Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Total and Fetal Cell-Free DNA Analysis in Maternal Blood as Markers of Placental Insufficiency in Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Objective: To compare total and fetal DNA levels in the maternal plasma in three groups: pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due to placental insufficiency (PI) and other causes, and in control pregnancies. Methods: Total as well as fetal DNA was quantified in 78 maternal plasma samples. In 19 pregnancies, the fetus presented IUGR due to PI (group A), and in 31 pregnancies due to other causes (group B). The control group comprised 28 patients (group C). DNA quantification was done using real-time quantitative PCR with a standardized pool of plasmid calibrators. DNA concentrations of the three groups were compared using non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney tests). Results: The three groups did not statistically differ regarding maternal age (mean ± SD: 30.5 ± 5.4 years), gestational age (30 ± 5.3 weeks) or the proportion of male fetuses (48.2%). Plasma total DNA was significantly higher in group A compared to groups B and C (p = 0.001 for both). An increase in fetal DNA was only observed in group A for patients beyond 28 weeks of gestation. Conclusions: The plasma total DNA level is higher in patients with IUGR due to PI. These results suggest the presence of maternal endothelial damage independently of preeclampsia.
Oropharyngeal deglutition in stable COPD.

STUDY OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine deglutition in stable patients with COPD and lung hyperinflation. DESIGN Twenty consecutive, eligible COPD patients with an FEV(1) < or = 65% of predicted and a total lung capacity > or = 120% of predicted were enrolled prospectively. INTERVENTION Patients received a detailed videofluoroscopic evaluation of oropharyngeal swallowing and were compared to 20 age-matched and sex-matched historical control subjects. SETTING An outpatient pulmonary clinic at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS The mean total lung capacity, functional residual capacity, and residual volume for the patients were 128% of predicted, 168% of predicted, and 218% of predicted, respectively. The mean FEV(1) was 39% of predicted. There was no evidence of tracheal aspiration in either group. The laryngeal position at rest measured relative to the cervical vertebrae was not different between groups. The maximal laryngeal elevation during swallowing was significantly lower in patients with COPD (p < 0.001). Patients with COPD exhibited more frequent use of spontaneous protective swallowing maneuvers such as longer duration of airway closure and earlier laryngeal closure relative to the cricopharyngeal opening than did control subjects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that hyperinflated patients with COPD have an altered swallowing physiology. We suspect that the protective alterations in swallowing physiology (swallow maneuvers) may reduce the risk of aspiration. However, these swallowing maneuvers may not be useful during an exacerbation and may require further research.
Twelve-month prevalence of DSM-IV mental disorders among older Asian Americans: Comparison with younger groups

Based on public-use data from the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS), 2002–2003, we examined the 12-month prevalence rates of any depressive, anxiety, or intermittent explosive disorder among older Asian Americans and compared them to those among younger cohorts. The 12-month prevalence rate among older adults, 7.4% in the 60+ group, was significantly lower than those among younger groups. We also found that correlates of mental disorder were not the same among different age groups. Among the 60+ group, ethnicity, work status, years in the United States, family conflict, and social disability score were the significant covariates of a diagnosis of mental disorder. The findings appear to suggest that, compared with younger cohorts, older Asian Americans may have lower reactivity to life stressors and/or more adaptive coping strategies.
Complications after aortic valve repair and valve-sparing procedures.

