Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trends in Mortality From Extrahepatic Complications in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease, From 2007 Through 2017.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Trends of mortality associated with extrahepatic complications of chronic liver disease might be changing. We studied trends in mortality from extrahepatic complications of viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States (US). METHODS We performed a population-based study using US Census and the National Center for Health Statistics mortality records, from 2007 through 2017. We identified trends in age-standardized mortality using joinpoint trend analysis with estimates of annual percentage change. RESULTS The liver-related mortality among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection increased from 2007 through 2013 and then decreased once patients began receiving treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, from 2014 through 2017. Among patients with HCV infection, the age-standardized mortality for extrahepatic cancers was 2.6%, for cardiovascular disease was 1.9%, and for diabetes was 3.3%. Among individuals with hepatitis B virus infection, liver-related mortality decreased steadily from 2007 through 2017. During the study age-standardized mortality from hepatitis B virus-related extrahepatic complications increased with an average annual percentage of 2.0%. Although liver-related mortality from ALD continued to increase, mortality from extrahepatic complications of ALD did not change significantly during the 11-year study. Among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the cause of death was most frequently cardiovascular disease, which increased gradually over the study period, whereas liver-related mortality increased rapidly. CONCLUSION In an analysis of US Census and the National Center for Health Statistics mortality records, we found that after widespread use of DAA agents for treatment of viral hepatitis, cause-specific mortality from extrahepatic cancers increased, whereas mortality from cardiovascular disease or diabetes increased only among patients with HCV infection. These findings indicate the need to reassess risk and risk factors for extrahepatic cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in individuals successfully treated for HCV infection with DAA agents.
Mechanisms of Black–White disparities in health among older adults: Examining discrimination and personality

We tested whether personality traits help explain the association between discrimination and racial health disparities in a sample of 1033 Black and White older adults. Participants completed measures of discrimination, personality, and self-reported physical and mental health. Elevated discrimination among Black participants was indirectly linked to worse physical and mental health outcomes through elevated neuroticism and lower agreeableness, controlling income, education, and gender. The specific facets of depression, impulsiveness, and trust were the most robust intervening personality factors. Interventions that target cognitive, emotional, and behavioral sequelae of discrimination may lessen its impact on health disparities.
Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors Associated With Trajectories of Depression Symptoms From Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Key Points Question Are genetic and environmental risk factors associated with different trajectories of depression symptoms during adolescence and young adulthood? Findings In a cohort study of 3525 individuals observed from ages 10 to 24 years, both genetic and environmental risk factors were associated with childhood-persistent and early-adult–onset trajectories of depression symptoms, while adolescent-limited and childhood-limited trajectories were not associated with genetic risk factors. Meaning Differential patterns of timing and the nature of genetic and environmental risk factors were associated with different trajectory groups for depression symptoms, which could help to guide the timing and focus of prevention strategies.
Census characteristics of Illinois sober living homes: A geographic information systems study

Abstract Recovery homes currently provide a supportive, cohesive setting following addiction treatment to thousands of individuals who often have the least resources and consequently a high risk of relapse. Such homes are particularly important regarding reducing inequality, particularly for those with substance use disorders exiting inpatient treatment or jail/prison, and many of these individuals have experienced homelessness and high rates of psychiatric co-morbidity. Yet, the success of these houses and their residents is likely related to the ability of the residents to obtain employment. This study geocoded data from 52 Oxford House recovery homes throughout Illinois. Data indicated that Oxford Houses in Illinois were often located in areas with the highest unemployment activity in the state. Placing homes in communities with higher job opportunities and employment rates could increase employment for individual residents and, subsequently, reduce inequality by increasing their odds of long term abstinence.
New Insights in the Hydrothermal Synthesis of Rare-Earth Carbonates

