Association study of Bif-1 gene expression with histopathological characteristics and hormone receptors in breast cancer.

Background: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that has various clinical outcomes. Bax-interacting factor-1 (Bif-1) is a member of the endophilin B family that generates the pro-apoptotic BCL2-Associated X (BAX) protein in response to apoptotic signals. Lack of Bif-1 inhibits the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and enhancements the risk of tumor genesis.

Genetic load and biological changes to extant humans.

Extant humans are currently increasing their genetic load, which is informing present and future human microevolution. This has been a gradual process that has been rising over the last centuries as a consequence of improved sanitation, nutritional improvements, advancements in microbiology and medical interventions, which have relaxed natural selection. Moreover, a reduction in infant and child mortality and changing societal attitudes towards fertility have led to a decrease in total fertility rates (TFRs) since the 19th century.