Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary modification, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular risk in medical students of a government medical college of Karachi.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of major risk factors including dietary modification, Body Mass Index (BMI), Blood Pressure (BP) and physical activity in medical students of government teaching hospitals of Karachi. METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted on students of Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan through a structured pre-tested questionnaire. Non-probability purposive sampling was used. Smoking, hypertension, family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), overweight and low physical activity levels are risk factors the presence of which can lead to development of CVD. Prevalence of these risk factors was determined by asking appropriate questions and through measurement of BMI and blood pressure for overweight and hypertension respectively. Awareness of risk factors was determined through knowledge of the effect of various food substances on development of CVD and of adoption of dietary changes keeping in mind the risk of developing CVD. SPSS 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 132 medical students were included in the study of which 57 (43.2%) and 75 (56.8%) were male and female respectively with mean age of 20.85 +/- 1.21 years. About 15.9% of students had elevated blood pressure i.e. > or = 140/90 mmHg. Twenty eight percent of the total students were found to be underweight and 17.4% were overweight, 5% had some history of CVD, 56.8% had family history of CVD, 9.4% were smokers and 29.5% had high physical activity level. About 87.1% had modified their diet for preventing CVD. Most of the students had adequate knowledge about the cardiovascular risk factors CONCLUSION Majority of students were not overweight. A high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors; family history and elevated blood pressure was present. Awareness in terms of knowledge was satisfactory but implementation in terms of diet modification and adequate physical activity was lacking.
Variable Inductor Based Bidirectional DC–DC Converter for Electric Vehicles

This paper presents the feasibility study of variable inductor (VI)-based bidirectional dc–dc converter for applications with a wide range of load variations such as electric vehicles. An additional winding is introduced to the conventional power inductor to inject a control current for adjusting the permeability of magnetic cores. This has significant merits in controlling the current ripple and enhancing the current handling capability of power inductors, thereby reducing the size of magnetic components and improving the performance. For current values, twice and three times the rated current, the current ripple is reduced by 40.90 % and 36.10 %, respectively. Nonetheless, this device requires a precisely controlled dc-current. As such, a small current controlled, low-power and low-cost buck converter is built to power up the auxiliary winding. To improve the reliability and robustness of the VI, an integrated closed loop control that enables the control of the main converter and the auxiliary converter is also implemented and tested in real time to test the viability of the VI.
Performance in one-, two- and three-dimensional terminal aiming tasks

Arm movement times were measured to targets with independent constraints (target sizes) in one, two or three directions (width, height and depth). In each case, modified forms of Fitts' law give a good fit to the data, with the best form being dependent on all constraints in the ‘Weighted Euclidean’ model of Accot, J. and Zhai, S. , 2003. (Refining Fitts' law models for bivariate pointing. Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on Human factors in computing systems CHI '03, 5–10 April 2003, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. New York: ACM Press, 193–200). The best predictor includes all the individual ratios of amplitude of movement to target dimension related to the various constraints, with the maximum portion of variance accounted for by the index of difficulty (ID) in the direction of motion. The suggestion by various authors that the maximum of the ID associated with the different constraints will determine the movement times is only partially successful. An explanation for the results is given in terms of control strategy and the form of target. Statement of Relevance: In many tasks, workers move objects into limited spaces that allow only a single entry area. Termination of the movement may have constraints in one, two or three dimensions. Movement times for such tasks are important to predict industrial performance, and guide task designers in reducing physical constraints on performance.
Flavonoids and Their Metabolites: Prevention in Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes

The occurrence of atherosclerosis and diabetes is expanding rapidly worldwide. These two metabolic disorders often co-occur, and are part of what is often referred to as the metabolic syndrome. In order to determine future therapies, we propose that molecular mechanisms should be investigated. Once the aetiology of the metabolic syndrome is clear, a nutritional intervention should be assessed. Here we focus on the protective effects of some dietary flavonoids, and their metabolites. Further studies may also pave the way for development of novel drug candidates.
Discovery of the first light‐dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase in anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria

In all photosynthetic organisms, chlorophylls function as light‐absorbing photopigments allowing the efficient harvesting of light energy. Chlorophyll biosynthesis recurs in similar ways in anoxygenic phototrophic proteobacteria as well as oxygenic phototrophic cyanobacteria and plants. Here, the biocatalytic conversion of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide is catalysed by evolutionary and structurally distinct protochlorophyllide reductases (PORs) in anoxygenic and oxygenic phototrophs. It is commonly assumed that anoxygenic phototrophs only contain oxygen‐sensitive dark‐operative PORs (DPORs), which catalyse protochlorophyllide reduction independent of the presence of light. In contrast, oxygenic phototrophs additionally (or exclusively) possess oxygen‐insensitive but light‐dependent PORs (LPORs). Based on this observation it was suggested that light‐dependent protochlorophyllide reduction first emerged as a consequence of increased atmospheric oxygen levels caused by oxygenic photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. Here, we provide experimental evidence for the presence of an LPOR in the anoxygenic phototrophic α‐proteobacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL12T. In vitro and in vivo functional assays unequivocally prove light‐dependent protochlorophyllide reduction by this enzyme and reveal that LPORs are not restricted to cyanobacteria and plants. Sequence‐based phylogenetic analyses reconcile our findings with current hypotheses about the evolution of LPORs by suggesting that the light‐dependent enzyme of D. shibae DFL12T might have been obtained from cyanobacteria by horizontal gene transfer.
Lifestyle mediates seasonal changes in metabolic health among the yakut (sakha) of northeastern siberia

