Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of reducing processed culinary ingredients and ultra-processed foods in the Brazilian diet: a cardiovascular modelling study

Abstract Objective To estimate the impact of reducing saturated fat, trans-fat, salt and added sugar from processed culinary ingredients and ultra-processed foods in the Brazilian diet on preventing cardiovascular deaths by 2030. Design A modelling study. Setting Data were obtained from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey 2008/2009. All food items purchased were categorized into food groups according to the NOVA classification. We estimated the energy and nutrient profile of foods then used the IMPACT Food Policy model to estimate the reduction in deaths from CVD up to 2030 in three scenarios. In Scenario A, we assumed that the intakes of saturated fat, trans-fat, salt and added sugar from ultra-processed foods and processed culinary ingredients were reduced by a quarter. In Scenario B, we assumed a reduction of 50 % of the same nutrients in ultra-processed foods and processed culinary ingredients. In Scenario C, we reduced the same nutrients in ultra-processed foods by 75 % and in processed culinary ingredients by 50 %. Results Approximately 390 400 CVD deaths might be expected in 2030 if current mortality patterns persist. Under Scenarios A, B and C, CVD mortality can be reduced by 5·5, 11·0 and 29·0 %, respectively. The main impact is on stroke with a reduction of approximately 6·0, 12·6 and 32·0 %, respectively. Conclusions Substantial potential exists for reducing the CVD burden through overall improvements of the Brazilian diet. This might require reducing the penetration of ultra-processed foods by means of regulatory policies, as well as improving the access to and promotion of fresh and minimally processed foods.
Exoskeleton robots for upper-limb rehabilitation

In this paper, the design of a new upper limb rehabilitation system is presented. The developed system is an exoskeleton with two degrees of freedom that can be used for diagnosis, physical therapy, and outcome evaluation. The system is dedicated to the patients with paraplegia of their upper extremities due to stroke or any disorders of the central or peripheral nervous system. The designed robot-aided therapy actuates both movements: flexion/extension for the elbow and pronation/supination for the forearm. The robotic system used Kinects skeletal tracking for an upper limb rehabilitation. Position control is communicated via a wireless network. Indeed a ZigBee protocol using xbee communication modules has been installed to ensure remote control of rehabilitation exercise. A kinematic model has been developed based on Denavit-Hartenberg approach to make first tests. A sliding mode robust law control has been implemented. The Lyapunov-based approach has been used to establish the system asymptotic stability. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate performances of the developed robot of upper limb remote rehabilitation.
Friedreich's ataxia: Point mutations and clinical presentation of compound heterozygotes

Friedreich's ataxia is the most common inherited ataxia. Ninety‐six percent of patients are homozygous for GAA trinucleotide repeat expansions in the first intron of the frataxin gene. The remaining cases are compound heterozygotes for a GAA expansion and a frataxin point mutation. We report here the identification of 10 novel frataxin point mutations, and the detection of a previously described mutation (G130V) in two additional families. Most truncating mutations were in exon 1. All missense mutations were in the last three exons coding for the mature frataxin protein. The clinical features of 25 patients with identified frataxin point mutations were compared with those of 196 patients homozygous for the GAA expansion. A similar phenotype resulted from truncating mutations and from missense mutations in the carboxy‐terminal half of mature frataxin, suggesting that they cause a comparable loss of function. In contrast, the only two missense mutations located in the amino‐terminal half of mature frataxin (D122Y and G130V) cause an atypical and milder clinical presentation (early‐onset spastic gait with slow disease progression, absence of dysarthria, retained or brisk tendon reflexes, and mild or no cerebellar ataxia), suggesting that they only partially affect frataxin function. The incidence of optic disk pallor was higher in compound heterozygotes than in expansion homozygotes, which might correlate with a very low residual level of normal frataxin produced from the expanded allele. Ann Neurol 1999;45:200–206
Differences in atherosclerosis according to area level socioeconomic deprivation: cross sectional, population based study

