Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emerging Roles for Lipids in the Hepatic Innate Immune

The liver provides residence to one of the largest and most heterogeneous populations of innate immune cells within the body. Owing to its location downstream of the intestine and the constant interaction with gut derived factor, these immune cells protect both the liver and the periphery from a variety of invading pathogens while also contributing both positively and negatively to a number of chronic liver pathologies. Growing evidence indicates a critical role for lipid in the regulation of the hepatic innate immune response. Likewise, excess lipid consumption and accumulation within the liver represents a major clinical problem and nexus for lipid – immune cell interaction. The current review highlights our current understanding of the interactions of and mechanisms by which lipids may modulate the hepatic innate immunity.
High-Fat Diet Changes Hippocampal Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in a Genotype- and Carbohydrate-Dependent Manner in Mice

Alzheimer’s disease is a currently incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include genetic risk factors, such as possession of ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4) over the risk-neutral ApoE3 allele, and lifestyle risk factors, such as diet and exercise. The intersection of these two sources of disease risk is not well understood. We investigated the impact of diet on ApoE levels by feeding wildtype, ApoE3, and ApoE4 targeted replacement (TR) mice with chow, high-fat, or ketogenic (high-fat, very-low-carbohydrate) diets. We found that high-fat diet affected both plasma and hippocampal levels of ApoE in an isoform-dependent manner, with high-fat diet causing a surprising reduction of hippocampal ApoE levels in ApoE3 TR mice. Conversely, the ketogenic diet had no effect on hippocampal ApoE. Our findings suggest that the use of dietary interventions to slow the progression AD should take ApoE genotype into consideration.
Streamlined Tempo Estimation Based on Autocorrelation and Cross-correlation With Pulses

Algorithms for musical tempo estimation have become increasingly complicated in recent years. These algorithms typically utilize two fundamental properties of musical rhythm: some features of the audio signal are self-similar at periods related to the underlying rhythmic structure, and rhythmic events tend to be spaced regularly in time. We present a streamlined tempo estimation method ( stem) that distills ideas from previous work by reducing the number of steps, parameters, and modeling assumptions while retaining good accuracy. This method is designed for music with a constant or near-constant tempo. The proposed method either outperforms or has similar performance to many existing state-of-the-art algorithms. Self-similarity is captured through autocorrelation of the onset strength signal (OSS), and time regularity is captured through cross-correlation of the OSS with regularly spaced pulses. Our findings are supported by the most comprehensive evaluation of tempo estimation algorithms to date in terms of the number of datasets and tracks considered. During the process we have also corrected ground truth annotations for the datasets considered. All the data, the annotations, the evaluation code, and three different implementations (C++, Python, MATLAB) of the proposed algorithm are provided in order to support reproducibility.
Fish Consumption and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Relation to Depressive Episodes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

High fish consumption and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake are suggested to benefit mental well-being but the current evidence is conflicting. Our aim was to evaluate whether a higher level of fish consumption, a higher intake of omega-3 PUFAs, and a higher serum concentration of omega-3 PUFAs link to a lower 12-month prevalence of depressive episodes. We used data from the nationwide Health 2000 Survey (n = 5492) and the Fishermen Study on Finnish professional fishermen and their family members (n = 1265). Data were based on questionnaires, interviews, health examinations, and blood samples. Depressive episodes were assessed with the M-CIDI (the Munich version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview) and a self-report of two CIDI probe questions, respectively. Fish consumption was measured by a food frequency questionnaire (g/day) and independent frequency questions (times/month). Dietary intake (g/day) and serum concentrations (% from fatty acids) of PUFAs were determined. Fish consumption was associated with prevalence of depressive episodes in men but not in women. The prevalence of depressive episodes decreased from 9% to 5% across the quartiles of fish consumption (g/day) in men of the Health 2000 Survey (p for linear trend = 0.01), and from17% to 3% across the quartiles of fish consumption (times/month) in men of the Fishermen Study (p for linear trend = 0.05). This association was modified by lifestyle; in the Health 2000 Survey a higher level of fish consumption was related to a lower prevalence of depressive episodes in men who consumed the most alcohol, were occasional or former smokers, or had intermediate physical activity. The associations between depressive episodes and the intake or serum concentrations of omega-3 PUFAs were not consistent. In men, fish consumption appears as a surrogate for underlying but unidentified lifestyle factors that protect against depression.
Volatiles Emitted from Eight Wound-Isolated Bacteria Differentially Attract Gravid Screwworms (Diptera: Calliphoridae) to Oviposit

