Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the performance of SCORE Sweden 2015 in estimating cardiovascular risk

Background Risk prediction models for cardiovascular death are important for providing advice on lifestyle and in decision-making regarding primary preventive drug treatment. The latest Swedish version of the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE 2015) has yet not been tested in the population. Objective The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of high and very high risk of fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) of the current population according to 2015 SCORE Sweden and to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the 2003 Swedish version of SCORE (2003 SCORE Sweden) and 2015 SCORE Sweden in a population with declining CVD mortality. Methods We estimated the high and very high risk group for cardiovascular death for individuals 40–65 years of age in the 2014 Northern Sweden MONICA population survey excluding subjects with known diabetes or previous CVD (n = 813). Using the 1999 MONICA survey (n = 3347) followed up for 10 years for CVD mortality, we assessed the calibration of both 2003 and 2015 SCORE Sweden. Results In 2014 2.6% of the population was considered at high or very high risk for fatal CVD, 95% were men and 76% were in the age group 60–65 years. Including subjects with a single markedly elevated risk factor, known diabetes or CVD, 12% of the population was at high or very high risk. During 10 years of follow-up of the 1999 cohort, 34 CVD deaths (24 men and 10 women) occurred. The 2003 SCORE overestimated the risk of death from CVD (ratio predicted/observed 2.3, P < 0.001) whereas the 2015 SCORE slightly overestimated the number of deaths (predicted/observed 1.3, P = 0.12). The 2015 SCORE predicted more accurately than the 2003 SCORE the number of deaths in the different risk and age categories. Conclusion The 2015 SCORE Sweden more adequately than 2003 SCORE Sweden predicts the number of deaths. In 2014, the proportion of high-risk individuals is small in northern Sweden. The main use of 2015 SCORE Sweden would therefore be as an educational tool between the physician and people without diabetes or CVD in a consultation regarding cardiovascular risk.
APPLICATION OF GROUND GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE IN CHINA

The annual granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) production capacity in China is around 15 million tons. GBFS powder has been successfully applied as the raw material of cement block, pavement block, and slag cement. Introduced are studies and the application of GBFS in China. The study measures the performance of GBFS and analyzes its effect on fresh concrete and hardened concrete. The result show thatG BFS concrete is characterized by high strength, lower heat hydration and resistance to chemical corrosion.
Main pulmonary artery cross-section ratio is low in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot and ductus arteriosus-dependent pulmonary circulation

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to determine fetal echocardiographic features of tetralogy of Fallot in association with postnatal outcomes. Methods The Z-scores of the main and bilateral pulmonary arteries and the aorta were measured, and the following variables were calculated in 13 fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot: pulmonary artery-to-aorta ratio and main pulmonary artery cross-section ratio – the main pulmonary artery diameter squared divided by the sum of the diameter squared of the left and right pulmonary arteries. Fetuses were classified as having ductus arteriosus-dependent or ductus arteriosus-independent pulmonary circulation. Results We included two infants with pulmonary atresia and six infants with ductus-dependent pulmonary circulation, who underwent systemic-to-pulmonary shunt surgeries at ⩽1 month of age. The Z-scores of the main pulmonary artery and the pulmonary artery-to-aorta ratio in fetuses with ductus-dependent pulmonary circulation were lesser than those in fetuses with ductus independence, but not significantly. The main pulmonary artery cross-section ratio in fetuses with ductus dependence was significantly lesser (0.65±0.44 versus 1.56±0.48, p<0.005). Besides, the flow of the ductus arteriosus was directed from the aorta to the pulmonary artery in the ductus arteriosus-dependent group during the fetal period. Conclusions The main pulmonary artery cross-section ratio was the most significant variable for predicting postnatal outcomes in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot.
Quantitative Classification and Environmental Interpretation of Secondary Forests 18 Years After the Invasion of Pine Forests by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in China

Abstract With growing concerns over the serious ecological problems in pine forests ( Pinus massoniana , P. thunbergii ) caused by the invasion of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (the pine wood nematode), a particular challenge is to determine the succession and restoration of damaged pine forests in Asia. We used two-way indicator species analysis and canonical correlation analysis for the hierarchical classification of existing secondary forests that have been restored since the invasion of B. xylophilus 18 years ago. Biserial correlation analysis was used to relate the spatial distribution of species to environmental factors. After 18 years of natural recovery, the original pine forest had evolved into seven types of secondary forest. Seven environmental factors, namely soil depth, humus depth, soil pH, aspect, slope position, bare rock ratio, and distance to the sea, were significantly correlated with species distribution. Furthermore, we proposed specific reform measures and suggestions for the different types of secondary forest formed after the damage and identified the factors driving the various forms of restoration. These results suggest that it is possible to predict the restoration paths of damaged pine forests, which would reduce the negative impact of B. xylophilus invasions.
Associations of mitochondrial polymorphisms with sporadic colorectal adenoma

Somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA have been reported in colorectal adenomatous polyps (adenomas), the precursors to most colorectal cancers. However, there are no reports of associations of germline variation in mitochondrial DNA with adenoma risk. We investigated associations of germline polymorphisms in the displacement loop (D‐loop) and non‐D‐loop region of the mitochondrial genome with incident, sporadic colorectal adenoma in three pooled colonoscopy‐based case‐control studies (n = 327 adenoma cases, 420 controls) that used identical methods for case and risk factor ascertainment. We sequenced a 1124 bp fragment to identify all genetic variation in the mitochondrial D‐loop region, and used the Sequenom platform to genotype 64 tagSNPs in the non‐D‐loop region. We used multivariable unconditional logistic regression to estimate associations of the polymorphisms with adenoma. The odds ratios (OR) for associations of four polymorphisms in the HV1 region (mt16294, mt16296, mt16278, mt16069) with adenoma were 2.30, 2.63, 3.34, and 0.56, respectively; all 95% confidence intervals (CI) excluded 1.0, however, after correction for multiple comparisons, none of the findings remained statistically significant. Similar results were found for six polymorphisms in the non‐D‐loop region. In the HV1 region poly C tract, relative to those with 5 repeats, the ORs for those with fewer or more repeats were, respectively, 2.29 (95%CI 1.07‐4.89) and 0.63 (95%CI 0.36‐1.08), but repeat numbers in the HV2 region were not associated with adenoma. These findings suggest that mitochondrial D‐loop HV1 region polymorphisms may be associated with colorectal adenoma risk and support further investigation.
Coordination of Reach-to-Grasp Kinematics in Individuals With Childhood-Onset Dystonia Due to Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Functional reaching is impaired in dystonia. Here, we analyze upper extremity kinematics to quantify timing and coordination abnormalities during unimanual reach-to-grasp movements in individuals with childhood-onset unilateral wrist dystonia. Kinematics were measured during movements of both upper limbs in a patient group ( n = 11, age = 17.5 ±5 years), and a typically developing control group ( n = 9, age = 16.6 ±5 years). Hand aperture was computed to study the coordination of reach and grasp. Time-varying joint synergies within one upper limb were calculated using a novel technique based on principal component analysis to study intra-limb coordination. In the non-dominant arm, results indicate reduced coordination between reach and grasp in patients who could not lift the grasped object compared to those who could lift it. Lifters exhibit incoordination in distal upper extremity joints later in the movement and non-lifters lacked coordination throughout the movement and in the whole upper limb. The amount of atypical coordination correlates with dystonia severity in patients. Reduced coordination during movement may reflect deficits in the execution of simultaneous movements, motor planning, or muscle activation. Rehabilitation efforts can focus on particular time points when kinematic patterns deviate abnormally to improve functional reaching in individuals with childhood-onset dystonia.
Epigenetic and Posttranscriptional Regulation of CD16 Expression during Human NK Cell Development

