Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of perpendicular versus parallel double plating methods for type C distal humeral fractures

Background Double plate osteosynthesis is the standard treatment for intra‐articular fractures of the distal humerus. However, there is still controversy concerning dual plate positions in terms of providing optimal stability. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes in patients with type C intra‐articular distal humeral fractures using perpendicular and parallel plating methods. Methods Between March 2008 and June 2011, a total of 45 patients with type C distal humerus fractures were treated using two different dual plating methods. Of them, 24 patients were treated by perpendicular plating (group I) and 21 patients were treated by parallel plating (group II). The surgical time, blood loss, and union time were compared between the two groups. The flexion‐extension arc, the total range of flexion and extension at the end of follow‐up were compared between the two groups. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was used to determine the elbow functional results. Results All patients were followed up. The mean duration of follow‐up was 16 months (range 12‐25 months) in group I and 15.5 months in group II (range 12‐25 months). There were no significant differences in the surgical time, blood loss, and the bone union time between the two groups. In group I, the mean elbow flexion‐extension arc was 101° and the mean MEPS was 85 points. The rate of excellent and good results was 87.5%. In group II, the mean flexion‐extension arc was 100° and the mean MEPS was 86.1 points. The rate of excellent and good results was 90.5%. There were no significant differences in the MEPS, flexion‐extension arc, and the total range of flexion and extension between the two groups. Conclusions Perpendicular and parallel plate configurations with the appropriate surgical techniques can provide anatomical reconstruction and stable fixation of type C intra‐articular distal humeral fractures and allow early mobilization of the elbow after an operation. The occurrence of post‐operative elbow stiffness can be reduced and good outcomes can be obtained.
The Association of Urine Arsenic with Prevalent and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease: Evidence from the Strong Heart Study

Background: Few studies have evaluated associations between low to moderate arsenic levels and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective was to evaluate the associations of inorganic arsenic exposure with prevalent and incident CKD in American Indian adults. Methods: We evaluated the associations of inorganic arsenic exposure with CKD in American Indians who participated in the Strong Heart Study in 3,851 adults ages 45–74 years in a cross-sectional analysis, and 3,119 adults with follow-up data in a prospective analysis. Inorganic arsenic, monomethylarsonate, and dimethylarsinate were measured in urine at baseline. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate ⩽ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, kidney transplant or dialysis. Results: CKD prevalence was 10.3%. The median (IQR) concentration of inorganic plus methylated arsenic species (total arsenic) in urine was 9.7 (5.8, 15.7) &mgr;g/L. The adjusted odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval) of prevalent CKD for an interquartile range in total arsenic was 0.7 (0.6, 0.8), mostly due to an inverse association with inorganic arsenic (OR: 0.4 [0.3, 0.4]). Monomethylarsonate and dimethylarsinate were positively associated with prevalent CKD after adjustment for inorganic arsenic (OR: 3.8 and 1.8). The adjusted hazard ratio of incident CKD for an IQR in sum of inorganic and methylated arsenic was 1.2 (1.03, 1.41). The corresponding HRs for inorganic arsenic, monomethylarsonate, and dimethylarsinate were 1.0 (0.9, 1.2), 1.2 (1.00, 1.3), and 1.2 (1.0, 1.4). Conclusions: The inverse association of urine inorganic arsenic with prevalent CKD suggests that kidney disease affects excretion of inorganic arsenic. Arsenic species were positively associated with incident CKD. Studies with repeated measures are needed to further characterize the relation between arsenic and kidney disease development.
I. Extra Early Physical Contact and Aspects of the Early Mother‐Infant Relationship

ABSTRACT. We tested the hypothesis that extra early physical contact between mother and infant enhances aspects of their early relationship. Healthy, middle‐class mothers and their healthy, firstborn, singleton infants delivered vaginally at full‐term were randomly assigned to receive either regular contact (RC; N=39) or extra early physical contact (EC; N=39) following delivery. RC infants remained in cribs beside their mothers’beds, while EC infants and mothers had a mean of 46 min of physical contact in the recovery room.
Visualization of the cytoskeleton within the secondary vascular system of hardwood species

