Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Social Determinants of Health on the Quality of Life of Older Adults in Europe: A Sex Analysis

Introduction: The global aging population poses challenges for society such as health inequalities among older persons and between genders. Objectives: To determine how Social Determinants of Health (SDH) influence the quality of life (QoL) of individuals over 50 years old in various European countries, taking a gender perspective in a longitudinal study. Materials and methods: Sample of 11,493 individuals from 13 European countries from Waves 5 (2013), 6 (2015), and 7 (2017) of the SHARE study. Instruments: CASP-12 (QoL), EURO-D (depression), SDH: gender, age, educational level, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, place of residence, and European region. Sociodemographic and clinical variables. Statistical analysis: Bivariate and multivariate mixed linear models. Results: The bivariate analysis showed higher economic hardship and lower education in women compared to men. The CASP-12 score was higher in men than in women. In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated with lower QoL scores among men and women from Wave 5 to Wave 7 were: (β:−0.196, 95% CI: −0.345; −0.047) vs (β:0.038, 95% CI: −0.122; 0.197); economic hardship; and the European region between South and North (β: 2.709, 95% CI: 2.403; 3.015) vs men (β: 2.224, 95% CI: 1.896; 2.551). Conclusions: The main SDH associated with poorer QoL were female gender, advanced age, economic hardship, educational level, and geographic location within Europe. Depression in women and in Southern Europe were associated with a decrease in QoL scores.
The effective stress law at a brittle‐plastic transition with a halite gouge layer

We investigated the effect of pore pressure Pf near the brittle‐plastic transition (BPT) for a halite (NaCl) shear zone. Our series of precut friction experiments with a gas‐medium apparatus with temperature T ≤ 200°C, confining gas pressure Pc ≤ 150 MPa and Pf ≤ 140 MPa, revealed that a tanh connection between the brittle and plastic regimes works well even at elevated Pf, with a coefficient for Pf in an effective stress law α being unity. Plastic deformation around the real contacts independent of the mean stress results in α = 1 regardless of the ratio of the real contact area Ar/A. The functional dependency of the shear strength on the effective normal stress may deviate from a linear dependency with increasing Ar/A. The present findings support a smooth transition in a hypothetical steady state strength profile around a BPT, providing new insights in geologically obtained paleostress data in exhumed mylonitic shear zones.
MethMarkerDB: a comprehensive cancer DNA methylation biomarker database

Abstract DNA methylation plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, sparking substantial interest in the clinical applications of cancer DNA methylation biomarkers. Cancer-related whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data offers a promising approach to precisely identify these biomarkers with differentially methylated regions (DMRs). However, currently there is no dedicated resource for cancer DNA methylation biomarkers with WGBS data. Here, we developed a comprehensive cancer DNA methylation biomarker database (MethMarkerDB, https://methmarkerdb.hzau.edu.cn/), which integrated 658 WGBS datasets, incorporating 724 curated DNA methylation biomarker genes from 1425 PubMed published articles. Based on WGBS data, we documented 5.4 million DMRs from 13 common types of cancer as candidate DNA methylation biomarkers. We provided search and annotation functions for these DMRs with different resources, such as enhancers and SNPs, and developed diagnostic and prognostic models for further biomarker evaluation. With the database, we not only identified known DNA methylation biomarkers, but also identified 781 hypermethylated and 5245 hypomethylated pan-cancer DMRs, corresponding to 693 and 2172 genes, respectively. These novel potential pan-cancer DNA methylation biomarkers hold significant clinical translational value. We hope that MethMarkerDB will help identify novel cancer DNA methylation biomarkers and propel the clinical application of these biomarkers.
Leaf impact trends of silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth.) by allochtonous elements at Nitra town urban vegetation

