Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation in the Paraoxonase-1 Gene and Association with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting approximately one million individuals in the United States. Individuals with lupus are at an extremely increased risk (up to 50-fold) to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to the general population. Traditional risk factors are insufficient to explain the increase in risk. The presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (seen at a higher rate in SLE patients than in the general population) is suspected to play a role. CHD is the leading cause of death for both men and women of all ethnic groups in the United States. Understanding the genetic causes of CHD in high risk populations, such as individuals with SLE, can help facilitate the understanding of CHD in the general population. Due to the large public health significance of CHD, investigating the contributing factors and disease etiology could have a major impact on risk assessment and possible treatment of CHD. One gene involved in lipid metabolism, a major part of the development of atherosclerotic plaques and CHD, is paraoxonase-1 (PON1). PON1 encodes the enzyme paraoxonase, which inhibits the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to help prevent its uptake by macrophages, thereby reducing the incidence of atherosclerotic plaques. Eight genetic variants in the PON1 gene were examined to determine their impact on SLE disease status, the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (APA), and PON activity. Polymorphisms in PON1 were not found to have a significant impact on SLE disease status or the presence of APA, however three of the polymorphisms studied were found to have a significant impact on PON activity. While SLE and CHD are complex diseases, likely resulting from gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, the identification of these associations between PON1 polymorphisms and PON activity may help to clarify the role of PON in CHD development and possibly lead to more accurate risk assessment and/or the investigation of treatment options for this common disease.
Anti-inflammatory effect of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. hydroalcoholicextract on acetic acid- induced acute colitis in rats

Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. is an Iranian endangered endemic edible plant with enormous use in the middle region of Iran as food and spice especially yogurt seasoning, and as medicinal herb for anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular purposes. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic properties of kelussia suggest that it may have beneficial effects on inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. In the present study, the effect of this herbal extract on a model of acute colitis was evaluated. Different doses of hydroalcoholic extract of kelussia (125,250,500 mg/kg) were administered orally (p.o.) to the separate groups of male Wistar rats (n=6). It was started 4h before induction of colitis and continued daily for 3 consecutive days. Wet colon weight/ length ratio and tissue damage scores and area as well as indices of colitis and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were evaluated for each specimen. Two lower doses of extract (125, 250 mg/kg) were effective to reduce all the indices of colitis and MPO activity in different assays. By increasing the dose (500mg/kg) the efficacy was declined suggesting a possible reverse dose related effect. It is concluded that Kelussia odoratissima has anti-inflammatory action in rat model of colitis but further detailed studies are recommended to identify the mechanisms are involved and the active constituents are responsible for these findings.
Responsiveness and sensitivity of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale Danish version

Purpose. To test responsiveness and sensitivity to change of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale Danish version (SSQOL-DK) scores in patients following stroke. Methods. A follow-up study of 150 patients with first-ever stroke was used. Questionnaires on quality of life, fatigue, depression, and functional level were completed. Direction of change was categorised as deterioration, no change or improvement. Proportion of concordant classification with external criteria was assessed. Associations between differences in SSQOL-DK domains and the other instruments were estimated using Spearman's rank order correlation coefficients. Paired t-test was used to assess change in the SSQOL-DK domains in patients affected in that domain. Effect size and standardised response mean (SRM) were used to express domain responsiveness. Results. SSQOL-DK classified concordantly in 42.2 to 58.1%%, and misclassified from zero to 31.3%%. Changes in SSQOL-DK and in the corresponding measures correlated from (rs) 0.08 to −0.58. Fatigue and domain energy in SSQOL-DK were negatively correlated. Effect size ranged from −0.03 to −0.53, SRM from −0.02 to −0.56 reflecting mild-to-moderate responsiveness in eight out of 12 domains. Conclusion. SSQOL-DK is mildly to moderately responsive and sensitive and can be used for descriptive purposes over time in groups of patients with mild stroke.
The prognostic roles of initial glucose level and functional outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke: difference between diabetic and nondiabetic patients

Purpose: To identify the prognostic roles of initial glucose level in the emergency department among patients with acute ischemic stroke, and to evaluate whether or not the impact varied with diabetes. Methods: A total of 774 first-ever ischemic stroke patients admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. Participants were stratified into tertiles by initial glucose level in the emergency department. The Barthel Index (BI) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used to assess functional outcome 3 months after the ischemic stroke. Results: Initial glucose level was significantly associated with functional outcome 3 months after ischemic stroke. Compared with the 1st tertile, adjusted odds ratios for 2nd and 3rd tertiles of initial glucose level were 1.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.95) and 4.57 (95% CI, 2.87–7.29), for BI of less than 60, 2.07 (95% CI, 1.28–3.36) and 4.45 (95% CI, 2.76–7.18) for mRS score of >2. The association was apparent among the nondiabetic stroke patients compared with diabetic patients. Conclusions: A positive association was found between initial glucose level and poor functional outcome at 3 months in patients with acute ischemic stroke, particularly among nondiabetic patients. Implications for Rehabilitation Hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for poor functional outcome among patients with acute ischemic stroke. The prognostic role of post-stroke hyperglycemia is altered by the presence of diabetes mellitus. Those patients with higher initial glucose level tend to receive higher intensity of rehabilitation after ischemic stroke.
Compensatory Muscle Activation During Unstable Overhead Squat Using a Water-filled Training Tube

