Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Syntaxin-1A gene single nucleotide polymorphism rs4717806 associates with the risk of ischemic heart disease

Abstract Ischemic heart disease (IHD) has a genetic predisposition and a number of cardiovascular risk factors are known to be affected by genetic factors. Development of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, strongly influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors, frequently occur in subjects with a genetic susceptibility. The definition of genetic factors influencing disease susceptibility would allow to identify individuals at higher risk and thus needing to be closely monitored. To this end, we focused on a complex of soluble-N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), playing an important role in metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, involved in endothelial dysfunction and heart disease. We assessed if genetic variants of the SNARE genes are associated with IHD. SNAP25 rs363050, Stx-1A rs4717806, rs2293489, and VAMP2 26bp ins/del genetic polymorphisms were analyzed in a cohort of 100 participants who underwent heart surgery; 56 of them were affected by IHD, while 44 were not. A statistical association of plasma glycemia and insulin resistance, calculated as Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, was observed in IHD (P < .001 and P = .03, respectively) after binomial logistic stepwise regression analysis, adjusted by age, gender, diabetes positivity, waist circumference, and cholesterol plasma level. Among genetic polymorphisms, rs4717806(A) and rs2293489(T), as well as the rs4717806 – rs2293489 (A-T) haplotype were associated with higher risk for IHD (Pc = .02; Pc = .02; P = .04, respectively). Finally, a statistical association of rs4717806(AA) genotype with higher TyG index in IHD patients (P = .03) was highlighted by multiple regression analysis considering log-transformed biochemical parameters as dependent variable and presence of coronary artery disease, age, gender, waist circumference, presence of diabetes as predictors. These results point to a role of the Stx-1A rs4717806 SNP in IHD, possibly due to its influence on Stx-1A expression and, as a consequence, on insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.
The puzzling case of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J00291+5934: flaring optical emission during quiescence

We present an optical (gri) study during quiescence of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar IGR J00291+5934 performed with the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) in August 2014. Although the source was in quiescence at the time of our observations, it showed a strong optical flaring activity, more pronounced in bluer filters (i.e. the g-band). After subtracting the flares, we tentatively recovered a sinusoidal modulation at the system orbital period in all bands, even when a significant phase shift with respect to an irradiated star, typical of accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars, was detected. We conclude that the observed flaring could be a manifestation of the presence of an accretion disc in the system. The observed light curve variability could be explained by the presence of a superhump, which might be another proof of the formation of an accretion disc. In particular, the disc at the time of our observations was probably preparing the new outburst of the source, which occurred a few months later, in 2015.
Does Air Pollution Matter for Low Birth Weight

There is growing concern that air pollution may impact the health of newborns. This study examines this issue by considering overtime variation generated by exogenous changes in the pollution level in Korea in early 2000, when some part of Korea experienced huge drop in air pollution. We matched the census of all births from 1998 to 2008 and air pollution data in motheri¯s residence county level. For air pollutants, we considered carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and ozone levels. The motheri¯s exposure to one ozone level above 0.12 ppm per hour during the first trimester increased the probability of low birth weight by 0.4 percentage point (0.08% of the sample mean). On the other hand, the motheri¯s exposure to carbon monoxide or sulfur dioxide during the third trimester led to a significant but modest increase in the probability of low birth weight. The results indicate that the effects of an air pollutant on the probability of low birth weight vary according to wh en the mother is exposed to the pollutant during the pregnancy.
A Novel Power System Reliability Predicting Model Based on PCA and RVM

The power system reliability is an important index to evaluate the ability of power supply. According to the characteristics of the practical grid operation, this paper trains and sets up power grid reliability predicting model, based on relevance vector machine, taking the load supplying capacity of power grid and natural calamities as input variables, and the outage time of power grid failure affecting the reliability of the power supply as output variables. In the modeling process, through principal component analysis of the training sample set of relevance vector machine, the input factor number of sample is improved, the input number of network is reduced, the network structure is simplified, and the predicting accuracy is increased. Simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, which show that it provides a new way for power system reliability predicting.
A Survey on Congestion Control for RPL-Based Wireless Sensor Networks

