Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVE To study the relationship of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women and risk of breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHOD The authors conducted a case-control study comparing the proportion of HRT used between breast cancer and non-breast-cancer women. Cases were breast cancer patients who had natural menopause (excluded hysterectomy) and aged > or = 50-years-old from the Siriraj Breast Cancer database (1983-1996). Controls were post-menopausal volunteers aged 50 year or older who visited Siriraj Hospital for other purposes such as elderly clinics, health check, etc. After informed consent, well-trained surgeons examined the women in the control group to exclude any potential breast cancer. Patient characteristics and risk factors were collected. RESULTS Of 1,913 patients in the database, 623 were included as the cases. Data from 679 volunteers were collected for controls from May to December 1999. Among 1,302 of the study population 58 women had ever used HRT (4.5%), which distributed to 3.2 per cent (20/623) in cases and 5.6 per cent (38/679) in controls. From univariate analysis, age, age at menopause, number of children, habitat, education, contraceptive pills, familial history of breast cancer and HRT usage were associated with breast cancer (p-value<0.05). After multivariate forward stepwise logistic regression analysis, there was no association between HRT use and breast cancer (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.31-1.20). In subgroups analysis, women who had older age, higher education level, history of taking contraceptive pills, or positive familial history of breast cancer in second degree relatives had a decreased risk of breast cancer, while those living outside Bangkok had an increased risk. CONCLUSION Hormonal replacement therapy in post-menopausal women was not associated with increased risk of breast cancer.
The Actin-Bundling Protein L-Plastin Is Essential for Marginal Zone B Cell Development

B cell development is exquisitely sensitive to location within specialized niches in the bone marrow and spleen. Location within these niches is carefully orchestrated through chemotactic and adhesive cues. In this article, we demonstrate the requirement for the actin-bundling protein L-plastin (LPL) in B cell motility toward the chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL13 and the lipid chemoattractant sphingosine-1-phosphate, which guide normal B cell development. Impaired motility of B cells in LPL−/− mice correlated with diminished splenic maturation of B cells, with a moderate (40%) loss of follicular B cells and a profound (>80%) loss of marginal zone B cells. Entry of LPL−/− B cells into the lymph nodes and bone marrow of mice was also impaired. Furthermore, LPL was required for the integrin-mediated enhancement of Transwell migration but was dispensable for integrin-mediated lymphocyte adhesion. These results suggest that LPL may participate in signaling that enables lymphocyte transmigration. In support of this hypothesis, the phosphorylation of Pyk-2, a tyrosine kinase that integrates chemotactic and adhesive cues, is diminished in LPL−/− B cells stimulated with chemokine. Finally, a well-characterized role of marginal zone B cells is the generation of a rapid humoral response to polysaccharide Ags. LPL−/− mice exhibited a defective Ab response to Streptococcus pneumoniae, indicating a functional consequence of defective marginal zone B cell development in LPL−/− mice.
Efficacy of horse chestnut leaf extract ALH-L1005 as a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor in ligature-induced periodontitis in canine model

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the main proteinases associated with periodontal tissue destruction and remodeling. Therefore, inhibition of host-derived MMPs has a key role in the prevention and reduction of periodontitis progression. Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) extracts have been used as treatments for inflammatory disease, traditionally. This study assessed the clinical effect as a MMP inhibitor of horse chestnut leaf extract ALH-L1005 on periodontitis. ALH-L1005 was obtained from horse chestnut leaf and its MMP inhibitory activities estimated. Periodontitis was induced in beagles assigned to 4 groups and medicated for 6 weeks: low dose test (LT; ALH-L1005, 100 mg/kg/day), high dose test (HT; ALH-L1005, 200 mg/kg/day), positive control (PC; doxycycline, 10 mg/kg/day), or negative control (NC; placebo). Before and after administration, clinical indices of the teeth and MMP quantity in gingival tissues using zymography were measured. Clinical conditions of the LT, HT, and PC groups were significantly improved after 6 weeks. In zymographic evaluations, gelatinolytic and caseinolytic activities were suppressed in LT, HT, and PC groups but not in the NC group. The results suggest that ALH-L1005 could be an effective agent for clinical prevention and treatment of periodontitis by inhibiting the gelatinase and collagenase activities, which can detach periodontal ligaments from alveolar bone.
Stock Market Liquidity and Firm Investment: Evidence from Vietnam

