Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modifiers of γ-Globin Gene Expression and Treatment of β-Thalassemia

Beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease with many genes involved. It is a heterogeneous disorder caused by variations in the inactivation mechanism of the Beta-globin (β-globin) genes. Despite seemingly similar genotypes, the patients with Beta-thalassemia have a remarkable variability in anaemia, growth development, and hepatospleenomegaly and transfusion requirements. The genetic factors may differ in each race or ethnic group for therapy and prevention. Despite re‐ markable successes in the treatment of Beta-thalassemia in the past decades, it is still the leading cause of death and premature disability in developed and developing countries. Possible factors that influence the severity of anaemia in thalassemia may be inherited or non-inherited. The inherited factors include the type of β-thalassemia, coinheritance of alpha thalassemia (α-thalassemia) and factors that stimulate fetal he‐ moglobin (HbF) production. In this chapter, respective contributions of known modi‐ fiers and also the pharmaceutical agents currently in use and under clinical trials for regulating the globin gene expression will be discussed.
Pastoral Care for Children of Cancer Patients

This paper reports the findings of new research on the school as a source of psychosocial support for primary‐ and secondary‐stage children of cancer patients. It begins with a restatement of the importance of pastoral care in schools and of teachers listening to children. Academic success is an important factor in maintaining positive self‐esteem and psychological functioning. The authors show how parents’ cancer affected their children at schoool; how children do not disclose important personal and familial information; and that this can mean that problems in school are not fully understood nor supported. Peers had an important role to play in adjustment.
The Anatomy of Disappointment: A Naturalistic Test of Appraisal Models of Sadness, Anger, and Hope

Vignette and autobiographical recall studies have often been used to test models of the appraisals associated with specific emotions. Recently, critiques of both methodologies have called into question the applicability of appraisal theory to naturally-occurring emotional responses. This study examined supporter's responses to Ross Perot's withdrawal from the 1992 presidential race to assess the extent to which appraisal models accurately capture responses to a naturally-occurring event. Supporters in Riverside County, California (N = 227) completed questionnaires concerning their interpretations of the event, their initial emotional reactions, changes in their reactions in the weeks immediately following Perot's withdrawal, and their plans. Appraisal models correctly predicted the dimensions of agency and coping potential that served to differentiate sadness from anger, and the appraisals and plans associated with hope. Appraisal models did not predict the strong focus of sad supporters on their past goa.
Therapeutic groupwork with young children and mothers who have experienced domestic abuse

There is mounting recognition that exposure to domestic abuse causes far‐reaching damage to children’s lives, development and psychological well‐being. Studies estimate 10% to 20% of children are at risk of exposure to domestic abuse – thus domestic abuse must be seen as a crucial issue for educational psychologists (EPs). This study investigates the effects of domestic abuse on a group of mothers and their young children. It also describes how an Education Psychology Service (EPS) was involved in developing, running and evaluating therapeutic groupwork to promote positive mother–child relationships and to enhance the psychological well‐being of mothers and their young children who have experienced domestic abuse.
The Importance of Leadership in Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infection: Results of a Multisite Qualitative Study

Objective. Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is costly and causes substantial morbidity. We sought to understand why some hospitals were engaged in HAI prevention activities while others were not. Because preliminary data indicated that hospital leadership played an important role, we sought better to understand which behaviors are exhibited by leaders who are successful at implementing HAI prevention practices in US hospitals. Methods. We report phases 2 and 3 of a 3-phase study. In phase 2, 14 purposefully sampled US hospitals were selected from among the 72% of 700 invited hospitals whose lead infection preventionist had completed a quantitative survey on HAI prevention during phase 1. Qualitative data were collected during 38 semistructured phone interviews with key personnel at the 14 hospitals. During phase 3, we conducted 48 interviews during 6 in-person site visits to identify recurrent and unifying themes that characterize behaviors of successful leaders. Results. We found that successful leaders (1) cultivated a culture of clinical excellence and effectively communicated it to staff; (2) focused on overcoming barriers and dealt directly with resistant staff or process issues that impeded prevention of HAI; (3) inspired their employees; and (4) thought strategically while acting locally, which involved politicking before crucial committee votes, leveraging personal prestige to move initiatives forward, and forming partnerships across disciplines. Hospital epidemiologists and infection preventionists often played more important leadership roles in their hospital's patient safety activities than did senior executives. Conclusions. Leadership plays an important role in infection prevention activities. The behaviors of successful leaders could be adopted by others who seek to prevent HAI.
Forensic Psychological Examinations in Personal Injury Cases: Empirical Haves and Have Nots

