Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aerobic work capacity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

OBJECTIVE--To determine the aerobic work capacity of patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome and compare it with that of two control groups, and to assess the patients' perception of their level of activity before and during illness. DESIGN--A symptom limited exercise treadmill test with on line gas analysis and blood sampling was used. Subjects were assessed by one investigator, who was blind to the group which they were in. SETTING--Department of medicine, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. SUBJECTS--13 Patients (10 women, three men) who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome. Two control groups of similar age, sex, and body weight: 13 normal subjects (10 women, three men) and seven patients (five women, two men) with the irritable bowel syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Aerobic work capacity as assessed by several variables such as length of time on treadmill, heart rate, and biochemical measurements; Borg score; and visual analogue scores of perceived level of physical activity. RESULTS--The patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome had a reduced exercise capacity compared with that of the other subjects, spending a significantly shorter time on the treadmill. They had a significantly higher heart rate at submaximal levels of exertion and at stage III exertion had significantly higher blood lactate concentrations. Using a Borg score, they showed a significantly altered perception of their degree of physical exertion with a mean score of 8.2 compared with 6.6 and 5.3 for the normal subjects and patients with the irritable bowel syndrome respectively. Using a visual analogue scale they indicated that they had a greater capacity for activity before illness than had the patients with the irritable bowel syndrome, but the scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Both groups of patients indicated reduced activity at the time of testing. Normal controls and patients with the irritable bowel syndrome aspired to a greater level of activity than their current level, but the patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome aspired to a level similar to that which they had had before their illness. CONCLUSIONS--Patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome have reduced aerobic work capacity compared with normal subjects and patients with the irritable bowel syndrome. They also have an altered perception of their degree of exertion and their premorbid level of physical activity.
Health, SES, and the timing of education among military retirees

The timing of education across the life cycle is differentially associated with older age health outcomes and socioeconomic status among military retirees, a subpopulation with common levels of adolescent health, but variation in educational timing. A year of education obtained before military service lowers the probability of poor health in retirement by 2.5 percentage points, while a year obtained after service reduces poor health by only 0.6 percentage point. By contrast, education raises income and wealth uniformly through vintage. This suggests that education improves health through fostering the lifelong accumulation of healthy behaviors and habits rather than raising income or wealth.
Transcriptional Regulation of Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Lactococcus lactis

ABSTRACT Here we study the influence of the putative fatty acid biosynthesis (FAB) regulator FabT (originally called RmaG [Llmg_1788]) on gene transcription in Lactococcus lactis MG1363. A strain with a knockout mutation of the putative regulator was constructed, and its transcriptome was compared to that of the wild-type strain. Almost all FAB genes were significantly upregulated in the knockout. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and DNase I footprinting, the binding motif of the regulator and the binding locations in the genome were characterized. Fatty acid composition analysis revealed that a strain lacking FabT contained significantly more saturated acyl chains in its phospholipids. This observation demonstrates that the vital pathway of FAB in L. lactis is regulated by the repressor FabT.
Electro-biomechanical breast phantom for hybrid breast imaging

The fabrication of an electro-biomechanical breast phantom for testing microwave-mechanical hybrid systems designed for breast imaging is presented. The presented breast phantom is designed to emulate both the electrical and mechanical properties of the human breast tissues. A material that has electrical and mechanical properties equal to those of the soft human breast tissues is manufactured using simple low-cost substances. The measured electrical and mechanical properties of the phantom are in good agreement with the properties of the real breast tissues. The presented phantom is vital for validating strain imaging techniques that relies on the contrast in both of the dielectric and mechanical properties between the healthy and cancerous breast tissues.
GeneXpert MTB/RIF on bronchoalveolar lavage samples in children with suspected complicated intrathoracic tuberculosis: A pilot study

Children with complicated intrathoracic tuberculosis (TB) require rapid confirmation of TB diagnosis and of drug susceptibility to institute appropriate therapy. In a pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility and potential utility of GeneXpert (Xpert) on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples in children undergoing routine diagnostic bronchoscopy.
Odd-ECC: on-demand DRAM error correcting codes

An application may have different sensitivity to faults in different subsets of the data it uses. Some data regions may therefore be more critical than others. Capitalizing on this observation, Odd-ECC provides a mechanism to dynamically select the memory fault tolerance of each allocated page of a program on demand depending on the criticality of the respective data. Odd-ECC error correcting codes (ECCs) are stored in separate physical pages and hidden by the OS as pages unavailable to the user. Still, these ECCs are physically aligned with the data they protect so the memory controller can efficiently access them. Thereby, capacity, performance and energy overheads of memory fault tolerance are proportional to the criticality of the data stored. Odd-ECC is applied to memory systems that use conventional 2D DRAM DIMMs as well as to 3D-stacked DRAMs and evaluated using various applications. Compared to flat memory protection schemes, Odd-ECC substantially reduces ECCs capacity overheads while achieving the same Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) and in addition it slightly improves performance and energy costs. Under the same capacity constraints, Odd-ECC achieves substantially higher MTTF, compared to a flat memory protection. This comes at a performance and energy cost, which is however still a fraction of the cost introduced by a flat equally strong scheme.
Performance analysis of device-to-device underlay communication in Rician fading channels

