Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real‐World Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Levels and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes—Results From a Large Registry Cohort in Asia

BACKGROUND Elevated blood pressure (BP) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. However, there is ongoing debate whether intensive BP lowering may paradoxically increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We investigated the association of BP with risk of CVD mortality in patients with T2D. METHODS AND RESULTS We used data on 83 721 patients with T2D from a multi‐institutional diabetes registry in Singapore from 2013 to 2019. BP was analyzed as categories and restricted cubic splines using Cox multivariable regression analysis stratified by preexisting CVD and age (<65 years versus ≥65 years). The primary outcome was CVD mortality, determined via linkage with the national registry. Among 83 721 patients with T2D (mean age 65.3 years, 50.6% women, 78.9% taking antihypertensive medications), 7.6 per 1000 person‐years experienced the primary outcome. Systolic BP had a graded relationship with a significant increase in CVD mortality at levels >120 to 129 mm Hg. Diastolic BP levels >90 mm Hg were significantly associated with CVD mortality in those aged ≥65 years. In addition, diastolic BP <70 mm Hg was associated with a significantly higher risk of CVD mortality in all patients. CONCLUSIONS In patients with T2D, clinic systolic BP levels ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP levels ≥90 mm Hg are associated with higher risk of CVD mortality. Diastolic BP <70 mm Hg is also associated with the risk of adverse CVD outcomes, although reverse causality cannot be ruled out.
Grandiose narcissism influences the phenomenology of remembered past and imagined future events

ABSTRACT Little empirical work has examined future thinking in narcissistic grandiosity. We here extend prior work finding that people scoring high in grandiosity have self-bolstering tendencies in remembering past events, and we consider whether these tendencies extend to imagining future events. Across an initial study (N = 112) and replication (N = 169), participants wrote about remembered past events and imagined future events in which they embodied or would embody either positive or negative traits. Participants then rated those events on several subjective measures. We find that people scoring higher in grandiosity remember past events in which they embody positive traits with greater detail and ease than past events in which they embody negative traits. These same effects persist when people scoring high in grandiosity imagine possible events in their future. Those scoring higher in grandiosity endorse thinking about positive events in their past and future more frequently than negative events, and they judge positive future events as more plausible than negative future events. These tendencies did not extend to objective detail provided in their written narratives about these events. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that grandiosity is associated with self-bolstering tendencies in both remembering the past and imagining the future.
The impact of early cryoballoon ablation on clinical outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation: From the Korean cryoballoon ablation registry

Influence of early atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, particularly cryoballoon ablation (CBA), on clinical outcome during long‐term follow‐up has not been clarified. The objective was to determine whether an early CBA (diagnosis‐to‐ablation of ≤6 months) strategy could affect freedom from AF recurrence after index CBA.
TOLLIP acts as a cargo adaptor to promote lysosomal degradation of aberrant ER membrane proteins

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis is maintained by various catabolic pathways. Lysosomes clear entire ER portions by ER‐phagy, while proteasomes selectively clear misfolded or surplus aberrant proteins by ER‐associated degradation (ERAD). Recently, lysosomes have also been implicated in the selective clearance of aberrant ER proteins, but the molecular basis remains unclear. Here, we show that the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate (PI3P)‐binding protein TOLLIP promotes selective lysosomal degradation of aberrant membrane proteins, including an artificial substrate and motoneuron disease‐causing mutants of VAPB and Seipin. These cargos are recognized by TOLLIP through its misfolding‐sensing intrinsically disordered region (IDR) and ubiquitin‐binding CUE domain. In contrast to ER‐phagy receptors, which clear both native and aberrant proteins by ER‐phagy, TOLLIP selectively clears aberrant cargos by coupling them with the PI3P‐dependent lysosomal trafficking without promoting bulk ER turnover. Moreover, TOLLIP depletion augments ER stress after ERAD inhibition, indicating that TOLLIP and ERAD cooperatively safeguard ER proteostasis. Our study identifies TOLLIP as a unique type of cargo‐specific adaptor dedicated to the clearance of aberrant ER cargos and provides insights into molecular mechanisms underlying lysosome‐mediated quality control of membrane proteins.
Managing the water cycle in Kenyan small‐scale maize farming systems: Part 1. Farmer perceptions of drought and climate variability

