Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A prospective study of weight change and systemic inflammation over 9 y.

BACKGROUND An increase in weight is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. This increased risk may be mediated by inflammation, but no long-term data are available on the effect of weight gain on systemic inflammation. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that weight gain is associated with an increase in systemic inflammation during a 9-y period. DESIGN In 1991 data on body weight and a blood sample were collected from a random sample of 2425 randomly selected adults from a community-based cohort in Nottingham, United Kingdom. In 2000, these measures were repeated in 1301 of these participants. The main outcome measure was change in systemic inflammation as measured by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) from the 1222 participants who provided paired samples. RESULTS The mean change in weight from 1991 to 2000 was 2.9 kg (95% CI: 2.6, 3.2 kg). The geometric mean of CRP in 1991 was 1.22 mg/L (95% CI: 0.03, 125.0 mg/L), and it increased to 1.76 mg/L (95% CI: 0.09, 62.0 mg/L) in 2000 (P<0.001). A linear association was observed between increase in weight and serum CRP, with a 1-kg increment in weight being associated with an additional increase in CRP of 0.09 mg/L (95% CI: 0.02, 0.16 mg/L) during this time period. CONCLUSION During a 9-y period, an increase in weight is associated with an increase in systemic inflammation. This provides a mechanism that may explain some of the previously reported association of weight gain with an increased risk of both cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Trans-inhibition of activation and proliferation signals by Fc receptors in mast cells and basophils

By recruiting the lipid phosphatase SHIP1, Fc receptors mediate not only cis-inhibition but also trans-inhibition. Allergic inflammation gets “SHIP”ped out Fc receptors bind to the Fc portion of antibodies. Fcγ receptors (FcγR) bind to IgG, whereas Fcε receptors (FcεRI) bind to IgE antibodies. Antigen recognition by FcεRI-bound IgE on mast cells and basophils triggers receptor clustering and the release of inflammatory mediators responsible for allergic symptoms. Coclustering of FceRI with FcγRIIB inhibits activation signals (cis-inhibition) by recruiting SHIP1. Malbec et al. showed that FcγRIIB also inhibited signaling through receptors with which these receptors were not coclustered, indicating that FcγRIIB can also mediate trans-inhibition. FcγRIIB limited PIP3-dependent signaling by not only the receptors involved in allergic responses, but also growth factor receptors. FcγRIIB also reduced the oncogen-induced proliferation of mastocytoma cells. These data suggest that manipulating trans-inhibition may provide a general therapy to inhibit inflammatory signaling. Allergic and autoimmune inflammation are associated with the activation of mast cells and basophils by antibodies against allergens or auto-antigens, respectively. Both cell types express several receptors for the Fc portion of antibodies, the engagement of which by antigen-antibody complexes controls their responses. When aggregated on the plasma membrane, high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptors (FcεRI) and low-affinity IgG receptors (FcγRIIIA in mice, FcγRIIA in humans) induce these cells to release and secrete proinflammatory mediators, chemokines, and cytokines that account for clinical symptoms. When coaggregated with activating receptors on the same cells, other low-affinity IgG receptors (FcγRIIB in both species) inhibit mast cell and basophil activation. We found that FcγRIIB inhibited not only signals triggered by activating receptors with which they were coengaged (cis-inhibition), but also signals triggered by receptors engaged independently (trans-inhibition). Trans-inhibition acted upon the FcεRI-dependent activation of mouse mast cells, mouse basophils, and human basophils, and upon growth factor receptor (Kit)–dependent normal mouse mast cell proliferation, as well as the constitutive in vitro proliferation and the in vivo growth of oncogene (v-Abl)–transformed mastocytoma cells. Trans-inhibition was induced by receptors, whether inhibitory (FcγRIIB) or activating (FcεRI), which recruited the lipid phosphatase SHIP1. By hydrolyzing PI(3,4,5)P3, SHIP1 induced a global unresponsiveness that affected biological responses triggered by receptors that use phosphoinositide 3-kinase to signal. These data suggest that trans-inhibition controls numerous physiological and pathological processes, and that it may be used as a therapeutic tool in inflammation, especially but not exclusively, in allergy and autoimmunity.
How Males Can Gain by Harming Their Mates: Sexual Conflict, Seminal Toxins, and the Cost of Mating

