Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
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Accurate comparisons of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders across Eastern and Western cultures are difficult and limited by methodological problems. Nevertheless, using standardized diagnostic and evaluation techniques, recent surveys have suggested that depression and anxiety disorders exist in all countries and cultures examined thus far, although variations in the prevalence rates and symptomatology may exist. This article discusses the influence and impact that culture can have on recognizing and treating mood and anxiety disorders, with a particular focus on Japan. Over the last 20 years, studies have consistently reported an increase in mental illness in Japan, especially symptoms of depression and anxiety. While such symptoms have had an adaptive cultural role in the past, current social and economic changes in Japan have turned any adaptive advantage into a potentially significant disadvantage, with a major impact on the capacity of individuals to function adequately. The situation is compounded by the fact that Japanese patients are reluctant to openly discuss disturbances of mood, since these are considered to be indicative of personal weakness rather than treatable medical conditions. Reluctance to discuss personal mental health hinders timely recognition and appropriate treatment. Introduction There is an ongoing debate about the universality and culturally specific nature of mental disorders. While it appears that many of the major psychiatric disorders exist in most, if not all, cultures studied, culture plays an important role in shaping the nature, recognition, treatment, and implication of each disorder. The term culture is fraught with many difficulties. While many implicitly understand its meaning, researchers often use it without careful consideration. In this article, culture is defined as a combination of values, ways of thinking, practices, and institutions that are shared by a definable group of people. It is a way to consciously or subconsciously construct and view the world and one’s position within it. Culture is not static, but dynamic—it changes as relationships between its members and the environment or context change. Cultures do not always have clear boundaries, and sometimes differ only in degree of difference on a dimension or in a collective interpretation (eg, positive or negative) of that dimension or variable. Psychopathology itself can represent an exageration of elements within a culture, or stand in contrast to what is seen as normal. For some, elements of psychopathology can be a culturally sanctioned response to a stressful Untitled Page file://///10.1. 1.14/data_bsb/Archival/Scanning/Clinic-Suppl/9-s4/s2.htm 2 of 16 9/14/2012 7:09 PM
ANALYSIS OF THE CONSTITUENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 1ST PHASE OF IFRS 9 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The paper examines the level of involvement of all major stakeholder groups in the development of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments – Phase 1 through the submission of comment letters on the ED/2009/7 and also their level of support/opposition for the aforementioned ED. In addition, it keeps track of the degree in which the respondents’ concerns and complaints were integrated in the final standard. The findings confirmed the ever-growing interest in the subject of accounting for financial instruments. The huge number of comment letters submitted by all stakeholder interest groups from all over the world highlighted that fact. Europeans, financial institutions and their trade associations (users) reacted the most by sending the largest number of letters. Content analysis of the comment letters analyzed in this paper revealed split views over the ED between supporters and opponents. All respondents disapproved the proposals to a certain extent (with higher level of disagreement from financial institutions and Europeans), but they also displayed strong and widespread support for certain proposals/questions. Moreover, there was a satisfactory level of integration of the respondents’ opinions and positions in the final version of IFRS 9.
Effect of thermal pulsation treatment on tear film parameters in dry eye disease patients

Purpose The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal pulsation treatment on tear film parameters, specifically osmolarity and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye disease (DED). Methods A single-center review of 189 eyes that underwent thermal pulsation treatment was performed. Data were collected on pre and posttreatment osmolarity, MMP-9, tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score. Statistical analyses were performed to detect any significant differences after treatment. Results Thermal pulsation treatment led to significant improvements in TBUT (mean increase from 4.5 to 8.5 seconds [P<0.001]), OSDI score (mean decrease from 50.5 to 41.6 [P=0.024]), and MMP-9 (50% positive rate pretreatment compared to 26% positive rate post treatment [P<0.0001]). In the subset of patients who had a baseline osmolarity >307 mOsm/L (ie, diagnostic for DED), there was a significant improvement in the mean tear osmolarity from 317.1 to 306.6 mOsms/L after treatment (P=0.002). Conclusion Treating MGD is an important component of caring for the DED patient. Thermal pulsation treatment can improve MMP-9 levels on the ocular surface of patients with MGD and DED, as well as improve osmolarity in those with abnormal initial values. The present study suggests that meibomian glands play an important role in tear film dynamics and, as such, effective therapy such as thermal pulsation treatment aimed at improving meibomian gland health, can aid the restoration of normal tear film parameters and decrease patient symptoms of DED and MGD.
Evaluating a preceptorship programme in South West Ireland: perceptions of preceptors and undergraduate students.

