Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of disease localization on the anthropometric and metabolic features of Crohn's disease

Objective:We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of disease localization on the anthropometric and metabolic characteristics of inactive Crohn's disease (CD). Methods:Forty-three patients with biopsy or radiology proven CD (23 men; age, 33.8 yr; range, 18–54 yr) in clinical remission (simplified Crohn's diseases activity index [SCDAI] < 3) and not receiving steroid therapy or nutritional support were enrolled in the study. Patients were separated into three subgroups according to disease localization: ileal (n = 16), ileo-colonic (n = 13), and colonic CD (n = 14). Sixty healthy volunteers (26 men; age, 32.0 yr; range, 18–60 yr), matched for age and height were used as control subjects. Body composition was assessed by both anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis and indirect calorimetry was performed to measure energy expenditure and substrate oxidation rates.Results:CD patients showed a lower body weight than controls, both as a whole (61.5 kg; range, 41.5–74.0 vs 66.9 kg; range, 55.0–86.0 kg; p < 0.001) and separated by disease localization (ileal; p < 0.001; ileo-colonic; p < 0.001; and colonic; p < 0.05vs controls). Fat-free mass (FFM) did not differ between the groups, whereas fat mass was significantly lower in CD patients than in controls (p < 0.001), with the lowest values in ileal and ileo-colonic patients. Basal metabolic rate by kg of FFM was higher in CD patients than in healthy individuals (p < 0.01). Nonprotein respiratory quotient was significantly lower in CD than in controls as a whole (0.79; range, 0.73–0.84 vs 0.83; range, 0.79–0.89; p < 0.001) or separated by disease localization (p < 0.001 each subgroup vs controls), with a consequent higher lipid oxidation rate. A lower dietary lipid intake was found in patients than in controls (p < 0.01). Conclusion:Regardless of disease localization, CD patients showed a lower fat mass and a higher utilization of lipids than control subjects. Patients with ileal and ileo-colonic disease showed the greater reduction in body weight, compared with control subjects, suggesting they were at a higher risk of malnutrition, probably as a consequence of the simultaneous occurrence of both malabsorption and decreased energy intake.
Risk of angle-closure glaucoma with bupropion and topiramate.

IMPORTANCE Epidemiologic studies have shown that antidepressants may increase the risk of angle-closure glaucoma. We examined the risk of angle-closure glaucoma with bupropion hydrochloride, a unique, popular antidepressant also marketed as a smoking cessation aid. OBSERVATIONS A nested case-control study was conducted using a large health claims database in the United States from January 1, 2006, to March 31, 2014. The database contained deidentified information pertaining to a cohort of 6 110 723 patients. Cases were defined according to the first coding for angle-closure glaucoma. For each case, 10 control participants were selected and matched to the cases using density-based sampling. Adjusted rate ratios were computed for bupropion, topiramate (positive control group drug), and esomeprazole (negative control group drug). The adjusted rate ratio was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.75-1.59) for bupropion and 2.59 (95% CI, 1.56-4.30) for topiramate. In a prespecified analysis of patients younger than 50 years, the adjusted rate ratio was 1.98 (95% CI, 1.02-3.84) for bupropion and 5.30 (95% CI, 2.54-11.04) for topiramate. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Both bupropion and topiramate are widely prescribed drugs. The risk of angle-closure glaucoma in patients younger than 50 years was twice as high in patients taking bupropion and more than 5 times higher in patients taking topiramate.
Natural history and parental experience of children with trisomy 18 based on a questionnaire given to a Japanese trisomy 18 parental support group

