: Noninvasive Electrical Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (eToims) is safe and efficacious in long-term management of chronic refractory myofascial pain (CRMP). Objective: To evaluate factors influencing patient self-selection for long-term eToims management of CRMP. Methods and materials: Included were 133 consecutive CRMP patients (65 males, 68 females) who opted to pay for eToims treatments between 12/1/09 and 12/31/11. Each session involved treatment to large muscles of C3-C7 and L3-S1 myotomes. Outcome measures include immediate prep Group1: ≤ 10 treatments and immediate reduction of VAS ≥ 2; Group2: >10 treatments and immediate reduction of VAS 10 treatments and immediate reduction of VAS ≥ 2. Safety precautions include interval history and vital signs before and after treatment. Results: Groups 0 & 1 comparison showed no measured ROM difference. Group 3 & Group 2 comparison demonstrated shorter interval between treatments (15+47 vs. 138+167 days respectively, p<0.001), longer treatment duration/session (52.0+26.0 vs. 49.0+22.0 minutes, respectively), and immediate improvement in all ROM measured. Group pain relief appears influenced by age, symptom duration, treatment duration/session, pulse reduction and improvement in ROM. No eToims-associated safety issues noted. Conclusions: Safe and efficacious pain relief with concomitant immediate improvement in ROM and pulse rate reduction correlates with patient satisfaction and self-selection to return for multiple eToims treatments over time.
The impact of knowledge management enablers on non-financial performance in small and medium enterprises

This paper proxies Knowledge Management (KM) enablers as strategy and leadership, organisational culture, employees, IT and establishing a special unit in charge of KM. By surveying small and medium enterprises in Twiwan, the results indicate that the four enablers of strategy and leadership, organisational culture, employees and establishing a special unit in charge of KM are significantly and positively associated with non-financial performance in the learning and growth perspective, internal process perspective and customer perspective. The outcomes of the learning and growth perspective and the internal business process perspective have mediating effects between the KM enablers and the performance in the customer perspective. This paper thus recommends that small and medium enterprises set up infrastructures of KM to increase the performance in the non-financial perspective.
Exploring Mediators of Physical Activity in Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Evidence from a Randomized Trial of a Facebook-Based Physical Activity Intervention.

PURPOSE This study examined the effects of a physical activity (PA) intervention for young adult cancer survivors on changes in self-efficacy, social support, and self-monitoring and determined whether changes in these social cognitive theory constructs mediated the relationship between the intervention and changes in PA. METHODS A 12-week randomized trial compared a Facebook-based intervention (FITNET) aimed at increasing moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA to a Facebook-based self-help comparison group. Young adult cancer survivors (N=86, aged 21-39) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Self-report measures of PA and psychosocial variables were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS The FITNET group reported lower self-efficacy for sticking to exercise (mean change=-0.38; 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.12; p=0.025) and social support from friends on social networking websites (mean change=-0.47; 95% CI: -1.45 to 0.65; p=0.039) relative to the self-help comparison group over time. Changes in social support from friends on social networking websites partially mediated the intervention effects on moderate-to-vigorous PA (mean indirect effect=-22.4; 95% CI: -62.0 to -2.8) in the unexpected direction. Across both groups, social support from friends and self-monitoring were positively associated with changes in moderate-to-vigorous PA. CONCLUSION The proposed mediators did not explain the positive effects of the FITNET intervention on mild PA. The lack of significant improvements in psychosocial constructs among FITNET participants may partly explain why the intervention did not increase moderate-to-vigorous PA relative to the self-help comparison group. Future PA interventions with young adult cancer survivors should examine targeting social support from friends and self-monitoring.