Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Appetite influences the responses to meal ingestion

We have previously shown that the postprandial experience includes cognitive sensations, such as satiety and fullness, with a hedonic dimension involving digestive well‐being and mood. Preload conditioning has been shown to modulate appetite and food consumption under certain conditions, but its effects on the responses to meal ingestion are not clear. We hypothesized that appetite modulation by preload conditioning has differential effects on the cognitive and the emotive responses to meal ingestion.
Analysis of CD8+ T-cell-mediated inhibition of hepatitis C virus replication using a novel immunological model.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Virus-specific CD8+ T cells are required for the control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated the extent to which different effector functions of CD8+ T cells contribute to the inhibition of viral replication. METHODS We developed a novel immunologic model by stably transducing the HLA-A2 gene into the replicon system, matching the epitope sequence of the replicon to the sequence targeted by an HCV-specific CD8+ T-cell clone. Luciferase activity was then measured to quantitate HCV RNA replication. RESULTS HCV-specific CD8+ T cells strongly inhibited viral replication, through cytolytic and noncytolytic mechanisms, in a dose-dependent manner. HCV replication was almost completely inhibited at an effector-to-target ratio of 1:1 with significant cytotoxicity; however, >95% viral inhibition occurred at ratios as low as 1:100. Importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed at low effector-to-target ratios, indicating a dominant effect of noncytolytic effector functions that was confirmed by Transwell experiments. Neutralization experiments revealed that interferon gamma mediates the noncytolytic inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Only a very few HCV-specific CD8+ T cells are required to inhibit HCV replication; inhibition occurs primarily by noncytolytic effector functions.
The absence of LPA2 attenuates tumor formation in an experimental model of colitis-associated cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for colon cancer (CC). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a naturally produced phospholipid, mediates multiple effects that are vital to disease process, including inflammation and cancer. The expression of LPA receptor 2 (LPA2) is up-regulated in several types of cancer, including ovarian and colon cancer, but the importance of LPA and LPA2 in the development and progression of CC is unclear. In this study, we sought to determine whether LPA and LPA2 regulate the progression of CC in vivo. METHODS We examined the potential role of LPA in CC progression by administering LPA to mice heterozygous for the adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) allele. We determined the loss of LPA2 function in tumorigenesis in the colon by treating mice with genetic deletion of LPA2 (LPA2-/-) with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium. RESULTS We found that LPA increased tumor incidence in Apc(min/+) mice. LPA2-/- mice showed reduced mucosal damage and fewer tumors than wild-type (WT) mice. Reduced epithelial cell proliferation and decreases in beta-catenin, Krüppel-like factor 5, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression were observed in LPA2-/- mice. Unlike WT mice, induction of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor was significantly attenuated in LPA2-/- mice with reduced infiltration by macrophages. CONCLUSIONS These results show that LPA is capable of promoting tumorigenesis in the colon. The absence of LPA2 attenuates several effects that contribute to cancer progression in vivo, and, hence, the current study identifies LPA2 as an important modulator of CC.
Comparison of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, air displacement plethysmography and bioelectrical impedance analysis for the assessment of body composition in severely obese Caucasian children and adolescents

The objectives of the present study were to compare body composition assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in severely obese Caucasian children and adolescents and to develop and validate new equations for predicting body composition from BIA using DXA as the reference method. Body composition was assessed in fifty-eight obese children and adolescents (BMI 34·4 (sd 4·9) kg/m2) aged 10–17 years by DXA, ADP and BIA. ADP body fat content was estimated from body density using equations devised by Siri (ADPSiri) and Lohman (ADPLohman). In the whole sample, the Bland–Altman test showed that ADPSiri and ADPLohman underestimated percentage fat mass (%FM) by 2·1 (sd 3·4) and by 3·8 (sd 3·3) percent units (P < 0·001), respectively, compared to DXA. In addition, compared to DXA, BIA underestimated %FM by 5·8 (sd 4·6) percent units in the whole group (P < 0·001). A new prediction equation (FFM (kg) = 0·87 × (stature2/body impedance)+3·1) was developed on the pooled sample and cross-validated on an external group of sixty-one obese children and adolescents. The difference between predicted and measured FFM in the external group was − 1·6 (sd 2·9) kg (P < 0·001) and FFM was predicted accurately (error < 5 %) in 75 % of subjects. In conclusion, DXA, ADP and the BIA are not interchangeable for the assessment of %FM in severely obese children and adolescents. The new prediction equation offers an alternative approach to DXA for the estimation of body composition in severely obese children and adolescents.
The relationship between birth weight and insulin resistance in childhood