We conducted a questionnaire‐based study in collaboration with a Japanese trisomy 18 parental support group. Sixty‐five children (female, 68%) with full trisomy 18 were evaluated. Diagnosis was made prenatally in 17% (11/65) and 57% (37/65) were born following a cesarean. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks and 6 days, and the mean birth weight was 1,920 g (−2.6SD). A total of 51% (24/47) of children had apneic episodes. Thirteen children experienced generalized seizures, and a minority was seizure‐free with medication. Parents of 36% (18/50) of children were offered intensive treatment. A total of 45% (27/60) of children received intermittent mandatory ventilation, which was weaned off in half of them. Nine had surgeries, including esophageal atresia/omphalocele correction, cardiac surgery, and tracheostomy. A total of 15% (8/55) were fed fully orally, and 45% (29/64) were discharged home. Slow but constant psychomotor development was observed, and in four long‐term survivors over 10 years, two walked unassisted. Factors significantly associated with survival over 1 year included diagnosis after birth, absence of prematurity, heavier birth weight, absence of esophageal atresia, extubation, ability to feed orally without medical assistance, and home discharge. Parents appeared to be positive about caring for their children, and the children seemed to interact with parents and siblings as long as they lived, resulting in quality family time. The family point of view, as well as knowledge of natural history, should be considered when policy statements about the care of children with trisomy 18 are made. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Natural resistance to Salmonella typhimurium in different inbred mouse strains.

The mechanisms of natural resistance to intravenous challenge with Salmonella typhimurium C5 are complex. LD50 determinations showed inbred mouse strains of low, intermediate and high natural resistance, with BALB/c and B10 strains the most susceptible, A/J the most resistant. Delayed (footpad) hypersensitivity was not by itself a measure of natural resistance. Resistant mouse strains sensitized either s.c. or i.v. with an attenuated salmonella strain showed positive 48 h footpad reactions when tested 8 days later with a salmonella extract, but three very susceptible strains also showed positive reactions. Determinations of the in vivo net growth rate of salmonellae in the liver and spleen during the first phase of the infection (up to day 4) arrange the different mouse strains into two categories of fast and slow net growth rate. All fast net growth rate strains are susceptible, but not all slow net growth rate strains are resistant. Besides slow net growth rate, resistance requires the participation of other factors appearing in the second phase of the infection (towards the end of the first week) probably involving the cellular immune response, which halts further bacterial growth. Not all slow net growth rate strains are equally capable of suppressing bacterial growth in this second phase. The host mechanism determining slow net growth rate is inherited as a dominant trait, and appears to be operating before the main cellular immune response. The influence of this mechanism on net growth rate is reflected in the time to death following a given dose of salmonellae. The present results suggest that overall resistance to salmonellae is polygenic, but that the mechanism responsible for the differences in early net growth rate is less complex.
Comparative effectiveness of weight-loss interventions in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND Obesity and its cardiovascular complications are extremely common medical problems, but evidence on how to accomplish weight loss in clinical practice is sparse. METHODS We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to examine the effects of two behavioral weight-loss interventions in 415 obese patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Participants were recruited from six primary care practices; 63.6% were women, 41.0% were black, and the mean age was 54.0 years. One intervention provided patients with weight-loss support remotely--through the telephone, a study-specific Web site, and e-mail. The other intervention provided in-person support during group and individual sessions, along with the three remote means of support. There was also a control group in which weight loss was self-directed. Outcomes were compared between each intervention group and the control group and between the two intervention groups. For both interventions, primary care providers reinforced participation at routinely scheduled visits. The trial duration was 24 months. RESULTS At baseline, the mean body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) for all participants was 36.6, and the mean weight was 103.8 kg. At 24 months, the mean change in weight from baseline was -0.8 kg in the control group, -4.6 kg in the group receiving remote support only (P<0.001 for the comparison with the control group), and -5.1 kg in the group receiving in-person support (P<0.001 for the comparison with the control group). The percentage of participants who lost 5% or more of their initial weight was 18.8% in the control group, 38.2% in the group receiving remote support only, and 41.4% in the group receiving in-person support. The change in weight from baseline did not differ significantly between the two intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS In two behavioral interventions, one delivered with in-person support and the other delivered remotely, without face-to-face contact between participants and weight-loss coaches, obese patients achieved and sustained clinically significant weight loss over a period of 24 months. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00783315.).
TranslatomeDB: a comprehensive database and cloud-based analysis platform for translatome sequencing data