A single fixation technique has been devised to demonstrate localization of α‐tubulin (for microtubules) and F‐actin (for microfilaments) within the secondary vascular system of hardwood trees by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using butyl‐methylmethacrylate‐embedded material. Application of this technique to problems of cytomorphogenesis during secondary growth and its versatility are demonstrated with the hardwood species Aesculus hippocastanum L. , Salix viminalis L. , S. burjatica Nazarov × S. viminalis L. , Hedera helix L. , Acer platanoides L. , Platanus sp. , Quercus ilex L. and Liriodendron tulipifera L. , and in the softwood Pinus pinea L. The methods employed have considerable scope for advancing knowledge of the role of the cytoskeleton in differentiation within the secondary vascular system of woody species.
Hospital volume and other risk factors for in-hospital mortality among diverticulitis patients: A nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have found that a higher volume of colorectal surgery was associated with lower mortality rates. While diverticulitis is an increasingly common condition, the effect of hospital volume on outcomes among diverticulitis patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between hospital volume and other factors on in-hospital mortality among patients admitted for diverticulitis. METHODS Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (years 1993 to 2008) were analyzed to identify 822,865 patients representing 4,108,726 admissions for diverticulitis. Hospitals were divided into quartiles based on the volume of diverticulitis cases admitted over the study period, adjusted for years contributed to the dataset. Mortality according to hospital volume was modelled using logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidities, health care insurance, admission type, calendar year, colectomy, disease severity and clustering. Risk estimates were expressed as adjusted ORs with 95% CIs. RESULTS Patients at high-volume hospitals were more likely to be admitted emergently, undergo surgical treatment and have more severe disease. In-hospital mortality was higher among the lowest quartile of hospital volume compared with the highest volume (OR 1.13 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.21]). In-hospital mortality was increased among patients admitted emergently (OR 2.58 [95% CI 2.40 to 2.78]) as well as those receiving surgical treatment (OR 3.60 [95% CI 3.42 to 3.78]). CONCLUSIONS Diverticulitis patients admitted to hospitals with a low volume of diverticulitis cases had an increased risk for death compared with those admitted to high-volume centres.
A Simple yet Efficient Function Optimizer

A new function optimization algorithm inspired by water flowing to the lowest point was proposed. We call it water flow optimization (WFO). No matter wherever the global lowest point locates could water find it if only enough water was poured into. We propose WFO by imitating the process of water flowing to the global lowest point. In this new algorithm, a population of parameter vector standing for a solution to the function optimization problem move to an attractive center which is continuously transferring. Verified by function optimization experiments, it is an efficient optimization algorithm. With an apt mutation probability, the WFO algorithm could efficiently avoid getting trapped by local optima, and it could find global optimum quickly and accurately as well. In addition, the algorithm has only two parameters: the population size and the mutation probability.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: exercise performance related to immune dysfunction.

PURPOSE To date, the exact cause of abnormal exercise response in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains to be revealed, but evidence addressing intracellular immune deregulation in CFS is growing. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the interactions between several intracellular immune variables and exercise performance in CFS patients. METHODS After venous blood sampling, subjects (16 CFS patients) performed a maximal exercise stress test on a bicycle ergometer with continuous monitoring of cardiorespiratory variables. The following immune variables were assessed: the ratio of 37 kDa Ribonuclease (RNase) L to the 83 kDa native RNase L (using a radiolabeled ligand/receptor assay), RNase L enzymatic activity (enzymatic assay), protein kinase R activity assay (comparison Western blot), elastase activity (enzymatic-colorimetric assay), the percent of monocytes, and nitric oxide determination (for monocytes and lymphocytes; flow cytometry, live cell assay). RESULTS Forward stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed 1) that elastase activity was the only factor related to the reduction in oxygen uptake at a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of 1.0 (regression model: R = 0.53, F (1,14) = 15.5, P < 0.002; elastase activity P < 0.002); 2) that the protein kinase R activity was the principle factor related to the reduction in workload at RER = 1.0; and 3) that elastase activity was the principle factor related to the reduction in percent of target heart rate achieved. CONCLUSION These data provide evidence for an association between intracellular immune deregulation and exercise performance in patients with CFS. To establish a causal relationship, further study of these interactions using a prospective longitudinal design is required.
Social Networks Are Associated With Lower Mortality Rates Among Women With Suspected Coronary Disease: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-Sponsored Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation Study

Objective: To examine the association between social relationships measured by the Social Network Scale and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk and mortality among a sample of women with suspected CAD. Methods: Five hundred three women (mean age, 59 years) with suspected CAD warranting clinical investigation completed a diagnostic protocol including psychosocial testing, CAD risk factor assessment, and quantitative coronary angiography. Patients were subsequently followed for a mean of 2.3 years to track all-cause mortality. Results: Women reporting higher social network scores showed a consistent pattern of reduced coronary artery disease risk, including lower blood glucose levels (r = −0.11; p = .03), lower smoking rates (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71–0.93; p = .002), lower waist-hip ratios (r = −0.18; p < .01), and lower rates of hypertension (OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.81–0.99; p = .04) and diabetes (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.73–0.94; p = .004). Based on quantitative angiogram findings, high social network scorers also had less severe CAD (mean angiogram stenosis value, 40.8 vs. 27.2 for low and high scoring social network groups, respectively; p < .001). Finally, mortality rates over follow-up showed a dose-response pattern in relation to quartile scorers on the Social Network Index, with low scorers showing more than twice the death rate of high scorers (relative risk = 2.4; p = .03). Conclusions: Among a cohort of women with suspected CAD, smaller social circles were associated with increased CAD risk factors and mortality, an effect that appeared to be explained largely by income level. The findings extend previous studies of social network effects on health by highlighting risk among women with suspected CAD, and suggest mechanisms for further study. CAD = coronary artery disease; WISE = Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation; SES = socioeconomic status; SNI = Social Network Index; CI = confidence interval; RR = relative risk.
Deficiency of vitamin B 12 among Jordanian people with psychological and biological activity

