Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Looking ahead: A case for human papillomavirus testing of self‐sampled vaginal specimens as a cervical cancer screening strategy

Even in the era of highly effective human papillomavirus (HPV) prophylactic vaccines, substantial reduction in worldwide cervical cancer mortality will only be realized if effective early detection and treatment of the millions of women already infected and the millions who may not receive vaccination in the next decade can be broadly implemented through sustainable cervical cancer screening programs. Effective programs must meet three targets: (i) at least 70% of the targeted population should be screened at least once in a lifetime, (ii) screening assays and diagnostic tests must be reproducible and sufficiently sensitive and specific for the detection of high‐grade precursor lesions (i.e., CIN2+), and (iii) effective treatment must be provided. We review the evidence that HPV DNA screening from swabs collected by the women in their home or village is sufficiently sound for consideration as a primary screening strategy in the developing world, with sensitivity and specificity for detection of CIN2+ as good or better than Pap smear cytology and VIA. A key feature of a self‐collected HPV testing strategy (SC‐HPV) is the move of the primary screening activities from the clinic to the community. Efforts to increase the affordability and availability of HPV DNA tests, community education and awareness, development of strong partnerships between community advocacy groups, health care centers and regional or local laboratories, and resource appropriate strategies to identify and treat screen‐positive women should now be prioritized to ensure successful public health translation of the technologic advancements in cervical cancer prevention.
Determinants of Employment: Impact of Medicaid and CHIP among Unmarried Female Heads of Household with Young Children

This research explores whether participation in Medicaid is a determinant of hours of employment among unmarried parenting female heads of households with at least one child younger than age 6. The measures include Medicaid participation, Children's Health Insurance Program participation, health status, and Medicaid generosity. A multilevel regression was conducted using data from the Current Population Survey 2011 Annual Social and Economic (ASEC) Supplement. The findings indicate that Medicaid participation, health status, and Medicaid generosity all have a significant negative effect on labor force participation when measured by hours of employment per week.
Opportunities for Social Workers in the Patient Centered Medical Home

The Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) has been hailed as one method of improving chronic care outcomes in the United States. A number of studies have underscored the importance of the social work role within the PCMH, yet little existing research explores the social worker as a driver of improved patient care. The Pennsylvania Chronic Care Initiative was created with a primary goal of increasing the number of practices that were recognized as PCMH by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. This article describes findings from in-depth qualitative interviews with representatives from seven primary care practices, in which the authors examined barriers and facilitators to implementation of the initiative. Barriers to implementation included small practice size, payer-driven care, not having a strong physician champion, variability within patient populations, and high implementation costs. Facilitators included having a social worker coordinate behavioral health services, clinical nurse case managers, preexisting models of outcomes-driven care, and being part of an integrated health delivery and financing system. Recommendations strengthening the role of medical social workers in primary care practices are discussed.
Diet‐induced obesity increases melanoma progression: Involvement of Cav‐1 and FASN

Recent population‐based epidemiological studies strongly hint towards a link between obesity and its occurrence as well as progression of several cancers including melanoma. Although effects of obesity on breast, colon and liver cancers have been extensively investigated, the links between obesity and melanoma remain largely unexplored. Present study aimed to understand the effect of high fat diet‐induced weight gain on susceptibility of C57BL/6J mice to melanoma. For this, mice routinely were fed on high fat diet for 6 months (HFD mice). Subsequently, mouse melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously in control as well as HFD mice and followed for tumor initiation and progression. We provide strong evidence that diet‐induced obesity leads to increased melanoma progression in male C57BL/6J mice. We observed that increased melanoma progression is associated with enhanced Cav‐1 and FASN expression in tumors from HFD mice. Cav‐1 and FASN are co‐ordinately regulated and Cav‐1 interacts with FASN in melanoma cells. Enhanced levels of Cav‐1, FASN and pAkt control melanoma cell proliferation. Our study establishes a causative relationship between diet‐induced obesity and melanoma progression as well as demonstrates that obesity affects important tumorigenic pathways in melanoma.
Near infrared fluorescence‐guided real‐time endoscopic detection of peritoneal ovarian cancer nodules using intravenously injected indocyanine green

