Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of ankle–brachial index for long-term events of ischemic stroke in hemodialysis patients

Objectives The ankle–brachial index is a noninvasive modality to evaluate atherosclerosis and is a predictive role for future cardiovascular events and mortality. However, few studies have evaluated its relation to long-term future ischemic stroke in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, we examined the relationship between ankle–brachial index and ischemic stroke events among hemodialysis patients in a seven-year follow-up. Methods A total of 84 patients were enrolled. Ankle–brachial index was assessed in January 2009. Primary outcomes included ischemic stroke. An ankle–brachial index < 0.9 was considered abnormal and 1.4 ≥ ankle–brachial index ≥ 0.9 to be normal ankle–brachial index. Results Mean values for ankle–brachial index were 0.98 ± 0.21at study entrance. In addition, 28 patients encountered ischemic stroke in the seven-year follow-up. In univariate Cox regression analysis, old age (hazard ratio (HR): 1.065, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.030–1.102, p < 0.001), low seven-year averaged serum phosphate levels (HR: 0.473, 95% CI: 0.306–0.730, p = 0.001), and abnormal ankle–brachial index (HR: 0.035, 95% CI: 0.009–0.145, p < 0.001) were risk factors for ischemic stroke. In multivariate Cox regression analysis for significant variables in univariate analysis, abnormal ankle–brachial index (HR: 0.058, 95% CI: 0.012–0.279, p < 0.001) and low seven-year averaged serum phosphate levels (HR: 0.625, 95% CI: 0.404–0.968, p = 0.035) remained the risk factors for ischemic stroke. The risk of ischemic stroke was 3.783-fold in patients with abnormal ankle–brachial index compared with patients with normal ankle–brachial index (HR: 3.783, 95% CI: 1.731–8.269, p = 0.001). Conclusions These findings suggest that ankle–brachial index is an impressive predictor of future ischemic stroke among hemodialysis patients.
Construct Validity of the German Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses of the 15 Primary and Secondary Subtests

The latent factor structure of the German Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth edition (German WISC-V) was examined using complementary hierarchical exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) with Schmid and Leiman transformation and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) for all reported models from the German WISC-V Technical Manual and rival bifactor models using the standardization sample (N = 1,087) correlation matrix of the 15 primary and secondary subtests. EFA results did not support a fifth factor (Fluid Reasoning). A four-factor model with the dominant general intelligence (g) factor resembling the WISC-IV was supported by EFA. CFA results indicated the best representation was a bifactor model with four group factors, complementing EFA results. Present EFA and CFA results replicated other independent assessments of standardization and clinical samples of the United States and international versions of the WISC-V and indicated primary, if not exclusive, interpretation of the Full Scale IQ as an estimate of g.
Localization of TRPA1 channels and characterization of TRPA1 mediated responses in dural and pial arteries in vivo after intracarotid infusion of Na2S

Background The Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel might play a role in migraine. However, different mechanisms for this have been suggested. The purpose of our study was to investigate the localization and significance of TRPA1 channels in rat pial and dural arteries. Methods Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to localize TRPA1 channels in dural arteries, pial arteries, dura mater and trigeminal ganglion. The genuine closed cranial window model was used to examine the effect of Na2S, a donor of the TRPA1 channel opener H2S, on the diameter of pial and dural arteries. Further, we performed blocking experiments with TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist olcegepant and KCa3.1 channel blocker TRAM-34. Results TRPA1 channels were localized to the endothelium of both dural and pial arteries and in nerve fibers in dura mater. Further, we found TRPA1 expression in the membrane of trigeminal ganglia neuronal cells, some of them also staining for CGRP. Na2S caused dilation of both dural and pial arteries. In dural arteries, this was inhibited by HC-030031 and olcegepant. In pial arteries, the dilation was inhibited by TRAM-34, suggesting involvement of the KCa3.1 channel. Conclusion Na2S causes a TRPA1- and CGRP-dependent dilation of dural arteries and a KCa3.1 channel-dependent dilation of pial arteries in rats.
Coach–Athlete Attachment and the Subjective Well-Being of Athletes: A Multiple-Mediation Model Analysis

