Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of quantitative index evaluating anticancer or carcinogenic potential of diet: the anti-cancer food scoring system 1.0

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Cancer is closely related to diet. One of the most reliable reports of the subject is the expert report from the World Cancer Research Fund & American Institute of Cancer Research (WCRF&AICR). However, majority of the studies including above were written with academic terms and in English. The aim of this study is to create a model, named Anti-Cancer Food Scoring System (ACFS), to provide a simple index of the anticancer potential of food. SUBJECTS/METHODS We created ACFS codes of various food groups. The evidence of the ACFS codes was provided by the literature at a level comparable to that suggested in the WCRF&AICR report or from the WCRF&AICR report. The ACFS grade was calculated considering food group, cooking, and normalization. Application was performed for Koreans' 20 common meals, which encompass multinational recipes. RESULT We calculated the ACFS grades of Koreans' 20 common meals. The results were not significantly different from the WCRF&AICR guidelines or information from the National Cancer Information Center of Korea. The grades were briefly interpreted as follows: grade S. ideal for cancer prevention; grade A. good for cancer prevention; grade B, might have anticancer potential; grade C, difficult to be regarded as preventive or carcinogenic; grade D, might against cancer prevention; grade E, probably against cancer prevention. CONCLUSIONS The ACFS provides a simple index of anticancer potential of diets. This indicator can be useful for the people without expertise, and is effective in evaluating the diets including Asian foods. The ACFS can help design of future clinical or nutritional studies of cancer prevention.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment techniques preferred by contemporary osteopathic physicians

Abstract Data presented in this study were gathered through a national mail survey of 3000 randomly selected osteopathic physicians. A total of 955 questionnaires were usable for analysis. Osteopathic physicians' likelihood of using eleven osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) techniques (articulatory, counterstrain, cranial, facilitated positional release, fascial ligamentous release, functional, high-velocity low-amplitude thrust, lymphatic, muscle energy, myofascial/integrated neuromuscular release, and soft tissue) was determined. The relative frequency of use from most (soft tissue) to least (cranial) used was also determined. Respondents were more likely to use direct techniques than indirect or direct-indirect techniques. Demographic variables of gender, age, and specialty training were found to be related to the techniques used most. Female osteopathic physicians and older osteopathic physicians were more likely to use indirect techniques, whereas male and younger physicians preferred direct techniques. Moreover, OMT specialists used a broader range of techniques than other osteopathic physicians, and family physicians were more apt to use high-velocity low-amplitude thrust than other primary care or non-primary care osteopathic physicians. These results not only have implications for curricular planning in all phases of osteopathic undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education, and continuing medical education programs, but also for research on the quality and effectiveness of various OMT techniques.
Surveillance of Aflatoxin and Microbiota Related to Brewer's Grain Destined for Swine Feed in Argentina

Córdoba province in the center of Argentina is an important area of swine production. The use of industry by-product (brewer's grain) as feedstuff for swine is a regular practice and increases animal performance on these animals production. The occurrence of aflatoxin contamination is global, causing severe problems especially in developing countries. No reports on aflatoxin B1 production, micoflora, and potential aflatoxin B1 producing microorganism from brewer's grain are available. The aims of this study were (1) to isolate the microbiota species from brewer's grain, (2) to determine aflatoxin B1 natural contamination levels, and (3) to determine the ability of Aspergillus section Flavi isolates to produce aflatoxins in vitro. Physical properties, total fungal counts, lactic acid bacteria, and fungal genera distribution were determined on this substrate. In 65% of the samples, fungal counts were higher than recommended by GMP, and lactic bacterium counts ranged from 1.9 × 105 to 4.4 × 109 CFU g−1. Aspergillus spp. prevailed over other fungal genera. Aspergillus flavus was the prevalent species followed by A. fumigatus. Aflatoxin B1 levels in the samples were higher than the recommended limits (20 ng g−1) for complementary feedstuffs. Several Aspergillus section Flavi strains were able to produce aflatoxin B1 in vitro. Inadequate storage conditions promote the proliferation of mycotoxin-producing fungal species. Regular monitoring of feeds is required in order to prevent chronic and acute toxic syndromes related to this kind of contamination.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Malaria Vector-Control Interventions Through a Mathematical Model