Abstract Glass, SC, and Albert, RW. Compensatory muscle activation during unstable overhead squat using a water-filled training tube. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1230–1237, 2018—The purpose of this study was to assess compensatory muscle activation of core and support muscle during an overhead squat using a water-filled training tube. Eleven experienced weightlifting (age = 20.10 ± 0.99, mass 89.17 ± 6.88 kg) men completed 3, 30-second trials of an overhead squat using an 11.4 kg tube that was partially filled with water. A central valve allowed 3 conditions of water movement: 50% open, 100% open, and a stable(S), closed valve condition. Subjects completed 8–10 repetitions within each condition. Electromyographic (EMG) electrodes were placed over the belly of the vastus lateralis, deltoid, rectus abdominus, and paraspinal muscles and recorded during concentric and eccentric (ECC) phases. Integrated EMG were computed and converted to percent maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC). Compensatory activation was assessed using the natural log of the coefficient of variation of %MVC across repetitions. A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance across (phase, condition) was used. Significant compensatory muscle activation was seen in the deltoid muscle during ECC (100% open = 3.60 ± 0.50 > stable LogCV = 3.06 ± 0.45). In addition, paraspinal muscle activity was also more variable during the ECC phase (50% open LogCv = 3.28 ± 0.26 > stable = 2.77 ± 0.67). We conclude that the water-filled training tube induces compensatory muscle activation in the deltoid and paraspinal muscles during the ECC phase of the overhead squat.
The validity of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) in acute stroke

Purpose: The purpose was to examine the validity of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) as a screening measure to detect cognitive impairment after stroke. Methods: Stroke patients in hospital were recruited and the ACE-R, which includes the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), was administered, followed by a battery of neuropsychological tests, which served as the ‘gold standard’ for classification of cognitive impairment. The diagnostic validity of the ACE-R was determined by ROC analysis. Results: Of the 101 patients who completed the ACE-R, 61 also completed the neuropsychological assessment. Both the MMSE and the ACE-R were found to have inadequate diagnostic validity for the detection of overall cognitive impairment (MMSE AUC = 0.53, p > 0.05; ACE-R AUC = 0.53, p > 0.05). The ACE-R subscales predicted impairment in specific cognitive domains significantly better than chance; Visuospatial (AUC = 0.71, p < 0.05), Fluency (AUC = 0.72, p< 0.05) and Attention and Orientation (AUC = 0.80, p < 0.05). However, no cut-off score for any subscale gave both adequate levels of sensitivity and specificity for the detection of impairment in specific areas of cognitive functioning. Conclusions: The ACE-R was not a suitable measure to screen for overall cognitive impairment in acute stroke patients, but was able to detect impairment in visuospatial, attention and executive domains. Implications for Rehabilitation Cognitive impairments are common after stroke. Brief screening measures are needed to detect cognitive problems. The Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination–revised (ACE-R) was more accurate for detecting cognitive impairment after stroke than the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), but neither was a satisfactory measure. Stroke specific screening measures need to be developed.
Effect of Training Load Distribution on Aerobic Fitness Measures in Hurling Players

Abstract Malone, S, Hughes, B, and Collins, K. Effect of training load distribution on aerobic fitness measures in hurling players. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 825–830, 2019—The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the training intensity distribution of hurling players and their association with changes in aerobic fitness measures within hurling players. Thirty hurling players (n = 30; age 26.5 ± 3.2 years; height 178.9 ± 3.2 cm; body mass 81.5 ± 4.5 kg) were observed during the pre-championship training period (12 weeks). Aerobic fitness measures (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), peak treadmill velocity (km·h−1), heart rates (HRs) at 2 and 4 mmol·L−1 blood lactate concentrations, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance (Yo-YoIR1) were assessed before and after the training period. Training intensities were categorized using 3 individualized HR zones based on the following criteria: low intensity (⩽HR 2 mmol·L−1), moderate intensity (between HR 2 and 4 mmol·L−1), and high intensity (≥HR 4 mmol·L−1). Analysis of 1,025 individual training sessions showed that players spent 58.1 ± 2.5%, 24.3 ± 2.9%, and 17.6 ± 1.3% of time in the low-, moderate-, and high-intensity zones, respectively. The training time spent at high intensity (Zone 3) showed moderate-to-large associations with improvements in S2 (r = 0.80; p = 0.04) and S4 (r = 0.58; p = 0.03). Similar trends were observed for time spent in high intensity and improvements in V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (r = 0.77; p = 0.001) and Yo-YoIR1 performance (r = 0.65; p = 0.05). Hurling players have been shown to spend the majority of training time in low (⩽ HR 2 mmol·L−1) to moderate intensity (between HR 2 and 4 mmol·L−1) training. However, only the time spent at high intensity (≥90% of maximal HR) was related to changes in aerobic fitness. These results support the usefulness of the quantification of aerobic training load using HR. The study also supports the efficacy of spending elements of training time within the high-intensity zone to increase hurling player's aerobic fitness characteristics.
Epidural dexmedetomidine, tramadol, or neostigmine for postoperative pain after major breast surgeries

