Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life’s Essential 8: Updating and Enhancing the American Heart Association’s Construct of Cardiovascular Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association

In 2010, the American Heart Association defined a novel construct of cardiovascular health to promote a paradigm shift from a focus solely on disease treatment to one inclusive of positive health promotion and preservation across the life course in populations and individuals. Extensive subsequent evidence has provided insights into strengths and limitations of the original approach to defining and quantifying cardiovascular health. In response, the American Heart Association convened a writing group to recommend enhancements and updates. The definition and quantification of each of the original metrics (Life’s Simple 7) were evaluated for responsiveness to interindividual variation and intraindividual change. New metrics were considered, and the age spectrum was expanded to include the entire life course. The foundational contexts of social determinants of health and psychological health were addressed as crucial factors in optimizing and preserving cardiovascular health. This presidential advisory introduces an enhanced approach to assessing cardiovascular health: Life’s Essential 8. The components of Life’s Essential 8 include diet (updated), physical activity, nicotine exposure (updated), sleep health (new), body mass index, blood lipids (updated), blood glucose (updated), and blood pressure. Each metric has a new scoring algorithm ranging from 0 to 100 points, allowing generation of a new composite cardiovascular health score (the unweighted average of all components) that also varies from 0 to 100 points. Methods for implementing cardiovascular health assessment and longitudinal monitoring are discussed, as are potential data sources and tools to promote widespread adoption in policy, public health, clinical, institutional, and community settings.
Monitoring of aquatic birds and surveillance of avian influenza and Newcastle disease of waterfowls at the National Park of Urmia Lake

Abstract Background Urmia lake, as a national park, is one of the most valuable aquatic ecosystems in the Middle East and quatitative and qualitative changes in Urmia lake water have a great impact on its ecological performance and in the region. Objectives This project was designed to study the effects of the extent of Urmia lake water surface area on the area size and on the number of aquatic birds of the six selected habitats in 2011–2019. The presence of avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) viruses in migratory aquatic birds together with their impacts on poultry farms as well as on rural birds was also under surveillance in 2018–2019. Methods Changes of Urmia lake and its impacts on area size of the six selected birds habitats were monitored by GIS. The small monitoring program with circular plot point counts was used for counting of the number of birds of the six selected habitats. At least, 100 samples (oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs) were collected. each sample was placed in a sterile plastic tube containg transport media and assigned with an number and store untill used. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real‐time RT‐PCR test were used for detection of AI and ND viruses in the samples. Results The results revealed that changes in the water surface area of Urmia lake had a gsignificat impacts on area size and the number of aquatic birds of the six selected habitats. The surveillance results showed that 5% of the samples were AIV positvie while 25% of the samples were pasitive for NDV including 20% for non‐virulent NDV (lNDV) and 5% for virulent NDV (vNDV) strains. Conclusion This study showed that fluctuation of Urmia lake's water surface area influenced (p < 0.05) the area size of the six selected aquatic birds' habitats and had a great impacts on the number of the migratory birds. Detection of AIV and vNDV emphesises that the seasonal migratory waterfowls spread AI and vND viruses to the ponds and estuaries as well as to the rural birds and industrialised poultry units around the Urmia lake. Potential public health treats were also discussed.
Clinical characteristics of patients with epilepsy attending primary health care

Objective. This study aimed to fill the current knowledge gap in the literature by identifying the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with epilepsy attending primary health care (PHC). Patients and methods. This was a cross-sectional study involving adults (≥ 18 years of age) with epilepsy attending PHC from a developing country between 2015 and 2019. Demographic information and epilepsy-related data were collected. Results. A total of 140 patients (51.4% male; mean [± SD] age 44.9 ± 17.8 years) were evaluated. The mean age at onset of seizures was 29.9 ± 22.9 years, with a mean evolution of 14.3±15.4 years. Focal seizures accounted for 88.57% of cases and evolved into bilateral tonic-clonic attack (45.16%). Of those that were generalized, motor seizures accounted for 81.82%, absence 9.09%, and motor + absence 9.09%. Among generalized onset motor seizures, tonic-clonic was predominant, accounting for 55.56%. Among types, focal epilepsy predominated (88.57%). The primary etiologies were unknown (62.14%), structural causes (27.85%) and infectious (9.28%). Patients undergoing monotherapy accounted for 66.1%, with epilepsy control in 92.4%. The most commonly used antiepileptic drugs were carbamazepine (33.1%), valproic acid (28.2%), and phenobarbital (10.4%). Conclusions. Male sex, seizures, and focal epilepsy were prevalent. Magnetic resonance imaging was more useful than computed tomography. Most etiologies were unknown; however, mesial temporal sclerosis and neurocysticercosis were the most prevalent known causes. Most patients were controlled using a monotherapy regimen. The implementation of International League Against Epilepsy classifications and definitions was feasible and useful.
Is acrobatic pyramid performance determined by the individual balance of the gymnasts?

