Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diet and endocrine‐related cancer

In women, dietary modification and life style affect the risk of breast cancer and may alter the hormonal status, while in experimental animals diet can alter the incidence of induced mammary tumors. In this study, a high fat diet increased the incidence of DMBA‐induced tumors in rats while this increase in incidence was lowered and the effect of a high fat diet obliterated by an anti‐prolactin during CB154. Premenopausal Japanese women had a higher estradiol level than their Caucasian counterpart. In Japanese but not Caucasian breast cancer patients, the estradiol decreased. When nurses were transferred from the Western to a vegetarian diet, the menstrual cycle was shortened, while their prolactin and testosterone decreased. Data indicate that dietary factors influence tumor incidence and hormone profile in rat mammary cancer and the hormonal status in women.
Aging mechanisms in strained Si/high-k based pMOS transistors. Implications in CMOS circuits

Channel Hot Carrier (CHC) and Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) degradation has been studied in pMOSFETs with and without channel strain. The results show larger CHC degradation and a neglegible influence of NBTI on strained pMOS devices. The degradation effects are modeled to be introduced in a circuit simulator. The simulations of a CMOS inverter, which has been chosen as example circuit, show that degradation shifts the Voltage Transfer Characteristic (VTC). This effect is higher in strained devices. Concerning to the circuit speed and power consumption, the best initial performance of circuits designed with strained devices compensates their larger degradation.
Carcinoembryonic antigen concentrations in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), one of the most widely used tumor markers, has been recently associated with carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether CEA concentrations have a role in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Serum CEA concentrations were evaluated in 89 patients, including 50 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (Group I, 44 with acute myocardial infarction, six with unstable angina, 38 males, 65±2 years) and 39 patients with stable CAD (Group II, 33 males, 66±3 years). In addition, 33 subjects (16 males, 62±2 years) were also included as a control group (Group III). Results: ACS was significantly associated with increased mean CEA concentrations (3.1±0.3 vs. 1.75±0.1 and 1.7± 0.2 ng/mL in Groups I, II and III, respectively, p<0.001). Increased CEA concentrations remained an independent determinant for ACS (OR=3.1, 95% CI=1.2–7.9, p<0.05) after correcting for other significant risk factors. Conclusions: CEA might represent a potential new candidate biomarker for the prediction of risk associated with ACS. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1339–43.
On the RESET-SET transition in Phase Change Memories

We characterize SET operation in Phase Change Memories. A measurement procedure aiming to investigate resistance transition from amorphous to crystalline states is shown. Results give interesting insights on the crystallization process of GST material and a simple model is introduced. Crystallization process obeys to a constant energy law. Fast SET pulses require high power; slow SET pulses can be implemented in low power applications. Results may be used for an optimized design of memory cell operating conditions.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria in diabetes mellitus.

SUMMARY A study was undertaken to determine the frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria among 100 ambulant diabetic patients attending a diabetic outpatient clinic. At the same time, we assessed the reliability of the Uricult dip-slide method for detecting urinary bacterial growth. Significant bacteriuria occurred in 9% of the total diabetic group, largely attributable to the high prevalence in elderly diabetic women. Important characteristics of the affected diabetic patients included infection, commonly with Escherichia coli, frequently associated pyuria, good diabetic control with normal renal function and a high recurrence rate of bacteriuria after treatment. The dip­ slide method compared quite favourably with the labora­ tory culture method, but it failed to detect 2 out of 8 cases with significant bacteriuria. S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1306 (1974). Whether patients with diabetes mellitus have an increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections remains a con­ troversial issue. Much of the conflicting literature has been reviewed by Thomsen. ' A recent investigation indi­ cated that true bacteriuria in the diabetic occurred almost exclusively in females, and especially in the older age groups. ' In the present study we re-evaluate the problem in a representative group of diabetic outpatients, and assess the usefulness of the Uricult dip-slide (Orion Laboratories, Helsinki) as a reliable screening technique. The dip-slide method has been satisfactorily employed in a variety of other clinical situations, including paediatric practice; protein calorie malnutrition; urological units' and obstetric patients!
Sharps injuries among health care workers in Cairo University Hospitals.

