Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Association of Prescription Opioid Use and Mortality: A Propensity-Matched Analysis from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (Regards) Prospective Cohort

Background Prescription opioids (PO) have been widely used for chronic non-cancer pain, with commensurate concerns for overdose. The long-term effect of these medications on non-overdose mortality in the general population remains poorly understood. This study's objective was to examine the association of prescription opioid use and mortality in a large cohort, accounting for gender differences and concurrent benzodiazepine use, and using propensity score matching. Methods 29,025 US community-dwellers were enrolled in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort between 2003 and 2007, and followed through December 31, 2012. At baseline there were 1907 participants with PO; 1864 of them were matched to participants without PO, based on the model-derived propensity to receive opioid prescriptions. Causes of death were expert-adjudicated. Results Over median follow-up of 6 years there were 4428 deaths (413 among persons with PO). The risk for all-cause mortality was 12% higher, in absolute terms, for persons with PO compared to those without PO in the overall sample, with gender differences (interaction p = .0008). The risk of death was increased for women with PO (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.04–1.40]), but not men (HR 0.92 [95% CI 0.77–1.10]). Women with PO were at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death (HR 1.43 [95% CI 1.12–1.84]), sudden death (HR 2.02 [95% CI 1.29–3.15]) (a subset of CVD death), and accidents (HR 2.18 [95% CI 1.03–4.60]). These risks were not observed for men with PO. Conclusion Over 6 years of follow-up, women but not men who had opioid prescriptions were at higher risk of all-cause mortality, CVD death, sudden death, and accidents. Special caution in prescribing opioids for women may be warranted until these findings are confirmed.
Japanese version of The Cancer Genome Atlas, JCGA, established using fresh frozen tumors obtained from 5143 cancer patients

This study aimed to establish the Japanese Cancer Genome Atlas (JCGA) using data from fresh frozen tumor tissues obtained from 5143 Japanese cancer patients, including those with colorectal cancer (31.6%), lung cancer (16.5%), gastric cancer (10.8%) and other cancers (41.1%). The results are part of a single‐center study called “High‐tech Omics‐based Patient Evaluation” or “Project HOPE” conducted at the Shizuoka Cancer Center, Japan. All DNA samples and most RNA samples were analyzed using whole‐exome sequencing, cancer gene panel sequencing, fusion gene panel sequencing and microarray gene expression profiling, and the results were annotated using an analysis pipeline termed “Shizuoka Multi‐omics Analysis Protocol” developed in‐house. Somatic driver alterations were identified in 72.2% of samples in 362 genes (average, 2.3 driver events per sample). Actionable information on drugs that is applicable in the current clinical setting was associated with 11.3% of samples. When including those drugs that are used for investigative purposes, actionable information was assigned to 55.0% of samples. Germline analysis revealed pathogenic mutations in hereditary cancer genes in 9.2% of samples, among which 12.2% were confirmed as pathogenic mutations by confirmatory test. Pathogenic mutations associated with non–cancerous hereditary diseases were detected in 0.4% of samples. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) analysis revealed 5.4% of samples as having the hypermutator phenotype (TMB ≥ 20). Clonal hematopoiesis was observed in 8.4% of samples. Thus, the JCGA dataset and the analytical procedures constitute a fundamental resource for genomic medicine for Japanese cancer patients.
Designer Amyloid Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Potential Use as Gene Transfer Vehicles

Cell-penetrating peptides are used extensively to deliver molecules into cells due to their unique characteristics such as rapid internalization, charge, and non-cytotoxicity. Amyloid fibril biomaterials were reported as gene transfer or retroviral infection enhancers; no cell internalization of the peptides themselves is reported so far. In this study, we focus on two rationally and computationally designed peptides comprised of β-sheet cores derived from naturally occurring protein sequences and designed positively charged and aromatic residues exposed at key residue positions. The β-sheet cores bestow the designed peptides with the ability to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils. The introduction of positively charged and aromatic residues additionally promotes DNA condensation and cell internalization by the self-assembled material formed by the designed peptides. Our results demonstrate that these designer peptide fibrils can efficiently enter mammalian cells while carrying packaged luciferase-encoding plasmid DNA, and they can act as a protein expression enhancer. Interestingly, the peptides additionally exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against the enterobacterium Escherichia coli.
Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) Supplementation on Aerobic Exercise Performance and Indices of Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Untrained Men

