LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Women in Saudi Arabia and the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review

Background. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in Saudi Arabia. Saudi women in particular are more susceptible as there are sociocultural restrictions on female physical activities that may lead to high prevalence of CVD risks, especially obesity, and physical inactivity. This study aims to systematically review the published articles related to the prevalence of CVD risk among women in Saudi Arabia. The search strategy covers all published articles that assess the risk factor of CVD in Saudi Arabia from January 2000 to December 2015, using the following sources: Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO. A total of 61 studies were included. Results. Prevalence among Saudi women of smoking ranged from 1.1% to 9.1%, hypertension was 21.8%, diabetes ranged from 9.6% to 27.6%, overweight was 27%, and obesity was 40.23%, and physical inactivity ranged from 53.2% to 98.1%. Hypercholesterolemia prevalence on Saudi women on average was 24.5%, while metabolic syndrome ranged from 13.6% to 40.3%. Conclusion. The prevalence of CVD risk factors is high among women in Saudi Arabia especially in obesity and physical inactivity. Public health authorities must implement solutions from a gender specific aspect to reverse the trend and decrease the prevalence of CVDs among Saudi women.
Realization of the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) for Real-Time Image Enhancement

Acquired real-time image sequences, in their original form may not have good viewing quality due to lack of proper lighting or inherent noise. For example, in X-ray imaging, when continuous exposure is used to obtain an image sequence or video, usually low-level exposure is administered until the region of interest is identified. In this case, and many other similar situations, it is desired to improve the image quality in real-time. One particular method of interest, which extensively is used for enhancement of still images, is Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) proposed in [1] and summarized in [2]. This approach is computationally extensive and it is usually used for off-line image enhancement. Because of its performance, hardware implementation of this algorithm for enhancement of real-time image sequences is sought. In this paper, a system level realization of CLAHE is proposed, which is suitable for VLSI or FPGA implementation. The goal for this realization is to minimize the latency without sacrificing precision.
Метафизика бытия и познания в философии томизма

The article is dedicated to consideration of metaphysical conceptions of twentieth century Thomism beliefs; it is presented main directions of Thomism such as Aristotelian Thomism and existential Thomism. The main attention draws to consideration of metaphysical thought of J. Maritain and his approach to integration of philosophic and scientific knowledge.
Starvation and rapamycin differentially regulate host cell lysosome exocytosis and invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclic forms.

The molecular mechanisms of host cell invasion by T. cruzi metacyclic trypomastigotes (MT), the developmental forms that initiate infection in the mammalian host, are only partially understood. Here we aimed at further identifying the target cell components involved in signalling cascades leading to MT internalization, and demonstrate for the first time the participation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Treatment of human epithelial HeLa cells with mTOR inhibitor rapamycin reduced lysosomal exocytosis and MT invasion. Downregulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase C also impaired exocytosis and MT internalization. The recombinant protein based on gp82, the MT surface molecule that mediates cell adhesion/invasion, induced exocytosis in HeLa cells. Such an effect has not previously been attributed to any T. cruzi surface molecule. Rapamycin treatment diminished gp82 binding as well. Cell invasion assays under conditions that promoted lysosome exocytosis, such as 1 h incubation in starvation medium PBS(++) , increased MT invasion, whereas pre-starvation of cells for 1-2 h had an opposite effect. In contrast to MT, invasion of tissue culture trypomastigotes (TCT) increased upon host cell pre-starvation or treatment with rapamycin, a novel finding that discloses quite distinctive features of the two infective forms in a key process for infection.
The worldwide prevalence of multiple sclerosis

Despite the wealth of epidemiological data deriving from the systematic studies of multiple sclerosis (MS) that have been carried out for over 70 years, any attempt at redefining the pattern of MS geQgraphic distribution is still a difficult task. In fact, comparing prevalence studies of different areas and at different times implies a number of problems: (a) the variability of the surveyed populations in terms of size, age structure, ethnic origin and composition [1]; (b) the difference when determining the numerator, i.e. the recognition of benign and very early cases [2]; (c) the extent to which complete case ascertainment is achieved based on geographic and time variables, access to medical care, local medical expertise, number of neurologists, availability of and accessibility to new diagnostic procedures, degree of public awareness about MS, and on the investigators' zeal and resources [2.3]; (d) the use of different diagnostic criteria and the interobserver variability when applying them [ I ]. A description of MS geography worldwide is tentatively presented (for detailed references, see review by Rosati [41).
Fixation of ankle syndesmotic injuries: comparison of tightrope fixation and syndesmotic screw fixation for accuracy of syndesmotic reduction.

