Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationships Between Three Eating Behaviors and Nine Motives for Food Choices Among Brazilian Adults: A Structural Equation Model

We examined the relationships between three eating behaviors and nine motives underlying food choices made by Brazilian adults. Using participant responses to the short version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and the Food Choice Questionnaire, we investigated eating behaviors (cognitive restriction, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating) and motives for food choices (health, mood, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, price, weight control, familiarity, and ethical concern). We used a structural equation model to test relationship pathways (β), with eating behaviors as independent variables and motives for food choices as dependent variables. Participants were 1297 individuals (69.5% female) with a mean age of 25.0 years (SD = 5.8). We confirmed the validity and reliability of the questionnaires in this sample. Restrictive eating behavior was significantly related to motives of health (β = .415), mood (β = .127), natural content (β = .364), weight control (β = .681), and ethical concern (β = .161). Emotional eating behavior was related to motives of mood (β = .277), health (β = −.137), and natural content (β = −.136). Uncontrolled eating behavior was related to motives of convenience (β = .226), sensory appeal (β = .121), price (β = .153), and familiarity (β = .090). We believe these findings can now help design future research and clinical interventions for managing people’s risky eating behaviors and promoting beneficial food choices.
Preparation of protein-loaded nanoparticles based on poly(succinimide)-oleylamine for sustained protein release: a two-step nanoprecipitation method

Currently, the treatment for acute disease encompasses the use of various biological drugs (BDs). However, the utilisation of BDs is limited due to their rapid clearance and non-specific accumulation in unwanted sites, resulting in a lack of therapeutic efficacy together with adverse effects. While nanoparticles are considered good candidates to resolve this problem, some available polymeric carriers for BDs were mainly designed for long-term sustained release. Thus, there is a need to explore new polymeric carriers for the acute disease phase that requires sustained release of BDs over a short period, for example for thrombolysis and infection. Poly(succinimide)-oleylamine (PSI-OA), a biocompatible polymer with a tuneable dissolution profile, represents a promising strategy for loading BDs for sustained release within a 48-h period. In this work, we developed a two-step nanoprecipitation method to load the model protein (e.g. bovine serum albumin and lipase) on PSI-OA. The characteristics of the nanoparticles were assessed based on various loading parameters, such as concentration, stirring rate, flow rate, volume ratio, dissolution and release of the protein. The optimised NPs displayed a size within 200 nm that is suitable for vasculature delivery to the target sites. These findings suggest that PSI-OA can be employed as a carrier for BDs for applications that require sustained release over a short period.
Spatiotemporal deposition of cell wall polysaccharides in oat endosperm during grain development

Abstract Oat (Avena sativa) is a cereal crop whose grains are rich in (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan (mixed-linkage glucan or MLG), a soluble dietary fiber. In our study, we analyzed oat endosperm development in 2 Canadian varieties with differing MLG content and nutritional value. We confirmed that oat undergoes a nuclear type of endosperm development but with a shorter cellularization phase than barley (Hordeum vulgare). Callose and cellulose were the first polysaccharides to be detected in the early anticlinal cell walls at 11 days postemergence (DPE) of the panicle. Other polysaccharides such as heteromannan and homogalacturonan were deposited early in cellularization around 12 DPE after the first periclinal walls are laid down. In contrast to barley, heteroxylan deposition coincided with completion of cellularization and was detected from 14 DPE but was only detectable after demasking. Notably, MLG was the last polysaccharide to be laid down at 18 DPE within the differentiation phase, rather than during cellularization. In addition, differences in the spatiotemporal patterning of MLG were also observed between the 2 varieties. The lower MLG-containing cultivar AC Morgan (3.5% w/w groats) was marked by the presence of a discontinuous pattern of MLG labeling, while labeling in the same walls in CDC Morrison (5.6% w/w groats) was mostly even and continuous. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed higher transcript levels of multiple MLG biosynthetic cellulose synthase-like F (CSLF) and CSLH genes during grain development in CDC Morrison compared with AC Morgan that likely contributes to the increased abundance of MLG at maturity in CDC Morrison. CDC Morrison was also observed to have smaller endosperm cells with thicker walls than AC Morgan from cellularization onwards, suggesting the processes controlling cell size and shape are established early in development. This study has highlighted that the molecular processes influencing MLG content and deposition are more complex than previously imagined.
A convolution‐based in vitro‐in vivo correlation model for methylphenidate hydrochloride delayed‐release and extended‐release capsule

