Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety in elderly patient subsets across studies investigating endocrine monotherapy versus combination therapy in patients with HR+/HER2−advanced breast cancer.

1045Background: Combination of endocrine therapy and targeted agents in 1st and 2nd-line therapy prolong progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with hormone receptor–positive (HR+), HER2− advanced breast cancer (ABC). However, a greater risk of adverse events (AEs) and a greater possibility of drug-drug interaction, associated with combination therapy, present challenges in older patients. Methods: This study reviewed PFS and safety data in age-stratified subsets from Phase II or III clinical trials comparing endocrine monotherapy vs combinations of endocrine or targeted therapy in patients with HR+, HER2−ABC. Results: Among 9 identified studies, combination therapy that included ribociclib, palbociclib, and everolimus significantly reduced risk of disease progression vs monotherapy in older and younger patient subsets (Table). For combination therapy that included ribociclib or palbociclib, frequency of discontinuations due to AEs was similar between the subsets; more frequent discontinuations due t.
BIS and BAS Sensitivities at Different Levels of Personality Description: A Latent-Variable Approach with Self- and Informant-Ratings

Abstract We examine the structural overlap of the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and the Behavioral Approach System (BAS) with Stability and Plasticity, the two higher-order factors encompassing the Big Five. Carver and White’s BIS/BAS and the Big Five Inventory were administered to a sample of 330 adults, serving both as targets and informants. Self- and other-ratings were modeled by using the Correlated Trait-Correlated Method model. BIS and BAS correlated highly with metatraits, after method variance and measurement error were partialled out: BIS was positively related to Stability, while BAS was positively related to Plasticity and negatively related to Stability. After the higher-order factors were controlled, the BIS was highly and positively related to Emotional stability, whereas the BAS had a small but significant relationship with Extraversion. Findings are discussed with regard to the most appropriate level of generality/specificity at which the personality correlates of BIS and BAS can be investigated.
Psychological Characteristics and Addiction Propensity According to Content Type of Smartphone Use

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between content type of smartphone use and psychological characteristics and addiction propensity, including the average time of smartphone use and problematic smartphone use. Data were obtained from the 2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey, a nationally representative survey of middle- and high-school students (n = 62,276). The content type of smartphone use was divided into four categories: (1) Study, (2) Social-Networking Services (SNS), (3) Game, and (4) Entertainment. The association of depressive mood and suicidal ideation with content type of smartphone use was analyzed, using multiple and binary logistic regression analyses, respectively. The relationship between content type of smartphone use and time spent on smartphone use and problematic smartphone use was analyzed by using multiple logistic regression, adjusted for related covariables. The results of this study revealed that depressive mood and suicidal ideation were significantly associated with the SNS smartphone use group, compared with the other groups. Our results also indicate that the SNS group showed higher addiction propensity, such as overuse and experiencing adverse consequences of smartphone use.
The Roles of Batang Public Hospital, HIV Case Manager, People Living with HIV, Partners, and Peer Support Group, in the Prevention of HIV/AIDS Transmission

Background: Batang Public Hospital is one of the referal hospitals for People Living with HIV (PLHIV). It provides outpatient and inpatient care service for PLHIV. Batang Public Hospital is expected to play its role as a referal hospital in collaboration with the HIV case manager to provide a comprehensive care to PLHIV, including mobile Voluntary Counseling and Test (VCT), and facilitating HIV/ AIDS peer support group. The study aimed to investigate the dynamic interaction between Batang Public Hospital, HIV case manager, VCT nurse, HIV/ AIDS peer support group, and PLHIV, to prevent and control HIV/ AIDS.Subjects and Method: This was a qualitative study with phenomenology approach, conducted in Batang District, Central Java, Indonesia. Study subjects were selected purposively, which included PLHIV, VCT nurses, Batang Public Hospital administrators, and HIV case manager. The data were collected by in-depth interview.Result: Batang Public Hospital provides health services with VCT clinics, mobile VCT, PICT (Provider Initiative Counselling and Test), PMTCT (Preventive Mother to Child Transmission). However, PMTCT implementation for birthing mothers with HIV/AIDS is referred to Dr. Karyadi Hospital in Semarang. Batang Public Hospital cooperated with HIV case manager in the implementation of mobile VCT. PLHIV have been participating in the prevention of HIV/AIDS program by using condom.Conclusion: Batang Public Hospital and HIV case manager have been collaborating in the provision of and health social services for PLHIV. Peer support group provide assistant to PLHIV to improve the quality of life. PLHIV have been participating in the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission program by using condom and playing their role in the PMTCT program.Keywords: PLHIV, health care, peer support group, health behavior, HIV/AIDS case managerCorrespondence: Dian Kusumawardani. Academy of Midwifery Harapan Ibu, Pekalongan, Central Java.Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior(2016), 1(2): 79-86https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2016. 01.02. 03
New Frontiers in Therapy of Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Latest Evidence and Clinical Implications

