Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A simple screening score to predict diabetes in cancer patients

Abstract Many cancer patients develop diabetes, which may result in reduction of chemotherapy effectiveness and increased infection risk and cardiovascular mortality. Diabetes may also increase the risks of chemotherapy-related toxicity and post-operative mortality, or represent an obstacle to optimal cancer treatment. However, the clinical predictors of diabetes in cancer patients remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the risk factors for developing diabetes and construct a nomogram to predict diabetes in cancer patients. We investigated patients from a national sample cohort obtained from the Korea National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS), which included 2% of the Korean population. Patients who had undergone routine medical evaluation by the KNHIS between 2004 and 2008 and been hospitalized due to cancer (ICD-10 codes C00–97) during the past 3 years were included. After excluding patients with type 2 diabetes and missing data, 10,899 patients were enrolled and followed-up until 2013. A total of 7630 (70%) patients were assigned as the training cohort and used to construct the nomogram which was based on a multivariable logistic regression model. The remaining patients (n = 3269) were used as the validation cohort. The incidence rate of diabetes was 12.1 per 1000 person-years over a mean follow-up of 6.6 ± 1.8 years. Significant risk factors for developing diabetes were age, sex, obesity, fasting plasma glucose, hypertension, and hypercholesterolmia. A nomogram was constructed using these variables and internally validated. The area under the curve was 0.70 (95% confidence interval, .666-.730, P < .0001) and the calibration plot showed agreement between the actual and nomogram-predicted diabetes probabilities. The nomogram developed in this study is easy to use and convenient for identifying cancer patients at high-risk for type 2 diabetes, enabling early type 2 diabetes screening and management.
Comparison of analgesic and anxiolytic effects of nitrous oxide in burn wound treatment

Abstract Aim: We compared the effects of 50% N2O and N2O titration in burn management to alleviate pain and anxiety associated with burn dressing. Methods: In this single-blind prospective randomized controlled trial, 70 stable adult burn patients were randomized to 2 groups during May 2015 to January 2016. The experimental group was titrated with N2O ranging from 30% to the ideal sedation concentration before dressing change until the end. The control group was treated with 50% N2O 2 minutes before dressing change until the end. Pain, anxiety, vital signs, and the highest concentrations of N2O inhaled were recorded at 1 minute before N2O inhalation (T0), dismantling of outer (T1), inner dressings (T2), debridement (T3), drug-smearing (T4), bandaging (T5), and 10 minutes after completion of the procedure (T6). Results: The pain and anxiety scores in the experimental group performed significantly less than the control group during T2-T6. The systolic blood pressure in T2 and the heart rate at T2 and T3 varied significantly between the 2 groups. The highest N2O concentrations of the experimental group were mainly 60% to 70% at T2 (87.9%), T3 (87.9%), and T4 (81.8%). Conclusion: N2O titration significantly reduced pain and anxiety in burn patients, with minimal side effects.
Relationship Between Distinct Physical Capacities in Young Welsh Rugby Players

Abstract Loturco, I, Ashcroft, P, Evans, N, Tombs, C, Pereira, LA, and Jeffreys, I. Relationship between distinct physical capacities in young Welsh rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 441–447, 2022—We examined the correlations between aerobic fitness (assessed by the 30-15 intermittent fitness test [IFT]), maximum isometric strength, vertical jump, and speed performance of 37 under-16 (U16) Welsh regional rugby players. The physical assessments used in this research are part of a regional development program under the auspices of the players' development pathway created by the Welsh Rugby Union. The tests were performed in the following order: vertical jumps, isometric midthigh pull, 40-m sprint velocity, and 30-15 IFT. A Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was used to estimate the magnitude of the relationships between the different physical variables. Overall, we found significant associations between jump height, sprint velocity, maximum isometric strength, and 30-15 IFT performance (r ranging from 0.44 to 0.70). Moreover, strong positive interrelationships were observed between strength, speed, and jump qualities (r ranging from 0.51 to 0.80). Although these findings remain to be established in prospective studies, it seems that U16 athletes are capable of simultaneously improving their aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance. This can be confirmed by the close correlations between the 30-15 IFT and every neuromechanical parameter reported here. Therefore, practitioners are recommended to use multifaceted training schemes with their young rugby players, including different components of endurance, speed, strength, and power training.
Nickel Toxicity Induced Changes in Nutrient Dynamics and Antioxidant Profiling in Two Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids

Nickel (Ni) is among the essential micronutrient heavy metals utilized by plants. However, an elevated level of Ni causes serious concerns for plants’ physiology and their survival. This study evaluated the mechanisms influencing the growth, physiology, and nutrient dynamics in two commercial maize hybrids (Syngenta and Pioneer) exposed to Ni treatments in hydroponics nutrient solution (NS). Seedlings were raised in plastic trays with quartz sand, and subsequently transferred to Hoagland’s NS at the two leaves stage. After three days of transplantation, Ni levels of 0, 20, and 40 mg L−1 were maintained in the nutrient solution. After 30 days of Ni treatments, seedlings were harvested and different growth, physiological, and nutrient concentrations were determined. The results showed that with increasing Ni concentration, the growth of maize hybrids was significantly reduced, and the maize hybrid, Pioneer, showed significantly higher growth than that of Syngenta at all levels of Ni. Higher growth in Pioneer is ascribed to elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GR, APX, and POX), lower damage to cellular membranes (i.e., higher MSI and lower MDA), and higher tissue nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu). Furthermore, the maize hybrids showed a difference in nutrient translocation from root to shoot which could be one of the factors responsible for differential response of these hybrids against Ni treatments.
Sphingolipids in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Ceramide Turnover

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the main causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD comprises a group of conditions characterized by the accumulation of hepatic lipids that can eventually lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the fifth most common cancer type with a poor survival rate. In this context, several works have pointed out perturbations in lipid metabolism and, particularly, changes in bioactive sphingolipids, as a hallmark of NAFLD and derived HCC. In the present work, we have reviewed existing literature about sphingolipids and the development of NAFLD and NAFLD-derived HCC. During metabolic syndrome, considered a risk factor for steatosis development, an increase in ceramide and sphigosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have been reported. Likewise, other reports have highlighted that increased sphingomyelin and ceramide content is observed during steatosis and NASH. Ceramide also plays a role in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, acting synergistically with S1P. Finally, during HCC, metabolic fluxes are redirected to reduce cellular ceramide levels whilst increasing S1P to support tumor growth.
Resource utilization and cost effectiveness of treating acute promyelocytic leukaemia using generic arsenic trioxide

Arsenic trioxide (ATO)‐based regimens are the standard of care for treating acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) and have replaced chemotherapy‐based approaches. However, the cost of “patented” ATO is prohibitive because of patent rights. “Generic” ATO has been used in a few countries, but its implications for health resource utilization (HRU) and cost of treatment are unknown. We hypothesized that treating APL patients using generic ATO (APL‐ATO) will be cost effective compared to the chemotherapy‐based regimen (APL‐CT). In a single‐centre retrospective study, we used a bottom‐up costing method to compare the direct medical cost of treatment and HRU between APL‐ATO and APL‐CT. These costs and the survival and relapse probabilities were imputed in a three‐state Markov decision model to estimate the cost effectiveness of APL‐ATO compared to APL‐CT. The mean cost of treatment for APL‐ATO (n = 30, $8500 ± 2078) was significantly less than for APL‐CT (n = 30, $22 600 ± 5528) (P < 0·001). APL‐ATO reduced hospitalization, antibiotic and antifungal usage (P < 0·001). In the Markov model, five‐year treatment costs were significantly lower for APL‐ATO ($11 131) than for APL‐CT ($17 926) (P < 0·001). Treatment cost and health resource utilization were significantly lower for generic ATO‐treated APL patients compared to the chemotherapy‐based regimen.
Internet Gaming Disorder: Exploring Its Impact on Satisfaction in Life in PELLEAS Adolescent Sample