ABSTRACT Bovine blood inoculated with bacteria isolated from screwworm [Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) ]-infested animal wounds was tested as an attractant for oviposition for gravid screwworms. Eight species of gram-negative coliform (Enterobacteriaceae) bacteria mixed with bovine blood singly or all species combined and incubated for various times produced volatiles that attracted gravid flies in a cage bioassay in varying numbers. In 15-min duration tests, volatiles from five species of bacteria (Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, and Providencia stuartii) attracted more females than volatiles of the three species (Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter sakazakii, and Serratia liquefaciens). In 1-h duration oviposition tests, volatiles from the substrate using the same five species of bacteria attracted more females to oviposit than the other three species. Volatiles from 24-h incubation period elicited least attraction and oviposition whereas volatiles from the 48- and 72-h incubation period resulted in significantly more attraction and oviposition. Attraction and oviposition decreased significantly when the substrates were incubated for 96 h. Volatiles from substrate with all species of bacteria combined attracted a significantly higher percentage of flies to land and oviposit than those from substrates prepared with single species. It is possible that multiple active chemicals present in volatiles of the all-species substrate may act as synergists resulting in greater response than those observed with volatiles from single-species substrate. Before oviposition flies took a bloodmeal from the oviposition substrate. It is possible that the oviposition is moderated by two different factors in screwworm—first, by using a chemical cue to land on a potential oviposition site and second, by using a bloodmeal to stimulate oviposition.
Time Course of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Congenital Heart Defects

Background—The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is rising in the aging patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). However, studies reporting on AF in patients with CHD are scarce. The aim of this multicenter study was to examine in a large cohort of patients with a variety of CHD: (1) the age of onset and initial treatment of AF, coexistence of atrial tachyarrhythmia and (2) progression of paroxysmal to (long-standing) persistent/permanent AF during long-term follow-up. Methods and Results—Patients (n=199) with 15 different CHD and documented AF episodes were studied. AF developed at 49±17 years. Regular atrial tachycardia (AT) coexisting with AF occurred in 65 (33%) patients; 65% initially presented with regular AT. At the end of a follow-up period of 5 (0–24) years, the ECG showed AF in 81 patients (41%). In a subgroup of 114 patients, deterioration from paroxysm of AF to (long-standing) persistent/permanent AF was observed in 29 patients (26%) after only 3 (0–18) years of the first AF episode. Cerebrovascular accidents/transient ischemic attacks occurred in 26 patients (13%), although a substantial number (n=16) occurred before the first documented AF episode. Conclusions—Age at development of AF in patients with CHD is relatively young compared with the patients without CHD. Coexistence of episodes of AF and regular AT occurred in a considerable number of patients; most of them initially presented with regular AT. The fast and frequent progression from paroxysmal to (long-standing) persistent or permanent AF episodes justifies close follow-up and early, aggressive therapy of both AT and AF.
EVOLUTIONARY PACE OF CHROMOSOMAL POLYMORPHISM IN COLONIZING POPULATIONS OF DROSOPHILA SUBOBSCURA: AN EVOLUTIONARY TIME SERIES