BACKGROUND Health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to blood borne pathogens, through job-related risk factors like sharps injuries (SIs). Sharps injuries can be prevented by safer devices and through education and training of universal precautions and safe work practices. OBJECTIVES The present study aims to examine the current situation of infection control at Cairo University Hospitals in Egypt, through studying SIs among health care workers and evaluating the preventive measures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The first part of this study was cross-sectional in design. A self-administered Arabic questionnaire was designed for this study based on EPINet (Exposure Prevention Information Network) Needle Stick and Sharps injuries reporting Sheet. The second part of the study was an interventional design to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures which were introduced since the beginning of 2011. RESULTS Forty percent of the participants (416/1036) reported at least one sharps injury in the preceding year (2010), of which more than 70% (293/416) experienced more than one injury. 88.9% (370/416, p < 0.001) of HCWs did not report their injury. Following intervention measures injury rates were significantly reduced from 36.9/100 person in 2010 in the intensive care units, to 12.4/100 person during 2011, (X2 = 21.419 and P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION There is a high occurrence of sharps injuries in Cairo University Hospitals. Implementation of safety devices and adequate training will lead to reduction of SIs among HCWs.
Comparison of complications in diabetic outpatients with or without mental illness

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and psychiatric illness are related in many ways by prevalence, burden, course, and outcome. Co-morbid mental illness may play a role in determining the complication in diabetic patients. This study was conducted in 2010 among consecutive diabetic out-patients diagnosed as per American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines 2009, of age above 14 years, to compare the complications in diabetic patients with or without mental illness. Diabetic neuropathies, cardiovascular complications, and morbid obesity were among the complications significantly more among diabetic patients with mental illness (GHQ-12 ≥ 2) than without mental illness (GHQ-12 ≤ 2).
Mathematics ability and related skills in preschoolers born very preterm

ABSTRACT Children born very preterm (VPT) are at risk for academic, behavioral, and/or emotional problems. Mathematics is a particular weakness and better understanding of the relationship between preterm birth and early mathematics ability is needed, particularly as early as possible to aid in early intervention. Preschoolers born VPT (n = 58) and those born full term (FT; n = 29) were administered a large battery of measures within 6 months of beginning kindergarten. A multiple-mediation model was utilized to characterize the difference in skills underlying mathematics ability between groups. Children born VPT performed significantly worse than FT-born children on a measure of mathematics ability as well as full-scale IQ, verbal skills, visual–motor integration, phonological awareness, phonological working memory, motor skills, and executive functioning. Mathematics was significantly correlated with verbal skills, visual–motor integration, phonological processing, and motor skills across both groups. When entered into the mediation model, verbal skills, visual–motor integration, and phonological awareness were significant mediators of the group differences. This analysis provides insights into the pre-academic skills that are weak in preschoolers born VPT and their relationship to mathematics. It is important to identify children who will have difficulties as early as possible, particularly for VPT children who are at higher risk for academic difficulties. Therefore, this model may be used in evaluating VPT children for emerging difficulties as well as an indicator that if other weaknesses are found, an assessment of mathematics should be conducted.
Cytokine imbalance in systemic lupus erythematosus: a study on northern Indian subjects

Objective: The phenotype of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Asian Indians is more severe as compared with that in Caucasians. The reason is not clear. In this context, we studied serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interlekin-10 (IL-10). Their interrelations and correlation with SLEDAI scores were evaluated. Materials and methods: Forty patients with active SLE and 40 controls were studied. The mean SLEDAI score and anti-ds DNA level of the patients were 21.45 ± 8.61 and 176.68 ± 81.31 (IU/ml), respectively. Cytokines were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: In controls, the levels of IFN-γ were highest, followed by TNF-α, IL-10 & IL-4. In patients, however, the levels of TNF-α were highest, followed by IFN-γ, IL-10 & IL-4. IL-10 and IL-4 correlated negatively, and IFN-γ and TNF-α correlated positively with the SLEDAI scores. As compared with controls, in patients, the mean values of TNF-α, IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio were higher by 6.9, 2.9 and 2.3 times, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlation was found between these two cytokines in patients (r = 0.327, p < 0.05) but not in controls. The levels and ratio of IL-4 and IFN-γ were comparable between patients and controls. These two cytokines correlated negatively both in controls (r = −0.358, p < 0.05) and patients (r = −0.990, p < 0.001). The ratio of TNF-α/IL-4 was 4.2 times higher, and those of IFN-γ/IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL-10 were 1.89 and 3.40 times lower in patients as compared with controls. A positive correlation between IL-10 and IL-4 (r = 0.345, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation between IL-10 and IFN-γ (r = −0.382, p < 0.05) were observed only in patients. Conclusion: This study showed a distinct profile of cytokine imbalance in patients with SLE from the northern plains of India. The levels, ratios and correlations of cytokines in patients suggested significant deviation from normal. Correlations of cytokines with SLEDAI scores indicated that TNF-α contributes significantly to the pathological manifestations of SLE in patients from the region. A detailed study is warranted.
A cross-sectional study on self-medication practices among the rural population of Meghalaya -