Among indigenous circumpolar populations, extreme seasonality influences food availability and energy metabolism. Furthermore, subsistence patterns and wage labor opportunities shift with season. Thus, health measures among circumpolar populations likely exhibit seasonal changes that are influenced by lifestyle factors. This study examines how markers of cardio‐metabolic health vary between summer and winter as a function of an individual's lifestyle and sex among the Yakut of northeastern Siberia.
Relationships Between Psychopathological Variables and Insight in Psychosis Risk Syndrome and First-Episode and Multiepisode Schizophrenia

Abstract Insight may vary across psychosis risk syndrome (PRS), first-episode schizophrenia (FES), or multiepisode schizophrenia (MES). We aimed to compare insight domains (awareness, relabeling, and compliance) in PRS, FES, and MES groups and to correlate scores with psychopathological measures. Insight was assessed in 48 (14 PRS, 16 FES, and 18 MES) patients using the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight–Expanded Version. We conducted psychopathological assessment through the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). In the whole group, the BPRS psychosis factor correlated with all insight domains. In the MES group, the more severe the anxiety/depression, the higher the insight score in the symptom relabeling domain. Insight did not differ significantly between the PRS, FES, and MES groups. Our results suggest that, across different phases of the illness, lack of insight behaves like a trait and is modulated by positive symptom severity. Anxiety and depression may be associated with increased insight in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in South African children infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Background. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) has been regarded as uncommon in HIV‐infected patients in Africa, but diagnostic difficulties and geographic variability may partly account for this. There is little information on the incidence of PCP in HIV‐infected children in Africa. Aim. To investigate (1) the incidence and associated features of PCP in African HIV‐infected children and (2) the usefulness of sputum induction and nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) for diagnosis of PCP. Methods. HIV‐infected children hospitalized with pneumonia were prospectively enrolled in a 1‐year study in South Africa. History, examination, chest radiology and blood tests (including HIV testing) were performed. Sputum induction (5% NaCl nebulization) or nondirected bronchoalveolar lavage in intubated patients was performed for P. carinii identification using immunofluorescence and silver stain; immunofluorescence was also done on nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs). Results. Of 151 HIV‐infected children [47% female; median age, 9 (range, 3 to 23) months], 87 had been previously diagnosed with HIV whereas 64 (42.4%) were found to be HIV‐positive at the time of admission. PCP occurred in 15 children (9.9%; 95% confidence interval, 5.9 to 15.5) and was the AIDS‐defining infection in 13 of 64 (20.3%; 95% confidence interval, 11.8 to 31.5). Only 1 of 59 children receiving prophylaxis (1.7%) developed PCP compared with 14 of 92 (15.2%) not taking prophylaxis [relative risk, 0.11 (0.02 to 0.82), P = 0.007]. PCP‐infected children were younger [3 (range, 3 to 4) vs. 10 (range, 4 to 24) months, P < 0.001] and presented with more severe pulmonary disease as indicated by a higher respiratory rate [63 (range, 60 to 73) vs. 50, (range, 40 to 60) P < 0.001], heart rate [160 (range, 136–180) vs. 140 (range, 120–152) P = 0.025] and a greater incidence of cyanosis (53%vs. 26%, P = 0.025). Clinical signs of HIV infection, occurring in 96% of children, were equally prevalent in both groups. High serum lactate dehydrogenase was the only laboratory investigation that distinguished PCP‐infected from uninfected children [626 (range, 450 to 1098) vs. 307 (range, 243 to 465) units/l], P < 0.001. No radiologic features were found to be diagnostic of PCP. P. carinii was identified in 9 sputa and 6 bronchoalveolar lavage specimens, but all corresponding NPAs were negative. Seven of 15 (47%) children with PCP died while hospitalized compared with 24 of 136 (18%) without PCP [relative risk, 1.21 (range, 0.99 to 1.47), P = 0.008]. Conclusion. PCP is an important pathogen in HIV‐infected infants in South Africa and is associated with a high mortality. Induced sputum is effective for obtaining lower respiratory tract secretions for diagnosis of PCP but an NPA is not useful.
The relationship between mean platelet volume and varicocele

