Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterising smokers of menthol and flavoured cigarettes, their attitudes towards tobacco regulation, and the anticipated impact of the Tobacco Products Directive on their smoking and quitting behaviours: The EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe Surveys

INTRODUCTION Little research exists on the sociodemographic characteristics of menthol and flavoured cigarette (MFC) smokers in Europe. This study assessed the proportion of MFC smokers in Europe, their sociodemographic characteristics, and their attitudes towards tobacco control measures. METHODS Cross-sectional data were collected in 2016 among 10760 adult current smokers from 8 European countries (ITC Europe Project and EUREST-PLUS). Smokers of menthol, other flavoured, unflavoured tobacco, or no usual brand were compared on sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes towards a range of tobacco control measures (e.g. ban on flavouring), and on intentions regarding their smoking behaviour following the ban on flavoured tobacco. Data were analysed in SPSS Complex Samples Package using univariate analyses. RESULTS Among the respondents, 7.4% smoked menthol cigarettes and 2.9% other flavoured tobacco, but large differences existed between countries (e.g. 0.4% smokers smoked menthol cigarettes in Spain vs 12.4% in England). Compared to other groups, menthol cigarette smokers were younger, more likely to be female, better educated, had higher household income, and smoked fewer cigarettes (all p<0.001). A quarter of menthol smokers supported a ban on additives, compared with almost half of all other smokers (p<0.001). In case of a ban on flavourings, around a fifth of all MFC smokers intended to switch to another brand, and a third to reduce the amount they smoked or to quit smoking, but there was no consistent pattern across MFC smokers among the countries. CONCLUSIONS The ban on flavourings introduced by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (extended to 2020 for menthols) will affect one in ten smokers in the countries surveyed, which provides an opportunity for targeting these groups with cessation programmes. However, smokers of menthol and flavoured cigarettes in the different European countries are a heterogeneous group and may need different approaches.
Investigating Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Mild Phenotype in Friedreich Ataxia Patients with G130V Missense Mutation

Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the frataxin (FXN) gene, resulting in decreased expression of the mitochondrial protein FXN. 2-3% of FRDA patients carry a GAA expansion on one FXN allele, and a missense mutation on the other. The mechanism behind the disease‐causing features remains elusive. The phenotype associated with patients carrying point mutations cannot be predicted with certainty; these patients can have a mild or severe clinical outcome, creating a unique platform to understand clinical heterogeneity. FXN is important for proper mitochondrial function, and is involved in Fe-S cluster biogenesis, metabolism, and ATP production. Defining how missense mutations influence FXN’s processing and role in energy production and cellular metabolism will help identify pathways that are affected during disease progression, begin to explain the varying phenotypes, and establish a biochemical genotype-phenotype correlation. Of all disease-associated mutations, patients carrying the G130V missense mutation are of most interest because they have less than 5 % of control mature FXN levels but evolve to a milder phenotype with slower disease progression and significantly lower occurrence of cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, and diabetes. In this thesis, I identified impaired protein processing from FXN42-210 to FXN81-210 as the mechanism by which FXN missense mutations result in lower mature FXN81-210 levels in mutation-selective ways by overexpression studies and subcellular fractionation. This was also true for a novel FXN W168R missense mutation associated with severely low FXN levels and phenotype. Multiple features of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with severe phenotype in typical FRDA, and compared them to G130V patients were also assessed in order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the milder phenotype. Fibroblasts from G130V patients have increased mitochondrial ferritin immunoreactivity by immunocytochemistry, increased mitochondrial aconitase activity measured by enzymatic conversion of citrate to isocitrate, and increased Krebs cycle metabolic activity measured by LC-MS isotopologue tracer studies, compared to typical FRDA fibroblasts. Overall, fibroblasts from G130V patients appear to have improved mitochondrial function compared to typical FRDA patients, thus providing a rationale linking G130V functional capacity with milder phenotype. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Pharmacology First Advisor David Lynch Second Advisor Kelly Jordan-Sciutto This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/2964
The Effect of Reflexology on Labor Pain and Length Among Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Pain control is considered as the key issue in modern midwifery. Along with medical painkillers, reflexology is viewed as a non-medical and noninvasive method. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of reflexology on the intensity of pain and length of labor. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, participants included 240 Iranian primiparous women with term and singleton pregnancy. Having a 3-4 cm cervical dilatation once they visited the hospital. Through a convenient sampling method, they were selected and then randomly divided into two groups. In the intervention group, reflexology was performed, and the intensity of pain during the active phase of labor along with the length of labor in the active phase was measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and compared with the control group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. Result: Data analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the intensity of pain in the 5-7 and 8-10 cm dilatation in the two groups (P=0.01). Moreover, the labor length in the active phase was found to be significantly shorter in the intervention group (P<0.001). Conclusion: It appears that reflexology can lead to a reduction in the pain and length of labor. Therefore, through instructing this technique, a goal of midwifery, which is reducing labor pain and its length can be achieved.
A nutritional Survey on Both Underweight and Stunting among Iranian Children between 6-24 months Old, Rafsanjan, Southeast Iran (2015)

