Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic review; Nutritional therapy in gestational diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION Several methods of dietetic counseling can be used in the nutritional therapy in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The main methods are the traditional method (TM) and the carbohydrate counting (CCM). OBJECTIVE Presenting a systematic review of the literature on the impact of nutritional therapy in GDM, through TM and CCM, evaluating the results for maternal and child health. METHODS We searched databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs and CAPES Digital Bank of Thesis. The methodological quality of all the studies included was made using the Jadad score. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION We have found five studies that evaluated the effects of nutritional therapy, through the TM, on the maternal and child health. None study evaluating the CCM was detected in pregnant women with GDM Nutritional therapy given during antenatal care was effective in reducing pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, excessive gestational weight gain, necessity for cesarean delivery, for insulin therapy and for shoulder dystocia), perinatal complications (macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and birth weight) and also in better glycemic control. The use of nutritional therapy should be highlighted within the antenatal care for pregnant women with GDM, giving the satisfactory results on metabolic control and on pregnancy outcomes. Studies examining the CCM to GDM patients should be conducted to show its effects on maternal and child health.
Parallel and distributed meldable priority queues based on binomial heaps

On the parallel random access machine (PRAM) models, we present an optimal implementation of a meldable priority queue based on the binomial heap data structure. Doubly logarithmic time, cost-optimal algorithms are proposed on the EREW PRAM model for such queue-operations as Insert, Min, Extract-Min, and Union (often called melding). Our Union algorithm exploits its natural similarity with the problem of adding two binary integers. Two other operations, Change-Key and Delete, are also solved optimally on the CREW PRAM model and their amortized complexity is analyzed. The algorithm for Delete operation uses tricks for postponing the global effect of a node deletion. Additionally, we present an implementation of a distributed meldable priority queue on, the single-port hypercube model. Adopting a b-bandwidth binomial heap as the underlying data structure and a mapping which minimizes the amount of data movement among the processors when two binomial trees are melded, the hypercube algorithm, attains a nearly optimal amortized speed-up for the Insert, Extract-Min and Union operations.
Detection of Microcalcification Using the Wavelet Based Adaptive Sigmoid Function and Neural Network

Mammogram images are sensitive in nature and even a minor change in the environment affects the quality of the images. Due to the lack of expert radiologists, it is difficult to interpret the mammogram images. In this paper an algorithm is proposed for a computer-aided diagnosis system, which is based on the wavelet based adaptive sigmoid function. The cascade feed-forward back propagation technique has been used for training and testing purposes. Due to the poor contrast in digital mammogram images it is difficult to process the images directly. Thus, the images were first processed using the wavelet based adaptive sigmoid function and then the suspicious regions were selected to extract the features. A combination of texture features and graylevel co-occurrence matrix features were extracted and used for training and testing purposes. The system was trained with 150 images, while a total 100 mammogram images were used for testing. A classification accuracy of more than 95% was obtained with our proposed method.
Is bowling workload a risk factor for injury to Australian junior cricket fast bowlers?

Objectives: To examine whether bowling workload is a risk factor for overuse injury to Australian junior cricket fast bowlers and to evaluate the appropriateness of current bowling workload guidelines. Methods: Forty four male fast bowlers (mean (standard deviation) age 14.7 (1.4) years) were monitored prospectively over the 2002–2003 season. Bowlers completed a daily diary to record bowling workloads and self reported injuries, which were validated by a physiotherapist. Bowling workload prior to the first injury (for those bowlers who were injured) was compared to workload across the whole season for uninjured bowlers. Results: Eleven (25%) bowlers reported an overuse-type injury, with seven of these sustaining a back injury. Injured bowlers had been bowling significantly more frequently than uninjured bowlers (median number of days since the previous bowling day: 3.2 v 3.9 days, Mann-Whitney U = 105.0, p = 0.038). Compared with bowlers with an average of ⩾3.5 rest days between bowling, bowlers with an average of <3.5 rest days were at a significantly increased risk of injury (risk ratio (RR) = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 8.9). There were also trends towards an increased risk of injury for those who bowled an average of ⩾2.5 days per week (RR = 2.5, 95% CI 0.9 to 7.4) or ⩾50 deliveries per day (RR = 2.0, 95% CI 0.7 to 5.4). Conclusions: This study has identified high bowling workload as a risk factor for overuse injury to junior fast bowlers. Continued research is required to provide scientific evidence for bowling workload guidelines that are age-specific for junior fast bowlers.
Improving Residential Satisfaction of University Dormitories through Post-Occupancy Evaluation in China: A Socio-Technical System Approach

