Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breast cancer among Asian Americans: is acculturation related to health-related quality of life?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To examine the association of acculturation with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Asian American breast cancer survivors. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Analysis of an Asian American subsample of breast cancer survivors from a larger multiethnic study. SAMPLE 206 Asian Americans, including Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans, and Japanese. Most were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (stage 0-II) and were an average of 54 years old. METHODS Participants completed a mailed questionnaire or answered a telephone survey in English, Mandarin, or Korean. HRQOL was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Breast Version 4. Acculturation was measured using an eight-item scale adapted from Marin's Short Acculturation Scale. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES HRQOL, acculturation, health insurance, life stress, and social support. FINDINGS Acculturation was significantly associated with HRQOL when demographic, medical, socioecologic, and healthcare access factors were controlled. However, the significant association between acculturation and HRQOL disappeared when Asian subgroup membership was considered. Subgroup differences in HRQOL remained after controlling for covariates, with Korean Americans reporting lower HRQOL than the other Asian American subgroups. CONCLUSIONS The absence of a significant association between acculturation and HRQOL in the final model is likely a result of the strong association between acculturation and Asian American subgroup membership. The results suggest that the correlation between acculturation and HRQOL is not an effect of having health insurance, life stress, and social support. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Closer attention is needed regarding acculturation level; Asian American subgroup differences, including language capacity; and socioecologic characteristics in nursing practice and research.
Working memory deficits associated with chronic fatigue syndrome

Cognitive impairments are among the most frequently reported and least investigated components of the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). As part of a multifaceted study of the CFS, the present study investigated the cognitive functioning of chronic fatigue patients. The performance of 20 CFS patients was compared to that of controls (N = 20) on 4 tests of working memory (WM). Digit Span Forward was used to assess the storage capacity of WM. Multiple aspects of central executive functioning were assessed using several standard measures: Digit Span Backward, and Trails A and Trails B. More recently developed measures of WM were used to assess control of processing under temporal demands (working memory task) and resistance to interference (a sustained attention task). Deficits were restricted to more demanding tasks, requiring resistance to interference and efficient switching between processing routines. The overall results clearly implicate deficits in the control aspects of central executive function in CFS. (JINS, 2001, 7, 285–293.)
Biological variation of retinoids in man

This investigation was undertaken to assess biological variation, especially the within-subject variations of all- trans retinoic acid, 13- cis retinoic acid and retinol in human serum. Diurnal variation and variation over a week, a month and a year were studied in 11 males (aged 21 - 54 years) and 17 females (aged 22 - 63 years), all subjectively healthy. We found no diurnal variation with the exception of all- trans retinoic acid, which had maximal concentrations at noon irrespective of food intake. Seasonal variations were marginal. Both all- trans and 13- cis retinoic acids had fairly high within-subject (13.1% and 12.6%, respectively) and between-subject coefficients of variation (15.9% and 21.0%, respectively), while the within-subject CV of retinol was less (5.6%, with a between-subject CV of 21.1%). Thus, the indices of individuality were <1 for all retinoids. The critical differences between two consecutive samples were <40% for the retinoic acids and <20% for retinol. Women had higher all- trans retinoic acid concentrations in serum (5.1 nmol/L vs. 4.5 nmol/L), lower 13- cis retinoic acid concentrations (4.5 nmol/L vs. 5.5 nmol/L) and lower retinol concentrations in serum (2.1 µmol/L vs. 2.5 µmol/L) than men. Thus, samples for retinoid determinations should be drawn in the morning and evaluated using separate gender reference intervals.
Patient perspective of systemic lupus erythematosus in relation to health-related quality of life concepts: a qualitative study

We sought to understand the patients’ ‘lived experiences of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)’ by exploring, describing and clarifying the patients’ perspective of how they felt about having SLE and how the disease impacted on their lives, both positively and/or negatively. An interpretative phenomenological approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 30 females with SLE across a wide range of age (21 to 75 years), disease characteristics, disease duration (1 to 28 years) and ethnicity (Whites, South Asians). Eleven themes emerged as important to the patients: prognosis and course of disease; body image; effects of treatment; emotional difficulties; inability to plan due to disease unpredictability; fatigue; pain; career prospects and loss of income; memory loss/concentration; reliance on others to assist with everyday tasks; and pregnancy issues. Most patients reported a negative impact of SLE on their lives although a few patients found positive aspects to having SLE. The findings of this study identified themes important to patients with SLE and these themes will inform clinicians on the patients’ perspective of having SLE.
Cardiotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in rats : Protective effect of curcumin

