Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of simvastatin versus metformin on biochemical profile of polycystic ovary syndrome : a randomized clinical trial

Background: Metformin has been widely investigated for treating Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), however, it doesn’t improve total biochemical profile of the disorder. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of simvastatin on PCOS and to compare its effect with metformin on biochemical and clinical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.Methods: In a randomized clinical trial 60 women at reproductive age with PCOS were allocated to receive either 1500 mg dose of metformin tablets, or simvastatin tablets in 20 mg daily dosage. Several lipid, carbohydrate and steroid profile assessments were done at baseline and three months afterwards.Results: In this study Fasting blood sugar(FBS), serum insulin, menstrual cycle irregularities and hyperinsulinemia decreased significantly after treatment with metformin. Moreover, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, DHEAS, hyperinsulinemia, acne, and positive CRP tests decreased significantly in simvastatin group. Conclusion: Biochemical pattern of PCOS is differently affected by metformin and simvastatin and a complementary efficacy of combined treatment may also be anticipated.
Modulation of excitability in human primary somatosensory and motor cortex by paired associative stimulation targeting the primary somatosensory cortex

Input from primary somatosensory cortex (S1) to primary motor cortex (M1) is important for high‐level motor performance, motor skill learning and motor recovery after brain lesion. This study tested the effects of manipulating S1 excitability with paired associative transcranial stimulation (S1‐PAS) on M1 excitability. Given the important role of S1 in sensorimotor integration, we hypothesized that changes in S1 excitability would be directly paralleled by changes in M1 excitability. We applied two established protocols (S1‐PASLTP and S1‐PASLTD) to the left S1 to induce long‐term potentiation (LTP)‐like or long‐term depression (LTD)‐like plasticity. S1 excitability was assessed by the early cortical components (N20–P25) of the median nerve somatosensory‐evoked potential. M1 excitability was assessed by motor‐evoked potential amplitude and short‐interval intracortical inhibition. Effects of S1‐PASLTP were compared with those of a PASLTP protocol targeting the left M1 (M1‐PASLTP). S1‐PASLTP and S1‐PASLTD did not result in significant modifications of S1 or M1 excitability at the group level due to substantial interindividual variability. The individual S1‐PAS‐induced changes in S1 and M1 excitability showed no correlation. Furthermore, the individual changes in S1 and M1 excitability induced by S1‐PASLTP did not correlate with changes in M1 excitability induced by M1‐PASLTP. This demonstrates that the effects of S1‐PAS in S1 are variable across individuals and, within a given individual, unrelated to those induced by S1‐PAS or M1‐PAS in M1. Potentially, this extends the opportunities of therapeutic PAS applications because M1‐PAS ‘non‐responders’ may well respond to S1‐PAS.
Self-reported anxiety, depressive, and vasomotor symptoms: a study of perimenopausal women presenting to a specialized midlife assessment center

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 487 women 40 to 64 years old seen during October 2004 to December 2006 in the Women's Midlife Assessment Program at the University of California, Davis, was performed. Of these, 395 women were included in the analysis: 58 (15%) were premenopausal, 199 (50%) were perimenopausal, and 138 (35%) were postmenopausal. VMS bothersomeness was represented by converting Likert-scale ratings for hot flashes and night sweats to scores and adding them into an overall score. Multiple logistic regression models were used to quantify the association of self-reported anxiety and/or depressive symptoms with VMS bothersomeness. Results: Thirty-one (53%) premenopausal, 131 (66%) perimenopausal, and 69 (50%) postmenopausal women reported anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women reporting anxiety and/or depressive symptoms had significantly higher VMS bothersomeness scores (2.2 ± 1.7 and 2.2 ± 1.9, respectively) than did women who did not report these symptoms (1.7 ± 1.7 and 1.6 ± 1.7, respectively; both P values < 0.05). Women experiencing more bothersome VMS were significantly more likely to report anxiety and/or depressive symptoms (odds ratio, 1.5; P < 0.01). Perimenopausal women were significantly more likely to report anxiety and/or depressive symptoms than were postmenopausal women (odds ratio, 1.9; P < 0.01). Both associations remained significant after restricting the analyses to women not taking hormone therapy or psychotropics. Conclusions: VMS bothersomeness was associated with self-reported anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, showing the importance of screening for anxiety and mood changes during perimenopause.
Molecular insight of DREAM and presenilin 1 C‐terminal fragment interactions

Interactions between downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) and presenilin 1 (PS1) are related to numerous neuronal processes. We demonstrate that association of PS1 carboxyl peptide (residues 445–467, HL9) with DREAM is calcium dependent and stabilized by a cluster of three aromatic residues: F462 and F465 from PS1 and F252 from DREAM. Additional stabilization is provided by residues in a loop connecting α helices 7 and 8 in DREAM and residues of PS1, namely cation–π interactions between R200 in DREAM and F465 in PS1 and the salt bridges formed by R207 in DREAM and D450 and D458 in PS1.
Pathological Investigation of Cobalt radiation on the Liver andspleen of Rat

