Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationships Between Diabetes Self-Care, Diabetes Time Management, and Diabetes Distress in Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between and among diabetes self-care, diabetes time management, and diabetes distress in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A descriptive correlational design with a total of 188 participants completed 3 valid and reliable instruments to measure the main study variables, the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire, the Diabetes Time Management Questionnaire, and the Diabetes Distress Scale, in an uncontrolled, natural setting using mix-mode surveys (electronic and paper). Survey responses were analyzed using several descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Results Diabetes time management was the strongest, statistically significant, unique contributor to explaining self-care. The regression model showed that diabetes time management demonstrated a large effect size and that diabetes distress demonstrated a small effect size. Conclusions The 2 predictor variables among diabetes self-care in women showed diabetes time management had a stronger effect size compared to diabetes distress. This is the first known study to measure the influence of diabetes time management on diabetes self-care and to examine the relationship between and among diabetes time management and diabetes distress. Diabetes time management, an understudied variable in individuals with T2DM, has the potential to be a contributor to improve patient outcomes.
Eye Movements Predict Large-Scale Voting Decisions

More than 100 countries allow people to vote directly on policies in direct democracy elections (e.g., 2016 Brexit referendum). Politicians are often responsible for writing ballot language, and voters frequently encounter ballot measures that are difficult to understand. We examined whether eye movements from a small group of individuals can predict the consequences of ballot language on large-scale voting decisions. Across two preregistered studies (Study 1: N = 120 registered voters, Study 2: N = 120 registered voters), we monitored laboratory participants’ eye movements as they read real ballot measures. We found that eye-movement responses associated with difficulties in language comprehension predicted aggregate voting decisions to abstain from voting and vote against ballot measures in U.S. elections (total number of votes cast = 137,661,232). Eye movements predicted voting decisions beyond what was accounted for by widely used measures of language difficulty. This finding demonstrates a new way of linking eye movements to out-of-sample aggregate-level behaviors.
Persistent soil seed banks promote naturalisation and invasiveness in flowering plants

Abstract With globalisation facilitating the movement of plants and seeds beyond the native range, preventing potentially harmful introductions requires knowledge of what drives the successful establishment and spread of alien plants. Here, we examined global‐scale relationships between naturalisation success (incidence and extent) and invasiveness, soil seed bank properties (type and densities) and key species traits (seed mass, seed dormancy and life form) for 2350 species of angiosperms. Naturalisation and invasiveness were strongly associated with the ability to form persistent (vs. transient) seed banks but relatively weakly with seed bank densities and other traits. Our findings suggest that seed bank persistence is a trait that better captures the ability to become naturalised and invasive compared to seed traits more widely available in trait databases. Knowledge of seed persistence can contribute to our ability to predict global naturalisation and invasiveness and to identify potentially invasive flowering plants before they are introduced.
Composition of cutaneous bacterial microbiome in seborrheic dermatitis patients: A cross-sectional study

Background Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial aetiology. Malassezia yeasts have been associated with the disease but the role of bacterial composition in SD has not been thoroughly investigated. Objectives To profile the bacterial microbiome of SD patients and compare this with the microbiome of individuals with no inflammatory skin disease (controls). Methods This was a cross sectional study embedded in a population-based study. Skin swabs were taken from naso-labial fold from patients with seborrheic dermatitis (lesional skin: n = 22; non-lesional skin SD: n = 75) and controls (n = 465). Sample collection began in 2016 at the research facility and is still ongoing. Shannon and Chao1 α- diversity metrics were calculated per group. Associations between the microbiome composition of cases and controls was calculated using multivariate statistics (permANOVA) and univariate statistics. Results We found an increased α-diversity between SD lesional cases versus controls (Shannon diversity: Kruskal-Wallis rank sum: Chi-squared: 19.06; global p-value = 7.7x10-5). Multivariate statistical analysis showed significant associations in microbiome composition when comparing lesional SD skin to controls (p-value = 0.03;R2 = 0.1%). Seven out of 13 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that were significantly different between controls and lesional cases were members of the genus Staphylococcus, most of which showed increased composition in lesional cases, and were closely related to S. capitis S. caprae and S. epidermidis. Conclusion Microbiome composition differs in patients with seborrheic dermatitis and individuals without diseases. Differences were mainly found in the genus Staphylococcus.
Effect of Prostaglandin E2 on Chloride Transport Across the Rabbit Thick Ascending Limb of Henle

