Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Plasma Markers and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: A Prospective Study of Five U.S. Cohorts

Chronic inflammation may play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer. However, few prospective studies have examined the association between plasma inflammatory markers and pancreatic cancer risk. Therefore, we investigated the association of prediagnostic circulating C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and TNF-α receptor II (TNF-αR2) with subsequent pancreatic cancer risk in a prospective, nested case–control study of 470 cases and 1,094 controls from Health Professionals Follow-up Study, Nurses' Health Study, Physicians' Health Study, Women's Health Initiative, and Women's Health Study. The median follow-up time of cases was 7.2 years (range 1–26 years). No association was observed between plasma CRP, IL-6, and TNF-αR2 and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Comparing extreme quintiles, the multivariate ORs were 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74–1.63; Ptrend = 0.81] for CRP, 1.19 (95% CI, 0.81–1.76; Ptrend = 0.08) for IL-6, and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.58–1.33; Ptrend = 0.57) for TNF-αR2. In conclusion, prediagnostic levels of circulating CRP, IL-6, and TNF-αR2 were not associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer, suggesting that systemic inflammation as measured by circulating inflammatory factors is unlikely to play a major role in the development of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(5); 855–61. ©2013 AACR.
A novel 13C NMR method to assess intracellular glucose concentration in muscle, in vivo.

Intracellular glucose concentration in skeletal muscle of awake rats was determined under conditions of hyperglycemic (10.2 ± 0.6 mM) hyperinsulinemia (∼1,200 pM) and hyperglycemic (20.8 ± 1.5 mM) hypoinsulinemia (<12 pM) by use of13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy during a prime-constant infusion of [1-13C]glucose and [1-13C]mannitol with either insulin (10 mU ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1) or somatostatin (1.0 μg ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1). Intracellular glucose was calculated as the difference between the concentrations of total tissue glucose (calculated from the in vivo13C NMR spectrum with mannitol as an internal concentration standard) and extracellular glucose, corrected by the ratio of intra- and extracellular water space. Extracellular concentration was corrected for an interstitial fluid-to-plasma glucose concentration gradient of 0.83 ± 0.07, determined by open-flow microperfusion. The mean ratio of intra- to extracellular glucose space, determined from the relative NMR signal intensities and concentrations of mannitol and total creatine, was 9.2 ± 1.1 (hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemia, n = 10), and 9.0 ± 1.7 (hyperglycemic hypoinsulinemia, n= 7). Mean muscle intracellular glucose concentration was <0.07 mM under hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic conditions ( n = 10) and 0.32 ± 0.06 mM under hyperglycemic-hypoinsulinemic conditions ( n = 7). This method is noninvasive and should prove useful for resolving the question of whether glucose transport or phosphorylation is responsible for the reduced rate of muscle glycogen synthesis observed in diabetic subjects.
Trends in waist-to-hip ratio and its determinants in adults in Finland from 1987 to 1997.

BACKGROUND Although abdominal obesity has been shown to be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a variety of other diseases, secular changes in fat distribution in populations have rarely been documented. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to assess trends in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in the Finnish population during a 10-y period. In addition, we investigated the associations of WHR with body mass index (BMI), age, education, and lifestyle factors. DESIGN Three independent cross-sectional surveys were carried out at 5-y intervals between 1987 and 1997. Altogether, 15096 randomly selected men and women aged 25-64 y participated in these surveys. RESULTS The WHR increased in both men and women during the 10-y period (P: < 0.0001). In men, the strongest upward trend took place in the first 5-y period and then seemed to plateau; in women, the WHR continued to increase into the 1990s. In both sexes, the most prominent increase was observed in subjects aged >/=45 y. The WHR increased in all education-level groups, the lowest WHR being among those with the highest education. Age (18% in men, 12% in women) and BMI (33% in men, 25% in women) accounted for most of the variation in WHR, whereas only 3% was explained by education and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSIONS Abdominal obesity is a growing problem in Finland, especially in persons aged >/=45 y. These adverse changes in body shape continued to take place, particularly in women, in the 1990s.
Adherence to Internet-Based and Face-to-Face Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression: A Meta-Analysis

