Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a program to celebrate seasonal events for Japanese hospice patients

Objective: Palliative care of the terminally ill requires not only treatment of physical pain, but also care for a patient's spiritual and social needs. In Japan, where many customs correlate closely with the seasons of fall, winter, spring, and summer, seasonal events carry significance for patients who have reached a terminal stage of disease. This study determined how Japanese hospice patients evaluate a program that celebrates seasonal events and considers the modality and significance of season events at hospices. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted for 1 year between August 2000 and July 2001 at a hospice located in the suburbs of Tokyo, Japan. Of the original 48 instruments, a total of 43 instruments were returned (response rate: 89.6%). Results: Results showed that 72.1% of respondents participated in seasonal events, and the majority of participants positively evaluated their experiences of seasonal events. Positive aspects included being able to get a feeling for the seasons (74.2%) and being able to interact with staff and volunteers (51.6%). Negative aspects included that the events were too long (9.7%) and tiring (6.5%), and that the events made one feel sad (6.5%). Reasons for participating in seasonal events included seeming fun (71.0%), recreative (58.1%), and being entertaining (48.4%). Significance of results: Overall findings suggest that there is significance in celebrating the seasons with a monthly event at hospices. Further research is needed on the modality and experiences of celebrating the seasons at hospices in other nations.
Chemoprevention of oral cancer by lyophilized strawberries.

BACKGROUND/AIM Oral cancer represents approximately 2.5% of all cancers in the United States, with five- and 10-year survival rates of 62% and 51%. In the present study, lyophilized strawberries (LS) were evaluated for their potential to inhibit tumorigenesis in the hamster cheek pouch (HCP) model of oral cancer and for their ability to modify expression of several genes relevant to oral cancer development. MATERIALS AND METHODS HCPs were painted three times a week for six weeks with 0.2% 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Hamsters were given 5% or 10% LS in their diet prior to, during, and after, or only after carcinogen treatment. Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks from the beginning of DMBA treatment and the number of total lesions and tumors was determined. RESULTS A significant difference (p<0.01-0.04) in the number of tumors was found between the LS-treated groups and the carcinogen controls. Histological examination of HCPs revealed a significant reduction in mild and severe dysplasia following 12 weeks of treatment with LS. Molecular analysis revealed that genes related to tumor development were modulated by LS. CONCLUSION These experiments support previous studies in HCP that demonstrated a chemopreventive activity by black raspberries and show, to our knowledge for the first time, that strawberries can inhibit tumor formation in an animal model of oral cancer.
Hormonal Responses to Different Resistance Exercise Schemes of Similar Total Volume

Uchida, MC, Crewther, BT, Ugrinowitsch, C, Bacurau, RFP, Moriscot, AS, and Aoki, MS. J Strength Cond Res 23(7): 2003-2008, 2009-This study assessed the effect of different resistance exercise scheme (RES) designs of similar total of load lifted on the responses of testosterone, cortisol, and creatine kinase (CK). Twenty-seven healthy males performed 1 of 4 bench press workouts described by the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) load: 4 sets of maximum repetitions at 50%-1RM (50%-1RM RES), 5 sets of maximum repetitions at 75%-1RM (75%-1RM RES), 10 sets of maximum repetitions at 90%-1RM (90%-1RM RES), or 8 sets of maximum repetitions at 110%-1RM (110%-1RM RES). Each RES was equated by the total volume of load lifted (repetitions × sets × load). Blood samples, collected pre-exercise (Pre) and post-exercise (Post) at 1 and 24 hours (24 h), were analyzed for total and free testosterone, total cortisol, and CK. In general, testosterone and cortisol showed little change within or between the different RES (p > 0.05), possibly because of the relatively low volume lifted and/or the small muscle mass activated by the bench press exercise. Cortisol was elevated after the 75%-1RM RES at the Post sample, with this response also exceeding the other RES (p < 0.05). The 24 h CK response was also elevated after the 75%-1RM RES (p < 0.05), thereby suggesting greater training strain for the same volume of load. These results confirm previous recommendations regarding the prescription of resistance exercise and the importance of total volume as a stimulus for activating the endocrine system and achieving long-term adaptation.
HEIGHTS AND WEIGHTS OF DA-AN BOYS: DID SISTERS REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

