Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperglycemia acutely lowers the postprandial excursions of glucagon-like Peptide-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide in humans.

INTRODUCTION Impaired secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) has been suggested to contribute to the deficient incretin effect in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is unclear whether this is a primary defect or a consequence of the hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. We examined whether acute hyperglycemia reduces the postprandial excursions of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1, and if so, whether this can be attributed to changes in gastric emptying. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifteen nondiabetic individuals participated in a euglycemic clamp and a hyperglycemic clamp experiment, carried out over 285 min. A mixed meal was ingested after 45 min. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, triglycerides, GIP, and GLP-1 were determined, and gastric emptying was assessed using a (13)C-octanoate breath test. RESULTS Glucose levels were 160 +/- 1 mg/dl during the hyperglycemic clamp experiments and 83 +/- 3 mg/dl during the euglycemia (P < 0.0001). Glucose infusion rates were higher during hyperglycemia, but meal ingestion led to a decline in glucose requirements in both experiments (P < 0.0001). Insulin and C-peptide levels were higher during the hyperglycemic clamp experiments (P < 0.0001), whereas glucagon levels were higher during euglycemia (P < 0.0001). The postprandial increases in GIP and GLP-1 concentrations were 46 and 52% lower during the experiments with hyperglycemia (P = 0.0017 and P = 0.021). Hyperglycemia also elicited a significant delay in gastric emptying (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Hyperglycemia acutely reduces the postprandial levels of GIP and GLP-1, possibly through a deceleration of gastric emptying. This supports the concept that reduced incretin levels in some patients with type 2 diabetes are a consequence rather than a cause of type 2 diabetes.
Surgical site infection following colorectal cancer surgery: Observations from Zaria, Northern Nigeria

Background: Management of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Nigeria is associated with such challenges as operating on locally advanced tumors. We performed a prospective observational study to assess the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) following CRC resection in a low resource setting. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients, who had standard oncologic resection for CRC at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria over a 5-year period from 2008 to 2012, were enrolled into the study. From 2010, patients with locally advanced rectal cancers were given neoadjuvant chemoradiation with concurrent 45 Gy external beam radiation over 5 weeks and fortnightly FOLFOX 4 regimen to downstage tumor followed 6 weeks later by surgery. Surgical resections were performed through open laparotomy. The outcome of interest was the development of SSI within 30 days of surgery. Patient and surgical variables were evaluated for association with SSI. Results: Of 188 patients seen with CRC, 78 (41.5%) had surgical resection and 75 were analyzed for SSI. The prevalence of SSI was 13.7% following transabdominal colectomy, 50% following abdominoperineal resection and 25.3% following overall CRC resection (P Conclusion: We observed that the prevalence of SSI in our setting is high and is possibly due to the difficulties of surgical resection of tumors most of which were locally advanced at the time of surgery among other factors.
Greater adipose tissue infiltration in skeletal muscle among older men of African ancestry.

CONTEXT There is substantial variability across ethnic groups in the predisposition to obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities. Skeletal muscle fat has been identified as an important depot that increases with aging and may contribute to the development of diabetes. OBJECTIVE We tested whether men of African ancestry have greater calf intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), compared to Caucasian men, and whether IMAT is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). DESIGN We measured fasting serum glucose, body mass index, total body fat by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and calf skeletal muscle composition by quantitative computed tomography in 1105 Caucasian and 518 Afro-Caribbean men aged 65+. RESULTS Compared to Caucasian men, we found greater IMAT and lower sc adipose tissue in Afro-Caribbean men at all levels of total adiposity (P < 0.0001), including the subset of men matched on age and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry total body fat percentage (P < 0.001). In addition, IMAT was 29 and 23% greater, whereas sc adipose tissue was 6 and 8% lower among Caucasian and Afro-Caribbean men with T2D, respectively, compared to men without T2D (P < 0.01). Observed differences in intermuscular and sc fat, both ethnic and between men with and without T2D, were independent of age, height, calf skeletal muscle and total adipose tissue, and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses suggest that despite lower total adiposity, skeletal muscle fat infiltration is greater among African than among Caucasian ancestry men and is associated with T2D in both ethnic groups. Additional studies are needed to determine the mechanisms contributing to ethnic differences in skeletal muscle adiposity and to define the metabolic and health implications of this fat depot.
The clinical variability of maternally inherited diabetes and deafness is associated with the degree of heteroplasmy in blood leukocytes.

