Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body mass index, physical activity and dietary behaviours among adolescents in the Kingdom of Tonga

Abstract Objectives To compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents using international and ethnic-specific cut-off points and to examine patterns of physical activity and dietary behaviours. Design Cross-sectional analytical study. Setting Schools on Tongatapu, Vava'u and Hapa'ai islands in the Kingdom of Tonga. Subjects A total of 443 school students aged 11–16 years underwent anthropometric measures of height and weight and provided self-reported measures of physical activity and dietary behaviours. Results Mean body mass index (BMI) was higher among girls than boys (23.7 kg m− 2 vs. 21.8 kg m− 2) and tended to increase with age. A total of 36.0% of boys and 53.8% of girls were overweight or obese using the international cut-off points, whereas 25.0% of boys and 37.6% of girls were classified in this way using Polynesian-specific cut-off points. Tinned mutton or beef was the food that most participants (56.9%) reported eating once or more per day. Over half of the young people did not eat taro, fruit or vegetables at least once per day. Regular physical activity outside of school hours was reported by 20.7% of respondents, and 58.2% watched 1 h or more of television per day. Physical activity participation was the only behaviour independently associated with a lower risk of overweight or obesity. Conclusions Using Polynesian-specific cut-off points for overweight and obesity the prevalence of these conditions was still among the highest found in adolescents. The prevalence of physical inactivity and poor dietary habits indicate that risk factors for chronic disease are well established during adolescence in Tonga.
Procalcitonin as a Diagnostic Aid in Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis

Objectives: Plasma procalcitonin (PCT) increases rapidly during bacterial infections but remains low in viral infections and other inflammatory processes. High plasma PCT typically occurs in children with bacterial meningitis, severe bacterial infections, particularly in cases of septic shock or bacteremia, and in renal parenchymal damage. The aim of this study was to test the usefulness of plasma PCT analysis in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and other skeletal inflammatory diseases in pediatric patients admitted because of fever and limping. Methods: White blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and PCT levels were measured in children admitted to the pediatric department with fever, limping, and suspected osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. PCT levels were measured by an immunochromatography assay, based on monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against katacalcin. Results: Forty-four children were evaluated: 12 (27.3%) were diagnosed with osteomyelitis, 11 (25%) had septic arthritis, 5 children (11.4%) were diagnosed as a soft tissue infection, and transient synovitis or reactive arthritis was diagnosed in another 6 children (13.6%). Four children (9.1%) were diagnosed as having juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and 6 (13.6%) with different diseases. PCT value was elevated in 7 patients (58.3%) with osteomyelitis, and only 3 children (27.2%) with the diagnosis of septic arthritis had a mildly elevated value. Among the children with other diagnosis, there were no positive PCT values (P < 0.001 between skeletal infection and all other diagnosis). Conclusions: In this study, PCT was found to be a useful marker in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and not in septic arthritis. A larger group of patients needed to be studied to confirm our findings.
Comparison of anion removal capacities of Octolig® and Cuprilig

Mixtures of sodium salts of phosphate, arsenate, and fluoride were used in chromatography and batch experiments to compare the capacity of two immobilized ligands (IMLIGs) to remove these anions: Octolig® and its copper (II)-based metallolig, Cuprilig. The focus of this study was twofold. First, to find out which material, Octolig® or Cuprilig, would remove these anions most effectively; and secondly to determine the optimal capacity for removal of representative anions. Removal capacity was evaluated by two methods: by chromatography and by a batch method. The methods gave identical results, but the batch method was more convenient. Cuprilig had a lower capacity for removal of phosphate than Octolig®. The capability of Octolig® for removing anions was: phosphate > arsenate > fluoride >>>chloride >>>>bromide. Replication of phosphate removal was good for a given batch of Octolig®. Of three different samples of Octolig®, two seemed to be alike based on the phosphate- removal capacity; the third was different on the basis of a Student's t-test. This distinction indicates the batch procedure could serve as a quality control/assurance technique.
Hiv-1 Drug Resistance in Treatment-Naive, Chronically Infected Patients in Jamaica