Delayed‐release and extended‐release methylphenidate hydrochloride (JORNAY PM®) is a novel capsule formulation of methylphenidate hydrochloride, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients 6 years and older. In this paper, we develop a Level A in vitro‐in vivo correlation (IVIVC) model for extended‐release methylphenidate hydrochloride to support post‐approval manufacturing changes by evaluating a point‐to‐point correlation between the fraction of drug dissolved in vitro and the fraction of drug absorbed in vivo. Dissolution data from an in vitro study of three different release formulations: fast, medium, and slow, and pharmacokinetic data from two in vivo studies were used to develop an IVIVC model using a convolution‐based approach. The time‐course of the drug concentration resulting from an arbitrary dose was considered as a function of the in vivo drug absorption and the disposition and elimination processes defined by the unit impulse response function using the convolution integral. An IVIVC was incorporated in the model due to the temporal difference seen in the scatterplots of the estimated fraction of drug absorbed in vivo and the fraction of drug dissolved in vitro and Levy plots. Finally, the IVIVC model was subjected to evaluation of internal predictability. This IVIVC model can be used to predict in vivo profiles for different in vitro profiles of extended‐release methylphenidate hydrochloride.
Methods for extending working distance using modified photonic crystal for near-field lithography

Near-field lithography has evident advantages in fabricating super-resolution nano-patterns. However, the working distance (WD) is limited due to the exponential decay characteristic of the evanescent waves. Here, we proposed a novel photolithography method based on a modified photonic crystal (PC), where a defect layer is embedded into the all-dielectric multilayer structure. It is shown that this design can amend the photonic band gap and enhance the desired high-k waves dramatically, then the WD in air conditions could be extended greatly, which would drastically relax the engineering challenges for introducing the near-field lithography into real-world manufacturing applications. Typically, deep subwavelength patterns with a half-pitch of 32 nm (i.e., λ/6) could be formed in photoresist layer at an air WD of 100 nm. Moreover, it is revealed that diversified two-dimensional patterns could be produced with a single exposure using linear polarized light. The analyses indicate that this improved dielectric PC is applicable for near-field lithography to produce super-resolution periodic patterns with large WD, strong field intensity, and great uniformity.
Ecological Balance between Supply and Demand in China Using Ecological Footprint Method

A balanced ecological carrying capacity is important to achieve sustainable development for human enterprise.Experiencing fast population growth and increasing pressure on natural resources and environment,China's ecological balance between supply and demand has been widely debated.In this study the "Ecological Footprint" method was used to analyze the supply-demand balance of China's ecological carrying capacity.Firstly,the ecological supply and demand balance was calculated and evaluated,and secondly,the ecological carrying capacity index(ECCI) was derived.The ECCI was calculated for each county of China in 2007 and systematically evaluated towards its supply-demand balance,so as to bring some scientific references and policy-making supports to the population spatial distribution planning,main function zone and ecological security regionalization of China.The results showed that: 1) Ecological deficit appeared to be the main characteristic of the supply-demand balance of the ecological carrying capacity at county level,referring to 1436 counties and a population of 1052.8×106,accounting for 62% and 81% of the whole country respectively.Ecological surplus accounted for the largest share of 62% of the total area;the ecological deficit area and ecological equilibrium area accounted for 32% and 6% respectively.In general,more than 4/5 of the Chinese population was concentrated in less than 1/3 of the land area and more than 2/3 of the land area was inhabited by less than 1/5 of the population.2) China's ecological carrying capacity demand-supply balance ranged from significant overloading to affluence from southeastern to northwestern China.And what's more,it appeared to be more dominant in regions located at coastal areas which are attracted by migrants and had a generally higher population density.Along with the rapid development and urbanization trends in China,ecological deficits in these regions will become more severe.As a result,environmental problems should be paid sufficient attentions in order to keep ecology secure in these regions.
Temporal models in recommender systems: an exploratory study on different evaluation dimensions

i Abstract A Recommender System (RS) is a computer program able to identify specific objects for different user interests. Given that many RS have been operating for years, temporal information as a source to obtain better recommendations is acquiring more importance. The currently active research field of RS, has tried to incorporate this information in the form of new recommendation algorithms. However, a common evaluation framework for testing improvements on this area is still missing; most proposals have been developed for and tested under specific (and different) datasets, circumstances and metrics, making it difficult to fairly compare them. This work aims to help establishing a better perspective of the impact of techniques that deal with temporal information on RS. An extensive review of published work on the subject was carried out, including not only time aware techniques, but also the basic techniques upon which time aware extensions are built. A considerable proportion of the techniques under study and metrics for their evaluation were implemented, and a rigorous evaluation protocol scheme was developed, in order to allow the usage of the different techniques under a common experimental setting, which included two common recommendation tasks (rating prediction and top-N recommendation). We assessed the recommendations' results obtained with the different implemented recommendation algorithms on five differ-Results show that, differently to what could be expected, not all time-aware algorithms were able to outperform their time-unaware counterparts, in particular with respect to accuracy on rating prediction (statistical accuracy), which is somewhat unexpected given that, in general, the main motivation for the elaboration of such extensions is accuracy increase. Moreover, the behavior of algorithms on the assessed metrics varies notably, and no particular technique can be considered as " the best " across the different evaluation dimensions. These findings remarks 1) the importance of establishing a common and rigorous evaluation scheme when different algorithms are to be compared and 2) the most suitable recommendation algorithm will depend on the particular task at hand and evaluation dimension of interest. To finalize, we identify interesting research topics related to this work, some of which we hope to address in the near future. iii Contents
Hypochlorous acid exposure impairs skeletal muscle function and Ca2+ signalling: implications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy pathology

