Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of transition readiness and transfer satisfaction measures for adolescents with chronic illness

Abstract Background: The transition from pediatric to adult health care can be challenging for adolescents with chronic illnesses. As a result, many adolescents are unable to transfer to adult health care successfully. Adequate measurement of transition readiness and transfer satisfaction with disease management is necessary in order to determine areas to target for intervention towards improving transfer outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to systematically review and critically appraise research on transition readiness and transfer satisfaction measures for adolescents with chronic illnesses as well as to assess the psychometric quality of these measures. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, ERIC, and ISI Web of Knowledge for transition readiness and transfer satisfaction measures for adolescents with chronic health conditions. Two reviewers independently selected articles for review and assessed methodological quality. Results: In all, eight readiness and six satisfaction measures met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 14 studies, which were included in the final analysis. None of these measures have well-established evidence of reliability and validity. Most of the measures were developed ad hoc by the study investigators, with minimal to no evidence of reliability and/or validity using the Cohen criteria and COSMIN checklist. Conclusion: This research indicates a major gap in our knowledge of transitional care in this population, because there is currently no well-validated questionnaire that measures readiness for transfer to adult health care. Future research must focus on the development of well-validated transition readiness questionnaires, the validation of existing measures, and reaching consensus on outcomes of successful transfer.
Effect of two different treadmill training protocols on locomotion recovery in spinalized rats

Both treadmill training and epidural stimulation can help to reactivate the central pattern generator (CPG) in the spinal cord after a spinal cord injury. However, designing an appropriate training approach and a stimulation profile is still a controversial issue. Bearing the Hebbian theory in mind, one can speculate a relation between the number of input afferent signals and the quality of movement recovery. In this paper, this conjecture was confirmed through some simulation studies on a model of CPGs in which the influence of increasing the afferent input weight on activating the CPG model was verified. Moreover, the performance of two different types of treadmill training along with epidural stimulation was assessed. The experimental results coincide with the achieved simulation results elucidating the effect of increasing the afferent input weights, means increasing the number of involved spinal sensory feedback during the training, on expedition of spinal CPG reactivation.
Can the outcome of the next pregnancy be predicted at the time of induced abortion?

BACKGROUND Factors predicting the outcome of the next pregnancy following termination of pregnancy (TOP) are poorly known. METHODS A cohort of 1269 women undergoing medical TOP between 2000 and 2002 were followed up until the next pregnancy or until the end of 2006, using registers of induced abortion, births and hospital discharges. Factors associated with repeat TOP, delivery and failed pregnancy were analysed. RESULTS During the mean (+/-SD) follow-up period of 4.2 +/- 1.5 years, 446 (35%) women had at least one subsequent pregnancy. Of these, 207 (46%) resulted in delivery, 169 (38%) in repeat TOP and 16% in failed pregnancy. In multivariate analysis, parity [hazard ratio (HR) 3.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70-6.91] and history of TOP (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.10-2.33) were risk factors of repeat TOP. Age above 25 years (HR < or = 0.46) and the use of intrauterine contraception (HR < or = 0.45) were associated with reduced risks of repeat TOP. However, only age between 25 and 29 years was associated with an increased probability of delivery (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.45-4.11). CONCLUSIONS Risk factors of repeat TOP are more clearly defined than factors associated with delivery. An increased focus on young women, those with a history of TOP and parous women, might be effective in reducing repeat TOP.
Use of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Bowel Complications After Gynecologic Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors predictive of bowel complications after gynecologic surgery and establish the added utility of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnostic process. METHODS: Patients who underwent gynecologic surgery between January 2, 2008, and December 30, 2010, who had CT scans of the abdomen, pelvis, or abdomen and pelvis within 42 days for a suspected bowel complication were identified. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors predictive of bowel-related complications. The diagnostic accuracy of CT was compared among patient risk groups based on clinical suspicion (pretest probability) of bowel complications. RESULTS: Among 205 eligible patients, 38 (18.5%) patients had a bowel-related complication. Mean time from surgery to CT was 12.4 (10.1) days. Clinical characteristics were used to develop a clinical model that included unexpected drainage from the drain, wound, or stoma (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 26.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1–224.4, P=.003), coronary artery disease (OR 10.7, CI 1.4–80.9, P=.022), laparotomy (compared with minimally invasive surgery) (OR 4.4, CI 1.1–17.2, P=.032), and age older than 45 years (OR 2.4, CI 0.7–8.8, P=.18). Addition of CT to clinical evaluation increased the predictive ability of the model (area under the curve) from 0.73 to 0.99. Among 57 low-risk patients, three with confirmed bowel-related complications would have been missed if CT was not performed. Among 13 high-risk patients, CT sensitivity was 70%, and it was negative for bowel complications in three patients subsequently confirmed to have serious complications (one anastomotic leak, two bowel perforations). CONCLUSIONS: In patients who have undergone gynecologic surgery and have a high clinical probability of a postoperative bowel-related complication, CT alone may fail to accurately identify patients with serious complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Prospective Study of Candida Species in Patients at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

