Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Height and Body Size in Childhood, Adolescence, and Young Adulthood and Breast Cancer Risk According to Molecular Subtype in the Nurses' Health Studies

Height and body size in childhood and young adulthood have been consistently associated with breast cancer risk; whether associations differ across molecular subtypes is unclear. In a pooled analysis of the Nurses' Health Studies, we prospectively examined the association of four exposures: height, body mass index (BMI) at the age of 18 years, childhood and adolescent somatotypes, with breast cancer risk according to molecular subtypes defined by immunohistochemical markers. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 2,983 luminal A, 1,281 luminal B, 318 HER2-enriched, 408 basal-like, and 128 unclassified tumors. Height was positively associated with all subtypes (Pheterogeneity = 0.78). BMI at the age of 18 (Pheterogeneity = 0.001), childhood (Pheterogeneity = 0.51), and adolescent somatotype (Pheterogeneity = 0.046) were inversely associated, but with differences in magnitude of association. BMI at the age of 18 of ≥25 kg/m2 (compared with 20–21.9 kg/m2) was associated with a 52% decreased risk of HER2-enriched (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26–0.91; Ptrend < 0.0001) and 39% reduced risk of basal-like tumors (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.36–1.02; Ptrend = 0.008). Compared with the lowest category, women in the highest adolescent body size category were 71% less likely to develop HER2-enriched (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10–0.85; Ptrend = 0.0005) and 60% less likely to develop basal-like (HR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17–0.95; Ptrend = 0.0008). Height was positively associated with risk of all breast cancer molecular subtypes. BMI at 18 years and childhood and adolescent were inversely associated with risk of most breast cancer molecular subtypes with somewhat stronger associations with HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes. Cancer Prev Res; 9(9); 732–8. ©2016 AACR.
The Effect of Different Doses of Isotretinoin on Pituitary Hormones

Background: There are a limited number of studies investigating the side effects and effectiveness of various doses of isotretinoin (ISO). We have previously shown that high-dose ISO affects pituitary hormones. Objectives: To our knowledge, there is no study in the literature looking into the effects of various doses of ISO on pituitary hormones. We searched pituitary hormones in three groups of different doses in acne patients. Methods: We included 105 acne vulgaris patients from two different centers. We divided the patients into three groups; the first group received 0.5-1 mg/kg/day, the second 0.2-0.5 mg/kg/day and the third intermittent 0.5-1 mg/kg/day (only 1 week in 1 month) ISO treatment. Blood samples were collected for biochemistry and hormone analysis, before the treatment and after 3 months. Results: After 3 months of treatment with ISO, luteinizing hormone (LH) (p < 0.001), prolactin (p < 0.001), total testosterone (p < 0.001), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (p < 0.001), cortisol (p < 0.001), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (p < 0.001), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (p = 0.002), growth hormone (GH) (p = 0.002) and free T3 (fT3) (p < 0.001) levels had decreased significantly. Furthermore, we split data into three different groups. Among the patients receiving intermittent-dose ISO, LH, ACTH, IGF-1, GH and fT3 measurements lost significance. Most of the significant measurements observed in the whole group were also significant among the patients receiving high-dose ISO. Additionally, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (p = 0.003) levels increased, and free T4 levels decreased significantly. Conclusions: ISO affects pituitary hormones at all of these three doses. The differences in pituitary hormones are more pronounced in high-dose treatment. The weakest effect was observed in the intermittent-dose group. Choosing lower doses of ISO may decrease side effects, however the effectiveness of the treatment may also be diminished. ISO, by affecting the PPARγ/RXR system, may affecting hormone systems. These changes in various hormone systems may be related to the effectiveness of ISO.
Absenteeism Problems And Costs: Causes, Effects And Cures

Employee absences are both costly and disruptive for business, and the trend has been increasing steadily over the years. Personal illness and family issues are cited as the primary reason for unplanned absences. Employers have been attempting to determine the validity of these illnesses and offer incentives and propose possible solutions to mitigate these absences, including those caused by family issues. Illness, family responsibilities, personal issues and stress all take a toll on the worker which in turn affects morale, absences and productivity in the workplace. Some sources including Statistics Canada cite that absenteeism approximates 15-20 percent of payroll (direct and indirect) costs. This is significant. Canada Newswire stated on May 23, 2008 that absenteeism translates into losses of over $16 billion in salary expenses. The purpose of this paper is to identify the leading factors of absenteeism, possible cures that exist for these factors, and present results of companies that have implemented programs to combat the problem of absenteeism. It is important that businesses determine if they in fact have an absenteeism problem and thus consider utilizing some of the proposed solutions offered in this paper.
A pilot study of iodine and anthropometric status of primary school children in Obukpa, a rural Nigerian community

