Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic Ghanaian patients

Introduction Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative urease-producing bacterium causally linked with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma. Infection is more frequent and acquired at an earlier age in developing countries compared to European populations. The incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic Ghanaian patients was 75.4%. However, epidemiological factors associated with infection vary across populations. Methods This study used a cross-sectional design to consecutively sample dyspeptic patients at the Endoscopy Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra between 2010 and 2012. The study questionnaire elicited their epidemiological clinical characteristics. Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by rapid-urease examination of antral biopsies at upper Gastro-intestinal endoscopy. Results The sample population of dyspeptic patients attending the Endoscopy Unit for upper GI endoscopy yielded 242 patients of which 47.5% were females. The age distribution of H. pylori-infection was even across most age – groups, ranging from 69.2% (61 – 70) years to 80% (21 – 30) years. Helicobacter pylori prevalence decreased across areas mapping to the three residential classes in accordance with increasing affluence with rural areas having the highest prevalence. The unemployed and patients in farming had relatively high Helicobacter pylori infection rates of 92.3% and 91.7% respectively. Conclusion Helicobacter pylori is endemic in Ghana but the persistently high prevalence across age groups despite significant community anti-microbial use suggests likely re-crudescence or re-infection from multiple sources in a developing country. Socio-cultural factors such as residential class and farming may be facilitating factors for its continued prevalence.
Dispersion management and gain flattened for a bridge-type hybrid amplifiers in a pumping recycling mechanism

We propose a hybrid C+L band fiber amplifier loop-back scheme which is composed of a C-band erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and an L-band Raman fiber amplifier (RFA) using double-pass dispersion compensators in a loop-back scheme (also named as bridge scheme). Dispersion slope mismatch are precisely compensated for all 14 C+L band channels by writing fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) at appropriate locations. Gain variation among multiple channels can be reduced from 6.5 dB to ±0.2 dB. The overall pump efficiency is 25% improved for C band signals by recycling the residual pump power. With several merits as mentioned, the hybrid EDFA/RFA may find potential applications in WDM long-haul systems and optical networks.
Sociodemographic disparities and behavioral factors in clinical oral health status during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES Although oral health (OH) problems are common during pregnancy, little is known about individual characteristics or behaviors relating to clinically assessed OH during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study describes the clinical OH status of a sample of pregnant women, examines relationships between sociodemographic factors and OH, behavioral factors and OH, and the influence of behavior on the relationships between sociodemographic clusters and OH. Baseline data were utilized from a pilot intervention study promoting OH during pregnancy. METHODS Participants (n = 99), recruited from CenteringPregnancy(®) prenatal care groups completed questionnaires addressing race/ethnicity, income, education, dental insurance, oral hygiene practices, and dental care utilization; and clinical examinations for periodontal probing depths (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque assessment, and visual detection of untreated decay. Chi-squares and one-way anovas with Tukey's studentized range test of planned comparisons were conducted to examine bivariable relationships between both sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics to OH status. Multivariable logistic regression analyses tested whether the effects of sociodemographic variables on OH status might be mediated by behaviors, including self-reported oral hygiene and recent dental visits. RESULTS Forty-five percent of the sample had untreated decay and the mean percentage of sites with BOP = 18%. Bivariable analyses of sociodemographic factors indicated that compared with Whites, Hispanic women had greater % of sites with: BOP, PD ≥5 mm plus BOP, and Plaque Index (PI) scores of ≥2, all P = 0.05; and greater untreated decay (Chi-square 13.3, P < 0.001). Lower income was related to greater untreated decay (Chi-square 7.6, P < 0.01). Compared with the highest education level, the lowest level group had higher % BOP, P < 0.05. Public dental insurance (versus private) was associated with greater % BOP, PD ≥5 mm plus BOP, both P < 0.05, and greater untreated decay (Chi-square 16.9, P < 0.001). Regarding behaviors, lacking a past 6-month dental visit was related to greater: BOP, PD ≥5 mm plus BOP, and PI ≥2 (F range 6.2-8.7, P < 0.01-0.05); and greater untreated decay (Chi-square 12.0, P < 0.001). Self-reported optimal oral hygiene was related to lower % BOP and PD ≥5 mm plus BOP (F range 4.5-6.7, both P < 0.05). Mediation analyses indicated that there were significant indirect effects of racial/ethnic differences on OH outcomes via having a recent dental visit (OR range 1.2-1.9). However, significant differences between the Hispanic and White groups remained. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights sociodemographic disparities in clinical OH during pregnancy, the importance of dental care, and provides useful findings for tailoring interventions for expectant mothers and their infants.
Novel mitochondrion‐related organelles in the anaerobic amoeba Mastigamoeba balamuthi

