Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variations in Postprandial Ghrelin Status following Ingestion of High-Carbohydrate, High-Fat, and High-Protein Meals in Males

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of postprandial acylated ghrelin to changes in macronutrient composition of meals in healthy adult males. Methods: A randomized crossover study was performed. Ten healthy adult males were recruited. All subjects received, on separate occasions, a high-carbohydrate (HC), a high-fat (HF), and a high-protein (HP) meal. Blood samples were collected before and 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min following the ingestion of each meal. Plasma acylated ghrelin as well as serum insulin, glucose, and triglycerides were measured. Results: The levels of acylated ghrelin fell significantly following the three meals. The HC meal induced the most significant decrease in postprandial ghrelin secretion (–15.5 ± 2.53 pg/ml) as compared with HF (–8.4 ± 2.17 pg/ml) and HP (–10.0 ± 1.79 pg/ml) meals (p < 0.05). However, at 180 min, the HP meal maintained significantly lower mean ghrelin levels (29.7 ± 3.56 pg/ml) than both HC (58.4 ± 5.75 pg/ml) and HF (45.7 ± 5.89 pg/ml) meals and lower levels than baseline (43.4 ± 5.34 pg/ml) (p <0.01). The postprandial insulin levels increased to significantly higher levels following the HC meal (+80.6 ± 11.14 µU/ml) than following both HF (37.3 ± 4.82 µU/ml) and HP (51.4 ± 6.00 µU/ml) meals (p < 0.001). However, at 180 min, the mean insulin levels were found to be significantly higher following the HP meal (56.4 ± 10.80 µU/ml) as compared with both HC (30.9 ± 4.31 µU/ml) and HF (33.7 ± 4.42 µU/ml) meals (p < 0.05). Acylated ghrelin was also found to be negatively correlated with circulating insulin levels, across all meals. Conclusions: These results indicate that the nutrient composition of meals affects the extent of suppression of postprandial ghrelin levels and that partial substitution of dietary protein for carbohydrate or fat may promote longer-term postprandial ghrelin suppression and satiety. Our results also support the possible role of insulin in meal-induced ghrelin suppression.
Screening for prostate cancer with prostate-specific antigen. An examination of the evidence.

After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the leading cause of deaths from cancer among men in the United States. It will claim 40,000 lives in 1995.1 Studies in the early 1990s demonstrated that levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a serine protease, are elevated in most men with clinically important prostate cancer and that measuring them is the best means for early detection of the disease.2–5 In 1993, the American Cancer Society recommended that clinicians measure PSA in all men 50 years of age and older as part of an annual prostate examination and that PSA screening should begin at .
Brain energy metabolism and intracranial pressure in idiopathic adult hydrocephalus syndrome

Background: The symptoms in idiopathic adult hydrocephalus syndrome (IAHS) are consistent with pathology involving the periventricular white matter, presumably reflecting ischaemia and CSF hydrodynamic disturbance. Objective: To investigate whether a change in intracranial pressure (ICP) can affect energy metabolism in deep white matter. Methods: A microdialysis catheter, a brain tissue oxygen tension probe, and an ICP transducer were inserted into the periventricular white matter 0–7 mm from the right frontal horn in 10 patients with IAHS. ICP and intracerebral Ptio2 were recorded continuously during lumbar CSF constant pressure infusion test. ICP was raised to pressure levels of 35 and 45 mm Hg for 10 minutes each, after which CSF drainage was undertaken. Microdialysis samples were collected every three minutes and analysed for glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glutamate. Results: When raising the ICP, a reversible drop in the extracellular concentrations of glucose, lactate, and pyruvate was found. Comparing the values during baseline to values at the highest pressure level, the fall in glucose, lactate, and pyruvate was significant (p<0.05, Wilcoxon sign rank). There was no change in glutamate or the lactate to pyruvate ratio during ICP elevation. Ptio2 did not decrease during ICP elevation, but was significantly increased following CSF drainage. Conclusions: Raising intracranial pressure induces an immediate and reversible change in energy metabolism in periventricular white matter, without any sign of ischaemia. Theoretically, frequent ICP peaks (B waves) over a long period could eventually cause persisting axonal disturbance and subsequently the symptoms noted in IAHS.
Real-time parameterized expectations and the effects of government spending