Background HIV-1 drug resistance in treatment-naive patients has a significant impact on the individual patient as well as implications for the wider population. These effects are amplified in the context of resource-limited settings, which are rapidly expanding access to antiretroviral therapy. Methods This cross-sectional survey at a single treatment site in Kingston, Jamaica was designed to identify the prevalence of HIV-1 drug-resistant mutations in chronically infected, treatment-naive patients. Mutations were identified using the Stanford HIV database algorithm and the World Health Organization (WHO) HIV Drug Resistance (HIVDR) surveillance mutations. Results The inclusion of 103 cases in the study resulted in 79 (76.6%) amplifiable samples. Genotype analysis revealed that 12.6% (95% CI 5.3, 19.9) were identified as having clinically significant mutations, while 10.1% (95% CI 3.5, 16.7) had WHO HIVDR surveillance mutations. Conclusions According to the WHO standard, this study population has a moderate level of HIVDR in treatment-naive patients and strongly implies the need to introduce HIVDR surveillance in Jamaica.
Exploring and validating social identification and social exchange-based drivers of hospitality customer loyalty

PurposeDespite growing academic interest in social identification (e.g. customer brand identification) and social exchange (e.g. commitment/loyalty), little remains known regarding the theoretical interface of these concepts in hospitality sector. Building on this research gap, the purpose of this study is to develop and test a model that explores the effects of brand identification, satisfaction, commitment and trust on customer loyalty toward four and five-star hotels. The authors also explore the mediating role of commitment, satisfaction and trust in the association of brand identification and loyalty.Design/methodology/approachTo investigate the objectives of this study, the authors deployed a convenience sample of 345 consumers from four- and five-star hotels in the emerging markets context. Data analysis consisted of confirmatory factor analysis as well as structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that customer brand identification, trust, commitment and satisfaction exert a positive impact on loyalty. Brand identification also exerts a favorable impact on customer trust, commitment and satisfaction. Specifically, satisfaction was found to exert the largest effect on commitment, trust and loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings may have limited applicability in contexts other than four- and five-star hotels in the emerging market context. Theoretically, this study adds insight into the dynamics characterizing focal social identification and social exchange-based theoretical relationships as observed in the hospitality sector.Originality/valueThe authors adopt an under-explored hybrid social identity/social exchange theoretical perspective to identify the nature and strength of associations among a set of relational, social identity/exchange-based constructs and discuss their key implications for academicians and hospitality managers.
Large animal models of traumatic brain injury

Animal models are essential to gain a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rodent models of TBI have proven highly valuable with respect to the information they have provided over the years, particularly when it comes to the molecular understanding of injury mechanisms. However, there has been a failure to translate the successes in therapeutic treatment of TBI in rodents, which many believe may be related to their different brain anatomy compared with humans. Specifically, the rodent lissencephalic brain within its bony skull responds differently to injury than a human gyrencephalic brain, particularly from a biomechanical and physiological perspective. There is now far greater interest in developing more clinically relevant, large animal models of TBI so as to enhance the possibility of successful clinical translation. The current mini‐review highlights the differences between lissencephalic and gyrencephalic brains, emphasizing how these differences might impact studies of TBI. Thereafter follows a summary of the different large animal models, with a critical analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.
Seizure localization using ictal phase-locked high gamma

Objective: To determine whether resection of areas with evidence of intense, synchronized neural firing during seizures is an accurate indicator of postoperative outcome. Methods: Channels meeting phase-locked high gamma (PLHG) criteria were identified retrospectively from intracranial EEG recordings (102 seizures, 46 implantations, 45 patients). Extent of removal of both the seizure onset zone (SOZ) and PLHG was correlated with seizure outcome, classified as good (Engel class I or II, n = 32) or poor (Engel class III or IV, n = 13). Results: Patients with good outcomes had significantly greater proportions of both SOZ and the first 4 (early) PLHG sites resected. Improved outcome classification was noted with early PLHG, as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (PLHG 0.79, SOZ 0.68) and by odds ratios for resections including at least 75% of sites identified by each measure (PLHG 9.7 [95% CI: 2.3–41.5], SOZ 5.3 [95% CI: 1.2–23.3]). Among patients with resection of at least 75% of the SOZ, 78% (n = 30) had good outcomes, increasing to 91% when the resection also included at least 75% of early PLHG sites (n = 22). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the localizing value of early PLHG, which is comparable to that provided by the SOZ. Incorporation of PLHG into the clinical evaluation may improve surgical efficacy and help to focus resections on the most critical areas.
Screening for breast cancer among young Jordanian women: ambiguity and apprehension.