With great interest we read the article by Coban et al. (2014). They assessed the relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet count (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW) and varicocele. MPV values were statistically significantly higher, whereas PLT and PDW values were statistically significantly lower, in the varicocele group than in control group, respectively. There was no significant correlation between MPV, PDW and the varicocele grade and spermatic vein diameter. This is an interesting study with a relatively large sample size. However, we think that there are methodological problems in the study. Firstly, the method used for MPV assessment is not clear. They used the EDTA tube for blood sample collection. It is clear that MPV increases over time in EDTA-anticoagulated samples, and this increase was shown to be proportional with the delay in time between sample collection and laboratory analysis (Bath & Butterworth, 1996). With impedance counting, the MPV increases over time as platelets swell in EDTA, with increases of 7.9% within 30 min and an overall increase of 13.4% over 24 h (Lanc e et al., 2010). The recommended optimal measuring time of MPV is 2 h after venipuncture (Lanc e et al., 2010). It would be better if they clarified this situation in this retrospective study. Secondly, it has to be kept in mind that there are significant associations of MPV with some cardiovascular conditions like smoking, obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, statin use and atrial fibrillation (Vizioli et al., 2009; Varol et al., 2010, 2013). They excluded coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal failure and haematological disorders. However, they did not mention about the body mass index, smoking status, blood lipid levels and presence of metabolic syndrome. It has been shown that obesity, hyperlipidaemia, smoking and metabolic syndrome increase MPV values (Vizioli et al., 2009; Varol et al., 2010, 2013). Absolutely, these factors should have been considered in assessment. The difference of MPV between groups might be due to these associated factors. Mean platelet volume is universally available with routine blood counts by automated hemograms and a simple and easy method of assessing platelet function. In comparison with smaller ones, larger platelets have more granules, aggregate more rapidly with collagen, have higher thromboxane A2 level and express more glycoprotein Ib and IIb/IIIa receptors (Park et al., 2002; Vizioli et al., 2009). We believe that MPV can be affected by many inflammatory and cardiovascular risk factors. Because of that, all confounding factors should be to taken into account. Also standardised methods should be used for assessment of MPV.
New developments in intrauterine device use: focus on the US

Many more women in the US today rely upon intrauterine devices (IUDs) than in the past. This increased utilization may have substantially contributed to the decline in the percentage of unintended pregnancies in the US. Evidence-based practices have increased the number of women who are medically eligible for IUDs and have enabled more rapid access to the methods. Many women enjoy freedom to use IUDs without cost, but for many the impact of the Affordable Care Act has yet to be realized. Currently, there are three hormonal IUDs and one copper IUD available in the US. Each IUD is extremely effective, convenient, and safe. The newer IUDs have been tested in populations not usually included in clinical trials and provide reassuring answers to older concerns about IUD use in these women, including information about expulsion, infection, and discontinuation. On the other hand, larger surveillance studies have provided new estimates about the risks of complications such as perforation, especially in postpartum and breastfeeding women. This article summarizes significant features of each IUD and provides a summary of the differences to aid clinicians in the US and other countries in advising women about IUD choices.
European validation of The Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Osteoarthritis from the perspective of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip

Abstract Purpose: To validate the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Comprehensive Core Set for Osteoarthritis from the patient perspective in Europe. Materials and methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study involved 375 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Trained health professionals completed the Comprehensive Core Set, and patients completed the Short-Form 36 questionnaire. Content validity was evaluated by calculating prevalences of impairments in body function and structures, limitations in activities and participation and environmental factors, which were either barriers or facilitators. Convergent construct validity was evaluated by correlating the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories with the Short-Form 36 Physical Component Score and the SF-36 Mental Component Score in a subgroup of 259 patients. Results: The prevalences of all body function, body structure and activities and participation categories were >40%, >32% and >20%, respectively, and all environmental factors were relevant for >16% of patients. Few categories showed relevant differences between knee and hip osteoarthritis. All body function categories and all but two activities and participation categories showed significant correlations with the Physical Component Score. Body functions from the ICF chapter Mental Functions showed higher correlations with the Mental Component Score than with the Physical Component Score. Conclusions: This study supports the validity of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Comprehensive Core Set for Osteoarthritis. Implications for Rehabilitation Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets were developed as practical tools for application in multidisciplinary assessments. The validity of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Osteoarthritis in this study supports its application in European patients with osteoarthritis. The differences in results between this Europe validation study and a previous Singaporean validation study underscore the need to validate the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets in different regions of the world.
Predictors of poor coronary heart disease knowledge level in women without prior coronary heart disease