Although some malaria-control programs are beginning to combine insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), little is known about the effectiveness of such combinations. We use a mathematical model to compare the effectiveness of ITNs and IRS with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) or bendiocarb, applied singly and in combination, in an epidemiological setting based in Namawala, Tanzania, with Anopheles gambiae as the primary vector. Our model indicates that although both IRS (with DDT) and ITNs provide personal protection, humans with only ITNs are better protected than those with only IRS, and suggests that high coverage of IRS with bendiocarb may interrupt transmission, as can simultaneous high coverage of ITNs and IRS with DDT. When adding a second vector-control intervention, it is more effective to cover the unprotected population first. Although our model includes some assumptions and approximations that remain to be addressed, these findings should be useful for prioritizing and designing future field research.
A Preliminary Investigation of &agr;-Lipoic Acid Treatment of Antipsychotic Drug-Induced Weight Gain in Patients With Schizophrenia

Weight gain and other metabolic disturbances have now become discouraging, major side effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPDs). The novel strategies required to counteract these serious consequences, however, should avoid modulating the activities of the neurotransmitter receptors involved because those receptors are the therapeutic targets of AAPDs. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase is an enzyme that plays a pivotal role in energy homeostasis. We hypothesized that &agr;-lipoic acid (ALA), which is known to modulate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activity in the hypothalamus and peripheral tissues, would ameliorate AAPD-induced weight gain. We describe the case series of a 12-week ALA trial in schizophrenia patients treated with AAPDs. Two of 7 enrolled subjects were dropped from the study because of noncompliance and demand for new medication to treat depressive symptoms, respectively. The mean (SD) weight loss was 3.16 (3.20) kg (P = 0.043, last observation carried forward; median, 3.03 kg; range, 0-8.85 kg). On average, body mass index showed a significant reduction (P = 0.028) over the 12 weeks. During the same period, a statistically significant reduction was also observed in total cholesterol levels (P = 0.042), and there was a weak trend toward the reduction in insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) (P = 0.080). Three subjects reported increased energy subjectively. The total scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale did not vary significantly during the study. These preliminary data suggest the possibility that ALA can ameliorate the adverse metabolic effects induced by AAPDs. To confirm the benefits of ALA, more extended study is warranted.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic dysfunction in clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis

Urinary symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) are common and negatively impact on quality of life, representing a considerable psychosocial and economic burden, often requiring care and hospitalization. Although the importance of identifying and adequately treating urinary symptoms in MS is now well recognized, there is no information, to date, about the real prevalence and impact of bladder symptoms in patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CISs) suggestive of MS.
Risk Factors and Hospitalization Costs of Dementia Patients: Examining Race and Gender Variations

Aims: To examine the variation in risk factors and hospitalization costs among four elderly dementia cohorts by race and gender. Materials and Methods: The 2008 Tennessee Hospital Discharged database was examined. The prevalence, risk factors and cost of inpatient care of dementia were examined for individuals aged 65 years and above, across the four race gender cohorts - white males (WM), black males (BM), white females (WF), and black females (BF). Results: 3.6% of patients hospitalized in 2008 had dementia. Dementia was higher among females than males, and higher among blacks than whites. Further, BF had higher prevalence of dementia than WF; similarly, BM had a higher prevalence of dementia than WM. Overall, six risk factors were associated with dementia for the entire sample including HTN, DM, CKD, CHF, COPD, and stroke. These risk factors varied slightly in predicting dementia by race and gender. Hospital costs were 14% higher among dementia patients compared to non-dementia patients. Conclusions: There exist significant race and gender disparities in prevalence of dementia. A greater degree of co-morbidity, increased duration of hospital stay, and more frequent hospitalizations, may result in a higher cost of inpatient dementia care. Aggressive management of risk factors may subsequently reduce stroke and cost of dementia care, especially in the black population. Race and gender dependent milestones for management of these risk factors should be considered.
Prevalence of Amino acid mutation in hepatitis C virus core region among Japanese volunteer blood donors

