Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissociative symptoms and neuroendocrine dysregulation in depression.

BACKGROUND Dissociative symptoms are traditionally attributed to psychological stressors that produce dissociated memories related to stressful life events. Dissociative disorders and dissociative symptoms including psychogenic amnesia, fugue, dissociative identity-disorder, depersonalization, derealization and other symptoms or syndromes have been reported as an epidemic psychiatric condition that may be coexistent with various psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder or anxiety disorders. According to recent findings also the somatic components of dissociation may occur and influence brain, autonomic and neuroendocrine functions. At this time there are only few studies examining neuroendocrine response related to dissociative symptoms that suggest significant dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of the present study is to perform examination of HPA axis functioning indexed by basal cortisol and prolactin and test their relationship to psychic and somatoform dissociative symptoms. MATERIAL/METHODS Basal cortisol and prolactin and psychic and somatoform dissociative symptoms were assessed in 40 consecutive inpatients with diagnosis of unipolar depression mean age 43.37 (SD=12.21). RESULTS The results show that prolactin and cortisol as indices of HPA axis functioning manifest significant relationship to dissociative symptoms. Main results represent highly significant correlations obtained by simple regression between psychic dissociative symptoms (DES) and serum prolactin (R=0.55, p=0.00027), and between somatoform dissociation (SDQ-20) and serum cortisol (R=-0.38, p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate relationship between HPA-axis reactivity and dissociative symptoms in unipolar depressive patients that could reflect passive coping behavior and disengagement.
Intestinal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens As Affected by Litter Management Regimens

Poultry litter is a mixture of bedding materials and enteric bacteria excreted by chickens, and it is typically reused for multiple growth cycles in commercial broiler production. Thus, bacteria can be transmitted from one growth cycle to the next via litter. However, it remains poorly understood how litter reuse affects development and composition of chicken gut microbiota. In this study, the effect of litter reuse on the microbiota in litter and in chicken gut was investigated using 2 litter management regimens: fresh vs. reused litter. Samples of ileal mucosa and cecal digesta were collected from young chicks (10 days of age) and mature birds (35 days of age). Based on analysis using DGGE and pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons, the microbiota of both the ileal mucosa and the cecal contents was affected by both litter management regimen and age of birds. Faecalibacterium, Oscillospira, Butyricicoccus, and one unclassified candidate genus closely related to Ruminococcus were most predominant in the cecal samples, while Lactobacillus was predominant in the ileal samples at both ages and in the cecal samples collected at day 10. At days 10 and 35, 8 and 3 genera, respectively, in the cecal luminal microbiota differed significantly in relative abundance between the 2 litter management regimens. Compared to the fresh litter, reused litter increased predominance of halotolerant/alkaliphilic bacteria and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a butyrate-producing gut bacterium. This study suggests that litter management regimens affect the chicken GI microbiota, which may impact the host nutritional status and intestinal health.
Further Observations on the Effects of Long-Term Treatment with Recombinant Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Growth Hormone Insensitivity Syndrome

Background/Aim: Growth hormone insensitivity syndrome (GHIS) is a spectrum of disorders. Laron syndrome was the earliest discovered. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) therapy is used to improve growth. IGF-1 has diverse effects on the growth of body organs. We aim to assess the long-term effects of IGF-1 therapy in patients with GHIS particularly on adiposity and acral growth. Methods: Six patients (5 with Laron syndrome and 1 with type 1A growth hormone deficiency) were followed for a mean (±SD) of 8.2 ± 1.8 years. Mean age at start of therapy was 7.6 ± 4.1 years. Anthropometric evaluation including growth of hand, foot, ear, and skin folds, and assessment of internal organ growth were done. Results: Hand and foot sizes improved significantly, especially when treatment was initiated early. Prominent effects on adiposity were observed, reflected by increment in body mass index standard deviation score (SDS) and skin fold SDS. Mean height, height velocity, sitting height, and head circumference SDS improved with therapy. A significant increase in spleen and right kidney was appreciated. Conclusion: IGF-1 therapy improves growth in GHIS. The hand and foot sizes increase significantly with therapy, and can even normalize with early initiation of treatment. Ear length further improves with therapy. Other effects include increase in adiposity and internal organ growth.
Factors affecting the oxidation mode of stainless steels

Abstract Studies have been made to investigate what effect different factors have on oxide formation on stainless steels at 600–1,000°C in air. The factors include the effect of microstructure, airflow rate, surface preparations, residual oxides and variations of the dew point of the air. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) and light optical microscope (LOM) were used to characterise the oxides.
Remembering Words in Context as Predicted by an Associative Read-Out Model