Objectives To examine the relation between area level social deprivation and ultrasound markers of atherosclerosis (common carotid intima-media thickness and plaque score), and to determine whether any differences can be explained by “classic” (currently recognised) or “emerging” (novel) cardiovascular risk factors. Design Cross sectional, population based study. Setting NHS Greater Glasgow Health Board area. Participants 666 participants were selected on the basis of how their area ranked in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2004. Approximately equal numbers of participants from the most deprived areas and the least deprived areas were included, as well as equal numbers of men and women and equal numbers of participants from each age group studied (35-44, 45-54, and 55-64 years). Main outcome measures Carotid intima-media thickness and plaque score, as detected by ultrasound. Results The mean age and sex adjusted intima-media thickness was significantly higher in participants from the most deprived areas than in those from the least deprived areas (0.70 mm (standard deviation (SD) 0.16 mm) v 0.68 mm (SD 0.12 mm); P=0.015). On subgroup analysis, however, this difference was only apparent in the highest age tertile in men (56.3-66.5 years). The difference in unadjusted mean plaque score between participants from the most deprived and those from the least deprived areas was more striking than the difference in intima-media thickness (least deprived 1.0 (SD 1.5) v most deprived 1.7 (SD 2.0); P<0.0001). In addition, a significant difference in plaque score was apparent in the two highest age tertiles in men (46.8-56.2 years and 56.3-66.5 years; P=0.0073 and P<0.001) and the highest age tertile in women (56.3-66.5 years; P<0.001). The difference in intima-media thickness between most deprived and least deprived males remained significant after adjustment for classic risk factors, emerging risk factors, and individual level markers of socioeconomic status (P=0.010). Adjustment for classic risk factors and emerging cardiovascular risk factors, either alone or in combination, did not abolish the deprivation based difference in plaque presence (as a binary measure; adjusted odds ratio of 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 2.82). However, adjustment for classic risk factors and individual level markers of early life socioeconomic status abolished the difference in plaque presence between the most deprived and the least deprived individuals (adjusted odds ratio 0.94, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.65; P=0.84). Conclusions Deprivation is associated with increased carotid plaque score and intima-media thickness. The association of deprivation with atherosclerosis is multifactorial and not adequately explained by classic or emerging risk factors.
Exploring the potential for common European politics: cross-national commonalities and differences in the European constitutional referendums

ABSTRACT The European Union and especially European political integration have increasingly become subject to public contestation. The need to build consensus across different national polities severely limits elites’ policy options. In this article we investigate the potential to build cross-national coalitions among the European public using data on the referendums on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (TCE). We argue that existing cleavage structures should create both opportunities and hurdles for cross-national cooperation and investigate these patterns in all countries where referendums took place (Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). Using binary logistic regressions we find that strong common patterns, especially along party-political lines, co-exist with country-specific factors. These results demonstrate some potential for a supra-national European political space and discourse and that political parties could play a central part in that process.
Anal Sphincter Injury: Management and Results of Parks Sphincter Repair

The surgical management of a consecutive series of 97 patients with complete division of the anal sphincter musculature is reported. The sphincter damage followed operative, traumatic, or obstetric injury and resulted in frank fecal incontinence or the urgent necessity of a defunctioning colostomy. All patients were treated by delayed sphincter repair using an overlapping technique; in 93 the repair was protected by a temporary defunctioning stoma. There were no deaths. The repair, was completely successful in 65 (78%) and partially successful in 11 (13%) of the 83 patients assessed from 4 to 116 months after surgery. Complications occurred in 27 patients but did not usually affect the eventual clinical outcome. Provided there has been no major neurological damage to the sphincter complex, surgical reconstruction can be expected to restore continence in most patients.
New insights on the antidepressant discontinuation syndrome

Antidepressants are at best 50–55% effective. Non‐compliance and the antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) are causally related yet poorly appreciated. While ADS is associated with most antidepressants, agomelatine seems to be devoid of such risk. We review the neurobiology and clinical consequences of antidepressant non‐compliance and the ADS. Agomelatine is presented as a counterpoint to learn more on how ADS risk is determined by pharmacokinetics and pharmacology.
Identification of Mycobacterial Surface Proteins Released into Subcellular Compartments of Infected Macrophages

ABSTRACT Considerable effort has focused on the identification of proteins secreted from Mycobacterium spp. that contribute to the development of protective immunity. Little is known, however, about the release of mycobacterial proteins from the bacterial phagosome and the potential role of these molecules in chronically infected macrophages. In the present study, the release of mycobacterial surface proteins from the bacterial phagosome into subcellular compartments of infected macrophages was analyzed. Mycobacterium bovis BCG was surface labeled with fluorescein-tagged succinimidyl ester, an amine-reactive probe. The fluorescein tag was then used as a marker for the release of bacterial proteins in infected macrophages. Fractionation studies revealed bacterial proteins within subcellular compartments distinct from mycobacteria and mycobacterial phagosomes. To identify these proteins, subcellular fractions free of bacteria were probed with mycobacterium-specific antibodies. The fibronectin attachment protein and proteins of the antigen 85-kDa complex were identified among the mycobacterial proteins released from the bacterial phagosome.
Well‐Being, Deprivation, and the Great Recession in the U.S.: A Study in a Multidimensional Framework

We study changes in social well&#8208;being and deprivation in the U.S. during the Great Recession and the subsequent recovery. We outline an analytical framework for measuring well&#8208;being and deprivation in a multidimensional fashion when data on achievement in each dimension is assumed to be ordinal and binary in nature. We use data from the American Community Survey between 2008 and 2015 and find that there was a decline in social well&#8208;being and a rise in social deprivation in the U.S. during the recession followed by a reversal of trends during the recovery. Despite low deprivation levels among the White population, this population experienced the largest increase in deprivation during the recession and the least decline in deprivation in the recovery period. These results underscore the fact that the impact of recession and the subsequent recovery varied significantly across population groups.
Scanning micromirror using deformation of a Parylene-Encapsulated Liquid Structure

