Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of smoking and reasons for continuing to smoke: a population-based study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the prevalence of smoking and the reasons for continuing to smoke among adults in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study including 1,054 individuals ≥ 40 years of age, residents of the city of Florianopolis, Brazil, of whom 183 were smokers. All of the smokers completed the University of São Paulo Reasons for Smoking Scale (USP-RSS). Depressive symptoms were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and spirometry was performed to screen for COPD. Results: Of the 183 smokers, 105 (57.4%) were female, 138 (75.4%) were White, and 125 (63.8%) were in a low economic class. The mean level of education among the smokers was 9.6 ± 6.1 years. The mean smoking history was 29 ± 15 pack-years, 59% of the men having a ≥ 30 pack-year smoking history. Approximately 20% of the smokers had COPD, and 29% had depressive symptoms, which were more common in the women. The USP-RSS scores were highest for the pleasure of smoking (PS), tension reduction (TR), and physical dependence (PD) domains (3.9 ± 1.1, 3.6 ± 1.2, and 3.5 ± 1.3, respectively). Scores for the PS, TR, and weight control (WC) domains were significantly higher in women. Smokers with a > 20 pack-year smoking history scored significantly higher on the PD, PS, automatism, and close association (CA) domains. Smoking history was associated with the PD, PS, TR, and CA domains. Depressive symptoms were associated with the PD, social smoking, and CA domains (p = 0.001; p = 0.01; p = 0.09, respectively). Female gender and a low level of education were associated with the PS domain (p = 0.04) and TR domain (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of smoking in our sample was relatively high (17.4%). The USP-RSS domains PS, TR, and WC explain why individuals continue smoking, as do depressive symptoms.
Targeting the gut‐skin axis—Probiotics as new tools for skin disorder management?

The existence of a gut‐skin axis is supported by increasing evidence, but its translational potential is not widely recognized. Studies linked inflammatory skin diseases to an imbalanced gut microbiome; hence, the modulation of the gut microbiota to improve skin condition seems to be a feasible approach. Today, there is a growing interest in natural products as alternatives to synthetic drugs. In this respect, oral probiotics could be a simple, safe and cheap modality in the therapeutic management of skin inflammation. Unfortunately, very few studies have looked into how probiotic supplementation influences inflammatory skin disorders. The result, though promising, are difficult to implement in clinical practice due to the heterogeneity of the applied supplemental regimen in the different studies. In this Viewpoint, we aim to encourage the conduction of more research in that direction to explore unambiguously the therapeutic potential of oral probiotics in dermatology. We focus on the most common inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne vulgaris) with an associated gut dysbiosis, but we also discuss some less common, but very serious skin pathologies (eg erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, hidradenitis suppurativa) that are possibly linked to a disturbed gut flora composition. We dissect the possible mechanisms along the gut‐skin axis and highlight novel points where probiotics could interfere in this communication in the diseased state.
Strategic deployment of feature-based attentional gain in primate visual cortex

Attending to visual stimuli enhances the gain of those neurons in primate visual cortex that preferentially respond to the matching locations and features (on-target gain). Although this is well suited to enhance the neuronal representation of attended stimuli, it is nonoptimal under difficult discrimination conditions, as in the presence of similar distractors. In such cases, directing attention to neighboring neuronal populations (off-target gain) has been shown to be the most efficient strategy, but although such a strategic deployment of attention has been shown behaviorally, its underlying neural mechanisms are unknown. Here, we investigated how attention affects the population responses of neurons in the middle temporal (MT) visual area of rhesus monkeys to bidirectional movement inside the neurons’ receptive field (RF). The monkeys were trained to focus their attention onto the fixation spot or to detect a direction or speed change in one of the motion directions (the “target”), ignoring the distractor motion. Population activity profiles were determined by systematically varying the patterns’ directions while maintaining a constant angle between them. As expected, the response profiles show a peak for each of the 2 motion directions. Switching spatial attention from the fixation spot into the RF enhanced the peak representing the attended stimulus and suppressed the distractor representation. Importantly, the population data show a direction-dependent attentional modulation that does not peak at the target feature but rather along the slopes of the activity profile representing the target direction. Our results show that attentional gains are strategically deployed to optimize the discriminability of target stimuli, in line with an optimal gain mechanism proposed by Navalpakkam and Itti.
Effects of high-intensity interval training and nutrition advice on cardiometabolic markers and aerobic fitness in adolescent girls with obesity.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and nutrition advice on cardiometabolic biomarkers, hormonal parameters and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescent girls with obesity. Adolescent girls with obesity (n = 44, 13-19 years old) were randomized into a 12-week intervention as follows: 1) dietary advice and HIIT (n = 22), and 2) dietary advice only (n = 22). The concentration of biomarkers of inflammation, biochemical and hormonal testing, oral glucose tolerance test, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity levels and nutrition were assessed. After 3-month intervention, Diet+HIIT group significantly increased Insulin sensitivity index (-0.34±1.52 vs. 1.05±3.21; p=0.001) and work load (0.6±11.3 watts vs. 14.6±20.2 watts; p=0.024) and decreased GlucoseAUC (-0.29±4.69 vs. -0.98±4.06; p=0.040), InsulinAUC (-9.65±117.9 vs. -98.7±201.8; p=0.003) and hsCRP (0.12±1.92 mg/L vs. -1.47±3.67 mg/L; p=0.039) in comparison to Diet group. Regarding within-group changes, both groups had significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), BMI-standard deviation score, body fat percentage and systolic blood pressure. Positive impact on waist circumference, waist circumference/height ratio, diastolic blood pressure, hsCRP, work load, maximal and rest heart rate was observed only after Diet+HIIT intervention. No significant change was noted in peak oxygen uptake, lipid profile and hormonal parameters between groups after intervention. Novelty: • HIIT and nutrition advice increase insulin sensitivity and decrease BMI, body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure • Nutrition advice decrease BMI, body fat and systolic blood pressure in adolescent girls with obesity.
Identification of potential core genes in Kawasaki disease using bioinformatics analysis

