Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The challenge of detecting minimal hearing loss in audiometric surveys.

PURPOSE This tutorial provides framework and context for understanding the complex interaction of hearing measurement methodology and cohort social factors, as well as their relation to approaches to data interpretation and identification of minimal hearing loss (HL) in audiometric surveys. METHOD Pertinent archival studies were reviewed, and an original analysis on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) audiometric survey data from children (ages 6-19) was performed. CONCLUSION The definition of an otologically normal individual, the pass-fail criterion representing the upper limit of the range of normal hearing, and the quality of the audiometry affect the percentage of persons who are falsely identified as having a minimal HL. An upper limit of normal hearing of 15 dB HL yields an unacceptably high false-positive rate, particularly when the more variable higher audiometric frequencies are examined. When air-conduction thresholds are assessed in isolation to estimate potential noise damage, the failure to exclude persons who have possible middle and external ear problems, including earwax, results in high false-positive rates. When these factors and other limitations are considered, audiograms from teens from a recent CDC survey do not show evidence consistent with widespread noise-induced HL. Suggestions are made to improve the effectiveness of pure-tone audiometry and the identification of minimal HL.
Soil-Landscape Estimation and Evaluation Program (SLEEP) to predict spatial distribution of soil attributes for environmental modeling.

The spatial distribution of surface and subsurface soil attributes is an important input to environmental modeling. Soil attributes represent an important input to the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), which influence the accuracy of the modeling outputs. An ArcGIS-based tool was developed to predict soil attributes and provide inputs to SWAT. The essential inputs are digital elevation model and field observations. Legacy soil data/maps can be used to derive observations when recent field surveys are not available. Additional layers, such as satellite images and auxiliary data, improve the prediction accuracy. The model contains a series of steps (menus) to facilitate iterative analysis. The steps are summarized in deriving many terrain attributes to characterize each pixel based on local attributes as well as the characteristics of the contributing area. The model then subdivides the entire watershed into smaller facets (subdivisions of subwatersheds) and classifies these into groups. A linear regression model to predict soil attributes from terrain attributes and auxiliary data are established for each class and implemented to predict soil attributes for each pixel within the class and then merged for the entire watershed or study area. SLEEP (Soil–Landscape Estimation and Evaluation Program) utilizes Pedo-transfer functions to provide the spatial distribution of the necessary unmapped soil data needed for SWAT prediction. An application of the tool demonstrated acceptable accuracy and better spatial distribution of soil attributes compared with two spatial interpolation techniques. The analysis indicated low sensitivity of SWAT prediction to the number of field observations when SLEEP is used to provide the soil layer. This demonstrates the potential of SLEEP to support SWAT modeling where soil data is scarce. Keywords: GIS, remote sensing, terrain analyses, watershed, SWAT, inverse distance weighted, Kriging DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe. 20150803.1270 Online first on [2015-03-17] Citation: Ziadat F M, Dhanesh Y, Shoemate D, Srinivasan R, Narasimhan B, Tech J. Soil-Landscape Estimation and Evaluation Program (SLEEP) to predict spatial distribution of soil attributes for environmental modeling. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2015; 8(3): 158－172.
Myths and Facts about Vitiligo: An Epidemiological Study

Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder associated with many disease conditions that necessitates multiple drug regimens, which make the treatment complicated. This stigmatic disease forces the patient to approach all system of medicines as well as alternative medicines of non proven value, which further worsens the situation. At the same time the nonadherence to the treatment reflects poor prognosis, which is misunderstood for lack of response resulting in poor faith to the medications. The aim of this work was to assess the patient compliance and the factors affecting, and to monitor the adverse effects as well as drug interactions. The study was carried out in the Institute of Applied Dermatology for a period of one year. Patient compliance was assessed using Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and found that 71% of the patients were low adherent to medications. Family support, faith in doctor, higher educational status and effectiveness of the treatment were some of the reasons for medication adherence whereas forgetfulness, feasibility, occupational problem, polypharmacy, longer duration of treatment and the feeling that the disease under is control were some of the reasons listed for nonadherence. Three adverse reactions were reported with narrow band ultraviolet B and topical tacrolimus therapy and they were categorized into possible and probable according to causality assessment by Naranjo scale. Five drug interactions were reported and the causality assessment was done using drug interaction probability scale. None of the reactions were serious or life threatening. The present study revealed the hurdles in providing safe and effective treatment to the patients and also it suggest the need of doing more research on this disease since there is a general belief that vitiligo is an incurable disease.
Doing More with Less: Civic Practices for Longer-Term Impact in Global Service-Learning.

