Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
0369 Breast cancer incidence among flight attendants

Objectives Previous studies suggest that flight attendants have a higher incidence of breast cancer than the general population; however, the reason remains unclear. We evaluated the relation of breast cancer incidence with estimates of cosmic radiation dose and metrics of circadian rhythm disruption among a cohort of 6092 female former US flight attendants. Method Cohort members (or their proxy) completed a computer assisted telephone interview that collected data on incident cancers and non-occupational risk factors for breast cancer. Incident cancers were also identified through linkage with state cancer registries. Life table analyses were conducted to compare breast cancer incidence among the cohort to that in the general population and to evaluate exposure-response relations. Results Breast cancer incidence was increased compared to the general population (observed 343; standardised incidence ratio 1.37; 95% confidence interval 1.23, 1.52). Among flight attendants, breast cancer was not significantly associated with ten-year lagged cumulative estimates of absorbed cosmic radiation dose, time spent working during normal sleep hours, or time zones crossed in the cohort overall or in women who gave birth two or fewer times. A significant positive association was observed between breast cancer incidence and these exposures only in the small subset of women who gave birth three or more times. Conclusions Our data suggest that the effect of occupational exposures on breast cancer risk among flight attendants may be modified by non-occupational risk factors for breast cancer. Future modelling analyses will further evaluate the role of occupational exposures and non-occupational risk factors.
The impact of central sparing on the word-length effect in hemianopia

ABSTRACT Studies suggest that a word-length effect of up to 160 ms/letter distinguishes hemianopic dyslexia from pure alexia. However, partial preservation of central vision is common in right hemianopia, but its effects on single-word reading are unknown. Eighteen healthy subjects read single words with a gaze-contingent right hemianopia simulation that varied the degree of central sparing. Mean reading onset time declined with small degrees of central sparing, but the word-length effect did not decrease until sparing exceeded 3.15°. We next evaluated the effects of font size. Effects of central sparing were constant when expressed in number of letters, with a decline in word-length effect beginning as sparing approached 4 letters. We conclude that the effects of central sparing on mean reading onset time and the word-length effect are distinct. We provide diagnostic word-length criteria for discriminating between pure alexia and hemianopic dyslexia with various degrees of central sparing.
Effects of musical training on the early auditory cortical representation of pitch transitions as indexed by change‐N1

The effects of musical training on the early auditory cortical response to pitch transitions in music were investigated by use of the change‐N1 component of auditory event‐related potentials. Musicians and non‐musicians were presented with music stimuli comprising a melody and a harmony under various listening conditions. First, when the subjects played a video game and were instructed to ignore the auditory stimuli, the onset of stimuli elicited a typical, fronto‐central onset‐N1, whereas melodic and harmonic pitch transitions within the stimuli elicited so‐called change‐N1s that were more posterior in scalp distribution. The pitch transition change‐N1s, but not onset‐N1, were enhanced in musicians. Second, when the listeners attended to the same stimuli as above to detect infrequently occurring target stimuli, the change‐N1 elicited by pitch changes (in non‐target stimuli) was augmented, in non‐musicians only when the target was easily detectable, and in both musicians and non‐musicians when it was difficult to detect. Thus, the early, obligatory cortical response to pitch transitions during passive listening was chronically enhanced by training in musicians, and, reflecting this training‐induced enhancement, the task‐related modulation of this response was also different between musicians and non‐musicians. These results are the first to demonstrate the long‐term effects of training, short‐term effects of task and the effects of their interaction on the early (~100‐ms) cortical processing of pitch transitions in music. The scalp distributions of these enhancement effects were generally right dominant at temporal electrode sites, suggesting contributions from the radially oriented subcomponent of change‐N1, namely, the Tb (N1c) wave of the T‐complex.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee – An Introduction

Osteoarthritis of the knee is common, and a major cause of disability in older people that is likely to increase over time. Some patients progress rapidly to needing surgery, whereas others will have persistent pain for many years. The aims of conservative treatment are to reduce pain and disability. There is evidence that several non-pharmacological therapies such as exercise, education and weight loss can have an effect in patients with knee pain, though the effect is usually only modest. Ultrasound and short wave diathermy are widely available, but not supported by evidence. Particular preparations of topical treatments are effective, as too is oral paracetamol (acetaminophen). Glucosamine is popular but not all trials have found it to have any effect. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective, though their effect is modest and their longterm value is not established. They are associated with significant adverse events, particularly gastrointestinal haemorrhage, which has a substantial mortality. They are particularly dangerous in the elderly. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors cause fewer gastrointestinal problems but increase the risk of vascular events including myocardial infarction and stroke. Herbal therapies have only sparse evidence in support. Intra-articular injections of steroids may be effective, at least for a short period, but hyaluronan has a longer duration of action. Patients prefer treatments that are safe, and are willing to forgo some effectiveness in favour of safety. In this context, acupuncture is a potentially valuable treatment for OA knee, and the evidence on effectiveness, safety and cost should be considered carefully.
Mapping a mutation in Caenorhabditis elegans using a polymerase chain reaction‐based approach