This study was conducted to evaluate vitamin B12 level among Jordanians healthy people and its effects on psychological parameters. One hundred and eighty six subjects were recruited in the study. The subjects were chosen to be healthy, aged between 16 to 71 years. Participants were asked to fill a detailed questionnaire that covered medical data then they were divided into three age groups. Serum vitamin B12 levels were done for all volunteers. Results showed the mean values of B12 concentrations in males and females. There were lower mean B12 concentration in females (264.02 pmol/L) than males (281.56 pmol/L) and a total mean concentration was 265.79 pmol/L that is near the cutoff value which was 258 pmol/liter. The mean value of the B12 distributed in different age ranges for the mean concentration of the 16 to 25 years group was 249.03 pmol/L significantly lower than the other group. There were highly significant difference between the groups in terms of low sexual activity, Memory loss, Loss of appetite and depression and deficiency of vitamin B12.
MDMA in humans: factors which affect the neuropsychobiological profiles of recreational ecstasy users, the integrative role of bioenergetic stress

Many recreational ecstasy/MDMA users display neuropsychobiological de.cits, whereas others remain problem free. This review will investigate some of the drug and non-drug factors which in.uence the occurrence of these de.cits. Acute and chronic MDMA usage are both important. Intensive use within a session is often associated with more problems. In term of lifetime usage, novice users generally remain unimpaired, whereas most heavy users report memory or other psychobiological problems which they attribute to ecstasy. These complaints are con.rmed by objective de.cits in working memory, attention, frontal-executive, and episodic memory tasks. Psychobiological de.cits include disturbed sleep, sexual dysfunction, reduced immuno-competence, and increased oxidative stress. Further MDMA-related factors which may contribute to these changes, include acute and chronic tolerance, and drug dependence. Around 90ñ95% of ecstasy/MDMA users also take cannabis, and this can independently contribute to the adverse neuropsychobiological pro.les; although in some situations the acute co-use of these two drugs may be interactive rather than additive, since cannabis has relaxant and hypothermic properties. Alcohol, nicotine, amphetamine, and other drugs, can also affect the psychobiological pro.les of ecstasy polydrug users in complex ways. Pure MDMA users are rare but they have been shown to display signi.cant neurocognitive de.cits. Psychiatric aspects are debated in the context of the diathesisstress model. Here the stressor of ecstasy polydrug drug use, interacts with various predisposition factors (genetic, neurochemical, personality), to determine the psychiatric outcome. Recreational MDMA is typically taken in hot and crowded dances/raves. Prolonged dancing, feeling hot, and raised body temperature, can also be associated with more psychobiological problems. This is consistent with the animal literature, where high ambient temperature and other metabolic stimulants boost the acute effects of MDMA, and cause greater serotonergic neurotoxicity. In conclusion, the neuropsychobiological effects of MDMA are modulated by a wide range of drug and non-drug factors. These multiple in.uences are integrated within a bioenergetic stress model, where factors which heighten acute metabolic distress lead to more neuropsychobiological problems.
Evaluation of platelet storage lesions in platelet concentrates stored for seven days.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Platelet storage lesions (PSL) are detrimental to the post transfusion functional capacity of platelets. As EDTA enhances the storage-induced changes, changes in platelet indices with and without EDTA incubation are promising new tests to monitor the PSL. The present study was undertaken to monitor the PSL in 40 units of pooled platelet concentrates harvested by platelet rich plasma (PRP) method and stored for seven days in second generation platelet storage containers using conventional in vitro tests and platelet indices. METHODS Morphological changes in platelets were monitored by automated haematological cell counter for platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV). Samples were incubated with K2EDTA for 1 h and platelet indices were repeated on the EDTA incubated samples. Difference between pre-and post-EDTA incubation of platelet count (dPLT) and MPV (dMPV) were calculated. Metabolic parameters such as pH, pO2, pCO2 and ATP were measured. RESULTS There was no significant change in the indices without EDTA during storage, however, after EDTA incubation, significant changes were noted in dPLT and dMPV. The mean dPLT on day 0 was 75.15 x 10(3)/microl decreasing to 44.4 x 10(3)/microl on day 7, while dMPV from 0.76 fl on day 0 increased to 1.34 fl on day 7 (P < 0.05). Metabolic parameters showed a significant decrease in pH and pCO2 concurrent with increasing pO2 during storage (P < 0.05). Average ATP level on day 0 was 21.09 micromol/dl falling to 10.59 micromol/dl on day 7. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION The results indicate that storage induced lesions take place even in second generation platelet storage containers under recommended conditions of storage. Platelet indices especially after EDTA incubation are useful in monitoring PSL. However, how much these changes contribute to poor post transfusion survival and haemostatic function of platelets need to be investigated.
Resident Knowledge and Willingness to Engage in Waste Management in Delhi, India

