Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circulating adipokine concentrations and risk of five obesity‐related cancers: A Mendelian randomization study

Obesity is considered a chronic inflammatory state characterized by continued secretion of adipokines and cytokines. Experimental and epidemiological evidence indicates that circulating adipokines may be associated with the development of obesity‐related cancers, but it is unclear if these associations are causal or confounded. We examined potential causal associations of specific adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, soluble leptin receptor [sOB‐R] and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 [PAI‐1]) with five obesity‐related cancers (colorectal, pancreatic, renal cell carcinoma [RCC], ovarian and endometrial) using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods. We used summary‐level data from large genetic consortia for 114 530 cancer cases and 245 284 controls. We constructed genetic instruments using 18 genetic variants for adiponectin, 2 for leptin and 4 for both sOB‐R and PAI‐1 (P value for inclusion<5 × 10−8). Causal estimates were obtained using two‐sample MR methods. In the inverse‐variance weighted models, we found an inverse association between adiponectin and risk of colorectal cancer (odds ratio per 1 μg/mL increment in adiponectin concentration: 0.90 [95% confidence interval = 0.84‐0.97]; P = .01); but, evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was detected and the association was not present when this was taken into consideration. No association was found for adiponectin and risks of pancreatic cancer, RCC, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Leptin, sOB‐R and PAI‐1 were also similarly unrelated to risk of obesity‐related cancers. Despite the large sample size, our MR analyses do not support causal effects of circulating adiponectin, leptin, sOB‐R and PAI‐1 concentrations on the development of five obesity‐related cancers.
Maternal age at last birth and leukocyte telomere length in a nationally representative population of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to evaluate if maternal age at birth of last child is associated with leukocyte telomere length in a nationally representative population of peri- and postmenopausal women. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1,232 women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine maternal age at last birth and telomere length, surveyed between 1999 and 2002. We included peri- and postmenopausal women age 40 years and older. Maternal age at last live birth was self-reported, and leukocyte telomere length was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We calculated least-squares geometric mean telomere length across categories of maternal age adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, number of live births, survey cycle, and history of hysterectomy or oophorectomy. P-trend < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. For hypothesis-generation, we explored modification by reproductive and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Maternal age at last birth was positively associated with telomere length: the multivariable-adjusted least-squares geometric mean leukocyte telomere length across categories of age at last birth (<25, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, ≥40 years) was 0.90, 0.93, 0.93, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively (P-trend = 0.04). There was suggestive evidence this association may be restricted to those women with 1 or 2 live births or women who reported ever using oral contraceptives (P-interaction<0.10 for both). CONCLUSIONS Later maternal age was associated with longer telomere length in a nationally representative population of women. These data provide new insight into the biological relationship between reproductive history and long-term health. : Video Summary:http://links.lww. com/MENO/A662.
Molecular analysis of nestling diet in a long-distance Neotropical migrant, the Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla)

ABSTRACT Elucidating the diet of Neotropical migratory birds is essential to our understanding of their ecology and to their long-term conservation. Reductions in prey availability negatively impact Neotropical migrants by affecting their survival as both nestlings and adults. Beyond broad taxonomic or morphological categories, however, the diet of Neotropical migrants is poorly documented. Using the molecular techniques of DNA barcoding and next-generation sequencing, we elucidated the diet of Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) nestlings in Arkansas and Pennsylvania, USA. Waterthrush have been shown to respond negatively to the reduced availability of aquatic insects in the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT taxa). We hypothesized that Louisiana Waterthrush nestling diet would be primarily composed of these pollution-sensitive aquatic taxa, and that changes in the riparian insect community would be reflected in their diet. Unexpectedly, the orders Lepidoptera (92%) and Diptera (70%) occurred frequently in the diet of Louisiana Waterthrush nestlings. Among EPT taxa, only the order Ephemeroptera (61%) was frequently detected whereas Plecoptera (7%) and Trichoptera (1%) were poorly represented. The frequency at which aquatic Ephemeroptera and terrestrial Lepidoptera were detected in waterthrush nestling diet differed significantly over the nesting period in Pennsylvania but not in Arkansas, suggesting that phenological shifts in the availability of non-EPT prey taxa may be an important yet undescribed factor influencing the foraging ecology of waterthrush on the breeding grounds. Furthermore, these findings suggest that terrestrial insects may be more important to waterthrush nestlings than previously thought, which enhances our understanding of this biological indicator and Neotropical migrant.
Solar absorption by atmospheric water vapor: a comparison of radiation models

