Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Moderate alcohol consumption alters both leucocyte gene expression profiles and circulating proteins related to immune response and lipid metabolism in men

Moderate alcohol consumption has various effects on immune and inflammatory processes, which could accumulatively modulate chronic disease risk. So far, no comprehensive, integrative profiling has been performed to investigate the effects of longer-term alcohol consumption. Therefore, we studied the effects of alcohol consumption on gene expression patterns using large-scale profiling of whole-genome transcriptomics in blood cells and on a number of proteins in blood. In a randomised, open-label, cross-over trial, twenty-four young, normal-weight men consumed 100 ml vodka (30 g alcohol) with 200 ml orange juice or only orange juice daily during dinner for 4 weeks. After each period, blood was sampled for measuring gene expression and selected proteins. Pathway analysis of 345 down-regulated and 455 up-regulated genes revealed effects of alcohol consumption on various signalling responses, immune processes and lipid metabolism. Among the signalling processes, the most prominently changed was glucocorticoid receptor signalling. A network on immune response showed a down-regulated NF-κB gene expression together with increased plasma adiponectin and decreased pro-inflammatory IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-18, and acute-phase proteins ferritin and α1-antitrypsin concentrations (all P < 0·05) after alcohol consumption. Furthermore, a network of gene expression changes related to lipid metabolism was observed, with a central role for PPARα which was supported by increased HDL-cholesterol and several apo concentrations (all P < 0·05) after alcohol consumption. In conclusion, an integrated approach of profiling both genes and proteins in blood showed that 4 weeks of moderate alcohol consumption altered immune responses and lipid metabolism.
Effects of Body Awareness Therapy in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The aim of the present study was to evaluate body awareness therapy (BAT) for treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to compare these patients with apparently healthy persons using physiotherapeutic examinations and questionnaires. IBS patients in this study scored higher for different gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms compared to the healthy control group. They showed disturbed body movement pattern and they had more often a stress pattern in their body. When 16 IBS patients received BAT for 12 weeks the gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms were reduced overall. When divided into groups of predominant symptom, the effect of BAT was more obvious for the group of patients suffering from mainly constipation. The relief of both the somatic discomforts as well as psychological symptoms may indicate that elevated tension constitutes an important part of the underlying causes for clinical expression in the IBS state. It means that an established underlying global stress would worsen the psychosomatic-associated symptoms in the IBS syndrome. If using this psychosomatic view of the patients and treating the state of tension, IBS patients may reduce their gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms. Whether the treatment of an IBS patient can be shortened compared to pharmacological treatment and the relief sustained for longer periods will be addressed in further studies.
Relationship between lower-extremity joint torque and the risk for falls in a group of community dwelling older adults

This clinical investigation examined 1) the relationship between lower extremity joint torque and risk for falls and 2) the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention in decreasing the risk for falls and increasing lower extremity joint torque in a group of community dwelling older adults. Twenty-two healthy adults (6 males, 16 females) ages 65 and older participated. All participants were given an extensive examination to identify risk for falls and performance on selected measures of balance, strength, and mobility, including muscle performance measured as joint torque using hand-held dynamometry and risk for falls by scores on the Berg Balance Scale (Berg, Wood-Dauphinee, Williams, and Gayton 1989), Functional Reach Test (Duncan, Weiner, Chandler, and Studentski, 1990), and the Timed “Up & Go” Test (Podsiadlo and Richardson, 1991). Participants took part in an exercise program designed to address impairments identified during the initial examination and facilitate improvement in lower extremity strength, flexibility, and balance. The Control group received no intervention, however were encouraged to continue with their normal activities, including exercise. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, analyses of variance, and correlational analyses were completed indicating statistically significant differences between subjects classified as Fallers and Non-fallers based on their performance on selected balance and mobility tests and joint torque measurements. Participants classified as Fallers who participated in the physical therapy intervention demonstrated increases in lower extremity joint torque and their performance on the Berg Balance Scale. Physical therapy intervention in the form of an exercise program improved lower extremity joint torque and decreased the risk for falls among the participants in this study identified as having an increased risk for falls.
The unmet needs of depressed adolescent patients: how race, gender, and age relate to evidence-based depression care in rural areas

Background Studies have established that many depressed adolescent patients do not receive optimal mental health care. Specifically, depression in primary-care settings is underrecognized, undertreated, and stigmatized. Although the seriousness and prevalence of adolescent depression is well known to primary-care physicians, its assessment, diagnosis, and treatment remains a significant problem in general and in rural communities in particular. Aims and discussion In this article, the author accomplishes three aims: (1) summarizes the most current evidence-based guidelines for depression care for adolescents in primary-care settings, (2) reviews the empirical literature on how key patient demographic variables (race, gender, and age) may be correlated with and predictive of variations in evidence-based depression care (assessment, diagnosis, and treatment) for adolescent patients, particularly in rural areas, and (3) provides implications for translating empirical research findings to evidence-based depression care in rural primary-care settings.
Modified laparoscopic gastrostomy technique reduces gastrostomy tract dehiscence.

