Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of ejaculation on serum prostate-specific antigen levels.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ejaculation on serum total, free and complex prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and their effect on biopsy decisions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our study includes 47 men older than 45 years with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients' PSA levels were under 2.5 ng/mL, and there were no known conditions to preclude ejaculation. Eight patients with similar demographic, and clinical characteristics were chosen as a control group. With three days of sexual abstinence, blood samples were drawn for the measurement of baseline PSA levels, and then the patients were told to ejaculate. One, 5, 24 and 72 hours after ejaculation, serum total, free and complexed PSA levels were measured. Serum PSA sampling was performed at the same intervals in the control group without ejaculation. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 59.13±1.38 years in the study group, and 63.75±3.13 years in the control group. The mean international prostate symptom scores (IPSS) were 11.78±1.12 and 11.63±3.32 in the study, and the control groups, respectively. The mean baseline total, free, and complexed PSA values were 1.07±0.09, 0.31±0.03, and 0.71±0.08 ng/mL, respectively. In the study group, total PSA value was found to be 1.29±0.12 ng/mL (p=0.008) at first hour after ejaculation, and this change was statistically significant when compared with baseline values. Mean total PSA level rose up to 1.28±0.13 ng/mL (p=0.05) by the 5(th) hour after ejaculation, but this change was not statistically significant relative to the baseline values. Mean free PSA level rose after the first hour postejaculation to 0.37±0.04 ng/mL (p=0.01) and after the fifth hour postejaculation to 0.37±0.04 ng/mL (p=0.002), and these changes were statistically significant relative to the baseline values. There were no statistically significant changes at the other sampled times as for the total, free or complexed PSA serum levels. When all three values were considered individually, in only 2.12% of the patients, biopsy decisions could be affected by the elevation in PSA levels. CONCLUSION When the PSA value is borderline with respect to biopsy decisions, the effect of ejaculation on serum PSA levels may be clinically important. In these patients, ejaculation must be questioned, and repeated. PSA levels should be evaluated 24 hours after ejaculation. There were no statistically significant changes in the levels of complex PSA values. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between complexed PSA and ejaculation.
Assessment of the safety and efficacy of a bipolar multi-frequency radiofrequency device in the treatment of skin laxity

Abstract This study assessed the safety and efficacy of a bipolar, multi-frequency, vacuum-assisted radiofrequency device in the temporary improvement of thigh skin laxity. A secondary outcome measure included the determination of patient tolerability. Fourteen female study subjects between the ages of 30 and 61 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I-V completed the study. Each subject underwent a single, bipolar, multi-frequency, vacuum-assisted radiofrequency treatment with frequencies ranging between 0.80 and 2.45 MHZ. Suction was applied adjustable up to 500 mbars and skin temperatures were maintained between 39 and 42o C. Eight out of the fourteen (57.14%) study subjects noted an improvement in the appearance of their skin from baseline compared to their three-month follow-up while the independent, blinded investigator noted an improvement in eleven out of the fourteen (78%) subjects. All treatments were well tolerated and side effects were minimal, consisting of mild intra-operative discomfort, transient erythema and slight post-procedure edema noted in a minority of study subjects.This study demonstrated that a single treatment with a novel, bipolar, multi-frequency radiofrequency device applied to thigh skin resulted in a positive clinical improvement in 78% of investigator-assessed subjects. Furthermore, this study proved that the treatment is tolerable and safe for all skin types.
Randomized clinical trial of CO2 laser pinpoint irradiation technique with/without needling for ice pick acne scars