Abstract Objective: Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a novel supplement involved in processes such as mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular energy metabolism. Since endurance exercise and PQQ exhibit similar mechanisms for mitochondrial biogenesis, it is plausible that PQQ may have ergogenic value. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a six-week endurance exercise training program on mitochondrial biogenesis and aerobic performance in non-endurance-trained males. Methods: Twenty-three males were randomized to consume 20 mg/day of PQQ or placebo (PLC). Both groups followed a supervised six-week endurance exercise training program. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy-x-ray-absorptiometry (DEXA). Aerobic exercise performance and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a biochemical marker for mitochondrial biogenesis, were assessed before and after the six-week endurance training/supplementation program. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in aerobic performance after endurance-training (p > 0.05). However, there were significant improvements in peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and total exercise test duration after endurance-training, irrespective of group (p < 0.05). The PQQ group had a significant increase in PGC-1α protein levels from baseline to post endurance training compared to PLC (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the PQQ group had higher PGC-1α protein levels after 6 weeks of endurance training compared to PLC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Supplementation of PQQ does not appear to elicit any ergogenic effects regarding aerobic performance or body composition but appears to impact mitochondrial biogenesis by way of significant elevations in PGC-1α protein content.
Effect of eradicating hydrogen-forming small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with rifaximin on body weight change

Abstract Hydrogen formed by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome has an inverse relationship with obesity. However, the effect of eradicating small intestinal hydrogen-producing bacterial overgrowth on the body weight of these patients has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate body weight changes after eradicating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with rifaximin treatment in patients with non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome. We reviewed the charts of patients with non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome who showed abdominal symptoms with documented lactulose hydrogen breath test results in order to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. A total of 153 patients were enrolled in the study and divided into quartiles according to body mass index (BMI) and body weight. In the lowest body weight quartile, the BMI and body weight were significantly increased (0.4 kg/m2, P = .038; 0.6 kg, P = .010, respectively) in patients with negative lactulose hydrogen breath tests after rifaximin treatment. However, there was no significant change in body weight in the other quartiles. Despite treatment with rifaximin for 12 weeks, there was no change in BMI or body weight in any group of patients with consistently positive lactulose hydrogen breath tests. Eradication of hydrogen formed by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth does not cause clinically significant changes in body weight.
Drain Amylase or Lipase for the Detection of POPF—Adding Evidence to an Ongoing Discussion

Objectives: A postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is defined as a threefold increase in the amylase concentration in abdominal drains on or after the third postoperative day (POD). However, additional lipase fluid analysis is widely used despite lacking evidence. In this study, drain amylase and lipase levels were compared regarding their value in detecting POPF. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including all patients who underwent pancreatic resections at our center between 2005 and 2016. Drain fluid analysis was performed from day 2 to 5. Results: 990 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, 333 (34%) patients developed a POPF. The median amylase and lipase concentrations at POD 3 in cases with POPF were 11.55 µmol/(s·L) (≈13 ×-fold increase) and 39 µmol/(s·L) (≈39 ×-fold increase), respectively. Seven patients with subsequent POPF (2%) were missed with amylase analysis on POD 3, but detected using 3-fold lipase analysis. The false-positive rate of lipase was 51/424 = 12%. A cutoff lipase value at POD 3 of > 4.88 yielded a specificity of 94% and a sensitivity of 89% for development of a POPF. Increased body mass index turned out as risk factor for the development of POPF in a multivariable model. Conclusions: Threefold-elevated lipase concentration may be used as an indicator of a POPF. However, the additional detection of POPF using simultaneous lipase analysis is marginal. Therefore, assessment of lipase concentration does not provide added clinical value and only results in extra costs.
Importance of Health Claims in the Adoption of New Breakfast Cereal Products in the UK

Regular breakfast consumption has the potential to prevent the prevalence of NCDs and to improve the nutritional profile of diets. Given consumers’ interest in improving their diets, food suppliers are interested in introducing new cereal products making different health claims to capture consumers’ attention. The purpose of this study is threefold: first, it aims to understand whether UK food suppliers are working to increase the availability of breakfast cereals with healthy and nutritious attributes; second, it explores which companies are leading the launch of these products; and third, it assesses to what extent health and nutrition claims made by breakfast cereals have an impact on their market success. The study employs an assembled database combining data from Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) and Kantar Worldpanel Dataset (KWDS) for the UK. A hazard-based duration model was used to analyse the success of the new products launched in the UK market in 2011 following them up to 2015. Our results reveal that UK suppliers broadened the number of breakfast cereals on offer in the period 2000 to 2018, with a particular focus on multigrain cereals, porridge and granola. Health and nutrition claims were added to 27% of these products. Although consumers welcome healthy alternatives such as muesli, the impact of positional claims on the success of newly developed breakfast cereals is claim-specific. No clear pattern regarding the impact of health and nutrition claims is identified. However, other elements such as celiac-friendly ingredients and UK origin do have a positive impact on the success of breakfast cereals.
Relationship of the Frequency, Distribution, and Content of Meals/Snacks to Glycaemic Control in Gestational Diabetes: The myfood24 GDM Pilot Study