Abstract Biologists have long debated the speed, uniformity, and predictability of evolutionary change. However, evaluating such patterns on a geographic scale requires time-series data on replicate sets of natural populations. Drosophila subobscura has proven an ideal model system for such studies. This fly is broadly distributed in the Old World, but was introduced into both North and South America just over two decades ago and then spread rapidly. Rapid, uniform, and predictable evolution would be demonstrated if the invading flies evolved latitudinal clines that progressively converged on those of the native populations. Evolutionary geneticists quickly capitalized on this opportunity to monitor evolutionary dynamics. Just a few years after the introduction, they surveyed chromosomal inversion frequencies in both North and South America. On both continents they detected incipient latitudinal clines in chromosome inversion frequencies that almost always had the same sign with latitude as in the Old World. Thus the initial evolution of chromosomal polymorphisms on a continental scale was remarkably rapid and consistent. Here we report newer samples of inversion frequencies for the colonizing populations: the time series now spans almost one decade for North America and almost two decades for South America. Almost all inversions in the New World continue to show the same sign of frequency with latitude as in the Old World. Nevertheless, inversion clines have not consistently increased in steepness over time; nor have they consistently continued to converge on the Old World baseline. However, five arrangements in South America show directional, continentwide shifts in frequency. Overall, the initial consistency of clinal evolutionary trajectories seen in the first surveys seems not to have been maintained.
Genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A4, GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1 and NQO1 and the risk of acquired idiopathic aplastic anemia in Caucasian patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Various drugs and xenobiotics are involved in the pathogenesis of acquired aplastic anemia. Their harmful potential depends on the amount of exposure to them and on the detoxifying capacity of the recipient. Genetic polymorphisms of some important detoxifying enzymes are associated with low or absent cata-lytic activity of the protein. We assessed whether, in a Caucasian population, low or null activity polymorphisms of CYP3A4, GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1 and NQO1 were associated with the risk of developing aplastic anemia and with the response to immunosuppressive therapy. DESIGN AND METHODS In 77 Caucasian patients with aplastic anemia and in 156 normal controls we evaluated the distribution of the following polymorphisms which are associated with low or no activity of the corresponding enzyme: (i)-290 A-->G of the CYP3A4 gene, deletions of (ii) GSTT1 and (iii) GSTM1 genes, (iv) 313A-->G of the GSTP1 gene and (v) 609 C-->T of the NQO1 gene. RESULTS The distribution of the genotypes of all tested polymorphisms was not different in patients and controls. No differences were seen among the patients when the group was subdivided by age and severity of the disease. Only the GSTM1 null genotype was significantly more frequent in male patients than in male controls. The frequency of all tested polymorphisms did not differ in patients who did or did not respond to immunosuppressive therapy. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS The low/null activity polymorphisms of the detoxifying enzymes CYP3A4, GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1 and NQO1 are not associated with the risk of developing aplastic anemia or to the response to immunosuppressive therapy in Caucasian patients.
Time course of changes in serum glucose, insulin, lipids and tissue lipase activities in macrosomic offspring of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the time course of changes in serum glucose, insulin and lipid levels, as well as lipid and protein content and lipolytic activities in insulin target organs (liver, adipose tissue and muscle), in macrosomic offspring of streptozotocin-induced mildly hyperglycaemic rats. Food intake and nutritional efficiency were also evaluated. Mild hyperglycaemia in pregnant rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight) on day 5 of gestation. Control pregnant rats were injected with citrate buffer. At birth, macrosomic pups (birth weight >1.7 S.D. greater than the mean value for the control pups) had higher serum insulin, glucose and lipid levels than control pups. These macrosomic rats maintained accelerated postnatal growth combined with high adipose tissue weight up to 12 weeks of age. These rats were not hyperphagic; however, they had higher food efficiency and fat storage capacity with higher adipocyte lipoprotein lipase activity, which contributed to persisting obesity. Hepatic lipase activity was increased in macrosomic rats at all ages. Moreover, macrosomia was associated with metabolic disturbances that varied according to age and sex. After 1 month, several alterations observed at birth had disappeared. Serum glucose, insulin and lipid levels in male and female macrosomic rats became similar to those of their respective controls. At 2 months of age, hepatic and serum triacylglycerol levels were higher in macrosomic females than in controls. By 3 months, macrosomic rats (both males and females) had developed insulin resistance with hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia, and higher serum and hepatic lipids. In conclusion, macrosomia was associated with alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism through to adulthood. It should be considered as an important potential risk factor for obesity and its metabolic complications.
Health Implications of a Vegetarian Diet

There is now a significant amount of research that demonstrates the health benefits of vegetarian and plant-based diets, which have been associated with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer as well as increased longevity. Vegetarian diets are typically lower in fat, particularly saturated fat, and higher in dietary fiber. They are also likely to include more whole grains, legumes, nuts, and soy protein, and together with the absence of red meat, this type of eating plan may provide many benefits for the prevention and treatment of obesity and chronic health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although a well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet can meet all the nutritional needs of an individual, it may be necessary to pay particular attention to some nutrients to ensure an adequate intake, particularly if the person is on a vegan diet. This article will review the evidence for the health benefits of a vegetarian diet and also discuss strategies for meeting the nutritional needs of those following a vegetarian or plant-based eating pattern.
Sub-nanosecond Synchronization over 1G ethernet data links using white rabbit technologies on the WR-ZEN board

The White Rabbit (WR) technology has been introduced as an enhancement and next generation of the Precision Time Protocol (PTP, IEEE 1588), providing a boost in synchronization accuracy from the usual sub-microsecond range commonly found in PTPv2-based applications, down to the much more precise sub-nanosecond range. A number of White Rabbit-capable network nodes have been developed with the goal of allowing simultaneous deterministic time transfer and regular Ethernet data traffic to coexist on the same link without significant performance degradation over fiber links spanning tens of kilometers. The first SoC-based platform amongst these nodes is the WR-ZEN board, which implements a real-time White Rabbit stack in the Programmable Logic (PL) of the Zynq-7000 SoC; and features a hardened, ARM dual-core Processing System (PS) for running an embedded Linux environment. This paper presents the work carried out to upgrade the WR-ZEN board implementation, whose peak data throughput is limited just below 70 Mbps, so that a 1 Gbps data rate can be attained without impacting the performance of the White Rabbit synchronization. This goal is fulfilled by designing additional custom logic based on the Xilinx AXI DMA core, as well as an updated Linux network driver. This enhancement allows the widespread deployment of the WR-ZEN for major scientific infrastructure projects that require high-speed data transmission and deterministic timing transfer, as is the case of telescope arrays. Lastly, experimental results are presented comparing the synchronization performance of a baseline PTP-based setup to that achieved on the enhanced WR-ZEN board in the presence of high throughput data traffic. Conclusions are drawn and potential scientific and industrial applications that tap this increased bandwidth with deterministic timing transfer are discussed.
Preoperative serum C-reactive protein levels and post-operative lymph node ratio are important predictors of survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