It is interesting to explore whether corporate managers follow stock market signals when making corporate financial decisions. However, the literature concerning the relationship between stock market liquidity and corporate investment is still limited. This paper investigates the impact of stock liquidity on firm investment in the Vietnamese context, where stock market has grown at a significant pace in the recent years but the finance literature seems to ignore this small emerging economy. This relationship is tested in a panel of firms listed on the Vietnam Stock Market over an extended time period. We aim to achieve more robust estimation results by employing the econometric technique of GMM estimator for panel data analysis. Moreover, we use a number of indicators to proxy for firm investment including both the aggregated indicators and disaggregated indicators. Consistent with previous findings, we find that corporate managers use market liquidity as an input for firm investment decision. However, our results are different from previous findings of papers employing advanced countries data in the outcome that stock market liquidity affects different investment growth indicators differently. More importantly, these findings are fully explainable by the context of emerging markets.
[The frequency of human parvovirus B19 infections in Vojvodina].

INTRODUCTION Human parvovirus B19 is found worldwide. It causes various infections, including fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) in small children, acute arthropathy in adults, transient aplastic crisis and chronic anemia in immunocompromised patients and even fetal infection, which may result in intrauterine fetal death or fetal hydrops. Many of these manifestations of B19 infection are caused by infection of erythroid precursor cells in bone marrow. MATERIAL AND METHODS The aim of this paper was to establish the frequency of parvovirus B19 infection in the population of Vojvodina, as well as to indicate the significance of further investigations particularly in highly vulnerable population groups such as small children, pregnant women and immune deficient persons. A total of 244 serum samples of out- and in-patients of different age were analyzed using SERION ELISA classic parvovirus B19 IgG/IgM quantitative and qualitative tests for identification of specific antibodies against human parvovirus B19. RESULTS Acute infection was found in 35% of examinees, whereas parvoviurs B19 was identified in 32% of examined persons. Our tests results proved that 20% of examined pregnant women in our surroundings have acute HPB19 infection. At the same time, 45% of pregnant women have no specific antibodies, so they are at risk of infection during pregnancy. Acute infection was diagnosed in 41 children (43%): 22 samples (23%) were positive only to IgG antibodies and in 32 samples (34%) neither IgM nor IgG antibodies were identified. Acute infection was more frequently found in preschool children, i.e. in children aged 4 to 6 years (29%). CONCLUSION In the absence of complete data on the frequency of particular diseases caused by this virus in our population, tests for human parvovirus B19 are strongly recommended.
Needed action in health literacy

Insights for action in the relatively new field of health literacy have been constrained by the emphasis on the literacy skills of the individuals. Early studies into the relationship between literacy and health outcomes were not appropriately balanced with examinations of individuals’ skills and health system demands. Most studies focused on the measures of patients’ reading skills without due attention to the health tasks undertaken, the health materials used, or the skills of providers with whom patients were interacting. Furthermore, public health is founded on the epidemiologic notion of the reciprocal relationship between individuals and environments. Early studies in health literacy did not attend to context—the physical and social environment of health-care settings. New initiatives in health literacy must bring attention to the demands and expectations of health systems and to the proficiencies of the various health professionals who prepare documents and information for the public and who interact with communities and patients.
A front-end readout Detector Board for the OpenPET electronics system

We present a 16-channel front-end readout board for the OpenPET electronics system. A major task in developing a nuclear medical imaging system, such as a positron emission computed tomograph (PET) or a single-photon emission computed tomograph (SPECT), is the electronics system. While there are a wide variety of detector and camera design concepts, the relatively simple nature of the acquired data allows for a common set of electronics requirements that can be met by a flexible, scalable, and high-performance OpenPET electronics system. The analog signals from the different types of detectors used in medical imaging share similar characteristics, which allows for a common analog signal processing. The OpenPET electronics processes the analog signals with Detector Boards. Here we report on the development of a 16-channel Detector Board. Each signal is digitized by a continuously sampled analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which is processed by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) to extract pulse height information. A leading edge discriminator creates a timing edge that is ``time stamped'' by a time-to-digital converter (TDC) implemented inside the FPGA . This digital information from each channel is sent to an FPGA that services 16 analog channels, and then information from multiple channels is processed by this FPGA to perform logic for crystal lookup, DOI calculation, calibration, etc.
Cytogenetic profile of a large cohort of Tunisian de novo acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Background: Cytogenetic data are essential not only for the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia but also for the evaluation of prognosis. Large systematic studies of cytogenetic aberrations in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) from Arab countries are not available. Methods: We analysed 631 consecutive newly diagnosed AML patients by conventional cytogenetics and compared our results with reports from other regions of the world. There were 97 (15·4%) children and 534 (84·6%) adults. Results: Abnormal karyotypes were found in 397 (62·9%) of all cases. T(15;17) and t(8;21) were the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities observed in 83 (13·2%) and in 78 (12·4%) patients, respectively. –5/del(5q) and −7/del(7q) were less frequent, seen in only 14 (2·2%) and 19 (3%) cases, respectively. Trisomy 8 was found in 44 (7%) of our patients followed by 11q23 rearrangements seen in 24 (3·8%) and then by inv(16) observed in only 22 (3·5%) of all cases. Unusual or novel cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 107 (17%) of our patients. Discussion: Although we confirmed, as usually described, that some recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities are correlated with the FAB subtypes, we noted however that some of them vary in frequency among different geographical areas and ethnic groups. This finding suggests a geographic heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of AML but more extensive epidemiological studies are required to confirm this.
Control of microorganisms in vitro by calcium hydroxide pastes.