This paper presents a scanning micromirror using deformation of a parylene-encapsulated liquid structure (PELS). Silicone fluid is put between a silicon plate and an electrode-patterned plate. Both of the plates and liquid are encapsulated by a parylene membrane. Gold is deposited on the surface of the parylene membrane to fabricate an upper electrode. By applying voltage between the upper and lower electrodes, the encapsulated liquid is deformed and the silicon plate is tilted. The silicon plate is supported by the PELS, instead of usual torsion beams. When a set of four appropriately synchronized voltages is applied between the four lower electrodes and the upper electrode, two dimensional scanning motion is achieved.
Hip Range of Motion Is Lower in Professional Soccer Players With Hip and Groin Symptoms or Previous Injuries, Independent of Cam Deformities

Background: Soccer (football) players often have hip and groin symptoms (HGS), and a previous groin injury is a risk factor for a relapse. Decreased hip range of motion (HROM) has been related to both hip and groin pain and the presence of a cam deformity. How these factors interact is unknown. Purpose: The first aim was to study whether HGS are associated with HROM. The second aim was to study the association of the presence of a cam deformity with HROM. Additionally, the influence of a cam deformity on the relationship between HGS and HROM was examined. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Seasonal screening data of 2 professional soccer clubs were used. Variables for HGS were current hip or groin pain, the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), and previous hip- and groin-related time-loss injuries (HGTIs). HROM was determined for hip internal rotation (IR), external rotation, and total rotation (TR) in the supine position and for the bent knee fall out (BKFO) test. A cam deformity was defined by an alpha angle >60° on standardized anteroposterior pelvic and frog-leg lateral radiographs. Results: Sixty players (mean [±SD] age, 23.1 ± 4.2 years) were included. All were noninjured at the time of screening. Current hip or groin pain was not associated with HROM. Hips of players in the lowest HAGOS interquartile range (thus most affected by complaints; n = 12) showed less IR (23.9° ± 8.7° vs 28.9° ± 7.8°, respectively; P = .036) and TR (58.2° ± 13.5° vs 65.6° ± 11.8°, respectively; P = .047) than those in the highest interquartile range (n = 29). No such differences were found for BKFO (P = .417). Hips of players with a previous HGTI showed less IR (21.1° ± 6.8° vs 28.3° ± 8.9°, respectively; P < .001) and TR (56.0° ± 8.2° vs 64.5° ± 13.6°, respectively; P < .001) than those without a previous HGTI. This was independent of the presence of a cam deformity. BKFO did not differ between groups (P = .983). Hips with a cam deformity showed less but nonsignificant IR (25.5° ± 10.3° vs 29.0° ± 7.1°, respectively; P = .066) and TR (P = .062) and higher but nonsignificant BKFO values (17.1 cm ± 3.4 cm vs 14.2 cm ± 4.6 cm, respectively; P = .078) than those without a cam deformity. Conclusion: Decreased HROM in professional soccer players is associated with more hip- and groin-related symptoms and with previous injuries, independent of the presence of a cam deformity.
An approach of optimal design of HTS synchronous motor using genetic algorithm

This paper describes an optimal design of 100 HP, 4 pole, 1800 rpm high temperature superconducting (HTS) synchronous motor in terms of energy efficiency and downsizing, i.e., specific power density. Bi-2223/Ag multifilamentary tape is used as a material of HTS field coil. Design variables and constraints are appropriately set up in consideration of electromagnetic characteristics. Size of the rotor and the stator is calculated with fundamental expressions based on the two-dimensional electromagnetic analysis. As an optimization technique to obtain the dimension of optimal specific power density or energy efficiency of the HTS motor, genetic algorithm (GA) which is well-known as aglobal optimal technique modeled on the concept of natural selection and evolution has been used. Electrical characteristics such as efficiency and V-curve for the HTS motor optimally designed are also investigated.
The diagnosis of visual field progression in glaucoma

The detection of true visual field deterioration in glaucoma is of fundamental importance but is limited by inherent variability of the measurements. New techniques have been developed that use powerful statistical regression analysis methods to objectively quantify progression of visual field defects. These have been combined with new methods of graphical presentation to reveal the spatial distribution in the visual field of deterioration. New measurement techniques utilizing blue-on-yellow, flicker, and motion stimuli provide further advantages and may be combined with regression analysis to improve the early detection of real progression of visual field loss.
The relationships linking age and body mass to vital rates : a comparative perspective in birds and mammals