This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of stunting and underweight among children between 6 and 24 months old in southeastern area of Iran. This is a crosssectional study. More than 470 families were randomly selected using a cluster sampling method. A checklist with 58 items was used for data collection process. Multiple regression model was also used to show the most associated factors. The prevalence of underweight and stunting among children aged 6-24 months was 2.9% (n=14) and 11% (n=54) respectively. Regression model showed that factors such as ‘the level of food security in child’s family’, ‘the economic status of the family’, and ‘children weight at birth’, were significantly associated with both stunting and underweight. our findings were very similar to these pictures depicted for the other parts of the country showing that the prevalence of these health problems among Iranian children in this age group are lower than what is reported for many other developing countries.
A retrospective analysis of the results of treatment with Intensive Neurophysiological Rehabilitation Syste

The Intensive Neurophysiological Rehabilitation System (INRS), also known by the name of its founder as the Kozyavkin method, is a relatively new approach to rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Diverse treatment components of this method that complement and potentiate each other are aimed at achieving the major goal of rehabilitation – to improve the quality of life of the patients. This study assessed changes of the key developmental parameters in children with CP during the INRS treatment course by retrospectively analyzing medical records. Methods. 4309 patients that had received rehabilitation in the International Clinic of Rehabilitation during 2014-2016 were included in the analysis. The analyzed group underwent a total of 12.785 rehabilitation courses. Medical records before and after a two-week course were compared. This was possible due to the dedicated software, developed specifically for informational support in INRS. The muscle tone, active and passive range of motion, gross motor function, fine motor skills, and several other parameters were evaluated. Results. Muscle tone decreased in 93% of patients with spastic forms of CP. Passive range of motion increased in 92% and active range of motion – in 84%. Changes in the gross motor function were measured with regard to the severity of motor impairment according to the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS). Head control improved in 27% of patients with GMFCS IV-V, crawling – in 16% with GMFCS III, sitting – in 49% with GMFCS II-III, standing – in 68% with GMFCS I-II. Fine motor function improved in 32% of patients, psycho-emotional state – in 7,938 patients (83%), functions of the autonomic nervous system – in 2,163 patients (23%), and language skills – in 969 patients (10%). Conclusions. The study describes the changes of the motor and mental functions in children with CP after a two-week INRS course. The results provide the basis for further investigation of the INRS, particularly, in randomized controlled trials.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION OF AN ADOLESCENT PATIENT AFTER INTRACRANIAL EMBOLIZATION OF AVM – A CASE STUDY

This paper discussed a case study of a 15-year-old girl who had had a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by arteriovenous malformation. A brain arteriovenous malformation is a defect in the vascular system, a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. The patient attended regularly neuropsychological rehabilitation and several various therapeutic methods were applied. A neuropsychological diagnosis was performed before and after therapy. The first assessment showed some cognitive disturbances: difficulties in the organization of memorized material, difficulties in maintaining attention and deficits in abstract thinking. Furthermore there were observed emotional problems: depression and high perfectionism. The patient participated in individual therapy lasting one year. Neuropsychological rehabilitation took into consideration the personal psychological resources and cognitive and emotional difficulties. As a result, there was observed an improvement in consequent cognitive functions: organization of memorized material, working memory, abstract thinking and verbal fluency. The emotional state was stable. It is important that the therapy should be holistic and includes all aspects of the patient’s functioning, which may have an influence on the final result of rehabilitation. One of the most important aims of the therapy psychologist was an acceptance of the disease. The cognitive tasks can also include psychological and therapeutic exercises.
SODIUM INTAKE IN MALAYSIAN ADULTS: VALIDATION OF ESTIMATIONS BY DIETARY AND SPOT URINE EXCRETION METHODS VERSUS 24-HOUR URINE EXCRETION