Almost all individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs), mainly benign neurofibromas, however about 10% of PNSTs will undergo transformation to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Surgical treatment of PNSTs has traditionally been regarded as a standard approach. The availability of new agents that target specific molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of PNST has led to a number of clinical trials, which resulted in increased chances for better survival and quality of life. This review presents the latest evidence and clinical implications for new therapies of PNSTs in patients with NF1 emphasizing the potential benefit from the use of Ras/MAPK pathway inhibitors, immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We present evaluation of current knowledge on available treatment modalities.
The potential role of dietary advanced glycation endproducts in the development of chronic non-infectious diseases: a narrative review

Abstract Increasing clinical and experimental evidence accumulated during the past few decades supports an important role for dietary advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) in the pathogenesis of many chronic non-infectious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, CVD and others, that are reaching epidemic proportions in the Western world. Although AGE are compounds widely recognised as generated in excess in the body in diabetic patients, the potential importance of exogenous AGE, mostly of dietary origin, has been largely ignored in the general nutrition audience. In the present review we aim to describe dietary AGE, their mechanisms of formation and absorption into the body as well as their main mechanisms of action. We will present in detail current evidence of their potential role in the development of several chronic non-infectious clinical conditions, some general suggestions on how to restrict them in the diet and evidence regarding the potential benefits of lowering their consumption.
Genetic richness affects trait variation but not community productivity in a tree diversity experiment.

Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning experiments found that productivity generally increases with species richness, but less is known about effects of within-species genetic richness and potential interactions between the two. While functional differences between species can explain species richness effects, empirical evidence regarding functional differences between genotypes within species and potential consequences for productivity is largely lacking. We therefore measured within- and among-species variation in functional traits and growth and determined stand-level tree biomass in a large forest experiment factorially manipulating species and genetic richness in subtropical China. Within-species variation across genetic seed families, in addition to variation across species, explained a substantial amount of trait variation. Furthermore, trait responses to species and genetic richness varied significantly within and between species. Multivariate trait variation was larger among individuals from species mixtures than from species monocultures, but similar among individuals from genetically diverse vs. genetically uniform monocultures. Correspondingly, species but not genetic richness had a positive effect on stand-level tree biomass. We argue that identifying functional diversity within and among species in forest communities is necessary to separate effects of species and genetic diversity on tree growth and community productivity.
Nonprofit Hospitals' Response to the Opioid Epidemic in Urban Communities: A Content Analysis of Hospitals' Community Health Needs Assessments and Implementation Strategies

Context: Addressing the opioid epidemic requires a coordinated community response; yet, the role that nonprofit hospitals play in these efforts has not been systematically examined. Objective: To explore hospital-initiated strategies to address opioid use in urban communities most affected by the opioid epidemic. Design: We conducted content analysis of publicly available community health needs assessments (CHNAs) and accompanying implementation strategies of 140 nonprofit hospitals. We employed a qualitative approach using open coding methods to explore the extent to which hospitals identified opioid use as a community health need and engaged in interventions to address opioid use in their communities. We also conducted bivariate analysis to compare organizational and community characteristics of hospitals that did and did not engage in strategies to address opioid use. Setting: One hundred forty nonprofit hospitals in urban areas with high opioid death rates across 25 states. Results: Almost 70% of CHNAs identified opioid use as a community health need, and 63% of implementation strategies included at least 1 hospital-initiated activity to address this need. More than 90% of these implementation strategies involved providing additional capacity for and access to treatment. Bivariate analysis showed that hospitals that engaged in activities to address opioid use did not differ meaningfully from hospitals that did not engage in such activities, with 2 exceptions. Hospitals that relied on consultants to prepare the CHNA were more likely to engage in activities to address opioid use as were hospitals located in Medicaid expansion states. Conclusions: Nonprofit hospitals are taking action to address the opioid epidemic in their communities, most commonly by providing additional treatment capacity for patients with opioid use. While an important contribution, hospitals need incentives to develop a more comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic that extends beyond medical care to include the social and economic determinants of this crisis.
Laboratory investigation results influence Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) of disease activity in SLE

