Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of group psychotherapy for sub‐clinical depression in older adults

Studies investigating the effectiveness of group psychotherapy intervention in sub‐threshold depression have shown varying results with differing effect sizes. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials of group psychotherapy in older adults with sub‐threshold depression was conducted to present the best available evidence in relation to its effect on depressive symptomatology and the prevention of major depression.
Treatment of severe low back pain with opioids during pregnancy in a patient with incomplete tetraplegia

We report a case of severe low back pain during pregnancy in a woman with incomplete tetraplegia due to viral myelitis. The pain was interpreted as a radiculopathy in the presence of multiple herniated discs. Surgical intervention was not indicated and physiotherapy failed; therefore, a symptomatic drug treatment with oral analgesics was initiated. To minimise the total daily opioid dosage and the potential risk of a neonatal withdrawal syndrome due to opioids, the route of administration was changed from oral to epidural. Adequate pain relief was maintained with this regimen until caesarean section was necessary. The neonatal withdrawal symptoms after delivery were mild. Residual pain slowly diminished after delivery and the patient was able to discontinue opioid therapy. The aetiology of low back pain remains unclear and may be multifactorial.
Information Sources Used by European Tourists: A Cross-National Study

This study investigates which information sources European tourists use when making decisions about their travel/holiday plans. Using survey data based on national representative samples of tourists from 27 member countries of the European Union allows generalizable conclusions to be drawn. The data were analyzed using correspondence analysis of overall country data. The findings indicate that there are systematic differences in how information sources are related to one another and that the various countries within the European Union differ in their tourists’ use of information sources. Six segments of information source behavior are revealed. These segments reflect economic development and the national cultures of European nations. Management implications are highlighted. The findings of this study can be used to segment tourists’ use of information sources according to country, economic development, and national culture.
How does AIDS illness affect women's residential decisions? Findings from an ethnographic study in a Cape Town township

This paper explores the nature and consequences of residential decision-making for women on treatment for AIDS illness in a poor urban settlement in South Africa. Drawing on ethnographic data collected over a two-year period, it points to the subtle shifts in ‘householding’ practices and kinship relationships prompted by women's individual experiences and understanding of their HIV status, illness and treatment. Women's decisions to move or to arrange that other family members move can be explained by pre-existing threats to individual wellbeing or family residential security. But an HIV diagnosis can intensify a mother's thoughts and actions in relation to residential and emotional security, in particular on behalf of her children. In a context where extended periods of childcare by rural relatives is common, mothers with AIDS illness may gather all their children in their home to offer direct care, achieve intimacy and facilitate disclosure. They are likely to avoid making frequent contact with, and demands on, their elderly parents. Siblings are favoured as co-residents and confidants in disclosure, but their long-term support is contingent on reciprocity. Partners, where present, are valued for economic, social and emotional security. Women attempt to balance their children's nurturing, in the short and long term, with care of the self. Their efforts do not always succeed and can incur high costs to their wellbeing and relationships with their children.
Selenoprotein P expression is controlled through interaction of the coactivator PGC‐1α with FoxO1a and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α transcription factors

Selenoprotein P (SeP), the major selenoprotein in plasma, is produced mainly by the liver, although SeP expression is detected in many organs. Recently, we reported stimulation of SeP promoter activity by the forkhead box transcription factor FoxO1a in hepatoma cells and its attenuation by insulin. Here, we demonstrate that this translates into fine‐tuning of SeP production and secretion by insulin. Overexpression of peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor‐γ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) enhanced the stimulatory effect of FoxO1a on SeP promoter activity. We identified a novel functional binding site for hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)‐4α, termed hepatocyte nuclear factor binding element 1, in the human SeP promoter directly upstream of the FoxO‐responsive element daf16‐binding element 2 (DBE2). Point mutations in hepatocyte nuclear factor binding element 1 alone or together with DBE2 decreased basal activity and responsiveness of the SeP promoter to PGC‐1α. Moreover, the PGC‐1α‐inducing glucocorticoid dexamethasone strongly enhanced SeP messenger RNA levels and protein secretion in cultured rat hepatocytes, whereas insulin suppressed the stimulation of both PGC‐1α and SeP caused by dexamethasone treatment. In a brain‐derived neuroblastoma cell line with low basal SeP expression, SeP transcription was stimulated by PGC‐1α together with FoxO1a, and overexpression of HNF‐4α potentiated this effect. Conclusion: High‐level expression of SeP in liver is ensured by concerted action of the coactivator PGC‐1α and the transcription factors FoxO1a and HNF‐4α. Hence, the production of SeP is regulated similarly to that of the gluconeogenic enzyme glucose‐6‐phosphatase. As hepatic SeP production is crucial for selenium distribution throughout the body, the present study establishes PGC‐1α as a key regulator of selenium homeostasis. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;48:1998‐2006.)
Using CNN Features to Better Understand What Makes Visual Artworks Special

