Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Female Reproductive Hormones in the Association between Migraine and Breast Cancer: An Unanswered Question

Accumulating epidemiological studies have investigated a possible interconnection between migraine (Mi) and breast cancer (BC) because of the strong link between these diseases and female reproductive hormones. This review aims to consolidate findings from epidemiological studies and explore biologically plausible hypothetical mechanisms related to hormonal pathways. Current evidence suggests a protective role of Mi in BC development, particularly in case–control studies but not in cohort ones. The inconsistency among studies may be due to several reasons, including diagnostic criteria for Mi and the age gap between the development of these two diseases. Furthermore, recent research has challenged the concept of a net beneficial effect of Mi on BC, suggesting a more complex relationship between the two conditions. Many polymorphisms/mutations in hormone-related pathways are involved in at least one of the two conditions. The most promising evidence has emerged for a specific alteration in the estrogen receptor 1 gene (rs2228480). However, the possible specific mutation or polymorphism involved in this association has not yet been identified. Further studies with robust methodologies are needed to validate the protective role of Mi in BC and fully elucidate the precise nature of this causal relationship.
Asymptotic behavior of the Pollaczek polynomials and their zeros

In 1954, A. Novikoff studied the asymptotic behavior of the Pollaczek polynomials Pn(x; a, b) when , where t > 0 is fixed. He divided the positive t-axis into two regions, 0 (a + b)1/2, and derived an asymptotic formula in each of the two regions. Furthermore, he found an asymptotic formula for the zeros of these polynomials. Recently M. E. H. Ismail (1994) reconsidered this problem in an attempt to prove a conjecture of R. A. Askey and obtained a two-term expansion for these zeros. Here we derive an infinite asymptotic expansion for , which holds uniformly for 0 < e ≤ t ≤ M < ∞, and show that Ismail's result is incorrect.
Advanced Magnetic Resonance (MR) Diffusion Analysis in Healthy Human Liver

iii TABLE OF CONTENTS . vi LISTS OF FIGURES . viii LISTS OF TABLES . xv CHAPTER 1: LIVER PHYSIOLOGY AND MRI PRINCIPLES . 1 1.1 LIVER FUNCTION AND PHYSIOLOGY . 2 1.2 DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING OF THE LIVER . 8 1.3 INTRAVOXEL INCOHERENT MOTION IN THE LIVER . 12 1.4 PRINCIPLE OF DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING . 14 1.5 DEALING WITH LIVER MOTION . 16 CHAPTER 2: HYPOTHESES and OBJECTIVES . 19 2.1 HYPOTHESES . 20 2.2 METHODS . 22 CHAPTER 3: REPEATABILITY OF DT METRICS IN HEALTHY LIVER . 26 3.1 CONTEXT OF THE PAPER . 27 3.2 DECLARATION STATEMENT . 28 3.3 PAPER . 29 CHAPTER 4: EFFECT OF RESPIRATORY AND CARDIAC MOTION IN LIVER DTI . 57 4.1 CONTEXT OF THE PAPER . 58 4.2 DECLARATION STATEMENT . 58 4.3 PAPER . 60 CHAPTER 5: MULTIGRADIENT DIRECTION AND LIVER IVIM . 84 5.1 CONTEXT OF THE PAPER . 85 5.2 DECLARATION STATEMENT . 86 5.3 PAPER . 87 CHAPTER 6: IVIM-DTI IN HEALTHY HUMAN LIVER . 121 6.1 CONTEST OF PAPER . 122 6.2 DECLARATION STATEMENT . 123
Microstructural evaluation and wear behavior of B4C particle reinforced TiO2-SiO2-ZnO compound by hot-pressing method