ABSTRACT Many jurisdictions in the US allow persons who have experienced “pain and suffering” to claim compensation from the perpetrators of harm, even when the harm is not a crime. As part of this legal process, the jury, often with the assistance of expert opinion testimony, considers what just compensation would return the plaintiff to the equivalent of his or her condition before the claimed harmful event. The legal rules of the jurisdiction in which the case takes place may require that the forensic examiner consider the plaintiff's functioning before the claimed event, the severity of distress likely to be engendered by the event, areas of resiliency and impairment in the plaintiff s functioning after the event, the likely cause of impairments in the plaintiff's psychological functioning, and the plaintiff's likely future status and need for care to ameliorate the impairments caused by the defendant. This paper briefly reviews the legal bases of such examinations, presents a disguised report of a sample examination, and discusses the ways in which the empirical literature contributes to the examination process and expert witness testimony.
A Review of Research On Leaderless Groups

of leaderless groups. These groups have been conducted mainly within two major frameworks. In one, which may be called the alternate session technique, leaderless sessions are alternated with leader-led sessions. In another approach groups meet without any leader-led session intervening. These sessions are referred to as self-directed (SD) meetings and are guided by audio tapes or utilize some form of instrumented feedback or directed instruction. However, participants also can meet continuously in a group without a leader or any other type of guidance, while a modification of the exclusively leaderless strategy assumes that members can benefit from unled sessions by viewing videotapes which model appropriate group behavior (Farson, 1972). Unfortunately, the latter approach has been subject to little substantive research and therefore will not be analyzed in this paper. Most of the research which has been carried out on leaderless groups has occurred in the past decade. These groups have been reported to be beneficial to members in
In-cell selectivity profiling of membrane-anchored and replicase-associated hepatitis C virus NS3-4A protease reveals a common, stringent substrate recognition profile

Abstract The need to identify anti-Flaviviridae agents has resulted in intensive biochemical study of recombinant nonstructural (NS) viral proteases; however, experimentation on viral protease-associated replication complexes in host cells is extremely challenging and therefore limited. It remains to be determined if membrane anchoring and/or association to replicase-membrane complexes of proteases, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-4A, plays a regulatory role in the substrate selectivity of the protease. In this study, we examined trans-endoproteolytic cleavage activities of membrane-anchored and replicase-associated NS3-4A using an internally consistent set of membrane-anchored protein substrates mimicking all known HCV NS3-4A polyprotein cleavage sequences. Interestingly, we detected cleavage of substrates encoding for the NS4B/NS5A and NS5A/NS5B junctions, but not for the NS3/NS4A and NS4A/NS4B substrates. This stringent substrate recognition profile was also observed for the replicase-associated NS3-4A and is not genotype-specific. Our study also reveals that ER-anchoring of the substrate is critical for its cleavage by NS3-4A. Importantly, we demonstrate that in HCV-infected cells, the NS4B/NS5A substrate was cleaved efficiently. The unique ability of our membrane-anchored substrates to detect NS3-4A activity alone, in replication complexes, or within the course of infection, shows them to be powerful tools for drug discovery and for the study of HCV biology.
Environmental Factors Affecting the Expression of pilAB as Well as the Proteome and Transcriptome of the Grass Endophyte Azoarcus sp. Strain BH72

Background Bacterial communication is involved in regulation of cellular mechanisms such as metabolic processes, microbe-host interactions or biofilm formation. In the nitrogen-fixing model endophyte of grasses Azoarcus sp. strain BH72, known cell-cell signaling systems have not been identified; however, the pilA gene encoding the structural protein of type IV pili that are essential for plant colonization appears to be regulated in a population density-dependent manner. Methodology/Principal Findings Our data suggest that pilAB expression is affected by population density, independent of autoinducers typical for Gram-negative bacteria, likely depending on unknown secreted molecule(s) that can be produced by different bacterial species. We used transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to identify target genes and proteins differentially regulated in conditioned supernatants in comparison to standard growth conditions. Around 8% of the 3992 protein-coding genes of Azoarcus sp. and 18% of the detected proteins were differentially regulated. Regulatory proteins and transcription factors among the regulated proteins indicated a complex hierarchy. Differentially regulated genes and proteins were involved in processes such as type IV pili formation and regulation, metal and nutrient transport, energy metabolism, and unknown functions mediated by hypothetical proteins. Four of the newly discovered target genes were further analyzed and in general they showed regulation patterns similar to pilAB. The expression of one of them was shown to be induced in plant roots. Conclusion/Significance This study is the first global approach to initiate characterization of cell density-dependent gene regulation mediated by soluble molecule(s) in the model endophyte Azoarcus sp. strain BH72. Our data suggest that the putative signaling molecule(s) are also produced by other Proteobacteria and might thus be used for interspecies communication. This study provides the foundation for the development of robust reporter systems for Azoarcus sp. to analyze mechanisms and molecules involved in the population-dependent gene expression in this endophyte in future.
MicroRNA dysregulation in uveal melanoma: a new player enters the game

