Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Personality and dementia caring: a review and commentary

Purpose of review Carers of people with dementia are at increased risk of experiencing psychological distress. This article reviews recent findings on the role of personality traits for psychological outcomes for carers of people with dementia. Recent findings Several studies have now established that personality influences the caregiving experience, carer well-being and outcomes such as coping ability, burden and caregiving style. Several moderators of these associations have also been identified such as the effect of kinship and type of dementia. There is consistent evidence that carer personality characteristics influence the progression of the disease such as cognitive decline and severity. Most of the recent studies identified in this review are cross-sectional. Summary Taken together, these results indicate that personality is an important psychological resource for carers. Recent findings indicate that personality traits are associated with and influence both carer and patient outcomes. Future research is necessary to guide interventions and to expand further on our understanding of how personality factors shape adjustment to the caregiving role and how these impact on the progression of the disease.
Polyethylenimine of various molecular weights as adjuvant for transfection mediated by cationic liposomes

Over the last years significant progress has been made in non-viral gene delivery mediated by cationic liposomes. However, the results obtained are still far from being satisfactory regarding transfection efficiency, particularly when compared to that achieved using viral vectors. We have previously demonstrated that association of transferrin with cationic liposomes significantly improves transfection in a large variety of cells, both in vitro and in vivo. In this work, several strategies have been explored in order to further improve transfection mediated by transferrin-associated lipoplexes. To this regard, the effect on transfection of pre-condensation of DNA with polyethylenimine of low MWs (2.7, 2.0 and 0.8 KDa) at various N/P ratios, lipid composition, cationic lipid/DNA (+/-) charge ratio and the presence of a surfactant in the lipoplexes was investigated. Two different modes for preparing the liposomes were tested and the extent of cell association of their complexes with DNA as well as their capacity to protect the carried DNA were evaluated. Our results show that complexes generated from cationic liposomes prepared by the ethanol injection method in which the carried DNA was pre-condensed with low MW polyethylenimine are highly efficient in mediating transfection. The differential modulating effect observed upon association of transferrin to various liposome formulations on transfection mediated by the polyethylenimine-complexes suggests that these complexes enter into the cells through different pathways (involving clathrin versus caveolin), most likely by taking advantage of their intrinsic biophysical properties to escape from the endosome to the cytosol.
The SOD mimetic tempol restores vasodilation in afferent arterioles of experimental diabetes.

BACKGROUND Endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired in large conduit vessels in diabetes mellitus. Oxygen radicals contribute to the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation. We tested the hypothesis that stimulated endothelium-dependent vasodilation is reduced in renal afferent arterioles in diabetes and is caused by an increase in vascular superoxide (O2(-)). METHODS Renal afferent arterioles from normal and insulin-treated alloxan-diabetic rabbits were microdissected and microperfused in vitro for the study of luminal diameter responses to acetylcholine (Ach; 10(-11) to 10(-6) mol/L). The blood glucose concentration of insulin-treated alloxan-diabetic rabbits was elevated fourfold compared with normal rabbits (319 +/- 23 vs. 79 +/- 6 mg/dL, P < 0.001). RESULTS In norepinephrine (NE)-preconstricted afferent arterioles of normal rabbits, Ach significantly (P < 0.001) increased luminal diameter by 165 +/- 44%. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-4) mol/L) blocked this Ach-induced vasodilation. In marked contrast, in NE-preconstricted arterioles of diabetic rabbits, Ach significantly (P < 0.01) decreased luminal diameter by 41 +/- 11%. Pretreatment of diabetic afferent arterioles with the superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic tempol (10(-3) mol/L) restored a vasodilator response to Ach. In NE-preconstricted diabetic afferent arterioles treated with tempol, Ach significantly (P < 0.001) increased luminal diameter by 25 +/- 6%. CONCLUSIONS Ach-induced afferent arteriolar vasodilation is dependent on nitric oxide and is impaired in diabetes. O2(-) contributes to the impaired Ach-induced vasodilation in renal afferent arterioles in diabetes.
Genetic and environmental influences on self‐reported and parent‐reported behavior problems in young adult adoptees

The aim of the present study was to estimate the genetic, shared and nonshared environmental contributions to self‐reported and parent‐reported internalizing and externalizing problems in a follow‐up study of intercountry adopted young adults. Young Adult Self‐Report ratings were obtained from 1475 adoptees aged 22–32 years and Young Adult Behavior Checklist ratings from 1115 adoptive parents. For the genetic analyses, a subset of 143 adopted biologically related and 295 unrelated siblings was used. The data were subjected to model fitting decomposing three sources of variance: genetic factors (A) shared environment (C) and nonshared environment (E). Genetic factors were of more importance in both self‐reported (A2= 54%, C2= 0, and E2= 46%) and parent‐reported (A2= 76%, C2= 15% and E2= 9%) internalizing problems. Environmental factors were of more importance in both self‐reported (A2= 33%, C2= 17% and E2= 50%) and parent‐reported (A2= 28%, C2= 27% and E2= 45%) externalizing problems. This was in contrast with findings from the first and second assessments in the same sample during adolescence when genetic factors were more important in explaining externalizing problems compared with internalizing problems. Our results suggest a developmental reversal in genetic and environmental influences on behavior problems from early adolescence into adulthood, which could be related to different underlying developmental trajectories.
Developmental expression of four novel serine/threonine kinase receptors homologous to the activin/transforming growth factor‐β type II receptor family

