copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Birthmarks are indicators of the MTHFR gene; “When people have MTHFR their chances of vaccine reactions increase because they cannot detox the toxins from the vaccines” (Facebook users, 2018-11-03)
Evidence (2020-05-26): • Abnormal smell • Abnormal hair • Self-mutilation • Blood in urine • Ataxia • Myopathy • Dysmorphic features • Renal stones • Ectopia lentis • Corneal clouding • Arthritis • Dystonia • Cirrhosis [...] Nausea or vomiting; stomach pain; unpleasant taste; changes in taste; decreased appetite; unusual tiredness or weakness [...] Newborn 100–180 80–160 <220 1 week–3 months 100–220 80–200 <220 3 months–2 years 80–150 70–120 <200 2–10 years 11 years–adult 70–110 55–90 60–90 50–90 <200 <200
Claim: Birthmarks are indicators of the MTHFR gene; “When people have MTHFR their chances of vaccine reactions increase because they cannot detox the toxins from the vaccines” (Facebook users, 2018-11-03)
Evidence (2022-08-03): The MTHFR gene has been the subject of health misinformation before, particularly in relation to vaccines due to misinterpretation of a scientific study, as we reported in a previous Health Feedback review. It’s also not the first time it was cited in a claim related to folic acid. As we will explain below, the claims made in the Brad Lea video are inaccurate and misleading. [...] The claim that "the MTHFR gene mutation" prevents the body from processing folic acid properly is misleading. MTHFR is a gene that codes for the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Enzymes are proteins that facilitate chemical reactions. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is involved in processing folate, including folic acid, to produce proteins and other compounds. [...] In fact, there are more people in the U.S. who have MTHFR gene variants than those who don’t. The most common variant is C677T. In the U.S., about 25% of people who are Hispanic, and 10 to 15% of people who are Caucasian have two copies of C677T. The CDC clarified that people with the C677T variant "can safely and effectively process all different types of folate, including folic acid". There’s also no evidence that unmetabolized folic acid in the blood is harmful. Folic acid is water-soluble, therefore excess folic acid doesn’t build up in the body as it is excreted into the urine.
Claim: Birthmarks are indicators of the MTHFR gene; “When people have MTHFR their chances of vaccine reactions increase because they cannot detox the toxins from the vaccines” (Facebook users, 2018-11-03)
Evidence (2021-04-13): Do variants of the MTHFR gene cause disease and increase the likelihood of vaccine reactions? No, that's not true: In rare circumstances, a MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene variant causes neural tube defects in newborn babies. Other times, it can cause elevelated levels of homocysteine, which can lead to blood clots. Otherwise, there are no scientific studies linking MTHFR gene variants, often called mutations, to any diseases or vaccine reaction. And certainly no relation has been found to the skin conditions shown in the photos, which are relatively common and benign. [...] These are indicators of the MTHFR gene.The MTHFR gene is involved in a process called "methylation." Methylation determines how genes are expressed, how enzymes function, and how your body clears toxins. Our body needs to be able to detox properly with the amount of toxins we come in contact everyday.If this "methylation system" isn't working right ... you could experience depression, fibromyalgia, migraines, autism, birth defects, low energy, infertility, elevated levels of homocysteine, gotta sleep right now fatigue, IBS, ADD/ADHD, migraines, thyroid disfunction, metabolism disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer...When people have MTHFR their chances of vaccine reactions increase because they cannot detox the toxins from the vaccines. [...] Nor are there any studies substantiating any connections between MTHFR gene variants and adverse health effects in relation to vaccinations. Here's what we know:
Claim: Birthmarks are indicators of the MTHFR gene; “When people have MTHFR their chances of vaccine reactions increase because they cannot detox the toxins from the vaccines” (Facebook users, 2018-11-03)
Evidence (2018-02-26): The one thing that does concern me most is how babies with the mutation have a more difficult time processing and detoxing the harmful ingredients in vaccines. My son is due for his 4 month vaccinations on Wednesday. Before he received his 2 month shots, I asked if he could receive the 4 vaccines in two appointments about a week apart; they wouldn't allow it. He had a rough 24 hours after his shots -- sore legs and fever -- and I just prayed and prayed that the vaccines would only protect and not harm him. Thanks for your post. MTHFR was almost constantly on my mind at some point, and I had almost forgotten about it. I would have never thought that some of the marks on my baby's body could be indicators of the mutation. If you and your baby can get tested, I believe you should. [...] My baby girl has the dimple and blue vein, are those really indicators? We were concerned about vaccines for other reasons, but I DO know that kids with this mutation have a harder time ridding toxins from their bodies. DH and I are pretty sure his niece has averse reactions to vaccines so once I found out about these indicators to the gene mutation I let out a sigh of relief. I think she may have the gene.