Farmer perceptions clearly influence the adoption of technology and adaptation to climate change, but may not be consistent with or captured by scientific measurements. There has been a significant research on how perceptions influence water resource management and adaptation to climate, but conclusions are unclear or contradictory. This research aimed to clarify what shapes perceptions and how this understanding can refine meteorological data collection and to make more relevant and useful tools for farmers to adapt to changes in the water cycle. A survey of 244 small‐scale maize farmers was conducted using a questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews in two districts in southern and western Kenya which differed in climate type and farming systems. Farmer perceptions of and adaptation to climate uncertainty were investigated and compared with meteorological data. Most farmers perceived changes in the patterns of rainfall and dry spells, including later onset of rains than in the past. They have already adjusted their management based on these perceptions, including later planting times. Despite this, analysis of meteorological data indicated no major trends in rainfall or dry spell patterns in the two regions. This research confirms that the perception that the water cycle is changing is based on a combination of climatic, economic, or social observations, and farmers are already changing their management to adapt to the perceived changes in climate. The article explores the reasons why these perceptions were inconsistent with the available meteorological data and suggests that research may improve the usefulness of meteorological data to farmers. WIREs Water 2016, 3:105–125. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1118
Assisted reproductive technology and imprinting errors: analyzing underlying mechanisms from epigenetic regulation

Abstract With the increasing maturity and widespread application of assisted reproductive technology (ART), more attention has been paid to the health outcomes of offspring following ART. It is well established that children born from ART treatment are at an increased risk of imprinting errors and imprinting disorders. The disturbances of genetic imprinting are attributed to the overlap of ART procedures and important epigenetic reprogramming events during the development of gametes and early embryos, but the detailed mechanisms are hitherto obscure. In this review, we summarized the DNA methylation-dependent and independent mechanisms that control the dynamic epigenetic regulation of imprinted genes throughout the life cycle of a mammal, including erasure, establishment, and maintenance. In addition, we systematically described the dysregulation of imprinted genes in embryos conceived through ART and discussed the corresponding underlying mechanisms according to findings in animal models. This work is conducive to evaluating and improving the safety of ART.
Long‐term glucocorticoids in relation to the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The striking link of Cushing's syndrome with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) suggests that long‐term exposure to extremely high cortisol levels catalyzes cardiometabolic deterioration. However, it remained unclear whether the findings from the extreme glucocorticoid overabundance observed in Cushing's syndrome could be translated into more subtle variations in long‐term glucocorticoid levels among the general population, for example, due to chronic stress. Here, we performed a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42023425541) of evidence regarding the role of subtle variations in long‐term biological stress, measured as levels of scalp hair cortisol (HairF) and cortisone (HairE), in the context of MetS and CVD in adults. We also performed a meta‐analysis on the cross‐sectional difference in HairF levels between individuals with versus without CVD. Seven studies were included regarding MetS, sixteen regarding CVD, and one regarding both. Most articles indicated a strong, consistent cross‐sectional association of higher HairF and HairE levels with CVD, which was confirmed by our meta‐analysis for HairF (eight studies, SMD = 0.48, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.16–0.79, p = 0.0095). Moreover, these relationships appear largely independent of standard risk factors. Age seems relevant as the effect seems stronger in younger individuals. Results regarding the associations of HairF and HairE with MetS were inconsistent. Altogether, long‐term biological stress, measured as HairF and HairE, is associated with the presence of CVD, and less consistently with MetS. Prospective studies need to evaluate the directionality of this relationship and determine whether HairF and HairE can be used in addition to standard risk factors in predicting future cardiometabolic deterioration.
Frozen elephant trunk technique using hybrid grafts: 15-year outcomes from a single-centre experience

Abstract OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study is to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique based on 2 different hybrid grafts implanted from January 2007 to July 2022. METHODS The study includes patients who underwent an elective or emergency FET procedure. Short-term, long-term mortality and freedom from thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) were the primary end points. Analyses were carried out separately for the periods 2007–2012 and 2013–2022 RESULTS Of the 367 enrolled, 49.3% received E-Vita Open implantation and 50.7% received Thoraflex Hybrid implants. Overall mean age was 61 years [standard deviation (SD) = 11] and 80.7% were male. The average annual volume of FET procedures was 22.7 cases/year. Compared to E-Vita Open, patients implanted with Thoraflex Hybrid grafts were more likely to receive distal anastomosis in zone 2 (68.3% vs 11.6%, P < 0.001) with a shorter stent portion, mean = 103mm (SD = 11.3) vs mean = 149 mm (SD = 12.7; P < 0.001) and they underwent a reduced visceral ischaemia time, mean = 42.5 (SD = 14.2) vs mean= 61.0 (SD = 20.2) min, P < 0.001. In the period 2013–2022, overall survival at 1, 2 and 5 years was 74.8%, 72.5% and 63.2% for Thoraflex and 73.2%, 70.7% and 64.1% for E-Vita, without significant differences between groups (log-rank test = 0.01, P = 0.907). Overall freedom from TEVAR at 1, 2 and 5 years was 66.7%, 57.6% and 39.3% for Thoraflex and 79%, 69.7% and 66% for E-Vita, with significant differences between groups (log-rank test = 5.28, P = 0.029). In a competing risk analysis adjusted for chronic/residual aortic syndromes and stent diameter, the Thoraflex group was more likely to receive TEVAR during follow-up (subdistribution hazard ratio SHR = 2.12, 95% confidence interval 1.06–4.22). CONCLUSIONS The FET technique addresses acute and chronic arch disease with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Downstream endovascular reinterventions are very common during follow-up.
Contextualizing Evaluation of Performance in Volleyball: Introducing Contextual Individual Contribution Coefficients to Assess Technical Actions

