Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Brazil’s Public Health Care: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the main causes of hospitalization and death worldwide, therefore, the implementation of programs to reduce its impact is necessary. Supervised cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to have positive effects on CAD control. However, there are barriers to patient participation in the traditional, face-to-face cardiac rehabilitation programs, mainly in low-resource environments. Objective This study aimed to verify patient compliance to a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program, which includes unsupervised health education and physical exercises, guided by telephone. Moreover, we compare this new method to the traditional supervised cardiac rehabilitation offered in most hospital centers. Methods We present here a two-arm, single-blinded, and randomized controlled design protocol, which compares the traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CenterRehab) with the home-based cardiac rehabilitation (Home-Based) in 72 patients affected by CAD. The primary outcome is the compliance to the cardiac rehabilitation sessions. The secondary outcomes (to evaluate effectiveness) include measurable variables such as functional capacity, CAD risk factors (blood pressure, waist circumference, glycemic, cholesterol levels, depressive symptoms, and the level of physical activity), the patient’s quality of life, the disease knowledge, and the morbidity rate. Parameters such as the program cost and the usability will also be evaluated. The programs will last 12 weeks, with a total of 60 rehabilitation and 6 educational sessions. Patients of the CenterRehab program will participate in 24 supervised sessions and 36 home sessions, while the patients of the Home-Based program will participate in 2 supervised sessions and 58 home sessions, guided by telephone. After the 12-week period all participants will be recommended to continue practicing physical exercises at home or at a community center, and they will be invited for re-evaluation after 3 months. The outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months. Results Participants are currently being recruited for the trial. Data collection is anticipated to be completed by October 2019. Conclusions This is the first study in Brazil comparing the traditional cardiac rehabilitation approach with a novel, home-based protocol that uses an accessible and low-cost technology. If positive results are obtained, the study will contribute to establish a new and viable model of cardiac rehabilitation. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03605992; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03605992 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/13901
Characterising the machining of biomedical grade polymers

The manufacture of polymer components for biomedical applications is an area that has received much attention from polymer scientists, with high levels of wear resistance achieved, but relatively little research has been done into the machining operations required to manufacture the complex geometries used in total joint replacement. Traditional metal cutting theories have been shown to be insufficient for the analysis of polymer machining, as polymers exhibit viscoelastic behaviour, and unique chip formation mechanisms. This article details an experimental investigation into the effect of tooling and machining parameters on the cutting forces, surface roughness and chip formation in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, a common material used in biomedical applications. This research quantifies the relative importance of each parameter, the chip formation mechanisms and resulting surface roughness for the given machining parameters and provides new insight into applied research on the machining of polymers.
Structural mechanism for regulation of DNA binding of BpsR, a Bordetella regulator of biofilm formation, by 6-hydroxynicotinic acid

Bordetella bacteria are respiratory pathogens of humans, birds, and livestock. Bordetella pertussis the causative agent of whopping cough remains a significant health issue. The transcriptional regulator, BpsR, represses a number of Bordetella genes relating to virulence, cell adhesion, cell motility, and nicotinic acid metabolism. DNA binding of BpsR is allosterically regulated by interaction with 6-hydroxynicotinic acid (6HNA), the first product in the nicotinic acid degradation pathway. To understand the mechanism of this regulation, we have determined the crystal structures of BpsR and BpsR in complex with 6HNA. The structures reveal that BpsR binding of 6HNA induces a conformational change in the protein to prevent DNA binding. We have also identified homologs of BpsR in other Gram negative bacteria in which the amino acids involved in recognition of 6HNA are conserved, suggesting a similar mechanism for regulating nicotinic acid degradation.
The male mosquito contribution towards malaria transmission: Mating influences the Anopheles female midgut transcriptome and increases female susceptibility to human malaria parasites

Mating causes dramatic changes in female physiology, behaviour, and immunity in many insects, inducing oogenesis, oviposition, and refractoriness to further mating. Females from the Anopheles gambiae species complex typically mate only once in their lifetime during which they receive sperm and seminal fluid proteins as well as a mating plug that contains the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. This hormone, which is also induced by blood-feeding, plays a major role in activating vitellogenesis for egg production. Here we show that female Anopheles coluzzii susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infection is significantly higher in mated females compared to virgins. We also find that mating status has a major impact on the midgut transcriptome, detectable only under sugar-fed conditions: once females have blood-fed, the transcriptional changes that are induced by mating are likely masked by the widespread effects of blood-feeding on gene expression. To determine whether increased susceptibility to parasites could be driven by the additional 20E that mated females receive from males, we mimicked mating by injecting virgin females with 20E, finding that these females are significantly more susceptible to human malaria parasites than virgin females injected with the control 20E carrier. Further RNAseq was carried out to examine whether the genes that change upon 20E injection in the midgut are similar to those that change upon mating. We find that 79 midgut-expressed genes are regulated in common by both mating and 20E, and 96% (n = 76) of these are regulated in the same direction (up vs down in 20E/mated). Together, these findings show that male Anopheles mosquitoes induce changes in the female midgut that can affect female susceptibility to P. falciparum. This implies that in nature, males might contribute to malaria transmission in previously unappreciated ways, and that vector control strategies that target males may have additional benefits towards reducing transmission.
Mild Iron Overload as Seen in Individuals Homozygous for the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Pi*Z Variant Does Not Promote Liver Fibrogenesis in HFE Knockout Mice

