Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Manipulating Descriptive Norms and Positive Outcome Expectations on Physical Activity of University Students During Exams

ABSTRACT This experimental study examined the interaction between messages conveying different levels of descriptive norms and positive outcome expectations on university students’ engagement in moderate and vigorous physical activity over an exam period. Using a pre–post design, university students entering a final examination period (N = 74) were randomly assigned to one of four message conditions, receiving a message motivating them to exercise over the exam period. Messages included both a descriptive norm (how many others reported being active during a previous exam period; high vs. low) and a positive outcome expectation (those who exercise during exams report better grades; high vs. low). The results from an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for baseline levels of daily physical activity, revealed a significant interaction. Post hoc analyses indicated that when the descriptive norm was high, those who received a high positive outcome expectation reported being more active during the exam period compared to those receiving the low positive outcome expectation. Results provide preliminary support for the idea that activity during an exam period can be positively influenced if individuals are presented with normative messages that (a) many others are being active during the exams and (b) many of those being active also are benefiting academically.
“That Should Be Left to Doctors, That’s What They are There For!”—Exploring the Reflexivity and Trust of Young Adults When Seeking Health Information

Abstract This paper explores the health information-seeking practices of healthy young adults and how they assess and rank sources of information through a qualitative study. The findings show that participants (a) are strongly committed to searching for information about health and lifestyle, especially via the Internet; (b) healthcare professionals were perceived as the most reliable source of health information and advice; (c) online health information, although frequently accessed and experienced as empowering, is seen as a potentially unreliable source. Findings evidence how becoming better informed about health-related topics plays a pivotal role in individuals’ lives, most notably by using the Internet. Participants were able to reflect about what it means to know about health. The construction of trust regarding health information involved a heuristic process vis-à-vis source reliability and perceived credibility that places doctors as the most trustworthy medium of medical advice and health information. We conclude that participants’ trust toward professionals suggests the preference and need for more personalized care; and it is a response to the ambiguity and uncertainty that permeates the health information landscape, particularly that which is web-based.
Plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-\alpha in patients with esophageal cancer

Cytokines are multifunctional polypeptides synthesized in various cell types. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) are cytokines that have important roles in cancer pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-a in patients with esophageal cancer. Materials and methods: Forty-three esophageal cancer patients (24 females and 19 males) who were newly diagnosed and had not yet undergone operation participated in the study. The patients' average age was 61.03 ± 12.4 years. The control group, on the other hand, comprised 43 healthy individuals (22 males and 21 females) with an average age of 56 ± 11.3. Forty-one (95.3%) of the patients had symptoms of dysphagia. The second leading symptom was weight loss, experienced by 32 (74.4%) of the patients. The cancer of 5 (11.6%) of the patients advanced in stage and had distant metastases (2 involving the lung and 3 involving the liver) at presentation. TNF-a (TNF-a-EASIA Kit, DIAsource) and IL-6 (IL-6-EASIA Kit, DIAsource) were studied using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: The measured TNF-a plasma levels of the patients and the control group were 12.35 ± 9.69 and 4.62 ± 3.06 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.0001). The average TNF-a plasma levels of the patients with and without weight loss were 14.95 ± 9.96 and 4.77 ± 3.12 pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.044). The average IL-6 plasma level of the esophageal cancer patients was 60.30 ± 53.15 pg/mL, and the average IL-6 plasma level of the control group was 6.00 ± 3.26 pg/mL (P < 0.0001). The average IL-6 levels of the patients with and without weight loss were 65.22 ± 43.27 and 12.37 ± 6.80 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the IL-6 and TNF-a plasma levels of the patients with and without distant metastasis. Conclusion: The results show that IL-6 and TNF-a plasma levels may be utilized as tumor markers for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. However, to definitely conclude this, we need further extensive studies.
Plasma, red cell and whole blood lactate concentrations during prolonged treadmill exercise at Vla4