The current study aims to explore how coach–athlete attachment affects the subjective well-being (SWB) of athletes and is primarily focused on the confirmation of the mediating roles of athletes’ perceived coach support and self-esteem in the relationship between them. A total of 179 Chinese athletes participated in this study, in which they responded to questions comprising a coach–athlete attachment scale, a perceived coach support measurement, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and SWB measures. The results suggest that both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance significantly predict SWB in athletes. The effects of attachment anxiety on SWB are partially mediated by perceived coach support and self-esteem, and the effects of attachment avoidance on SWB are completely mediated by perceived coach support and self-esteem. Moreover, a chain mediating effect was found: coach–athlete attachment → perceived coach support → self-esteem → SWB. These findings extend the conclusions of prior reports and shed light on how coach–athlete attachment influences the athlete’s well-being.
Immunomodulation by an Omega-6 Fatty Acid Reduced Mixed Lipid Emulsion in Murine Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with both high morbidity and mortality in intensive care units worldwide. Patients with ARDS often require parenteral nutrition with lipid emulsions as essential components. In the present study, we assessed the immunomodulatory and apoptotic effects of a modern, n-6-reduced lipid emulsion mixture in murine ARDS. Methods: Mice received an infusion of either normal saline solution, pure long-chain triglyceride (LCT) emulsion, or SMOF (soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil) before a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Mice were sacrificed at different time points (0, 24, or 72 h) after ARDS induction, and an analysis of inflammatory cytokines, protein concentrations, and the cellular composition of the alveolar and interstitial compartments was performed with special focus on alveolar apoptosis and necrosis. Results: Mice infused with SMOF showed decreased leukocyte invasion, protein leakage, myeloperoxidase activity, and cytokine production in alveolar spaces after LPS challenge compared to animals that received LCT. There were fewer cells in the lung interstitium of the SMOF group compared to the LCT group. Both lipid emulsions exerted pro-apoptotic and pro-necrotic properties on alveolar immune cells, with significantly increased necrosis in mice infused with LCT compared to SMOF. Conclusion: SMOF has both anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving influences in murine ARDS. Partial replacement of n-6 fatty acids with n-3/n-9 fatty acids may therefore benefit critically ill patients at risk for ARDS who require parenteral nutrition.
Co-occurrences of substance use and other potentially addictive behaviors: Epidemiological results from the Psychological and Genetic Factors of the Addictive Behaviors (PGA) Study

