Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Examination of "Wash-Out" and Workplace Conditions of Beginning Physical Education Teachers.

The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the extent of wash-out in two beginning physical education teachers; and (2) determine the workplace conditions these novice teachers experienced that may have influenced the extent of wash-out for them. The interactive factors influencing workplace conditions for physical education teachers outlined by Lawson (1989) provided the framework by which to examine wash-out in these teachers. Results showed that these teachers experienced wash-out from preservice to their induction years in several areas, but actually showed improvement in other areas. Factors that may have contributed to wash-out included a lack of facilities and equipment in the start of their first year of teaching, lack of prestige and respect for physical education, a particular subculture of students, and the teachers’ desire for student acceptance and enthusiasm. Workplace conditions that may have inhibited wash-out were being able to team teach with someone from the same PETE program, a new gym and equipment toward the end of their first teaching year, support from their principal, perceived control over content and teaching methods, and being proactive in soliciting assistance.
Unusually High Prevalence of Nosocomial Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Cape Verde Islands

ABSTRACT Characterization of nosocomial methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Cape Verde showed that (i) Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes were present in 35% of the isolates and (ii) half of the collection had the same genetic background as methicillin-resistant pandemic clones. Introduction of the staphylococcal chromosome cassette mec (SCCmec) into virulent and epidemic isolates could pose serious threats to public health.
Analysis of the role of selected demographic and psychological variables (anxiety and depression) as risk factors of inadequate control of bronchial asthma.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to analyze selected potential demographic and psychological variables (anxiety and depression) as risk factors of inadequate control of bronchial asthma. MATERIALS AND METHOD The study consisted a group of 223 randomly selected asthma patients with varying degrees of asthma control. The study was designed as a diagnostic survey using the asthma control test (ACT), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), State- and Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI questionnaires X-1 and X-2), and the questionnaire for demographic data collection developed for the purposes of the presented study. RESULTS Inadequate control of asthma was significantly more frequent amongst females (p=0.008) who were rural inhabitants (p=0.020) and professionally active (p=0.000) patients diagnosed with any grade of depression with an aid of BDI (p=0.000). Patients with inadequate control of asthma were characterized by a significantly higher level of depression, compared to patients controlling this condition adequately (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS The female gender, living in a rural environment, professional activity, and even a slight degree of depression can promote inadequate control of asthma. Consequently, asthma patients with such characteristics should be provided with careful allergological surveillance. Since none of the abovementioned variables represents an independent risk factor of inadequate asthma control, it is not possible to classify asthma patients into risk groups on the basis of single parameter assessment. The risk of inadequate asthma control involves also individuals with a low severity of depression (more than 9 points on BDI), i.e. the patients who would not be diagnosed with even mild depression based on the existing criteria.
Pregnancy outcome of parturients below 16 years of age.

OBJECTIVE To compare the pregnancy outcome of parturients with less than 16 years of age to parturients with 24-28 years of age. METHODS The hospital admission charts of 100 women aged below 16 as the study group and one-hundred women aged 24-28 years as the control group who delivered in Zeinabieh Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran since March 2000 to February 2001 were retrospectively studied. RESULTS The mean age for the study group was 14.5 +/- 1.4 years and the mean age of the control group was 26.5 +/- 1.8 years. Preterm birth happened in 18% of the study group compared to 10% of the control group (p=0.15). The mean birth weight was 2701 grams for the study group and 2776 grams for the control group. Fifteen percent of the newborns in the study group had low birth weights compared to 16% in the control group (p=1). Five percent of the neonates in the study group had 5-minute Apgar scores of less than 7 compared to 7% in the control group (p=0.77). Preeclampsia was not seen in the study group but was diagnosed in 2% of females in control group (p=0.49). In 3% of females in the study group cesarean delivery was performed compared to 9% in the control group (p=0.25). No maternal mortality was seen in either group. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in the obstetric and neonatal outcome of parturients younger than 16 years compared to the parturients 24-28 years of age.
Disclosure to Physicians of CAM Use by Breast Cancer Patients: Findings From the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study