We suggest that damaging mating tactics, such as physical aggression, the evolution of genital barbs and spines, and the transfer of seminal toxins may serve as a general means by which males can induce females to avoid or to delay remating. Provided that cumulative damage has an accelerating impact on fitness, a female who has already been harmed by previous partner(s) may do best to refrain from remating to avoid suffering still further damage. Consequently, a male can gain through the imposition of mating costs, even though this may reduce female fitness because by doing so he minimizes the chances that his mate will copulate again. We develop a game theoretical model of this possibility, focusing on toxin transfer as an illustrative example. We show that toxicity as a means of inhibiting remating is phenotypically stable over a broad range of conditions (although, under some circumstances, it may be necessary to invoke other selective pressures to account for the initial evolution of toxicity). The model predicts that toxin transfer should be more common (and involve greater levels of toxicity) in species with greater last‐male mating advantage; it is also most likely where the poison inflicts strongly accelerating, dose‐dependent costs on females.
Using Neuroscience to Inform Tobacco Control Policy

Abstract Introduction Techniques employed in the field of neuroscience, such as eye tracking, electroencephalography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging, have been important in informing our understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying tobacco smoking. These techniques are now increasingly being used to investigate the likely impact of tobacco control policies. Aims and Methods In this narrative review, we outline the value of these methodological approaches in answering policy-relevant tobacco control research questions, with a particular focus on their use in examining the impact of standardized cigarette packaging and health warnings. We also examine the limitations of these methodologies and provide examples of how they can be used to answer other policy-relevant questions. Results We argue that neuroscience techniques can provide more objective evidence of the impacts of policy measures, allow investigation where it is not possible to conduct behavioral manipulations, and facilitate a deeper understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying the impacts of tobacco control policies such as standardized packaging, health warnings, point-of-sale displays, and mass media campaigns. Conclusions Rather than replacing more traditional methods of examining tobacco control measures, such as observational experiments, surveys, and questionnaires, neuroscience techniques can complement and extend these methods. Implications Neuroscience techniques facilitate objective examination of the mechanisms underlying the impacts of tobacco control measures. These techniques can therefore complement and extend other methodologies typically used in this field, such as observational experiments, surveys, and questionnaires.
Are olive oil diets antithrombotic? Diets enriched with olive, rapeseed, or sunflower oil affect postprandial factor VII differently.

