Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Personality factors and breast cancer development: a prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND It has been estimated that approximately 25% of all breast cancers in women can be explained by currently recognized somatic (i.e., hereditary and physiologic) risk factors. It has also been hypothesized that psychological factors may play a role in the development of breast cancer. PURPOSE We investigated the extent to which personality factors, in addition to somatic risk factors, may be associated with the development of primary breast cancer. METHODS We employed a prospective, longitudinal study design. From 1989 through 1990, a personality questionnaire was sent to all female residents of the Dutch city of Nijmegen who were 43 years of age or older. This questionnaire was sent as part of an invitation to participate in a population-based breast cancer screening program. Women who developed breast cancer among those who returned completed questionnaires were compared with women without such a diagnosis in regard to somatic risk factors and personality traits, including anxiety, anger, depression, rationality, anti-emotionality (i.e., an absence of emotional behavior or a lack of trust in one's own feelings), understanding, optimism, social support, and the expression and control of emotions. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables that could best explain group membership (i.e., belonging to the case [breast cancer] or the control [without disease] group). RESULTS Personality questionnaires were sent to 28 940 women, and 9705 (34%) were returned in such a way that they could be used for statistical analyses. Among the 9705 women who returned useable questionnaires, 131 were diagnosed with breast cancer during the period from 1989 through 1994. Seven hundred seventy-one age-matched control subjects (up to six per case patient) were selected for the analyses. Three variables were found to be statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer: 1) having a first-degree family member with breast cancer (versus not having an affected first-degree relative, odds ratio [OR] = 4.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.76-9.31); 2) nulliparity (i.e., having no children) (versus having had a child before the age of 30 years, OR = 2.67; 95% CI = 1.26-5.68); and 3) a relatively high score on the personality scale of anti-emotionality (versus a low score, OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.05-1.35). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS With the exception of a weak association between a high score on the anti-emotionality scale and the development of breast cancer, no support was found for the hypothesis that personality traits can differentiate between groups of women with and without breast cancer. We recommend that this study be continued and that other studies be encouraged to explore possible relationships between personality factors and the risk of breast cancer.
Increased Proliferation of Neural Progenitor Cells but Reduced Survival of Newborn Cells in the Contralateral Hippocampus after Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Recent studies demonstrated that neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus increased after transient global ischemia; however, the molecular mechanism underlying increased neurogenesis after ischemia remains unclear. The finding that proliferation of progenitor cells occurred at least a week after ischemic insult suggests that the stimulus was not an ischemic insult to progenitor cells. To clarify whether focal ischemia increases the rate of neurogenesis in the remote area, the authors examined the contralateral hemisphere in rats subjected to permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. In the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, the numbers of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells increased approximately sixfold 7 days after ischemia. In double immunofluorescence staining, more than 80% of newborn cells expressed Musashi1, a marker of neural stem/progenitor cells, but only approximately 10% of BrdU-positive cells expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of astrocytes. The number of BrdU-positive cells markedly decreased 28 days after BrdU administration after ischemia, but it was still elevated compared with that of sham-operated rats. In double immunofluorescence staining, 80% of newborn cells expressed NeuN, a marker of differentiated neurons, and 10% of BrdU-positive cells expressed GFAP. However, in the other areas of the contralateral hemisphere including the rostral subventricular zone, the number of BrdU-positive cells remained unchanged. These results showed that focal ischemia stimulated the proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells, but did not support survival of newborn cells in the contralateral hippocampus.
Integrating primary care and public health: learning from the Brazilian way

After a long history of vertical programming, specialisation and disintegration, general practitioners are now being urged to take on wider commissioning and public health responsibilities. The support structures are not in place, and integration of primary care with good public health practice is new territory. Innovation can be found in unlikely places. The Brazilian government has a 20-year history of a nationwide, integrated, comprehensive, community health programme that seamlessly bridges two important interfaces – between the community and primary care, and between primary care and public health. Some elements of this approach could be translated into the UK and would likely bring about improved clinical care, cost savings, improved understanding of local epidemiological variations and therefore commissioning. Understanding this approach is the first step to a new way of integrated commissioning, spanning and not reinforcing traditional clinical domains.
Individual and partner predictors of recovery from alcohol-use disorder over a nine-year interval: findings from a community sample of alcoholic married men.