Background. Physician awareness of their patients' use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is crucial, particularly in the setting of a potentially life-threatening disease such as cancer. The potential for harmful treatment interactions may be greatest when a patient sees a CAM practitioner—perceived as a physician-like authority figure—but does not disclose this to their physician. Therefore, this study investigated the extent of nondisclosure in a large cohort of cancer patients. Methods. CAM use in participants of the UCSD Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study, a multicenter study of the effect of diet and lifestyle on disease-free and overall survival in women aged 18-70 years who had completed treatment for invasive breast cancer between 1995 and 2000, is investigated. Data regarding CAM use and disclosure were collected via a telephone-administered questionnaire in 2003-2004. This questionnaire asked about different CAM modalities, including those requiring a “skilled CAM practitioner” (acupuncturist, chiropractor, homeopath, or naturopath) for administration. Demographic data were obtained at the WHEL baseline clinic interview. Modality-specific disclosure rates were determined and a comparison of demographic variables of disclosers versus nondisclosers was conducted using χ2 tests for categorical variables, and t tests for continuous variables. Results. Of 3088 total WHEL participants, 2527 completed the CAM questionnaire. Of these, 2017 reported using some form of CAM. Of these, 300 received treatment from an acupuncturist, chiropractor, homeopath, or naturopath and also provided information on whether or not they disclosed this care to their conventional physician. The highest disclosure rate was for naturopathy (85%), followed by homeopathy (74%), acupuncture (71%), and chiropractic (47%). Among demographic characteristics, only education (P = .047) and study site (P = .039) were associated with disclosure. College graduates and postgraduates, in particular, were more likely to disclose CAM use to their physicians than those with lesser education. Conclusion. Overall, moderately high rates of physician disclosure of CAM use for all modalities except chiropractic were observed. Education and study site associations suggest that disclosure may be greater when CAM use is more prevalent and possibly more socially accepted. These findings underscore the importance of open, destigmatized patient—physician communication regarding CAM use.
Pre-S deletions of hepatitis B virus predict recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection

Abstract The relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery remains uncertain. A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the impact of pre-S deletions, T1762/A1764, and A1896 mutations on prognosis of HCC after curative resection. A total of 113 patients with positive serum HBV DNA (>200 IU/mL) who had underwent curative resection of pathologically proven HCC were recruited to determine the risk factors affecting the prognosis. The median follow-up time was 36.5 months and recurrence was detected in 67 patients (59.3%). The cumulative recurrence rates and overall survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-year after curative resection were 18.0%, 49.7%, 70.3%, and 93.7%, 61.0%, 42.5%, respectively. Patients with pre-S deletions showed significantly higher recurrence rates compared with those with wild type infection (HR: 1.822, P = .018), but not related with a significantly poor survival (HR: 1.388, P = .235). Subgroup analysis indicated that the patients with type III deletion had significant higher tumor recurrence rates than other deletion types (HR: 2.211, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.008–4.846, P = .048). Multivariate analysis revealed that pre-S deletion, tumor size >3 cm in diameter, and the presence of microvascular invasion were independent risk factors for tumor recurrence. HBV pre-S deletions were found to be clustered primarily in the 5′ end of pre-S2 region and were more often found between amino acids 120 and 142 of the pre-S2 domain. The domains most frequently potentially involved were the transactivator domain in pre-S2 and polymerized human serum albumin binding site. Our cohort showed that pre-S deletions at the time of resection could predict tumor recurrence in HCC patients after curative resection.
Impact of polyelectrolytes and their corresponding multilayers to human primary endothelial cells

The layer-by-layer technique, which allows simple preparation of polyelectrolyte multilayers, came into the focus of research for development of functionalized medical devices. Numerous literature exist that concentrate on the film build-up and the behaviour of cells on polyelectrolyte multilayers. However, in case of very soft polyelectrolyte multilayers, studies of the cell behaviour on these films are sometimes misleading with regard to clinical applications because cells do not die due to cytotoxicity but due to apoptosis by missing cell adhesion. It turns out that the adhesion in vitro, and thus, the viability of cells on polyelectrolyte multilayers is mostly influenced by their mechanical properties. In order to decide, which polyelectrolyte multilayers are suitable for implants, we take this problem into account by putting the substrates with soft films on top of pre-cultured human primary endothelial cells (‘reverse assay’). Hence, the present work aims giving a more complete and reliable study of typical polyelectrolyte multilayers with regard to clinical applications. In particular, coatings consisting of hyaluronic acid and chitosan as natural polymers and sulfonated polystyrene and polyallylamine hydrochlorite as synthetic polymers were studied. The adsorption of polyelectrolytes was characterized by physico-chemical methods which show regular buildup. Biological examination of the native or modified polyelectrolyte multilayers was based on their effect to cell adhesion and morphology of endothelial cells by viability assays, immunostaining and scanning electron microscopy. Using the standard method, which is typically applied in literature – seeding cells on top of films – shows that the best adhesion and thus, viability can be achieved using sulfonated polystyrene/polyallylamine hydrochlorite. However, putting the films on top of endothelial cells reveals that hyaluronic acid/chitosan may also be suitable for clinical applications: This result is especially remarkable, since hyaluronic acid and chitosan mediate per se no cytotoxic effects, whereas the individual polyelectrolytes, sulfonated polystyrene and polyallylamine hydrochlorite, and their complexes show slight cytotoxicity.
Evaluation of epstein‐barr virus antibody patterns and detection of viral markers in the biopsies of patients with Hodgkin's disease