PURPOSE To describe a modification in the Georgeson technique for laparoscopic gastrostomy tube (LGT) placement and compare the rate of reoperation for disruption of the gastrostomy tract after LGT by our modified technique to our own series of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes as well as the published rates of reoperation for LGTs and PEGs. METHODS In 2003, we modified our technique for LGT to include laparoscopically placed sutures to secure the stomach to the abdominal wall. A retrospective review was performed on all children undergoing LGT placement and PEGs from March 2003 to October 2009. In addition, a review of the literature was performed to identify the published rates of complications for these procedures. RESULTS During this time period, we have performed 85 LGT using this modified technique. In that same period, there have been 34 PEGs placed. The modification in our technique was instituted after a patient required reoperation for dislodgement in a laparoscopic U-stitch gastrostomy. To date, in the modified LGT group, there have been no disruptions of the gastrostomy tract in either the early or late periods, <90 days or >90 days, respectively. There have been 5 (5.9%) early dislodgements of the gastrostomy tube. All of these were before postoperative day 14 (at postoperative days 1, 2, 6, and 12), and all were replaced with placement verified by contrast study. None required reoperation. In the PEG group, there was 1 (2.9%) early and 1 (2.9%) late dislodgements and tract disruption that required reoperation. The published rate of dislodgement requiring reoperation in the Georgeson series of LGTs is 2.6%. The published rate of reoperation for dislodgement in PEGs is 4%-6%. CONCLUSION This modification of the Georgeson technique has been successful in reducing the need for reoperation associated with gastrostomy replacement after dislodgement.
Older people's experience of driver licence cancellation: A phenomenological study

Purpose: This phenomenological study explored older people's experience of driver licence cancellation. Methods: Qualitative data were derived from interviews with four men and one woman, aged between 68 and 87 years (mean age = 78.6 years). Results: Driver licence cancellation was a deeply traumatic and shocking experience. Driving had been a normal and accepted part of life, and cancellation of their driver licences meant the loss of their independence. They lost their means of identification, and they were confronted with future losses and the deep sadness associated with these. Conclusions: There is a need for sensitive health-care practices that consider the devastating consequences of licence cancellation, and support older people through the difficulties associated with adjusting to life without a driver licence.
The role of dietary protein in optimizing muscle mass, function and health outcomes in older individuals

The determination of whether increased dietary protein can positively affect health outcomes is hindered by the absence of prospective, randomized trials directly addressing this issue in which all pertinent variables are controlled. Consequently, we can only address the question deductively by considering the support for the rationale underlying the notion of a beneficial effect of increased dietary protein intake. With regard to health outcomes, we have focused on older individuals. Muscle mass and function are progressively lost with aging, so that by the age of 60 many individuals have reached a threshold where function begins to be affected. An association between reduced muscle mass and strength and unfavourable health outcomes is more likely to be revealed in individuals who have significant decrements in muscle mass and strength. In this article support for the rationale underlying the notion of a beneficial effect of increased dietary protein intake is considered. Dietary protein intake, and the resulting increased availability of plasma amino acids, stimulates muscle protein synthesis. If all other variables are controlled, increased muscle protein synthesis leads to improved muscle mass, strength and function over time. Increased muscle mass, strength and function are related to improved health outcomes in older individuals. Since adverse effects of reasonable increases in protein intake above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0·8 g protein/kg/day have not been reported, it is reasonable to conclude that the optimal protein intake for an older individual is greater than the RDA.
Dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids and colorectal cancer risk: a meta-analysis of data from 489 000 individuals