This study was investigation effect of Cobalt radiation on liver of Wistar rats. The results showed that the use of different levels of dosage dependent changes in different parts of the liver tissue. On the first day after the irradiation the animals were very lethargic. Areas of necrotic hepatocytes and cell swelling were seen in G3 and G4. But in the group 4 severe congestion was seen. Also pathological study of spleen was showed that necrosis in some parts of the spleen in 3 exposed groups and fibrinoid degeneration in the central splenic vein in group 4.
Cancer-Related Infertility in Survivorship

Introduction: To empirically assess and describe the emotional, sexual, and physical impact of cancer-related infertility on gynecologic cancer survivors. Methods: The study was composed of 88 survivors of cervical, endometrial/uterine, ovarian cancer, and gestational trophoblastic disease who experienced impaired or loss of fertility as a result of treatment. Patient age ranged from 21 to 49 years. Participants completed a 1-time self-report survey, including medical and demographic information and empirical measures of mood (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), distress (Impact of Event Scale), sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), and menopause (Menopausal Symptom Checklist). Results: Eighty-four (96%) of the 88 enrolled patients had undergone a surgical intervention as part of their cancer treatment. Sixty-three patients (77%) reported clinically significant levels of distress in relation to loss of fertility or impaired fertility. Survivors' levels of distress (P < 0.0001) and depression (P < 0.0001) were associated with the severity and number of menopausal symptoms reported. Patients who retained functioning ovaries (partial fertility) (41%, n = 36) reported being less bothered by menopausal symptoms (P = 0.01) and having higher sexual functioning than those with ovarian failure (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The emotional and physical impact of impaired or loss of fertility can be complex and long lasting, with women experiencing high levels of distress, menopausal symptoms, and changes in sexual function persisting into survivorship. Future research should focus on the development of strategies to identify, monitor, and address, in a clinical care setting, the issues these cancer survivors face. Alternate family-building strategies should also be explored before treatment and/or upon treatment completion when feasible.
Small cell carcinomas of the parotid gland. A clinicopathologic study of three cases

Clinical, histological and ultrastructural features of three small cell carcinomas arising in the parotid gland are presented. The light microscopic appearance of two of the neoplasms suggested neuroendocrine cell derivation, confirmed by electron microscopy in both instances. The fine structure of the third neoplasm suggested intercalated duct cell differentiation. The possibility that both types of neoplasm may arise from the same primitive precursor cell is considered. The findings from this study confirm the occurrence of two different types of small cell carcinoma of salivary gland origin. A distinction between duct cell and neuroendocrine subtypes may be impossible by conventional light microscopic evaluation. Cancer 52:2115‐2121, 1983.
Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of apple stem grooving capillovirus sequence variants.

ABSTRACT In an earlier study, we demonstrated that isolates of apple stem grooving capillovirus (ASGV) from fruit trees comprise at least two to four sequence variants that differ considerably from each other in nucleotide sequence. In order to characterize the population of sequence variants within a single tree, we applied a combination of an immunocapture reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (IC-RT-PCR) and a single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of a nested asymmetric PCR product. In the SSCP analysis of the PCR products from ASGV-infected apple, Japanese pear, or European pear trees, two to four bands were detected in samples from all trees, indicating that ASGV exists as a mixture of sequence variants. The composition of sequence variants (the number of bands and their relative quantity) differed among leaf samples from different branches, showing that each sequence variant is distributed unevenly within an individual tree. The SSCP analysis of isolates after serial passage in Chenopodium quinoa plants indicated that passages changed the composition of sequence variants originally contained in ASGV isolates; i.e., some sequence variants dominated and others decreased to undetectable levels.
Intraocular pressures in the Beagle dog.

Using a Schiotz tonometer, measurements of intraocular pressure were made on 128 conscious Beagles of 5–36 months and on twelve anaesthetized Beagles aged 3–5 years. The normal range of pressures was between 10 and 31 mm Hg; up to 3 years no significant age or sex differences were found. Resume. L'auteur a mesure a l'aide d'un tonometre Schiotz la pression oculaire de 128 chiens beagles eveilles, âges de 5 a 36 mois, et de douze chiens beagles anesthesies, âges de 3 a 5 ans. La tension normale oscille entre 10 et 31 mm Hg; jusqu'a l'âge de 3 ans, on n'observe aucune difference significative suivant l'âge ou le sexe. Zusammenfassung. Unter Verwendung des Schiotzschen Tonometers wurden Messungen des Augeninnendrucks an 128 nicht narkotisierten Beagle-Hunden im Alter von 5 bis 36 Monaten und an zwolf narkotisierten Beagle-Hunden im Alter von 3–5 Jahren durchgefuhrt. Der normale Druckbereich lag zwischen 10 und 31 mm Hg; bis zum Alter von 3 Jahren wurden keine signifikanten Alters— oder Geschlechtsunterschiede dabei festgestellt.
Supplementary motor area and primary auditory cortex activation in an expert break-dancer during the kinesthetic motor imagery of dance to music