In this paper, we explore the effects of government spending in the real business cycle model where agents use a learning mechanism to form expectations. In contrast to most of the learning literature, we study learning behaviour in the original non-linear model. Following the learning interpretation of the parameterized expect- ations method, agents’ forecast rules are approximations of the conditional expectations appearing in the Euler equation. We show that variation in agents’ beliefs about the coefficients of these rules, generates time variation in the transmission of government spending shocks to the economy. Hence, our modelling approach provides an endogenous mechanism for time-varying government spending multipliers in the standard real business cycle model.
Are zona pellucida genes involved in recurrent oocyte lysis observed during in vitro fertilization? Are genes involved in recurrent oocyte lysis observed during in vitro fertilization?

Auteur Ferré, Marc [1], Amati-Bonneau, Patrizia [2], Moriniere, C. [3], Ferre-L'Hotellier, V. [4], Lemerle, S. [5], Przyrowski, D. [6], Procaccio, Vincent [7], Descamps, Philippe [8], Reynier, Pascal [9], May-Panloup, Pascale [10] Editeur Springer Verlag Type Article scientifique dans une revue à comité de lecture Année 2014 Date 2014 Numéro 2 Pagination 221 7 Volume 31 Titre de la revue Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics
Homologues of Oxysterol‐Binding Proteins Affect Cdc42p‐ and Rho1p‐Mediated Cell Polarization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Polarized cell growth requires the establishment of an axis of growth along which secretion can be targeted to a specific site on the cell cortex. How polarity establishment and secretion are choreographed is not fully understood, though Rho GTPase‐ and Rab GTPase‐mediated signaling is required. Superimposed on this regulation are the functions of specific lipids and their cognate binding proteins. In a screen for Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes that interact with Rho family CDC42 to promote polarity establishment, we identified KES1/OSH4, which encodes a homologue of mammalian oxysterol‐binding protein (OSBP). Other yeast OSH genes (OSBP homologues) had comparable genetic interactions with CDC42, implicating OSH genes in the regulation of CDC42‐dependent polarity establishment. We found that the OSH gene family (OSH1–OSH7) promotes cell polarization by maintaining the proper localization of septins, the Rho GTPases Cdc42p and Rho1p, and the Rab GTPase Sec4p. Disruption of all OSH gene function caused specific defects in polarized exocytosis, indicating that the Osh proteins are collectively required for a secretory pathway implicated in the maintenance of polarized growth.
Anastomotic Leaks After Intestinal Anastomosis: It's Later Than You Think

Purpose:Anastomotic leaks are among the most dreaded complications after colorectal surgery. However, problems with definitions and the retrospective nature of previous analyses have been major limitations. We sought to use a prospective database to define the true incidence and presentation of anastomotic leakage after intestinal anastomosis. Methods:A prospective database of two colorectal surgeons was reviewed over a 10-year period (1995–2004). The incidence of leak by surgical site, timing of diagnosis, method of detection, and treatment was noted. Complications were entered prospectively by a nurse practitioner directly involved in patient care. Standardized criteria for diagnosis were used. A logistic regression model was used to discriminate statistical variation. Results:A total of 1223 patients underwent resection and anastomosis during the study period. Mean age was 59.1 years. Leaks occurred in 33 patients (2.7%). Diagnosis was made a mean of 12.7 days postoperatively, including four beyond 30 days (12.1%). There was no difference in leak rate by surgeon (3.6% vs. 2.2%; P = 0.08). The leak rate was similar by surgical site except for a markedly increased leak rate with ileorectal anastomosis (P = 0.001). Twelve leaks were diagnosed clinically versus 21 radiographically. Contrast enema correctly identified only 4 of 10 leaks, whereas CT correctly identified 17 of 19. A total of 14 of 33 (42%) patients had their leak diagnosed only after readmission. Fifteen patients required fecal diversion, whereas 18 could be managed nonoperatively. Conclusions:Anastomotic leaks are frequently diagnosed late in the postoperative period and often after initial hospital discharge, highlighting the importance of prospective data entry and adequate follow-up. CT scan is the preferred diagnostic modality when imaging is required. More than half of leaks can be managed without fecal diversion.
A Gastric-Brooding Asteroid, Smilasterias multipara

