Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multimorbidity in cardiovascular disease and association with life satisfaction: a Chinese national cross-sectional study

Background The coexistence of multiple chronic conditions is very common in cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the prevalence of CVD multimorbidity in China and its influence on life satisfaction have not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the proportions of 12 chronic comorbid diseases in CVD and the associations of multimorbidity with life satisfaction in patients with CVD. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in a nationally representative sample of 3478 participants with CVD aged 45 years or more who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2015. Correlations of multimorbidity with 12 chronic diseases in CVD and life satisfaction were investigated using logistic regression models, after adjusting for 12 covariates. Results The proportion of multimorbidity among participants with CVD was 93.3% (89.4% for middle-aged adults and 95.4% for older adults; 92.9% for men and 93.5% for women). The proportion of participants with CVD multimorbidity who were dissatisfied with life was 11.2%, significantly higher than those without any chronic diseases (χ2=5.147, p=0.023). Life satisfaction in patients with CVD decreased with increased number of comorbidities (χ2=45.735, p<0.001). Kidney disease (OR=1.933, 95% CI: 1.483 to 2.521), memory-related diseases (MRDs) (OR=1.695, 95% CI: 1.149 to 2.501) and dyslipidaemia (OR=1.346, 95% CI: 1.048 to 1.729) were significantly associated with reduced life satisfaction when adjusting for 12 covariates. Conclusions In this nationally representative cross-sectional study, life satisfaction was reduced by multimorbidity of CVD. Kidney disease had the greatest influence on life satisfaction in patients with CVD, followed by dyslipidaemia and MRDs. Our study emphasises the importance of preventing of chronic diseases in adults with CVD.
Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid–Extractable Micronutrients Status in Soil under a Rice–Wheat System and Their Relationship with Soil Properties in Different Agroclimatic Zones of Indo‐Gangetic Plains of India

Available micronutrient status of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe) in surface soil samples under a rice–wheat system collected from farmers' fields in 40 districts representing different agroclimatic zones of the Indo‐Gangetic Plain (IGP) were determined. The selection of farmers, villages, blocks, and districts within an agroclimatic zone was made on the basis of a multistage statistical approach. In Trans‐Gangetic Plains, the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable Zn ranged from 0.11 to 5.08, Cu ranged from 0.22 to 4.72, Mn ranged from 2.9 to 101.2, and Fe ranged from 1.05 to 97.9 mg kg−1. In the Upper Gangetic Plains, the DTPA‐extractable Zn ranged from 0.04 to 2.53, Cu ranged from 0.06 to 4.32, Mn ranged from 11.1 to 421.0, and Fe ranged from 3.48 to 90.2 mg kg−1. In the Middle Gangetic Plains, the DTPA‐extractable Zn ranged from 0.17 to 8.60, Cu ranged from 0.09 to 7.80, Mn ranged from 3.0 to 155.1, and Fe ranged from 9.22 to 256.7 mg kg−1. In the Lower Gangetic Plains, the DTPA‐extractable Zn ranged from 0.04 to 3.46, Cu ranged from 0.21 to 4.38, Mn ranged from 9.54 to 252.2, and Fe ranged from 3.60 to 182.5 mg kg−1. The intensively cultivated Trans‐Gangetic transect representing the midplain and Siwalik had more available micronutrients than the arid plain. Midplain and arid plain showed 17 to 20% of soil samples were low to medium in Zn and 5 and 8% were low in Fe. In the Upper Gangetic Plains, only 25% samples were deficient in Zn, especially in central and southwest plains. In the Middle Gangetic Plains, 20 to 30% of samples were deficient in Zn, and very few samples were deficient in other micronutrients. In the Lower Gangetic Plains, a majority of the samples were medium to high in micronutrients except in Barind and Rarh Plains where 30% of samples were deficient in Zn. In the Lower Gangetic Plains, the available micronutrients were plentiful. Available micronutrients increased with increase in organic C content and decreased with increase in sand content, pH, and calcium carbonate. These soils are alluvial in nature, and there was no definite pattern of micronutrient distribution with depth in the profile. However, there was more accumulation in the Ap horizon than in the B horizon.
Cereal beta-glucans: an underutilized health endorsing food ingredient

Abstract Cereal β-glucan describes a group of soluble dietary fiber primarily found in barley and oats. It is characterized by the mixed occurrence of β-(1,3) and β-(1,4) bonds between the glucose monomers, forming long polysaccharide chains with unique properties. Alongside their technological benefits, they exhibit a number of health–beneficial properties. Nevertheless, β-glucan applications as nutraceutical food ingredient, are rarely utilized. The changes in physicochemical (molar mass, solubility and viscosity) and health–beneficial (glycemic control, lowering of blood glucose) properties during food processing and storage are a major drawback. The understanding of the complex mechanisms behind the health benefits of β-glucan is still incomplete. In contrast to original believes, it becomes evident from recent literature, that physiological properties are not only based on the dose administered. A more thorough view on the molecule and its structure–size–function relationship is required to understand the impact of molar mass, molar ratio, solubility and viscosity. Therefore, this review evaluates the recent scientific data to identify β-glucan key properties responsible for the nutraceutical function in the final product. This provides a guideline for future research which characteristics need careful monitoring and preservation throughout processing and help to fully utilize cereal β-glucan as nutraceutical ingredient.
Natural variation in the promoter of GsERD15B affects salt tolerance in soybean