Preclinical studies have suggested an anti-colorectal cancer effect of n-3 fatty acids, yet epidemiological studies have reported mixed results. The goal of the present meta-analysis was to examine the association between the dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids and colorectal cancer risk by conducting a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. We searched the PubMed database up to February 2012 to identify eligible studies. Either a fixed- or random-effects model was used to obtain a pooled relative risk (RR) comparing the highest intake of n-3 fatty acids with the lowest. We conducted subgroup analyses according to sex, geographic region, length of follow-up, cancer site and type of n-3 fatty acids. We included seven prospective studies in the meta-analysis, comprising 489 465 participants and 4656 incident cases. The pooled RR of colorectal cancer in relation to n-3 fatty acids was 0·98 (95 % CI 0·88, 1·09). The results from subgroup analysis indicated a significant reduced risk of colorectal cancer in relation to n-3 fatty acids among men (RR 0·87, 95 % CI 0·75, 1·00; n 4). No significant association was observed in other subgroups. There was no evidence of publication bias as suggested by Begg's test (P = 0·76) and Egger's test (P = 0·66). The present meta-analysis showed insufficient evidence of a protective effect of n-3 fatty acids on colorectal cancer risk. However, a reduced risk observed in men warrants further investigation.
Glucocorticosteroids increase cell entry by hepatitis C virus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Corticosteroids are used as immunosuppressants in patients with autoimmune disorders and transplant recipients. However, these drugs worsen hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation, suggesting that they may directly exacerbate HCV infection. METHODS The influence of immunosuppressive drugs on HCV replication, assembly, and entry was assessed in Huh-7.5 cells and primary human hepatocytes using cell culture- and patient-derived HCV. Replication was quantified by immunofluorescence, luciferase assays, quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, or core enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Expression of HCV entry factors was evaluated by cell sorting and immunoblot analyses. RESULTS Glucocorticosteroids slightly reduced HCV RNA replication but increased efficiency of HCV entry by up to 10-fold. This was independent of HCV genotype but specific to HCV because vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein-dependent infection was not affected by these drugs. The increase in HCV entry was accompanied by up-regulation of messenger RNA and protein levels of occludin and the scavenger receptor class B type I-2 host cell proteins required for HCV infection; increase of entry by glucocorticosteroids was ablated by RU-486, an inhibitor of glucocorticosteroid signaling. Glucocorticosteroids increased propagation of cell culture-derived HCV approximately 5- to 10-fold in partially differentiated human hepatoma cells and increased infection of primary human hepatocytes by cell culture- and patient-derived HCV. CONCLUSIONS Glucocorticosteroides specifically increase HCV entry by up-regulating the cell entry factors occludin and scavenger receptor class B type I. Our data suggest that the potential effects of high-dose glucocorticosteroids on HCV infection in vivo may be due to increased HCV dissemination.
Dietary patterns are associated with insulin resistance in Chinese adults without known diabetes

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between dietary patterns and insulin resistance in Chinese adults without known diabetes. Study subjects were 1070 Chinese adults aged 18 years and above in Jiangsu Province who participated in the 2006 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Usual dietary intake was assessed by using a validated FFQ. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis using a principal component analysis method. Insulin resistance was defined as the highest quartile of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores. We derived four dietary patterns in our population by factor analysis: the Western, High-wheat, Traditional and Hedonic pattern. After adjusted for potential confounders, the Western pattern was significantly associated with greater odds for insulin resistance (P for trend = 0·009), while a significant negative association was found between the Hedonic pattern and insulin resistance (P for trend = 0·035). Compared with the lowest quartile of the Western pattern, the highest quartile had higher odds of insulin resistance (adjusted OR 1·89, 95 % CI 1·12, 3·19). There was a 42 % decrease in the odds after adjustment for all covariates in the highest quartile of the Hedonic pattern, compared with the lowest quartile (adjusted OR 0·58, 95 % CI 0·34, 0·99). HOMA-IR levels as a continuous variable also increased across the quartiles of the Western pattern and decreased across the quartiles of the Hedonic pattern. In conclusion, dietary patterns were significantly associated with insulin resistance in Chinese adults without known diabetes.
Comparative Analysis of Barefoot and Shod Running

Comparative Analysis of Barefoot and Shod Running This study investigated the biomechanical difference between running barefoot and shod before and after a barefoot training program (BTP). Foot angles at contact (FA), contact time (CT), stride length (SL), initial contact force (ICF), and total peak force (TPF) in shod and unshod runners was analyzed. Fourteen collegiate runners attended 12 total sessions over a two week period. Subjects performed a baseline trial, running eight (10-20 meter) repetitions, four barefoot and four shod, at three different stations; running over a force plate, running in front of a SONY DCR-HC52 video camera (30fps) and running in front of a Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 camera (300fps). A Post-Test (PT) was conducted at the end of the BTP. A repeated measure ANOVA showed significance (p<.05) in the Test factor, BTP; lowering participants FA mean from 18.8deg+/-. 9deg to 5.6deg+/-15.1deg, CT mean from . 221m+/-. 02m to . 2m+/-. 03m, and TPF mean from 1427.4N+/-312.9N to 1348.2N+/-269.4N. A repeated measure ANOVA showed significance (p<.05) in the Condition factor (shod vs. unshod); lowering participants FA mean from 23.1deg+/-12.6deg to 1.3deg+/-14.4deg, SL mean from . 9m+/-. 1m to . 8m+/-. 1m, and ICF mean from 1465.3N+/- 369.6N to 1324.7N+/-379.4N. Running barefoot and following a BTP alters running biomechanics in ways that may decrease running related injuries.
N-linked glycan in tick-borne encephalitis virus envelope protein affects viral secretion in mammalian cells, but not in tick cells. article (author version)