Abstract The gastric-brooding asterinid sea star, Smilasterias multipara, broods from late August to early November in the shallow sublittoral zone of southeastern Australia. We observed males and females spawning in the laboratory. They shed gametes through gonopores on the sides of the arms. The eggs were orange, about 1.0 mm in diameter, and heavier than seawater. They were externally fertilized by sperm, and placed into the stomach of the female by the tube feet. Twenty-four hours after fertilization, the first cleavage occurred. Cleavage was equal, total, and radial. Development via a non-feeding lecithotrophic brachiolaria was direct, there being no planktrotrophic bipinnaria or brachiolaria larva. Embryos developed, through wrinkled blastula and gastrula stages, into brachiolariae with arms. All of the surfaces of the brachiolaria were covered by cilia. At metamorphosis, a starfish rudiment appeared on the posterior portion of the larval body, while the anterior portion of the larval body was absorbed. Two months after fertilization, metamorphosis was complete. After metamorphosis, juveniles in the stomach grew six pairs of tube feet in each arm. Juveniles, 3 mm in diameter, emerged from the mouth of the mother in early November. Developmental evidence suggests that this asteroid has evolved mechanisms for the protection of larvae and juveniles from gastric digestion.
What does the future hold for cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition?

Purpose of review This article summarizes the latest studies relevant to cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibition and cardiovascular risk and proposes a series of patient populations that might eventually derive benefits from CETP inhibition. Recent findings Results of recently published genetic epidemiology studies have helped shape our understanding of the association between lipoprotein–lipid levels and cardiovascular disease risk. These studies have confirmed the proatherogenic role of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins and triglycerides and renewed our interest for lipoprotein(a) as a significant and causal predictor of cardiovascular risk. The association between HDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, albeit strong and consistent, is unlikely to be of causative nature, at least according to genetic epidemiology. However, a handful of intriguing studies have highlighted a predictive role for HDL cholesterol efflux capacities in predicting cardiovascular risk independently of HDL cholesterol levels. Potent CETP inhibitors, currently under investigation, significantly decrease apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) and increase both HDL cholesterol levels and HDL cholesterol efflux capacities. Summary Two phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes trials testing the hypothesis that CETP inhibition will reduce cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients are well underway. The future of CETP inhibition will depend on the outcomes of these trials.
Intercostal muscle blood flow limitation in athletes during maximal exercise