A B S T RA C T Prostaglandins are present in large quantities in the kidney and have been shown to directly affect transepithelial transport. The present studies were designed to examine whether prostaglandin E2 could affect chloride transport across the thick ascending limb of Henle. Isolated segments ofthe cortical and medullary thick ascending limb ofHenle were perfused in vitro and the transepithelial voltage and net chloride flux were measured. Exposure of the medullary thick ascending limb to 2 ,uM prostaglandin E2 resulted in a fall in net chloride transport of40-50% with a concomitant fall in voltage. In contrast, net chloride transport in the cortical thick ascending limb was not affected by prostaglandin E2. Under similar conditions, the medullary thick ascending limb possessed twice the capacity to transport chloride than did the cortical thick ascending limb. The results suggest that endogenous renal prostaglandins may play a modulating role in the addition of salt to the renal medullary interstitium and may, under some circumstances, by chloruretic.
Compact-device model development for the energy-delay analysis of magneto-electric magnetic tunnel junction structures

We discuss the application of a novel class of device, the magneto-electric magnetic tunnel junction (ME-MTJ) to realize a variety of computational functions, including majority logic and the XNOR/XOR gate. We also develop a compact model to describe the operation of these devices, which function by utilizing the phenomenon of ‘voltage-controlled magnetism’ to switch the operational state of MTJs. The model breaks down the switching process into three key stages of operation: electrical-to-magnetic conversion, magnetization transfer, and final-state readout. Estimates for the switching energy and delay of these devices, obtained from this compact model, reveal significant improvements in both of these parameters when compared to conventional MTJs switched by spin-transfer-torque. In fact, the capacity to use the ME-MTJ to implement complex logical operations within a single device allows its energy costs to even approach those of low-power CMOS. The added benefits of non-volatility and compact circuit footprint, combined with their potential for heterogeneous integration with CMOS, make the ME devices of considerable interest for post-CMOS technology.
Internet of Things Enabled Financial Crisis Prediction in Enterprises Using Optimal Feature Subset Selection-Based Classification Model

At present time, an effective tool becomes essential to forecast business failure as well as financial crisis on small- to medium-sized enterprises. This article presents a new optimal feature selection (FS)-based classification model for financial crisis prediction (FCP). The proposed FCP method involves data acquisition, preprocessing, FS, and classification. Initially, the financial data of the enterprises are collected by the use of the internet of things devices, such as smartphones and laptops. Then, the pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO)-based FS technique is applied to choose an optimal set of features. Afterward, the extreme gradient boosting (XGB)-based classification optimized by the Jaya optimization (JO) algorithm called JO-XGB is employed to classify the financial data. The application of the JO algorithm helps to tune the parameters of the XGB model. A detailed experimental validation process takes place to ensure the performance of the presented PIO-JO-XGBoost model. The obtained simulation results verified the effectiveness of the presented model over the compared methods.
Human Somatosensory Cortex Is Modulated during Motor Planning

Recent data and motor control theory argues that movement planning involves preparing the neural state of primary motor cortex (M1) for forthcoming action execution. Theories related to internal models, feedback control, and predictive coding also emphasize the importance of sensory prediction (and processing) before (and during) the movement itself, explaining why motor-related deficits can arise from damage to primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Motivated by this work, here we examined whether motor planning, in addition to changing the neural state of M1, changes the neural state of S1, preparing it for the sensory feedback that arises during action. We tested this idea in two human functional MRI studies (N = 31, 16 females) involving delayed object manipulation tasks, focusing our analysis on premovement activity patterns in M1 and S1. We found that the motor effector to be used in the upcoming action could be decoded, well before movement, from neural activity in M1 in both studies. Critically, we found that this effector information was also present, well before movement, in S1. In particular, we found that the encoding of effector information in area 3b (S1 proper) was linked to the contralateral hand, similarly to that found in M1, whereas in areas 1 and 2 this encoding was present in both the contralateral and ipsilateral hemispheres. Together, these findings suggest that motor planning not only prepares the motor system for movement but also changes the neural state of the somatosensory system, presumably allowing it to anticipate the sensory information received during movement. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Whereas recent work on motor cortex has emphasized the critical role of movement planning in preparing neural activity for movement generation, it has not investigated the extent to which planning also modulates the activity in the adjacent primary somatosensory cortex. This reflects a key gap in knowledge, given that recent motor control theories emphasize the importance of sensory feedback processing in effective movement generation. Here, we find through a convergence of experiments and analyses, that the planning of object manipulation tasks, in addition to modulating the activity in the motor cortex, changes the state of neural activity in different subfields of the human S1. We suggest that this modulation prepares the S1 for the sensory information it will receive during action execution.
Effects of Marathon Running on Cognition and Retinal Vascularization: A Longitudinal Observational Study

