Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Working Memory Training in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study

Background. There is evidence that patients with schizophrenia suffer from decline in working memory performance with consequences for psychosocial outcome. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of a computerized working memory training program (BrainStim) in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods. Twenty-nine inpatients with chronic schizophrenia were assigned to either the intervention group receiving working memory training (N = 15) or the control group without intervention (N = 14). Training was performed four times a week for 45 minutes during four weeks under neuropsychological supervision. At baseline and followup all participants underwent neuropsychological testing. Results. Pre-post comparisons of neuropsychological measures showed improvements in visual and verbal working memories and visual short-term memory with small and large effect sizes in the intervention group. In contrast, the control group showed decreased performance in verbal working memory and only slight changes in visual working memory and visual and verbal short-term memories after 4 weeks. Analyses of training profiles during application of BrainStim revealed increased performance over the 4-week training period. Conclusions. The applied training tool BrainStim improved working memory and short-term memory in patients with chronic schizophrenia. The present study implies that chronic schizophrenic patients can benefit from computerized cognitive remediation training of working memory in a clinical setting.
Mental-health issues and challenging clients in executive coaching

Coaching is emerging as one of the major forms of personal and professional development used by executives. Organisations and individuals use coaching to develop skills, enhance performance, develop leadership and personal functioning, and to remediate unhelpful patterns of behaviour. As such, coaching and therapy share some ground and some techniques. It is often said that one of the key differences between coaching and therapy is that coaching deals with nonclinical populations, whereas therapy is designed to address the needs of people suffering from diagnosable clinical disorders such as depression and anxiety. While this is an important distinction and one that coaches need to take seriously, the task of determining the boundaries between psychopathology and the normal range of human functioning can be difficult. When is a person simply sad, and when are they depressed? When is the worry an executive feels over delivering a key presentation just the normal butterflies associated with public speaking, and when is it a symptom of a more pervasive case of social phobia? These are complex questions for coaches, particularly those untrained in psychology and the behavioural sciences. Nevertheless they are important issues, because coaches are inevitably faced with the problem of significant mental-health problems in some clients.
Incidence and determinants of skin cancer in a high‐risk australian population

In a Queensland community, we surveyed the incidence of basal‐cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous‐cell carcinoma (SCC), and associated risk factors. In December, 1986, 2,095 residents were examined by dermatologists for skin cancer. Of these, 1,770 further participated in a follow‐up postal sur vey in December, 1987, regarding all skin cancers in the pre ceding 2 years, and 87 reported being treated for skin cancer in the 2‐year period between December 1985 and November 1987. The estimated annual incidence rates of non‐melanoma skin cancer in men and women aged 20‐69 years were 2,389/ 100,000 and 1,908/100,000 respectively, with an overall ratio of BCC cases to SCC cases of 4.5 to one. While both tumour types occurred more commonly in fair‐complexioned people, the risk associated with high sun exposure was greater for SCC than for BCC. Clinical signs of solar skin damage, espe cially the number of solar keratoses on the face, were the strongest predictors of both types of skin cancer.
Transcriptional Gene Silencing (TGS) via the RNAi Machinery in HIV-1 Infections

Gene silencing via non-coding RNA, such as siRNA and miRNA, can occur at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational stages of expression. Transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) involving the RNAi machinery generally occurs through DNA methylation, as well as histone post-translational modifications, and corresponding remodeling of chromatin around the target gene into a heterochromatic state. The mechanism by which mammalian TGS occurs includes the recruitment of RNA-induced initiation of transcriptional gene silencing (RITS) complexes, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and other chromatin remodelers. Additionally, virally infected cells encoding miRNAs have also been shown to manipulate the host cell RNAi machinery to induce TGS at the viral genome, thereby establishing latency. Furthermore, the introduction of exogenous siRNA and shRNA into infected cells that target integrated viral promoters can greatly suppress viral transcription via TGS. Here we examine the latest findings regarding mammalian TGS, specifically focusing on HIV-1 infected cells, and discuss future avenues of exploration in this field.
Treatment of Hypertension in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Hypertension is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, both in the developed and developing world. Most deaths occur due to cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. In the Asia Pacific Region, hypertension alone contributes to 66% of all cardiovascular deaths, more than it does worldwide. The most recent meta-analysis on the benefits of treating hypertension showed that tighter control of blood pressure (133/76 mmHg) leads to a significant 14% reduction in myocardial infraction. In patients with concurrent Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) the two issues which need to be addressed are: 1) to determine the target of blood pressure (BP), and; 2) to determine the drug of choice in hypertensive patients with concurrent CAD. Up to five years ago, most Clinical Practice Guidelines suggested that target BP to be achieved was <130/80 mmHg. This however was revised recently to <140/90 mmHg. The new cut-off was mainly due to lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials on the lower BP of <130/80 mmHg and the persistence concern about the J curve. This article reviewed recommendations made by the latest Hypertension Guidelines across major hypertension societies in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific Region published over the last 3 years in the English language. These were than compared with major clinical outcome studies investigating phenotype of patients with hypertension and CAD. The treatment of choice for patients with CAD depends on clinical circumstances. In patients with underlying CAD, calcium channel blockers (verapamil) and beta blockers (atenolol) are indicated based on the INVEST trial. Besides, ACE I should also be the treatment of choice as indicated by the EUROPA trial especially in patients with minimal symptomatic angina. Beta blockers and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are indicated for symptomatic angina although there is no evidence of their impact on prognosis. For patients with previous myocardial infarction and normal left ventricular ejection fraction , ACE I and beta blockers are the drugs of choice to improve prognosis and clinical outcome although doubt has been raised on the benefits of beta blockers especially for mortality reduction. As for post-MI patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, ACE I (or ARB), beta blockers and aldosterone antagonist are indicated.
Proteomics Analysis to Identify and Characterize the Biomarkers and Physical Activities of Non-Frail and Frail Older Adults