Claim: Birthmarks are indicators of the MTHFR gene; “When people have MTHFR their chances of vaccine reactions increase because they cannot detox the toxins from the vaccines” (Facebook users, 2018-11-03)
Evidence (2017-08-24): Both of my children were born with a faint blue vein on the bridge of their noses, and like any sufficiently paranoid mother, I would squint and study it trying to figure out what it could possibly be… a bruise, a birth mark, something else? For years in the Chinese medicine community I heard whisperings of this blue vein being a reliable diagnostic tool for predicting a sensitivity to sugar. I took note, and have used this as a good excuse to limit sweets in my children's diets. [...] If you see a blue vein, don't panic! [...] Let me know in the comments below!
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2024-04-30): There’s no scientific evidence showing all cancers are caused by fungi. Cancer is the name for a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. This occurs due to mutations that impair normal cellular “brakes” on cell growth and division. Risk factors differ from one type of cancer to another. Some cancers are associated with infectious agents like viruses, while other cancers are associated with exposure to certain chemicals.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2024-02-12): Both the gut and the tumour microbiome are now established as crucial regulators of cancer phenotypes and have been implicated in cancer initiation, progression and therapy response. Although the role of bacteria in these processes is beginning to be unravelled, the relevance of fungi is only just emerging. In this Viewpoint, we asked experts to discuss the current knowledge on the mycobiome–cancer connection and share their opinion on how to best solve open questions. [...] Alam, A. et al. Fungal mycobiome drives IL-33 secretion and type 2 immunity in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell40, 153–167.e11 (2022). [...] Zhu, Y. et al. Fungal-induced glycolysis in macrophages promotes colon cancer by enhancing innate lymphoid cell secretion of IL-22. EMBO J.40, e105320 (2021).
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2014-11-01): Fungal infections in cancer patients - PMID: 24706223 - DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-04220-6_4 Fungal infections in cancer patients Invasive fungal infections (IFI) have become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Infections with these organisms are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Appropriate and timely diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and invasive procedures, including biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may be difficult, secondary to variable susceptibility and difficulty with exact and specific characterization of the fungal pathogen. The pathogens that are seen range from yeasts to invasive molds. Fortunately newer, noninvasive diagnostic techniques are available to aid in the diagnosis and treatments have become better tolerated and more efficacious.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2020-11-11): Fungal infections have become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients [1]. One particular problem in the management of these infections is that early diagnosis is difficult, so treatment may be delayed, which often leads to a poor clinical outcome [2]. [...] Fungi considered to represent contamination or harmless colonization in immunocompetent individuals have been shown to be serious pathogens in the immunocompromised patient with cancer. Trichosporon spp, Curvularia spp, Alternaria spp, and Fusarium spp are some of the fungi reported with an increasing frequency [33]. In general, these infections are difficult to treat, and the final prognosis depends on the recovery of immune status. Successful treatment of disseminated fusariosis with amphotericin B in combination with granulocyte transfusions and GM-CSF has been reported. Cryptococcus is another fungus that should be considered in cancer patients with defects in cellular immunity. Unlike the fungal infections previously described, neutropenia does not seem to be a risk factor. Cryptococcosis usually affects patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or lymphomas or patients who have received bone marrow transplants or corticosteroids [1,34]. Commonly, it presents as fever and severe headache in cases of meningitis.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2022-09-29): Studies that scrutinized thousands of tumour samples provide the clearest link yet between cancer and fungi — but more research is needed. [...] For years, evidence has been mounting that bacteria are linked to cancer, and sometimes even play a crucial part in its progression. Now, researchers have found a similar connection with another type of microorganism: fungi.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2022-11-24): Seeing this, I harkened back to work of Dr. Tullio Simoncini, who was trendy in alternative cancer therapy circles twenty years ago. In 2005, he wrote a book entitled CANCER IS A FUNGUS A Revolution in Tumor Therapy, which enjoyed widespread popularity. According to Wikipedia, Simoncini "was known for the claim that cancer is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, and has argued that cancer is a form of Candida overgrowth." He advocated for intravenous bicarbonate therapy for cancers and treated patients accordingly. [...] Spoiler alert: I agree. Cancer is not a fungal infection. It would be nice if an inexpensive substance like sodium bicarbonate would provide the key to eradicating cancer. But like many facile theories about cancer, it fails the reality test. However, as with some seemingly wacky ideas, there’s a kernel of truth, and a potential for therapeutic applications, in the cancer-fungus connection. Or, in other words, "absence of proof doesn’t necessarily mean proof of absence" of the role fungus may play in cancer.