Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasmosis among women with habitual abortion.

The role of maternal toxoplasmosis as a risk factor for habitual abortion was investigated. The indirect haemagglutination test was positive in a titre of 1:32 to 1:2048 much more frequently in women with habitual abortion (18.5%) than in the normal pregnancy group (5.9%). The overall prevalence of antibodies gradually increased with age reaching 23.7% in the age group 35-45 years. No differences were found among women in different socioeconomic groups. The study suggests that toxoplasma antibodies are more prevalent in women with cats at home than in women who do not possess cats. (authors)
Positive Allosteric Modulation of GABAB Receptors Ameliorates Sensorimotor Gating in Rodent Models

Converging evidence points to the involvement of γ‐amino‐butyric acid B receptors (GABABRs) in the regulation of information processing. We previously showed that GABABR agonists exhibit antipsychotic‐like properties in rodent models of sensorimotor gating deficits, as measured by the prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex. The therapeutic potential of these agents, however, is limited by their neuromuscular side effects; thus, in this study, we analyzed whether rac‐BHFF, a potent GABABR‐positive allosteric modulator (PAM), could counter spontaneous and pharmacologically induced PPI deficits across various rodent models.
International study of the prevalence and outcomes of infection in intensive care units.

CONTEXT Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. However, relatively little information is available about the global epidemiology of such infections. OBJECTIVE To provide an up-to-date, international picture of the extent and patterns of infection in ICUs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS The Extended Prevalence of Infection in Intensive Care (EPIC II) study, a 1-day, prospective, point prevalence study with follow-up conducted on May 8, 2007. Demographic, physiological, bacteriological, therapeutic, and outcome data were collected for 14,414 patients in 1265 participating ICUs from 75 countries on the study day. Analyses focused on the data from the 13,796 adult (>18 years) patients. RESULTS On the day of the study, 7087 of 13,796 patients (51%) were considered infected; 9084 (71%) were receiving antibiotics. The infection was of respiratory origin in 4503 (64%), and microbiological culture results were positive in 4947 (70%) of the infected patients; 62% of the positive isolates were gram-negative organisms, 47% were gram-positive, and 19% were fungi. Patients who had longer ICU stays prior to the study day had higher rates of infection, especially infections due to resistant staphylococci, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas species, and Candida species. The ICU mortality rate of infected patients was more than twice that of noninfected patients (25% [1688/6659] vs 11% [ 682/6352], respectively; P < .001), as was the hospital mortality rate (33% [2201/6659] vs 15% [ 942/6352], respectively; P < .001) (adjusted odds ratio for risk of hospital mortality, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-1.68; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Infections are common in patients in contemporary ICUs, and risk of infection increases with duration of ICU stay. In this large cohort, infection was independently associated with an increased risk of hospital death.
Involvement of Aquaporin 4 in Astrocyte Function and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the main water channel in the central nervous system (CNS) and specifically localized to astrocyte processes. Recent studies indicate that AQP4 regulates various biological functions of astrocytes, including maintaining CNS water balance, spatial buffering of extracellular potassium, calcium signal transduction, regulation of neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and adult neurogenesis, while under neuropathological conditions, AQP4 has a role in astrogliosis and proinflammatory cytokine secretion. In addition, accumulating evidence suggests that, besides cerebral edema, neuromyelitis optica and epilepsy, AQP4 participates in the onset and progression of Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, depression, and drug addiction. This review summarizes recent findings and highlights the involvement of AQP4 in astrocyte function and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Prevalence and Predictors of Abnormal Cervical Cytology in HIV-Infected Patients at the Anonymous Clinic, Chonburi Hospital