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Introduction Physical activity has beneficial effects on both cardiovascular and neurocognitive parameters, and these two modalities are known to interact at rest. However, findings on their interaction during exercise are inconclusive. Purpose Therefore, this longitudinal study aimed to investigate the effects of different forms of exercise (training period, marathon race, and recovery period) on both parameters and their interaction. Methods We included 100 marathon runners (MA) (mean ± SD age = 43.6 ± 10.0 yr, 80 males) and 46 age- and sex-matched sedentary controls (SC, for baseline comparison). Over the 6-month study period with six visits (12 and 2 wk before the marathon; immediately, 24 h, 72 h, and 12 wk after the marathon), we assessed cognitive parameters by evaluating the 1- to 3-back d prime, the d2 task, and the Trail Making Tests A (TMT A) and B (TMT B), and the retinal vessel parameters by assessing arteriolar-to-venular ratio (AVR), central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE), and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE). Results In the long-term analysis, 3-back d prime correlated positively with AVR (P = 0.024, B = 1.86, SE = 0.824) and negatively with CRVE (P = 0.05, B = −0.006, SE = 0.003), and TMT B correlated negatively with CRAE (P = 0.025, B = −0.155, SE = 0.069), even after correcting for age and systolic blood pressure as possible confounders. Acute effects were inconsistent with maximal cognitive improvement 24 h after the marathon. AVR was significantly smaller in SC compared with MA. Conclusion Chronic exercise seems to prime the central nervous system for acute, intensive bouts of exercise. Our findings indicate a possible relationship between cognitive performance in high-demand tasks and retinal vasculature and support the idea of a neuroplastic effect of exercise.
A Pilot Study of Silymarin as Supplementation to Reduce Toxicities in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated With First-Line FOLFIRI Plus Bevacizumab

Irinotecan, a topoisomerase inhibitor, is a common cytotoxic agent prescribed for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Diarrhea is the most common adverse event (AE). The underlying mechanism of irinotecan-induced diarrhea is intestinal mucosal damage caused by SN-38 (active metabolite of irinotecan) hydrolyzed from SN-38G (inactive metabolite) by bacterial β-glucuronidase (βG). According to an animal study, silymarin reduces the activity of bacterial βG without impairing antitumor efficacy. We conducted a prospective open-label pilot study to evaluate the effect of silymarin as supplementation in reducing toxicities of mCRC patients undergoing irinotecan-based chemotherapy. We enrolled and randomized 70 mCRC patients receiving first-line FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/irinotecan) plus bevacizumab. In each treatment cycle, the study group was administered silymarin capsules (150 mg) three times daily for 7 days. The study group experienced less AEs in diarrhea (5.7% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.002) and nausea (27.0% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.005) in comparison with the control group, but no significant differences in hepatic toxicities were observed. In conclusion, simultaneous administration of silymarin is a potential effective supplementation for reducing toxicities in mCRC patients undergoing first-line FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab, especially in diarrhea and nausea.
The Drosophila brain on cocaine at single-cell resolution

Whereas the neurological effects of cocaine have been well documented, effects of acute cocaine consumption on genome-wide gene expression across the brain remain largely unexplored. This question cannot be readily addressed in humans but can be approached using the Drosophila melanogaster model, where gene expression in the entire brain can be surveyed at once. Flies exposed to cocaine show impaired locomotor activity, including climbing behavior and startle response (a measure of sensorimotor integration), and increased incidence of seizures and compulsive grooming. To identify specific cell populations that respond to acute cocaine exposure, we analyzed single-cell transcriptional responses in duplicate samples of flies that consumed fixed amounts of sucrose or sucrose supplemented with cocaine, in both sexes. Unsupervised clustering of the transcriptional profiles of a total of 86,224 cells yielded 36 distinct clusters. Annotation of clusters based on gene markers revealed that all major cell types (neuronal and glial) as well as neurotransmitter types from most brain regions were represented. The brain transcriptional responses to cocaine showed profound sexual dimorphism and were considerably more pronounced in males than females. Differential expression analysis within individual clusters indicated cluster-specific responses to cocaine. Clusters corresponding to Kenyon cells of the mushroom bodies and glia showed especially large transcriptional responses following cocaine exposure. Cluster specific coexpression networks and global interaction networks revealed a diverse array of cellular processes affected by acute cocaine exposure. These results provide an atlas of sexually dimorphic cocaine-modulated gene expression in a model brain.
Which patients benefit from preoperative biliary drainage in resectable pancreatic cancer?

ABSTRACT Recent studies have indicated that preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) should not be routinely performed in all patients suffering from obstructive jaundice before pancreatic surgery. The severity of jaundice that mandates PBD has yet to be defined. The evaluated paper examines the impact of PBD on intra-operative, and post-operative outcomes in patients initially presenting with severe obstructive jaundice (bilirubin ≥250 μmol/L). In this key paper evaluation, the impact of PBD versus a direct surgery (DS) approach is discussed. The arguments for and against each approach are considered with regards to drainage associated morbidity and mortality, resection rates, survival and the impact of chemotherapy and malnutrition. Concentrating on resectable head of pancreas tumors, this mini-review aims to scrutinize the authors’ recommendations, alongside those of prominent papers in the field.
Determinants of colorectal carcinoma screening amongst patients attending a public primary care health centre in Johor Bahru.

INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality in Malaysia. Early screening has proven to be effective in reducing mortality due to CRC. The Malaysian CRC Clinical Practice Guidelines (2017) recommends that immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) as the best non-invasive method for screening CRC in asymptomatic or average risk population. Outcome data on CRC screening program in the community is scarce. This study was to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of CRC among patients attending a public primary care health centre who underwent the screening program. MATERIALS AND METHODS Reviews of CRC Screening Registry and medical case record were conducted on patients who underwent CRC screening program at Klinik Kesihatan Mahmoodiah, Johor Bahru (KKMJB) from 2016 to 2018 period. Sociodemographic data, clinical profile of patients, iFOBT results and colonoscopy outcomes were extracted for analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using IBM SPSS version 25. RESULTS Out of 591 registered patients, 584 were included for analysis. Majority of the screened individuals were males (2016-2017) compared to females (2018). Chinese were most screened individuals in 2016 [94 (46.8%)] and 2017[87 (61.7%)]. Percentage of patients with appropriate indicators for screening and underwent colonoscopy for positive iFOBT were highest recorded in 2018 (74.7%, 58.8% respectively). Prevalence of CRC among those screened with iFOBT was 1 per cent for 2017 and 2018. Adherence to annual screening with iFOBT ranged between 1.1% (2016)- 2.2% (2018). Significant association observed between gender and iFOBT results, χ2(df)= 4.747, p=0.029 (2018). Median age and ethnicity were not significantly associated with iFOBT results (p>0.05) CONCLUSION: Screening for CRC among average risk groups in primary care should focus on recruiting female patients/clients as an organised activity. Prevalence of CRC detected from screening with iFOBT was 1 per cent. CRC screening programs should focus on proportion of iFOBT positive patients progressing to receive definitive colonoscopy and complying to annual surveillance screening.
Intensive care unit model and in-hospital mortality among patients with severe sepsis and septic shock

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract We aimed to determine the association between the intensive care unit (ICU) model and in-hospital mortality of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study conducted in 59 ICUs in Japan from January 2016 to March 2017. We included adult patients (aged ≥16 years) with severe sepsis and septic shock based on the sepsis-2 criteria who were admitted to an ICU with a 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratio per shift. Patients were categorized into open or closed ICU groups, according to the ICU model. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A total of 1018 patients from 45 ICUs were included in this study. Patients in the closed ICU group had a higher severity score and higher organ failure incidence than those in the open ICU group. The compliance rate for the sepsis care 3-h bundle was higher in the closed ICU group than in the open ICU group. In-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the closed and open ICU groups in a multilevel logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 0.83, 95% confidence interval; 0.52–1.32, P = .43) and propensity score matching analysis (closed ICU, 21.2%; open ICU, 25.7%, P = .22). In-hospital mortality between the closed and open ICU groups was not significantly different after adjusting for ICU structure and compliance with the sepsis care bundle.
Impact of care level, setting, and accommodation costs on a newly developed oral care nursing plan format for elderly patients with care needs - Results from a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES A new oral care nursing plan format for improved communication among dentists, nursing staff, and caregivers has been developed in Germany. We aimed to (1) describe this plan, (2) investigate the prevalence of oral health problems among elderly patients with care needs documented by the plan, and outline the recommendations in the plans, and (3) investigate whether the accommodation costs or care needs of patients influenced oral care quality or the need for oral hygiene support documented within the plan. METHODS In this cross-sectional trial, oral care nursing plans were collected from outpatient and inpatient care clinics. Items on the oral care nursing plan were divided into three areas (oral health, oral hygiene needs, coordination needs and dental therapy), and were correlated with care level and accommodation costs. RESULTS Oral care nursing plans were collected from seven dentists (N = 747; 94.5% from inpatient, 5.5% from outpatient care). The plans enabled documentation of well-known oral health and hygiene problems among elderly patients. In their current form, the plans provided recommendations for obvious oral hygiene tasks such as toothbrushing or fluoridating, rather than specialized tasks such as nutritional advice or dry mouth asymptomatic therapeutic approaches. While accommodation costs were associated with the need for oral hygiene support (not with oral care condition), the care level influenced both measures. CONCLUSIONS The oral care nursing plan can facilitate documentation of oral health and hygiene among elderly individuals with care needs. Further clarification of the plan would help promote careful documentation by dentists.