Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutritional status of alcoholics in peri-urban areas of the greater Accra region of Ghana

Alcoholism is a common problem in developing countries. Epidemiological studies on the relationship among excessive alcohol consumption, malnutrition and anaemia are inconclusive. The present study examined the association between alcohol intake and nutritional status of alcoholics in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study was cross-sectional involving 107 participants (men and women) aged between 20 and 76 years. Participants were identified as alcoholics after screening with a combined, but modified CAGE and AUDIT questionnaires. Anthropometric data including weight, biceps skinfold thickness, triceps skinfold thickness, hip circumference and waist circumference were collected. Body mass index (BMI) and Waist-to-hip ratio were computed using appropriate measures. Haemoglobin levels of participants were also assessed. Dietary intakes of respondents were estimated by 24-hour recall which was further converted into nutrients and energy using ESHA food processor. A pretested questionnaire was also used to obtain data on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics of participants. Differences between participants based on level of alcohol intake and correlations among variables were tested for statistical significance using ANOVA and correlation analyses, respectively. Logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between levels of total ethanol intake and overweight and obesity factors while controlling for age, smoking status, physical activity and total energy intake. There was an inverse correlation between triceps skinfold and level of alcohol consumption irrespective of predominant type of alcoholic beverage consumed (r= -0.213, P= 0.028). Further, there was a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and hip circumference among predominant beer consumers (r= 0.585, P= 0.046). A strong positive correlation was observed between alcohol intake and haemoglobin concentration for women (r= 0.729, P= 0.040) but not among men (r= -0.053, P= 0.722). Predominant beer consumers tend to have higher weight and BMI. Moderate level of total ethanol intake was associated with greater odds of being overweight/obese, whereas high levels of intake was associated with lower odds of being overweight/obesity although these were not statistically significant. The mechanisms for the observation of higher weight, BMI and hip circumference among predominant beer consumers in this population need further exploration.
A Naturalistic Approach to the Hard Problem of Consciousness

Following a brief review of current efforts to identify the neuronal correlates of conscious processing (NCCP) an attempt is made to bridge the gap between the material neuronal processes and the immaterial dimensions of subjective experience. It is argued that this “hard problem” of consciousness research cannot be solved by only considering the neuronal underpinnings of cognition. The proposal is that the hard problem can be treated within a naturalistic framework if one considers not only the biological but also the socio-cultural dimensions of evolution. The argument is based on the following premises: perceptions are the result of a constructivist process that depends on priors. This applies both for perceptions of the outer world and the perception of oneself. Social interactions between agents endowed with the cognitive abilities of humans generated immaterial realities, addressed as social or cultural realities. This novel class of realities assumed the role of priors for the perception of oneself and the embedding world. A natural consequence of these extended perceptions is a dualist classification of observables into material and immaterial phenomena nurturing the concept of ontological substance dualism. It is argued that perceptions shaped by socio-cultural priors lead to the construction of a self-model that has both a material and an immaterial dimension. As priors are implicit and not amenable to conscious recollection the perceived immaterial dimension is experienced as veridical and not derivable from material processes—which is the hallmark of the hard problem. These considerations let the hard problem appear as the result of cognitive constructs that are amenable to naturalistic explanations in an evolutionary framework.
Microglial Morphometric Parameters Correlate With the Expression Level of IL-1β, and Allow Identifying Different Activated Morphotypes

Microglia are the resident macrophages in the brain. Traditionally, two forms of microglia have been described: one considered as a resting/surveillant state in which cells have a highly branched morphology, and another considered as an activated state in which they acquire a de-ramified or amoeboid form. However, many studies describe intermediate microglial morphologies which emerge during pathological processes. Since microglial form and function are closely related, it is of interest to correlate microglial morphology with the extent of its activation. To address this issue, we used a rat model of neuroinflammation consisting in a single injection of the enzyme neuraminidase (NA) within the lateral ventricle. Sections from NA-injected animals were co-immunolabeled with the microglial marker IBA1 and the cytokine IL-1β, which highlight features of the cell’s shape and inflammatory activation, respectively. Activated (IL-1β positive) microglial cells were sampled from the dorsal hypothalamus nearby the third ventricle. Images of single microglial cells were processed in two different ways to obtain (1) an accurate measure of the level of expression of IL-1β (indicating the degree of activation), and (2) a set of 15 morphological parameters to quantitatively and objectively describe the cell’s shape. A simple regression analysis revealed a dependence of most of the morphometric parameters on IL-1β expression, demonstrating that the morphology of microglial cells changes progressively with the degree of activation. Moreover, a hierarchical cluster analysis pointed out four different morphotypes of activated microglia, which are characterized not only by morphological parameters values, but also by specific IL-1β expression levels. Thus, these results demonstrate in an objective manner that the activation of microglial cells is a gradual process, and correlates with their morphological change. Even so, it is still possible to categorize activated cells according to their morphometric parameters, each category presenting a different activation degree. The physiological relevance of those activated morphotypes is an issue worth to be assessed in the future.
Genomic Selection in Rubber Tree Breeding: A Comparison of Models and Methods for Managing G×E Interactions