Chronic diseases that are typical of adulthood may originate in intra-uterine life through inadequate fetal development. The present epidemiological cohort study of 506 healthy children aged 5–8 years evaluated the relationship between birth weight and insulin resistance in an age group that has been assessed in few similar studies. Insulin concentration was determined by chemiluminescence and insulin resistance by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Blood glucose, total cholesterol and fractions (LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol) and TAG concentrations were determined by automated enzymatic methods. Linear regression analysis investigated the relationship between birth weight (assessed as a continuous variable and in three categories: small for gestational age, SGA; adequate for gestational age and large for gestational age) and the HOMA index, using backward stepwise selection and biological models to explain the causal pathway of the relationship. There were negative associations between birth weight (P < 0·001), SGA (P = 0·027) and the HOMA index, and a positive association between waist circumference (P < 0·001) and the HOMA index. Considering the significant associations between birth weight and waist circumference (P < 0·001) and waist circumference and insulin resistance (P < 0·001), we can probably suspect that lower birth weight is a common cause of higher waist circumference and insulin resistance. In summary, the results of the present study showed increased insulin resistance in apparently healthy, young children, who had lower weight at birth and higher measurements of waist circumference. There is a need to develop public health policies that adopt preventive measures to promote adequate maternal-fetal and child development and enable early diagnosis of metabolic abnormalities.
Successful living donor liver transplantation with cavoportal hemitransposition in diffuse portomesenteric thrombosis

Diffuse porto-mesenteric thrombosis is considered to be a contraindication to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) by numerous transplant centers. We report a successful case of LDLT with cavo-portal hemitransposition (CPHT) in a 36 year old male who presented with diffuse porto-mesenteric thrombosis and de-compensated end stage liver disease. Intraoperatively, the splenic artery was ligated to ameliorate portal hypertension and hypersplenism, and a LDLT with a right lobe graft was performed. In the presence of the porto-systemic collaterals, an end-to-end CPHT was fashioned, instead of a renoportal anastomosis, to provide portal inflow to the allograft. The graft to recipient body weight ratio was 1.06. The cold and warm ischaemia times were 119 and 64 minutes, respectively. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography of the allograft demonstrated good portal and arterial inflows with a normal venous outflow. Post-operatively, the patient had transient renal dysfunction that recovered gradually over a period of 19 days. He also had one episode of hematemesis due to persistent portal hypertension and required blood and platelet transfusions for pancytopenia due to hypersplenism. At follow-up after 26 months post-transplant, he is alive and well, his liver and renal functions tests are normal and CT angiography and Doppler ultrasonography showed a patent cavo-portal anastomosis with good flow. We have demonstrated that LDLT with CPHT can be performed safely in selected patients with diffuse port-mesenteric thrombosis.
Glycaemic index and glycaemic load values of a selection of popular foods consumed in Hong Kong

The objective of the present paper is to provide glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) values for a variety of foods that are commonly consumed in Hong Kong and expand on the international GI table of Chinese foods. Fasted healthy subjects were given 50 g of available carbohydrate servings of a glucose reference, which was tested twice, and test foods of various brands of noodles (n 5), instant cereals (n 3) and breads (n 2), which were tested once, on separate occasions. For each test food, tests were repeated in ten healthy subjects. Capillary blood glucose was measured via finger-prick samples in fasting subjects ( − 5, 0 min) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after the consumption of each test food. The GI of each test food was calculated geometrically by expressing the incremental area under the blood glucose response curve (IAUC) of each test food as a percentage of each subject's average IAUC for the reference food. GL was calculated as the product of the test food's GI and the amount of available carbohydrate in a reference serving size. The majority of GI values of foods tested were medium (a GI value of 56–69) to high (a GI value of 70 or more) and compared well with previously published values. More importantly, our dataset provides GI values of ten foods previously untested and presents values for foods commonly consumed in Hong Kong.
Effects of different hormone therapies on breast pain in recently postmenopausal women: findings from the Mayo Clinic KEEPS breast pain ancillary study.