We have intercompared several different procedures for evaluating solar absorption by atmospheric water vapor, and in particular we have employed a random band model as a diagnostic tool for assessing approximations which are inherent in existing parameterizations. We reaffirm McDonald's (1960) conclusion as to the importance of the 0.72 and 0.81 μm water vapor absorption bands, and we find that the Goody random band model and the Lacis-Hansen empirical parameterization produce comparable tropospheric heating rates. This agreement does not extend to the stratosphere. for which water vapor amounts lie outside the intended range of applicability of the Lacis-Hansen parameterization. But when diurnal averaging is taken into account, the disagreement is reduced. We further present what is in effect a two-parameter extension of the Lacis-Hansen parameterization. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1985. tb00055.x
Subnucleolar Distribution and Transportation of U3 snoRNA in the Nucleolus of Pisum sativum

Processing of pre_rRNA is one of the major events taking place in the nucleolus. U3 snoRNA, an rRNA spliceosomal factor, is suggested to be essential in the first cleavage step of the 5′ ETS sequence in the processing of pre_rRNA. Identification of U3 in the nucleolus provides a piece of indirect evidence for pre_rRNA processing site and transportation of processing products. In the present study, subnucleolar distribution of U3 snoRNA in the nucleolus of Pisum sativum L. was studied by in situ hybridization with a U3 snoRNA probe. The results showed that the U3 labeling signals were distributed throughout dense fibrillar components (DFCs) and granular components (GCs), while no signal was found in fibrillar centers (FCs). When treated with actinomycine D (AMD), the labeling signals were decreased. Along with the increase of the AMD treatment time, the labeling signals became fewer and they were found in the distal regions of DFC and GC. Our results indicated that pre_rRNA splicing took place in the regions of DFC and GC, and the transportation of pre_rRNA processing products was from the regions around FCs towards the distal regions.
Application of a Floss Band at Differing Pressure Levels: Effects at the Ankle Joint

Abstract Galis, J and Cooper, DJ. Application of a floss band at differing pressure levels: Effects at the ankle joint. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2454–2460, 2022—The study aimed to examine the effects of different levels of pressure on ankle range of motion (ROM), strength, and power performance. A parallel-group design was used, and subjects were divided into 3 groups. After a warm-up and preintervention testing (ankle goniometry using a manual handheld goniometer and isokinetic dynamometry using a HUMAC NORM isokinetic dynamometer), subjects had underwrap (control) or a tissue flossing band, at 150 mm Hg (FLOSS150) or 200 mm Hg (FLOSS200) applied to one of their calves, followed by postintervention testing. Thirty university students participated and completed the testing in a university laboratory: dorsiflexion ROM (DFROM) and plantarflexion ROM (PFROM), peak torque, and power. A repeated-measures analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) preintervention to postintervention between each group, except for DFROM in FLOSS150 (p < 0.05). Medium and small effect sizes preintervention to postintervention were associated with improvements of DFROM (0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39–0.83) and dorsiflexion power (0.29; 95% CI −0.13 to 0.72), respectively, in FLOSS150, while the effect size of PFROM preintervention to postintervention was −0.35 (95% CI −0.85 to 0.15) in FLOSS200. Tissue flossing of the ankle joint may be a useful intervention for increasing dorsiflexion ROM and power, which can be useful for injury prevention, enhancing performance and improving functional ability; however, the potentially harmful effects of the technique should be considered.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Preoperative and Postoperative Rib Cage Parameters by Simultaneous Biplanar Radiographic Scanning Technique in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Minimum 2-Year Follow Up.

STUDY DESIGN Prospective study. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the changes in rib cage deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by comparing the preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images using simultaneous biplanar radiographic scanning technique (EOS) (EOS Imaging, Paris, France). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA EOS data are limited for the analyses of preoperative and postoperative rib cage deformity. METHODS A total of 67 Lenke type 1 or 2 AIS patients who underwent surgery (59 females and 8 males) were enrolled in this study. The mean patient age was 14.4 years (range: 11-17 years). In all patients, posterior corrective fusion was performed with a rod rotation maneuver based on segmental pedicle fixation. Spinal parameters (scoliosis and kyphosis) and rib cage parameters (max thickness, thoracic index (TI), rib hump (RH), surface spinal penetration index (sSPI), end thoracic hump ratio (EHR), vertebra-sternum angle (VSA), rib vertebral angle difference (RVAD) at the apex, and vertebral lateral decentering (VLD)), were measured. 3D images were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS Both main thoracic (MT) and proximal thoracic scoliosis were significantly corrected (51° to 15°, 30° to 17°, p < 0.0001). The rotation of MT apical vertebrae was also significantly corrected (12° to 5°, p < 0.0001). Thoracic kyphosis (T4-T12) significantly increased (13° to 18°, p < 0.0001). Besides, max thickness, TI, and RH demonstrated significant differences between preoperative and postoperative images (p < 0.01). T8-10 sSPI and EHR decreased significantly postoperatively (p < 0.05). Although surgery significantly decreased VSA (p < 0.0001), no significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative RVAD (p = 0.32). Following the surgery, VLD and rib cage volume were significantly increased (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS 3D reconstruction of the rib cage using biplanar standing stereoradiography is useful to evaluate preoperative and postoperative rib cage deformity in patients with AIS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2.
Incidence, characteristics, determinants, and prognostic impact of recurrent syncope.