Unicellular eukaryotes that lack mitochondria typically contain related organelles such as hydrogenosomes or mitosomes. To characterize the evolutionary diversity of these organelles, we conducted an expressed sequence tag (EST) survey on the free‐living amoeba Mastigamoeba balamuthi, a relative of the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica. From 19 182 ESTs, we identified 21 putative mitochondrial proteins implicated in protein import, amino acid interconversion and carbohydrate metabolism, two components of the iron–sulphur cluster (Fe‐S) assembly apparatus as well as two enzymes characteristic of hydrogenosomes. By immunofluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation, we show that mitochondrial chaperonin 60 is targeted to small abundant organelles within Mastigamoeba. In transmission electron micrographs, we identified double‐membraned compartments that likely correspond to these mitochondrion‐derived organelles, The predicted organellar proteome of the Mastigamoeba organelle indicates a unique spectrum of functions that collectively have never been observed in mitochondrion‐related organelles. However, like Entamoeba, the Fe‐S cluster assembly proteins in Mastigamoeba were acquired by lateral gene transfer from ε‐proteobacteria and do not possess obvious organellar targeting peptides. These data indicate that the loss of classical aerobic mitochondrial functions and acquisition of anaerobic enzymes and Fe‐S cluster assembly proteins occurred in a free‐living member of the eukaryote super‐kingdom Amoebozoa.
Haematological analyses in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss affected by viral haemorrhagic septicaemia ( VHS )

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss weighing 87 ± 15 g (mean ± SD) were infected with viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) and the haematological and biochemical profiles of peripheral blood examined. Depending on the clinical signs and gross pathology, the fish were divided into 2 groups: Group A included fish in the acute stage, Group B comprised fish in the chronic stage. Red blood cells were subjected to 6 haematological tests and blood plasma to 14 biochemical tests, which provided findings on changed substrate concentrations and enzyme activities. Diseased fish, compared to healthy fish, had a significantly lower red blood cell count, and lower haematocrit and haemoglobin levels. As for the biochemical parameters, the fish had less total protein, creatinine, glucose, triacylglycerol, inorganic phosphate, total calcium and sodium, and more blood urea, nitrogen and potassium. Uric acid levels remained unchanged. Increases were recorded in the catalytic concentration of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. A decrease was recorded in the catalytic concentration of alkaline phosphatase. Fish with VHS in the chronic stage, compared with healthy fish, were in worse condition, with a significantly reduced Fulton coefficient and Clark coefficient, and a higher hepatosomatic index and visceral somatic index.
Virulence and diversity of the Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici populations in Lithuania and Southern Ukraine

For the present study, samples of cleistothecia were collected in Central Lithuania and Southern Ukraine. To characterize the virulence, complexity and diversity of powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) populations, 80 isolates were derived from single ascospores, 40 isolates from each population. Pathotype analysis was conducted on 16 differentials with known Pm genes. According to the proposed nomenclature, 32 pathotypes were identified in the Lithuanian powdery mildew population and 30 – in the Ukrainian population. The most frequent phenotype in Lithuania was NGDE (7.5%), and in Ukraine it was NGKE (15%). The Ukrainian powdery mildew population was more complex and contained more virulence genes per isolate. The virulence test was carried out by inoculation on detached leaves of 26 common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) differentials with known Pm genes and 12 resistant winter wheat breeding lines and cultivars. The frequencies of virulence to these differentials ranged from 0% to 100%, and most of them had high level of virulence. No virulence was found to Pm20 and Pm25+3a genes, cultivar ‘Lastivka odeska’ and breeding lines CN 89/16 and PI 170911 in both populations, whereas the frequencies of virulence were more than 50% to Pm1a, Pm2, Pm3b, Pm3g, Pm4a, Pm5a, Pm6, Pm7, Pm8, Pm9, Pm10 and Pm34 genes. The effectiveness of 25 Pm genes/alleles was estimated at the seedling and adult plant stages. Most of the genes were found to be ineffective. Genes Pm20, Pm25+3a and resistance of winter wheat cultivars ‘Vykhovanka odeska’, ‘Kniahynia Olha’ and ‘Lastivka odeska’ were highly effective both at the seedling and adult plant stages.
Avaliação do impacto da Diabetes Mellitus na qualidade de vida de Idosos