Abstract Background and aims Changes in the nomenclature of addictions suggest a significant shift in the conceptualization of addictions, where non-substance related behaviors can also be classified as addictions. A large amount of data provides empirical evidence that there are overlaps of different types of addictive behaviors in etiology, phenomenology, and in the underlying psychological and biological mechanisms. Our aim was to investigate the co-occurrences of a wide range of substance use and behavioral addictions. Methods The present epidemiological analysis was carried out as part of the Psychological and Genetic Factors of the Addictive Behaviors (PGA) Study, where data were collected from 3,003 adolescents and young adults (42.6% males; mean age 21 years). Addictions to psychoactive substances and behaviors were rigorously assessed. Results Data is provided on lifetime occurrences of the assessed substance uses, their co-occurrences, the prevalence estimates of specific behavioral addictions, and co-occurrences of different substance use and potentially addictive behaviors. Associations were found between (i) smoking and problematic Internet use, exercising, eating disorders, and gambling (ii) alcohol consumption and problematic Internet use, problematic online gaming, gambling, and eating disorders, and (iii) cannabis use and problematic online gaming and gambling. Conclusions The results suggest a large overlap between the occurrence of these addictions and behaviors and underlies the importance of investigating the possible common psychological, genetic and neural pathways. These data further support concepts such as the Reward Deficiency Syndrome and the component model of addictions that propose a common phenomenological and etiological background of different addictive and related behaviors.
Eukaryotic life without tQCUG: the role of Elongator-dependent tRNA modifications in Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract In the Elongator-dependent modification pathway, chemical modifications are introduced at the wobble uridines at position 34 in transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which serve to optimize codon translation rates. Here, we show that this three-step modification pathway exists in Dictyostelium discoideum, model of the evolutionary superfamily Amoebozoa. Not only are previously established modifications observable by mass spectrometry in strains with the most conserved genes of each step deleted, but also additional modifications are detected, indicating a certain plasticity of the pathway in the amoeba. Unlike described for yeast, D. discoideum allows for an unconditional deletion of the single tQCUG gene, as long as the Elongator-dependent modification pathway is intact. In gene deletion strains of the modification pathway, protein amounts are significantly reduced as shown by flow cytometry and Western blotting, using strains expressing different glutamine leader constructs fused to GFP. Most dramatic are these effects, when the tQCUG gene is deleted, or Elp3, the catalytic component of the Elongator complex is missing. In addition, Elp3 is the most strongly conserved protein of the modification pathway, as our phylogenetic analysis reveals. The implications of this observation are discussed with respect to the evolutionary age of the components acting in the Elongator-dependent modification pathway.
Regional changes in tuberculosis disease burden among adolescents in South Africa (2005–2015)

Background Adolescents in the Western Cape Province of South Africa had high force of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection (14% per annum) and high TB incidence (710 per 100,000 person–years) in 2005. We describe subsequent temporal changes in adolescent TB disease notification rates for the decade 2005–2015. Method We conducted an analysis of patient–level adolescent (age 10–19 years) TB disease data, obtained from an electronic TB register in the Breede Valley sub–district, Western Cape Province, South Africa, for 2005–2015. Numerators were annual TB notifications (HIV–related and HIV–unrelated); denominators were mid–year population estimates. Period averages of TB rates were obtained using time series modeling. Temporal trends in TB rates were explored using the Mann–Kendall test. Findings The average adolescent TB disease notification rate was 477 per 100,000 for all TB patients (all–TB) and 361 per 100,000 for microbiologically–confirmed patients. The adolescent all–TB rate declined by 45% from 662 to 361 per 100,000 and the microbiologically–confirmed TB rate by 38% from 492 to 305 per 100,000 between 2005–2015, driven mainly by rapid decreases for the period 2005–2009. There was a statistically significant negative temporal trend in both all–TB (per 100,000) (declined by 48%; from 662 to 343; p = 0·028) and microbiologically confirmed TB (per 100,000) (declined by 49%; from 492 to 252; p = 0·027) for 2005–2009, which was not observed for the period 2009–2015 (rose 5%; from 343 to 361; p = 0·764 and rose 21%; from 252 to 305; p = 1·000, respectively). Interpretation We observed an encouraging fall in adolescent TB disease rates between 2005–2009 with a subsequent plateau during 2010–2015, suggesting that additional interventions are needed to sustain initial advances in TB control.
Influence of malting and lactic acid fermentation on functional bioactive components in cereal‐based raw materials: a review paper

Summary Driven by increased health awareness among consumers, the production of foods and beverages enriched with functional bioactive components is gaining more attention. Malting and lactic acid fermentation are biotechnological processes having potential for producing functional foods and beverages. Due to various biochemical and enzymatic induced changes in raw materials, malting of cereal grains and probiotic lactic acid fermentation of plant-based media increases the nutritional quality of treated raw materials. The improved nutritional quality is attributed to the accumulation of functional bioactive components along with the degradation of anti-nutritional components. The selection of raw materials and process parameters are important factors to be considered for increasing the functional bioactive components such as dietary fibres, antioxidants and probiotics. This review article reports the current knowledge on the changes of bioactive components during malting and lactic acid fermentation using probiotic bacterial strains. Process parameters which affect the concentration of bioactive components in raw materials will also be described.
Localizing the Primary Motor Cortex of the Hand by the 10-5 and 10-20 Systems for Neurostimulation: An MRI Study