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the influence of vehicles on the antimicrobial efficiency of calcium hydroxide. METHODOLOGY A total of 588 size 50 sterile absorbent paper points, were immersed in various microbial suspensions for 3 min. The points were then placed on Petri dishes and covered with intracanal dressings containing calcium hydroxide: Ca(OH)2 + saline; Ca(OH)2 + camphorated paramonochlorophenol; Ca(OH)2 + 1% chlorhexidine solution: Ca(OH)2 + 3% sodium lauryl sulphate; Ca(OH)2 + Otosporin. After 1 min, 48 and 72 h and 7 days, 147 absorbent paper cones were removed from contact with the intracanal dressings and individually transported and immersed in 5 mL of Letheen Broth, followed by incubation at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Microbial growth was evaluated by turbidity of the culture medium. A 0.1-mL inoculum obtained from the Letheen Broth was transferred to 5 mL of BHI, and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Bacterial growth was again evaluated by turbidity of the culture medium. Positive BHI tubes were selected and inocula were spread on the surface of BHI agar and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Gram staining of the BHI growth and from colonies growing on BHI agar was carried out. RESULTS An antimicrobial effect occurred after 48 h on the cultures of S. mutans, E. faecalis, S. aureus, P aeruginosa, B. subtilis, C. albicans and a mixed culture, irrespective of the intracanal dressing. CONCLUSIONS Under the conditions of this study, the various vehicles associated with calcium hydroxide pastes did not influence the time required for microbial inactivation.
Hereditary hemochromatosis: presentation and diagnosis in the 1990s.

OBJECTIVES In the past, patients with hereditary hemochromatosis have been identified predominantly from symptomatic presentation or from family studies. In the 1990s, iron studies on routine screening chemistry panels have become more commonplace. The purpose of this paper is to describe the clinical, laboratory, and presenting features of a series of patients with hereditary hemochromatosis, diagnosed from 1990 to 1995. METHODS Clinical information, serum and liver iron studies, liver histology, and phlebotomy requirements were evaluated in 40 patients with newly diagnosed hereditary hemochromatosis prospectively referred to a tertiary university-based hepatology clinic. RESULTS Eighty-three percent of patients came to medical attention as a result of screening blood work: 73% were asymptomatic and 78% had normal physical examinations. Only three patients had cirrhosis from hemochromatosis alone, only two were diabetic, and only two had increased skin pigmentation. These findings are in contrast to previous reports of hemochromatosis probands in which patients with symptoms and more advanced disease were identified. The hepatic iron concentration, hepatic iron index, and age at diagnosis were similar for men and women. CONCLUSIONS With the use of screening iron studies on routine serum chemistry panels, patients with hemochromatosis can be identified and subsequently treated before they have symptoms or organ damage.
Expression and Therapeutic Potential of SOX9 in Chordoma

Purpose: Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are ineffective in the treatment of chordoma. We investigated the functional roles and therapeutic relevance of the sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 9 (SOX9) in chordoma. Experimental Design: SOX9 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using 50 chordoma tissue samples. SOX9 expression in chordoma cell lines was examined by Western blot and immunofluorescent assays. We used synthetic human SOX9 siRNA to inhibit the expression of SOX9. Cell proliferation ability and cytotoxicity of inhibiting SOX9 were assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and clonogenic assays. The effect of SOX9 knockdown on chordoma cell motility was evaluated by a wound-healing assay and a Transwell invasion chamber assay. Knockdown of SOX9 induced apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, as well as decreased expression of cancer stem cell markers were determined by Western blot and flow cytometric assays. The effect of the combination of SOX9 siRNA and the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin/cisplatin on chordoma cells was assessed by an MTT assay. Results: Tissue microarray and IHC analysis showed that SOX9 is broadly expressed in chordomas and that higher expression levels of SOX9 correlated with a poor prognosis. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of SOX9 inhibited chordoma cell growth, decreased cell motility, and induced apoptosis as well as cell-cycle arrest. Moreover, the combination of SOX9 inhibition and chemotherapeutic drugs had an enhanced anti-cancer effect on chordoma cells. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that SOX9 plays a crucial role in chordoma. Targeting SOX9 provides a new rationale for treatment of chordoma. Clin Cancer Res; 23(17); 5176–86. ©2017 AACR.
Major Wind Energy & the Interface of Policy and Regulation: A Study of Welsh NSIPs