In patients with chronic isolated aortic insufficiency (AI), surgical indications are based on presence of symptoms, severity of AI, left ventricle (LV) dysfunction or severe LV dilatation. Once deemed necessary, surgery will usually consist of valve replacement with a mechanical or a biological prosthesis. However, aortic valve (AV) repair can now be considered in surgical centers that have developed the appropriate technical expertise, gained experience in patient selection and have demonstrated outcomes equivalent to those obtained with AV replacement (1,2). Repairing the AV is associated with low mortality, acceptable durability, and a low risk of valve-related events such as endocarditis, hemorrhage and thromboembolism (3,4). In this paper, we review our 15 years’ experience in 475 patients, that has grown as a learning curve, and we detail some complications that have driven us to refine the surgical techniques. These complications can be divided into immediate unsatisfactory repair necessitating a second cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) run (n=26, 5.5%), short-term reoperations (during hospital stay) (n=7, 1.5%), and long-term reoperations (n=21, 4.4%) (4).
66C: TRANS-ORAL ROBOTIC RECONSTRUCTION OF OROPHARYNGEAL DEFECTS: A CASE SERIES

Background: Traditionally, access to oropharyngeal tumors is through a transmandibular approach, but such access can be very morbid. Chemoradiation has gained ground as primary treatment, but carries a high rate of dysphagia, dyshponia, chronic pain and xerostomia. Minimally invasive approaches provide the benefit of locoregional control without the morbidity of chemoradiation or a trans-mandibular approach. Minimally invasive resections create a reconstructive challenge because they often require free flaps for anatomic restoration and the inset requires suturing in a narrow, tight space with limited line of site. Trans-oral robotically assisted reconstruction is the logical solution.
A Comparison of 3D Collaborative Virtual Learning Environments: OpenSim vs. Second Life

This paper focuses on 3D Collaborative Virtual Learning Environments, examining the state of the art in both open source and proprietary software. Issues pertaining to the use of open source Collaborative Virtual Learning Environments are discussed, rationalizing the choice of executing a collaborative learning scenario in Second Life. The scenario is then presented and evaluation results assess the appropriateness of the chosen platform with regards to its technical and pedagogical affordances. Finally, students' suggestions and reactions towards such a novel didactical approach are discussed.
Lung-derived macrophage migration inhibitory factor in sepsis induces cardio-circulatory depression.

BACKGROUND Acute lung injury is common during sepsis. Whereas gaseous exchange often can be supported adequately, death results frequently from cardio-circulatory depression, the mechanisms of which remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether cardio-circulatory dysfunction during sepsis results from release of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) by the lung. METHODS Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Macrophage MIF was measured in the plasma sampled from the right ventricle (pre-lung) and left atrium (post-lung). RESULTS The concentration of macrophage MIF in each of the post-lung samples was higher than in the corresponding pre-lung sample at 6 h (p = 0.015; paired t-test), 20 h (p = 0.008), and 30 h (p = 0.026) after the induction of sepsis. Next, rats that underwent CLP were treated with either saline (control) or our specific MIF inhibitor, (S, R )-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dehydro-5-isoxazole acetic acid methyl ester (ISO-1). Echocardiography revealed that ISO-1 significantly improved the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (p = 0.02), stroke volume index (p = 0.01), and cardiac index (p = 0.02) at 30 h after the induction of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS The lung appears to release significant amounts of macrophage MIF into the systemic circulation during late sepsis. Inhibition of MIF in a clinically relevant time frame blocked polymicrobial peritonitis-induced cardio-circulatory dysfunction. Inhibition of MIF may be a useful strategy to prevent cardio-circulatory deterioration associated with late sepsis.
Maternal schooling and child health : preliminary analysis of the intervening mechanisms in rural Nepal

This article provides evidence from a community-level study in rural Nepal of the mechanisms by which schooling affects maternal behaviour and infant and child health. Two hypotheses concerning the mechanisms are identified and tested. It was found that schooling equips women with specific skills and dispositions or identity which significantly predict two principal domains of health-care behaviour: use of medical services; and changes in household health behaviour. It was also found that women with schooling had healthier children using height-for-age as an indicator of health.
Systematic literature searching in policy relevant, inter‐disciplinary reviews: an example from culture and sport

