Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The associations between plasma phytoestrogens concentration and metabolic syndrome risks in Chinese population

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become an important issue in the healthcare systems of both developed and developing countries. Phytoestrogens have shown estrogenic effects, which may involve in the etiology of MetS. The current study consisted of 293 MetS cases and 264 healthy controls. The concentrations of seven plasma phytoestrogens (daidzein, genistein, glycitein, equol, enterolactone, enterodiol and coumestrol) were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Adjusted unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the associations between plasma phytoestrogens concentration and risks of MetS, as well as the associations between plasma phytoestrogens concentration and MetS components. Linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between equol concentration in equol-producers and MetS components. Higher concentrations of total isoflavone and equol were associated with decreased risk of MetS. The equol concentration was negatively associated with waist circumference and positively associated with HDL-C level. Increased daidzein was associated with both lower waist circumference and lower fasting blood glucose levels. Our results suggested that higher plasma total isoflavone, equol and daidzein might decrease MetS risk.
Rates of lysine catabolism are inversely related to rates of protein synthesis when measured concurrently in adult female rats induced to grow at different rates.

To test the effect of changes in the rate of protein synthesis on amino acid oxidation, both were studied concurrently in individual 200-g female Sprague-Dawley rats. In a growth trial (Experiment 1), recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) was injected subcutaneously (0, 2 or 12 mg/d) over 6 d (n = 4 rats per rbST level). Weight gain increased with rbST level (P < 0.01); 1.96 +/- 0.8, 4.24 +/- 0.8 and 8.67 +/- 0.8 g/d, respectively. After treatment with rbST (0 or 12 mg/d) for 4 d (Experiment 2), rats were injected via a tail vein catheter with valine (400 mmol, 4.07 mBq L-[3,4(n)-3H]valine) at 0, 4, 10, 13 or 16 h after the daily rbST injection and killed 20 min later. This flooding dose was 5 to 6 times, not 10 times, the free pool as hoped. Protein synthesis in rbST-treated rats increased 46% in muscle (P < 0.001) and 36% in liver (P < 0.01). The ks was unaltered with time after rbST injection (0-16 h, P > 0.05). When 600 mmol valine (4.4 mBq L-[3,4(n)-3H]valine) was used in Experiment 3, specific activity (SA) of free valine was constant over 20 min and was 94 +/- 4% of that injected. Finally, in Experiment 4, protein synthesis and amino acid oxidation rates measured in the same rat revealed a 35% increase (P < 0.01) in protein synthesis in hind leg muscle and a 29% increase in liver (P < 0.05) from rbST-injected (12 mg/d) rats (n = 6). Lysine oxidation was estimated by continuous (12 h) infusion of L-[1-14C]lysine via the opposite tail vein catheter. Expired CO2 was collected over 20-min intervals and SA at plateau was estimated by fitting an exponential model. Lysine oxidation was reduced (P < 0.05) by 44% in rbST-treated rats. The idea that an increase in protein synthesis results in decreased amino acid oxidation remains tenable.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism affects the change in homocysteine and folate concentrations resulting from low dose folic acid supplementation in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages.

To determine the effects of daily supplementation of 0.5 mg folic acid on homocysteine and folate concentrations, we investigated 49 women with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriages. A methionine loading test (including the vitamin concentrations of concern) was used preceding and after 2 mo of folic acid intake. Subsequently, these effects were studied after stratification for C677T 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism. Folic acid supplementation (for 2 mo) reduced the median fasting and delta (after-load minus fasting) total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations 27% (P < 0.001) and 14% (P < 0.05), respectively. Median serum and red cell folate concentrations increased 275 and 70%, respectively (P < 0.01). The homocysteine-lowering effect was most marked in women with the highest tHcy concentrations at baseline. All MTHFR-genotypes (homozygous T/T, n = 8; heterozygous T/C, n = 23; wild type C/C, n = 18) had a different response to the supplementation. After 2 mo, homozygous women showed the greatest decline in median fasting (-41%; P < 0.01) tHcy concentrations, but the lowest absolute increase in serum folate concentration (+26 nmol/L; P < 0.05). In conclusion, 2 mo of daily supplementation of 0. 5 mg folic acid in women with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriages caused, in general, substantially reduced tHcy concentrations. This effect was most distinct in women with the highest tHcy concentrations at baseline and in women homozygous for the 677 C-->T mutation of the MTHFR-gene.
On the indentation contact area of a creeping solid during constant-strain-rate loading by a sharp indenter

