Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kids in Action: the protocol of a Youth Participatory Action Research project to promote physical activity and dietary behaviour

Introduction In this study, researchers collaborate with children from a low socioeconomic neighbourhood in Amsterdam in developing, implementing and evaluating interventions targeting their health behaviours. This Youth Participatory Action Research project focuses on the promotion of physical activity and healthy dietary behaviour. Methods and analysis This study is a controlled trial using participatory methods to develop interventions together with children aged 9–12 years. At four primary schools in a low socioeconomic neighbourhood in Amsterdam, an ‘Action Team’ is installed: a group of six to eight children who actively participate as co-researchers in developing, implementing and evaluating interventions. An academic researcher facilitates the participatory process. Four control schools, also located in low socioeconomic areas in and around Amsterdam, continue with their regular curriculum and do not participate in the participatory process. For the effect evaluation, physical activity and sedentary behaviour are assessed using accelerometers and self-reporting; dietary behaviour using self-reporting and motor fitness (strength, flexibility, coordination, speed and endurance) using the motor performance fitness test. Effectiveness of the interventions is evaluated by multilevel regression analysis. The process of co-creating interventions and the implemented interventions is continually evaluated during meetings of the Action Teams and with children participating in the interventions. Empowerment of children is evaluated during focus groups. Summaries and transcripts of meetings are coded and analysed to enrich children’s findings. Ethics and dissemination The Medical Ethics Committee of the VU Medical Center approved the study protocol (2016.366). Trial registration number TC=6604.
Quantifying Preferences in Drug Benefit‐Risk Decisions

Benefit‐risk assessment is used in various phases along the drug lifecycle, such as marketing authorization and surveillance, health technology assessment (HTA), and clinical decisions, to understand whether, and for which patients, a drug has a favorable or more valuable profile with reference to one or more comparators. Such assessments are inherently preference‐based as several clinical and nonclinical outcomes of varying importance might act as evaluation criteria, and decision makers must establish acceptable trade‐offs between these outcomes. Different healthcare stakeholder perspectives, such as those from patients and healthcare professionals, are key for informing benefit‐risk trade‐offs. However, the degree to which such preferences inform the decision is often unclear as formal preference‐based evaluation frameworks are generally not used for regulatory decisions, and, if used, rarely communicated in HTA decisions. We argue that for better decisions, as well as for reasons of transparency, preferences in benefit‐risk decisions should more often be quantified and communicated explicitly.
Therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise on EEG parameters and higher cognitive functions in mild cognitive impairment patients

Abstract Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is becoming an emerging problem for developing countries where there is an increase in expected age. There is no specific curative therapeutic treatment available for these patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate short and long-term changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters and cognition of MCI patients with aerobic exercises. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 patients which were randomly divided into two groups, ‘aerobic exercise treatment group (n = 21)’ and ‘no-aerobic control group (n = 19)’. Short-term effects of exercise were measured after single session of exercise and long-term effects were measured after an 18 sessions (6 weeks) treatment. The outcomes which were measured were, electroenphelogram paramaters (slowness and complexity of the EEG) and cognitive functions (using mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), and trail making test (TMT) A and B). Results: After one session of aerobic exercise there were significant improvements in slowness (delta waves; 0.678 ± 0.035 vs 0.791 ± 0.033; p = .015) and complexity (0.601 ± 0.051 vs 0.470 ± 0.042; p = .027) of the EEG in aerobic exercise treated group as compared to no-aerobic exercise group. After six weeks there were significant improvements in slowness (delta waves; 0.581 ± 0.036 vs 0.815 ± 0.025; p = .005) and complexity (0.751 ± 0.045 vs 0.533 ± 0.046; p = .001) of the EEG in the aerobic group as compared to no-aerobic group. Moreover, significant improvements were observed in the MMSE (p = .032), MoCA (p = .036), TMT-A (p = .005), and TMT-B (p = .007) in aerobic exercise group as compared to no-aerobic group. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise showed improvement in cognition after short and long-term treatment in MCI subjects and can be used as potential therapeutic candidate.
The involvement of perivascular spaces or tissues in the facial intradermal brain-targeted delivery

