No abstract

Prostate cancer is a highly heritable disease with large disparities in incidence rates across ancestry populations. We conducted a multiancestry meta-analysis of prostate cancer genome-wide association studies (107,247 cases and 127,006 controls) and identified 86 new genetic risk variants independently associated with prostate cancer risk, bringing the total to 269 known risk variants. The top genetic risk score (GRS) decile was associated with odds ratios that ranged from 5.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.84–5.29] for men of European ancestry to 3.74 [95% CI 3.36–4.17] for men of African ancestry. Men of African ancestry were estimated to have a mean GRS that was 2.18-times higher [95% CI 2.14–2.22], and men of East Asian ancestry 0.73-times lower [95% CI 0.71–0.76], than men of European ancestry. These findings support the role of germline variation contributing to population differences in prostate cancer risk, with the GRS offering an approach for personalized risk prediction.

No abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between partner physical or emotional abuse during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes including perinatal death, low birthweight and preterm delivery. Women, aged 18-65, who attended one of two large primary care practices from 1997-98 were recruited for this study. Ever pregnant women were asked the frequency of abuse during each pregnancy and details of the pregnancy outcomes. Information regarding abuse during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes was available for 755 women surveyed who reported a live birth or late fetal death, 14.7% indicated that an intimate partner was violent or abusive toward them during a pregnancy (274 of 1862 pregnancies). Abuse during pregnancy was significantly associated with an increased risk of perinatal death (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 3.4) and, among live births, with preterm low birthweight (aRR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.5, 4.0) and term low birthweight (aRR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.0, 3.4). Greater abuse frequency was associated with increased risk. Abuse during pregnancy was associated with perinatal deaths and preterm low birthweight deliveries.

Free‐radical polymerization of p‐cumyl phenyl methacrylate (CPMA) was performed in benzene using bezoyl peroxide as an initiator at 80°C. The effect of time on the molecular weight was studied. Functional copolymers of CPMA and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) with different feed ratios were synthesized by free‐radical polymerization in methyl ethyl ketone at 70°C, and they were characterized by FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights and polydispersity indexes of the polymers and copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. The copolymer composition was determined by 1H‐NMR. The glass‐transition temperature of the polymer and the copolymers was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tudos methods. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 336–347, 2005

A high level of endogenous estrogen in utero has been hypothesized to be a possible risk factor for breast cancer. We used information from two population-based case-control studies to investigate the relation between perinatal factors and risk of invasive breast cancer among women age 21-45 years (746 cases, 960 controls) and women age 50-64 years (401 cases, 439 controls). Breast cancer cases were ascertained through a population-based cancer registry, and controls were selected by random digit dialing. After adjustment for age, menopausal status, and maternal smoking, the birthweight-breast cancer association in women age 21-45 years followed a J-shaped curve, with women whose birthweight was less than 2,500 gm [odds ratio (OR) = 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.9-2.0] and 4,000 gm or more (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1-2.5) at increased risk. Women age 50-64 years who were 4,000 gm or more at birth appeared to be at slightly reduced risk of breast cancer (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.3-1.1). With the exception of maternal smoking, there was little effect of other perinatal factors on breast cancer risk in either group. These results support the hypothesized association between intrauterine estrogen exposure and subsequent risk of breast cancer.

Physical violence during the 12 months before delivery is common and is associated with adverse maternal conditions. The findings support the need for research on how to screen for physical violence early in pregnancy and to prevent its consequences.

No abstract