Poly(methyl methacrylate) was contacted by a Berkovich indenter at a range of constant loading strain rates. This particular loading scheme was used to maintain the strain-rate-dependent elastic modulus and indentation hardness of the creeping solid constant throughout loading. A loading curve analysis method identical to that of Malzbender and de With but based on the elastic-perfectly plastic contact model of Hochstetter et al. [ Tribol. Int. 36 , 973–985, 2003] was used to process the load-displacement curves. Using the analysis method together with the strain-rate-dependent elastic modulus of the creeping solid known a priori, the strain-rate-dependent hardness could then be predicted. The predicted hardness versus strain-rate relationship was compared with that evaluated from the observed topographic images of the residual impressions due to heavier indentations at three constant loading strain rates. Based on this comparison, the elastic-perfectly plastic contact model was shown to be applicable to the creeping solid only when deformation takes place at a quasi-static strain rate.
Biochemical and Molecular Actions of Nutrients Uptake of Micellar Long-Chain Fatty Acid and sn2-Monoacylglycerol into Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells Exhibits Characteristics of Protein-Mediated Transport 1

Long-chain fatty acid and sn-2-monoacylglycerol (2-MG) are the digestive products of dietary triacylglycerol (TG) hydrolysis. Although fatty acid uptake into the enterocyte has been examined widely, less is known about 2-MG uptake, and few studies have mimicked the physiologic conditions present in the postprandial situation. In this study, the cellular uptake of oleic acid and 2-monoolein, presented in taurocholate micellar solution, was examined in human intestinal Caco-2 cells to model the postprandial intestinal milieu. Initial uptake of oleic acid and 2-MG displayed a saturable function of their monomer concentrations, suggesting that fatty acid and 2-MG uptake may be protein-mediated processes at low unbound concentrations of lipid. The initial rate of oleate uptake was faster and the apparent Km was lower than values for 2-MG. Unlabeled oleic acid and, to a lesser extent, unlabeled 2-MG, inhibited the uptakes of both [H]oleic acid and [H]2-monoolein, suggesting competitive uptake. The nonphysiologic isomer sn-1-MG had effects similar to 2-MG, whereas the intermediate digestive product, diacylglycerol (DG), did not inhibit either oleate or 2-monoolein uptake. These results suggest that in the postprandial state, fatty acid and 2-MG derived from dietary TG are transported into the enterocyte, at least in part, via a protein-mediated pathway that is shared by both lipids, but not by the intermediate digestive product, DG. J. Nutr. 135: 1626–1630, 2005.
Trophic Cascades in Terrestrial Systems: A Review of the Effects of Carnivore Removals on Plants

We present a quantitative synthesis of trophic cascades in terrestrial systems using data from 41 studies, reporting 60 independent tests. The studies covered a wide range of taxa in various terrestrial systems with varying degrees of species diversity. We quantified the average magnitude of direct effects of carnivores on herbivore prey and indirect effects of carnivores on plants. We examined how the effect magnitudes varied with type of carnivores in the study system, food web diversity, and experimental protocol. A metaanalysis of the data revealed that trophic cascades were common among the studies. Exceptions to this general trend did arise. In some cases, trophic cascades were expected not to occur, and they did not. In other cases, the direct effects of carnivores on herbivores were stronger than the indirect effects of carnivores on plants, indicating that top‐down effects attenuated. Top‐down effects usually attenuated whenever plants contained antiherbivore defenses or when herbivore species diversity was high. Conclusions about the strength of top‐down effects of carnivores varied with the type of carnivore and with the plant‐response variable measured. Vertebrate carnivores generally had stronger effects than invertebrate carnivores. Carnivores, in general, had stronger effects when the response was measured as plant damage rather than as plant biomass or plant reproductive output. We caution, therefore, that conclusions about the strength of top‐down effects could be an artifact of the plant‐response variable measured. We also found that mesocosm experiments generally had weaker effect magnitudes than open‐plot field experiments or observational experiments. Trophic cascades in terrestrial systems, although not a universal phenomenon, are a consistent response throughout the published studies reviewed here. Our analysis thus suggests that they occur more frequently in terrestrial systems than currently believed. Moreover, the mechanisms and strengths of top‐down effects of carnivores are equivalent to those found in other types of systems (e.g., aquatic environments).
Malnourished children and supplementary feeding during the war emergency in Guinea-Bissau in 1998-1999.

