Impact of Elimination or Reduction of Dietary Animal Proteins on Cancer Progression and Survival: Protocol of an Online Pilot Cohort Study.

Background: Current evidence suggests that the incidence of cancer is low in vegan populations, and experimental studies have revealed a significant role of dietary proteins in cancer development and progression. However, little data currently exists regarding the effect of a plant-based diet on the progression of diagnosed cancer.

Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine if a reduction or total elimination of animal protein from the diet can positively influence the outcome of an existing cancer and, in addition to standard oncological therapies, increase remission rates.

Changes of dietary patterns during participation in a web-based weight-reduction programme.

Objective: To examine the weight-loss success associated with distinct dietary patterns and to determine changes of these dietary patterns during participation in a web-based weight-reduction programme.

Design: Factor analysis was used to identify the dietary patterns of twenty-two food groups that were administered in 14 d dietary protocols at baseline and after 3 months. Successful weight loss (≥5% of initial weight) and BMI were calculated.

Determinants of successful weight loss after using a commercial web-based weight reduction program for six months: cohort study.

Background: The Internet is widely available and commonly used for health information; therefore, Web-based weight loss programs could provide support to large parts of the population in self-guided weight loss. Previous studies showed that Web-based weight loss interventions can be effective, depending on the quality of the program. The most effective program tools are visual progress charts or tools for the self-monitoring of weight, diet, and exercises.

Effectiveness of the online weight reduction program KiloCoach™ and comparison with other evaluated commercial direct intervention and online programs.

Objective: Preliminary results indicated effectiveness of the online weight reduction program KiloCoach. The current study presents a large collection of user data and compares KiloCoach with other evaluated commercial weight loss programs. Furthermore, potential factors influencing the effectiveness of internet weight loss programs should be identified.

Defective T-cell activation caused by impairment of the TNF receptor 2 costimulatory pathway in common variable immunodeficiency.

Background: Patients with common variable immunodeficiency have defective T-cell activation after stimulation via T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD28 or by recall antigens.

Objective: In the current study, we investigated whether TNF-receptor 2 (RII) costimulation, which is important for sufficient TCR/CD28 stimulation, was significantly impaired in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).

Methods: We studied T-cell activation events such as CD69 induction, calcium flux through store operated calcium channels, protein kinase C-theta translocation, and costimulation via TNF-RII compared with costimulation via CD28.

Characterization of novel Bruton's tyrosine kinase gene mutations in Central European patients with agammaglobulinemia.

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is an immunodeficiency disorder caused by mutations in the gene coding for Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). In this study we investigated 10 male patients with XLA-compatible phenotype (agammaglobulinemia and undetectable B cells in peripheral blood) from 9 unrelated Central European families. We identified seven different mutations, six of which were novel.

Chronic TNF-alpha exposure impairs TCR-signaling via TNF-RII but not TNF-RI.

Chronic exposure to TNF-alpha has been shown to impair T cell-activation in mice and in humans. In the present study, we investigated a possible role of TNF-RII in this long-term effect of TNF-alpha. Chronic TNF-alpha exposure led to suppression of subsequent TCR stimulation (e.

Regulation of TCR-mediated T cell activation by TNF-RII.

In the present study, we investigated the role of tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNF-RII) in human T cell activation induced via the T cell receptor (TCR) in an antigen-presenting cell-independent system. Our results confirm that interaction of TNF-alpha with TNF-RII but not TNF-RI is directly costimulatory to TCR-mediated T cell activation, thereby augmenting T cell proliferation, expression of T cell activation markers (CD25, human leukocyte antigen-DR, TNF-RII), and secretion of cytokines such as interferon-gamma and TNF-alpha. In contrast to the well-defined costimulatory molecule CD28, costimulation via TNF-RII showed significant differences in kinetics, requirement for cross-linking, redundancy of intracellular signaling pathways involved, and the capacity to induce interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10, and IL-13 secretion.