Summary The purposes of this study were to test whether a relatively steady state with respect to the blood lactate pool can prevail during a prolonged exercise test (PET) at Vla4, to study the kinetics of the flux of lactate between plasma and cells in relation to lactate concentration [LA] and haematocrit and to test the interrelationships between plasma [PLA], whole blood [BLA] and erythrocyte lactate [ELA]. The study used 7 Standardbred trotters. In the PET they ran at their respective pre-established Vla4 for 12 min. Before, every 2 min during and 0, 2, 5, 10 and 15 min after exercise, [PLA] and [BLA] as well as packed cell volume (PCV) were determined. [ELA] was calculated from [PLA], [BLA] and PCV. Heart rate was monitored continuously and remained at a relatively steady state of approximately 200 beats/min throughout the PET. Lactate concentrations increased exponentially during PET, [PLA] more rapidly than [BLA] and [ELA]. The diverging curves during exercise and converging declining curves after exercise suggested a delay in attainment of an equilibrium between plasma and cells. The close relationship between [PLA] and [BLA] (r = 0.98) allows derivations from regression equations. As the [LA] accumulation over time is exponential, it is likely that the increase during the first 2 min at any speed up to that causing a [BLA] of 4 mmol/l is marginal and insignificant and a submaximal incremental exercise test using 2 min step intervals could still be used for determination of Vla4.
The BLICK Mnemonic for Clinical–Anatomical Assessment of Patients With Epiphora

Purpose: Evaluation of the tearing patient is often distilled to a search for ocular surface problems causing reflex hypersecretion versus lacrimal drainage problems. The literature does not typically emphasize conditions affecting the function of the tear distribution system, but neglect of these important factors can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes. The intent of this review is to provide a systemic evaluation of frequently overlooked conditions that can influence the distribution system and to offer a mnemonic to ensure an orderly sequence of inspection during clinical examination. Methods: Review of clinical literature and experience from 1957 to 2014. Results: Tearing complaints attributable to problems with the distribution system can be evaluated, classified, and managed according to the mnemonic BLICK, which stands for Blink dynamics, Lid malposition, Imbrication, Conjunctivochalasis, and Kissing puncta. Conclusion: The BLICK mnemonic is a useful adjunct to the workup of epiphora.
Communicatively Making Sense of Doulas within the U.S. Master Birth Narrative: Doulas as Liminal Characters

ABSTRACT Doulas—or designated women experienced in childbirth who provide support to a birthing mother—have been shown to improve mothers’ medical outcomes, but they are relatively underused in U.S. births. We assert that doulas are rarely used, in part, because it is difficult to situate them within the contemporary U.S. master birth narrative that places family and medical staff as expected characters in the birth story. This qualitative study uses narrative theorizing to describe the communicatively situated position of doulas in light of the dominant U.S. master birth narrative. Through an analysis of interviews and focus groups with mothers, expectant parents, doulas, and medical staff (n = 52) at a community hospital, we explain how individuals communicatively located the doula as a character who occupied a liminal space that is (a) between borders, (b) crossing borders, and (c) outside borders. Although doulas’ liminal location enables individuals to creatively explain and promote doulas to important publics, doulas’ conceptual ambiguity in the birth narrative can also be constraining. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications.
Ethanol-induced extracellular signal regulated kinase: role of dopamine D1 receptors.

BACKGROUND Addictive drugs activate extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in brain regions critically involved in their affective and motivational properties. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ethanol-induced activation of ERK in the nucleus accumbens (Acb) and in the extended amygdala [bed nucleus of the stria terminalis lateralis (BSTL) and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA)] and to highlight the role of dopamine (DA) D(1) receptors in these effects. METHODS Ethanol (0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg) was administered by gavage and ERK phosphorylation was determined in the nucleus Acb (shell and core), BSTL, and CeA by immunohistochemistry. The DA D(1) receptor antagonist, SCH 39166 (SCH) (50 microg/kg), was administered 10 minutes before ethanol (1 g/kg). RESULTS Quantitative microscopic examination showed that ethanol, dose-dependently increased phospho-ERK immunoreactivity (optical and neuronal densities) in the shell and core of nucleus Acb, BSTL, and CeA. Pretreatment with SCH fully prevented the increases elicited by ethanol (1 g/kg) in all brain regions studied. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that ethanol, similar to other addictive drugs, activates ERK in nucleus Acb and extended amygdala via a DA D(1) receptor-mediated mechanism. Overall, these results suggest that the D(1) receptors/ERK pathway may play a critical role in the motivational properties of ethanol.
Communicating with Sensation Seekers: An fMRI Study of Neural Responses to Antidrug Public Service Announcements

ABSTRACT This study examined the neural basis of processing high- and low-message sensation value (MSV) antidrug public service announcements (PSAs) in high (HSS) and low sensation seekers (LSS) using fMRI. HSS more strongly engaged the salience network when processing PSAs (versus LSS), suggesting that high-MSV PSAs attracted their attention. HSS and LSS participants who engaged higher level cognitive processing regions reported that the PSAs were more convincing and believable and recalled the PSAs better immediately after testing. In contrast, HSS and LSS participants who strongly engaged visual attention regions for viewing PSAs reported lower personal relevance. These findings provide neurobiological evidence that high-MSV content is salient to HSS, a primary target group for antidrug messages, and additional cognitive processing is associated with higher perceived message effectiveness.
Source Credibility and E-Cigarette Attitudes: Implications for Tobacco Communication