BACKGROUND Supplementary feeding programs (SFPs) are intended to mitigate the deterioration of nutritional status and the increase in mortality among malnourished children. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of an SFP on malnourished children in Guinea-Bissau who were returning to their homes after having been displaced within the country because of war in 1998-1999. DESIGN The effect of the war on the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 mo who were present in Bissau sometime from September 1998 to June 1999 was evaluated by comparing the mortality and the prevalence of malnutrition with the values expected had the war not occurred and by comparing the severity of malnutrition in malnourished children before and during the war. The quality of the SFP was also evaluated. Children with midupper arm circumference < 130 mm were provided weekly medical consultations and supplementary feeding until recovery. RESULTS The degree of malnutrition did not increase during the war. The prevalence of malnutrition increased with the start of the war but then decreased. The mortality of malnourished children did not increase during the war. Seventy-four percent of the referred children received treatment; of those, 1% died, 67% recovered, and 32% abandoned treatment. Compliance was 89%. The recovery rate was 13.1. 1000(-1). d(-1), and the median time to recovery was 48 d. Better compliance was associated with shorter time to recovery. CONCLUSIONS Our findings may be biased by changes in the cultural and socioeconomic background of the malnourished children. However, 3 different analyses indicated a beneficial effect of the SFP. Thus, the home-based SFP probably prevented nutritional deterioration during the war in Guinea-Bissau.
Integrated expression analysis identifies transcription networks in mouse and human gastric neoplasia

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. The Tff1 knockout (KO) mouse model develops gastric lesions that include low‐grade dysplasia (LGD), high‐grade dysplasia (HGD), and adenocarcinomas. In this study, we used Affymetrix microarrays gene expression platforms for analysis of molecular signatures in the mouse stomach [Tff1‐KO (LGD) and Tff1 wild‐type (normal)] and human gastric cancer tissues and their adjacent normal tissue samples. Combined integrated bioinformatics analysis of mouse and human datasets indicated that 172 genes were consistently deregulated in both human gastric cancer samples and Tff1‐KO LGD lesions (P < .05). Using Ingenuity pathway analysis, these genes mapped to important transcription networks that include MYC, STAT3, β‐catenin, RELA, NFATC2, HIF1A, and ETS1 in both human and mouse. Further analysis demonstrated activation of FOXM1 and inhibition of TP53 transcription networks in human gastric cancers but not in Tff1‐KO LGD lesions. Using real‐time RT‐PCR, we validated the deregulated expression of several genes (VCAM1, BGN, CLDN2, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, EpCAM, IFITM1, MMP9, MMP12, MMP14, PDGFRB, PLAU, and TIMP1) that map to altered transcription networks in both mouse and human gastric neoplasia. Our study demonstrates significant similarities in deregulated transcription networks in human gastric cancer and gastric tumorigenesis in the Tff1‐KO mouse model. The data also suggest that activation of MYC, STAT3, RELA, and β‐catenin transcription networks could be an early molecular step in gastric carcinogenesis.
Dietary salt enhances glomerular endothelial nitric oxide synthase through TGF-β1.