AIMS The goal of this study was to understand young Jordanian women's attitudes towards breast cancer screening practices in order to improve young women's uptake of screening and early detection. BACKGROUND The incidence of breast cancer is increasing annually among younger Jordanian women; however, little is known about their attitudes towards breast cancer and associated screening practices. Young women's attitudes towards breast cancer must be taken into account when designing screening strategies and interventions specifically for this age group. Screening strategies must also acknowledge young women's cultural context; however, little is known about how culture shapes their understandings and practices. METHODS A qualitative interpretive approach was utilized to interview 45 young educated women about their breast cancer views and screening practices. Data were analysed thematically. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION Four overlapping themes emerged: (i) young women should not think about it, (ii) absence of a role model, (iii) cultural shame of breast cancer, and (iv) cancer means death and disability. The study found high levels of apprehension and ambiguity related to breast cancer. This was associated with the perceived impact of a cancer diagnosis on a young woman's social status and family role. Family support was perceived to be a necessary prerequisite for seeking treatment or screening. CONCLUSIONS Understanding young women's perception about screening and early detection of breast cancer is essential for policy makers and healthcare providers to design culturally appropriate and age-appropriate health promotion campaigns and services.
Neuropsychological Studies of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Meta-Analytic Review of Research Since 1995

A meta-analysis conducted by Binder, Rohling and Larrabee (1997) established a relationship between mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and small reductions in cognitive functioning in individuals assessed more than 3 months post-injury. As a follow-up, this study summarized similar research that (1) was published since the previous meta-analysis, and (2) included data collected at any stage post-injury. An extensive literature search revealed 17 suitable studies from which effect sizes were aggregated. The overall effect size was g = 0.32, p < . 001. Speed of processing measures had the largest effect, g = 0.47, p < . 001. The merging of post-acute effect sizes with those reported in Binder et al.'s review yielded a nonsignificant result, g = 0.11. Time since injury was found to be a significant moderator variable, with effect sizes tending to zero with increasing time post injury. Thanks go to the authors of papers included in this analysis who willingly provided additional data and information to assist in the completion of this meta-analysis. This study was supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award provided to K. Frencham.
Cross-over effects of corporate reputation and store image: role of knowledge and involvement

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze how store loyalty forms corporate reputation and store image conditional on prior knowledge and involvement in retailing services. Design/methodology/approach A convenient sampling technique was employed, in which student interviewers approached customers as they exited the Carrefour stores with a skip interval of 3. The final survey sample comprised 220 respondents. Findings Empirical results confirm that corporate reputation influences store image and corporate reputation and store image affect store loyalty. In addition, shopper characteristics (i.e. involvement and knowledge) positively moderate the relationships between corporate reputation and store image and store loyalty. Originality/value This study goes beyond store loyalty to demonstrate that the cross-over effects between corporate reputation and store image and the moderators of prior knowledge and involvement significantly influence the relationships between corporate reputation and store image and store loyalty.
Antecedents of Consumer-Based Electronic Retail Brand Equity: An Integrated Model

The purpose of this study is to test and compare multiple conceptual models that examine the relationships among electronic retail (e-retail) service quality, trust, satisfaction, and consumer-based e-retail brand equity. A quantitative survey was conducted among Chinese online shoppers. The survey used established scales to measure constructs in the proposed models. Structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure was applied to test alternate models. The results confirmed that web design and customer service positively influence satisfaction, while fulfilment and security dimension of e-retail quality influence consumer trust. Both trust and satisfaction were found to be significant influencers of consumer-based e-retail brand equity. E-retailers can use this model to measure, monitor, and improve their consumer’s perceptions towards their brand. This study contributes to Muhammad Mohsin Butt et al. 70 the existing literature that deals with antecedents of online consumer-based retail brand equity. It adds value by proposing and testing multiple models of online consumer-based brand equity which is rare in e-brand equity research.
The "One Shot" Diode Laser Stapedotomy.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of diode laser stapedotomy, through the functional results analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 179 primary cases of otosclerosis that had been operated on with a diode laser technique from 2004 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative, 1 month postoperative, and late annual follow-up audiograms (up to 8 years) were obtained in all the cases. Mean preoperative and 1 month postoperative pure-tone average (500-1000-2000-4000 Hz) bone conduction thresholds (PTA-BCs), air conduction (AC) hearing outcomes for 8 kHz and mean postoperative air-bone gap (PTA-ABG) closure were analyzed. RESULTS The mean preoperative (pre) PTA-BC was 24.22 dB (±8.7 SD) whereas the mean postoperative (post) PTA-BC was 21.11 dB (±9.1 SD). The mean preoperative 8 kHz AC was 56.41 dB (±22.86 SD) and the postoperative 8 kHz AC was 52.56 dB (±24.35 SD). A statistically significant improvement of the PTA-BC post and of the postoperative 8 kHz AC was observed. The 1 month ABG closure within 10 dB in 89.02% of the patients and within 20 dB in 97.69% of the patients was obtained with statistically significant stability over long-term follow-up. No major complications occurred in the series. CONCLUSIONS The use of diode laser with high power and short time exposure as setup can be considered a safe, precise, and useful tool in stapes surgery.
Estimation of serial interval and incubation period of tuberculosis using DNA fingerprinting.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency distributions of serial interval and incubation period of tuberculosis within 4 years of transmission, and to identify correlates of serial intervals and incubation periods. METHODS DNA fingerprints were obtained for all isolates from all culture-positive patients notified in The Netherlands from 1993 to 1996. Patient information was obtained from the National Tuberculosis Register. Results from contact investigations were provided by public health services. Source cases and secondary cases of tuberculosis were identified, based on 1) identical DNA fingerprints, and 2) epidemiological confirmation of contact. Under-representation of long intervals were corrected for by weighting cases. RESULTS A total of 69 source-secondary case couples were identified. The geometric mean serial interval was 29.5 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.8-38.2 weeks) and the geometric mean incubation period 20.8 weeks (95% CI 15.5-27.8 weeks). Serial intervals and incubation periods tended to increase with age (P > 0.05). Three secondary cases with human immunodeficiency virus infection showed very short incubation periods (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Using a new methodology, the distribution of incubation periods of tuberculosis gave results consistent with earlier studies.
Results of prolonged medical treatment of obesity with diet alone, diet and thyroid preparations, and diet and amphetamine.