AIM The study sought to evaluate stakeholder perspective of preceptor preparation and attributes. BACKGROUND In Ireland, undergraduate students are supported by a named preceptor on clinical placement. A preceptor is a registered nurse who has completed a teaching, assessment and preceptorship programme. Preceptor preparation is costly in terms of facilitation and staff release/replacement. To date, in Ireland, research has not explored the effectiveness of preceptor preparation. METHOD An utilization-focussed approach was adopted incorporating a two-phase research process; Phase 1 being exploratory while Phase 2 aimed to validate inductions derived from the previous stage. Results The programme is effective in meeting its learning outcomes. The findings are categorized into four theme areas: the importance of preceptor characteristics, the demonstration of these characteristics, knowledge demonstrated by the preceptors and the skills demonstrated by the preceptor. CONCLUSION(S) Preceptors, to be effective within the preceptor/student relationship, need to integrate both their professional and personal attributes to effectively socialize students to the profession of nursing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT The preceptor role is invaluable within nurse education. This study supports the release of registered nurses to attend preceptor preparation programmes. It highlights the importance of nursing management in preceptor selection, release, support and monitoring in order to create an effective clinical learning environment.
Perspectives for Clinical Translation of Adipose Stromal/Stem Cells

Adipose stromal/stem cells (ASCs) are an ideal cell type for regenerative medicine applications, as they can easily be harvested from adipose tissue in large quantities. ASCs have excellent proliferation, differentiation, and immunoregulatory capacities that have been demonstrated in numerous studies. Great interest and investment have been placed in efforts to exploit the allogeneic use and immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of ASCs. However, bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies and moving into clinical practice remain a challenge. For the clinical translation of ASCs, several issues must be considered, including how to characterise such a heterogenic cell population and how to ensure their safety and efficacy. This review explores the different phases of in vitro and preclinical ASC characterisation and describes the development of appropriate potency assays. In addition, good manufacturing practice requirements are discussed, and cell-based medicinal products holding marketing authorisation in the European Union are reviewed. Moreover, the current status of clinical trials applying ASCs and the patent landscape in the field of ASC research are presented. Overall, this review highlights the applicability of ASCs for clinical cell therapies and discusses their potential.
Increased levels of 5HT2A receptor mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with major depression: correlations with severity and duration of illness

Abstract Background: Neuroimaging, immunologic, and pharmacologic studies have emphasized the role of 5-HT2A and 5-HT3A serotonin receptors in the pathophysiology of major depression. Aim: The aim of this study was to measure the relative expression of 5-HT2A and 5-HT3A receptor mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Method: 5-HT2A and 5-HT3A receptor mRNA expressions were examined in PBMCs of 25 medication-naïve-patients with MDD, 25 medication-free MDD patients, and 25 healthy controls. 5-HT2A and 5-HT3A receptor mRNA expressions were measured using real-time quantitative PCR. This study evaluated patients’ clinical symptoms using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items (HDRS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Relative 5-HTR2A mRNA expression was significantly higher in PBMCs of all MDD patients when compared with healthy controls (Z = −3.875, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the relative levels of 5-HTR3A mRNA expression in PBMCs of all MDD patients when compared with healthy controls (Z = −1.328, p > 0.05). MDD patients showed significant correlations between 5-HTR2A mRNA expression and HDRS scores (rs = 0.902, p < 0.001) and BDI scores (rs = 0.878, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that depressed patients, irrespective of treatment, have higher 5-HTR2A mRNA levels in PBMCs than healthy subjects. It also provided evidence that 5-HTR2A mRNA levels in PBMCs of MDD patients could be associated with the severity of depression and the duration of the illness.
Sepsis in Infants: Analysis of Bacterial Pathogens and their Antibiotic Susceptibility, A Study at Government Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi

Objective: To assess the frequency of causative bacterial pathogen of sepsis in infant, their antibiotic susceptibilityand to determine resistance pattern in commonly used antibiotics.Place and Duration of Study: Central Lab Civil Hospital, Karachi, 6 months.Study Design: Retrospective Descriptive observational study.Patients and Method: All 1414 reports of blood samples send for culture/sensitivity of infants admitted in CivilHospital Karachi during the study period were scrutinized for bacterial pathogen, their frequency, antibioticsusceptibility and resistance pattern.Result: Out of 1414 infants, 604 (42.7%) had positive blood culture. Gram positive bacteria were predominant(54.1%) than gram negative (45.9%). Male: female ratio was found to be approximately 1:0.9. Total 9 organismswere isolated, in which staphylococcus aureus predominates followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichiacoli respectively. The overall sensitivity of the organism to Amikacin and Cefotaxime were 60.87%and 36.67%respectively which are currently in use as empirical therapy in pediatric ward of CHK. The organisms weremost sensitive to Vancomycin (95.54%), Sparfloxacin (94.16%), Linezolid (93.56%), while mostly resistant tokanamycin (56.21%), cephalosporins (55.9%), Gentamycin (54.31%) and amoxicillin (51.11%). Conclusion: Gram positive organisms were identified as the major threat for sepsis in infants. An emergingpattern of resistance was observed against commonly used antibiotic so there is a need to control the spread ofthese resistant strains through infection control programs and continuous monitoring of drug resistant patterns.
The needs of parents with children suffering from lethal epidermolysis bullosa

Background Some subtypes of the heterogeneous genetic blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB) lead to lethality in childhood. The severity and extent of blistering leaves these patients living in excruciating pain and distress their entire lives. Parents of these patients experience some specific problems, such as the unfamiliarity of EB amongst healthcare professionals and the suffering and loss of their child.
MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery of fibroadenomas in the breast: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE To test the feasibility of noninvasive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) of benign fibroadenomas in the breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven fibroadenomas in nine patients under local anesthesia were treated with MR imaging-guided FUS. Based on a T2-weighted definition of target volumes, sequential sonications were delivered to treat the entire target. Temperature-sensitive phase-difference-based MR imaging was performed during each sonication to monitor focus localization and tissue temperature changes. After the procedure, T2-weighted and contrast material-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging were performed to evaluate immediate and long-term effects. RESULTS Thermal imaging sequences were improved over the treatment period, with 82% (279 of 342) of the hot spots visible in the last seven treatments. The MR imager was used to measure temperature elevation (12.8 degrees -49.9 degrees C) from these treatments. Eight of the 11 lesions treated demonstrated complete or partial lack of contrast material uptake on posttherapy T1-weighted images. Three lesions showed no marked decrease of contrast material uptake. This lack of effective treatment was most likely due to a lower acoustic power and/or patient movement that caused misregistration. No adverse effects were detected, except for one case of transient edema in the pectoralis muscle 2 days after therapy. CONCLUSION MR imaging-guided FUS can be performed to noninvasively coagulate benign breast fibroadenomas.
Strategy, Valuation, and Forecast Accuracy: Evidence from Italian Strategic Plan Disclosures

Abstract Using a sample of 264 strategic plan presentations by Milan Stock Exchange firms during 2001–2012, we present evidence of both a security price reaction and an increase in the accuracy of analysts’ earnings forecasts pursuant to plan disclosure. In the cross-section, the information content of the plan disclosures and the accuracy increase are incrementally associated with the extent of forward-looking narrative disclosures in the plan, after controlling for other disclosures within and outside the plan presentation and the fact that the firm has self-selected into the sample. Both quantitative and qualitative narrative disclosures are informative to investors and analysts. The results are driven by narrative disclosures about company strategy and action plans rather than about the business environment in which the company operates. Our study informs the current debate on the use of voluntary comprehensive, integrated, long-run-oriented strategic plan disclosure as a potential complement for disclosures such as quarterly earnings forecasts that have been described as an example of ‘short-termism’.
Findings From EuroTrak Surveys From 2009 to 2015: Hearing Loss Prevalence, Hearing Aid Adoption, and Benefits of Hearing Aid Use.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze data from the EuroTrak surveys performed from 2009 to 2015 in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to identify factors that could account for the growth in hearing aid sales over that period. Method Data of 132,028 people-approximately 15,000 for each of the 3 countries at 3-year intervals-were collected using a questionnaire. The sample in each country was weighted using the respective country age-gender populations to get balanced results. Furthermore, 11,867 persons with self-reported hearing impairment filled in a comprehensive questionnaire on hearing status and related matters; 4,631 were hearing aid owners. Data were pooled over the 3 countries for each of the years 2009, 2012, and 2015 and analyzed for developments over the 6-year period. In certain cases, data were pooled across countries and years. The analysis focused on hearing loss prevalence, hearing aid adoption rates, satisfaction with hearing aids, and benefits of hearing aid use. Results Hearing loss prevalence was stable over the period around 10%-slightly higher for men than for women. Hearing aid adoption overall increased from 33% to 37%, and bilateral use increased from 55% to 69%. Intervals between hearing aid renewals decreased. These factors contribute to increased hearing aid sales. Bilateral users are more satisfied with the hearing aid product features (76%) and performance (72%) and use their hearing aids 9.1 hr per day, compared with unilateral users where the corresponding numbers are 71%, 67%, and 7.8 hr, respectively. Satisfaction with hearing aid product features and performance in general is slightly increasing; hearing aid users are 14.5% less exhausted at the end of the day compared with nonusers with similar hearing loss and exhibit less depressive and forgetfulness symptoms. Conclusions The prevalence of self-reported hearing loss is 10.6% and stable, and hearing aid adoption has increased, particularly of bilateral fittings that are more satisfactory and exhibit higher daily use patterns. Higher uptake of hearing aids contributes to growing hearing aid sales.
Managing the Total Customer Experience