Introduction: There are, several methods available for assessment of sodium intake, including dietary and urinary excretion, which are fraught with methodological difficulties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate dietary and urinary excretion methods against 24-hour urinary excretion method in estimating sodium intake in Malaysian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been carried out between November to December 2015. About 1568 adults aged 18 to 59 years old have participated from 16 study sites located in the 13 states and two federal territories of Malaysia. The study collected basic sociodemographic data and habitual dietary intake by Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Respondents were also asked to complete a two-day food intake diary (2FD) and collect their 24-hours urine and spot urine using standard protocols. Results: A total of 1116 adults successfully completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 71%. Sodium intake from 24-hour urine excretion was estimated at 2585.9mg/day which is above the recommendation by World Health Organization (WHO). The 2FD showed the nearest mean estimate to the reference method but the spot urine with Tanaka’s predictive equation showed the least bias. The estimation of sodium from spot urine alone or with Kawasaki’s predictive equation and FFQ method showed poor mean estimates and a large bias compared to the reference method. Conclusions: The 2FD and spot urine with Tanaka’s prediction equation can be good alternatives for estimating daily sodium intake at the population level but not at the individual level.
Progression of electroanatomic substrate and electric storm recurrence in a patient with Brugada syndrome.

In December 2011, a 39-year-old man resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation received the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome on the basis of a spontaneous Brugada type 1 ECG pattern (Figure 1A). Before implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator, the patient, after providing written informed consent, underwent a 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping of the right ventricle (RV) as part of a clinical research study approved by ethics committee of our institution. A localized low-voltage area with delayed and fragmented potentials was evident in both bipolar and unipolar voltage maps in the anterior RV outflow tract. The patient was discharged with no antiarrhythmic medication and was free of arrhythmic events at implantable cardioverter-defibrillator interrogation for 1 year. Figure 1. A , A 12-lead rest ECG obtained in 2011 showing a spontaneous type 1 Brugada pattern in leads V1 and V2. B , Continuous ECG monitoring (in 2013) showing frequent monomorphic ventricular ectopic beats with left bundle-branch block morphology and an inferior axis, as well as frequent R-on-T phenomenon triggering ventricular fibrillation. The type 1 Brugada pattern can …
Dysphagia Bedside Screening for Acute-Stroke Patients

Background and Purpose— Acute-onset dysphagia after stroke is frequently associated with an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. Because most screening tools are complex and biased toward fluid swallowing, we developed a simple, stepwise bedside screen that allows a graded rating with separate evaluations for nonfluid and fluid nutrition starting with nonfluid textures. The Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) aims at reducing the risk of aspiration during the test to a minimum; it assesses the severity of aspiration risk and recommends a special diet accordingly. Methods— Fifty acute-stroke patients were assessed prospectively. The validity of the GUSS was established by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. For interrater reliability, 2 independent therapists evaluated 20 patients within a 2-hour period. For external validity, another group of 30 patients was tested by stroke nurses. For content validity, the liquid score of the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was compared with t.
Extraction of antioxidants from fruit peel of Artocarpus altilis

Aim: Fruit peel of Artocarpus altilis traditionally in West Sumatra has been used and believed to be analgesic and treat other generative diseases. The aim of this study is to quantify the potential of antioxidant activity and the total phenolic and flavonoids contents from methanol extract of fruit peel A. altilis. All of this is intended for waste utilization and to find other natural sources of antioxidants and pharmaceutical formulations in the future. Material and Methods: The antioxidant activity was performed by 2,2´-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and the total yield of phenolic and flavonoids contents was determined using spectrophotometer methods. Results and Discussion: Research results show that fruit peel of A. altilis has an inhibitory concentration 50% 479. 31µg/ml, total phenolic content 6277 mg of dry weight of extract, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, and total flavonoid contents 4874 mg expressed in terms of rutin equivalent. Data from the present results show that methanol extract of fruit peel of A. altilis possesses significant free radical scavenging properties and clear correlation exists between the strong antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoids contents. Conclusion: The results suggest that fruit peel of A. altilis can be regarded as natural plant sources of antioxidants with high value.
Towards a classification for sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease – Berlin 2017

Introduction: Sacrococcygeal Pilonidal Disease (SPD) presents in a variety of patterns. Multiple classifications have been proposed but none are in everyday use. In order to compare treatment outcomes, a method of categorizing is required. Methods: Discussion over e-mail between several surgeons was performed over a period of 10 months. Results: Surgeons recognize that SPD presents in a variety of patterns but there is a lack of scientific evidence on which to base a categorization system or treatment. Conclusion: A simple classification system suitable for everyday use can be defined.
Analysis of Postoperative Complications in Spinal Surgery, Hospital Length of Stay, and Unplanned Readmission: Application of Dindo-Clavien Classification to Spine Surgery