Device-to-device (D2D) communication has been developed as a promising technology to meet the unrelenting demand for high data rate services by providing a direct link between users. In this paper, we investigate the performance of D2D communications underlaying cellular networks using stochastic geometry, where Rician fading is modeled to characterize the line-of-sight (LoS) component in the D2D direct link. In order to avoid causing harmful interference to the cellular network, we divide the whole bandwidth into two parts, namely shared subchannels, which are jointly used by the cellular network and D2D connections, and dedicated subchannels, which are exclusively used by the cellular network. The cellular and D2D performances are evaluated in terms of both success probability and average achievable throughput. Furthermore, we provide insights into the optimal subchannel allocation ratio under the quality-of-service (QoS) guarantee of the cellular network. Numerical results demonstrate the impact of Rician K-factor on the D2D performance as well as the benefit provided by the subchannel allocation scheme.
The Influence Of Orthodontic Treatment On Dental Pulp Response To Sensitivity Tests

Aim of our study. To evaluate the difference between sensory detection threshold reactions of teeth under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, determined by electrical and thermal pulp testing. Material and methods. After a selection based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 51 patients with a mean age of 19,3+/- 3,6 years old who presented to the Center for Integrated Dental Medicine of the Faculty of Dental Medicine from Târgu Mureș for orthodontic treatment had been included in this study. The reactions to thermal and electrical pulp testing were measured at baseline, after 8 weeks of treatment and during the contention period. Results. The application of orthodontic force immediately increased the response threshold which peaked after 8 weeks. Conclusions. Based on these results we conclude that dental specialists should interpret with caution the results of electric pulp testing in teeth under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances as the cold tests with ethyl chloride are more reliable.
[Genotyping of the Plasmodium falciparum msp1 (block 2) and dhfr (codon 108) genes in field samples collected in four endemic Colombian localities].

INTRODUCTION Plasmodium falciparum is a highly polymorphic parasite, which allows it to evade the host's immune response, spread drug resistance and favours transmission. OBJECTIVES To analyse the genetic diversity of P. falciparum populations in samples from four endemic localities in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS 123 blood samples were collected on filter paper from patients with non-complicated P. falciparum malaria during 2002 to 2004. The samples were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction with specific primers for the polymorphic region of block 2 of the msp1 gene and the 108 codon of the dhfr gene. RESULTS In msp1 block 2, 95.9% (118/123; 95% CI: 90.8-98.7) of the samples harboured MAD20; 6.5% K1 (8/123; 95% CI: 2.8-12.4) and 2.4% RO33 (3/123; 95% CI: 0.5-6.9). For the dhfrgene the mutant allele N 108 was found in all the samples amplified, T 108 in 3.2% and the wild type S108 in 34.1%. Taking together all the results from both genes, 61.8% (76/123; 95% CI: 52.6-70.4) of the samples were simple infections and 38.2% (47/123; 95% CI: 29.6-47.4) were mixed infections. MAD20/N108-S108 (30.1%) was the most frequent combination among the latter. CONCLUSIONS Simple infections, i.e, a single allelic type in each one of the genes studied, prevailed among the circulating parasite populations. In this study the genetic composition of P. falciparum parasite populations was very homogeneous.
Positive and negative effects of progesterone during timed AI protocols in lactating dairy cattle

Circulating concentration of progesterone (P4) is determined by a balance between P4 production, primarily by corpus luteum (CL), and P4 metabolism, primarily by liver. The volume of large luteal cells in the CL is a primary factor regulating P4 production. Rate of P4 metabolism is generally determined by liver blood flow and can be of critical importance in determining circulating P4 concentrations, particularly in dairy cattle. During timed AI protocols, elevations in P4 are achieved by increasing number of CL by ovulation of accessory CL or by supplementation with exogenous P4. Dietary manipulations, such as fat supplementation, can also be used to alter circulating P4. Elevating P4 prior to the timed AI generally decreases double ovulation and can increase fertility to the timed AI. This appears to be an effect of P4 during the follicular wave that produces the future ovulatory follicle, possibly by altering the oocyte and subsequent embryo. Near the time of AI, slight elevations in circulating P4 can dramatically reduce fertility. The etiology of slight elevations in P4 near AI is inadequate luteolysis to the prostaglandin F2α (PGF) treatment prior to timed AI. After AI, circulating P4 is critical for embryo growth and establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Many studies have attempted to improve fertility by elevating P4 after timed AI. Combining results of these studies indicated only marginal fertility benefits of <5%. In conclusion, previous research has provided substantial insight into the effects of supplemental P4 on fertility and there is increasing insight into the mechanisms regulating circulating P4 concentrations and actions. Understanding this prior research can focus future research on P4 manipulation to improve timed AI protocols.
Effects of cold ischemia and reperfusion on trapping of erythrocytes in the rat kidney