RPL (IPv6 routing protocol for low power and lossy networks) proposed by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) ROLL (routing over low-power and lossy networks) working group is a de facto standard routing protocol for IoT environments. Since the standardization was proposed, RPL has been extensively improved for diverse application scenarios and environments. Congestion control is one of the most important reasons why RPL has been improved. In an LLN (low power and lossy network), congestion may even lead to network lifetime reduction. In resource-constrained networks where end-to-end congestion control is not feasible, RPL should play a more crucial role in congestion control. In this survey, we review the RPL schemes proposed for congestion control and load-balancing and discuss future research directions.
Effects of nut and seed consumption on markers of glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Abstract The primary aim was to investigate the effects of nut and seed consumption on markers of glucose metabolism in adults with prediabetes. Studies with a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design, comparing the effects of a diet containing nuts or seeds against a diet without nuts or seeds in adults with prediabetes, were considered eligible. Primary outcome measures included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h plasma glucose during oral glucose tolerance test and glycated Hb (HbA1c) concentrations. Studies were identified by searching PubMed and Scopus electronic databases and by checking full texts and reference lists of relevant records. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. We included five RCT involving 371 adults with prediabetes or at risk of diabetes; three RCT investigated the effects of whole nut consumption and two the effects of ground flaxseed consumption. Consumption of 57 g/d pistachios or mean intake of 60 g/d almonds for 4 months improved FPG and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) concentrations, insulin resistance, cellular glucose uptake in lymphocytes and β-cell function. Consumption of 56 g/d walnuts for 6 months was not found to affect FPG or HbA1c concentrations. Consumption of 13 g/d flaxseed for 3 months improved FPG and FPI concentrations and insulin resistance. In a second study, however, flaxseed consumption was not found to affect markers of glucose metabolism. The risk of bias was generally low, thus the reported results could be reliable. Further investigation of nut and seed consumption effects in the field of prediabetes is warranted.
Goal setting in group programmes for long-term condition self-management support: experiences of patients and healthcare professionals

Abstract Objective: To examine group facilitators’ and participants’ experiences of and engagement with goal setting in long-term condition (LTC) self-management group programmes. Design: We conducted a qualitative mixed method study including 13 interviews with group facilitators, 20 interviews with group participants and content analysis of programme workbooks. Participant interviews explored their goals for managing their condition. Facilitator interviews explored their goals for participants. Data from the three sources were analysed inductively and thematically. Results: The three themes showed: 1. Participants have personal and meaningful biomedical, social and emotional goals and, facilitators believe these goals to be important and perceive them as integral to increasing motivation and self-responsibility; 2. Facilitators shape participants’ goals into pre-determined health behaviour change activities, disregarding social and emotional aspects; and 3. Participant disengagement from the goal setting process and questioning of the value of goal setting was evident. Conclusions: Patient engagement with goal setting may be less attainable when what matters to people is sidelined to focus on behaviour change goals and self-responsibility. Yet, supporting people to identify and pursue meaningful goals for living with LTCs is more likely to increase engagement and motivation. Stakeholders in group programme development and delivery should review their goal setting activities.
Effect of changes to the formal curriculum on medical students' motivation towards learning: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND One of the factors known to influence performance in the learning process is student motivation. In turn, students' motivation can be regulated by a large number of variables relating to the individual (such as sex, age and socioeconomic status) or to aspects of the academic life. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of curriculum changes involving reduction in content overload and increased early exposure to clinical settings, on motivation towards learning among Year 1 medical students. Secondarily, the aim was to ascertain whether this influence on motivation remained stable until the undergraduate program ended (Year 6). DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective study on two student cohorts at a Brazilian state-owned university. METHODS Two consecutive student cohorts were assessed: one with a traditional curriculum (n = 87) and the other with a reformed curriculum (n = 63), at the same medical school. Participants in both cohorts gave responses on four scales in Years 1 and 6: the Academic Motivation Scale, containing subscales for autonomous and controlled motivation, and lack of motivation towards learning; Beck's Anxiety and Depression Inventories; Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; and the Social Adjustment Scale. In Year 6, 68% of the initial sample (66 students with the traditional curriculum and 36 with the reformed curriculum) was reassessed. RESULTS No differences between Year 1 cohorts were found regarding demographic and social background, social adjustment, depression or anxiety. Students with the reformed curriculum scored significantly higher regarding autonomous and controlled motivation than those with the traditional curriculum. Comparison between Year 6 and Year 1 showed increases in controlled motivation only for the traditional curriculum cohort. CONCLUSION Curriculum changes were associated with increased motivation towards learning in Year 1, which persisted until Year 6.
Shape optimization for a linear elastic fish robot

This paper presents an approach to designing a fish-like linear elastic body whose vibration mode becomes a swimming mode similar to that observed in real fish. To determine the shape of the elastic body, a shape optimization problem is formulated using the squared error norm between the solution of a frequency response and the swimming mode as the cost function and solved by a method based on the H gradient method. The body is excited by body forces located at assigned places. The frequency is set around the natural frequency of the eigenmode, mostly in accordance with the swimming mode.
Enhancement of solubility and dissolution of glipizide by solid dispersion (kneading) technique

