Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary Fat, Cooking Fat, and Breast Cancer Risk in a Multiethnic Population

Our objective was to examine the association between dietary fat intake, cooking fat usage, and breast cancer risk in a population-based, multiethnic, case-control study conducted in the San Francisco Bay area. Intake of total fat and types of fat were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire among 1,703 breast cancer cases diagnosed between 1995 and 1999 and 2,045 controls. In addition, preferred use of fat for cooking was assessed. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). High fat intake was associated with increased risk of breast cancer (highest vs. lowest quartile, adjusted OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10–1.65, P trend < 0.01). A positive association was found for oleic acid (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.14–2.10, P trend < 0.01) but not for linoleic acid or saturated fat. Risk was increased for women cooking with hydrogenated fats (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.20–2.10) or vegetable/corn oil (rich in linoleic acid; OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.06–1.58) compared to women using olive/canola oil (rich in oleic acid). Our results suggest that a low-fat diet may play a role in breast cancer prevention. We speculate that monounsaturated trans fats may have driven the discrepant associations between types of fat and breast cancer.
Dietary Intake of Folate, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Genetic Polymorphism of Related Enzymes, and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Japan

We investigated associations among intake of folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and polymorphisms of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and methionine synthase (MTR) genes and breast cancer risk in a Japanese population. A hospital based, case-control study was conducted in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, in 388 pairs of patients with histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer and age- and area-matched controls selected from medical checkup examinees. Energy-adjusted intakes of folate and other B vitamins were derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Genotyping was completed for MTHFR (C677T and A1298T) and MTR (A2756G). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by the conditional logistical regression model. Median dietary folate intake (μg/day) in the control group was 438.2 (interquartile range: 354.9–542.9). Neither dietary intake of folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12 nor polymorphisms of MTHFR or MTR genes were significantly associated with breast cancer risk. Further, no significant interaction was found among nutrients, polymorphisms, and breast cancer risk. Associations of nutrients with breast cancer risk did not differ by hormone receptors status. We conclude that dietary intake of folate and related B vitamins and genotypes of MTHFR or MTR have no overall association with breast cancer risk in Japanese women.
Stability, toxicity, and biological activity of host defense peptide BMAP28 and its inversed and retro‐inversed isomers

Host defense peptides (HDPs) contribute to immune defense through direct antimicrobial activity as well as modulation of host immune responses. While the antimicrobial activity of HDPs has been successfully exploited as topical antibiotics, their use as systemic immunomodulatory antimicrobials has been limited by their toxicity and biological instability. Peptide modification strategies to address these characteristics, while maintaining biological activity, are likely essential to capture the full therapeutic potential of HDPs. Here we investigate the stability, toxicity, and biological activity of the L, inversed (D), and retro‐inversed (RI) isomers of BMAP28. The D and RI isomers both form symmetrically related structures to L BMAP28 and resist proteolytic degradation. With respect to toxicity, the considerable hemolytic activity of L BMAP28 is approximately halved with the D isomer and eliminated with RI BMAP28. Furthermore, while D BMAP28 maintains the same cytotoxicity profile against epithelial cells and monocytes as the natural peptide, RI BMAP28 is markedly less toxic against these cell types. As prophylactic antimicrobials, all three isomers significantly reduced bacterial loads [99.99% bacterial clearance by each peptide at the highest dose (20 mg kg−1)], when administered 18 h prior to challenge in a mouse model of peritoneal infection. This protection appears to be mediated through neutrophil recruitment and activation of macrophages for bacterial clearance. Collectively, the increased stability and retained biological activity of D and RI BMAP28 make these isomers attractive as antimicrobial therapeutics. In particular, the protection conferred by RI BMAP28, combined with its reduced toxicities, make it a strong candidate for further consideration. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 14–24, 2011.
Three-year participation in circuit weight training improves muscular strength and self-efficacy in cardiac patients

Circuit weight training (CWT) has been used in our cardiac exercise program since 1983. In 1986, 3-year changes in strength, self-efficacy (SE), body weight, and skinfolds were studied in 25 men (58 ± 8 years) involved in the cardiac exercise program. All patients regularly performed cardiovascular
The efficiency of immunoenzyme assay in the diagnosis of lambliosis