This study further examined the negative association between boys’ growth and the presence of sisters within a relatively affluent community in Taipei, Taiwan. Among 596 boys born in 1976–77, differences in height and log-transformed weight were judged using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with measurement age as a covariate, and parental education level (four levels), number of sisters (0, 1, 2 or 3+) and number of brothers (0, 1, 2+) as predictors. The relative importance of birth order and sibling sex was examined among the near majority of boys with one sibling (47%, 278/596). The sibling composition variable was defined using mutually exclusive categories representing individuals with one sibling: either one older or younger brother or sister. All boys contributed information before leaving middle school at a mean age of 14·9±0·4 years SD. The results were compared with similar analyses of data for 154 of these same boys for whom measurements were available from primary school entry at a mean age of 6·4±0·3 years SD onward. Results were also compared with data for a cohort of 153 boys who entered primary school later in 1986. Results confirm that boys from the Da-an area born in the mid-1970s who did not have sisters were significantly taller (2·2–2·5 cm, p≤0·008) and heavier (3·0–3·9 kg, p≤0·016) than those with one or two sisters. However, the 26 boys with three or more sisters, most of whom were last-born, were somewhat taller than those with one or two sisters. The same curvilinear relationships in height and weight appeared both among boys as they prepared to leave middle school and among the subset also measured just after entering primary school. When numbers of sisters were statistically controlled, the presence of two or more brothers was also significantly negatively associated with mean stature, but not weight, among middle school boys. Analyses among boys with one sibling revealed that birth order was associated with mean stature, but only if the sibling was female; an older sister was associated with a greater deficit in mean stature than a younger sister. Evidence of rising educational expectations, continued declines in family size with fewer gender-related differences in numbers of siblings, and a clear secular increase in body size in this community among children entering primary school from 1982 to 1986 suggest a possible explanatory model.
The possible role of the tumour necrosis factor polymorphisms and human leucocyte antigens in the development of prostate cancer

The cause of prostate cancer (PC), one of the most common cancers found among ageing men, remains unclear, but genetic predisposition is believed to play a major role in its aetiology. The aim of the study was to examine HLA genes polymorphism and TNF polymorphisms in PC development. Patients diagnosed with PC (N = 113) and 150 healthy individuals were tested for HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 genes and for TNFa, TNFb and TNFd microsatellites. The comparison of patients and controls revealed a positive association of HLA‐DRB1*12, TNFa2 and TNFb5, and a negative association of HLA‐DRB1*13 and TNFb4 with PC. A division of patients into groups according to age, pre‐operative PSA level, Gleason score (GS) and involvement of prostatic capsule, seminal vesicles or bladder neck and perineural invasion of PC demonstrated the following: a positive correlation of HLA‐DRB1*12 and a negative correlation of HLA‐DRB1*13 with younger patients (<65 years), GS > 7 and the positive association of prostatic capsule, seminal vesicles, bladder neck and perineural invasion of PC; TNFb4 allele's negative association with older patients displaying higher PSA levels, higher GS and positive surrounding tissue involvement; positive association of TNFb5 allele for both older and younger patients. Investigation of HLA genes and TNF microsatellites demonstrated a possible role of HLA‐DRB1 and TNF regions in PC aetiology.
Predicting football players' dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry body composition using standard anthropometric measures.

CONTEXT The recent increase in athlete size, particularly in football athletes of all levels, coupled with the increased health risk associated with obesity warrants continued monitoring of body composition from a health perspective in this population. Equations developed to predict percentage of body fat (%Fat) have been shown to be population specific and might not be accurate for football athletes. OBJECTIVE To develop multiple regression equations using standard anthropometric measurements to estimate dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry %Fat (DEXA%Fat) in collegiate football players. DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS One hundred fifty-seven National Collegiate Athletic Association Division IA football athletes (age = 20 ± 1 years, height = 185.6 ± 6.5 cm, mass = 103.1 ± 20.4 kg, DEXA%Fat = 19.5 ± 9.1%) participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Participants had the following measures: (1) body composition testing with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; (2) skinfold measurements in millimeters, including chest, triceps, subscapular, midaxillary, suprailiac, abdominal (SFAB), and thigh; and (3) standard circumference measurements in centimeters, including ankle, calf, thigh, hip (AHIP), waist, umbilical (AUMB), chest, wrist, forearm, arm, and neck. Regression analysis and fit statistics were used to determine the relationship between DEXA%Fat and each skinfold thickness, sum of all skinfold measures (SFSUM), and individual circumference measures. RESULTS Statistical analysis resulted in the development of 3 equations to predict DEXA%Fat: model 1, (0.178 · AHIP) + (0.097 · AUMB) + (0.089 · SFSUM) - 19.641; model 2, (0.193 · AHIP) + (0.133 · AUMB) + (0.371 · SFAB) - 23.0523; and model 3, (0.132 · SFSUM) + 3.530. The R(2) values were 0.94 for model 1, 0.93 for model 2, and 0.91 for model 3 (for all, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The equations developed provide an accurate way to assess DEXA%Fat in collegiate football players using standard anthropometric measures so athletic trainers and coaches can monitor these athletes at increased health risk due to increased size.
Factors predicting non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in T1-2 invasive breast cancer with 1-2 axillary sentinel lymph node metastases: Presentation of Ondokuz Mayis scoring system.