The rare-earth carbonates represent a class of materials with great research interest owing to their intrinsic properties and because they can be used as template materials for the formation of other rare earth phases, particularly of rare-earth oxides. However, most of the literature is focused on the synthesis and characterization of hydroxycarbonates. Conversely, in the present study we have synthesized both rare-earth carbonates—with the chemical formula RE2(CO3)3·2-3H2O, in which RE represents a generic rare-earth element, and a tengerite-type structure with a peculiar morphology—and rare-earth hydroxycarbonates with the chemical formula RECO3OH, by hydrothermal treatment at low temperature (120 °C), using metal nitrates and ammonium carbonates as raw materials, and without using any additive or template. We found that the nature of the rare-earth used plays a crucial role in relation to the formed phases, as predicted by the contraction law of lanthanides. In particular, the hydrothermal synthesis of rare-earth carbonates with a tengerite-type structure was obtained for the lanthanides from neodymium to erbium. A possible explanation of the different behaviors of lighter and heavier rare-earths is given.
Associations Between Gait Speed and Cognitive Domains in Older People with Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND While gait has been linked with cognition, few studies have contrasted the strength of the relationships between gait speed and cognitive domains in people with cognitive impairment (CI). OBJECTIVES Investigate the association between gait speed and global cognitive function and cognitive domains in older people with CI. METHOD Three-hundred-and-nine community-dwelling people with CI (mean age 82 years, 47% female, and mean gait speed 0.62±0.23 m/s) were included using baseline data from the Intervention-Falls in Older Cognitively Impaired Study (iFOCIS). Usual gait speed (m/s) was measured over 2.4 m. Global cognitive function and individual cognitive domains (attention; memory; verbal fluency; language; visuospatial ability) were assessed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III). Additionally, executive function was assessed using the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). RESULTS Participants mean±standard deviation ACE-III and FAB scores were 62.8±19.3 and 11.4±4.6, respectively. In separate multiple linear regression analyses adjusting for confounders, global cognitive function, and each cognitive domain, was significantly associated with gait speed. Executive function demonstrated the strongest association (FAB: standardized β= 0.278, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.431), and remained significantly associated with gait speed when adjusted for attention, memory, language, and visuospatial ability. CONCLUSION In this large study of older people with CI, global cognition and each cognitive domain were associated with gait speed. Executive function had the strongest association, possibly reflecting the higher-level cognitive processes and complex motor task responses required for gait control. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore the temporal relationships between declines in executive function and gait, and whether the facilitation of executive function lessens gait decline.
Endoscopic full-thickness transoral outlet reduction with endoscopic submucosal dissection or argon plasma coagulation: does it make a difference?

globally. Bariatric surgery has been recognized as the most effective method to achieve weight reduction and an improvement in comorbidities. According to the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) worldwide survey [1], there has been a 50% increase in the number of bariatric surgeries from 2013 to 2016 and approximately a third of these procedures are Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (RYGBs). However, 20%–30% of bypass patients will experience significant weight regain in the years following their nadir weight loss, which poses a difficult challenge for both surgeons and patients. While the factors leading to weight regain are complex, anatomically a dilated (> 10mm) gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA) has been shown to be a major factor in weight regain [2]. Surgical revision with either a restrictive and/or a malabsorptive component can achieve more weight reduction compared with endoscopic revision. However, surgical revision is technically more difficult and associated with high morbidity, with the reported rate of major complications ranging from 9% to 44% [3]. Endoscopic revision of a dilated stoma has been increasingly used as a less invasive option to revisional surgery. The techniques used for endoscopic revision have evolved with the technology over the past decade, and include: sclerotherapy; argon plasma coagulation (APC); and transoral outlet reduction (TORe) using a plication device (such as the stomaphyX or GProx device), a suturing device (OverStitch), or an over-thescope clip (OTSC; Ovesco). In a recent review of different endoscopic techniques for stoma reduction [4], analysis showed that the 1-year weight losses were significantly higher in the patients who underwent endoscopic full-thickness transoral outlet reduction (efTOR) with suturing combined with APC (mean 10.6 kg; 7 studies, 320 patients) when compared with suturing alone (mean 5.7 kg; 19 studies, 828 patients).
Sexual Identity, Adverse Life Experiences, and Cardiovascular Health in Women.

BACKGROUND Adverse life experiences (ALE; eg, discrimination and sexual abuse) may contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in sexual minority women (SMW), but few studies have tested whether ALE explain the association of sexual identity with cardiovascular health (CVH) markers in women. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine sexual identity differences in CVH among women and the role of ALE. METHODS In the Epidemiologic Study of Risk in Women, we used multinomial logistic regression to assess sexual identity differences (SMW vs heterosexual women [reference group]) in CVH markers (ideal vs poor, intermediate vs poor) using the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 metric and the total score. Next, we tested whether the association of sexual identity with the total CVH score was attenuated by traditional CVD risk factors or ALE. RESULTS The sample consisted of 867 women (395 heterosexual, 472 SMW). Sexual minority women were more likely to have experienced discrimination (P < .001) and lifetime sexual abuse (P < .001) than heterosexual women. Sexual minority women were also less likely to meet ideal CVH criteria for current tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.73) or intermediate CVH criteria for body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.92). Sexual minority women had a lower cumulative CVH score (B [SE] = -0.35 [0.14], P < .01) than heterosexual women. This difference was not explained by traditional CVD risk factors or ALE. CONCLUSIONS Smoking, body mass index, and fasting glucose accounted for much of the CVH disparity due to sexual identity, but those differences were not explained by ALE. Health behavior interventions tailored to SMW should be considered.
Determinants of hospital length of stay after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with self-expanding prostheses: a prospective, single centre observational study.