The aim of this study was evaluating the quality of life of aged people with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 accompanied by primary health professionals. This is a descriptive and transversal study, with a quantitative approach, which was conducted in 2011 with 68 diabetic aged people registered in health units of the city of Cajazeiras Paraiba, by means of application of an instrument with sociodemographic variables and another one to evaluating the quality of life Problems Areas in Diabetes Scale (B-PAID), Brazilian version. The results showed that, in general, diabetes has a significant impact on the lives of younger seniors (of average of 68.84 years old), female (75%), with lower level of education (60.3%) and with shorter time of disease diagnosis (mean 6.62 years). Thus, although the majority of the study participants have expressed a good standard of quality of life related to health, having diabetes brings specificities that vary from individual to individual, characterizing the phenomenon as singular. It was even possible to recognizing the most negative dimensions caused by diabetes, thus enabling the planning of health promotion and prevention actions to this group to improving their quality of life.
A retrospective survey of the use of bupropion slow release by members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

BACKGROUND Since the addition of bupropion slow release (Zyban, GlaxoSmithKline, Mississauga) to the Department of National Defence (DND) smoking cessation program (Butt Out), utilizing bupropion (Zyban) in combination with behaviour modification counselling, the Directorate of Medical policy has received several anecdotal reports from pharmacists and Canadian Forces members attributing significant side effects to the use of Zyban. As a result, the DND wished to assess the benefits versus the risks of using Zyban as part of the smoking cessation program. Subsequently, a retrospective review of the use of Zyban within the Canadian Forces over a one-year period was solicited to assess current policies. METHODS Surveys were sent to Canadian Forces members receiving Zyban between September 1, 1998 and August 31, 1999. Members were questioned about smoking history and current status, perceived effectiveness of bupropion and both positive and negative experiences with the drug. Those reporting side effects and who had consented were contacted for an interview to obtain further details and information regarding the use of medical resources and effects on job performance. Members of the Canadian Forces visiting a doctor due to side effects were asked for permission to review their medical charts. RESULTS Zyban was dispensed to approximately 1171 members over the one-year period and 357 responded to the survey. The point prevalence smoking cessation rate was 47% at the time of the survey and ex-smokers had been smoke-free for a mean of 181 days. Approximately 91% of ex-smokers and 52% of smokers found Zyban helpful in quitting. Side effects were reported by 252 members and 160 interviews were completed. Forty-three interviewees had seen a doctor because of side effects. Sixteen of the 43 charts were audited. Fifty-two respondents stated that side effects affected their ability to do their primary job. Two individuals were hospitalized for a total of six days. CONCLUSIONS In light of the demonstrated effectiveness of Zyban and the overwhelming health benefits associated with smoking cessation, it is recommended that the current policies of funding for the DND smoking cessation program be left in place. The impact of Zyban's side effects on job performance and medical resources should be minimized through close monitoring and Zyban prescriptions should be dispensed in two-week quantities.
Developing situationally specific methods through stakeholder collaboration

Software development methods can only be used effectively where there is a close match between the method being used and the situational application. There are two key features that need to be considered by those concerned with formalising the development of situational methods: (i) the stakeholder input and (ii) the method engineering process. The method presented, MEWSIC (Method Engineering With Stakeholder Input and Collaboration), formalises the development of situational methods so that links to quality assurance processes is retained. MEWSIC accounts for the number of stakeholders who have a legitimate interest in the success of the project but distinguishes between those who provide input that informs the method engineering process and those who carry out this process. A description of MEWSIC is given bringing out the collaborative nature of the approach. The authors then discuss MEWSIC's place within software engineering (particularly in relation to method engineering approaches and quality assurance mechanisms).
A Dynamic Lattice Monte Carlo Model of Ion Transport in Inhomogeneous Dielectric Environments: Method and Implementation

A dynamic lattice Monte Carlo (DLMC) simulation approach to the description of ion transport in dielectric environments is presented. Conventional approaches using periodic boundary conditions are inefficient for nonequilibrium situations in inhomogeneous systems. Instead, the simulated system is embedded in a bigger system that determines the average electrostatic potential and the ionic concentrations at its boundaries. Two issues are of special importance: implementing the given boundary conditions in the treatment of dynamical processes at and near the boundaries, and efficient evaluation of ion−ion interaction in the heterogeneous dielectric medium during the Monte Carlo simulation. The performance of the method is checked by comparing numerical results to exact solutions for simple geometries, and to mean field (Poisson−Nernst−Planck, PNP) theory in a system where the latter should provide a reasonable description. Other examples in which the PNP theory fails in various degrees are shown and discus.
Investment-Based Underperformance Following Seasoned Equity Offerings

Adding a return factor based on capital investment into standard, calendar-time factor regressions makes underperformance following seasoned equity offerings largely insignificant and reduces its magnitude by 37-46%. The reason is that issuers invest more than nonissuers matched on size and book-to-market. Moreover, the low-minus-high investment-to-asset factor earns a significant average return of 0.37% per month. Our evidence suggests that the underperformance results from the negative investment-expected return relation, as predicted by Carlson, Fisher, and Giammarino (2005).
HIP ARTHROPLASTY : MANAGEMENT FACTORIALS Reconstruction of the hip after resection of periacetabular oncological lesions