The surface receptor FcγRIIIA (CD16a) is encoded by the FCGR3A gene and is acquired by human NK cells during maturation. NK cells bind the Fc portion of IgG via CD16a and execute Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, which is critical for the effectiveness of several antitumor mAb therapies. The role of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms controlling transcriptional and posttranscriptional CD16 expression in NK cells is unknown. In this study, we compared specific patterns of DNA methylation and expression of FCGR3A with FCGR3B, which differ in cell type–specific expression despite displaying nearly identical genomic sequences. We identified a sequence within the FCGR3A promoter that selectively exhibits reduced methylation in CD16a+ NK cells versus CD16a− NK cells and neutrophils. This region contained the transcriptional start site of the most highly expressed CD16a isoform in NK cells. Luciferase assays revealed remarkable cell-type specificity and methylation-dependent activity of FCGR3A- versus FCGR3B-derived sequences. Genomic differences between FCGR3A and FCGR3B are enriched at CpG dinucleotides, and mutation of variant CpGs reversed cell-type specificity. We further identified miR-218 as a posttranscriptional negative regulator of CD16a in NK cells. Forced overexpression of miR-218 in NK cells knocked down CD16a mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, miR-218 was highly expressed in CD16a− NK cells compared with CD16a+ NK cells. Taken together, we propose a system of FCGR3A regulation in human NK cells in which CpG dinucleotide sequences and concurrent DNA methylation confer developmental and cell type–specific transcriptional regulation, whereas miR-218 provides an additional layer of posttranscriptional regulation during the maturation process.
Effectiveness of a Worksite Social & Physical Environment Intervention on Need for Recovery, Physical Activity and Relaxation; Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of a worksite social and physical environment intervention on need for recovery (i.e., early symptoms of work-related mental and physical fatigue), physical activity and relaxation. Also, the effectiveness of the separate interventions was investigated. Methods In this 2×2 factorial design study, 412 office employees from a financial service provider participated. Participants were allocated to the combined social and physical intervention, to the social intervention only, to the physical intervention only or to the control group. The primary outcome measure was need for recovery. Secondary outcomes were work-related stress (i.e., exhaustion, detachment and relaxation), small breaks, physical activity (i.e., stair climbing, active commuting, sport activities, light/moderate/vigorous physical activity) and sedentary behavior. Outcomes were measured by questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Multilevel analyses were performed to investigate the effects of the three interventions. Results In all intervention groups, a non-significant reduction was found in need for recovery. In the combined intervention (n = 92), exhaustion and vigorous physical activities decreased significantly, and small breaks at work and active commuting increased significantly compared to the control group. The social intervention (n = 118) showed a significant reduction in exhaustion, sedentary behavior at work and a significant increase in small breaks at work and leisure activities. In the physical intervention (n = 96), stair climbing at work and active commuting significantly increased, and sedentary behavior at work decreased significantly compared to the control group. Conclusion None of the interventions was effective in improving the need for recovery. It is recommended to implement the social and physical intervention among a population with higher baseline values of need for recovery. Furthermore, the intervention itself could be improved by increasing the intensity of the intervention (for example weekly GMI-sessions), providing physical activity opportunities and exercise schemes, and by more drastic environment interventions (restructuring entire department floor). Trial Registration Nederlands Trial Register NTR2553
Understanding GLP-1 Analogs and Enhancing Patient Success

Recent research into the mechanisms of type 2 diabetes reveals intricate interactions among many hormonal processes. Ultimately, these pathways lead to hyperglycemia, pancreatic β-cell failure, and the emergence of type 2 diabetes. The incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are now known to play major roles in endogenous glucose control, including regulation of insulin, glucagon, and hepatic glucose metabolism. Investigation of the incretin system has led to development of drugs that mimic or enhance the endogenous hormones, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. This supplement describes the role of incretin hormones in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and their potential as therapeutic targets for disease management. In addition, safety and efficacy profiles of the GLP-1 receptor agonists are reviewed, and the advantages and limitations of these medications are discussed from the perspective of promoting their successful implementation in individualized treatment regimens. As understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes advances, the number of new therapeutic approaches expands. GLP-1 receptor agonists address several aspects of the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. A large body of data reveals the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of these drugs. A clear understanding of the evidence base for these drugs will translate into improved education of patients regarding their options to improve glycemic control and, ultimately, to better patient care.
Higher Mortality in Trauma Patients Is Associated with Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia, but Not Diabetic Hyperglycemia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on a Propensity-Score Matching Approach

Background: Stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) is a form of hyperglycemia secondary to stress and commonly occurs in patients with trauma. Trauma patients with SIH have been reported to have an increased risk of mortality. However, information regarding whether these trauma patients with SIH represent a distinct group with differential outcomes when compared to those with diabetic hyperglycemia (DH) remains limited. Methods: Diabetes mellitus (DM) was determined by patient history and/or admission glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6.5%. Non-diabetic normoglycemia (NDN) was determined by a serum glucose level <200 mg/dL in the patients without DM. Diabetic normoglycemia (DN) was determined by a serum glucose level <200 mg/dL in the patients with DM. DH and SIH was diagnosed by a serum glucose level ≥200 mg/dL in the patients with and without DM, respectively. Detailed data of these four groups of hospitalized patients, which included NDN (n = 7806), DN (n = 950), SIH (n = 493), and DH (n = 897), were retrieved from the Trauma Registry System at a level I trauma center between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015. Patients with incomplete registered data were excluded. Categorical data were compared with Pearson chi-square tests or two-sided Fisher exact tests. The unpaired Student’s t-test and the Mann–Whitney U-test were used to analyze normally distributed continuous data and non-normally distributed data, respectively. Propensity-score-matched cohorts in a 1:1 ratio were allocated using NCSS software with logistic regression to evaluate the effect of SIH and DH on the outcomes of patients. Results: The SIH (median [interquartile range: Q1–Q3], 13 [9–24]) demonstrated a significantly higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) than NDN (9 [4–10]), DN (9 [4–9]), and DH (9 [5–13]). SIH and DH had a 12.3-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.31–16.14; p < 0.001) and 2.4-fold (95% CI 1.71–3.45; p < 0.001) higher odds of mortality, respectively, when compared to NDN. However, in the selected propensity-score-matched patient population, SIH had a 3.0-fold higher odd ratio of mortality (95% CI 1.96–4.49; p < 0.001) than NDN, but DH did not have a significantly higher mortality (odds ratio 1.2, 95% CI 0.99–1.38; p = 0.065). In addition, SIH had 2.4-fold higher odds of mortality (95% CI 1.46–4.04; p = 0.001) than DH. These results suggest that the characteristics and injury severity of the trauma patients contributed to the higher mortality of these patients with hyperglycemia upon admission, and that the pathophysiological effect of SIH was different from that of DH. Conclusions: Although there were worse mortality outcomes among trauma patients presenting with hyperglycemia, this effect was only seen in patients with SIH, but not DH when controlling for age, sex, pre-existed co-morbidities, and ISS.
Early Sports Specialization: An International Perspective