CONTEXT Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is a rare form of diabetes with a matrilineal transmission, sensorineural hearing loss, and macular pattern dystrophy due to an A to G transition at position 3243 of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (m.3243A>G). The phenotypic heterogeneity of MIDD may be the consequence of different levels of mutated mtDNA among mitochondria in a given tissue. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was thus to ascertain the correlation between the severity of the phenotype in patients with MIDD and the level of heteroplasmy in the blood leukocytes. PARTICIPANTS The GEDIAM prospective multicenter register was initiated in 1995. Eighty-nine Europid patients from this register, with MIDD and the mtDNA 3243A>G mutation, were included. Patients with MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes) or with mitochondrial diabetes related to other mutations or to deletions of mtDNA were excluded. RESULTS A significant negative correlation was found between levels of heteroplasmy and age of the patients at the time of sampling for molecular analysis, age at the diagnosis of diabetes, and body mass index. After adjustment for age at sampling for molecular study and gender, the correlation between heteroplasmy levels and age at the diagnosis of diabetes was no more significant. The two other correlations remained significant. A significant positive correlation between levels of heteroplasmy and HbA(1c) was also found and remained significant after adjustment for age at molecular sampling and gender. CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that heteroplasmy levels are at least one of the determinants of the severity of the phenotype in MIDD.
Parallel Information Dissemination by Packets

Each vertex of an undirected graph possesses a piece of information that must be sent to every other vertex. They communicate by sending bounded size packets of messages from one vertex to another. The authors describe parallel algorithms, which accomplish the desired tasks for six prominent architectures. The algorithms are optimal, or nearly so, in every case.
Extending the seductive allure of neuroscience explanations effect to popular articles about educational topics

BACKGROUND The seductive allure of neuroscience explanations (SANE) is the finding that people overweight psychological arguments when framed in terms of neuroscience findings. AIM This study extended this finding to arguments concerning the application of psychological findings to educational topics. SAMPLE Participants (n = 320) were recruited from the general public, specifically among English-speaking Amazon Mechanical Turk workers residing in the United States. METHODS We developed eight articles that orthogonally varied two processes (learning vs. development) with two disciplines (cognitive vs. affective psychology). We increased neuroscience framing across four levels: psychological finding alone, with an extraneous neuroscience finding (verbal), with an extraneous neuroscience finding (verbal) and graph, and with an extraneous neuroscience finding (verbal) and brain image. Participants were randomly assigned to one level of neuroscience framing and rated the credibility of each article's argument. RESULTS Seductive allure of neuroscience explanations effects were not ubiquitous. Extraneous verbal neuroscience framings, either alone or accompanied by graphs, did not influence the credibility of the application of psychological findings to educational topics. However, there was a SANE effect when educational articles were accompanied by both extraneous verbal neuroscience findings and brain images. This effect persisted even after controlling for individual differences in familiarity with education, attitude towards psychology, and knowledge of neuroscience. CONCLUSION The results suggest that there is a SANE effect for articles about educational topics among the general public when they are accompanied by both extraneous verbal neuroscience findings and brain images.
Aerobic exercise training improves atrial natriuretic peptide and catecholamine-mediated lipolysis in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE The aim was to investigate the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on the regulation of lipolysis by catecholamine and for the first time atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) before and after 16 wk of aerobic training. PATIENTS Eight hyperandrogenic obese women with PCOS [age, 25 +/- 1 yr; body mass index (BMI), 32.0 +/- 1.6 kg/m(2)] and seven healthy BMI-matched controls participated. Studies were performed before and after a 16-wk exercise training program in women with PCOS and cross-sectionally in a group of BMI-matched controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Lipolysis was measured in vitro in isolated adipocytes and in vivo by microdialysis of sc abdominal adipose tissue before and during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. RESULTS In vitro, baseline and maximal ANP- and isoproterenol-induced lipolysis was markedly reduced in PCOS women. Baseline (P < 0.001) and ANP-(P < 0.01) and isoproterenol-(P < 0.001) mediated lipolysis, however, was remarkably increased after training, independent of changes in body weight and sex hormones. These functional improvements were supported by an increased 1) lipolytic sensitivity for ANP (1.3-fold; P < 0.05); 2) lipolytic responsiveness for isoproterenol (1.7-fold; P < 0.01); and 3) postreceptor-acting agent dibutyryl-cAMP (activating cAMP-dependent protein kinase) (2.1-fold; P < 0.05). In vivo, the lipolytic responsiveness to isoproterenol was also reduced in PCOS and tended to increase after exercise training. The insulin suppression of lipolysis during the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was also reduced in PCOS. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data show that the regulation of lipolysis by the main endocrine hormones is impaired in women with PCOS. These lipolytic defects can be partly reversed by aerobic exercise training independent of changes in body fat mass and sex hormones.
OnActor-Critic Algorithms

