Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards prevention of vitamin D deficiency and beyond: knowledge gaps and research needs in vitamin D nutrition and public health

The North American Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently published their report on dietary reference intakes (DRI) for Ca and vitamin D. The DRI committee's deliberations underpinning this most comprehensive report on vitamin D nutrition to date benefited hugely from a much expanded knowledge base in vitamin D over the last decade or more. However, since their release, the vitamin D DRI have been the subject of intense controversy, which is largely due to the persistence of fundamental knowledge gaps in vitamin D. These can be identified at the levels of exposure, metabolism, storage, status, dose–response, function and beneficial or adverse health effects, as well as safe and effective application of intake recommendations at the population level through sustainable food-based approaches. The present review provides a brief overview of the approach used by the IOM committee to revise the DRI for vitamin D and to collate from a number of authoritative sources key knowledge gaps in vitamin D nutrition from the public health perspective. A number of research topics are outlined and data requirements within these are identified and mapped to the risk assessment framework used by the DRI committee. While not intended as an exhaustive list, it provides a basis for organising and prioritising research efforts in the area of vitamin D, which may offer a perspective on the major areas in need of attention. It is intended to be of use to researchers, national policy makers, the public health community, industry groups and other relevant stakeholders including funding institutions.
A systematic review and meta-regression analysis of the vitamin D intake–serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D relationship to inform European recommendations

The present study used a systematic review approach to identify relevant randomised control trials (RCT) with vitamin D and then apply meta-regression to explore the most appropriate model of the vitamin D intake–serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) relationship to underpin setting reference intake values. Methods included an updated structured search on Ovid MEDLINE; rigorous inclusion/exclusion criteria; data extraction; and meta-regression (using different model constructs). In particular, priority was given to data from winter-based RCT performed at latitudes >49·5°N (n 12). A combined weighted linear model meta-regression analyses of natural log (Ln) total vitamin D intake (i.e. diet and supplemental vitamin D) v. achieved serum 25(OH)D in winter (that used by the North American Dietary Reference Intake Committee) produced a curvilinear relationship (mean (95 % lower CI) serum 25(OH)D (nmol/l) = 9·2 (8·5) Ln (total vitamin D)). Use of non-transformed total vitamin D intake data (maximum 1400 IU/d; 35 μg/d) provided for a more linear relationship (mean serum 25(OH)D (nmol/l) = 0·044 × (total vitamin D)+33·035). Although inputting an intake of 600 IU/d (i.e. the RDA) into the 95 % lower CI curvilinear and linear models predicted a serum 25(OH)D of 54·4 and 55·2 nmol/l, respectively, the total vitamin D intake that would achieve 50 (and 40) nmol/l serum 25(OH)D was 359 (111) and 480 (260) IU/d, respectively. Inclusion of 95 % range in the model to account for inter-individual variability increased the predicted intake of vitamin D needed to maintain serum 25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/l to 930 IU/d. The model used to describe the vitamin D intake–status relationship needs to be considered carefully when setting new reference intake values in the Europe.
Contraception in primary care.

Educational objectives: Demonstrate the process of helping each individual patient choose an appropriate contraceptive method. Summarize the risks and benefits of various contraceptive methods. Key questions: 1. What are the important features of the history and physical examination that will guide contraceptive choice? 2. What are the options available for reversible contraception? 3. What does the primary care provider need to tell patients about the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives? 4. What are the options available for permanent contraception? 5. What are the overall costs of various contraceptive methods? (excerpt)
Further response from Hoenselaar

cohort a consistent of an association between SFA and CHD. These with with Randomised trials substituting dietary fats suggest a strong correlation between the effect size and the possibility of confounding by other – mostly dietary – variables. Results from prospective cohort studies show the effects from these dietary variables on CHD fully explain the effects observed in the randomised trials. results from both prospective cohort and randomised trials show that changes in serum caused by dietary changes, do not predict effects on CHD in a reliable way.
Uterine artery embolization of symptomatic uterine fibroids: Initial success and short-term results