Several genomic prediction models combining genotype × environment (G×E) interactions have recently been developed and used for genomic selection (GS) in plant breeding programs. G×E interactions reduce selection accuracy and limit genetic gains in plant breeding. Two data sets were used to compare the prediction abilities of multienvironment G×E genomic models and two kernel methods. Specifically, a linear kernel, or GB (genomic best linear unbiased predictor [GBLUP]), and a nonlinear kernel, or Gaussian kernel (GK), were used to compare the prediction accuracies (PAs) of four genomic prediction models: 1) a single-environment, main genotypic effect model (SM); 2) a multienvironment, main genotypic effect model (MM); 3) a multienvironment, single-variance G×E deviation model (MDs); and 4) a multienvironment, environment-specific variance G×E deviation model (MDe). We evaluated the utility of genomic selection (GS) for 435 individual rubber trees at two sites and genotyped the individuals via genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Prediction models were used to estimate stem circumference (SC) during the first 4 years of tree development in conjunction with a broad-sense heritability (H 2) of 0.60. Applying the model (SM, MM, MDs, and MDe) and kernel method (GB and GK) combinations to the rubber tree data revealed that the multienvironment models were superior to the single-environment genomic models, regardless of the kernel (GB or GK) used, suggesting that introducing interactions between markers and environmental conditions increases the proportion of variance explained by the model and, more importantly, the PA. Compared with the classic breeding method (CBM), methods in which GS is incorporated resulted in a 5-fold increase in response to selection for SC with multienvironment GS (MM, MDe, or MDs). Furthermore, GS resulted in a more balanced selection response for SC and contributed to a reduction in selection time when used in conjunction with traditional genetic breeding programs. Given the rapid advances in genotyping methods and their declining costs and given the overall costs of large-scale progeny testing and shortened breeding cycles, we expect GS to be implemented in rubber tree breeding programs.
Effects of the loss of estrogen on the heart’s hypertrophic response to chronic left ventricle volume overload in rats

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) can result in heart failure from chronic overloading of the left ventricle (LV). Little is known of the role of estrogens in the LV responses to this condition. The aim of the study was to compare LV remodeling in female rats with severe AR in absence of estrogens by ovariectomy (Ovx). In a first study, we investigated over 6 months the development of hypertrophy in four groups of female Wistar rats: AR or sham-operated (sham) and Ovx or not. Ovx reduced normal heart growth. As expected, volume overload (VO) from AR resulted in significant LV dilation (42% and 32% increase LV end-diastolic diameter in intact and Ovx groups vs. their respective sham group; p < 0.0001). LV weight was also significantly and similarly increased in both AR groups (non-Ovx and Ovx). Increase in stroke volume or cardiac output and loss of systolic function were similar between AR intact and AR Ovx groups compared to sham. We then investigated what were the effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2; 0.03 mg/kg/day) treatment on the parameters studied in Ovx rats. Ovx reduced uterus weight by 85% and E2 treatment restored up to 65% of the normal weight. E2 also helped normalize heart size to normal values. On the other hand, it did not influence the extent of the hypertrophic response to AR. In fact, E2 treatment further reduced LV hypertrophy in AR Ovx rats (41% over Sham Ovx + E2). Systolic and diastolic functions parameters in AR Ovx + E2 were similar to intact AR animals. Ovx in sham rats had a significant effect on the LV gene expression of several hypertrophy markers. Atrial natriuretic peptide (Nppa) gene expression was reduced by Ovx in sham-operated females whereas brain natriuretic peptide (Nppb) expression was increased. Alpha (Myh6) and beta (Myh7) myosin heavy chain genes were also significantly modulated by Ovx in sham females. In AR rats, LV expression of both Nppa and Nppb genes were increased as expected. Ovx further increased it of AR rats for Nppa and did the opposite for Nppb. Interestingly, AR in Ovx rats had only minimal effects on Myh6 and Myh7 genes whereas they were modulated as expected for intact AR animals. In summary, loss of estrogens by Ovx in AR rats was not accompanied by a worsening of hypertrophy or cardiac function. Normal cardiac growth was reduced by Ovx in sham females but not the hypertrophic response to AR. On the other hand, Ovx had important effects on LV gene expression both in sham and AR female rats.
A nomogram for predicting the response to exclusive enteral nutrition in adult patients with isolated colonic Crohn’s disease