We investigated whether, during maximal exercise, intercostal muscle blood flow is as high as during resting hyperpnoea at the same work of breathing. We hypothesized that during exercise, intercostal muscle blood flow would be limited by competition from the locomotor muscles. Intercostal (probe over the 7th intercostal space) and vastus lateralis muscle perfusion were measured simultaneously in ten trained cyclists by near‐infrared spectroscopy using indocyanine green dye. Measurements were made at several exercise intensities up to maximal (WRmax) and subsequently during resting isocapnic hyperpnoea at minute ventilation levels up to those at WRmax. During resting hyperpnoea, intercostal muscle blood flow increased linearly with the work of breathing (R2= 0.94) to 73.0 ± 8.8 ml min−1 (100 g)−1 at the ventilation seen at WRmax (work of breathing ∼550–600 J min−1), but during exercise it peaked at 80% WRmax (53.4 ± 10.3 ml min−1 (100 g)−1), significantly falling to 24.7 ± 5.3 ml min−1 (100 g)−1 at WRmax. At maximal ventilation intercostal muscle vascular conductance was significantly lower during exercise (0.22 ± 0.05 ml min−1 (100 g)−1 mmHg−1) compared to isocapnic hyperpnoea (0.77 ± 0.13 ml min−1 (100 g)−1 mmHg−1). During exercise, both cardiac output and vastus lateralis muscle blood flow also plateaued at about 80% WRmax (the latter at 95.4 ± 11.8 ml min−1 (100 g)−1). In conclusion, during exercise above 80% WRmax in trained subjects, intercostal muscle blood flow and vascular conductance are less than during resting hyperpnoea at the same minute ventilation. This suggests that the circulatory system is unable to meet the demands of both locomotor and intercostal muscles during heavy exercise, requiring greater O2 extraction and likely contributing to respiratory muscle fatigue.
Surgical management of tricuspid valve endocarditis in systemically infected patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Isolated bacterial tricuspid valve (TV) endocarditis is usually managed medically. Whilst the indications and optimal timing for surgical treatment of the condition have not been clearly defined, it is hypothesized that early surgery in patients who are bacteremic and/or have evidence of systemic seeding is superior to medical treatment. METHODS All cases of isolated TV endocarditis reported between 2006 and 2011 at the authors' institution were reviewed. Patients with bacteremia and/or systemic seeding who were treated surgically after short-term medical therapy were compared to an equivalent group of patients who remained under long-term medical treatment only. RESULTS A total of 45 patients with isolated TV endocarditis showed evidence of bacteremia and/or systemic seeding. Of these patients, 10 (22.2%) were treated surgically with valve repair or replacement, and 35 (77.8%) received long-term medical therapy only. The 30-day and one-year survival rates in both groups were comparable (100% versus 88.6%, p = 0.27). Patients treated surgically had clear blood cultures sooner (2.0 versus 6.7 days, p = 0.04), defervesced earlier (0 versus 9.0 days, p = 0.02), and demonstrated a complete resolution of TV vegetations (100% versus 30.0%, p = 0.003). Change in creatinine clearance (+22.1 versus +11.6 ml/min, p = 0.40) and durations of vasopressor support (6.8 versus 8.9 h, p = 0.86), mechanical ventilation (8.5 versus 32.2 h, p = 0.44), ICU stay (148.1 versus 53.8 h, p = 0.14) and total hospital stay (32.1 versus 24.6 days, p = 0.22) were not different between groups. Long-term echocardiogram surveillance demonstrated a higher prevalence of moderate-severe tricuspid regurgitation in the medically treated patients (75.0 versus 0.0%, p < 0.001). None of the patients treated surgically was readmitted with prosthetic valve endocarditis. CONCLUSION Early surgery is warranted in patients with isolated TV endocarditis who are bacteremic and/or systemically infected despite optimal medical therapy.
Atorvastatin and pitavastatin reduce senile plaques and inflammatory responses in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Objectives: To examine and compare the pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects and the long-term effects of atorvastatin and pitavasatin in mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: We examined the effects of two strong statins on senile plaque (SP) size and inflammatory responses in the brain of an amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic (Tg) mouse. We gave the Tg mice either atorvastatin or pitavastatin from 5–20 months of age, and performed immunohistological analysis [SP area, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1)-positive neurons, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1)-1-positive microglia, and tumor necrosis factor &alpha ( (TNF-α)-positive neurons] every 5 months. Results: In the APP-Tg mice treated with both statins, the number of MCP-1-positive neurons was reduced at 10 months, that of Iba-1-positive microglia was reduced at 15 months, and that of TNF-α-positive neurons and the mean total SP area decreased at 15–20 months, compared with APP-Tg mice with vehicle treatment. Discussion: The protective effect of these statins took 5 months to reach significance in these mice, and the order of sensitivity to statin treatment was MCP-1>Iba-1>TNF-α>SPs. Proinflammatory responses including MCP-1, Iba-1, and TNF-α preceded and possibly contributed to SP formation. Pitavastatin has the same significant pleiotrophic effect to prevent and ameliorate inflammation and also has a long-term effect compared with atorvastatin, and both of them have high potential for a preventative approach in patients at risk of AD.
Prevalence of radiographic findings thought to be associated with femoroacetabular impingement in a population-based cohort of 2081 healthy young adults.

