Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soluble transferrin receptor levels are positively associated with insulin resistance but not with the metabolic syndrome or its individual components

Abstract The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known to be associated with elevated serum ferritin levels. The possible association with other Fe markers has been less well studied. We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and ferritin levels with the MetS components, insulin resistance and glycosylated Hb (HbA1C). The sample consisted of 725 adults, aged 19–93 years (284 men, 151 premenopausal and 290 postmenopausal women), from the Croatian island of Vis. Serum sTfR and ferritin levels were measured by immunoturbidimetry and electrochemiluminescence assays, respectively. The MetS was defined using modified international consensus criteria. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations adjusting for age, fibrinogen, smoking status, alcohol consumption and BMI. Prevalence of the MetS was 48·7 %. Standardised values of ferritin were positively associated with all of the MetS components (except high blood pressure and waist circumference) in men (P<0·05). Ferritin was significantly associated with the MetS in men (adjusted OR 1·78 (95 % CI 1·31, 2·42)) and postmenopausal women (1·71 (95 % CI 1·12, 2·62)). Interestingly, sTfR was independently and positively associated with homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance in men (adjusted β=0·44 (95 % CI 0·14, 0·75), P=0·004) and postmenopausal women (adjusted β coefficient=0·34 (95 % CI 0·05, 0·63), P=0·020). However, there was no significant relationship between serum sTfR levels and the MetS or its components. Neither ferritin nor sTfR was significantly associated with HbA1C (P>0·05). sTfR levels could be spuriously elevated in subjects with insulin resistance and without association with the MetS or its components. We conclude that different markers of Fe metabolism are not consistently associated with cardiometabolic risk.
A New Method for Extracting Skin Microbes Allows Metagenomic Analysis of Whole-Deep Skin

In the last decade, an extensive effort has been made to characterize the human microbiota, due to its clinical and economic interests. However, a metagenomic approach to the skin microbiota is hampered by the high proportion of host DNA that is recovered. In contrast with the burgeoning field of gut metagenomics, skin metagenomics has been hindered by the absence of an efficient method to avoid sequencing the host DNA. We present here a method for recovering microbial DNA from skin samples, based on a combination of molecular techniques. We have applied this method to mouse skin, and have validated it by standard, quantitative PCR and amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA. The taxonomic diversity recovered was not altered by this new method, as proved by comparing the phylogenetic structure revealed by 16S rRNA sequencing in untreated vs. treated samples. As proof of concept, we also present the first two mouse skin metagenomes, which allowed discovering new taxa (not only prokaryotes but also viruses and eukaryots) not reachable by 16S rRNA sequencing, as well as to characterize the skin microbiome functional landscape. Our method paves the way for the development of skin metagenomics, which will allow a much deeper knowledge of the skin microbiome and its relationship with the host, both in a healthy state and in relation to disease.
Aircrews and Automation Bias: The Advantages of Teamwork?

A series of recent studies on automation bias, the use of automation as a heuristic replacement for vigilant information seeking and processing, has investigated omission and commission errors in highly automated decision environments. Most of the research on this phenomenon has been conducted in a single-person performance configuration. This study was designed to follow up on that research to investigate whether the error rates found with single pilots and with teams of students would hold in the context of an aircraft cockpit, with a professional aircrew. In addition, this study also investigated the efficacy of possible interventions involving explicit automation bias training and display prompts to verify automated information. Results demonstrated the persistence of automation bias in crews compared with solo performers. No effects were found for either training or display prompts. Pilot performance during the experimental legs was most highly predicted by performance on the control leg and by event importance. The previously found phantom memory phenomenon associated with a false engine fire event persisted in crews.
ENHANCEMENT OF HEAVY METAL STABILIZATION BY DIFFERENT AMENDMENTS DURING SEWAGE SLUDGE COMPOSTING PROCESS

