Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low serum sodium levels at hospital admission: Outcomes among 2.3 million hospitalized patients

Background Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder among hospitalized patients. Controversies still exist over the relationship between hyponatremia and outcomes of hospitalized patients. Methods To analyze the association of low serum sodium levels at hospital admission with in-hospital mortality and patient disposition and to compare the distribution of the risk of death associated with hyponatremia across the lifespan of hospitalized patients, we conducted an observational study of 2.3 million patients using data extracted from the Cerner Health Facts database between 2000 and 2014. Logistic regression models were used in the analyses. Results At hospital admission 14.4% of hospitalized patients had serum sodium levels [Na] <135 mEq/L. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, we found that the risk of in-hospital mortality significantly increases for [Na] levels < 135 or ≥143 to ≤145 mEq/L compared to the reference interval of 140 to <143 mEq/L (p<0.001). We observed similar trends for the relationship between [Na] levels and discharge to hospice or to a nursing facility. We demonstrated that younger age groups (18 to <45, 45 to <65) had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared to older age groups (65 to <75, ≥75) for [Na] levels <130 mEq/L or 143 to ≤145 mEq/L (p<0.001). Conclusions Hyponatremia is common among hospitalized patients and is significantly associated with in-hospital mortality, discharge to hospice or to a nursing facility. The risk of death and other outcomes was more evident for [Na] <135 mEq/L. The mortality associated with low [Na] was significantly higher in younger versus older patients.
2D Analytical Model for the Directivity Prediction of Ultrasonic Contact Type Transducers in the Generation of Guided Waves

In this paper, a novel 2D analytical model based on the Huygens’s principle of wave propagation is proposed in order to predict the directivity patterns of contact type ultrasonic transducers in the generation of guided waves (GWs). The developed model is able to estimate the directivity patterns at any distance, at any excitation frequency and for any configuration and shape of the transducers with prior information of phase dispersive characteristics of the guided wave modes and the behavior of transducer. This, in turn, facilitates to choose the appropriate transducer or arrays of transducers, suitable guided wave modes and excitation frequency for the nondestructive testing (NDT) and structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. The model is demonstrated for P1-type macro-fiber composite (MFC) transducer glued on a 2 mm thick aluminum (Al) alloy plate. The directivity patterns of MFC transducer in the generation of fundamental guided Lamb modes (the S0 and A0) and shear horizontal mode (the SH0) are successfully obtained at 80 kHz, 5-period excitation signal. The results are verified using 3D finite element (FE) modelling and experimental investigation. The results obtained using the proposed model shows the good agreement with those obtained using numerical simulations and experimental analysis. The calculation time using the analytical model was significantly shorter as compared to the time spent in experimental analysis and FE numerical modelling.
Vitamin D deficiency among older women with and without disability.

BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency is associated with bone loss and bone fractures, and the identification of vulnerable populations is important to clinical practice and public health. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to examine associated risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in older women. DESIGN We measured serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1, 25(OH)(2)D], intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, and ionized calcium in women aged >/=65 y who were participating in the Women's Health and Aging Study I, an observational study of women representing the approximately one-third most disabled women living in the community, and women aged 70-80 y who were participating in the Women's Health and Aging Study II, an observational study of women among the two-thirds least disabled women living in the community in Baltimore. RESULTS The women were classified into 4 domains of physical disability. Among 371 women with 0 or 1 domain of disability and 682 women with >/=2 domains of disability, 6.2% and 12.6%, respectively, had vitamin D deficiency [serum concentrations of 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L]. In univariate analyses, risk factors for vitamin D deficiency included increasing age, black race, low educational level, high body mass index, high triceps skinfold thickness, increasing level of disability, winter season, and elevated creatinine concentration. In multivariate models, black race had a strong association with vitamin D deficiency when other risk factors were adjusted for. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency, a preventable disorder, is a common and important public health problem for older disabled women living in the community; black women are at higher risk than are white women.
Effect of protein and methionine intakes on plasma homocysteine concentrations: a 6-mo randomized controlled trial in overweight subjects.