OBJECTIVE Numerous studies have focused on the predictors of recovery in persons with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Most have been retrospective and have measured only predictors of short-term recovery after the completion of treatment. This prospective study evaluates the role of psychological and social factors in a community sample of both alcoholics and their partners in predicting recovery over a 9-year interval. METHOD Alcoholic diagnostic status and life functioning of 134 community-recruited, initially coupled men meeting criteria for a 3-year Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, AUD diagnosis at baseline were assessed over the 9-year period. Their partners also were assessed. Prediction involved comparing those who still had an AUD diagnosis at 9-year follow-up against those who no longer met AUD criteria. RESULTS Predictors of recovery included number of experiences with treatment, education, number of years of intervening recovery over the follow-up period, partner baseline AUD status and partner's social support network. Alcoholics' initial severity of drinking did not predict long-term outcome. Furthermore, recovered men's partners decreased their AUD in the interim, whereas nonremitters' partners increased their AUD. The findings highlight the transitions in and out of AUD, with 62% of the men having stable drinking patterns of either remission or unremitting AUD diagnosis over the entire follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the importance of interpersonal factors in maintaining AUD or promoting recovery. Consideration of partner characteristics and the marital context as factors in the recovery process is essential. Future research should examine the predictors of recovery in women, in adolescents and in racial groups other than white.
Polyamine metabolism and cancer

Polyamines are aliphatic cations present in all cells. In normal cells, polyamine levels are intricately controlled by biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes. The biosynthetic enzymes are ornithine decarboxylase, S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, spermidine synthase, and spermine synthase. The catabolic enzymes include spermidine/spermine acetyltransferase, flavin containing polyamine oxidase, copper containing diamine oxidase, and possibly other amine oxidases. Multiple abnormalities in the control of polyamine metabolism and uptake might be responsible for increased levels of polyamines in cancer cells as compared to that of normal cells. This review is designed to look at the current research in polyamine biosynthesis, catabolism, and transport pathways, enumerate the functions of polyamines, and assess the potential for using polyamine metabolism or function as targets for cancer therapy.
Association analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene Val66Met polymorphism in schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder

Summary Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A functional polymorphism Val66Met of BDNF gene was studied in patients with schizophrenia (n=336), bipolar affective disorder (n=352) and healthy controls (n=375). Consensus diagnosis by at least two psychiatrists, according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria, was made for each patient using a structured clinical interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID). No association was found between the studied polymorphism and schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder either for genotype or allele distribution (for genotype: p=0.210 in schizophrenia, p=0.400 in bipolar disorder; for alleles: p=0.260 in schizophrenia, p=0.406 in bipolar disorder). Results were also not significant when analysed by gender. For males genotype distribution and allele frequency were (respectively): p=0.480 and p=0.312 in schizophrenia, p=0.819 and p=0.673 in bipolar affective disorder. Genotype distribution and allele frequency observed in the female group were: p=0.258 for genotypes, p=0.482 for alleles in schizophrenia; p=0.432 for genotypes, p=0.464 for alleles in bipolar affective disorder. A subgroup of schizophrenic (n=62) and bipolar affective patients (n=28) with early age at onset (18 years or younger) was analysed (p=0.328 for genotypes, p=0.253 for alleles in schizophrenia; p=0.032 for genotypes, p=0.858 for alleles in bipolar affective disorder).
A Rapid Shift in a Classic Clinal Pattern in Drosophila Reflecting Climate Change

Geographical clines in genetic polymorphisms are widely used as evidence of climatic selection and are expected to shift with climate change. We show that the classic latitudinal cline in the alcohol dehydrogenase polymorphism of Drosophila melanogaster has shifted over 20 years in eastern coastal Australia. Southern high-latitude populations now have the genetic constitution of more northerly populations, equivalent to a shift of 4° in latitude. A similar shift was detected for a genetically independent inversion polymorphism, whereas two other linked polymorphisms exhibiting weaker clinal patterns have remained relatively stable. These genetic changes are likely to reflect increasingly warmer and drier conditions and may serve as sensitive biomarkers for climate change.
A midgut‐specific serine protease, BmSP36, is involved in dietary protein digestion in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Serine proteases play important roles in digestion and immune responses during insect development. In the present study, the serine protease gene BmSP36, which encodes a 292‐residue protein, was cloned from the midgut cells of Bombyx mori. BmSP36 contains an intact catalytic triad (H57, D102 and S195) and a conserved substrate‐binding site (G189, H216 and G226), suggesting that it is a serine protease with chymotrypsin‐like specificity. The temporal and spatial expression patterns of BmSP36 indicated that its messenger RNA and protein expression mainly occurred in the midgut at the feeding stages. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analyses revealed secretion of BmSP36 protein from epithelial cells into the midgut lumen. The transcriptional and translational expression of BmSP36 was down‐regulated after starvation but up‐regulated after refeeding. Moreover, expression of the BmSP36 gene could be up‐regulated by a juvenile hormone analogue. These results enable us to better define the potential role of BmSP36 in dietary protein digestion at the feeding stages during larval development.
Image evaluation of the light-enhanced vaporization photolithographic process in As2S3 thin films.

