Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Better diet quality scores are associated with a lower risk of hypertension and non-fatal CVD in middle-aged Australian women over 15 years of follow-up

Abstract Objective: To explore if better diet quality scores as a measure of adherence to the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) and the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) are associated with a lower incidence of hypertension and non-fatal CVD. Design: Prospective analysis of the 1946–1951 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH). The Australian Recommended Foods Score (ARFS) was calculated as an indicator of adherence to the ADG; the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) measured adherence to the MedDiet. Outcomes included hypertension and non-fatal CVD. Generalised estimating equations estimated OR and 95 % CI across quartiles of diet quality scores. Setting: Australia, 2001–2016. Participants: 1946–1951 cohort of the ALSWH (n 5324), without CVD, hypertension and diabetes at baseline (2001), with complete FFQ data. Results: There were 1342 new cases of hypertension and 629 new cases of non-fatal CVD over 15 years of follow-up. Multivariate analysis indicated that women reporting better adherence to the ARFS (≥38/74) had 15 % (95 % CI 1, 28 %; P = 0·05) lower odds of hypertension and 46 % (95 % CI 6, 66 %; P = 0·1) lower odds of non-fatal CVD. Women reporting better adherence to the MDS (≥8/17) had 27 % (95 % CI 15, 47 %; P = 0·0006) lower odds of hypertension and 30 % (95 % CI 2, 50 %; P = 0·03) lower odds of non-fatal CVD. Conclusions: Better adherence to diet quality scores is associated with lower risk of hypertension and non-fatal CVD. These results support the need for updated evidenced based on the ADG as well as public health nutrition policies in Australia.
Characteristics Associated with Nonmedical Methadone Use among People Who Inject Drugs in California

Abstract Background: Illicit, nonmedical use of opioid agonist medications such as methadone is an ongoing concern. Yet, few studies have examined nonmedical use of methadone by people who inject drugs (PWID). Objectives: This study describes the prevalence of nonmedical methadone use in a community sample of PWID and examines factors associated with recent use of nonmedical methadone. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of PWID (N = 777) was recruited using targeted sampling and interviewed in California (2011–2013). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine characteristics associated with nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. To determine if nonmedical methadone use was associated with overdose in the last 6 months, a separate multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: Among PWID sampled, 21% reported nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, nonmedical methadone use was associated with recent methadone maintenance treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90, 4.30), recent nonmedical buprenorphine use (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.31, 7.47), higher injection frequency (referent <30 injections; 30–89 injections AOR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.19, 3.02; 90-plus injections AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.53, 3.87), schizophrenia diagnosis (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.36, 4.10), recent non-injection opioid prescription use (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.99, 4.43), and recent injection opioid prescription misuse (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.27, 3.59). Nonmedical methadone use was found not to be associated with nonfatal overdose (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.38, 1.56). Conclusion: Nonmedical methadone use identifies a vulnerable subpopulation among PWID, is not associated with elevated nonfatal overdose risk, and evidences a need to expand methadone treatment availability.
Thermophysical Properties of the Lennard-Jones Fluid: Database and Data Assessment

Literature data on the thermophysical properties of the Lennard-Jones fluid, which were sampled with molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, were reviewed and assessed. The literature data were complemented by simulation data from the present work that were taken in regions in which previously only sparse data were available. Data on homogeneous state points (for given temperature T and density ρ: pressure p, thermal expansion coefficient α, isothermal compressibility β, thermal pressure coefficient γ, internal energy u, isochoric heat capacity cv, isobaric heat capacity cp, Grüneisen parameter Γ, Joule-Thomson coefficient μJT, speed of sound w, Helmholtz energy a, and chemical potential) were considered, as well as data on the vapor-liquid equilibrium (for given T: vapor pressure ps, saturated liquid and vapor densities ρ' and ρ″, respectively, enthalpy of vaporization Δhv, and as well as surface tension γ). The entire set of available data, which contains about 35 000 data points, was digitalized and included in a database, which is made available in the Supporting Information of this paper. Different consistency tests were applied to assess the accuracy and precision of the data. The data on homogeneous states were evaluated pointwise using data from their respective vicinity and equations of state. Approximately 10% of all homogeneous bulk data were discarded as outliers. The vapor-liquid equilibrium data were assessed by tests based on the compressibility factor, the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, and by an outlier test. Seven particularly reliable vapor-liquid equilibrium data sets were identified. The mutual agreement of these data sets is approximately ±1% for the vapor pressure, ±0.2% for the saturated liquid density, ±1% for the saturated vapor density, and ±0.75% for the enthalpy of vaporization-excluding the region close to the critical point.
Reactions to ideal body shapes