Globally, the proportion of older adults is increasing. Older people face chronic conditions such as sarcopenia and functional decline, which are often associated with disability and frailty. Proteomics assay of potential serum biomarkers of frailty in older adults. Older adults were divided into non-frail and frail groups (n = 6 each; 3 males in each group) in accordance with the Chinese-Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale. Adults were measured for grip power and the 6-min walk test for physical activity, and venous blood was sampled after adults fasted for 8 h. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used for proteomics assay. The groups were compared for levels of biomarkers by t test and Pearson correlation analysis. Non-frail and frail subjects had mean age 77.5±0.4 and 77.7±1.6 years, mean height 160.5±1.3 and 156.6±2.9 cm and mean weight 62.5±1.2 and 62.8±2.9 kg, respectively. Physical activity level was lower for frail than non-frail subjects (grip power: 13.8±0.4 vs 26.1±1.2 kg; 6-min walk test: 215.2±17.2 vs 438.3±17.2 m). Among 226 proteins detected, for 31, serum levels were significantly higher for frail than non-frail subjects; serum levels of Ig kappa chain V-III region WOL, COX7A2, and albumin were lower. The serum levels of ANGT, KG and AT were 2.05-, 1.76- and 2.22-fold lower (all p < 0.05; Figure 1A, 2A and 3A) for non-frail than frail subjects and were highly correlated with grip power (Figure 1B, 2B and 3B). Our study found that ANGT, KG and AT levels are known to increase with aging, so degenerated vascular function might be associated with frailty. In total, 226 proteins were revealed proteomics assay; levels of angiotensinogen (ANGT), kininogen-1 (KG) and antithrombin III (AT) were higher in frail than non-frail subjects (11.26±2.21 vs 5.09±0.74; 18.42±1.36 vs 11.64±1.36; 22.23±1.64 vs 9.52±0.95, respectively, p < 0.05). These 3 factors were highly correlated with grip power (p < 0.05), with higher correlations between grip power and serum levels of ANGT (r = -0.89), KG (r = -0.90), and AT (r = -0.84). In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate a serum proteomic profile characteristic of frailty in older adults. Serum ANGT, KG and AT levels could be potential biomarkers for monitoring the development and progression of frailty in older adults.
An international multicenter randomized study of computer‐assisted oral anticoagulant dosage vs. medical staff dosage

Summary. Background: Increased demand for oral anticoagulants is overwhelming facilities worldwide, resulting in increasing use of computer assistance. A multicenter clinical endpoint study has been performed to compare the safety and effectiveness of computer‐assisted dosage with dosage by experienced medical staff at the same centers. Methods: A randomized study of dosage of two commercial computer‐assisted dosage programs (PARMA 5 and DAWN AC) vs. manual dosage at 32 centers with an established interest in oral anticoagulation in 13 countries. The aim was to recruit a minimum of 16 000 patient‐years randomized to medical staff or computer‐assisted dosage. In total, 13 219 patients participated, 6503 patients being randomized to medical staff and 6716 to computer‐assisted dosage. The safety and effectiveness of computer‐assisted dosage were compared with those of medical staff dosage. Results: In total, 13 052 patients were recruited (18 617 patient‐years). International Normalized Ratio (INR) tests numbered 193 890 with manual dosage and 193 424 with computer‐assisted dosage. The number of clinical events with computer‐assisted dosage was lower (P = 0.1), but in the 3209 patients with deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, they were reduced by 37 (24%, P = 0.001). Time in target INR range was significantly improved by computer assistance as compared with medical staff dosage at the majority of centers (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The safety and effectiveness of computer‐assisted dosage has been demonstrated using two different marketed programs in comparison with experienced medical staff dosage at the centers with established interest in anticoagulation. Significant prevention of clinical events in patients with deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and the achievement of target INR in all clinical groups has been observed. The reliability and safety of other marketed computer‐assisted dosage programs need to be established.
Benefits of bariatric surgery: an issue of microbial–host metabolism interactions?