This study was designed to assess the iodine and the anthropometric status of primary school children in a rural Nigerian community (Obukpa). Stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents for the study. The sample size was 330 children aged 6 to 12+ years. The anthropometric measurements of the children comprising 170 boys and 160 girls were obtained using standard procedures. The urine of a sub-sample of 36 children were subjected to laboratory analysis for iodine using “method H”. Data generated from this study were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12, means, standard deviation, student t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation coefficient (r) values. Anthropometric measurements of the children showed that 25% were stunted. More boys (13.7%) were stunted than girls (11.3%). Stunted children correlated negatively with wasted children significantly (P < 0.05). Urinary iodine showed that 58.3% of the children had <20 µg/L indicating severe iodine deficiency. Iodine levels in urine correlated with stunting and underweight. Key words: Urinary iodine status, anthropometric status, primary school children.
A tuberculosis prevalence survey based on symptoms questioning and sputum examination

A sample survey was undertaken in Raichur district of Karnataka State to estimate the prevalence of bacteriologically positive pulmonary tuberculosis among symptomatics aged 15 years and above. A population of 72,448 persons was registered in a representative sample of 57 villages and 21 enumeration blocks. Of the 42,580 persons aged 15 years and above eligible for symptoms questioning, 40,657 (95.5%) were examined and 3,846 (9.5%) were found to be symptomatics and eligible for sputum examination. Sputum was collected from 3,685 (95.8%) of the 3,846 symptomatics, and subjected to bacteriological examination i.e., smear, culture and drug susceptibility. Certain important findings were as follows: (i) the number of symptomatics increased with increase in age, more often among males (11.9%) than among females (7.1%), (ii) the prevalence of tuberculosis, as assessed by smear and/or culture was 10.9 per 1,000 in population aged 15 years and above, (iii) the prevalence increased with age and was 3 times higher among males as compared to females, (iv) cough was found to be the predominant symptom among the symptomatics (87%) as well as among the cases detected (92%), (v) the prevalence rate based on smear examination of the sputum specimens, using the two microscopy methods (Ziehl-Neelsen and Fluorescence) was 7.6 per 1,000, (vi) culture examination of these specimens yielded 3.3 per 1,100 additional cases, (vii) both the microscopy methods were equally efficient in detecting smear positives, (vii) of the 355 culture positive cases, 17.7% were resistant to Streptomycin, 29.6% to Isoniazid and 7.6% to Rifampicin either alone or in combination with other drugs.
Rivaroxaban, an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor

Rivaroxaban is a small molecule, direct Factor Xa inhibitor and may be a potentially attractive alternative to vitamin K antagonists. Rivaroxaban is being investigated for the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thrombosis. A broad search of Medline, clinicaltrials.gov and the annual proceedings of the American Society of Hematology and the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis was conducted. This review addresses the findings of this systematic search, including the need for new oral anticoagulants, the development and pharmacology of rivaroxaban, and the results of completed as well as ongoing trials with rivaroxaban. At present, the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism has been evaluated in Phase II and Phase III trials involving over 24,000 patients. Additionally, rivaroxaban is being evaluated for the treatment of pulmonary embolism, secondary prevention after acute coronary syndromes and the prevention of stroke and non-central nervous system embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The drug may have its greatest impact in providing a much-needed and attractive alternative to warfarin. Further data (especially large Phase III trials) are required.
Longitudinal Forced Vital Capacity Monitoring as a Prognostic Adjunct after Lung Transplantation.

RATIONALE After lung transplantation, spirometric values are routinely followed to assess graft function. FEV1 is used to characterize chronic allograft dysfunction, whereas the course of FVC change has been less acknowledged and rarely used. OBJECTIVES To better understand the temporal relationship and prognostic ability of FEV1 and FVC decline after lung transplantation. METHODS Serial FEV1 and FVC values were studied among 205 bilateral lung transplant recipients. Different decline patterns were characterized and evaluated for prognostic value via restricted mean modeling of mortality and times to other pertinent events. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Baseline FEV1 was achieved earlier than baseline FVC (median, 296 vs. 378 d; P < 0.0001). Decline in FEV1 or FVC from their respective post-transplant baselines occurred in 85 patients (41%). Fifty-nine of 85 (69%) had an isolated FEV1 decline, with 80% later meeting the FVC decline criterion. This subsequent FVC decline was associated with worsening FEV1 and lower median survival. Twenty-five of 85 patients (29%) demonstrated concurrent FEV1 and FVC decline. Patients with concurrent decline had higher 1- and 5-year mortality rates (1-yr, 53% vs. 18%, P < 0.0001; 5-yr, 61% vs. 48%, P = 0.001). These patients were more likely to have rapid-onset of spirometry decline (P = 0.05) and lower FEV1% predicted (P = 0.04) at presentation. CONCLUSIONS FVC decline from its post-transplant baseline provides valuable prognostic information. Concurrent FEV1 and FVC decline identifies patients with fulminant, rapid deterioration and is the strongest clinical predictor of poor survival. Subsequent FVC decline in patients with an initial isolated FEV1 decline identifies disease progression and portends poor prognosis.
Adherence to Disease-Modifying Agents and Association with Quality of Life Among Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