Background Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) is an effective and acceptable treatment for depression, especially when it includes guidance, but its treatment adherence has not yet been systematically studied. We conducted a meta-analysis, comparing the adherence to guided iCBT with the adherence to individual face-to-face CBT. Methods Studies were selected from a database of trials that investigate treatment for adult depression (see www.evidencebasedpsychotherapies.org), updated to January 2013. We identified 24 studies describing 26 treatment conditions (14 face-to-face CBT, 12 guided iCBT), by means of these inclusion criteria: targeting depressed adults, no comorbid somatic disorder or substance abuse, community recruitment, published in the year 2000 or later. The main outcome measure was the percentage of completed sessions. We also coded the percentage of treatment completers (separately coding for 100% or at least 80% of treatment completed). Results We did not find studies that compared guided iCBT and face-to-face CBT in a single trial that met our inclusion criteria. Face-to-face CBT treatments ranged from 12 to 28 sessions, guided iCBT interventions consisted of 5 to 9 sessions. Participants in face-to-face CBT completed on average 83.9% of their treatment, which did not differ significantly from participants in guided iCBT (80.8%, P = .59). The percentage of completers (total intervention) was significantly higher in face-to-face CBT (84.7%) than in guided iCBT (65.1%, P < .001), as was the percentage of completers of 80% or more of the intervention (face-to-face CBT: 85.2%, guided iCBT: 67.5%, P = .003). Non-completers of face-to-face CBT completed on average 24.5% of their treatment, while non-completers of guided iCBT completed on average 42.1% of their treatment. Conclusion We did not find studies that compared guided iCBT and face-to-face CBT in a single trial. Adherence to guided iCBT appears to be adequate and could be equal to adherence to face-to-face CBT.
Choline-related supplements improve abnormal plasma methionine-homocysteine metabolites and glutathione status in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND Liver triacylglycerol accumulation and oxidative stress are common in cystic fibrosis (CF) and also occur in choline deficiency. Previously, we showed an association between elevated plasma homocysteine, reduced ratios of S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM:SAH) and of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine, and phospholipid malabsorption in children with CF. OBJECTIVE The objective was to address a possible relation between altered methionine-homocysteine metabolism and choline metabolism in children with CF. DESIGN Children with CF were assigned without bias to supplementation with 2 g lecithin/d (n = 13), 2 g choline/d (n = 12), or 3 g betaine/d (n = 10) for 14 d. Plasma concentrations of methionine, adenosine, cysteine, cysteinyl-glycine, glutathione, glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and fatty acids; SAM:SAH; and red blood cell phospholipids were measured within each group of children with CF before and after supplementation. Plasma from healthy children without CF (n = 15) was analyzed to obtain reference data. RESULTS Children with CF had higher plasma homocysteine, SAH, and adenosine and lower methionine, SAM:SAH, and glutathione:GSSG than did children without CF. Supplementation with lecithin, choline, or betaine resulted in a significant increase in plasma methionine, SAM, SAM:SAH, and glutathione:GSSG and a decrease in SAH (n = 35). Supplementation with choline or betaine was associated with a significant decrease in plasma SAH and an increase in SAM:SAH, methionine, and glutathione:GSSG. Supplementation with lecithin or choline also increased plasma methionine and SAM. CONCLUSION We showed that dietary supplementation with choline-related compounds improves the low SAM:SAH and glutathione redox balance in children with CF.
Bilateral ureteric stones: an unusual cause of acute kidney injury

A 49-year-old man presented to the accident and emergency department, with a short history of vague abdominal pain, abdominal distension and two episodes of frank haematuria. A plain chest film showed dilated loops of large bowel and blood results on admission showed an acute kidney injury (stage 3). A diagnosis of bowel obstruction was made initially but a CT scan of the abdomen showed bilateral obstructing calculi. After initial resuscitation, the patient had bilateral ultrasound-guided nephrostomies and haemofiltration. He later underwent bilateral antegrade ureteric stenting. A decision will later be made on whether or not he is fit enough to undergo ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation.
Iron status and risk of cancers in the SU.VI.MAX cohort.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between iron status and cancer in a population of middle-aged adults living in France where iron supplementation and iron-fortified foods are rarely used. The SU.VI. MAX study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial evaluating the effect of antioxidant supplementation on chronic diseases in women aged 35-60 and men aged 45-60 y. At baseline, concentrations of hemoglobin, serum transferrin and serum ferritin were measured in 10,197 subjects. Data on dietary intake were estimated from six 24-h dietary records completed during the first 2 study years and available for 5287 subjects. All cancer cases that occurred during the 7.5-y follow-up were validated. In men, baseline serum transferrin and serum ferritin concentrations did not differ between subjects with cancers (n = 467) and those without. In women, serum ferritin was higher (P < 0.0001) and serum transferrin tended to be lower (P < 0.08) in cancer cases. Iron status was not related to cancer risk in men, but women with serum ferritin concentrations > 160 microg/L had an increased risk of cancer (odds ratio = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.05,3.35). No relation was found between dietary iron intake and risk of all cancer sites combined for either men or women. Our results suggest that iron status is not a predictor of cancer risk in men, whereas a serum ferritin concentration > 160 microg/L may be associated with an increase in cancer risk in women.
Idempotents in intensional type theory