This study examines nutritional intakes in Gestational diabetes mellitus piloting the myfood24 tool, to explore frequency of meals/snacks, and daily distribution of calories and carbohydrates in relation to glycaemic control. A total of 200 women aged 20–43 years were recruited into this prospective observational study between February 2015 and February 2016. Diet was assessed using myfood24, a novel online 24-h dietary recall tool. Out of 200 women 102 completed both ≥1 dietary recalls and all blood glucose measurements. Blood glucose was self-measured as part of usual care. Differences between groups meeting and exceeding glucose targets in relation to frequency of meal/snack consumption and nutrients were assessed using chi-squared and Mann–Whitney tests. Women achieving a fasting glucose target <5.3 mmol/L, compared to those exceeding it, consumed three meals (92% vs. 78%: p = 0.04) and three snacks (10% vs. 4%: p = 0.06) per day, compared with two or less; and in relation to evening snacks, consumed a higher percentage of daily energy (6% vs. 5%: p = 0.03) and carbohydrates (8% vs. 6%: p = 0.01). Achieving glycaemic control throughout the day was positively associated with snacking (p = 0.008). Achieving glucose targets was associated with having more snacks across the day, and may be associated with frequency and distribution of meals and nutrients. A larger study is required to confirm this.
Breakthrough Cancer Pain in Patients Receiving Low Doses of Opioids for Background Pain.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the characteristics of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) in patients receiving low doses of opioids for background pain in comparison with patients receiving at least 60 mg of oral morphine equivalents (OME). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with advanced cancer receiving less than 60 mg/day of OME with episodes of BTcP were included in the analysis (group L). Data were compared with patients receiving doses of opioids ≥60 mg of OME (group H). Pain intensity, current analgesic therapy, number of BTcP episodes, intensity of BTcP, its predictability and triggers, onset duration, interference with daily activities, BTcP medications, and time to meaningful pain relief were collected. Adverse effects imputable to a BTcP medication were recorded. RESULTS A total of 1,418 and 2,474 patients were included in groups L and H, respectively. A lower number of BTcP episodes (p = .005), a lower BTcP intensity (p = .0001), a faster BTcP onset (p = .024), and a longer time to meaningful pain relief after taking a BTcP medication (p = .009) were found in group L as compared with group H. In group L, BTcP interference on daily activity was less than in group H (p = .009). Patients in group L were less likely to be prescribed an opioid as BTcP medication in comparison with patients in group H (p = .0001). Opioid doses used for BTcP were significantly higher in group H. Patients in group L were more likely to be less satisfied (p = .003) than patients in group H. No adverse effects of severe intensity were reported in both groups. CONCLUSION Patients receiving lower doses of opioids exhibit some differences in BTcP presentation: fewer episodes with lower intensity and a faster onset, a longer time to meaningful pain relief, and less satisfaction with BTcP medication. A relevant percentage of patients was receiving fentanyl preparations normally reserved for patients receiving higher doses of opioids. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Breakthrough pain is present in patients receiving low doses of opioids. It has its own peculiarities: less frequent, lower intensity, faster onset, longer time to meaningful pain relief, and less satisfaction with medication. Many patients were prescribed fentanyl preparations, which are normally reserved for patients receiving higher doses of opioids.
Cyberbullying and Psychological Well-being in Young Adolescence: The Potential Protective Mediation Effects of Social Support from Family, Friends, and Teachers

In the current study, we tested the relations between cyberbullying roles and several psychological well-being outcomes, as well as the potential mediation effect of perceived social support from family, friends, and teachers in school. This was investigated in a cross-sectional sample of 1707 young adolescents (47.5% girls, aged 10–13 years, self-reporting via a web questionnaire) attending community and private schools in a mid-sized municipality in Sweden. We concluded from our results that the Cyberbully-victim group has the highest levels of depressive symptoms, and the lowest of subjective well-being and family support. We also observed higher levels of anxiety symptoms in both the Cyber-victims and the Cyberbully-victims. Moreover, we conclude that some types of social support seem protective in the way that it mediates the relationship between cyberbullying and psychological well-being. More specifically, perceived social support from family and from teachers reduce the probability of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and higher levels of social support from the family increase the probability of higher levels of subjective well-being among youths being a victim of cyberbullying (i.e., cyber-victim) and being both a perpetrator and a victim of cyber bullying (i.e., cyberbully-victim). Potential implications for prevention strategies are discussed.
The Puncture and Water Resistance of Polyurethane- Impregnated Fabrics after UV Weathering

