Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sources of self-efficacy for physical activity.

OBJECTIVE The effects of self-efficacy beliefs on physical activity are well documented, but much less is known about the origins of self-efficacy beliefs. This article proposes scales to assess the sources of self-efficacy for physical activity aims and to comparatively test their predictive power for physical activity via self-efficacy over time to detect the principal sources of self-efficacy beliefs for physical activity. METHOD A study of 1,406 German adults aged 16-90 years was conducted to construct scales to assess the sources of self-efficacy for physical activity (Study 1). In Study 2, the scales' predictive validity for self-efficacy and physical activity was tested in a sample of 310 older German adults. RESULTS Short, reliable and valid instruments to measure six sources of self-efficacy for physical activity were developed that enable researchers to comparatively test the predictive value of the sources of self-efficacy. CONCLUSION The results suggest that mastery experience, self-persuasion, and reduction in negative affective states are the most important predictors of self-efficacy for physical activity in community-dwelling older adults.
Short-Term, Low-Contrast Visual Acuity Reduction Associated with in Vivo Contact Lens Drying

Hydrogel contact lens surfaces partially desiccate during extended interblink intervals, producing a microscopically rough and irregular surface that scatters light. Such light scattering could reduce retinal image contrast, elevating thresholds for target perception. To test this idea, we measured low (7%)-contrast visual acuity of subjects who wore: (1) hydrogel contact lenses, (2) rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, and (3) no contact lenses when the subjects blinked normally and when they suppressed blinking. Acuity thresholds were determined using computer-generated acuity stimuli and a staircase psychophysical procedure. Cessation of blinking resulted in small reductions in lowcontrast acuity for subjects wearing RGP lenses (mean loss: 0.1 line) or no lenses (mean loss: 0.3 lines). Subjects wearing hydrogel lenses, however, generally exhibited substantial reduction of acuity (mean loss: 4.1 lines) when blinking was suppressed.
Abuse liability of medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The use of psychostimulants to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been controversial for a number of reasons. In an effort to clarify the extent to which the psychostimulant methylphenidate has abuse potential, the existing published evidence has been reviewed and is summarized here, with an emphasis on delineating a number of related but independent issues that are often confused. The existing evidence reviewed is pertinent to three questions: Does stimulant drug use increase the risk for substance abuse later in life? Do ADHD medications have the potential for abuse? , and What is the distinction between drug abuse and misuse/diversion with respect to ADHD medication?
Recent challenges to traditional assumptions about homosexuality: some implications for practice.

During the last decade there has been a change in professional attitudes toward homosexuality reflected in the development of new models of treatment. Rather than offering a cure the aim is to help homosexuals adjust positively to their orientation. Such attitudinal change on the part of the practitioners has not, in the main, questioned the fundamental assumptions of theories which seek to explain homosexuality. Recent theoretical inquiry into homosexuality, however, has done this, posing an important challenge to the traditionally held view that people have an essential sexuality that is either homosexual or heterosexual and which remains fixed and unchanging throughout their lives. This paper addresses some of the more important clinical implications of these recent developments, in particular, the suggestion that "the homosexual" as a certain type of person is an "invention. " In addition, the therapeutic value and difficulties associated with an acknowledgement that sexual preference and identity may change over time are considered. Finally, there is consideration of what the goals should be in the case of the person who seeks professional help in changing from a homosexual to a heterosexual orientation.
A Study on Determining the Factors That Influence the Customer Value in the Fast Casual Restaurants

New trends for customers are being developed today against the “fast food”. One of the new trends is the “fast casual” system. Fast casual restaurants offer a fast, healthy and quality eating experience to those with a busy schedule. The goal of this study is to determine the value customers perceive in practice for the fast casual restaurants. The study covered 247 participants and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (DFA) have been performed. Four basic dimensions have been determined; product, support services, service and price, and also the customers have expressed that the atmosphere of the restaurant is important.
Proliferative Expansion and Acquisition of Effector Activity by Memory CD4+ T Cells in the Lungs following Pulmonary Virus Infection1

The memory CD4+ T cell response to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) attachment (G) protein in the lungs of primed BALB/c mice undergoing challenge pulmonary RSV infection is dominated by effector T cells expressing a single Vβ-chain, Vβ14. We have used Vβ14 expression to examine the kinetics of the activation, accumulation, and acquisition of the effector activity of memory CD4+ T cells responding to pulmonary infection. This analysis revealed that proliferative expansion and effector CD4+ T cell differentiation preferentially occur in the respiratory tract following rapid activation within and egress from the lymph nodes draining the respiratory tract. These findings suggest that, in response to natural infection at a peripheral mucosal site such as the lungs, memory CD4+ T cell expansion and differentiation into activated effector T cells may occur predominantly in the peripheral site of infection rather than exclusively in the lymph nodes draining the site of infection.
Adenosine deaminase activity in pig saliva: analytical validation of two spectrophotometric assays