ABSTRACT Since most nosocomial systemic yeast infections arise from the endogenous flora of the patient, we prospectively evaluated the species stratification and antifungal susceptibility profile ofCandida spp. associated with heavy colonization and systemic infection in patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. A total of 349 Candida isolates were obtained from 223 patients during the later half of 1998. Cancer was the most common underlying disease, occurring in 91% of the patients, including 61.8% with organ and 23.7% with hematological malignancies; 4.4% of the patients had AIDS. Candida albicans was the predominant species (67.3%); among 114 non-albicans Candida spp. , C. glabrata (45.6%) was the most frequent, followed by C. tropicalis (18.4%),C. parapsilosis (16.6%), and C. krusei(9.6%). The overall resistance to triazole-based agents among all yeast isolates was 9.4 and 10.8% for fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively. A total of 5% of C. albicansstrains were resistant to triazole antifungals, whereas 30.8 and 46.2% of C. glabrata strains were resistant to fluconazole (MIC ≥ 64 μg/ml) and itraconazole (MIC ≥ 1 μg/ml), respectively. A significant association was observed between prior treatment with triazole and isolation of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans (P = 0.005, OR 36), although this relationship was not seen in C. glabrata isolates (P = 0.4). This study reinforces the importance of periodic, prospective surveillance of clinical fungal isolates to determine appropriate prophylactic, empiric, and preemptive antifungal therapy for the highly susceptible patient population.
Open IP strategies for enabling sustainability transitions

As global societies are evolving to knowledge economies, intellectual property (IP) is becoming increasingly important. Contemporaneously, firms are opening up their innovation processes in contrast to the internally focused closed innovation paradigm, making IP of substantial relevance for firms as well as for societies. However, in spite of this relevance, existing literature about Open IP approaches is scarce, and most existing investigations are focusing on the software industry. This paper links Open IP to social and environmental issues, and particularly discusses IP strategies against the backdrop of sustainability transitions. The challenges for innovative, small companies to compete with incumbents and their role to contribute to sustainability transitions are demonstrated and suggestions for promising future research are presented.
Exploiting spatial diversity in overloaded MIMO LDS-OFDM multiple access systems

In this paper, we consider the deployment of multiple antennas as a way to exploit spatial diversity in the uplink of multiple access systems that adopt low-density spreading (LDS) with orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). An overloaded LDS-OFDM system is assumed, i.e., the number of users served is assumed greater than the number of resources. A basic model is developed and from it we design multiplexing spreading signatures based on space-frequency block codes (SFBC) to enhance the system's error performance. Computer simulations results reveal that the proposed multipleinput multiple-output (MIMO) LDS-OFDM scheme achieves full spatial diversity gain regardless the level of fading correlation between neighboring subcarriers. In contrast, a standard LDS scheme is shown to achieve full spatial diversity gain only under perfectly uncorrelated frequency fading, which favors the proposed scheme. Moreover, the spatial diversity benefits of MIMO LDS-OFDM comes with no additional complexity, as an iterative message-passing algorithm with the same complexity for both the proposed and the standard schemes approaches the respective optimal performances with only 2 iterations. These features make the proposed MIMO LDS-OFDM scheme a strong candidate for future wireless networks.
Basal insulin glargine (HOE 901) versus NPH insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes on multiple daily insulin regimens. U.S. Insulin Glargine (HOE 901) Type 1 Diabetes Investigator Group.

OBJECTIVE Insulin glargine (HOE 901, 21(A)-Gly-30(B)a-L-Arg-30(B)b-L-Arg human insulin) is a novel recombinant analog of human insulin with a shift in the isoelectric point producing a retarded absorption rate and an increased duration of action that closely mimics normal basal insulin secretion. It recently received approval from the Food and Drug Administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate 2 formulations of insulin glargine for safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a 4-week trial, 256 patients with type 1 diabetes received either NPH insulin or insulin glargine containing 30 microg/ml zinc (insulin glargine[30]) or 80 microg/ml zinc (insulin glargine[80]). Insulin glargine was given subcutaneously once daily at bedtime. NPH insulin was given either once daily (at bedtime) or twice daily (before breakfast and at bedtime), according to the patient's prestudy regimen. The initial doses of insulin glargine and NPH were based on the previous NPH total daily dose. RESULTS At study end point, insulin glargine-pooled groups had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels than the NPH insulin group, with adjusted mean FPG levels reduced by 2.2 mmol/l (P = 0.0001). Insulin glargine was superior to NPH insulin in reducing FPG levels in patients who had previously received NPH insulin twice daily but not in patients who had previously received NPH once daily. FPG levels were more stable in patients using insulin glargine than in patients using NPH insulin. A subset of patients (n = 71) underwent hourly overnight plasma glucose measurements. Insulin glargine patients exhibited lower FPG levels after 5:00 A.M.; the difference was significant by 8:00 A.M. The adjusted mean FPG for insulin glargine[30] was 7.8 mmol/l; for insulin glargine[80], 7.3 mmol/l; and for NPH, 10.7 mmol/l. Both formulations of insulin glargine were well tolerated, similar to NPH insulin. CONCLUSIONS Basal insulin glargine administered once daily for 4 weeks as part of a basal-bolus multiple daily insulin regimen was safe and more effective in lowering fasting plasma glucose levels than NPH in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Measuring maternal health: focus on maternal morbidity.