Title N-linked glycan in tick-borne encephalitis virus envelope protein affects viral secretion in mammalian cells, but not in tick cells Author(s) Yoshii, Kentaro; Yanagihara, Natsumi; Ishizuka, Mariko; Sakai, Mizuki; Kariwa, Hiroaki Citation Journal of General Virology, 94, 2249-2258 https://doi.org/10.1099/vir.0. 055269-0 Issue Date 2013-10 Doc URL http://hdl.handle. net/2115/56524 Type article (author version) Additional Information There are other files related to this item in HUSCAP. Check the above URL. File Information E-glyco paper revised JGV 130703.pdf (article (author version))
Effects of Food Processing Methods on Diets Proximate Nutrient Composition and Glycemic Profile in Male Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

This experimentally-controlled designed study investigated the effects of selected food processing methods: boiling, flouring, frying, pounding and roasting on proximate nutrient compositions of white yam ( Diascorea rotundata)-based diets and postprandial glycemic profiles in male type 2 diabetic Nigerians . Proximate composition of yam meals (raw and processed) and 50g digestible carbohydrates of served portions were determined and analyzed using standard methods of food analysis. The glycemic index (GI) was determined using 20 volunteers (10 type 2 diabetic patients and ten healthy (control) subjects; age range 30-70 years) who consumed served portions of each processed meals containing 50g digestible carboh ydrates. Postprandial capillary blood glucose concentrations taken half hourly for two hours using glucometer were used to construct the mean incremental glycemic response (GR) curve from which the GI was calculated. Product of each processing method was c lassified into low or high GI diet based on the international GI classification of foods while the glycemic profile to each processed meal was based on the pattern of the mean postprandial glycemic responses. Fibre, protein and calorie contents of the proc essed yam meals increased significantly ( P"d0.05) compared with the raw meal while their ash and moisture contents decreased according to the degree and extent of exposure to heat. Roasting of yam gave the highest GI (93.3±4.0%) while frying gave the lowest GI (36.2±2.7%). Postprandial glycemic response patterns (glycemic profile) varied with the different processing methods: High -GI meal
Facts about compliance of surgeons “An audit study of the quality of operation notes in the department of general surgery, King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia”

Background : An accurate, complete, legible medical record implies accurate, complete organized assessment and management of the patient. Operation notes as one of the important patient’s medical records are often produced as evidence in medico-legal cases. In a court of law, that which is not written down may be perceived as never having occurred. Poorly written and illegible notes, along with the use of confusing abbreviations, are a common source of weakness in a surgeon's defense. Objectives : This audit was carried out mainly to assess and review the compliance and adhere of surgeon to existing operation guidelines sheet of ministry of health (form 15), and to enhance professionalism. Methodology : In this retrospective audit, 266 operation notes were reviewed in general surgical department of King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during a period of six months (January - June 2007). Because we have no standing ethical committee in our hospital the approval and permission were given by the administration for this study. Notes were scrutinized and reviewed for the quality, accuracy of patient’s personal data, details of operation and name of surgeon, operating team, details of operation, swabs, instruments counts, as well as for the inclusion of unacceptable abbreviations. The standard operation sheet (form 15) guideline of Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attached to the patient’s file was used as a reference. Results : None of the notes were completely filled in this audit, some of important vital data of patients e.g. identification data were missed in (122 patients 45.9 %), and usage of non standardized abbreviations was found in 118 (44.4%). The types of the operation (emergency/elective) was recorded in 179 (67.3%) of all the operative notes. The time of the operation was recorded in 129 (48.5%) of the operative notes. Wound closure details were recorded in 153 (57.5%) of the notes and many other data like name of surgeon, anesthesiologists, type of anesthesia were variably missed. Conclusion : We conclude that a simple compliance to the attached operation note sheets can significantly improve the quality of the notes, continuity of care and potentially avoid medico-legal problems. There is an urgent need for revision and modification of form No: 15 operation sheet of Ministry of Health as well as introduction of computer database in operation notes. This should be an issue for the Faculty of Medicine, making the training of future surgeons more effective.