Residential satisfaction of university dormitories serves as one of the significant aspects in the framework of sustainability in higher education. This study aims to develop a framework for post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of university dormitories in China grounded on the socio-technical systems approach and to identify factors contributing to students’ residential satisfaction. Two focus groups were carried out to build the socio-technical framework. A case study was undertaken to evaluate the post-occupancy status of university dormitories, and structured-questionnaire was used to collect the data. The results show that university dormitories are equipped with quality physical facilities. However, they failed to provide satisfied services and supporting infrastructure. This indicates that “hardware” could generally meet students’ requirements, while the “software” is still less competent. It is also found that the socio-technical systems approach has the feature of being embedded into the social, regulatory and geographic contexts. In order to enhance post-occupancy satisfaction, occupants’ participation would be helpful. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by presenting a socio-technical framework of POE and its embeddedness feature. Implications for research and practices are also provided.
Welfare Activation and Youth Crime

Abstract We evaluate the impact on youth crime of a welfare reform that tightened activation requirements for social assistance clients. The evaluation strategy exploits administrative individual data in combination with geographically differentiated implementation of the reform. We find that the reform reduced crime among teenage boys from economically disadvantaged families. Stronger reform effects on weekday versus weekend crime, reduced school dropout, and favorable long-run outcomes in terms of crime and educational attainment point to both incapacitation and human capital accumulation as key mechanisms. Despite lowered social assistance take-up, we uncover no indication that loss of income support pushed youth into crime.
Tonsillar application of killed Streptococcus mutans induces specific antibodies in rabbit saliva and blood plasma without inducing a cross-reacting antibody to human cardiac muscle

When Streptococcus mutans cells are injected into the skeletal muscle of rabbits, an antibody against human cardiac muscle, as well as an anti-S. mutans antibody, is induced in blood plasma. Our previous study showed that when sheep erythrocytes are applied to palatine tonsils, an antibody against the applied cells is induced both in blood plasma and saliva. This antibody has no activity against cardiac muscle. It is not clear, however, if S. mutans application to the tonsils evokes an antibody response against cardiac muscle. In this study, we immunized rabbits against S. mutans or Streptococcus sobrinus by tonsillar application or by intramuscular injection every 3 days for 6 weeks. Tonsillar applications of formalin-killed cells of S. mutans induced saliva immunoglobulin A (IgA) and blood plasma IgG to the applied cells. In contrast, intramuscular injection of such cells induced only blood plasma IgG. When the route of immunization was intramuscular injection, antibodies in blood plasma cross-reacted with cardiac muscle. By enzyme-immunohistochemistry and Ouchterlony immunodiffusion tests, no cross-reaction to cardiac muscle was observed with the antibody in saliva or in blood plasma after the tonsillar applications. Western blotting of the S. mutans antigen showed that blood plasma from rabbits injected with S. mutans reacted with antigens of 46, 52, 62, and 85 kDa, while that from rabbits subjected to tonsillar application of S. mutans did not react with these bands. Similar results were obtained for S. sobrinus applications. Thus, tonsillar applications of mutants group streptococci induce antibodies differing in antigen specificity and do not induce any cross-reacting antibody to cardiac muscle.
External knowledge acquisition, creativity and learning in organisational problem solving

The role of knowledge in firm strategy and performance is well documented in existing literature. Numerous studies conclude that, in general, the higher the level of knowledge acquired, the greater the level of firm performance. In this study, we take a more micro-level approach. Specifically, we examine the impact of external knowledge on the processes of creativity and learning in problem solving. We also investigate the role of absorptive capacity in knowledge acquisition, creativity and learning. As we will show, simply having access to a pool of external knowledge is not enough. If the firm is to use this knowledge to improve its performance, it must be able to do the following: absorb that knowledge; act creatively upon that knowledge; create new knowledge from these activities.
Personality and the predisposition(s) to bipolar disorder: heuristic benefits of a two-dimensional model.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to model normal personality correlates of the predisposition(s) to bipolar disorder (BD), and in so doing explore the proposition that the tendency to bipolar depression [trait depression (T-Depression)] and the tendency to mania [trait mania (T-Mania)] can usefully be viewed as separable but correlated dimensions of BD predisposition. METHODS A well student sample (n = 176, modal age 18-25 years, 71% female) completed the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised and the General Behavior Inventory. RESULTS A good-fitting model (normed chi2 = 0.60, significance of chi2 = 0.73) was identified in which T-Depression was determined solely by neuroticism, while T-Mania was determined by extraversion and (negative) agreeableness. The pathway from T-Depression to T-Mania was also significant (standardized regression weight = 0.80), with a weaker significant reciprocal path (coefficient = 0.27). A model in which bipolar vulnerability was represented as a single dimension (T-Bipolarity) also provided a good fit to the data, but provided less heuristic power. CONCLUSIONS Predisposition to BD can be usefully understood in terms of two reciprocally related dimensions of vulnerability (T-Depression and T-Mania), which can be separated on the basis of their personality correlates.
Tooth sensitivity and bleaching effectiveness associated with use of a calcium-containing in-office bleaching gel.

