Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of renal function in primary hyperparathyroidism.

CONTEXT Current guidelines for parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) include an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2). Although the biochemical abnormalities associated with PHPT could impair renal function, there are currently no data examining whether more severe hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, or nephrolithiasis are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in mild PHPT. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study evaluated predictors of renal function in PHPT. DESIGN This is a case series of PHPT patients with (eGFR < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)) and without (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)) CKD. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS We studied 114 PHPT patients in a university hospital setting. OUTCOME MEASURES We identified predictors of renal function using multiple linear regression. RESULTS eGFR was associated with age, hypertension, antihypertensive medication use, fasting glucose, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. eGFR was positively rather than negatively associated with several PHPT disease severity indices including history of nephrolithiasis, 24-hour urinary calcium excretion, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D but not serum calcium or PTH levels. An eGFR less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) was observed in 15% (n = 17), all of whom had stage 3 CKD (eGFR 30-59 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)). Those with CKD were older, had higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and lower 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, and were more likely to be hypertensive than those without CKD. There were no between-group (<60 vs ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)) differences in serum calcium, PTH, nephrolithiasis, or meeting surgical criteria other than eGFR. Multiple linear regression indicated that age and diastolic blood pressure were negatively associated with eGFR, whereas serum calcium, kidney stones, and alcohol use were positive predictors. Calculation of eGFR using either the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease or Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS PHPT patients with stage 3 CKD do not have biochemical or clinical evidence of more severe hyperparathyroidism compared with those without CKD. Traditional risk factors, rather than clinical or biochemical indices of PHPT, are associated with lower eGFR in mild PHPT.
Increased Risk of Long-Term Sickness Absence, Lower Rate of Return to Work, and Higher Risk of Unemployment and Disability Pensioning for Thyroid Patients: A Danish Register-Based Cohort Study

Context: Little is known about how thyroid diseases affect work ability. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of work disability for patients with thyroid disease compared with the general population. Design, Setting, and Participants: In a longitudinal register study, outpatients (n = 862) with nontoxic goiter, hyperthyroidism, Graves' orbitopathy (GO), autoimmune hypothyroidism, or other thyroid diseases and their matched controls (n = 7043) were observed in the years 1994–2011 in Danish national registers of social benefits, health, and work characteristics. Cox regression analyses estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for the first year after diagnosis and subsequent years. Main Outcome Measures: Transitions between work, long-term sickness absence, unemployment, and disability pension were measured. Results: Patients differed significantly from the general population with regard to sickness absence, disability pension, return from sickness absence, and unemployment. In the first year after diagnosis, higher risks of sickness absence was seen for GO (HR 6.94) and other hyperthyroid patients (HR 2.08), who also had lower probability of returning from sickness absence (HR 0.62) and higher risk of disability pension (HR 4.15). Patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism showed a lower probability of returning from sickness absence (HR 0.62). In subsequent years, GO patients had significantly higher risk of sickness absence (HR 2.08), lower probability of return from sickness absence (HR 0.51), and unemployment (HR 0.52) and a higher risk of disability pension (HR 4.40). Hyperthyroid patients also had difficulties returning from sickness absence (HR 0.71). Conclusions: Thyroid patients' risk of work disability is most pronounced in the first year after diagnosis and attenuates in subsequent years. GO patients have the highest risk of work disability.
Circulating sclerostin associated with vertebral bone marrow fat in older men but not women.

CONTEXT Osteocyte activity is crucial to the maintenance of bone quality. Sclerostin, an osteocyte product, inhibits bone formation, yet higher circulating sclerostin is associated with higher bone density. Bone marrow fat (MF) is associated with osteoporosis, but little is known about the relationship between osteocyte activity and MF. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to assess the relationships between circulating sclerostin, vertebral MF, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and other fat depots in older adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik cohort. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome measures included vertebral MF (L1-L4) measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy and vBMD (spine and hip) and abdominal fat measured with quantitative computed tomography. RESULTS After excluding subjects with bone-active medication use (n = 50), inadequate serum (n = 2), or inadequate magnetic resonance spectroscopy (n = 1), analyses included 115 men and 134 women (mean age 79 y, mean body mass index 27.7 kg/m(2)). In men, but not women, vertebral MF was greater in those with higher serum sclerostin levels. MF was 52.2 % in the lowest tertile of serum sclerostin and 56.3% in the highest tertile in men (P for trend <.01) in models adjusted for age, body mass index, and diabetes. Sclerostin was positively associated with cortical and trabecular total hip vBMD, weight in men and women, and total fat mass in men but was not associated with total lean mass or abdominal fat depots. CONCLUSION Circulating sclerostin levels are associated with higher vertebral marrow fat in men, suggesting a relationship between osteocyte function and marrow adipogenesis.
Effects of low-dose estrogen replacement during childhood on pubertal development and gonadotropin concentrations in patients with Turner syndrome: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