Background: Self-medication can be described as a double-edged sword for its users, because it has both beneficial and harmful effects. The practice of self-medication is influenced by various factors. Meghalaya being an antimalarial drug resistant region is very much vulnerable to harms of self-medication. Objective: Therefore, this study was initiated to determine the prevalence of self-medication for allopathic drugs among the rural population and to find out the association between certain socio-demographic characteristics and self-medication. Materials and Methods: The study was a community-based, cross-sectional study carried out at Sohiong area of Mawphlang Block, East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, India. A total of 400 respondents of 18 years of age or more were randomly selected for the study. Result: Prevalence of self-medication was found to be 55% for allopathic drugs. Higher percentages of self-medication practices were seen among male gender (54.7%), people educated at least up to high school (64%), and in the younger age group (55%). Mild illness (30%) was the most common reason for self-medication followed by unwillingness to go to doctors (27%). Cough and common cold (28.3%) were found to be the most common symptoms for self-medication. Most common source of information for self-medication was family members and friends (38.7%). Conclusion: Higher percentages of self-medication practices were seen among the males, higher educational and socioeconomic status, and younger age group. Health education to people regarding responsible self-medication is necessary to prevent misuse and adverse effect of self-medication.
Cost-Efficient Frequency-Domain MIMO–OFDM Modem With an SIMD ALU-Based Architecture

In this paper, a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) arithmetic logic unit (ALU)-based architecture is proposed to improve hardware efficiency in a 4 × 4 frequency-domain multiple input multiple output-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modem based on a space-time block code (STBC). The majority of mathematic units in the proposed architecture are centralized so that any mathematic unit can be shared with any algorithm. Six advanced instructions are also defined in the ALU: 1) complex multiplication; 2) complex division; 3) correlation; 4) channel estimation; 5) 4 × 4 matrix inversion; and 6) STBC-based decoding. A scheduler is essential to handle all data paths and signaling flows smoothly with the use of an SIMD ALU. As a result, it is relatively easy to reconfigure the proposed design for different specifications. The very large scale integration implementation of this chip, using an in-house 65-nm CMOS process, consumes a total of 1.87 M gates and draws 33.7 mW at a supply voltage of 1 V.
Filling in biodiversity threat gaps

Only 5% of global threat data sets meet a “gold standard” The diversity of life on Earth—which provides vital services to humanity (1)—stems from the difference between rates of evolutionary diversification and extinction. Human activities have shifted the balance (2): Species extinction rates are an estimated 1000 times the “background” rate (3) and could increase to 10,000 times the background rate should species threatened with extinction succumb to pressures they face (4). Reversing these trends is a focus of the Convention on Biological Diversity's 2020 Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and its 20 Aichi Targets and is explicitly incorporated into the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We identify major gaps in data available for assessing global biodiversity threats and suggest mechanisms for closing them.
Cluster Analysis of Intake, Output, and Voiding Habits Collected From Diary Data

Background:Data that incorporate the full complexity of healthy beverage intake and voiding frequency do not exist; therefore, clinicians reviewing bladder habits or voiding diaries for continence care must rely on expert opinion recommendations. Objective:The aims of this study were to use data-driven cluster analyses to reduce complex voiding diary variables into discrete patterns or data cluster profiles, descriptively name the clusters, and perform validity testing. Methods:Participants were 352 community women who filled out a 3-day voiding diary. Six variables (void frequency during daytime hours, void frequency during nighttime hours, modal output, total output, total intake, and body mass index) were entered into cluster analyses. The clusters were analyzed for differences by continence status, age, race (Black women, n= 196; White women, n = 156), and, for those who were incontinent, by leakage episode severity. Results:Three clusters emerged, labeled descriptively as "conventional," "benchmark," and "superplus. " The conventional cluster (68% of the sample) demonstrated a mean daily intake of 1320 ± 375 ml, a mean daily output of 1069 ± 434 ml, mean daily voids of 5 ± 2 times, mean modal daytime output of 290 ± 144 ml, and mean nighttime voids of 1 ± 1 times. The superplus cluster (7% of the sample) showed double or triple these values across the five variables, and the benchmark cluster (25%) showed values consistent with current popular recommendations on intake and output (e.g., meeting or exceeding the 8 × 8 fluid intake rule of thumb). The clusters differed significantly (p < .05) by age, race, amount of bladder irritant beverages consumed, and incontinence. Discussion:Identification of three discrete clusters provides for a potential parsimonious but data-driven means of classifying individuals for additional epidemiological or clinical study. The clinical utility rests with potential for intervening to move an individual from a high-risk to low-risk cluster with regard to incontinence.
DNA Oxidative Damage in Patients with Dialysis Treatment

