Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Honey - A Remedy Rediscovered

Honey has had a valued place in traditional medicine for centuries. The prescription for a standard wound salve discovered in the Smith papyrus (an Egyptian text dating from between 2600 and 2200 BC) calls for a mixture of mrht (grease), byt (honey) and ftt (lint/fibre) as transliterated from hieroglyphic symbols 1•2• The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honey for wounds and diseases of the gut. Honey was the most popular Egyptian drug being mentioned 500 times in 900 remedies', Whilst Hippocrates (3rd and 4th centuries BC) made little use of drugs in treatment he prescribed a simple diet, favouring honey given as oxymel (vinegar and honey) for pain, hydrornel (water and honey) for 'thirst'3,4, and a mixture of honey, water and various medicinal substances for acute fevers", During the Biblical era honey received religious endorsement by both Christianity and Islam. When the Children of Israel were in Egypt or were journeying through the desert, the promise was made that their destination was to be 'a land flowing with milk and honey". The holy Qur'an vividly illustrates the potential therapeutic value of honeyl-", Thy Lord has inspired the Bees, to build their hives in hills, on trees and in man's habitations, From within their bodies comes a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for mankind, Verily in this is a Sign, for those who give thought. Although a vast number of papers and articles have been published on the subject, most have concentrated on the biochemical analysis arid food and non-food commercial uses9•1O• In the past, scientific opinions on honey's nutritive and medical uses have differed and clashed with folklore. Controversies within the scientific communityf have re-kindled interest in the therapeutic uses of honey in modern medicine. Recently, scientific support has emerged with a proliferation in publications on the successful therapeutic use of honey in several general medical and surgical conditions. The antibacteriallU" and antifungal-" properties of honey have been well documented, with growth of organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enteropathogens and Candida albicans inhibited in undiluted honey. Jeddar et al. l 2 have shown that honey at a concentration of 40% was bactericidal to various gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. In particular, Salmonella shigella, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholera all of which are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Used at concentrations of between 30% to 50% honey 10 Wood SM, Kraenzlin ME, Adrian TE, Bloom SR. Treatmentofpatientswithpancreatic endocrine tumours using a new long acting somatostatin analogue, symptomatic and peptide responses. Gut 1985;26: 438-44
DEVELOPING AN EVIDENCE-BASED HIV TESTING MESSAGE FOR YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

DEVELOPING AN EVIDENCE-BASED HIV TESTING MESSAGE FOR YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN By Melanie Paige Moore, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2019 Major Director: Faye Z. Belgrave Professor of Psychology Department of Psychology African American women have the highest rates of HIV infection among women of all racial/ethnic groups in the United States, and over 50% of HIV infected young adults are unaware of their infection. HIV testing is a cost-effective mechanism for reducing HIV transmission. Despite this, limited research has been devoted to developing interventions specifically promoting HIV testing. This two-part study proposed to address this gap through developing a culturally tailored HIV testing message aimed at increasing HIV test intentions among young African American women. The Health Belief Model was this study’s primary theoretical framework. Study 1 was a quantitative study that examined predictors of HIV testing history and future HIV test intentions among 109 African American women aged 18-24. Participants were recruited at two universities, online, and via word of mouth. Measures on sexual behavior, HIV knowledge, HIV conspiracy beliefs, gender role beliefs, gender ratio imbalance beliefs were included in the survey. Next, a culturally tailored HIV testing message
A role for cholesterol as a structural effector of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

The effects of cholesterol on the protein structure and on the ionic channel activity of purified acetylcholine receptor (AcChR) reconstituted into lipid vesicles have been studied, respectively, by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and by rapid kinetics of cation influx. Reconstitution of the AcChR in asolectin phospholipid vesicles in the absence of either cholesterol or the nonpolar lipids present in crude asolectin extracts results in a considerable loss of the ability of the AcChR to support cation channel function. This functional loss is accompanied by spectral changes in the conformationally-sensitive amide I band of the protein infrared spectrum which are indicative of alteration in the protein secondary structure. Quantitative estimation of such alteration by band-fitting analysis reveals a marked decrease in ordered protein structures such as the alpha-helix and beta-pleated sheet, concomitant with an increase in less ordered structures appearing at 1644 cm-1 in the infrared spectrum. Furthermore, the addition of increasing amounts of cholesterol to the reconstituted bilayer produces a progressive, complete recovery both in the control of cation channel function and in the infrared spectrum. This restoration of AcChR structure and function by cholesterol, however, does not occur when the AcChR is reconstituted in vesicles made from purified egg phosphatidylcholine, thus suggesting that the presence in the reconstituted bilayer of phospholipids other than phosphatidylcholine may be required for cholesterol to exert its modulatory effects. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Short-term effects of discoid lateral meniscectomy on the axial alignment of the lower limb in adolescents.