ABSTRACT The influence of individual gymnasts’ balance on final pyramid performance is unknown. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate associations between the balance capacity of base and top gymnasts (BG, BT) on the pyramid performance using different balance tasks. Forty acrobatic gymnasts were divided in two groups (20 BG, 20 TG) and performed three different static tests on a force platform: unipedal (open and closed eyes), and headstand. Centre of pressure (COP) measurements were obtained including length travelled in the anteroposterior and mediolateral axis, surface area and the mean speed. Pairs of gymnasts performed a pyramid which involved the BG standing upright while holding a TP in handstand with arms flexed at the elbow. Pyramid scores were obtained from judges to assess the performance. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the number of balance COP variables. Linear regression analysis was applied with pyramid performance and scores of PCA separated by role. TG’s PCA 2 was a significant predictor of pyramid performance. Higher pyramid performance was associated with better headstand balance capacity in TG. The results suggest that measuring COP displacement during headstands could help coaches and gymnasts to assess the handstand pyramid performance.
Genomic Medicine in Periodontal Disease: Old Issue, New Insights

Genetic variability is the main cause of phenotypic variation. Some variants may be associated with several diseases and can be used as risk biomarkers, identifying animals with higher susceptibility to develop the pathology. Genomic medicine uses this genetic information for risk calculation, clinical diagnosis and prognosis, allowing the implementation of more effective preventive strategies and/or personalized therapies. Periodontal disease (PD) is the inflammation of the periodontium induced mainly by bacterial plaque and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Microbial factors are responsible for the PD initiation; however, several studies support the genetic influence on the PD progression. The main purpose of the present publication is to highlight the main steps involved in the genomic medicine applied to veterinary patients, describing the flowchart from the characterization of the genetic variants to the identification of potential associations with specific clinical data. After investigating which genes might potentially be implicated in canine PD, the RANK gene, involved in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis, was selected to illustrate this approach. A case-control study was performed using DNA samples from a population of 90 dogs – 50 being healthy and 40 with PD. This analysis allowed for the discovery of four new intronic variations that were banked in GenBank (g.85A>G, g.151G>T, g.268A>G and g.492T>C). The results of this study are not intended to be applied exclusively to PD. On the contrary, this genetic information is intended to be used by other researchers as a foundation for the development of multiple applications in the veterinary clinical field.
Gastroprotective activity of (E)-ethyl-12-cyclohexyl-4,5-dihydroxydodec-2-enoate, a compound isolated from Heliotropium indicum: role of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and sulfhydryls in its mechanism of action

Abstract Context The gastroprotective effect of Heliotropium indicum L. (Boraginaceae), a plant traditionally used in Mexico to treat gastric ulcers, has been previously reported. However, no active compound was identified. Objective The current contribution aimed to isolate, through a bioassay-guided study, at least one compound from H. indicum with considerable gastroprotective activity, examine its effect on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice, and explore possible mechanisms of action. Materials and methods Three extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol) were obtained from H. indicum leaves. Their 30 and 100 mg/kg doses were assessed on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in male CD1 mice. Since the dichloromethane extract was the most active, successive chromatographies were carried out leading to the identification of the most active compound. This compound (at 3–100 mg/kg) was compared to carbenoxolone (at 10–100 mg/kg) in biological evaluations in mice. Pre-treatments with indomethacin (10 mg/kg, s.c.), L-NAME (70 mg/kg, i.p.), and NEM (10 mg/kg, s.c.) were performed independently to determine the participation of prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and/or sulfhydryl groups, respectively, in the mechanism of action of the compound. Results (E)-Ethyl-12-cyclohexyl-4,5-dihydroxydodec-2-enoate, a compound isolated from H. indicum, afforded dose-dependent gastroprotective activity. The maximum effect was observed at 100 mg/kg (90.13 ± 3.08%), with an ED50 of 5.92 ± 2.48 mg/kg. Gastroprotection was not modified by pre-treatment with indomethacin, L-NAME, or NEM. Conclusions (E)-Ethyl-12-cyclohexyl-4,5-dihydroxydodec-2-enoate, isolated from H. indicum, was found to produce a substantial gastroprotective effect. Prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and non-protein sulfhydryl groups are not involved in its mechanism of action.
Refining the migration and engraftment of short-term and long-term HSCs by enhancing homing-specific adhesion mechanisms