We study idempotents in intensional Martin-Lof type theory, and in particular the question of when and whether they split. We show that in the presence of propositional truncation and Voevodsky's univalence axiom, there exist idempotents that do not split; thus in plain MLTT not all idempotents can be proven to split. On the other hand, assuming only function extensionality, an idempotent can be split if and only if its witness of idempotency satisfies one extra coherence condition. Both proofs are inspired by parallel results of Lurie in higher category theory, showing that ideas from higher category theory and homotopy theory can have applications even in ordinary MLTT. Finally, we show that although the witness of idempotency can be recovered from a splitting, the one extra coherence condition cannot in general; and we construct "the type of fully coherent idempotents", by splitting an idempotent on the type of partially coherent ones. Our results have been formally verified in the proof assistant Coq.
Eight-Legged Encounters—Arachnids, Volunteers, and Art help to Bridge the Gap between Informal and Formal Science Learning

Increased integration and synergy between formal and informal learning environments is proposed to provide multiple benefits to science learners. In an effort to better bridge these two learning contexts, we developed an educational model that employs the charismatic nature of arachnids to engage the public of all ages in science learning; learning that aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas associated with Biodiversity and Evolution). We created, implemented, and evaluated a family-focused, interactive science event—Eight-Legged Encounters (ELE)—which encompasses more than twenty modular activities. Volunteers facilitated participant involvement at each activity station and original artwork scattered throughout the event was intended to attract visitors. Initial ELE goals were to increase interest in arachnids and science more generally, among ELE participants. In this study, we tested the efficacy of ELE in terms of (i) activity-specific visitation rates and self-reported interest levels, (ii) the self-reported efficacy of our use of volunteers and original artwork on visitor engagement, and (iii) self-reported increases in interest in both spiders and science more generally. We collected survey data across five ELE events at four museum and zoo sites throughout the Midwest. We found that all activities were successful at attracting visitors and capturing their interest. Both volunteers and artwork were reported to be effective at engaging visitors, though likely in different ways. Additionally, most participants reported increased interest in learning about arachnids and science. In summary, ELE appears effective at engaging the public and piquing their interest. Future work is now required to assess learning outcomes directly, as well as the ability for participants to transfer knowledge gain across learning environments.
Quercetin glucosides are completely hydrolyzed in ileostomy patients before absorption.

Flavonoids, dietary components in vegetables, fruits and beverages, may protect against coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer. However, the bioavailability of these compounds is questionable. A previous study in ileostomy patients of the most abundant flavonoid, quercetin, suggested a 52% absorption of its major dietary forms, monoglucoside (QMG) and diglucoside (QDG), from an onion meal. However, this was based on indirect measurements after acid hydrolysis. Because human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers showed minimal absorption of the glucosides, we repeated the study in ileostomy patients, using molecularly specific analytical methodology for the intact glucosides and quercetin. The onion meal had high concentrations of both QMG and QDG with only trace amounts of quercetin. The intake of QMG and QDG in four patients ranged from 10.9 to 51.6 mg. No QMG or QDG was detected in the ileostomy fluid. In contrast, the amounts of the aglycone quercetin were substantial, 2.9-11.3 mg. This corresponded to 19.5-35.2% of total quercetin glucosides ingested, implying absorption of 64.5-80.7%. These findings suggest a different interpretation than that from the previous study, i.e., that both QMG and QDG are efficiently hydrolyzed in the small intestine by beta-glucosidases to quercetin, most of which is then absorbed.
Biodegradable plant nursery containers from leather industry wastes

Novel biodegradable polymeric materials based on protein hydrolysate (Pr.Hyd), derived from waste products of the leather industry, and poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEG) or epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) are obtained and their physico-chemical properties and mechanical behaviour are evaluated. Different processing conditions and the introduction of fillers of natural origin, as saw dust and wood flour, are used to tailor the mechanical properties and the environmental durability of the product. The biodegradable products, which are almost completely manufactured from renewable-based raw materials, look promising for several applications, particularly in agriculture for the additional fertilizing action of Pr.Hyd. To this purpose, tests are carried out to prove the feasibility of novel biodegradable pots and containers by investigating their functionality, their physico-chemical and mechanical behaviour in standard and controlled experimental field conditions, and to follow the assessment of their biodegradation process during plants cultivation in the soil. POLYM. COMPOS. , 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of maternal micronutrient supplementation on fetal loss and infant mortality: a cluster-randomized trial in Nepal.