This study was conducted to evaluate the association of adherence to disease-modifying agents (DMAs) and outcomes among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in a practice setting. The study had a cross-sectional design. A survey was administered to 214 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to measure quality of life, health status, disability, and employment. Measures of health-care costs and adherence to DMAs were constructed using claims data. The relationship between DMA adherence and outcomes was evaluated using generalized estimating equation methods, adjusting for patient sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, medication on hand at the time of the survey, insurance status, prescription copay, and duration of disease. A total of 163 patients (76%) responded to the survey, of whom 111 had been dispensed a DMA. Mean adherence in the 12-month period preceding the survey was 78.1%. Patients with higher adherence had better mental health and pain interference scores. Increasing.
Diets, diatribes, and a dearth of data.

Losing weight, and to an unfortunately lesser extent, finding health, are persistent fixations of modern culture. We have devised an almost perfectly obesigenic environment, making weight control ever more alluring even as we make it ever more elusive. The epidemiological result is, predictably, epidemic (or, perhaps more correctly now, hyperendemic) obesity, and its numerous sequelae, in adults and children alike.1 The corresponding cultural result, equally predictable, is a weight loss sellers’ market. Article see p 815 There is one additional element in the mix propagating the seemingly endless parade of weight loss remedies: the suspension of common sense. Most sensible adults know that get-rich-quick schemes are the stuff of scams and sitcoms. Those same sensible adults, however, routinely reach for their credit cards when an offer of get-thin-quick or get-healthy-quick comes along. In a market where buyers reject the tried and true in favor of false promises and pixie dust and in a culture where scapegoats and silver bullets2 are preferred over a prosaic blend of science and sense, the sellers respond accordingly. What ensues is a seemingly never-ending3,4 beauty pageant of dietary contestants, each emphasizing what differentiates it from the others and each contending to be the best. And along with each diet comes its entourage, singing its praises, disparaging the competition, and seeking the profits that come with wearing the tiara. These camps routinely include publishers, media of every variety, and the experts, pseudoexperts, and nonexperts who write the books, and devise the potions. But is any one of these diets truly best, either for losing weight, or finding health? That, ostensibly, is the question Atallah et al set out to answer5 in this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes . In their own words, the authors sought to assess the …
Drug delivery systems for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe immune-mediated disease characterized by chronically progressive inflammation and destruction of joints and associated structures. Significant advances in our understanding of its pathophysiology and early diagnosis have led to improved therapy and better outcome. Nevertheless, a number of details in the pathogenesis of RA are still unknown and thus the disease cannot be cured at present. Therefore, current therapy aims at accomplishing complete and long-lasting remission. However, this goal is only achieved in a small proportion of patients, and partial remission and frequent relapses are a common problem. A significant number of patients still do not respond at all to available treatments. In addition, all antirheumatic and immune-modulating drugs developed so far carry a considerable risk of adverse effects, some of which can be severe or even life threatening. This is due, at least in part, to a lack of specificity of most drugs for the target tissue, and to a high volume of distribution for systemic application, which, together with rapid clearance of most drugs, requires frequent application of high dosages. Targeted drug delivery and prolongation of bioavailability would alleviate this issue significantly. This article, therefore, reviews a selection of studies that report promising strategies for joint specific delivery of antiarthritic drugs.
Gender Differences in Depression in Representative National Samples: Meta-Analyses of Diagnoses and Symptoms

In 2 meta-analyses on gender differences in depression in nationally representative samples, we advance previous work by including studies of depression diagnoses and symptoms to (a) estimate the magnitude of the gender difference in depression across a wide array of nations and ages; (b) use a developmental perspective to elucidate patterns of gender differences across the life span; and (c) incorporate additional theory-driven moderators (e.g., gender equity). For major depression diagnoses and depression symptoms, respectively, we meta-analyzed data from 65 and 95 articles and their corresponding national data sets, representing data from 1,716,195 and 1,922,064 people in over 90 different nations. Overall, odds ratio (OR) = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.88, 2.03], and d = 0.27 [0.26, 0.29]. Age was the strongest predictor of effect size. The gender difference for diagnoses emerged earlier than previously thought, with OR = 2.37 at age 12. For both meta-analyses, the gender difference peaked in adolescence (OR = 3.02 for ages 13–15, and d = 0.47 for age 16) but then declined and remained stable in adulthood. Cross-national analyses indicated that larger gender differences were found in nations with greater gender equity, for major depression, but not depression symptoms. The gender difference in depression represents a health disparity, especially in adolescence, yet the magnitude of the difference indicates that depression in men should not be overlooked.
The involvement of AT2-receptor in the antithrombotic effect of losartan in renal hypertensive rats