Serine/threonine kinase transmembrane proteins are a new family of growth factor signal transducers that includes several isoforms of the activin type II receptor and the type II receptor for transforming growth factor‐β. In an effort to clone the receptor for Mullerian inhibiting substance, a member of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily, oligonucleotide primers designed from conserved regions of these receptors' kinase domains were used for PCR amplification of fetal rat urogenital ridge cDNA. We isolated four novel receptors in this manner (desingnated R1–R4), each of which has structural features of the previously cloned kinases, including a small extracellular ligand‐binding domain, a single hydrophobic transmembrane domain, and an intracellular serine/threonine kinase domain. In addition, each has characteristic kinase subdomains and conserved serine/threonine kinase sequences found in this family. Northern analysis revealed mRNA expression of R1‐R4 in several tissues, including fetal urogenital ridge, testis, and ovary, as well as brain and lung. In situ hybridization further localized R1 to mesenchyme of the 14.5 to 15‐day fetal rat Mullerian duct and to oocytes of preantral and antral follicles, sites that are consistent with the predicted localization of Mullerian inhibiting substance receptor. In addition, R2 localized specifically to seminiferous tubules of the postnatal testis. These newest members of the activin and transforming growth factor‐β type II receptor family should help define the molecular mechanisms by which this ligand superfamily affects cell growth and differentiation via membrane phosphorylation. © 1993 wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seeing the Forest for the Trees: The Limitations of Phylogenies in Comparative Biology

The past 30 years have seen a revolution in comparative biology. Before that time, systematics was not at the forefront of the biological sciences, and few scientists considered phylogenetic relationships when investigating evolutionary questions. By contrast, systematic biology is now one of the most vigorous disciplines in biology, and the use of phylogenies not only is requisite in macroevolutionary studies but also has been applied to a wide range of topics and fields that no one could possibly have envisioned 30 years ago. My message is simple: phylogenies are fundamental to comparative biology, but they are not the be-all and end-all. Phylogenies are powerful tools for understanding the past, but like any tool, they have their limitations. In addition, phylogenies are much more informative about pattern than they are about process. The best way to fully understand the past—both pattern and process—is to integrate phylogenies with other types of historical data as well as with direct studies of evolutionary process.
The Relation between Physical Properties of the Anterior Eye and Ocular Surface Temperature

Purpose. To examine the relation between ocular surface temperature (OST) assessed by dynamic thermal imaging and physical parameters of the anterior eye in normal subjects. Methods. Dynamic ocular thermography (ThermoTracer 7102MX) was used to record body temperature and continuous ocular surface temperature for 8 s after a blink in the right eyes of 25 subjects. Corneal thickness, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were assessed using Orbscan II; noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) was assessed using the tearscope; slit lamp photography was used to record tear meniscus height (TMH) and objective bulbar redness. Results. Initial OST after a blink was significantly correlated only with body temperature (r = 0.80, p < 0.0005), NIBUT (r = −0.68, p < 0.005) and corneal curvature (r = −0.40, p = 0.05). A regression model containing all the variables accounted for 70% (p = 0.002) of the variance in OST, of which NIBUT (29%, p = 0.004), and body temperature (18%, p = 0.005) contributed significantly. Conclusions. The results support previous theoretical models that OST radiation is principally related to the tear film; and demonstrate that it is less related to other characteristics such as corneal thickness, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth.
Triggers of uncertainty about recurrence and long-term treatment side effects in older African American and Caucasian breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To examine the sources of uncertainty in older African American and Caucasian long-term breast cancer survivors by focusing on frequency of triggers of uncertainty about cancer recurrence and physical symptoms linked to long-term treatment side effects. DESIGN In the context of a larger randomized, controlled treatment-outcome study, data were gathered from 10 monthly follow-up telephone calls by nurses. SETTING Rural and urban regions of North Carolina. SAMPLE 244 older women (mean age = 64 years); 73 African American women and 171 Caucasian women who were five to nine years after breast cancer diagnosis. FINDINGS The most frequent triggers were hearing about someone else's cancer and new aches and pains. The most frequent symptoms were fatigue, joint stiffness, and pain. Although no ethnic differences occurred in the experience of symptoms, Caucasian women were more likely than African American women to report that their fears of recurrence were triggered by hearing about someone else's cancer, environmental triggers, and information or controversy about breast cancer discussed in the media. CONCLUSIONS Illness uncertainty persisted long after cancer diagnosis and treatment, with most women experiencing multiple triggers of uncertainty about recurrence and a range of symptoms and treatment side effects. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses can help cancer survivors to identify, monitor, and manage illness uncertainty and emotional distress.
The co-production of a constant water supply in Mumbai’s middle-class apartments