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2022-10-07): But now, two new studies show that fungi can also be found in a rather unexpected place: cancerous tumors. [...] While the findings show an association between types of fungi and specific cancers, they don’t show whether fungi play a role in how cancer affects people, Bhatt tells Nature News’ Max Kozlov. [...] Still, questions remain. Scientists don’t know what role the fungi play in cancer cells and whether they affect how the disease progresses in humans. The new studies both found that people with certain species of fungi in their tumors had worse outcomes from cancer. Some microbes could possibly help tumors grow or spread, or hide them from our immune systems, per the Times.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2023-02-01): Cancer-associated fungi found in different body sites and gene expression signatures. Fungi found to promote tumorigenesis in different body sites (lung, breast, skin, brain, bone, ovary, colon, head-and-neck, stomach) are listed. Fungi that were highly enriched in cancers and may serve as potential prognostic markers are highlighted in red. The presence of Candida in head-and-neck and colon tumors appears to be associated with pro-tumorigenic and cellular adhesion-related gene pathways, whereas in stomach tumors it seems to be involved in inflammatory responses that ultimately lead to poor prognosis. Multiple fungal-bacterial-immune ecologies were detected across tumors. These mycotypes may be promising to predict the survival of patients with cancer [...] Limitations of these studies lie primarily in the sample pools, as majority of the samples the authors collected were not specifically for microbiome studies. Thus, researchers need to carefully eliminate possible contaminants and false-positive fungal DNA, and repeatable results are needed using samples obtained from a germ-free environment. While these studies provide an explicit link between cancer and fungi, more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms by which fungi induce inflammation and promote cancer progression. To answer these questions, researchers need to study one type of cancer at a time and use cells and animal models to examine whether fungi drive healthy cells to become cancerous. Once researchers gain a more comprehensive picture of how fungi function in cancer, they may be able to develop antimicrobial therapies or targeted pre- or probiotic therapies that benefit patients with cancer.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2024-02-20): For years, evidence has been mounting that bacteria are linked to cancer, and sometimes even play a crucial part in its progression. Now, researchers have found a similar connection with another type of microorganism: fungi. Tumours of various types of cancer contain different species of microscopic or single-celled fungus, and investigating the species that are present might one day be useful for diagnosing cancer or predicting its course, according to two studies published in Cell on 29 September. "It’s fascinating to look at fungi in the setting of cancer," says Ami Bhatt, a microbiome specialist at Stanford University in California. But she cautions that the studies only suggest that there is an association between fungal species and certain cancers—they do not show whether or not the fungi are directly responsible for cancer progression. [...] Although this research provides the clearest link yet between cancer and fungi, Saxena says more work is needed to understand whether fungi can contribute to cancer progression by causing inflammation, for example, or if advanced tumours create a habitable environment that encourages fungal cells to take hold.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2022-11-02): The microbiome has recently garnered increased attention for its influence on cancer phenotypes. While this has focused largely on bacterial presence, the role of fungi (the mycobiome) in these processes remain largely unexplored. Now, two recent studies published concurrently in Cell have found strong correlative links between the prevalence of fungal DNA and cancer. [...] Narunsky-Haziza, L. et al. Pan-cancer analyses reveal cancer-type-specific fungal ecologies and bacteriome interactions. Cell185, 3789–3806 (2022) [...] Brewer, G. Fungi in cancer: not such a ‘fun-guy’.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2023-07-01): The microbiome may impact cancer development, progression and treatment responsiveness, but its fungal components remain insufficiently studied in this context. In this review, we highlight accumulating evidence suggesting a possible involvement of commensal and pathogenic fungi in modulation of cancer-related processes. We discuss the mechanisms by which fungi can influence tumour biology, locally by activity exerted within the tumour microenvironment, or remotely through secretion of bioactive metabolites, modulation of host immunity and communications with neighbouring bacterial commensals. We examine prospects of utilising fungi-related molecular signatures in cancer diagnosis, patient stratification and assessment of treatment responsiveness, while highlighting challenges and limitations faced in performing such research. In all, we demonstrate that fungi likely constitute important members of mucosal and tumour-residing microbiomes. Exploration of fungal inter-kingdom interactions with the bacterial microbiome and the host and decoding of their causal impacts on tumour biology may enable their harnessing into cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2023-01-01): Fungi and cancer - PMID: 37147013 - DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327952 The microbiome may impact cancer development, progression and treatment responsiveness, but its fungal components remain insufficiently studied in this context. In this review, we highlight accumulating evidence suggesting a possible involvement of commensal and pathogenic fungi in modulation of cancer-related processes. We discuss the mechanisms by which fungi can influence tumour biology, locally by activity exerted within the tumour microenvironment, or remotely through secretion of bioactive metabolites, modulation of host immunity and communications with neighbouring bacterial commensals. We examine prospects of utilising fungi-related molecular signatures in cancer diagnosis, patient stratification and assessment of treatment responsiveness, while highlighting challenges and limitations faced in performing such research. In all, we demonstrate that fungi likely constitute important members of mucosal and tumour-residing microbiomes. Exploration of fungal inter-kingdom interactions with the bacterial microbiome and the host and decoding of their causal impacts on tumour biology may enable their harnessing into cancer diagnosis and treatment. [...] Fungi and tumors: The role of fungi in tumorigenesis (Review).Int J Oncol. 