The current study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the neural activity of an expert dancer with 35 years of break-dancing experience during the kinesthetic motor imagery (KMI) of dance accompanied by highly familiar and unfamiliar music. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of musical familiarity on neural activity underlying KMI within a highly experienced dancer. In order to investigate this in both primary sensory and motor planning cortical areas, we examined the effects of music familiarity on the primary auditory cortex [Heschl’s gyrus (HG)] and the supplementary motor area (SMA). Our findings reveal reduced HG activity and greater SMA activity during imagined dance to familiar music compared to unfamiliar music. We propose that one’s internal representations of dance moves are influenced by auditory stimuli and may be specific to a dance style and the music accompanying it.
Implicit and Explicit Processes in Motor Learning and Performance

Knowledge can be acquired through either an explicit or implicit learning process. Knowledge produced by an explicit learning process is explicit and can be verbalized; on the other hand, knowledge accumulated by way of an implicit learning process is implicit and difficult to be articulated. The distinctive characteristics of these two processes have attracted attention in psychology domain. In motor behavior domain, several researchers, though not many, have examined implicit process in motor learning and performance. This paper, through literature review, examines the roles of implicit and explicit processes in motor learning and discussed several methods proposed to teach motor skills through implicit process. Factors related to the implicit and explicit nature of learning process, e.g., explicit instructions given to learners in practice and level of self-focused attention induced by psychological stress in performance, are also discussed.
Bayesian Analysis of Population Bioequivalence Using the Independence Chain Algorithm in PROC MIXED

The statistical test for population bioequivalence given in the current FDA guidance document on this matter ignores the dependence between summary statistics. It is very conservative in cases where there is a high degree of correlation of subject responses between test and reference formulations, which is usually the case in bioequivalence studies. Adapting the ideas of Kass and Wolfinger (2000), we use the PRIOR statement in PROC MIXED to approximate the distribution of the population bioequivalence parameter ΘPBE, from which we can construct tests based either on the probability of the upper tail region (i.e., Pr(ΘPBE>Θ0)), or on the one-sided upper 95% confidence bound of ΘPBE,. We show that this test can conclude population bioequivalence when the FDA method does not. We also examine the statistical properties of this approach. The Kass and Wolfinger approach is also compared to another alternative given by McNally et al which is also more powerful than the FDA method, but is slightly anti-conservative.
Testing the Predictive Validity of the LSI-R Using a Sample of Young Male Offenders on Probation in Guangzhou, China

This study explored the predictive validity of the Level of Service Inventory–Revised (LSI-R) with 112 young male probationers on recidivism for new offense and rearrest in Guangzhou, China, from 2010 to 2013. Using bivariate correlations, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, the LSI-R total score was found to be a stable and significant predictor of recidivism. The LSI-R total score and subscales of Criminal History and Leisure/Recreation were significantly correlated to recidivism. There was significant association between time at risk and recidivism. Increase in the LSI-R total score was associated with greater likelihood that recidivism would occur. There was no recidivism in low-risk group, and higher recidivism rates were found in moderate-and high-risk groups. The LSI-R was effective in specifying recidivists and non-recidivists with area under the curve (AUC) coefficient of . 733. The current study supports the utility of the LSI-R, which is applicable to different cultural and social contexts, as a risk/need assessment instrument for young male probationer recidivism in Guangzhou. Sufficient training and accumulated experience of administering the LSI-R would be necessary to reduce regional variation. Future studies with larger samples across different offender groups are needed. Limitations and implications for offender assessment in China are discussed.
Modulation of neutrophil superoxide response and intracellular diacylglyceride levels by the bacterial pigment pyocyanin

Low concentrations of pyocyanin are reported to enhance superoxide production by human neutrophils exposed to various stimuli, yet the mechanism remains unknown. Using lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, we examined the kinetics of the neutrophil superoxide response in the presence of pyocyanin. At all concentrations (12.5 to 200 microM), pyocyanin decreased the peak superoxide response while prolonging the duration of the response. The prolonged response may be associated with an observed increase in intracellular diacylglyceride levels due to pyocyanin exposure.
The Effect of Pupil Size on Visual Acuity in Uncorrected and Corrected Myopia