We validated 2 assays for the measurement of adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in the saliva of pigs: the Giusti–Galanti manual method (ADA-GG) and a commercial automated assay (Diazyme Laboratories; ADA-D). Intra-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) were <7 and 9%, and interassay CVs were <12 and 5%, for ADA-GG and ADA-D, respectively. Accuracy was measured by 2 methods: recovery and linearity-under-dilution. Recovery was 82.4–106.8% for ADA-GG, and 92.8–107.9% for ADA-D. Serial dilutions showed R2 > 0.95 and 0.99 for ADA-GG and ADA-D, respectively. Linear regression between the methods gave R2 = 0.997 (p < 0.0001), and a Bland–Altman plot showed a proportional bias of 112 IU/L (95% confidence interval of −99 to 322 IU/L) for ADA-D. No significant differences were observed between the results obtained by either method in saliva or serum. ADA activity was much higher in porcine saliva than in serum. Salivary ADA activity was significantly higher in lame pigs compared to healthy animals. However, serum ADA activity was significantly lower in lame pigs.
Treatment of large HCC: transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with percutaneous ethanol injection versus repeated transcatheter arterial chemoembolization.

PURPOSE To compare the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) versus repeated TACE in the treatment of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-three patients with cirrhosis and a large HCC (main tumor, 3.1-8.0 cm in diameter with no more than two daughter nodules) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study. Twenty-six patients underwent a single TACE session followed by PEI (TACE-PEI group), whereas 27 patients underwent two to five TACE sessions (TACE group). Both groups of patients were similar with regard to liver function. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 39 months. RESULTS Complete therapeutic responses were higher (P < .05) and tumor recurrences during follow-up were lower (P < .05) in the TACE-PEI group than in the TACE group. Patients in the TACE-PEI group survived longer than those in the TACE group, although the difference was not significant (P > .1). The rates of survival without recurrence were better in the TACE-PEI group than in the TACE group (P < .05). CONCLUSION Use of a single TACE session combined with PEI is more effective than repeated TACE in the treatment of large HCC.
Ideal Versus Actual Number of Sales Calls: An Application of Disconfirmation Theory

The current study focuses on the relationship that buyers have with their salespeople. Specifically, the study uses disconfirmation theory to evaluate whether a salesperson that meets or exceeds the buyer’s ideal number of sales calls has higher levels of commitment, trust, and satisfaction from the buyer than a salesperson that does not meet expectations. The study also looks at the impact of meeting expectations on the buyer’s evaluation of the salesperson’s commitment and performance versus a salesperson that does not meet expectations. Findings suggest that when a salesperson contacts a buyer with a frequency and consistency that the buyer perceives as ideal, the buyer will have a higher level of satisfaction with and trust of the salesperson as well as a higher level of commitment to the buyer–seller relationship. Managers could take advantage of this by making an effort to align a salesperson’s call frequency with what a buyer perceives as ideal.
The Baptist Health High Risk Falls Assessment: A Methodological Study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Baptist Health High Risk Falls Assessment (BHHRFA). BACKGROUND: The cost of falls and the potential for increased patient morbidity and mortality necessitate the development of a psychometrically sound assessment. METHODS: Based on pilot data, a multisite study was conducted. Assessments were collected on 21 medical-surgical units, 1 rehabilitation unit, 1 psychiatric unit, and 3 critical care units (N = 241599). Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) were calculated. Clinical usefulness in terms of assessment performance time was addressed. RESULTS: Psychometric properties were within a desirable range for each site, critical care patients, and all participants (sensitivity, 0.64-1.00; specificity, 0.50-0.70; and DOR, 4.73-7.0). Although sensitivity at 1 site was high (0.84), specificity was low (0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the BHHRFA is clinically useful for adult inpatients across acute care settings.
Low sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in obese patients without obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Abstract. Resta O, Foschino‐Barbaro MP, Bonfitto P, Giliberti T, Depalo A, Pannacciulli N, De Pergola G (Respiratory Pathophysiology, University of Bari, School of Medicine, Bari, Italy; University of Foggia, School of Medicine, Foggia, Italy; and Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy). Low sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in obese patients without obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. J Intern Med 2003; 253: 536–543.
The Neuroprotective Role of Insulin Against MPP+‐Induced Parkinson's Disease in Differentiated SH‐SY5Y Cells

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common chronic neurodegenerative disorder associated with aging that primarily caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN). Retinoic acid (RA)‐differentiated human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells (SH‐SY5Y+RA) have been broadly utilized in studies of mechanisms of the pathogenesis underlying 1‐Methyl‐4‐phenyl pyridinium (MPP+)‐induced PD models. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective mechanisms of insulin on MPP+‐induced neurotoxicity on SH‐SY5Y+RA cells. Recent studies suggest that insulin has a protective effect against oxidative stress but not been elucidated for PD. In this study, pretreatment of insulin prevented the cell death in a dose dependent manner and lowered nitric oxide (NO) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and calcium ion (Ca2+) influx induced by MPP+. Insulin also elevated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and insulin signaling pathways in dopaminergic neuron through activating PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3 survival pathways which in turn inhibits MPP+‐induced iNOS and ERK activation, and Bax to Bcl‐2 ratio. These results suggest that insulin has a protective effect on MPP+‐neurotoxicity in SH‐SY5Y+RA cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 917–926, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibitory Activities of Quinolones against DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV of Enterococcus faecalis

