Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Spontaneous Magnetoencephalographic Activity in Patients With Schizophrenia

Magnetoencephalography noninvasively measures the magnetic fields produced by the brain. Pertinent research articles from 1993 to 2009 that measured spontaneous, whole-head magnetoencephalography activity in patients with schizophrenia were reviewed. Data on localization of oscillatory activity and correlation of these findings with psychotic symptoms are summarized. Although the variety of measures used by different research groups makes a quantitative meta-analysis difficult, it appears that magnetoencephalography activity in patients may exhibit identifiable patterns, defined by topographic organization and frequency band. Specifically, 11 of the 12 studies showed increased theta (4–8 Hz) and delta (1–4 Hz) band oscillations in the temporal lobes of patients; of the 10 studies that examined the relationship between oscillatory activity and symptomatology, 8 found a positive correlation between temporal lobe theta activity and positive schizophrenic symptoms. Abnormally high frontal delta activity was not seen. These findings are analyzed in comparison with the electroencephalogram literature on schizophrenics, and possible confounds (e.g., medication effects) are discussed. In the future, magnetoencephalography might be used to assist in diagnosis or might be fruitfully used in conjunction with new neuroscience research approaches such as computational modeling, which may be able to link oscillatory activity and cellular-level pathology.
Antifungal activity of clinical Lactobacillus strains against Candida albicans biofilms: identification of potential probiotic candidates to prevent oral candidiasis

Abstract This study isolated Lactobacillus strains from caries-free subjects and evaluated the inhibitory effects directly on three strains of C. albicans, two clinical strains and one reference strain. Thirty Lactobacillus strains were isolated and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against in vitro C. albicans biofilms. L. paracasei 28.4, L. rhamnosus 5.2 and L. fermentum 20.4 isolates exhibited the most significant inhibitory activity against C. albicans. Co-incubation between these microorganisms resulted in deterrence of biofilm development and retardation of hyphal formation. The hindrance of biofilm development was characterized by the downregulated expression of C. albicans biofilm-specific genes (ALS3, HWP1, EFG1 and CPH1). L. paracasei 28.4, L. rhamnosus 5.2 and L. fermentum 20.4 demonstrated the ability to exert antifungal activity through the inhibition of C. albicans biofilms.
Activity patterns of nine phyllostomid bat species in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

Seasonal, monthly and hourly activity patterns of nine bat species were studied based on their capture rates at the Reserva Particular do Patrimonio Natural Feliciano Miguel Abdala (RPPN-FMA), Caratinga, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. The frugivorous and nectarivorous bat species have their activity closely related to the availability of food. Divergence in monthly and hourly activity is discussed for pairs of similar species and the hypothesis of reduction in competition for nectarivorous and frugivorous species are rejected. Further studies on frugivores-plants interactions should be conducted to assess the long term consequences for the whole system at the RPPN-MFA.
Sensory symptom profiles differ between trigeminal and thoracolumbar postherpetic neuralgia

Introduction: Animal experimental evidence suggests that mechanisms of pain generation and response to treatment differ between neuropathic pain in the cephalic and the extracephalic innervation territories. Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine whether in humans an identical peripheral painful neuropathy is associated with different pain qualities and sensory abnormalities in the face as compared with the thoracic region. Methods: We retrospectively analysed epidemiological and clinical data of 639 patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in the face and at the trunk who were collected within a cross-sectional cohort survey and compared the respective sensory symptom profiles captured with the painDETECT questionnaire. Results: Two hundred twenty-four patients suffered from trigeminal PHN and 415 from thoracolumbar PHN. There were no significant differences in sex-ratio, age, body mass index, and pain duration. Patients with trigeminal PHN were more often severely depressed. Anxiety and sleep scores were not different. The average pain intensity was slightly higher in thoracolumbar PHN than trigeminal PHN (visual analogue scale 5.0 vs 4.6). Postherpetic neuralgia in the thoracolumbar region showed significantly more intense burning sensations, allodynia, painful attacks, and significantly less prickling and numbness than PHN in the face. Conclusions: The differences in sensory symptom profiles between facial PHN and truncal PHN might be associated with different pathophysiological mechanisms and different treatment response. Drugs that primarily act on sensitization processes in the peripheral nociceptive system may work better in thoracolumbar PHN than in trigeminal PHN. If new medications are tested in patients with PHN, it would therefore be of interest to include an analysis of the treatment results in regard to subgroups based on the localisation of pain in patients with PHN.
Advances in Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Research From 1992 to 2017: The Ascension of Neural Plasticity

