Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How to transform a metabolic syndrome score into an insulin sensitivity value?

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) predicts cardiovascular risk and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. The presence of a MetS is defined by the clustering of ≥3 out of 5 cardiometabolic criteria (hyperglycemia; hypertension; enlarged waist; low high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol; and hypertriglyceridemia), each of which is connected with insulin resistance. It is not known whether the severity of MetS, ranked from the sextet of scores range [0/5 to 5/5], is linearly related to reduced insulin sensitivity (IS) and/or lesser hyperbolic product across the glycemic spectrum.
Impact of Alterations in Total Hemoglobin Mass on V˙O2max

Training and hypoxia-associated changes in maximal oxygen uptake are mediated by different blood adaptations. Training increases blood volume because of plasma and red cell volume expansion, resulting in increased cardiac output, whereas hypoxia increases only red cell volume, leading to increased hemoglobin concentration and oxygen transport capacity. Blood doping mimics the altitude effects, however, by far exceeding its magnitude.
Graves' Disease.

Graves’ disease was first recognized in the 19th century as a syndrome comprising an enlarged and overactive thyroid gland, an accelerated heart rate, and ocular abnormalities (Fig. 1). Critical for our current understanding of this disease was the discovery of its autoimmune basis, which results from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors.1,2 Graves’ disease has adverse effects on quality of life,3 as a consequence of somatic4 and psychiatric5 symptoms and an inability to work,6 and is associated with an increased risk of death.7 Activating thyrotropin-receptor antibodies induce thyroid hormone overproduction. Many characteristic signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease result from elevated thyroid hormone levels. Debate persists concerning the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and adequate clinical care of affected patients.8,9 Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (Fig. 1B), the most common and serious extrathyroidal manifestation, results from underlying autoimmunity, but insights into its pathogenesis and care remain elusive.
Impact of reduced reverberation time on sound-induced arousals during sleep.

The effect of reducing reverberation time was studied in 12 subjects during sleep. EEG-arousals following specific sound stimuli were significantly reduced (p<0.007) when reverberation time was reduced with sound-absorbing ceiling-tiles. On average reverberation was reduced 0.124 seconds at similar sound levels. It is proposed that increased sound absorption, i.e. reduced reverberation time, by contributing to a better acoustic environment may reduce sound-induced sleep fragmentation.
Vitamin D and Depression

Background: Depression is emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults. New biological assessment strategies such as biological markers are needed to more accurately assess for depression in this age group. Vitamin D may present such an opportunity. Objective: A descriptive correlational design with convenience sampling was used to address the research question: Is there a relationship between vitamin D serum levels and depression scores in young adult women? Design: One hundred thirty-nine participants completed a health questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and had serum vitamin D, 25(OH)D, levels drawn. Results: No statistically significant correlation between vitamin D level and depression was identified. Statistically significant differences between African American and Caucasian women were detected on vitamin D levels but not on the Beck Depression Inventory. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, vitamin D cannot be used as a biomarker for depression in women aged 18 to 24 years. Clinical implications of no relationship between vitamin D and depression will be explored and the cut-point for serum 25(OH)D levels will be discussed.
Long‐term depression of cortico‐striatal synaptic transmission by DHPG depends on endocannabinoid release and nitric oxide synthesis

In models of early stage Parkinson's disease (PD), motor deficits are accompanied by excessive activation of striatal glutamate receptors. Metabotropic glutamate group I receptors (mGluR I) play an important but not well‐understood role in PD progression. In mouse brain slices, bath application of the mGluR I agonist (RS)‐DHPG (3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine, 100 µm for 20 min) caused a long‐term depression of corticostriatal transmission (LTDDHPG), which was reversed by three mGluR I antagonists: LY 367385, CPCCOEt and MPEP. LTDDHPG required nitric oxide (NO) synthesis as it was blocked by the broad‐spectrum NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (NL‐Arg) and impaired under blockade of neuronal NOS and in endothelial NOS‐deficient mice. Release of endocannabinoids (eCB) was critically involved in this form of striatal plasticity givem that the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 prevented LTDDHPG, while the CB1 agonist ACEA elicited LTD. The NO synthesis necessary for LTDDHPG induction occurred downstream of CB1 activation as ACEA‐evoked LTD was also abolished by NL‐Arg. These findings are relevant for the pathophysiology of PD, as they link the overactivation of group I mGluRs and striatal NO production.
mRNAs and miRNAs in whole blood associated with lung hyperplasia, fibrosis, and bronchiolo‐alveolar adenoma and adenocarcinoma after multi‐walled carbon nanotube inhalation exposure in mice