Background: Isolated colonic Crohn’s disease (cCD) responds less well to induction therapy with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) compared with ileal or ileocolonic disease in adult patients; therefore, we aimed to identify the factors that influence the response to EEN and develop a predictive nomogram model to optimize the use of EEN in cCD patients. Materials and methods: Eighty-five cCD patients treated with EEN as first-line therapy at our center between 1 June 2012 and 30 June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed as the primary cohort. The primary endpoint was clinical remission after EEN therapy. Potential predictive factors for the efficacy of EEN were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses, and a nomogram to predict the response to EEN therapy in cCD patients was designed. Another 19 cCD patients were retrospectively included in the validation cohort to verify the accuracy of the nomogram model. Results: The clinical remission rates for the primary cohort and validation cohort were 52.9% and 47.4%, respectively. Pancolitis was the greatest contributor to the risk of failure to respond to EEN [odds ratio (OR) = 4.896; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.223–19.607; p = 0.025], lean body mass index (LBMI), colonic lesion features, simple endoscopic scores for Crohn’s disease, C-reactive protein before treatment and ∆prealbumin were also related to the efficacy of EEN in cCD. The nomogram model showed robust discrimination, with an area under the receiving operating characteristic curve of 0.906. Conclusion: Several predictive factors for response to EEN therapy in cCD adult patients were identified, and a promising nomogram that can predict the effect of EEN in cCD was developed.
Functional Outcomes After Isolated and Combined Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Military Population

Background: The rates of return to full activity, persistent disability, complications, and surgical revisions after operative management of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears in a physically active population have not been reported. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of active military patients with symptomatic PCL tears who underwent surgical reconstruction and compare outcomes between isolated PCL and multiligament injuries. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Individuals undergoing surgical reconstruction of the PCL (Current Procedural Terminology code 29889) were isolated from the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool between fiscal years 2005 and 2010. Demographic variables and rates of postoperative complications, activity limitations, rates of revision surgery, physical disability ratings, and ultimate medical discharge were recorded from the electronic medical record and US Army Physical Disability Agency database. Results: A total of 182 patients underwent 193 surgeries, including 118 isolated PCL reconstructions and 75 multiligament knee reconstructions, with an average follow-up of 19.5 months. There were 174 primary procedures and 19 revision reconstructions. The mean ± SD patient age was 28.4 ± 7.2 years, with males comprising 96.2% of patients. The overall surgical complication rate was 12.4%, with a significantly higher rate in multiligament knee reconstructions compared with isolated PCL reconstructions (18.7% vs 8.5%; P = .045). Overall, 35.1% of patients were discharged from military service due to disability. Rates of discharge were significantly higher in those undergoing surgery at lower volume institutions (those that performed <2 PCL reconstructions per year during the study period) than those at higher volume institutions (41.1% vs 26%; P = .040). The overall revision rate was 10.9%, with no significant difference between the isolated PCL and multiligament knee reconstructions. Of the 103 patients with primary isolated PCL reconstructions, 35% underwent medical discharge for persistent knee complaints, and 12.6% required revision PCL reconstruction. The overall failure rate for primary isolated PCL reconstructions, which includes both revision surgery and knee-related medical discharge from military service, was 42.7%. Conclusion: In a physically active, military population, nearly one-third of patients were unable to return to previous level of military function, and 12.6% required revision at short-term follow-up due to persistent instability. Perioperative complication rates were significantly higher among patients with multiligament knee reconstructions.
Physical Mobility Impairment and Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Background: People with disabilities (PWD) often self-report reduced access to preventive health services and poorer health than people without disability. Risk factors for chronic disease are more prevalent in PWD, increasing risk for secondary conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Logistic regression was used to analyze data from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey to explore the relationship between disability with mobility impairment and CVD. Results: Difficulty walking and climbing stairs significantly predicted concomitant CVD and diabetes in logistic regression models. Conclusion: Information from this study may be useful in addressing CVD risk for adults with mobility impairments.
Does a modifiable risk factor score predict disability worsening in people with multiple sclerosis?