This study investigated the effect of different amendments on the potential for inhibition of heavy metal mobility during the sewage sludge composting process. These amendments, including lime, coal fly ash, and natural zeolite, were selected on the basis of their reutilization, potential efficiency and market-price. Experimental results indicated that the physicochemical characteristics of the matured co-compost with different amendments, including temperature, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, and C/N ratio, were similar to those without any amendment (control test). That is, in this study, the tested amendments addition had no inhibitory effect on the microbial activity during the co-composting process and the matured co-compost quality complies with criteria for agricultural application. Regarding the characterization of the heavy metals in the compost, the changes in total metal concentration in co-composting showed no increasing or decreasing trend over the experimental period. It seems to be insignificant effect on the metal mobility inhibition by different amendments. This is due to organic matter could decompose rapidly and heavy metals were not destroyed during the sewage sludge composting process. The heavy metals contents would be concentrated and persisted in matured compost products. To further discuss the heavy metal mobility, the tested metals mobility in matured compost was extracted by diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) solution. Accordingly, the amount of DTPA-metals in matured compost showed that the addition of coal fly ash may enhance the stabilization for Pb, and the DTPA-Pb contents decreased from 40 to 21% with increased coal fly ash addition from 0 to 20%. Therefore, coal fly ash has higher alkalinity and pozzolanic material for inhibiting the Pb mobility during the sewage sludge composting process. However, the amounts of tested DTPA-Cu, Zn, and Ni decreased insignificantly using coal fly ash. In the case of zeolite and lime addition, because of the higher ion exchange capacity or alkalinity, the amount of DTPA-extractable Pb, Cu, Zn and Ni significantly decreased in the matured compost. Especially for the Zn mobility in the matured compost, the zeolite and lime were shown to decrease significantly from 65% to nearly 3% with increased zeolite or lime addition.
Analysis of the sealing ability of Portland cement and mineral trioxide aggregate in molars furcation perforations

Objective: To analyze the sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Portland Cement (PC) in furcation perforations of human molars through three techniques. Methods: Ninety upper and lower extracted human molars with formed roots and not fused were selected. Perforations were performed on the floors of pulpal chambers by means of spherical burs. Specimens were randomly divided into two experimental groups of forty-five teeth each, using PC for Group I and white MTA for Group II. Group I was divided into 3 subgroups, called IA, IB, IC with fifteen samples each. Group II was also divided into 3 subgroups, called IIA, IIB, IIC with fifteen samples each. The checks of infiltration were carried out through a stereoscope with 5X magnification. The Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The use of MTA and PC inserted by three different techniques did not prevent the occurrence of leakage into furcation of extracted human molars. It is also clear that the CP accommodated in furcation perforations through ultrasound had better performance. Conclusion: Further studies should be carried out to improve the performance of the sealing material for application in critical dental regions.
Co-occurring Mutations of Tumor Suppressor Genes, LATS2 and NF2, in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Purpose: To better define malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) heterogeneity and identify molecular subtypes of MPM, we focus on the tumor suppressor gene LATS2, a member of the Hippo signaling pathway, which plays a key role in mesothelial carcinogenesis. Experimental Design: Sixty-one MPM primary cultures established in our laboratory were screened for mutations in LATS2. Gene inactivation was modeled using siRNAs. Gene and protein expressions were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and reverse phase protein array. Cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, mobility, and invasion were determined after siRNA knockdown or YAP (verteporfin), mTOR (rapamycin), and mTOR/PI3K/AKT (PF-04691502) inhibitor treatment. Results: The LATS2 gene was altered in 11% of MPM by point mutations and large exon deletions. Genetic data coupled with transcriptomic data allowed the identification of a new MPM molecular subgroup, C2LN, characterized by a co-occurring mutation in the LATS2 and NF2 genes in the same MPM. MPM patients of this subgroup presented a poor prognosis. Coinactivation of LATS2 and NF2 leads to loss of cell contact inhibition between MPM cells. Hippo signaling pathway activity, mTOR expression, and phosphorylation were altered in the C2LN MPM subgroup. MPMs of this new subgroup show higher sensitivity to PF-04691502 inhibitor. The MOK gene was identified as a potential biomarker of the C2LN MPM subgroup and PF-04691502 sensitivity. Conclusions: We identified a new MPM molecular subgroup that shares common genetic and transcriptomic characteristics. Our results made it possible to highlight a greater sensitivity to an anticancer compound for this MPM subgroup and to identify a specific potential biomarker. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); 3191–202. ©2016 AACR.
Genetic basis for soma is present in undifferentiated volvocine green algae

Somatic cellular differentiation plays a critical role in the transition from unicellular to multicellular life, but the evolution of its genetic basis remains poorly understood. By definition, somatic cells do not reproduce to pass on genes and so constitute an extreme form of altruistic behaviour. The volvocine green algae provide an excellent model system to study the evolution of multicellularity and somatic differentiation. In Volvox carteri, somatic cell differentiation is controlled by the regA gene, which is part of a tandem duplication of genes known as the reg cluster. Although previous work found the reg cluster in divergent Volvox species, its origin and distribution in the broader group of volvocine algae has not been known. Here, we show that the reg cluster is present in many species without somatic cells and determine that the genetic basis for soma arose before the phenotype at the origin of the family Volvocaceae approximately 200 million years ago. We hypothesize that the ancestral function was involved in regulating reproduction in response to stress and that this function was later co‐opted to produce soma. Determining that the reg cluster was co‐opted to control somatic cell development provides insight into how cellular differentiation, and with it greater levels of complexity and individuality, evolves.
Peripheral regulatory T cells and anti-inflammatory cytokines in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