The aim of this study is to determine the difference in efficiency of direct immunoenzyme-linked assay (EIA) and conventional microscopy (CM) plus conventional concentration technique (CCT) using comparative analysis in the diagnosis of symptomatic and asymptomatic lambliosis when only one stool sample is to be tested. The study enrolled 577 examinees: 208 patients and 369 asymptomatic examinees. Lambliosis was diagnosed using CM plus CCT (three stool samples) and direct EIA (the first sample). All statistical parameters of the EIA method were 100% in the patients with symptoms of infection. In addition to that, in the group of asymptomatic carriers of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) some very high values of these parameters were recorded too, with sensitivity and negative predictive value being both at 100%. In contrast to the EIA method, CM plus CCT of the first stool sample demonstrated significantly lower sensitivity (66.67%) compared to the reference standard. The study did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences in diagnostic efficiancy between the EIA testing of one stool sample and CM plus CCT (p<0.05). However, the observed difference in diagnostic efficiency between the methods was very close to the cut-off value for statistical significance (p=0.06).
Glaucoma in Timor‐Leste: a population‐based study

distance between the posterior iris and anterior lens as measured by Pentacam (0.24 mm). Hence, the theory of reducing this distance with a piggyback lens does not explain the resolution of symptoms. Given that the symptoms of ND were present on the first postoperative day after initial surgery and resolved also on the first postoperative day, it is unlikely that neural adaptation plays a role. The main use of the sulcoflex lens to date has been for the treatment of refractive surprises, and therefore it is available in a number of spherical and cylindrical powers. The lens power is calculated based on the patient’s refraction, using the vergence formula, so that the original biometry is not required. The use of this unique sulcus lens may add a further, less invasive and challenging treatment option for patients with ND.
Optimization of co‐agonism at GLP‐1 and glucagon receptors to safely maximize weight reduction in DIO‐rodents

The ratio of GLP‐1/glucagon receptor (GLP1R/GCGR) co‐agonism that achieves maximal weight loss without evidence of hyperglycemia was determined in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice chronically treated with GLP1R/GCGR co‐agonist peptides differing in their relative receptor agonism. Using glucagon‐based peptides, a spectrum of receptor selectivity was achieved by a combination of selective incorporation of GLP‐1 sequences, C‐terminal modification, backbone lactam stapling to stabilize helical structure, and unnatural amino acid substitutions at the N‐terminal dipeptide. In addition to α‐amino‐isobutyric acid (Aib) substitution at position two, we show that α,α′‐dimethyl imidazole acetic acid (Dmia) can serve as a potent replacement for the highly conserved histidine at position one. Selective site‐specific pegylation was used to further minimize enzymatic degradation and provide uniform, extended in vivo duration of action. Maximal weight loss devoid of any sign of hyperglycemia was achieved with a co‐agonist comparably balanced for in vitro potency at murine GLP1R and GCGR. This peptide exhibited superior weight loss and glucose lowering compared to a structurally matched pure GLP1R agonist, and to co‐agonists of relatively reduced GCGR tone. Any further enhancement of the relative GCGR agonist potency yielded increased weight loss but at the expense of elevated blood glucose. We conclude that GCGR agonism concomitant with GLP1R agonism constitutes a promising approach to treatment of the metabolic syndrome. However, the relative ratio of GLP1R/GCGR co‐agonism needs to be carefully chosen for each species to maximize weight loss efficacy and minimize hyperglycemia. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 98: 443–450, 2012.
APA Practice Guideline Provides Recommendations for Assessing and Treating Patients With Suicidal Behaviors

373 Editor’s note: This article reviews the American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Patients with Suicidal Behaviors. Direct quotations in the article are taken from the guideline. Readers are encouraged to review the complete guideline for a thorough appreciation of its breadth and scope, and to obtain the benefit of the extensive bibliography. Part A of the guideline was published in 2003. The complete guideline, including Parts A and B, will be published in May 2004 as a compendium and is available at: http://www.psych.org/psych_ pract/treatg/pg/pg_suicidalbehaviors. pdf (accessed April 5, 2004).
GENERAL RULES FOR RECORDING ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF ESOPHAGOGASTRIC VARICES (2ND EDITION)

General rules for recording endoscopic findings of esophageal varices were initially proposed in 1980 and revised in 1991. These rules have widely been used in Japan and other countries. Recently, portal hypertensive gastropathy has been recognized as a distinct histological and functional entity. Endoscopic ultrasonography can clearly depict vascular structures around the esophageal wall in patients with portal hypertension. Owing to progress in medicine, we have updated and slightly modified the former rules. The revised rules are simpler and more straightforward than the former rules and include newly recognized findings of portal hypertensive gastropathy and a new classification for endoscopic ultrasonographic findings.
Physiological stress responses and horse rider interactions in horses ridden by male and female riders