Objective The present study aimed to elucidate the underlying pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD) and to identify potential biomarkers for KD. Methods Gene expression profiles for the GSE68004 dataset were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The pathways and functional annotations of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KD were examined by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) tool. Protein–protein interactions of the above-described DEGs were investigated using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). Results Gene Ontology analysis revealed that DEGs in KD were significantly enriched in biological processes, including the inflammatory response, innate immune response, defense response to Gram-positive bacteria, and antibacterial humoral response. In addition, 10 hub genes with high connectivity were selected from among these DEGs (ITGAM, MPO, MAPK14, SLC11A1, HIST2H2BE, ELANE, CAMP, MMP9, NTS, and HIST2H2AC). Conclusion The identification of several novel hub genes in KD enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of this disease. These genes may be potential diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic molecular targets in patients with KD. ITGAM inhibitors in particular may be potential targets for KD therapy.
Subcellular dynamics of proteins and metabolites under abiotic stress reveal deferred response of the Arabidopsis thaliana hexokinase-1 mutant gin2-1 to high light.

Stress responses in plants imply spatio-temporal changes in enzymes and metabolites, including subcellular compartment-specific reallocation processes triggered by sudden changes in environmental parameters. To investigate interactions of primary metabolism with abiotic stress, the gin2-1 mutant, defective in the sugar sensor hexokinase 1 (HXK1) was compared to its wildtype Landsberg erecta (Ler) based on time resolved, compartment specific metabolome and proteome data obtained over a full diurnal cycle. The high light sensitive gin2-1 mutant was substantially delayed in subcellular redistribution of metabolites upon stress, and this correlated with a massive reduction in proteins belonging to the ATP producing electron transport chain under high light, while fewer changes occurred in the cold. In the wildtype, compounds specifically protecting individual compartments could be identified, e.g. maltose and raffinose in plastids, myo-inositol in mitochondria, but gin2-1 failed to recruit these substances to the respective compartments, or responded only slowly to high irradiance. No such delay was obtained in the cold. At the whole-cell level, concentrations of the amino acids, glycine and serine, provided strong evidence for an important role of the photorespiratory pathway during stress exposure, and different subcellular allocation of serine may contribute to the slow growth of the gin2-1 mutant under high irradiance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Severe acute malnutrition and mortality in children in the community: Comparison of indicators in a multi-country pooled analysis

Objectives This study aims to describe the mortality risk of children in the community who had severe acute malnutrition (SAM) defined by either a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) <115mm, a low weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) <-3 or both criteria. Methods We pooled individual-level data from children aged 6–59 months enrolled in 3 community-based studies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Senegal and Nepal. We estimate the mortality hazard using Cox proportional hazard models in groups defined by either anthropometric indicator. Results In total, we had 49,001 time points provided by 15,060 children available for analysis, summing to a total of 143,512 person-months. We found an increasing death rate with a deteriorating nutritional status for all anthropometrical indicators. Children identified as SAM only by a low MUAC (<115mm) and those identified only by a low WHZ (Z-score <-3) had a similar mortality hazard which was about 4 times higher than those without an anthropometric deficit. Having both a low MUAC and a low WHZ was associated with an 8 times higher hazard of dying compared to children within the normal range. The 2 indicators identified a different set of children; the proportion of children identified by both indicators independently ranged from 7% in the DRC cohort, to 35% and 37% in the Senegal and the Nepal cohort respectively. Conclusion In the light of an increasing popularity of using MUAC as the sole indicator to identify SAM children, we show that children who have a low WHZ, but a MUAC above the cut-off would be omitted from diagnosis and treatment despite having a similar risk of death.
Parental Perceived Facilitators for and Barriers to Participating in a Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Early Childhood Obesity: A Qualitative Evaluation