The town settlements have different load level by emmissions originated mostly from industry, transport and heating system. Their environmental and climate conditions are more or less changed that effect to human healthy, growth, physiology and healthy stage of woody plants at the city public vegetation areas. Highest stress load is occurred along with thoroughfares at tree alley. Total content of chosen allochtonous elements and anionic components in leaf of silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth.) has been analysed at urban vegetation area of Nitra town grown along with thoroughfare. To those elements belongs Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn and H 2PO 4 - , Cl - , NO 3 - , (SO 4) 2- that were analysed from leaf samples collected in 1989, 1999 and 2005 years. Investigated leaf element content was compared with leaf one collected at relatively clean locality Arboretum Mly ňany SAV, 30 km NE from Nitra in distance. The cumulated leaf elements has been assessed to town air load by emmissions. The significantly increased element contents were analysed from birch leaf grown at Nitra as are: K, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn, Cl - , NO 3 - , (SO 4) 2- . Leaf element contents are comparable higher at Nitra locality than in Arboretum Mly ňany SAV one. Many analysed elements from Nitra locality are over the allowed natural growth limits.
Factors Affecting Cage Obliquity and the Relationship between Cage Obliquity and Radiological Outcomes in Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion at the L4-L5 Level

Objective This retrospective study investigated the factors that affect cage obliquity angle despite orthogonal maneuvers performed during oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) and assessed the relationship between cage obliquity angle and radiological outcomes post-surgery. Methods Twenty-nine males who underwent L4-L5 OLIF for lumbar degenerative disease between 2019 and 2021 with a follow-up duration greater than 12 months were analyzed. Radiological parameters were measured including psoas muscle volume, total psoas area index (total psoas muscle area [cm2]/height squared [m2]), distance from the iliac artery to the origin of the psoas muscle (DIAPM), angle between the origin of the psoas muscle and the center of the vertebral disc (APCVD), iliac crest height, disc height, lumbar flexibility (lumbar flexion angle minus extension angle), cage location ratio, cage-induced segmental lumbar lordosis (LL) (postoperative index level segmental LL minus used cage angle), foraminal height changes, fusion grade. Results DIAPM, APCVD, iliac crest height, postoperative index level segmental LL, and cage-induced segmental LL were significantly correlated with OLIF cage obliquity angle. However, other radiological parameters did not correlate with cage obliquity. Based on multiple regression analysis, the predictive equation for the OLIF cage obliquity angle was 13.062–0.318×DIAPM+0.325×A PCVD+0.174×iliac crest height. The greater the cage obliquity, the smaller the segmental LL compared to the cage angle used. Conclusion At the L4-L5 level, OLIF cage obliquity was affected by DIAPM, APCVD, and iliac crest height, and as the cage obliquity angle increases, LL agnle achievable by the used cage could not be obtained.
The Effect of Kangaroo Care on Paternal Attachment

Background: During the first interaction between the father and the infant, touch can be very important especially father–infant skin-to-skin contact. Few studies have focused on the effect of kangaroo care (KC) on paternal attachment. Purpose: This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of KC on paternal attachment. Methods: A total of 90 fathers of healthy newborns, including 45 in the intervention group and 45 in the control group who met the inclusion criteria, were included randomly in the study. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form at study admission and the Father–Infant Attachment Scale (FIAS) at 3 months of age. T test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean FIAS scores for the intervention group (I) were higher than for the control group (C) (I: 80.57 ± 13.70; C: 56.76 ± 13.23) (P < .05). Patience and tolerance (I: 13.70 ± 1.18; C: 11.57 ± 2.30), pleasure in interaction (I: 29.50 ± 2.86; C: 17.13 ± 5.93), and love and pride (I: 37.37 ± 2.85; C: 28.06 ± 5.82) mean scores for FIAS subdimensions in the intervention group were also higher than in the control group (P < .05). Implications for Practice and Research: Findings of this study demonstrate that KC has the potential to increase paternal attachment. Healthcare providers should provide discharge education for fathers on KC to increase father–infant attachment. There is a need for studies with larger samples in different cultures on the factors related to parents that affect father–infant attachment and evidence-based practices that increase attachment.
Effects of intermittent fasting on the histology and mRNA expression of major drug-metabolizing cyp450s in the liver of diabetic mice