BACKGROUND Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic, heterogenous inflammatory disease of unclear pathogenesis. JIA is hypothesized to be linked to a defective immune regulation. Anti-inflammatory cytokines belong to the best known regulatory factors. T-regulatory cells are a crucial cellular component of immune tolerance. One of their functions is synthesis of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1). The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of T-regulatory cells (CD4+CD25highFOXP3+) in peripheral blood, and serum levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10 in patients with JIA. METHODS The study included 25 patients with newly diagnosed JIA: oligoarthritis (n=17) and polyarthritis (n=8). The control group was comprised of 17 healthy children. CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ T cells in peripheral blood were quantified by means of three-color flow cytometry. Serum concentrations of TGF-β1 and IL-10 were estimated with ELISA. RESULTS The proportion of peripheral CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ cells in patients with JIA was significantly higher than in the controls (p=0.04). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of their TGF-β1 and IL-10 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS At the time of diagnosis, children with JIA presented with an elevated proportion of T-regulatory cells (CD4+CD25highFOXP3+) in peripheral blood. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and TGF-β1, are not upregulated in the serum of patients with JIA, and therefore should not be considered as biomarkers of this condition.
Robust Visual Tracking Revisited: From Correlation Filter to Template Matching

In this paper, we propose a novel matching based tracker by investigating the relationship between template matching and the recent popular correlation filter based trackers (CFTs). Compared to the correlation operation in CFTs, a sophisticated similarity metric termed mutual buddies similarity is proposed to exploit the relationship of multiple reciprocal nearest neighbors for target matching. By doing so, our tracker obtains powerful discriminative ability on distinguishing target and background as demonstrated by both empirical and theoretical analyses. Besides, instead of utilizing single template with the improper updating scheme in CFTs, we design a novel online template updating strategy named memory, which aims to select a certain amount of representative and reliable tracking results in history to construct the current stable and expressive template set. This scheme is beneficial for the proposed tracker to comprehensively understand the target appearance variations, recall some stable results. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations on two benchmarks suggest that the proposed tracking method performs favorably against some recently developed CFTs and other competitive trackers.
How Physician Perspectives on E-Prescribing Evolve over Time

Summary Background Physicians are expending tremendous resources transitioning to new electronic health records (EHRs), with electronic prescribing as a key functionality of most systems. Physician dissatisfaction post-transition can be quite marked, especially initially. However, little is known about how physicians’ experiences using new EHRs for e-prescribing evolve over time. We previously published a qualitative case study about the early physician experience transitioning from an older to a newer, more robust EHR, in the outpatient setting, focusing on their perceptions of the electronic prescribing functionality. Objective Our current objective was to examine how perceptions about using the new HER evolved over time, again with a focus on electronic prescribing. Methods We interviewed thirteen internists at an academic medical center-affiliated ambulatory care clinic who transitioned to the new EHR two years prior. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze semi-structured interviews and generate key themes. Results We identified five themes: efficiency and usability, effects on safety, ongoing training requirements, customization, and competing priorities for the EHR. We found that for even experienced e-prescribers, achieving prior levels of perceived prescribing efficiency took nearly two years. Despite the fact that speed in performing prescribing-related tasks was highly important, most were still not utilizing system short cuts or customization features designed to maximize efficiency. Alert fatigue remained common. However, direct transmission of prescriptions to pharmacies was highly valued and its benefits generally outweighed the other features considered poorly designed for physician workflow. Conclusions Ensuring that physicians are able to do key prescribing tasks efficiently is critical to the perceived value of e-prescribing applications. However, successful transitions may take longer than expected and e-prescribing system features that do not support workflow or require constant upgrades may further prolong the process. Additionally, as system features continually evolve, physicians may need ongoing training and support to maintain efficiency. Citation: Abramson EL, Patel V, Pfoh RE, Kaushal R. How physician perspectives on E-prescribing evolve over time: A case study following the transition between EHRs in an outpatient clinic.
Chinese Tallow Trees (Triadica sebifera) from the Invasive Range Outperform Those from the Native Range with an Active Soil Community or Phosphorus Fertilization