Objective : To categorize prevalence and predictors of abnormal cervical cytology among HIV-infected women at the anonymous clinic, Chonburi hospital. Method : We screened 280 non-pregnant HIV-infected women accessing HIV/AIDS care service at the anonymous clinic, Chonburi hospital. We collected cervical specimens for cytological analysis by conventional Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed and calculated based on following factors: sociodemographic, CD4 + cell counts, medical, sexual variables and gynecologic history. Results : Prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology from Pap smear in HIV-infected women was 21.3%(60/280), of which 0.7%(2/280) had atypical squamous cells exclude high grade lesion (ASC-H), 6.4%(18/280) had low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 12.1%(34/280) had high-grade squamous cell intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and 2.1%(6/280) had squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that number of parity, lifetime sexual partners, age of first intercourse at 18 years or younger and lowest CD4+ cell count were significantly associated with the presence of the abnormal cytological lesions (adjusted OR: 1.515, 95%CI 0.036-2.214, p =0.032, adjusted OR: 2.938, 95%CI 1.874-4.607 , p <0.001, adjusted OR: 0.401, 95%CI 0.191-0.842, p =0.016, adjusted OR: 0.993, 95%CI 0.990-0.996 p <0.001, respectively). In addition to these factors, univariate analysis also identified additional factors significantly associated with the presence of abnormal cytological lesions ( ≥ ASC-H). Such factors were duration of HIV-infection, current CD4+ cell counts, and antiretroviral drug therapy. Conclusion: In our population, the independent predictors of abnormal Pap smear in HIV infected women were number of parity, lifetime sexual partners, age of first intercourse at 18 years or younger and lowest CD4+ cell counts.
The timing of development and subsequent clinical course of heart failure after a myocardial infarction.

AIMS Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cause of heart failure (HF), which may develop early and persist or resolve, or develop late. The cumulative incidence, persistence, and resolution of HF after MI are poorly described. The aim of this study is to describe the natural history and prognosis of HF after an MI. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with a death or discharge diagnosis of MI in 1998 were identified from records of hospitals providing services to a local community of 600 000 people. Records were scrutinized to identify the development of HF, defined as signs and symptoms consistent with that diagnosis and treated with loop diuretics. HF was considered to have resolved if diuretics could be stopped without recurrent symptoms. Totally, 896 patients were identified of whom 54% had died by December 2005. During the index admission, 199 (22.2%) patients died, many with HF, and a further 182 (20.3%) patients developed HF that persisted until discharge, of whom 121 died subsequent to discharge. Of 74 patients with transient HF that resolved before discharge, 41 had recurrent HF and 38 died during follow-up. After discharge, 145 (33%) patients developed HF for the first time, of whom 76 died during follow-up. Overall, of 281 deaths occurring after discharge, 235 (83.6%) were amongst inpatients who first developed HF. CONCLUSION The development of HF precedes death in most patients who die in the short- or long-term following an MI. Prevention of HF, predominantly by reducing the extent of myocardial damage and recurrent MI, and subsequent management could have a substantial impact on prognosis.
Nursing Diagnoses, Outcomes, and Interventions: NANDA, NOC and NIC Linkages

PART I: Languages and Applications Chapter 1 The Languages Chapter 2 The Linkages Chapter 3 Linkage Applications PART II: NANDA, NOC, and NIC Linkages Introduction NANDA, NOC, and NIC Linkages PART III: Appendixes Appendix A NOC Outcome Labels and Definitions Appendix B NIC Intervention Labels and Definitions
Nursing as an Aesthetic Praxis