PURPOSE To evaluate the predicting factors for non-sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases in T1-2 invasive breast cancer with 1-2 metastatic SLN that fully matched the ACOSOG Z0011 criteria. Also, to develop a scoring system to predict the risk of non-SLN metastasis and to discriminate the low-risk patients for omission of the axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in this population. METHODS Two hundred and seven T1-2 invasive breast cancer patients with 1-2 metastatic SLN who underwent ALND at our Institution were included in the study. Independent factors predicting the non-SLN metastasis were found using logistic regression analysis, and a scoring system to predict the non-SLN metastasis was created. RESULTS Seventy (34%) out of 207 patients had non- SLN metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that tumor size, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), number of negative SLNs, and size of SLN metastasis were independent factors predicting non-SLN metastasis. There were 68 (33%) and 108 (52%) patients with a the score of ? 4 (predicted probability of ? 10%) with a false negative rate (FNR) of 4.4%, and ? 5 (predicted probability of ? 15%) with a FNR of 7.4%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) value for the Ondokuz Mayis scoring system was 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.93). CONCLUSIONS The present Ondokuz Mayis model with an AUC of 0.88 showed excellent discrimination capacity to distinguish patients at low risk for positive non-SLN from high risk patients and could help spare ALND in an important portion of patients.
ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism influences methotrexate sensitivity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE Methotrexate (MTX) is most widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it has certain drawbacks with regard to individual differences in its therapeutic effects as well as the differences in the patients' response to MTX therapy. We investigated whether multi-drug resistance-1 (ABCB1) C3435T, reduced folate carrier-1 (RFC1) G80A, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase (ATIC) C347G and a 6bp-deletion polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of the thymidylase synthase (TYMS) gene are predictive of MTX sensitivity and its adverse effects. METHODS Patients whose last maintenance dosage of MTX was <or= 6 mg/week were regarded as responders, while patients whose last maintenance dosage of MTX was > 6 mg/week or those in whom MTX therapy was changed due to poor response to MTX were regarded as non-responders. The data of 124 RA patients who had received MTX treatment were retrospectively analyzed for polymorphisms in the ABCB1, RFC1, ATIC and TYMS genes, MTX sensitivity and MTX toxicity. RESULTS There were no significant differences in MTX sensitivity among the genotypes of RFC1, ATIC and TYMS genes. ABCB1 3435TT cases included statistically significantly more non-responders than 3435CC cases according to univariate analysis (crude odds ratio (OR) = 8.91, p = 0.001) and multivariate analysis (adjusted OR = 8.78, p = 0.038). There were no significant differences in MTX toxicity among the genotypes of all the genes. CONCLUSION These results suggested that the genetic diagnosis of ABCB1 C3435T can be applied to determine MTX sensitivity for the treatment of RA patients. However, further pharmacokinetics studies are required in this regard.
Insulin resistance after cardiopulmonary bypass in the elderly patient

Objectives. Preoperative carbohydrate administration attenuates insulin resistance. We studied effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Design. Eighteen patients were assigned either to get a carbohydrate drink or to be controls. Perioperatively, glucose was administered. A gastric emptying test was performed. Glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. Levels of glucose, insulin and stress hormones were studied pre-, per- and postoperatively. Results and discussion. Preoperative carbohydrate loading did not affect stress hormones. Gastric residual after the carbohydrate drink was 11±3% (mean±SEM). Glucose concentration was lower before anaesthesia induction in the carbohydrate group, possibly due to increased insulin release. Insulin levels differed at baseline, induction and day six. All patients returned to baseline on day six. Conclusions. The study group was insulin resistant on postoperative day one and two. The effects were explainable by the traumatic stress response. No adverse effect was noted from the carbohydrate drink. If glucose is administered intravenously during surgery, there is no obvious advantage of preoperative carbohydrate loading on insulin resistance or stress hormone response.
A Low-Power Wideband Reconfigurable Integrated Active-RC Filter With 73 dB SFDR

In this paper, a low-power, highly linear, integrated, active-RC filter exhibiting a reconfigurable transfer function (Chebyshev, Elliptic) and bandwidth (5 MHz, 10 MHz), is presented. The filter exploits digitally-controlled polysilicon resistor banks and a digital automatic tuning scheme to account for process and temperature variations. The operational amplifiers used are based on a new compensation technique that allows optimized high-frequency filter performance and minimized current consumption. A filter prototype has been fabricated in a 0.12-mum CMOS process, occupies 0.25 mm2 (tuning circuit included), and achieves an IIP3 of approximately +20 dBm, whereas its spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) reaches 73 dB. The dissipation of the filter core and the tuning circuit is 4.6 mW and 1.5 mW, respectively
Pharmacokinetics and Analgesic Effect of Ropivacaine during Continuous Epidural Infusion for Postoperative Pain Relief