Summary Salt stress has detrimental effects on crop growth and yield, and the area of salt‐affected land is increasing. Soybean is a major source of vegetable protein, oil and feed, but considered as a salt‐sensitive crop. Cultivated soybean (Glycine max) is domesticated from wild soybean (G. soja) but lost considerable amount of genetic diversity during the artificial selection. Therefore, it is important to exploit the gene pool of wild soybean. In this study, we identified 34 salt‐tolerant accessions from wild soybean germplasm and found that a 7‐bp insertion/deletion (InDel) in the promoter of GsERD15B (early responsive to dehydration 15B) significantly affects the salt tolerance of soybean. GsERD15B encodes a protein with transcriptional activation function and contains a PAM2 domain to mediate its interaction with poly(A)‐binding (PAB) proteins. The 7‐bp deletion in GsERD15B promoter enhanced the salt tolerance of soybean, with increased up‐regulation of GsERD15B, two GmPAB genes, the known stress‐related genes including GmABI1, GmABI2, GmbZIP1, GmP5CS, GmCAT4, GmPIP1:6, GmMYB84 and GmSOS1 in response to salt stress. We propose that natural variation in GsERD15B promoter affects soybean salt tolerance, and overexpression of GsERD15B enhanced salt tolerance probably by increasing the expression levels of genes related to ABA‐signalling, proline content, catalase peroxidase, dehydration response and cation transport.
Sensory characteristics of ham and their relationships with composition, visco-elasticity and strength

Summary Fifty-two ham samples were assessed by a trained panel of ten assessors for appearance, texture and flavour using twenty-two descriptive and three hedonic scales. Generalized Procrustes analysis was used to reveal the spatial configuration of the samples, taking account of differences between individual assessors. The first principal axis accounted for 33% of the overall variation and was related to ‘plastic’ and gelatinous appearance, and firm texture. The second principle axis accounted for 17% of the variation and was related to rubbery, firm, plastic and cohesive texture descriptors, and plastic appearance. The third principal axis accounted for 10% of the variation and was related to the appearance and flavour of the product with dominant colour, fatness and saltiness prominent. The mechanical properties were characterized as shear strength, tensile strength and by a model of visco-elasticity. Firmness increased with shear strength and the gelatinous, plastic appearance was related to the amount of bound water. Cohesiveness and rubberiness increased with ultimate tensile strength and total water content. The equilibrium modulus and principal relaxation times characterized the first two principal axes and gave a good indication of the texture of the products. Ninety-one per cent of the variation in the combined overall hedonic scores was accounted for by the first principal axis—the preferred ham having a firmer, meaty texture. Shear strength and bound moisture were the two best single mechanical indices of this overall liking.
Childhood Maltreatment and Narcissism: The Mediating Role of Dissociation

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is thought to be linked to adult narcissistic traits. However, it remains unclear how CM is associated with each type of narcissism, vulnerable and grandiose, and what mechanism mediates these links. One potential candidate is dissociation. This study examines the relations among CM, dissociation, vulnerable narcissism, and grandiose narcissism. A total of 322 women completed self-reported questionnaires assessing CM, dissociation, vulnerable narcissism, and grandiose narcissism. To examine the relations among CM, dissociation, and each type of narcissism, we performed Pearson’s correlations and mediation analyses. In secondary analyses, we conducted latent class analyses to classify different types of CM and to assess their relations with the study variables. We found small to moderate correlations between CM and vulnerable narcissism, (r = .35, p < .001) and CM and grandiose narcissism (r = .2, p < .001), with the former association being greater than the latter (z = –3.25, p < .001). Dissociation was found to mediate the link between CM and each type of narcissism (p < .001). Results suggest that CM may play a role in the etiology of vulnerable and grandiose narcissism, and that dissociation links CM to each type of narcissism. Findings highlight that CM may lead to different responses in terms of narcissism—through the same mediation process.
Definitive radiotherapy for meningeal brainstem melanocytoma: a case report