The possible protective effects of curcumin have been addressed in the current study. Cardiotoxicity was induced by challenging male Swiss albino rats with a single dose of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg, i.p.). Curcumin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered for 8 consecutive days followed by a single dose of cyclophosphamide. Cardiotoxicity was well characterized morphologically and biochemically. The hallmark of this toxicity was marked congestion and edema in rat cardiac tissues, as well as severe inflammation in the cardiac muscles. Lymphocytic infiltration was also observed and determined by histopathological examination. Prior administration of curcumin ahead of cyclophosphamide challenge improved all the biochemical and histological alterations induced by the cytotoxic drug. Based on these broad findings, it could be concluded that curcumin has proven protective efficacy in this cyclophosphamide myocarditits model, possibly through modulating the release of inflammatory endocoids, namely tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide, improving the energy status and restoring the oxidant/antioxidant balance.
Comparison of a Multiplex Reverse Transcriptase–Polymerase Chain Reaction for BCR-ABL to Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization, Southern Blotting, and Conventional Cytogenetics in the Monitoring of Patients With Ph1-Positive Leukemias

A multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for both major forms of BCR-ABL was compared with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), karyotyping, and Southern blotting for disease monitoring in 37 follow-up bone marrow samples from 32 patients with Ph1-positive leukemia. Of these 37 samples, 33 were from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (26 post allogeneic bone marrow transplantation [AlloBMT] and seven during interferon-&agr; therapy) and 4 from Ph1-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients (1 post AlloBMT and 3 post high dose chemotherapy). For the 27 samples studied after AlloBMT (26 CML and 1 Ph1-positive ALL) the time after transplantation ranged from 1 to 107 months (median 47.5 months). In 8 (22%) of the 37 samples there were discrepant results among methods. The discrepancy rates relative to other techniques were: karyotyping 17% (5 of 29), Southern blotting 18% (6 of 33), multiplex RT-PCR 8% (3 of 37), and FISH 8% (3 of 37). Therefore, the relative accuracy of each method for disease monitoring in Ph1-positive leukemia was: 83% (24 of 29) for karyotyping, 82% (27 of 33) for Southern blotting, 92% (34 of 37) for FISH, and 92% (34 of 37) for multiplex RT-PCR. This multiplex RT-PCR assay appears equivalent to FISH in terms of accuracy, simplicity, and turnaround time and both are superior to Southern blot and conventional cytogenetics in the laboratory monitoring of Ph1-positive leukemias.
Systematic requirements recycling through abstraction and traceability

Ad-hoc recycling between requirements documents of product variants is a major source of requirements defects. We present an approach for systematic requirements recycling based on a combination of abstraction (in terms of a template) and traceability (between requirements). The main features of our approach are the use of conceptual models to determine relationships necessary for correct recycling and the focus on minimizing link selling. This approach can also be used to develop abstraction and traceability guidelines tailored to other application domains and traceability goals, such as change or project management.
MPSoCBench: um framework para avaliação de ferramentas e metodologias para sistemas multiprocessados em chip

Recentes metodologias e ferramentas de projetos de sistemas multiprocessados em chip (MPSoC) aumentam a produtividade por meio da utilizacao de plataformas baseadas em simuladores, antes de definir os ultimos detalhes da arquitetura. No entanto, a simulacao so e eficiente quando utiliza ferramentas de modelagem que suportem a descricao do comportamento do sistema em um elevado nivel de abstracao. A escassez de plataformas virtuais de MPSoCs que integrem hardware e software escalaveis nos motivou a desenvolver o MPSoCBench, que consiste de um conjunto escalavel de MPSoCs incluindo quatro modelos de processadores (PowerPC, MIPS, SPARC e ARM), organizado em plataformas com 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 e 64 nucleos, cross-compiladores, IPs, interconexoes, 17 aplicacoes paralelas e estimativa de consumo de energia para os principais componentes (processadores, roteadores, memoria principal e caches). Uma importante demanda em projetos MPSoC e atender as restricoes de consumo de energia o mais cedo possivel. Considerando que o desempenho do processador esta diretamente relacionado ao consumo, ha um crescente interesse em explorar o trade-off entre consumo de energia e desempenho, tendo em conta o dominio da aplicacao alvo. Tecnicas de escalabilidade dinâmica de frequencia e voltagem fundamentam-se em gerenciar o nivel de tensao e frequencia da CPU, permitindo que o sistema alcance apenas o desempenho suficiente para processar a carga de trabalho, reduzindo, consequentemente, o consumo de energia. Para explorar a eficiencia energetica e desempenho, foram adicionados recursos ao MPSoCBench, visando explorar escalabilidade dinâmica de voltaegem e frequencia (DVFS) e foram validados tres mecanismos com base na estimativa dinâmica de energia e taxa de uso de CPU. Abstract
Nurse practitioners, wake up and smell the smoke