Traditionally, horse riding has been restricted to men but today equestrian sports are dominated by women. We hypothesised that men and women differ with regard to riding and the response they evoke in their horse. Cortisol and heart rate variability (HRV) were studied in male (n=8) and female riders (n=8) and in horses (n=8) ridden by men and women over a jumping course. Saliva for cortisol analysis was collected, cardiac beat to beat (RR) intervals were recorded and heart rate and HRV variables SDRR (standard deviation of RR interval) and RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR differences) calculated. In another experiment, saddle pressure was compared between male and female riders (n=5 each). Cortisol did not differ between male and female riders and increased in horses (P<0.001) irrespective of the sex of the rider. Heart rate in riders increased from walk to jumping (P<0.001) while HRV decreased (P<0.001) to the same extent in men and women. In horses, heart rate increased (P<0.001) and SDRR and R.
DNA detection and cell adhesion on plasma‐polymerized pyrrole

This study investigates the application of Plasma‐polymerized pyrrole (ppPY) as bioactive platform for DNA immobilization and cell adhesion based on the fundamental properties of ppPY, such as chemical structure, electrochemical property, and protein adsorption. Variations in electrochemical properties of the ppPY film deposited under different plasma conditions before and after DNA immobilization were measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The equilibrium concentration of the probe DNA immobilized on the ppPY surface was deduced by detecting the variations in the surface charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the ppPY films after DNA immobilization with different concentrations. In addition, the detection limit of the target DNA hybridization with probe DNA, the association constant, Ka, and the dissociation constant were deduced from Langmuir isotherm equations simulated using the experimental data collected by EIS. Moreover, inverted microscope was used to observe the cell adhesions onto the surface of the ppPY films prepared under different plasma conditions. Different adhesive behaviors of cells were observed, demonstrating that ppPY films could be an alternative biomaterial used as the sensitive layer for DNA sensor or cell adhesion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 496–503, 2014.
The amide III vibrational circular dichroism band as a probe to detect conformational preferences of alanine dipeptide in water

The conformational preferences of blocked alanine dipeptide (ADP), Ac‐Ala‐NHMe, in aqueous solution were studied using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DFT calculations of three most representative conformations of ADP surrounded by six explicit water molecules immersed in a dielectric continuum have proven high sensitivity of amide III VCD band shape that is characteristic for each conformation of the peptide backbone. The polyproline II (PII) and αR conformation of ADP are associated with a positive VCD band while β conformation has a negative VCD band in amide III region. Knowing this spectral characteristic of each conformation allows us to assign the experimental amide III VCD spectrum of ADP. Moreover, the amide III region of the VCD spectrum was used to determine the relative populations of conformations of ADP in water. Based on the interpretation of the amide III region of VCD spectrum we have shown that dominant conformation of ADP in water is PII which is stabilized by hydrogen bonded water molecules between CO and NH groups on the peptide backbone. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 814–818, 2014.
An investigation of the role of the adiponectin variable domain on the stability of the collagen‐like domain

The chemical synthesis is described of a polypeptide construct possessing both the variable and the collagen‐like domain of adiponectin, which can be used as a model system for probing the influence of the variable domain on multimerization of this important circulating hormone. Using a collagen domain repeat peptide unit derived from native adiponectin or a glutamic acid analogue was ineffective due to noncollagenous conformational properties in both cases. However, employing a collagen model peptide and linking this to the variable domain thioester peptide using native chemical ligation proved effective. The 63 residue peptide was characterized by circular dichroism and mass spectrometry which demonstrated that a collagen‐like triple‐helical structure was preserved. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 102: 313–321, 2014.
Captura electrónica de datos. Impacto en la calidad de la investigación clínica

Electronic data capture helps improving the quality of clinical research; mainly yielding a more reliable data collection process, but also introducing new resources for controlling the execution of clinical trials and facilitating the monitoring tasks. The protocol can be implemented rather than followed, and tools are at hand to help minimising the human error. The principal difficulty in the use of the electronic data capture lays in a more complex set up. This forces the adaptation of the people involved in the execution of clinical trials to a different workflow. In the future, most of the clinical research will use electronic data capture systems, and the paper shall be left for a few particular cases.
Complications of Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Endoscopic resection is now a widely accepted treatment for early gastric cancer, having a negligible risk of lymph‐node metastasis. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a relatively new endoscopic resection method developed in the mid‐1990s that facilitates en‐bloc resection even in patients with large or ulcerative lesions difficult to resect using conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). However, compared to EMR, ESD requires a longer procedure time and a higher level of technical expertise, in addition to having a slightly greater risk of complications. Endoscopists must be aware of not only the risk factors for, and incidence of, complications, but also how to effectively treat such complications. Perforation and bleeding are the major complications associated with gastric ESD. The perforation and delayed bleeding rates have been reported to range from 1.2% to 5.2% and 0% to 15.6%, respectively, and can usually be managed with appropriate endoscopic treatment. Immediate bleeding during gastric ESD is quite common and controlling such bleeding, which is primarily achieved by carrying out electrocautery, plays a critical role in the successful completion of ESD.
5‐aminomethyloxazolidine‐2,4‐dione hybrid α/β‐dipeptide scaffolds as inductors of constrained conformations: Applications to the synthesis of integrin antagonists