ABSTRACT This article examines how sub-national policy is applied in consenting decisions for major wind energy infrastructure. The study focuses on the Welsh tier of governance and the perspective of the public, building on existing work on ‘territorial politics’ and public participation. It looks explicitly at the regulatory stage of decision-making, which is critical to understanding multi-level governance contexts for energy infrastructure. Two cases of ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’ (NSIPs) in the UK are assessed and findings show how conflict is fuelled by the ways in which different tiers of policy and regulation interact.
Effect of Glucocorticoid (Triamcinolone Acetonide) Pretreatment in a Murine Penetrating Keratoplasty and Suture Model

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of glucocorticoid (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) pretreatment on corneal neovascularization, lymphangiogenesis, and inflammation in a murine penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and corneal suture model. Methods: For the PK model, BALB/c mice were used as recipients and C57BL/6 mice were used as donors. A group pretreated with subconjunctival glucocorticoid and a combination of post-subconjunctival and topical glucocorticoids (group I) was compared with two groups that did not receive glucocorticoid pretreatment [one group received a combination of subconjunctival and topical glucocorticoids postoperatively (group II) and the other group received only topical glucocorticoid treatment postoperatively (group III)]. All groups were treated with subconjunctival glucocorticoid on the day of surgery. For the corneal suture model, BALB/c mice were used. A group receiving only pre-suture glucocorticoid treatment (group A) and a group receiving only post-suture glucocorticoid treatment (group C) were compared with a control group that did not receive glucocorticoid therapy (group B). The degree of neovascularization, lymphangiogenesis, and inflammatory infiltration was compared in each of these models. Results: In the PK model, the group receiving glucocorticoid pretreatment (group I) showed less neovascularization compared with the posttreatment-only groups (group II, P = 0.043; group III, P = 0.020) and less lymphangiogenesis compared with group III (P = 0.005). In the corneal suture model, the glucocorticoid pretreatment group showed a similar level of neovascularization, lymphangiogenesis, and inflammatory infiltration as the posttreatment-only groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Glucocorticoid pretreatment before PK decreases neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis compared with posttransplant glucocorticoid treatment alone.
Empathy, Compassion and Quality of Life in Nursing and Medical Students

Empathy is experiencing emotions that match another person's emotions and discerning what another person is thinking or feeling. Compassion consists of three major requirements: person must feel that troubles that evoke their feelings are serious, person requires that sufferers' troubles are not self-inflicted, and the person must be able to picture themselves with the same problems. WHO defines Quality of Life as individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. The present research aims to find the difference between nursing students and medical students with respect to empathy, compassion, and quality of life (viz., physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environment). Another objective of the study is to examine the relationship between empathy, compassion, and quality of life among nursing students and medical students. The study adopts a between groups design as well as a correlational design. Through purposive sampling, data was collected from 75 Nursing and 75 Medical Students, all of whom were female, by administering the tools Measure of Emotional Empathy, Compassionate love for Humanity Scale and WHO – Quality of Life Brief. Results showed that there is a difference between nursing students and medical students in empathy, compassion, quality of life and its dimensions of physical health and environment. Among nursing students, empathy was positively correlated with quality of life, whereas among medical students, empathy was negatively correlated with quality of life. These findings are relevant with respect to patients’ experiences in hospitals and in the clinician – patient relationship.
Toward an Understanding of the Economics of Apologies: Evidence from a Large-Scale Natural Field Experiment

We use a theory of apologies to design a nationwide field experiment involving 1.5 million Uber ridesharing consumers who experienced late rides. Several insights emerge: First, apologies are not a panacea – the efficacy of an apology and whether it may backfire depend on how the apology is made. Second, across treatments, money speaks louder than words – the best form of apology is to include a coupon for a future trip. Third, in some cases sending an apology is worse than sending nothing at all, particularly for repeated apologies and apologies that promise to do better. For firms, caveat venditor should be the rule when considering apologies.