UNLABELLED Abstract Background: It is estimated that 70% of women in Western societies experience breast pain at least once during their lifetime. In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), women treated with oral conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg) with or without continuous oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg) had a higher incidence of breast pain than those who received placebo. The effect of other hormone therapy regimens on breast pain is unknown. We compared breast pain among healthy, recently menopausal women enrolled in the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) at Mayo Clinic. METHODS Women were randomized to: 0.45 mg/day oral conjugated equine estrogen (o-CEE) plus 200 mg/day micronized progesterone (m-P) for the first 12 days of the month, 50 μg/day transdermal 17β estradiol (t-E2) plus m-P for 12 days, or placebo pills and patch. Participants completed the Mayo Clinic breast pain questionnaire at baseline and yearly for the duration of the study. RESULTS Participants (116) averaged 53.0 years of age and 1.6 years past their last menses at baseline. At baseline, 12 women (10%) reported breast pain with an average worst pain score [from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain)] of 0.39±1.28. With treatment, the number of women reporting pain did not increase, and with either intention-to-treat or per-protocol analyses, breast pain scores did not differ significantly (p=0.39) among groups: t-E2 (0.53±1.21), o-CEE (0.32±0.78), placebo (0.23±0.87). CONCLUSION Four years of treatment with o-CEE at a lower dose than that studied in the WHI with cyclic m-P or transdermal E2 with cyclic m-P did not increase breast pain in healthy, recently menopausal women.
The New Frontiers of Science

The magnificent gifts that I havejust received from the Gasimi Institute1 and from Contessina Germana Gaslini, and the far too laudatory words of Avvocato Carlo Martinengo, president ofthe institute, threaten to bolster my already redoubtable self-satisfaction, so that I must light bonfires to remind myself of this world's vanities. I can feel in your words and attitudes a warm, optimistic expectation, the certitude of things hoped for, the trust in my missionary zeal—all things that are indispensable to anyone working for the love-borne, love-dedicated Gaslini Institute. I bow before these monuments ofChristian and social charity, which I regard as islands of grace, hope, spiritual enrichment, and salvation, where the noblest spiritual gifts find increase and reach out to the farthest horizons.
Salmonella induces flagellin- and MyD88-dependent migration of bacteria-capturing dendritic cells into the gut lumen.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) sample bacteria, such as Salmonella, by extending cellular processes into the lumen to capture bacteria and shuttle them across the epithelium; however, direct evidence of bacteria-loaded DCs travelling back into the tissue is lacking. We hypothesized that sampling is paralleled by migration of DCs into the lumen prior to or following the internalization of Salmonella. METHODS The small intestine and the colon of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were challenged with noninvasive Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344-DeltaSalmonella pathogenicity island (SPI) 1 or Escherichia coli DH5alpha by using isolated loops or oral administration by gavage. Transepithelial migration of DCs was documented by immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and flow cytometry. The role of flagellin was determined by using flagellin (DeltafliC DeltafljB)- and SPI1-SPI2 (DeltaSPI1 DeltassrA)-deficient Salmonella, flagellated E coli K12, and MyD88 mice. RESULTS Salmonella DeltaSPI1 induced migration of CD11c(+)CX(3)CR1(+)MHCII(+)CD11b(-)CD8alpha(-) DCs into the small intestine, whereas flagellin- and SPI1-SPI2-deficient Salmonella, soluble flagellin, and E coli DH5alpha or flagellated K12, failed to do so. DC migration did not occur in the colon; it was not observed in MyD88 mice, and intraluminal DCs internalized Salmonella but did not cross the epithelium to return into tissues. Finally, DC migration was not linked to Salmonella-induced damage of the epithelium. CONCLUSIONS DC-mediated sampling of Salmonella is accompanied by flagellin- and MyD88-dependent migration of Salmonella-capturing DCs into the intestinal lumen. We suggest that the rapid intraluminal migration of Salmonella-capturing DCs may play a role in the protection of the intestinal mucosa against bacterial infection.
Mathematical modelling of energy expenditure during tissue deposition