CONTEXT The optimal approach to estrogen replacement in girls with Turner syndrome has not been determined. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the effects of an individualized regimen of low-dose ethinyl estradiol (EE2) during childhood from as early as age 5, followed by a pubertal induction regimen starting after age 12 and escalating to full replacement over 4 years. DESIGN This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING The study was conducted at two US pediatric endocrine centers. SUBJECTS Girls with Turner syndrome (n = 149), aged 5.0-12.5 years, were enrolled; data from 123 girls were analyzable for pubertal onset. INTERVENTION(S) Interventions comprised placebo or recombinant GH injections three times a week, with daily oral placebo or oral EE2 during childhood (25 ng/kg/d, ages 5-8 y; 50 ng/kg/d, ages >8-12 y); after age 12, all patients received escalating EE2 starting at a nominal dosage of 100 ng/kg/d. Placebo/EE2 dosages were reduced by 50% for breast development before age 12 years, vaginal bleeding before age 14 years, or undue advance in bone age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures for this report were median ages at Tanner breast stage ≥2, median age at menarche, and tempo of puberty (Tanner 2 to menarche). Patterns of gonadotropin secretion and impact of childhood EE2 on gonadotropins also were assessed. RESULTS Compared with recipients of oral placebo (n = 62), girls who received childhood low-dose EE2 (n = 61) had significantly earlier thelarche (median, 11.6 vs 12.6 y, P < 0.001) and slower tempo of puberty (median, 3.3 vs 2.2 y, P = 0.003); both groups had delayed menarche (median, 15.0 y). Among childhood placebo recipients, girls who had spontaneous breast development before estrogen exposure had significantly lower median FSH values than girls who did not. CONCLUSIONS In addition to previously reported effects on cognitive measures and GH-mediated height gain, childhood estrogen replacement significantly normalized the onset and tempo of puberty. Childhood low-dose estrogen replacement should be considered for girls with Turner syndrome.
Teriparatide increases strength of the peripheral skeleton in premenopausal women with idiopathic osteoporosis: a pilot HR-pQCT study.

CONTEXT In premenopausal women with idiopathic osteoporosis (IOP), treatment with teriparatide leads to substantial improvement in bone density and quality at central skeletal sites. The effects of teriparatide may differ on cortical and trabecular bone and also at the central and the peripheral skeleton. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine whether teriparatide was associated with improvements in compartmental volumetric bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture, and estimated bone strength of the distal radius and tibia as assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Premenopausal women (n = 20, age 41 ± 5 y) with IOP (low trauma fractures and/or Z-scores ≤ -2.0) were scanned with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography at baseline and after 18 months of teriparatide treatment. Cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD and microarchitecture were measured by both standard and advanced techniques, including individual trabecula segmentation, and bone strength was estimated by finite element analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The total volumetric BMD and homogeneous bone stiffness were measured. RESULTS Trabecular volumetric BMD increased significantly by 2.6% (1.8, 6.2) [median (interquartile range)] at the radius and 2.5% (1.1, 3.6) at the tibia. In addition, trabecular plate bone volume fraction increased by 9.1% (2.1, 17.1) at the radius and 7.6% (1.0, 9.7) at the tibia. Cortical thickness and volumetric density did not change; however, cortical porosity increased at the radius but not at the tibia. Despite these changes, whole-bone stiffness and failure load estimated by finite element analysis increased at both the radius and tibia. CONCLUSIONS In premenopausal women with IOP, 18 months of teriparatide was associated with increases in trabecular volumetric BMD, improved trabecular microarchitecture, and estimated bone strength at both the radius and tibia.
Knowledge and practice among the caretakers of bedridden patients on prevention of urinary tract infection