Two mechanisms that have been proposed to explain success of invasive plants are unusual biotic interactions, such as enemy release or enhanced mutualisms, and increased resource availability. However, while these mechanisms are usually considered separately, both may be involved in successful invasions. Biotic interactions may be positive or negative and may interact with nutritional resources in determining invasion success. In addition, the effects of different nutrients on invasions may vary. Finally, genetic variation in traits between populations located in introduced versus native ranges may be important for biotic interactions and/or resource use. Here, we investigated the roles of soil biota, resource availability, and plant genetic variation using seedlings of Triadica sebifera in an experiment in the native range (China). We manipulated nitrogen (control or 4 g/m2), phosphorus (control or 0.5 g/m2), soil biota (untreated or sterilized field soil), and plant origin (4 populations from the invasive range, 4 populations from the native range) in a full factorial experiment. Phosphorus addition increased root, stem, and leaf masses. Leaf mass and height growth depended on population origin and soil sterilization. Invasive populations had higher leaf mass and growth rates than native populations did in fresh soil but they had lower, comparable leaf mass and growth rates in sterilized soil. Invasive populations had higher growth rates with phosphorus addition but native ones did not. Soil sterilization decreased specific leaf area in both native and exotic populations. Negative effects of soil sterilization suggest that soil pathogens may not be as important as soil mutualists for T. sebifera performance. Moreover, interactive effects of sterilization and origin suggest that invasive T. sebifera may have evolved more beneficial relationships with the soil biota. Overall, seedlings from the invasive range outperformed those from the native range, however, an absence of soil biota or low phosphorus removed this advantage.
Consumer Purchase Decision in Instagram Stores: The Role of Consumer Trust

Instagram, a prominent social networking site, has become a popular online shopping platform among young people. In this study, we have attempted to understand what drives people to purchase in virtual stores on Instagram. Specifically, we built upon the integrative framework of trust and identified three groups of factors explaining consumer trust in Instagram stores: trustworthiness of Instagram stores (i.e., perceived benevolence, perceived integrity, and perceived competence), propensity to trust, and external environment (i.e., Key Opinion Leader (KOL) endorsement and peer customer endorsement). These factors are expected to influence consumer trust in Instagram stores, and trust in turn determines consumer intention to purchase. The model was empirically tested with 157 Instagram users. Perceived benevolence, perceived integrity, and KOL endorsement were found to be significant factors affecting consumer trust in Instagram stores, and trust was found to have a strong relationship with consumer purchase intention. The results of this study are expected to advance the trust literature in the context of social commerce and to offer practical guidelines to Instagram storeowners.
Association of Psychotherapy with Disability Benefit Claim Closure among Patients Disabled Due to Depression

Background Depression is the most frequent reason for receiving disability benefits in North America, and treatment with psychotherapy is often funded by private insurers. No studies have explored the association between the provision of psychotherapy for depression and time to claim closure. Methods Using administrative data from a Canadian disability insurer, we evaluated the association between the provision of psychotherapy and short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) claim closure by performing Cox proportional hazards regression. Results We analyzed 10,508 STD and 10,338 LTD claims for depression. In our adjusted analyses, receipt of psychotherapy was associated with longer time to STD closure (HR [99% CI] = 0.81 [0.68 to 0.97]) and faster LTD claim closure (1.42 [1.33 to 1.52]). In both STD and LTD, older age (0.90 [0.88 to 0.92] and 0.83 [0.80 to 0.85]), per decade), a primary diagnosis of recurrent depression versus non-recurrent major depression (0.78 [0.69 to 0.87] and 0.80 [0.72 to 0.89]), a psychological secondary diagnosis (0.90 [0.84 to 0.97] and 0.66 [0.61 to 0.71]), or a non-psychological secondary diagnosis (0.81 [0.73 to 0.90] and 0.77 [0.71 to 0.83]) versus no secondary diagnosis, and an administrative services only policy ([0.94 [0.88 to 1.00] and 0.87 [0.75 to 0.996]) or refund policy (0.86 [0.80 to 0.92] and 0.73 [0.68 to 0.78]) compared to non-refund policy claims were independently associated with longer time to STD claim closure. Conclusions We found, paradoxically, that receipt of psychotherapy was independently associated with longer time to STD claim closure and faster LTD claim closure in patients with depression. We also found multiple factors that were predictive of time to both STD and LTD claim closure. Our study has limitations, and well-designed prospective studies are needed to establish the effect of psychotherapy on disabling depression.
A network meta-analysis of the PD(L)-1 inhibitors in the salvage treatment of urothelial bladder cancer.

AIM To determine which of the approved immune checkpoint inhibitors is the optimal treatment in metastatic urothelial bladder cancer. METHODS & MATERIALS Only the pivotal Phase III trials of second-line metastatic urothelial bladder cancer were included in this network meta-analysis. RESULTS This NMA included three pooled trials (NCT00315237, NCT02256436 and NCT02302807) of 1125 participants. Pembrolizumab was the only treatment with positive effect on overall survival compared with the best supportive care. The treatment discontinuation rates due to adverse events of the pembrolizumab and atezolizumab did not differ from that of the best supportive care. C onclusion: Our results confirmed the superiority of pembrolizumab in the management of metastatic urothelial bladder cancer.