Dietary salt controls production of nitric oxide (NO), a potent paracrine relaxation factor involved in glomerular filtration and salt excretion. We hypothesized that glomerular NO production was enhanced through endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3). Rats in metabolic cages were studied after 4 days on 0.3% (Lo-salt) or 8.0% (Hi-salt) NaCl diet. Steady-state mRNA and protein levels of NOS3 and calcium-dependent NO production of isolated glomeruli from Hi-salt animals were greater than those values observed in glomeruli from Lo-salt rats. Because dietary salt enhanced glomerular production of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) [W. -Z. Ying and P. W. Sanders. Am. J. Physiol. 274 ( Renal Physiol. 43): F635-F641, 1998], studies were then conducted to examine the interaction between NOS3 and TGF-β1. Glomerular steady-state levels of mRNA of NOS3 and TGF-β1 directly correlated ( r 2 = 0.946; P < 0.0001). A neutralizing antibody to TGF-β reduced NOS3 protein and NO production in cultured glomeruli from Hi-salt animals to levels seen in the Lo-salt glomeruli. Thus dietary salt increased glomerular expression of TGF-β1, which in turn augmented NO production through NOS3.
Omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease and in growth and development.

Several sources of information suggest that man evolved on a diet with a ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids of approximately 1 whereas today this ratio is approximately 10:1 to 20-25:1, indicating that Western diets are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids compared with the diet on which humans evolved and their genetic patterns were established. Omega-3 fatty acids increase bleeding time; decrease platelet aggregation, blood viscosity, and fibrinogen; and increase erythrocyte deformability, thus decreasing the tendency to thrombus formation. In no clinical trial, including coronary artery graft surgery, has there been any evidence of increased blood loss due to ingestion of omega 3 fatty acids. Many studies show that the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on serum lipids depend on the type of patient and whether the amount of saturated fatty acids in the diet is held constant. In patients with hyperlipidemia, omega 3 fatty acids decrease low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol if the saturated fatty acid content is decreased, otherwise there is a slight increase, but at high doses (32 g) they lower LDL cholesterol; furthermore, they consistently lower serum triglycerides in normal subjects and in patients with hypertriglyceridemia whereas the effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) varies from no effect to slight increases. The discrepancies between animal and human studies most likely are due to differences between animal and human metabolism. In clinical trials eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the form of fish oils along with antirheumatic drugs improve joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; have a beneficial effect in patients with ulcerative colitis; and in combination with drugs, improve the skin lesions, lower the hyperlipidemia from etretinates, and decrease the toxicity of cyclosporin in patients with psoriasis. In various animal models omega 3 fatty acids decrease the number and size of tumors and increase the time elapsed before appearance of tumors. Studies with nonhuman primates and human newborns indicate that DHA is essential for the normal functional development of the retina and brain, particularly in premature infants. Because omega 3 fatty acids are essential in growth and development throughout the life cycle, they should be included in the diets of all humans. Omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids are not interconvertible in the human body and are important components of practically all cell membranes. Whereas cellular proteins are genetically determined, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of cell membranes is to a great extent dependent on the dietary intake. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Soy isoflavones modulate immune function in healthy postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND The immune system may be compromised after menopause because of the effects of aging and diminishing concentrations of estrogen, an immune-modulating hormone. Isoflavones, plant-derived compounds with estrogenic and antioxidant properties, may offer immunologic benefits to women during this stage of life. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavones, both in soymilk and in supplement form, on markers of immunity and oxidative stress in postmenopausal women. DESIGN Postmenopausal women aged 50-65 y (n = 52) enrolled in this 16-wk double-blind, placebo-controlled trial were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups: 1) control, 706 mL cow milk/d plus a placebo supplement; 2) soymilk, 71.6 mg isoflavones derived from 706 mL soymilk/d plus a placebo supplement; and 3) supplement, 70 mg isoflavones in a supplement plus 706 mL cow milk/d. Plasma and 24-h urine samples were obtained at baseline and at 16 wk. Immune variables included lymphocyte subsets, cytokine production, and markers of inflammation and oxidative damage. RESULTS Isoflavone intervention in postmenopausal women resulted in higher (P < 0.05) B cell populations and lower (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy-guanosine, an oxidative marker of DNA damage. Isoflavone treatment did not significantly influence concentrations of interferon gamma, interleukin 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or C-reactive protein in plasma or of 8-isoprostane in urine. CONCLUSIONS Soymilk and supplemental isoflavones modulate B cell populations and appear to be protective against DNA damage in postmenopausal women.
A de novo interstitial deletion of 7q31.2q31.31 identified in a girl with developmental delay and hearing loss