ABSTRACT Introduction:There is a variation in drug response among patients who practice intermittent fasting. Alteration in the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) can affect the pharmacokinetics and drug response. Aims: This research aimed to determine the effect of intermittent fasting on the mRNA expression of major drug-metabolizing cyp450s in the liver of diabetic mice. Methods: Thirty-two male Balb/c mice were divided into four groups; control, nonfasting diabetic, non-diabetic fasting, and diabetic fasting mice. Insulin-dependent diabetes was induced in mice by a single high-dose (250 mg/kg) streptozocin. Mice of non-diabetic and diabetic fasting groups were subjected to 10-day intermittent fasting for 17 hours daily. Then, the mRNA expression of mouse phase I DMEs cyp1a1, cyp2c29, cyp2d9, and cyp3a11 was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the liver of mice in all groups was examined for pathohistological alterations. Results: Diabetes downregulated the mRNA expression of hepatic drug-metabolizing cyp450s in diabetic mice, while intermittent fasting significantly (P < 0.05) increased it. Also, cyp2d9 and cyp3a11 were upregulated in the liver of diabetic fasting mice. These alterations in the gene expression were correlated with the pathohistological alterations, where livers of diabetic mice showed dilatation in the blood sinusoids and inflammatory cells leukocyte infiltrations. Whereas livers of diabetic fasting mice showed almost comparable histological findings to control mice. Conclusions: Intermittent fasting can protect the liver against diabetes-induced hepatotoxicity and the down-regulation of DME genes in the diabetic liver. These results can explain, at least partly, the inter-individual variation in the drug response during practicing fasting.
Low pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein is associated with nondipper hypertension and increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with newly diagnosed chronic hypertension

Abstract Chronic hypertension is one of the major risk factors for preeclampsia. Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein (PSG-1) is a protein that plays a critical role in fetomaternal immune modulation and has been shown to be closely associated with pregnancy adverse events such as preeclampsia. It is also known that PSG-1 and its source placenta are associated with many molecular pathways associated with blood pressure regulation. In addition, the nondipping pattern (NDP) of chronic hypertension has been shown to be an independent risk factor for preeclampsia. Dipper individuals experience a notable nighttime drop in blood pressure, typically around 10% or more compared to daytime levels, while nondipper individuals show a smaller nighttime blood pressure decrease, indicating potential circadian blood pressure regulation disruption. In this context, we aimed to reveal the relationship between PSG-1, NDP and preeclampsia in this study. A total of 304 pregnant women who were newly diagnosed in the first trimester and started on antihypertensive medication were included in this study. All subjects performed 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring twice throughout pregnancy, the first in the 1. trimester to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension and the second between 20+0 and 21+1 gestational weeks to determine the dipper–nondipper status of hypertension. Subjects were grouped as dipper and nondipper according to blood pressure, and groups were compared in terms of PSG-1 levels. In this study, low PSG-1 levels and NDP were independently associated with preeclampsia. Findings from this study suggest that PSG-1 may play an important role in the causal relationship between NDP and preeclampsia.
Substrate stiffness modulates cardiac fibroblast activation, senescence and proinflammatory secretory phenotype.