BACKGROUND
Ankle syndesmotic injuries are complex and require anatomic reduction and fixation to restore the normal biomechanics of the ankle joint and prevent long-term complications.


PURPOSE
The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy and maintenance of syndesmotic reduction using TightRope versus syndesmotic screw fixation.


STUDY DESIGN
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.


METHODS
This cohort study included consecutive patients treated for ankle syndesmotic diastases between July 2007 and June 2009. Single slice axial computed tomography (CT) scans of both the ankles together were performed at the level of syndesmosis, 1 cm above the tibial plafond. A greater than 2-mm widening of syndesmosis compared with the untreated contralateral ankle was considered significant malreduction. Clinical outcomes were measured using the American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores.


RESULTS
Forty-six of 55 eligible patients participated in the study; 23 patients were in the TightRope group and 23 in the syndesmotic screw group. The average age was 42 years in the TightRope and 40 years in the syndesmotic screw group, and the mean follow-up time was 2.5 years (range, 1.5-3.5 years). The average width of normal syndesmosis was 4.03 ± 0.89 mm. In the TightRope group, the mean width of syndesmosis was 4.37 mm (SD, ±1.12 mm) (P = .30, t test) compared with 5.16 mm (SD, ±1.92 mm) in the syndesmotic screw group (P = .01, t test). Five of 23 ankles (21.7%) in the syndesmotic screw group had syndesmotic malreduction, whereas none of the TightRope group showed malreduction on CT scans (P = .04, Fisher exact test). Average time to full weightbearing was 8 weeks in the TightRope group and 9.1 weeks in the syndesmotic screw group. There was no significant difference between the TightRope and syndesmotic screw groups in mean postoperative AOFAS score (89.56 and 86.52, respectively) or FADI score (82.42 and 81.22, respectively). Regression analysis confirmed malreduction of syndesmosis as the only independent variable that affected the clinical outcome (regression coefficient, -12.39; t = -2.43; P = .02).


CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that fixation with TightRope provides a more accurate method of syndesmotic stabilization compared with screw fixation. Syndesmotic malreduction is the most important independent predictor of clinical outcomes; therefore, care should be taken to reduce the syndesmosis accurately.
Safe To Walk? Neighborhood Safety and Physical Activity Among Public Housing Residents

BACKGROUND
Despite its health benefits, physical inactivity is pervasive, particularly among those living in lower-income urban communities. In such settings, neighborhood safety may impact willingness to be regularly physically active. We examined the association of perceived neighborhood safety with pedometer-determined physical activity and physical activity self-efficacy.


METHODS AND FINDINGS
Participants were 1,180 predominantly racial/ethnic minority adults recruited from 12 urban low-income housing complexes in metropolitan Boston. Participants completed a 5-d pedometer data-collection protocol and self-reported their perceptions of neighborhood safety and self-efficacy (i.e., confidence in the ability to be physically active). Gender-stratified bivariate and multivariable random effects models were estimated to account for within-site clustering. Most participants reported feeling safe during the day, while just over one-third (36%) felt safe at night. We found no association between daytime safety reports and physical activity among both men and women. There was also no association between night-time safety reports and physical activity among men (p = 0.23) but women who reported feeling unsafe (versus safe) at night showed significantly fewer steps per day (4,302 versus 5,178, p = 0.01). Perceiving one's neighborhood as unsafe during the day was associated with significantly lower odds of having high physical activity self-efficacy among both men (OR 0.40, p = 0.01) and women (OR 0.68, p = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
Residing in a neighborhood that is perceived to be unsafe at night is a barrier to regular physical activity among individuals, especially women, living in urban low-income housing. Feeling unsafe may also diminish confidence in the ability to be more physically active. Both of these factors may limit the effectiveness of physical activity promotion strategies delivered in similar settings.
Reconfigurable Computing : Architectures and Design Methods

Reconfigurable computing is becoming increasingly attractive for many applications. This survey covers two aspects of reconfigurable computing: architectures and design methods. Our chapter includes recent advances in reconfigurable architectures, such as the Altera Stratix II and Xilinx Virtex 4 FPGA devices. We identify major trends in general-purpose and special-purpose design methods.
Biologic width dimensions--a systematic review.

BACKGROUND
Consideration of the biologic width in restorative dentistry seems to be important for maintaining periodontal health.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the dimensions of the biologic width in humans.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed for publications published by 28 September 2012 using five different electronic databases; this search was complemented by a manual search. Two reviewers conducted the study selection, data collection, and validity assessment. The PRISMA criteria were applied. From 615 titles identified by the search strategy, 14 publications were included and six were suitable for meta-analyses.