Les individus varient en termes de taux de survie et de taux de reproduction. Les variations de ces taux vitaux peuvent etre reliees aux caracteristiques des individus tel que la masse et l’âge. Des modeles demographiques ont ete developpe pour prendre en compte ces variations dans les populations naturelles et permettre de faire des predictions pour gerer les populations naturelles. Cependant, la quantite de donnees demographiques necessaire pour construire ces modeles n’est pas disponible dans toutes les populations. Pour surmonter ce probleme, j’ai pendant ma these decrit les patrons generaux des relations reliant l’âge et la masse aux taux vitaux chez les mammiferes et les oiseaux. En utilisant les donnees de la litterature, j’ai pu decrire les patrons generaux de ces relations et mis en evidence les facteurs biologiques pouvant expliquer les variations de ces relations entre les especes et les populations. Dans un premier temps je me suis concentrer sur le lien entre la masse des individus et leurs taux vitaux. J’ai montre un effet positif de la masse des jeunes sur la survie des jeunes. J’ai ensuite mis evidence l’effet des differentes causes de mortalite sur cette relation avec par exemple un effet negatif de la predation sur l’intensite de cette relation. J’ai ensuite montre un effet positif de la masse de la mere sur la masse du jeune et enfin que la probabilite de reproduction d’une femelle est impactee positivement par sa masse. Dans une seconde partie, je me suis concentre sur le lien entre l’âge et la survie chez les mammiferes. Pour decrire ce lien, nous avons construit une base de donnees MALDDABA compilant les relations reliant l’âge aux taux vitaux chez les populations naturelles de mammiferes que nous avons extraits de tables de vie issues de la litterature. En utilisant ces donnees, nous avons demontre que les femelles vivent en moyenne plus longtemps que les mâles chez les mammiferes en milieu naturelles. J’ai enfin decrit les avantages at les inconvenients des differentes metriques de longevite et propose de nouvelles methodes pour decrire la relation entre l’âge et le taux de mortalite. Avec cette these, je mets en avant l’utilisation des approches comparatives pour mieux comprendre quels sont les facteurs qui influence la dynamique des populations naturelles
Preclinical dosimetry of magnetic fluid hyperthermia for bladder cancer

Background Despite positive efficacy, thermotherapy is not widely used in clinical oncology. Difficulties associated with field penetration and controlling power deposition patterns in heterogeneous tissue have limited its use for heating deep in the body. Heat generation using iron-oxide super-paramagnetic nanoparticles excited with magnetic fields has been demonstrated to overcome some of these limitations. The objective of this preclinical study is to investigate the feasibility of treating bladder cancer with magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) by analyzing the thermal dosimetry of nanoparticle heating in a rat bladder model. Methods The bladders of 25 female rats were injected with 0.4 ml of Actium Biosystems magnetite-based nanoparticles (Actium Biosystems, Boulder CO) via catheters inserted in the urethra. To assess the distribution of nanoparticles in the rat after injection we used the 7 T small animal MRI system (Bruker ClinScan, Bruker BioSpin MRI GmbH, Ettlingen, Germany). Heat treatments were performed with a small animal magnetic field applicator (Actium Biosystems, Boulder CO) with a goal of raising bladder temperature to 42°C in <10min and maintaining for 60min. Temperatures were measured throughout the rat with seven fiberoptic temperature probes (OpSens Technologies, Quebec Canada) to characterize our ability to localize heat within the bladder target. Results The MRI study confirms the effectiveness of the catheterization procedure to homogenously distribute nanoparticles throughout the bladder. Thermal dosimetry data demonstrate our ability to controllably raise temperature of rat bladder >1°C/min to a steady-state of 42°C. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that a MFH system provides well-localized heating of rat bladder with effective control of temperature in the bladder and minimal heating of surrounding tissues.
Volatility Clustering, Leverage Effects and Risk-Return Trade-Off in the Nigerian Stock Market

The configurations of volatility and leverage effect in financial markets play important roles in portfolio management, especially in asset allocation, asset pricing, portfolio selection, portfolio diversification, and risk management. This paper examines the phenomenon of volatility clustering and leverage effect (asymmetry) in stock returns of the Nigerian stock market, using the daily All Shares Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange during the 7-year period, covering 4th January 2010 through 2nd August 2016. Descriptive statistics, Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH (1.1) and Glosten, Jagannathan and Runkle Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GJR-GARCH (1.1) were employed in the data estimation. The results affirm the presence of volatility clustering, persistent clustering and significant leverage effects of stock returns in the Nigerian stock market. The findings have policy implications for the regulation and policy expediency of measures that progressively checkmate the patterns of volatility in the Nigerian stock market as well as control negative news (such as insecurity, political instability, and macroeconomic policy inconsistency) which largely increase the level of market uncertainty and investors’ exposure to risks in the market.