Purpose: With the focus of modern health care on preventive care, and the well‐known benefits of smoking cessation on improving health and reducing healthcare costs, smoking cessation is a key focus of healthcare reform. To change the smoking habits of the U.S. population, two strategies are of particular importance to healthcare professionals: promoting tobacco‐free environments in healthcare systems and expanding affordable and effective treatments. Data sources: Recent policy literature. Conclusions: Barriers to providing smoking cessation counseling most frequently cited by healthcare professionals are lack of training and poor reimbursement; however, recent legislation, for example, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), should make preventive services more available and affordable. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have vast experience in addressing health promotion and disease prevention, and are therefore well placed to lead this reform. However, despite consistently higher referrals of tobacco‐dependent patients for smoking cessation interventions than any other group of healthcare provider, evidence suggests that NPs are not adequately trained to treat this addiction. Implications for practice: This article is a call to action for NPs to become familiar with the tobacco cessation policy changes affecting clinical practice, to become experts in tobacco treatment, and to take the lead in this healthcare reform initiative.
Disclosure of incidental findings in cancer genomic research: investigators' perceptions on obligations and barriers

Although there has been significant research surrounding incidental findings (IFs), the guidelines and information provided to investigators remain unspecific, unclear, and often generalize the course of action to everyone in the field. We explored the perceptions and experiences of investigators regarding the return of IFs in genetic research. Researchers and clinician‐researchers were invited to participate in semi‐structured telephone interviews in Quebec and Ontario. Twenty professionals participated, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcriptions. Four contextual elements emerged: (i) degree of significance of results, (ii) respect for persons, (iii) infrastructure implications, and (iv) professional responsibilities. Our findings demonstrate that all investigators raised similar contextual elements surrounding the return of IFs. However, some nuances in participants' experiences of the understanding of professional responsibilities also emerged. Because of the existing nuances, a one‐size‐fits‐all approach is inappropriate, suggesting that context ought to be considered in decisions about IFs.
Jenkins Type a Scores in the Relation of Stress and Premenstrual Symptoms

To evaluate the manner in which the Type A scores are associated with the relationship between stress and premenstrual symptoms, 102 college women were administered the College Life Experiences Survey, the Jenkins Activity Survey, and the Premenstrual Assessment Form. An hierarchical regression analysis supported the direct effects hypothesis and indicated that the Type A scores are associated with more reported menstrual symptoms at all levels of stress.
Sprinting Performance and Resistance-Based Training Interventions: A Systematic Review

Abstract Bolger, R, Lyons, M, Harrison, AJ, and Kenny, IC. Sprinting performance and resistance-based training interventions: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 29(4): 1146–1156, 2015—The purpose of this systematic review was to search the scientific literature for original research, addressing the effects different forms of resistance-based training have on sprinting performance in competitive sprinters. Specific key words (Sprinters OR Sprint) NOT (Rugby, Soccer, Cycling, Swimming, Paralympic, and Nutrition) were used to search relevant databases through November 2013 for related literature. Original research was reviewed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Five studies met the inclusion criteria: actively competitive adult male sprinters who participated in a resistance-based intervention (>4 weeks), with outcome measures in the form of 10- to 100-m sprint times. Exclusion criteria included acute studies (<4 weeks), nonsprinting populations, and studies with no performance outcome measures (10- to 100-m sprint times). Three of the 5 studies used both locomotor resistance and fixed plane resistance, whereas the remaining 2 studies used more fixed plane resistance, for example, squat and leg extension. Three of the studies showed a statistical improvement in sprinting performance measures, for example, a decrease in 30-m sprint time (p = 0.044), whereas 1 study showed a decrease in sprinting performance. The analysis concluded that resistance-based training has a positive effect on sprinting performance. Varied input of locomotor resistance and fixed plane resistance has resulted in similar percentage change for sprinting performance. This review adds to the body of knowledge by strongly highlighting the dearth of literature exploring the effects of resistance-based training on sprinting performance in competitive sprinters. The short duration and wide range of exercises implemented in studies to date are of concern, but coaches should not hesitate to implement well-planned resistance programs for their sprint athletes.
Randomized comparison of everolimus- and paclitaxel-eluting stents: pooled analysis of the 2-year clinical follow-up from the SPIRIT II and III trials.