This Thesis focuses on the experience of being human as process in order to reveal being. Illness and health are seen as reflections of this process of revelation. This work argues that health and illness are physical expressions of consciousness and therefore an outcome of what a human being has thought. In this way, this work shows how thought/intent serves to create life in the moment. In this understanding lies the potential to change reality, to change life. The Thesis identifies self-responsibility as the key to changing consciousness. Taking responsibility for the creation of one's reality eliminates the human tendency to blame another for what is experienced in life. To that end, this work argues, we are each free to choose what is felt in response to life. In so doing, we can become conscious that life is a choice approached from either the position of perfection, or excellence. This work argues that as human beings we have grounded thinking in perfection. In this playing out of rights and wrongs, an independent form of surrender, the outcome is the reification of the thought that we are separate from God. I think, therefore I Am. Such thinking it is argued, is the basis of disease and thus illness is an outcome of thought that as experience has been judged. The thesis develops the position that human beings approach life from the position of perfection thereby creating an appraisal from the outcome of life's experiences. Excellence as a state of being creates the appraisal from the effort of an outcome. Thus excellence, is to experience life as an Isness, and then make a conscious choice to feel love. Perfection makes a judgement about life, and so pronounce life and therefore thinking as good and bad, or right and wrong. In the understanding that human beings are the creators of their reality, it is possible to conceive of care in nursing that is directed at changing thinking/thought. Such change would be to focus on the excellence of life, and in that way enact care in nursing that is an enabling through a process of being that is an emotional allowance in response to life. To this end, this work is titled Nursing as an Aesthetic Praxis. The aesthetic is emotion and feeling. Praxis, is presented in its dialectical relationship of thought and action that is then bound to emotion and feeling in such a way that it illuminates the nature of thinking. This way of thinking, this work shows, is transformatory. Where transformation is a process of being that as a state of excellence is one of incremental human freedom accompanied by incremental responsibility.
Prognostic value of myocardial 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) parameters in patients with heart failure: a systematic review.

AIMS To derive a more precise estimate of the prognostic significance of myocardial 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) parameters [early heart mediastinal ratio (H/M), late H/M, and myocardial washout] in heart failure (HF). METHODS AND RESULTS Eighteen studies with a total of 1755 patients, stratifying survival, and cardiac events in patients with HF by MIBG, were eligible for analysis. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimates for cardiac death and cardiac events associated with washout showed no significant heterogeneity and were 1.72 [95%CI (confidence interval), 1.72-2.52; P = 0.006] and 1.08 (95%CI: 1.03-1.12; P < 0.001), respectively. The pooled HR estimates for cardiac death and cardiac events associated with early H/M and late H/M showed significant heterogeneity (I2 > or = 75%). Limiting the pooling to the qualitative best three studies rendered I2 insignificant (I2 = 0) and resulted in a pooled HR of late H/M for cardiac death of 1.82 (95%CI: 0.80-4.12; P = 0.15) and for cardiac events of 1.98 (95%CI: 1.57-2.50; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that patients with HF and decreased late H/M or increased myocardial MIBG washout have a worse prognosis compared with those with normal semi-quantitative myocardial MIBG parameters.
Effect of Educational Interventions Based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in Selecting Delivery Mode among Pregnant Women Referred to Rasht Health Centers

Background and Objective: In recent years, most developed countries have aimed at reducing the cesarean rate through education and other interventions. In our country, however, despite all efforts, the cesarean rate remains very high. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of educational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on choosing delivery mode in pregnant women, who were referred to the Rasht Health Centers. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 72 pregnant women referred to various Health Centers in Rasht in the spring and summer of 2010. After a pre-test by using a valid and reliable questionnaire for both groups, specific training was provided for the intervention group based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. At the end of the pregnancies, post-test were performed in both groups and the results were analyzed by SPSS-13 software. Results: The results indicate that there were significant differences in the mean knowledge, evaluations of behavioral outcome, attitude (P =0.000), perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and behavioral intention (P < 0.05) among pregnant women in the test group compared with the control. There was a significant difference in behavior between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results show that maternal educations in the field for persuasion of normal delivery had been effective. Therefore, we recommend implementing training programs based on Theory of Planned Behavior, in order to persuade pregnant women for normal delivery and decreasing the rate of the cesarean section.
Effect of core stability training using pilates on lower extremity muscle strength and postural stability in healthy subjects