CONTEXT There is paucity of data on the prognostic value of pre-operative inflammatory response and post-operative lymph node ratio on patient survival after pancreatic-head resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the role of the preoperative inflammatory response and postoperative pathology criteria to identify predictive and/or prognostic variables for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. DESIGN All patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between 2002 and 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. The following impacts on patient survival were assessed: i) preoperative serum CRP levels, white cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte count, platelet/lymphocyte ratio; and ii) post-operative pathology criteria including lymph node status and lymph node ratio. RESULTS Fifty-one patients underwent potentially curative resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma during the study period. An elevated preoperative CRP level (greater than 3 mg/L) was found to be a significant adverse prognostic factor (P=0.015) predicting a poor survival, whereas white cell count (P=0.278), neutrophil count (P=0.850), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (P=0.272), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (P=0.532) and lymphocyte count (P=0.721) were not significant prognosticators at univariate analysis. Presence of metastatic lymph nodes did not adversely affect survival (P=0.050), however a raised lymph node ratio predicted poor survival at univariate analysis (P<0.001). The preoperative serum CRP level retained significance at multivariate analysis (P=0.011), together with lymph node ratio (P<0.001) and tumour size (greater than 2 cm; P=0.008). CONCLUSION A pre-operative elevated serum CRP level and raised post-operative lymph node ratio represent significant independent prognostic factors that predict poor prognosis in patients undergoing curative resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. There is potential for future neo-adjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies in pancreatic cancer to be tailored based on preoperative and postoperative factors that predict a poor survival.
Hyperkalemia in hospitalized patients: causes, adequacy of treatment, and results of an attempt to improve physician compliance with published therapy guidelines.

BACKGROUND Hyperkalemia is a common, potentially life-threatening disorder. Electrocardiograms are considered to be sensitive indicators of the presence of hyperkalemia. Since the treatment of hyperkalemia involves relatively few maneuvers and because its success can be objectively scored, we investigated how physicians manage this disorder and how successful their prescribed therapy is. We also sought to determine whether treatment could be improved by providing the treating physicians with therapy guidelines on a real-time basis. METHODS Consecutive patients with hyperkalemia were identified by review of laboratory records. During the observation-only phase of the study, demographic data, contributing causes, electrocardiogram findings, treatments used, compliance with prescribing guidelines, and patient outcome were recorded. During the subsequent notification phase of the study, treatment recommendations were sent to the patient's ward when the elevated potassium value was noted. The same outcome data were collected. RESULTS There were 127 episodes of hyperkalemia during the observation-only phase and 115 during the notification phase. No patients died or had life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Electrocardiographic abnormalities consistent with hyperkalemia were observed in only 14% of episodes. Renal failure (77%), drugs (63%), and hyperglycemia (49%) contributed to most episodes. Treatments used were exchange resin (51%), insulin (46%), calcium (36%), bicarbonate (34%), and albuterol (4%). The agents were equally efficacious. The time to first treatment was shorter in patients with potassium levels of 6.5 mmol/L or more than in patients with lower values (2.1 +/- 2.2 vs 2.8 +/- 2.4 hours; P<.05). Treatment was better in the intensive care unit than on regular wards. Only 39% of episodes during the observation-only period met the predetermined criteria for monitoring and diagnosis, initial treatment, and follow-up. During the notification period, physician performance was no better; only 42% of episodes met all criteria. The laboratory transmitted a copy of the guidelines to the patient's ward only 38% of the time. In a separate analysis of these episodes, there was no improvement in treatment. Physicians who did not receive the notification fulfilled all treatment criteria more often than physicians who did (50% vs 30%; P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Although treatment of hyperkalemia was frequently suboptimal, no serious arrhythmias and no deaths complicated management of 242 episodes of severe hyperkalemia. A narrowly targeted effort to improve physician management of a disorder with discrete treatment options did not improve therapy.