Within the systematic review process, the searching phase is critical to the final synthesis product, its use and value. Yet, relatively little is known about the utility of different search strategies for reviews of complex, inter‐disciplinary evidence. This article used a recently completed programme of work on cultural and sporting engagement to conduct an empirical evaluation of a comprehensive search strategy. Ten different types of search source were evaluated, according to three dimensions: (i) effectiveness in identifying relevant studies; (ii) efficiency in identifying studies; and (iii) adding value by locating studies that were not identified by any other sources. The study found that general bibliographic databases and specialist databases ranked the highest on all three dimensions. Overall, websites and journals were the next most valuable types of source. For reviewers, these findings highlight that general and specialist databases should remain a core component of the comprehensive search strategy, supplemented with other types of sources that can efficiently identify unique or grey literature. For policy makers and other research commissioners, this study highlights the value of methodological analysis for improving the understanding of, and practice in, policy relevant, inter‐disciplinary systematic reviews. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between tPTEF:tE and specific airway conductance in infancy

This study examines the association between the time taken to achieve peak tidal expiratory flow as a proportion of total expiratory time tPTEF:tE and specific airways conductance (SGaw) in healthy infants and those with prior physician diagnosed, associated, lower respiratory illness with wheezing (prior LRI) during the first year of life. We compared tPTEF:tE and (SGAW) the latter estimated during both initial inspiration (II) and end‐expiration (EE), in 168 infants (94 males), measured on 220 occasions. Mean (range) tPTEF:tE was 0.321 (0.150–0.522) in 73 healthy infants aged less than 3 months (mean, 7.8 weeks), in whom mean (range) EE(SGaw), and plethysmographic thoracic gas volume at functional residual capacity (FRCpleth) were 2.47 s−1 kPa−1 (0.6–5.8) and 141 mL (87–204), respectively. Both tPTEF:t E and EE(SGaw), were significantly lower in older infants with prior LRI (n = 79; mean age, 50.0 weeks) compared to a similarly aged group of healthy infants (n = 68; mean age, 48.5 weeks), the mean difference [95% confidence intervals (Cl)] being −0.039 (−0.013, −0.064) and −0.48 s−1 kPa−1 (−0.24, −0.72), respectively. A significant but weak association between tPTEF:t E, and EE(SGaw),was found among infants above 3 months of age, irrespective of prior wheezing status. However, this relationship was not significant in healthy younger infants, in whom a significant but weak association with FRCpleth was found. Further work is needed to elucidate the factors influencing tidal expiratory flow patterns in infancy.Pediatr Pulmonol. 1994;18:299–307 © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in preschool children: methodological issues

Bronchial responsiveness is difficult to assess reliably in young children due to the lack of techniques suited for testing of lung function in this age group. Spirometry and measurement of peak expiratory flow depend on the active cooperation of the subject and rarely produce reliable results in young children, and the techniques used for studying lung function in infants are not suited beyond infancy and usually require sedation. Methods suitable for routine testing of lung function in young children should not depend on the childs’ active cooperation or the use of sedatives. Furthermore, the practical execution of measurements should be readily accepted by the young child. Clearly, such demands limit the number of techniques which may be considered for the use in young children. Furthermore, the practical execution and interpretation of measurements of bronchial responsiveness in young children deserves particular attention. When performing bronchial challenge tests using non-specific bronchoconstrictor agents, such as histamine and methacholine, the method used for delivery of aerosol may be more critical than previously recognized. When inhaling a nebulized bronchoconstrictor by means of a facemask, infants will inhale undiluted aerosol. Beyond infancy the mass of inhaled bronchoconstrictor agent is largely independent of the size of the children (I), and consequently young children receive a larger dose relative to body size than do older children. With present procedures it is not possible to quantify the amount of inhaled aerosol nor to administer the aerosol according to the size of the child. This may question the appropriateness of comparing bronchial responsiveness in children of different age, and restricts the conclusions which may be drawn from longitudinal studies of
DOSE RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS FOR ACUTE IONIZING-RADIATION LETHALITY

