Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inter-α-inhibitor in urine and calcium oxalate urinary crystals

Objective To determine which chains of inter-α-inhibitor (IαI) are present in urine and whether they are also found in calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals generated in human urine. Materials and methods Fresh urine specimens were collected from five women and five men with no previous history of stone disease. An aliquot of each urine was retained for analysis, the remainder treated with a standard load of oxalate and the CaOx crystals precipitated from each specimen demineralized with ethylenediamine tetracetic acid. The resulting organic extracts from crystals and their corresponding urine samples were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis analysis and Western blotting using a commercial polyclonal antibody to IαI. Results Heavy chain 1 (H1) and 2 (H2) of IαI were commonly found in every urine sample, and in the CaOx crystals precipitated from those urine samples. Several protein bands were visible in urine samples from both sexes in the molecular mass range 25-70 kDa, which may be bikunin or its fragments. As well as H1 and H2, the crystals from both sexes contained a protein band at ≈33 kDa. In many cases there appeared to be no direct relationship between the proteins detected in the crystals and the urine samples from which they were derived, which probably reflects the well known instability of IαI and the occurrence of a range of bikunin fragments in urine. Conclusion These results show for the first time that H1 and H2 are present in human urine and urinary CaOx crystals, that the bikunin chain of IαI is not the only part of the molecule capable of participating in CaOx crystallization in urine, and in theory at least, in the regulation of crystallization events in stone formation. It is also apparent that significant fragmentation of IαI occurs both in vivo and in vitro, and this must be considered in any study attempting to elucidate the influence of this protein in the formation of CaOx stones.
The epidemic of obesity publications, award to legend and more

The number of papers in the area of overweight and obesity submitted to our journal has increased immensely over the last few years. For this reason, we have chosen to devote this January 2011 issue solely to papers on this topic. The enclosed papers cover several areas such as monitoring and assessment, determinants, intervention and policy, and originate from studies undertaken all over the world. We could point to the lack of intervention and policy papers as well as capacity building papers; they are still rare pieces for our journal and we certainly would like to see more of them. We hope that this collection of papers will be of use for many of our readers. It provides a quick overview of ongoing research in the area of obesity, reflecting the important part of public health nutrition that it constitutes.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and metabolic health status in extremely obese individuals

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in obese individuals. 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) adult individuals were examined and the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and other clinical parameters was evaluated.
Hepatitis C and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Sufficient evidence has accumulated that chronic infection with HCV substantially increases the risk of HCC, particularly in the presence of cirrhosis. HCV appears to represent a major underlying cause of HCC in southern Europe and Japan, regions where HCC incidence is intermediate, whereas its impact is smaller in sub-Saharan Africa and China, where HBV-related HCC predominates, and in the developed western world, where the majority of cases of HCC are associated with cirrhosis of unknown etiology.
Clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of flumequine after intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration in pigeons (Columba livia).

The in-vitro activity of flumequine against 157 strains of bacteria isolated from birds was determined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 96.3% of the Enterobacteriaceae, Proteus spp. and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis studied (n = 135) was less than or equal to 1 microgram/ml. Pharmacokinetics of flumequine in pigeons (Columba livia) was investigated after intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration. From the blood disappearance curves after i.v. bolus injection (10 mg/kg body weight) clearance rate, blood half-time and distribution volume were calculated. The recovery of unchanged flumequine from the droppings in 24 h was 37 +/- 10% of the administered dose. Flumequine was also given i.m. at two dose levels, 10 and 60 mg/kg body weight. The availability of flumequine as intact drug was 22 and 23%, respectively, in 24 h. Therapeutic blood levels were maintained for 4 and 10 h, respectively. After an oral dose of flumequine (60 mg/kg body weight) an availability of 6.7 +/- 2.5% and a peak blood concentration of 2.68 +/- 0.92 microgram/ml at 2 h after administration were found. The recovery of unchanged flumequine from the droppings in 24 h was 1.55 +/- 0.79% of the administered dose. With the exception of the i.m. dose of 10 mg/kg, all flumequine administrations made the pigeons vomit. It appears that blood concentrations below 3 micrograms/ml will not induce vomiting. On the basis of the present data, a dosage regimen for flumequine in pigeons of a priming dose of 30 mg/kg i.m. , followed after 8 h by oral administration of 30 mg/kg, this dose being repeated every 8-12 h, would be expected to give blood concentrations between 1.44 and 2.88 micrograms/ml.
Kepler orbits of settling discs