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal X‐linked disease characterised by severe muscle wasting. The mechanisms underlying the DMD pathology likely involve the interaction between inflammation, oxidative stress and impaired Ca2+ signalling. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a highly reactive oxidant produced endogenously via myeloperoxidase; an enzyme secreted by neutrophils that is significantly elevated in dystrophic muscle. Oxidation of Ca2+‐handling proteins by HOCl may impair Ca2+ signalling. This study aimed to determine the effects of HOCl on skeletal muscle function and its potential contribution to the dystrophic pathology. Extensor digitorum longus (EDL), soleus and interosseous muscles were surgically isolated from anaesthetised C57 (wild‐type) and mdx (dystrophic) mice for measurement of ex vivo force production and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In whole EDL muscle, HOCl (200 μM) significantly decreased maximal force and increased resting muscle tension which was only partially reversible by dithiothreitol. The effects of HOCl (200 μM) on maximal force in slow‐twitch soleus were lower than found in the fast‐twitch EDL muscle. In single interosseous myofibres, HOCl (10 μM) significantly increased resting intracellular Ca2+ concentration and decreased Ca2+ transient amplitude. These effects of HOCl were reduced by the application of tetracaine, Gd3+ or streptomycin, implicating involvement of ryanodine receptors and transient receptor potential channels. These results demonstrate the potent effects of HOCl on skeletal muscle function potentially mediated by HOCl‐induced oxidation to Ca2+ signalling proteins. Hence, HOCl may provide a link between chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and impaired Ca2+ handling that is characteristic of DMD and presents a potential therapeutic target for DMD.
Mental illness in children and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023

Introduction Young people are at risk of developing mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems are among the primary causes of illness and impairment among teenagers. Suicide is the fourth highest cause of mortality in those aged 15 to 29. This study aimed to assess the determinants of mental health among children in Ethiopia. Methods Online databases were searched from inception until March 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 was used in this review. Subgroup analysis, I2 test, funnel plot, and Egger’s test were performed. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Result Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of mental illnesses among Ethiopian children was 24.68% (95% CI: 19.99%–32.38%). Having previous child abuse history (OR: 5.65; 95% CI: 4.32-7.39), poor socio-economic status (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.24-3.04), urban residence (OR: 1.93; 95% CI:1.39-2.67), and being male (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15-2.38) were determinants of childhood mental illness in Ethiopia. Conclusion and Recommendations: Mental disorders are highly prevalent in children with a history of child abuse, and a strong legislative body must be established to prosecute child abusers. Interventions that focus on gender equality in education and the creation of a safe environment for poor urban children are suggested.
Perceptions and responses to COVID-19 through wastewater surveillance information and online search behavior: A randomized controlled trial

Wastewater surveillance is anticipated to be a representative and timely method to assess infectious disease status; however, its influence on public perception and behavior remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we used a randomized controlled trial to analyze the influence of wastewater surveillance-based information on understanding of, interest in, relief regarding, preventive behavioral intention against, and subsequent online search behavior related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Valid responses were obtained from 1,000 individuals in both control and intervention groups from Yahoo crowdsourcing users aged [≥]18 years in Japan. This survey was conducted from August 4 to August 7, 2023, just before the common Japanese tradition of returning to hometowns. The questionnaire not only collected personal attributes but also gauged responses to COVID-19 information. This information highlighted the early detection capabilities and representativeness of wastewater surveillance compared with sentinel surveillance at medical institutions. At one-week post-survey, we obtained the survey participants' online search history for key words such as "bullet train," "highway," "airplane," and "wastewater. " The findings showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of COVID-19 interest or preventive behavior before information provision, verifying the effectiveness of participant randomization. Wastewater surveillance-based information did not notably elevate understanding or specific intentions regarding COVID-19, such as wearing masks and receiving vaccination. However, it significantly increased interest in, relief concerning the infection status, and general preventive behavioral intentions. Heightened interest and general preventive intentions did not depend on prior interest or behavior. However, those who previously engaged in preventive behavior or who were less interested in COVID-19 exhibited more relief after exposure to wastewater surveillance-based information. Furthermore, this information could slightly influence online searches related to return travel modes, such as highways. In conclusion, information from wastewater surveillance effectively shapes individual perceptions of and responses to infections.
Late-Holocene glacier advances and related climate conditions in the Hailuogou catchment, Gongga Shan, eastern Tibetan Plateau

