Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipid, protein and carbohydrate intake in relation to body mass index: an Italian study

Abstract Objective To analyse the association between macronutrient intake and body mass index (BMI). Design A series of hospital-based case–control studies. Settings Selected teaching and general hospitals in several Italian regions. Subjects A total of 6619 subjects from the comparison groups of the case–control studies were included in the analysis. Methods We obtained data from a validated 78-item food-frequency questionnaire submitted between 1991 and 2002. For various macronutrients, the partial regression coefficient (variation of BMI (kg m− 2) per 100 kcal increment of energy intake) was derived from multiple linear regression models, after allowance for age, study centre, education, smoking habits, number of eating episodes and mutual adjustment for macronutrients. Results BMI was directly associated with protein intake among women only (β = 0.68) and with unsaturated fats in both genders (for monounsaturated fats β = 0.27 for men and 0.26 for women; for polyunsaturated fats β = 0.27 for men and 0.54 for women), and inversely related to carbohydrates (β = − 0.05 for men and − 0.21 for women) and number of eating episodes in both genders (β = − 0.42 for men and − 0.61 for women) and to saturated fats among women only (β = − 0.57). Conclusions These results confirm and provide convincing evidence that, after allowance for selected covariates including total energy intake, a protein-rich diet is not inversely related to BMI, and a carbohydrate-rich diet is not directly related to BMI.
Transitions in spousal caregiving.

PURPOSE This study describes transitions over 5 years among community-dwelling elderly spouses into and within caregiving roles and associated health outcomes. DESIGN AND METHODS Participants in the Caregiver Health Effects Study (n = 818) were interviewed four times over 5 years with changes in their caregiving status described. Analyses of the effect on health outcomes of transitions were performed on those for whom four observations were available (n = 428). RESULTS Only half (49.5%) of noncaregivers at baseline remained noncaregivers at 5-year follow-up. The remainder experienced one or more transitions, including moving into the caregiving role, their own or their spouse's death, or placement of their spouse in a long-term care facility. The trajectory of health outcomes associated with caregiving was generally downward. Those who transitioned to heavy caregiving had more symptoms of depression, and poorer self-reported health and health behaviors. IMPLICATIONS Transitions into and within the caregiving role should be monitored for adverse health effects on the caregiver, with interventions tailored to the individual's location in the caregiving trajectory.
Mortality, Education, Income, and Inequality Among American Cohorts

People whose family income was less than $5,000 in 1980 could expect to live about 25 percent fewer years than people whose family income was greater than $50,000. We explore this finding using both individual data and a panel of aggregate birth cohorts observed from 1975 to 1995. We assume that health status is determined by social status, defined as income relative to the mean income of a reference group. When reference groups are not observed, health is a function of income whose slope (the gradient) depends on the ratio of within to between-group inequality. We derive results on how this relationship changes at different levels of aggregation. Our results on individuals show that income reduces the risk of death, and does so even controlling for education. Only some of the effect of income can plausibly be attributed to the reduction in earnings of those about to die. The panel of cohorts also shows a strongly protective effect of income, but there is evidence that cyclical increases in income may raise mortality, even when the long-run effects of income are in the opposite direction. There is no evidence that recent increases in inequality raised mortality beyond what it would otherwise have been.
Differential Contribution of the Repeats to Heparin Binding of HBHA, a Major Adhesin of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Background Tuberculosis remains one of the most important causes of global mortality and morbidity, and the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis are still incompletely understood. Only few virulence factors of the causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis are known. One of them is the heparin-binding haemagglutinin (HBHA), an important adhesin for epithelial cells and an extrapulmonary dissemination factor. HBHA mediates mycobacterial adherence to epithelial cells via the interactions of its C-terminal, lysine rich repeat domain with sulfated glycoconjugates on the surface of epithelial cells. Methodology/Principal Findings Using defined heparin sulfate (HS) analogs, we determined the minimal heparin fragment length for HBHA binding and structural adaptations of the HBHA heparin-binding domain (HBD) upon binding to heparin. The NMR studies show significant shifts of all residues in the HBD upon interaction with heparin, with stronger shifts in the last repeats compared to the upstream repeats, and indicated that the HS fragments with 14 sugar units cover the entire C-terminal lysine-rich domain of HBHA. The differential implication of the repeats is determined by the relative position of prolines and lysines within each repeat, and may contribute to binding specificity. GAG binding induces a non-homogeneous structural rearrangement in the HBD, with stabilization of a nascent α-helix only in the last penta-repeats. Conclusion/Significance Mycobacterial HBHA undergoes structural adaptation upon interaction with GAGs, which is likely involved in binding specificities of the adhesin, and mycobacterial pathogens may use HBD polymorphisms for host or organ specificity. Further studies will aim at decoding the complementarity between HBD repeats and HS sequence.
Early treatment of anterior open bite: Comparison of the vertical and horizontal morphological changes induced by magnetic bite-blocks and adjusted rapid molar intruders