Inhalation exposure to multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in mice results in inflammation, fibrosis and the promotion of lung adenocarcinoma; however, the molecular basis behind these pathologies is unknown. This study determined global mRNA and miRNA profiles in whole blood from mice exposed by inhalation to MWCNT that correlated with the presence of lung hyperplasia, fibrosis, and bronchiolo‐alveolar adenoma and adenocarcinoma. Six‐week‐old, male, B6C3F1 mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of either the DNA‐damaging agent methylcholanthrene (MCA, 10 µg g−1 body weight) or vehicle (corn oil). One week after injections, mice were exposed by inhalation to MWCNT (5 mg m−3, 5 hours per day, 5 days per week) or filtered air (control) for a total of 15 days. At 17 months post‐exposure, mice were euthanized and examined for the development of pathological changes in the lung, and whole blood was collected and analyzed using microarray analysis for global mRNA and miRNA expression. Numerous mRNAs and miRNAs in the blood were significantly up‐ or down‐regulated in animals developing pathological changes in the lung after MCA/corn oil administration followed by MWCNT/air inhalation, including fcrl5 and miR‐122‐5p in the presence of hyperplasia, mthfd2 and miR‐206‐3p in the presence of fibrosis, fam178a and miR‐130a‐3p in the presence of bronchiolo‐alveolar adenoma, and il7r and miR‐210‐3p in the presence of bronchiolo‐alveolar adenocarcinoma, among others. The changes in miRNA and mRNA expression, and their respective regulatory networks, identified in this study may potentially serve as blood biomarkers for MWCNT‐induced lung pathological changes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced disruption of Candida utilis using enzymatic pretreatment and high‐pressure homogenization

The enhancement of the overall disruption of a native strain of Candida utilis (ATCC 9226) was studied using a combination of two methods, namely, pretreatment in the form of partial enzymatic lysis by Zymolyase followed by mechanical disruption in a Microfluidizer high‐pressure homogenizer. The cells were grown in both batch and continuous cultures to examine the effect of specific growth rate on disruption. Cell suspensions ranging in concentration from 7 to 120 g DW/L were disrupted with and without enzymatic pretreatment. For yeast grown in batch culture, final total disruption obtained using the combined protocol approached 95% with four passes at a pressure of 95 MPa, as compared with only 65% disruption using only mechanical homogenization. A modified model was developed to predict the fraction disrupted by the enzymatic pretreatment‐mechanical homogenization two‐stage process. Predicted disruptions agreed favorably with experimental observations (maximum deviation of 20%) over a wide range of operating conditions. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Functional consequences of exchanging domains between LacI and PurR are mediated by the intervening linker sequence