Among adolescents, heavy video game use and socializing online may be valued socially by peers, depending on gender and age, which can increase life satisfaction. However, heavy video gaming may also be linked to symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder, which can decrease life satisfaction. Overall, when symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder are present, do subjects experience decreased or increased life satisfaction, all other things being equal? The aim of this study was to explore the association between Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms and life satisfaction, while controlling for gender, age, and other conditions that may impact life satisfaction. More than 2000 adolescents filled out an anonymous questionnaire at school, and 43 patients in a care center filled out the same questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, family life conditions, use of screens (videos, video games, and social networks), mental health screenings, and a life satisfaction measure were collected. Distribution of participants’ characteristics was provided, and stratified multivariate analyses by young male, older male, young female, and older female school populations were carried out. Results suggested that Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms had similar prevalence before and after the age of 15 in males (21% vs. 19%) and in females (6% vs. 7%) respectively and was significantly associated with decreased life satisfaction in older males, even after adjusting for parental support, depression, and economic conditions. Associations between symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder and life satisfaction may be different depending on adolescent gender and age group.
Identification of Potential Therapeutic Gene Markers in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Bioinformatics Analysis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common cancer found in the nasopharynx with high metastatic and invasive nature. Increasing evidences have identified the critical role of gene therapy in NPC treatment. Hence, this study was designed to identify specific gene markers that affected NPC progression through gene expression profile analysis. NPC‐related gene expression data set gene set enrichment (GSE)53819 were retrieved and analyzed to screen out differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by determination of their expression in noncancerous tissues and NPC specimens. Next, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted on DEGs to obtain tumor‐associated gene modules. Genes in those modules were intersected with DEGs for gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis. Then protein‐protein interaction network of tumor‐associated genes was constructed to select genes most closely linked to NPC. Afterward, expression of chromosome 9 open reading frame 24 (c9orf24), primary ciliary dyskinesia protein 1 (PCDP1), and leucine‐rich repeat‐containing protein 46 (LRRC46) was detected in GSE53819 and further verified in GSE12452 and GSE64634. Differential analysis on GSE53819 found that 2,173 genes were aberrantly expressed in NPC, among which 917 genes are upregulated and 1,256 genes are downregulated. WGCNA showed that genes were enriched in 17 modules and 727 genes exhibited ectopic expression in NPC and enriched in cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction, cytochrome P450, and chemical carcinogenesis signaling pathways, among which c9orf24, PCDP1, and LRRC46 were poorly expressed in NPC. Therefore, c9orf24, PCDP1, and LRRC46 might serve as prominent diagnostic markers for NPC, which presents new insights for NPC therapy.
A Review of the Immunomodulating Components of Maternal Breast Milk and Protection Against Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Breast milk contains immunomodulating components that are beneficial to newborns during maturation of their immune system. Human breast milk composition is influenced by an infant’s gestational and chronological age, lactation stage, and the mother and infant’s health status. Major immunologic components in human milk, such as secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) and growth factors, have a known role in regulating gut barrier integrity and microbial colonization, which therefore protect against the development of a life-threatening gastrointestinal illness affecting newborn infants called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Breast milk is a known protective factor in the prevention of NEC when compared with feeding with commercial formula. Breast milk supplements infants with human milk oligosaccharides, leukocytes, cytokines, nitric oxide, and growth factors that attenuate inflammatory responses and provide immunological defenses to reduce the incidence of NEC. This article aims to review the variety of immunomodulating components in breast milk that protect the infant from the development of NEC.
Exploratory identification of predictive biomarkers in randomized trials with normal endpoints

One of the main endeavours in present‐day medicine, especially in oncological research, is to provide evidence for individual treatment decisions (“stratified medicine”). In the pursuit of optimal treatment decision rules, the identification of predictive biomarkers that modify the treatment effect is essential. Proposed methods have often been based on recursive partitioning since a wide variety of interaction patterns can be captured automatically and the results are easily interpretable. Furthermore, these methods are readily extendable to high‐dimensional settings by means of ensemble learning. In this article, we present predMOB, an adaptation of the model‐based recursive partitioning (MOB) for subgroup analysis approach specifically tailored to the identification of predictive factors. In a simulation study, predMOB outperforms the original MOB with respect to the number of false detections and shows to be more robust in moderately complex settings. Furthermore, we compare the results of predMOB for the application to a public data base of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients to those obtained from the original MOB and are able to elucidate the nature of the biomarkers' effects.
Micronutrient Intake Adequacy in Men and Women with a Healthy Japanese Dietary Pattern

This study examined the relationship between a healthy Japanese dietary pattern and micronutrient intake adequacy based on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2015 (DRIs-J 2015) in men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1418 men and 795 women aged 40–87 years, who participated in the Waseda Alumni’s Sports, Exercise, Daily Activity, Sedentariness, and Health Study. Dietary patterns were derived from principal component analysis of the consumption of 52 food and beverage items, which were assessed by a validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Micronutrient intakes were quantified using the dietary reference intakes score (DRIs-score) for 21 micronutrients (based on DRIs-J 2015). The healthy dietary pattern score was significantly and positively correlated with the intakes of all 21 micronutrients used for constructing the DRIs-score in men and in women (each, p < 0.001). In both sexes, the healthy dietary pattern scores were strongly and positively associated with DRIs-scores (in men: ρ = 0.806, p < 0.001; in women: ρ = 0.868, p < 0.001), and the DRIs-scores reached a plateau around the highest tertile of the healthy dietary pattern score. These results indicate that a healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with adequate micronutrient intakes based on the DRIs-J 2015 in both men and women.
Vitamin E Acetate in Bronchoalveolar-Lavage Fluid Associated with EVALI.