Objective To evaluate the impact of laboratory results on scoring of the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) of disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods Fifty clinical vignettes were presented via an online survey to a group of international lupus experts. For each case, respondents scored the PGA pre and post knowledge of laboratory test results (pre-lab and post-lab PGAs). Agreement between individual assessors and relationships between pre-lab and post-lab PGAs, and PGAs and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) were determined. Respondents were also asked about factors they incorporate into their PGA determinations. Results Sixty surveys were completed. The inter-rater PGA reliability was excellent (pre-lab intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.98; post-lab ICC 0.99). Post-lab PGAs were higher than pre-lab PGAs: median (IQR) pre-lab PGA 0.5 (1.05), post-lab PGA 1 (1.3) (p<0.001), with a median (IQR) difference of 0.2 (0.45). In general, all abnormal labs including elevated anti-double stranded DNA antibody level (dsDNA) and low complement impacted PGA assessment. Cases with weakest correlations between pre-lab and post-lab PGA were characterised by laboratory results revealing nephritis and/or haematological manifestations. Both pre-lab and post-lab PGAs correlated with SLEDAI-2K. However, a significantly stronger correlation was observed between post-lab PGA and SLEDAI-2K. Multiple factors influenced PGA determinations. Some factors were considered by an overwhelming majority of lupus experts, with less agreement on others. Conclusions We found excellent inter-rater reliability for PGAs in a group of international lupus experts. Post-lab PGA scores were higher than pre-lab PGA scores, with a significantly stronger correlation with the SLEDAI-2K. Our findings indicate that PGA scoring should be performed with knowledge of pertinent laboratory results.
A rapid and simple quantitative method for specific detection of smaller coterminal RNA by PCR (DeSCo-PCR): application to the detection of viral subgenomic RNAs

RNAs that are 5′-truncated versions of a longer RNA but share the same 3′ terminus can be generated by alternative promoters in transcription of cellular mRNAs or by replicating RNA viruses. These truncated RNAs cannot be distinguished from the longer RNA by a simple two-primer RT-PCR because primers that anneal to the cDNA from the smaller RNA also anneal to—and amplify—the longer RNA-derived cDNA. Thus, laborious methods, such as northern blot hybridization, are used to distinguish shorter from longer RNAs. For rapid, low-cost, and specific detection of these truncated RNAs, we report detection of smaller coterminal RNA by PCR (DeSCo-PCR). DeSCo-PCR uses a nonextendable blocking primer (BP), which outcompetes a forward primer (FP) for annealing to longer RNA-derived cDNA, while FP outcompetes BP for annealing to shorter RNA-derived cDNA. In the presence of BP, FP, and the reverse primer, only cDNA from the shorter RNA is amplified in a single-tube reaction containing both RNAs. Many positive strand RNA viruses generate 5′-truncated forms of the genomic RNA (gRNA) called subgenomic RNAs (sgRNA), which play key roles in viral gene expression and pathogenicity. We demonstrate that DeSCo-PCR is easily optimized to selectively detect relative quantities of sgRNAs of red clover necrotic mosaic virus from plants and Zika virus from human cells, each infected with viral strains that generate different amounts of sgRNA. This technique should be readily adaptable to other sgRNA-producing viruses, and for quantitative detection of any truncated or alternatively spliced RNA.
Anti-VEGF Treatment Enhances CD8+ T-cell Antitumor Activity by Amplifying Hypoxia

Amplification of tumor hypoxia by anti-VEGF treatment enhances CD8+ T-cell antitumor responses through increased HIF1α activity. Combining anti-angiogenics and immunotherapeutics may be useful for the treatment of cancer. Antiangiogenic therapies that target the VEGF pathway have been used clinically to combat cancer for over a decade. Beyond having a direct impact on blood vessel development and tumor perfusion, accumulating evidence indicates that these agents also affect antitumor immune responses. Numerous clinical trials combining antiangiogenic drugs with immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer are ongoing, but a mechanistic understanding of how disruption of tumor angiogenesis may impact immunity is not fully discerned. Here, we reveal that blockade of VEGF-A with a mAb to VEGF augments activation of CD8+ T cells within tumors and potentiates their capacity to produce cytokines. We demonstrate that this phenomenon relies on the disruption of VEGFR2 signaling in the tumor microenvironment but does not affect CD8+ T cells directly. Instead, the augmented functional capacity of CD8+ T cells stems from increased tumor hypoxia that initiates a hypoxia-inducible factor-1α program within CD8+ T cells that directly enhances cytokine production. Finally, combinatorial administration of anti-VEGF with an immunotherapeutic antibody, anti-OX40, improved antitumor activity over single-agent treatments. Our findings illustrate that anti-VEGF treatment enhances CD8+ T-cell effector function and provides a mechanistic rationale for combining antiangiogenic and immunotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment.
Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of Severe Disease Is Mediated by Serum Viral Load in Pediatric Dengue Virus Infections.