Purpose: To evaluate reduction in fibroid volume, the effect on clinical symptoms, adverse events and complications after percutaneous uterine artery embolization (UAE) as primary invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Material and Methods: Sixty-two patients entered the study. Indications for treatment were fibroid-induced menorrhagia, bulk symptoms, pain, and/or large fibroid size. The first 50 patients were evaluated by clinical examination and ultrasonography with measurement of fibroid volume before treament and 1, 6 and 12 months after UAE. The remaining 12 patients were followed 3 and 12 months after treatment. Embolization with microparticles was performed percutaneously in local analgesia by selective catheterization of both uterine arteries. Results: A primary technical success with bilateral UAE was achieved in 60/62 (97%) of the patients. They were treated for postprocedural pain lasting up to 24 h. In 30 of the 62 patients with 6 months follow-up, the mean fibroid volume was reduced 68% 6 months after treatment. Twenty-nine (96%) of the patients experienced reduced bleeding, 21 (70%) reduced pain, and 18 (61%) reduced bulk symptoms at follow-up. Conclusion: UAE is a method with a high technical success rate. The treatment has good effect on fibroid volume reduction and clinical symptoms. Severe post-procedural pain occurs generally in successful bilateral embolizations, but complications and adverse events are otherwise few and minor. UAE represents a promising new method for treating uterine fibroid-related symptoms.
Relationships of the Mediterranean dietary pattern with insulin resistance and diabetes incidence in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a highly prevalent but preventable disorder. We assessed the association between an a priori Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) score and fasting glucose and insulin at baseline and incident T2D after a 6-year follow-up in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Dietary intake was measured at baseline using a 127-item FFQ in 5390 men and women aged 45–84 years free of prevalent diabetes and clinical CVD. A MeDiet score was created based on the intake of ten food components: vegetables; whole grains; nuts; legumes; fruits; ratio of monounsaturated:saturated fat; red and processed meat; dairy products; fish; alcohol. Multivariable linear and proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association of the MeDiet, categorised in quintiles, with baseline insulin and glucose, and incident diabetes, respectively. The models were adjusted for demographic, physiological and behavioural characteristics. After multivariable adjustment, individuals with a higher MeDiet score had lower baseline mean insulin levels (Q1: 5·8 (95 % CI 5·6, 6·0) μmol/l; Q5: 4·8 (95 % CI 4·6, 5·0) μmol/l; P for trend < 0·0001). A higher MeDiet score was also associated with significantly lower glucose levels after basic adjustment, but was attenuated after adjustment for waist circumference. During the follow-up, 412 incident diabetes events accrued. The MeDiet was not significantly related to the risk of incident diabetes (P for trend = 0·64). In summary, greater consistency with a Mediterranean-style diet, reflected by a higher a priori MeDiet score, was cross-sectionally associated with lower insulin levels among non-diabetics, and with lower blood glucose before adjustment for obesity, but not with a lower incidence of diabetes.
Fractional urinary fluoride excretion of 6–7-year-old children attending schools in low-fluoride and naturally fluoridated areas in the UK

F is an important trace element for bones and teeth. The protective effect of F against dental caries is well established. Urine is the prime vehicle for the excretion of F from the body; however, the relationship between F intake and excretion is complex: the derived fractional urinary F excretion (FUFE) aids understanding of this in different age groups. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between (1) total daily F intake (TDFI) and daily urinary F excretion (DUFE), and (2) TDFI and FUFE in 6–7-year-olds, recruited in low-F and naturally fluoridated (natural-F) areas in north-east England. TDFI from diet and toothbrushing and DUFE were assessed through F analysis of duplicate dietary plate, toothbrushing expectorate and urine samples using a F-ion-selective electrode. FUFE was calculated as the ratio between DUFE and TDFI. Pearson's correlation and regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between TDFI and FUFE. A group of thirty-three children completed the study; twenty-one receiving low-F water (0·30 mg F/l) and twelve receiving natural-F water (1·06 mg F/l) at school. The mean TDFI was 0·076 (sd 0·038) and 0·038 (sd 0·027) mg/kg per d for the natural-F and low-F groups, respectively. The mean DUFE was 0·017 (sd 0·007) and 0·012 (sd 0·006) mg/kg per d for the natural-F and low-F groups, respectively. FUFE was lower in the natural-F group (30 %) compared with the low-F group (40 %). Pearson's correlation coefficient for (1) TDFI and DUFE was +0·22 (P= 0·22) and for (2) TDFI and FUFE was − 0·63 (P< 0·001). In conclusion, there was no correlation between TDFI and DUFE. However, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between FUFE and TDFI.
A New Galactic Wolf-Rayet Star in Centaurus

