Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reversing Breast Cancer in a Premenopausal Woman: A Case for Phyto-Nutritional Therapy

Globally, breast cancer incidence increases at 1% to 2% annually. It is the number one cause of cancer death in women. Current literature implies that soy food intake is linked to decreased risk of breast cancer due to its rich isoflavones. On the other hand, intake of animal fat, red meat, organ meat and high-fat dairy products during premenopausal years may increase risk for this cancer, but no apparent risk has been established for fish or poultry intake. Monounsaturated fat and the improved ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids have showed potential to reduce risk. On the other hand, high glycemic index diet but not glycemic load is associated with a significantly increased risk. Central rather than general obesity carries similar risk. Furthermore, lifestyle rather than genetic differences are widely implicated in breast cancer. A comprehensive phyto-nutritional therapy was adopted for treating a case involving stage IV breast cancer in a premenopausal woman, who was turned away by a hospital offering conventional treatment. The therapy involved designing and monitoring the implementation of dietary plans to achieve optimum health outcomes for the major abnormal metabolic blood/urine markers identified for this particular patient. Nutrient-dense food items with generous servings of a variety of spices and herbs, supplemented by vitamins, minerals and phyto-extracts was prescribed as part of the therapy. Many non-toxic dietary nutrients and phytonutrients are known cytotoxic agents promoting cancer regression via apoptosis pathways, which have yet to be fully understood. Conclusion : The complete remission of the malignancy initiated by this natural therapy would suggest that an advanced stage breast cancer is a metabolic disorder reversible by an evidence-based phyto-nutritional therapy. While not all cases of malignancy can possibly be completely reversed, the positive outcome achieved in partnership with the patient warrants further study involving larger number of women with similar level of malignancy.
Prinzipien der onkologischen Chirurgie bei Lungenmetastasen kindlicher solider Tumoren

Distant metastases regularly occur in cases of paediatric solid tumours. Overall the most common localisation of metastases is the lung. The correct treatment of lung metastases represents a prognostic factor in most paediatric solid tumours. Guidelines for the therapy of lung metastases are commonly included in the protocols of the different multicentric treatment trials. However, specific surgical aspects are usually not addressed in these protocols. The aim of this article is to present the principles of surgery for lung metastases in paediatric solid tumours. The principles of surgery for metastases of the most common extracranial paediatric solid tumours are presented including aspects of the diagnostic work-up, surgical preparations, and surgical procedures. Special points of interest are discussed focusing on the different entities. Surgery for lung metastases in paediatric solid tumours can be performed with a good surgical outcome regardless of the patients' age. Large numbers of sequelae can be surgically excised. Depending on the localisation sternotomy is an option concerning the surgical approach. Surgery for lung metastases in paediatric solid tumours is a safe method when respecting the principles for the procedure. It has a positive influence on the patients' prognosis. An aggressive surgical procedure may be justified depending on the tumour entity. An interdisciplinary approach including paediatric oncology and radiology is mandatory in any case.
Sampling Strategies for Evaluating the Rate of Adventitious Transgene Presence in Non‐Genetically Modified Crop Fields

According to E.U. regulations, the maximum allowable rate of adventitious transgene presence in non‐genetically modified (GM) crops is 0.9%. We compared four sampling methods for the detection of transgenic material in agricultural non‐GM maize fields: random sampling, stratified sampling, random sampling + ratio reweighting, random sampling + regression reweighting. Random sampling involves simply sampling maize grains from different locations selected at random from the field concerned. The stratified and reweighting sampling methods make use of an auxiliary variable corresponding to the output of a gene‐flow model (a zero‐inflated Poisson model) simulating cross‐pollination as a function of wind speed, wind direction, and distance to the closest GM maize field. With the stratified sampling method, an auxiliary variable is used to define several strata with contrasting transgene presence rates, and grains are then sampled at random from each stratum. With the two methods involving reweighting, grains are first sampled at random from various locations within the field, and the observations are then reweighted according to the auxiliary variable. Data collected from three maize fields were used to compare the four sampling methods, and the results were used to determine the extent to which transgene presence rate estimation was improved by the use of stratified and reweighting sampling methods. We found that transgene rate estimates were more accurate and that substantially smaller samples could be used with sampling strategies based on an auxiliary variable derived from a gene‐flow model.
Dynamics of lymphatic vessels during nodal metastasis of oral malignant melanoma in mice