BACKGROUND We previously reported that maternal micronutrient supplementation in rural Nepal decreased low birth weight by approximately 15%. OBJECTIVE We examined the effect of daily maternal micronutrient supplementation on fetal loss and infant mortality. DESIGN The study was a double-blind, cluster-randomized, controlled trial among 4926 pregnant women and their 4130 infants in rural Nepal. In addition to vitamin A (1000 microg retinol equivalents), the intervention groups received either folic acid (FA; 400 microg), FA + iron (60 mg), FA + iron + zinc (30 mg), or multiple micronutrients (MNs; the foregoing plus 10 microg vitamin D, 10 mg vitamin E, 1.6 mg thiamine, 1.8 mg riboflavin, 2.2 mg vitamin B-6, 2.6 microg vitamin B-12, 100 mg vitamin C, 64 microg vitamin K, 20 mg niacin, 2 mg Cu, and 100 mg Mg). The control group received vitamin A only. RESULTS None of the supplements reduced fetal loss. Compared with control infants, infants whose mothers received FA alone or with iron or iron + zinc had a consistent pattern of 15-20% lower 3-mo mortality; this pattern was not observed with MNs. The effect on mortality was restricted to preterm infants, among whom the relative risks (RRs) were 0.36 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.75) for FA, 0.53 (0.30, 0.92) for FA + iron, 0.77 (0.45, 1.32) for FA + iron + zinc, and 0.70 (0.41, 1.17) for MNs. Among term infants, the RR for mortality was close to 1 for all supplements except MNs (RR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.00, 3.04). CONCLUSIONS Maternal micronutrient supplementation failed to reduce overall fetal loss or early infant mortality. Among preterm infants, FA alone or with iron reduced mortality in the first 3 mo of life. MNs may increase mortality risk among term infants, but this effect needs further evaluation.
High dietary lipids induce liver glucose-6-phosphatase expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

To contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in poor metabolic utilization of dietary carbohydrates by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), we explored in this study the effects of dietary lipids on the regulation of two hepatic key enzymes, i.e., glucokinase (GK, first enzyme of the glycolytic pathway) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase, last enzyme of the gluconeogenesis). Two groups of juvenile trout were pair-fed for 8 wk either a low (10%) or a high (25%) level of dietary lipids supplied as fish oil; the pair-feeding technique was adopted to vary fat intake while keeping the protein and carbohydrate intakes more or less constant. Fish fed the high level of dietary lipids had inefficient control of glycemia compared with fish fed the low level of lipids. Levels of dietary lipids did not affect GK activity even though there was a small increase of GK mRNA level at 3 h after feeding high levels of lipids. By contrast, the high level of dietary lipids significantly increased G6Pase mRNA expression at 3, 6 and 12 h and enzyme activity at 6 h after food consumption. Thus, these data suggest that poor dietary carbohydrate utilization in rainbow trout may be related at least in part to increased hepatic glucose production under conditions of high dietary fat intake.
Electrically tunable liquid crystal terahertz phase shifter driven by transparent polymer electrodes

The use of DMSO-doped-poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin films produced by spin coating as transparent electrodes for a liquid crystal terahertz (THz) phase shifter is reported. The transmittance of these newly proposed transparent electrodes is as high as ∼90%. The phase shifter provides continuous tunability, full electrical controllability, and low-voltage operation at THz frequencies. A maximum phase shift of 129.4° at 1.17 THz is achieved in a 500 μm-thick cell when the driving voltage is as low as 6.7 V (rms).
Food ordering for children in restaurants: multiple sources of influence on decision making

Abstract Objective Restaurants are playing an increasingly important role in children’s dietary intake. Interventions to promote healthy ordering in restaurants have primarily targeted adults. Much remains unknown about how to influence ordering for and by children. Using an ecological lens, the present study sought to identify sources of influence on ordering behaviour for and by children in restaurants. Design A mixed-methods study was conducted using unobtrusive observations of dining parties with children and post-order interviews. Observational data included: child’s gender, person ordering for the child and server interactions with the dining party. Interview data included: child’s age, restaurant visit frequency, timing of child’s decision making, and factors influencing decision making. Setting Ten independent, table-service restaurants in San Diego, CA, USA participated. Subjects Complete observational and interview data were obtained from 102 dining parties with 150 children (aged 3–14 years). Results Taste preferences, family influences and menus impacted ordering. However, most children knew what they intended to order before arriving at the restaurant, especially if they dined there at least monthly. Furthermore, about one-third of children shared their meals with others and all shared meals were ordered from adult (v. children’s) menus. Parents placed most orders, although parental involvement in ordering was less frequent with older children. Servers interacted frequently with children but generally did not recommend menu items or prompt use of the children’s menu. Conclusions Interventions to promote healthy ordering should consider the multiple sources of influence that are operating when ordering for and by children in restaurants.