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are becoming worldwide epidemics. In this regard, the literature provides evidence that low-grade inflammation contributes to the onset of the metabolic disorders associated with overweight and obesity (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases). 1 A considerable number of factors have been associated with the development of obesity, including the gut microbiota. The novel concept, that we defined as ‘MicrObesity’ (Microbes and Obesity), is devoted to delineating the impact of dysbiosis (changes in gut microbiota composition and/or activity) and its implications on host metabolism and energy storage.2 Although the exact composition of the gut microbiota is not known, advances in metagenomic and metabonomic technologies have recently begun to unravel our microbial partners including the symbiotic complexity of the host–gut microbiota interactions, reflected by a specific chemical signature in the different biofluids.3 Over the last years, bariatric surgical approaches (eg, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery) have provided interesting results, not only in achieving and maintaining appropriate weight loss, but most importantly by the resolution of type 2 diabetes independently of weight changes.4 …
Invisible streams

For Hannah Arendt, some of the most distinctive features of the modern age derived from the adoption of a process-imaginary in science, history, and administration. This article examines Arendt’s work, identifying what it calls the ‘process-frame’ in her criticism of imperialism, economy, and the biologization of politics. It discusses an interpretation in which ‘natality’ presents a completely alternative mode of temporality, a resistance to the process-frame. This interpretation, it is argued, needs to be specified by taking into account that political action both interrupts and starts processes of its own. To confine and overcome the negative effects of process-framing, it is important to emphasize action as a world-building activity – something capable of establishing a relatively stable area of the common world by initiating processes of its own. Second, it is also important to cultivate ways of thinking and perceiving particular acts as meaningfully independent of all-embracing processes.
Reading between the lines: exploring methods for analysing professional examiner feedback discourse

ABSTRACT This paper uses the remote interactions of professional examiners working for a UK-based awarding body as a vehicle for discussing the benefits of the use of different methods for analysing such discourse. Communication is an area of interest for sociocultural theory because it can potentiate cognitive shifts in participants and affords learning. In the professional examiner context the feedback given to examiners by more senior colleagues on their performance is a mechanism through which the examiners ensure that their work articulates [Schmidt 2011. “Taking CSCW Seriously: Supporting Articulation Work. ” In Cooperative Work and Coordinative Practices, 45–72. Computer Supported Cooperative Work. London: Springer]. Moreover, this communication has a learning function that helps examiners to become members of the professional community. The study captures feedback interaction data from 21 examiners. Once the study context is outlined, the paper briefly discusses three different approaches that have been widely used to analyse communication data. The paper then goes on to propose, using case study analyses of some of the study data, how these methods can be used to augment each other as part of a general sociocultural discourse analysis framework to construct a broad picture of communication.
Unipolar localization and ATPase activity of IcsA, a Shigella flexneri protein involved in intracellular movement

Shigella flexneri uses elements of the host cell cytoskeleton to move within cells and from cell to cell. IcsA, an S. flexneri protein involved in this movement, was purified and studied in vitro. IcsA bound the radiolabelled ATP analog 3'(2')-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP and hydrolyzed ATP. In addition, the surface localization of IcsA on both extracellular and intracellular shigellae was unipolar. Further, in HeLa cells infected with shigellae, IcsA antiserum labelled the actin tail throughout its length, thereby suggesting that IcsA interacts with elements within the tail. Localization of IcsA within the tail at a distance from the bacterium would require its secretion; we demonstrate here that in vitro IcsA is secreted into the culture supernatant in a cleaved form.
Rationale and Design of the Mechanistic Potential of Antihypertensives in Preclinical Alzheimer's (HEART) Trial.