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the major complications of immobility or bedridden condition. Between 46-59% of spinal cord injury patients develop urinary tract infection during the first year of trauma. UTI is a second most common type of infection, accounting for nearly 25% of all infections and a serious health problem affecting millions of people each year. The findings of the study might be helpful to the long term care health institution for the development the strategies to involve the caretakers to prevent urinary tract infection in bedridden patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to find out the level of knowledge and current practice of caretakers of bedridden patients on prevention of urinary tract infection. METHODS: The descriptive and cross-sectional study design was adopted in this study. A self-prepared structured interview questionnaire and observation checklist was used to collect data from 30 caretakers of hospitalized bedridden patients of Nepal Orthopedic Hospital and Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center Jorpati implying purposive & convenient sampling technique. RESULTS: Out of30 caretakers, no one had adequate (>80%) knowledge and 46.6% had moderate (50-80%) knowledge and 53.3% had low (<50%) knowledge on meaning, high risk group, contributing factors, signs & symptoms, consequences and preventive measures of UTI as a whole. Caretaker's preventive practices of UTI for their bedridden patients were not satisfactory except encourage the patient for drinking 2-3 liters water per day. CONCLUSION: Majorities (53.3%) of the caretakers of bedridden patients had low level knowledge on preventive measures of UTI. Similarly UTI preventive practices of caretakers were also not satisfactory. Therefore, awareness raising programme on preventive measures of UTI need to be organized specially for caretakers. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1. 10488 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 24-29
TGF-β improves myocardial function and prevents apoptosis induced by anoxia-reoxygenation, through the reduction of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is known for its role in ventricular remodeling, inflammatory response, cell survival, and apoptosis. However, its role in improving myocardial function in rat hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and protecting against apoptosis induced in cardiomyocytes by anoxia-reoxygenation (A/R) has not been elucidated. This study investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of TGF-β on myocardial function and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We used TUNEL staining, we tested cell viability, and we measured mitochondrial membrane potential and levels of mitochondrial ROS after 6 h of simulated anoxia together with various durations of simulated reoxygenation in H9c2 cells. We further observed the contractile function in rat hearts after they were subjected to 30 min global ischemia and 180 min reperfusion. Pretreatment with TGF-β markedly inhibited apoptosis in H9c2 cells, as evidenced by increased cell viability and decreased numbers of TUNEL-positive cells, maintained mitochondrial membrane potential, and diminished mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These changes were associated with the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent markers of apoptosis (GRP78, CHOP, caspase-12, and JNK), and the modulation of the expression of Bcl2/Bax. Furthermore, TGF-β improved I/R-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction. All of these protective effects were concentration-dependent. CONCLUSION Our results show that TGF-β prevents A/R-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and improves myocardial function in rat hearts injured by I/R.
Drug use among college and university students: findings from a national survey

Abstract Introduction: There is little known about illegal drug taking among students in further and higher education in the UK. As a result, some of the most fundamental questions about use of illegal drugs among students remain unanswered. The current research aims to answer some of these questions by examining drug use behavior among a national sample of full-time college and university students. Methods: The data used for the analysis came from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 2010–2011. The CSEW is a national general household survey of young people and adults. A random sample of ∼26 000 students and non-students was asked questions on drug misuse. Results: Students were 4.3 times more likely than non-students to have consumed ketamine in the last 12 months. Students who frequently visited clubs were 3.4 times more likely to take drugs than those who reported less frequent night-time activities. Conclusion: Drug use among students has been a neglected topic area in the research literature in UK. The current research shows that students might be particularly at risk of drug use as a result of features relating to university lifestyle.
Clinical and molecular features of Hürthle cell carcinoma of the thyroid.

CONTEXT Hürthle cell cancer (HCC) of the thyroid remains the subject of controversy with respect to natural course, treatment, and follow-up. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical and molecular features associated with outcome in HCC. DESIGN The study was a review of 173 HCC cases treated at Mayo Clinic over 11 years with a median 5.8-year follow-up. RESULTS None of the patients with minimally invasive histology had persistent disease, clinical recurrence, or disease-related death. Male gender and TNM stage were independently associated with increased risk of clinical recurrence or death in widely invasive patients. The 5-year cumulative probability of clinical recurrence or death was higher in patients with TNM stage III-IV (females, 74%; males, 91%) compared with patients with TNM stage I-II (females, 0%; males, 17%). Pulmonary metastases were best identified by computed tomography, whereas radioactive iodine scans were positive in only two of 27 cases. Thyroglobulin was detectable in patients with clinical disease, with the notable exception of five patients with distant metastases. The common TERT C228T promoter mutation was detected in both widely invasive and minimally invasive tumors. TERT mRNA was below the limit of detection in all samples. CONCLUSION Widely invasive HCC with TNM stage III-IV is aggressive, with low probability of recurrence-free survival. Males have worse outcomes than females. Minimally invasive HCC appears to be considerably less aggressive. Radioactive iodine scan performs poorly in detecting distant disease. Although the TERT gene is mutated in HCC, the role of this mutation remains to be demonstrated.
Genetic predictors of long-term response to growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with GH deficiency and Turner syndrome: the influence of a SOCS2 polymorphism.