BACKGROUND The incidence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Crete was lower than expected on the basis of blood lipid concentrations of participants in the Seven Countries Study. A favorable effect of a high intake of olive oil on thrombogenesis may have contributed to this finding. OBJECTIVE We compared the effects of virgin olive oil with those of rapeseed and sunflower oils on blood coagulation factor VII (FVII), a key factor in thrombogenesis. DESIGN In a randomized and strictly controlled crossover study, 18 healthy young men consumed diets enriched with 5 g/MJ (19% of total energy) olive oil, sunflower oil, or rapeseed oil for periods of 3 wk. On the final day of each period, participants consumed standardized high-fat meals (42% of energy as fat). Fasting and nonfasting blood samples were collected after each period. RESULTS Mean (+/-SEM) nonfasting peak concentrations of activated FVII (FVIIa) were 11.3 +/- 5.1 U/L lower after olive oil than after sunflower oil, an 18% reduction (P < 0.05). Olive oil also tended to cause lower FVIIa peak concentrations than did rapeseed oil (mean difference: 8.6 U/L, a 15% reduction; P = 0.09). There were no significant differences between diets with respect to nonfasting factor VII coagulant activity (FVII:c), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) concentrations, or with respect to fasting plasma values of FVII protein, FVII:c, FVIIa, F1+2, or TFPI. CONCLUSION A background diet rich in olive oil may attenuate the acute procoagulant effects of fatty meals, which might contribute to the low incidence of IHD in Mediterranean areas.
Comparison of 3 ad libitum diets for weight-loss maintenance, risk of cardiovascular disease, and diabetes: a 6-mo randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND The optimal dietary content and type of fat and carbohydrate for weight management has been debated for decades. OBJECTIVE The objective was to compare the effects of 3 ad libitum diets on the maintenance of an initial weight loss of >or=8% and risk factors for CVD and diabetes during a 6-mo controlled dietary intervention. DESIGN Nondiabetic overweight or obese [mean +/- SD body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 31.5 +/- 2.6] men (n = 55) and women (n = 76) aged 28.2 +/- 4.8 y were randomly assigned to a diet providing a moderate amount of fat (35-45% of energy) and >20% of fat as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA diet; n = 54), to a low-fat (20-30% of energy) diet (LF diet; n = 51), or to a control diet (35% of energy as fat; n = 26). Protein constituted 10-20% of energy in all 3 diets. All foods were provided free of charge from a purpose-built supermarket. RESULTS More subjects dropped out of the MUFA (28%) group than out of the LF group (16%) and control group (8%) (MUFA compared with control: P < 0.05). All groups regained weight (MUFA: 2.5 +/- 0.7 kg; LF: 2.2 +/- 0.7 kg; and control: 3.8 +/- 0.8 kg; NS). Body fat regain was lower in the LF (0.6 +/- 0.6%) and MUFA (1.6 +/- 0.6%) groups than in the control group (2.6 +/- 0.5%) (P < 0.05). In the MUFA group, fasting insulin decreased by 2.6 +/- 3.5 pmol/L, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance by 0.17 +/- 0.13, and the ratio of LDL to HDL by 0.33 +/- 0.13; in the LF group, these variables increased by 4.3 +/- 3.0 pmol/L (P < 0.08) and 0.17 +/- 0.10 (P < 0.05) and decreased by 0.02 +/- 0.09 (P = 0.005), respectively; and in the control group, increased by 14.0 +/- 4.3 pmol/L (P < 0.001), 0.57 +/- 0.17 (P < 0.001), and 0.05 +/- 0.14 (P = 0.036), respectively. Dietary adherence was high on the basis of fatty acid changes in adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS Diet composition had no major effect on preventing weight regain. However, both the LF and MUFA diets produced less body fat regain than did the control diet, and the dropout rate was lowest in the LF diet group, whereas fasting insulin decreased and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and ratio of LDL to HDL improved with the MUFA diet. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00274729.
Changes of enzymatic activity in soil supplemented with microbiological preparation UGmax

The influence of the microbiological fertilizer UGmax ® on soil biological activity measured as dehydrogenase and cellulases activities was determined. The research was carried in 2005-2008 on a productive field of 2 ha under winter wheat and winter rape. One half of the field was supplemented with UGmax ® every year after harvest on the stubble and as top-dressing in spring, while the other part was the control. Ten soil samples localized with the GPS were collected every year (2005 – 2008) from the humus horizon. Analyses of basic soil chemical parameters and enzymatic activities were done prior the experiment (in 2005). The results showed that the microbiological preparation UGmax ® significantly promoted the initial phase of the decomposition of post-harvest residues what was confirmed by a clear decrease of cellulase activity in the soil samples taken from the field with UGmax ® as compared with control field. Cellulases activity decreased gradually year after year. The most significant drop of this activity was noted in the specimen taken in the last year. The application of UGmax ® has not influenced the activity of dehydrogenases. The tendency observed over the experiment was similar in both sets of soil samples. Furthermore UGmax application increased soluble carbon content significantly which was confirmed by higher organic carbon and total nitrogen contents.
Dietary fat consumption and primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND Prostaglandin F(2alpha) analogues are effective intraocular-pressure-lowering drugs. Dietary fatty acids affect endogenous prostaglandin F(2alpha) concentrations and may thus influence intraocular pressure. OBJECTIVE We prospectively examined dietary fat consumption in relation to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN Women (n = 76 199 in the Nurses' Health Study) and men (n = 40 306 in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study) free of POAG in 1980 and 1986, respectively, were followed until 1996 if they were > or =40 y old and reported receiving eye exams during follow-up. Potential confounders were assessed on biennial questionnaires, and energy-adjusted cumulative averaged fat intakes were measured by using validated food-frequency questionnaires. We analyzed 474 self-reported POAG cases confirmed by medical chart review. Cohort-specific multivariate rate ratios (RRs) were obtained by using proportional hazards models and were then pooled. RESULTS Major fats and fat subtypes were not independently associated with POAG risk. Pooled multivariate RRs (95% CI) for POAG comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of fat intake were as follows: 0.90 (0.67, 1.21) for total fat, 1.03 (0.77, 1.38) for saturated fat, 0.76 (0.56, 1.03) for monounsaturated fat, and 0.87 (0.66, 1.16) for polyunsaturated fat, none of which were statistically significant. We found a suggestive positive association between a higher ratio of n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fat and risk of POAG [RR = 1.49 (1.11, 2.01); P for trend = 0.10], which was stronger for high-tension POAG [RR = 1.68 (1.18, 2.39); P for trend = 0.009]. CONCLUSION A high ratio of n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fat appears to increase the risk of POAG, particularly high-tension POAG. Further studies are needed.
Late systolic pressure augmentation: role of left ventricular outflow patterns.