This study aimed to examine low-income mothers’ perceived facilitators for and barriers to participating in a lifestyle intervention. A phenomenography approach was used to individually interview 14 mothers from Midwestern U.S. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Drawing on the socio-ecological model, mothers’ perceived facilitators included (a) intrapersonal factors including providing helpful information, being accommodating, motivating, and novel; (b) interpersonal factors, including two-way communication between mothers and preschoolers, social connectedness among mothers, and a positive relationship between mothers and researchers; and (c) environmental factors, including kid-friendly, and pleasant and comfortable intervention sites. Mothers’ reported barriers were intrapersonal factors including (a) use of technology due to unreliable Wi-Fi access and unfamiliarity of electronic device, (b) being “busy moms” due to busy schedules and stressful daily lives, and (c) lack of reliable transportation. Future interventions to reduce early childhood obesity among low-income families should consider these identified facilitators and barriers.
Challenging the ethnic pyramid: Golden rules and organisational measures towards a more inclusive work environment.

AIM To contribute to knowledge of how healthcare managers can promote connection and ethnic equality among staff in multicultural organisations. BACKGROUND The increase in migrant care workers often leads to deskilling, discrimination, communication difficulties and harsher working conditions. METHODS A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to examine the work experiences of healthcare workers in a strategically selected nursing home unit with minority and majority workers well balanced across positions. RESULTS Three golden rules were identified: 1) Everyone should take responsibility for the quality of care in the unit. 2) All staff members should engage in all aspects of the care work within scope of practice. 3) Everyone should collaborate and help each other. Organisational measures supporting these norms were also identified. CONCLUSION It is possible, by means of golden rules and organisational measures, to foster connection and cooperation among nursing home staff and to promote an inclusive work environment where the workers' skills and competences are recognised across educational and migration backgrounds. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Healthcare managers can contribute to challenge the ethnic pyramid often identified in multicultural institutions by implementing diversity-sensitive measures. This may increase the quality of care and the wellbeing of residents. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Aging induces a step-like change in the motor ability structure of athletes

Many studies have investigated how aging decreases human strength and endurance. However, understanding the effect of aging on human motor ability requires more than knowledge of the separate temporal profile of individual motor function because the structure of human motor ability is multi-dimensional. We address the effect of aging on the multi-dimensional structure of human motor ability by investigating the performance records of athletes in track events across various age groups. We collected the performance records of 446 top-level decathletes whose ages ranged from 20 to 74, and performed a principal component analysis of the records in 100m, 1500m, and 400m races, which require strength, endurance, and the mixture of both, respectively. Our analysis shows that aging results in a substantial and sudden change in the motor ability structure, contrasting sharply with the gradual decrease in performance in each track event. The rapid structural change develops around the age of 50, which is much earlier than the “breakpoint” of 70 years suggested in multiple previous studies. Our findings indicate that the structural change in motor ability can significantly precede the failure in the overall motor performance.
A National Analysis of Short-term Outcomes and Long-term Survival Following Thoracoscopic Versus Open Lobectomy for Clinical Stage II Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: To compare outcomes after open versus thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy for clinical stage II (cN1) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Background: There have been no published studies evaluating the impact of a VATS approach to lobectomy for N1 NSCLC on short-term outcomes and survival. Methods: Outcomes of patients with clinical T1-2, N1, M0 NSCLC who underwent lobectomy without induction therapy in the National Cancer Data Base (2010–2012) were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling and propensity score-matched analysis. Results: Median follow-up of 1559 lobectomies (1204 open and 355 VATS) was 43.2 months. The VATS approach was associated with a shorter median hospitalization (5 vs 6 d, P < 0.001) than the open approach. There were no significant differences between the VATS and open approach with regard to nodal upstaging (12.0% vs 10.5%, P = 0.41), 30-day mortality (2.3% vs 3.1%, P = 0.31), and overall survival (5-yr survival: 48.6% vs 48.7%, P = 0.76; multivariable-adjusted HR for VATS approach: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.90–1.30, P = 0.39). A propensity score-matched analysis of 334 open and 334 VATS patients who were well matched by 14 common prognostic covariates, including tumor size, and comorbidities, continued to show no significant differences in nodal upstaging, 30-day mortality, and 5-year survival between the VATS and open groups. Conclusion: In this national analysis, VATS lobectomy was used in the minority of N1 NSCLC cases but was associated with shorter hospitalization and similar nodal upstaging rates, 30-day mortality, and long-term survival when compared to open lobectomy. These findings suggest thoracoscopic techniques are feasible for the treatment of stage II (cN1) NSCLC.
Effects of a feed additive blend on broilers challenged with heat stress