BACKGROUND There is great interindividual variability in the response to GH therapy. Ascertaining genetic factors can improve the accuracy of growth response predictions. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-2 is an intracellular negative regulator of GH receptor (GHR) signaling. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess the influence of a SOCS2 polymorphism (rs3782415) and its interactive effect with GHR exon 3 and -202 A/C IGFBP3 (rs2854744) polymorphisms on adult height of patients treated with recombinant human GH (rhGH). DESIGN AND PATIENTS Genotypes were correlated with adult height data of 65 Turner syndrome (TS) and 47 GH deficiency (GHD) patients treated with rhGH, by multiple linear regressions. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction was used to evaluate gene-gene interactions. RESULTS Baseline clinical data were indistinguishable among patients with different genotypes. Adult height SD scores of patients with at least one SOCS2 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs3782415-C were 0.7 higher than those homozygous for the T allele (P < .001). SOCS2 (P = .003), GHR-exon 3 (P= .016) and -202 A/C IGFBP3 (P = .013) polymorphisms, together with clinical factors accounted for 58% of the variability in adult height and 82% of the total height SD score gain. Patients harboring any two negative genotypes in these three different loci (homozygosity for SOCS2 T allele; the GHR exon 3 full-length allele and/or the -202C-IGFBP3 allele) were more likely to achieve an adult height at the lower quartile (odds ratio of 13.3; 95% confidence interval of 3.2-54.2, P = .0001). CONCLUSION The SOCS2 polymorphism (rs3782415) has an influence on the adult height of children with TS and GHD after long-term rhGH therapy. Polymorphisms located in GHR, IGFBP3, and SOCS2 loci have an influence on the growth outcomes of TS and GHD patients treated with rhGH. The use of these genetic markers could identify among rhGH-treated patients those who are genetically predisposed to have less favorable outcomes.
Common genetic variants in the glucocorticoid receptor and the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 genes influence long-term cognitive impairments in patients with Cushing's syndrome in remission.

CONTEXT Cognitive function is impaired in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) in remission. OBJECTIVE The objective of the investigation was to study the effects of polymorphisms in genes associated with glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity on cognitive function in patients with CS in long-term remission. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional, case-controlled, single-center study. PATIENTS Fifty-three patients with CS in remission and 53 controls matched for age, gender, and educational level participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cognitive function, studied using standardized neuropsychological testing, and polymorphisms in the GC receptor (NR3C1; Bcl1 and A3669G), mineralocorticoid receptor (NR3C2; I180V), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1; rs11119328), and ATP binding cassette B1 (ABCB1; rs1045642) genes were measured. The association between cognitive function and polymorphisms were analyzed using linear regression with adjustments for age and educational level. RESULTS The mean age in patients and controls was 53 ± 14 years. The median (interquartile range) duration of remission was 13 (5-18) years. In patients, the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs11119328 was associated with impairments in processing speed, auditory attention, auditory working memory, and reading speed. This association was not seen in matched controls. The Bcl1 polymorphism was associated with fatigue and worse visual attention and working memory. The remaining single-nucleotide polymorphisms were not associated with cognitive performance. CONCLUSION In this study, polymorphisms in the 11βHSD1 and NR3C1 genes were associated with impaired cognitive function, indicating that GC sensitivity and prereceptor regulation of GC action may play a role in the long-term consequences of CS. The study provides a novel insight into the etiology of cognitive dysfunction in patients with CS in remission.
Pituitary dysfunction in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: the Mayo Clinic experience.

CONTEXT Pituitary involvement in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) has been described in case reports. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of pituitary disease in patients with GPA evaluated at a tertiary referral center. SETTING A retrospective review of patients with GPA-related pituitary disease seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. PATIENTS A total of 637 patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis were followed at our institution from 1996 through 2011. Eight patients (1.3%) with clinically confirmed pituitary involvement formed the basis of this study. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS Pituitary function was assessed with hormonal testing, including TSH, free T4, cortisol, ACTH, prolactin, FSH, LH, estradiol, T, IGF-1, and simultaneous serum and urine osmolalities. RESULTS Secondary hypogonadism and diabetes insipidus were the predominant manifestations of pituitary disease (87.5 and 75% of patients, respectively). All patients had abnormal pituitary imaging. A sellar mass with central cystic change and peripheral enhancement was the commonest imaging finding. Pituitary disease was managed with glucocorticoids in combination with cyclophosphamide or rituximab, achieving disease remission in all but one patient. However, permanent anterior pituitary dysfunction was noted in 63% of the patients. Diabetes insipidus was more often reversible, with resolution in 66.7% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS Pituitary involvement in GPA is rare, but it needs to be recognized to avoid unnecessary biopsies of sellar lesions encountered in the context of GPA, and to minimize the risk of irreversible pituitary function loss by prompt implementation of definitive medical therapy for the vasculitis.