Abstract Difficult-to-attain beauty standards that are promulgated by the media could contribute to body dissatisfaction, but their potential impact upon body image remains unclear. The present study examined reactions to thin-ideal and muscular-ideal images, and examined the effects of ideal image exposure on preferred body shape and time spent deliberating about ideal shape. In a 2 × 2 experimental design, 200 Internet users completed the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) and were randomly assigned to view idealistic body images or houses (and rated them on semantic differential dimensions). Females viewed thin ideal images and males viewed muscular ideal images, while the control groups viewed images of houses. Between group measures analysis of variance revealed women reacted negatively to thinspirational images. Women were more driven for thinness and idealized a thinner shape for the female body than men. Psychologically distressed participants had a stronger drive for thinness and greater body dissatisfaction compared to low-distress participants. In addition, although beauty ideal imagery had no significant impact on males, females spent more time in choosing ideal body figure. Viewing thin bodies for females created a trend toward desiring a slimmer figure, as well as increased preoccupation with size as they spent more time deliberating over a photorealistic figure rating scale. Therefore, exposure to thinspiration promotes dissatisfaction with self and leads women to dwell more upon their body image.
Correlates of Men’s Bystander Intervention to Prevent Sexual and Relationship Violence: The Role of Masculine Discrepancy Stress

Extant literature suggests that men may be less likely than women to engage in prosocial bystander behavior to interrupt sexual and relationship violence. However, there has been little consideration of the influence of masculine gender role discrepancy and masculine discrepancy stress (i.e., stress that occurs when men perceive themselves as falling short of traditional gender norms) on men’s bystander beliefs and behaviors. The current study fills an important gap in the literature by assessing the influence of masculine gender role discrepancy and masculine discrepancy stress on a range of prosocial bystander behaviors through their influence on the bystander decision-making process. Participants were 356 undergraduate men recruited from two different Southeastern U.S. universities who completed online surveys assessing self-perceptions of gender role discrepancy, consequent discrepancy stress, bystander decision-making, and bystander behavior in sexual and relationship violence contexts. Path models indicated significant conditional indirect effects of masculine gender role discrepancy on proactive bystander behaviors (i.e., behaviors related to making a plan in advance of being in a risky situation) and bystander behavior in drinking situations across levels of masculine discrepancy stress. Specifically, men who believed that they are less masculine than the typical man reported more pros to intervention in sexual and relationship violence than cons, and thus reported intervening more, but only if they were high in masculine discrepancy stress. Findings suggest that bystander intervention programs should explicitly address and challenge rigid expectations of what it means to be “manly” to transform gender expectations perpetuating sexual and relationship violence.
Silk sericin intake leads to increases in L-serine and L-tyrosine levels in the mouse brain and the simultaneous facilitation of brain noradrenergic turnover

ABSTRACT Sericin is a protein component of the silkworm cocoon, and contains a high proportion of L-serine, but it has been mostly disposed of as an industrial waste. However, recent studies have revealed its unique biological functionalities beneficial to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acute oral intake of sericin on amino acid and neurotransmitter metabolism in the mouse brain. Acute administration of chemically modified sericin (0.26 g/30 g body weight) increased L-serine and L-tyrosine levels in the serum and brain, although the L-tyrosine content in the sericin was less than 3% (w/w). In addition, sericin administration led to a significant facilitation of noradrenergic turnover via enhancement of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol, a principal metabolite of noradrenaline, in several of the brain regions examined. These present findings suggest that oral intake of sericin efficiently delivers L-serine and L-tyrosine to the brain, thus stimulating noradrenergic activity in the brain. Abbreviations: DA: dopamine; 5-HIAA: 5-hydroxyindoleicetic acid; 5-HT: 5-hydroxytryptamine; HVA: homovanillic acid; MHPG: 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol; 3-MT: 3-methoxytyramine; NA: noradrenaline; NM: normetanephrine; Veh: vehicle Graphical abstract Silk sericin intake led to increased serine and tyrosine levels, and an enhancement of noradrenaline metabolism in the cerebral cortex of the mouse.
Role of kisspeptin neurons as a GnRH surge generator: Comparative aspects in rodents and non‐rodent mammals

