Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing awareness on frailty in the management of hypertensive older adults.

F railty is a common concern in geriatric practice, which has increasingly gained attention over recent years, as the world population ages. Frailty is a multifactorial phenomenon characterized by a decline in individuals’ resilience and physiological reserve, resulting in increased vulnerability to external stressors [1]. Consequently, frail individuals are at increased risk of adverse events, including disability, hospitalization, institutionalization and mortality. The negative prognostic impact of frailty also includes a predisposition to falls, a high risk of cardiovascular events and impairment of quality of life [2]. In the literature, the reported prevalence of frailty is highly variable, ranging from 4 to 59% because of different operational definitions and measures of frailty across studies [3]. The prevalence of frailty is known to increase with advancing age and it is estimated to be around 11% in community-dwelling older people [4], while reaching more than 30 and 50% among individuals with dementia and long-term care residents, respectively [5,6]. Recently, frailty has become a matter of debate in cardiovascular literature and there is an increasing awareness that it significantly influences the outcomes of patients with cardiovascular diseases [7–9]. Consistently, frailty was shown to influence the association between blood pressure (BP) and negative health outcomes including mortality [10]. Therefore, the management of hypertension cannot disregard an accurate assessment of frailty. Frailty and hypertension frequently coexist in older people, as one out of seven hypertensive patients are frail [11]. The study by Lina et al. [12], which is published in the present issue, confirms this epidemiological relevance, reporting a 14% prevalence of frailty in hypertensive patients and a 78% prevalence of hypertension in frailer ones. In addition, the authors investigate the factors that are
A barrier to gene flow in the Asian paddle crab, Charybdis japonica, in the Yellow Sea

Zhiqiang Han1, Wei Zheng1, Wenbin Zhu2, Cungen Yu1, Bonian Shui1, and Tianxiang Gao1,3* Fishery College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316022, China Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory for Technology Research on Sustainable Utilization of Marine Fishery Resources, Marine Fisheries Research Institute of Zhejiang, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316021, China Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N6) Virus Subclade 2.3.4.4h in Swans, Xinjiang, Western China, 2020

In January 2020, the subclade 2.3. 4.4h of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N6) virus infected migratory whooper swans and mute swans in Xinjiang, western China. The virus is lethal to chickens and ducks but has low pathogenicity in mice. Antigenically, this subclade is similar to the H5N1 vaccine seed virus Re-11.
GLS detrending, e$cient unit root tests and structural change

We extend the class of M -tests for a unit root analyzed by Perron and Ng (Rev. Econ. Studies 63 (1996) 435) and Ng and Perron (Econometrica 69 (2001) 1519) to the case where a change in the trend function is allowed to occur at an unknown time. These tests (M) adopt the GLS detrending approach developed by Elliott et al. (Econometrica 64 (1996) 813) (ERS) following the results of Dufour and King (J. Econometrics 47 (1991) 115). Following Perron (Econometrica 57 (1989) 1361), we consider two models: one allowing for a change in slope and the other for both a change in intercept and slope. We derive the asymptotic distributions of the tests as well as that of the feasible point optimal test (P T ) suggested by ERS. Also, we compute the non-centrality parameter used for the local GLS detrending that permits the test P T to have 50% asymptotic power at that value. The asymptotic critical values of the tests are tabulated. We show that the M and P T tests have an asymptotic power function close to the power envelope. A simulation study analyzes the size and power in =nite samples under various methods to select the truncation lag for the autoregressive spectral density estimator. An empirical application is also provided. c © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. JEL classi2cation: C22
Norway rats as predators of burrow-nesting seabirds : Insights from stable isotope analyses