After reperfusion of kidneys subjected to a period of warm ischemia, the medulla displays a vascular congestion of erythrocytes, especially in the inner stripe of the outer zone, a phenomenon referred to as “trapping. ” This trapping causes reflow alterations, thus contributing to postperfusion medullary ischemia. The purpose of the present investigation was to study whether trapping also occurs after reperfusion of kidneys following varying periods of cold ischemia and to determine if there is any correlation between the degree of cold ischemic injury and the extent of erythrocyte trapping. Rat kidneys stored at+4°C for 0–30 h were transphanted into recipient animals pretreated with a 51Cr-labelled erythrocyte suspension. Twenty minutes after reperfusion, the grafts were removed and microdissected into cortex, outer and inner stripes of the outer medullary zone, and inner zone, respectively. The radioactivity of these specimens was measured, and the erythrocyte content for each specimen was calculated. The results show a maximal trapping for cold ischemia time (CIT) of about 12–15 h. A linear correlation between the amount of trapping and CIT could be found in all parts of the kidney (except for the cortex) for CIT 0–15 h. The best correlation was found in the part where the trapping was most prominent, i.e., in the inner stripe. After CIT of 15 h or more, no correlation could be found. It is suggested, as described in models of warm ischemia, that the obstructions of the capillaries by trapped erythrocytes following reperfusion is of pathophysiological significance for the development of posttransplant acute renal failure. Furthermore, the strong correlation between CIT and the extent of erythrocyte trapping, particularly in the inner stripe, indicates that measurement of erythrocyte trapping after reperfusion could be a sensitive indicator of the degree of cold ischemic damage.
Comparing Two Methods of Rehabilitation for Risk Factor Modification After a Cardiac Event

&NA; Because fewer than half of cardiac patients in the United States enroll in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, there is a critical need to test alternative strategies of delivering CR services. This study tested whether a home‐based CR (home‐CR) program was at least as effective as traditional‐CR (trad‐CR) in the modification of coronary heart disease risk factors from the beginning of CR (baseline) to 2 and 4 months later. A repeated measures non‐inferiority quasi‐experimental design was used to examine changes in risk factors. Participants selected which CR program, traditional versus home‐based, in which to participate: 37 patients chose trad‐CR and 24 patients chose home‐CR. The following indicators of risk factors were measured: smoking, blood pressure, frequency of aerobic exercise, cholesterol, amount of dietary fat, frequency of anger, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Home‐CR was found to be as effective as trad‐CR in modification of cardiac risk factors including BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, frequency of aerobic exercise, total cholesterol, and a low fat diet. Home‐CR was not as effective as trad‐CR in reducing the frequency of anger. These findings provide support for an alternative method of delivering cardiac rehabilitation services.
Prognostic quality of activating TERT promoter mutations in glioblastoma: interaction with the rs2853669 polymorphism and patient age at diagnosis.