Near infrared fluorescence‐guidance can be used for the detection of small cancer metastases and can aid in the endoscopic management of cancer. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved fluorescence agent. Through non‐specific interactions with serum proteins, ICG achieves enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. Yet, ICG demonstrates rapid clearance from the circulation. Therefore, ICG may be an ideal contrast agent for real‐time fluorescence imaging of tumors. To evaluate the usefulness of real‐time dual fluorescence and white light endoscopic optical imaging to detect tumor implants using the contrast agent ICG, fluorescence‐guided laparoscopic procedures were performed in mouse models of peritoneally disseminated ovarian cancers. Animals were administered intravenous ICG or a control contrast agent, IR800‐conjugated to albumin. The ability to detect small ovarian cancer implants was then compared. Using the dual view microendoscope, ICG clearly enabled visualization of peritoneal ovarian cancer metastatic nodules derived from SHIN3 and OVCAR5 cells at 6 and 24 hr after injection with significantly higher tumor‐to‐background ratio than the control agent, IR800‐albumin (p < 0.001). In conclusion, ICG has the desirable properties of having both EPR effects and rapid clearance for the real‐time endoscopic detection of tiny ovarian cancer peritoneal implants compared to a control macromolecular agent with theoretically better EPR effects but longer circulatory retention. Given that ICG is already FDA‐approved and has a long track record of human use, this method could be easily translated to the clinic as a robust tool for fluorescence‐guided endoscopic procedures for the management and treatment of cancer.
Continuous chemical operations and modifications on magnetic γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles confined in nanoliter droplets for the assembly of fluorescent and magnetic SiO 2

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Continuous chemical operations and modifications on magnetic γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles confined in nanoliter droplets for the assembly of fluorescent and magnetic SiO2@γ-Fe2O3 D Ferraro, Y Lin, B Teste, Damien Talbot, L Malaquin, S Descroix, Ali Abou Abou-Hassan
The journey of islet cell transplantation and future development

ABSTRACT Intraportal islet transplantation has proven to be efficacious in preventing severe hypoglycemia and restoring insulin independence in selected patients with type 1 diabetes. Multiple islet infusions are often required to achieve and maintain insulin independence. Many challenges remain in clinical islet transplantation, including substantial islet cell loss early and late after islet infusion. Contributions to graft loss include the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction, potent host auto- and alloimmune responses, and beta cell toxicity from immunosuppressive agents. Protective strategies are being tested to circumvent several of these events including exploration of alternative transplantation sites, stem cell-derived insulin producing cell therapies, co-transplantation with mesenchymal stem cells or exploration of novel immune protective agents. Herein, we provide a brief introduction and history of islet cell transplantation, limitations associated with this procedure and methods to alleviate islet cell loss as a means to improve engraftment outcomes.
A case report of Candida pelliculosa sepsis in newborn nursery ICU

Nosocomial transmission of Candida is a very important cause of infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU). We report a cluster of fungemia cases caused by Candida pelliculosa in 17 neonates in our inborn nursery. Of these, 16 were premature babies who showed signs of infection. Yeast colonies isolated from their blood cultures were identified by Vitek 2 System (bioMerieux) at the Regional Cancer Centre Thiruvananthapuram. All the babies were treated with Amphotericin B successfully, with no relapse. Extensive sampling was undertaken from the ICU and cultures performed. Although no definite source could be identified, nosocomial spread of Candida stopped after infection control measures were strictly reinforced in the inborn nursery. This highlights nonalbicans Candida as an emerging pathogen in neonatal ICUs.
Helicobacter pylori infection and the risks of Barrett's oesophagus: A population‐based case–control study

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is associated with significantly reduced risks of oesophageal adenocarcinoma; however, few studies have examined the association between H. pylori and Barrett's oesophagus (BO), the precursor lesion. We explored the relationship between H. pylori infection and BO and sought to identify potential modifiers. We compared the prevalence of positive H. pylori serology among 217 adults with simple BO (without dysplasia), 95 with dysplastic BO and 398 population controls sourced from the metropolitan Brisbane area. We determined H. pylori serostatus using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. To estimate relative risks, we calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable logistic regression in the entire sample and stratified by factors known to cause BO. The prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity was 12%, 3%, and 18%, respectively, among patients with simple BO, dysplastic BO and population controls. BO patients were significantly less likely to have antibodies for H. pylori (Simple BO: OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30–0.86; Dysplastic BO: OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03–0.33) than population controls. For simple BO, the association was diminished after adjustment for frequency of gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR) symptoms. Adjustment for frequency of GOR symptoms did not substantially alter the observed effect for dysplastic BO. Although there was some variation in the magnitude of risk estimates across strata of age, sex, GOR symptoms and use of proton pump inhibitors or H2‐receptor antagonists, the differences were uniformly nonsignificant. Helicobacter pylori infection is inversely associated with BO, and our findings suggest that decreased acid load is not the only mechanism underlying the H. pylori protective effect.
Re: “Inhibition of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) cell proliferation and RET phosphorylation by tyrosine kinase inhibitors”

