Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer by subtype: the women's health initiative observational study.

BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. This association is thought to be largely hormonally driven, so alcohol use may be more strongly associated with hormonally sensitive breast cancers. Few studies have evaluated how alcohol-related risk varies by breast cancer subtype. METHODS We assessed the relationship between self-reported alcohol consumption and postmenopausal breast cancer risk among 87 724 women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study prospective cohort from 1993 through 1998. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS A total of 2944 invasive breast cancer patients were diagnosed during follow-up through September 15, 2005. In multivariable adjusted analyses, alcohol consumption was positively related to risk of invasive breast cancer overall, invasive lobular carcinoma, and hormone receptor-positive tumors (all P(trend) ≤ . 022). However, alcohol consumption was more strongly related to risk of certain types of invasive breast cancer compared with others. Compared with never drinkers, women who consumed seven or more alcoholic beverages per week had an almost twofold increased risk of hormone receptor-positive invasive lobular carcinoma (HR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.18 to 2.81) but not a statistically significant increased risk of hormone receptor-positive invasive ductal carcinoma (HR = 1.14; 95% CI = 0.87 to 1.50; difference in HRs per drink per day among current drinkers = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.32, P = .042). The absolute rates of hormone receptor-positive lobular cancer among never drinkers and current drinkers were, 5.2 and 8.5 per 10 000 person-years, respectively, whereas for hormne receptor-positive ductal cancer they were 15.2 and 17.9 per 10 000 person-years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use may be more strongly associated with risk of hormone-sensitive breast cancers than hormone-insensitive subtypes, suggesting distinct etiologic pathways for these two breast cancer subtypes.
Inhibition mechanism of cathepsin L-specific inhibitors based on the crystal structure of papain-CLIK148 complex.

Papain was used as an experimental model structure to understand the inhibition mechanism of newly developed specific inhibitors of cathepsin L, the papain superfamily. Recently, we developed a series of cathepsin L-specific inhibitors which are called the CLIK series [(1999) FEBS Lett. 458, 6-10]. Here, we report the complex structure of papain with CLIK148, which is a representative inhibitor from the CLIK series. The inhibitor complex structure was solved at 1.7 A resolution with conventional R 0.177. Unlike other epoxisuccinate inhibitors (E64, CA030, and CA074), CLIK148 uses both prime and nonprime sites, which are important for the specific inhibitory effect on cathepsin L. Also, the specificity for cathepsin L could be explained by the existence of Phe in the P2 site and hydrophobic interaction of N-terminal pyridine ring.
A Comparison of Patient-Controlled Analgesia with Lornoxicam Versus Morphine in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Disk Surgery

The analgesic efficacy and tolerability of lornoxicam (Xefo[registered sign]; Nycomed Pharma A/S, Roskilde, Denmark), a new nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, was compared with that of morphine in a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study of 96 patients with at least moderate pain after lumbar microsurgical discectomy. Both drugs were administered IV via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for up to 24 h postoperatively. Efficacy was assessed by comparing mean hourly pain intensity differences, mean hourly pain relief, and total pain relief (TOTPAR) values derived from a 5-point verbal rating scores of pain intensity and pain relief at several time points over 24 h. Of 79 patients included in a per-protocol analysis, statistically significant equivalence of lornoxicam and morphine was shown by TOTPAR values of 31.6 and 28.9, respectively (P = 0.048). Trends toward slightly faster onset of analgesia with morphine and slightly greater PCA demands with lornoxicam were observed initially, which may partly have been due to a higher baseline pain intensity in the lornoxicam group. Lornoxicam caused fewer adverse events than morphine (21.7% vs 38.0% of patients, respectively), most of which were mild or moderate in severity. These results suggest that lornoxicam is an alternative to morphine when administered by PCA for the treatment of moderate to severe postoperative pain. Implications: After surgery for lumbar disk disease, patients obtained statistically equivalent pain relief with lornoxicam and morphine when administered by patient-controlled analgesia. However, lornoxicam was associated with a lower incidence of adverse events. This study suggests that lornoxicam provides an alternative to morphine for the treatment of postoperative pain. (Anesth Analg 1998;86:1045-50)
The ABCs (Antibody, B Cells, and Carbohydrate Epitopes) of Cholera Immunity: Considerations for an Improved Vaccine

Cholera, a diarrheal disease, is known for explosive epidemics that can quickly kill thousands. Endemic cholera is a seasonal torment that also has a significant mortality. Not all nations with extensive rural communities can achieve the required infrastructure or behavioral changes to prevent epidemic or endemic cholera. For some communities, a single‐dose cholera vaccine that protects those at risk is the most efficacious means to reduce morbidity and mortality. It is clear that our understanding of what a protective cholera immune response is has not progressed at the rate our understanding of the pathogenesis and molecular biology of cholera infection has. This review addresses V. cholerae lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐based immunogens because LPS is the only immunogen proven to induce protective antibody in humans. We discuss the role of anti‐LPS antibodies in protection from cholera, the importance and the potential role of B cell subsets in protection that is based on their anatomical location and the intrinsic antigen‐receptor specificity of various subsets is introduced.
Stathmin is expressed by the proliferating hepatocytes during liver regeneration