Abstract Meningeal melanocytomas are rare, benign tumours of the central nervous system arising from the melanocytes of the leptomeninges. First-line treatment consists of either gross or subtotal resection with or without radiotherapy. However, given the sensitive locations of these tumours, alternative treatment options such as definitive radiotherapy may be warranted in patients deemed high-risk or without accessible tumours. A 67-year-old male presenting with spastic gait, frequent falls, and vertical gaze palsy was diagnosed with a 2.4 cm primary meningeal melanocytoma arising from the interpeduncular fossa. Given the critical tumour position within the brainstem, definitive radiotherapy was recommended. He received fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) to a total dose of 54 Gy in 27 fractions, resulting in a gradual improvement in gait and ocular range of motion. Follow-up imaging over the next three years revealed largely stable disease and an increase in edema with mild upper extremity weakness that improved with steroids. He was followed for three years and expired four years after treatment due to pneumonia. For patients unable to receive surgical resection, definitive RT may provide local control with minimal morbidity.
Occupational Performance Coaching for Mothers of Children with Disabilities in India

Background. Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) aims to help mothers plan and manage theirs and their children’s occupational performance. Purpose. To assess the effectiveness of OPC in improving occupational performance and parenting competence of mothers of children with disabilities in an Indian context. Method. Mixed method design was used. Thirty-six mothers were assigned to intervention or control groups. Occupational performance and parenting competence were measured at three time points. Semi-structured interviews were used. Findings. OPC had significant effects on children’s occupational performance (p < 0.001), mothers’ occupational performance (p < 0.001), and self-competence (p = 0.003). There was also a significant difference between control and intervention groups in occupational performance (p = 0.001) and satisfaction (p = 0.003). Interviews revealed three themes: acceptance, self-learning, and challenges during OPC. Implications. OPC is effective in improving the occupational performance and parenting competence of mothers of children with disabilities in varied cultural contexts.
PTSD Improvement Associated with Social Connectedness in Gerofit Veterans Exercise Program

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in Veterans. Symptoms can perpetuate into late life, negatively impacting physical and mental health. Exercise and social support are beneficial in treating anxiety disorders such as PTSD in the general population, although less is known about the impact on Veterans who have lived with PTSD for decades. This study assessed associations between social connectedness, physical function and self‐reported change in PTSD symptoms among older Veterans specifically participating in Gerofit.
The Influence of Early Childhood Temperament on Later Social-Emotional Functioning in Youth with Cancer.

OBJECTIVE One of the peak incidences of childhood cancer is during the early childhood years. This is also an important time for psychosocial and personality development, and it is well known that early childhood temperament influences later psychosocial functioning. However, this association has not been examined in young children with cancer. METHODS Parents of children with cancer (N = 39) and healthy comparisons (N = 35) completed an indicator of temperament (Children's Behavior Questionnaire) when children were young (Mage=4.99 ± 1.05 years). Five years later, parents and youth completed measures of psychosocial functioning (Mage=10.15 ± 1.10 years; Behavior Assessment Scale for Children, 2nd edition and Social Emotional Assets and Resilience Scale). RESULTS Parents of healthy comparisons reported that their children demonstrated greater surgency than youth with cancer; there were no differences in negative affect or effortful control. Children with cancer and healthy comparisons were rated similarly on measures of psychosocial functioning. Health status was not a significant predictor of later functioning, but socioeconomic status and temperament were. The influence of temperament was stronger for strengths-based functioning (e.g., social competence, adaptive functioning) versus distress (internalizing and externalizing problems). CONCLUSIONS Early childhood temperament is a strong predictor of later psychosocial functioning, regardless of health status. Findings highlight the need to consider temperament in the clinical assessment of psychosocial functioning in children with cancer. Additional research is needed to specifically assess how a diagnosis of cancer in early childhood influences temperament over time.
Association between changes in mammographic density category and the risk of breast cancer: A nationwide cohort study in East‐Asian women

Breast density is strongly associated with breast cancer risk; however, studies on the association between density changes and breast cancer risk have controversial results. The aim of our study was to determine the association between breast density changes and breast cancer risk in East‐Asian women. We included 3 301 279 women aged ≥40 years screened for breast cancer twice during 2009 to 2010 and 2011 to 2012. Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. Breast density was evaluated using the Breast Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS). Relative risk (RR) and 5‐year risk of developing breast cancer according to density category changes were calculated. Overall, 23.0% of the women had a higher breast density and 22.2% of the women had a lower breast density in second screening compared to the first. An increase in the BI‐RADS density category between two subsequent mammographic screenings was associated with an increase in breast cancer risk and vice versa in terms of RR. The 5‐year breast cancer risk was affected by the initial BI‐RADS density category, changes in density category and patients' characteristics such as age, menopausal status and family history of breast cancer. In patients with breast cancer family history, the 5‐year breast cancer risk was prominent, at a maximum of 2.39% (95% CI = 1.23‐3.55) in women with breast density category of 2 to 4. Changes in the BI‐RADS density category were associated with breast cancer risk. Longitudinal measures of BI‐RADS density may be helpful in identifying high‐risk women, especially those with a breast cancer family history.
Breastfeeding Experiences of Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Qualitative Study