Abstract Background: Pinpoint irradiation technique accompanying by needling is an effective treatment for atrophic acne scars as fractional photothermolysis. It often induces microscopic thermal wounds to achieve skin rejuvenation treatment for ice pick acne scars. Objective: This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the use of a pinpoint irradiation technique without needling in the treatment of ice pick acne scars. Methods: Sixty patients with ice pick acne scars were included in this open label pilot study. Pinpoint irradiation technique by CO2 laser without and with needling applied for study and control groups, respectively. Results: There was a statistically insignificant difference in the improvement results between the study and control groups (p > 0.05). But there were statistically significant differences in acne scar severity index and qualitative scarring grading system between before and after treatment of both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Pinpoint irradiation technique by CO2 laser without needling is safe and effective as pinpoint irradiation technique with needling. Clinical improvement was achieved in all 30 patients without adverse effects.
Apoptosis in testicular tissue of rats after vasectomy: evaluation of eNOS, iNOS immunoreactivities and the effects of ozone therapy.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the changes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and apoptotic index in rat testicular tissue, as well as serum and seminal plasma sex hormone levels after vasectomy, and the effect of ozone therapy (OT). MATERIAL AND METHODS Adult male Wistar rats were used (n=6 per group). Control (G1), sham for 4 weeks (G2) or 6 weeks (G3), orchiectomy at the 4(th) (G4) or 6(th) (G5) week after left vasectomy, orchiectomy at the 4(th) (G6) or 6(th) (G7) week after bilateral vasectomy, orchiectomy after 6 weeks OT following left (G8) or bilateral (G9) vasectomy, orchiectomy after 6 weeks OT (G10). RESULTS In the left testes, while there were increases in eNOS and iNOS immunoreactivity and apoptotic indexes in G4 and G5, no changes were observed in contralateral testis. These values increased in G6 and G7, while OT inhibited these parameters in the left testis of G8 and both testes of G9. Sex hormone levels did not show any changes after vasectomy and ozone therapy. CONCLUSION While OT was found to be protective against some parameters mentioned above under stress conditions, it seemed to cause some harmful effects when used in healthy conditions.
Student perceptions of the undergraduate research experience: what do they think they really gain and how much influence does it have?

This paper explores the benefits that undergraduate science students perceive as a result of participating in an undergraduate research experience (URE) and explores the possible influences that UREs have on the future career directions of students. Authentic undergraduate research experiences in science play an important role in providing context to student learning and providing a sense of being a 'scientist'. There has been, however, some concern over the validity of the claims made relating to the extent of the impact that research experiences have on undergraduate students. This paper focuses on a new Summer Research Scholarship experience and reports on some of the findings from a 2008/2009 pilot study that investigated student perceptions of their undergraduate research experiences as 2nd year students studying within science.
Dermatoses in Indian neonates: A clinical study

Background Neonatal dermatology, by definition, encompasses the spectrum of cutaneous disorders that arise during the first 4 weeks of life. A host of aberrations varying from physiological and transient to grossly pathological are observed in the skin of a neonate. Objective The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of dermatoses in neonates and to establish the correlation between various neonatal factors, maternal factors, and the occurrence of dermatoses. Patients and methods A total of 200 randomly selected live-born neonates delivered and admitted to the postpartum ward, neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and neonates attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department were included in this study. A detailed assessment of history was performed and a detailed dermatological examination of each of the neonates was carried out. Laboratory procedures were performed as required. Results The most prevalent findings were miniature puberty (71%), Mongolian spot (64.5%), lanugo hair (63%), sebaceous gland hyperplasia (62%), erythema toxicum neonatorum (38%), salmon patch (35%), physiological scaling of the newborn (30.5%), milia (27%), miliaria (18.5%), Epstein′s pearls (17.5%), and iatrogenic bruises (17.5%). Conclusion A thorough knowledge of the skin changes, physiological as well as pathological, in neonates is of prime importance for the dermatologist as well as pediatrician.
Measuring impact

Monitoring pupil progress is the more straightforward of the two tasks. Its principle focus is to understand whether pupils are meeting targets or milestones. It does not rely on judgement in the same way as evaluation; the outcomes tend to be binary, the pupil is either on-target or they are not, although there are clearly grades of how far off target the pupil might be. Monitoring progress through regular assessment points, each half or full term, is a familiar process in most schools.
The lived experience of perimenopause and menopause

Abstract Menopause is a universal life experience, and yet there is a paucity of qualitative research giving voice to women who actually live this important life transition. Historically, menopause has been conceived as a pathological condition, and therefore, medicalized by healthcare providers. The purpose of the study was to give voice to the menopausal experiences of women. The research question was: What has your experience been with perimenopause and/or menopause? Thirteen women, meeting inclusion criteria and obtained through snowball effect, were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and drawings. The women interviewed repeatedly had questions and concerns regarding perimenopause, and often reported receiving conflicting and confusing information. The transition theory (Meleis, 2010) was used to understand the thematic results. Three major themes emerged: My Body, Sharing with Others: Not My Mother and Going on with Life.
The transition experience of Enrolled Nurses to a Bachelor of Nursing at an Australian university

Abstract Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (EENs) articulating from diploma level to Bachelor of Nursing (BN) studies at university experience many transitional barriers. Flexible credit arrangements can create further difficulties because students may enter directly into the second year of a degree program, thus foregoing supportive interventions targeting first year students. This qualitative study explored the transitional barriers faced by EENs articulating to the second year of a BN program and the processes employed to adapt to the university learning environment. Lizzio’s (2006) Five Senses of Success Model provided a framework for data analysis. Lizzio’s model highlights how students’ success at university depends on their sense of purpose, capability, resourcefulness, connectedness and academic culture. This study revealed EENs grapple with their dual identity, have difficulty reconciling their academic and clinical competence, and struggle to assimilate to the academic learning environment. Findings illuminate the importance of tailoring orientation and engagement activities to the specific transitional needs of articulating students.
Immunization coverage and its determinants among 12-23 months old children of Lucknow

Context:Roughly three million children die each year of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) with a significant number of these children residing in developing countries. Aims: The present study was conducted to assess the immunization status of 12-23 months old children and its determinants in Lucknow. Settings and Design: List of all villages in rural area and mohallas in urban area of Lucknow district was procured. Eight villages and eight mohallas were selected by simple random sampling. A community based cross sectional study was done among 450 children aged 12-23 months. Materials and Methods: A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit information on family characteristics, bio social characteristics, and housing characteristics. The immunization status of the child was assessed by vaccination card and by mother′s recall, where vaccination card was not available. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using statistical package for social services (SPSS) version 11.5. Chi-square test will be used to find out the significant association. Results: Overall, 62.7% children were fully immunized, 24.4% children were partially immunized, and 12.9% children were not immunized. The various determinants of immunization status of the child the place of residence, religion, socio economic status, father′s education and father′s occupation, source of information regarding immunization, registration of pregnancy, number of ante natal visits, iron and folic acid tablets consumed by the mother, tetanus toxoid received by the mother, place of delivery and the attendant who conducted the delivery. Conclusion: More awareness should be generated among the people living in rural and urban area, to immunize their children and to prevent the morbidity and mortality from six lethal vaccine preventable diseases.
‘Walk-ins’: Developing a nursing role to manage unscheduled presentations to a community mental health clinic

Abstract This paper reports on the evolution of the role of a ‘walk-in’ nurse at an Australian urban community mental health clinic. Despite the lack of any indication that a walk-in service was available, people persisted in presenting to the community mental health clinic requesting immediate help. A nursing position was therefore established to assess people presenting as walk-ins and address the issues identified. Data was collected over a 33 week period. Many people presented with social issues, and about half were referred to agencies outside the mental health system. A number of difficulties in the nursing role were identified including the variable workload, problems obtaining adequate clinical supervision, and lack of clarity about the place of the service within the established pathways to care. With further development, the mental health walk-in clinic role would be suitable for a nurse practitioner. Our study suggested that a walk-in clinic is preferred by many consumers, is efficient in terms of staff time, and is able to provide a high quality service responding to a wide range of presenting problems.
A home-based eyebrows lifting effect using a novel device that emits electrostatic pulses containing RF energy, resulting in high frequency, low level transdermal microcurrent pulsations: Double blind, randomized clinical study of efficacy and safety

Background: As the appearance of the face is a primary concern of many people, ways in which to tighten the skin are increasingly in demand. In recent years, radiofrequency (RF) has become a promising nonablative, non-invasive, technique for facial rejuvenation. Objective: To assess the safety and the efficacy of a unipolar RF-based device for home use in increasing skin tightness (lifting effect) in the eyebrows area. Methods: Subjects (N = 50) aged between 30 and 70 years old showing skin wrinkledness all over the face and skin laxity in the eyebrows area were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the assessment of the eyebrow to hairline distance by means of a morphometric digital image analysis technique. Results: The eyebrows to hairline distance was statistically significant (both vs. basal condition and placebo) decreased by 1.338 ± 0.170 cm in the treated eyebrow. Conclusion: The obtained results confirm the safety and the efficacy of the tested device in decreasing skin laxity in the eyebrows area. The treatment is not time-consuming (about 6 minutes) and can be done at home. The device seems to be then a useful tool to delay skin laxity or to prolong the time to the first surgical facial lift.
Perceived learning needs of patients with heart failure in China: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