Glipizide is a poorly water-soluble (BCS class II) antidiabetic drug. Due to the poor water solubility of this drug, its bioavailability is dissolution rate-limited. The purpose of this study was is to increase the solubility of Glipizide (GZ) in aqueous media by solid dispersion (SDs) technique with Poloxamer (PXM) 188 and Poloxamer (PXM) 407 by using the kneading method.The GZ-PXM solid dispersion system was characterized by dDifferential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in vitro dissolution studies. No chemical interaction was found between GZ and PXM 188 or PXM 407. The results from DSC, XRD and SEM studies show that PXM 188 or PXM 407 inhibits the crystallization of GZ. The SDs prepared in this study were found to have better dissolution rates in comparisoncompared to intact GZ and physical mixture of PXM 188 or PXM 407 and GZ. It was found that the optimum weight ratio for drug: Carrier is 1:5 for PXM 188 and 1:6 for PXM 407.
Older Adults and Digital Society: Scientific Coverage

While there is a progressive ageing of the population, we are witnessing a rapid development of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). Although for most of society this technology is within reach, there are population segments for whom access is limited, especially adults who are considered of old age. Due to the relevance that the relationship between ICTs and older adults acquires in today’s society, it is necessary to carry out an analysis of the scientific literature in order to understand the knowledge structure of this field. In this research, a comparative bibliometric analysis of 172 documents published in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases was carried out until 2018 and is complemented by a co-citation analysis. The results show that this subject is incipient and is in its exponential growth stage, with two thirds of the production concentrated in the 2012–2018 period. Four out of five authors are transient with a single authorship and the collaboration level is high. The most productive country is Germany followed by the United States and Australia.
First report of Paragonimus skrjabini miyazakii metacercariae in Geothelphusa dehaani (Sawagani) occurring in Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Paragonimiasis is an important food-borne zoonosis caused by Paragonimus flukes and is endemic to western Japan. However, there have been few epidemiological studies in the Tohoku district of northeastern Japan. In this study, Paragonimus metacercariae (mc) was detected in Geothelphusa dehaani (Japanese freshwater crab or Sawagani) in Iwate Prefecture. Out of the 207 Sawagani collected from 35 localities, 12 individuals from six localities were infected with Paragonimus mc. The mc were identified as P. skrjabini miyazakii based on the sequences of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I. This is the first report of P. s. miyazakii mc infection in Sawagani in Iwate Prefecture.
Implementation of discrete transfer radiation method into SWIFT computational fluid dynamics code

The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has developed into a powerful tool widely used in science, technology and industrial design applications, whenever fluid flow, heat transfer, combustion, or other complicated physical processes, are involved. During decades of development of CFD codes, scientists were writing their own codes, that had to include not only the model of processes that were of interest, but also a whole spectrum of necessary CFD procedures, numerical techniques, pre-processing and post-processing. That has arrested much of the scientist effort in work that has been copied many times over, and was not actually producing the added value. The arrival of commercial CFD codes brought relief to many engineers that could now use the user-function approach for modelling purposes, entrusting the application to do the rest of the work. This paper shows the implementation of Discrete Transfer Radiation Method (DTRM) into AVL's commercial CFD code SWIFT with the help of user defined functions. Few standard verification test cases were performed first, and in order to check the implementation of the radiation method itself, where the comparisons with available analytic solution could be performed. Afterwards, the validation was done by simulating the combustion in the experimental furnace at IJmuiden (Netherlands), for which the experimental measurements were available. The importance of radiation prediction in such real-size furnaces is proved again to be substantial, where radiation itself takes the major fraction of overall heat transfer. The oil-combustion model used in simulations was the semi-empirical one that has been developed at the Power Engineering Department, and which is suitable for a wide range of typical oil flames.
Biomimetic Turbinate-like Artificial Nose for Hydrogen Detection Based on 3D Porous Laser-induced Graphene.