A reduction in maternal mortality has traditionally been used as a critical measure of progress in improving maternal health. If a 75% reduction in maternal mortality between 1990 and 2015 – the target set under Millennium Development Goal 5 – is to be attained, we must redouble our efforts. In this endeavour, governments, policy-makers, donors, researchers, civil society and other stakeholders have come together in unprecedented fashion. Yet despite the fact that the maternal mortality ratio is considered one of the main indicators of a country’s status in the area of maternal health, the burden of maternal mortality is only a small fraction of the burden of maternal morbidity – the health problems borne by women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Bidirectional Buck-Boost Inverter-Based HVDC Transmission System With AC-Side Contribution Blocking Capability During DC-Side Faults

Offshore wind energy is now seen as a key contributor for the future renewable energy mix. HVDC technology is among the chief technologies enabling widespread use of offshore wind. Thanks to their numerous advantages, voltage-source converter-based-HVDC (VSC-HVDC) systems are expected to be the technology of choice. Unfortunately, most of VSCs are defenseless against dc-side faults, such as two-level VSCs, and half-bridge modular multilevel converters. This paper proposes the buck-boost inverter-based-HVDC system (BBI-HVDC) as a means to overcome the limitations of the classical VSC-HVDC systems. The proposed configuration does not only provide sinusoidal three-phase voltage, but also provides complete blocking capability of ac-side contributions during a dc-side fault. The latter is achieved by simply disabling the gating signals to the switches upon fault detection. The performance of the proposed system is illustrated during normal conditions, ac-side faults, and dc-side faults. A simulation case study comparing the performance of the conventional HVDC converters with the proposed system during dc-side faults is conducted. The simulation results reveal the promising performance under normal operation as well as a significant decrease in the dc fault current due to the ac-side contribution blocking capability of the BBI-HVDC system during dc-side faults.
Influence of topical phenypropanolamine on tachyphylaxis and mucociliary clearance in the human nose

Abstract Topical nasal phenylpropanolamine in a 2.5 per cent solution (PPA) was used in an evaluation of the possible development of tachyphylaxis and of possible effects on the mucociliary system after one week of treatment in healthy humans. The tendency of PPA to produce tachyphylaxis was evaluated by rhi-nomanometrie measurements of nasal airway resistance after repeated dose-response provocations. The mucociliary transport time was tested with the saccharine-dye test. No reduced dose-response effect or change in mucociliary transport time was found with PPA, thus indicating that one week of treatment does not contribute to such adverse effects.
Adapting an HIV Risk Reduction Curriculum: Processes and Outcomes

Becoming a Responsible Teen (BART) is a community-based, HIV risk reduction curriculum shown to increase safer sex behaviors among African American adolescents. However, BART does not address common barriers to sexual health care access, which may limit program efficacy. We used a community-engaged adaptation process to maximize program relevance and health outcomes by incorporating a broad ecological perspective. Adolescent and staff advisory boards at a community-based organization recommended modifications (e.g., delete references to Kwanzaa, update language, localize incentives) and supported inclusion of critical on-site health services, such as sexually transmitted infection testing and condom provision. We conducted a trial of adapted BART (one session/week for 8 weeks) with 36 adolescents at two community organizations (mean age = 15.5 years, 52% female; 61% reported previous sexual intercourse). Most received on-site sexually transmitted infection testing (61%) and condoms (70%). Adolescents demonstrated significant improvements in self-efficacy for safer sexual practices (p < .02), AIDS risk knowledge (p < .001), condom knowledge (p < .001), and condom attitudes (p < .04). Adolescents and staff were satisfied with the revised curriculum and found on-site services acceptable. Based on improvements in constructs influencing behavior and the successful delivery of services essential for optimal health, future studies to assess efficacy and sustainability of the adapted curriculum appear warranted.
Constructions of Deportability in Sweden. Refused Asylum Seekers’ Experiences in Relation to Gender, Family Life, and Reproduction