RESULTS
Included studies were published from the years 1924 to 2012. They differed with regard to measurements of the biologic width. Mean values of the biologic width obtained from two meta-analyses ranged from 2.15 to 2.30 mm, but large intra- and inter-individual variances (subject sample range: 0.2 - 6.73 mm) were observed. The tooth type and site, the presence of a restoration and periodontal diseases/surgery affected the dimensions of the biologic width. Pronounced heterogeneity among studies regarding methods and outcome measures exists.


CONCLUSIONS
No universal dimension of the biologic width appears to exist. Establishment of periodontal health is suggested prior to the assessment of the biologic width within reconstructive dentistry.
Do multiple outcome measures require p-value adjustment?

BACKGROUND
Readers may question the interpretation of findings in clinical trials when multiple outcome measures are used without adjustment of the p-value. This question arises because of the increased risk of Type I errors (findings of false "significance") when multiple simultaneous hypotheses are tested at set p-values. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the need to make appropriate p-value adjustments in clinical trials to compensate for a possible increased risk in committing Type I errors when multiple outcome measures are used.


DISCUSSION
The classicists believe that the chance of finding at least one test statistically significant due to chance and incorrectly declaring a difference increases as the number of comparisons increases. The rationalists have the following objections to that theory: 1) P-value adjustments are calculated based on how many tests are to be considered, and that number has been defined arbitrarily and variably; 2) P-value adjustments reduce the chance of making type I errors, but they increase the chance of making type II errors or needing to increase the sample size.


SUMMARY
Readers should balance a study's statistical significance with the magnitude of effect, the quality of the study and with findings from other studies. Researchers facing multiple outcome measures might want to either select a primary outcome measure or use a global assessment measure, rather than adjusting the p-value.
Greater occipital nerve injection in primary headache syndromes – prolonged effects from a single injection

Most patients with primary headache syndromes who have frequent attacks of pain have tenderness in the sub-occipital region. Injection of the greater occipital nerve (GON) with local anesthetic and corticosteroids has been widely used in clinical practice for many years, yet there is no clear understanding of its mechanisms of action. Moreover, there is no current gold-standard of practice regarding GON injections in the management of headache. We audited of our practice to generate hypotheses about the range of primary headaches that might benefit, to determine response rates to power future studies, and to assess whether we should continue to do this procedure. Twenty-six of fifty-seven injections in 54 migraineurs yielded a complete or partial response that lasted for the partial response a median of 30 days. For cluster headache 13 of 22 injections yielded a complete or partial response lasting for a median of 21 days for the partial response. Tenderness over the GON was strongly predictive of outcome, although local anesthesia after the injection was not. The presence or absence of medication overuse did not predict outcome. Apart from two patients with a small patch of alopecia the injection was well tolerated. GON injection is a useful tool in some patients that provides interim relief while other approaches are explored. It is remarkable that in all conditions in which an effect is observed the response time so much exceeds the local anesthetic effect that the mechanism of action may well be through changes in brain nociceptive pathways.
Construction of shared knowledge during collaborative learning

This study reports preliminary findings from a study that investigated (1) the kind and extent of shared knowledge constructed after collaborative learning and (2) the relationship between the construction of shared knowledge and individual learning. In this study, college dyads collaborated to learn a biology concept. Preliminary findings showed that pairs shared similar mental models and knowledge pieces after collaborative learning and that the amount of collaborative knowledge is related to the amount of learning. Such results suggest that pairs engage in shared learning activities during collaboration which seems to lead to increased learning. Ideas for further analysis are discussed as well as implications of this study for a computer support system for collaborative learning.
Thoracic outlet syndrome: a review.

BACKGROUND
: Arterial and venous thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) were recognized in the late 1800s and neurogenic TOS in the early 1900s. Diagnosis and treatment of the 2 vascular forms of TOS are generally accepted in all medical circles. On the other hand, neurogenic TOS is more difficult to diagnose because there is no standard objective test to confirm clinical impressions.


REVIEW SUMMARY
: The clinical features of arterial, venous, and neurogenic TOS are described. Because neurogenic TOS is by far the most common type, the pathology, pathophysiology, diagnostic tests, differential and associate diagnoses, and treatment are detailed and discussed. The controversial area of objective and subjective diagnostic criteria is addressed.