The presence of the homozygous ‘Pi*Z’ variant of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) (‘Pi*ZZ’ genotype) predisposes to liver fibrosis development, but the role of iron metabolism in this process remains unknown. Therefore, we assessed iron metabolism and variants in the Homeostatic Iron Regulator gene (HFE) as the major cause of hereditary iron overload in a large cohort of Pi*ZZ subjects without liver comorbidities. The human cohort comprised of 409 Pi*ZZ individuals and 254 subjects without evidence of an AAT mutation who were recruited from ten European countries. All underwent a comprehensive work-up and transient elastography to determine liver stiffness measurements (LSM). The corresponding mouse models (Pi*Z overexpressors, HFE knockouts, and double transgenic [DTg] mice) were used to evaluate the impact of mild iron overload on Pi*Z-induced liver injury. Compared to Pi*Z non-carriers, Pi*ZZ individuals had elevated serum iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin levels, but relevant iron overload was rare. All these parameters were higher in individuals with signs of significant liver fibrosis (LSM ≥ 7.1 kPa) compared to those without signs of significant liver fibrosis. HFE knockout and DTg mice displayed similar extent of iron overload and of fibrosis. Loss of HFE did not alter the extent of AAT accumulation. In Pi*ZZ individuals, presence of HFE mutations was not associated with more severe liver fibrosis. Taken together, Pi*ZZ individuals display minor alterations in serum iron parameters. Neither mild iron overload seen in these individuals nor the presence of HFE mutations (C282Y and H63D) constitute a major contributor to liver fibrosis development.
University of Groningen Validation and User Evaluation of a Sensor-Based Method for Detecting Mobility-Related Activities in Older Adults Geraedts

Regular physical activity is essential for older adults to stay healthy and independent. However, daily physical activity is generally low among older adults and mainly consists of activities such as standing and shuffling around indoors. Accurate measurement of this lowenergy expenditure daily physical activity is crucial for stimulation of activity. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of a necklace-worn sensor-based method for detecting time-on-legs and daily life mobility related postures in older adults. In addition user opinion about the practical use of the sensor was evaluated. Twenty frail and non-frail older adults performed a standardized and free movement protocol in their own home. Results of the sensor-based method were compared to video observation. Sensitivity, specificity and overall agreement of sensor outcomes compared to video observation were calculated. Mobility was assessed based on time-on-legs. Further assessment included the categories standing, sitting, walking and lying. Time-on-legs based sensitivity, specificity and percentage agreement were good to excellent and comparable to laboratory outcomes in other studies. Category-based sensitivity, specificity and overall agreement were moderate to excellent. The necklace-worn sensor is considered an acceptable valid instrument for assessing home-based physical activity based upon time-on-legs in frail and non-frail older adults, but category-based assessment of gait and postures could be further developed.
Modeling of thin layer drying kinetics of grape juice concentrate and quality assessment of developed grape leather

Abstract: Studies on modeling of thin layer drying kinetics of grape juice concentrate were conducted using pilot scale convective dryer. Experiments were conducted in temperature range of 55-75 0 C and drying bed thickness of 3-7 mm, to attain desired moisture content (14±1% db). Different thin layer drying models like newton, page, logarithmic, two term, two term exponential and midilli models were fitted to the experimental data of convective dehydration and their adequacy of fit was investigated. All the samples witnessed falling rate period drying irrespective of the selected temperature and thickness. The effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy were found in range of 7.18-2.56 m 2 /sec and 26.07-21.59 kJ/mole respectively for 3-7 mm drying bed thickness. Among the various models investigated, two term exponential model was found to be best fitted model for depicting the drying kinetics of grape juice concentrate. The quality properties such as total sugars, non enzymatic browning (NEB), protein, titrable acidity, texture (cutting force), color change, water activity and overall acceptability of dried grape leather were determined and data w ere analyzed as per ANOVA . The grape leather developed at 55 0 C drying temperature witnessed maximum acceptability irrespective of the drying bed thickness. Keywords: convective drying, drying kinetics, drying models, grapes, quality parameters
Calculating the variance and prediction intervals for estimates obtained from allometric relationships