Homologue function can be differentiated by changing residues that affect binding sites or long‐range interactions. LacI and PurR are two proteins that represent the LacI/GalR family (>500 members) of bacterial transcription regulators. All members have distinct DNA‐binding and regulatory domains linked by ∼18 amino acids. Each homologue has specificity for different DNA and regulatory effector ligands; LacI and PurR also exhibit differences in allosteric communication between DNA and effector binding sites. A comparative study of LacI and PurR suggested that alterations in the interface between the regulatory domain and linker are important for differentiating their functions. Four residues (equivalent to LacI positions 48, 55, 58, and 61) appear particularly important for creating a unique interface and were predicted to be necessary for allosteric regulation. However, nearby residues in the linker interact with DNA ligand. Thus, differences observed in interactions between linker and regulatory domain may be the cause of altered function or an effect of the two proteins binding different DNA ligands. To separate these possibilities, we created a chimeric protein with the LacI DNA‐binding domain/linker and the PurR regulatory domain (LLhP). If the interface requires homologue‐specific interactions in order to propagate the signal from effector binding, then LLhP repression should not be allosterically regulated by effector binding. Experiments show that LLhP is capable of repression from lacO1 and, contrary to expectation, allosteric response is intact. Further, restoring the potential for PurR‐like interactions via substitutions in the LLhP linker tends to diminish repression. These effects are especially pronounced for residues 58 and 61. Clearly, binding affinity of LLhP for the lacO1 DNA site is sensitive to long‐range changes in the linker. This result also raises the possibility that mutations at positions 58 and 61 co‐evolved with changes in the DNA‐binding site. In addition, repression measured in the absence and presence of effector ligand shows that allosteric response increases for several LLhP variants with substitutions at positions 48 and 55. Thus, while side chain variation at these sites does not generally dictate the presence or absence of allostery, the nature of the amino acid can modulate the response to effector. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determinants of Postnatal Care Use in Kenya

Pregnancy related complications may result in maternal deaths post delivery especially in developing countries. Skilled deliveries and postnatal care (PNC) use in Kenya is low. The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of PNC use. Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2008-09 KDHS) women’s data were analyzed. Overall data from 3,970 women were analyzed. Results indicate that 47 percent of the women received PNC services. Factors associated with PNC use are mothers’ age at delivery of the last child, 4+ ANC visits, urban residence, and skilled delivery. However, lack of education and unskilled delivery were associated with low use of PNC services (p <0.05). In conclusion, the use of PNC services is low at 47 percent although the main determinants for PNC use are amenable to intervention. Strengthening of maternal health services throughout the continuum of care and promoting the use of high quality services by pregnant women is recommended.
Energy imbalance and the risk of overfeeding in critically ill children*

Objective: To examine the role of targeted indirect calorimetry in detecting the adequacy of energy intake and the risk of cumulative energy imbalance in a subgroup of critically ill children suspected to have alterations in resting energy expenditure. We examined the accuracy of standard equations used for estimating resting energy expenditure in relation to measured resting energy expenditure in relation to measured resting energy expenditure and cumulative energy balance over 1 week in this cohort. Design: A prospective cohort study. Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary academic center. Interventions: A subgroup of critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit was selected using a set of criteria for targeted indirect calorimetry. Measurements: Measured resting energy expenditure from indirect calorimetry and estimated resting energy expenditure from standard equations were obtained. The metabolic state of each patient was assigned as hypermetabolic (measured resting energy expenditure/estimated resting energy expenditure >110%), hypometabolic (measured resting energy expenditure/estimated resting energy expenditure <90%), or normal (measured resting energy expenditure/estimated resting energy expenditure = 90–110%). Clinical variables associated with metabolic state and factors influencing the adequacy of energy intake were examined. Main Results: Children identified by criteria for targeted indirect calorimetry, had a median length of stay of 44 days, a high incidence (72%) of metabolic instability and alterations in resting energy expenditure with a predominance of hypometabolism in those admitted to the medical service. Physicians failed to accurately predict the true metabolic state in a majority (62%) of patients. Standard equations overestimated the energy expenditure and a high incidence of overfeeding (83%) with cumulative energy excess of up to 8000 kcal/week was observed, especially in children <1 yr of age. We did not find a correlation between energy balance and respiratory quotient (RQ) in our study. Conclusions: We detected a high incidence of overfeeding in a subgroup of critically ill children using targeted indirect calorimetry The predominance of hypometabolism, failure of physicians to correctly predict metabolic state, use of stress factors, and inaccuracy of standard equations all contributed to overfeeding in this cohort. Critically ill children, especially those with a longer stay in the PICU, are at a risk of unintended overfeeding with cumulative energy excess.
Matriptase activates stromelysin (MMP‐3) and promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis

Matriptase/MT‐SP1, a type II membrane serine protease widely expressed in normal epithelial cells and human carcinoma cells, is thought to be involved in cancer progression. To clarify this possibility, we overexpressed exogenous matriptase in the human stomach cancer cell line AZ521. In vitro, the matriptase transfectant (Mat‐AZ521) and the control transfectant (Mock‐AZ521) showed a similar growth rate, although the saturation cell density was significantly higher with the Mat‐AZ521. When implanted into nude mice subcutaneously or intraperitoneally, Mat‐AZ521 cells grew faster and produced much larger solid tumors than Mock‐AZ521 cells. The overexpression of matriptase in AZ521 cells shortened the survival time of tumor‐bearing mice. Histological analysis showed that both the number and the size of blood vessels in tumor tissues were significantly higher in the Mat‐AZ521 tumors than the Mock‐AZ521 ones. Moreover, it was found that purified matriptase activated one of the important matrix metalloproteinases, stromelysin (MMP‐3). These results suggest the possibility that the matriptase‐dependent activation of MMP‐3, as well as the direct activity of matriptase, promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis by enhancing extracellular matrix degradation in tumor cell microenvironments. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1327–1334)
Surfactant Treatment Effects on Lung Structure and Type II Cells of Preterm Ventilated Lambs

We evaluated surfactant treatment effects on lung morphology and alveolar type II cells of preterm ventilated lambs. Lambs were ventilated for 10 h following treatment of the right lung with natural surfactant. Lung parenchyma from the surfactant-treated right and the untreated left lung was compared morphometrically. Mechanical ventilation without surfactant resulted in distention of alveolar ducts accompanied by shallowing and loss of well-defined alveoli without disruption of collagen or elastin fibers. Surfactant treatment almost completely prevented these changes. The percent of normal parenchyma was 82 ± 7% in surfactant-treated lobes and 26 ± 5% in the nontreated lobes (p < 0.05). Type II cells became flatter in lungs ventilated without surfactant, and cell shape was preserved by surfactant treatment. The volume densities of lamellar bodies and multivesicular bodies in alveolar type II cells were not changed by surfactant treatment. With or without surfactant treatment, mechanical ventilation was associated with a shift in lamellar body distribution to a smaller size and a decrease in glycogen content of type II cells. Surfactant treatment of the preterm lung prevents alveolar distortion and atelectasis, but does not result in changes in subcellular organelles in immature type II cells.
Interregional differences in fertility in Brazil, 1950–1970

Trends and interregional differences in the birth rate in Brazil between 1950 and 1970 are examined. Estimates are based on data from the 1950 and 1970 censuses. Regional differences in birth measures (crude and general rates) were found to widen between 1950 and 1970 despite a decline in fertility at the national level and a narrowing of regional differences in important socioeconomicvariables like income and urbanization, The substantial interregional migration flows which occurred in Brazil between 1950 and 1970 are examined for their possible impact on differentials. The effects are mixed, but the conclusion is that migration contributed to widening differences.
Relatos de professores sobre manifestações sexuais de alunos com deficiência no contexto escolar

O estudo investigou as manifestacoes sexuais de alunos com deficiencia, a partir do relato de 40 professores. O conteudo desses relatos, obtidos atraves de entrevistas, foi organizado em agrupamentos tematicos: a nao-ocorrencia de manifestacoes sexuais, a ocorrencia de comentarios de natureza sexual e de comportamentos sexuais. As manifestacoes sexuais dos alunos, relatadas pelos professores, foram consistentes com o esperado para sua faixa etaria, sem evidencia de padroes atipicos. Nos poucos casos em que foram relatadas manifestacoes inadequadas, estas foram provocadas por determinantes ambientais e nao por caracteristicas inerentes a deficiencia. A maioria dos professores julgou a sexualidade dos alunos segundo seus proprios valores, o que indica uma lacuna na formacao dos professores em relacao a educacao sexual. Palavras-chave: sexualidade; deficiencia; concepcoes de professores.
On the Downs-Thomson Paradox in a Self-Financing Two-Tier Queuing System