Using pathological and immunohistochemical approaches, we investigated whether lingual injection of B16 cells spontaneously induces cervical lymph node metastasis and whether the extent of tumor lymphangiogenesis is related to the incidence of lymph node metastasis during the local progression of a tumor. Primary tumors developed into unilateral (phase I), separated (phase II), and fused (phase III) patterns. The rate of cervical lymph node metastasis increased in both phases II and III. Intratumoral lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was significantly higher in phase III, whereas increase in peritumoral LVD started in phase II. In this study, we demonstrate the development of cervical lymph node metastasis induced by the progression of melanoma in the tongue, and provide unique evidence that an increased LVD may heighten the risk of lymph node metastasis. In particular, the peritumoral vessels may play an important role in the propensity for early metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes.
A Limited Immunohistochemical Panel Can Subtype Hepatocellular Adenomas for Routine Practice

Objectives β-Catenin-activated hepatocellular adenomas have an elevated risk of harboring foci of hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammatory adenomas also have an increased propensity for malignant transformation and are associated with a systemic inflammatory syndrome. Patients with these two adenoma subtypes benefit from excision. We assessed whether β-catenin-activated and inflammatory adenomas could be identified using a limited immunohistochemical panel. Methods Forty-six adenomas were assessed by morphology and β-catenin, serum amyloid A, and glutamine synthetase immunostains. Results Morphologic examination produced a morphologic working diagnosis of inflammatory adenoma in 25 (54%) of 46 cases, β-catenin-activated adenoma in three (7%) of 46 cases, and 18 (39%) of 46 cases of other adenomas. After immunohistochemical staining, the morphologic diagnosis was confirmed in 15 (33%) of 46 and changed in 20 (43%) of 46, for a final distribution of 16 (35%) of 46 inflammatory adenomas, four (9%) of 46 β-catenin-activated adenomas, seven (15%) of 46 β-catenin-activated inflammatory adenomas, and 19 (41%) of 46 other adenomas. Conclusions Inflammatory and β-catenin-activated adenomas were readily identified by immunostaining patterns. These findings reinforce the necessity of immunohistochemistry in classifying adenomas, as assessing morphology alone often provided inaccurate subclassification. β-Catenin-activated and inflammatory adenomas can be accurately diagnosed using only a limited panel of widely available immunostains.
Psychometric validation of a patient‐reported measure of physical functioning in sporadic inclusion body myositis

Introduction: To assess self‐reported physical functioning in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), the sIBM Physical Functioning Assessment (sIFA) was developed. This research establishes the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the sIFA in patients with sIBM. Methods: Data from 3 small, noninterventional, observational studies were analyzed. Several measures of physical function were included to assess validity. Reliability (Cronbach alpha, test–retest intraclass correlations), construct validity (correlations, analyses of variance), and responsiveness (effect size estimates) were evaluated. Results: Cronbach alphas (range = 0.86–0.91) and test–retest reliability (0.91) were highly satisfactory. Correlations with other measures provided evidence of convergent validity. sIBM patients able to walk without assistive devices scored significantly better on the sIFA (means = 36.0–47.05) than those who required power mobility or wheelchairs (means = 54.9–71.5), demonstrating the discriminating ability of the sIFA. Effect size estimates of responsiveness suggested mild functional progression. Conclusions: Psychometric analyses of the sIFA demonstrate satisfactory reliability, validity, and responsiveness. Muscle Nerve 54: 658–665, 2016
Contribution of tactile dysfunction to manual motor dysfunction in type II diabetes

Introduction: Changes in sensory and motor functions of the hand in type II diabetes (T2D) patients have been reported; there is speculation that these changes are driven by tactile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of tactile feedback on manual function in T2D patients. Methods: T2D patients and healthy controls underwent median nerve blocks at the wrist and elbow. All participants underwent traditional timed motor evaluations, force dynamometry, laboratory‐based kinetic evaluations, and sensory evaluation. Results: Tactile sensation in the T2D group at baseline was found to be equivalent to tactile function of the control group after median nerve block. Traditional timed evaluation results were negatively impacted by anesthesia, but more sensitive kinetic measures were not impacted. Conclusions: These data suggest that mechanisms outside of tactile dysfunction play a significant role in motor dysfunction in T2D. Muscle Nerve 54: 895–902, 2016
Establishing high‐quality reference values for nerve conduction studies: A report from the normative data task force of the American Association Of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Introduction: There are not uniform standards for nerve conduction testing across the United States. The objective of this study is to present a set of methodologically sound criteria to evaluate the literature for the purpose of identifying high‐quality normative nerve conduction studies (NCS) suitable for widespread use. Methods: The Normative Data Task Force (NDTF) was formed to review published studies on methodological issues related to NCS. A set of criteria was then developed to evaluate the literature. These criteria and their rationale are described. Results: We identified 7 key issues that reflect high quality in NCS. For each issue, specific review criteria were developed. Conclusion: Rigorous criteria enable identification of high‐quality studies dealing with nerve conduction reference values. This represents the first step toward the overarching goal of recommending NCS techniques and reference values for electrodiagnostic medicine. Muscle Nerve 54: 366–370, 2016
American Journal of Epidemiology Original Contribution Built Environment and 1-year Change in Weight and Waist Circumference in Middle-aged and Older Adults Portland Neighborhood Environment and Health Study