THIS study presents the results of the treatment of obesity under controlled conditions1 in the Nutrition Clinic of a large general hospital during an observation period of five and one half years. It includes 299 patients—27 men, 272 women. Moderate uncomplicated hypertension without evidence of heart failure was present in about 25 per cent of the group; other forms of cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes were excluded. Each patient remained under regular observation by the same physician at intervals of one to four weeks throughout the entire period of treatment. The patients were classified according to age, sex and degree of overweight before treatment was initiated. Class I represented those with an overweight of 1 to 20 per cent; class II, 21 to 40 per cent; class III, 41 to 60 per cent; class IV, 61 to 80 per cent; and class V, over 80 per cent. The majority of the patients were in classes II and III. Ideal weight was estimated by the usual standards of sex, age, height and weight from table.
Single-dose pharmacokinetics of delavirdine mesylate and didanosine in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Delavirdine is a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with in vitro activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) that is currently being evaluated in combination regimens with various nucleoside analogs, including didanosine. Due to the pH-dependent solubility of delavirdine, the buffering agents in didanosine formulations may reduce delavirdine absorption. To evaluate the potential interaction between these agents, 12 HIV-infected patients (mean [+/- standard deviation] CD4+ cell count, 304 +/- 213/mm3) were enrolled in a three-way crossover single-dose study. Didanosine (125 to 200 mg given as buffered tablets) and delavirdine mesylate (400 mg) pharmacokinetics were evaluated when each drug was given alone (treatments A and B, respectively), when the two drugs were given concurrently (treatment C), and when didanosine was given 1 h after delavirdine (treatment D). Delavirdine exposure was reduced by concurrent administration of didanosine. The maximum drug concentration in serum (Cmax) was reduced from 7.22 +/- 4.0 to 3.51 +/- 1.9 microM, and the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC0-->infinity) was reduced from 22.5 +/- 14 to 14 +/- 5.7 microM.h. The extent of N-dealkylation, as indicated by the ratio of the N-dealkylated delavirdine AUC0-->infinity to the delavirdine AUC0-->infinity, was unchanged across study treatments (P = 0.708). Reductions in didanosine exposure were observed during concurrent administration with delavirdine with a Cmax reduction from 4.65 +/- 2.0 to 3.22 +/- 0.59 microM and an AUC0-->infinity reduction from 7.93 +/- 3.9 to 6.54 +/- 2.3 microM.h. Thus, concurrent administration of delavirdine and didanosine may reduce the AUC0-->infinity of both drugs, although the clinical significance of this reduction is unknown. Administration of delavirdine 1 h before didanosine avoided the interaction. Due to the single-dose nature of this study, these findings require further evaluation at steady state.
Pattern of recurrence following radical oesophagectomy with two‐field lymphadenectomy

Despite increasingly radical surgery for oesophageal cancer, many patients continue to develop recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of failure following attempted curative oesophagectomy with two‐field lymphadenectomy for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the middle and lower third of the oesophagus.