Inspired by turbinate structure in olfaction system of dog, a biomimetic artificial nose based on 3D porous laser-induced graphene (LIG) decorated with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) has been developed for room temperature (RT) hydrogen (H2) detection. 3D porous biomimetic turbinate-like network of graphene was synthesized by simply irradiating an infrared laser beam onto a polyimide (PI) substrate, which could further be transferred onto another flexible substrate such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to broaden its application. The sensing mechanism is based on the catalytic effect of the Pd NPs on the crystal defect of biomimetic LIG turbinate-like microstructure, which allows facile adsorption and desorption of the nonpolar H2 molecules. The sensor demonstrated an approximately linear sensing response to H2 concentration. Compared to chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene-based gas sensors, the biomimetic turbinate-like microstructure LIG-gas sensor showed ~1 times higher sensing performance with much simpler and lower cost fabrication. Furthermore, to expand the potential applications of the biomimetic sensor, we could modulate the resistance of the biomimetic LIG sensor by varying laser sweeping gaps, and also demonstrated a well transferred LIG layer onto transparent substrates. Moreover, the LIG sensor showed good mechanical flexibility and robustness for potential wearable and flexible device applications.
Lifetime recreational moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity and ovarian cancer risk: A case–control study

Results of epidemiologic studies of physical activity and ovarian cancer risk are inconsistent. Few have attempted to measure physical activity over the lifetime or in specific age windows, which may better capture etiologically relevant exposures. We examined participation in moderate‐to‐vigorous recreational physical activity (MVPA) in relation to ovarian cancer risk. In a population‐based case–control study conducted in Montreal, Canada from 2011 to 2016 (485 cases and 887 controls), information was collected on lifetime participation in various recreational physical activities, which was used to estimate MVPA for each participant. MVPA was represented as average energy expenditure over the lifetime and in specific age‐periods in units of metabolic equivalents (METs)‐hours per week. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the relation between average MVPA and ovarian cancer risk were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models. Confounding was assessed using directed acyclic graphs combined with a change‐in‐estimate approach. The adjusted OR (95% CI) for each 28.5 MET‐hr/week increment of lifetime recreational MVPA was 1.11 (0.99–1.24) for ovarian cancer overall. ORs for individual age‐periods were weaker. When examined by menopausal status, the OR (95% CI) for lifetime MVPA was 1.21 (1.00–1.45) for those diagnosed before menopause and 1.04 (0.89–1.21) for those diagnosed postmenopausally. The suggestive positive associations were stronger for invasive ovarian cancers and more specifically for high‐grade serous carcinomas. These results do not support a reduced ovarian cancer risk associated with MVPA.
Effect of an integrated care pathway on use of primary and secondary healthcare by patients at high risk of emergency inpatient admission: a matched control cohort study in Tower Hamlets

Objectives To assess the effects of an integrated care pathway on the use of primary and secondary healthcare by patients at high risk of emergency inpatient admission. Design Observational study of a real-life deployment of integrated care, using patient-level administrative data. Regression analysis was used to compare integrated care patients with matched controls. Setting A deprived, inner city London borough (Tower Hamlets). Participants 1720 patients aged 50+ years registered with a general practitioner in Tower Hamlets and at high risk of emergency inpatient admission enrolled onto integrated care during 2014. These patients were matched to control patients, also selected from Tower Hamlets, with respect to demographics, diagnoses of health conditions, previous hospital use and risk score. Interventions Enrolled patients were eligible for a range of interventions, such as case management, support with self-care and enhanced care coordination. Control patients received usual care. Primary and secondary endpoints Number of emergency inpatient admissions in the year after enrolment onto integrated care. Secondary endpoints included numbers of elective inpatient admissions, inpatient bed days, accident and emergency attendances, outpatient attendances and general practitioner contacts in the year after enrolment. Results There was no evidence that the integrated care pathway reduced patients’ healthcare utilisation in the first year post-enrolment. Matched controls and integrated care patients were similar at baseline. Following enrolment, integrated care patients were more likely than matched controls to experience elective inpatient admissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.49, p=0.004). They were also more likely to experience general practitioner contacts (adjusted IRR=1.11, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.16, p<0.001), but other endpoints were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions The integrated care pathway was not associated with a reduction in healthcare utilisation in the first year, but appeared to have increased elective inpatient admissions and general practitioner workload.
Prediction beyond the survey sample: correcting for survey effects on consumer decisions

Direct extrapolation of survey results on purchase intentions may give a biased view on actual consumer behavior. This is because the purchase intentions of consumers may be affected by the survey itself. On the positive side, such effects can be incorporated in econometric models to get reliable estimates of actual behavior of non-surveyed consumers, which often is the ultimate purpose of survey studies. This paper proposes a reasonably simple methodology to correct for such possible survey effects and to get consistent pre- dictions beyond the survey sample. The potential merits of the method are illustrated by a supermarket survey on easy-to-prepare food products and related health issues. This indicates that the required corrections can be quite substantial and that predictions that neglect survey effects can be seriously biased indeed.