Abstract— A review and analysis of the dose response relationship for the probability of acute lethality from prompt or short-term exposure to ionizing radiation is presented. The purpose of this analysis is to provide recommendations concerning estimates of casualties expected from radiation accidents, the use of nuclear weapons, or possible terrorist activities. Previous work on acute ionizing radiation-induced lethality risk together with a collection of dose response relationships are analyzed and presented based on historical case data and expert opinion that have evolved from whole-body radiation therapy experience, radiation exposure accidents, nuclear weapon detonations, and animal experimentation. The nature of the data reviewed ranges from direct individual events to those offered according to collective expert opinion and consensus published as journal articles and in various technical documents and reports. The dose response relationships are expressed as two-parameter (median exposure level and slope) probability distribution models as a function of radiation exposure in terms of a free-in-air dose. Twelve different dose response relationships are presented and discussed, including the impact of some medical care.
Text (Oral) Reading Fluency as a Construct in Reading Development: An Investigation of Its Mediating Role for Children From Grades 1 to 4

In the present study we investigated a developmentally changing role of text reading fluency in mediating the relations of word reading fluency and listening comprehension to reading comprehension. We addressed this question by using longitudinal data from Grades 1 to 4 and employing structural equation models. Results showed that the role of text reading fluency changes over time as children’s reading proficiency develops. In the beginning phase of reading development (Grade 1), text reading fluency was not independently related to reading comprehension over and above word reading fluency and listening comprehension. In Grades 2 to 4, however, text reading fluency completely mediated the relation between word reading fluency and reading comprehension, whereas it partially mediated the relation between listening comprehension and reading comprehension. These results suggest that text reading fluency is a dissociable construct that plays a developmentally changing role in reading acquisition.
Brand Name, Sales Promotion and Consumers’ Online Purchase Intention for Cell-phone Brands

Although “Internet” has become a wide channel for commercial transactions, yet most people have different concerns in trading through this media, especially within developing countries. This research seeks to examine the final impact of brand name and sales promotion, as two powerful marketing strategies, on consumers’ online purchase intention, considering perceived quality, perceived value and store image as possible mediating variables affecting the decision making of consumers. For this purpose, two cell-phone brands (a well-known vs. to a less-known brand) were studied among 248 professors, employees and students from University of Tabriz, in IRAN. The required data was gathered by questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS GRAPHICS soft-wares. The results indicate that online cell-phone stores in IRAN should respectively consider the importance of (1) strengthening their online store’s image, (2) managing advertisements and increasing public awareness toward their brand, (3) upgrading service quality and (4) providing effective promotions to attract consumers over time.
The ‘euthyroid sick syndrome’: incidence, risk factors and prognostic value soon after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Summary We studied the incidence of thyroid function abnormalities observed soon after allogeneic bone marrow transplantations (BMT) and their predictive value on the overall prognosis. Free serum thyroxine, free serum triiodothyronine, total serum reverse triiodothyronine and serum thyrotropin levels were systematically measured in 78 patients before and 3 months after BMT. 41 (52%) had normal hormone levels and 37 (48%) had abnormal ones, among whom four (5%) had peripheral compensated hypothyroidism and 33 (43%) were described as having ‘euthyroid sick syndrome’ (low thyroxine state, or low T3 syndrome). Two factors strongly influenced the appearance of thyroid abnormalities: steroid dose at the time of thyroid function testing, and age (≤16 years/>16 years). Among the younger patients, 21 had no thyroid abnormalities, while five did. Among the older patients. 20 had no thyroid abnormalities, while 32 did (P<0.001). The occurrence of thyroid abnormalities seemed to influence survival strongly, since the 30‐month projected survival time was 83% for patients without abnormalities whereas it was 49% for patients with an abnormal profile (P < 0.001). In conclusion, evidence obtained among our population reveals that euthyroid sick syndrome indicates a poor prognosis and that it is very important to monitor thyroid hormone levels (particnlady free hormones) soon after allogeneic BMT and regularly thereafter.
Potential Barriers to Diabetes Care