Background It is postulated that the beneficial effects of epidural analgesia result from attenuation of stress response and provision of good postoperative analgesia. We added dexmedetomidine, tramadol, or neostigmine to bupivacaine in thoracic epidural anesthesia to evaluate their effect on perioperative cortisol level, postoperative analgesia, time to ambulation, and complications. Patients and methods Eighty female patients scheduled for major breast surgery were divided into four equal groups (20 patients each) in a randomized double-blinded manner. Thoracic epidural anesthesia was induced. In group C 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine (control group), in group D 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine +75 μg of dexmedetomidine, in group T 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine +75 mg of tramadol, and in group N 15 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine +75 μg of neostigmine were given. Perioperative cortisol level, postoperative analgesia, time to ambulation, and complications were assessed. Results Demographic data and surgical characteristics were similar in all groups. Patients in groups D and T had lower pain scores compared with patients in groups C and N at all time points in the following 24 h postoperatively. Hence, patients in groups D and T consumed a lower dose of bupivacaine in the postoperative period compared with patients in groups C and N. There was a highly significant reduction in the mean time to postoperative ambulation in groups D, T, and N compared with group C. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine is superior to tramadol and neostigmine in providing hemodynamic stability, excellent attenuation of stress response, prolonged postoperative analgesia, and early mobilization with minimal undesirable side effects.
Blood Pressure Response During Resistance Training of Different Work-to-Rest Ratio

Abstract Paulo, AC, Tricoli, V, Queiroz, ACC, Laurentino, G, and Forjaz, CLM. Blood pressure response during resistance training of different work-to-rest ratio. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 399–407, 2019—Changes in the work-to-rest ratio (W:R) of resistance training protocols (RTPs) (i.e., decreasing work or increasing rest) reduce the marked elevation in blood pressure (BP) that occurs during RTP execution. However, whether changes in RTP structure without changing W:R can change BP responses to RTP is unknown. To investigate the effect of different structures of rest intervals and number of repetitions per set on BP response among RTP equated and nonequated for W:R, 20 normotensive participants (25 ± 4 years) performed 4 different RTP of the leg extension exercise with the same work but different W:R structures. Two protocols followed the recommendations for cardiovascular disorders: (a) HIGHW:R-3×15:44s–3×15:44s (set×reps:rest between sets), which has high W:R (45reps:88s) and (b) LOWW:R-3×15:88s–3×15:88s, which has low W:R (45reps:176s). The other 2 protocols were W:R-equated to LOWW:R (45reps:176s): (c) LOWW:R-9×5:22s and (d) LOWW:R-45×1:4s. Systolic BP (&Dgr;SBP) and diastolic BP (&Dgr;DBP) were assessed by finger photoplethysmography. There were significant main effects for &Dgr;SBP after RTP (p ⩽ 0.05): HIGHW:R-3×15:44s = LOWW:R-3×15:88s > LOWW:R-45×1:4s > LOWW:R-9×5:22s (+87 ± 5 and +84 ± 5 vs. +61 ± 4 vs. 57 ± 4 mm Hg). For &Dgr;DBP, there was a significant interaction between RTP and moment (p ⩽ 0.05). Thus, HIGHW:R-3×15:44 > LOWW:R-3×15:88s > LOWW:R-45×1:4s > LOWW:R-9×5:22s (+53 ± 5 vs. +49 ± 5 vs. +44 ± 4 vs. +38 ± 3 mm Hg). HIGHW:R-3×15:44s produced the highest increase in &Dgr;DBP, and LOWW:R-9×5:22s produced the lowest increase in &Dgr;SBP and &Dgr;DBP. Our findings may help the development of RTP protocols that may mitigate pressure peaks without changing important exercise variables (i.e., volume or duration).
A simple verbal procedure for reducing the rates of psychosomatic enfeeblement and death in an aged population