BACKGROUND A discoid lateral meniscus in the knee is more common in Asian populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of arthroscopic meniscectomy of the discoid lateral meniscus on the axial alignment of the lower limb in adolescents (younger than twenty years of age). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the data from 298 adolescent patients (younger than twenty years of age) who underwent arthroscopic treatment in our center from 2004 to 2013. Patients were divided into three groups according to the meniscus type: torn discoid lateral meniscus (Group A), torn nondiscoid lateral meniscus (Group B), and nondiscoid lateral meniscus without a tear (Group C). The tibiofemoral angle (TFA) and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) of both lower limbs were examined on standing anteroposterior radiographs before and after arthroscopy. RESULTS The preoperative TFA and MAD of the ipsilateral lower limbs demonstrated significantly more varus in Group A than in Group B (p < 0.001) or Group C (p < 0.001) after we controlled for the contralateral lower limbs as a covariate factor. Moreover, the TFA and MAD of the ipsilateral knees were significantly reduced (indicating a reduction in varus inclination) postoperatively, as compared with preoperatively, in Group A (p < 0.001) and Group B (p < 0.001), with no difference between the preoperative and postoperative values in Group C (p > 0.01), after we controlled for the contralateral lower limb as the covariate factor. Additionally, the reductions in the TFA and MAD (varus inclination) in Group A were significantly greater than those observed in Group B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The axial alignment of the lower limb in adolescents (younger than twenty years of age) with a torn discoid lateral meniscus was altered immediately after arthroscopic meniscectomy: the varus deformity was significantly reduced, and a valgus inclination developed in some of these patients. The valgus inclination was more pronounced in the patients with a torn discoid lateral meniscus compared with those with a torn nondiscoid lateral meniscus.
Spillovers in Education Choice

This paper examines how skills are shaped by social interactions in families. We show that older siblings causally affect younger sibling's educational choices and early career earnings. We focus on critical course choices in high school and overcome the identification challenges of estimating spillover effects in education by exploiting exogenous variation in choice sets stemming from a pilot program. The pilot induced an essentially random subset of older siblings to choose advanced math-science at a lower cost, while not directly affecting the course choices of younger siblings. We find that younger siblings are 2–3 percentage points more likely to choose math-science if their older sibling unexpectedly could choose math-science at a lower cost. We argue that the main influence of the pilot program on the younger siblings may be attributed to the social influence of the older sibling. Spillovers are strongest among closely spaced siblings, in particular brothers, and they have a lasting impact on the career outcomes of younger brothers. We argue that competition is likely one of the driving forces behind younger siblings conforming to their older siblings' choices.
Spatially digitized tactile pressure sensors with tunable sensitivity and sensing range

When developing an electronic skin with touch sensation, an array of tactile pressure sensors with various ranges of pressure detection need to be integrated. This requires low noise, highly reliable sensors with tunable sensing characteristics. We demonstrate the operation of tactile pressure sensors that utilize the spatial distribution of contact electrodes to detect various ranges of tactile pressures. The device consists of a suspended elastomer diaphragm, with a carbon nanotube thin-film on the bottom, which makes contact with the electrodes on the substrate with applied pressure. The electrodes separated by set distances become connected in sequence with tactile pressure, enabling consecutive electrodes to produce a signal. Thus, the pressure is detected not by how much of a signal is produced but by which of the electrodes is registering an output. By modulating the diaphragm diameter, and suspension height, it was possible to tune the pressure sensitivity and sensing range. Also, adding a fingerprint ridge structure enabled the sensor to detect the periodicity of sub-millimeter grating patterns on a silicon wafer.
The diagnostic and predictive validity of the Renfrew Bus Story.