Background The pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of ropivacaine (2.5 mg/ml) during a 24-h continuous epidural infusion for postoperative pain relief in 20 patients scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy were characterized using an open-label, increasing-dose design. Methods Through an epidural catheter inserted at T10-T12, a test dose of 7.5 mg ropivacaine was given 3 min before a bolus dose of 42.5 mg and immediately followed by a 24-h continuous epidural infusion with either 10 or 20 mg/h. Peripheral venous plasma samples were collected up to 48 h after infusion, and urinary excretion was followed up to the end of infusion. Postoperative pain at rest, on coughing, and at mobilization was assessed by means of a visual analog scale 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h after the end of surgery. Sensory (pinprick) and motor block (modified Bromage scale) were assessed at the same intervals. Results The total plasma concentrations of ropivacaine increased markedly and consistently during the 24-h epidural infusion, in contrast to stable unbound concentrations. Both total and unbound plasma concentrations at the end of infusion were proportional to the total dose, although only the latter was proportional to the infusion rate. The total and unbound plasma clearance was independent of dose. Total mean clearance decreased on average by 21% (P < 0.001) during the last 12 h of epidural infusion, i.e., from 539+/-191 ml/min to 418+/-138 ml/min, indicating time-dependent kinetics. The unbound clearance also varied between estimates after 8 h of infusion and the end of treatment, i.e., a 5.3% decrease from 10.4+/-5.3 l/min to 9.5+/-3.9 l/min (P < 0.05). The unbound fraction of ropivacaine in plasma decreased during treatment, and this was related to the increase in alpha1 -acid glycoprotein concentration. Pain was generally well controlled, and median visual analog scale scores during mobilization were less than 30 mm in patients receiving ropivacaine at 20 mg/h. Conclusions The pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine were independent of dose, but total clearance decreased with time over 24 h. The consistent increase in total plasma concentration during the postoperative epidural infusion contrasted to much less variation in the unbound plasma concentrations of ropivacaine.
Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone Signaling in Synovial Tissue Vascular Endothelium Is Mediated through the cAMP/CREB Pathway

Abstract: Modulation of locally produced corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) is a component of the cytokine network in human inflammatory arthritis. CRH signaling, through the CRH‐receptor subtype R1α, may play a role in both vascular changes and pathologic mechanisms associated with joint inflammation. Furthermore, the peripheral actions of CRH may be mediated in part through the NURR subfamily of nuclear orphan receptors. The aim of this study was to establish the signaling mechanisms through which CRH receptor‐mediated responses contribute to gene regulation in inflamed synovial vasculature. Immunohistochemical analysis of serial rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tissue sections demonstrates CRH and NURR1 expression in the synovial lining layer, subsynovial lining layer, and the vascular endothelium. The identical pattern of immunolocalization confirms that NURR1 is produced at the same synovial sites shown to produce CRH. The distribution of specific NURR1 staining on the synovial vasculature parallels that observed for CRH‐R1 expression. Using primary synovial tissue endothelial cells, we demonstrate that CRH induces specific CREB‐1 and ATF‐2 binding to the NURR1 promoter. We further provide evidence that CRH signaling can be mimicked by activation of cAMP/PKA/CREB using forskolin in primary human microvascular endothelial cells. These data indicate that the CRH receptor‐dependent inflammatory response in synovial tissue endothelium is mediated through the cAMP/CREB signaling pathway.
Who uses sunbeds? A systematic literature review of risk groups in developed countries

Skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Indoor tanning is a totally avoidable risk behaviour. This review addresses the specific characteristics of sunbed users and the differences in motivation and risk perception compared with non‐users. This review is based solely on empirical original articles. Based on literature searches with widely used reference databases (‘PubMed’, ‘OVID’, ‘Social Citation Index’, ‘ERIC – Educational Resources Information Center’, ‘Web of Science’ and the ‘International Bibliography of the Social Sciences’), we included studies from developed nations with a publication date between 1 January 2000 and 12 August 2008. All studies were selected, classified and coded simultaneously by both authors on a blinded basis. All searches were performed on 13 and 14 August 2008. In accordance with the QUOROM and the MOOSE Statements, we identified 16 original studies. The typical sunbed user is female, between 17 and 30 years old, and tends to live a comparatively unhealthy lifestyle: Users smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol more frequently and eat less healthy food than non‐users. Users are characterized by a lack of knowledge about health risks of UVR, and prompted by the frequent use of sunbeds by friends or family members and the experience of positive emotions and relaxation by indoor tanning. This review is the first systematic review on risk groups among sunbed users that has been published in a scientific journal. There is still a lack of information among users, particularly among young people regarding the safety of solariums.