BACKGROUND The authors conducted a study to evaluate tooth sensitivity (TS) and the bleaching effectiveness associated with use of a calcium-containing (CC) in-office bleaching gel. METHODS The authors used a 35 percent calcium-free (CF) hydrogen peroxide gel and a 35 percent CC hydrogen peroxide gel according to the manufacturer's instructions in 40 caries-free participants 18 years or older. They performed two bleaching sessions with a one-week interval between sessions. The authors registered the color at baseline and after the first and second bleaching sessions by using a shade guide and by gauging the participant's perception of TS as registered on a scale from 0 (none) to 4 (severe). The authors evaluated the bleaching effectiveness at each week's recall visit by means of the Friedman test, and they compared the groups at each assessment point by means of the Mann-Whitney test. They evaluated the percentage of participants with TS and the intensity of the TS by using the Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS Both groups demonstrated equivalent and significant tooth color enhancement compared with color values at baseline (P < .05), with an average bleaching of 7 to 8 shade guide units. Most of the participants from the CF group (80 percent) experienced sensitivity while undergoing the bleaching regimen, whereas only 40 percent of participants from the CC group reported experiencing TS (P = .02). The intensity of TS was significantly higher (P < .01) for the CF group during in-office dental bleaching. CONCLUSIONS The CC 35 percent hydrogen peroxide gel reduced the TS during in-office dental bleaching without jeopardizing the bleaching effectiveness. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The results of this study support the findings that a CC 35 percent hydrogen peroxide gel can reduce TS during in-office dental bleaching.
Effect of N-acetyl cysteine on the concentrations of thiols in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue.

BACKGROUND--Oxidant/antioxidant imbalance may occur in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Glutathione is an important extracellular and intracellular thiol oxidant in the lungs. These studies were carried out to determine the effect of N-acetyl cysteine on thiol concentrations in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue. METHODS--Studies were carried out on normal subjects, patients with COPD, and those undergoing lung resection. In the first study N-acetyl cysteine was given to three groups; healthy subjects (600 mg once daily by mouth) and two groups of patients with COPD. In the first group of patients with COPD the dose was 600 mg once daily and in the second 600 mg thrice daily, all for five days. The latter dosage regimen was also given to six patients before bronchoscopy and to 11 patients before lung resection. Lung glutathione (GSH) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or lung tissue were compared with the same numbers of patients who did not receive N-acetyl cysteine. RESULTS--N-acetyl cysteine was detected in plasma after a single 600 mg dose in normal subjects and patients with COPD up to 1.5 hours after the drug was given. Plasma cysteine concentrations increased in normal subjects on both days 1 and 5, and in patients with COPD on day 5. Glutathione concentrations in plasma increased on day 1 in normal subjects but not in patients with COPD given 600 mg N-acetyl cysteine daily. With the higher dose of 600 mg thrice daily, however, there was a sustained elevation of GSH concentrations in plasma in patients with COPD. In patients undergoing routine diagnostic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage those who were given N-acetyl cysteine (600 mg) thrice daily for five days had higher concentrations of cysteine in the plasma, but no significant differences in cysteine concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage or epithelial lining fluid compared with a control group; nor were there any differences in reduced glutathione concentrations in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage or epithelial lining fluids between the control and treated groups. Moreover, in patients undergoing lung resection those treated with N-acetyl cysteine (600 mg thrice daily for five days) had similar concentrations of cysteine and glutathione in both plasma and lung tissue when compared with a control untreated group. CONCLUSIONS--These data suggest that, even when given in high oral doses, N-acetyl cysteine does not produce a sustained increase in glutathione levels sufficient to increase the antioxidant capacity of the lungs.
The lower hippocampus global connectivity, the higher its local metabolism in Alzheimer disease