We report on a 4‐year‐old female who presented with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and a concern for developmental delay. A genome‐wide SNP array analysis was performed and revealed a de novo 3.2 Mb interstitial deletion of chromosome 7q31.2q31. 31. This region contains thirteen protein‐encoding genes. It is unknown whether haploinsufficiency of any of these genes is responsible for the clinical features of our patient. We reviewed, the clinical phenotype of a previously published 7q31.3 deletion patient and 18 additional patients with overlapping 7q31 deletions listed in the DECIPHER database. The most consistent feature in these patients and our proband is delayed speech and language development. Hearing loss is presented both in our proband and the published 7q31.3 patient. Our study suggests that a small region on chromosome 7q31.3 encompassing four genes, CFTR, CTTNBP2, NAA38, and ANKRD7, may represent a new locus for congenital hearing loss and/or speech development. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Respose of Cultured Nasal Epithelial Cells to Wall Shear Stress

The nasal cavity lining is rich with mucus secreting goblet cells. Nasal defense is based on the mucociliary clearance mechanism, in which the secreted mucus layer traps inhaled particles and is constantly driven towards the nasopharynx for removal of the particles from the body. The mucus layer is also important for the exchange of temperature and water vapor with the inspired air. Airway goblet cells discharge mucus in response to a wide variety of biological stimuli, including cytokines, bacterial products, proteinases, oxidants, irritant gases, and inflammatory mediators [1], as well as biophysical changes, such as osmolarity alterations [2]. © 2007 ASME
Dietary glycemic index and glycemic load are associated with high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol at baseline but not with increased risk of diabetes in the Whitehall II study.

BACKGROUND Findings of the effect of dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) on the risk of incident diabetes are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE We examined the associations of dietary GI and GL with clinical variables at baseline and the incidence of diabetes. DESIGN The 7321 white Whitehall II participants (71% men) attending screening in 1991-1993, free of diabetes at baseline, and with food-frequency questionnaire data were followed for 13 y. RESULTS At baseline, dietary GI and GL were associated inversely with HDL cholesterol, and GI was associated directly with triacylglycerols. Dietary GI and GL were related inversely to fasting glucose and directly to 2-h postload glucose, but only the association between GI and 2-h postload glucose was robust to statistical adjustments for employment grade, physical activity, smoking status, and intakes of alcohol, fiber, and carbohydrates. High-dietary GI was not associated with increased risk of incident diabetes. Hazard ratios (HRs) across sex-specific tertiles of dietary GI were 1.00, 0.95 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.24), and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.22) (adjusted for sex, age, and energy misreporting; P for trend = 0.64). Corresponding HRs across tertiles of dietary GL were 1.00, 0.92 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.19), and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.54, 0.92) (P for trend = 0.01). The protective effect on diabetes risk remained significant after adjustment for employment grade, smoking, and alcohol intake but not after further adjustment for carbohydrate and fiber intakes. CONCLUSION The proposed protective effect of low-dietary GI and GL diets on diabetes risk could not be confirmed in this study.
Does a “Stoplight!” Improve Processing a Stoplight? Cross-Modal Influences of Time-Compressed Spoken Denotations on Automotive Icon Classification

Findings from three experiments support the conclusion that semantic auditory primes facilitate processing of complex warning icons in the automotive context. In Experiment 1, we used a cross-modal icon identification task with auditory primes and visual icons as targets, presented in a high perceptual load context. Responses were faster for congruent priming in comparison to neutral or incongruent priming. This effect also emerged for different levels of time-compression of auditory primes. In Experiment 2, participants took part in a driving simulation with target icons on a gantry road sign. Participants had to categorize the color of the icons. Again, compressed auditory primes facilitated responses in cases of congruency (compared with incongruent and neutral primes). This result was replicated in Experiment 3 with more complex responses (i.e., braking, switching lanes). Our results suggest semantic object-based auditory-visual interactions, which rapidly increase the denoted target object’s salience.