Photolithography by light-enhanced vaporization (LEV) of thin films of amorphous As2S3 is described. Diffraction gratings were produced by laser double-beam interference patterns recorded on the As2S3 thin film using the LEV process. The gratings were evaluated progressively during the recording, and the modulation transfer function of the process was obtained.
Surmounting Elusive Barriers: The Case for Bioethics Mediation

This article describes, analyzes, and advocates for management of clinical healthcare conflict by a process commonly referred to as bioethics mediation. Section I provides a brief introduction to classical mediation outside the realm of clinical healthcare. Section II highlights certain distinguishing characteristics of bioethics mediation. Section III chronicles the history of bioethics mediation and references a number of seminal writings on the subject. Finally, Section IV analyzes barriers that have, thus far, limited the widespread implementation of bioethics mediation.
Susceptibility Breakpoints for Amphotericin B and Aspergillus Species in an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model Simulating Free-Drug Concentrations in Human Serum

ABSTRACT Although conventional amphotericin B was for many years the drug of choice and remains an important agent against invasive aspergillosis, reliable susceptibility breakpoints are lacking. Three clinical Aspergillus isolates (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus terreus) were tested in an in vitro pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model simulating the biphasic 24-h time-concentration profile of free amphotericin B concentrations in human serum with free peak concentrations (fCmax) of 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg/liter administered once daily. Drug concentrations were measured with a bioassay, and fungal growth was monitored for 72 h with galactomannan production. The fCmax/MIC corresponding to half-maximal activity (P50) was determined for each species, and the percentage of target attainment was calculated for different MICs for the standard (1 mg/kg of body weight) and a lower (0.6-mg/kg) dose of amphotericin B with Monte Carlo simulation analysis. The fCmax/MICs (95% confidence intervals) corresponding to P50 were 0.145 (0.133 to 0.158), 0.371 (0.283 to 0.486), and 0.41 (0.292 to 0.522) for A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. terreus, respectively. The median percentages of P50 attainment were ≥88%, 47%, and 0% for A. fumigatus isolates with MICs of ≤0.5, 1, and ≥2 mg/liter, respectively, and ≥81%, 24%, and 0% and ≥75%, 15%, and 0% for A. flavus and A. terreus isolates with MICs of ≤0.25, 0.5, and ≥1 mg/liter, respectively. The lower dose of 0.6 mg/kg would retain efficacy for A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. terreus isolates with MICs of ≤0.25, ≤0.125, and ≤0.125 mg/liter, respectively. The susceptibility, intermediate susceptibility, and resistance breakpoints of ≤0.5, 1, and ≥2 mg/liter for A. fumigatus and ≤0.25, 0.5, and ≥1 mg/liter for A. flavus and A. terreus were determined for conventional amphotericin B with a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model simulating free-drug serum concentrations.
Anidulafungin in Combination with Amphotericin B against Aspergillus fumigatus

ABSTRACT We investigated the effects of anidulafungin alone and in combination with amphotericin B against Aspergillus fumigatus. Indifference was the only type of interaction observed in vitro. Anidulafungin at 1 and 5 mg/kg of body weight/day, amphotericin B at 1 mg/kg/day, and combination therapy prolonged the survival of mice with invasive aspergillosis. Anidulafungin at 5 mg/kg/day, alone and in combination with amphotericin B, reduced the kidney fungal burden. Overall, the combination was not superior to the most active single drug.
Assessment of knowledge regarding menstruation and practices related to maintenance of menstrual hygiene among the women of reproductive age group in a slum of Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Background: Menstruation is a normal biological process and a key sign of reproductive health. Unfortunately, the taboo surrounding menstruation prevents women from articulating their needs. There is lack of awareness on the process of menstruation and hygienic management of the same. So, the problem of poor menstrual hygiene still persists in society. Objectives: 1) To elicit the knowledge regarding menstruation among the women of reproductive age group 2) To find out the practice of menstrual hygiene among them. Methods: A community based, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at Baghbazar slum, Kolkata. A total of 160 menstruating women of the age group between 15-45 years were included. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: Only 32 women (20%) had idea before menarche regarding menstruation. 65% women used only sanitary pad and 30% used only cloth pieces where as 5% used both pad and cloth piece. Prevalence of sanitary pad use was significantly higher among those aged <25 years (p<0.05). With increasing literacy status as well as socio economic status, use of sanitary pad was also found to be increased and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). About 42% of the cloth piece users reused cloth piece. All those, who reused cloth pieces, washed the used cloth pieces with soap and water and 50% of them dried those under sunlight. All the women practised some kind of restriction during menstruation. About 4% individuals did not take regular bath during their bleeding period. Some women (37.5%) suffered from reproductive tract infection during or just after menstruation. Most of the study subjects (95.6%) disposed used napkins in municipal vat . Conclusions: Awareness should be increased regarding maintenance of good menstrual hygiene through health education programme.
Escherichia coli Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 Inhibits Intestinal Epithelial Wound Healing In Vitro after Mechanical Injury