BACKGROUND Low preexisting anti-dengue virus (DENV) antibody levels are associated with elevated disease severity. While antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue is thought to be driven by viral load, this has not been conclusively shown. We evaluated the association between preinfection anti-DENV antibody titers, viral load, and disease severity among 133 dengue cases in a Nicaraguan pediatric cohort study. METHODS Viral load was quantified in acute-phase serum by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and analyzed in relation to preinfection antibody titer (measured by inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and dengue severity, categorized using 3 definitions. RESULTS Higher viral load was significantly associated with dengue severity; for each increase of 1.0 log10 copies/mL, the odds of severe dengue increased approximately 50%, regardless of severity definition. Viral load at presentation and the odds of severe disease were highest among patients with low to intermediate preinfection antibody titers and lowest among those with the highest antibody titers. We showed the effect of preinfection antibody titer on disease severity was mediated by viral load for each of 3 dengue severity outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the association between preinfection anti-DENV antibody titer, serum viral load, and disease severity, and provides evidence for the mechanism of antibody-dependent enhancement in dengue cases.
Weight Management and Hypertension

A convergence of epidemiologic, laboratory, and clinical research clearly implicates obesity in the etiology of essential hypertension. Cross-culturally, the prevalence of hypertension varies directly with the prevalence of obesity; cross-sectionally, body weight is positively associated with blood pressure; and longitudinally, both absolute weight and weight gain predict future development of hypertension. Weight loss trials, although fewer in number, suggest that weight loss is the single most effective nonpharmacologic approach to the management and prevention of hypertension. Treatment of obesity remains difficult. Current intervention approaches that combine diet, exercise, and multicomponent behavioral strategies can reliably produce clinically significant weight loss in most obese clients. Long-term maintenance, however, has generally been disappointing, which reduces the potential of weight control counseling in the practical management of hypertension. The implications of these findings for the treatment of hypertension as well as future research needs are discussed.
Evaluation of an amplicon-based custom gene panel for the diagnosis of hereditary tumors.

Genetic testing based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis has recently been used to diagnose hereditary diseases. In this study, we explored the usefulness of our custom amplicon panel that targeted 23 genes related to hereditary tumors given in the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations. We applied our custom NGS panel to samples from 12 patients previously diagnosed by Sanger sequencing as having the diseases or diagnosed clinically by meeting the diagnostic criteria in this study. Our gene panel not only successfully identified all variants detected by Sanger sequencing but also identified previously unrecognized variants that resulted in confirmation of the disease, or even in the revision of the diagnosis. For instance, a patient identified with an SDHD gene mutation actually had von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, as determined by the presence of a pathogenic VHL gene variant. We also identified false-positive results that were generated by amplification of genome regions that are not intended to be investigated. In conclusion, NGS-based amplicon sequencing is a highly effective method to detect germline variants, as long as they are also carefully evaluated by manual inspection.
Validation of an eBAT as a mobility aid for blind people

ABSTRACT One of the challenges faced by blind persons to achieve optimal mobility is the detection and avoidance of obstacles located in their travel path. Besides the widely used white cane, alternative or complementary devices have been developed, such as electronic aids that provide feedback about the environment. However, the devices available have been unable to provide an optimal solution with widespread acceptance, motivating the present work. The eBAT (electronic Buzzer for Autonomous Travel) is designed to offer optimal protection and employs the user’s own mobile phone for easier use and reduced manufacturing costs. For this work, a group of 25 blind individuals was used to validate the eBAT based on the single-subject with reversal method (ABA study). The results show a significant decrease in the number of involuntary contacts in an unknown travel path between the first phase of the study, which did not involve the eBAT, and the second, where it was used. When the device was again removed in the third phase, the number of contacts rose. We may therefore conclude that the eBAT fills an important gap in mobility aids for blind people, yielding a clear benefit by reducing the participants’ feeling of insecurity.