This essay explores the potential value of short-term study abroad experiences within the unique framework of a new global service-learning program at Providence College which connects international with local engagement as a way to “do more with less. ” Authors first introduce a typology for global service-learning, illustrating how this model fits within current approaches to international service-learning. They then describe a case study, Voices Across Borders, the global service-learning program which provides opportunities for students to engage with rural Nicaraguan and urban Providence youth through projects that harness the power of storytelling to make connections across borders. Based on the lessons from this effort, the essay offers a set of civic practices that can support the longer-term impact of short-term global service-learning, including i) fostering storytelling across borders; ii) cultivating students as partners; iii) developing reciprocal community partnerships; and iv)creating public work, visual, auditory or performing public artifacts. After describing the challenges for short-term international engagement, the authors conclude that global service-learning initiatives might more appropriately be focused on collaborative learning, rather than service, as a way of thinking more comprehensively about the entire global “ecology of education” which links learning at the international and local levels.
Personal and family attributes of pregnant teenagers: findings from a community-based study in Sri Lanka

Abstract Background: Teenage pregnancies are associated with negative outcomes. Prevention requires understanding them and their families. Objectives: This study aimed to describe personal and family attributes of pregnant teenagers in Sri Lanka. Methods: This was a community-based study in Sri Lanka among 510 pregnant teenagers. Results: Half (50%) of the subjects were 19 years of age at the time of pregnancy. A majority (79.8%) had studied up to grades 6–11. Confidence in decision-making (80.7%) and in refusing unnecessary requests (88.3%) was “excellent” in a majority. Mean age of marriage/co-habiting was 17.6 years. For 31%, marriage/cohabiting was a sudden decision taken jointly with their partner (81.6%) and 83% reported being “legally” married. Substantial proportions of mothers (17.6%) and fathers (13.9%) had not attended school, and 33.1% mothers had worked abroad. Teenagers reported the death of a parent (14.1%), parental separation (10.9%) and being brought up by relatives (20%). Only a few rated strictness of rules/regulations (32.4%), freedom to discuss problems regarding puberty (25.5%), love affairs (12.7%) and sexuality (26.7%) as excellent/good. Of the spouses, 12.9% were <20 years, 71.9% had low education and 98.8% were employed. A majority had “planned” the pregnancy, and for 79.8%, the reason was “husband’s wish to have a baby”. Conclusions: Pregnant teenagers were mostly in their late teens, from poor families and with low formal education. Though teenagers showed confidence in decision-making, the decision to have a pregnancy had mostly been their spouses. Parents and spouses of the teenagers were also young, less educated and poor. There was evidence of poor parenting practices.
Removal of Patent Blue (V) Dye Using Indian Bael Shell Biochar: Characterization, Application and Kinetic Studies

The prospective utilization of bael shell (Aegle marmelos) as an agro-waste for the production of biochar was investigated along with its characterization and application for the abatement of hazardous aqueous Patent Blue (PB) dye solution. The sorptive removal of PB on bael shell biochar (BSB) was investigated under the following operational conditions: (pH, 2.7–10.4; biochar dosage, 2–12 g/L; and contact time, 0–60 min). The removal efficiency of PB by BSB in a batch adsorption experiment was 74% (pH 2.7 and 30 ± 5 °C). In addition, a clear relationship between the adsorption and pH of the solution was noticed and the proposed material recorded a maximum sorption capacity of 3.7 mg/g at a pH of 2.7. The adsorption of PB onto BSB was best explained by the pseudo-second order kinetic model (R2 = 0.972), thereby asserting the predominant role of chemisorption. The active role of multiple surface-active functionalities present on BSB during PB sorption was elucidated with the help of Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.968). Further, an adsorption mechanism was proposed by utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Acute His‐Bundle Injury Current during Permanent His‐Bundle Pacing Predicts Excellent Pacing Outcomes

His‐bundle (HB) pacing (P) is a physiological alternative to right ventricular pacing (RVP), but is technically challenging and limited by higher pacing thresholds. Myocardial injury current (IC) recorded during right ventricular lead placement implies good tissue contact and is associated with low‐pacing thresholds. IC at the HB has not been previously described. We hypothesized that HBIC during permanent HBP may be associated with lower pacing thresholds.
Expression of Serum Amyloid A in Human Ovarian Epithelial Tumors: Implication for a Role in Ovarian Tumorigenesis

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein which is expressed primarily in the liver as a part of the systemic response to various injuries and inflammatory stimuli; its expression in ovarian tumors has not been described. Here, we investigated the expression of SAA in human benign and malignant ovarian epithelial tumors. Non-radioactive in situ hybridization applied on ovarian paraffin tissue sections revealed mostly negative SAA mRNA expression in normal surface epithelium. Expression was increased gradually as epithelial cells progressed through benign and borderline adenomas to primary and metastatic adenocarcinomas. Similar expression pattern of the SAA protein was observed by immunohistochemical staining. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the overexpression of the SAA1 and SAA4 genes in ovarian carcinomas compared with normal ovarian tissues. In addition, strong expression of SAA mRNA and protein was found in the ovarian carcinoma cell line OVCAR-3. Finally, patients with ovarian carcinoma had high SAA serum levels, which strongly correlated with high levels of CA-125 and C-reactive protein. Enhanced expression of SAA in ovarian carcinomas may play a role in ovarian tumorigenesis and may have therapeutic application.
Prophylaxis of Iodinated Contrast Media-Induced Nephropathy: A Pharmacological Point of View

Iodinated contrast media are a frequent cause of acute renal failure, especially in patients whose renal function is already impaired. In addition to hydration, which remains the most commonly acknowledged means of protection, numerous pharmacological approaches for the prophylaxis of contrast nephropathy have been tested so far. They include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, adenosine receptor antagonists, N-acetylcysteine, low-dose dopamine and the dopamine D1 receptor agonist fenoldopam, endothelin receptor antagonists, and even captopril. The present review of the literature critically discusses the drugs used to prevent contrast nephropathy from a pharmacological point of view.
Increasing Incidence of Juvenile Thyrotoxicosis in Denmark: A Nationwide Study, 1998-2012

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine in a Danish nationwide study whether the incidence rate (IR) of thyrotoxicosis in children below 15 years of age has increased between 1998 and 2012 and to compare the results with previously published national data from 1982 to 1988. Furthermore, we intended to conduct a descriptive study of children diagnosed with Graves' disease (GD) between 2008 and 2012. Methods: Children diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis between 1998 and 2012 were identified through the Danish National Patient Registry. All medical records were reviewed to verify the diagnosis. Additional data were collected on children diagnosed with GD in 2008-2012. Results: In total, 237 patients with juvenile thyrotoxicosis (JT) were identified. The overall IR in 1998-2012 was 1.58/100,000 person-years and has increased significantly from 0.79/100,000 person-years in 1982-1988 (p < 0.001). The IR has continued to increase during the recent 15 years (1.31-1.83/100,000 person-years), with a 12.5% increase with each 5-year time period. The IR increased with age and female sex (p < 0.001). The descriptive study included 79 children with GD, presenting with a wide spectrum of clinical features. Remission occurred in 13.9%. Conclusion: The IR of JT has increased significantly since 1982-1988 and has continued to increase during the recent 15 years. The overall IR was 1.58/100,000 person-years during 1998-2012.
Signaling Effect of Shifts in Dividend Policy: Evidence from Indian Capital Markets

Abstract Empirical evidence suggests that a large number of studies support the signaling impact of dividends, but the results are more pronounced in developed markets as compared to emerging markets, where because of the weak form of market efficiency, signaling impact is not well-established. This study tests this hypothesis in Indian capital markets, in terms of signaling impact due to shifts in dividend policy. The study has defined the shift in dividend policy as an increase or a decrease of dividend by 20 percent from the previous dividend payout rate. Standard event study methodology was applied on 129 such events in the selected time period and these events were further classified according to market capitalization. Large-cap stocks displayed the presence of significant abnormal returns in the pre-event period, whereas the mid-cap stocks displayed the same in the post-event period. The results of the small-cap stocks mirrored that of large-cap stocks but they are the only ones in which cumulative average abnormal returns were found to be significantly displaying the lagged response toward the event. The decrease in dividend rate by 20 percent or more did not result in average abnormal returns in either pre-event or post-event window.
Prediction of clopidogrel low responders by a rapid CYP2C19 activity test.

AIM Clopidogrel, an essential drug for the prevention of stent thrombosis, is a prodrug activated by CYP enzyme family including CYP2C19. It is known that activity-defective polymorphisms of CYP2C19 (CYP2C19*2 and*3) are associated with reduced clopidogrel efficacy and poor prognosis. Recently, the (13)C-pantoprazole breath test is developed to evaluate the CYP2C19 activity. The aim of this study is to evaluated the efficiency of the CYP2C19 activity test as a predictor of antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. METHODS The CYP2C19 activity and the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel were evaluated in 27 healthy volunteers. Change of the carbon isotope ratios ((13)CO(2)/(12)CO(2)) in expiration gas between before and after (13)C-pantoprazole intake was evaluated as delta over baseline (DOB) ratio (‰). RESULTS DOB at 30 min was significantly lower in poor metabolizers (PMs) than extensive metabolizers (EMs) and intermediate metabolizers (IMs) (EM vs. PM, p=0.0108; IM vs. PM, p=0.016). The antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel was significantly different in three groups (inhibition of platelet aggregation: p=0.0148, P2Y12 reaction unit: p=0.0241). DOB at 30 min was correlated with the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel. A cut-off value of DOB at 30 min below 1.0‰ predicted PMs with 96% specificity and 100% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS The (13)C-pantoprazole breath test can detect CYP2C19 PMs and predict low responders to clopidogrel rapidly.
Ambulatory arterial stiffness index is unchanged in uncomplicated third‐trimester singleton and twin pregnancies

Objective. To document the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) during pregnancy compared to three months after delivery in singleton and twin pregnancies. Design. Descriptive study with a follow‐up design. Setting. University hospital in Eastern Finland. Population. 43 childbearing women; 32 with singleton and 11 with twin pregnancies. Methods. Ambulatory blood pressure measurements were conducted using a digital ambulatory blood pressure system. AASI was calculated as 1 minus the regression slope of diastolic on systolic blood pressures obtained from 24‐hour monitoring. Main Outcome Measures. Arterial stiffness measured by AASI. Results. In normotensive pregnant women, the 95th percentiles of AASI were 0.40 in singleton and 0.46 in twin pregnancies, respectively, implying arterial normality and high elasticity. There were no differences in AASI values between singleton and twin pregnancies and no changes were observed postpartum. After delivery, but not during pregnancy, AASI correlated negatively with nocturnal systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction (dipping) (r=−0.536, p=0.001; r=−0.674, p<0.001) and with maternal HDL (r=−0.363, p=0.038) and positively with maternal age (r=0.440, p=0.009), whereas maternal BMI had a significant impact on AASI both during and after pregnancy (r=0.366, p=0.016; r=0.377, p=0.028). Conclusions. Normal singleton or twin pregnancies had no detectable effects on AASI. However, pregnancy appeared to overcome the negative effects of low high‐density lipoproteins, unfavorable dipping status and advanced maternal age on arterial stiffness, but not the effect caused by maternal body mass index.
Necessity of Immobilizing the Metacarpophalangeal Joint in Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: Short-term Effect

Background: Conservative treatment for carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) may include orthotic fabrication to decrease pain. Different types of orthoses have been used as conservative interventions to improve symptoms, but there are no guidelines specifying if inclusion of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) in an orthosis is required in the treatment of thumb CMC joint OA. The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of 2 different thumb CMC joint orthotic designs on pain reduction and improved hand function: one design immobilizes both the MCP joint and the CMC joint and the other design immobilizes only the CMC joint. Methods: A total of 66 patients were included in the study. One group of 33 patients received a short thumb orthosis with the MCP joint excluded, and the other group of 33 patients received a short thumb orthosis with the MCP joint included. Outcomes measures included the visual analog scale for pain and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH; Spanish version) for function. Results: In both patient groups, the orthoses contributed to decreased pain levels and improved functional abilities (F1.0 = 315.467 and F1.0 = 72.419; both, P < .001). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding pain or improvement in daily activities (F1.0 = 0.553 and F1.0 = 2.539; both, P > .05). Conclusion: There are benefits of either thumb orthotic design on pain reduction and functional improvement even after 1 week of using the orthoses as the sole conservative treatment.
Managing musculoskeletal complaints with rehabilitation therapy: summary of the Philadelphia Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on musculoskeletal rehabilitation interventions.

OBJECTIVE The Philadelphia Panel recently formulated evidence-based guidelines for selected rehabilitation interventions in the management of low back, knee, neck, and shoulder pain. STUDY DESIGN The guidelines were developed with the use of a 5-step process: define the intervention, collect evidence, synthesize results, make recommendations based on the research, and grade the strength of the recommendations. POPULATION Outpatient adults with low back, knee, neck, or shoulder pain without vertebral disk involvement, scoliosis, cancer, or pulmonary, neurologic, cardiac, dermatologic, or psychiatric conditions were included in the review. OUTCOMES MEASURED To prepare the data, systematic reviews were performed for low back, knee, neck, and shoulder pain. Therapeutic exercise, massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, thermotherapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and combinations of these therapies were included in the literature search. Studies were identified and analyzed based on study type, clinical significance, and statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS The Philadelphia Panel guidelines recommend continued normal activity for acute, uncomplicated low back pain and therapeutic exercise for chronic, subacute, and postsurgical low back pain; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and exercise for knee osteoarthritis; proprioceptive and therapeutic exercise for chronic neck pain; and the use of therapeutic ultrasound in the treatment of calcific tendonitis of the shoulder.
Neurotropic Herpesviruses, Neural Mechanisms and Arteritis

Cumulative evidence suggests that varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) can infect walls of CNS arteries, causing stroke in man. We review observations relating infection with this neurotropic virus to the development of arteritis in the CNS and note evidence supporting the hypothesis that VZV spreads from ganglionic reactivation sites to the arterial wall by neural pathways. Problems relating to the pathogenesis of arteritis and experimental approaches to their solution are suggested.