Abstract Background. Most medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) result from gain-of-function mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, which encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor. Systemic therapies have not been effective in treating this disease. We evaluated the effects of 3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on MTC cell growth and RET tyrosine kinase activity by using an in vitro model. Methods. An MTC cell line (TT cells, RETc634 mutant) cultured in RPMI medium was exposed to varying concentrations of STI571, genistein, or allyl-geldanamycin with controls (no TKI) for 3 to 48 hours. Cellular protein was analyzed by immunoprecipitated Western blot analysis probing with a monoclonal antiphosphotyrosine antibody. Cell proliferation was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Results. RET phosphorylation was inhibited at 24 hours of exposure to 5 to 20 μmol/L STI571 and 48 hours of exposure to genistein (200 μmol/L) and allyl-geldanamycin (6 μmol/L). RET protein was detected in equal concentrations in all experimental conditions. MTT and BrdU assays demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in TT cell proliferation with exposure to the 3 TKIs. Conclusions. These TKIs selectively inhibit cell growth and RET tyrosine kinase activity of MTC cells in vitro in a dose manner. This study suggests the use of TKIs in human trials as a systemic therapy for MTC. (Surgery 2002;132:960-7.)
Nuclear Factor kappa B (NFkB) pathway associated biomarkers in AIDS defining malignancies

The Nuclear Factor kappa B (NFkB) pathway is essential for many human cancers. Therapeutics such as bortezomib (Velcade ™ ), which interfere with nuclear factor NF-kappa-B(NFkB)signaling are of great clinical interest. NFkB signaling, however, is multifaceted and variable among tissues, developmental, and disease entities. Hence, targeted biomarkers of NFkB pathways are of prime importance for clinical research. We developed a novel real-time qPCR-based NFkB array. Only mechanistically validated NFkB targets were included. We then used random-forest classification to define individual genes and gene combinations within the NFkB pathways that define viral lymphoma subclasses as well as Kaposi sarcoma (KS). Few NFkB targets emerged that were universally present in all tumor types tested, underscoring the need for additional tumor-type specific biomarker discovery. (i) We uncovered tissue of origin-specific tumor markers, specifically CD69, CSF-1, and complement factor B (C1QBP)for PEL; IL1-beta, cyclinD3 and CD48for KS. We found that IL12, jun-B, msx-1 and thrombospondin 2 were associated with EBV co-infection in PEL. (ii) We defined the NFkB signature of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)positive AIDS-associated Burkitt lymphoma(BL). This signature identified CCR5 as the key marker. (iii) This signature differed from EBV negative BL consistent with the idea that EBV not only activates NFkB activity but that this virus also reprograms NFkB signaling towards different targets.
Enhancement of Biochemical and Nutritional Contents of Some Cultivated Seaweeds Under Laboratory Conditions

ABSTRACT Six species of macroalgae belonging to the Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta, and Rhodophyta divisions were cultivated in a closed system with Guillard's f/2, Walne's, Provasoli Enriched Seawater (PES) medium, and seawater (control) for 6 weeks. The growth rate and parameters of the tested seaweeds showed that all used media enhanced the growth rate and chemical content as compared with other seaweeds cultivated in seawater without addition of any nutrients. There are significant differences in the effect of the used media on the seaweed composition at p = . 01; PES is more effective than the f/2 and Walne's media. The results indicate that the cultivation technique of some macroalgae was an efficient tool for increasing the seaweeds' biomass and increasing their chemical compounds, calories, and energy under laboratory conditions.
Changing Pharmacy Practice: The Leadership Challenge

Pharmacists can provide high-quality accessible care that improves patient outcomes, however these beneficial services are not widely available to patients. The profession faces a challenge with respect to contributing to patient care and changing practice. In this paper, we have drawn from the change management and leadership disciplines, and our own experiences in the Centre for COMmunity Pharmacy Research and Interdisciplinary Strategies (COMPRIS), to understand the complexity of achieving the vision of engaging pharmacists in patient-oriented health care. We outline 8 critical steps, offered by John Kotter, a leading expert in organizational change, in achieving wide-scale practice change. The work required to achieve the vision of pharmacists working in patient-oriented health care represents a transformational change in the evolution of the profession. It is important to understand that the change process takes time and effort. Leadership towards practice change takes place on many levels, from individuals to organizations. Patient-oriented health care means keeping the patient at the centre of these changes. While it is tempting to frame all of these changes in terms of pharmacists and pharmacy practice, it's not about us, it's about the patients and what we can do for them.
Aflatoxin M1 contamination in cow and buffalo milk samples from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Punjab provinces of Pakistan

A total of 178 milk samples (94 of buffalo and 84 of cow) were randomly taken from Punjab and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan (n = 89 in each province) and analysed for the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by HPLC-FLD. From Punjab about 46% of buffalo's and 49% of cow's milks were contaminated with AFM1 as compared with 52% and 51% for milk samples from NWFP, respectively. Overall, the mean AFM1 concentration was 0.046 µg kg−1 with a maximum of 0.350 µg kg−1. All samples complied with the Codex Alimentarius limit of 0.50 µg kg−1 for AFM1 in milk, but 16.3% of samples exceeded the European Union maximum level of 0.05 µg kg−1. Another set of 415 buffalo's and cow's milk samples (213 morning milks and 202 evening milks) were analysed. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between mean AFM1 concentrations in milk during the morning (0.043 µg kg−1) and the evening (0.028 µg kg−1) lactation times.
Integrating Equity in a Public Health Funding Strategy.