We present simulations for the late-Holocene glacier advances in the Hailuogou catchment, Gongga Shan, in attempts to test the glacier sensitivity to climate changes and constrain the climate conditions that support these glacier advances. We use a coupled mass-balance and ice-flow model parameterized using empirical glaciological and climatological data to simulate the glacier extents by fitting modeled glaciers to corresponding glacial landforms. The glacier sensitivity test showed that in the Hailuogou catchment, glacier area expands increasingly quickly until 4°C cooling, beyond which decreased expansion occurs up to at least 5°C cooling, but the modeled glacier volume increases steadily up to 5°C with an approximate linear rate being 1.1 × 109 m3/0.5°C. The temperatures were estimated to be 1.9–3.1°C, 1.5–2.6°C, and 1.0–2.2°C cooler than present for the respective Guanjingtai, Hailuogou, and ‘Little Ice Age’ (‘LIA’) Maximum glacial stages, considering a realistic precipitation field being 80–120% of present value. Model results also suggested that the Hailuogou catchment was covered by glaciers of 64.1, 59.3, and 53.8 km2 and ice volumes of 8.79 × 109, 7.99 × 109, and 6.92 × 109 m3 in the Guanjingtai, Hailuogou, and ‘LIA’ Maximum glacial stages, respectively. These findings help to understand the relationships between glacier dynamic and climate change and the hydrological evolution in the Hailuogou catchment. We therefore encourage using the model as a powerful tool to retrieve past ice extents and evaluate their related climate conditions on the vast Tibetan Plateau.
Comparing the effect of intermittent blood flow restriction training and high-load resistance training in patients with patellofemoral pain: study protocol for a randomised trial

Background Patellofemoral pain (PFP) syndrome is a common knee joint functional disorder. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has shown promise in improving PFP; however, the effectiveness of intermittent BFR (iBFR) training remains uncertain. This study aims to compare the rehabilitative effects of iBFR combined with low-load resistance training and high-load resistance training in PFP patients and to assess the effectiveness of iBFR combined with low-load resistance training for improving PFP. Methods and analysis This randomised, patient-assessor blinded, controlled trial will include 42 eligible PFP patients randomly allocated to an intervention group (iBFR combined with low-load resistance training) or a control group (high-load resistance training) in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will receive interventions three times per week for 8 weeks and will be followed up for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measure is pain, and the secondary outcomes include self-reported function, quality of life, muscle strength and muscle thickness. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 8 weeks and 24 weeks during follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed. Collectively, we expect that the findings of this randomised clinical trial will contribute to understanding the potential benefits of iBFR training and provide insightful guidance for developing more effective treatment strategies for patients with PFP. Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the Sports Science Experiment Ethics Committee of Beijing Sport University (2022274H). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Trial registration number Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300068281).
Exploring the urban gradient in population health: insights from satellite-derived urbanicity classes across multiple countries and years in sub-Saharan Africa

The demographic, ecological and socioeconomic changes associated with urbanisation are linked to changes in disease incidence, health service provision and mortality. These effects are heterogeneous between and within urban areas, yet without a clear definition of what constitutes an ‘urban’ area, their measurement and comparison are constrained. The definitions used vary between countries and over time hindering analyses of the relationship between urbanisation and health outcomes, evaluation of policy actions and results in uncertainties in estimated differences. While a binary urban-rural designation fails to capture the complexities of the urban-rural continuum, satellite data augmented with models of population density and built-up areas offer an opportunity to develop an objective, comparable and continuous measure which captures urbanisation gradient at high spatial resolution. We examine the urban gradient within the context of population health. We compare the categorisation of urban and rural areas (defined by national statistical offices) used in household surveys in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to an urban-rural gradient derived from augmented satellite data within a geospatial framework. Using nine Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2005 and 2019 in six SSA countries, we then assess the extent of misalignment between urbanicity based on DHS categorisation compared with a satellite-derived measure, while discussing the implications on the coverage of key maternal health indicators. The proposed indicator provides a useful supplement to country-specific urbanicity definitions and reveals new health dynamics along the rural-urban gradient. Satellite-derived urbanicity measures will need frequent updates to align with years when household surveys are conducted.