One of the goal of computational aesthetics is to understand what is special about visual artworks. By analyzing image statistics, contemporary methods in computer vision enable researchers to identify properties that distinguish artworks from other (non-art) types of images. Such knowledge will eventually allow inferences with regard to the possible neural mechanisms that underlie aesthetic perception in the human visual system. In the present study, we define measures that capture variances of features of a well-established Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), which was trained on millions of images to recognize objects. Using an image dataset that represents traditional Western, Islamic and Chinese art, as well as various types of non-art images, we show that we need only two variance measures to distinguish between the artworks and non-art images with a high classification accuracy of 93.0%. Results for the first variance measure imply that, in the artworks, the subregions of an image tend to be filled with pictorial elements, to which many diverse CNN features respond (richness of feature responses). Results for the second measure imply that this diversity is tied to a relatively large variability of the responses of individual CNN feature across the subregions of an image. We hypothesize that this combination of richness and variability of CNN feature responses is one of properties that makes traditional visual artworks special. We discuss the possible neural underpinnings of this perceptual quality of artworks and propose to study the same quality also in other types of aesthetic stimuli, such as music and literature.
Expression of ATP-Sensitive K+ Channel Subunits during Perinatal Maturation in the Mouse Heart

Prevailing data suggest that sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive (KATP) channels in the adult heart consist of Kir6.2 and SUR2A subunits, but the expression of other KATP channel subunits (including SUR1, SUR2B, and Kir6.1) is poorly defined. The situation is even less clear for the immature heart, which shows a remarkable resistance to hypoxia and metabolic stress. The hypoxia-induced action potential shortening and opening of sarcolemmal KATP channels that occurs in adults is less prominent in the immature heart. This might be due in part to the different biophysical and pharmacological properties of KATP channels of immature and adult KATP channels. Because these properties are largely conferred by subunit composition, it is important to examine the relative expression levels of the various KATP channel subunits during maturation. We therefore used RNAse protection assays, reverse transcription–PCR approaches, and Western blotting to characterize the mRNA and protein expression profiles of KATP channel subunits in fetal, neonatal, and adult mouse heart. Our data indicate that each of the KATP channel subunits (Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR1, SUR2A, and SUR2B) is expressed in the mouse heart at all of the developmental time points studied. However, the expression level of each of the subunits is low in the fetal heart and progressively increases with maturation. Each of the subunits seems to be expressed in ventricular myocytes with a subcellular expression pattern matching that found in the adult. Our data suggest that the KATP channel composition may change during maturation, which has important implications for KATP channel function in the developing heart.
Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-12 Participate in Induction of a Type 1 Protective T-Cell Response during Vaccination with a Tuberculosis Subunit Vaccine

ABSTRACT We examined the role of cytokines in the development of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-secreting protective T cells following immunization with a culture filtrate subunit vaccine againstMycobacterium tuberculosis containing the adjuvant dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA). Depletion of either interleukin-6 (IL-6) or IL-12 with specific neutralizing antibodies during vaccination reduced the priming of T cells for antigen-specific proliferation and IFN-γ secretion. Such reduction was also observed in IL-6 gene-disrupted mice as compared to wild-type animals. IL-6 was found to play a role in the initial differentiation of Th1 cells but not in their expansion. The defect found after IL-6 depletion or in IL-6-knockout mice was compensated by the inclusion of recombinant mouse IL-12 in the vaccine. The induction of protective immunity against an intravenous or an aerosol challenge with live, virulentM. tuberculosis was markedly reduced by neutralizing either IL-6 or IL-12 during immunization with the vaccine. Likewise, the effects of IL-6 neutralization were partially reversed by including IL-12 in the vaccine. Our data point to an important role of IL-6 and IL-12 in the generation of cell-mediated immunity to tuberculosis.
Identification and characterization of CIA/ASF1 as an interactor of bromodomains associated with TFIID

General transcription initiation factor IID (TFIID) plays a central and critical role in transcription initiation from both naked and chromatin templates. Although interaction between several DNA-binding proteins and TFIID were identified and well characterized, functional linkage between TFIID and chromatin factors has remained to be elucidated. Here we show the identification and characterization of human CIA/hASF1 (identified previously as a histone chaperone) as an interactor of two tandem bromodomain modules of human (h)TAFII250/CCG1, the largest subunit of TFIID. Although yeast (y)TAFII145, a homologue of hTAFII250/CCG1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, lacks bromodomains, glutathione S-transferase pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Asf1p (antisilencing function 1), the counterpart of CIA in S. cerevisiae, interacts with Bdf1p (bromodomain factor 1), which is reported to serve as the missing bromodomain in yTAFII145. Furthermore, yeast strain lacking the BDF1 gene shows the Spt phenotype that is shown also by the ASF1 gene disruptant, and a double-knockout strain of both genes shows synthetic lethality, indicating that ASF1 genetically interacts with bromodomains associated with yTFIID. We also found that Asf1p coprecipitates with yTFIID subunits from yeast whole-cell extract, and overexpression of yTFIID subunits suppress the Spt phenotype caused by gene disruption of the ASF1. This study describes the functional linkage between TFIID and a histone chaperone.
An improved puncturing method for rate-compatible LDPC codes