The physical activity required for most sports has numerous health benefitsVphysical, mental, and academic (5,22,35). Some young athletes specialize in a single sport, while others play multiple sports throughout adolescence. Primary reasons to specialize early include enjoying that single sport; lifestyle access to a particular sport, such as running (34); hope for financial or other special success; or parental pressure. Regions with few resources expect organized sports may provide a safer environment for physical activity than the outdoor neighborhood (e.g., South Africa and Brazil) or increase government-supplied resources to youth sports organizations based on the number of children enrolled (Australia (1)). Recent concerns by sports medicine experts have sparked debate about the wisdom of early sports specialization (3Y6,21,36), but virtually no solid data have been published to inform caregivers, coaches, and families about possible risks and benefits. Sports specialization below the age of 18 yr has been suggested to increase injury risk, decrease social opportunity, and impair life satisfaction (4,16). Additional review articles (23,24) and consensus statements by major sports medicine organizations (3Y5,8,21,36) suggest that early specialization is a culprit potentially leading to adults with history of excessive injuries and limited social opportunity, even suggesting dire consequences (24). However, research supporting these statements is minimal or absent.
System-wide quantitative proteomics of the metabolic syndrome in mice: genotypic and dietary effects

Advances in mass spectrometry have made the quantitative measurement of proteins across multiple samples a reality, allowing for the study of complex biological systems such as the metabolic syndrome. Although deregulation of lipid metabolism and increased hepatic storage of triacylglycerides are known to play a part in the onset of the metabolic syndrome, its molecular basis and dependency on dietary and genotypic factors are poorly characterized. Here, we used a rich experimental design with two different mouse strains, dietary and metabolic perturbations to generate a compendium of quantitative proteome data, using three mass spectrometry strategies. The data recapitulates known properties of the metabolic system and indicate differential molecular adaptation of the two mouse strains to perturbations, contributing to a better understanding of the metabolic syndrome. We show that high-quality, high-throughput proteomic datasets provide an unbiased broad overview of complex systems upon perturbation. HIGHLIGHTS Rich experimental design with two mouse strains, dietary and metabolic perturbations Three mass spectrometry proteomic data collection strategies in one data compendium SWATH-MS data with systematic perturbation provide a broad unbiased view of the system The data reveals differential adaptation of molecular systems in two mouse strains
Aggregation of Trp > Glu point mutants of human gamma‐D crystallin provides a model for hereditary or UV‐induced cataract

Numerous mutations and covalent modifications of the highly abundant, long‐lived crystallins of the eye lens cause their aggregation leading to progressive opacification of the lens, cataract. The nature and biochemical mechanisms of the aggregation process are poorly understood, as neither amyloid nor native‐state polymers are commonly found in opaque lenses. The βγ‐crystallin fold contains four highly conserved buried tryptophans, which can be oxidized to more hydrophilic products, such as kynurenine, upon UV‐B irradiation. We mimicked this class of oxidative damage using Trp→Glu point mutants of human γD‐crystallin. Such substitutions may represent a model of UV‐induced photodamage—introduction of a charged group into the hydrophobic core generating “denaturation from within. ” The effects of Trp→Glu substitutions were highly position dependent. While each was destabilizing, only the two located in the bottom of the double Greek key fold—W42E and W130E—yielded robust aggregation of partially unfolded intermediates at 37°C and pH 7. The αB‐crystallin chaperone suppressed aggregation of W130E, but not W42E, indicating distinct aggregation pathways from damage in the N‐terminal vs C‐terminal domain. The W130E aggregates had loosely fibrillar morphology, yet were nonamyloid, noncovalent, showed little surface hydrophobicity, and formed at least 20°C below the melting temperature of the native β‐sheets. These features are most consistent with domain‐swapped polymerization. Aggregation of partially destabilized crystallins under physiological conditions, as occurs in this class of point mutants, could provide a simple in vitro model system for drug discovery and optimization.