Objective This prospective clinical study aims to determine the differences between two treatment modalities for anterior open bite in growing patients. The treatment modalities involved the use of magnetic bite-blocks (MBBs) or rapid molar intruders (RMIs) applied with posterior bite-blocks. Methods Fifteen consecutive patients with a mean age of 11.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.6) years and a mean open bite of -3.9 mm were treated with MBBs. Another 15 consecutive patients with a mean age of 10.9 (SD = 1.8) years and a mean open bite of -3.8 mm were treated with RMIs applied on bite-blocks. Cephalometric radiographs were obtained before (T1) and immediately after appliance removal (T2). The treatments lasted four months, during which the appliances were cemented to the teeth. The morphological changes were measured in each group and compared using logistic regression analysis. Results The MBB group exhibited significantly greater decreases in SNA angle, ANB angle, overjet, and maxillary incisor angle (p < 0.05). The MBBs induced greater effects on the maxilla and maxillary dentition. The MBBs restrained maxillary forward growth and retracted the maxillary incisors more effectively than did the RMIs. Consequently, changes in the intermaxillary relationships and overjets were more distinct in the MBB group. Conclusions The anteroposterior differences between the appliances suggest that MBBs should be preferred for the treatment of patients with Class II open bites and maxillary incisor protrusions.
The Effect of Top-Level Domains and Advertisements on Health Web Site Credibility

Background Concerns over health information on the Internet have generated efforts to enhance credibility markers; yet how users actually assess the credibility of online health information is largely unknown. Objective This study set out to (1) establish a parsimonious and valid questionnaire instrument to measure credibility of Internet health information by drawing on various previous measures of source, news, and other credibility scales; and (2) to identify the effects of Web-site domains and advertising on credibility perceptions. Methods Respondents (N = 156) examined one of 12 Web-site mock-ups and completed credibility scales in a 3 x 2 x 2 between-subjects experimental design. Factor analysis and validity checks were used for item reduction, and analysis of variance was employed for hypothesis testing of Web-site features' effects. Results In an attempt to construct a credibility instrument, three dimensions of credibility (safety, trustworthiness, and dynamism) were retained, reflecting traditional credibility sub-themes, but composed of items from disparate sources. When testing the effect of the presence or absence of advertising on a Web site on credibility, we found that this depends on the site's domain, with a trend for advertisements having deleterious effects on the credibility of sites with . org domain, but positive effects on sites with . com or . edu domains. Conclusions Health-information Web-site providers should select domains purposefully when they can, especially if they must accept on-site advertising. Credibility perceptions may not be invariant or stable, but rather are sensitive to topic and context. Future research may employ these findings in order to compare other forms of health-information delivery to optimal Web-site features.
Hybridizing Adaptive Biogeography-Based Optimization with Differential Evolution for Multi-Objective Optimization Problems