AIMS The aim of this study is to characterize recurrent syncope, including sex-specific aspects, and its impact on death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHODS AND RESULTS We characterized recurrent syncope in a large international multicentre study, enrolling patients ≥40 years presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a syncopal event within the last 12 h. Syncope aetiology was centrally adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all information becoming available during syncope work-up and long-term follow-up. Overall, 1790 patients were eligible for this analysis. Incidence of recurrent syncope was 20% [95% confidence interval (CI) 18-22%] within the first 24 months. Patients with an adjudicated final diagnosis of cardiac syncope (hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.11-2.01) or syncope with an unknown aetiology even after central adjudication (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.54-2.89) had an increased risk for syncope recurrence. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression fit on all patient information available early in the ED identified >3 previous episodes of syncope as the only independent predictor for recurrent syncope (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.64-2.75). Recurrent syncope carried an increased risk for death (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.26-2.77) and MACE (HR 2.69, 95% CI 2.02-3.59) over 24 months of follow-up, however, with a time-dependent effect. These findings were confirmed in a sensitivity analysis excluding patients with syncope recurrence or MACE before or during ED evaluation. CONCLUSION Recurrence rates of syncope are substantial and vary depending on syncope aetiology. Importantly, recurrent syncope carries a time-dependent increased risk for death and MACE. TRIAL REGISTRATION BAsel Syncope EvaLuation (BASEL IX, ClinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT01548352).
Women in Maxillofacial Surgery and Otolaryngology; Career Obstacles and Success Factors.

Little is known on career factors and expectations for female oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in developing countries. The study aimed to explore career perceptions of females in 2 related surgical specialties: oral and maxillofacial surgery and otolaryngology (ENT) with a focus on career obstacles and success factors. A structured questionnaire was distributed to female surgeons working in Jordan in the 2 surgical specialties. Questions addressed socio-professional characteristics and career-promoting and hindering factors. All surgeons registered in both specialties were invited. A total of 56 surgeons participated in the survey. Age range was 29 to 55 years (mean = 38.55 ± 5.799). Significantly more OMFS surgeons were single (P = 0.000) younger (P = 0.003), and had fewer years of experience (P = 0.01) than ENT surgeons. Significantly more ENT surgeons perceived the "hard working" attribute and "better communication skills" as career-promoting factors (P = 0.04, P = 0.015, respectively). Further, significantly more ENT surgeons believed that females in the surgical profession help in changing the traditional surgical stereotype linked with the male gender (93.8% ENT in contrast to 75% OMFS, P = 0.047), and expressed a preference for female mentors (48% ENT in contrast to 0% OMFS, P = 0.000). The results of this study indicate that female OMFS surgeons have different socio-professional characteristics and perceptions to their peers in ENT surgery, and this mainly manifested in professional experience, marital status, and important career perceptions. They seem to lack confidence in female participation and promotion of the surgical career, and they show preference for having exclusively male mentors.
Partial purification and characterization of glutaryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase, electron transfer flavoprotein, and electron transfer flavoprotein-Q oxidoreductase from Paracoccus denitrificans