ABSTRACT As there are many conflicting sources of e-cigarette information, research is needed to determine the impact of these sources on e-cigarette attitudes to inform future communication campaigns. Source credibility is important in shaping attitudes toward other health topics; however, no study has examined its role in influencing e-cigarette attitudes. Data from the 2015 Health Information National Trends Survey-FDA (HINTS-FDA) were utilized to assess differences in trust in different sources by e-cigarette user status and to investigate the associations between trust in sources and e-cigarette attitudes (n = 3,738). Differences in trust in sources were examined using weighted linear regression. Associations between trust in sources of e-cigarette health effects and attitudes toward e-cigarettes were assessed using weighted logistic regression. Overall, e-cigarette ever users reported significantly lower trust in governmental agencies as compared to never users. Trust in e-cigarette companies was negatively associated with perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58, 1.00), while trust in doctors/pharmacists/healthcare providers was negatively associated with harm perceptions of e-cigarettes relative to conventional cigarettes (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55, 0.95). Trust in tobacco companies and trust in e-cigarette companies were negatively associated with absolute perceived harm of e-cigarettes (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.51, 0.95; AOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.46, 0.79, respectively). Results from this study indicate that the associations between trust in sources of e-cigarette health effects and e-cigarette attitudes differ both by source and specific attitude assessed. Ultimately, future campaigns should incorporate messaging to discredit industry sources of information and utilize non-governmental sources to effectively influence e-cigarette attitudes.
Ethanol-mediated fetal dysmorphology and its relationship to the ontogeny of maternal liver metallothionein.

BACKGROUND Fetal zinc (Zn) deficiency arising from ethanol-induction of the Zn-binding protein metallothionein (MT) in the mother's liver has been proposed as a mechanism of teratogenicity. Here, we determine the ontogeny of MT and Zn homeostasis in rats and mice and then examine the effect of acute ethanol exposure in early embryonic development on this relationship. The protective effect of Zn against ethanol-mediated fetal dysmorphology is also examined. METHODS Study 1: Maternal liver MT and Zn homeostasis was determined in Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6J mice throughout gestation. Study 2: Rats were administered ethanol (25% in saline, intraperitoneal 0.015 ml/g) or vehicle alone on gestational day (GD) 9. Maternal liver MT and Zn, and plasma Zn was determined over the ensuing 24 hours. Study 3: Pregnant rats were treated with ethanol and Zn (s.c. 2.5 microg Zn/g) on GD9 and fetal dysmorphology was assessed on GD 19. RESULTS Study 1: Maternal liver MT began to rise around GD 9 peaking on GD 15 before falling to nonpregnant levels around term. The pregnancy-related increase in MT was associated with a fall in plasma Zn which was significantly lower on GD 15 thereafter returning to nonpregnant levels by parturition. Study 2: Ethanol administered to pregnant rats on GD 9 resulted in a 10-fold induction of MT in the maternal liver and was associated with a 33% rise in liver Zn and a 30% fall in plasma Zn, 16 hours after treatment. Study 3: Ethanol treatment on GD 9 resulted in a significant increase in craniofacial malformations which were prevented by concurrent Zn treatment. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that maternal liver MT levels are lowest in early gestation (before GD 10) making this a sensitive period where ethanol-induction of MT can affect fetal Zn homeostasis and cause fetal dysmorphology. The study further provides evidence of a protective role for Zn against ethanol-mediated teratogenicity.
From rendering to remembering: Art therapy for people with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Throughout the last two decades, creative arts therapies have been increasingly used for support and therapeutic care in a variety of health care facilities. Personal growth through artistic activity is possible at every stage of life, even for those with dementia due to older age. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurological condition without definitive cause and with limited effective treatments and interventions available. The brain regions and mechanisms involved in creating visual art are not irreparably compromised for those with Alzheimer's disease. Art therapy as a treatment for people with dementia can improve the quality of life through the benefits that come from using the visual arts to communicate inner experience and connect with others. Furthermore, creative activities stimulate several regions of the brain simultaneously, encouraging a healthy brain in older adults by promoting the brain's plastic processes. This article provides a review of the benefits of art therapy for people with AD based on the existing literature and encourages further research into the use of art therapy with this client group.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Properties of Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol‐Epoetin Beta Are Unaffected by the Site of Subcutaneous Administration 1