This study investigated the effect of core stability training using pilates for 8 weeks on lower extremity muscle strength and postural stability. Participants included 40 healthy people who were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: a core stability training group (CST) (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The CST group received three 60-minute pilates training sessions per week for 8 weeks, whereas the control group did not undergo any training. We measured pre- and post-training lower extremity muscle strength using isokinetic equipment and postural stability using a balance device. Significant posttest increments in lower extremity muscle strength and postural stability were observed in the CST group (P < 0.05). However, neither of these parameters was significantly improved in the control group. Significant differences in lower extremity muscle strength and postural stability were found between the CST group and the control group after 8 weeks (P < 0.05). These results indicate that pilates core stability training enhances motor performance skills by increasing lower extremity muscle strength and improving postural stability and can prevent musculoskeletal disorders and improve quality of life. Further studies should focus on creating a program combining other trainings for achieving improved core stability and investigating duration of training effect.
Multiple accessory left atrial appendages along a semi-circular path.

A 51-year-old man with suspected coronary artery disease was referred for coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography study by using a 64 detector-row multidetector CT scanner. There were no significant coronary stenoses. However, multiple accessory left atrial appendages (Panels A–D, arrowheads) were incidentally noted in the left atrium along a semicircular path, from anterior roof adjacent to the septal ridge (Panel C, arrow) …
Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder resulting from deficiency of thyroid hormone or its effects on peripheral tissues. It usually is caused by an insufficient production of thyroid hormone by thyroid gland (primary hypothyroidism), but it could be also caused by inadequate secretion of either thyrotropin (ie. thyroid-stimulating hormoneTSH) from the pituitary gland (secondary hypothyroidism) or thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus (tertiary hypothyroidism) (Bharaktiya, 2011).
Age‐Related Changes in Resting‐State Networks of A Large Sample Size of Healthy Elderly

Population aging is burdening the society globally, and the evaluation of functional networks is the key toward understanding cognitive changes in normal aging. However, the effect of age on default mode subnetworks has not been documented well, and age‐related changes in many resting‐state networks remain debatable. The purpose of this study was to propose more precise results for these issues using a large sample size.
Prevalence of Dystocia in Sheep and Goats: A Study of 70 Cases (2004-2011)

A total of seventy (70) sheep and goats, suffering from dystocia were included in this retrospective study. At the time of presentation 28.57% of the animals were recumbent. More than half (54.29%) of the total cases were referred after unsuccessful handling. Significantly highest prevalence was recorded in sheep during first lambing, in winter season and in the dams carrying male fetuses (p ≤ 0.05). The average weight of male and female fetuses was 3.14 and 2.75 kg respectively. Foetal dystocia (54.29%) out-numbered maternal causes (37.14%). Both maternal and fetal causes accounted for 8.57% of the dystocia. Head deviation, fore limb flexion, breech presentation, dog sitting position and fetal monstrosities were the common fetal causes. Ring womb, the most common maternal cause of dystocia could be treated by hormones in 33.33% (5/15) cases. Fetuses could be delivered by obstetrical mutation and extraction method in 51.43% (36/70) animals and by caesarean section in the remaining cases. Fetal and dam survival was 23.08% and 94.29% respectively. The average total cost for relieving dystocia in small ruminants by obstetrical mutation and by caesarean (including cost of suture and anaesthesia) was Rs. 215.00 and 570.00 respectively. From this study, it is concluded that in order to obtain high fetal and dam survival and also to reduce the cost of treatment, sheep and goats with dystocia should be presented without undue delay.
An Investigation of the Southern Ocean Surface Temperature Variability Using Long-Term Optimum Interpolation SST Data