Objective: The last 25 years have seen profound changes in neurocognitive rehabilitation that continue to motivate its evolution. Although the concept of nervous system plasticity was discussed by William James (1890), the foundation for experience-based plasticity had not reached the critical empirical mass to seriously impact rehabilitation research until after 1992. The objective of this review is to describe how the emergence of neural plasticity has changed neurocognitive rehabilitation research. Method: The important developments included (a) introduction of a widely available tool that could measure brain plasticity (i.e., functional MRI); (b) development of new structural imaging techniques that could define limits of and opportunities for neural plasticity; (c) deployment of noninvasive brain stimulation to leverage neural plasticity for rehabilitation; (d) growth of a literature indicating that exercise has positively impacts neural plasticity, especially for older persons; and (e) enhancement of neural plasticity by creating interventions that generalize beyond the boundaries of treatment activities. Given the massive literature, each of these areas is developed by example. Results: The expanding influence of neural plasticity has provided new models and tools for neurocognitive rehabilitation in neural injuries and disorders, as well as methods for measuring neural plasticity and predicting its limits and opportunities. Early clinical trials have provided very encouraging results. Conclusion: Now that neural plasticity has gained a firm foothold, it will continue to influence the evolution of neurocognitive rehabilitation research for the next 25 years and advance rehabilitation for neural injuries and disease.
Greenish‐Yellow Emission from Dy3+‐Doped Y2O3 Nanophosphors

Trivalent dysprosium-doped cubic yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanophosphors were prepared by combustion synthesis using glycine as fuel. The resulting products were characterized by Raman and FT-IR spectra to evaluate the vibrational features of the samples. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of a pure cubic phase of Y2O3. The morphology and selective area electron diffraction measurements were carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. From TEM, it is observed that as-prepared particles have average crystallite sizes of around 23 nm. The luminescent and dynamic properties of Y2O3:Dy3+ were examined as a function of temperature and different concentrations of Dy3+. The luminescence study reveals that these phosphors predominantly exhibit greenish-yellow emission due to strong 4F9/2→6H13/2 transition at 575 nm and a feeble 4F9/2→6H15/2 transition at 488 nm. These results show that the relative luminescence intensity of emission bands changes with different heating temperatures, while the greenish yellow color luminescence as well as Commission International d'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates extracted from the emission spectra were not affected significantly. The strong greenish-yellow emission of Y2O3:Dy3+ phosphor may be useful for applications in solid-state white lamps for general illumination purposes.
Active Learning for Visual Image Classification Method Based on Transfer Learning

The active learning method involves searching for the most informative unmarked samples by query function, submitting them to the expert function for marking, then using the samples to train the classification model in order to improve the accuracy of the model and use the newly acquired knowledge to inquire into the next round, with the aim of getting the highest accuracy of classification using minimal training samples. This paper details the various principles of active learning and develops a method that combines active learning with transfer learning. Experimental results prove that the active learning method can cut back on samples redundancy and promote the accuracy of classifier convergence quickly in small samples. Combining active learning and transfer learning, while taking advantage of knowledge in related areas, could further improve the generalization ability of classification models.
Endoscopic management of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract: An analysis of 846 cases in China

Foreign body ingestion is a relatively common occurrence, which may lead to morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to report the experience of management of upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies by endoscopy in a large center. All patients who presented at the Department of Gastroenterology at Nanfang Hospital (Guangzhou, China) with complaints regarding upper gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body ingestion from December 1987 to December 2013. Hospital medical charts and endoscopic records were examined to evaluate etiology, treatment, and outcomes for these patients. A total of 846 patients were enrolled in the present study, from which foreign bodies were detected in 737 (87.1%) patients via X-ray or endoscopy. The objects most frequently ingested were bones (n=395, 53.6%). The detected foreign bodies were predominantly located in the cervical esophagus (n=325, 44.1%). Endoscopic foreign body extraction was successful in 92.5% of cases, whereas surgery was required in 6 patients. The most frequently used endoscopic accessory devices were retrieval forceps (n=480, 65.1%). The complication rate was 6.9%, including mucosal laceration (n=10) and others, all of which were managed conservatively. Associated GI diseases were reported in 74 (10.0%) patients, including postesophagectomy (n=34) and others. In conclusion, the endoscopic procedure was safe and effective for the removal of foreign bodies from the upper gastrointestinal tract, with a high success rate and low complication rate.
A STUDY OF THE PATTERN OF INSULIN RESISTANCE IN EUGLYCEMIC OFFSPRINGS OF DIABETIC PARENTS AND COMPARISION WITH AGE, SEX MATCHED CONTROLS AMONG SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION.