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure coronary heart disease (CHD) knowledge levels in women without a history of CHD and to determine predictors of poor CHD knowledge in these women. Data sources: The sample included 120 women between the ages of 35 and 60, who had no CHD history. Women were asked to complete self‐administered surveys including demographic data, personal CHD risk factors, and a CHD Knowledge Test. Conclusions: Women lack CHD knowledge. Low educational level, normal serum lipids, high body mass index (BMI), and lack of access to a nurse practitioner (NP) were predictors of poor CHD knowledge levels in women without CHD history. Implications for practice: Women who had access to an NP were more likely to have higher CHD knowledge. In an attempt to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with CHD, NPs may be able to improve CHD knowledge in women, particularly in those with lower educational level, normal serum lipids and higher BMI.
Performance of rapid tests for discrimination between HIV‐1 and/or HIV‐2 infections

Major differences exist between HIV‐1 and HIV‐2 in terms of epidemiology, pathogenicity, sensitivity to antiretrovirals. Determining the type of HIV infecting a patient is essential for management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of simple/rapid tests to differentiate between HIV‐1 and/or HIV‐2 infections. We analyzed 116 samples from patients infected with HIV‐1 (n = 61), HIV‐2 (n = 47), or HIV‐1+HIV‐2 (n = 8) at the chronic stage of infection. Each sample was tested with SD Bioline HIV‐1/2 3.0, ImmunoFlow HIV1–HIV2, ImmunoFlow HIV1–HIV2 (WB), Genie III HIV‐1/HIV‐2, ImmunoComb HIV1&2 BiSpot. HIV‐1, or HIV‐2 single infection was identified with a sensitivity ranging from 90% to 100%. The ability to detect dual infection was less sensitive (12.5–100%). SD Bioline HIV‐1/2 3.0, ImmunoFlow HIV1–HIV2, and Genie III were unable to detect HIV‐1 group O infection in one, one and two cases, respectively. The specificity of detection of HIV‐1, HIV‐2, or HIV‐1+HIV‐2 antibodies differed greatly (36–100%). ImmunoComb BiSpot had the highest sensitivity values (99–100% for HIV‐1, 98% for HIV‐2, and 75–87.5% for dual infection) and specificity values (94–100% for HIV‐1, 100% for HIV‐2, and 97–100% for dual infection). In conclusion, this study showed that no single rapid test had a perfect sensitivity/specificity ratio, particularly in the case of the double infections. J. Med. Virol. 87:2061–2066, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patients’ perspectives and safe handling of oral anticancer drugs at an Asian cancer center

Background. In view of the increased usage of oral anticancer drugs in the contemporary treatment of cancer, we aimed to examine cancer patients’ perspectives of oral anticancer drugs, through a survey at an Asian cancer centre. This study also intended to describe patients’ behavior regarding storage, handling, and administration of oral anticancer drugs. Methods. This cross sectional survey was conducted at a single site. The interviewer-administered survey was undertaken at the outpatient pharmacy of National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), the largest ambulatory cancer center in Singapore, between January and March 2008. Eligible patients had received at least one cycle of oral anticancer agent treatment or had been taking oral anticancer agents continuously for 3 months. Results. A total of 126 patients were surveyed. Median age of surveyed patients was 58 years (range 31—85 years). The drugs involved were capecitabine (39.7% of patients), tamoxifen (23.1%), aromatase inhibitors (18.2%), gefitinib (9.1%), and imatinib (3.3%). Over 90% patients self-administered their oral anticancer drugs. The majority of the patients (94.2%) reported no difficulties in adherence to their oral anticancer treatment regimens. Forty per cent of patients reported habitually washing their hands after administering their anticancer drugs. None of the patients, except two patients receiving capecitabine, indicated that they habitually used gloves to handle their oral anticancer medications. Conclusion. The majority of patients receiving oral anticancer agents reported no difficulty in adhering to their oral anticancer treatment regimens as prescribed. However, this survey demonstrated the need to improve patients’ understanding of the requirements for storage, handling and safe administration of oral anticancer drugs.
Effect of Thermo-Vacuum Treatment on the Color and Chemistry of Larch Wood

The objective of this study was to investigate the color and chemical changes of thermo-vacuum treated larch wood. Specimens were heat treated in a vacuum at various temperatures for 4 h. The color parameters of untreated and heat-treated samples were measured using the CIELab color system. Changes in the chemistry of larch wood were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the color of larch wood became darker at higher treatment temperatures. The O/C ratio decreased with an increase in treatment temperature. The C1 peaks showed that there was an elevated content of lignin and extractives on the wood surface after heat treatment. There were more free radicals for thermally treated wood samples, as demonstrated by the increase in the intensities of the ESR signals. Some groups of lignin that contribute to the darkness of the wood increased after thermo-vacuum treatment. Changes in surface chemistry may be the cause of discolorations that occurred during thermo-vacuum treatment.