Background Risk factors for chronic disease include smoking, hazardous alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy body mass index and poor diet (SNAP factors). In multiple sclerosis (MS) SNAP factors are associated with health outcomes such as disability in cross-sectional studies, but longitudinal data are lacking. Objective The objective of this study was to assess whether a combined SNAP risk score predicts disability worsening. Methods Longitudinal self-reported data from two time-points 2.5 years apart from an international survey of 1225 people with MS were used in linear regression models adjusted for potential confounding. Disability worsening was measured using the patient-derived Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score. Results The majority (62%) had two or more risk factors, with insufficient fruit and vegetable intake (83%), unhealthy body mass index (42%) and physical inactivity (33%) most common. Some SNAP factors at follow-up were associated with disability at follow-up (cross-sectionally), and in addition there was some evidence that increasing risk factors was associated with disability worsening over the 2.5 year study period. Baseline SNAP score was not predictive of disability worsening at follow-up, however. Conclusion Known risk factors for morbidity and mortality were common and associated with disability cross-sectionally, but not prospectively. Further studies using longer time frames, objective measures and interventions may elucidate potential benefits from changes in risk factors on MS outcomes.
Cognitive Correlates of Computational Thinking: Evaluation of a Blended Unplugged/Plugged-In Course

Coding as a practical skill and computational thinking (CT) as a cognitive ability have become an important topic in education and research. It has been suggested that CT, as an early predictor of academic success, should be introduced and fostered early in education. However, there is no consensus on the underlying cognitive correlates of CT in young elementary school children. Therefore, the present work aimed at (i) assessing CT and investigating its associations to established cognitive abilities, and (ii) evaluating a newly developed CT course for elementary school children. As such, 31 7-10-year-old children took part in 10 lessons of a structured CT course. The course aimed at introducing and fostering CT concepts in both unplugged and plugged-in ways, incorporating life-size board games, Scratch, Scratch for Arduino, and Open Roberta programming environments. In a pre-/post-test design, we assessed several cognitive abilities using standardized tests on nonverbal-visuospatial and verbal reasoning abilities, numeracy, as well as short-term memory, and measured CT using an adapted version of the only existing validated test CTt, to accommodate it to the younger sample. We identified significant associations between CT and nonverbal-visuospatial reasoning, as well as different aspects of numeracy (e.g., fact retrieval and problem completion). In line with recent theoretical accounts and empirical investigations for other age groups, these findings specify the underlying cognitive mechanism of CT in elementary school. Moreover, our results indicated that students were able to specifically improve their CT abilities through the course, as assessed by the adapted version of the CTt.
How to Transform Programming Processes in Scratch to Graphical Visualizations

Currently in many countries efforts are undertaken to bring programming education into the early levels of childhood education, like primary school or even kindergarten. Therefore, it is becoming more and more important to gain insight into which teaching methods and content would be appropriate for young students of primary levels. For this, we have designed a specific three-day introductory programming course for 4th-grade students (ages 9-10), which was held four times up to now. Fifty-eight children (26 girls and 32 boys) participated in the courses from May to August 2016. Besides the analysis of the course results, it is particularly interesting, in which way the programming processes of the children take place and if there are distinguishable types of young programming learners. During the courses, we captured the screens of the students' laptops and also filmed all the events in the classroom. In a case study, we used these recordings and videos to investigate the programming processes of two students (one girl and one boy from the same class). After the coding process of the videos, we developed a new visualization technique to illustrate the processes and to explore differences and special features of the individual approaches.
A longitudinal study of the outcomes and impact of Citizens Advice Bureau advice on the lives of individuals

This three year longitudinal study of a sample of CAB clients in Wales was made possible through joint funding from the Objective One European Social Fund (ESF), Citizens Advice Cymru, and facilities provided by Bangor University, including, in particular, academic advice, supervision and support. The project was also guided throughout by a Research Steering Committee made up of representatives of all the interested parties. The aims of the research were to measure the long-term impact of advice-giving on clients who had approached Citizens Advice with one or more problems. Citizens Advice is an independent charity operating as Citizens Advice Cymru in Wales. It is the membership organisation for 31 member Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABx) in Wales, which deliver advice services from 50 main offices and 154 secondary advice outlets, these include a range of community settings such as high street offices, GP surgeries, health centres, libraries, courts and also offering home visiting services. Each CAB also offers access to services by telephone. The Twin Aims of the service are to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and to improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives. Adopting a quantitative longitudinal approach, this thesis provides evidence of improvements that occurred over time in clients' health, their financial and material wellbeing, and their quality of life as a direct outcome of the advice and support they received for their problems. Implications for service delivery arise from findings that highlight the complexities of the lives of many clients. Drawing on the issues raised, a number of practical and policy recommendations are provided that focus in particular on aspects of the CAB service most valued by those experiencing serious and persistent financial difficulties.