Introduced species to oceanic islands can cause tremendous declines and extinctions of native avifauna. On Langara Island. British Columbia, Canada, the burrow-nesting ancient murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus) has declined from all estimated original population of 200,000 pairs to 14,600 pairs ill 1993. Previously, causes of this decline were unknown, but the introduction of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) has been implicated as a major factor and has resulted in a recent rat eradication program. A major obstacle in the investigation of the effects of rats on seabirds, here and elsewhere, has been the inability to accurately assess the importance of seabirds to the diets of rats that also consume a variety of plants and invertebrates. We used stable-carbon (δ 13 C), nitrogen (δ 15 N), and sulphur (δ 34 S) isotope analyses of muscle and liver tissues of rats and prey organisms from 3 regions of Langara Island to evaluate evidence for marine foods, including seabirds, in the diets of rats. Rats were segregated into 3 isotopic groups corresponding to upland, littoral, and seabird nesting areas on the island. We interpret these groups to represent individuals consuming predominantly C-3 terrestrial foods (x δ 15 N = 5.4‰; x δ 13 C = -24.9‰; n = 24), intertidal invertebrates (x δ 15 N = 8.9‰; x δ 13 C = -14.3‰; n = 21), and ancient murrelet adults, chicks, or eggs (x egg δ 15 N = 13.2‰; x δ 13 C = -17.6‰; n = 8). We found strong correlations between liver and muscle isotope values for both 13 C and 15 N, suggesting that dietary preferences within individuals remained relatively constant. Stable-sulphur isotope values of rat liver were less useful in segregating marine and terrestrial dietary inputs, possibly because sources of sulphur to tile terrestrial food web were of marine origin pooled x δ 34 S value = 17.8‰; n = 20). Our measurement of liver and muscle tissues gave dietary estimates based on relatively short- and long-tern integrations and revealed tile 3 groups of rats remained isotopically segregated at least over the 2-month period of ancient murrelet breeding on Langara Island. Our results have important ramifications for dietary investigations of introduced fauna and their effect on native scabirds on oceanic slands.
Improving the Quality of Systematic Reviews in Public Health: Introduction to the Series.

[ ]the series will outline future directions for methods development that is needed to tackle areas of debate or uncertainty [ ]the efficacy of COVID-19 public health measures-such as isolation, social supports to improve mental health during isolation, quarantine, social distancing, and travel bans-is rarely studied using randomized controlled trials The precautionary principle implies that there is a social responsibility to protect the public from exposure to harm when scientific investigation has found a plausible, though uncertain, risk [ ]public health policymakers may be more likely to act to protect someone from an exposure even when harm is uncertain than they would to treat someone with a medicine when efficacy of an intervention is uncertain
Acute Effects of Exercise on Risk-Taking: Different Responses in Males and Females

ABSTRACT In recent years there has been great interest in the effects of exercise on cognition, but few have investigated whether physical activity influences risk-taking. Purpose: To investigate the effects of acute moderate to vigorous exercise on risky decision-making. Methods: Healthy (free of psychological or neurological conditions), recreationally active males and females (n = 20, 50% females, mean age = 22.4 years, sd = 2.48) performed either a 30-min bout of cycling at 50% to 60% of their maximal power output or watched a neutral film over the course of two laboratory visits (repeated measures, randomized crossover design). Following the interventions, participants completed computerized behavioral tasks: the Balloon-Analogue Risk Task (BART), the Risky Gains Task, and the STOP-IT task and provided saliva samples (pre and post) to measure changes in cortisol. Results: There was a significant interaction between sex and condition (p = .01, ηp 2 = .3) for one of the risk-taking outcomes of the BART (number of explosions). Females exploded fewer balloons post-exercise. Performance on the other tasks did not change significantly between conditions (all p > .05). Cortisol increased significantly following exercise and responses did not differ between males and females. Considering cortisol change post-exercise similarly resulted in a significant sex by condition interaction (p = .005, ηp 2 = .44), with males exploding more balloons and females exploding fewer post-exercise. Conclusion: Acute exercise appears to have differing effects on males and females. Exercise resulted in risk seeking in males and risk aversion in females as measured by the BART.
Prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency in a nationally representative sample of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults

Abstract Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration <50 nmol/l) is recognised as a public health problem globally. The present study details the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency in a nationally representative sample (n 3250) of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged ≥18 years. We used data from the 2012–2013 Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (AATSIHS). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem MS. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to determine the independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency. Approximately 27 % of adult AATSIHS participants were vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in remote areas (39 %) than in non-remote areas (23 %). Independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency included assessment during winter (men, adjusted OR (aOR) 5·7; 95 % CI 2·2, 14·6; women, aOR 2·2; 95 % CI 1·3, 3·8) and spring (men, aOR 3·3; 95 % CI 1·4, 7·5; women, aOR 2·6; 95 % CI 1·5, 4·5) compared with summer, and obesity (men, aOR 2·6; 95 % CI 1·2, 5·4; women, aOR 4·3; 95 % CI 2·8, 6·8) compared with healthy weight. Statistically significant associations were evident for current smokers (men only, aOR 2·0; 95 % CI 1·2, 3·4), remote-dwelling women (aOR 2·0; 95 % CI 1·4, 2·9) and university-educated women (aOR 2·4; 95 % CI 1·2, 4·8). Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this population, strategies to maintain adequate vitamin D status through safe sun exposure and dietary approaches are needed.
A unique route of colloidal phase separation yields stress-free gels