Glutaryl-coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase and the electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) of Paracoccus denitrificans were purified to homogeneity from cells grown with glutaric acid as the carbon source. Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase had a molecular weight of 180,000 and was made up of four identical subunits with molecular weights of about 43,000 each of which contained one flavin adenine dinucleotide molecule. The enzyme catalyzed an oxidative decarboxylation of glutaryl-CoA to crotonyl-CoA, was maximally stable at pH 5.0, and lost activity readily at pH values above 7.0. The enzyme had a pH optimum in the range of 8.0 to 8.5, a catalytic center activity of about 960 min-1, and apparent Michaelis constants for glutaryl-CoA and pig liver ETF of about 1.2 and 2.5 microM, respectively. P. denitrificans ETF had a visible spectrum identical to that of pig liver ETF and was made up of two subunits, only one of which contained a flavin adenine dinucleotide molecule. The isoelectric point of P. denitrificans ETF was 4.45 compared with 6.8 for pig liver ETF. P. denitrificans ETF accepted electrons not only from P. denitrificans glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, but also from the pig liver butyryl-CoA and octanoyl-CoA dehydrogenases. The apparent Vmax was of similar magnitude with either pig liver or P. denitrificans ETF as an electron acceptor for these dehydrogenases. P. denitrificans glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase and ETF were used to assay for the reduction of ubiquinone 1 by ETF-Q oxidoreductase in cholate extracts of P. denitrificans membranes. The ETF-Q oxidoreductase from P. denitrificans could accept electrons from either the bacterial or the pig liver ETF. In either case, the apparent Km for ETF was infinitely high. P. denitrificans ETF-Q oxidoreductase was purified from contaminating paramagnets, and the resultant preparation had electron paramagnetic resonance signals at 2.081, 1.938, and 1.879 G, similar to those of the mitochondrial enzyme.
Updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this paper is to describe the updated methodological guidance for conducting a JBI scoping review, with a focus on new updates to the approach and development of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (the PRISMA-ScR). Introduction: Scoping reviews are an increasingly common approach to informing decision-making and research based on the identification and examination of the literature on a given topic or issue. Scoping reviews draw on evidence from any research methodology and may also include evidence from non-research sources, such as policy. In this manner, scoping reviews provide a comprehensive overview to address broader review questions than traditionally more specific systematic reviews of effectiveness or qualitative evidence. The increasing popularity of scoping reviews has been accompanied by the development of a reporting guideline: the PRISMA-ScR. In 2014, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group developed guidance for scoping reviews that received minor updates in 2017 and was most recently updated in 2020. The updates reflect ongoing and substantial developments in approaches to scoping review conduct and reporting. As such, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group recognized the need to revise the guidance to align with the current state of knowledge and reporting standards in evidence synthesis. Methods: Between 2015 and 2020, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group expanded its membership; extensively reviewed the literature; engaged via annual face-to-face meetings, regular teleconferences, and email correspondence; sought advice from methodological experts; facilitated workshops; and presented at scientific conferences. This process led to updated guidance for scoping reviews published in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The updated chapter was endorsed by JBI's International Scientific Committee in 2020. Results: The updated JBI guidance for scoping reviews includes additional guidance on several methodological issues, such as when a scoping review is (or is not) appropriate, and how to extract, analyze, and present results, and provides clarification for implications for practice and research. Furthermore, it is aligned with the PRISMA-ScR to ensure consistent reporting. Conclusions: The latest JBI guidance for scoping reviews provides up-to-date guidance that can be used by authors when conducting a scoping review. Furthermore, it aligns with the PRISMA-ScR, which can be used to report the conduct of a scoping review. A series of ongoing and future methodological projects identified by the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group to further refine the methodology are planned.
Predictors of Out-of-Class Mindfulness Practice Adherence During and After a Mindfulness-Based Intervention

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Objective Out-of-class mindfulness meditation practice is a health behavior that is considered to be a crucial ingredient in mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), yet participant adherence to practice recommendations is often inconsistent. Furthermore, MBIs may enhance factors that lead to greater adherence to medical regimens in other contexts. This study examined baseline factors previously found to relate to adherence to medical regimen, MBI-related changes in these baseline factors, and treatment-related factors as predictors of meditation adherence in an 8-week MBI. Methods Baseline traits (personality, depressive symptoms, and executive function) were entered into regression models (n = 96) to predict intervention and postintervention out-of-class meditation adherence. Trait changes and treatment-related factors were entered into models to predict postintervention meditation adherence. Results Baseline conscientiousness (β = 0.33, p = .002), openness (β = 0.23, p = .019), and depressive symptoms (β = 0.19, p = .042) predicted intervention meditation adherence, whereas conscientiousness (β = 0.21, p = .044) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.22, p = .020) predicted postintervention meditation adherence. Although all trait variables except for agreeableness changed significantly pre-to-post intervention, these changes did not predict postintervention meditation adherence. Retreat attendance (β = 0.38, p = .029) and instructor/group-related therapeutic factors collectively predicted postintervention meditation adherence (R2 = 0.21, p = .019). Conclusions The identified baseline trait factors could be used to increase adherence in these interventions as a method of increasing their effectiveness. An emphasis on the MBI retreat and social factors during the intervention may be important for participant out-of-class practice postintervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01831362.