Predicting the magnitude and rate of weight gain for a given increase of energy intake requires a model of whole-body energy expenditure that includes the energy cost of tissue deposition. Here, I introduce a mathematical framework for modelling energy expenditure that elucidates conceptual problems with the classical Kielanowski method for estimating the efficiencies of body fat and protein deposition. An alternative approach uses the theoretical biochemical efficiencies for protein and fat synthesis in combination with models of energy expenditure that include body fat and protein turnover costs. I illustrate this alternative approach using a simple mathematical model applied to previously published data from growing rats and human infants and compare the simple model results with the classical Kielanowski model. While both models fit the data reasonably well (R2>0·87 in rats and R2>0·67 in infants), the Kielanowski method resulted in parameter estimates that varied widely across experiments, had poor precision, and occasionally produced efficiency estimates greater than 1. In contrast, the new method provided precise parameter values and revealed consistencies across different experiments. The proposed mathematical framework has implications for interpreting studies of animal nutrition as well as providing a roadmap for future modelling efforts.
Increased colorectal cancer incidence in obligate carriers of heterozygous mutations in MUTYH.

BACKGROUND & AIMS MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the MUTYH gene. Patients with MAP are at extremely high risk of colorectal cancer, but the risks of colorectal and other cancers in heterozygous carriers of a single MUTYH mutation are uncertain. We performed a retrospective study of cancer incidence and causes of death among obligate MUTYH heterozygote individuals. METHODS MAP index cases were identified from polyposis registers in Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Cancer incidence, cancer mortality, and all-cause mortality data were collected from 347 parents of unrelated MAP index cases and the spouses of 3 index cases who were also found to be heterozygous for single MUTYH mutations. These data were compared with appropriate national sex-, age-, and period-specific population data to obtain standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR). RESULTS There was a 2-fold increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer among parents of MAP cases, compared with the general population (SIR, 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-3.28). Their colorectal cancer mortality was not increased significantly (SMR, 1.02; 95% CI: 0.41-2.10) nor was overall cancer risk (SIR, 0.92; 95% CI: 0.70-1.18), cancer mortality (SMR, 1.12; 95% CI: 0.83-1.48), or overall mortality (SMR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.80-1.08). CONCLUSIONS The risk of colorectal cancer in heterozygous carriers of single MUTYH mutations who are relatives of patients with MAP is comparable with that of first-degree relatives of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer. Screening measures should be based on this modest increase in risk.
Evaluation of the Feasibility and Quantitative Accuracy of a Generalized Scatter 2D PET Reconstruction Method

Scatter degrades the contrast and quantitative accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) images, and most methods for estimating and correcting scattered coincidences in PET subtract scattered events from the measured data. Compton scattering kinematics can be used to map out the locus of possible scattering locations. These curved lines (2D) or surfaces (3D), which connect the coincidence detectors, encompass the surface (2D) or volume (3D) where the decay occurs. In the limiting case where the scattering angle approaches zero, the scattered coincidence approaches the true coincidence. Therefore, both true and scattered coincidences can be considered similarly in a generalized scatter maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization reconstruction algorithm. The proposed method was tested using list-mode data obtained from a GATE simulation of a Jaszczak-type phantom. For scatter fractions from 10% to 60%, this approach reduces noise and improves the contrast recovery coefficients by 0.5–3.0% compared with reconstructions using true coincidences and by 3.0–24.5% with conventional reconstruction methods. The results demonstrate that this algorithm is capable of producing images entirely from scattered photons, eliminates the need for scatter corrections, increases image contrast, and reduces noise. This could be used to improve diagnostic quality and/or to reduce patient dose and radiopharmaceutical cost.
Keeping high model for end‐stage liver disease score liver transplantation candidates alive