In this article, we propose and analyze a class of actor-critic algorithms. These are two-time-scale algorithms in which the critic uses temporal difference learning with a linearly parameterized approximation architecture, and the actor is updated in an approximate gradient direction, based on information provided by the critic. We show that the features for the critic should ideally span a subspace prescribed by the choice of parameterization of the actor. We study actor-critic algorithms for Markov decision processes with Polish state and action spaces. We state and prove two results regarding their convergence.
Inclusion Principle for Linear Time-Varying Systems

The main objective of this paper is to consider time-varying linear systems within the framework of the inclusion principle. Starting from general definitions, conditions are derived for a dynamic system to include a dynamic system of smaller dimension. Particular attention is paid to restriction and aggregation, the most important special cases of inclusion. It is proved, using geometric arguments within the general time-varying context, that any inclusion relationship on a given time-interval can be decomposed into a sequence of restriction-aggregation pairs. Connections between inclusion and zero-state equivalence are discussed. The paper also presents a formulation of the contractibility (expandability) conditions for time-varying state-feedback controllers.
Preadipocyte factor-1 is associated with marrow adiposity and bone mineral density in women with anorexia nervosa.

CONTEXT Despite having low visceral and sc fat depots, women with anorexia nervosa (AN) have elevated marrow fat mass, which is inversely associated with bone mineral density (BMD). Adipocytes and osteoblasts differentiate from a common progenitor cell, the human mesenchymal stem cell. Therefore, understanding factors that regulate this differentiation process may provide insight into bone loss in AN. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1), a member of the epidermal growth factor-like family of proteins and regulator of adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation, and fat depots and BMD in AN. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING The study was conducted at a clinical research center. PATIENTS Patients included 20 women with AN (26.8 +/- 1.5 yr) and 10 normal-weight controls (29.2 +/- 1.7 yr). INTERVENTIONS There were no interventions. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE Pref-1, leptin, IGF-I, IGF binding protein (IGF-BP)-2 and estradiol levels were measured. BMD of the spine and hip was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Marrow fat content of the L4 vertebra and femur was measured by (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS Pref-1 levels were significantly higher in AN compared with controls (P = 0.01). There was a positive correlation between Pref-1 and marrow fat of the proximal femoral metaphysis (R = 0.50, P = 0.01) and an inverse association between leptin and L4 marrow fat (R = -0.45, P < 0.05). There was an inverse association between Pref-1 and BMD of both the anteroposterior spine and lateral spine (R = -0.54, P = 0.003; R = -0.44, P = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Pref-1 is elevated in AN. Pref-1, IGF-I, IGF-BP2 and leptin are associated with marrow adiposity and BMD.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SPLENIC NODULAR LIPOMATOSIS OR MYELOLIPOMAS IN CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS)

A total of 44 live cheetahs were examined sonographically between 1989 and 1994. Seventeen of these animals originated from 4 European facilities, the other 27 cheetahs were examined in 3 facilities in Namibia. Evaluation of the cheetahs included a clinical examination, abdominal ultrasound, and complete blood work. Splenic myelolipomas were diagnosed sonographically in 11 cheetahs. In 7 cheetahs the diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy. Nine of the 14 cheetahs in Europe had myelolipomas in the spleen, while in the African cheetahs there were only 2 animals with myelolipomas. Histologically these lesions were characterized by fatty nodules. A more fitting term of Nodular Lipomatosis of the spleen is therefore suggested. All cheetahs with nodular lipomatosis of the spleen, had concurrent chronic diseases at necropsy. An indicator function of splenic nodular lipomatosis for chronic disease and/or stress is possible.
The complementary use of audience response systems and online tests to implement repeat testing: A case study

Although learning theories suggest that repeat testing can be highly beneficial for students' retention and understanding of material, there is, so far, little guidance on how to implement repeat testing in higher education. This paper introduces one method for implementing a three-stage model of repeat testing via computer-aided formative assessment by employing audience response systems (ARS) and online tests complementarily. The first stage utilises ARS for immediate testing throughout lectures, the second stage facilitates delayed testing using online tests between lectures and the third stage employs ARS to aid in-class revision of the previously studied material at the beginning of subsequent lectures. Using the example of a Business Economics course taught to MBA students at a UK university, the study investigates how two cohorts of students (n1 = 46, n2 = 48) perceived repeat testing to affect their understanding of the subject as well as their learning motivation and behaviour. The exploratory research indicates that most students perceived all three test stages as helpful to develop their understanding of the subject. However, students who favoured a deep approach to learning (DA) rated testing more positively than students who preferred a surface approach to learning (SA). Surprisingly, students who favoured a DA also reported a greater influence of the tests on their learning motivation and behaviour than students who preferred an SA. These findings mitigate concerns that experienced, effective learners might perceive repeated, multiple-choice-based testing as unhelpful or disruptive to their learning.
Robust Matrix Root-Clustering Analysis through Extended KYP Lemma