Abstract Our previous work indicates the lymphatic network and perivascular spaces or tissues might be involved in the facial intradermal brain-targeted delivery of Evans blue (EB). In this article, we presented the detailed involvement of both, and the linkage between lymphatic network and perivascular spaces or tissues. The in-vivo imaging, the trigeminal transection and immunohistochemistry were used. In-vivo imaging indicated intradermal injection in the mystacial pad (i.d.) delivered EB into the brain at 2-, 6- and 24 h, while intranasal injection (i.n.) delivered EB into the rostral head and intravenous injection (i.v.) diffused EB weakly into the brain. Trigeminal perineurial and epineurial EB occurred along the perivascular spaces or tissues and along brain vessels. EB diffused into the lymphatic vessels and submandibular lymph nodes. Moreover, perineurial and epineurial EB co-located or overlaid with Lyve1 immuno-reactivity and VEGF antibody, and lymphatic network connected with perivascular spaces or tissues, suggesting lymphatic system-perivascular spaces might involve in the EB delivery with i.d. The trigeminal transection reduced the trigeminal epineurial and perineurial EB and brain EB along vessels. EB diffused in the fasciculus and the perineurium, blood and lymphatic vessels in the mystacial pad, mystacial EB overlaid VEGF or Lyve1 antibody. In summary, the dermal-trigeminal-brain perivascular spaces or tissues and the linkage to the lymphatic network mediated the intradermal brain-targeted delivery.
Determining intracellular lipid content of different oleaginous yeasts by one simple and accurate Nile Red fluorescent method

Abstract A simple and accurate Nile Red fluorescent method was built to evaluate the lipid content of three different oleaginous yeasts by one standard curve. The staining of cells can be observed clearly by laser scanning confocal microscope, showing that Nile Red can enter into the cells of oleaginous yeasts easily. A series of conditions such as pretreating temperature, cell suspension concentration (OD600), staining time, Nile Red concentration and the type of suspension solvent were learnt systematically to obtain the optimal process parameters for Nile Red staining. After optimization, the fitting curve of Nile Red fluorescent method was established under suitable conditions (pretreating temperature: 50 °C, OD600: 1.0; staining time: 5 mins; Nile Red concentration: 1.0 μg/mL; suspension solvent: PBS) and it had a suitable correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.95) for lipid content measurement of different oleaginous yeasts. By this study, the possibility of lipid content determination of different oleaginous yeasts by one fitting curve can be proven and this will improve the efficiency of researches related to microbial lipid production.
Impact of bacterial probiotics on obesity, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease related variables: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Objective To systematically review the effect of oral intake of bacterial probiotics on 15 variables related to obesity, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Medline, EMBASE and COCHRANE from 1990 to June 2018. Eligibility criteria Randomised controlled trials (≥14 days) excluding hypercholesterolaemia, alcoholic liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and children <3 years. Results One hundred and five articles met inclusion criteria, representing 6826 subjects. In overweight but not obese subjects, probiotics induced improvements in: body weight (k=25 trials, d=−0.94 kg mean difference, 95% CI −1.17 to −0.70, I²=0.0%), body mass index (k=32, d=−0.55 kg/m², 95% CI −0.86 to −0.23, I²=91.9%), waist circumference (k=13, d=−1.31 cm, 95% CI −1.79 to −0.83, I²=14.5%), body fat mass (k=11, d=−0.96 kg, 95% CI −1.21 to −0.71, I²=0.0%) and visceral adipose tissue mass (k=5, d=−6.30 cm², 95% CI −9.05 to −3.56, I²=0.0%). In type 2 diabetics, probiotics reduced fasting glucose (k=19, d=−0.66 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.00 to −0.31, I²=27.7%), glycated haemoglobin (k=13, d=−0.28 pp, 95% CI −0.46 to −0.11, I²=54.1%), insulin (k=13, d=−1.66 mU/L, 95% CI −2.70 to −0.61, I²=37.8%) and homeostatic model of insulin resistance (k=10, d=−1.05 pp, 95% CI −1.48 to −0.61, I²=18.2%). In subjects with fatty liver diseases, probiotics reduced alanine (k=12, d=−10.2 U/L, 95% CI −14.3 to −6.0, I²=93.50%) and aspartate aminotransferases (k=10, d=−9.9 U/L, 95% CI −14.1 to -5.8, I²=96.1%). These improvements were mostly observed with bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium breve, B. longum), Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus and lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. delbrueckii) containing mixtures and influenced by trials conducted in one country. Conclusions The intake of probiotics resulted in minor but consistent improvements in several metabolic risk factors in subjects with metabolic diseases. Trial registration number CRD42016033273.
Living With Dual Diagnosis and Homelessness: Marginalized Within a Marginalized Group