As the mean Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score at time of liver transplantation continues to increase, it is crucial to implement preemptive strategies to reduce wait‐list mortality. We review the most common complications that arise in patients with a high MELD score in an effort to highlight strategies that can maximize survival and successful transplantation. Liver Transpl 21:1428‐1437, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Does family intervention for adolescent substance use impact parental mental health? A systematic review

Abstract Adolescent substance abuse is a prevalent problem and both individual and group family interventions are increasingly being used to assist families to cope. A literature review was conducted to identify whether individual and group family interventions for adolescent substance abuse enhance the mental health of parents and other family members. The review also sought to identify direct and indirect effects of family intervention processes on depressive symptoms and general distress. Based on quality criteria a total of nine studies were included. Of these, six quantitatively examined family intervention outcomes on family member mental health, with all six reporting positive effects. Four of the nine studies measured levels of depressive symptoms and three of these four studies reported significant direct effects of family intervention on parental depression. The positive effects were also found in the three qualitative studies included in the review. Indirect therapeutic mechanisms that contributed to mental health improvements included: reduction of stress symptoms, improved coping, improved family functioning, more effective parenting behaviours, attitude changes, perceived changes in relative’s substance use, and improved social support. The available literature suggests that a number of determinants of family mental health may potentially be impacted through family intervention for adolescent substance abuse. However, definitive conclusions cannot be made at this point as the literature is mostly descriptive and there have been few longitudinal studies or randomised controlled trials.
Effects of Hatha Yoga Exercise on Body Composition, Serum Lipids, and Health-Related Fitness of Obese Middle-Aged Women

본 연구는 체지방률이 30% 이상인 비만중년여성 18명을 대상으로 하타요가 운동이 체조성과 혈청지질 및 건강체력에 미치는 효과와 내장지방에 영향을 미치는 요인을 규명하기 위하여 하타요가 운동을 16주간 운동군과 비운동군으로 나누어 주3회, 80-90% ROMmax, 60분간 실시한 후 운동 전과 후의 신체조성, 내장지방, 혈청지질, 에너지대사 및 건강체력을 측정하여 비교 분석하였다. 본 연구의 결과 운동 후에 하타요가집단은 체중, 체지방률(%BF), 체질량지수(BMI), 허리엉덩이둘레비(WHR) 및 내장지방면적(VFA)이 유의하게 감소하였다. 총콜레스테롤(TC), 중성지방(TG), 저밀도지단백 콜레스테롤(LDL-C), 유리지방산(FFA)은 유의하게 감소하였으나, 고밀도지단백 콜레스테롤(HDL-C)은 유의하게 증가하였으며, 인슐린 저항성지수(HOMA-IR)는 유의하게 감소하였다. 하타요가 집단은 악력, 배근력, 팔굽혀펴기, 윗몸일으키기, 하버드스텝테스트 및 앉아 윗몸앞으로 굽히기는 유의하게 증가하였다. 따라서 장기간의 규칙적이고 지속적인 요가운동이 비만중년 여성의 심혈관질환의 예방에 도움이 되고 비만해소와 대사합병증예방에 긍정적인 효과가 있을 것으로 사료된다. 【The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Hatha Yoga exercise on the body composition, serum lipids, and health-related fitness of obese middle-aged women. The subjects in the Hatha Yoga exercise group (n=9) were 18 obese middle-aged women that trained for 16 weeks and a control group (n=9). Body composition, serum lipids, and health-related fitness were measured in all of the subjects before the start of the training program and at the end of the 16 weeks. The findings of this study were as follows. Body weight, %BF, BMI, WHR, VFA, TC, TG, LDL-C, FFA, and HOMA-IR significantly decreased, whereas LBM, HDL-C, grip strength, back strength, push-ups, sit-ups, Harvard step test, and sitting trunk flexion significantly increased in the Hatha Yoga exercise group after 16 weeks. Therefore, regular and continuous Yoga exercise was effective in improving body composition, serum lipids, and health-related fitness. Consequently, Yoga exercise could be effective for preventing cardiovascular disease caused by obesity in middle-aged women. 】