This paper presents an improvement of a puncturing technique for rate-compatible low density parity check (LDPC) codes originally proposed by Asvadi and Banihashemi. In the original technique, the puncturing bits are selected by progressively reducing the search space according to a certain sequence of criteria. The last criterion is based on the ACE (approximate cycle extrinsic message degree) values of the short cycles present in the Tanner graph of the code. In this paper, we propose to substitute the last criterion with one which is based on the absorbing sets of the code. Simulation results show that this scheme improves the performance compared to the original and some other scheme available in the literature.
Radiation‐induced sarcoma‐50 years later

In his editorial on radiation-induced sarcoma, Cahan concludes that “it currently is unthinkable to irradiate patients with benign bone and joint conditions. ” This relatively far-reaching conclusion is drawn on the basis of various case reports. It is mentioned that between 1966 and 1996 there were 185 references describing radiation-induced sarcoma in . 350 patients, corresponding to an average of 2 cases per publication. It appears necessary to evaluate the data of these references in quantitative terms to obtain the probability of cancer induction in relation to the radiation dose applied. In particular, it must be differentiated which portion of the secondary tumors observed is due to the action of radiation and which portion might result from the benign conditions that were treated originally. The mere consideration that there is a risk is not sufficient to draw clear-cut conclusions. The risk must be quantified. A valid assessment of any therapeutic intervention requires the consideration of both risk and benefit. Only in this way may any advantage to palliate or cure a benign disease be related to the relatively low risk of developing a sarcoma after an average latency period of 40 years.
A Novel Tyrosine Phosphorylation Site in Protein Kinase D Contributes to Oxidative Stress-mediated Activation*

Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) is a mediator of oxidative stress signaling where it regulates cellular detoxification and survival. Critical for the regulation of PKD1 activity in response to oxidative stress are Src- and Abl-mediated tyrosine phosphorylations that eventually lead to protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ)-mediated activation of PKD1. Here we identify Tyr95 in PKD1 as a previously undescribed phosphorylation site that is regulated by oxidative stress. Our data suggest that PKD1 phosphorylation at Tyr95 generates a binding motif for PKCδ, and that oxidative stress-mediated PKCδ/PKD interaction results in PKD1 activation loop phosphorylation and activation. We further analyzed all PKD isoforms for this mechanism and show that PKD enzymes PKD1 and PKD2 are targets for PKCδ in response to oxidative stress, and that PKD3 is not a target because it lacks the relevant tyrosine residue that generates a PKCδ interaction motif.
Excessive gingival display: treatment by a modified lip repositioning technique.

AIM The objective of this prospective study was to investigate outcomes of a lip repositioning technique for the treatment of excessive gingival display. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen consecutively treated patients with excessive gingival display were treated with a modified lip repositioning technique. Treatment consisted of the removal of two strips of mucosa, bilaterally to the maxillary labial frenum and coronal repositioning of the new mucosal margin. The clinical dimensions of gingival display, upper lip and vermillion length were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-operatively. Subjects completed surveys to evaluate satisfaction with outcomes. RESULTS The baseline gingival display of 5.8 ± 2.1 mm significantly decreased to 1.4 ± 1.0 mm at 3 months (p < 0.0001) and was maintained until 6 months (1.3 ± 1.6 mm). The reduction in gingival display strongly correlated to the combined change in upper lip and vermillion length (r(2) = 0.60, p = 0.0018). Subjects were satisfied with their smile after surgery and would likely choose to undergo the procedure again (92%). The worst part of undergoing the procedure was the discomfort or the inability to move the lip during the early healing (69%). CONCLUSION Treatment of excessive gingival display by means of a modified lip repositioning technique results in high level of patient satisfaction and predictable outcomes that are stable in the short term.
New combination antiviral for the treatment of hepatitis C.