Delhi generates about 8360 tons of municipal solid waste per day, and there is low compliance to rules regarding waste management. The objective of this paper was to understand the situation in Delhi with respect to the segregation, storage, collection, and disposal of household waste, and to assess the knowledge of the residents of Delhi, and their willingness to engage in solid-waste management. A stratified random sample, comprising 3047 respondents, was chosen for a questionnaire survey, covering all municipalities of Delhi, with socio-economic classification as the stratifying variable. Survey results indicate that 60% of residents do not know the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, and only 2% of them segregate waste. Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported that the waste collector mixes the segregated waste, 97% of respondents reported that they sold items to an itinerant waste buyer, and 87% of households are covered by doorstep waste collection services. Abstract knowledge (general knowledge about waste management) is seen to have a significant correlation with willingness to engage in waste management. Differences between the socio-economic groups indicate that the highest (most educated and wealthy), as well as the lowest socio-economic category (least educated and poor), older age-groups, and women, have greater abstract knowledge. Socio-economic categories having higher abstract knowledge can be active participants in decentralized models of waste management.
The Effects of Minidose Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparin on Peritonitis in the Rat

Intraperitoneal bacteria, ischemic tissue, and the inflammatory response have all been implicated in the development of intra-abdominal adhesions and abscess formation. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a peritonitis challenge induced by fecal contamination of the peritoneum in conjunction with necrotic ileal tissue in an attempt to further elucidate the role of these stimuli and to evaluate the potential protective effect of regular heparin and of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) Lovenox. Rats treated with a subcutaneous minidose heparin and LMWH Lovenox showed a significant decrease in adhesion and abscess formation when compared with the nontreatment control rats. There was no statistical difference between the two treatment groups. These findings confirm the efficacy of minidose heparin in reducing both the grade and incidence of adhesion and abscess formation and suggest a similar role for LMWH Lovenox. No conclusions could be reached on the effect of heparin or LMWH Lovenox on survival time due to the high survival rate noted in the nontreatment control rats, despite severe peritonitis.
Amplification of c‐erbB2 oncogene

Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor type II receptor HER‐2/neu has been associated with resistance to chemotherapy and poor survival in several human tumors. In the current study, the authors have determined the frequency and clinical significance of HER‐2/neu gene amplification in uterine serous papillary endometrial carcinoma (USPC), a highly aggressive variant of endometrial carcinoma.
Is the Treatment of Keloid Scars Still a Challenge in 2006?

Background:Several options are described to treat keloid scars, none of them being 100% successful. Radiotherapy is suggested to have the most significant effect on recurrence rate. Objectives:The aim of the study is to confirm the effectiveness of iridium brachytherapy combined with surgery and to evaluate patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods:We retrospectively enrolled 24 patients with 30 keloids, treated by surgical excision and iridium 192 high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Results:We observed a significant difference in scar thickness before and after the treatment (P < 0.001). With regard to patient satisfaction and complaints, 79.1% of them had no pain and irritation after treatment, 79.2% of patients would recommend this treatment to other patients, and 87.5% would undergo this treatment again if necessary. Conclusions:Our results confirm the effectiveness of surgical keloid excision followed by HDR brachytherapy in primary treatment or if other alternative methods have failed.
Gender double standards in young people attending sexual health services in Northern Thailand

Concern about the sexual and reproductive health of young people has been mounting recently in Thailand. Unequal gender relations have a considerable influence on the lives of young people, especially young women, yet few studies have explored the ways in which they have impacted on provision of sexual health care. Drawing upon data from a qualitative study in Northern Thailand, this paper explores the views and experiences of young people in seeking health care, highlighting the kinds of gender double standards and power imbalances that may pose obstacles to their use of sexual and reproductive health services. Findings reveal the vulnerability of sexually active young women in seeking support and care from partners, parents, and service providers. Those who experience adverse outcomes of sexual activity, such as unwanted pregnancy or infection, report facing indifference, victim blaming, or the threat of abandonment by their partners. Because of their fear of disclosure to their parents and communities, of their sexual activity, they opt for clandestine and unsafe abortion and seek the counsel of peers and drugstores rather than parents and providers. At the service provider level, young women report facing threatening and judgemental attitudes, indifferent counselling, and possible violation of confidentiality. This is in marked contrast to the treatment of young men, who generally meet with a more sympathetic and accepting response.