Peptidomimetics represent an attractive starting point for drug discovery programs; in particular, peptidomimetics that result from the incorporation of a heterocycle may take advantage of increased enzymatic stability and higher ability to reproduce the bioactive conformations of the parent peptides, resulting in enhanced therapeutic potential. Herein, we present mimetics of the α4β1 integrin antagonist BIO1211 (MPUPA‐Leu‐Asp‐Val‐Pro‐OH), containing a aminomethyloxazolidine‐2,4‐dione scaffold (Amo). Interestingly, the retro‐sequences PhCOAsp(OH)‐Amo‐APUMP including either (S)‐ or (R)‐configured Amo displayed significant ability to inhibit the adhesion of α4β1 integrin expressing cells, and remarkable stability in mouse serum. Possibly, the conformational bias exerted by the Amo scaffold determined the affinity for the receptors. These peptidomimetics could be of interest for the development of small‐molecule agents effective against inflammatory processes and correlated autoimmune diseases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 636–649, 2015.
Lithocarpus Polystachyus Rehd Leaf Aqueous Extract Inhibits Human Breast Cancer Growth In Vitro and In Vivo

Lithocarpus polystachyus leaves have been used as tea beverage and folk medicine for healthy care in the Southwest of China. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anticancer activity of Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd leaf aqueous extract (LPAE) and to explore the possible mechanism of its activity. Growth inhibition effects of LPAE breast cancer were tested in vitro and in vivo. The possible mechanism of its activity was analyzed with cell biological and molecular biological assays. After LPAE treatment, the proliferation and colony formation of cancer cells decreased; apoptotic cells increased; DNA fragmentations were evident; mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, Bax, and caspase-3 genes increased and expressions of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 genes decreased; in vivo experiment, LPAE inhibited human beast cancer growth. The findings in this experimental study suggested that LPAE has potential cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on human breast cancer cells in vitro and inhibits the cancer growth in vivo, and its mechanism of activity might be associated with apoptosis induction of cancer cells through upregulation of the mRNA and protein expressions of PPARγ, Bax, and capase-3 genes and downregulation of the expressions of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 genes.
Cancer Chemopreventive Effects of the Flavonoid-Rich Fraction Isolated from Papaya Seeds

Intervention to decelerate, arrest, or reverse the process of carcinogenesis by the use of either natural or synthetic agents individually or in combination has emerged as a promising and pragmatic medical approach to reduce cancer risk. In the present study, we examined the cancer chemopreventive potential of a flavonoid-rich fraction isolated from the seeds of Carica papaya, a plant traditionally referred to as papaw. The flavonoid-enriched benzene fraction of the aqueous extract exerted its anticancer properties in vitro through cytoprotection, antioxidative and antiinflammatory mechanisms and genoprotection in response to isocyanate-induced carcinogenicity. Medium-term anticarcinogenicity and 2-stage skin papillomagenesis studies conducted in benzopyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis and 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene-mediated skin papillomagenesis mouse models further validated our in vitro observations. This is the first demonstration of chemopreventive activities of papaya seed products, however, further studies to understand the subtle targets of intracellular signaling pathways, pharmacological profile and toxicological safety of this bioactive fraction are essential to pave the way for successful clinical translation. Our study supports the inverse association between dietary flavonoid intake and cancer risk.
The Association Between Circulating Total Folate and Folate Vitamers With Overall Survival After Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Diagnosis

We studied the relationship between plasma total folate and folate vitamer concentrations [5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, pteroylglutamic acid (folic acid) and tetrahydrofolic acid] with overall survival after breast cancer diagnosis. A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between folic acid supplement use with circulating total folate and folate vitamer concentrations. Participants were postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer (n = 498) with an average follow-up of 6.7 yr. Plasma total folate and folate vitamers were measured by isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS in samples collected at or postdiagnosis. Cox proportional multivariate hazards models (controlled for stage, age at diagnosis, body mass index, parity, hormone replacement therapy use, treatment, alcohol use, folic acid use, and energy intake), were used to assess overall survival after breast cancer diagnosis. We found that the relative risk of dying for women with plasma total folate concentrations in the highest quartile was 59% lower (hazard ratio: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.19–0.90) compared with the lowest quartile. Data on supplement use showed that women taking folic acid supplements had significantly higher circulating total folate and folate vitamer concentrations (P < 0.0001), suggesting that increased folate consumption through diet and/or supplementation may improve prognosis after breast cancer diagnosis.