We assessed the relationship of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) serology to the presence or absence of EBV genome in 39 cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD). Biopsies from patients included in 2 previous published studies, I involving patients from the United States (eastern Massachusetts) and I from Denmark, were evaluated for EBV RNA (EBER‐1) and latent membrane protein (LMP‐I). The presence of EBV in Reed‐Sternberg cells in the biopsies correlated with the histologic subtype of HD (mixed cellularity and lymphocyte depletion) but not with IgG antibody titers against the viral capsid antigen (VCA). These data suggest that, unlike Burkitt's lymphoma, the IgG antibody against VCA is not predictive of the presence or absence of EBV in Reed‐Sternberg cells in HD. The predictive value of other antibodies should be evaluated.
Cost of Stroke in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Background There is limited information available from low and middle-income countries regarding the cost of stroke treatment. Hence, we aimed to review the costs of stroke in low and middle-income countries. Summary of review The literature search was done using databases: PubMed/Medline, Ovid, EconLit and Google Scholar from 1966 until January 2014 using key words ‘economic impact of stroke’, ‘cost of illness in low and middle income countries’ and ‘cost of stroke’. With these key words, 10/184 articles were retained for this review. The cost data were converted to 2013 currency values using a web-based tool (CCEMG-EPPI-centre cost converter). Most of the included studies were conducted in Asia. The design of these studies was retrospective and conducted predominantly in multicenter private hospitals. The highest mean direct medical cost of stroke was US$ 8424 in Nigeria. The lowest mean cost of stroke was in Senegal (US$ 416). The average length of hospital stay was longest (20 days) in China. The main predictors of higher costs appeared to be due to differences in length of stay and stroke severity. Conclusion Costs of stroke are variable because of heterogeneous healthcare systems prevailing in low and middle-income countries. Length of hospital stay and stroke severity appear to be the main predictors of cost. Understanding the costs of stroke in low and middle-income countries is important. However, the evidence remains limited because there is a lack of standardized research. Future research should focus on using a uniform method across low and middle-income countries for estimating the costs of stroke.
An evaluation of cause‐effect relationships between polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations and sediment toxicity to benthic invertebrates

Cause‐effect sediment‐quality benchmarks for the protection of benthic invertebrates are needed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to support predictive risk assessments and retrospective evaluations of the causes of observed sediment toxicity. An in‐depth evaluation of PCB aquatic toxicity and organic carbon partitioning was conducted to predict sediment effect concentrations using the equilibrium partitioning (EqP) approach. This evaluation was limited to invertebrate toxicity data, because PCBs may exert toxicity to invertebrates and fish via different toxicological mechanisms. As a result of differences in organic carbon partitioning among PCBs of differing levels of chlorination, the estimated EqP benchmarks increase with increasing degree of chlorination for various commercial and environmental PCB mixtures. Studies of spiked sediment toxicity using PCBs were reviewed, and their results generally were consistent with EqP predictions. Additionally, toxicity and benthic community data were reviewed for eight PCB‐contaminated sites; these data also showed agreement with EqP predictions. None of these lines of evidence supports previously proposed, empirical sediment‐quality guidelines for PCBs. Reasons for the lack of agreement between cause‐effect and association‐based benchmarks are discussed, and areas of future research to further refine EqP predictions for PCBs are identified.
Identification of a pathogenic antibody response to native myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Although the cause of MS is still uncertain, many findings point toward an ongoing autoimmune response to myelin antigens. Because of its location on the outer surface of the myelin sheath and its pathogenicity in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is one of the potential disease-causing self antigens in MS. However, the role of MOG in the pathogenesis of MS has remained controversial. In this study we addressed the occurrence of autoantibodies to native MOG and its implication for demyelination and axonal loss in MS. We applied a high-sensitivity bioassay, which allowed detecting autoantibodies that bind to the extracellular part of native MOG. Antibodies, mostly IgG, were found in sera that bound with high affinity to strictly conformational epitopes of the extracellular domain of MOG. IgG but not IgM antibody titers to native MOG were significantly higher in MS patients compared with different control groups with the highest prevalence in primary progressive MS patients. Serum autoantibodies to native MOG induced death of MOG-expressing target cells in vitro. Serum from MS patients with high anti-MOG antibody titers stained white matter myelin in rat brain and enhanced demyelination and axonal damage when transferred to autoimmune encephalomyelitis animals. Overall these findings suggest a pathogenic antibody response to native MOG in a subgroup of MS patients.
Is stair negotiation measured appropriately in functional assessment scales?