Aim—To determine the liver cell populations that express the phylogenetically conserved cytosolic protein stathmin during liver regeneration. Methods—Double immunostaining for stathmin and the Ki67 antigen was performed on sections of formaldehyde fixed, paraffin wax embedded tissues from 31 liver specimens. These included a variety of disease conditions characterised by some degree of hepatocyte regeneration. Quantitative western blot analysis was performed on 22 of these specimens. Results—Variable amounts of stathmin protein were detected by western blotting in all of the specimens examined. Stathmin was not detected in three cases of histologically normal liver. On immunostaining, stathmin was demonstrated in a proportion of hepatocytes as well as lymphoid inflammatory cells and other tissue elements. In all cases most of these stathmin positive cells showed nuclear positivity for the Ki67 antigen. Conclusions—Stathmin is expressed by proliferating hepatocytes but not by resting hepatocytes. Thus, it is likely that the protein has a function important to cell proliferation as opposed to cell differentiation.
Tunneled catheters in hemodialysis patients: reasons and subsequent outcomes.

BACKGROUND Reducing the use of tunneled catheters in hemodialysis patients requires concerted efforts to convert them to a usable permanent vascular access. The goal of this study is to evaluate the reasons for tunneled catheter use in our prevalent hemodialysis population and the success in converting them to a permanent vascular access. METHODS We identified all catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients at our center on a single date. These patients were followed up prospectively during a 1-year period to evaluate access procedures and conversion to permanent access use. RESULTS Of 458 prevalent hemodialysis patients, 108 patients (23.6%) were dialyzing through cuffed tunneled catheters: 18.5% had no further options for creation of a permanent vascular access, 28.7% had an immature access, 43.5% had access placement pending, and 9.2% had repeatedly refused access surgery. For 78 catheter-dependent patients (excluding patients with no access options and those who refused permanent access surgery), the likelihood of using a permanent access was 53% by 6 months and 80% by 1 year. In patients with an immature access, 50% were using a permanent access at 3 months, and 80%, at 6 months. Of patients with access surgery pending, 45% had access surgery performed within 3 months, and 70%, at 6 months. Finally, of all patients, the likelihood of catheter-related bacteremia was 48% at 6 months. On multivariable analysis, only duration of catheter dependence predicted subsequent use of a permanent access (hazard ratio, 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.70 to 5.68; P = 0.0002) for catheter dependence less than versus greater than 6 months. CONCLUSION Almost one quarter of our hemodialysis population is catheter dependent. Despite concerted efforts, there remain very long delays in achieving a usable permanent access, attributable to delays in both surgical access placement and access maturation. In the interim, this patient population developed a high frequency of catheter-related bacteremia.
The Italian Pharmacovigilance Program: An Observational Study of Adverse Effects of Natalizumab in Multiple Sclerosis Therapy

Background This study shows the results of a regional pharmacovigilance program on Natalizumab therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients after 3 years of experience. Material/Methods The primary objectives of this study were to estimate the incidence of expected and unexpected adverse effects correlated to Natalizumab therapy in a cohort of 88 RR-MS patients from Sicily, Italy, and to investigate the procedures adopted by the physicians to minimize the risk of developing severe adverse reactions correlated to Natalizumab therapy. Secondary objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of Natalizumab therapy for a careful examination of the risk/benefit ratio and to assess the actions undertaken in case of adverse reactions. Results Among 88 RR-MS patients, 55.68% did not report any type of adverse reaction, 35.22% showed expected adverse reactions (58.70% slight, 22.58% moderate, and 19.35% severe), and 9.10% showed unexpected adverse effects (62.50% slight, 25.00% moderate, and 12.50% severe). Approximately 4.54% of the patients treated with Natalizumab interrupted the therapy. Overall, among all patients, 56.62% showed ameliorated condition, 32.53% had stable disease condition, and 10.85% worsened. Conclusions We provide a short overview of evidence, which may be useful to better characterize the efficacy and potential adverse effects correlated to Natalizumab therapy.
A particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay for quantitative determination of orosomucoid in urine: development, validation and reference values