Abstract Drawing on ethnographic material, this article examines how the experiences of refused asylum seekers in Sweden are shaped by migration policies, welfare policies, and gender norms. The article develops a feminist account of deportability to examine some gendered and reproductive aspects of everyday experiences of seeking asylum in Sweden. Focusing on the interview accounts of one heterosexual couple and one woman from Kosovo, I explore how their experiences are formed by the refusal of asylum claims in cases of sexual violence and/or their relationship and parental status. The analysis reflects on the way in which the specific legislative situation in the time period in which these interviews were made led to a privileging of families with children above single migrants and/or couples without children. It also reflects on how experiences of deportability clash dramatically with the idea of Sweden as a women-friendly welfare state.
Intrinsic capabilities of neural networks in the turtle spinal cord: selection and generation of motor patterns

Neural networks intrinsic to the turtle spinal cord respond to a tactile stimulus with a goal-directed motor response. Each motor response consists of a distinct motor pattern, i.e. a specific sequence of motor neuron and muscle activities. Intrinsic spinal networks can be examined in the absence of supraspinal networks following complete transection of the spinal cord. Spinal networks in the turtle generate a scratch reflex in response to tactile stimulation of a site on the body surface; during the response, a nearby limb reaches toward and rubs against the stimulated site. There are several forms of scratch reflex; the particular form that is selected depends upon stimulus location. Selection and production of the appropriate scratch motor pattern does not depend upon movement-related sensory feedback; the proper sequence of motor neuron activities during scratch reflex is generated following immobilization of all muscles by neuromuscular blockade. Turtle spinal networks `decide' which motor pattern is appropriate for each tactile stimulus: these networks have the property of motor pattern selection
The Territorial Division of Power: A survey on Brazil 1

Two main approaches divide the literature on the territorial distribution of power, one focusing on identity, the other on political economy. The former argues that strong regional identities favor preferences for a decentralization of authority and resources and, conversely, that identities more inclined to the Nation-State support centralized polities. The latter approach depicts the geography of income and median voter preferences as core determinants of choices regarding these institutions. This paper examines these propositions in the case of Brazil, a federation where the bulk of interpersonal income redistribution occurs at the central level. A representative national survey, with oversampling in states with differing wealth and income distribution profiles, gives empirical support to the analysis. Data is explored through multivariate models to gauge the independent effect of identityand socioeconomic status-related variables on preferences regarding the territorial distribution of authority. Measures of preferences for the vertical distribution of authority were built that take into account individuals' choices for change as well as their evaluation of the current relevance of the different levels of government in Brazil. Our findings show that voters see Brazil as a centralized federation. The vast majority of respondents perceive the most important elections and most important decisions as taking place in the federal sphere. A larger share hold a preference for either maintaining the status quo or further centralizing the federation, although the preference for further empowering local governments is not negligible. Identity does not seem to explain individuals’ preferences. Instead, we found evidence confirming the old-fashioned notion that class does matter when preferences as to the vertical distribution of authority are at stake. Moreover, preferences for centralization are associated to trust in the federal government. However, although we found evidence that the region where people live can also matter for their preferences, our preliminary results does not allow to clearly depict which attributes of regions affect choices about institutional design.
The significance of elevated troponin T in patients with nondialysis‐dependent renal insufficiency: A validation with coronary angiography

Background: Patients with elevated troponin are at high risk of adverse outcomes, future cardiac events, and are more likely to have hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenoses. Elevated troponin T (cTnT) in patients with poor renal function portends a poor prognosis; however, findings of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) by coronary angiography have not been demonstrated in patients with poor renal function and elevated cTnT.
CYP2E1*5B, CYP2E1*6, CYP2E1*7B, CYP2E1*2, and CYP2E1*3 allele frequencies in iranian populations.

BACKGROUND CYP2E1 encodes an enzyme which is mainly involved in bioactivation of potential carcinogens such as N-nitrosamines. Polymorphisms in the gene have been reported to be associated with cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate genotype distributions and allele frequencies of five CYP2E1 polymorphisms in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHOD Two hundred healthy individuals of an Iranian population from the southwest were included in this study. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and Tetra-ARMS PCR methods were applied for CYP2E1 genotyping. RESULTS The allele frequencies for *5B, *6, *7B, *2, and *3 were calculated to be 1.5%, 16%, 28.5%, 0%, and 2.75% respectively. Results of this study showed that no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of five single nucleotide polymorphisms with respect to the gender and tribes. The chi-square test showed that the genotype frequencies of CYP2E1*5B were similar to Caucasians, but the distribution of CYP2E1*6 genotypes was similar to Asians. The frequencies of CYP2E1*2 (0%) and CYP2E1*3 (2.75%) alleles were within the range for Caucasians and Orientals. In the case of CYP2E1*7B, the data werelimited. Accordingly, the results were only compared with Europeans and the comparison showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, ethnic and geographic differences may explain discrepancies in the prevalence of CYP2E1 polymorphisms.