The collective dynamics of objects moving through a viscous fluid is complex and counterintuitive [1–7]. A key to understanding the role of nontrivial particle shape in this complexity is the interaction of a pair of sedimenting spheroids [8–13]. We report experimental results on two discs settling at negligible Reynolds number (' 10−4), finding two classes of bound periodic orbits, each with transitions to scattering states. We account for these dynamics, at leading far-field order, through an effective Hamiltonian in which gravitational driving endows orientation with the properties of momentum. This leads to a precise correspondence with the Kepler problem of planetary motion for a wide range of initial conditions, and also to orbits with no Keplerian analogue. This notion of internal degrees of freedom manifesting themselves as an effective inertia is potentially a more general tool in Stokesian driven systems.
Impact of awareness of the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top on eating behaviour

Abstract Objective To investigate whether awareness of the Japanese Food Guide (JFG) can promote changes in eating behaviour. Design A longitudinal study was conducted in 2007 and 2009 by means of an Internet-based survey. Awareness status of the JFG and a sixteen-item scale for calculating eating behaviour scores were obtained. Setting Japan. Subjects In total, 787 Japanese adults (20–59 years) who registered with an Internet research service organization were included in the study. The respondents were divided into three groups. The respondents who were aware of the JFG in 2007 were categorized into Group 1. Those who were not aware of the JFG in 2007 were categorized into either Group 2 or Group 3. Group 2 became aware of the JFG by 2009, and Group 3 was not aware of the JFG in 2009. Results In Group 2, the eating behaviour score increased significantly by 0·8 points from 4·7 in 2007 to 5·5 in 2009 (P = 0·004). The eating behaviour score of Group 1 (6·5 points in 2007; 6·3 points in 2009) and Group 3 (3·8 points in 2007; 4·1 points in 2009) did not change significantly from 2007 to 2009. Conclusions Awareness of the JFG promoted eating behaviour change in the Japanese population. The results indicate that awareness of nutrition information from sources such as the JFG would promote healthy eating.
Zimt bei Typ-2-Diabetes: Diätetisches Nahrungsmittel oder Arzneimittel?

Abstract ! At present numerous preparations containing cinnamon are in the market. And it is claimed that they are suitable as dietetic food or food additive to regulate glucose metabolism in patients with type2 diabetes. Background for this proposition are the results of some pharmacological and clinical studies: " In vitro and in animal experiments cinnamon and/or active incretions improve insulin sensitivity of the tissue and increase insulin secretion. " In two clinical studies in type 2 diabetics an extract of cinnamon in combination with diet/oral antidiabetics reduced blood glucose levels. " In a further clinical study no blood sugar lowering effect was observed. Whether or not further clinical studies confirm the blood sugar lowering effect then preparations with cinnamon can not be handled as die-tetic food or food additives to regulate glucose metabolism in patients with type 2, diabetes must be handled as drugs according to the regulations of the drug laws.
The role of androgens in metabolism, obesity, and diabetes in males and females

In men, androgen deprivation contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In women, androgen excess predisposes to insulin resistance and T2D. There is a bidirectional modulation of glucose homeostasis by androgens in males and females that is analyzed in this review.
Gross total but not incomplete resection of glioblastoma prolongs survival in the era of radiochemotherapy.

BACKGROUND This prospective multicenter study assessed the prognostic influence of the extent of resection when compared with biopsy only in a contemporary patient population with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Histology, O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status, and clinical data were centrally analyzed. Survival analyses were carried out with the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were assessed with proportional hazard models. RESULTS Of 345 patients, 273 underwent open tumor resection and 72 biopsies; 125 patients had gross total resections (GTRs) and 148, incomplete resections. Surgery-related morbidity was lower after biopsy (1.4% versus 12.1%, P = 0.007). 64.3% of patients received radiotherapy and chemotherapy (RT plus CT), 20.0% RT alone, 4.3% CT alone, and 11.3% best supportive care as an initial treatment. Patients ≤60 years with a Karnofsky performance score (KPS) of ≥90 were more likely to receive RT plus CT (P < 0.01). Median overall survival (OS) (progression free survival; PFS) ranged from 33.2 months (15 months) for patients with MGMT-methylated tumors after GTR and RT plus CT to 3.0 months (2.4 months) for biopsied patients receiving supportive care only. Favorable prognostic factors in multivariate analyses for OS were age ≤60 years [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52; P < 0.001], preoperative KPS of ≥80 (HR = 0.55; P < 0.001), GTR (HR = 0.60; P = 0.003), MGMT promoter methylation (HR = 0.44; P < 0.001), and RT plus CT (HR = 0.18, P < 0.001); patients undergoing incomplete resection did not better than those receiving biopsy only (HR = 0.85; P = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS The value of incomplete resection remains questionable. If GTR cannot be safely achieved, biopsy only might be used as an alternative surgical strategy.
Breast Cancer Presenting as Sudden Bilateral Hearing Loss: Case Report