We show a unique route of colloid gelation where topological percolation generates little mechanical stress. Phase separation often leads to gelation in soft and biomatter. For colloidal suspensions, we have a consensus that gels form by the dynamical arrest of phase separation. In this gelation, percolation of the phase-separated structure occurs before the dynamical arrest, leading to the generation of mechanical stress in the gel network. Here, we find a previously unrecognized type of gelation in dilute colloidal suspensions, in which percolation occurs after the local dynamical arrest, i.e., the formation of mechanically stable, rigid clusters. Thus, topological percolation generates little mechanical stress, and the resulting gel is almost stress-free when formed. We also show that the selection of these two types of gelation (stressed and stress-free) is determined solely by the volume fraction as long as the interaction is short-ranged. This universal classification of gelation of particulate systems may have a substantial impact on material and biological science.
High-throughput, image-based phenotyping reveals nutrient-dependent growth facilitation in a grass-legume mixture

This study used high throughput, image-based phenotyping (HTP) to distinguish growth patterns, detect facilitation and interpret variations to nutrient uptake in a model mixed-pasture system in response to factorial low and high nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application. HTP has not previously been used to examine pasture species in mixture. We used red-green-blue (RGB) imaging to obtain smoothed projected shoot area (sPSA) to predict absolute growth (AG) up to 70 days after planting (sPSA, DAP 70), to identify variation in relative growth rates (RGR, DAP 35–70) and detect overyielding (an increase in yield in mixture compared with monoculture, indicating facilitation) in a grass-legume model pasture. Finally, using principal components analysis we interpreted between species changes to HTP-derived temporal growth dynamics and nutrient uptake in mixtures and monocultures. Overyielding was detected in all treatments and was driven by both grass and legume. Our data supported expectations of more rapid grass growth and augmented nutrient uptake in the presence of a legume. Legumes grew more slowly in mixture and where growth became more reliant on soil P. Relative growth rate in grass was strongly associated with shoot N concentration, whereas legume RGR was not strongly associated with shoot nutrients. High throughput, image-based phenotyping was a useful tool to quantify growth trait variation between contrasting species and to this end is highly useful in understanding nutrient-yield relationships in mixed pasture cultivations.
Semi-parametric model for timing of first childbirth after HIV diagnosis among women of childbearing age in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background HIV diagnosis is a watershed in women’s childbearing experience. It is usually accompanied by the fear of death and stigmatisation. Women diagnosed of HIV are often sceptical about pregnancy. Meanwhile, availability of antiretroviral treatments has impacted positively on childbearing experience among women living with HIV. We therefore investigated the timing of first childbirth after HIV diagnosis and its determinants among women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods We extracted and analysed data from a 2015 cross-sectional study on childbearing progression among 933 women living with HIV and receiving care at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Extended Cox proportional hazards regression, a semi-parametric event history model was used at 5% significance level. Results The women’s mean age was 38.1 (± SD = 6.1) years and the median time to first birth after HIV diagnosis (FBI_HIV) was 8 years. The likelihood of first birth after HIV diagnosis was lower among women who desired more children (HR = 0.63, CI: 0.51–0.78). Women whose partners had primary and secondary education respectively were about 2.3 times more likely to shorten FBI_HIV compared to those whose partners had no formal education. Knowledge of partner’s HIV-positive status (HR = 1.42, CI: 1.04,1.93) increased the likelihood of having a first birth after HIV diagnosis. Older age, longer duration on ART and a higher number of children at diagnosis were associated with a declined hazard of first birth after HIV diagnosis. Conclusions The median time to first childbirth after HIV diagnosis was long. Partner’s HIV-positive status and higher educational attainment were associated with early childbearing after HIV diagnosis.
Professional master program: Preparing the nurse of the future.