Ovulation is an essential phenomenon for reproduction in mammalian females along with follicular growth. It is well established that gonadal function is controlled by the neuroendocrine system called the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis. Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, localized in the hypothalamus, had been considered to be the head in governing the HPG axis for a long time until the discovery of kisspeptin. In females, induction of ovulation and folliculogenesis has been linked to a surge mode and pulse mode of GnRH releases, respectively. The mechanisms of how the two modes of GnRH are differently regulated had long remained elusive. The discovery of kisspeptin neurons, distributed in two hypothalamic nuclei, such as the arcuate nucleus in the caudal hypothalamus and preoptic area or the anteroventral periventricular nucleus in the rostral hypothalamic regions, and analyses of the detailed functions of kisspeptin neurons have led marked progress on the understanding of different mechanisms regulating GnRH surges (ovulation) and GnRH pulses (folliculogenesis). The present review will focus on the role of kisspeptin neurons as the GnRH surge generator, including the sexual differentiation of the surge generation system and factors that regulate the surge generator. Comparative aspects between mammalian species are especially focused on.
Development and evaluation of a conventional RT‐PCR for differentiating emerging influenza B/Victoria lineage viruses with hemagglutinin amino acid deletion from B/Yamagata lineage viruses

Recent influenza B/Victoria lineage viruses contain amino acid deletions at positions 162 to 164 of the haemagglutinin (HA) protein. These amino acid deletions have affected the detection of B/Victoria lineage viruses by the lineage‐specific conventional reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) that was recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).
A comparison of rigid, semi-rigid and flexible spinal stabilization devices: A finite element study

Pedicle-screw-based spinal fixation system has shown its success for treating degenerative disc disease-related back pain and spinal instability. In the last few decades, several non-fusion implants ( ‘flexible’ or ‘dynamic’ fixation) are developed for treating slight degenerate disc disease. The aim of this study is to characterize and compare the biomechanical responses of pedicle-screw-based fusion with various rod materials and a flexible spinal stabilization device on the lumbar spine (L3L5). Computed tomography scan-based finite element model and pedicle screw fixation with rigid rod material stainless steel rod, semi-rigid rod material poly-ether-ether-ketone and flexible rod device made of stainless steel are used in this study. Intact model of the lumbar spine and treated with all the different implants are simulated under typical physiological loading conditions. Compared with the intact model, pedicle screw with the stainless steel rod fixation system is found to offer very less range of motion. Poly-ether-ether-ketone rod system increased range of motion 3.8, 7 and 1.8 times for axial rotation, lateral bending and flexion–extension, respectively, compared to the stainless steel rod system. The flexible rod device rod system is found to reduce stress on vertebral body, carrying out more loads as compared to poly-ether-ether-ketone rods. In the case of stainless steel rods, range of motion is almost restricted on the fusion zone, which is overcome by the poly-ether-ether-ketone rod system to some extent and farther improved by the flexible rod device rod system. So, the poly-ether-ether-ketone rod and flexible rod device rod systems may be implemented for better clinical results after succeeding experimental validation and clinical trial.
Participant experiences in a feasibility trial of supervised exercise training in adults with venous leg ulcers: A qualitative study

