Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
More to Blue Zones than long life: positive psychological characteristics

Blue Zones are defined as regions of exceptional longevity. Emerging evidence also indicates the presence of several positive psychological characteristics amongst older inhabitants. No synthesis of this information is currently available. The current article focuses on psychological characteristics of successful ageing, including perceived well-being and cognitive health. Relevant findings concerning the Sardinian Blue Zone are reviewed along with an evidence suggesting links to the distinctive sociocultural environment of this region. People aged 65+ living in the Sardinian Blue Zone have substantially lower levels of depressive symptomatology, higher levels of self-perceived well-being and better subjective and objective cognitive health relative to matched control samples. These differences are robust, reliable and persist throughout late adulthood. Important determinants of the positive traits include increased active engagement in community religious and leisure activities. Sparse evidence for other Blue Zones exists but reduced levels of depression may be a shared attribute. Older Blue Zone Sardinians possess positive psychological characteristics, which are associated with successful ageing and are known to promote longevity. Blue Zone populations appear to be a valuable, but overlooked, resource for the study of positive aspects of ageing.
Kawasaki Disease Immunoglobulin Resistance. Diagnosis and Therapeutical Management

Abstract Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acuteself-limited vasculitis that primarily affects children under 5 years. It is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin are the main stay of treatment. 20% of patients are resistant to IVIG, presenting increased risk of coronary aneurysms. Several scores have been developed in Japan to identify patients with increased risk of resistance to IVIG
Protective Role of Antioxidants in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is a serious cause of liver disease worldwide. Any abnormality or dysfunction of the liver leads major impairment of the organ function, which in turn, influences the health of the individual. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) includes fatty liver, hepatic inflammation, liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, alcoholic hepatitis and finally hepatocellular carcinoma. The metabolism of ethanol generates reactive oxygen species, which play a significant role in the deterioration of alcoholic liver disease. Oxidative stress has been considered as a conjoint pathological mechanism, and it contributes to initiation and progression of liver injury. Antioxidants, phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, regulate the expression of ALDassociated proteins and peptides, namely, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Application of antioxidants signifies a rational curative strategy to prevent and cure liver diseases involving oxidative stress. Although conclusions drawn from clinical studies remain uncertain, animal studies have revealed the promising in-vivo therapeutic effect of antioxidants on liver diseases. Natural antioxidants contained in edible or medicinal plants often possess strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities as well as anti-inflammatory action, which are also supposed to be the basis of other bioactivities and health benefits. Med Phoenix. Vol. 3, Issue. 1, 2018, Page: 75-88
Study of the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes mellitus through animal models

espanolLa mayoria de la investigacion desarrollada en diabetes ha sido realizada mediante el uso de modelos animales, siendo su reemplazo todavia una quimera. Comparado con los primeros usos de estos modelos por la ciencia moderna, a partir del siglo XVII, el numero de modelos animales disponible en la actualidad es muy elevado, ofreciendo nuevas perspectivas dentro de casi todos los aspectos de la enfermedad. Los abordajes que combinen estudios en humanos, in vitro y modelos animales son probablemente la mejor estrategia para mejorar el entendimiento de los mecanismos de la enfermedad aun subyacentes y, en este sentido, la eleccion del modelo que mas se ajuste a dichos objetivos es determinante. Clasificados tradicionalmente en funcion de su patogenesis, en espontaneos o inducidos, cada modelo ofrece sus propias ventajas y desventajas. Se describen aqui los modelos de diabetes mas comunes y, aparte del raton Non-obese-Diabetic, la rata BioBreeding Diabetes-Prone, u otros modelos inducidos por estreptozotocina o dieta con alto contenido graso, se describen otros valiosos modelos de diabetes, como son el perro y el gato con diabetes espontaneas tipo 1 y tipo 2. EnglishMost research in diabetes mellitus (DM) has been conducted in animals, and their replacement is currently a chimera. As compared to when they started to be used by modern science in the 17th century, a very high number of animal models of diabetes is now available, and they provide new insights into almost every aspect of diabetes. Approaches combining human, in vitro, and animal studies are probably the best strategy to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diabetes, and the choice of the best model to achieve such objective is crucial. Traditionally classified based on pathogenesis as spontaneous or induced models, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common animal models of diabetes are described, and in addition to non-obese diabetic mice, biobreeding diabetes-prone (BB-DP) rats, streptozotocin-induced models, or high-fat diet-induced diabetic C57Bl/6J mice, new valuable models, such as dogs and cats with spontaneous diabetes, are described.
Impact of Hemodialysis on Surgical Outcomes and Mortality Rate after Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Matched Cohort Study