Background. The primary motor cortex of the hand (M1-Hand) is a target used in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and in transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the treatment and evaluation of motor neurological diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging–guided neuronavigation locates the M1-Hand with high precision, but at a high cost. Although less accurate, the C3/C4 points of the international 10-20 system (IS 10-20) are routinely used to locate the M1-Hand. The international 10-5 system (IS 10-5) was developed with additional points (C3h/C4h), which could make it more accurate, but has not yet been tested on the location of the M1-Hand. Objective. To analyze and compare the accuracy of C1/C2, C3h/C4h and C3/C4 points in locating the M1-Hand correspondence on the scalp. Methods. The authors comparatively analyzed the distances from points C1/C2, C3h/C4h, and C3/C4 to the correspondence of the M1-Hand on the scalp in 30 MRI head exams. Results. In most cases, the M1-Hand was located between C1-C3h and C2-C4h in the left and right hemispheres of the brain, respectively. The C3h (0.98 ± 0.49 cm) and C4h (0.98 ± 0.51 cm) points presented the shortest distances from the M1-Hand, with a significant difference when compared with C3/C4. The accuracy between C1/C2 and C3h/C4h was not statistically significant. Conclusion. The C3h/C4h and C1/C2 points were more accurate when compared with the C3 and C4 points in locating the M1-Hand correspondence on the scalp.
Using machine learning to quantify structural MRI neurodegeneration patterns of Alzheimer's disease into dementia score: Independent validation on 8,834 images from ADNI, AIBL, OASIS, and MIRIAD databases

Abstract Biomarkers for dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) are sought to facilitate accurate prediction of the disease onset, ideally predating the onset of cognitive deterioration. T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly used neuroimaging modality for measuring brain structure in vivo, potentially providing information enabling the design of biomarkers for DAT. We propose a novel biomarker using structural MRI volume‐based features to compute a similarity score for the individual's structural patterns relative to those observed in the DAT group. We employed ensemble‐learning framework that combines structural features in most discriminative ROIs to create an aggregate measure of neurodegeneration in the brain. This classifier is trained on 423 stable normal control (NC) and 330 DAT subjects, where clinical diagnosis is likely to have the highest certainty. Independent validation on 8,834 unseen images from ADNI, AIBL, OASIS, and MIRIAD Alzheimer's disease (AD) databases showed promising potential to predict the development of DAT depending on the time‐to‐conversion (TTC). Classification performance on stable versus progressive mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups achieved an AUC of 0.81 for TTC of 6 months and 0.73 for TTC of up to 7 years, achieving state‐of‐the‐art results. The output score, indicating similarity to patterns seen in DAT, provides an intuitive measure of how closely the individual's brain features resemble the DAT group. This score can be used for assessing the presence of AD structural atrophy patterns in normal aging and MCI stages, as well as monitoring the progression of the individual's brain along with the disease course.
Short-term effects of fishing on life history traits of fishes

An important aspect of species susceptibility to fishing are the changes in demographic characteristics of populations that fishing might induce. The purpose of this study is to show the short-term effects of fishing on growth and reproduction patterns. This assessment is made through a comparative study of key parameters (mortality, size, age and size at maturity, fecundity) among stocks subject to various levels of exploitation. Data have been assembled for 77 separate (primarily commercial) fish stocks.Trait variation is partitioned into effects attributable to size, phylogeny, and population. High adult mortality appears to lead to short-term apparently plastic changes in age and size at maturity: exploited populations are characterized by earlier age and increased size at maturity. This compensatory response to exploitation may conceal longer term selection effects, and may be worth considering in stock assessments.
Cockle-opening by a Dabbling Duck, the Brown Teal