The lush gardens and gleaming cars that surround Mumbai’s middle-class apartment buildings hint at plentiful water supplies. However, piped mains water is only supplied for a few hours per day. This research explores the pragmatic choreography of water sources to co-produce a constant supply. Middle-class households respond to the limited municipal water supply through the use of mains water storage tanks, wells, water trucks, packaged water and rainwater harvesting. This portfolio of water supplies involves various actors and is an important instance of domestic service co-production. This article suggests that introducing rainwater harvesting creates opportunities for more water use in these households and allows a reconsideration of water provision and governance citywide.
Finance and Economics Discussion Series Divisions of Research & Statistics and Monetary Affairs Federal Reserve Board , Washington , D . C . Bank Capital Regulations around the World : What Explains the Differences ?

Despite the extensive attention that the Basel capital adequacy standards have received internationally, significant variation exists in the implementation of these standards across countries. Furthermore, a significant number of countries increase or decrease the stringency of capital regulations over time. The paper investigates the empirical determinants of the variation in the data based on the theories of bank capital regulation. The results show that countries with high average returns to investment and a high ratio of government ownership of banks choose less stringent capital regulation standards. Capital regulations may also be less stringent in countries with more concentrated banking sectors. JEL Classification Codes: G21, G28, F33
A Framework for the Integration of Geographical Information Systems and Modelbase Management

Existing geoprocessing technologies lack the modelbase management capabilities needed to construct dynamic simulation models of geographical systems. A geoprocessing framework is presented here that incorporates the fundamental precepts of GIS, computer simulation, modelbase management, and SDSS into an integrated environment that supports the development and use of geographical models. To support this framework the field and object-based geographical data models are extended to include spatial processes and spatial relations. A prototype system was developed to test the utility of this framework and data model.
Electrical stimulation: can it increase muscle strength and reverse osteopenia in spinal cord injured individuals?

OBJECTIVE To study the extent to which atrophy of muscle and progressive weakening of the long bones after spinal cord injury (SCI) can be reversed by functional electrical stimulation (FES) and resistance training. DESIGN A within-subject, contralateral limb, and matching design. SETTING Research laboratories in university settings. PARTICIPANTS Fourteen patients with SCI (C5 to T5) and 14 control subjects volunteered for this study. INTERVENTIONS The left quadriceps were stimulated to contract against an isokinetic load (resisted) while the right quadriceps contracted against gravity (unresisted) for 1 hour a day, 5 days a week, for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal femur, proximal tibia, and mid-tibia obtained by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and torque (strength). RESULTS Initially, the BMD of SCI subjects was lower than that of controls. After training, the distal femur and proximal tibia had recovered nearly 30% of the bone lost, compared with the controls. There was no difference in the mid-tibia or between the sides at any level. There was a large strength gain, with the rate of increase being substantially greater on the resisted side. CONCLUSION Osteopenia of the distal femur and proximal tibia and the loss of strength of the quadriceps can be partly reversed by regular FES-assisted training.
Nivolumab for Patients With Advanced Melanoma Treated Beyond Progression: Analysis of 2 Phase 3 Clinical Trials