Introduction Despite ongoing improvements in both dialysis and surgical techniques, spinal surgery in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is a challenge to surgeons because of the high mortality rate. However, no previous studies have examined clinical outcomes after lumbar surgery in HD patients. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes and complication rates after lumbar spinal surgery in patients with or without hemodialysis. Methods This retrospective, matched cohort study was conducted to compare surgical outcomes between HD vs non-HD patients who underwent lumbar surgery at our hospital. Controls were individually matched to cases at a ratio of 1:2. Clinical outcomes, complications, and mortality rates were compared between the two groups. Results Twenty-nine patients in the HD group and 57 in the non-HD group were included in the current study. Five patients in the HD group died during the follow-up period, whereas no patients died in the non-HD group (mortality rate, 17.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.003). Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were significantly less improved in the HD group than in the non-HD group (11.9 vs. 14.2 preoperatively, P = 0.001; 19.9 vs. 25.1 at final follow-up, P < 0.001). Five patients underwent repeat surgery in the HD group, which was significantly higher than the non-HD group (17.2% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.041). Conclusions The current study indicates that patients undergoing HD had poor outcomes after lumbar spinal surgery. Moreover, 5 of 29 patients died within a mean 2.4-years follow-up. The indications for lumbar spine surgery in HD patients must be carefully considered because of poor surgical outcomes and high mortality rate.
PREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI AMONG ASYMPTOMATIC POPULATIONS IN SANA'A, YEMEN

Helicobacter pylori consider the most important cause of chronic gastritis and also the most important etiological factor responsible for the duodenal and gastric ulcer and have an important role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. The aim of the present study to know the prevalence of H. pylori among the khat chewing adults in compared to non-khat chewing among asymptomatic populations. A total of 82 healthy subjects were screened to find out the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori using stool antigen card test during the period started in 16 April 2018 and ending in 8 May 2018 in Sana'a, Yemen. Predesigned questionnaire was used to collect information such as age, sex, education status, khat chewing, smoking, tobacco chewing, occupation, and tests results all above data were recorded for each subject. Patients who had taken proton pump inhibitors or antibiotic for a month prior to study were excluded. Out of these 82 asymptomatic individuals, 36 were found positive for Helicobacter pylori by the test, giving a prevalence of 43.9 %. A prevalence of 26.9 % (62.9 % of khat chewing) was khat chewing individuals and it had statistically significant difference. A prevalence of 14.6 % was seen among cigarette smoking participants. The present study revealed substantial prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in khat chewing healthy subjects. A higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori seen in these subjects may be contributed to khat chewing. Identification of khat chewing populations, who do not show symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection, is essential for controlling the infection and it still remains a challenge for the clinicians.
Independent and Incremental Prognostic Value of 201Tl Lung Uptake at Rest in Patients With Severe Postischemic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background—An elevated 201Tl lung uptake after stress is related to an adverse prognosis. Methods and Results—The functional and prognostic significance of resting 201Tl lung uptake was assessed in 124 consecutive patients with ischemic heart disease and ejection fraction ≤35% undergoing rest-redistribution tomography to evaluate myocardial viability. 201Tl lung uptake significantly correlated with pulmonary wedge pressure (r=0.66; P 0.61 best separated patients with and without events (ROC area under curve 0.82). Event-free survival was significantly lower in patients with L/H >0.61 (P 0.61 (χ2=10.8; P<0.001) and a restrict.
The effects of biotic and abiotic factors on byssogenesis, growth and movement patterns of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis

THE EFFECTS OF BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC FACTORS ON BYSSOGENESIS, GROWTH AND MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF THE BLUE MUSSEL, MYTIL US EDULIS by Yvette Louise Gamer University of New Hampshire, September, 2013 Blue mussels create extensive aggregations on intertidal and low subtidal shores in the Gulf of Maine, in which they modify habitat, trap sediments and create microclimates for many organisms. Mussels are an important aquaculture species worldwide, and play a major part of the economy of New England. Blue mussels produce collagenous byssal threads to anchor themselves to the substrate on wave swept shores. Byssogenesis, growth and movement abilities o f mussels are influenced by a host of biotic and abiotic factors. In this dissertation I quantified byssogenesis and growth of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, affected by wave exposure, temperature, and epibiont fouling. Byssogenesis and movement abilities of two size classes o f mussels were also quantified in relation to epibiont fouling and predator presence. Results from a series of shortand long-term field experiments indicate that more byssal threads were produced by fouled mussels at sheltered sites during summer, while stronger byssal threads were produced by epibiont-fouled mussels during winter. Although mussel growth was greater at wave-exposed sites in the summer, epibiont fouling did not influence growth. My experiments also revealed that fouling results in increased byssal thread production and attachment strength in large mussels, whereas movement ability in small mussels is reduced in the presence of epibionts. Upon exposure to crab effluent, mussels produced more byssal threads while mussels exposed to effluent of injured conspecifics began depositing threads more quickly than in any other treatment. Large mussels produced stronger attachments while small mussels were quick to begin depositing and releasing byssal threads, indicating increased movement. These studies indicate that byssogenesis is influenced by abiotic factors such as temperature, artificial epibiont fouling, and wave exposure, and biotic variables including mussel size and exposure to predators and injured conspecifics. Mobility of mussels is influenced by factors which include predator presence and artificial epibiont fouling. This dissertation highlights the variety of adaptive abilities of mussels, whose presence shapes intertidal and subtidal zones. It is important to understand the biological and ecological processes of mussels especially in light of environmental changes, including increased wave activity due to seasonal storms and fouling by invasive epibionts.
Yield and stover quality of brown mid-rib mutations in different genetic backgrounds of sorghum