We model a two-tier queuing system with free and toll service options as two parallel M / M /1 servers. We solve for the welfare-maximizing toll service capacity and toll subject to the constraint that the toll service cover its costs. If the free and toll services are both used in equilibrium, a larger free-service capacity implies longer expected waiting time for the free service and lower welfare: an analogue to the Downs–Thomson paradox in transportation economics. The paradox is caused by the presence of scale economies in the toll service combined with the requirement that it be self-financing.
Prospective stage-stratified approach to AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

PURPOSE Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is standard of care for patients with HIV diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), but the current role of systemic chemotherapy is undefined. PATIENTS AND METHODS Since 1998, a prospective stage-stratified approach has been adopted for 469 patients with HIV with KS. Patients with early-stage (T0) KS are treated with cART alone; patients with advanced-stage (T1) KS receive cART plus liposomal anthracycline chemotherapy. Clinical characteristics, overall survival, and KS progression-free survival were analyzed according to stage at presentation and treatment received. RESULTS A total of 303 patients presented with T0 stage KS, including 237 who were not receiving cART, and 166 patients had T1 stage KS. Patients with T0 KS had higher CD4 cell counts (P < .001); 90% of patients with T0 KS who were not receiving cART and 84% of those with T1 KS were treated in accordance with the stage-stratified approach. Median follow-up was 4.6 years, and 5-year overall survival was 89%; 54 patients have died, 15 as a result of KS. Overall 5-year survival was 92% for T0 KS and 83% to T1 KS (P = .0024). On-treatment analysis of 213 cART-naive patients with T0 KS treated with cART alone revealed 5-year overall survival of 95% and progression-free survival of 77%. For 140 patients with T1 disease treated with cART and liposomal anthracycline chemotherapy, 5-year overall survival was 85%. CONCLUSION This stage-stratified approach to the management of KS achieves high survival in patients with advanced KS and reduces exposure to chemotherapy in patients with early-stage KS.
Testosterone replacement with 1% testosterone gel and priapism: no definite risk relationship.

INTRODUCTION Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the preferred treatment for hypogonadism, information for patients using testosterone includes too frequent or prolonged erections as a potential side effect. AIM To assess the frequency and risk of priapism or related adverse events (AEs) in hypogonadal men treated with a 1% testosterone gel. METHODS Safety and tolerability data for AndroGel 1% were assessed, including three randomized, controlled clinical trials in varying populations of hypogonadal or near hypogonadal men. Study 1 was a Phase 3 trial of AndroGel 1% 5 g, 7.5 g, or 10 g once daily for 6 months (N = 227). Study 2 was a Phase 2 trial of AndroGel 1% 7.5 g once daily titrated as needed vs. placebo for 26 weeks in men with type 2 diabetes (N = 180). Study 3 was a Phase 4 trial of AndroGel 1% 5 g once daily vs. placebo for 12 weeks in men previously unresponsive to sildenafil 100 mg monotherapy and receiving concomitant sildenafil 100 mg (N = 75). Postmarketing AndroGel pharmacovigilance reporting data from 2001 to 2011 was searched for events coded as priapism. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The incidence of priapism and/or related symptoms reported as urogenital or reproductive system AEs. RESULTS In the 283 men exposed to AndroGel 1% over the three trials, mean exposure ranged from 84 days to 149 days. No AEs described as priapism or related symptoms were reported in the three trials. In the postmarketing data, representing 40 million units sold, eight cases described as priapism were reported. Of the six cases with accompanying data, all were judged as possibly related to AndroGel. CONCLUSIONS Safety data from the clinical trials for AndroGel 1% did not report any cases of priapism, and its incidence in the postmarketing pharmacovigilance data is extremely low, indicating a minimal risk of inducing priapism.