Abstract Many birds feed on bivalve molluscs, but only oystercatchers (Haematopus spp.) are known to prise open the shells. Brown Teal (Anas chlorotis), a dabbling duck endemic to New Zealand, were observed opening Common Cockles (Austrovenus stutchburyi) on Great Barrier Island. The teal jackhammered into the open shells of feeding cockles and quickly scooped out the flesh. Despite having the bill morphology of a typical dabbling duck, they were adept at this feeding method.
How to Intervene in the Caries Process in Children: A Joint ORCA and EFCD Expert Delphi Consensus Statement

This paper provides recommendations for dentists for the treatment of dental caries in children, with an emphasis on early childhood caries (ECC), primary teeth, and occlusal surfaces in permanent teeth. A consensus workshop followed by an e-Delphi consensus process was conducted with an expert panel nominated by the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) and European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD)/German Association of Conservative Dentistry (DGZ) boards. Based on 3 systematic reviews and a nonsystematic literature search, recommendations were developed. The caries decline has led to a more polarized disease distribution in children and adolescents along social gradients which should be taken into account when managing the caries process at all levels, such as the individual, the group, or a population. The control or reduction of caries activity is the basis for successful caries management. In children, caries management requires adequate daily oral hygiene and fluoride application via toothpaste, ensured by caregivers, and especially for ECC prevention an emphasis on sugar intake reduction is needed. These noninvasive interventions are also suitable to arrest or control initial or even cavitated dentine caries lesions in the absence of irreversible pulpitis. Fluoride varnish or silver diammine fluoride can be added as supplementary agents. In pits and fissures, composite resin materials can be used as preventive sealants and for defect-oriented minimally invasive restorations. In primary molars, preformed metal crowns are more successful than multisurface fillings, especially in caries-active patients. With persisting high caries activity, multiple lesions, and limited cooperation, caries control should consist of robust measures with high success rates, even including extraction in selected cases. This applies especially to treatments performed under general anesthesia.
Relationships between Resource Governance and Resource Conflict: Nepalese Experiences

Abstract This paper highlights the relationships between resource rights, governance practices and conflict in Nepal. The discussion is focused on policies, strategies, laws and regulations, and decisions and actual governing practices in natural resources. The good governance framework is used as a conceptual basis to analyse the relationships. This framework is for the purpose of this paper consensus oriented, participatory, guided by the rule of law, effective and efficient, accountable and transparent, responsive, equitable and inclusive. Within this framework, the paper examines the role of resource governance in creating or minimising scarcity and conflict in Nepal. It is based on my current research project on ‘livelihood security, environmental security and conflict mitigation’ in Nepal. It highlights power relations, feelings of injustice, mistrust, the intervention of new technologies, contradiction between customary practices and statutory laws as sources of research. Resource conflicts produce both positive and negative consequences and alter existing social relations, as they induce change in resource management regimes, policy process, livelihood strategies, land use patterns, gender relations, power structures, and individual and collective behaviour. This paper also establishes the linkages between resource conflict and the ongoing Maoist insurgency in Nepal.
Mental health services in Canada: Barriers and cost-effective solutions to increase access

In this article, an overview of the barriers to accessing mental health services in Canada is provided and the recent federal funding commitments toward increasing the availability of evidence-based and cost-effective solutions to improve access to mental health services are highlighted. Barriers pertain mainly to costs, not knowing where to get help, excessive wait times, and insufficient funding. Through the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities agreement, action is being taken by all jurisdictions in Canada to increase community-based mental health promotion programs and early interventions, especially those targeting children and youth. A growing body of evidence is demonstrating how specific community and primary care-based interventions are both effective and cost-effective. These integrated community solutions, shown to be effective for increasing access to appropriate services for patients while saving costs to the healthcare system, would benefit from the recent funding investments put in place by the federal government.