In previous studies, we have shown that losartan possesses nitric oxide-dependent antithrombotic properties in various models of hypertension in rats. It was demonstrated that stimulation of AT2-receptors plays an important role in the pharmacological effects of AT1-receptor antagonists. Thus, in this study, we examine the participation of AT2-receptors in the antithrombotic action of losartan in renal hypertensive rats on venous thrombosis induced by a two-hour ligation of the vena cava. Losartan administration (30 mg/kg, p.o.) resulted in a marked decrease in thrombus weight (by 85%, p<0.001). PD123319, an AT2-receptor antagonist (10 mg/kg, i.v.), administered concomitantly with losartan, abolished its antithrombotic effect, whilst it had no influence on thrombus weight when given alone. A significant decrease in systolic blood pressure was observed in animals given losartan. PD123319 administration did not abolish this action of losartan and did not alter blood pressure when given alone. No changes in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, or euglobulin clot lysis time were observed in animals administered losartan and/or PD123319. Similarly, primary haemostatics evaluated by bleeding time and platelet count did not change in any group of rats. In conclusion, we have shown that AT2receptor stimulation is involved in the antithrombotic action of losartan in renal hypertensive rats.
Nursing care for outpatients with bipolar disorder: A study of current practice, care needs, coping and quality of life.

Psychiatric nurses are increasingly being involved in the provision of care for outpatients with bipolar disorder. The establishment of a body of knowledge for the nursing of these patients is vital for the development of integrated evidence-based treatment. The literature for the period January 1980 to January 2006 is reviewed. A sensitive literature search included not only the nursing care based on research results but also nursing care based on experiences acquired by practicing nurses. The results show that formal research on the nursing of patients with a bipolar disorder is remarkably limited. Three quantitative studies were identified in five articles and six qualitative studies addressing a broad range of topics. The remainder of articles meeting the inclusion criteria contained mostly descriptive reports. An overview is presented of the nursing processes used during the euthymic stage of a bipolar disorder and during an acute episode of (hypo)mania. No specific nursing processes for acute episodes of bipolar depression are described in the literature. The results show hardly any evidence for the described nursing processes. Nursing processes in bipolar disorder 19
The depression status of patients with end-stage renal disease in different renal replacement therapies

Depression is a common emotional problem among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, but there is a paucity of research comparing the prevalence of depression between patients in different types of renal replacement therapies in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of depression among ESRD patients in Taiwan who received different treatment regimens, and to determine the factors related to depression among these participants across various treatment regimens. A convenience sample of 342 participants was recruited from two medical centres. Participants were diagnosed with ESRD and received one of three renal replacement therapies, and screened for depression using the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire (TDQ). The prevalence of depression (defined as TDQ score above 19) varied by treatment type: 36·3% (27/102) among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, 18·5% (17/92) among haemodialysis (HD) patients and 14·8% (21/142) among transplant patients. There were significant differences in the TDQ scores between the three treatment types (p < 0·001), indicating that participants' depression status varied by treatment type. Prevalence of depression among PD patients was higher than among HD and transplant patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that treatment duration (p < 0·01) was a predictor of PD patients' depression, whereas self-reported health status was a predictor of depression among both HD patients (p < 0·01) and transplant patients (p < 0·05). Screening for and treatment of depression should be important parts of the standard care of ESRD patients. Pre- and post-therapy counselling by nurses and early recognition of emotional difficulties may also help these patients adapt to psychosocial stressors.
Sex Reversal in Amphibians

Amphibians have been widely used to study developmental biology due to the fact that embryo development takes place independently of the maternal organism and that observations and experimental approaches are easy. Some amphibians like Xenopus became model organisms in this field. In the first part of this article, the differentiation of the gonads in amphibians and the mechanisms governing this process are reviewed. In the second part, the state of the art about sex reversal, which can be induced by steroid hormones in general and by temperature in some species, is presented. Also information about pollutants found in the environment that could interfere with the development of the amphibian reproductive apparatus or with their reproductive physiology is given. Such compounds could play a part in the amphibian decline, since in the wild, many amphibians are endangered species.