BACKGROUND The causative agents for the current national outbreak of electronic-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) have not been established. Detection of toxicants in bronchoalveolar-lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with EVALI can provide direct information on exposure within the lung. METHODS BAL fluids were collected from 51 patients with EVALI in 16 states and from 99 healthy participants who were part of an ongoing study of smoking involving nonsmokers, exclusive users of e-cigarettes or vaping products, and exclusive cigarette smokers that was initiated in 2015. Using the BAL fluid, we performed isotope dilution mass spectrometry to measure several priority toxicants: vitamin E acetate, plant oils, medium-chain triglyceride oil, coconut oil, petroleum distillates, and diluent terpenes. RESULTS State and local health departments assigned EVALI case status as confirmed for 25 patients and as probable for 26 patients. Vitamin E acetate was identified in BAL fluid obtained from 48 of 51 case patients (94%) in 16 states but not in such fluid obtained from the healthy comparator group. No other priority toxicants were found in BAL fluid from the case patients or the comparator group, except for coconut oil and limonene, which were found in 1 patient each. Among the case patients for whom laboratory or epidemiologic data were available, 47 of 50 (94%) had detectable tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or its metabolites in BAL fluid or had reported vaping THC products in the 90 days before the onset of illness. Nicotine or its metabolites were detected in 30 of 47 of the case patients (64%). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin E acetate was associated with EVALI in a convenience sample of 51 patients in 16 states across the United States. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and others.).
Self-Assembly in Ganglioside‒Phospholipid Systems: The Co-Existence of Vesicles, Micelles, and Discs

Ganglioside lipids have been associated with several physiological processes, including cell signaling. They have also been associated with amyloid aggregation in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. In biological systems, gangliosides are present in a mix with other lipid species, and the structure and properties of these mixtures strongly depend on the proportions of the different components. Here, we study self-assembly in model mixtures composed of ganglioside GM1 and a zwitterionic phospholipid, 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). We characterize the structure and molecular dynamics using a range of complementary techniques, including cryo-TEM, polarization transfer solid state NMR, diffusion NMR, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and calorimetry. The main findings are: (1) The lipid acyl chains are more rigid in mixtures containing both lipid species compared to systems that only contain one of the lipids. (2) The system containing DOPC with 10 mol % GM1 contains both vesicles and micelles. (3) At higher GM1 concentrations, the sample is more heterogenous and also contains small disc-like or rod-like structures. Such a co-existence of structures can have a strong impact on the overall properties of the lipid system, including transport, solubilization, and partitioning, which can be crucial to the understanding of the role of gangliosides in biological systems.
Harnessing the Effects of BTKi on T Cells for Effective Immunotherapy against CLL

B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and tumor–microenvironment crosstalk both drive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis. Within the microenvironment, tumor cells shape the T-cell compartment, which in turn supports tumor growth and survival. Targeting BCR signaling using Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) has become a highly successful treatment modality for CLL. Ibrutinib, the first-in-class BTKi, also inhibits Tec family kinases such as interleukin-2–inducible kinase (ITK), a proximal member of the T-cell receptor signaling cascade. It is increasingly recognized that ibrutinib modulates the T-cell compartment of patients with CLL. Understanding these T-cell changes is important for immunotherapy-based approaches aiming to increase the depth of response and to prevent or treat the emergence of resistant disease. Ibrutinib has been shown to improve T-cell function in CLL, resulting in the expansion of memory T cells, Th1 polarization, reduced expression of inhibitory receptors and improved immune synapse formation between T cells and CLL cells. Investigating the modulation of BTKi on the T-cell antitumoral function, and having a more complete understanding of changes in T cell behavior and function during treatment with BTKi therapy will inform the design of immunotherapy-based combination approaches and increase the efficacy of CLL therapy.
Breast metastasis from colorectal cancer treated by multimodal therapy

Abstract Introduction: Breast metastases from primary colorectal carcinoma are extremely rare, with only 45 cases being reported previously. Since the most common malignancy in the breast and axilla is primary breast cancer regardless of cancer history, non-hematologic metastases may be misdiagnosed initially. Nevertheless, differentiating breast metastases from primary breast cancer is crucial because of their differences in prognosis and management. Patient concerns: We present a case of a 44-year-old Asian woman who noticed a new right breast lump after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for her primary sigmoid colon cancer. Diagnosis: Image and immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with breast metastasis from primary colorectal adenocarcinoma. Interventions: The patient underwent breast tumor excision and reinitiated chemotherapy. Outcomes: The patient's disease progressed despite the interventions. She passed away 7 months after the detection of breast metastasis. Conclusion: When a new breast lesion is detected in patients with colorectal cancer history, the physician should consider the possibility of breast metastasis due to the poor prognosis. If a biopsy is necessary, cancer history should be provided to the clinicians to prevent incorrect pathological interpretation. In establishing the diagnosis, certain immunohistochemical markers have been shown to be sensitive and specific in previously reported cases. The combination of tumor excision and chemotherapy was the most common strategy in managing this condition with inconsistent clinical outcomes.