OBJECTIVE Equity can be valuable to guide decision makers about where to target funds; however, there are few studies for modeling vertical equity in public health program funding strategies. This case study modeled vertical equity in the funding strategy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Colorectal Cancer Control Program. DESIGN To integrate vertical equity by using historical funding and health data, we (a) examined the need for colorectal cancer screening, (b) conducted multiple regressions to examine the relationship between factors of need and funding of states, (c) stratified states into similar need groups, (d) estimated vertical equity within groups, and (e) assessed equity in the funding distribution. RESULTS Certain states with similar needs had high relative funding, whereas other states with similar needs had low relative funding. CONCLUSION The methods used to integrate vertical equity in this case study could be applied in publicly funded programs to potentially minimize inequities and improve outcomes.
Cellular senescence and tumor suppressor gene p16

Cellular senescence is an irreversible arrest of cell growth. Biochemical and morphological changes occur during cellular senescence, including the formation of a unique cellular morphology such as flattened cytoplasm. Function of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes are affected resulting in the inhibition of lysosomal and proteosomal pathways. Cellular senescence can be triggered by a number of factors including, aging, DNA damage, oncogene activation and oxidative stress. While the molecular mechanism of senescence involves p16 and p53 tumor suppressor genes and telomere shortening, this review is focused on the mechanism of p16 control. The p16‐mediated senescence acts through the retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway inhibiting the action of the cyclin dependant kinases leading to G1 cell cycle arrest. Rb is maintained in a hypophosphorylated state resulting in the inhibition of transcription factor E2F1. Regulation of p16 expression is complex and involves epigenetic control and multiple transcription factors. PRC1 (Pombe repressor complex (1) and PRC2 (Pombe repressor complex (2) proteins and histone deacetylases play an important role in the promoter hypermethylation for suppressing p16 expression. While transcription factors YY1 and Id1 suppress p16 expression, transcription factors CTCF, Sp1 and Ets family members activate p16 transcription. Senescence occurs with the inactivation of suppressor elements leading to the enhanced expression of p16.
High prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in unselected Nigerian breast cancer patients

Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the strongest genetic predictors of breast cancer and are the primary causes of familial breast/ovarian cancer syndrome. The frequency, spectrum and penetrance of mutant BRCA1/BRCA2 alleles have been determined for several populations, but little information is available for populations of African ancestry, who suffer a disproportionate burden of early onset breast cancer. We have performed complete sequence analysis of all BRCA1 and BRCA2 exons and intron–exon boundaries for 434 Nigerian breast cancer patients from the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. In contrast to previous suggestions that BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation frequencies are low or undetectable in African American populations, we find that Nigerian breast cancer patients have an exceptionally high frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations (7.1 and 3.9%, respectively). Sixteen different BRCA1 mutations were detected, seven of which have never been reported previously, while thirteen different BRCA2 mutations were seen, six of which were previously unreported. Thus, our data support enrichment for genetic risk factors in this relatively young cohort. To improve breast cancer outcomes, we suggest that family‐based models of risk assessment and genetic counseling coupled with interventions to reduce breast cancer risk should be broadly disseminated in Nigeria and other underserved and understudied populations.
A polymorphism at the miR‐502 binding site in the 3′‐untranslated region of the histone methyltransferase SET8 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma outcome

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can bind to the 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of messenger RNAs, where they interfere with translation and thereby regulate cell differentiation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Genetic polymorphisms in the 3′‐UTRs targeted by miRNAs alter the strength of miRNA binding in a manner that affects the behavior of individual miRNAs. The histone methyltransferase SET8 has been reported to methylate TP53 and regulate genomic stability. We analyzed a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (rs16917496) within the miR‐502 miRNA seed region for the 3′‐UTR of SET8 in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The SET8 CC genotype was independently associated with longer postoperative survival in patients with HCC by multivariate analysis (relative risk, 0.175; 95% CI = 0.053–0.577; p = 0.004). The SET8 CC genotype was associated with reduced SET8 protein levels based on the immunostaining of 51 HCC tissue samples. We also found that the low SET8 levels were associated with longer HCC survival. Our data suggest that SET8 modifies HCC outcome by altering its expression, which depends, at least in part, on its binding affinity with miR‐502. The analysis of genetic polymorphisms in miRNA binding sites can help to identify patient subgroups that are at high risk for poor disease outcomes.