Often researchers are interested in obtaining estimates of variables which are quite difficult or expensive to measure. To obtain these estimates, relationships between those variables of interest and more easily measured variables are used. These relationships are referred to as allometric equations. In science it is important to quantify the error associated with an estimate in order to determine the reliability of the estimate. Therefore, prediction intervals or standard errors are usually quoted with estimated values. In the case of allometric equations, information about the original fitting of the allometric relationship is needed in order to put a prediction interval around an estimated value. However, often all the information required to calculate this prediction interval is not provided with published allometric equations, forcing the users of these equations to use alternative, less rigorous methods of obtaining error estimates. This paper will explain the method behind obtaining prediction intervals for allometric estimates, and what information is required from the original fitting of the allometric relationships. This information seeks to provide researchers with the necessary parameters which should be published with allometric relationships. In addition, a method is explained for how to deal with relationships which are in the power function form – a common form for allometric relationships.
Evolution of Persistent Wave Groups

Abstract During the near-field leg of the Hawaiian Ocean-Mixing Experiment (HOME-NF), short, steep surface wave groups were observed that elicited strong group-forced responses in the wave-filtered surface current field, as reported by Smith. Some of these wave groups persisted for 17 wave periods, yet were only about 1 wavelength long in the along-wind direction. Here, the authors consider the evolution of wave groups of the form observed and find that this persistence is consistent with linear dispersion in spite of the very compact form. The key aspects enhancing persistence are 1) that the wave crests within the group are oriented at an angle with respect to the group envelope and 2) they are much wider in the crosswind direction than along-wind (in the example examined in detail, about 5 times). According to a simplified model, groups with the observed 5-to-1 aspect ratio and this “slant-wave” structure can persist for up to 20 wave periods, consistent with the observations (cf. 8 periods for a colli.
The role of Germany in the Common Agricultural Policy.

interests. The aim of this chapter is to highlight the German influence on the birth and evolution of the CAP. The chapter starts with a stylized decision-making model which provides structure for the of the subsequent analysis. To understand policy formation in the EU, as in any other country, one must analyze the political market. The influence of a member country can only be exceptional if its domestic political market differs from that in other countries, and if the institutional framework of decision making on the EU level allows for pursuing a particular national interest. Hence, a short section will explore the specifics of the German political market for agricultural protection. The chapter is based on the perception that policies are highly path dependent, and that from the start the CAP mirrored specific national interests. It will be shown how German policy makers managed to shape the CAP in their interests. The main sections of the chapter analyze how Germany could influence major changes in the CAP. It is argued in the last section that the attitude of the present German government and prevailing external pressures (WTO, eastward enlargement) will likely reduce Germany’s influence on further evolution of the CAP.
Catalyzing traffic safety advancements via data linkage: Development of the New Jersey Safety and Health Outcomes (NJ-SHO) data warehouse

Abstract Objective: Our objective is to describe the development of the New Jersey Safety and Health Outcomes (NJ-SHO) data warehouse, a unique and comprehensive data source that integrates various state-level administrative databases in New Jersey to enable the field of traffic safety to address critical, high-priority research questions. Methods: We have obtained full identifiable data from the following statewide administrative databases for the state of New Jersey: (1) driver licensing database; (2) Administration Office of the Courts data on traffic-related citations; (3) police-reported crash database; (4) birth certificate data; (5) death certificate data; and (6) hospital discharge data as well as (7) childhood electronic records from New Jersey residents who were patients of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia pediatric health care network and (8) census tract–level indicators. We undertook an iterative process to develop a linkage algorithm in LinkSolv 9.0 software using records for individuals born in select birth years (1987 and 1988) and subsequently execute the linkage for the entire study period (2004–2017). Several metrics were used to evaluate the quality of the linkage process. Results: We identified a total of 62,685,619 records and 19,247,363 distinct individuals; 10,352,998 of these individuals had more than one record brought together during the linkage process. Our evaluation of this linkage suggests that the linkage was of high quality. Conclusions: The resulting NJ-SHO data warehouse will be one of the most comprehensive and rich traffic safety data warehouses to date. The warehouse has already been utilized for numerous studies and will be fully primed to support a host of rigorous studies, both in and beyond the field of traffic safety.
Dynamical black hole masses of BL Lac objects from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We measure black hole masses for 71 BL Lac objects from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey with redshifts out to z˜ 0.4. We perform spectral decompositions of their nuclei from their host galaxies and measure their stellar velocity dispersions. Black hole masses are then derived from the black hole mass - stellar velocity dispersion relation. We find BL Lac objects host black holes of similar masses, ˜108.5 M⊙, with a dispersion of ±0.4 dex, similar to the uncertainties on each black hole measurement. Therefore, all BL Lac objects in our sample have the same indistinguishable black hole mass. These 71 BL Lac objects follow the black hole mass-bulge luminosity relation, and their narrow range of host galaxy luminosities confirm previous claims that BL Lac host galaxies can be treated as standard candles. We conclude that the observed diversity in the shapes of BL Lac object spectral energy distributions is not strongly driven by black hole mass or host galaxy properties.
The MMPI factor scales and risk of death in men during 45 years of follow-up: The Western Electric study.