Study Design: Retrospective study. Level of evidence III. Objective: Postoperative complications in spine surgery are associated with increased morbidity, hospital length of stay, and health care costs. Registry of complications in orthopedics and the spine surgery is heterogeneous. Methods: Between July 2016 and June 2017, 274 spinal surgeries were performed, the presence of postoperative complications was analyzed at 90 days (according to the classification of Dindo-Clavien, grades I-V), hospital length of stay, surgical complexity (low, medium, and high), unplanned readmission, and risk factors were evaluated. Results: A total of 79 patients suffered a complication (28.8%), of them 21 (26.7%) were grade I, 24 (30.3%) were grade II, 4 (5.7%) were grade IIIA, and 29 (37.3%) were grade IIIB. There were no IV and V grade cases. The most frequent complication was excessive pain followed by deep wound infection and anemia. Surgical complexity and surgical time were significantly associated with the risk of developing a complication. The average number of hospital length of stay in patients without and with complications were 2.7 and 10.6, respectively, and the unplanned readmission rate was 11%. Conclusions: Registry of postoperative complications allows the correct standardization and risk factors required to establish measures to decrease them, the application of Dindo-Clavien classification was useful for the purpose of our study.
Prolonged Waking and Recovery Sleep Affect the Serum MicroRNA Expression Profile in Humans

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, abundant, non-coding RNA fragments that regulate gene expression and silencing at the post-transcriptional level. The miRNAs each control various downstream targets and play established roles in different biological processes. Given that miRNAs were recently proposed to contribute to the molecular control of sleep–wake regulation in animal models and narcoleptic patients, we investigated the impact of acute sleep deprivation on blood miRNA expression in healthy adult men of two different age groups. Twenty-two young (mean age: 24 ± 3 years) and nine older (65 ± 1 years) volunteers completed a controlled in-lab study, consisting of 8 h baseline sleep, followed by 40 h of extended wakefulness, and a 10-h recovery sleep opportunity. At the same circadian time in all three conditions (at 4:23 p.m. ± 23 min), qPCR expression profiling of 86 miRNAs was performed in blood serum. Thirteen different miRNAs could be reliably quantified and were analyzed using mixed-model ANOVAs. It was found that miR-30c and miR-127 were reliably affected by previous sleep and wakefulness, such that expression of these miRNAs was upregulated after extended wakefulness and normalized after recovery sleep. Together with previous findings in narcolepsy patients, our preliminary data indicate that miR-30c and its target proteins may provide a biomarker of elevated sleep debt in humans.
Balance function control on the background of vestibular stimulation in athletes

Aim: In sports activities, the athlete faces the problem of maintaining the balance of the body against the background of physical and sensory fatigue. The sum of physical and sensory fatigue results in an overload of the athlete’s statokinetic system, which primarily leads to a decrease in vestibular stability and proprioceptive sensitivity, generation of muscle tension, changes in the central integration of sensory information, as well as to an impaired differentiation of fine movements, mismatch of regulation mechanisms, and speed of motor reactions. Materials and Methods: The body balance function was assessed using “Stabilan 01–2” stabilographic hardware–software complex (CJSC “OKB” “Ritm,” Russia) by analyzing the oscillation of the pressure center. Vestibular stimulation was performed with the help of the Barany chair (Russia). Results: The assessment of the body balance function in athletes and persons not engaged in sports was conducted before and after vestibular stimulation. According to the data of the stabilographic test, the balance function of the athletes engaged in cyclic, situational, and precision sports did not differ. Conclusion: At the same time, the most significant differences in the regulation of the balance between athletes of different specializations are manifested after vestibular stimulation. Individuals not engage in sports have a lower level of quality of maintaining balance, as compared with athletes, which significantly decreased under the influence of vestibular stimulation.
Male circumcision and HIV: Non-blindedness and biases in RCTs; female preferences; penile sensitivity satisfaction and ambient stimulation; risk compensation; acceptance of insufficient condom use and personal hygiene and related externalities.

Background: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in the developing world. It constitutes one-third of the deaths in under-five in developing countries. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of ARI and risk factors for ARI among under-fives children in rural communities of Ekiti State. Study design: The study was cross sectional descriptive/analytical in nature. A semistructured pretested and interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from 436 care givers who were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated and level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: Among the under-fives 237 (54.4%) were males while 199 (45.6%) were females with mean age of 28.4 +or- 15.2 months. Numbers of under-fives with ARI were 283 (64.9%). The commonest symptoms of ARI were cough 161 (36.9%) fever 176 (40.4%) and running nose 157 (36.0%). The major risk factors for ARI were second hand smoking (90.9%) cooking with charcoal (79.4%) overcrowding (70.6%) and sleeping on earthen floor (90.8%) The odds of ARI among underfive sleeping with two adults in a room was lower compared to under five sleeping with more than two adults (AOR 1.739 CI 1.123 -2.694 p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence and level at which the under-five children were exposed to ARI risk factors in this study were high. Care givers in the rural communities will benefit from public awareness campaign on risk factors for ARI and this will go a long way in reducing mortality and morbidity due to ARI among under-five children.