In order to improve the performance of optimization, we apply a hybridization of adaptive biogeography-based optimization (BBO) algorithm and differential evolution (DE) to multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs). A model of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) is established, in which the habitat suitability index (HSI) is redefined, based on the Pareto dominance relation, and density information among the habitat individuals. Then, we design a new algorithm, in which the modification probability and mutation probability are changed, according to the relation between the cost of fitness function of randomly selected habitats of last generation, and average cost of fitness function of all habitats of last generation. The mutation operators based on DE algorithm, are modified, and the migration operators based on number of iterations, are improved to achieve better convergence performance. Numerical experiments on different ZDT and DTLZ benchmark functions are performed, and the results demonstrate that the proposed MABBO algorithm has better performance on the convergence and the distribution properties comparing to the other MOEAs, and can solve more complex multi-objective optimization problems efficiently.
Intestinal permeability before and after ibuprofen in families of children with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND Members of a subset of first-degree relatives of adults with Crohn's disease have been shown to have an increased baseline intestinal permeability and/or an exaggerated increase in intestinal permeability after the administration of acetylsalicylic acid. PURPOSE To determine intestinal permeability in unaffected first-degree relatives of children with Crohn's disease before and after the administration of an ibuprofen challenge. METHODS Lactulose-mannitol ratios, a measure of intestinal permeability, were determined in 14 healthy control families (41 subjects) and 14 families with a child with Crohn's disease (36 relatives, 14 probands) before and after ingestion of ibuprofen. An upper reference limit was defined using the control group as mean +/- 2 SD. RESULTS The proportion of healthy, first-degree relatives with an exaggerated response to ibuprofen (20%, 95% CI 7% to 33%) was significantly higher than controls (P = 0.003). The exaggerated response was more common among siblings than among parents of pediatric probands. CONCLUSIONS Members of a subset of first-degree relatives of children with Crohn's disease have an exaggerated increase in intestinal permeability after ibuprofen ingestion. These findings are compatible with there being a genetic link between abnormalities of intestinal permeability and Crohn's disease.
Long-term efficacy and safety of etanercept after readministration in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) receptor fusion protein etanercept has shown efficacy in patients with active disease in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for limited periods. The objective of the study was to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of etanercept over 1 yr, including discontinuation and readministration. METHODS In this 54-week open observational study, 26 AS patients received 25 mg etanercept subcutaneously twice weekly after several months of discontinuation following a 6-month RCT with the same agent. All patients who developed high disease activity after cessation of etanercept, defined as a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) > or = 4 and pain > or = 4 on a numerical rating scale, entered the study. Standard assessment tools, such as the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis functional index (BASFI), were used. An intention-to-treat (ITT) and a completer analysis were performed. The results were compared with the baseline values of the open study. RESULTS Out of the initial 30 patients, 26 (87%) were eligible for the open extension study after a mean of about 27 weeks. At week 54, 23/26 patients (88%) were still on treatment with etanercept. The ITT analysis showed that 58% (95% confidence interval 39-74%) of the patients achieved a 50% improvement of BASDAI at week 54. According to the Assessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis working group criteria, 8/26 patients (31%) were in partial remission at week 54. Function, metrology and quality of life improved significantly. Only one patient had a serious adverse event that resulted in discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that treatment with etanercept is efficacious and safe after readministration over 1 yr in patients with active AS not taking DMARDs or steroids.
A Dynamical Systems Model for Language Change

Formalizing linguists'' intuitions of language change as a dynamical system, we quantify the time course of language change including sudden vs. gradual changes in languages. We apply the computer model to the historical loss of Verb Second from Old French to modern French, showing that otherwise adequate grammatical theories can fail our new evolutionary criterion.
Clinicoeconomics and Outcomes Research Dovepress Cost–utility Analysis of Prophylaxis versus Treatment on Demand in Severe Hemophilia A

Background: Individuals with severe hemophilia A have reduced blood levels of clotting factor VIII (FVIII) leading to recurrent bleeding into joints and muscles. Primary prophylaxis with clotting factor concentrates started early in childhood prevents joint bleeds, thus avoiding joint damage and improving people's quality of life. There remain significant differences in the implementation of primary prophylaxis worldwide mainly due to the cost of prophylaxis compared with treatment on demand. Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis with FVIII concentrates versus secondary prophylaxis, versus treatment on demand, and versus a " hybrid " (primary prophylaxis followed by on-demand treatment in adults) in individuals with severe hemophilia A. Methods: A Markov model was developed and run using different sources of clinical, cost, and utility data. The model was populated with a hypothetical cohort of 100 individuals with severe hemophilia A. The perspective of the Italian National Health System was used. Results: The baseline results showed that primary and secondary prophylaxis is cost-effective compared both with treatment on demand and with a hybrid strategy. The incremental costs per quality-adjusted life-year gained for individuals with hemophilia A receiving primary and secondary prophylaxis were €40,229 to €40,236 versus an on-demand strategy. However, the sensitivity analyses performed showed that the results were sensitive to the unit cost of clotting FVIII, bleeding frequency, and the discount rate. Conclusion: Although primary prophylaxis is a costly treatment, our results show that it is cost-effective compared with treatment on demand.
Individual differences in autistic trait load in the general population predict visual working memory performance

Prior studies have reported instances of both intact and impaired working memory (WM) performance in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In order to investigate the relation between autistic traits that extend into the normal population and WM, 104 normal college-aged students who varied in their levels of autistic traits were tested. The loading of ASD-associated traits in the normal population leads to differing predictions about WM performance. ASD traits related to a local processing style (or “attention to detail”) might enhance WM while ASD-associated traits related to difficulty switching attention and reorienting focus (or “social interaction”) might impair WM performance. To assess these predictions, participants filled out the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and performed a working memory task with both visual and verbal variants. AQ scores were then broken into “attention to detail” and “social interaction” factors, as proposed by Hoekstra and colleagues. The results showed that AQ scores did not predict verbal WM performance but they did predict visual WM performance. The social interaction and attention to detail factors of the AQ had opposing relationships with visual WM performance: A higher level of social difficulty was associated with significantly poorer visual WM performance while a higher level of attention to detail was associated with enhanced visual WM performance. Further investigation of the relation between AQ and WM using the original five-factor model proposed by Baron-Cohen and colleagues (2001) revealed an association between impoverished imagination and visual WM overall.
High Density Lipoprotein Subfractions and Coronary Risk Factors in Normal Men