It is not known whether there is a trend of increasing or decreasing incidence of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in Japan. From the treatment point of view, it is important to verify HCV genotypes and the prevalence of treatment‐resistant clones of HCV. At the Japanese Red Cross blood centers, all blood samples obtained from blood donation have been screened using serological methods and the minipool nucleic acid amplification testing. One hundred and fourteen donors have been identified over the past 10 years to be HCV RNA‐only positive without detectable anti‐HCV and were considered to be in the acute phase of HCV infection. There was a trend of decreasing incidence of such new infections among the blood donors. HCV RNA‐only‐positive samples were examined further for genotyping and HCV RNA quantitation. Genotype 2 (2a plus 2b) was predominant (78.2%) among them followed by genotype 1b (21.2%). Direct sequencing was carried out to detect the possible treatment‐resistant mutant clones 70Q and 91M, clones with amino acid substitutions at positions 70 and 91 of the HCV core protein, respectively. 70Q and 91M were found regularly in donors with genotype 1b, but not in those with other genotypes. No particular endemic areas for the mutant clones were identified. There was no significant difference in the mean viral titer between the 70Q mutant type and the non‐70Q wild‐type. Even in newly infected people, the mutant clone 70Q was detected frequently. J. Med. Virol. 83:1924–1929, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment with ointment base in the treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis from diarrhea: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND Severity of irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) from diarrhea varies from patient to patient depending on the nature of feces and the number of bowel movements. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment with ointment base in the treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis from acute diarrhea in children by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL). MATERIAL AND METHOD Forty-six children with diarrhea were prospectively, block randomized, investigator-blinded to receive dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment on one side and ointment base on the other side. TEWL was measured before and on days 1, 3, and 7 of treatment together with the assessment of severity score. The efficacy of treatment was defined by complete clearance of the lesion. RESULTS TEWL in the treated and control side was not different before the application of the topical medication. In the present study, the efficacy of 5% dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment on D3 was 39% (18from 46 patients) compared to 32% in the ointment base side. On D7, the efficacy of the treated side was 58.7% and the ointment base side was 56%. The patients who still had skin lesions were those who had prolonged diarrhea. On the treated side, the mean of TEWL was lower than the control side on DI (p = 0.18) and had significant improvement on D3 (p = 0. 002). At the end of the present study, TEWL on the treated side was less than TEWL of the control side but it did not have statistical significance (p = 0.07). There was no rash or sign of abnormality on the treated side at the end of D7. CONCLUSION In the treatment of lDD from acute diarrhea, 5% dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment significantly decreased TEWL in the treated side more than the ointment base on day 3 but the severity score was not significantly different on days 1, 3 and 7.
Age differences in foreign language learning

This article is based on the results of a project that analyses the linguistic development of English as a third language at different ages in a bilingual program. Specifically, it examines the influence of the age of introduction of English as a foreign language on general proficiency. Participants were 60 secondary school students who had Basque and/or Spanish as their first language and Basque as the language of instruction except for the subjects Spanish and English. All the students had studied English for six years but they had started learning English at different ages. Half of the students started learning English in grade 6 and the other half in grade 3. All the participants completed a battery of tests and questionnaires including different measures of proficiency in English: story telling, listening comprehension, composition, grammar and cloze test. The results indicate that older learners present a higher level of proficiency in English. The differences between older and younger students are discussed as related to several factors involved in foreign language learning.
Increasing the impedance range of a haptic display by adding electrical damping

This work examines electrical damping as a means for improving haptic display performance. Specifically, electrical damping, like its mechanical counterpart, can significantly reduce the occurrences of limit cycle oscillations at high impedance boundaries in virtual environments. Furthermore, electrical damping has a number of advantages including its simplicity of design and the ease at which it can be made frequency dependent so that it does not adversely affect a device's low impedance range. This work examines the theoretical behavior and practical application of frequency dependent electrical damping as it applies to haptic displays. Data is presented illustrating a significant increase in the range of virtual wall behaviors that a one degree-of-freedom device is capable of displaying when electrical damping is added.
Borna disease virus infection in Italian children. A potential risk for the developing brain?

Borna disease virus (BDV) infection occurs worldwide in several vertebrate species, including humans. Sero-epidemiological studies have consistently shown an increased BDV seroprevalence in neuropsychiatric patients (1–8). Because of the possible association with psychiatric diseases such as depression, research is presently conducted worldwide on this neurotropic virus. The greater part of the investigators has focused the attention on patients with psychiatric disorders, and the healthy subjects have been studied only as control group. Because extensive epidemiological studies in the general population are lacking, it is difficult to have a clear picture of the human spread of this virus, of the age of the first infection, and of the mode of transmission of this virus, including vectors or reservoirs . In addition, it is still difficult to indicate which population groups are most at risk and the natural history of the human infection (9). Even if a small fraction of psychiatric diseases could be attributed to viruses, this would be very important as viral infections can be preventable. Even though in Italy infection in horses is known and has recently been studied with new methods (10), no data are available on the role of this emerging pathogen among humans. The goal of this work was to monitor the prevalence of BDV infection among Italian children. BDV infection in childhood was unexplored worldwide except for unpublished information by Shollbach and Bode, presented in
Parents' knowledge, attitudes and behavior about child passenger safety