Genetic control of the lignification process through use of brown mid-rib (bmr) mutations has offered the most direct and productive approach to reducing lignin concentration and increasing digestibility of sorghums. Brown mid- rib genes were introgressed from IS 21888 (bmr-3) and IS 21891(bmr-8) into elite sorghum lines and the advanced progenies were evaluated in relation to normal sorghums. The bmr types were significantly early to flower and mature compared to normal sorghum. Normal sorghum had a significant superiority of 11 and 9% for panicle length and panicle width as compared to bmr sorghum. The bmr types recorded significantly lower grain yield than normal sorghum. However, among the bmr sorghums, CSV 15 × IS 21891 (bmr-8 mutation) derivative recorded a significant superiority over other bmr entries and was at par with the normal sorghum check CSV 20. For stover yields, normal sorghums were significantly superior to the bmr sorghums by 46%. Dry matter intake (DMI) was positively correlated with ME and IVOMD in normal sorghum. However, the correlation of DMI with IVOMD was not significant in bmr sorghums. In both the sorghums, IVOMD was positively correlated with TDN, relative feed value RFV, ME and negatively correlated with ADF and NDF. However, the association of IVOMD with NDF was non-significant in bmr sorghum. The findings of the present study indicated that bmr 3 and bmr 8 genes significantly improved the stover digestibility in specific genetic backgrounds and their interaction with recipient genetic background was evident.
Using out-of-office blood pressure measurements in established cardiovascular risk scores: implications for practice

Background: Blood pressure (BP) measurement is increasingly carried out through home or ambulatory monitoring, yet existing cardiovascular risk scores were developed for use with measurements obtained in clinic. Aim: To describe differences in cardiovascular risk estimates obtained using ambulatory or home BP measurements instead of clinic readings. Design and setting: Secondary analysis of data from adults aged 30-84 without prior history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in two BP monitoring studies (BP-Eth and HOMERUS). Method: The primary comparison was Framingham risk calculated using BP measured as in the Framingham study or daytime ambulatory BP measurements. The QRISK2 and SCORE risk equations were also studied. Statistical and clinical significance were determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and scatter plots respectively. Results: In 442 BP-Eth patients (mean age = 58 years, 50% female) the median absolute difference in 10-year Framingham cardiovascular risk calculated using BP measured as in the Framingham study or daytime ambulatory BP measurements was 1.84% (interquartile range 0.65 to 3.63, p=0.67). Only 31/ 442 (7.0%) of patients were reclassified across the 10% risk treatment threshold. In 165 HOMERUS patients (mean age = 56 years, 46% female) the median difference in 10-year risk was 2.76% (IQR 1.19 to 6.39, p<0.001) and only 8/165 (4.8%) of patient were reclassified. Conclusion: Estimates of cardiovascular risk are similar when calculated using BP measurements obtained as in the risk score derivation study or through ambulatory monitoring. Further research is required to determine if differences in estimated risk would meaningfully influence risk score accuracy.
Study of variability and genetic structure of European populations of Myotis emarginatus and Myotis capaccinii (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae)