PURPOSE Two studies are presented providing evidence indicating the diagnostic and predictive validity of the American version of The Renfrew Bus Story (J. Cowley & C. Glasgow, 1994). METHOD Thirty-two children with specific language impairment (SLI) and 32 children with typical language development participated in the first study to determine identification accuracy of The Renfrew Bus Story. A second study of 12 children with SLI participated in a 3-year longitudinal study that was used to gather evidence of the predictive validity of The Renfrew Bus Story. RESULTS The combined Information and Length scores of The Renfrew Bus Story yielded adequate (84%) sensitivity but weak (78%) specificity, making it an inappropriate tool for identifying children with language impairment or typical language development. Moderate to high correlations were found between The Renfrew Bus Story scores and nearly all scores from language tests administered 3 years later. IMPLICATIONS The evidence supports the use of The Renfrew Bus Story as an indicator of future language performance for children with SLI. However, its performance as a measure for identifying impairments during the preschool years is somewhat weaker due to overidentification of typically developing children, and in particular minority children, as having poor narrative skills.
The relative stabilities of base pair stacking interactions and single mismatches in long RNA measured by temperature gradient gel electrophoresis.

The thermal stability of RNA duplexes differing by a single base pair (bp) substitution or mismatch were investigated by temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE). All base pair substitutions and mismatches were examined at six sites, and limited changes were investigated at three other sites. DNA templates for in vitro transcription were generated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Transcribed forward and reverse single stranded RNAs were annealed to form 345 bp dupex RNA. Solution melting curves of selected RNAs were in good agreement with the predicted three step transitions. Parallel TGGE was used to determine the relative stabilities of the RNAs, and perpendicular TGGE was employed to obtain mobility transitions and midpoint transition temperatures (Tmu) of the RNAs' first melting domain. The gel solvent included formamide and urea. The Tmu values of the first melting domain were influenced by the identity of the base pair substitution or mismatch as well as by the site's neighboring base pairs. The difference in the transition temperatures (deltaTmu) between pairs of RNA ranged from 0 to 5 degrees C. deltaTmu values were used to determine free energy differences (deltaDeltaG). For RNA pairs distinguished by a base pair substitution, the deltaDeltaG values were closely correlated with free energy differences calculated from stacking free energies determined from melting studies in 1 M Na+ [Serra, M. J., and Turner, D. H. (1995) Methods Enzymol. 259, 242-261. ] An algorithm was developed using the free energies of terminal mismatches [Serra, M. J., and Turner, D. H. (1995) Methods Enzymol. 259, 242-261] that provided very good agreement with experimental free energies for the single internal mismatches.
Generating pipeline integrated circuits using C2HDL converter

We present an overview of an experimental converter which automatically generates electronic circuit VHDL descriptions implementing the pipeline loop body computations written in C language. The converter processes tightly nested pipelined loops with assignment operators and regular data dependencies. An integer arithmetics is supported. The converter is able to use predefined implementations for particular operators. It also provides test benches for the generated units.
Steroid-induced Intraocular Pressure Elevation or Glaucoma After Penetrating Keratoplasty in Patients With Keratoconus or Fuchs Dystrophy

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of steroid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and/or glaucoma in patients with keratoconus (KCN) compared with patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with KCN or Fuchs dystrophy, who underwent PK and were examined on the Cornea Service, Wills Eye Institute, was performed. IOP measurements were recorded preoperatively; postoperative first month and maximal IOP measurements between 1 and 3 months, 4 and 6 months, 7 and 12 months, 1 and 2 years, 2 and 3 years, and 3 and 4 years were noted. Steroid-induced IOP elevation and/or glaucoma were grouped into 5 different categories; an increase in IOP of at least 5 or 10 mm Hg over the preoperative baseline and also IOP ≥22, 30, and 40 mm Hg. Addition of glaucoma medications and/or characteristic glaucomatous optic disc and visual field changes were also assessed. Results: A total of 100 patients with KCN and 58 patients with Fuchs dystrophy were included in this study. The overall frequency of steroid-induced IOP elevation after PK was 73% in the KCN group and 60.3% in the Fuchs dystrophy group. The frequency of IOP elevation of at least 5 or 10 mm Hg over the preoperative baseline were 72% and 24% in KCN group and 56.9% and 20.7% in the Fuchs dystrophy group, respectively. The frequency of IOP elevation ≥22 or ≥30 mm Hg was 22% and 6% in the KCN group and 29.3% and 1.7% in the Fuchs dystrophy group, respectively. There was one patient in the KCN group who had IOP >40 mm Hg. There was no difference between the groups in terms of frequency of IOP elevation (P > 0.05 for all). Glaucomatous visual field defect was detected in 4 patients in the KCN group and only one patient in the Fuchs dystrophy group. Despite the maximum medical therapy, 2 patients in the KCN group underwent glaucoma surgery and none in the Fuchs dystrophy group. Conclusion: Steroid-induced IOP elevation or glaucoma after PK is not unusual in eyes with KCN or Fuchs dystrophy. Careful and ongoing observation of IOP throughout the prolonged follow-up period is recommended for these individuals with prompt attention to IOP treatment as indicated.
Economic Evaluation of PET and PET/CT in Oncology: Evidence and Methodologic Approaches