Many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified within the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. SNPs present in the genomes of two isogenic C. elegans strains have been routinely used as a tool in forward genetics to map a mutation to a particular chromosome. This article describes a laboratory exercise in which undergraduate students use molecular biological techniques to map a mutation to a chromosome using a set of SNPs. Through this multi‐week exercise, students perform genetic crosses, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzyme digests, agarose gel electrophoresis, and analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Students then analyze their results to deduce the chromosomal location of the mutation. Students also use bioinformatics websites to develop hypotheses that link the genotype to the phenotype. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(3):XXXXX–XXXXX, 2014.
Development of targeted oncolytic virotherapeutics through translational research

Background: Oncolytic virotherapeutics is a promising platform for cancer treatment but the product class has yet been successful. The key to success is integration of bidirectional translational research to rapidly address issues encountered in the laboratory and the clinics. Objective: We highlight the hurdles identified for the targeted oncolytic virotherapy approach, specifically those identified in clinical trials with wild-type viruses and first-generation targeted agents. We also analyze the translational research and development that has been applied to overcome these hurdles, including virus engineering and design improvements for next-generation virotherapeutics. Results/conclusion: The iterative loop between the clinic and the lab can function as a major driving force to optimize products from this platform.
Impact of Initial Conservative Treatment Interventions on the Outcomes of Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Study Design. Prospective multicenter study. Objective. To examine whether initial conservative treatment interventions for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) influence patient outcomes. Summary of Background Data. OVFs have been described as stable spinal injuries and, in most cases, are managed well with conservative treatment. However, systematic treatments for OVF have not been clearly established. Methods. A total of 362 patients with OVF (59 males and 303 females; mean age, 76.3 yr) from 25 institutes were enrolled in this clinical study. All the patients were treated conservatively without any surgical interventions. The patient outcomes were evaluated 6 months after the fractures on the basis of Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), activities of daily living (the Japanese long-term care insurance system), back pain (visual analogue scale), cognitive status (mini-mental state examination), and vertebral collapse, which were used as response variables. Furthermore, brace type, hospitalization, bisphosphonates after injury, and painkillers after injury were explanatory variables for the treatment interventions. To evaluate the independent effects of treatment interventions on patient outcomes, we performed multivariate logistic regression analyses and obtained odds ratios that were adjusted for the potential confounding effects of age, sex, level of fracture, presence of middle-column injury, pain visual analogue scale at enrollment, mini-mental state examination score at enrollment, and previous use of steroids. Results. There was no significant difference for treatment intervention factors including brace type, hospitalization, bisphosphonates after injury, and painkillers after injury. For adjusting factors, the presence of middle-column injury was significantly associated with SF-36 PCS ⩽ 40, reduced activities of daily living, prolonged back pain, and vertebral collapse. Female sex and advanced age were associated with SF-36 PCS ⩽ 40. Low mini-mental state examination scores at enrollment were associated with SF-36 PCS ⩽ 40 and reduced activities of daily living. The previous use of steroids was associated with SF-36 MCS ⩽ 40, prolonged back pain, and vertebral collapse. No other examined variables were significant risk factors for patient outcomes. Conclusion. These results showed that treatment intervention factors did not affect patient outcomes 6 months after OVF. Middle-column injury was a significant risk factor for both clinical and radiological outcomes. In the future, establishing systematic treatments for cases with middle-column injuries is needed. Level of Evidence: 2
Comparison of Lumbopelvic Rhythm and Flexion-Relaxation Response Between 2 Different Low Back Pain Subtypes