OBJECTIVE Analyze the results of knowledge production from a graduate program for master's degree in nursing. METHOD This is a qualitative retrospective documentary study. Data were collected from the university library repository and the program website. In total, 83 dissertations were found, analyzed and arranged into five groups: worker's health, care management, systematization of nursing care, health education, and nursing care. RESULTS The results indicate good practices such as manuals, guides, protocols, software, and products for systematization of care. They indicate concern about changing the reality with care practices and interventions, health education and continuing education. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS This study showed student commitment to the fields of practice when choosing the project theme. Students presented an intention to improve care, management, education and research, in the various dimensions of the profession.
Role of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Isoflurane Conditioning‐Induced Neurovascular Protection in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background Delayed cerebral ischemia remains a common and profound risk factor for poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of our current study is to define the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in isoflurane conditioning‐induced neurovascular protection after SAH. Methods and Results Ten‐ to 14‐week‐old male wild‐type mice (C57BL/6) as controls and eNOS knockout male mice (strain # 002684) were obtained for the study. Animals underwent either sham surgery, SAH surgery, or SAH with isoflurane conditioning. Anesthetic post conditioning was performed with isoflurane 2% for 1 hour, 1 hour after SAH. Normothermia was maintained with the homeothermic blanket. In a separate cohort, nitric oxide synthase was inhibited by a pan nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L‐nitroarginine methyl ester. Vasospasm measurement was assessed 72 hours after SAH and neurological function was assessed daily. Isoflurane‐induced changes in the eNOS protein expression were measured. eNOS protein expression was significantly increased by isoflurane conditioning in naïve mice as well as mice subjected to SAH. Vasospasm of the middle cerebral artery and neurological deficits were evident following SAH versus sham surgery, both in wild‐type mice and eNOS knockout mice. Isoflurane conditioning attenuated vasospasm and neurological deficits in wild‐type mice. This delayed cerebral ischemia protection was lost in L‐nitroarginine methyl ester ‐administered mice and eNOS knockout mice. Conclusions Our data indicate isoflurane conditioning provides robust protection against SAH‐induced vasospasm and neurological deficits, and that this delayed cerebral ischemia protection is critically mediated via isoflurane‐induced augmentation of eNOS.
A method identifying key optimisation points for aircraft seat comfort

Abstract Seating is the overriding factor influencing aircraft cabin comfort. To efficiently enhance seat comfort, this paper proposes a method to identify key optimisation points for seat comfort. Seat discomfort indicators are recognised based on a comparison of perceived performance with expectation. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to explore the latent variables of discomfort indicators, and a structural model was used to analyse correlations between latent variables. Finally, the most important latent variable influencing seat comfort was clarified. Analysis results of survey data from narrow-body aircraft show that seat discomfort indicators centre on the physical performance of the seat and include four latent variables: support performance, personal space, contact surface features, and safety and stability. Support performance determines body posture while travelling and is the overriding latent variable influencing seat comfort. This research establishes aircraft seat discomfort indicators, latent variables formed through the mutual linkage of discomfort indicators, and the structural relations between latent variables. The results can assist in the formulation of comfort optimisation procedures for aircraft seats. Practitioner summary: A method identifying the key points of aircraft seat comfort optimisation was proposed, which includes three steps: recognising discomfort indicators, exploring the relationship between discomfort indicators, and confirming the most important variable influencing seat comfort. Results provide guidance for aircraft seat optimisation. Abbreviations: SEM: structural equation modelling; EFA: exploratory factor analysis; CFA: confirmatory factor analysis; PA-OV: path analysis with observed variables; CR: construct reliability; AVE: average variance extracted; CMIN: likelihood-ratio chi-square; DF: degrees of freedom; GFI: goodness-of –fit index; AGFI: adjusted goodness-of –fit index; RMSEA: root mean square error of approximation; NNFI: non-normed fit index; RFI: relative fit index; CFI: comparative fit index; CN: critical N
Analytical Metabolomics and Applications in Health, Environmental and Food Science

Abstract Metabolomics is a young field of knowledge that arises linked to other omics such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. This discipline seeks to understand the performance of metabolites, identifying, quantifying them, and thus understanding its mechanism of action. This new branch of omics science shows high potential, due to its noninvasive character and its close relation with phenotype. Several techniques have been developed to study the metabolome of biological samples, fundamentally nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS) and vibrational spectrometry (VS) or a combination of several techniques. These techniques are focused to separate, detect, characterize, and quantify metabolites, as well as elucidate their structures and their function on the metabolic pathways they are involved. However, due to the complexity of the metabolome, in most cases it is necessary to apply several of these techniques to understand completely the whole scenery. This review is aimed to offer a summary of the current knowledge of these analytical techniques for metabolomics and their application to different fields as environmental, food or health sciences. Each technique shows different advantages and drawbacks depending on their technical characteristics and limitations, some factors, such as the aim of the study or the nature of the biological sample will condition the choice. Regarding their applications, NMR has been employed specially to identify new compounds and elucidate structures. The use of MS has gained popularity because of its versatility, easiness to be coupled to separation techniques and its high sensitivity. Whereas VS is widely employed for in situ studies, due to its nondestructive character. Metabolomics applications in different science fields are growing each year, due to advances in analytical techniques and combination with other omics that allow to increase the comprehension of metabolic processes. Further development of analytical tools is necessary to continue exploiting all the possibilities of metabolomics. Highlights Metabolomics seeks to understand the performance of metabolites and its mechanism of action Different metabolomics techniques have been developed and improved in the last years Metabolomics applications cover clinical, pharmaceuticals and food and environmental sciences This review is aimed to offer a summary of the current knowledge of these analytical techniques