Late systolic augmentation of the ascending aortic pressure waveform is believed to be caused by particular impedance patterns but also could be caused by particular left ventricular outflow patterns. Using a linear mathematical model of the entire human arterial tree, we derived realistic impedance patterns by altering 1) Young's modulus of the arterial wall of the individual branches, 2) peripheral reflection coefficients, and 3) distal compliances at the terminations. These calculated impedance patterns were then coupled to realistic left ventricular outflow patterns determined by unique 1) end-diastolic and end-systolic pressure-volume relationships, 2) preload-recruitable stroke work relationships, and 3) shortening paths simulated by altered aortic flow contours. As determined by the ratio of the individual parameter coefficient of determination ( r 2) to the overall model r 2, late systolic pressure augmentation was more strongly determined by left ventricular outflow patterns than by arterial impedance parameters ( r 2 ratio: 53% vs. 33%). Thus left ventricular outflow patterns are at least as important as impedance parameters in determining late systolic pressure augmentation in this model.
Predictive Factors for Long-term Outcome of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease

Despite the recognition of the usefulness of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), preoperative predictive factors for the long-term outcome of STN-DBS are not sufficiently established. We performed this study to determine such predictive factors. The subjects were 66 patients who were classified into two groups on the basis of their activities of daily living (ADL) evaluated five years after the STN-DBS surgery: 33 patients were assigned to the independent ADL group (group I) and the remaining 33 patients to the dependent ADL group (group D). Group I patients showed a Schwab and England (S&E) scale score of more than 70 during the off-period, indicating that these patients can maintain their independent ADL all the time. Group D patients showed a score of 70 or lower during the off-period, indicating that these patients cannot maintain their independent ADL for an entire day. We studied the differences in the preoperative state between these two groups. Statistically significant differences were noted in PD onset age, age at surgery, preoperative unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS) part I score, part II score, total subscore for axial symptoms in part III, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score and S&E score. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the significant independent variables related to long-term independent ADL were the age at surgery, MMSE score and preoperative S&E scale score during the off-period. The PD onset age, age at surgery, preoperative high-level ADL, cognitive function, and axial symptoms are important predictive factors for the long-term outcome of STN-DBS.
Conjugated polymer actuators and sensors: Modeling, control, and applications