BACKGROUND Expression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) might be altered by activating mutations of the rs2853669 polymorphism within the promoter region. Here we investigate the impact of these genomic alterations on telomerase activation and dissect their prognostic potential in glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS The respective TERT promoter region was sequenced in 126 GBM tissues and compared with clinical parameters and glioma biomarkers MGMT promoter methylation and IDH1 mutation. TERT mRNA expression, telomerase activity, and telomere lengths were determined by reverse transcriptase PCR, TRAP assay, and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS Seventy-three percent of GBM patients harbored TERT promoter mutations associated with enhanced telomerase activity and TERT mRNA expression but reduced telomere lengths (P < .001 for all). Patients with mutated tumors exhibited significantly shorter overall survival in the entire cohort (11.5 vs 23.1 months; P < .0001) and in the primary GBM patient subgroup lacking IDH1 mutations (n = 120; P = .0084). This prognostic impact was confined to younger patients (aged <65 years), while the negative prognostic power of enhanced age at diagnosis was limited to those patients lacking TERT promoter mutations. Presence of the common single nucleotide polymorphism rs2853669, disrupting an endogenous Ets2 transcription factor-binding site, was associated with improved survival exclusively in patients with a wild-type TERT promoter. On the contrary, the shortest mean overall survival was detected in those patients harboring both an activating TERT promoter mutation and homozygous rs2853669 alleles. CONCLUSION In summary, TERT promoter mutations are powerful prognosticators for worse course of disease in human GBM patients but their prognostic value is influenced by the rs2853669 polymorphism and age at diagnosis.
Factors that determine parents' perception of their child's risk of life-threatening food-induced anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND Although food allergy is known to be associated with increased disease burden, factors that shape parents' perception of their child's risk of future severe or fatal anaphylaxis are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with parents' perceived risk of food-induced anaphylaxis. METHODS A questionnaire-based survey of 202 parents was conducted in a single specialist center outpatient clinic that treats children with food allergies. Parents' perceived risk of their child experiencing further food-induced anaphylaxis was assessed by using a validated food allergy independent measure. Demographic data as well as parents' anxiety and depression scores were assessed by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression score. RESULTS Nineteen percent of parents believed that their child had a moderate-to-high chance of dying from food-induced anaphylaxis. A lack of a university education, higher anxiety score, and, particularly, possession of an epinephrine autoinjector (relative risk 9.9 [95% confidence interval, 3.3-30]) were key factors associated with heightened risk perception. Caring for a child with multiple food allergies was the main factor associated with parents feeling less able to manage future reactions (relative risk 9.5 [95% confidence interval, 1.7-53]). Parents' risk perception of fatal anaphylaxis correlated with anxiety and mood scores. CONCLUSION Parents' education, affect, and possession of an epinephrine autoinjector were associated with a heightened perceived risk of future anaphylaxis. Clinicians should consider not only the child's needs but should also provide counseling for parents, particularly those who possess autoinjectors. Parents of children with multiple food allergies may need additional education and training to help them cope with future reactions.
Nutritional status and early childhood caries among preschool children in Pasir Mas Kelantan Malaysia

This is a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of preschool children from 12 preschools (TADIKA KEMAS) Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia. Data on socioeconomic status and sources of water supply at home were collected through interview with mothers. Children’s anthropometric data (height and weight) and body-mass-index-for-age (BMI-for-age) was calculated. Oral examinations of ECC status was based on the dmft index (WHO, 1997). The results showed mean carious teeth were very high (dmft 11.1±4.8) and almost every preschool child was affected with ECC (prevalence 98.1%). The majority were in “high caries” category (i.e. dmft >7) and about 51.4% of preschoolers was underweight and only a few was overweight/obese. Preschool children with high caries mostly were underweight and normal of BMI. The BMI-for-age, household income and household expenditure for food were significant correlation with ECC experience (p<0.05). However, logistic regression showed only family income was a significant factor to ECC.
Embryo Implantation Outcome Using Semen from Men with Obstructive and Non-Obstructive Azoospermia : Comparative Study

Background: Infertility affects about 20% to 28% of the general population . Primary and secondary infertility account for 80% and 20% of infertility cases respectively. It has been shown that the major male factor infertility include azoospermia, oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia or combination of these factors. Objectives: The objective of the study was to compare intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo implantation outcomes using testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermic men. The male patients were divided into two groups depending on the etiology of azoospermia. Group one (n=35) had an obstructive azoospermia (OAZ) and group two (n=42) had a non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Both groups underwent TESE-ICSI program. Materials and Methods: The patients were divided into two groups depending on the etiology of azoospermia. Group one had OAZ (n=35) and group two had NOA (n=42). Seminal fluid analyses, reproductive hormones assay, bilateral differential testicular biopsies, testicular sperm extraction and ICSI were performed . The study was carried out at IVF Institute for Embryo Research and Infertility Treatment and the Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Urology and physiology/ Medical College, Baghdad University Teaching Hospital. The hypo-osmotic swelling test was used to check sperm viability prior to the ICSI procedure. The pregnancy and embryo implantation were checked by Beta-HCG test and ultrasound examination 12 and 35 days after embryo transfer respectively to report viable pregnancies. Results: Concentration of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL) was significantly higher in NOA group compared to the OAZ group. The testosterone level and the testicular volume were significantly higher in the OAZ group compared to NOA group. The results of the study showed that the ICSI rate (fertilization rate), cleavage rates, and the number of transferred embryos were significantly higher in the OAZ group compared to NOA group. The pregnancy rate were similar between both groups. The embryo implantation rate per embryo transfer was significantly lower in NOA group compared to the OAZ group. Conclusions: The type of azoospermia in humans have a significant adverse impact on embryo implantation. The percent of viable fetuses was significantly affected in the NOA compared to OAZ male patients. These findings indicate that viable and morphologically normal looking spermatozoon under high power dissecting microscope are not necessarily genetically normal in non-obstructive azoospermic patients. Annals of Alquds Medicine Volume/Issue 7:42-51 (1432, 2011)