PURPOSE To report the prevalence of qualitative radiographic findings for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and associations among them and to characterize the inter- and intraobserver variability of these interpretations. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is part of an institutional review board-approved population-based prospective follow-up of 2081 of 4006 (participation rate, 51.9%) young adults (874 [42.0%] male participants, 1207 [58.0%] female participants; mean age, 18.6 years) who took part in a randomized hip trial on developmental dysplasia of the hip. All participants gave informed consent. Two pelvic radiographs were obtained. Pistol-grip deformity, focal femoral neck prominence, and flattening of the lateral head, all suggestive of cam-type impingement, and the posterior wall sign, excessive acetabular coverage, and crossover sign, all suggestive of pincer-type impingement, were assessed subjectively by an experienced radiologist. To assess inter- and intraobserver agreement, images from 350 examinations were read independently twice by two observers. RESULTS Cam-type deformities were seen in 868 male and 1192 female participants, respectively, as follows: pistol-grip deformity, 187 (21.5%) and 39 (3.3%); focal femoral neck prominence, 89 (10.3%) and 31 (2.6%); and flattening of the lateral femoral head, 125 (14.4%) and 74 (6.2%). Pincer-type deformities were seen in the same numbers of male and female participants, respectively, as follows: posterior wall sign, 203 (23.4%) and 131 (11.0%); and excessive acetabular coverage, 127 (14.6%) and 58 (4.9%) (all P < .001, according to sex distribution). The crossover sign was seen in 446 (51.4%) and 542 (45.5%) of the male and female participants, respectively (P = .004). There was a high degree of coexistence (odds ratio [OR] > 2) among most FAI findings. Interobserver agreement was good to very good (κ = 0.74-0.84) in rating cam- and pincer-type findings. Intraobserver agreement was moderate or good (κ = 0.49-0.80) for all findings for both observers. CONCLUSION Overall, radiographic FAI findings are quite common in a population of healthy young adults, especially in males, with a high degree of coexistence among most findings (OR > 2).
Radiosensitising agents for the radiotherapy of cancer: advances in traditional and hypoxia targeted radiosensitisers

Background: Radiotherapy is utilised for the treatment of ∼ 50% of patients with solid tumours, but its efficacy is limited by normal tissue toxicity and by the intrinsic or acquired radioresistance of many tumours. The combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapeutic agents that preferentially sensitise tumour cells to its cytotoxic effects has thus long been considered as a strategy to enhance cancer therapy. However, current chemoradiotherapy protocols remain highly unsatisfactory. Therefore, continuing efforts are being conducted to identify improved radiosensitising agents. Objective: To survey the patent literature and associated peer-reviewed publications of the past 4 years pertaining to the development of novel radiosensitising agents, with a focus on anticancer drugs traditionally used as radiosensitisers and on agents targeting radioresistant hypoxic tumour cells. Methods: Patents were searched with a set of relevant keywords using several search engines (ep.espacenet.com/, www.freepatentsonline.com/, patft.uspto.gov/). A Medline search on the same topics was performed in parallel. Results/conclusion: A total of 37 patents/applications were retrieved. Of these, 14 concern the use of conventional anticancer cytotoxic drugs for tumour radiosensitisation. The other patents mostly disclose novel hypoxic radiosensitisers, bioreductive drugs and inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factor-1. Whether these advances will translate into clinically valuable radiosensitisers is, however, unclear.
Psychosocial outcome of living donors after living donor liver transplantation: a pilot study

Walter M, Bronner E, Pascher A, Steinmüller T, Neuhaus P, Klapp BF, Danzer G: Psychosocial outcome of living donors after living donor liver transplantation: a pilot study. Clin Transplant 2002: 16: 339–344. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002
Does public service delivery through new channels promote citizen trust in government? The case of smart devices*

ABSTRACT From the government’s perspective, it is important to understand the factors that influence effective utilization of new service channels, particularly the use of smart devices. Furthermore, how the utilization of a new channel affects trust in the government is an important performance factor whose linkage mechanism also needs to be investigated. This study collected 417 questionnaires from Korean citizens who communicate with the government via smart devices; the questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation analysis. This research indicates that in order to maximize trust in government, service delivery via smart devices must be designed with a clear understanding of the three significant components of such communication, namely the service, channel, and citizens. The service selected must be appropriate to the characteristics of the channel, and service reform may be necessary, beyond using the channel simply as a service means. Citizens’ ability to utilize the channel must also be fully considered. In order to increase the efficacy of new channel utilization, fast implementation is less important than understanding how to satisfy citizens’ needs regarding use of the public service via a smart device.