This study examined neighborhood built environment characteristics (fast-food restaurant density, walkability) and individual eating-out and physical activity behaviors in relation to 1-year change in body weight among adults 50–75 years of age at baseline. mean weight increased by 1.72 kg (standard deviation, 4.3) and mean waist circumference increased by 1.76 cm (standard deviation, 5.6). Multilevel analyses revealed that neighborhoods with a high density of fast-food outlets were associated with increases of 1.40 kg in weight (P < 0.05) and 2.04 cm in waist circumference (P < 0.05) among residents who visited fast-food restaurants frequently. In contrast, high-walkability neighborhoods were associated with decreases of 1.2 kg in weight (P < 0.05) and 1.57 cm in waist circumference (P < 0.05) among residents who increased their levels of vigorous physical activity during the 1-year assessment period. Findings point to the negative influences of the availability of neighborhood fast-food outlets and individual unhealthy eating behaviors that jointly affect weight gain; however, better neighborhood walkability and increased levels of physical activity are likely to be associated with maintaining a healthy weight over time. The obesity epidemic in the US population has become the nation's fastest growing health threat (1, 2). Overweight and obesity are associated with numerous diseases and negative health conditions, including hypertension, osteoarthri-tis, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke (3, 4), and the attendant problems have a significant impact on the US health care system (5–7). Fundamentally, obesity is the result of complex interactions among genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors (8). That is, being overweight is associated with not only genetic predisposition and obesity-related individual behaviors but also built environment factors such as location of residence, resources, walkability, land use, sprawl, and transportation (9–19). Because it is such a critical public health issue, research has begun to focus on the role that the built environment plays in moderating caloric intake and expenditure (20–22). To date, the vast majority of studies examining the built environment and obesity have used cross-sectional research designs. As a result, relatively little is known about how person and built environment characteristics relate to weight change over time. This study addresses the person and environment interaction question by considering both an obe-sogenic environment (i.e., fast-food restaurant distribution) and an environment conducive to healthy living (i.e., neighborhood walkability). Current evidence suggests that certain types of urban form, such as sprawl and lack of street connectivity, are associated with …
Paternal breed effects on expression of IGF-II, BAK1 and BCL2-L1 in bovine preimplantation embryos

Summary The effects of the paternal breed on early embryo and later pre- and postnatal development are well documented. Several recent studies have suggested that such paternal effects may be mediated by the paternally induced epigenetic modifications during early embryogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the paternal breed on the early embryonic development and relative expression of the maternally imprinted gene, IGF-II, and the apoptosis-related genes BAK1 and BCL2-L1 in in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos derived from two unrelated paternal breeds (Holstein and Brown Swiss). The degree of correlation of IGF-II expression pattern with embryo developmental competence and apoptosis-related genes was also investigated. The relative abundance of IGF-II, BCL2-L1 and BAK1 transcripts in day 8 embryos was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction using the comparative Cp method. Our data revealed that the paternal breed did not influence cleavage rate, blastocyst rate and relative abundance of IGF-II, BAK1 and BCL2-L1 in day 8 blastocysts (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, IGF-II expression levels were highly correlated with embryonic developmental competence (r = 0.66, P < 0.1), relative expression of BCL2-L1 (r = 0.72, P < 0.05) and ratio of BCL2-L1/BAK1 (r = 0.78, P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data show that IGF-II, BCL2-L1 and BAK1 expression is not related to the chosen combination of paternal breed, but that IGF-II expression is correlated with embryonic viability and apoptosis-related gene expression.
Localization and quantitative analysis of Cx43 in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation

Summary Many studies of the main gap junction protein, Cx43, have been conducted in porcine oocyte research, but they have been limited to investigations of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). In this study, we verified Cx43 not in COCs, but in porcine oocytes during maturation, and conducted a quantitative time course analysis. The location and dynamics of Cx43 were examined by immunocytochemistry and western blotting, respectively. COCs were cultured in NCSU23 medium and processed for immunocytochemistry and western blotting at 0, 14, 28, and 42 h after denuding. A Cx43 signal was detected on oolemmas, transzonal projections and the surface of zona pellucidae. Western blotting showed that Cx43 band density increased from 0 to 14 h, and gradually decreased thereafter. Our results clarified that Cx43 is localized in the ooplasmic membrane through zona pellucidae and its level changes over time during culture in porcine oocytes.
Comparison of different extenders on the recovery and longevity of epididymal sperm from Spix's yellow-toothed cavies (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831)

Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of cavy (Galea spixii) epididymal sperm following addition to TES or TRIS extenders and using a thermal resistance test (TRT), as well as fluorescence analysis as a complementary method to predict the viability of these gametes. Nine testicle–epididymis complexes were used for sperm collection using a flotation method. Epididymis tails were sliced and one was immersed in 3 ml of TRIS buffer, and the other in 3 ml of TES, for 5 min. After sperm recovery, the samples were subjected to a TRT which involved incubation in a water bath at 37°C for 3 h. During incubation, sample parameters were assessed at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 or 180 min intervals. Results indicated that the TRIS diluent was more efficient than TES (P < 0.05) for the maintenance of sperm parameters in Spix's yellow-toothed cavies over the whole TRT, maintaining sperm longevity for an extended time. In conclusion, we indicate the use of TRIS diluent for recovery and maintenance of longevity of epididymal sperm from cavies (G. spixii).
Effects of a newly developed tricyclic PARP‐1 inhibitor, on ischemic stroke

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)‐1 plays an important role in the pathogenic mechanism of ischemic stroke. A number of studies have been undertaken to develop PARP‐1 inhibitors for clinical use. We report on the newly developed PARP‐1 inhibitors, among which 12a showed good activity (IC50=7.8 nM in an enzyme‐based assay and=0.73 µM in a cell‐based assay) and pharmacokinetic profiles. Treatment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) occluded rats with 3 mg/kg 12a reduced infarct volume suggesting that, may be a good candidate for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Drug Dev Res 71: 253–260, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening for dementia in primary care: a review of the use, efficacy and quality of measures

ABSTRACT Background: Despite evidence that early identification of dementia is of growing policy and practice significance in the U.K., limited work has been done on evaluating screening measures for use in primary care. The aim of this paper is to offer a clinically informed synthesis of research and practice-based evidence on the utility, efficacy and quality of dementia screening measures. Method: The study has three elements: a review of research literature, a small-scale survey of measures employed in three primary care trusts, and a systematic clinical evaluation of the most commonly used screening instruments. The study integrates data from research and clinical sources. Results: The General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG), the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS), and the Mini-Cognitive Assessment Instrument (Mini-Cog) were found to be brief, easy to administer, clinically acceptable, effective, and minimally affected by education, gender, and ethnicity. All three have psychometric properties similar to the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). Conclusions: Although the MMSE is widely used in the U.K., this project identifies the GPCOG, MIS and Mini-Cog as clinically and psychometrically robust and more appropriate for routine use in primary care. A coherent review of evidence coupled with an indepth evaluation of screening instruments has the potential to enhance ability and commitment to early intervention in primary care and, as part of a wider educational strategy, improve the quality and consistency of dementia screening.
Predicting social isolation among geriatric psychiatry patients

ABSTRACT Background: This exploratory study examines factors associated with isolation from informal social ties among geriatric psychiatry inpatients. Specifically, it examines the associations of diagnoses, psychiatric history, and measures of current functioning with social isolation. Methods: Analyses rely upon data derived from the Resident Assessment Instrument – Mental Health (RAI-MH), which is a patient focused, multidimensional, comprehensive assessment instrument designed to be a component of a larger, integrated health information system linking mental health with home care, long-term care, acute care, rehabilitation, and palliative care. Results: Controlling for age, multivariate results show that being married or widowed was associated with a lower odds of being isolated. Mood disorders were also associated with a lower odds of isolation, while a history of a personality disorder and a personal biography of institutionalization were both clearly associated with an increased odds for isolation. Although significant bivariate predictors in the multivariate model, both schizophrenic and organic diagnoses failed to reach statistical significance. In addition, patients hospitalized at an earlier age and/or predicted to have a longer stay on the current admission were much less likely to have contact with informal supports. Of the study variables indexing functional status, only activities of daily living (ADLs) remained a significant predictor for isolation in the final multivariate model. Conclusions: The analyses demonstrate the detrimental effects of an earlier life experience with mental illness. Having an earlier age of illness onset may lead to a potentially greater impairment in establishing and maintaining informal social ties throughout the life course into older age. These analyses reinforce the need for comprehensive assessment of patients on admission and over time.