I communicate the detection of a new Galactic Wolf-Rayet star (WR60a) in Centaurus. The H- and K-band spectra of WR60a show strong carbon near-infrared emission lines, characteristic of Wolf-Rayet stars of the WC5-7 subtype. Adopting mean absolute magnitude MK and mean intrinsic (𝐽-𝐾𝑆) and (𝐻-𝐾𝑆) colours, it was found that WR60a suffers a mean visual extinction of 3.8±1.3 magnitudes, being located at a probable heliocentric distance of 5.2±0.8 Kpc, which for the related Galactic longitude (l=312) puts this star probably in the Carina-Sagittarius arm at about 5.9 kpc from the Galactic center. I searched for clusters in the vicinity of WR60a and in principle found no previously known clusters in a search radius region of several tens arcminutes. The detection of a well-isolated WR star induced us to seek for some still unknown cluster, somewhere in the vicinity of WR60a. From inspection of 5.8 μm and 8.0 μm Spitzer/IRAC GLIMPSE images of the region around the new WR star, strong mid-infrared extended emission at about 13.5 arcmin south-west of WR60a was found. The study of the H-KS colour distribution of point sources associated with the extended emission reveals the presence of a new Galactic cluster candidate probably formed by at least 85 stars.
TESTOSTERONE AND 5α-ANDROSTAN-17β-OL-3-ONE (DHT) LEVELS IN MAN

: In order to test the hypothesis that plasma 17beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-3-one (DHT) levels might represent a parameter of androgenicity independent of testosterone (T) levels, the T/DHT ratio was determined at low and high T levels in both sexes. High T levels in males were obtained either by stimulation of endogenous T secretion, but im injection of either short or long-acting T esters and finally by oral administration of 200 mg of crystalline testosterone. In females high T levels were obtained either by im injection of long-acting T esters or by oral administration of 200 mg of T. It was observed that the T/DHT ratio was not a function of sex but a function of T levels, whether T had an endogenous or a exogenous origin. When, as in patients with porto-caval shunt or cirrhosis of the liver, the liver was bypassed, oral administration of T resulted in relatively higher DHT levels than expected from T levels: this suggests an extra-hepatic origin of plasma DHT and/or a decreased hepatic metabolism of DHT. In a patient with the testicular feminization syndrome the T/dht ratios both under basal conditions and after im injection of T propionate were similar to those observed in normal subjects.
Comparative study of a new organic selenium source v. seleno-yeast and mineral selenium sources on muscle selenium enrichment and selenium digestibility in broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted on broiler chickens to compare the effect of a new organic Se source, 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA; SO), with two practical Se additives, sodium selenite (SS) and Se yeast (SY). The relative bioavailability of the different Se sources was compared on muscle (pectoralis major) total Se, selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocysteine (SeCys) concentrations and apparent digestibility of total Se (ADSe). In the first experiment, from day (d) 0 to d21, Se sources were tested at different supplied levels and compared with an unsupplemented diet (NC). No significant effects were observed on growth performance during the experimental period. However, the different Se sources and levels improved muscle Se concentration compared with the NC, with a significant source effect in the following order: SS < SY < SO (P< 0·05). Seleno-amino acids speciation results for NC, SY and SO at 0·3 mg Se/kg feed indicated that muscle Se was only present as SeMet or SeCys, showing a full conversion of Se by the bird. The second experiment (d0–d24) compared SS, SY or SO at 0·3 mg Se/kg feed. The ADSe measurements carried out between d20 and d23 were 24, 46 and 49 % for SS, SY and SO, respectively, with significant differences between the organic and mineral Se sources (P< 0·05). These results confirmed the higher bioavailability of organic Se sources compared with the mineral source and demonstrated a significantly better efficiency of HMSeBA compared with SY for muscle Se enrichment.
Nanotechnology-based combination therapy improves treatment response in cancer models

Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) has a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 5%. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown promising results in treating PanCa. Mechanism-based combinations with PDT have enhanced treatment outcome. Agents tested with PDT include Avastin, an antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is approved for treating various cancers. Simultaneous delivery of drugs in nano-constructs could improve the treatment response of mechanism based combination therapies. Here, we investigate the effect of neutralizing VEGF using nanotechnology for the delivery of Avastin in combination with PDT. For this we used a construct called "nanocells" in which the photosensitizer was trapped inside polymer nanoparticles and these, with Avastin, were then encapsulated inside liposomes. In vitro, nanocells containing Avastin (NCA) significantly enhanced cytotoxicity in PanCa cells. NCA based PDT also significantly improved treatment response in mice that were orthotopically implanted with PanCa. Avastin delivered extracellularly in combination with PDT did not show any improvement. Here we propose a new paradigm for Avastin-based therapy by combining intracellular delivery of the antibody and PDT using nanotechnology for treating PanCa.
FRAX[trade] and the assessment of fracture probability: An introduction

FRAXTM is a computer-based algorithm (http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX) that provides models for the assessment of fracture probability in men and women (1-3). The approach uses easily obtained clinical risk factors to estimate 10-year fracture probability. The estimate can be used alone or with BMD to enhance fracture risk prediction. In addition to fracture risk, FRAXTM uses Poisson regression to derive hazard functions of death. These hazard functions are continuous as a function of time which permits the calculation of the 10year probability of hip, clinical spine, humerus or wrist fracture and the 10-year probability of hip fracture. Some of the risk factors affect the risk of death as well as the fracture risk. Examples include increasing age, low BMD and smoking. In the case of age and BMD, the effect is modest since the two hazard functions have an opposing influence on fracture probability. Other risk engines calculate the probability of a clinical event (e.g., a myocardial infarct) without taking into account the possibility of death from other causes. In addition, the FRAXTM model can be calibrated for different countries (1;3).
Conocimientos de los profesionales de la salud para la atención de personas con problemas de alcohol y violencia familiar

Al evaluar la incidencia de vida (durante los años como médico), dos tercios de ellos informaron haber sufrido algún tipo de violencia; de estos, la cuarta parte sufrió violencia física, dieciocho violencia psicológica (insulto) y un caso de acoso sexual. Asimismo, solo uno informó haber sufrido un episodio de violencia física durante el último año, frente a cerca de la mitad de los encuestados que recibieron violencia psicológica tipo insulto o amenaza (Tabla 1).
Effects of supplemental β-carotene on mucosal IgA induction in the jejunum and ileum of mice after weaning

An adequate immune system is required to prevent diarrhoea in neonates, and IgA provides protection against microbial antigens on mucosal surfaces. Although β-carotene supplementation has been expected to enhance the retinoic acid (RA)-mediated immune response in neonates, the exact mechanism of the enhancement of mucosal IgA production in the small intestine by β-carotene is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of supplemental β-carotene on the concentrations of IgA, the numbers of IgA antibody-secreting cells (ASC) and the mRNA expressions of IgA C-region, CCL25, retinoid X receptor (RXR) α, retinoic acid receptor (RAR) α and RARγ in the jejunum and ileum of weanling mice. Weanling mice were fed rodent feed or 50 mg/kg β-carotene-supplemented rodent feed for 7, 14 or 21 d. The concentrations of IgA and the numbers of IgA ASC in the jejunum and ileum of mice increased markedly with age, and supplemental β-carotene increased the concentrations of IgA, the numbers of IgA ASC and the mRNA expressions of IgA C-region, CCL25 and RARγ in the jejunum after 14 and 21 d of treatment. Supplemental β-carotene increased the numbers of IgA ASC in the ileum after 14 and 21 d of treatment, but the concentrations of IgA in the ileum were not affected by β-carotene supplementation. The mRNA expressions of RXRα and RARα in the jejunum and those of RXRα and RARγ in the ileum after 21 d of treatment were enhanced by β-carotene supplementation. These results indicate that β-carotene supplementation in weanling mice is effective to enhance mucosal IgA induction in the jejunum or ileum and that the effects are mainly due to the RA-mediated immune response.
Characterization of 47 Cys2 -His2 zinc finger proteins required for the development and pathogenicity of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.