Background: A decline in mobility may result in problems with the negotiation of stairs, which can potentially be hazardous. In practice, stair negotiation is an important aspect of daily living and therefore needs to be assessed carefully. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review to identify the way functional assessment scales assess stair negotiation. We evaluated whether stair negotiation could be assessed in a valid and reliable way with these scales. Results: Forty-three of the 92 identified scales have an item on stair negotiation. In these scales, the definition of ‘negotiation of stairs’ varies, as does the definition of independence. Important aspects such as safety on stairs are missing from all scales. In contrast to older scales, newer scales consist of items that have been tested for validity and reliability. In none of the scales was the stair negotiation item tested separately for validity. Only two scales examined test–retest reliability and only one measured inter-observer agreement. Discussion: In current functional assessment scales stair negotiation is measured with great heterogeneity and insufficient validity. In patients and in studies in which assessment of stair negotiation ability is a key part of functional assessment, an improved, well-validated scale is needed. This scale should include not only the subject's physical ability to negotiate stairs, but also safety and change in ability over time.
Long-memory in volatilities of CDS spreads: evidences from the emerging markets

In this study, we analyze the long-memory dependency in volatility of CDS spreads of four emerging markets (Turkey, Russia, South Africa, and Brazil) from 2001 to 2014. Preliminary evidence from Detrended Fluctuations Analysis (DFA) suggests the existence of long memory in all markets. We then use the fractionally integrated generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (FIGARCH) model to estimate the magnitudes of the long-memory parameter. Following the information of modified ICSS test, the Adaptive FIGARCH (A-FIGARCH) and the Time-Varying FIGARCH (TV-FIGARCH) are also employed to control for the potential effects of structural breaks. The results are generally robust with those obtained from the FIGARCH model. The significant long-memory suggests that the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) may not hold for the CDS spreads of those four countries.
Cyclooxygenase-2 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to colorectal cancer in a Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND Multi-ethnicity of Brazilian population displays high levels of genomic diversity. Polymorphism may detect people at higher risk of developing cancer, distinctive response to treatment, and prognosis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is induced in response to growth factors and cytokines, and is expressed in inflammatory diseases, precancerous lesions and colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of COX-2 -1195A > G and 8473T > C polymorphisms as a risk factor of developing CRC. METHODS We evaluated COX-2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of 230 CRC patients and 196 healthy controls by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. RESULTS Populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), except for control group of 8473T > C SNP. The frequencies were similar in both groups for genotypes and haplotypes. There was no association between studied polymorphisms and risk of CRC. CONCLUSIONS The gene polymorphisms studied do not participate in the genetic susceptibility to CRC in a Brazilian population.
Growth Model of a Plasmid‐Bearing Virulent Strain of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in Raw Ground Beef

The growth kinetics of virulence plasmid‐bearing Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (YPST) in sterile ground beef were studied at temperatures ranging from 0 to 30°C. In irradiated sterile ground beef, YPST replicated from 0 to 30°C, with corresponding growth rates (GR) ranging from 0.023 to 0.622 log CFU/h at 0–25°C, and the GR was 0.236 log CFU/h at 30°C. The maximum population densities (MPD) ranged from 8.7 to 11.0 log CFU/g. The growth and MPD of YPST were reduced significantly at 30°C. Models for GR and MPD of YPST in raw ground beef (RGB) as a function of storage temperatures were produced and displayed acceptable bias and accuracy. The models were validated with rifampicin‐resistant YPST (rif‐YPST) in sterile ground beef stored at 4, 10 and 25°C. The observed GR and MPD were within 95% of the predicted values. When compared to non‐sterile retail ground beef, the growth of rif‐YPST was not inhibited and displayed similar GR at 0, 10 and 25°C and MPDs as sterile ground beef at 10 and 25°C. Moreover, there was no loss of virulence plasmid in YPST during its growth in ground beef indicating that RGB contaminated with virulence plasmid‐bearing YPST could cause disease due to refrigeration failure, temperature (10–25°C) abuse, and if the meat was not properly cooked.