ABSTRACT We evaluated a blend of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), organic acids, and a polyphenol antioxidant on gut integrity. Eighty Ross Broilers were exposed to 20–22°C (control – normothermic) or to 35–39.5°C (heat stress) for eight hours a day for a period of 1 or 5 days. Birds were fed a standard diet, or a diet supplemented with the test blend. Thereafter, birds were euthanized, and intestinal sections were excised for morphological, morphometric and gene expression analyses. Blood samples were collected for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) determination. Heart and liver tissues were used to quantify the expression of heat shock proteins 60 and 70 (HSP60 and HSP70, respectively) and inhibitor of kappa light chain gene enhancer in B cells alpha (IKBA). The jejunum was the most sensitive intestinal section, where heat stress modulated the expression of HSP70, of the inflammatory markers IKBA, interleukin 8 (IL-8), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Moreover, expression of tight junctions (CLDN1, ZO1 and ZO2) and nutrient transporters (PEPT1 and EAAT3) was modulated especially in the jejunum. In conclusion, the feed additive blend protected intestines during heat stress from the decrease in villus height and crypt depth, and from the increase in villus width. Especially in the jejunum, heat stress played an important role by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation, impairing gut integrity and nutrient transport, and such deleterious effects were alleviated by the feed additive blend. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Jejunum is the most sensitive intestinal segment during heat stress. Heat stress affects the expression of tight junctions and nutrient transporters. Feed management helps to alleviate the disturbances caused by heat stress. A blend of MCFA, organic acids and a polyphenol protects broilers under heat stress.
Statin Use and Prostate Cancer Incidence in Manitoba, Canada: A Population-Based Nested Case–Control Study

Background: A link between statin use and prostate cancer risk has been proposed. Epidemiologic evidence is, however, inconclusive, and data for specific statin types as well as for period, duration, and dose of use are lacking. Methods: We conducted a population-based nested case– control study using administrative data in Manitoba, Canada. Prostate cancer cases were matched to cancer-free controls, and their statin use (including period, duration, and dose of use) was assessed (with adjustment for prostate cancer screening) for statins as a class and for each specific statin. Results: We matched 9,384 prostate cancer cases to 46,749 cancer-free controls. Ever use of any statin was not associated with prostate cancer risk, odds ratio (OR) 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.03). Except for pravastatin, 0.82 (0.71–0.96), individual statins were not associated with prostate cancer risk. There was no dose or duration response for pravastatin (or any other statin). Conclusions: We found limited evidence of an association between statin use and prostate cancer risk. The association between pravastatin and prostate cancer risk may be due to chance. Impact: We show that statin use is not associated with prostate cancer risk after adjustment for screening for a large population with data going back to the mid-1990s.
Predictors of Episodic Memory Performance Across Educational Strata: Multiple-Group Comparisons

Abstract Objectives: Low educational attainment is a risk factor for more rapid cognitive aging, but there is substantial variability in cognitive trajectories within educational groups. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that confer resilience to memory decline within educational strata. Methods: We selected 2573 initially nondemented White, African American, and Hispanic participants from the longitudinal community-based Washington Heights/Inwood Columbia Aging Project who had at least two visits. We estimated initial memory (intercept) and the rate of memory decline (slope) using up to five occasions of measurement. We classified groups according to the educational attainment groups as low (≤5 years), medium (6–11 years), and high (≥12 years). We used a multiple-group latent growth model to identify the baseline predictors of initial memory performance and rate of memory decline across groups. The model specification considered the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, biomedical, and cognitive variables on the intercept and the slope of memory trajectory. Results: Our results indicated that the three educational groups do not benefit from the same factors. When allowed to differ across groups, the predictors were related to cognitive outcomes in the highly educated group, but we found no unique predictor of cognition for the low educated older adults. Conclusions: These findings highlight that memory-protective factors may differ across older adults with distinct educational backgrounds, and the need to evaluate a broader range of potential resilience factors for older adults with few years of school.