Abstract The effect of pupil size on the relation between Snellen visual acuity and corrected and uncorrected myopia was examined for 22 young subjects with degrees of myopia ranging from 0.75 D to 7.5 D. Effective pupil size was varied by inducing mydriasis and then placing artificial pupils of between 1.0 and 8.0 mm diameter before the eye. Both a constant chart luminance of 120 cd/m2 and a constant retinal illuminance of 2150 trolands were used. There was little difference in results for the two lighting conditions. For the corrected myopes considered as a group, maximum visual acuity occurred for 2‐3 mm diameter pupils, but larger pupils reduced acuity only marginally. For the uncorrected myopes, variation in pupil size produced a large variation in visual acuity, and for refractive errors greater than about 1.5 D, the optimum pupil diameter was less than 1 mm. For uncorrected myopes of 3.0 D or less, visual acuity was nearly as good with a 1‐mm pupil as for corrected myopes. The presented data are a useful guide to the clinician.
Treatment of tinea imbricata: a randomized clinical trial using griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole

Background Griseofulvin has been the mainstay of treatment for tinea imbricata (TI) for decades; however, there have been few reports of efficacy of newer antifungals in the treatment of this condition. Many patients with TI have several obstacles to treatment due to their remote geographical locations and the primitive nature of their societies.
Randomized, Prospective Comparison of Post-Operative Pain In Low - Versus High -Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background and objective: CO2 insuflation constitutes the commonest means of creat-ing the pneumoperitoneum (PP), but it is attributed to many post-laparoscopic cholecyste-comy adverse effects including pain triggering. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effi-cacy of low-pressure CO2 PP during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in reducing the incidence of postoperative pain. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial was conducted on 100 patients with symptomatic gall stones. Patients were randomized preoperatively into group A (n=50) who underwent LC with 8 mmHg CO2 PP throughout the procedure and those in group B (n=50) had LC with 12 mmHg CO2 PP. Abdominal and shoulder-tip pain were assessed with verbal rating scale (VRS) scoring at 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively. Results: The low-pressure PP did not increase the duration of surgery. There were neither significant peri-operative complications nor conversion to open procedure in either group. A statistical comparison of mean cumulative VRS scores for abdominal and shoulder-tip pain in both groups shows statistical significance at 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after operation. Conclusion: A CO2 PP at 8 mmHg reduces both the frequency and intensity of abdomi-nal and shoulder-tip pain following LC without increasing the rate of intra-operative compli-cations.
Analysis of Single-Event Effects in a Radiation-Hardened Low-Jitter PLL Under Heavy Ion and Pulsed Laser Irradiation

A radiation-hardened low-jitter phase-locked loop (PLL) with a low-mismatch charge pump and a robust voltage-controlled oscillator is designed in a 130 nm PD-SOI process. In order to evaluate the overall response to single-event effects, the accumulated phase jitter has been put forward, which can exclude the inherent noise floor and accumulate all the radiation-induced noise. Then the single-event sensitivity of the proposed PLL is comprehensively analyzed by heavy ion and pulsed laser tests.
Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Booster Combined With Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids for Adolescents

BACKGROUND. The incidence of pertussis is increasing, especially in adolescents, attributed in part to waning of immunity after childhood immunization. Recently licensed in the United States for use in adolescents, acellular pertussis vaccines will provide an immunogenic and safe option for booster immunization against pertussis. METHODS. This prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, multicenter, comparative study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine formulated with tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis antigens (Tdap) compared with tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) for booster immunization in adolescents. There were 4114 healthy adolescents aged 10 to 18 years who completed childhood vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis who were enrolled, randomized, and received study vaccine. RESULTS. Local and general symptoms were comparable between the Tdap and Td groups. The immune response of Tdap was comparable with Td vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria seroprotection and booster responses. In addition, geometric mean concentrations of antibody to pertussis antigens, pertussis toxoid, filamentous hemagglutinin, and pertactin exceeded the antibody response elicited after infant immunization with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis antigens (DTaP) that had proven efficacy against pertussis. CONCLUSIONS. In adolescents, the studied Tdap was safe and immunogenic and induced pertussis antibodies that were higher than those associated with efficacy in infants.
What Accounts for Personality Maturation in Early Adulthood?

During early adulthood, individuals tend to increase in personality traits that mark greater social maturity. The compelling question is why most young adults change in the direction of greater maturity. Recently, this question has been addressed by a diverse array of research, ranging from behavioral-genetic to prospective longitudinal and cross-cultural studies. The present article reviews the new insights gained from these studies, discusses their implications for two theoretical accounts of personality-trait development, and highlights challenges for future research.