Importance Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated atypical response patterns, which may not be fully captured by conventional response criteria. There is a need to better understand the potential benefit of continued immune checkpoint inhibition beyond progression. Objective To evaluate the safety and potential benefit of nivolumab (anti–programmed cell death receptor 1) monotherapy beyond Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1-defined progression. Design, Setting, and Participants Pooled, retrospective analysis of data from phase 3 trials of nivolumab in treatment-naive patients with advanced melanoma (CheckMate 066 or CheckMate 067) conducted at academic and clinical cancer centers. Participants were patients treated beyond first disease progression, defined as those who received their last dose of nivolumab more than 6 weeks after progression (TBP group); and patients not treated beyond progression, who discontinued nivolumab therapy before or at progression (non-TBP group). Data analyses were conducted from November 6, 2015, to January 11, 2017. Interventions Nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks) administered until progression or unacceptable toxic effects. Patients could be treated beyond progression if deriving apparent clinical benefit and tolerating study drug, at the investigator’s discretion. Main Outcomes and Measures Tumor response and safety in TBP and non-TBP patients. Results Among 526 randomized patients (39% [n = 203] female; median age, 62 years [range, 18-90 years]), 306 (58%) experienced disease progression, including 85 (28%) TBP patients and 221 (72%) non-TBP patients. Twenty-four (28%) of the TBP patients had a target lesion reduction of greater than 30% after progression compared with baseline (TBP>30% group). At the time of this analysis, 65 (76%) TBP patients and 21 (87%) TBP>30% patients were still alive; 27 (32%) and 11 (46%), respectively, continued to receive treatment. Median (range) time from progression to last dose of treatment was 4.7 (1.4-25.8) months for TBP patients and 7.6 (2.4-19.4) months for TBP>30% patients. Median (range) time from progression to greater than 30% tumor reduction was 1.4 (0.2-7.0) months. Treatment-related select grade 3 to 4 adverse events were similar in the TBP and non-TBP groups (5 [6%] and 9 [4%], respectively). Conclusions and Relevance A substantial proportion of selected patients treated with frontline nivolumab who were clinically stable and judged to be eligible for treatment beyond RECIST v1.1–defined progression by the treating investigators derived apparent clinical benefit without compromising safety. Further analysis will help define the potential benefit of continued nivolumab treatment beyond progression. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: NCT01721772 (CheckMate 066) and NCT01844505 (CheckMate 067)
The impact of distension pressure on acute endothelial cell loss and neointimal proliferation in saphenous vein grafts.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the extent of acute endothelial cell loss and neointimal proliferation in the long-term in saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) exposed to defined distension pressures. METHODS During routine competence testing of SVGs for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), blinded peak pressure measurements were performed in 10 patients. In an experimental set-up, distension pressure-related endothelial damage was studied in the SVGs of 20 patients. In a subgroup (n = 10), each patient's SVG was divided into segments and subjected to four constant pressures (50, 100, 150 and 300 mmHg) for 30 min each. In another subgroup (n = 10), SVGs were exposed to a short phase of high pressure (low pressure followed by 300 mmHg for 5 min). Acute endothelial cell loss was quantified by CD31-immunostaining. After 2 weeks of organ culture, the neointimal proliferation was evaluated using histomorphometry. Pressure-related damage was compared with damage at baseline (0 mmHg). RESULTS During routine competence testing for CABG, we revealed a median peak pressure of 355 mmHg (range: 240-639 mmHg). In the experimental set-up, significant acute endothelial cell loss occurred at all tested distension pressures: at 50 mmHg, the median endothelial cell loss was 29% (range: 20-51%, P = 0.015), at 100 mmHg 54% (range: 37-69%, P < 0.001), at 150 mmHg 75% (range: 41-88%, P < 0.001), at 300 mmHg 91% (range: 63-100%, P < 0.001) and at short high-pressure exposure 65% (range: 49-82%, P < 0.001) in comparison with 20% (range: 0-44%) at baseline. Significant neointimal proliferation occurred when a distension pressure of 50 mmHg was exceeded: at 50 mmHg, median neointimal proliferation was 97 µm (range: 60-380 µm, P = 0.176), at 100 mmHg 168 µm (range: 100-600 µm, P = 0.001), at 150 mmHg 183 µm (range: 160-440 µm, P < 0.001) at 300 mmHg 347 µm (range: 190-590 µm, P < 0.001) and at short high-pressure exposure 130 µm (range: 60-410 µm, P = 0.02) in comparison with 90 µm (range: 60-170 µm) at baseline. CONCLUSIONS In vitro exposure of SVGs to low distension pressure ranges causes significant acute endothelial cell loss and crucial long-term damage, namely neointimal proliferation.
Catechol-o-methyltransferase polymorphism and susceptibility to major depressive disorder modulates psychological stress response

Objectives The stress response is related to both physiological and psychological factors and is strongly marked by a neuroendocrine component. Genetic factors are believed to underlie individual differences in the degree of stress resilience and thereby contribute in determining susceptibility to stress-related pathologies like major depressive disorder (MDD). Little, however, is known about the genetic influence on the endocrine and behavioural stress response in relation to MDD. Methods Here, we sought to examine the effects of the catechol-o-methyltransferase polymorphism on psychological stress in three groups of individuals with different degrees of susceptibility to MDD (i.e. healthy controls, healthy high risk probands to MDD and those suffering from MDD). This genotype is involved in the metabolism of catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine). Results Allelic variations of this polymorphism were found to influence the degree of subjective stress experience and plasma epinephrine stress response. Interactions between catechol-o-methyltransferase polymorphism and diagnostic group in measures of plasma epinephrine, cortisol and subjective responses to psychological stress were also found, with the influence of the different alleles on these measures differing between healthy controls relative to MDD patients and high risk probands. Conclusion These observations support a possible role for catechol-o-methyltransferase polymorphism in the endocrine and subjective response to psychological stress and thus may qualify as a possible candidate gene involved in the pathogenesis of MDD.