The Geoffroy’s bat Myotis emarginatus is mainly present in southern, south-eastern and central Europe (Cerverný, 1999) and is often recorded from northern Spain (Quetglas, 2002; Flaquer et al., 2004). It has demonstrated the species’ preference for forest. Myotis capaccinii, conﬁned to the Mediterranean (Guille´n, 1999), is classiﬁed as ‘vulnerable’ on a global scale (Hutson, Mickleburgh & Racey, 2001). In general, the species preferred calm waters bordered by well-developed riparian vegetation and large (> 5 m) inter-bank distances (Biscardi et al. 2007). In this study we present the first results about population genetic structure of these two species of genus Myotis. We used two methods of sampling: invasive and non-invasive techniques. A total of 323 invasive samples and a total of 107 non-invasive samples were collected and analyzed. For Myotis emarginatus we have individuated for the first time a set of 7 microsatellites, which can work on this species, started from a set developed on Myotis myotis (Castella et al. 2000). We developed also a method for analysis of non-invasive samples, that given a good percentage of positive analyzed samples. The results have highlighted for the species Myotis emarginatus the presence on the European territory of two big groups, discovered by using the microsatellites tracers. On this species, 33 haplotypes of Dloop have been identified, some of them are presented only in some colonies. We identified respectively 33 haplotypes of Dloop and 10 of cytB for Myotis emarginatus and 25 of dloop and 15 of cytB for Myotis capaccinii. Myotis emarginatus’ results, both microsatellites and mtDNA, show that there is a strong genetic flow between different colonies across Europe. The results achieved on Myotis capaccinii are very interesting, in this case either for the microsatellites or the mitochondrial DNA sequences, and it has been highlighted a big difference between different colonies.
Effects of epidural injection of glucocorticoid and its combination with bupivacaine in palliating chronic low back pain due to discopathy

Chronic low back pain is defined as consistent or pendulous pain over 3 months. Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are common in treatment of chronic back pain. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of epidural injection of glucocorticoid and bupivacaine compared to glucocorticoid alone in relieving chronic back pain due to discopathy. A randomized clinical trial was performed in the Shohada Medical Educational Center, Tabriz, Iran. Patients with chronic back pain who were candidates for epidural drug injection were recruited. They were divided into two groups of steroids or steroid and bupivacaine. Pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Straight Leg Rising (SLR) test as well as clinical variables were evaluated before treatment and 3th month thereafter. Overall, 17 males and 23 females with a mean age ± SD of 47.54 ± 12.11 years were enrolled in two equal groups. No significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of gender and body mass index. In both groups, a significant relationship was observed for ODI (p =0.001), pain intensity (p =0.001), and SLR test (p=0.001) before and after treatment. However, the corresponding association was not observed for ODI, pain intensity and SLR test (p>0.05). Epidural steroid injections either alone or combined with Bupivacaine with no priority are effectively relief chronic low back pain due to discopathy.
Anatomical Variations of Mental Foramen: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Mental foramen is (MF) an important anatomical landmark that has clinical significance during dental treatments such as placing dental implants or endodontic treatment of mandibular premolars. The location and morphology of mental foramen varies among populations. The aim of this study is to determine the range of variations in the anatomical location and shape of ment l foramen. This is a retrospective study conducted using panoramic radiographic (OPG) data of patients. A total of 498 panoramic radiogr phic images showing erupted lower premolars and first molars were included. All OPGs data were sorted in six study groups and analyz ed statistically. The majority of cases (57 %) showed the presence of MF in line with the long axis of 2nd premolar. Only 3.2 % of MFs were in line with the long axis of first premolar. The shape of MF was round in majority (40 %) followed by oval shape (35.7 %). Irr egular shape mental foramens were observed in 24.3 % of cases. The p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The ana tomical location of mental foramen varies between first premolar to first molar. In terms of shape, the mental foramen ranged from roun /oval t irregular. Although, the position and shape varied with age of the patient, there is no predictable correlation between the age and position or shape of mental foramen.
The association of parenting style on depression, anxiety and stress among Tamil speaking adolescents in the Colombo city

Introduction : Globally, studies have identified varied associations between the four key parenting styles and adolescent depression, anxiety and stress. However, such studies are rare in Sri Lanka, especially among Tamil speaking adolescents. Objective : To assess the association between perceived parenting style on depression, anxiety and stress among Tamil speaking adolescents in the Colombo city. Method : A cross sectional study design was used with a sample of 232, 15- to 18-year-old adolescents attending government schools in the Colombo city, chosen through a stratified random sampling technique. The Scale of Parenting Style and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 were used along with a demographic questionnaire. The standardized scales showed good validity and reliability properties amongst the Sri Lankan Tamil speaking population. Results: Authoritative parenting style was associated with a lower level of depression when compared to neglectful parenting style ( p = 0.000134, p p = 0.001713, p p = 0.05176, p > 0.05). Further, as the parents’ controlling behaviour increased, it had a negative significant association with depression ( r = -0.26, p = 0.000048), anxiety ( r =-0.13, p = 0.0453) and stress ( r = -0.19, p = 0.00289). And, as parental responsiveness towards the adolescent increased, it had a significant negative association with depression ( r = -0.28, p = 0.000014), anxiety, ( r = -0.2, p = 0.00248) and stress, ( r = -0.26, p = 0.000049). Conclusions: The study indicates that certain parenting styles has a significant impact on adolescent depression, anxiety and stress. The authoritative parenting style was identified as the most favourable whereas the neglectful parenting style was identified as the worst. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health , 2018; 47 (4): 342-347