Uveal melanoma is the second most common form of melanoma and a predominant intraocular malignant tumor in adults. The development of uveal melanoma is a multistep process involving genetic and epigenetic alteration of proto-oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. Recent discoveries have shed a new light on the involvement of a class of noncoding RNA known as microRNAs (miRNAs) in uveal melanoma. A lot of miRNAs show differential expressions in uveal melanoma tissues and cell lines. Genes coding for these miRNAs have been characterized as novel oncogene and tumor-suppressor genes based on findings that these miRNAs control malignant phenotypes of uveal melanoma cells. Several studies have confirmed that dysregulation of miRNAs promotes cell-cycle progression, confers resistance to apoptosis, and enhances invasiveness and metastasis. Moreover, several miRNAs have also been shown to correlate with uveal melanoma initiation and progression, and thus may be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis. Elucidating the biological aspects of miRNA dysregulation may help us better understand the pathogenesis of uveal melanoma and promote the development of miRNA directed-therapeutics against this disease.
Qualitative Analysis of the Short-Term and Long-Term Impact of Family Breakdown on Children: Case Study

This article analyzes the impact of divorce on the members of a family by doing a retrospective case study, comparing a mother’s perception of the effects of this experience on her children with their personal report of them. Both short-term and long-term effects are examined. Children suffered from sleep disorders, confusion, aggressiveness, behavioral problems, academic problems, resentment, and fear of abandonment. However, the personal experience of the separated parents did not lead to inevitable negative consequences in the long term, as is clear from the self-reports included here.
Underwriter Reputation and Short-Run IPO Returns: A Re-Evaluation for an Emerging Market

This study examines the effect of underwriter reputation on the initial-day IPO returns in an emerging market. It uses both a traditional and an extended model given the characteristics of the IPO market under analysis. The results from the traditional model indicate that underwriter reputation does not affect the initial day IPO returns. However, after controlling for factors that are important in determining the price of an IPO in an emerging market, a complex relationship between underwriter reputation measures and IPO returns is documented. Results in this paper indicate that it is not appropriate to extend the findings in the US to other markets without taking into account the unique characteristics of these markets.
Entry of Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio fischeri into the viable but nonculturable state

Aims: Physiological responses of marine luminous bacteria, Vibrio harveyi (ATCC 14216) and V. fischeri (UM1373) to nutrient‐limited normal strength (35 ppt iso‐osmolarity) and low (10 ppt hypo‐osmolarity) salinity conditions were determined.
Renal insufficiency and anemia are independent risk factors for death among patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases risk of death among patients with coronary artery disease. Mortality risks associated with CKD among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are not well defined. Anemia is associated with increased mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and may also increase risk among patients with CVD. METHODS A random sample of patients admitted to the hospital in a single southern state with a principal diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (ICD-9 codes 410.xx) were followed up after hospital discharge. RESULTS CKD was found in 60% of the cohort. Hematocrit of >or=40 was found in 46% of the patients; 26.0% had a hematocrit between 36% and 39%, 21.8% between 30% and 35%, and 5.9% had a hematocrit of less than 30%. The 1-year death rates among individuals with and without CKD were 31.7% and 10.4% respectively [odds ratio (OR) = 4.00 (2.34, 6.91)]. The mortality at one year was 18.6% for individuals with a hematocrit greater than or equal to 40%; 23.5% (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 0.78, 2.32) for hematocrit 36% to 39%; 30.7% (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.12, 3.34) for hematocrit between 30% and 35%; and 35.8% (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.35, 7.40) for those with a hematocrit less than 30% (chi2 for trend was 12.2, P = 0.007). Both hematocrit and serum creatinine were independently associated with increased risk of death during follow-up after controlling for other patient risk factors. CONCLUSION CKD and decreasing hematocrit were frequent among older patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction and are independent predictors of subsequent risk of death.
Detection of Bartonella henselae in domestic cats' saliva