AIMS To investigate the clinical impact of the following observations in the randomized SPIRIT II and III trials: an incremental increase in in-stent neointima between 1 and 2 years with the everolimus-eluting stent (EES) but not with the paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) in SPIRIT II; a tendency of lower stent thrombosis in EES than in PES among those who first discontinued a thienopyridine after 6 months. METHODS AND RESULTS A pooled analysis was performed using the 2-year clinical data from the SPIRIT II and III trials randomizing a total of 1302 patients with de novo coronary artery lesions either to EES or to PES. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were comparable between two trials. Major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or ischaemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). At 2 years, MACE rates were 7.1% in EES vs. 12.3% in PES, respectively (log-rank P = 0.0014), without late increase in TLR. Among those who first discontinued a thienopyridine after 6 months, Academic Research Consortium (ARC) definite or probable stent thrombosis was 1.1% in EES vs. 1.3% in PES (P = 1.00). CONCLUSION The benefits of EES in reducing TLR were robust between 6 months and 2 years. No significant difference in the thrombosis rate among those who first stopped a thienopyridine after 6 months was observed.
Pediatric airway foreign body retrieval: surgical and anesthetic perspectives

Airway foreign body aspiration most commonly occurs in young children and is associated with a high rate of airway distress, morbidity, and mortality. The presenting symptoms of foreign body aspiration range from none to severe airway obstruction, and may often be innocuous and nonspecific. In the absence of a choking or aspiration event, the diagnosis may be delayed for weeks to months and contribute to worsening lung disease. Radiography and high resolution CT scan may contribute to the eventual diagnosis. Bronchoscopy is used to confirm the diagnosis and retrieve the object. The safest method of removing an airway foreign body is by utilizing general anesthesia. Communication between anesthesiologist and surgeon is essential for optimal outcome. The choice between maintenance of spontaneous and controlled ventilation is often based on personal preference and does not appear to affect the outcome of the procedure. Complications are related to the actual obstruction and to the retrieval of the impacted object. The localized inflammation and irritation that result from the impacted object can lead to bronchitis, tracheitis, atelectasis, and pneumonia.
Associação Entre Nível de Atividade Física, Indicadores de Saúde e Qualidade de Vida de Idosos da Universidade da Maturidade, Palmas-TO

O envelhecimento populacional e uma realidade mundial que vem ocorrendo de forma acelerada nas ultimas decadas, e vem acompanhado da inatividade fisica. A medida que aumenta a idade cronologica, as pessoas tornam-se menos ativas. Por outro lado, um estilo de vida ativo esta associado a uma melhor qualidade de vida nos idosos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar a associacao entre nivel de atividade fisica, indicadores de saude e variaveis da qualidade de vida em idosos da UMA/UFT, em Palmas-TO. Metodologia: participaram deste estudo 59 idosos, de ambos os sexos. Foram coletadas informacoes sociodemograficas, presenca de patologias por meio do autorrelato, medicamentos utilizados, o estado nutricional foi avaliado pela MAN e antropometria, a forca de preensao palmar (FPP) pelo dinamometro Jamar, nivel de atividade fisica pelo IPAQ- versao curta e avaliacao da qualidade de vida pelo SF-36. Os dados foram apresentados por meio da estatistica descritiva e Coeficiente de Correlacao de Pearson. O software SPSS, versao 19,0, foi utilizado para realizacao de todas as analises, adotando-se a significância de 95%. Resultados: Os 59 idosos, 14 homens (23,72%) e 45 mulheres (76,28%), avaliados apresentaram media de idade de 67,77±7,19anos e 66,10% deles apresentaram nivel insuficiente de atividade fisica (AF). Foi encontrada significância estatistica entre os idosos classificados como insuficientemente ativos e suficientemente ativos nas variaveis FPP (p=0,019), sexo (p=0,006) e tres dominios da QV: CF (0,048), Dor (0,049) e VIT (0,047). A variavel FPP correlacionou-se positiva e significativamente com os dominios CF (p=0,011) e Dor (p=0,03) do SF-36. Conclusao: Os idosos apresentaram niveis satisfatorios de QV apesar do baixo nivel de atividade fisica, baixa condicao socioeconomica e condicoes cronicas de saude, demonstrando o carater multidimensional da QV e a FPP mostrou-se importante fator nos seus determinantes. Deste modo, sugere-se que a UMA/UFT pode contribuir positivamente numa melhor QV e num envelhecimento mais saudavel e ativo.
Avalanche Breakdown Timing Statistics for Silicon Single Photon Avalanche Diodes

Silicon-based single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) are widely used as single photon detectors of visible and near infrared photons. There has, however, been a lack of models accurately interpreting the physics of impact ionization (the mechanism behind avalanche breakdown) for these devices. In this paper, we present a statistical simulation model for silicon SPADs that is capable of predicting breakdown probability, mean time to breakdown, and timing jitter. Our model inherently incorporates carriers’ dead space due to phonon scattering and allows for nonuniform electric fields. Model validation included avalanche gain, excess noise factor, breakdown voltage, breakdown probability, and timing statistics. Simulating an n-on-p and a p-on-n SPAD design using our model, we found that the n-on-p design offers significantly improved mean time to breakdown and timing jitter characteristics. For a breakdown probability of 0.5, mean time to breakdown and timing jitter from the n-on-p design were 3 and 4 times smaller compared to those from the p-on-n design. The data reported in this paper are available from the ORDA digital repository (DOI: 10.15131/shef.data.4823248).