Abstract Translation is a key regulatory step, linking transcriptome and proteome. Two major methods of translatome investigations are RNC-seq (sequencing of translating mRNA) and Ribo-seq (ribosome profiling). To facilitate the investigation of translation, we built a comprehensive database TranslatomeDB (http://www.translatomedb.net/) which provides collection and integrated analysis of published and user-generated translatome sequencing data. The current version includes 2453 Ribo-seq, 10 RNC-seq and their 1394 corresponding mRNA-seq datasets in 13 species. The database emphasizes the analysis functions in addition to the dataset collections. Differential gene expression (DGE) analysis can be performed between any two datasets of same species and type, both on transcriptome and translatome levels. The translation indices translation ratios, elongation velocity index and translational efficiency can be calculated to quantitatively evaluate translational initiation efficiency and elongation velocity, respectively. All datasets were analyzed using a unified, robust, accurate and experimentally-verifiable pipeline based on the FANSe3 mapping algorithm and edgeR for DGE analyzes. TranslatomeDB also allows users to upload their own datasets and utilize the identical unified pipeline to analyze their data. We believe that our TranslatomeDB is a comprehensive platform and knowledgebase on translatome and proteome research, releasing the biologists from complex searching, analyzing and comparing huge sequencing data without needing local computational power.
Effect of run vs combined cycle/run training on VO2max and running performance.

The effects of 5 wk of equivalent intensity, 85-90% maximum heart rate (MHR), run-only (N = 6) vs cycle/run (N = 5) training were evaluated in moderately fit runners, mean VO2max of 55.2 ml.kg-1.min-1, 19-35 yr old, on maximal treadmill (TM) and cycle ergometer (CE) testing, 5000-m and 1609-m run performances, and submaximal measures while treadmill running. Subjects participated in either 4 d.wk-1 of run-only or alternating run and cycle training. Both groups significantly improved TM VO2max (P < 0.05), CE VO2peak (P < 0.01), and 5000-m (P < 0.01) and 1609-m (P < 0.05) run times with no significant differences between the groups. The TM VO2max pre/post values were 55.3 +/- 3.0 to 58.2 +/- 3.0 and 55.6 +/- 3.8 to 58.9 +/- 2.4 ml.kg-1.min-1 for the run group and cross-trained group, respectively. Posttraining submaximal treadmill running showed statistically significant pace increases of 18.7 (run) and 16.1 (cycle/run) m.min-1 with similar heart rate, blood lactate, and RQ values as pretraining. Results indicate that 5 wk of either mode of training can significantly improve aerobic capacity and run performance.
Inverse Rate-Dependent Prandtl–Ishlinskii Model for Feedforward Compensation of Hysteresis in a Piezomicropositioning Actuator

Piezomicropositioning actuators, which are widely used in micropositioning applications, exhibit strong rate-dependent hysteresis nonlinearities that affect the accuracy of these micropositioning systems when used in open-loop control systems, and may also even lead to system instability of closed-loop control systems. Feedback control techniques could compensate for the rate-dependent hysteresis in piezomicropositioning actuators. However, accurate sensors over a wide range of excitation frequencies and the feedback control techniques inserted in the closed-loop control systems may limit the use of the piezomicropositioning and nanopositioning systems in different micropositioning and nanopositioning applications. We show that open-loop control techniques, also called feedforward techniques, can compensate for rate-dependent hysteresis nonlinearities over different excitation frequencies. An inverse rate-dependent Prandtl-Ishlinskii model is utilized for feedforward compensation of the rate-dependent hysteresis nonlinearities in a piezomicropositioning stage. The exact inversion of the rate-dependent model holds under the condition that the distances between the thresholds do not decrease in time. The inverse of the rate-dependent model is applied as a feedforward compensator to compensate for the rate-dependent hysteresis nonlinearities of a piezomicropositioning actuator at a range of different excitation frequencies between 0.05-100 Hz. The results show that the inverse compensator suppresses the rate-dependent hysteresis nonlinearities, and the maximum positioning error in the output displacement at different excitation frequencies.
Who Will Lead Global Growth? Slowing Trends are the ‘New Normal’