Polyurethane is a polymer adaptable to different scientific and industrial requirements; nevertheless it is also extremely susceptible to UV radiation, which compromises the physical and mechanical functionality. In this framework, our study investigated the effect of waterborne polyurethane dispersion (WPUD) applied to a polyester (PET)-based fabric, through the impregnation method, on the puncturing and water resistance of the pristine material, before and after UV weathering. Results confirmed an increment of both features in the prepared fabrics, attributed to the PUR textile treatment; but a partially loss of the gained properties in the samples due to the UV weathering. In order to improve the efficiency of the impregnating dispersions, in protecting the durability of the treated materials, the addition of different UV light stabilizers, or/and of crosslinking agent into WPUD was also tested. From the experimental data, it can be concluded that formulations based on WPUD, containing both the crosslinker and UV organic absorber, have displayed an increment of their perforation and water resistance for the treated samples with respect to the starting textile, and contemporary have preserved the features against the UV light. Finally, microscopic and spectroscopic analyses have been performed as further characterization techniques of the samples surface.
β-Amyloid PET and neuropathology in dementia with Lewy bodies

Objective β-Amyloid (Aβ) pathology is common in patients with probable dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, the pathologic basis and the differential diagnostic performance of Aβ PET are not established in DLB. Our objective was to investigate the pathologic correlates of 11C-Pittsburgh compound B(PiB) uptake on PET in cases with antemortem diagnosis of probable DLB or Lewy body disease (LBD) at autopsy. Methods Autopsied cases who underwent antemortem PiB-PET and were assigned a clinical diagnosis of probable DLB or LBD at autopsy were included (n = 39). The primary endpoint was pathologic diagnosis of LBD, Alzheimer disease (AD), or mixed (LBD and AD) pathology; the secondary endpoints included Thal Aβ phase and diffuse and neuritic Aβ plaques. Results Lower global cortical PiB standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) distinguished cases with LBD from cases with AD or mixed pathology with an accuracy of 93%. Greater global cortical PiB SUVr correlated with higher Thal Aβ phase (r = 0.75, p ≤ 0.001). Voxel–based analysis demonstrated that Aβ pathology relatively spared the occipital lobes in cases with mixed pathology and LBD compared to cases with AD without LBD, in whom the entire cerebral cortex was involved. Global cortical PiB SUVr was associated primarily with the abundance of diffuse Aβ plaques in cases with LBD in a multivariable regression model. Conclusion Lower PiB uptake accurately distinguishes cases with LBD from cases with AD or mixed pathology, correlating with the Thal Aβ phase. The severity of diffuse Aβ pathology is the primary contributor to elevated PiB uptake in LBD. Classification of evidence This study provides Class III evidence that lower PiB uptake accurately distinguishes patients with LBD from those with AD or mixed pathology.
Highly Sensitive Detection of NO2 by Au and TiO2 Nanoparticles Decorated SWCNTs Sensors

The aim of this work is to investigate the gas sensing performance of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)-based conductive sensors operating at low–medium temperatures (<250 °C). The investigated sensing films consists of an SWCNT network obtained by drop-casting a SWCNT suspension. Starting from this base preparation, different sensing devices were obtained by decorating the SWCNT network with materials suitable for enhancing the sensitivity toward the target gas. In particular, in this paper, nano-particles of gold and of TiO2 were used. In the paper, the performance of the different sensing devices, in terms of response time, sensitivity toward NO2 and cross-sensitivity to O2, CO and water vapor, were assessed and discussed. Sensors based on decorated SWCNT films showed high performance; in particular, the decoration with Au nano-particles allows for a large enhancement of sensitivity (reaching 10%/1 ppm at 240 °C) and a large reduction of response time. On the other hand, the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles leads to a satisfactory improvement of the sensitivity as well as a significant reduction of the response time at moderate temperatures (down to 200 °C). Finally, the suitability of using Au decorated SWCNTs-based sensors for room temperature sensing is demonstrated.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DMT2) in a Semi-Urban Saudi Population

(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common health problem in Saudi Arabia, causing a huge burden for individuals, families, and communities. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus among a semi-urban population of Saudi Arabia. (2) Research methods: The research design was cross-sectional, and the research was conducted in five primary health care centers (PHCC) in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. The sample size was calculated as 353. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data after obtaining ethical approval. Blood samples were taken to assess glucose levels and other variables. SPSS version 21 was used to analyze data. (3) Results: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 34.6%. The disease was more prevalent among the older respondents compared with the younger age groups (44.6% versus 15.6%). We found that females acquire the disease at a slightly higher rate than males (34.9% versus 34.2%), but this difference is not statistically significant. The sociodemographic risk factors of the disease were as follows: old age (44%), business and private occupation (38.5%), divorced or widowed (56.3%), and low income (42.4%). The health behaviors factors were as follows: overweight or obese status (42.3%), high triglycerides (TG) (43.4%), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (37.3%), and high total cholesterol (23.7%). There was a statistically significant difference in these risk factors between patients with and without diabetes. (4) Conclusion: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among the semi-urban population of Saudi Arabia is high. The disease is more prevalent among elderly respondents and is associated with obesity, high TG, low HDL, and high total cholesterol.