Interactive activation models (IAMs) simulate orthographic and phonological processes in implicit memory tasks, but they neither account for associative relations between words nor explicit memory performance. To overcome both limitations, we introduce the associative read-out model (AROM), an IAM extended by an associative layer implementing long-term associations between words. According to Hebbian learning, two words were defined as “associated” if they co-occurred significantly often in the sentences of a large corpus. In a study-test task, a greater amount of associated items in the stimulus set increased the “yes” response rates of non-learned and learned words. To model test-phase performance, the associative layer is initialized with greater activation for learned than for non-learned items. Because IAMs scale inhibitory activation changes by the initial activation, learned items gain a greater signal variability than non-learned items, irrespective of the choice of the free parameters. This explains why the slope of the z-transformed receiver-operating characteristics (z-ROCs) is lower one during recognition memory. When fitting the model to the empirical z-ROCs, it likewise predicted which word is recognized with which probability at the item-level. Since many of the strongest associates reflect semantic relations to the presented word (e.g., synonymy), the AROM merges form-based aspects of meaning representation with meaning relations between words.
Coping strategies and self-stigma among adolescents discharged from psychiatric hospitalization: A 6-month follow-up study

Background: The effects of mental illness stigma on adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment may largely be determined by their coping strategies. Yet, little is known about adolescents’ use of stigma-coping strategies, or how helpful these are for addressing stigma-related stress. Aims: This study explores how adolescents discharged from psychiatric hospitalization anticipate coping with a hypothetical social stigma event related to hospitalization. We examine how well anticipated coping strategies predict adolescents’ self-stigma ratings following 6 months. To evaluate the direction of causality, the reverse order of effects, the influence of self-stigma on coping strategies, is also assessed. Methods: A voluntary sample of 80 adolescents participated in two face-to-face interviews that assessed coping and self-stigma. Anticipated (baseline) and actual (follow-up) coping strategies were measured with a modified Response to Stress Questionnaire (primary and secondary control engagement coping, disengagement) and two stigma-specific strategies developed for this study (disconfirming stereotypes and aggression/confrontation). Relationships between anticipated coping strategies and self-stigma were assessed with ordinary least squares (OLS) regression; multivariate general linear modeling (GLM) and structural equation modeling (SEM) explored the reverse associations. Results: Youth reporting higher self-stigma ratings at follow-up anticipated using more disengagement and effort to disconfirm stereotypes and less secondary control engagement coping at baseline. Anticipated use of secondary control engagement coping was uniquely significant in predicting participants’ self-stigma when controlling for baseline self-stigma. At the same time, higher baseline self-stigma ratings predicted less adaptive coping (disengagement and effort to disconfirm stereotypes) at follow-up. Conclusions: The results point to the particular importance of secondary control engagement coping for helping to mitigate the impact of peer prejudice or discrimination on self-stigma among youth receiving psychiatric services. At the same time, higher initial levels of self-stigma likely drive less adaptive coping with peer stigma. These bidirectional influences point to a vicious cycle between internalizing negative stereotypes and coping in ways that perpetuate negative outcomes.
Holmium laser transurethral resection of bladder tumor: Our experience

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficiency of conventional monopolar and holmium laser en bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor (CM-TURBT and HoL-EBRBT) while managing primary nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: From January 2012 to October 2015, fifty patients with primary nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer underwent endoscopic surgery. Among them, 27 patients underwent CM-TURBT and 23 patients underwent HoL-EBRBT. Clinical data, included preoperative, operative, and postoperative management and follow-up, were recorded. Results: Patient demographics and tumor characteristics in both groups were compared before surgery. There was no significant difference in operative duration among the groups. Compared with the CM-TURBT group, HoL-EBRBT group had less intraoperative and postoperative complications, including obturator nerve reflex (P < 0.01), bladder perforation (P < 0.01), as well as bleeding and postoperative bladder irritation (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences among the two groups in the transfusion rate and occurrence of urethral strictures. Patients in the HoL-EBRBT group had less catheterization and hospitalization time than those in the CM-TURBT group (P < 0.01), and there were no significant differences in each risk subgroup as well as the overall recurrence rate among the CM-TURBT and HoL-EBRBT groups. Conclusions: HoL-EBRBT might prove to be preferable alternatives to CM-TURBT management of nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. HoL-EBRBT however did not demonstrate an obvious advantage over CM-TURBT in tumor recurrence rate.
Similarities and differences in forming purchase intention toward a US apparel brand: a comparison of Chinese and Indian consumers