Background/Aims. Chronic renal patients on hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment are exposed to oxidative stress and DNA damage. The objective of this study was to assess the oxidative damage to DNA in end-stage chronic renal failure, before and after vitamin E supplementation. Methods. Patients on HD (n = 29) and PD (n = 22) received oral supplementation with 300 mg vitamin E three times a week for 4 weeks. A blood sample was collected at the beginning and at the end of the supplementation cycle for the determination of vitamin E levels (high-performance liquid chromatography), carbonyl groups, and DNA damage (8-hydroxy 2′-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] and comet assay). Results. After supplementation, vitamin E concentration was increased by about 50%. Protein oxidation was initially observed in both groups, with a reduction after supplementation. DNA damage detected by the comet assay and by 8-OHdG analysis was significantly reduced (p< 0.05) after supplementation in both groups. Conclusions. Vitamin E supplementation reduced oxidative DNA damage in both HD and PD patients. Treatments such as HD and PD induce oxidative stress and consequent DNA damage, and increased plasma vitamin E levels significantly contribute to the normalization of these events.
EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF COENZYME Q 10 IN MANAGEMENT OF GINGIVITIS & SLIGHT PERIODONTITIS-A CLINICAL STUDY

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease process, resulting from the interaction of a bacterial attack and host inflammatory response. Arrays of molecules are considered to mediate the inflammatory response including free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Periodontal pathogens can induce ROS overproduction and thus may cause collagen and periodontal cell breakdown. When ROS are scavenged by antioxidants, there can be a reduction of collagen degradation. Ubiquinone (reduced form coenzyme Q10 ) serves as an endogenous antioxidant which increases the concentration of CoQ10 in the diseased gingiva and effectively suppresses advanced periodontal inflammation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 ( Perio Q TM) as adjunct to scaling and root planning, in management of gingivitis and slight periodontitis. 30 systemically healthy patients in a split mouth study design, where one half of the arches were test sites (treated with scaling and root planing + Perio Q TM gel) and the other half of the arches were the control site were treated with scaling and root planing only . Results were compared statistically using Students’s paired T test, at baseline and at 1st and 2nd week intervals. Various clinical parameters like periodontal probing depth and bleeding on probing were evaluated . Also Plaque and Gingival Index were evaluated . There was a statistically significant improvement in gingival index and reduction in probing depth in test sites seen at the end of 2 weeks period. Sites with bleeding on probing were reduced more in the test group than in control. Hence, coenzyme Q10 can be said to have a beneficial effect clinically on gingivitis and slight periodontitis when used as adjunct to scaling and root planning. Keyword: Periodontal disease, Slight periodontitis, Antioxidants, Coenzyme Q10, Ubiquinone, Bioenergizer,
A consideration of the uses of certain backed and «lustred» stone tools from late Mesolithic and Natufian levels of Abu Hureyra and Mureybet (Syria)

L'examen optique a fort grossissement (jusqu'a 500 X) des traces d'utilisation (polis, stries, ecaillures), de certains microlithes geometriques de Mureybet (phase I A, Natoufienne) et d 'Abu Hureyra («Mesolithique») demontre que la plupart ont servi comme armatures de projectiles. ; Une «piece a dos» lustree d'Abu Hureyra («Mesolithique»), la dizaine de lames «lustrees» trouvees a Mureybet (Natoufien) et l'eclat lustre du Mesolithique de Franchit Cave (Grece) ont ete etudies en microscopie optique, ainsi qu'au M.E. B. en meme temps que des outils experimentaux utilises pour recolter diverses plantes attestees sur ces gisements. L’etude des traces sur les tranchants et une comparaison des residus reconnaissables des phytolithes conserves dans quelques cas avec les phytolithes de reference indiquent que : ; – Les pieces de Mureybet et Abu Hureyra ont plutot servi a couper les tiges de diverses plantes (aquatiques ou non), vraisemblablement pour des besoins technologiques, qu'a cueillir des cereales. ; – L'outil de Franchthi a ete utilise pour couper des graminees vertes ce qui peut correspondre a une recolte des graines de l'avoine sauvage qui existe sur le gisement.
Glyoxalase‐1 prevents mitochondrial protein modification and enhances lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Studies of mutations affecting lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans show that mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a major causative role in organismal aging. Here, we describe a novel mechanism for regulating mitochondrial ROS production and lifespan in C. elegans: progressive mitochondrial protein modification by the glycolysis‐derived dicarbonyl metabolite methylglyoxal (MG). We demonstrate that the activity of glyoxalase‐1, an enzyme detoxifying MG, is markedly reduced with age despite unchanged levels of glyoxalase‐1 mRNA. The decrease in enzymatic activity promotes accumulation of MG‐derived adducts and oxidative stress markers, which cause further inhibition of glyoxalase‐1 expression. Over‐expression of the C. elegans glyoxalase‐1 orthologue CeGly decreases MG modifications of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial ROS production, and prolongs C. elegans lifespan. In contrast, knock‐down of CeGly increases MG modifications of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial ROS production, and decreases C. elegans lifespan.