In this study, different wt% of B4C material added to TiO2, ZnO, and SiO2 materials known with distinguished properties by hot-pressing method to produce new materials. Characterization of the materials was performed by using XRD, SEM and EDS. The micro-hardness of the materials was measured and the wear characteristics of B4C-added materials were determined by subjecting them to wear loads of 5 N, 10 N and 15 N. In XRD, it was observed that the intensity of the peak was decreased depending on the increase in B4C content. In SEM, it was determined that there was a two-phase structure with complex boundaries and indefinite grain boundary formation. Besides, it was determined that elements in the EDS and the compounds in the XRD supported each other. In wear analyses, it was seen that as the wear load increased, the depth and width of the wear track in all materials increased. Furthermore, as the weight ratio of B4C material in the composition was increased, the weight loss at different wear loads was decreased and the lowest weight loss was found in Ti45Si15Zn20B20 material. Moreover, it was observed that the wear track and its depth were inversely proportional to the increasing B4C content in the compound. Friction coefficients of the materials under 5 N wear load varied between 0.15–0.43, whereas under 10 N and 15 N wear load, it varied between 0.09–0.28 and 0.06–0.29, respectively. While the hardness value of B4C-free Ti60Si20Zn20 was 260 HV, the highest hardness value was seen in Ti45Si15Zn20B20 material as 1010 HV.
Modulatory Effect of Sodium Butyrate on the Anticancer Activity of Abemaciclib in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Triple negative breast cancer is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, and its treatment is limited. The effect of abemaciclib and /or sodium butyrate on MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells was investigated. The IC50 for the growth inhibitory effects of abemaciclib, sodium butyrate, and their combination were 14.55 μM, 7.08 mM, and 3.743 mM, respectively. The combination showed a synergistic interaction with a decrease in IC50 to 2.55 μM abemaciclib and 3.74 mM butyrate. Three replicates of four groups of cancer cells were treated for 48 hr with the IC50 of abemaciclib, butyrate or their high or low dose combinations. A fifth group was treated with complete medium and served as the control. Cell migration, protein expression levels of cyclin D1, E2F2 transcription factor, phosphorylated AKT, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), cyclin dependent kinase-2 (CDK2), retinoblastoma (Rb), p16INK4a, p53 and mRNA levels of CDK2, p16INK4a and p53 were assessed in all treated groups. Combination treatment with abemaciclib and butyrate showed a significant attenuation of cell metastasis. The combination treatment was associated with a decrease in E2F2, CDK2, and NF-κB protein levels together with attenuation in AKT phosphorylation level. The combination also showed an elevation in Rb, and p16INK4a, together with a reversal of DNA hypo-methylated state. Although abemaciclib monotherapy failed to alter cyclin D1 or p53 levels, the combination significantly reduced cyclin D1 level together with an increase in P53 level. In conclusion, combining butyrate with abemaciclib augmented its antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects and induced apoptotic activity
Comparison of ureterorenoscopy (URS) procedure performed under general and spinal anesthesia in ureteral stones

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate records of the patients who underwent ureterorenoscopy under general and spinal anesthesia and to determine whether the type of anesthesia affected the success of the operation and complications. Material and Methods: Medical records of 1548 patients who underwent ureterorenoscopy [URS] were retrospectively reviewed for 10 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of anesthesia as general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia groups. Routine monitoring was performed in the operating. Two groups were compared in terms of demographic data, preoperative, operative and postoperative characteristics. Results: The mean age was statistically significantly higher in the general anesthesia group [49.57±15,31] compared to the spinal anesthesia group [47.21±13.19]
Differences in Cognitive Abilities between Monolingual and Bilingual People: A Two digital experimental approach

Due to educational requirements, a growing number of people in contemporary society are starting to learn languages other than their mother tongue. For a very long time, numerous viewpoints have been used to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this occurrence. This study evaluates the variations in attention and task switching performance between monolinguals and bilinguals from the standpoint of cognitive ability to decide whether a bilingual study is required. The experiment was designed to answer the following research question: How does bilingualism assist in the improvement of cognitive skills in young adults? According to the study, bilinguals are more attentive and switch tasks more efficiently than monolinguals. Two digital experiments, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and the Test of Variables of Attention, are utilized to look into the cognitive differences between bilingual and monolingual participants. The expected outcomes should support the hypothesis. Once the data is accessible, it will be further evaluated using a t-test to investigate the differences and correlations between the data sets to reach conclusions.
Sadness and Loneliness in Adolescents with Physical, Sensory or Health Problems in Low/Middle-Income Countries