C.E. R.A. (methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta), a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, differs from traditional erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents in its pharmacokinetic and receptor binding properties. This phase I, randomized, open‐label, single‐center, single‐dose, 3‐way crossover study in 42 healthy volunteers compared the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of C.E. R.A. 3.0 μg/kg after subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, arm, or thigh. The pharmacokinetic profile was similar at all 3 injection sites, with a prolonged apparent elimination half‐life from 160 to 164 hours, area under the concentration–time curve from 4088 to 4323 ngṁh/mL, and clearance/bioavailability from 0.64 to 0.68 mL/h/kg. C.E. R.A. produced a sustained erythropoietic response, and the pharmacodynamic profile (area under the reticulocyte count–time curve and maximum increase in reticulocyte count) was similar for all sites. C.E. R.A. was generally well tolerated, regardless of the administration site. This study suggests that C.E. R.A. has the potential to offer a choice of injection sites in clinical practice. The long half‐life may permit effective anemia management with extended dosing intervals. Phase III clinical studies support the role of C.E. R.A. in managing anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Health-Related Disaster Communication and Social Media: Mixed-Method Systematic Review

ABSTRACT This mixed-method evidence synthesis drew on Cochrane methods and principles to systematically review literature published between 2003 and 2016 on the best social media practices to promote health protection and dispel misinformation during disasters. Seventy-nine studies employing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods on risk communication during disasters in all UN-languages were reviewed, finding that agencies need to contextualize the use of social media for particular populations and crises. Social media are tools that still have not become routine practices in many governmental agencies regarding public health in the countries studied. Social media, especially Twitter and Facebook (and equivalents in countries such as China), need to be incorporated into daily operations of governmental agencies and implementing partners to build familiarity with them before health-related crises happen. This was especially observed in U.S. agencies, local government, and first responders but also for city governments and school administrations in Europe. For those that do use social media during health-related risk communication, studies find that public relations officers, governmental agencies, and the general public have used social media successfully to spread truthful information and to verify information to dispel rumors during disasters. Few studies focused on the recovery and preparation phases and on countries in the Southern hemisphere, except for Australia. The vast majority of studies did not analyze the demographics of social media users beyond their geographic location, their status of being inside/outside the disaster zone; and their frequency and content of posting. Socioeconomic demographics were not collected and/or analyzed to drill deeper into the implications of using social media to reach vulnerable populations. Who exactly is reached via social media campaigns and who needs to be reached with other means has remained an understudied area.
Upregulation of serotonin transporter by alcohol in human dendritic cells: possible implication in neuroimmune deregulation.

BACKGROUND Alcohol is the most widely abused substance and its chronic consumption causes neurobehavioral disorders. It has been shown that alcohol affects the function of immune cells. Dendritic cells (DC) serve as the first line of defense against infections and are known to accumulate neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The enzyme monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) degrades 5-HT that is associated with clinical depression and other neurological disorders. 5-HT is selectively transported into neurons through the serotonin transporter (SERT), which is a member of the sodium- and chloride-dependent neurotransmitter transporter (SLC6) family. SERT also serves as a receptor for psychostimulant recreational drugs. It has been demonstrated that several drugs of abuse such as amphetamine and cocaine inhibit the SERT expression; however, the role of alcohol is yet to be elucidated. We hypothesize that alcohol can modulate SERT and MAO-A expression in DC, leading to reciprocal downregulation of 5-HT in extracellular medium. METHODS Dendritic cells were treated with different concentrations (0.05% to 0.2%v/v) of alcohol for 24-72 hours and processed for SERT and MAO-A expression using Q-PCR and Western blots analysis. In addition, SERT function in DC treated with alcohol both in the presence and absence of imipramine, a SERT inhibitor was measured using 4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium iodide uptake assay. 5-HT levels in culture supernatant and intracellular 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) and cyclic AMP were also quantitated using ELISA. RESULTS Dendritic cells treated with 0.1% alcohol for 24 hours showed significant upregulation of SERT and MAO-A expression compared with untreated DC. We also observed that 0.1% alcohol enhanced the function of SERT and decreased extracellular 5-HT levels compared with untreated DC cultures, and this was associated with the elevation of intracellular 5-HIAA and cyclic AMP levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that alcohol upregulates SERT and MAO-A by elevating cyclic AMP, which may lead to decreased concentration of 5-HT in the extracellular medium. As 5-HT is a major neurotransmitter and an inflammatory mediator, its alcohol-mediated depletion may cause both neurological and immunological deregulation.