Offering products or services alone is no longer enough: Organizations must provide their customers with satisfactory experiences. Competing on this dimension means orchestrating all the clues "that people detect in the buying process. " Customers always have an experience ? good, bad or indifferent ? whenever they purchase a product or service from a company. The quality of the experience lies in how effectively the company manages it, in all its facets and from beginning to end. Organizations that simply tweak design elements or focus on improving isolated pockets of the customer experience ? by providing a quick hit of entertainment, for example ? will be disappointed in the results. An organization's first step toward managing the total customer experience is recognizing what the authors call clues: the signals or messages given off by everything that touches on the buying process. Clues can include the product itself (does it work as advertised? ), the layout of a retail outlet (are the signs easy to follow? ), the tone of voice of the salesperson (did he really mean it when he said, "Have a nice day"? ), and so on. Organizations that orchestrate the sum total of all the clues can create an optimal experience for their patrons. Addressing the clues that speak to emotions is especially important. Emotional bonds between companies and customers are difficult for competitors to sever. The internalized meaning and value that the clues assume can create a deep-seated preference for a particular experience ? and thus for one company's product or service over another's. The authors explain the tools that are available to help organizations rethink the signals they are sending to customers. They also show how the tools work in practice by presenting two case studies in which organizations dramatically improved their customers' experiences.
Flanking sequences affect replication arrest at the Escherichia coli terminator TerB in vivo

We have analyzed the effect of flanking sequences on Tus-induced replication arrest. pBR322 plasmid derivatives which carry the Escherichia coli replication terminator TerB at different locations were used. Efficiency of the replication arrest was estimated from the plasmid copy number and transformation frequency of tus+ cells. We found that flanking sequences do affect replication arrest efficiency, a weak arrest being correlated with the presence of an AT-rich region which is replicated just before TerB. Some sequences located after the replication terminator can also affect replication termination. We propose that the AT-rich regions might impair binding of the Tus protein to the TerB sequence or facilitate helicase-induced unwinding of DNA and Tus displacement from the TerB site.
Educational intervention and the health seeking attitude and adherence to therapy by tuberculosis patients from an urban slum in lagos Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Community based participation has been advocated by a number of international health organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO) as a solution to the problems of poor patient adherence and default from Directly Observed Treatment Short course [DOTs] programmes for tuberculosis control. OBJECTIVES To determine the impact of a health educational intervention on the management of tuberculosis in relation to the outcome and adherence to therapy by Tuberculosis patients residing in a densely populated urban slum in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS The study was conducted using forty tuberculosis patients (confirmed by acid fast bacilli positive sputum), and selected randomly from those who attend the Mainland Hospital in Lagos. They were divided into two groups of twenty each made up of those to be provided with education intervention at the community level and the control groups followed up at the hospital level only. An initial assessment of the knowledge about tuberculosis management was done through a structured questionnaire for both groups. This was followed by continuous health talks for intervention group in form of neighbourhood self help approach. RESULTS The results showed that the intervention had a significant impact on the understanding of disease and its management (X(2) =11.842 p<0.05), DOTS and increased awareness (X(2) =17.289 p<0.05, X(2) =10.461 p<0.05), knowing the side effects of anti-TB drugs (X(2) =10.157 p<0.05), the meaning of resistance to anti-Tuberculosis drugs (X(2) =19.798 p<0.05, X(2) =11.192 p<0.05) and importance of contact tracing (X(2) =32.4 p<0.05, X(2) =3.360 p<0.05). CONCLUSION An effective health education is therefore beneficial for TB control in Nigeria.