Abstract In contrast to the short-term (ST) CD34+ stem cells, studies have suggested that long-term (LT) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) found in the CD34− stem cell pool have trouble migrating and engrafting when introduced through IV. To understand why these deficiencies exist, we set out to fully elucidate the adhesion mechanisms used by ST and LT-HSCs to migrate to the bone marrow(BM). Specifically focusing on murine ST-HSCs (Flk2−CD34+) and LT-HSCs (Flk2−CD34−), we observed a distinctive expression pattern of BM homing effectors necessary for the first step, namely sialyl Lewis-X (sLex) (ligand for E-selectin), and the second step, namely CXCR4 chemokine receptor (receptor for SDF-1). sLex expression was higher on Flk2−CD34+ ST-HSCs (>60%) compared with Flk2−CD34− LT-HSCs (<10%), which correlated to binding to E-selectin. Higher concentrations of CXCR4 were observed on Flk2−CD34+ ST-HSCs compared with Flk2−CD34− LT-HSCs. Interestingly, the expression of CD26, a peptidase known to deactivate chemokines (ie, SDF-1), was higher on Flk2−CD34− LT-HSCs. Given that both E-selectin–binding and CXCR4-mediated migration are compromised in Flk2−CD34− LT-HSCs, we aimed to enhance their ability to migrate using recombinant human fucosyltransferase 6 (rhFTVI) and the CD26 inhibitor, Dip A (diprotin A). To this end, we observed that although LT-HSCs expressed low concentrations of sLex, they were able to engraft when transplanted into recipient mice. Moreover, although both CD26 inhibition and fucosylation enhanced migration of both HSC populations in vitro, only pretreatment of LT-HSCs with Dip A enhanced engraftment in vivo after transplantation into recipient mice. Remarkably, fucosylation of Flk2−CD34+ ST-HSCs consistently led to their ability to transplant secondary recipients. These data suggest that using fucosylation and Dip A to overcome the molecular disparity in adhesion mechanisms among ST-HSCs and LT-HSCs differentially influences their abilities to migrate and engraft in vivo and promotes the ability of ST-HSCs to engraft secondary recipient mice, the gold standard for testing functionality of LT-HSCs.
Patient insights into the experience of trying to achieve weight-loss and future expectations upon commencement of a primary care-led weight management intervention: A qualitative, baseline exploration

Introduction The long-term effects of interventions aiming to achieve substantial, sustainable weight loss maintenance have been disappointing. Most people regain their lost weight over time but some seem to be able to maintain their weight loss. We are following the experiences of patients over time prospectively. This study forms the baseline to provide insights into patient experiences prior to entering a primary care-led weight management intervention and their expectations going forward. Materials and methods We recruited 21 adult male and female patients of varying ethnicity with a BMI between 27.7kg/m2 and 48.4kg/m2 from a cohort of patients entering a primary care-led weight management intervention. Patients were offered video and audio interview options during the COVID-19 lockdown. In total, twenty chose the audio option, while one chose the video option. The interview format was semi-structured with room for individual exploration. Discussion We found that participants experienced feeling unable to control their weight and encountered a multitude of internal and external barriers to weight management. Some had supportive environments, while others experienced discouraging external influences. Though personal characteristics varied, motivations, goals and expected benefits were similar across this cohort. Most participants had previously experienced transient successful weight-loss attempts with varying approaches. COVID-19 was experienced as an opportunity or barrier for change. Conclusion This study illustrates the importance of gaining comprehensive insights into the diverse experiences patients encounter when trying to achieve weight loss. Personalized support taking into account individual experiences and circumstances may enhance long-term treatment outcomes. Future research into the complexities of weight management based on individual accounts can aid in the creation of improved treatment protocols.
“The terrible dryness woke me up, I had some trouble breathing”—Critical situations related to oral health as described by CPAP‐treated persons with obstructive sleep apnea

Continuous positive airway pressure is a common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but adherence remains an issue. Both obstructive sleep apnea and oral diseases are associated with cardiovascular diseases, and as oral dryness contributes to treatment abandonment, oral health is of importance for this patient group. The aim was therefore to explore how persons with continuous positive airway pressure‐treated obstructive sleep apnea experience situations associated with their oral health, and which actions they take to manage these. An explorative and descriptive design was adopted using the critical incident technique. Based on a purposeful selection, 18 adults with long‐term experience of continuous positive airway pressure‐treatment were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview guide. Both negative and positive situations were described. Negative situations consisted of challenges with breathing, including mouth‐breathing, choking sensations, problems with night‐time and daytime oral dryness, changes in the saliva composition, and deteriorating oral health. Positive situations included experiences of reduced mouth‐breathing and oral dryness. The situations were often successfully managed by mimicking daytime movements, changing sleeping position, adjusting the CPAP‐device and mask, increasing oral hygiene efforts, drinking water, using a humidifier or chinstrap, or contacting their oral healthcare clinic. Long‐term experience of persons with continuous positive airway pressure‐treated obstructive sleep apnea regard situations and actions from everyday life. Successful management can contribute to long‐term adherence and decrease negative effects on oral health. More interdisciplinary collaborations could enable identification and adequate recommendations for persons who experience negative situations during their continuous positive airway pressure treatment.
Characterizing Elder Abuse in the UK: A Description of Cases Reported to a National Helpline