An attempt is made to understand the long-term variability of SST using NOAA optimum interpolation SST data for the period (1982–2011) in the Southern Ocean. This dataset has been used (i) to study the interannual variability in SST anomaly and (ii) to carry out regression analysis to compute linear trend in the annual averaged Southern Ocean SST. It is observed that summer season exhibits more variability than winter. Moreover, El Nino/La Nina events apparently play a critical role in the variability of Southern Ocean SST. Thus, higher SST anomalies were observed in El Nino years (e.g., 1983), while cooler anomalies were seen during La Nina years (e.g., 1985). In addition, the eastern and western sides of Antarctica experience episodes of warm and cold SST. Western parts of the Southern Ocean experienced higher anomalies during 1992, 1993, and 1994, while the eastern part experienced positive anomalies in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2003. The paper also highlights the different regions of the Southern Ocean showing statistically significant positive/negative trends in the variability of interannual average SST. However, in general, the Southern Ocean as a whole is showing a weak interannual cooling trend in SST.
Erythropoietin and outcome prediction in patients with heart failure: the plot thickens...

Heart failure syndromes represent a principal cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world.1 The importance of measures for diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are likely to attract increasing attention as the prevalence of the syndrome will rise with the ageing of the population. One of the most studied clinical determinants of outcome in patients with CHF is haemoglobin level.2 There are many reports showing that anaemia is associated with a reduced quality of life and increased mortality in these patients.2 However, many questions remain that pertain to the precise mechanisms of anaemia, the need to treat it, and the desired haemoglobin goals. Erythropoietin (Epo) is a 34 kDa glycoprotein synthesized by renal peritubular cells, but also by neuronal and hepatic macrophages and other cells.3 The output signals that control Epo homeostasis are principally provided by a set of transcription factors that ‘sense’ changes in oxygen levels and are termed accordingly as hypoxia-inducible factors. The Epo receptor is found most abundantly in bone marrow erythroid progenitor cells, although other tissues also express it. Aside from the well described action of Epo as a proliferative enhancer of erythropoiesis, in recent … *Corresponding author. Tel: +972 3 6974762, Fax: +972 3 546 9832, Email: jacobg{at}post.tau. ac.il
The Age of Head Transplants

If we disregard religious myths, the first reference to a body swap is found in the work of Pu Song Ling, a Chinese poet who died in 1715 but only became famous later on when his collection Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio was published. In one tale, a demon, Judge Lu, after some vicissitudes, falls in with Mr Zhu and humors his request of giving his wife, who “is not at all a bad figure, but she is very ugly,” a new face, actually the head of a nice-looking young girl. What happened is that:
Radial artery catheterization and radiological exposure.

With interest I reviewed the article recently published by Brasselet et al. , 1 showing the data of a higher radiation exposure in the invasive procedures performed by radial artery catheterization (RAC), compared with femoral artery catheterization (FAC). However, owing to a number of possible biases, I think that their results should be generalized with extreme caution. First, the study was performed in a moderate volume institution. We recently showed that among experienced operators in …
Loyalty: A Strategic Commitment

A study of 892 luxury-hotel guests, most of whom travel frequently and primarily on business, supports the idea that relationship marketing can benefit luxury-hotel marketing. The authors developed a model of service relationships based on focus groups and customer-loyalty studies. This study primarily tested benefits that hotels could offer guests to foster loyalty. Benefits that garnered strong support were room upgrades, flexible check in and check out, personalized services, and expedited registration; being able to request a specific room; and employees who take guests' problems seriously. Trust is also an antecedent of loyalty; hotels can foster trust by ensuring guest safety, providing consistent service, seeing that employees follow through on guest requests, being truthful, and communicating accurately. Unfortunately, the respondents felt that their hotels fell short on the benefits that foster loyalty and the attributes that foster trust.
Monocarboxylate transporter 1 and the vulnerability of oligodendrocyte lineage cells to metabolic stresses

Oligodendrocytes, especially oligodendrocyte precursor cells, are known to be sensitive to hypoxic and metabolic stresses. Vulnerability of oligodendrocytes is considered a contributing factor to white matter dysfunction. However, little is known about the energy processing characteristics of oligodendrocyte lineage cells under basal and metabolic stress conditions. The aim of this study was to identify the energy requirements and cellular responses of oligodendrocytes at different developmental stages.