 T. S. Brown, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery Fellow, Department of Orthopedic Surgery  C. G. Salib, MD, Orthopedic Surgery Research Fellow, Department of Orthopedic Surgery  P. S. Rose, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery  F. H. Sim, MD, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery  D. G. Lewallen, MD, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery  M. P. Abdel, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Surgeon Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Combining contemporary and ancient DNA in population genetic and phylogeographical studies

The analysis of ancient DNA in a population genetic or phylogeographical framework is an emerging field, as traditional analytical tools were largely developed for the purpose of analysing data sampled from a single time point. Markov chain Monte Carlo approaches have been successfully developed for the analysis of heterochronous sequence data from closed panmictic populations. However, attributing genetic differences between temporal samples to mutational events between time points requires the consideration of other factors that may also result in genetic differentiation. Geographical effects are an obvious factor for species exhibiting geographical structuring of genetic variation. The departure from a closed panmictic model require researchers to either exploit software developed for the analysis of isochronous data, take advantage of simulation approaches using algorithms developed for heterochronous data, or explore approximate Bayesian computation. Here, we review statistical approaches employed and available software for the joint analysis of ancient and modern DNA, and where appropriate we suggest how these may be further developed.
Esthesioneuroblastoma: a population-based analysis of survival and prognostic factors.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the characteristics associated with survival in esthesioneuroblastoma and to determine whether the modified Kadish staging system can predict outcome. DESIGN Retrospective population-based cohort study. SUBJECTS All patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results tumor registry diagnosed as having esthesioneuroblastoma (1973-2002). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The modified Kadish stage and the overall and disease-specific survival rates were determined. RESULTS The cohort included 311 patients with a mean age of 53 years and a unimodal age distribution. The overall 5- and 10-year survival rates were 62.1% and 45.6%, respectively. The modified Kadish staging system was applied to 261 patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the overall and disease-specific survival rates at 10 years to be 83.4% and 90%, respectively, for patients with stage A disease; 49% and 68.3% for patients with stage B disease; 38.6% and 66.7% for patients with stage C disease; and 13.3% and 35.6% for patients with stage D disease. Log-rank test comparisons found Kadish stage (P<.01), treatment modality (P<.002), lymph node status (P<.01), and age at diagnosis (P<.001) to be significant predictors of survival. Cox regression analysis confirmed that Kadish stage remained a significant predictor of disease-specific survival. CONCLUSION The modified Kadish staging system, lymph node status, treatment modality, and age are useful predictors of survival in patients who present with esthesioneuroblastoma.
Nepalese Stock Market Efficiency in Respect of Cash and Stock Dividend Announcement

This paper examines the abnormal returns of dividend announcements such as cash dividend, stock dividend, and both cash and stock dividend in the Nepalese stock market using the market model of event methodology after adjustment of existing thin-trading problem. To examine the abnormal returns of dividend announcements, 139 dividend announcement samples were partitioned into dividend-initiation (good-news), dividend-increase (good-news), dividend-decrease (bad-news), and no dividend-change (no-news) sub-samples. The positive excess returns on stock dividend announcement were found during the announcement day, indicating the Nepalese investors seek for stock dividend than cash dividend. The negative abnormal returns were found much higher on the cash dividend announcement day in the dividend-decrease case. As dividend signalling hypothesis and efficient market hypothesis, the no dividend-change announcements sub-sample shows that the entire 21-days event-window has insignificant abnormal returns. The dividend announcements have a signalling effect in the Nepalese stock market. The study also found that, to some extent, the Nepalese stock market supported the semi-strong form of market efficiency.
Utility of electromyographic fatigue threshold during treadmill running

Introduction: We investigated 2 different methods for determining muscle fatigue threshold by electromyography (EMG). Methods: Thirteen subjects completed an incremental treadmill running protocol for EMG fatigue threshold (EMGFT) determination based on the critical power concept (EMGFT1) and the breakpoint in the linear relationship between EMG amplitude and exercise intensity (EMGFT2). Then, both the EMGFT1 and EMGFT2 were tested in a continuous treadmill running protocol. EMG was recorded from the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles. Results: For BF, EMGFT2 was higher than EMGFT1, and EMGFT1 for BF was lower than EMGFT1 for LG. EMG of RF was higher at EMGFT2 than at EMGFT1, and LG EMG was lower at EMGFT2. Conclusions: EMGFT can be determined during a single treadmill running test, and EMGFT1 may be the most appropriate method to estimate the muscle fatigue threshold during running. Muscle Nerve 52: 1030–1039, 2015