BACKGROUND A high plasma homocysteine concentration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine concentrations are thought to be raised by high protein and methionine intakes. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to investigate the effects of high and low protein and methionine intakes on homocysteine in overweight subjects. DESIGN Sixty-five overweight subjects were randomly assigned to a 6-mo intervention with a low-protein, low-methionine diet (LP: 12% of total energy, 1.4 g methionine/d; n = 25); a high-protein, high-methionine diet (HP: 22% of total energy, 2.7 g methionine/d; n = 25), both of which had similar fat contents (30% of total energy); or a control diet with an intermediate protein content (n = 15). All food was self-selected at a shop at the department. Protein intake was increased in the HP group mainly through lean meat and low-fat dairy products. Dietary compliance was evaluated by urinary nitrogen excretion. RESULTS Homocysteine concentrations did not change significantly in the LP or control groups but were 25% lower in the HP group (NS). Homocysteine concentrations after the 3-mo intervention were inversely associated with vitamin B-12 intake and with weight change (by multivariate analysis performed for all subjects), but not with methionine or protein intake. Sixty-nine percent of the variation could be explained by baseline homocysteine (P < 0.001), 2% by vitamin B-12 (P = 0.02), and another 2% by weight change (P = 0.06). The plasma homocysteine concentration after 6 mo was associated only with baseline homocysteine (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION A high-protein, high-methionine diet does not raise homocysteine concentrations compared with a low-protein, low-methionine diet in overweight subjects.
Effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral accretion in gambian children accustomed to a low-calcium diet.

BACKGROUND Rural Gambian children have poor growth, delayed puberty, a low bone mineral content, and a low calcium intake. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of a calcium supplement on bone mineral accretion in rural Gambian children. DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 160 children (80 boys, 80 girls) aged 8.3-11.9 y. Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and BMC adjusted for bone width, body weight, and height (size-adjusted BMC) were measured at the midshaft and distal radius. Each child received either 1000 mg Ca/d (as calcium carbonate) or a placebo 5 d/wk for 12 mo. Supplementation increased calcium intake from 342 to 1056 mg/d (8.6 to 26.4 mmol/d). RESULTS Calcium supplementation resulted in a higher BMC, BMD, and size-adjusted BMC (&xmacr; difference +/- SE): midshaft radius-BMC (3.0 +/- 1.4%; P = 0.034), BMD (4.5 +/- 0.9%; P </= 0.0001), and size-adjusted BMC (4.6 +/- 0.9%; P </= 0.0001); distal radius-BMC (8. 4 +/- 3.2%; P = 0.009), BMD (7.0 +/- 2.7%; P = 0.011), and size-adjusted BMC (5.5 +/- 2.7%; P = 0.042). Supplementation had no significant effect on height, weight, or bone width at the midshaft radius or distal radius. At the end of the study, the calcium group had a significantly lower mean plasma osteocalcin concentration than the placebo group after adjustment for baseline concentration, sex, and pubertal status (-21.9 +/- 6.5%; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Increased calcium intake resulted in increased bone mineral status, possibly in association with a decreased bone remodeling space. Further studies are needed to determine whether an increased calcium intake has long-term benefits in Gambian children.
A Review and Evaluation of Prediction Models of Gas Permeation for a Blended Flexible Packaging Film

Barrier properties of blended film, such as oxygen permeability, are a collective behaviour contributed by different resins. This study reviews 10 most widely used prediction models of gas permeation for two‐phase blended film along with their assumptions and the interconnection and similarities between these models. Two blended blown films, LDPE/EVOH and PET/PEN, were produced representing two different permeability ratios of matrix‐to‐disperse phase. Effective oxygen permeability of the blended films was predicted by the models and compared with measured values. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of both films were obtained to understand the morphology in relation to gas permeation. The Fricke model and the effective medium theory model are recommended in this study to predict effective permeability of a blended flexible packaging film. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying an Integrative Framework of Executive Function to Preschoolers With Specific Language Impairment.

Purpose The first goal of this research was to compare verbal and nonverbal executive function abilities between preschoolers with and without specific language impairment (SLI). The second goal was to assess the group differences on 4 executive function components in order to determine if the components may be hierarchically related as suggested within a developmental integrative framework of executive function. Method This study included 26 4- and 5-year-olds diagnosed with SLI and 26 typically developing age- and sex-matched peers. Participants were tested on verbal and nonverbal measures of sustained selective attention, working memory, inhibition, and shifting. Results The SLI group performed worse compared with typically developing children on both verbal and nonverbal measures of sustained selective attention and working memory, the verbal inhibition task, and the nonverbal shifting task. Comparisons of standardized group differences between executive function measures revealed a linear increase with the following order: working memory, inhibition, shifting, and sustained selective attention. Conclusion The pattern of results suggests that preschoolers with SLI have deficits in executive functioning compared with typical peers, and deficits are not limited to verbal tasks. A significant linear relationship between group differences across executive function components supports the possibility of a hierarchical relationship between executive function skills.
Investigating correlation between verbal interactions and perceived stress

While moderate exposure to stress at work can act as productivity booster, prolonged exposure not only decreases productivity, but it can also lead to an array of health related problems. Therefore, monitoring stress levels and more importantly correlated stressors, becomes prerequisite for a productive workforce. Considering that verbal interaction is an integral part of workplace environments, we report the results of our study that investigates correlation between perceived stress levels and verbal interaction. 28 workers were monitored over 6 weeks through their smartphones during their daily, real-world behaviour, capturing both verbal interaction and perceived stress levels. Results show that more than half of participants show correlation between perceived stress levels and verbal interaction, while this correlation is observed for over 90% of highly stressed participants.
MIMOSA: An Automatic Change Detection Method for SAR Time Series