Abstract An experiment is described that provides a preliminary test of the hypothesis that the rates of enfeeblement and death among the aged can be reduced by means of personalized positive suggestions. Fifteen residents (mean age, 83.8) of an old-age home received verbal suggestions designed to create positive expectations concerning health and longevity. These were administered, once per week for five weeks, after the subjects had been helped to enter a state of relaxed responsiveness. The median number of years survived by the experimental group was 8.1, compared to a median of 1.9 years survived by the matched control group (p < .05). Morbidity was operationally defined as number of days in hospital. The median number of days survived without hospitalization was 1424 for the experimental subjects and 365 for the control subjects (p < .05).
Influence of Tactical and Situational Variables on Offensive Sequences During Elite Football Matches

Abstract Sarmento, H, Figueiredo, A, Lago-Peñas, C, Milanovic, Z, Barbosa, A, Tadeu, P, and Bradley, PS. Influence of tactical and situational variables on offensive sequences during elite football matches. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2331–2339, 2018—This study examined the influence of tactical and situational variables on offensive sequences during elite football matches. A sample of 68 games and 1,694 offensive sequences from the Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga, English Premier League, and Champions League were analyzed using &khgr;2 and logistic regression analyses. Results revealed that counterattacks (odds ratio [OR] = 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–1.83; p < 0.01) and fast attacks (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.11–1.85; p < 0.01) increased the success of an offensive sequence by 40% compared with positional attacks. The chance of an offensive sequence ending effectively in games from the Spanish, Italian, and English Leagues were higher than that in the Champions League. Offensive sequences that started in the preoffensive or offensive zones were more successful than those started in the defensive zones. An increase of 1 second in the offensive sequence duration and an extra pass resulted in a decrease of 2% (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.98–0.99; p < 0.001) and 7% (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91–0.96; p < 0.001), respectively, in the probability of its success. These findings could assist coaches in designing specific training situations that improve the effectiveness of the offensive process.
The Physical and Physiological Demands of Elite International Female Field Hockey Players During Competitive Match-Play.

The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey match-play across halves of play. Thirty-eight participants (24 ± 5 years; 173 ± 5 cm; 72 ± 5 kg) took part in nineteen competitive matches during the 2014 - 2015 season. Participants were monitored with GPS technology and heart rate monitors. Players were categorized based on three different playing positions. Activity was categorized into total (m), high-speed running distance (m; >16 km·h) and relative distance (m·min) due to the use of rolling substitutions. Heart rate was classified based on the percentage of players individual HRpeak determined via a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test. Players spent on average 44 ± 7 min in match-play. The total distance covered was 5558 ± 527 m (125 ± 23 m·min) with 589 ± 160 m (13 ± 4 m·min) completed at high-speed. Defenders covered a greater total distance compared to other positions of play (p ≤ 0.001). Midfield players covered a greater distance at high-speed (p ≤ 0.001) with the forwards having a higher relative distance (p ≤ 0.001). The HRpeak of the players was 199 ± 1 bmin with a mean exercise intensity of 86 ± 7.8 % of HRpeak. The time spent >85% HRpeak decreased significantly across the halves (p = 0.04, η = 0.09, Small). Defenders were found to spend more time >85 % HRpeak when compared to forwards (p ≤ 0.001). The current investigation provides normative data that coaches should consider when constructing training regimen.
Disability rights in the context of HIV and AIDS: a critical review of nineteen Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) countries

Purpose: Many Eastern and Southern African (ESA) states are obliged to review and amend their legal frameworks with regards to disability since signing and ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The HIV epidemic is one of the main health concerns in the region and is becoming increasingly associated with causing disabilities. In addition, people with disabilities are particularly at risk of exposure to HIV. Despite this, HIV programming has not yet included the interrelationship of disability and HIV. The principles within the CRPD may create much-needed international pressure and so provide a platform for the integration and inclusion of disability into HIV policies and programs. Method: This paper is based on a review of the legal framework in relation to HIV and disability in 19 ESA countries. It identifies 12 key articles of the Convention, which are particularly relevant to the interrelationship of HIV and disability. The paper assesses how these are integrated in the region’s disability or HIV legal frameworks and identifies the main gaps within these legal systems. Results: While many country’s constitutions, disability and HIV laws protect certain key rights, such as the rights to equality and nondiscrimination, employment and health, there are clear gaps in the legal responses to disability and HIV. In particular, legal frameworks fail to provide adequately for accessibility, mobility and access to justice and protection from violence for people with disabilities. This results in limited protection for people with disabilities from HIV exposure and access to services to address HIV-related health and welfare needs. Conclusions: The paper identifies the gaps and makes recommendations for implementing steps toward the integration of disability into HIV-related laws, policies and programs. Implications for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation in Eastern and Southern Africa has to cater for an increasing number of people living with HIV who experience disability. The legal obligation of Article 25 in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) obliges African states to provide appropriate rehabilitation and access to health care services for people with disabilities.