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a rapid onset hearing impairment occurring over a 72-h period, equal or greater than 30 dB in three consecutive frequencies. The annual incidence is 5-20 cases per 100,000, most being unilateral. Simultaneous bilateral involvement is rare, occurring in 1-2% of all cases. This is the first report of bilateral involvement as the presenting symptom of breast cancer diagnosed 1 year later. The authors present a case of a female patient, 63-year-old, who appeared in the emergency department with sudden bilateral deafness as the only symptom. The examination showed no further alterations. Additional studies were performed, and the patient was admitted in the hospital for monitoring, therapy and etiologic investigation. After investigation, we concluded this was a rare case of severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss associated with occult carcinoma of breast, diagnosed later. This is of relevance not only to otolaryngologists, but also to clinicians who may deal with similar complaints, because only a third will have an underlying etiology that is diagnosed along the way. Sudden hearing loss is an ear emergence, in which fast evaluation by a specialist or someone who may recognize the complaints significantly improves the prognosis for hearing recovery. J Med Cases. 2014;5(4):220-223 doi: http://dx.doi. org/ 10.14740 / jmc1688w
Phase I study of weekly nab-paclitaxel + weekly cetuximab + intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with stage III-IVB head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

BACKGROUND There is a clinical need to improve the efficacy of standard cetuximab + concurrent intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with locally and/or regionally advanced HNSCC. Taxanes have radiosensitizing activity against HNSCC, and nab-paclitaxel may offer therapeutic advantage in comparison with other taxanes. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a single-institution phase I study with a modified 3 + 3 design. Four dose levels (DLs) of weekly nab-paclitaxel were explored (30, 45, 60, and 80 mg/m(2)), given with standard weekly cetuximab (450 mg/m(2) loading dose followed by 250 mg/m(2) weekly) and concurrent IMRT (total dose, 70 Gy). RESULTS Twenty-five eligible patients (20 M, 5 F) enrolled, with median age 58 years (range, 46-84 years). Primary tumor sites were oropharynx, 19 (10 human papillomavirus [HPV] pos, 8 HPV neg, 1 not done); neck node with unknown primary, 2; larynx 2; and oral cavity and maxillary sinus, 1 each. Seven patients had received prior induction chemotherapy. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was exceeded at DL4 (nab-paclitaxel, 80 mg/m(2)) with three dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) (grade 3 neuropathy, grade 3 dehydration, with grade 3 mucositis grade 3 anemia) among five assessable patients. There was only one DLT (grade 3 supraventricular tachycardia) among six patients at DL3 (nab-paclitaxel, 60 mg/m(2)), and this was deemed the MTD. Among 23 assessable patients, the most common ≥ g3 AEs were lymphopenia 100%, functional mucositis 65%, and pain in throat/oral cavity 52%. At a median follow-up of 33 months, 2-year failure-free survival (FFS) is 65% [95% confidence interval (CI) 42% to 81%] and 2-year overall survival (OS) is 91% (95% CI 69-97). CONCLUSION The recommended phase II dose for nab-paclitaxel is 60 mg/m(2) weekly when given standard weekly cetuximab and concurrent IMRT. This regimen merits further study as a nonplatinum alternative to IMRT + cetuximab alone. CLINICALTRIALSGOV ID NCT00736619.
Observation of modulational instability in optical fibers.

We report the first observation of the modulational instability of light waves in dielectric material using a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser operated at 1.319 \ensuremath{\mu}m and single-mode optical fibers with anomalous group-velocity dispersion. The observed results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. The relationship between the modulation instability and parametric four-wave mixing and the interplay with stimulated Raman and Brillouin scatterings are also presented.
Distal and proximal colon cancers differ in terms of molecular, pathological, and clinical features.

BACKGROUND Differences exist between the proximal and distal colon in terms of developmental origin, exposure to patterning genes, environmental mutagens, and gut flora. Little is known on how these differences may affect mechanisms of tumorigenesis, side-specific therapy response or prognosis. We explored systematic differences in pathway activation and their clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Detailed clinicopathological data for 3045 colon carcinoma patients enrolled in the PETACC3 adjuvant chemotherapy trial were available for analysis. A subset of 1404 samples had molecular data, including gene expression and DNA copy number profiles for 589 and 199 samples, respectively. In addition, 413 colon adenocarcinoma from TCGA collection were also analyzed. Tumor side-effect on anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy was assessed in a cohort of 325 metastatic patients. Outcome variables considered were relapse-free survival and survival after relapse (SAR). RESULTS Proximal carcinomas were more often mucinous, microsatellite instable (MSI)-high, mutated in key tumorigenic pathways, expressed a B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF)-like and a serrated pathway signature, regardless of histological type. Distal carcinomas were more often chromosome instable and EGFR or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplified, and more frequently overexpressed epiregulin. While risk of relapse was not different per side, SAR was much poorer for proximal than for distal stage III carcinomas in a multivariable model including BRAF mutation status [N = 285; HR 1.95, 95% CI (1.6-2.4), P < 0.001]. Only patients with metastases from a distal carcinoma responded to anti-EGFR therapy, in line with the predictions of our pathway enrichment analysis. CONCLUSIONS Colorectal carcinoma side is associated with differences in key molecular features, some immediately druggable, with important prognostic effects which are maintained in metastatic lesions. Although within side significant molecular heterogeneity remains, our findings justify stratification of patients by side for retrospective and prospective analyses of drug efficacy and prognosis.
Nutrient intake of European adolescents: results of the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