The Cys2 -His2 (C2H2) zinc finger protein family is the second-largest family of transcription factors (TFs) in Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal fungus responsible for the destructive rice blast disease. However, little is known about the roles of most C2H2 TFs in the development and pathogenicity of M. oryzae. The roles of 47 C2H2 genes in development and pathogenicity were investigated by gene deletion in M. oryzae. The TF-dependent genes in mycelia or appressoria were analyzed with RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Forty-four C2H2 genes are involved in growth (20 genes), conidiation (28 genes), appressorium formation (four genes) and pathogenicity (22 genes) in M. oryzae. Of these, MGG_14931, named as VRF1, is required for pathogenicity, specifically controlling appressorium maturation by affecting the expression of genes related to appressorial structure and function, including melanin biosynthesis, chitin catabolism, lipid metabolism, proteolysis, transmembrane transport, and response to oxidative stress; MGG_01776, named as VRF2, is required for plant penetration and invasive growth; conidiation-related gene CON7 is required for conidial differentiation; and MoCREA, encoding a carbon catabolite repression protein, is a novel repressor of lipid catabolism when glucose obtainable in M. oryzae. This study provides many insights into the regulation of growth, asexual development, appressorium formation, and pathogenicity by C2H2 TFs in M. oryzae.
Genómica de agentes infecciosos: avances y perspectivas en microbiología clínica

El descubrimiento de los secretos de la biologia molecular ha marcado un punto de inflexion en las ciencias biologicas. La genomica es parte fundamental de este auge y se define basicamente como el estudio de la composicion, estructura y funcion del material genetico de los organismos vivos. El presente es un articulo de revision sobre genomica de agentes infecciosos, el cual toca aspectos como la historia y los avances en el tema, para luego entrar en materia sobre ejemplos del conocimiento actual de los genomas de los mas importantes agentes de interes en salud publica, asi como las aplicaciones de los mismos para el mejoramiento de la salud humana. Al final, se ofrece una perspectiva para el futuro de la genomica y conclusiones sobre su aplicacion en el ambito nacional.
Lysophosphatidic acid is a potential mediator of cholestatic pruritus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Pruritus is a common and disabling symptom in cholestatic disorders. However, its causes remain unknown. We hypothesized that potential pruritogens accumulate in the circulation of cholestatic patients and activate sensory neurons. METHODS Cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured in neuronal cell lines by ratiometric fluorometry upon exposure to serum samples from pruritic patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), other cholestatic disorders, and pregnant, healthy, and nonpruritic disease controls. Putative [Ca(2+)](i)-inducing factors in pruritic serum were explored by analytical techniques, including quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. In mice, scratch activity after intradermal pruritogen injection was quantified using a magnetic device. RESULTS Transient increases in neuronal [Ca(2+)](i) induced by pruritic PBC and ICP sera were higher than corresponding controls. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) could be identified as a major [Ca(2+)](i) agonist in pruritic sera, and LPA concentrations were increased in cholestatic patients with pruritus. LPA injected intradermally into mice induced scratch responses. Autotaxin, the serum enzyme converting lysophosphatidylcholine into LPA, was markedly increased in patients with ICP versus pregnant controls (P < .0001) and cholestatic patients with versus without pruritus (P < .0001). Autotaxin activity correlated with intensity of pruritus (P < .0001), which was not the case for serum bile salts, histamine, tryptase, substance P, or mu-opioids. In patients with PBC who underwent temporary nasobiliary drainage, both itch intensity and autotaxin activity markedly decreased during drainage and returned to preexistent levels after drain removal. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that LPA and autotaxin play a critical role in cholestatic pruritus and may serve as potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.