Objectives: Based on the hippocampus disconnection hypothesis in Alzheimer disease (AD), which postulates that uncoupling from cortical inputs contributes to disinhibition-like changes in hippocampus activity, we suggested that in patients with AD, the more the intrinsic functional connectivity between hippocampus and precuneus is decreased, the higher hippocampal glucose metabolism will be. Methods: Forty patients with mild AD dementia, 21 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 26 healthy controls underwent simultaneous PET/MRI measurements on an integrated PET/MR scanner. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET was used to measure local glucose metabolism as proxy for neural activity, and resting-state functional MRI with seed-based functional connectivity analysis was performed to measure intrinsic functional connectivity as proxy for neural coupling. Group comparisons and correlation analysis were corrected for effects of regional atrophy, partial volume effect, age, and sex. Results: In both patient groups, intrinsic connectivity between hippocampus and precuneus was significantly reduced. Moreover, in both patient groups, glucose metabolism was reduced in the precuneus (AD < mild cognitive impairment < controls) while unchanged in the hippocampus. Critically, the lower connectivity between hippocampus and precuneus was in patients with AD dementia, the higher was hippocampus metabolism. Conclusion: Results provide evidence that in patients with AD dementia, stronger decrease of intrinsic connectivity between hippocampus and precuneus is linked with higher intrahippocampal metabolism (probably reflecting higher neuronal activity). These data support the hippocampus disconnection hypothesis, i.e., uncoupling from cortical inputs may contribute to disinhibition-like changes of hippocampal activity with potentially adverse consequences on both intrahippocampal physiology and clinical outcome.
Genetic Profile of Jenu Kuruba, Betta Kuruba and Soliga Tribes of Southern Karnataka and Their Phylogenetic Relationships

Abstract The genetic affinity of the three tribes, two belonging to Kuruba/Kurumba cluster (viz. Jenu Kuruba and Betta Kuruba) and the third (viz. Soliga tribe)- immediate neighbor of the first two but not the part of Kuruba/ Kurumba cluster has been studied using ten polymorphic genetic markers. To investigate, whether all the Kuruba/ Kurumba groups are related to the Pallava dynasty and are the off shoots of the same stock as suggested in many ethnographic studies. The distribution of the allele frequencies of ten polymorphic loci, and population genetic models calculated there upon; do not support the relationships of the Kuruba cluster for the Jenu Kuruba and Betta Kuruba. However the studied three tribes show a low genetic distance suggesting a recent divergence or low degree of genetic isolation.
A Looking-Glass of Non-Coding RNAs in Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a multifactorial pathology and is characterized by the lack of efficient treatment and accurate diagnostic tools. This is mainly due the late diagnosis; therefore, reliable biomarkers for the timely detection of the disease and patient stratification are required. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key elements in the physiological and pathological processes of various cancers, which is also reflected in oral cancer development and progression. A better understanding of their role could give a more thorough perspective on the future treatment options for this cancer type. This review offers a glimpse into the ncRNA involvement in oral cancer, which can help the medical community tap into the world of ncRNAs and lay the ground for more powerful diagnostic, prognostic and treatment tools for oral cancer that will ultimately help build a brighter future for these patients.
Cross-Sectional Comparison of Electronic and Paper Medical Records on Medication Counseling in Primary Care Clinics: A Southern Primary-care Urban Research Network (SPUR-Net) Study

Introduction: This study compared the frequency of oral counseling and written information by primary care physicians at paper medical record (PMR) clinics and electronic medical record (EMR) clinics, and assessed relationships between medication counseling and medication outcomes (knowledge, questions, reported adherence and side effects, and medication fill). Methods: A cross-sectional study with two convenience samples of English-speaking adult patients receiving ≥1 prescription at the primary care index visit was conducted in two PMR clinics, with 184 (48% response) patients seen by one of 22 physicians, and in two EMR clinics, with 249 (37% response) patients seen by one of 25 physicians. Data were from medical record reviews of the index visit and 2-week post-visit telephone interviews. Results: Three mutually exclusive counseling categories were evaluated. Patients received 1,095 prescriptions, 61% with oral counseling for indications, 21% with oral counseling for indications and side effects, and 12% with written information plus oral (“multi-mode”) counseling. General linear mixed models found 1) less multi-mode counseling in PMR clinics (2%) than EMR clincs (20%); 2) PMR and EMR clinics were similar in oral counseling for indications and side effects; and 3) PMR clinics provided more oral counseling only for indications (69%) than EMR (53%) clinics. The impact of receiving oral or written counseling on patients’ reports of having questions about their medications was inconclusive. Not receiving oral counseling for indications was associated with more questions, but not receiving written information was associated with fewer questions. Filling a prescription was lower when no oral counseling for indications and side effects was reported, but the absence of written information was associated with more prescriptions fills. Conclusions: Physicians’ use of EMR to print medication information did not seem to compromise their oral counseling for medication indications and side effects. This feature of the EMR was underutilized by physicians; however, future studies addressing patient recall and evaluating the quality and content of medication counseling are needed.