Study Design. A cross-sectional study to compare the kinematics and muscle activities during trunk flexion and return task in people with and without low back pain (LBP). Objective. To characterize the lumbopelvic rhythms during trunk flexion and return task in a group of healthy persons and 2 different subgroups of patients with LBP, identifying the flexion-relaxation (FR) responses in each group. Summary of Background Data. The lumbopelvic rhythm is the coordinated movement of the lumbar spine and hip during trunk flexion and return and is a clinical sign of LBP. However, the reported patterns of lumbopelvic rhythm in patients with LBP are inconsistent, possibly because previous studies have examined a heterogeneous group of patients with LBP. To clarify the lumbopelvic rhythm patterns, it is necessary to study more homogeneous subgroups of patients with LBP. Methods. The study involved the following subjects: control group of healthy subjects (N = 16); lumbar flexion with rotation syndrome (LFRS) LBP subgroup (N = 17); and lumbar extension with rotation syndrome (LERS) LBP subgroup (N = 14). The kinematic parameters during the trunk flexion and return task were recorded using a 3-dimensional motion capture system, and the FR ratio of the erector spinae muscle was measured. Results. The flexion angle of the lumbar spine was larger in the LFRS subgroup than in the control group and the LERS LBP subgroup, and the hip flexion angle was larger in the LERS LBP subgroup than in the control group and LFRS subgroup. The FR response of the erector spinae muscle disappeared in the LFRS and LERS LBP subgroups. Conclusion. These results show that the lumbopelvic rhythms are different among healthy subjects and patients assigned to 2 specific LBP subgroups. These results provide information on the FR response of the erector spinae muscle. Level of Evidence: N/A
The effects of 45 degree head up tilt on the lumbar puncture success rate in children undergoing spinal anesthesia

Background: There are few studies for procedural techniques of lumbar puncture (LP) for spinal anesthesia in children. There are no controlled studies on the effect of patient positioning. We designed this prospective, randomized study to compare the success rates of LP of the lateral decubitus and lateral decubitus position with a 45 degree head up tilt in children undergoing spinal anesthesia.
Cell transformation activities of abietic acid and dehydroabietic acid: safety assessment of possible contaminants in paper and paperboard for food contact use

Abietic acid (AA) and dehydroabietic acid (DHA) have been detected in virgin paper products and recycled paper products used for food packaging. In order to evaluate the cell transformation activities of AA and DHA, the Bhas 42 cell-transformation assay for initiation and promotion was carried out. Tested in the initiation stage, AA and DHA did not significantly increase transformation frequencies. On the other hand, both chemicals induced transformed foci dose dependently at the promotion stage. The highest transformed foci density induced by AA was about 13 foci/well at 60 nmol ml−1, and that of DHA was about 16 foci/well at 40 nmol ml−1 (solvent control = 2.3 ± 1.4 foci/well). The present results suggest that AA and DHA may have tumour-promoting potential.
Effect of particle size and spectral sub-range within the UV-VIS-NIR range using diffuse reflectance spectra on multivariate models in evaluating the severity of fusariosis in ground wheat

Control (crops grown in natural conditions) and Fusarium head blight (FHB) damaged (crops inoculated with Fusarium culmorum conidia) grain of four wheat cultivars was ground and sieved into three fractions of different particle size. A series of blended samples differing in content of damaged material were prepared within fractions and cultivars, and diffuse reflectance spectra recorded within the 200–2500 nm wavelength range. Partial least-squares (PLS) models for the percentage of damaged material in blended samples were built for each of twelve series within different spectral ranges, and the root-mean-squared error of cross-validation (RMSECV) was used for the assessment of model performance. Errors using the models were lowest for the finest fraction independent of spectral range; however, their values depended on the cultivar. RMSECV for the finest fraction averaged over cultivars ranged from a little below 3.0 (when the ultraviolet light sub-range was used or participated with another one) to 8.1% (when only the near infrared (NIR) sub-range was used). For the medium and coarse fractions, averaged errors showed the same tendency of dependence on the sub-range(s); however, with higher values that increased with an increase in particle size. In conclusion, within the different fractions of particle size and spectral ranges, the most sensitive to the presence of damaged material were models developed for the finest fraction and when the ultraviolet light sub-range was used in modelling.
Intraoperative radiation therapy for high risk soft tissue sarcoma resection margins

Background and objectives: External beam radiation (EBRT) can reduce local recurrence (LR) of soft tissue sarcomas (STS). The addition of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) can deliver high dose radiation boost to anticipated “high risk” margins while sparing adjacent structures. Methods: A retrospective review (2004-2012) was performed of STS treated with surgical resection and IORT using HDR brachytherapy for anticipated close/positive margins. Results: Twenty-four patients underwent 25 resections with IORT (1 patient had 2 separate recurrences). Tumors were primary in 72%, deep in 96% and intermediate/high grade in 84%. Tumor locations were extremity (44%), retroperitoneal (40%), truncal (12%) and neck (4%). Common histologies included pleomorphic (32%), liposarcoma (12%) and myxofibrosarcoma (12%). Neoadjuvantly, 3 received chemotherapy and 13 received EBRT (median 50Gy; range 45-54). Median IORT dose was 12Gy (range 10-17.5). Margins were microscopically positive in 20%; none were grossly positive. Adjuvantly, 5 received EBRT (median 46Gy, range 45-50) and 2 received chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 20.1 months (range 2.7-96.4). No recurrences occurred at the IORT sites. Two-year LR free survival was 60.8% and disease specific survival was 84%. Conclusion: Use of IORT at time of STS resection was effective at preventing LR at the treated site despite “high risk” features.
Screening of lactic acid bacteria for bacteriocins by microbiological and PCR methods