In this study, we proposed novel metrics for evaluating volleyball technical performance in relation to the action context. To assess each player’s relative participation, we also introduced relative contextual coefficients. We analyzed 20 games played by the world’s top eight teams during the 2019 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, using Data Volley software and Python programming. We evaluated inter- and intra-observer reliability and used binomial logistic regression models to estimate each variable’s probability of having contributed to the team’s set win. We calculated estimated confidence intervals, standard errors, and Wald values; and we employed Akaike’s and Bayesian criteria to evaluate the model’s goodness of fit. We identified optimal cut-off points using receiver operating characteristic curves, and we found that the proposed contextual evaluation coefficients prevented overestimation of a player’s technical performance in uneven situations. We addressed the issue in which the winning team may be the one that scored the fewest points, and we were able to predict a team’s victory with confidence. The proposed coefficients made multiple technical and contextual aspects of the game easily accessible and comprehensible, offering significant beneficial implications for coaches and players.
Experimental Investigation for Optimizing Fin Spacing in Horizontal Rectangular Fin Array for Maximizing the Heat Transfer under a Natural and Forced Convection

A systematic experimental investigation of the fin spacing for the given fin height, fin length , for the width of array and heat input on free and forced convection heat transfer from horizontal fin array was carried out. A horizontal rectangular fin array with aluminum fin and aluminum spacer is constructed in which the distances between the fins are varied with adding or removing the spacers of different thickness between the fins. The objective of this experimentation is to determine the optimum spacing in which the maximum heat transfer is taking place by natural and forced convection at different heat input and at different wind velocity.
The safety of oral antifungals for the treatment of onychomycosis

ABSTRACT Introduction Oral antifungals are used for the treatment of moderate-severe onychomycosis. Terbinafine and itraconazole are approved for onychomycosis treatment in North America; additionally, fluconazole is indicated for onychomycosis in Europe. Other oral antifungals such as ketoconazole and griseofulvin are no longer used for the treatment of onychomycosis due to safety concerns and relatively lower efficacy. Search strategy On 7 March 2023, we conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed and Google Scholar, while also manually examining selected article bibliographies and package inserts. Areas covered Terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole have several interactions with cytochrome-p450, and either alone, or when co-administered with other drugs these interactions can facilitate a multitude of adverse events. This article identifies possible hepatic, renal, cutaneous, cardiovascular, neurological, hemopoietic, and obstetric adverse events. We have also compared the rates of hepatotoxicity, clinically apparent liver injury, and alanine transaminase elevations between oral antifungals, and recommendations for hepatic monitoring. Expert opinion We recommend laboratory testing of liver function tests prior to the administration of any oral antifungals, especially when clinically indicated. In the event of a first treatment failure, the diagnosis of onychomycosis must be confirmed, and consideration given to antifungal susceptibility testing. Antifungal stewardship will help reduce the incidence of antifungal resistance.
Investigation of Radiation Energy Balance in Some Selected Cities in Nigeria

The evaluations of radiation energy balance are hereby present some selected cities in the tropical forest and savannah zones of Nigeria. The data used for the study were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Abuja, (1990-2010). The results among other things show that the albedo was generally high (60 to 64%), in all the locations considered, implying that majority of the solar radiation in these locations did not reach the surface. However, there are increases in the radiation balance in Port Harcourt and Makurdi locations, whereas in Enugu and Kano, the curves indicate negative or decrease in radiation balance. This implies that there is a balance in solar energy radiation budget that could enhance solar energy technologies in Port Harcourt and Makurdi towns. On the other hand, suggestions have been made on the need for seasonal considerations of the radiation balance for more efficient climatic and solar technological planning.
NDT_A_256988 1835..1844