In vitro cultures of primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), the major extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells of the heart, are used to determine molecular mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis. However, the supraphysiologic stiffness of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) triggers conversion of CFs into an activated myofibroblast-like state, and serial passage of the cells results in the induction of replicative senescence. These phenotypic switches confound interpretation of experimental data obtained with cultured CFs. In an attempt to circumvent TCPS-induced activation and senescence of CFs, we utilized poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels as cell culture platforms with low and high stiffness formulations to mimic healthy and fibrotic hearts, respectively. Low hydrogel stiffness converted activated CFs into a quiescent state with reduced abundance of a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA)-containing stress fibers. Unexpectedly, lower substrate stiffness concomitantly augmented CF senescence, marked by elevated senescence-associated b-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity and increased expression of p16 and p21, which are antiproliferative markers of senescence. Using dynamically stiffening hydrogels with phototunable crosslinking capabilities, we demonstrate that premature, substrate-induced CF senescence is partially reversible. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed widespread transcriptional reprogramming of CFs cultured on low stiffness hydrogels, with a reduction in the expression of profibrotic genes encoding ECM proteins, and an attendant increase in expression of NF-kB-responsive inflammatory genes that typify the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Our findings demonstrate that alterations in matrix stiffness profoundly impact CF cell state transitions, and suggest mechanisms by which CFs change phenotype in vivo depending on the stiffness of the myocardial microenvironment in which they reside.
Impact of arid surface megacracks on hydrocarbon reservoir properties

The megacrack pattern of the ephemeral north Panamint dry lake, California, United States, is characterized by variably sized polygons with diameters ranging from hundreds of meters to meters. The evolution and subsurface extent of this polygonal pattern and a probable tectonic link are examined by ground resistivity measurements and surface mapping. Crack development is initiated by the shrinking of clays caused by changes in water content near the surface. For crack evolution, the following processes are proposed: Cavities develop at approximately 1-m (3-ft) depth during a subsurface phase, followed by the collapse of the overburden into the existing cavities to form the surface cracks. Cracks are filled by wind-blown sand and dried-out lake sediments from collapsing crack walls. Following burial, differences in competence between crack-fill and surrounding playa-lake sediments provide zones of structural weakness that might channelize stress release and faulting. Ground resistivity measurements confirmed the extent of the cracks to a depth of more than 3 m (9 ft). The megacrack pattern is compared to a Rotliegende (Upper Permian) tight gas field, located in the southern Permian Basin of northwestern Germany, situated in a comparable geologic setting. There, a multidirectional polygonal pattern is recorded on horizon slices of three-dimensional seismic data and compares well to our observations from the Panamint Valley. The Rotliegende pattern is associated with low-offset faults, which are proposed to be responsible for subtle reservoir compartmentalization.
Outcomes of Slope-Reducing Proximal Tibial Osteotomy Combined With a Third Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Procedure With a Focus on Return to Impact Sports

Background: An increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) is a proven risk factor for both native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and ACL graft insufficiency. Anterior closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (ACW-HTO) for PTS correction is a validated procedure in revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined ACW-HTO and at least a second revision ACLR procedure on knee stability, function, and sports performance in a large series of patients. The hypothesis was that patients would return to impact sports after ACW-HTO combined with a second or third revision ACLR procedure. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 64 patients who underwent a second (or more) revision ACLR procedure and ACW-HTO between June 1, 2015, and June 1, 2019, and had a PTS >12° were included. The mean age was 29.60 ± 6.31 years, and the mean preoperative PTS was 13.79°± 1.50°. The cases were analyzed at a mean follow-up of 2.96 ± 0.83 years (range, 2-5 years). At the last follow-up, the rate of patients returning to impact sports (based on the University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], activity scale), ACL graft status (per magnetic resonance imaging), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Lysholm scores, and laxity measurements using a knee arthrometer were recorded. Results: The total number of patients participating in impact sports and high-impact sports was as follows: 43 and 30, respectively, before the injury; 0 and 0, respectively, preoperatively; and 31 and 12, respectively, postoperatively. At the last follow-up, the UCLA score was ≥8 in 48.44% of the patients, and only 16 patients returned to their preinjury level of activity. At a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, there was clinical improvement in the IKDC score from 37.98 ± 12.48 preoperatively to 69.06 ± 12.30 postoperatively (P < .0001), in the Lysholm score from 51.94 ± 14.03 preoperatively to 74.45 ± 11.44 postoperatively (P < .001), and in the UCLA score. However, this clinical improvement did not equate to preinjury values for all outcome scores (P < .001). The preinjury IKDC and Lysholm scores were 76.98 ± 11.71 and 89.26 ± 8.91, respectively. The mean change in anterior knee laxity using a knee arthrometer at 134 and 250 N was −4.03 ± 0.18 mm and −3.63 ± 0.16, respectively. There were 3 cases of a rerupture with a severe pivot shift on the clinical examination. None of these patients underwent revision per the patient's preference. Increased knee recurvatum was observed in one-third of the patients, but all were asymptomatic. Conclusion: In the setting of chronic ACL-deficient knees, PTS reduction (ACW-HTO) with revision ACLR restored knee stability and improved function with an acceptable rate of specific complications. Increased knee recurvatum was observed in one-third of the patients, but all were asymptomatic. Also, approximately half of the patients were able to return to impact sports.
Ascending Aortic Surgery for Small Aneurysms in Men and Women