This study attempts to identify in what aspects China and India are different and similar in forming consumer attitudes and purchase intentions toward US apparel brand goods. To this end, this study proposed a composite model incorporating the theory of planned behavior and a modified Fishbein model, and empirically compared the model with data collected in China and India. Structural equation modeling results yielded both similarities and differences in patterns of significance and the direction of effects for specific hypothesized paths. Differences were found in the paths of face saving → attitude, face saving → purchase intention (paths were positive and significant in the Chinese sample but non-significant in the Indian sample), group conformity → attitude and group conformity → purchase intention (paths were positive and significant in the Indian sample but non-significant in the Chinese sample). Similarities between two countries were found in the rest of the proposed paths. Based on the findings, discussions and implications were provided.
Spotlight on idarucizumab and its potential for the reversal of anticoagulant effects of dabigatran

Idarucizumab is the first targeted antidote of dabigatran, a direct oral anticoagulant used for prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism and prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation. Idarucizumab is a humanized fragment of a monoclonal antibody, which binds dabigatran reversibly with high affinity and, when administered intravenously, immediately neutralizes its anticoagulant effect. It is rapidly cleared by the kidney with captured dabigatran. In Phase I and II trials, no significant adverse events have been reported. Specifically, idarucizumab has no anticoagulant or procoagulant effect by itself. Idarucizumab is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase III trial, in patients treated with dabigatran presenting with severe active bleeding or requiring emergency surgery or an invasive procedure and are at high risk of bleeding. The results of the interim analysis confirm the ability of idarucizumab to neutralize dabigatran instantaneously, without rebound effect, except in rare patients with very high baseline levels of anticoagulant. Although not definitely proving clinical efficacy, due to the noncontrolled design of the trial and the heterogeneity of patient conditions, these promising results on an intermediate criterion with strong rationale have led to the approval of idarucizumab for these indications. However, several questions are unresolved. First, activity measurement of dabigatran in blood, useless in current practice, could be useful to guide the treatment and avoid over- or underutilization of the antidote; but so far, it has not been largely available in real time. Second, the translation of anticoagulant neutralization to an effect on mortality and better outcome is highly dependent on the global management of these patients, especially rapid diagnosis, supportive care, and easy access to antidote administration. Although idarucizumab represents a remarkable achievement in drug design and development, whether it will be an important step toward improved safety of patients treated with dabigatran in the real world will have to be demonstrated in the postmarketing phase.
Predominant role of PDGF receptor transactivation in Wnt3a‐induced osteoblastic cell proliferation

Previous studies have shown that Wnt3a enhances the proliferation and inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In this study, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in Wnt3a‐induced osteoblastic cell proliferation. Experiments with DKK1, a natural antagonist of Lrp5/6, indicated that Wnt/β‐catenin did not play a major role in Wnt3a‐induced osteoblastic cell proliferation. The use of selective inhibitors of known mitogenic pathways implicates Src family kinases (SFKs) and a protein kinase C (PKC) in this cellular response. Time‐dependent analysis of signaling molecules activated by Wnt3a in MC3T3‐E1 cells revealed parallel activation of the canonical pathway and of several tyrosine kinases, including SFKs and PDGF receptors (PDGF‐Rs). Functional analysis with specific inhibitors suggested a major role of PDGF‐Rs in mediating Wnt3a‐induced cell proliferation. Further investigation with an si‐RNA approach confirmed a predominant role of this receptor in this cellular response. The use of soluble decoy PDGF‐Rs that can sequester extracellular PDGFs excluding that part of the increased PDGF receptor phosphorylation by Wnt3a was the result of autocrine production of PDGFs. A selective SFK inhibitor blunted the enhanced PDGF‐R phosphorylation and cell proliferation induced by Wnt3a. Studies of initial events involved in the regulation of this pathway suggest a role of dishevelled. In conclusion, data presented in this study indicate that cell proliferation induced by Wnt3a in osteoblastic cells is mediated by a dishevelled‐dependent and β‐catenin‐independent pathway, which involves the transactivation of PDGF receptors. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Insulin adjustment by a diabetes nurse educator improves glucose control in insulin-requiring diabetic patients: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND Diabetic patients taking insulin often have suboptimal glucose control, and standard methods of health care delivery are ineffective in improving such control. This study was undertaken to determine if insulin adjustment according to advice provided by telephone by a diabetes nurse educator could lead to better glucose control, as indicated by level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). METHODS The authors conducted a prospective randomized trial involving 46 insulin-requiring diabetic patients who had poor glucose control (HbA1c of 0.085 or more). Eligible patients were those already taking insulin and receiving endocrinologist-directed care through a diabetes centre and whose most recent HbA1c level was 0.085 or higher. The patients were randomly assigned to receive standard care or to have regular telephone contact with a diabetes nurse educator for advice about adjustment of insulin therapy. RESULTS At baseline there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of HbA1c level (mean [and standard deviation] for standard-care group 0.094 [0.008] and for intervention group 0.096 [0.010]), age, sex, type or duration of diabetes, duration of insulin therapy or complications. After 6 months, the mean HbA1c level in the standard-care group was 0.089 (0.010), which was not significantly different from the mean level at baseline. However, the mean HbA1c level in the intervention group had fallen to 0.078 (0.008), which was significantly lower than both the level at baseline for that group (p < 0.001) and the level for the standard-care group at 6 months (p < 0.01). INTERPRETATION Insulin adjustment according to advice from a diabetes nurse educator is an effective method of improving glucose control in insulin-requiring diabetic patients.
Epidermal and cortical roles of NFP and DMI3 in coordinating early steps of nodulation in Medicago truncatula