Exercise training can improve lower‐limb cutaneous microvascular reactivity in adults with venous leg ulceration; however, there is a lack of research on patients' views about the acceptability and feasibility of exercise interventions. The aim of this study was to explore participants' experiences of the trial “Exploring the Feasibility of Implementing a Supervised Exercise Training and Compression Hosiery Intervention in Patients with Venous Ulceration” (FISCU). Semi‐structured face‐to‐face and telephone interviews were used to investigate participants' experiences (n = 16) of taking part in the FISCU trial. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified, along with 11 sub‐themes: (a) sedentary cautious living (because of pain and reduced mobility, treatment and perceived control, and advice to rest and be careful), (b) key components of the exercise trial (including motivation, an individualised intervention supervised by a specialist exercise professional, and satisfaction with the intervention), and (c) benefits of exercise (physical benefits and healing, psychological well‐being, positive impact on comorbidities, and an improved self‐management strategy). This study found that an exercise intervention was viewed by participants as positive, acceptable, and feasible while living with a venous leg ulcer. An individualised and supervised exercise programme was key to build confidence to exercise.
Health benefits and costs of weight-loss dietary counselling by nurses in primary care: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objective: We aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of brief weight-loss counselling by dietitian-trained practice nurses, in a high-income-country case study. Design: A literature search of the impact of dietary counselling on BMI was performed to source the ‘best’ effect size for use in modelling. This was combined with multiple other input parameters (e.g. epidemiological and cost parameters for obesity-related diseases, likely uptake of counselling) in an established multistate life-table model with fourteen parallel BMI-related disease life tables using a 3 % discount rate. Setting: New Zealand (NZ). Participants: We calculated quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained and health-system costs over the remainder of the lifespan of the NZ population alive in 2011 (n 4·4 million). Results: Counselling was estimated to result in an increase of 250 QALY (95 % uncertainty interval −70, 560 QALY) over the population’s lifetime. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 2011 $NZ 138 200 per QALY gained (2018 $US 102 700). Per capita QALY gains were higher for Māori (Indigenous population) than for non-Māori, but were still not cost-effective. If willingness-to-pay was set to the level of gross domestic product per capita per QALY gained (i.e. 2011 $NZ 45 000 or 2018 $US 33 400), the probability that the intervention would be cost-effective was 2 %. Conclusions: The study provides modelling-level evidence that brief dietary counselling for weight loss in primary care generates relatively small health gains at the population level and is unlikely to be cost-effective.
Perindopril Ameliorates Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Via Regulation of NF‐κB‐p65/TLR‐4, JAK1/STAT‐3, Nrf‐2, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) is an inevitable clinical problem for surgical procedures such as liver transplantation and liver resection. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of perindopril (PER) against hepatic IR injury. Thirty‐two rats were used and randomly allocated into four groups. Sham control group was subjected to sham operation and received saline only, IR group was subjected to IR and received vehicle, PER group was pretreated with PER (one milligram per kilogram per day i.p. for 10 consecutive days), and IR+PER group was pretreated with PER then subjected to IR. Liver function biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), oxidative stress (glutathione, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and inflammation markers (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interferon‐gamma, and inteleukin‐10 [IL‐10]), mRNA expression of NF‐κB‐p65 and TLR‐4, as well as protein expression of JAK1, STAT‐3, PI3K, mTOR, Akt, and Nrf‐2 were investigated concomitantly with histopathological examination. The results indicated that, hepatic IR induced a significant alteration in liver function biomarkers and structure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. At the molecular level, up‐regulation of NF‐κB‐p65, TLR‐4, JAK1, and STAT‐3 concomitantly with down‐regulation of Nrf‐2, IL‐10, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were observed. These disturbances were alleviated by pretreatment of IR rats with PER in concomitant with hepatic structural improvement. Conclusively, the protective effect of PER presumably may be relevant to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, ameliorate the inflammatory processes, and modify the related signaling pathways. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1935–1949, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Mesenchymal stromal cells in cancer: a review of their immunomodulatory functions and dual effects on tumor progression

Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs) are pluripotent cells implicated in a broad range of physiological events, including organogenesis and maintenance of tissue homeostasis as well as tissue regeneration and repair. Because their current definition is somewhat loose – based primarily on their ability to differentiate into a variety of mesenchymal tissues, adhere to plastic, and express, or lack, a handful of cell surface markers – MSCs likely encompass several subpopulations, which may have diverse properties. Their diversity may explain, at least in part, the pleiotropic functions that they display in different physiological and pathological settings. In the context of tissue injury, MSCs can respectively promote and attenuate inflammation during the early and late phases of tissue repair. They may thereby act as sensors of the inflammatory response and secrete mediators that boost or temper the response as required by the stage of the reparatory and regenerative process. MSCs are also implicated in regulating tumor development, in which they are increasingly recognized to play a complex role. Thus, MSCs can both promote and constrain tumor progression by directly affecting tumor cells via secreted mediators and cell–cell interactions and by modulating the innate and adaptive immune response. This review summarizes our current understanding of MSC involvement in tumor development and highlights the mechanistic underpinnings of their implication in tumor growth and progression. © 2020 Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Olfactory Bulb Volume and Olfactory Sulcus Depth in Patients With OSA: An MRI Evaluation

Objectives: We evaluated olfactory functions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: The cranial magnetic resonance images of 58 adult patients (36 males and 22 females) aged 27 to 79 years were retrieved from the hospital picture archiving and communication system (PACS) system. There were 29 patients with OSA (17 males and 12 females), diagnosed according to the polysomnography results. A control group consisted of 29 healthy patients without OSA. Olfactory bulb (OB) volume and olfactory sulcus (OS) depth measurements were performed. Nasal septal deviation (SD) was also evaluated and recorded as no SD, deviation to the right, and deviation to the left in all groups. Results: Olfactory bulb volumes of the OSA group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05), whereas OS depth values were not different (P > .05). There was a positive correlation between the right and left OB volumes and right and left OS depth values (P < .05). In older patients with OSA and in female patients with OSA, OB volumes decreased bilaterally (P < .05). Olfactory sulcus depth of the right side was lower in the female patients with OSA compared to the male patients with OSA (P < .05). There were no significant correlations between apnea–hypopnea index and OB volumes and OS depth values in the OSA group (P > .05) Conclusion: In patients with OSA, OB volumes decreased bilaterally. It may be related to intermittent nocturnal hypoxia/reoxygenation episodes, which may be a trigger for upper airway inflammation; and proinflammatory mediators maybe harmful on olfactory neuroepithelium and olfactory impairment may occur.