Background and Objectives Bartonella species are being recognized as increasingly important bacterial pathogens in veterinary and human medicine. These organisms can be transmitted by an arthropod vector or alternatively by animal scratches or bites. The objectives of this study were to identify contamination of cat's saliva and nail with B. henselae as a causative role to infect human in a sample of the cat population in Iran. Materials and Methods Blood, saliva and nail samples were collected from 140 domestic cats (stray and pet) from Tehran and Shahrekord and analyzed for the presence of B. henselae with cultural and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods and DNA sequencing. Results In this study B. henselae was detected in 10.9% of saliva samples (12/110) from pet cats. B. henselae was not detected in nail samples of pet cats (n=110), and in any feral cats’ saliva and nail samples (n=30). Conclusion Our data suggest that pet cats are more likely than stray cats to infect human with B. henselae after a bite and also stray cats can play a role as a reservoir for this bacteria. This is the first report that investigates the presence of B. henselae in cats oral cavity in Iran.
Postsynaptic Induction of BDNF-Mediated Long-Term Potentiation

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other neurotrophins are critically involved in long-term potentiation (LTP). Previous reports point to a presynaptic site of neurotrophin action. By imaging dentate granule cells in mouse hippocampal slices, we identified BDNF-evoked Ca2+ transients in dendrites and spines, but not at presynaptic sites. Pairing a weak burst of synaptic stimulation with a brief dendritic BDNF application caused an immediate and robust induction of LTP. LTP induction required activation of postsynaptic Ca2+ channels andN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and was prevented by the blockage of postsynaptic Ca2+ transients. Thus, our results suggest that BDNF-mediated LTP is induced postsynaptically. Our finding that dendritic spines are the exclusive synaptic sites for rapid BDNF-evoked Ca2+ signaling supports this conclusion.
Analytical Leakage-Aware Thermal Modeling of a Real-Time System

We consider a firm real-time system with a single processor working in two power modes depending on whether it is idle or executing a job. The system is equipped with dynamic thermal management through a cooling subsystem which can switch between two cooling modes. Real-time jobs which arrive to the system have stochastic properties and are prone to soft errors. A successful job is one that enters the system and completes its execution with no timing or soft error. Appropriateness of the system is evaluated based on its performance, temperature behavior, reliability, and energy consumption. It is noteworthy that these criteria have mutual interactions to each other: the stochastic nature of the system affects the success ratio of jobs beside the system dynamic power, the leakage as well as dynamic power impacts the processor temperature, this temperature affects the leakage power, the cooling subsystem power, and the soft error rate, which the latter in turn impacts the system reliability and the success ratio of jobs. This paper proposes an analytical evaluation method with a Markovian view to the system which considers these reciprocal effects. A number of simulation experiments are carried out to validate the accuracy of the proposed method.
Party System Instability in Europe: Persistent Differences in Volatility between West and East?

To fully understand the function of volatility in today's European democracies, it is necessary to employ the principal-agent model. Where democracy is exercised in the form of party government, then it is especially essential to enquire into how the electorate can monitor politicians. Electoral volatility may increase the responsiveness of the party system to the electorate and increase the accountability of politicians. Party system instability is persistently higher in the east European democracies than in western Europe. System transition in eastern Europe passes through the party system, as new parties enter the electoral arena. Political innovation in western Europe also passes through the party system, where new movements appear alongside the established parties. However, there are signs of decreasing volatility in the east, whereas volatility is on the rise in several west European democracies. There will be convergence between west and east European democracies: both will experience considerable volatility in the future. This is a positive gain for democratic vitality in Tingsten's conception. The level of party system fractionalization is already the same over the regions of Europe. The principal-agent model would favour several agents as well as agent switches, which means a moderate level of party system instability.
Neural stem cells transplantation in cortex in amousemodel of Alzheimer ' s disease

Objective. The goal of this study was to elucidate the effect of neurospheres (NS) on dementia in the mouse model of nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) lesion. Methods. Mouse embryonic stem cell (ES) derived neurospheres were transplanted into the frontal association cortex and barrel field of S1 cortex of C57BL/6 mice 4 weeks after including alesionofNBMbyibotenicacid,whileotherhealthymicethatreceivedEScellsserved as control. Behavioral tests by 8-arm radial maze were conducted 8 weeks after transplantation, and double staining of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), serotonin, amyloidprotein (AP) and green fluorescentprotein(GFP)12weeksaftertransplantation.Wefoundthattheneurospherestransplanted into the mouse cortex survived and produced many ChAT-positiveneurons and a few serotoninpositive neurons in and around the grafts. The working memory error decreased significantly in the mice grafted with neurospheres. In contrast, the ES cells developed into teratomas in all of thecontrolmiceandexpressednoneurons,andtheworkingmemorydeterioratedremarkably. Conclusions. Transplantation ofneurospheres, but not ES cells, into theprefrontal and parietal cortices, dramatically alleviated the cholinergic deficits and recent memory disruption in the NBM lesioned mice. J. Med. Invest. 53 : 61-69, February, 2006