Abstract Objective: Concurrent mental and substance use disorders or dual diagnosis are highly prevalent among individuals experiencing homelessness. Studies have indicated that dual diagnosis leads to poorer health outcomes and higher health service utilization among those affected. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of dual diagnoses among homeless populations in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and understand their characteristics and specific factors associated with dual diagnoses. Methods: The BC Health of the Homeless Survey is a cross-sectional study involving the homeless population of three cities in BC. The survey assessed addiction and concurrent disorders with standardized interviews—the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus, the Maudsley Addiction Profile, and the Brief Symptom Inventory—in a sample of 500 individuals who are homeless living in shelters or on the street. We characterized individuals after categorizing them into four groups: those without any current mental disorder, those with substance use disorders only, those with mental disorders only, and those with concurrent substance use and mental disorders. Focusing on the concurrent disorder group, we completed a multivariate analysis comparing individuals with dual diagnosis to those without concurrent disorders. Results: Consistent with previous studies, we found that individuals with dual diagnoses report more severe physical and psychological symptoms. Among the homeless, they were more likely to be Aboriginal and younger and more likely to not make it into a shelter. They also reported substantially more difficulties in getting the health care service that they need. Conclusions: Within this marginalized group, individuals with dual diagnosis were more likely to be from groups considered to be more vulnerable with more complex needs. They were having more problems accessing even basic support, such as shelters and health care. Without a systematic approach in providing appropriate care to individuals with dual diagnosis, the most vulnerable clients are not only the ones likely to suffer the most but also the ones having the most problems meeting their basic needs.
Efficient bioconversion of enzymatic corncob hydrolysate into biomass and lipids by oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium paludigenum KM281510

Abstract This study aims to valorize of enzymatic corncob hydrolysate (ECH) for biomass and lipid productions via microbial bioconversion by the efficient oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium paludigenum KM281510. Biomass (5.63 g/L), lipids (3.29 g/L), and lipid content (58% (g/g)) were observed by batch cultivation in shaking flask. The effect of total sugar concentration in ECH, agitation rate, temperature, and initial pH were investigated in both batch and fed-batch cultivations by shaking flask and 3.0 L airlift bioreactor. Biomass, lipids, and lipid content of 27.77 g/L, 20.27 g/L, and 70% (g/g) were obtained with 100 g/L total sugar (68 g/L glucose, 29 g/L xylose, and 3 g/L arabinose), pH 6.5, 25 °C, 6.0 vvm, for 7 days by batch cultivation in bioreactor. Surprisingly, production parameters were improved by fed-batch, wherein these promising high biomass (36.06 g/L), lipid production (25.12 g/L), and lipid productivity (2.52 g/L/d) values were achieved. Moreover, fed-batch cultivation promoted the utilization of xylose (2.5-times) and arabinose (3.4-times) higher than batch cultivation, achieving lipid content (70% (g/g)) with oleic acid (53%). These results would be helpful for understanding the comprehensive utilization of ECH, especially the pentose sugars, for growth and lipogenesis of oleaginous yeast as well as being a qualified biodiesel feedstock.
The Context of Caution: An Examination of Age, Social Context, and Sex on Measures of Inhibitory Control and Risky Decision-Making

Understanding how older adults successfully navigate complex choices like driving requires the consideration of processing speed, inhibitory control, attentional processes, and risk management, and the context within which these decisions occur. The current study employed the Flanker task, the Stoplight task, and a personality inventory with 43 younger adults and 49 older adults either while they were alone or being observed by two same-sex, similarly aged peers. On the Flanker task, older adults performed more slowly, but with comparable accuracy. On the Stoplight task, there was a significant main effect of Context, and an Age-Group by Sex interaction, even after controlling for response time: All groups had a greater number of crashes when alone, and young adult males had significantly more crashes than any other group. These results emphasize the importance of considering the broader context of decision-making.
Imaging of transition charge densities involving carbon core excitations by all X-ray sum-frequency generation