This paper presents a new automatic change detection technique for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) time series, i.e., Method for generalIzed Means Ordered Series Analysis (MIMOSA). The method compares only two different temporal means between the amplitude images, whatever the length of the time series. The method involves three different steps: 1) estimation of the amplitude distribution parameters over the images; 2) computation of the theoretical joint probability density function between the two temporal means; and 3) automatic thresholding according to a given false alarm rate, which is the only change detection parameter. The procedure is executed with a very low computational cost and does not require any spatial speckle filtering. Indeed, the full image resolution is used. Due to the temporal means, the data volume to process is reduced, which is very helpful. Moreover, the two means can be simply updated using the new incoming images only. Thus, the full time series is not processed again. Change detection results between image pairs are presented with the airborne sensor CARABAS-II, using a public data release, and with TerraSAR-X data. In the case of time series, change detection results are illustrated using a TerraSAR-X time series. In every case, the MIMOSA method produces very good results.
Infant growth and health outcomes associated with 3 compared with 6 mo of exclusive breastfeeding.

BACKGROUND Opinions and recommendations about the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding have been strongly divided, but few published studies have provided direct evidence on the relative risks and benefits of different breastfeeding durations in recipient infants. OBJECTIVE We examined the effects on infant growth and health of 3 compared with 6 mo of exclusive breastfeeding. DESIGN We conducted an observational cohort study nested within a large randomized trial in Belarus by comparing 2862 infants exclusively breastfed for 3 mo (with continued mixed breastfeeding through >/= 6 mo) with 621 infants who were exclusively breastfed for >/= 6 mo. Regression to the mean, within-cluster correlation, and cluster- and individual-level confounding variables were accounted for by using multilevel regression analyses. RESULTS From 3 to 6 mo, weight gain was slightly greater in the 3-mo group [difference: 29 g/mo (95% CI: 13, 45 g/mo)], as was length gain [difference: 1.1 mm (0.5, 1.6 mm)], but the 6-mo group had a faster length gain from 9 to 12 mo [difference: 0.9 mm/mo (0.3, 1.5 mm/mo)] and a larger head circumference at 12 mo [difference: 0.19 cm (0.07, 0.31 cm)]. A significant reduction in the incidence density of gastrointestinal infection was observed during the period from 3 to 6 mo in the 6-mo group [adjusted incidence density ratio: 0.35 (0.13, 0.96)], but no significant differences in risk of respiratory infectious outcomes or atopic eczema were apparent. CONCLUSIONS Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 mo is associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal infection and no demonstrable adverse health effects in the first year of life.
Coupling Vibration Analysis of Trapped-Energy Rectangular Quartz Resonators by Variational Formulation of Mindlin’s Theory

Mindlin’s two-dimensional theory has been derived and applied to research on quartz resonators for a long time. However, most works have focused on vibrations varying only in two directions, including thickness direction, while the effect of other directions like the length or width direction is normally neglected. Besides, researchers often model quartz resonators as fully electroded plates because of the resulting simplicity. Since a real device is finite in all directions and is only centrally electroded, results obtained in such works cannot offer quantitative information on vibrations with enough accuracy. In this paper, a theoretical analysis of a rectangular trapped-energy resonator of AT-cut quartz is studied using the Ritz method, associated with the variational formulation of Mindlin’s first-order equations. Frequency spectra and mode shapes of a real-scaled trapped-energy resonator, which is finite in all directions, are obtained with the consideration of mode couplings among thickness-shear mode, thickness-twist mode, and flexural mode. Results show the existence of an energy-trapping and coupling phenomenon and are helpful for thorough and accurate understanding of quartz resonator vibrations. Detailed discussions on the effects of structural parameters on mode couplings and energy trapping are provided, and the results can helpfully guide the selection of aspect ratio, length/thickness ratio, and electrode inertia in device design.
Changes in insulin sensitivity over time and associated factors in HIV-infected adolescents