Feelings of loneliness and sadness are increasing among the global youth, especially in disadvantaged settings. Young people with disabilities from low-income countries may be at greater risk of experiencing such emotions. This study aims to assess the dependence between difficulties/disability and sadness, loneliness and crying for no reason in young people from low- to middle-income countries and to test the risk of experiencing these emotions in young people with different disabilities versus the overall population. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the Programme for International Student Assessment for Development survey, with 34,604 participants aged 15 years from seven countries: Cambodia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Senegal, and Zambia. Dependent relationships were found between difficulties/disabilities and loneliness, sadness and crying. People with disabilities had a higher prevalence of these emotions. The probability of experiencing sadness, loneliness and crying was higher among people with difficulties/disabilities. Young people with disabilities in low-income countries are at a higher risk of experiencing feelings of loneliness, sadness and crying compared to the general population of the same age.
The Influence of Selected Personal and Academic Demographic Characteristics on Retention from Fourth to Fifth Semester of Enrollment Among Traditional-Age Undergraduate Students at a Research Extensive University in the Southern Portion of the United States

Recommended Citation Millican, Tammy R. , "The Influence of Selected Personal and Academic Demographic Characteristics on Retention from Fourth to Fifth Semester of Enrollment Among Traditional-Age Undergraduate Students at a Research Extensive University in the Southern Portion of the United States" (2023). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6164. https://digitalcommons.lsu. edu/gradschool_dissertations/6164
Ultrastructural, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Chemical Study and LC-DAD-QToF Chemical Characterization of Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach

The lichen Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. has been used in traditional and modern medicines for its many biological properties such as immunological, immunomodulating, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This species is gaining popularity in the market, with interest from many industries for selling as medicines, dietary supplements, and daily herbal drinks. This study profiled the morpho-anatomical features by light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy; conducted an elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; and phytochemical analysis was performed using high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with a liquid chromatography system (LC-DAD-QToF) of C. islandica. In total, 37 compounds were identified and characterized based on comparisons with the literature data, retention times, and their mass fragmentation mechanism/s. The identified compounds were classified under five different classes, i.e., depsidones, depsides, dibenzofurans, aliphatic acids, and others that contain simple organic acids in majority. Two major compounds (fumaroprotocetraric acid and cetraric acid) were identified in the aqueous ethanolic and ethanolic extracts of C. islandica lichen. This detailed morpho-anatomical, EDS spectroscopy, and the developed LC-DAD-QToF approach for C. islandica will be important for correct species identification and can serve as a useful tool for taxonomical validation and chemical characterization. Additionally, chemical study of the extract of C. islandica led to isolation and structural elucidation of nine compounds, namely cetraric acid (1), 9′-(O-methyl)protocetraric acid (2), usnic acid (3), ergosterol peroxide (4), oleic acid (5), palmitic acid (6), stearic acid (7), sucrose (8), and arabinitol (9).
Influence of Age on Haematology, Serum Biochemistry and Lipid Profile of ‎Stallions in Ilorin, Nigeria