Legumes have evolved the capacity to form a root nodule symbiosis with soil bacteria called rhizobia. The establishment of this symbiosis involves specific developmental events occurring both in the root epidermis (notably bacterial entry) and at a distance in the underlying root cortical cells (notably cell divisions leading to nodule organogenesis). The processes of bacterial entry and nodule organogenesis are tightly linked and both depend on rhizobial production of lipo-chitooligosaccharide molecules called Nod factors. However, how these events are coordinated remains poorly understood. Here, we have addressed the roles of two key symbiotic genes of Medicago truncatula, the lysin motif (LysM) domain-receptor like kinase gene NFP and the calcium- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase gene DMI3, in the control of both nodule organogenesis and bacterial entry. By complementing mutant plants with corresponding genes expressed either in the epidermis or in the cortex, we have shown that epidermal DMI3, but not NFP, is sufficient for infection thread formation in root hairs. Epidermal NFP is sufficient to induce cortical cell divisions leading to nodule primordia formation, whereas DMI3 is required in both cell layers for these processes. Our results therefore suggest that a signal, produced in the epidermis under the control of NFP and DMI3, is responsible for activating DMI3 in the cortex to trigger nodule organogenesis. We integrate these data to propose a new model for epidermal/cortical crosstalk during early steps of nodulation.
What Are Patient Beliefs and Perceptions About Exercise for Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain?: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

Objectives:The global burden of low back pain is the highest ranked condition contributing to years of living with disability. Exercise is moderately effective, and adherence to exercise may improve if participants are engaged. Identification of elements that enhance engagement would enable clinicians to prescribe appropriate interventions. The review objective was to identify and synthesize qualitative empirical studies that have explored beliefs about exercise therapy of people with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Methods:Two independent reviewers conducted a structured review and metasynthesis informed by Cochrane and Campbell Collaboration guidelines and the PRISMA statement. Fifteen papers were included for data extraction, method quality assessment, and thematic analysis. Results:Four key themes emerged: (1) perceptions and classification of exercise; (2) role and impact of the health professional; (3) exercise and activity enablers/facilitators; (4) exercise and activity barriers. Participants believed that there were distinctions between general activity, real/fitness exercise, and medical exercise. Levels of acquired skills and capability and participant experience with exercise culture require consideration in program design. People participating in exercise classes and group work may be more comfortable when matched for abilities and experience. When an intervention interferes with everyday life and appears to be ineffective or too difficult to implement, people make a reasoned decision to discontinue. Discussion:People are likely to prefer and participate in exercise or training programs and activities that are designed with consideration of their preferences, circumstances, fitness levels, and exercise experiences.
Effects of Pilates on muscle strength, postural balance and quality of life of older adults: a randomized, controlled, clinical trial

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Pilates on lower leg strength, postural balance and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two older adults were randomly allocated either to the experimental group (EG, n = 16; mean age, 63.62 ± 1.02 years), which performed two sessions of Pilates per week for 12 weeks, or to the control group (CG, n = 16; mean age, 64.21 ± 0.80), which performed two sessions of static stretching per week for 12 weeks. The following evaluations were performed before and after the interventions: isokinetic torque of knee extensors and flexors at 300°/s, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Health Survey assessment (SF-36). [Results] In the intra-group analysis, the EG demonstrated significant improvement in all variables. In the inter-group analysis, the EG demonstrated significant improvement in most variables. [Conclusion] Pilates exercises led to significant improvement in isokinetic torque of the knee extensors and flexors, postural balance and aspects of the health-related quality of life of older adults.
Personality, negative social exchanges, and physical health among bereaved adults

While much research has investigated the association between personality and health, little research has done so using a bereaved sample. Additionally, little research has investigated how personality influences the frequency of negative social exchanges bereaved individuals receive. This study utilized a structural equation model to investigate the associations among age, gender, personality, negative social exchanges, length of bereavement, and self-reported physical health in a sample of bereaved adults. Results indicated that personality was associated with negative social exchanges and physical health. Therefore, these variables are important and should be studied further in this context.