To examine a potential reason why physicians sometimes fail to adhere to standards of care with which they are in agreement, 103 consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus were interviewed immediately after their doctor's appointment in a general medicine clinic of a city/county hospital. The mean age of the patients was 57 yr and the average duration of diabetes was 9 yr. Sixty percent of these patients had their feet examined. A major factor in determining the physicians' behavior was whether the nurse or aide had the patient remove his shoes and socks before being seen by the physician. Physicians were more than three times as likely to perform foot examinations when patients were presented barefoot than when presented wearing shoes and socks. Rarely in medical and continuing medical education do we consider how clinic routines can influence physicians' behavior in the management of diabetes.
Long‐term synthesis rates of skeletal muscle DNA and protein are higher during aerobic training in older humans than in sedentary young subjects but are not altered by protein supplementation

Consuming protein following exercise has been shown to stimulate protein synthesis acutely in skeletal muscle and has been recommended to prevent sarcopenia. It is not known, however, whether acute stimulation persists long term or includes muscle cell division. We asked here whether consuming protein following exercise during aerobic training increases long‐term protein and DNA synthesis rates in skeletal muscle of adult humans. Sixteen previously untrained participants (50 ± 8 yr) consumed either a carbohydrate or carbohydrate and protein drink following each session during 6 wk of treadmill training. A younger untrained group provided a nonexercising comparison. Participants were administered heavy water (2H2O; deuterium oxide) continuously for 6 wk to isotopically label newly synthesized skeletal muscle proteins and DNA. Muscle biopsies were performed after 6 wk of training. Contrary to acute studies, consuming protein after exercise did not increase skeletal muscle protein synthesis rates. In contrast, muscle protein synthesis, DNA, and phospholipid synthesis were significantly higher in the older exercise groups than the younger sedentary group. The higher DNA replication rate could not be attributed to mitochondrial DNA and may be due to satellite cell activation. We conclude that postexercise protein supplementation does not increase rates of mixed protein synthesis over 6 wk and that aerobic exercise may stimulate long‐term cell division (DNA synthesis) in skeletal muscle of humans. Measurements of long‐term synthesis rates provide important insights into aging and exercise adaptations. —Robinson, M. M. , Turner, S. M. , Hellerstein, M. K. , Hamilton, K. L. , Miller, B. F. Long‐term synthesis rates of skeletal muscle DNA and protein are higher during aerobic training in older humans than in sedentary young subjects but are not altered by protein supplementation. FASEB J. 25, 3240‐3249 (2011). www.fasebj. org
Propofol for electroconvulsive therapy

Twenty patients who received electroconvulsive therapy were anaesthetised with either propofol or methohexitone in a randomised crossover study. Recovery times were similar but patients who received propofol tended to be arientated sooner. The decrease in arterial blood pressure after induction was greater with propofol than with methohexitone. There was an increase in blood pressure immediately after therapy in patients who received methohexitone but not in those given propofol. There was a slight difference in pain on injection. The mean duration of convulsion (measured in 10 patients) during anaesthesia was shorter with propofol than with methohexitone.
Voice quality and variation: a pilot study of the Liverpool accent

Voice Quality is a concept which is quite difficult to define. This study proposes a description and a definition of it according to John Laver’s model. Moreover, very few studies focused on the variation of voice quality according to accents. This pilot study aims at describing the voice quality of the accent of Liverpool thanks to a perceptual analysis called the Vocal Profile Analysis scheme. The results show that the VPA scheme is a useful tool in order to determine some features of the voice quality of the Liverpool accent. Finally, to our knowledge, there is no study that compares voice quality across several accents of the British Isles. This is why, this study is part of a larger project that will try and identify the voice quality features of some British accents using the VPA scheme.