This study determined the influence of age on haematological and serum biochemical parameters and lipid profiles of stallions in Ilorin, Nigeria. Blood samples of 50 (3-16 years of age) apparently healthy stallions were collected from different stables within Ilorin metropolis, and haematological and serum biochemical parameters were determined according to standard procedures. The stallions were grouped into three: <5 years (n=12), 6-11 years (n=33) and >11 years (n=5). The values obtained were subjected to a one-way ANOVA (p<0.05) using Tukey’s multiple comparison test as post test to determine the significant differences in the haematological and serum biochemical parameters in relation to age differences. Stallions with less than 5 years of age showed significant (p< 0.001) increase in PCV, red blood cell and haemoglobin counts when compared with stallions aged 6-11 years and above 11 years. Serum albumin and triglycerides for the <5 years of age stallion significantly reduced and increased respectively when compared to the stallions aged 6-11 years and above 11 years. There was no significant difference in cholesterol, white blood cell, neutrophils and lymphocytes counts. Age influences haematological and serum biochemical parameters in stallions. This is more noticeable in stallions aged five years and below. The findings from this study will guide clinicians in interpretations of haematological and serum biochemical values in different age group of stallions.
The Application of Soft Robotic Gloves in Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Wearable robotic devices have been strongly put into use in both the clinical and research fields of stroke rehabilitation over the past decades. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of soft robotic gloves (SRGs) towards improving the motor recovery and functional abilities in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. Five major bibliographic databases, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, were all reviewed for enrollment regarding comparative trials prior to 7 March 2023. We included adults with stroke and compared their rehabilitation using SRGs to conventional rehabilitation (CR) on hand function in terms of the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment (FMA-UE), Fugl-Meyer Distal Upper Extremity Motor Assessment (FMA-distal UE), box and blocks test score, grip strength test, and the Jebsen–Taylor hand function test (JTT). A total of 8 studies, comprising 309 participants, were included in the analysis. Compared to CR, rehabilitation involving SRGs achieved better FMA-UE (MD 6.52, 95% CI: 3.65~9.39), FMA-distal UE (MD 3.27, 95% CI: 1.50~5.04), and JJT (MD 13.34, CI: 5.16~21.53) results. Subgroup analysis showed that stroke latency of more than 6 months and training for more than 30 min offered a better effect as well. In conclusion, for patients with stroke, rehabilitation using SRGs is recommended to promote the functional abilities of the upper extremities.
Recent Population Dynamics of Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes acute viral encephalitis in humans and reproductive disorders in pigs. JEV emerged during the 1870s in Japan, and since that time, JEV has been transmitted exclusively throughout Asia, according to known reporting and sequencing records. A recent JEV outbreak occurred in Australia, affecting commercial piggeries across different temperate southern Australian states, and causing confirmed infections in humans. A total of 47 human cases and 7 deaths were reported. The recent evolving situation of JEV needs to be reported due to its continuous circulation in endemic regions and spread to non-endemics areas. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny and population dynamics of JEV using recent JEV isolates for the future perception of disease spread. Phylogenetic analysis shows the most recent common ancestor occurred about 2993 years ago (YA) (95% Highest posterior density (HPD), 2433 to 3569). Our results of the Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) demonstrates that JEV demography lacks fluctuations for the last two decades, but it shows that JEV genetic diversity has increased during the last ten years. This indicates the potential JEV replication in the reservoir host, which is helping it to maintain its genetic diversity and to continue its dispersal into non-endemic areas. The continuous spread in Asia and recent detection from Australia further support these findings. Therefore, an enhanced surveillance system is needed along with precautionary measures such as regular vaccination and mosquito control to avoid future JEV outbreaks.
Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Physically Active Adults

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of athletes' most severe and frequent knee ligament injuries. The primary function of the ACL is preventing excessive anterior tibial translation, and it limits varus/valgus stress when the knee is in full extension and rotatory movements. Returning to sport after an ACL injury is a crucial aim of ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Multiple factors, modifiable and nonmodifiable, can influence the time to return to sport. This study aimed to discuss factors that affect optimal return-to-play (RTP) timing, symptom recurrence, and long-term consequences of an ACL injury. This is a cross-sectional study involving patients who are following in orthopedic surgery outpatient clinics with a history of ACLR at least six months before surgery and not beyond six years after surgery. Participants received a survey about their sociodemographic data, details of the type and site of injury, and ACL return to sport before and after reconstruction scale. Full data description and testing of dependent variables against participant variables using two-sided tests were performed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. The study involved 129 participants, of which the majority were male Bisha residents aged 20 to 29 years. The study found that the right leg was the most commonly injured, with the dominant leg being the most frequently reconstructed due to problems with knee function. Before the injury, most participants ran, cut (quick changes of direction during running), decelerated, and pivoted activities four or more times per month. However, physical activities notably reduced after ACLR. Age and body mass index (BMI) showed statistical significance related to the likelihood of returning to physical activities. The study found a significant reduction in the frequency of activities such as cutting, deceleration, and running after ACLR. Age was identified as a predictor affecting the likelihood of returning to the sport, with older patients being less likely to return than younger ones.
Adding flexibility to Markov Switching models