INTRODUCTION We sought to identify baseline and periprocedural variables affecting hospital length of stay (LoS) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS Data on 304 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI at a single centre between August 2008 and December 2017 were collected prospectively. All patients underwent a complete clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory evaluation including a comprehensive frailty assessment at baseline. LoS was defined as the number of in-hospital days after the TAVI procedure during the index hospitalisation until the time the patient left the hospital for home or a rehabilitation clinic. RESULTS The mean LoS was 10.4 ± 7.1 days (median 8, interquartile range 5–12) with a significant trend towards shorter LoS over time (p <0.001). Patients discharged directly home were more likely to have shorter LoS (p = 0.007). All periprocedural complications were significantly associated with prolonged LoS (p <0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis showed an independent association between LoS and emergency admission (beta 3.24 ± 1.56, p = 0.039), baseline gait speed (beta: 0.39 ± 0.16, p = 0.018), baseline serum C-reactive protein (CRP, beta 0.14 ± 0.04, p = 0.001) and subclavian access (beta 8.27 ± 2 .9, p = 0.005). Gait speed and serum CRP remained significant determinants of LoS even after adjustment for periprocedural complications and patients’ discharge destination. CONCLUSION Baseline gait speed and serum CRP are significant independent determinants of LoS after TAVI.
Comparative Study between Laser Light Stereo-Lithography 3D-Printed and Traditionally Sintered Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds by an Integrated Morphological, Morphometric and Mechanical Analysis

In dental districts, successful bone regeneration using biphasic calcium phosphate materials was recently explored. The present study aimed to perform a comparative study between 3D-printed scaffolds produced by laser light stereo-lithography (SLA) and traditionally sintered biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds by an integrated morphological, morphometric and mechanical analysis. Methods: Biphasic calcium phosphate (30% HA/70% β-TCP) samples, produced by SLA-3D-printing or by traditional sintering methods, were tested. The experimental sequence included: (1) Microtomography (microCT) analyses, to serve as control-references for the 3D morphometric analysis; (2) loading tests in continuous mode, with compression up to fracture, to reconstruct their mechanical characteristics; and (3) microCT of the same samples after the loading tests, for the prediction of the morphometric changes induced by compressive loading of the selected materials. All the biomaterials were also studied by complementary scanning electron microscopy to evaluate fracture regions and surfaces. Results: The characterization of the 3D mineralized microarchitecture showed that the SLA-3D-printed biomaterials offer performances comparable to and in some cases better than the traditionally sintered ones, with higher mean thickness of struts and pores. Interestingly, the SLA-3D-printed samples had a higher ultimate strength than the sintered ones, with a smaller plastic region. Moreover, by SEM observation, it was observed that fractures in the SLA-3D-printed samples were localized in the structure nodes or on the external shells of the rods, while all the traditionally sintered samples revealed a ductile fracture surface. Conclusions: The reduction of the region of plastic deformation in the SLA-3D-printed samples with respect to traditionally sintered biomaterials is expected to positively influence, in vivo, the cell adhesion. Both microCT and SEM imaging revealed that the studied biomaterials exhibit a structure more similar to human jaw than the sintered biomaterials.
Influence of Na2O Content and Ms (SiO2/Na2O) of Alkaline Activator on Workability and Setting of Alkali-Activated Slag Paste

The performance of alkali-activated slag (AAS) paste using activators of strong alkali components is affected by the type, composition, and dosage of the alkaline activators. Promoting the reaction of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) by alkaline activators can produce high-strength AAS concrete, but the workability might be drastically reduced. This study is aimed to experimentally investigate the heat release, workability, and setting time of AAS pastes and the compressive strength of AAS mortars considering the Na2O content and the ratio of Na2O to SiO2 (Ms) of binary alkaline activators blended with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The test results indicated that the AAS mortars exhibited a high strength of 25 MPa at 24 h, even at ambient temperature, even though the pastes with an Na2O content of ≥6% and an Ms of ≥1.0 exhibited an abrupt decrease in flowability and rapid setting.
Secretin/secretin receptor signaling mediates biliary damage and liver fibrosis in early‐stage primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) primarily targets cholangiocytes and is characterized by liver fibrosis and biliary proliferation. Activation of the secretin (Sct)/secretin receptor (SR) axis, expressed only by cholangiocytes, increases biliary proliferation, liver fibrosis, and bicarbonate secretion. We evaluated the effectiveness of SR antagonist treatment for early‐stage PBC. Male and female dominant‐negative TGF‐β receptor II (dnTGF‐βRII) (model of PBC) and wild‐type mice at 12 wk of age were treated with saline or the SR antagonist, Sec 5‐27, for 1 wk. dnTGF‐βRII mice expressed features of early‐stage PBC along with enhanced Sct/SR axis activation and Sct secretion. dnTGF‐βRII mice had increased biliary proliferation or senescence, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. In dnTGF‐βRII mice, there was increased microRNA‐125b/TGF‐β1/TGF‐β receptor 1/VEGF‐A signaling. Human early‐stage PBC patients had an increase in hepatobiliary Sct and SR expression and serum Sct levels. Increased biliary Sct/SR signaling promotes biliary and hepatic damage during early‐stage PBC. —Kennedy, L. , Francis, H. , Invernizzi, P., Venter, J., Wu, N. , Carbone, M. , Gershwin, M. E. , Bernuzzi, F. , Franchitto, A. , Alvaro, D. , Marzioni, M. , Onori, P., Gaudio, E. , Sybenga, A. , Fabris, L. , Meng, F. , Glaser, S. , Alpini, G. Secretin/secretin receptor signaling mediates biliary damage and liver fibrosis in early‐stage primary biliary cholangitis. FASEB J. 33, 10269–10279 (2019). www.fasebj. org
Associations of Weight Change With Changes in Calf Muscle Characteristics and Functional Decline in Peripheral Artery Disease