CONCLUSION
: Arterial and venous TOS are usually not difficult to recognize and the diagnosis can be confirmed by angiography. The diagnosis of neurogenic TOS is more challenging because its symptoms of nerve compression are not unique. The clinical diagnosis relies on documenting several positive findings on physical examination. To date there is still no reliable objective test to confirm the diagnosis, but measurements of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve appear promising.
Deep Diagnostics: Applying Convolutional Neural Networks for Vessels Defects Detection

Coronary angiography is considered to be a safe tool for the evaluation of coronary artery disease and perform in approximately 12 million patients each year worldwide. [1] In most cases, angiograms are manually analyzed by a cardiologist. Actually, there are no clinical practice algorithms which could improve and automate this work. Neural networks show high efficiency in tasks of image analysis and they can be used for the analysis of angiograms and facilitate diagnostics. We have developed an algorithm based on Convolutional Neural Network and Neural Network U-Net [2] for vessels segmentation and defects detection such as stenosis. For our research we used anonymized angiography data obtained from one of the city’s hospitals and augmented them to improve learning efficiency. U-Net usage provided high quality segmentation and the combination of our algorithm with an ensemble of classifiers shows a good accuracy in the task of ischemia evaluation on test data. Subsequently, this approach can be served as a basis for the creation of an analytical system that could speed up the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and greatly facilitate the work of a specialist.
Distribution of metallothionein in normal and pathological human skin

The expression and distribution of metallothionein (MT) in frozen sections of normal and pathological human skin was studied using the monoclonal antibody L2E3 directed against MT derived from human fetal liver. Immunohistochemical staining of normal fetal and adult skin revealed strong reactivity in basal keratinocytes of epidermis and outer hair root sheath, hair matrix cells and the secretory coil, but not the exocrine portion of eccrine glands; myoepithelial cells around apocrine sweat glands were similarly stained. In epidermal hyperplasia, variable numbers of suprabasal keratinocytes were stained, whereas in interface dermatitis, interrupted staining was found in the basal layer. Weak or scattered staining was observed in squamous tumours, whereas basal cell carcinomas did not show consistent staining. The distribution of MT in normal skin was in line with the germinative role of basal keratinocytes and hair matrix cells, whereas its distribution in hyperplastic epidermis was in line with experimental animal data, and reflected the increase in the germinative pool in these conditions. It is concluded that monoclonal antibody L2E3 may serve as a valuable immunohistochemical marker in diagnostic cutaneous pathology since it labels basal keratinocytes selectively, and since it discriminates between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.
Acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache: randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with minimal acupuncture and with no acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache.


DESIGN
Three armed randomised controlled multicentre trial.


SETTING
28 outpatient centres in Germany.


PARTICIPANTS
270 patients (74% women, mean age 43 (SD 13) years) with episodic or chronic tension-type headache.


INTERVENTIONS
Acupuncture, minimal acupuncture (superficial needling at non-acupuncture points), or waiting list control. Acupuncture and minimal acupuncture were administered by specialised physicians and consisted of 12 sessions per patient over eight weeks.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Difference in numbers of days with headache between the four weeks before randomisation and weeks 9-12 after randomisation, as recorded by participants in headache diaries.


RESULTS
The number of days with headache decreased by 7.2 (SD 6.5) days in the acupuncture group compared with 6.6 (SD 6.0) days in the minimal acupuncture group and 1.5 (SD 3.7) days in the waiting list group (difference: acupuncture v minimal acupuncture, 0.6 days, 95% confidence interval -1.5 to 2.6 days, P = 0.58; acupuncture v waiting list, 5.7 days, 3.9 to 7.5 days, P < 0.001). The proportion of responders (at least 50% reduction in days with headache) was 46% in the acupuncture group, 35% in the minimal acupuncture group, and 4% in the waiting list group.


CONCLUSIONS
The acupuncture intervention investigated in this trial was more effective than no treatment but not significantly more effective than minimal acupuncture for the treatment of tension-type headache.


TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ISRCTN9737659.
Understanding motivation in internet gaming among Singaporean youth: The role of passion

This study examined the motivation of young people in internet gaming using the dualistic model of passion. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships between the two types of passion: obsessive and harmonious passion, behavioral regulations, and flow. A total of 1074 male secondary school students from Singapore took part in the study. The results of the path analysis showed that external, introjected, and identified regulations positively predicted obsessive passion, while harmonious passion was predicted by identified and intrinsic regulations. Flow in digital gaming was predicted directly by harmonious passion, as well as indirectly through intrinsic regulation. This study supports the proposed dualistic model of passion in explaining young people’s motivation in internet gaming. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.