Because automobile accidents are a major killer and crippler of young children in this country, Tennessee passed a child passenger protection law requiring restraint of children under four years of age in family automobiles. Passage of this law facilitated examination of parents' beliefs about child passenger safety in relation to public policy as well as public information and educational programming. From a sample of over 5,000 parents in Tennessee, data collected from almost 1,000 parents in a three-tiered procedure were analyzed. Differences between users and nonusers in knowledge and attitudes were identified, as were differences in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of parents at three points in time. Differences in level of use were explained in relation to predisposing factors (e.g., beliefs, including knowledge, attitudes, values, and previous behavior), reinforcing factors (e.g., physical factors such as comfort, convenience, protection, and economic benefits; psychological factors such as approval, assistance and modeling), and enabling factors (e.g., external factors such as accessibility and availability; internal factors such as skills and information processing style).
Trends in the use of buprenorphine by office-based physicians in the United States, 2003-2013.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite buprenorphine's promise as a novel therapy for opioid dependence, little is known about its clinical adoption. We characterized trends in ambulatory use of buprenorphine in the United States. METHODS Cross-sectional, descriptive analyses of buprenorphine utilization from 2003 to 2013 using the IMS Health National Disease and Therapeutic Index, a nationally representative audit of ambulatory care. The primary unit of analysis was an office visit where buprenorphine was used for opioid dependence (treatment visit). RESULTS Between 2003 and 2013, there was significant uptake of buprenorphine in ambulatory treatment visits, from 0.16 million [M] (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.20) visits in 2003 to 2.1M (CI 1.9-2.3M) treatment visits during 2013. Approximately 90% involved the use of brand name combination buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), although this percentage decreased modestly to 80% by the last quarter of 2013. Buprenorphine prescribing increased among all specialties, but the proportion accounted for by primary care physicians increased significantly from 6.0% in 2003 to 63.5% in 2013 and decreased among psychiatrists from 92.2% to 32.8% over the same time period. CONCLUSIONS The use of buprenorphine products to treat opioid dependence has increased significantly in the past 10 years and has shifted to greater use by primary care physicians, indicating a rapidly changing face of opioid maintenance therapy in the United States. (Am J Addict 2014;XX:XX-XX).
Development of single leg version of HAL for hemiplegia

Our goal is to try to enhance the QoL of persons with hemiplegia by the mean of an active motion support system based on the HAL’s technology. The HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) in its standard version is an exoskeleton-based robot suit to support and enhance the human motor functions. The purpose of the research presented in this paper is the development of a new version of the HAL to be used as an assistive device providing walking motion support to persons with hemiplegia. It includes the realization of the single leg version of the HAL and the redesign of the original HAL’s Autonomous Controller to execute human-like walking motions in an autonomous way. Clinical trials were conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of the developed system. The first stage of the trials described in this paper involved the participation of one hemiplegic patient who has difficulties to flex his right knee. As a result, the knee flexion support for walking provided by the HAL appeared to improve the subject’s walking (longer stride and faster steps). The first evaluation of the system with one subject showed promising results for the future developments.
Examining mediators of intimate partner violence and depressive symptoms among Thai women with gynecological problems

Although associations among intimate partner violence, stress, social support, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms are well documented, the mechanism of these links has not been fully explored. This study is part of a larger research project that investigated intimate partner violence, health consequences, and coping patterns among 532 Thai women with gynecological problems. The aim of this study was to examine the potential mediators (e.g., stress, social support, and self-esteem) of the relationship between intimate partner violence and depressive symptoms by using a structural equation modeling approach. Data were collected from self-reported questionnaires, including the: Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, Abuse Assessment Screen, Index of Spouse Abuse, Stress Test, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results revealed that 21.1% of participants experienced intimate partner violence within the previous year and 17.1% had depressive symptoms. Intimate partner violence was significantly positively correlated with stress and depressive symptoms but negatively correlated with social support and self-esteem. Intimate partner violence exhibited indirect effect on depressive symptoms through stress, social support, and self-esteem. The model fitted the empirical data and accounted for 92% of the variance of depressive symptoms. Therefore, intervention programs that include the role of these factors may be effective in preventing depressive symptoms among abused Thai women with gynecological problems.