X-ray diffraction signals from the time-evolving molecular charge density induced by selective core excitation of chemically inequivalent carbon atoms are calculated. A narrowband X-ray pulse selectively excites the carbon K-edge of the –CH3 or –CH2F groups in fluoroethane (CH3–CH2F). Each excitation creates a distinct core coherence which depends on the character of the electronic transition. Direct propagation of the reduced single-electron density matrix, using real-time time-dependent density functional theory, provides the time-evolving charge density following interactions with external fields. The interplay between partially filled valence molecular orbitals upon core excitation induces characteristic femtosecond charge migration which depends on the core–valence coherence, and is monitored by the sum-frequency generation diffraction signal. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Measurement of ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics with X-rays’.
More about the basic assumptions of t-test: normality and sample size

Most parametric tests start with the basic assumption on the distribution of populations. The conditions required to conduct the t-test include the measured values in ratio scale or interval scale, simple random extraction, normal distribution of data, appropriate sample size, and homogeneity of variance. The normality test is a kind of hypothesis test which has Type I and II errors, similar to the other hypothesis tests. It means that the sample size must influence the power of the normality test and its reliability. It is hard to find an established sample size for satisfying the power of the normality test. In the current article, the relationships between normality, power, and sample size were discussed. As the sample size decreased in the normality test, sufficient power was not guaranteed even with the same significance level. In the independent t-test, the change in power according to sample size and sample size ratio between groups was observed. When the sample size of one group was fixed and that of another group increased, power increased to some extent. However, it was not more efficient than increasing the sample sizes of both groups equally. To ensure the power in the normality test, sufficient sample size is required. The power is maximized when the sample size ratio between two groups is 1 : 1.
A longitudinal workforce analysis of a Rural Clinical Placement Program for final year dental students.

BACKGROUND There is little longitudinal evaluation of rural dental education outreach programs. This longitudinal research investigates the influence of a Rural Clinical Placement Program (RCPP) on workforce outcomes in terms of practice locations for five graduate years from the University of Sydney. METHODS Work locations for the graduates from 2009-2013 were identified in 2015 and 2017 by rurality, using faculty contact lists, phone calls and online methods. A total of 397 graduate locations were identified out of 404 (98.2%) (267 RCPP participants and 137 non-RCPP participants). Semi-structured questionnaires were used to report on demographic and characteristic data. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were utilised to explore associations. RESULTS Rural Clinical Placement Program participation in 2015 was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of working rurally (PR = 2.16), and almost two times the likelihood of rural retention in the period from 2015 to 2017 (PR = 1.93). In the multivariate analyses, both rural experience prior to the RCPP and pre-placement rural intentions were significant independent predictors of an increased likelihood for rural employment and rural retention. CONCLUSIONS Participation in the RCPP was associated with increased rural employment and retention. Prior rural experience and pre-placement rural intentions were identified as significant independent predictors of rural employment.
Insights into the signal transduction pathways of mouse lung type II cells revealed by transcription factor profiling in the transcriptome

Alveolar type II cells constitute a small fraction of the total lung cell mass. However, they play an important role in many cellular processes including trans-differentiation into type I cells as well as repair of lung injury in response to toxic chemicals and respiratory pathogens. Transcription factors are the regulatory proteins dynamically modulating DNA structure and gene expression. Transcription factor profiling in microarray datasets revealed that several members of AP1, ATF, NF-kB, and C/EBP families involved in diverse responses were expressed in mouse lung type II cells. A transcriptional factor signature consisting of Cebpa, Srebf1, Stat3, Klf5, and Elf3 was identified in lung type II cells, Sox9+ pluripotent lung stem cells as well as in mouse lung development. Identification of the transcription factor profile in mouse lung type II cells will serve as a useful resource and facilitate the integrated analysis of signal transduction pathways and specific gene targets in a variety of physiological conditions.
Predicting psychogenic non-epileptic seizures from serum levels of neuropeptide Y and adrenocorticotropic hormone

Abstract Objective Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) may present with convulsive events that are not accompanied by epileptiform brain activity. Video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring is the gold standard for diagnosis, yet not all patients experience convulsive episodes during video-EEG sessions. Hence, we aimed to construct a predictive model in order to detect PNES from serum hormone levels, detached from an evaluation of patients’ convulsive episodes. Methods Fifteen female patients with PNES and 60 healthy female controls participated in the study, providing blood samples for hormone analysis. A binomial logistic regression model and the leave-one-out cross-validation were employed. Results We found that levels of neuropeptide Y and adrenocorticotropic hormone were the optimal combination of predictors, with over 90% accuracy (area under the curve=0.980). Conclusions The ability to diagnose PNES irrespective of convulsive events would represent an important step considering its feasibility and affordability in daily clinical practice.