Abstract Increased urinary orosomucoid excretion rate (UOER) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes, as demonstrated by a conventional, immunoturbidimetric method. We wanted to optimize the method by developing a fully automated, particle-enhanced turbidimetric (PET) immunoassay with a lower detection limit, to allow assessment of orosomucoid in urine in healthy individuals and patients. A micro-particle-based immunoreagent was prepared for a PET immunoassay. The calibration was traceable to the certified reference material (CRM 470) for specific human serum proteins. We studied 69 healthy adults (28 men and 41 women) to establish reference values for the new assay. The detection limit of orosomucoid in urine was found to be 0.05 mg/l, about 20 times lower than for the conventional assay. Within-run imprecision [CV%, (level)] was 6.7% (0.23 mg/l), 1.0% (1.08 mg/l) and 1.0% (4.69 mg/l). Total imprecision [CV%, (level)] was 10.4% (0.23 mg/l), 3.9% (1.08 mg/l) and 3.4% (4.69 mg/l). Reference values [median (2.5–97.5 percentiles)] for UOER were 0.36 (0.07–2.04) µg/min and for urinary orosomucoid/creatinine ratio 0.04 (0.009–0.17) mg/mmol. We describe a fully automated, transferable, sufficiently precise, high-sensitivity assay for orosomucoid in urine and present reference values traceable to CRM 470.
Involvement of a Case Manager in Palliative Care Reduces Hospitalisations at the End of Life in Cancer Patients; A Mortality Follow-Back Study in Primary Care

Background Case managers have been introduced in primary palliative care in the Netherlands; these are nurses with expertise in palliative care who offer support to patients and informal carers in addition to the care provided by the general practitioner (GP) and home-care nurse. Objectives To compare cancer patients with and without additional support from a case manager on: 1) the patients’ general characteristics, 2) characteristics of care and support given by the GP, 3) palliative care outcomes. Methods This article is based on questionnaire data provided by GPs participating in two different studies: the Sentimelc study (280 cancer patients) and the Capalca study (167 cancer patients). The Sentimelc study is a mortality follow-back study amongst a representative sample of GPs that monitors the care provided via GPs to a general population of end-of-life patients. Data from 2011 and 2012 were analysed. The Capalca study is a prospective study investigating the implementation and outcome of the support provided by case managers in primary palliative care. Data were gathered between March 2011 and December 2013. Results The GP is more likely to know the preferred place of death (OR 7.06; CI 3.47-14.36), the place of death is more likely to be at the home (OR 2.16; CI 1.33-3.51) and less likely to be the hospital (OR 0.26; CI 0.13-0.52), and there are fewer hospitalisations in the last 30 days of life (none: OR 1.99; CI 1.12-3.56 and one: OR 0.54; CI 0.30-0.96), when cancer patients receive additional support from a case manager compared with patients receiving the standard GP care. Conclusions Involvement of a case manager has added value in addition to palliative care provided by the GP, even though the role of the case manager is ‘only’ advisory and he or she does not provide hands-on care or prescribe medication.
On the existence of a most efficient speed in bicycle pedalling, and the problem of determining human muscular efficiency

AN optimum rate of work for optimum muscular efficiency has been shown to exist: (1) by the direct measurement of the external work and the oxygen consumption in the human subject; (2) by theoretical application of the findings, derived mainly from experiments on isolated muscle, that, with increasing speed of contraction, the external work obtainable from a muscle diminishes, while the metabolic demands of the muscle also diminish owing to the steadily lessening requirement of energy for maintenance of the progressively briefer contractions. These findings are summarized in Hill's well-known formula: E = Wo(I -klt) E H aWo(1+bt)' where E = efficiency, W = external work of muscle, H = energy liberated by the muscle in doing work W, WO== maximum theoretical work of the muscle, t = duration of contraction, k, a, and b are constants. According to this formula, an optimum efficiency will be obtained at a certain optimum value of t. The latter was, in Hill's [1922], and later in Lupton's [1923], experiments on the arm muscles, put at approximately one second. Hill [1922], in comparing this optimum time with the experiments of Benedict and Cathcart [1913] on the professional cyclist, M. A. M. , drew attention to the good agreement between the two types of work, since the optimum efficiency in Benedict and C athcart's experiments was obtained at 70 rev. per min. of the pedals. This comparison, however, was unjustifiable for two reasons. First, the 70 rev. per min. refers to the pedal sprocket wheel, each revolution of which comprises a contraction of the effector group of muscles first in one and then in the other leg, so that the duration of contraction in the muscles of each effector group cannot exceed half the time of one revolution. Thus, at 70 rev. per min., M.A.M. was actually executing 140 leg
Open space evaluation methodology and three dimensional evaluation model as a base for sustainable development tracking