ABSTRACT Cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 1 (CNF1) from Escherichia coli activates the small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family (Rho, Rac, and Cdc42) by catalyzing their deamidation at a specific glutamine residue. Since RhoA, Rac, and Cdc42 play a pivotal role in cell migration during the early phase of wound repair, we investigated whether CNF1 was able to interfere with wound healing in intestinal epithelial monolayers (T84 cells). After mechanical injury, we found that CNF1 blocks epithelial wound repair within 48 h. This effect was characterized by cell elongation and filopodium formation on the leading edge, in association with permanent phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) via Rho activation. Moreover, inhibition of Rho kinase with Y-27632 decreased CNF1-mediated permanent FAK phosphorylation, leading to complete restitution of wound repair within 24 h. In addition, we found that CNF1 induced upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) activation. Moreover, activation of Rac and MAPK by CNF1 increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in wounded T84 monolayers. Taken together, these results provide evidence that CNF1 strongly impairs intestinal epithelial wound healing.
Staging endometrial cancer: Role of magnetic resonance imaging

This review article summarizes and comments the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of endometrial cancer. The MRI technique, appearance, and diagnostic criteria of endometrial carcinoma are discussed. The value of MRI in the preoperative staging of endometrial cancer is compared to alternative strategies. Contrast‐enhanced MRI performs best in the pretreatment evaluation of myometrial or cervical invasion, compared to ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), or nonenhanced MRI. The overall costs and accuracy are similar to those of the current methods of staging, including intraoperative gross dissection of the uterus. In addition, results of MRI might decrease the number of unnecessary lymph node dissections. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:850–855. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Valorisation des déchets solides urbains dans les quartiers de Lomé (Togo) : approche méthodologique pour une production durable de compost

Ce travail de recherche a abouti a la mise en place de la valorisation par compostage des dechets solides produits dans les quartiers de Lome ; la filiere compostage adaptee aux conditions de la ville de Lome a ete evaluee depuis la production des dechets dans les menages jusqu'a la valorisation agronomique du compost produit. Cette etude constitue un guide pour l'elaboration d'une filiere perenne de compostage a Lome, il est constitue�� de cinq chapitres : etude du gisement, evaluation de la pre-collecte, optimisation des parametres du compostage, valorisation agronomique et choix d'une filiere perenne de compostage. Les donnees obtenues sur le gisement, pendant deux ans et sur deux saisaons (seche et humide), constituent non seulement le premiere base de donnees sur la nature des dechets produits a Lome, mais aussi un veritable outil d'aide a la decision pour les responsables locaux. L'analyse de la pre-collecte assuree par les ONG, a permis de determiner les indicateurs de performance les plus pertinents. Le procede de compostage a ete optimise en termes de bilan massique et de qualite de compost. Les essais du produit fini en pleins champs ont donne des resultats tres interessants dans la perspective de l'amelioration des sols et des cultures. Enfin, un modele de plateforme de tri-compostage (<5T/jour) informelle, decentralisee dans les quartiers, a ete propose sur la base des resultats obtenus.
Efficiency of rural distribution feeders against lightning: A case study

This paper presents a study which analyzes the performance of rural distribution lines against the occurrence of lightning. The ATP-Draw program was used to simulate the electromagnetic phenomena and to evaluate the transients caused by lightning discharges. The model of the distribution system is based on the representation of its elements (poles, insulators, equivalent circuit, cross-arm and grounding system). The elements are modeled by its electrical parameters. In the proposed study the rural feeder was represented taken into account the frequency dependence of its parameters. Three topologies of distribution lines are analyzed. A comparative analysis of their performance is discussed.