CONJUGATED POLYMER ACTUATORS AND SENSORS: MODELING, CONTROL, AND APPLICATIONS By Yang Fang Conjugated polymers are soft actuation and sensing materials with promising applications in biomedical devices and micromanipulation systems. However, their sophisticated electro-chemo-mechanical dynamics and nonlinear behaviors present significant challenges in such applications. This dissertation is focused on using systems and control tools to address these challenges. In particular, a systems perspective is taken to model the dynamic and nonlinear behavior of conjugated polymer actuators and sensors, an adaptive control scheme is developed to handle model uncertainties, and a conjugated polymer actuatedmicropump is explored both as an interesting application and a platform for validating and extending proposed models. Experimental results on trilayer polypyrrole (PPy) actuators and sensors are presented throughout the dissertation to support the modeling and control studies. On the modeling aspect, a linear, partial differential equation (PDE) is first used to capture the ion transport dynamics in actuation and sensing. With proper boundary conditions, the PDE is solved to derive an infinite-dimensional transfer function model that is geometrically scalable and amenable to model reduction. Nonlinear behaviors, in both electrical and mechanical domains, are also modeled. In particular, on the electrochemical side, a reduction-oxidation (redox) level-dependent impedance model is obtained by applying perturbation analysis to a nonlinear PDE. On the mechanical side, a nonlinear elasticity theory-based framework is proposed to capture the mechanics involved in large deformation. The framework has not only been effective in modeling a bending actuator, but also motivated the study of a novel, torsional actuator that is based on a fiber-directed PPy tube. On the control aspect, a robust adaptive control scheme is proposed to tackle the timevarying behavior of conjugated polymer actuators. Based on a reduced, linear model, a self-tuning regulator with parameter projection is designed and implemented. The robust adaptive control scheme has shown in experiments its superiority to traditional PID control schemes and a fixed model-following scheme. Finally, the application of conjugated polymer actuators to micropumps is explored. A conjugated polymer-actuated diaphragm micropump is designed and fabricated. In contrast to a typical design of clamping an actuation membrane at all edges, a novel, petal-shaped diaphragm design is proposed to alleviate the effect of edge constraints. Transfer function models from the actuation voltage to the diaphragm curvature and to the flow rate are obtained and verified experimentally. A flow rate of 1260 μL/min is achieved for the new diaphragm design, which represents a significant improvement over the traditional design.
Carbohydrate balance predicts weight and fat gain in adults.

BACKGROUND The prevention and treatment of obesity is a public health challenge. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of dietary composition, insulin sensitivity (S(I)), and energy balance on predicted changes in body composition. DESIGN In a randomized crossover design study, 39 normal-weight (n = 23), overweight (n = 8), and obese (n = 8) men and women (aged 25-36 y) each followed a 15-d isocaloric high-fat (HF; 50% fat) and high-carbohydrate [HC; 55% carbohydrate (CHO)] diet with a 4-6-wk washout period during the first year. During each treatment, energy balance was measured while the subjects were inactive by using indirect calorimetry on day 15, and S(I) was measured by using a euglycemic clamp study (40 mU . m(-2) . min(-1)) on day 16. Weight and body composition were then measured annually for 4 y. The outcomes for fat mass, percentage body fat, and weight were measured by using a linear 2-stage mixed model. RESULTS CHO balance (day 15) and S(I) (day 16) on the HC diet were highly and significantly correlated (r = 0.55, P < 0.001). On the HC diet, the subjects who had a higher positive CHO balance (day 15) gained less fat mass (P < 0.001), percentage body fat (P = 0.006), and weight (P = 0.024) over time. When adjusted for S(I), CHO balance remained a significant predictor of changes in fat mass (P = 0.021) and percentage body fat (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS On a HC diet, the subjects who had a higher positive CHO balance on day 15 while they were inactive gained less fat mass during 4 y, a predictive effect independent of S(I). As suggested in rodents, the capacity to expand the glycogen pool might reduce energy intake and protect against fat and weight gain.
Thyroid hormone stimulates the renal Na/H exchanger NHE3 by transcriptional activation.

Thyroid hormone stimulates renal proximal tubule NaCl and NaHCO3 absorption in part by activating the apical membrane Na/H exchanger NHE3. We used a renal epithelial cell line, the opossum kidney (OK) cell, to define the mechanism by which 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) increases NHE3 activity. T3 stimulated NHE3 activity, an effect that was blocked by inhibition of cellular transcription or translation. The increase in activity was associated with increases in steady-state cell surface and total cellular NHE3 protein and NHE3 transcript abundance. T3stimulated transcription of the NHE3 gene and had no effect on NHE3 transcript stability. The transcriptional activity of the 5'-flanking region of the rat NHE3 gene was stimulated by T3 when expressed in OK cells. When heterologously expressed rat NHE3 transcript levels were clamped constant with a constitutive promoter in OK cells, T3 has no effect on rat NHE3 protein abundance, suggesting the absence of regulation of NHE3 protein stability or translation. These studies demonstrate that T3 stimulates NHE3 activity by activating NHE3 gene transcription and increasing NHE3 transcript and protein abundance.