2nd Clinic of Neurology, Târgu Mureș County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Târgu Mureș, Romania; Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania; Department of Neurology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, Romania; Department of Physiology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, Romania; Department of Neurology, “Victor Babes”University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania; Department of Neurology, “Pius Branzeu” Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Timisoara, Romania; Neurotim Med SRL, Timisoara, Romania; Department of Internal Medicine, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, Romania; 1 Clinic of Internal Medicine, Târgu Mureș County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Târgu Mureș, Romania; Department of Gastroenterology, Târgu Mureș County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Târgu Mureș, Romania; Department of Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, Romania; Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Clinical County Hospital Mureș, Târgu Mureș, Romania
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON COWPEA PRODUCTION IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Agriculture is one of the sectors that directly depend on climate factors. During the last10 years, the climate of Nigeria has undergone various changes especially in terms of rainfall and sunshine. This has large consequence for the poor resource farmers depending mainly on rain fed agriculture. This study was carried out to examine the effect of climate change on cowpea production in Kuje Area Council of Abuja in Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was adopted in selection of eighty respondents for the study, while structured interview schedule was used to obtained necessary information from the sampled cowpea farmers in the area. Data collected were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The sampled farmers were of different age groups and majority (76.3%) was married with different educational background, while 22.5% did not have formal education. Most (53.8%) engages in farming as primary occupation with different years of farming experience, while majority (61.2%) had above 30 years of farming experience and cultivates large white cowpea type (100.0%) and they indicated low crop yield as major effect of climate change on cowpea production. The farmers adopted different varieties of adaptation measure against climate change effects with majority (100.0%) indicated crop rotation, irrigation, manipulation of planting and harvesting date, shifting cultivation (98.8%), fertilizer application (91.3%) and they indicated extension services as major source of information (97.5%). Farmers need to be educate on production systems that have the ability to adjust or recover from the negative impacts and take advantage of positive impacts of the current climate variability. The study therefore recommends that farmers should be encouraged to employed diverse adaptation strategies to effectively curb the effects of climate change, and that extension services should be encouraged been the most identified information source on climate change to the farmers.
Factors and barriers influencing the decision to undergo body contouring surgery after bariatric surgery

Objectives: To identify the factors and predictors that play a role in shaping the decision-making process of post-bariatric patients when considering aesthetic surgery. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Specialized Medical Center Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data collection for the study occurred between January and March 2023. To gather the necessary data, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to participants through the messaging platform WhatsApp. Results: Among the 445 responses analyzed, 71.2% reported having excess skin folds. A total of 62 (13.9%) participants underwent body contouring surgery, most of which was carried out in the trunk region (67.7%). Being female was associated with statistically significantly higher rates of body contouring surgery (82.3%, p=0.002), as was achieving one’s best weight after 2 years (37.1%, p=0.003) or more than 2 years (14.5%, p=0.003). Among those who did not consider body contouring surgery, the most important reason reported was the belief that such surgeries were not needed, accounting for 41.1% of responses. Conclusion: This study found that female gender, achieving optimum weight within 2 or more years post-bariatric surgery, and a smaller median change in body mass index were significant predictors of future body contouring surgery. These findings are important for advising and educating post-bariatric patients regarding their options for body-contouring procedures.
The longitudinal impact of type 2 diabetes on brain gyrification

Type 2 diabetes has an effect on brain structure, including cortical gyrification. The significance of these changes is better understood if assessed over time. However, there is a lack of studies assessing longitudinally the effect of this disease with complex aethology in gyrification. While changes in this feature have been associated mainly with genetic legacy, our study allowed to shed light on the effect of the variation of glycaemic profile over time in gyrification in this metabolic disease. In this longitudinal study, we analysed brain anatomical magnetic resonance images of 15 participants with type 2 diabetes and 13 healthy control participants to investigate the impact of this metabolic disease on the gyrification index over a 7‐year period. We observed a significant interaction between time and group in six regions, four of which (left precentral gyrus, left gyrus rectus, left subcentral gyrus and sulci and right inferior temporal gyrus) showed an increase in gyrification in type 2 diabetes and a decrease in the control group and the two others (left pericallosal sulcus and right inferior frontal sulcus) the opposite pattern. The variation of the gyrification was correlated with the variation of the glycaemic profile. Following the interaction, the simple main effect of time in each group separately has shown that in the group with diabetes, there were more regions susceptible to alterations of gyrification. In sum, our results raise credit for the possibility that glycaemic control also might influence gyrification in type 2 diabetes.