PET and PET/CT have changed the diagnostic algorithm in oncology. Health care systems worldwide have recently approved reimbursement for PET and PET/CT for staging of non–small cell lung cancer and differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules because PET and PET/CT have been found to be cost-effective for those uses. Additional indications that are covered by health care systems in the United States and several European countries include staging of gastrointestinal tract cancers, breast cancer, malignant lymphoma, melanoma, and head and neck cancers. Regarding these indications, diagnostic effectiveness and superiority over conventional imaging modalities have been shown, whereas cost-effectiveness has been demonstrated only in part. This article reports on the current knowledge of economic evaluations of PET and PET/CT in oncologic applications. Because more economic evaluations are needed for several clinical indications, we also report on the methodologies for conducting economic evaluations of diagnostic tests and suggest an approach toward the implementation of these tests in future clinical studies.
Fas-associated Death Domain Protein and Caspase-8 Are Not Recruited to the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 Signaling Complex during Tumor Necrosis Factor-induced Apoptosis*

Death receptors are a subfamily of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor subfamily. They are characterized by a death domain (DD) motif within their intracellular domain, which is required for the induction of apoptosis. Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) is reported to be the universal adaptor used by death receptors to recruit and activate the initiator caspase-8. CD95, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL-R1), and TRAIL-R2 bind FADD directly, whereas recruitment to TNF-R1 is indirect through another adaptor TNF receptor-associated death domain protein (TRADD). TRADD also binds two other adaptors receptor-interacting protein (RIP) and TNF-receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), which are required for TNF-induced NF-κB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, respectively. Analysis of the native TNF signaling complex revealed the recruitment of RIP, TRADD, and TRAF2 but not FADD or caspase-8. TNF failed to induce apoptosis in FADD- and caspase-8-deficient Jurkat cells, indicating that these apoptotic mediators were required for TNF-induced apoptosis. In an in vitro binding assay, the intracellular domain of TNF-R1 bound TRADD, RIP, and TRAF2 but did not bind FADD or caspase-8. Under the same conditions, the intracellular domain of both CD95 and TRAIL-R2 bound both FADD and caspase-8. Taken together these results suggest that apoptosis signaling by TNF is distinct from that induced by CD95 and TRAIL. Although caspase-8 and FADD are obligatory for TNF-mediated apoptosis, they are not recruited to a TNF-induced membrane-bound receptor signaling complex as occurs during CD95 or TRAIL signaling, but instead must be activated elsewhere within the cell.
Heritage-Based Water Harvesting Solutions

Old city centers are often protected against the introduction of new architectural elements and require site-specific and respectful solutions for sustainable water management. Revitalizing part of ancient water systems matches more than one sustainable development goal. Ancient water management tools may be reinterpreted and innovated to preserve environmental resources, cultural heritage, and tradition, leading to new valuable heritage-based solutions (HBSs). The realization of rain water harvesting and reuse (RWHR) systems incorporating ancient elements of old water distribution systems, is proposed as an HBS for sustainable water management in old city centers. The case of Venice ancient cisterns (veras) is examined and discussed.
Glycemic load and chronic disease.

The glycemic index (GI) has proven to be a useful nutritional concept, providing new insights into the relationship between foods and chronic disease. Observational studies suggest that diets with a high glycemic load (GI x carbohydrate content) are independently associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Postprandial hyperglycemia plays a direct pathogenic role in the disease process. Lower glucose and insulin levels are associated with improved risk profile, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycosylated proteins, oxidative status, hemostatic variables, and endothelial function. Limited evidence suggests that a low-GI diet may also protect against obesity, colon cancer, and breast cancer. Diets with a high glycemic load may affect health differently in insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive individuals. Improvements in postprandial hyperglycemia can be brought about by manipulating either the type (i.e., GI) or amount of dietary carbohydrate, or both; at present, the GI appears to be more effective.