PURPOSE The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of Viekira, as well as its place in hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, are reviewed. SUMMARY Ombitasvir 25 mg-paritaprevir 150 mg-ritonavir 100 mg plus dasabuvir 250 mg (Viekira) is approved in the United States as a combination direct-acting antiviral agent for treatment-naive or treatment-experienced patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis. It is the first coformulated direct-acting antiviral that targets different stages of the virus's life cycle. Viekira is administered as an oral, interferon-free regimen. Phase III clinical trials demonstrated that Viekira administered with or without ribavirin can achieve sustained virological response rates of ≥90%. These results are notable because they show that high virological cure rates can be achieved without peginterferon and ribavirin. Viekira is also effective for special patient populations, such as individuals coinfected with HIV, liver transplant recipients, and those with advanced renal disease. The most frequently reported adverse effects among patients associated with Viekira without ribavirin were nausea, pruritus, and insomnia. During clinical trials, the most common adverse effects among patients receiving Viekira with ribavirin were fatigue, nausea, pruritus, insomnia, and weakness. CONCLUSION Viekira, the first coformulated direct-acting antiviral that targets different stages of the HCV life cycle, is an interferon-free treatment for HCV genotype 1 infection. It is associated with a virological cure rate of ≥90% and treatment durations of 12 and 24 weeks. Viekira is also effective and safe for patients who have undergone liver transplantation, are coinfected with HIV, or have advanced kidney disease.
Resonant near-field optical sources for TAR

We have nanofabricated patterns of holes, pits, slits, and ridges in silver and gold films on quartz substrates by focused ion beam (FIB) and studied the optical properties of these resonant structures as a function of metal type, wavelength, pattern dimensions, feature dimensions, and film thickness. We find enhanced transmission due to both surface plasmon resonances and theoretically predicted waveguide resonances. The enhancement effect extends to a hole size as small as 35 nm. We also find that 35-nm-wide resonant slits can have transmission normalized to area that is 10000 times larger than through a simple circular aperture of the same dimension. Plasmon enhanced transmission was also found for compact structures composed of only one raised feature on each side of the aperture. These structures show promise for applications in thermally assisted recording (TAR).
[Clinical study of multiple myeloma: a report of 182 cases].

OBJECTIVE To explore the applicability of Durie Salmon (DS) and International Staging System (ISS) for Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to evaluate the efficacy of major therapeutic options and the influence of various prognostic factors on survival were also evaluated. METHODS The patient survival was compared with regards to DS and ISS. Fourteen clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed by univariate and multivariate process. Response rate, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of 182 patients treated with different regimens were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS The median survival of patients with DS stages I, II and III were 79, 82 and 43 months, respectively. There was no significance between stage I and II/III. The median survival of patients with ISS stages I, II and III were 79, 49 and 43 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis suggested that age, percentage of plasma cell in bone marrow, C-reactive protein (CRP) and beta2-microglobulin (2-MG) were independent prognostic factors for OS. The overall response rate (ORR) of 182 patients was 69.2% and median OS and PFS were 49.0+/-5.0 and 19.0+/-2.1 months, respectively. The 5- and 10-year OS were 34% and 19%, respectively. Compared with those not receiving thalidomide induction, the patients on a VAD-like regimen combined with thalidomide showed a superior ORR (81.5% vs 59.7%, P=0.008), a longer OS (79.0+/-29.5 vs 37.0+/-4.8 months, P=0.001) and a longer PFS (24.0+/-6.0 vs 14.0+/-2.7 months, P=0.033). CONCLUSION ISS is more applicable than DS, especially for low risk patients. The efficacy of VAD-like regimen combined Thal as first-line treatment is proven to be reliable. Induction therapy including thalidomide can not only improve the ORR, but also delay the relapse or progression of disease. It may even prolong the patient survival.
Intended or unintended consequences? The likely implications of raising the bar for sexual dysfunction diagnosis in the proposed DSM-V revisions: 2. For women with loss of subjective sexual arousal.

INTRODUCTION Brotto proposes to combine female sexual desire and arousal disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. AIM We provide evidence that the proposed criteria could potentially exclude from diagnosis or treatment a large number of women with distressing dysfunction in sexual arousal. METHODS Rating scale data from nontreatment validation studies of patient-reported outcome measures including almost 500 women in North America and Europe, including 49 women diagnosed with arousal disorder only, were compared with the proposed criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main measures were an early version of the eDiary (an electronic diary on sexual activity) and four previously validated measures of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), the clinician-rated Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female and the self-rated Female Sexual Function Index, Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, and Female Sexual Distress Scale. Results. The women with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) scored as manifestly sexually dysfunctional and significantly sexually distressed. They had fewer satisfying sexual events (SSEs) vs. women with no FSD, with a lower proportion of SSEs, and significantly fewer orgasms. CONCLUSION Despite evidence presented that women with FSAD have clinically disordered sexual function, our data also suggest that the majority of these women with FSAD would meet none of the six proposed "A" criteria for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder, raising new validity and utility concerns for the proposed diagnostic classification. Suggestions are made to modify the proposed new criteria so as to include such distressed women.