Objective: To compare prevalence of insulin resistance between perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) and perinatally HIV-exposed, but uninfected adolescents (PHEU), determine incidence of and contributory factors to new and resolved cases of insulin resistance in PHIV+, and evaluate glucose metabolism. Design: Cross-sectional design for comparison of prevalence among PHIV+ and PHEU. Longitudinal design for incidence and resolution of insulin resistance among PHIV+ at risk for these outcomes. Methods: The source population was adolescents from pediatric HIV clinics in the United States and Puerto Rico participating in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study designed to evaluate impact of HIV infection and its treatment on multiple domains in preadolescents and adolescents. Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Those with incident insulin resistance underwent 2-h oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c. Baseline demographic, metabolic, and HIV-specific variables were evaluated for association with incident or resolved insulin resistance. Results: Unadjusted prevalence of insulin resistance in PHIV+ was 27.3 versus 34.1% in PHEU. After adjustment for Tanner stage, age, sex, and race/ethnicity, there was no significant difference between groups. Factors positively associated with developing insulin resistance included female sex, higher BMI z score, and higher waist circumference; those associated with resolving insulin resistance included male sex and lower BMI z score. Conclusion: Prevalence of insulin resistance in PHIV+ and PHEU was substantially higher than that reported in HIV-uninfected nonoverweight youth, but similar to that in HIV-uninfected obese youth. Factors associated with incident or resolved insulin resistance among PHIV+ were similar to those reported in HIV-negative obese youth. However, a contributory role of HIV infection and/or its treatment to the incident risk of insulin resistance cannot be excluded.
Nutritional stability of various naturally occurring monoglutamate derivatives of folic acid.

The nutritional stabilities of four major dietary folates were studied as their corresponding monoglutamates and were compared to pteroylglutamate (folic acid) itself. The study of the monoglutamyl rather than polyglutamyl forms was justified since the former are formed during the course of digestion and also addition of extra glutamyl residues is unlikely to affect the types of nutritional instability associated with these derivatives. Since ability to support growth in Lactobacillus casei is known to reflect nutritional activity in man this organism was used in the stability studies. It was found that pteroylglutamate and 5-formyltetrahydropteroylglutamate had nutritional stabilities of the order of weeks although the stability of the former was decreased by phosphate. Surprisingly 10-formyltetrahydropteroylglutamate was nutritionally more stable than expected, possibly due to its conversion to the more stable oxidized 10-formylpteroylglutamate or to the reduced 5-formyl derivative. In contrast 5-methyltetrahydropteroylglutamate was much less stable nutritionally than expected.Unsubstituted tetrahydropteroylglutamate was most unstable nutritionally but in contrast to the other derivatives examined it was more stable under acidic than basic conditions. Ascorbate was found to be a far superior stabilizing agent than 2-mercaptoethanol at comparable concentrations.
Dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of carotenoids and tocopherols in relation to glucose metabolism in subjects at high risk of type 2 diabetes: the Botnia Dietary Study.

BACKGROUND The role of antioxidants in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is uncertain. OBJECTIVE We evaluated cross-sectional relations of dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of antioxidants with glucose metabolism in a high-risk population. DESIGN The subjects were 81 male and 101 female first- and second-degree, nondiabetic relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes. Antioxidant intake data were based on 3-d food records. Subjects taking supplements containing beta-carotene or alpha-tocopherol were excluded. Plasma antioxidant concentrations were measured by HPLC. By using multiple linear regression analysis and adjusting for demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle covariates, we studied whether dietary and plasma alpha- and beta-carotene, lycopene, and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol were related to fasting and 2-h concentrations of glucose and nonesterified fatty acids during an oral-glucose-tolerance test, to the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance, and to measures of beta cell function (incremental 30-min serum insulin concentration during an oral-glucose-tolerance test and first-phase insulin secretion during an intravenous-glucose-tolerance test). RESULTS In men, dietary carotenoids were inversely associated with fasting plasma glucose concentrations (P < 0.05), plasma beta-carotene concentrations were inversely associated with insulin resistance (P = 0.003), and dietary lycopene was directly related to baseline serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (P = 0.034). In women, dietary alpha-tocopherol and plasma beta-carotene concentrations were inversely and directly associated, respectively, with fasting plasma glucose concentrations (P < 0.05). In both sexes, cholesterol-adjusted alpha-tocopherol concentrations were directly associated with 2-h plasma glucose concentrations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The data suggest an advantageous association of carotenoids, which are markers of fruit and vegetable intake, with glucose metabolism in men at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
The Impact of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) on the Gut Microbiome in Crohn’s Disease: A Review

Crohn’s disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is thought to arise from a complex interaction of genetics, the gut microbiome, and environmental factors, such as diet. There is clear evidence that dietary intervention is successful in the treatment of CD—exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is able to induce remission in up to 80% of CD patients. While the mechanism of action of EEN is not clear, EEN is known to cause profound changes in the gut microbiome. Understanding how EEN modifies the gut microbiome to induce remission could provide insight into CD etiopathogenesis and aid the development of microbiome-targeted interventions to guide ongoing dietary therapy to sustain remission. This review includes current literature on changes in composition and function of the gut microbiome associated with EEN treatment in CD patients.