Focusing on the US, Japan, Germany and China—four large economies that make up almost half of the world’s GDP—this article analyses each of their growth stories independently and comparatively. None of these economies were doing well by historical measures, years after the financial crisis of 2008. The article addresses possible reasons for this slow growth, and which country might lead growth into the future. The results of our review suggest that rapid growth is not likely to return to most parts of the world. Similar growth trends are apparent across our four economies despite clear differences in institutions and circumstances. The 2008 financial shock was a turning point in terms of how these economies function, but we see long-term trends that began before the crisis. Of the four economies, China is likely to increasingly become a key determinant of global growth—at least until its aging demographics kick in.
[Researches on the change of intestinal barrier function in patients with ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE To discuss the variation of intestinal barrier and its clinical significance in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS Specimens were obtained from 200 patients of UC and 40 controls respectively from March 2010 to June 2013. UC samples were classified into three groups as mild (n = 68), moderate (n = 70) and severe (n = 62) according to Mayo classification. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of occludin, β-defensin and sIgA, which respectively reflect the changes of mechanical barrier, chemical barrier and immune barrier in intestinal tissue. The result and the clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with controls, the expression of occludin and sIgA significantly decreased (28.53% ± 2.21% vs 44.28% ± 1.94%, 19.26% ± 1.09% vs 28.36% ± 2.36%, both P < 0.05), β-defensin significantly increased (29.13% ± 1.75% vs 19.71% ± 1.83%, P < 0.05) in UC group. There was a significant difference of occludin levels among different active subgroups (P < 0.05), and the levels decreased significantly with the increase of UC classification (r = -0.753, P < 0.05). β-defensin levels were significant differently among different active subgroups (P < 0.05), and the levels increased significantly with the increase of UC classification (r = 0.698, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the sIgA levels among the three stages (P > 0.05). In different gender, age and lesion site, there was no statistically significant difference in expression of three kinds of protein (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION UC patients exist intestinal barrier function injury, with the increase of UC classification, the damages of intestinal mechanical barrier and chemical barrier were more obvious.
Impairment of Intramacrophagic Brucella suis Multiplication by Human Natural Killer Cells through a Contact-Dependent Mechanism

ABSTRACT Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular bacteria that can establish themselves and cause chronic disease in humans and animals. NK cells play a key role in host defense. They are implicated in an early immune response to a variety of pathogens. However, it was shown that they do not control Brucella infection in mice. On the other hand, NK cell activity is impaired in patients with acute brucellosis, and recently it was demonstrated that human NK cells mediate the killing of intramacrophagic Mycobacterium tuberculosis in in vitro infection. Therefore, we have analyzed the behavior of Brucella suis infecting isolated human macrophages in the presence of syngeneic NK cells. We show that (i) NK cells impair the intramacrophagic development of B. suis, a phenomenon enhanced by NK cell activators, such as interleukin-2; (ii) NK cells cultured in the presence of infected macrophages are highly activated and secrete gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha; (iii) impairment of bacterial multiplication inside infected cells is marginally associated with the cytokines produced during the early phase of macrophage-NK cell cocultures; (iv) direct cell-to-cell contact is required for NK cells to mediate the inhibition of B. suis development; and (v) inhibition of B. suis development results from an induction of NK cell cytotoxicity against infected macrophages. Altogether, these findings show that NK cells could participate early in controlling the intramacrophagic development of B. suis in humans. It seems thus reasonable to hypothesize a role for NK cells in the control of human brucellosis. However, by impairing the activity of these cells in the acute phase of the illness, the pathogen should avoid this control.
Effects of Repeated Stress on Distal Airway Inflammation, Remodeling and Mechanics in an Animal Model of Chronic Airway Inflammation