Background Among people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease, obesity is associated with faster functional decline than normal weight. The association of weight loss with functional decline in peripheral artery disease is unknown. Methods and Results Adults with an ankle‐brachial index <0.90 were identified from Chicago‐area hospitals in 2002–2004. Weight and 6‐minute walk distance were measured annually. Weight change categories were weight loss or gain (≥5 pounds/year at ≥1 visit) or stable (weight change <5 pounds at each visit). Participants reported whether weight loss was “intentional” or “unintentional. ” Calf muscle area was measured with computed tomography every 2 years. Associations of weight change with changes in calf muscle area and 6‐minute walk distance were analyzed using mixed‐effects models and adjusted for age, body mass index, ankle‐brachial index, physical activity, and other confounders. Among 389 participants, mean ankle‐brachial index was 0.63±0.16, mean age was 74.5±7.8, and mean body mass index was 28.1±5.1 kg/m2. Over 3.23±1.37 years, muscle area declined more in adults with intentional weight loss versus stable or gain (pair‐wise comparisons, P<0.001). Intentional weight loss was associated with less annual decline in 6‐minute walk distance than weight gain (intentional loss, 3.7 m; stable, –14.0 m; gain, −28.5 m; unintentional loss, −20.8 m; pair‐wise comparison intentional loss versus gain, P=0.003). Conclusions Despite a greater loss of calf muscle area, adults with peripheral artery disease who intentionally lost ≥5 pounds experienced less functional decline than those who gained weight. A randomized trial is needed to establish whether benefits of weight loss in peripheral artery disease outweigh potential adverse effects.
Altered expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, and Soluble Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies

Preeclampsia (PE) is the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It complicates around 2%–10% pregnancies worldwide due to imbalance between proangiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, leading to incomplete placentation, ischemia, and endothelial dysfunction. The study was aimed to analyze the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, i.e., VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) from maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PE patients. This was a cross-sectional comparative study comprising 18 normotensive and 18 PE patients; the patients were further divided as early-onset preeclampsia (EOP) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOP). The expression level of VEGF, its receptors (VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2), and sFlt-1 was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. There was a significant change in the mRNA expression with a decrease in VEGF, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 and an increase in sFlt-1 in PBMCs of PE and normal pregnancies (P < 0.001). sFlt-1 mRNA expression was increased by 2.95-fold in the PE group with an inverse correlation with expression of VEGFR-2 (Spearman's rho = 0.68). Based on these findings, we conclude that PE is associated with decrease in the mRNA expression of VEGF, VEGFR-1, and VEGFR-2 as compared to an increase in sFlt-1 in PBMCs.
The effects of trauma on brain and body: A unifying role for the midbrain periaqueductal gray

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a diagnosis that may follow the experience of trauma, has multiple symptomatic phenotypes. Generally, individuals with PTSD display symptoms of hyperarousal and of hyperemotionality in the presence of fearful stimuli. A subset of individuals with PTSD; however, elicit dissociative symptomatology (i.e., depersonalization, derealization) in the wake of a perceived threat. This pattern of response characterizes the dissociative subtype of the disorder, which is often associated with emotional numbing and hypoarousal. Both symptomatic phenotypes exhibit attentional threat biases, where threat stimuli are processed preferentially leading to a hypervigilant state that is thought to promote defensive behaviors during threat processing. Accordingly, PTSD and its dissociative subtype are thought to differ in their proclivity to elicit active (i.e., fight, flight) versus passive (i.e., tonic immobility, emotional shutdown) defensive responses, which are characterized by the increased and the decreased expression of the sympathetic nervous system, respectively. Moreover, active and passive defenses are accompanied by primarily endocannabinoid‐ and opioid‐mediated analgesics, respectively. Through critical review of the literature, we apply the defense cascade model to better understand the pathological presentation of defensive responses in PTSD with a focus on the functioning of lower‐level midbrain and extended brainstem systems.