Background Students returning to school who are breastfeeding face unique challenges. There is limited literature on breastfeeding university students. Several researchers have studied breastfeeding employees in the workplace. Institutions of higher education closely mimic the employment environment. Breastfeeding college students who express their milk while at school share similar challenges to employed mothers. A baccalaureate nursing program is rigorous and little is known about the challenges facing breastfeeding student nurses returning to classes. Research aim To explore the breastfeeding experience of baccalaureate nursing students. Methods Our study was a cross-sectional descriptive qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used to enroll participants (N = 12). In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data both manually and using Dedoose QDA software. Results An overarching theme of pervasive conflict between the role of the breastfeeding mother and the role of the student nurse surfaced. Three interrelated organizing themes also emerged; challenging, vulnerability, and resilience. Time constraints, self-care versus role demands, and structural accommodations contributed to the challenges. Only one participant indicated a knowledge of her breastfeeding rights. All of the participants expressed gratitude for faculty and community support, regardless of conflicts. Conclusion Breastfeeding participants were both vulnerable and resilient. Faculty may improve experiences through providing specific areas of support. A breastfeeding support policy outlining student rights and faculty responsibilities is needed to educate, guide, and enforce protections. Health care providers may enhance breastfeeding students’ experiences through anticipatory guidance, education, and continued support.
Characterising hillslope–stream connectivity with a joint event analysis of stream and groundwater levels

Abstract. Hillslope-stream connectivity controls runoff generation, both during events and baseflow conditions. However, assessing subsurface connectivity is a challenging task, as it occurs in the hidden subsurface domain where water flow cannot be easily observed. We therefore investigated if the results of a joint analysis of rainfall event responses of near-stream groundwater levels and stream water levels could serve as a viable proxy for hillslope-stream connectivity. The analysis focuses on the extent of response, correlations, lag times and synchronicity. A newly developed data analysis scheme of separating the aspects of (a) response timing and (b) extent of water level change provides new perspectives on the relationship between groundwater and stream responses. In a second step we investigated if this analysis can give an indication of hillslope-stream connectivity at the catchment scale. Stream- and groundwater levels were measured at five different hillslopes over 5 to 6 years. Using a new detection algorithm we extracted 706 rainfall response events for subsequent analysis. Carrying out this analysis in two different geological regions (schist and marls) allowed us to test the usefulness of the proxy under different hydrological settings while also providing insight into the geologically-driven differences in response behaviour. For rainfall events with low initial groundwater level, groundwater level responses often lag behind the stream with respect to the start of rise and the time of peak. This lag disappears at high antecedent groundwater levels. At low groundwater levels the relationship between groundwater and stream water level responses to rainfall are highly variable, while at high groundwater levels, above a certain threshold, this relationship tends to become more uniform. The same threshold was able to predict increased likelihood for high runoff coefficients, indicating a strong increase in connectivity once the groundwater level threshold was surpassed. The joint analysis of shallow near-stream groundwater and stream water levels provided information on the presence or absence and to a certain extent also on the degree of subsurface hillslope-stream connectivity. The underlying threshold processes were interpreted as transmissivity feedback in the marls and fill-and-spill in the schist. The value of these measurements is high, however, time series of several years and a large number of events are necessary to produce representative results. We also find that locally measured thresholds in groundwater levels can provide insight into catchment-scale connectivity and event response. If the location of the well is chosen wisely, a single time series of shallow groundwater can indicate if the catchment is in a state of high or low connectivity.
Description of demographic and clinical characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China.

BACKGROUND According to the clinical manifestation, tuberculosis (TB) is divided into pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). The incidence rate of EPTB has increased in many countries. The demographic and clinical characteristics of EPTB in China remain still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 5,624 hospitalized patients with positive M. tuberculosis culture between January 2008 and June 2013 in Shandong province. We investigated the epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characteristics of patients with EPTB. RESULTS Among 5,624 hospitalized TB patients with positive M. tuberculosis culture, 4,277 (76.05 %) had PTB, 618 (10.99 %) had EPTB, and 729 (12.96 %) had both PTB and EPTB. The proportion of EPTB increased significantly from 6.97 % in 2008 to 19.98 % in 2012 (p <0.001). The most frequent sites or foci of EPTB were pleura (63.27 %), followed by bone/joint (13.75 %), and lymph nodes (8.9 %). The mean duration of treatment for pleural TB was eight months and for EPTB in the other foci was more than 15 months. CONCLUSION The proportion of EPTB in Shandong province has significantly increased. Clinicians need to be aware of the trend and remain vigilant against EPTB. EPTB requires prolonged treatment, and clinical supervision should be strengthened to prevent drug resistance. HIPPOKRATIA 2020, 24(1): 27-32.