Background/Aims: Epidemiological studies suggest that stress has an impact on asthmatic exacerbations. We evaluated if repeated stress, induced by forced swimming, modulates lung mechanics, distal airway inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in guinea pigs with chronic allergic inflammation. Methods: Guinea pigs were submitted to 7 ovalbumin or saline aerosols (1–5 mg/ml during 4 weeks; OVA and SAL groups). Twenty-four hours after the 4th inhalation, guinea pigs were submitted to the stress protocol 5 times a week during 2 weeks (SAL-S and OVA-S groups). Seventy-two hours after the 7th inhalation, guinea pigs were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Resistance and elastance of the respiratory system were obtained at baseline and after ovalbumin challenge. Lungs were removed, and inflammatory and extracellular matrix remodeling of distal airways was assessed by morphometry. Adrenals were removed and weighed. Results: The relative adrenal weight was greater in stressed guinea pigs compared to non-stressed animals (p < 0.001). Repeated stress increased the percent elastance of the respiratory system after antigen challenge and eosinophils and lymphocytes in the OVA-S compared to the OVA group (p < 0.001, p = 0.003 and p < 0.001). Neither collagen nor elastic fiber contents were modified by stress in sensitized animals. Conclusions: In this animal model, repeated stress amplified bronchoconstriction and inflammatory response in distal airways without interfering with extracellular matrix remodeling.
Theta synchronization over occipito‐temporal cortices during visual perception of body parts

Categorical clustering in the visual system is thought to have evolved as a function of intrinsic (intra‐areal) and extrinsic (interareal) connectivity and experience. In the visual system, the extrastriate body area (EBA), an occipito‐temporal region, responds to full body and body part images under the organizational principle of their functional/semantic meaning. Although frequency‐specific modulations of neural activity associated with perceptive and cognitive functions are increasingly attracting the interest of neurophysiologists and cognitive neuroscientists, perceiving single body parts with different functional meaning and full body images induces time–frequency modulations over occipito‐temporal electrodes are yet to be described. Here, we studied this issue by measuring EEG in participants who passively observed fingers, hands, arms and faceless full body images with four control plant stimuli, each bearing hierarchical analogy with the body stimuli. We confirmed that occipito‐temporal electrodes (compatible with the location of EBA) show a larger event‐related potential (ERP, N190) for body‐related images. Furthermore, we identified a body part‐specific (i.e. selective for hands and arms) theta event‐related synchronization increase under the same electrodes. This frequency modulation associated with the perception of body effectors over occipito‐temporal cortices is in line with recent findings of categorical organization of neural responses to human effectors in the visual system.
Protein intake, nitrogen balance and nutritional status in patients with Parkinson's disease; time for a change?

OBJECTIVE To evaluate protein intake, nitrogen balance and nutritional status of clinically stable patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS A cross-sectional study of PD patients Hoehn-Yahr scale stage 1-3 and subjects with no neurologic disease (controls) matched for age and gender. All participants underwent a diet history interview, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance and food record over three non-consecutive days, including a weekend. A 24-hour urine collection and fasting venous blood sampling were collected from the participants for evaluation of creatinine clearance, creatinine height index and the nitrogen balance. RESULTS The mean age of PD patients was 58.9 ± 12.8 year compared to 54.7 ± 12.6 year of the controls, P = 0.34. One third of PD group had symptoms of dysphagia and ingested less water and fibers when compared to controls. Calf circumference was small in PD group (35.5 ± 2.8 vs. 38.4 ± 3.5 cm, P = 0.012). Intake of nitrogen was significantly lower and nitrogen balance was negative in PD patients (-1.8 ± 3.9 vs. 1.1 ± 4.2 controls, P = 0.06). The antioxidants folate and vitamin E were consumed in small amounts in both groups, although significantly less in PD patients (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). DISCUSSION Daily intakes of protein of approximately 1.1 g/kg by clinically stable PD patients may not be enough to ensure a neutral calorie-nitrogen balance and muscle tissue conservation. Larger studies are necessary to provide a more comprehensive picture of PD patients' metabolic status.