To study the pattern of insulin resistance among euglycemic offspring of diabetic parents by appropriately matching for sex, and age in controls. Using inclusion & exclusion criteria 52 euglycemic offspring as subjects and 25 controls were taken. FBS, PPBS, Fasting insulin levels and Insulin resistance were calculated by HOMA-IR method. The results were tabulated and studied. siblings of diabetic parents had higher levels of fasting insulin level, insulin resistance when compared to the controls with a P value of 0·001 and 0·00 respectively. The sub group analysis among the male, female offspring also showed similar results and an additional finding was that female offspring of diabetic fathers had a higher IR when compared to the other groups.There is significant association between parental diabetic status and onset of insulin resistance in offspring when compared to the controls.
Compatibilization of polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend nanocomposite films

Polymer blends of incompatible components need to undergo compatibilization, in order to give rise to a blend with good physical properties. At the same way, polymer/clay nanocomposites show this problem because of different chemical nature of the polymer matrix and of the clay. Compatibilization is therefore more necessary if an incompatible polymer blend is filled with an organomodified clay in order to give a final material with good properties. In this work, a polyethylene/polyamide 6 blend filled with an organomodified clay has been compatibilized with a maleic anhydride grafted SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) copolymer and a glicidylmethacrylate-ethylene copolymer. The results show that compatibilization improves the mechanical properties in terms of elongation at break, as well as the rheological properties under nonisothermal elongational flow; furthermore, an unexpected effect has been found, since going from the isotropic to the anisotropic material, a fragile-ductile transition occurs, with a significant increase of the elongation values, while a small reduction of the elastic modulus was found, because of the lower crystallinity in comparison to isotropic samples. POLYM. COMPOS. , 36:992–998, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Marine compound rhizochalinin shows high in vitro and in vivo efficacy in castration resistant prostate cancer

Development of drug resistance is an inevitable phenomenon in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells requiring novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, efficacy and toxicity of Rhizochalinin (Rhiz) – a novel sphingolipid-like marine compound – was evaluated in prostate cancer models, resistant to currently approved standard therapies. In vitro activity and mechanism of action of Rhiz were examined in the human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3, DU145, LNCaP, 22Rv1, and VCaP. Rhiz significantly reduced cell viability at low micromolar concentrations showing most pronounced effects in enzalutamide and abiraterone resistant AR-V7 positive cells. Caspase-dependent apoptosis, inhibition of pro-survival autophagy, downregulation of AR-V7, PSA and IGF-1 expression as well as inhibition of voltage-gated potassium channels were identified as mechanisms of action. Remarkably, Rhiz re-sensitized AR-V7 positive cells to enzalutamide and increased efficacy of taxanes. In vivo activity and toxicity were evaluated in PC-3 and 22Rv1 NOD SCID mouse xenograft models using i.p. administration. Rhiz significantly reduced growth of PC-3 and 22Rv1 tumor xenografts by 27.0% (p = 0.0156) and 46.8% (p = 0.047) compared with controls with an increased fraction of tumor cells showing apoptosis secondary to Rhiz exposure. In line with the in vitro data, Rhiz was most active in AR-V7 positive xenografts in vivo. In animals, no severe side effects were observed. In conclusion, Rhiz is a promising novel marine-derived compound characterized by a unique combination of anticancer properties. Its further clinical development is of high impact for patients suffering from drug resistant prostate cancer especially those harboring AR-V7 mediated resistance to enzalutamide and abiraterone.
Special considerations concerning the use of antiretroviral drugs in children

ABSTRACT Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy is extremely effective in both children and adults infected with HIV. Treatment indications have rapidly expanded; ideally, with rare exceptions, all infected children should now be treated. Areas covered: The use of antiretroviral drugs in children is based largely on extrapolations from experience with adult patients. Pharmacokinetic studies are required in addition to formal studies, which are difficult to conduct in pediatric situations, extending from birth to adolescence. However, despite often inadequate galenic formulation, treatment of children is easier than generally thought. No major or irreversible toxicity has been observed with the latest generation of molecules. Several observations suggest that very early treatment, beginning shortly after birth, provides better long-term immunological control of infection. Expert commentary: All HIV-infected children should be treated with antiretroviral drugs. Manufacturers should propose appropriate dosage forms, including combined forms in particular, and should support pharmacological and tolerance studies in pediatric patients of various ages. Very early treatment maximizes the chances of long-term immunological control.
Myxofibrosarcoma primary cultures: molecular and pharmacological profile