2024 May;64(5):52. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5640. Epub 2024 Mar 29. Int J Oncol. 2024. PMID: 38551162 Free PMC article. Review.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2022-10-07): The presence of some fungal species in tumors predicts – and may even help drive – worse cancer outcomes, according to a study from Weill Cornell Medicine and Duke University researchers. [...] The idea that viruses and bacteria can trigger or accelerate cancer development is now well established. However, little is known about the cancer-related roles of fungi – which, like bacteria and viruses, colonize the gut, lungs, skin and other barrier tissues, interact with the immune system, and sometimes cause disease. [...] The analysis revealed that the DNA of certain fungal species are relatively abundant in some tumor types. These species include, in gastrointestinal tumors, Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans, which causes thrush and yeast infections; in lung tumors, species of the fungal genus Blastomyces; and in breast tumors, species of the fungus Malassezia.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2022-10-03): Who would have guessed that cancers produce fungi? Or that different types of cancers would harbor different types of fungus? Or that the DNA of these fungi could be detected in the blood and possibly used to identify specific cancers, and maybe even their locations before a mass could be detected? Yet, that is precisely what scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel are researching, and the results could be far-reaching. If you've never heard of the cancer-fungus connection, you're far from alone. Even the researchers were surprised at the extent of it: [...] It has long been known that fungal infection can occur in immunocompromised cancer patients, but the association between tumors and their fungal microbiome has been little studied. Is it possible that the fungus plays a part in the development or growth of tumors and this is why different fungal patterns are associated with different cancers? In other words, could an anti-fungal therapy potentially be useful in preventing tumor growth? This is only speculation at this time, but Dr. Livyatan looks ahead:
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2015-03-20): People can be exposed to aflatoxins by eating contaminated plant products (such as peanuts) or by consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed. Farmers and other agricultural workers may be exposed by inhaling dust generated during the handling and processing of contaminated crops and feeds. [...] Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. [...] You can reduce your aflatoxin exposure by buying only major commercial brands of nuts and nut butters and by discarding nuts that look moldy, discolored, or shriveled. To help minimize risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests foods that may contain aflatoxins, such as peanuts and peanut butter. To date, no outbreak of human illness caused by aflatoxins has been reported in the United States, but such outbreaks have occurred in some developing countries.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2022-12-08): When the first evidence of fungi coexisting with cancer was reported in 2019 in pancreatic cancer, it was suggested that cancer-associated fungi might impact the onset and progression of this cancer type. At the AACR Annual Meeting 2022, and in an article published this year, researchers showed that in a subset of pancreatic cancers, fungi promoted the secretion of an immune-suppressing protein called IL-33, potentially enabling these cancers to circumvent the antitumor effects of the immune response and progress to more advanced stages. Interestingly, the expression of IL-33 was increased by a mutated form of the KRAS protein, thus revealing a tumor-promoting collaboration between this common mutant and the mycobiome in pancreatic cancer. Building on these observations, the latest studies in Cell similarly identified correlations between fungi and cancer traits and outcomes. The presence of the Candida group of fungi, for example, was associated with inflammation and immune activation in stomach cancer, tumor-promoting gene expression changes in head-and-neck and colon cancers, metastasis in colon cancers, and reduced survival in various gastrointestinal cancers. Researchers found that interactions between fungi and surrounding bacterial communities correlated with outcomes, too. [...] While the relationship between the mycobiome and cancer is just beginning to be understood, it has become increasingly apparent that fungal species, like the bacteria and viruses studied before, could have a role in cancer, presenting new opportunities for treatment and disease monitoring.
Claim: Fungi are the cause of cancer (Doug Kaufmann, 2024-04-30)
Evidence (2022-01-24): A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 shows that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms (equal to about a 1/8-cup or two medium mushrooms) a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Some mushroom varieties (such as shiitake, oyster, maitake and king oyster) have higher amounts of ergothioneine. But researchers found that incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your daily diet will lower your risk of cancer.