This paper is dedicated to robust matrix eigenvalue clustering in a subregion ${\mathcal D}$ of the complex plane. A norm-bounded uncertainty is considered. $\cD$ is any intersection and/or union of half planes, discs, and outsides of discs. This work aims at computing the associated complex $\cD$-stability radius. This challenge was already tackled in a recent paper but the technique therein may fail or lead to conservative results when the subregions overlap. The present paper proposes to circumvent those limits thanks to an extended version of the Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (KYP) lemma which is deduced from the so-called generalized S-procedure.
PREVALENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS IN PIGS: THE FIRST REPORT IN BANGLADESH

Brucellosis, a bacterial zoonotic disease, has been reported in ruminants but still no report in pigs in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to describe seroprevalence of brucellosis in swine in Bangladesh. Blood from a total of 105 pigs was collected from selected areas of Bangladesh. All samples were screened using Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and further confirmed by using Slow Agglutination Test (SAT). A structured questionnaire was used to collect the epidemiological data related to the animals and husbandry practices. Out of the 105 sera analyzed, 7 (6.7%) and 5 (4.8%) were found to be positive by RBT and SAT respectively. It was observed that, insignificantly higher prevalence of brucellosis based on SAT was found in female (5.6%) than male (2.9%), in aged animal (8.1%) than young (0.0%) and in pregnant animal (12.5%) than non pregnant animal (2.1%) (p>0.05). Prevalence of brucellosis was 42.9% in aborted pigs and 1.6% in non aborted pigs. The association between abortion status and prevalence of brucellosis was statistically highly significant (p<0.01). This report of prevalence of brucellosis in pigs is very important with regards to the human health and other livestock and might help Government and NGOs to design preventive measurement and establish livestock health policy.
The predictive value of different measures of obesity for incident cardiovascular events and mortality.

CONTEXT To date, it is unclear which measure of obesity is the most appropriate for risk stratification. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to compare the associations of various measures of obesity with incident cardiovascular events and mortality. DESIGN AND SETTING We analyzed two German cohort studies, the DETECT study and SHIP, including primary care and general population. PARTICIPANTS A total of 6355 (mean follow-up, 3.3 yr) and 4297 (mean follow-up, 8.5 yr) individuals participated in DETECT and SHIP, respectively. INTERVENTIONS We measured body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and assessed cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of incident stroke, myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular death. RESULTS In both studies, we found a positive association of the composite endpoint with WHtR but not with BMI. There was no heterogeneity among studies. The relative risks in the highest versus the lowest sex- and age-specific quartile of WHtR, WC, WHR, and BMI after adjustment for multiple confounders were as follows in the pooled data: cardiovascular mortality, 2.75 (95% confidence interval, 1.31-5.77), 1.74 (0.84-3.6), 1.71 (0.91-3.22), and 0.74 (0.35-1.57), respectively; all-cause mortality, 1.86 (1.25-2.76), 1.62 (1.22-2.38), 1.36 (0.93-1.69), and 0.77 (0.53-1.13), respectively; and composite endpoint, 2.16 (1.39-3.35), 1.59 (1.04-2.44), 1.49 (1.07-2.07), and 0.57 (0.37-0.89), respectively. Separate analyses of sex and age groups yielded comparable results. Receiver operating characteristics analysis yielded the highest areas under the curve for WHtR for predicting these endpoints. CONCLUSIONS WHtR represents the best predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality, followed by WC and WHR. Our results discourage the use of the BMI.
Hoffman's Error Bound, Local Controllability, and Sensitivity Analysis

Our aim is to present sufficient conditions ensuring Hoffman's error bound for lower semicontinuous nonconvex inequality systems and to analyze its impact on the local controllability, implicit function theorem for (non-Lipschitz) multivalued mappings, generalized equations (variational inequalities), and sensitivity analysis and on other problems like Lipschitzian properties of polyhedral multivalued mappings as well as weak sharp minima or linear conditioning. We show how the information about our sufficient conditions can be used to provide a computable constant such that Hoffman's error bound holds. We also show that this error bound is nothing but the classical Farkas lemma for linear inequality systems. In the latter case our constant may be computed explicitly.