Research indicates that certain antihypertensive medications alter Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in Caucasians. The renin angiotensin system (RAS) regulates blood pressure (BP) in the body and the brain and may directly influence AD biomarkers, including amyloid-β (Aβ) neuropathology, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and inflammatory markers. This hypothesis is supported by studies, including ours, showing that antihypertensives targeting the RAS reduce the risk and slow the progression of AD in Caucasians. While mounting evidence supports a protective role of RAS medications in Caucasians, this mechanism has not been explored in African Americans. To assess the mechanism by which RAS medications modify the brain RAS, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ, CBF, and inflammatory markers in African Americans, we are conducting an eight month, Phase Ib randomized, placebo controlled trial, enrolling 60 middle-aged (45-70 years), non-demented individuals, at risk for AD by virtue of a parental history. Participants include normotensive and treated hypertensives that have never been exposed to a RAS medication. Participants are randomized (1 : 1:1) by gender and BP medication use (yes/no) to one of three groups: placebo, or 20 mg, or 40 mg telmisartan (Micardis), to determine the dose required to penetrate the CNS. Our overarching hypothesis is that, compared to placebo, both doses of telmisartan will penetrate the CNS and produce salutary, dose dependent effects on the brain RAS as well as CSF Aβ, CBF, and CSF inflammatory markers in African Americans, over eight months. This manuscript describes the trial rationale and design.
In vitro activity of colistin as single agent and in combination with antifungals against filamentous fungi occurring in patients with cystic fibrosis

Because published reports indicate that the antibiotic colistin (COL) has antifungal properties, this study investigated the antifungal in vitro activity of COL as single agent and in combination with the antifungal compounds voriconazole (VRC), caspofungin (CAS) and amphotericin B (AMB) against Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria spp. , Exophiala dermatitidis and Geosmithia argillacea. In total, susceptibility was determined for 77 Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria spp. , 82 E. dermatitidis and 17 G. argillacea isolates. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of COL and the antifungals as single compound and in combination were determined with MIC test strips. Drug interactions were detected by crossing the MIC test strips at a 90º angle. The fractional inhibitory concentration index was used to categorise the drugs’ interaction. The MIC50 value of COL was 12 μg ml−1 for S. prolificans, 16 μg ml−1 for P. apiosperma, 16 μg ml−1 for P. boydii, 12 μg ml−1 for E. dermatiditis and 6 μg ml−1 for G. argillacea. VRC was the most active drug in combination without any antagonism with the exception of few P. boydii isolates. COL as single agent and in most combinations with antifungals exhibits in vitro antifungal activity against filamentous ascomycetes occurring in cystic fibrosis patients and may offer a novel therapeutic option, especially for multidrug‐resistant S. prolificans.
FP-CIT SPECT is a useful method to monitor the rate of dopaminergic degeneration in early-stage Parkinson ’ s disease

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Spillovers and Asset Prices

We provide new empirical evidence of a relationship between asset prices and tradeinduced international R&D spillovers; in particular, we find that pairs of countries that share more research and development exhibit more highly correlated stock market returns and less volatile exchange rates. We develop an endogenous growth model of innovation and international technology diffusion that accounts for these empirical findings. A calibrated version of the model matches several important asset pricing and quantity moments, which helps explain some of the classical quantity–price puzzles highlighted in the literature on international macroeconomics.
Disability and ‘care’: managers, employees and colleagues with impairments negotiating the social order of disability

This study explores how the ‘care’ of able-bodied employees and managers (observers) affects their relationships with colleagues with cerebral palsy. Disability researchers have established that ‘help’ and ‘care’ may cause feelings of dependency with the recipient. However, few workplace studies have investigated the potential negative consequences of ‘caring for’ colleagues with disabilities. Through open-ended interviews conducted in 2013 in 13 Danish work organizations with 13 employees with cerebral palsy and 62 observers, the study examines how the relational aspect of ‘care’ may result in relationships between colleagues of ‘parent–child’ or ‘helper–helpless’. The study thus clarifies the inherent contradictions embedded in the dynamics of organizational behaviour in relation to employees with disabilities, namely that workplaces may hire a person with physical limitations (perhaps to deflect accusations of social discrimination) and still end up stigmatizing these workers because of the stereotypical assumptions related to employees with disabilities.
The E-Z Reader model of eye-movement control in reading: Comparisons to other models

The E-Z Reader model (Reichle et al. 1998; 1999) provides a theoretical framework for understanding how word identification, visual processing, attention, and oculomotor control jointly determine when and where the eyes move during reading. In this article, we first review what is known about eye movements during reading. Then we provide an updated version of the model (E-Z Reader 7) and describe how it accounts for basic findings about eye movement control in reading. We then review several alternative models of eye movement control in reading, discussing both their core assumptions and their theoretical scope. On the basis of this discussion, we conclude that E-Z Reader provides the most comprehensive account of eye movement control during reading. Finally, we provide a brief overview of what is known about the neural systems that support the various components of reading, and suggest how the cognitive constructs of our model might map onto this neural architecture.