Introduction According to recent data, thoracic aortic surgery has reduced morbidity and mortality including ascending aortic aneurysm treatment; however, women are at increased postoperative risk of adverse outcomes. Objective Our aim was to evaluate early and late outcomes in male and female patients who underwent pre-emptive ascending aortic replacement (AAR). Methods From January 2013 to September 2021, 91 patients (56 [61.5%] men and 35 [38.5%] women) underwent AAR for small (ranged from 5.0 to 5.5 cm) non-syndromic aneurysms. A propensity score-based adjustment of the groups was performed. We compared clinical outcomes between males and females. Results Preoperative normalized aortic diameters were significantly larger in females (2.9 [2.7; 3.2] cm/m2) than in males (2.5 [2.3; 2.6] cm/m2, P<0.001), without differences in absolute values (51 [49; 53] mm vs. 52 [50; 53] mm, P=0.356). There were no significant differences in neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, and renal complications in both groups before and after matching. In-hospital mortality was 1 (1.8%) and 2 (5.7%) (P=0.307) in male and female patients in unmatched groups and 1 (2.9%) and 2 (5.7%) (P=0.553) in matched groups, respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the only risk factor for in-hospital mortality was age (odds ratio 1.117, 95% confidence interval 1.003-1.244; P=0.04). The overall survival rate was 83.5±0.06% in men and 94.3±0.04% in women at 36 months (P=0.404). Conclusion Ascending aortic surgery for aneurysms ranged from 5.0 to 5.5 cm seems to have tolerable early and late outcomes in men and women.
The feasibility of falciformopexy in the repair of peptic ulcer perforation

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Modified Graham omentopexy is the most commonly used operative technique in the repair of peptic ulcer perforation (PUP); however, there is little data on falciformopexy in the literature. The aim is to investigate the feasibility of falciformopexy in the repair of PUP, comparing with modified Graham omentopexy. METHODS: Data of 471 patients who were operated for PUP were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ demographics, pre-operative basic laboratory findings, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, operative findings, and post-operative complications were recorded. The patients were classified into two groups modified Graham omentopexy and falciformopexy, and then compared with each other in terms of clinical characteristics, operative findings, and post-operative complications. RESULTS: Modified Graham omentopexy and falciformopexy were performed in 425 (90.2%) and 46 (9.8%) patients, respectively. The two groups were similar in terms of basic patient characteristics and pre-operative laboratory findings (P>0.05). ASA physical status was significantly different between the groups (P=0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of complications, except for an anastomotic leak. Anastomotic leak was observed more frequently in patients who underwent falciformopexy than in patients with modified Graham omentopexy (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: Although falciformopexy technique has a higher rate of leak compared to the modified Graham omentopexy method, it should be kept in mind as an alternative method for repair of PUP, especially in cases where omentopexy cannot be applied for various reasons such as the presence of unavailable or unsuitable omentum.