Abstract: Very often time series are subject to abrupt changes in the level, which are generally represented by Markov Switching (MS) models, assuming that the level is constant within a certain state (regime). This is not a realistic framework because in the same regime the level could change with minor jumps with respect to a change of state; this is a typical situation in many economic time series such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or the volatility of financial markets. We propose to make the state flexible, introducing a very general model which provides oscillations of the level of the time series within each state of the MS model; these movements are driven by a forcing variable. The new model allows for consideration of extreme jumps in a parsimonious way, without the adoption of a large number of regimes (in our examples the two-state MS models are used). Moreover, this model increases the interpretability and in particular the out-of-sample performance with respect to the most used alternative models. This approach can be applied in several fields, also using unobservable data. We show its advantages in three distinct applications, extending particular MS models, which involve macroeconomic variables, volatilities of financial markets and conditional correlations.
Evaluation of the effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine on characteristics of spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine

Aims: A study was performed to evaluate the effect of intravenously administered dexmedetomidine just before spinal anaesthesia, on spinal block characteristics, postoperative analgesia, haemodynamics and sedation. Methods: Sixty patients, aged 18 - 50 years of either sex, ASA grade I & II, who were undergoing elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries under spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine, were randomly allocated in to two equal groups of 30 patients each to recieve 20 ml of normal saline intravenously (group A) and intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg prepared in normal saline to a total volume of 20 ml (group D) over a 10 min period as a single dose just before spinal anaesthesia. Onset and duration of sensory blocks and motor blocks, highest sensory block level, time to 2 segment regression, duration of analgesia, perioperative haemodynamic parameters, VAS and sedation scores were assessed. Results: Both groups were comparable with regard to demographic data. The onset of sensory and motor block were significantly earlier in group D as compared to group A. Duration of motor block and analgesia were significantly longer in group D as compared to group A. Sedation score were significantly higher in group D. Though HR and NIBP were significantly decreased in group D, however all patients remained haemodynamically stable. Conclusion: Bolus dose of intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/ kg administered just before spinal anaesthesia prolongs the duration of sensory – motor block and postoperative analgesia with arousable sedation.
Early Loading of Two Implants Supporting Mandibular Overdentures in Geriatric Edentulous Patients: A 12-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: This study aims to show the clinical outcomes of implants supporting mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients. Methods: Mandibular edentulous patients were diagnosed with an oral examination, panoramic radiograph, and diagnostic casts for intermaxillary relations and treated with overdentures over two implants. After two-stage surgery, implants were early loaded with an overdenture at 6 weeks. Results: Fifty-four patients (28 females and 24 males) were treated with 108 implants. Thirty-two patients (59.2%) had a previous history of periodontitis. Twenty-three patients (46%) were smokers. Forty patients (74.1%) suffered from systemic diseases (i.e., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases). The clinical follow-up of the study was 147.8 ± 10.4 months. The clinical outcomes showed a global success of 94.5% of implants. Fifty-four overdentures were placed in the patients over the implants. The mean marginal bone loss was 1.12 ± 0.34 mm. Nineteen patients (35.2%) showed some kind of mechanical prosthodontic complication. Sixteen implants (14.8%) were associated with peri-implantitis. Conclusions: Based on the clinical results obtained, we can determine that the treatment of elderly edentulous patients with mandibular overdentures through the early loading of two placed implants is a successful implant protocol.