The abuse of older adults by someone in a position of trust—also known as elder abuse (EA)—has a severe impact on victims and society. However, knowledge about EA in the UK is limited in comparison to other types of interpersonal violence and international knowledge. The present study utilized secondary data from a UK national EA helpline to investigate the characteristics of reported cases. Over a one-year period between 2017 and 2018, 1,623 records met inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics are provided to describe this sample. Most cases reported to the helpline pertained to female victims, suffering from financial or psychological abuse. Co-occurrence of different abuse types was common. Findings provide updated knowledge about the phenomenology of EA cases in the UK. Recommendations are provided for advancing research in this area, including the need for examining cases across longer periods of time with a view to informing practice and policy.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of three risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain: age, sex and preoperative pain.

BACKGROUND Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a common and disabling postoperative complication. Several risk factors for CPSP have been established, but it is unclear whether they are significant for any type of surgery. This systematic review aimed to assess the risk of CPSP related to three known preoperative risk factors "age, sex and preoperative pain" in the adult population after any type of elective non-obstetrical surgery. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed and EMBASE databases retrieving 1458 abstracts; 320 publications were screened and 71 papers were included. Odds ratios were combined across studies and quality of evidence graded using GRADE. Sub-groups comparisons were conducted for type of surgery, time point for CPSP and definition of CPSP. RESULTS The pooled unadjusted ORs were 1.34 for female sex, 2.43 for preoperative pain at surgical site, 1.75 for preoperative pain elsewhere and 3.95 for preoperative pain at an unspecified site. The pooled unadjusted OR for age was 2.04 in the younger (age midpoint < 40 years) compared with the older population of patients (age midpoint > 62.5 years). In the subgroup analysis, preoperative pain was a more important risk factor for orthopedic surgery and age for breast surgery. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review confirms that younger age, female sex, and preoperative pain are associated with higher risk of developing CPSP in any type of elective non-obstetrical surgery. However, effect sizes are small and quality of evidence low-moderate only, limiting comparisons of different types of surgery.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Are Associated With a Lower Risk of Progression From Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia

Background: Previous studies found that antihypertensive medications (AHMs) acting on the renin-angiotensin system had the potential to reduce the progression from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. However, it remains unclear whether this association differs between ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative among 403 participants with hypertension and mild cognitive impairment at baseline. Information on AHMs received during the follow-up period, including angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, were self-reported. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for potential confounders were used in the time to event analysis with progression to dementia as outcome. Results: Of the 403 participants, the mean (SD) age was 74.0 (7.3) years, 152 (37.7%) were female, 158 (39.2%) progressed to dementia over a median follow-up time of 3.0 years. Angiotensin receptor blockers were associated with a lower risk of progression to dementia as compared to ACE inhibitors (adjusted hazard ratio=0.45 [95% CI, 0.25–0.81]; P=0.023), other classes of AHMs (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.27–0.89]; P=0.037), and none of AHMs (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.16–0.58]; P=0.001). Conclusions: In patients with hypertension and mild cognitive impairment, angiotensin receptor blockers were associated with a lower risk of progression to dementia compared with ACE inhibitors and other classes of AHMs. Our findings may have important implications for clinical practice but still warrant further investigations in larger prospective cohorts or clinical trials.
POPULASI MIKROBA DAN SIFAT FISIK DAGING SAPI BEKU SELAMA PENYIMPANAN

This study was aims to determine the microbial population and physical characteristics of frozen beef at different storage time. Fifteen sample packs of meat each 250 grams were used in the experiment which was conducted as One Way Experiment using a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments ( 0 week of frozen storage/freshmeat as a control, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks), each treatment with three replications. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Parameters measured were bacterial total count, meat pH, water holding capacity, cooking loss and tenderness (shear force). The results showed that the meat pH, water holding capacity, cooking loss were not significantly affected by storage time of frozen beef. While the bacterial total count and tenderness (shear force) significantly affected by storage time of frozen beef. The study concluded that the storage of frozen beef for 8 weeks did not reduce the physical characteristics of meat. Key words: frozen storage, the physical characteristics of meat, microbial populations.