Sustainable development, as a concept of controlled development, is a management characteristic. Adaptation to progress is important to achieve sustainability. The research focus here is on developing an evaluation methodology for determining the characteristics of urban open space. A method was designed for use in the comparative analysis of environmental perception evaluation between different time sequences. It allows us to compare results before and after spatial interventions or spatial development tracking over time. The newly-developed SEC model (suitable for everyone, environmentally-accepted, and cost-effective) was an essential element used in the research methodology. The model was designed using the systematic principle, the top–down approach, and the decomposition method. Three basic dimensions were divided into six factors. Factors were divided into eighteen indicators that are either quantitatively or qualitatively assessed. Indicators were divided into several aspects. An instrument (questionnaire) was developed to support the evaluation methodology of urban open space characteristics. Every aspect belongs to a question in the questionnaire. The applicability of the SEC model was demonstrated in two case studies. Evaluation took place during two different time sequences, once during the day-time and once during the night. Obtained results provide useful information of the current spatial situation needed for sustainable development strategy preparation.
Immigration and lifetime prevalence of DSM-IV psychiatric disorders among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites in the United States: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

BACKGROUND There exist no national prevalence data on specific DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorders among foreign-born and US-born Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites. OBJECTIVE To present nationally representative data on the prevalence of DSM-IV lifetime psychiatric disorders among foreign-born and US-born Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites. DESIGN Face-to-face survey conducted in the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. SETTING The United States and District of Columbia, including Alaska and Hawaii. PARTICIPANTS Household and group-quarters residents, aged 18 years and older (n = 43 093). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence of DSM-IV substance use disorders and mood and anxiety disorders. RESULTS With few exceptions, foreign-born Mexican Americans and foreign-born non-Hispanic whites were at significantly lower risk (P<.05) of DSM-IV substance use and mood and anxiety disorders compared with their US-born counterparts. Although the risk of specific psychiatric disorders was similar between foreign-born Mexican Americans and foreign-born non-Hispanic whites, US-born Mexican Americans were at significantly lower risk (P<.05) of psychiatric morbidity than US-born non-Hispanic whites. CONCLUSIONS Data favoring foreign-born Mexican Americans with respect to mental health may extend to foreign-born non-Hispanic whites. Future research among foreign-born and US-born Mexican Americans and the foreign-born and US-born of other origins and descents is needed to understand what appears to be the protective effects of culture and the deleterious effects of acculturation on psychiatric morbidity in the United States.
An Annual Tree Survival and Diameter Growth Model for Loblolly and Slash Pine Plantations in East Texas

An annual growth model that predicts individual tree survival and diameter growth was developed for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii) trees in East Texas as a function of individual-tree diameter, plantation age, basal area per acre, dominant height, quadratic mean diameter, and presence of fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum [Berk.] Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp. fusiforme). Data from 104,035 loblolly pine and 37,515 slash pine individual tree observations collected on a 3-year cycle from 174 loblolly pine and 80 slash pine permanent plots located in plantations throughout East Texas were used in this study. The survival equation assumes that mortality is constant across the projection length, whereas the diameter growth equation incorporates whole-stand predictions to update stand-level independent variables on an annual basis. Predictions were evaluated in terms of bias and precision, with independent observations for projection lengths from 3 to 24 years. For both survival and diameter growth, bias was lowest and precision highest for 3-year projection lengths. For survival, bias increased and precision decreased as projection length increased through 24 years. For diameter growth, bias was constant ( 1 in.) across all projection lengths, whereas precision decreased from 1 in. for the 3-year projection length to 2 in. for the 6 –24-year projection lengths. A numerical example is provided that describes how to use the new model to project individual tree survival and diameter growth on an annual basis.
TERT promoter mutations are not always associated with poor prognosis in atypical spitzoid tumors

The differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions in the field of spitzoid tumors can often be a challenge, and in some cases almost impossible. Significance of this differential diagnosis is due to its clinical implications; an erroneous diagnosis of spitzoid melanoma for a Spitz nevus can result in unnecessary treatment, which would not be required in the latter case. In recent years, diagnosis of atypical spitzoid tumor is preferred for lesions with features between benign and unequivocally malignant tumors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Antenatal sonographic findings associated with scimitar syndrome

Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly that consists of secondary dextroposition in situs solitus, due to right pulmonary hypoplasia. The prenatal sonographic findings of this abnormality have not been previously described. We describe early sonographic findings in a fetus that included isolated cardiac dextroposition with normal abdominal situs, hydramnios and mild narrowing of the right pulmonary artery. Postnatally, the infant developed heart failure, and a right hypoplastic lung was found. Catheterization revealed collateral supply to the right lung arising from the descending aorta and anomalous drainage of right pulmonary veins to the inferior vena cava. The diagnosis of scimitar syndrome was therefore established. A coil embolization of arterial collaterals to the right lung was performed. Scimitar syndrome should be considered in a fetus with the sonographic findings of a right shift of the mediastinal structures, an intact diaphragm and narrow right pulmonary artery. This may allow early neonatal stabilization and treatment. Copyright © 1996 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology