Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State of the art: How to set up a pulmonary rehabilitation program

Pulmonary rehabilitation plays an essential role in the management of symptomatic patients with COPD. The benefits of rehabilitation include a decrease in dyspnoea and fatigue, and improvements in exercise tolerance and health‐related quality of life. Importantly, rehabilitation reduces hospitalization for acute exacerbations and is cost‐effective. Although most of the evidence for pulmonary rehabilitation has been obtained in patients with COPD, symptomatic individuals with other respiratory diseases have been shown to benefit. In this review we outline a stepwise approach to establish, deliver and evaluate a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) that would be feasible in most settings. Throughout the review we have specified the minimum requirements for a PRP to facilitate the establishment of programs using limited resources. Recommendations for staffing and other resources required for a PRP are presented in the first section. Exercise training is a focus of the section on program delivery as this is the component of rehabilitation that has the strongest level of evidence for benefit. Program considerations for patients with respiratory conditions other than COPD are described. Different approaches for delivering the education component of a PRP are outlined and recommendations are made regarding topics for group and individual sessions. The problems commonly encountered in pulmonary rehabilitation, together with recommendations to avoid these problems and strategies to assist in their resolution, are discussed. The review concludes with recommendations for evaluating a PRP.
Epidemiology and Outcome of Patients With Burns Treated With Cerium Nitrate Silversulfadiazine

In this study, the outcome of treatment with Flammacerium in burn patients is studied. The retrospective study involved patients with acute burns admitted to the Burn Centre of Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands, between 2009 and 2014. The outcome parameters were mortality, complications (noninfectious and infectious), need of surgery, and length of stay. The group of patients consisted of 853 patients, of which 554 were male (64.9%). There were 23 patients with a total burn size of 40% TBSA or more (2.7%). In total, 13 of the 853 patients (1.5%) died, and none of them were children (<16 years). The overall mortality in the group of patient with burns >40% TBSA was 30.4%. In the elderly group (>70 years), the mortality rate was 6.3%. Treatment with Flammacerium is applicable in all thermal burn patients. Especially children, elderly patients, and patients with severe burns can benefit from a more conservative treatment with Flammacerium whereby the first operation can be postponed until the patient is stabilized and in which the wounds can be covered directly with skin transplants.
A survey of what customers want in a cell phone design

The cell phone is an information appliance that has been widely used. It provides instant access to information and makes people more ‘connected’. The objective of our study is to investigate the relationship among the design features of the cell phone and identify the most important design features and design factors. In our survey study, we asked 1,006 college students using a 7-point Likert scale structured questionnaire to evaluate their preference of the design features and overall satisfaction of their current cell phone. Nine design factors were derived. Ten cell phone design features and five design factors that significantly impact a user's satisfaction were identified. The most important design features are: the physical appearance, size and menu organisation, which together account for 42% of the total variance of a user's overall satisfaction.
Analyses of user rationality and system learnability: performing task variants in user tests

No systematic empirical study on investigating the effects of performing task variants on user cognitive strategy and behaviour in usability tests and on learnability of the system being tested has been documented in the literature. The current use-inspired basic research work aims to identify the underlying cognitive mechanisms and the practical implications of this specific endeavour. The focus of our work was to assess user rationality and system learnability. The software application tested was a multilingual learning resource repository. Eleven German and eleven Slovenian participants were involved in two user tests (UTs). Usability problems (UPs) identified in two quasi-isomorphic tasks were categorized with respect to a scheme of associated skills. Actions of the two tasks of each of the 22 users were segmented and coded according to a scheme of cognitive activities. Results showed that generally the users adopted different strategies for working out the given task and its variant, and that the system could be proved learnable. User Rational Action Model and implications for future research on user tests are inferred.
How do different types of intragroup conflict affect group potency in virtual compared with face-to-face teams? A longitudinal study

The number of organizations using teamwork is increasing. In this context, group potency has emerged as a key construct in group research. Moreover, in the last decades, information and communication technologies (ICT) have allowed organizations to form virtual teams. Consequently, a considerable amount of research has analysed the functioning of virtual teams. We focus on intragroup conflict as a relevant antecedent of potency in computer-mediated communication groups. Specifically, the aim of this research is to examine the role of ICT in the relationship between intragroup conflict and group potency in a longitudinal study. A laboratory experiment was carried out comparing 44 groups working in two communication media (face-to-face and computer-mediated communication). The groups developed a project over a one-month period. The results show that communication media play a moderator role between intragroup conflict (relationship and task conflict) and group potency. Implications of these results are discussed.
Standardization of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin: reply to the letter by Tagliaro and Bortolotti

Jan-Olof Jeppsson, Torsten Arndt, Francois ̧ Schellenberg, Jos P.M. Wielders, Raymond F. Anton, John B. Whitfield and Anders Helander* for the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Standardization of Carbohydrate-deficient Transferrin (IFCC WG-CDT) 1 Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden 2 Bioscientia Institut für Medizinische Diagnostik GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany 3 Hôpital Trousseau, CHRU Tours, France 4 Meander Medisch Centrum, Amersfoort, The Netherlands 5 Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA 6 Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia 7 Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
Physiological adaptation to 6 weeks of specific training of intercollegiate soccer players

The purpose of this study was first to examine selected anthropometric and physiological characteristics of the outfield players of a soccer team according to playing position, and secondly to study the effects of a six week soccer training regimen on peak aerobic power (VO2peak), treadmill run‐time to exhaustion (TTE), percent body fat (%BF), and sum of skinfold thicknesses (SST). Twenty four outfield players of an intercollegiate soccer team [9 defenders (DF), 8 midfielders (MF), and 7 forwards (FW)] participated in the first part of the study, whereas only 17 players completed the training. Body weight and height were not different among playing positions. Also, no difference was found between player positions for: (a) %BF [DF = 9.9 ± 2.2(SD) MF=10.2 ± 5.7; FW=10.6 ± 4.1%], (b) VO2peak [DF = 55.9 ± 3.3; MF = 56.4 ± 5.2; FW = 52.9 ± 4.3ml · min−1 · kg−1], and (c) maximal ventilation rate [DF= 127.8 ± 11.8; MF= 119.1 ± 13.0; FW= 117.1 ±7.3 1·min−1]. The TTE was not different among groups. The VO2peak before training was 55.3 ± 4.3 ml · min−1· kg−1 and it increased (p≤.05) to 57.5±5.8 ml · min−1· kg−1 after training. TTE also increased (p≤.05) from 22.8 ± 3.0 min before to 25.2 ± 1.6 min after training. Although body mass (74.0 ± 6.4 kg) and % BF (9.8 ± 4.4%) remained unchanged during the training period, the SST decreased (p ≤ .05) from 60.9 ± 17.4 to 55.4 ± 14.0 mm. The results indicated no difference in selected anthropometric and physiological variables among playing positions. The loss of subcutaneous fat without a change in the total fat after six weeks of training in all players suggests there was a redistribution of fat storage.
In vivo uptake and photodynamic activity of porphycenes

Novel porphyrinoid photosensitizers are currently being considered for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. This class of sensitizers combines high absorption characteristics at the therapeutic wavelengths ((lambda) > 600 nm) and good tumor targeting properties. We have investigated the in-vivo uptake and photodynamic damage of several porphycenes. Our model system was the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) which we have adapted for use in PDT studies. The CAM assay allows fast screening of novel drugs and obtaining statistically relevant results with minute quantities of the drug. Sensitizers were `trapped' in EPC (egg phosphatidylcholine) or in DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine); their efficiencies were independent of the vehicle used for application of the sensitizer. The efficiencies of various porphycenes in PDT, as a function of drug and light dose, compare well with those of standard porphyrins and phthalocyanines.
Physical Outcomes of Patients With Burn Injuries—A 12 Month Follow-Up

There is only limited research documenting functional ability, physical fitness, and health related quality of life after burn injury. The objective of this study was to measure a comprehensive range of physiotherapy-related outcomes over a 12-month period for patients with significant burn injuries. A prospective study was performed on consecutive patients admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital over a 12-month period. Outcomes were measured at admission and discharge from hospital and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and comprised the: Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, Lower Extremity Functional Scale questionnaire, shuttle walk test, grip strength and scar appearance using the Matching Assessment with Photographs of Scars. A total of 86 patients (74 male, mean age 38 years) participated. There was a significant deterioration in all outcomes in the first few months after burn injury, with most outcomes improving towards baseline levels by 6 months. However, lower limb function (Lower Extremity Functional Scale) remained significantly reduced at 12 months and functional exercise capacity (shuttle walk test) was still markedly reduced at 6 months compared with predicted normal values. The total burn surface area significantly affected many of the outcomes. In conclusion, for this sample of patients after burn injury, there was an acceptable rate of recovery for physiotherapy-related outcomes, in that most measures had returned to near baseline levels by 6 months postinjury, with the exception of lower limb function and functional exercise capacity.
Transfusions in Burn Patients With/Without Comorbidities

Medical comorbidities such as renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular disease are known risk factors for mortality in burn patients. Patients with large burns often require blood transfusions during excision and skin grafting. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the transfusion requirements of burn patients with/without comorbidities. This was a retrospective review of burn patient data between March 1999 and May 2004. There were 1,615 admissions to the burn unit; comorbidity data was available on 1,490 patients. Of these, 383/1,490 (26%) had comorbid conditions upon admission: 85/383 (22%) were transfused; 52/85 (61%) also underwent skin grafting. Most patients (298/383) with comorbidities were not transfused; however, 108/298 (36%) were grafted. Transfused patients with comorbidities had a mean ± SD age of 53 ± 18 years old, a 19% ± 22% TBSA burn, and a length of stay of 29 ± 26 days compared with patients with comorbidities who did not require transfusion and were 48 ± 19 years old, had 8 ± 13% TBSA, and a length of stay of 8 ± 8 days. Of patients with comorbidities, 31/54 (57%) were transfused in the <10% TBSA group and 26/44 (59%) in the 10 to 19% TBSA group. There was a 5-fold increase in mortality among the transfused patients with comorbidities compared with the nontransfused group. Patients with comorbidities were more likely to be transfused in the <20% TBSA patient group. The odds of receiving a transfusion were highest in patients with cardiac diseases, stroke, and other central nervous system and psychiatric disorders. Co-occurring conditions that increased the odds of receiving a transfusion were procedures and inhalation with burn injury.
A Follow-Up Study of Adults With Suicidal Burns: Psychosocial Adjustment and Quality of Life

The severity of the burn injuries, accompanying injuries, and the often concomitant psychiatric disease complicate the treatment of patients with suicidal burns. Data from 45 patients who were treated for suicidal burn injuries from 1994 to 2005 were acquired from the patients’ charts and interviews with standardized questionnaires (n = 11) concerning their psychological status pretrauma and posttrauma, as well as their quality of life with special reference to psychosocial adjustments. None of the patients survived more than 69% TBSA burns; no one with 41% or less died. Most of the patients had prediagnosed psychiatric disorders. The educational and social background of the patients and religious beliefs played a minor role for choosing this method of suicide. Aggression levels were above the average population, whereas self-direction was underdeveloped. Forty percent, albeit unsuccessfully, committed subsequent suicide attempts. Most patients felt only moderate social impairment by the burn wound residuals, the majority had intensified and improved their social contacts, and most felt no relevant decrease of quality of life compared with their personal situation before the suicide attempt. Patients who survive the suicide attempt can become integrated in social life again. More data are needed to reliably identify patients at risk in advance.
Chemiluminescence determination of moxifloxacin in pharmaceutical and biological samples based on its enhancing effect of the luminol-ferricyanide system using a microfluidic chip.

A sensitive determination of a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent, moxifloxacin (MOX), by an enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) method using a microfluidic chip is described. The microfluidic chip was fabricated by a soft-lithographic procedure using polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS). The fabricated PDMS microfluidic chip had three-inlet microchannels for introducing the sample, chemiluminescent reagent and oxidant, and a 500 µm wide, 250 µm deep and 82 mm long microchannel. An enhanced CL system, luminol-ferricyanide, was adopted to analyze the MOX concentration in a sample solution. CL light was emitted continuously after mixing luminol and ferricyanide in the presence of MOX on the PDMS microfluidic chip. The amount of MOX in the luminol-ferricyanide system influenced the intensity of the CL light. The linear range of MOX concentration was 0.14-55.0 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9992. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.06 and 0.2 ng/mL respectively. The presented method afforded good reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.05% for 10 ng/mL of MOX, and has been successfully applied for the determination of MOX in pharmaceutical and biological samples.
Simultaneous Very Thick Split-Thickness and Split-Thickness Skin Grafting for Treating Burned Limbs

To achieve the goals of burn wound coverage and prevention of burn scar contracture, the author applied very thick split-thickness (to mobile surfaces) and ordinary split-thickness (to nonmobile surfaces) skin grafting to burned wounds simultaneously. Using a Padgett dermatome to harvest very thick split-thickness skin (0.024–0.026 in) is a simple and time-saving procedure. The initial results were good and patients had a better outcome and shorter home stay before resuming work.
Older people's views of support services in response to elder abuse in communities across Ireland

Purpose – This paper seeks to present findings from the first all‐Ireland study that consulted older people on their perceptions of interventions and services to support people experiencing abuse.Design/methodology/approach – Utilising a grounded theory approach, 58 people aged 65 years and over took part in focus groups across Ireland. Four peer‐researchers were also trained to assist in recruitment, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.Findings – Participants identified preventative community‐based approaches and peer supports as important mechanisms to support people experiencing, and being at risk of, elder abuse. Choices regarding care provision and housing, as well as opportunities for engagement in community activities where they can discuss issues with others, were identified as ways to prevent abuse.Originality/value – The development of elder abuse services has traditionally been defined from the perspective of policy makers and professionals. This study looked at the perspective of the .
Efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm for PV Application under Rapid Changing Weather Condition

This study presents a novel search algorithm of maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic power generation systems. The I-V characteristics and the P-V power output under specific irradiation and temperature conditions are simulated. The performance of the algorithm under fully shaded and sudden partially shaded conditions as well as variable insulations levels is investigated. The developed algorithm performs a wide-range search in order to detect rapidly changing weather conditions, and keeps the simulated stand-alone or grid-connected systems continuously operating close to the maximum power point. The performance of the developed algorithm, under extremely changing environmental conditions, is found to be superior compared to that of other conventional algorithms. The results of this study show that, under uniform radiations conditions, the developed algorithm takes only half of the time required by the Perturbation and Observe algorithms to reach maximum power point MMP. Furthermore, when PV is subjected to sudden partial shading conditions, the algorithm rapidly detects these changes and reaches the new MMP in less than a second.
Large intracardiac thrombus in a child with refractory nephrotic syndrome

Patients in a hypercoagulative state with nephrotic syndrome have a risk of various complications, such as salt water retention, thromboembolism, hyperlipidemia, metabolic bone diseases and infections. The hypercoagulative state in nephrotic syndrome is induced by elevated platelets counts, high levels of cholesterol and low levels of albumin and protein C, high plasma levels of fibrinogen and low plasma levels of anti-thrombin III. We describe here the case of an 11-year-old boy with refractory nephrotic syndrome, complicated by a large isolated thrombus in the right ventricle. The patient urgently underwent thoracotomy with resection. In order to detect asymptomatic intracardiac thrombus, it is important to be aware of the possibility of this complication in patients with refractory nephrotic syndrome.
Assessment of clinical skills with standardized patients: State of the art

A little more than 10 years ago, the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) was introduced. It includes several “stations,”; at which examinees perform a variety of clinical tasks. Although an OSCE may involve a range of testing methods, standardized patients (SPs), who are nonphysicians trained to play the role of a patient, are commonly used to assess clinical skills. This article provides a comprehensive review of large‐scale studies of the psychometric characteristics of SP‐based tests. Across studies, reliability analyses consistently indicate that the major source of measurement error is variation in examinee performance from station to station (termed content specificity in the medical‐problem‐solving literature). As a consequence, tests must include large numbers of stations to obtain a stable, reproducible assessment of examinee skills. Disagreements among raters observing examinee performance and differences between SPs playing the same patient role appear to have less effect on the pr.
CdSe and CdSe/CdS core-shell QDs: New approach for synthesis, investigating optical properties and application in pollutant degradation.

In this work, CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by a simple and rapid microwave activated approach using CdSO4 , Na2 SeO3 as precursors and thioglycolic acid (TGA) as capping agent molecule. A novel photochemical approach was introduced for the growth of CdS QDs and this approach was used to grow a CdS shell around CdSe cores for the formation of a CdSe/CdS core-shell structure. The core-shells were structurally verified using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR)) spectroscopy. The optical properties of the samples were examined by means of UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. It was found that CdS QDs emit a broad band white luminescence between 400 to 700 nm with a peak located at about 510 nm. CdSe QDs emission contained a broad band resulting from trap states between 450 to 800 nm with a peak located at 600 nm. After CdS shell growth, trap states emission was considerably quenched and a near band edge emission was appeared about 480 nm. Optical studies revealed that the core-shell QDs possess strong ultraviolet (UV) - visible light photocatalytic activity. CdSe/CdS core-shell QDs, showed an enhancement in photodegradation of Methyl orange (MO) compared with CdSe QDs.
Delivery room blood pressure percentiles of healthy, singleton, liveborn neonates

Background: Arterial blood pressure (BP) is one of the four vital signs that reflect cardiovascular status in neonates. The present study aimed to obtain BP percentiles among healthy, singleton, liveborn neonates between 34 and 43 weeks of gestation who were less than 1 h old.
AORTIC STENOSIS IN CHILDHOOD: A CLINICAL REVIEW OF 135 CASES *

Over a 5‐year period 135 children with a clinical diagnosis of aortic stenosis were investigated by cardiac catheterization in The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. The commonest type of stenosis, present in 108 patients, was valvular. In this paper an attempt is made to correlate the severity of aortic valve stenosis with the symptoms, signs, electro‐cardiographic and radiographic findings. Aortic valvotomy was carried out on 57 patients with only one death.