We examined associations between personality traits measured in 1958 and both all-cause and cause-specific mortality assessed 45 years later in 2003. Participants were 1,862 middle-aged men employed by the Western Electric Company. Outcomes were days to death from all causes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and causes other than circulatory diseases, cancer, accidents/homicide/suicides, or injuries (other causes). Measures in 1958 included age, education, health behaviors, biomedical risk factors, and nine content factors identified in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Four content factors-neuroticism, cynicism, extraversion, and intellectual interests-were related to the five-factor model domains of neuroticism, agreeableness, extraversion, and openness, respectively. The remaining five-psychoticism, masculinity versus femininity, religious orthodoxy, somatic complaints, and inadequacy-corresponded to the five-factor model's facets and styles (combinations of two domains) or were unrelated to the five-factor model. In age-adjusted and fully adjusted models, cynicism was associated with greater all-cause and cancer mortality. In fully adjusted models, inadequacy was associated with lower all-cause mortality and lower mortality from other causes. In age-adjusted models, religious orthodoxy was associated with lower cancer mortality. Further analyses revealed that the association between cynicism and all-cause mortality waned over time. Exploratory analyses of death from any disease of the circulatory system revealed no further associations. These findings reveal the importance of cynicism (disagreeableness) as a mortality risk factor, show that associations between cynicism and all-cause mortality are limited to certain periods of the lifespan, and highlight the need to study personality styles or types, such as inadequacy, that involve high neuroticism, low extraversion, and low conscientiousness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Pharmacological Activity of Newly Synthesized and Characterized N, O-donor Tetraaza Macrocyclic Metal Complexes

Aim: To synthesize a new series of metal based therapeutic agents with good antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and their structural characterization. Methodology: Synthesis of a series of transition metal complexes of type [M(C16 H11N4O2)X2], where M=Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II), X = Cl−, NO3− and CH3COO−derived from template condensation of 1,3-dicarbonyl-phenyl-dihydrazide and 1H-indole-2,3-dione(isatin) and their characterization by ultraviolet-visible, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, mass spectral studies. Antimicrobial activity was determined using agar well diffusion method against four bacterial strains and two fungal strains. Antioxidant potential of compounds was screened by 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity method. Result: All the synthesized complexes were found to have six coordinated octahedral geometry. All test compounds possess varied but significant antimicrobial activity against four bacterial and two yeast strains. Minimum inhibitory concentrations lie between 32-128 μg/ml for the bacterial strains. Some of the test compounds have shown significant % radical scavenging activity. Conclusion: Tetradentate ligand derived from template condensation coordinates readily with all divalent metal salts and affords the synthesis of octahedral complexes. Detailed structural and biological investigation of this series of complexes would throw more light on the influence of metal coordination on the reactivity of macrocyclic molecules which may be further explored and used as alternative therapeutic agents.
Structure Property Relationship of Suspension Thermally Sprayed WCCo Nanocomposite Coatings

Tribomechanical properties of nanostructured coatings deposited by Suspension High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (S-HVOF) and conventional HVOF (Jet Kote) spraying were evaluated. Nanostructured S-HVOF coatings were obtained via ball milling of the agglomerated and sintered WC-12Co feedstock powder, which were deposited via an aqueous based suspension using modified HVOF (TopGun) process. Microstructural evaluations of these hardmetal coatings included Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The nanohardness and modulus of the coated specimens was investigated using a diamond Berkovich nanoindenter. Sliding wear tests were conducted using a ball-on-flat test rig. Results indicated that low porosity coatings with nanostructured features were obtained. High carbon loss was observed, but coatings showed a high hardness up to 1000 HV0.3. S-HVOF coatings also showed improved sliding wear and friction behavior, which was attributed to nanosized particles reducing ball wear in three body abrasion, and support of metal matrix due to uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the coating microstructure.