Plasma levels of total high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and Its subtractions (HDL2 and HDL3) were measured In 366 healthy Caucasian males; these values were related to a number of coronary risk factors. On unlvarlate statistical analysis, total HDL was negatively correlated with cigarette consumption, body mass Index, and serum trlglycerldes, and positively associated with level of physical activity and alcohol consumption. HDL2 showed an Inverse relationship with cigarette consumption, body mass index, trlglycerldes, and systolic blood pressure and a positive relationship with age. HDL3 was negatively correlated with cigarette smoking, body mass index, and trlglycerldes and positively associated with exercise level and alcohol consumption. Total HDL and HDL2 were Inversely related to coronary risk rating, but HDL3 snowed no significant correlation. Many of these relationships became nonsignificant after allowing for the effects of other variables. In particular, none of the HDL measurements correlated significantly with risk score after allowing for the effect of trlglycerldes. There Is Insufficient evidence at present to recommend the Inclusion of HDL subfractions as routine screening tests for heart disease.
Prediction of Human Serotonin and Norepinephrine Transporter Occupancy of Duloxetine by Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling in the Rat

Translation of central nervous system occupancy and clinical effect from animal models to humans has remained elusive for many pharmacological targets. The current studies evaluate the ability of a rodent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling approach to translate ex vivo occupancy determined in rats to that observed after positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in humans for the dual serotonin transporter (SERT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitor duloxetine. Ex vivo transporter occupancy in rat spinal cord was evaluated after single oral doses of 0.3 to 60 mg/kg. A novel methodology, based on the initial rates of association of transporter selective radioligands to tissue homogenates, was developed and validated for the assessment of ex vivo transporter occupancy. Duloxetine exhibited selectivity for occupancy of SERT over NET in rat spinal cord with ED50 values of 1 and 9 mg/kg, respectively. Corresponding EC50 values for the inhibition of SERT and NET based on unbound duloxetine spinal cord concentrations were 0.5 and 8 nM. An effect compartment PK/PD modeling approach was used to analyze the relationship between the time course of duloxetine plasma concentration and SERT and NET occupancy. Duloxetine inhibited SERT and NET in rat spinal cord with a plasma EC50 of 2.95 and 59.0 ng/ml, respectively. Similar plasma EC50 values for the inhibition of SERT (2.29–3.7 ng/ml) have been reported from human PET studies. This study illustrates the value of translational PK/PD modeling approaches and suggests that the preclinical modeling approach used in the current study is capable of predicting plasma concentrations associated with 50% occupancy of SERT in the human central nervous system.
Therapeutic connection: help seeking on the Internet for persons with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

PURPOSE The goal of this study was to understand common themes and shared meanings of help seeking on the Internet for persons with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). SETTING The study took place over an on-line, informal, public, electronic bulletin board for persons with ICDs. SAMPLE The sample included 469 postings by 75 users during 15 months. RESULTS Four related themes and 1 constitutive pattern were constructed. Themes included seeking and giving meaningful information; sharing personal perspectives; storytelling as common grounding; and supportive interacting. The constitutive pattern is "therapeutic connection. " IMPLICATIONS Persons with ICDs are proactive, using Internet bulletin boards to seek practical information and support in coping with daily anxieties of living with an ICD. This form of self-directed patient education focuses on common experiences of illness versus information obtained from health care providers.
A generative perspective on MRFs in low-level vision

Markov random fields (MRFs) are popular and generic probabilistic models of prior knowledge in low-level vision. Yet their generative properties are rarely examined, while application-specific models and non-probabilistic learning are gaining increased attention. In this paper we revisit the generative aspects of MRFs, and analyze the quality of common image priors in a fully application-neutral setting. Enabled by a general class of MRFs with flexible potentials and an efficient Gibbs sampler, we find that common models do not capture the statistics of natural images well. We show how to remedy this by exploiting the efficient sampler for learning better generative MRFs based on flexible potentials. We perform image restoration with these models by computing the Bayesian minimum mean squared error estimate (MMSE) using sampling. This addresses a number of shortcomings that have limited generative MRFs so far, and leads to substantially improved performance over maximum a-posteriori (MAP) estimation. We demonstrate that combining our learned generative models with sampling-based MMSE estimation yields excellent application results that can compete with recent discriminative methods.