Background: Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS), formerly considered as a myxoid variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, is the most common sarcoma of the extremities in adults and is characterized by a high frequency of local recurrence. The clinical behavior of MFS is unpredictable and the efficacy of chemotherapy is still not well documented. Furthermore, given the relatively recent recognition of MFS as a distinct pathologic entity its cellular and molecular biology has still not been extensively studied in patient-derived preclinical models. We examined the molecular biology and treatment outcomes of high-grade, patient-derived MFS primary cultures. Methods: A total of three patient-derived MFS primary cultures were analyzed. We evaluated the role of CD109 expression and also looked for a correlation between transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) expression and sensitivity of the primary cultures to different drugs. Results: CD109 was a promising marker for the identification of more aggressive high-grade MFS and a potential therapeutic target. The results also highlighted the potential role of TGF-β in chemoresistance. Pharmacological analysis confirmed the sensitivity of the cultures to chemotherapy. The most active treatments were epirubicin alone and epirubicin in combination with ifosfamide, the latter representing the current standard of care for soft tissue sarcomas (STSs), including MFS. Conclusions: Our results provide a starting point for further research aimed at improving the management of MFS patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Impact of workplace violence against nurses’ thriving at work, job satisfaction and turnover intention: A cross‐sectional study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the interrelationships between workplace violence, thriving at work and turnover intention among Chinese nurses and to explore the action mechanism among these variables. BACKGROUND Workplace violence is a dangerous occupational hazard globally, and it is pervasive in the health service industry. As a corollary, workplace violence may produce many negative outcomes among nursing staff. Consequently, it hinders nurses' professional performance and reduces nursing quality. DESIGN A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. METHODS A total of 1,024 nurses from 26 cities in China were recruited from February-May 2016. An anonymous questionnaire was used in this survey. Participants' completed data were collected using a demographics form and a 26-item questionnaire consisting of scales addressing workplace violence, thriving at work, job satisfaction, subjective well-being and turnover intention. To evaluate multivariate relationships, some multiple linear hierarchical regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Workplace violence significantly negatively influenced nurses' job satisfaction and thriving at work, and significantly positively influenced nurses' turnover intention. Job satisfaction significantly predicted thriving at work and turnover intention. Job satisfaction not only fully mediated the relationship between workplace violence and thriving at work, but also partially mediated the relationship between workplace violence and turnover intention. Subjective well-being moderated the relationship between workplace violence and job satisfaction and the relationship between workplace violence and nurses' turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS Adverse effects of workplace violence were demonstrated in this study. Decreases in job satisfaction were a vital mediating factor. The moderating effect of subjective well-being was helpful in reducing the harm of workplace violence to nurses and in decreasing their turnover intention. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Workplace violence and its negative impact on nursing work should not go unnoticed by nursing managers. Nurses' subjective well-being is critical in controlling and mitigating the adverse effects of workplace violence.
Determinants of Respirable Silica Exposure in Stone Countertop Fabrication: A Preliminary Study

A preliminary study of personal exposure to respirable quartz was conducted in four shops that used a variety of wet and dry methods to fabricate countertops from granite and quartz-containing synthetic stone-like materials. Full-shift time-weighted average (TWA) exposures exceeded the ACGIH threshold limit value of 0.025 mg/m3 for all workers who used dry fabrication methods, even for very limited time, during any part of the work shift (n = 15 person-days). The geometric mean of exposures for workers who used dry methods extensively was about 1 mg/m3 (n = 12 person-days). Workers who operated only automated or remotely controlled stone cutting or shaping equipment had calculated TWA exposures of approximately 0.02 mg/m3 (n = 3 person-days). Task-specific geometric mean exposures for various wet and dry manual operations were ranked based on estimated concentrations extracted from multi-task partial-shift sample results using a linear algebra procedure. Limited use of dry methods was observed in shops that had previously reported using only wet methods. These results suggest that even shops that report using only wet methods might, in fact, resort to brief use of dry methods for specific operations. Therefore, there may be reason for concern over potential overexposure to respirable quartz in all stone countertop shops.
Health Habits and Risk Factors among Truck Drivers Visiting a Health Booth during a Trucker Trade Show

Purpose. The purpose of this report is to provide general information on the personal characteristics, health status, and health interests reported by long-haul truck drivers. Design. A cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a convenience sample. Statistical independence between comparison groups for driver type, age, and gender were tested with the Pearson chi-square test. Setting. The study population consisted of truck drivers who stopped at one of 65 truck stops participating in a trucker trade show. Subjects. Subjects were 2,945 male self-identified truck drivers and 353 female self-identified truck drivers who visited health booths at the trade show. It was estimated that two thirds of visitors to the health booth participated. Measures. A self-administered, close-ended questionnaire recorded the participant's personal characteristics, health status, and health interests. Blood pressure was measured by trained volunteers. Results. A large percentage of male truck drivers smoked cigarettes (54 % vs. 30 % of U.S. white males), did not exercise regularly (92%), were overweight (50% vs. 25% of U.S. white males), and/or were not aware they had high blood pressure (66% vs. 46% of U.S. population). Also, 23% of surveyed truck drivers tested positive on one measure of alcoholism. Conclusions. Although a scientific sampling frame was not used, the health status and lifestyle observed in this study suggest truck drivers would clearly benefit from a health education and promotion program. The truck stops should be evaluated as a possible setting for such a program.