Abstract Objective An adequate nutritional intake in childhood and adolescence is crucial for growth and the prevention of youth and adult obesity and nutrition-related morbidities. Improving nutrient intake in children and adolescents is of public health importance. The purpose of the present study was to describe and evaluate the nutrient intake in a European sample using the D-A-CH nutrient intake recommendations and the Nutritional Quality Index (NQI). Design The HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study is a cross-sectional study, the main objective of which is to obtain comparable data on a variety of nutritional and health-related parameters in adolescents aged 12·5–17·5 years. Setting Eight cities in Europe. Subjects The initial sample consisted of 3528 European adolescents. Among these, 1590 adolescents (54 % female) had sufficient and plausible dietary data on energy and nutrient intakes from two 24 h recalls using the HELENA-DIAT software. Results The intakes of most macronutrients, vitamins and minerals were in line with the D-A-CH recommendations. While the intakes of SFA and salt were too high, the intake of PUFA was too low. Furthermore, the intakes of vitamin D, folate, iodine and F were less than about 55 % of the recommendations. The median NQI was about 71 (of a maximum of 100). Conclusions The intakes of most nutrients were adequate. However, further studies using suitable criteria to assess nutrient status are needed. Public health initiatives should educate children and adolescents regarding balanced food choices.
Interpregnancy weight change and risk of preterm delivery

Prepregnant weight gain increases risk of obstetric complications, but its effect on preterm delivery is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the associations between change in body mass index (BMI) from first to second pregnancies and risk of preterm delivery in the second pregnancy according to the type and severity of preterm delivery.
Role of physical activity and sleep duration in growth and body composition of preschool‐aged children

The impact of physical activity patterns and sleep duration on growth and body composition of preschool‐aged children remains unresolved. Aims were (1) to delineate cross‐sectional associations among physical activity components, sleep, total energy expenditure (TEE), and body size and composition; and (2) to determine whether physical activity components, sleep, and TEE predict 1‐year changes in body size and composition in healthy preschool‐aged children.
A temporal analysis of the spatial clustering of food outlets around schools in Christchurch, New Zealand, 1966 to 2006

Abstract Objective To explore changes in urban food environments near schools, as potential contributors to the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among children. Design Addresses of food premises and schools in 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006 were geo-coded. For each year, the number and proportion of outlets by category (supermarket/grocery; convenience; fast-food outlet) within 800 m of schools were calculated. The degree of spatial clustering of outlets was assessed using a bivariate K-function analysis. Food outlet categories, school level and school social deprivation quintiles were compared. Setting Christchurch, New Zealand. Subjects All schools and food outlets at 10-year snapshots from 1966 to 2006. Results Between 1966 and 2006, the median number of supermarkets/grocery stores within 800 m of schools decreased from 5 to 1, convenience stores decreased from 2 to 1, and fast-food outlets increased from 1 to 4. The ratio of fast-food outlets to total outlets increased from 0·10 to 0·67. The clustering of fast-food outlets was greatest within 800 m of schools and around the most socially deprived schools. Over the 40-year study period, school food environments in Christchurch can be characterized by increased densities of fast-food outlets within walking distance of schools, especially around the most deprived schools. Conclusions Since the 1960s, there have been substantial changes to the food environments around schools which may increasingly facilitate away-from-home food consumption for children and provide easily accessible, cheap energy-dense foods, a recognized contributor to the rise in prevalence of overweight and obesity among young people.
Prescribing for erectile dysfunction: A Delphi based consensus study

Little is known about how clinicians implement UK prescribing guidelines for erectile dysfunction. The list of conditions eligible for state-funding is limited to selected organic conditions and to patients suffering severe distress as diagnosed by an urologist or psychiatrist. We conducted a Delphi study to establish attitudes toward prescribing for erectile dysfunction among GPs, urologists and psychiatrists. 33 panelists participated. Most statements did not achieve consensus: 90% agreed on two and 80% agreed with seven of the 25 statements offered. We conclude that current UK prescribing criteria for erectile dysfunction may not reflect clinicians' views and disadvantage some patient groups. The severe distress criterion seems to be unhelpful as it remains open to interpretation. Future reviews of funding criteria should give more consideration to patients' and clinicians' views.