We describe a practical laboratory designed for third‐year undergraduate students of Biotechnology as part of a Microbial Physiology and Genetics course. It comprises a five‐session laboratory module to screen foods for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) 1 and to test isolated LAB for the presence of bacteriocins. Traditional Thai fermented foods are first screened for bacteriocin‐producing LAB using microbiological methods. This is followed by a simple and rapid DNA extraction and by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using three pairs of specific primers to test for the presence or absence of various bacteriocin genes in the isolated LAB. PCR amplicons of 332, 412, and 608 bp indicate the presence of pediocin, enterocin, and nisin genes, respectively, whereas no amplicon band indicates the absence of these bacteriocins. The laboratory provides the students with experience in the use of microbiological and multiplex PCR methods and shows how the molecular biology techniques can be related to their daily lives. The module could easily be adapted to the study of fermented foods from other countries.
Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in commonly consumed Nigerian smoked/grilled fish and meat

Smoking and/or grilling, when carried out with traditional methods involving direct contact with wood combustion fumes, is responsible for high contamination levels with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aim of this work was to investigate the PAH content of different smoked or grilled meat and fish products commonly consumed in Nigeria. A rapid method involving microwave-assisted saponification and simultaneous extraction followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation and spectrofluorometric detection was employed. Samples that were smoked or grilled using traditional systems, which use a wood fire, were heavily contaminated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) at levels ranging from 2.4 to 31.2 µg kg−1 wet weight. Considerably lower contamination levels were found in samples smoked or grilled in the laboratory using a charcoal fire (BaP from 0.7 to 2.8 µg kg−1 wet weight). The health risk associated with a daily consumption of 100 g of these products was also evaluated using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. MOE values lower than 10,000 were obtained for all smoked/grilled commercial samples, indicating a potential concern for consumer health.
Electrophysiological Study for Nerve Root Entrapment in Patients With Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Study Design: A case series study. Objective: To investigate the electrophysiological location of nerve root entrapment in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis. Summary of Background Data: Although the lesion of the nerve root in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis has been thought to be located at the pars interarticularis due to proliferation of fibrous cartilage, there is no electrophysiological study in relation to this accomplished fact. Methods: We performed an electrophysiological study in 12 patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis during surgery. All patients presented with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis and unilateral radiculopathy, and underwent single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion with instrumentation. After a total facetectomy, nerve root action potentials were recorded by stimulating the ipsilateral peroneal nerve at the popliteal fossa. Four needle electrodes were inserted into the affected nerve root at the intraspinal canal, pars interarticularis, disk level, and extralateral to the disk. The waveforms that showed either a positive waveform pattern or polyphasic waveform pattern were regarded as abnormal potentials. We also confirmed surgical records and preoperative images to investigate the relationship to the electrophysiological findings. Results: An abnormal waveform pattern was demonstrated at the pars interarticularis in 6 patients, at the disk level in 5, and at the extralateral site in 1. On the basis of the electrophysiological findings of this study, the nerve root lesion was not always found on only the pars interarticularis in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis. A relationship between the electrophysiological findings and surgical records or preoperative images was not found. Conclusions: The electrophysiological investigation in this study shows that the nerve root entrapment in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs not only at the pars interarticularis but also distal to the isthmus. This study suggests the possibility of insufficiency of decompression only at the pars interarticularis for patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis.
Radiographic measurement of femorotibial rotation in weight-bearing: The influence of flexion and extension in the knee on the extensor mechanism and angles of the lower extremity in a healthy population

Purpose: A system for examination and measurement of the weight-bearing knee was developed earlier on examination equipment used for QUESTOR Precision Radiography (QPR), adapted to computed radiography and to a picture archiving and communication system. In this study the same system was used to develop a method to define “patellar variables” including measurements of the rotation of the femur and the tibia and the patellar translation, between semiflexion and extension, as well as the Q-angle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of these patellar variables and also to establish “normal” reference values for both the patellar variables and the variables in the original QPR system. Material and Methods: For evaluation of the reproducibility 10 volunteers with healthy knees were examined twice. To obtain the reference values, 80 volunteers with healthy knees, 10 females and 10 males within each decade between 20 and 59 years of age, were examined. Results and Conclusion: The reproducibility of the rotation of the femur and the tibia and of the Q-angle was 2–3° (SD) and of the patellar translation about 3 mm (SD). The result from the healthy volunteers will be a useful tool for evaluation of disorders in the knee joint.