Aim: To identify the learning needs of patients with heart failure (HF) in China and to examine the relationships between learning needs and patients’ characteristics. Background: Little information on the learning needs of patients with HF in China is known. Besides, it is important to identify the potential characteristics that may influence patients’ perceived learning needs. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in three university affiliated hospitals in Xi’an, Mainland China. A total of 347 HF patients selected by convenience sampling were investigated using the Chinese version of the HF learning needs inventory. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and one-way analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Results: The mean scores rated by Chinese patients with HF were lower than the corresponding scores rated by patients of Western countries. Information on risk factors, prognosis, general HF information and medications were identified as the most important topics while lifestyle modification and psychological factors were regarded as the least important ones. Age negatively correlated with the learning needs on activity (r = -0.125) and prognosis information (r = -0.141). Educational level was significantly related to the learning needs about risk factors. Conclusion: Patients with HF in China considered most of the topics important for them to learn. Age and educational level were related with the learning needs on only three topics including activity, prognosis information and risk factors. Relevance to clinical practice: The study findings may be used by health professionals to develop tailored educational programme for patients with HF in China.
Enhancing the resilience of nurses and midwives: Pilot of a mindfulnessbased program for increased health, sense of coherence and decreased depression, anxiety and stress

Abstract Health workers in general, and midwives and nurses in particular, experience high levels of stress/distress due to the nature of their work and workplaces; and, their socialization into ways of working that minimizes the likelihood of self-care. Increasing interest in the development of resilient workers has meant an enormous growth in interest in the role of holistic practices such as mindfulness meditation. Kabat-Zinn’s mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is one of the most commonly used by those seeking to practise, theorize or research mindfulness across multiple contexts. The primary aim of this study was to pilot the effectiveness of an adapted mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention on the psychological wellbeing of nurses and midwives. More specifically, we sought to test the acceptability and feasibility of a modified MBSR intervention to inform a future randomized controlled trial (RCT). The pilot study used a pre and post intervention design. Twenty midwives and 20 nurses participated in a one-day workshop, undertook to meditate daily for 8 weeks and completed pre and post intervention measures: general health questionnaire (GHQ-12); sense of coherence (SOC) – orientation to life and the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS). A subgroup took part in interviews or focus group discussions of their experiences of the program and their ongoing mindfulness practice. The quantitative findings included significant improvements on the GHQ-12, SOC and the stress subscale of the DASS. Qualitative findings support the acceptability of the intervention, and highlighted a number of issues related to feasibility of any future RCT. In conclusion, mindfulness practice holds promise for increasing individual and workplace resilience, however, meaningful research evidence from carefully constructed studies will be required to engage and motivate participation and organizational support.
Maternal obesity, gestational hypertension, and preterm delivery

Objective. To study maternal obesity as a risk factor for preterm delivery. Methods. Maine State Birth Records Database from 1996 through 2006 was evaluated to investigate obese pregnant women compared with normal weight women regarding risk for preterm delivery. Multiple risk factors and outcomes were studied in univariable and multivariable models. Results. Among 58,112 pregnant women, 8% (n = 4653) gave birth to preterm infants. Univariable analyses revealed a relationship between obesity and increased risk of prematurity. In multivariable regressions, the most important intermediate variable appears to be gestational hypertension/preeclampsia. Conclusions. As maternal body mass index increases in pregnancy, the risk of preterm delivery and other maternal complications increases. The obesity–prematurity relationship is complex, with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy playing a crucial role. More detailed analyses of causal pathways are warranted.
THE IMPACT OF LIVING CONDITIONS OF AGED INDIVIDUALS ON THEIR DAILY ROUTINES AND STATE OF LONELINESS: CASE OF TURKEY

ABSTRACT: Background: We aimed to determine daily routines of aged people living in nursing homes or with family and to find out their state of loneliness. Methods: The field study has been carried out at Semiha Şakir Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for Aged People and Izzet Baysal Nursing Home, affiliated to the Provincial Directorate of Social Services as well as at Zeytinburnu Primary Health Care Center affiliated to the Ministry of Health, after having received the required permissions from related institutions. The universe of study has been defined as 120 elderly people staying at nursing homes during October 2009–April 2010 or those staying with families in Istanbul province. Data have been collected through Data Collection Form based on the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) and Katz Daily Routines Index. Results: Age and gender do not affect feeling of loneliness (p>0.05), old married people feel less lonely (p<0.001). A decrease in feeling of loneliness has been observed with an increase in education and income level (p<0.001). People staying at nursing homes are more dependent in every day activities, but feel more lonely than those staying with their families (p<0.01). Conclusion: Economic support for aged people should be provided in order for them to afford minimum-level living conditions, and they should have social security. Services for aged people should be aimed to keep them at home in contact with the society outside. Healthcare personnel should be more informed on the issue, and related studies should be increased.