ABSTRACT We have cloned the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV genes of Enterococcus faecalis to examine the actions of quinolones against E. faecalis genetically and enzymatically. We first generated levofloxacin-resistant mutants of E. faecalis by stepwise selection with increasing drug concentrations and analyzed the quinolone resistance-determining regions of gyrA and parC from the resistant mutants. Isogenic mutants with low-level resistance contained a mutation in gyrA, whereas those with higher levels of resistance had mutations in both gyrA and parC. These results suggested that gyrA is the primary target for levofloxacin in E. faecalis. We then purified the recombinant DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes of E. faecalis and measured the in vitro inhibitory activities of quinolones against these enzymes. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin, tosufloxacin, and gatifloxacin for DNA gyrase were found to be higher than those for topoisomerase IV. In conflict with the genetic data, these results indicated that topoisomerase IV would be the primary target for quinolones in E. faecalis. Among the quinolones tested, the IC50 of sitafloxacin (DU-6859a), which shows the greatest potency against enterococci, for DNA gyrase was almost equal to that for topoisomerase IV; its IC50s were the lowest among those of all the quinolones tested. These results indicated that other factors can modulate the effect of target affinity to determine the bacterial killing pathway, but the highest inhibitory actions against both enzymes correlated with good antienterococcal activities.
Neurobehavioral morbidity associated with disordered breathing during sleep in children: a comprehensive review.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To comprehensively review research on the association between childhood sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and neurobehavioral functioning. DESIGN Qualitative and quantitative literature review. SETTING N/A. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS N/A. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS The findings of 61 studies of the relationship between childhood SDB and neurobehavioral functioning were critically evaluated and synthesized. There is strong evidence that childhood SDB is associated with deficits in behavior and emotion regulation, scholastic performance, sustained attention, selective attention, and alertness. There is also evidence that SDB has minimal association with a child's typical mood, expressive language skills, visual perception, and working memory. Findings have been insufficient to draw conclusions about intelligence, memory, and some aspects of executive functioning. Mechanisms by which SDB might result in neurobehavioral morbidity are being explored, but clinical symptoms such as chronic snoring remain the best predictors of morbidity. Short-term SDB treatment outcome studies are encouraging, but the long-term outcomes are not known. Failing to treat SDB appears to leave children at risk for long-term neurobehavioral deficits. CONCLUSIONS Childhood SDB is associated with neurobehavioral morbidity. Applying commonly used guidelines for causal inference, even in the absence of a much-needed randomized clinical trial, there is strong evidence of association, consistent findings, and specificity of effect. There is suggestive evidence that this association fits the expected temporal pattern and that SDB is a biologically plausible cause of neurobehavioral deficits. Clinicians should be alert to the coexistence of SDB symptoms and concerns about a child's academic progress, attention, arousal, or behavior or emotion regulation.
Secukinumab efficacy in anti-TNF-naive and anti-TNF-experienced subjects with active ankylosing spondylitis: results from the MEASURE 2 Study

Background There is significant unmet need in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who have inadequate response or intolerance to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) treatment. Secukinumab, an anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, significantly improved signs and symptoms of AS in the MEASURE 2 study (NCT01649375). Methods Subjects with active AS (N=219) received secukinumab (150 or 75 mg) or placebo at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4, and every 4 weeks thereafter. Randomisation was stratified by prior anti-TNF use: anti-TNF-naive or inadequate response/intolerance to one anti-TNF (anti-TNF-IR). The primary endpoint was Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society criteria (ASAS) 20 at week 16. Results At week 16, 68.2% of anti-TNF-naive subjects treated with secukinumab 150 mg achieved ASAS20 compared with 31.1% treated with placebo (p<0.001). In the anti-TNF-IR group, 50.0% of subjects treated with secukinumab 150 mg achieved an ASAS20 response compared with 24.1% treated with placebo (p<0.05). Numerically greater improvements were observed with secukinumab than with placebo for most secondary endpoints. Clinical responses were sustained through week 52. Conclusions Secukinumab 150 mg provided sustained improvements in signs and symptoms of AS in anti-TNF-naive and anti-TNF-IR subjects through 52 weeks of therapy. Trial registration number NCT01649375.
Circulating Levels of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 are Elevated by Fibrate Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) affects lipid metabolism through modulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor degradation. Circulating PCSK9 status is an important determinant of LDL-cholesterol levels and is thus implicated in atherogenesis. The present study aimed to resolve inconsistencies in clinical findings on the impact of fibrate therapy on circulating PCSK9 concentrations using a meta-analysis of all published studies. A comprehensive literature search in Medline and Scopus was carried out to identify clinical reports on the impact of treatment with fibrates on circulating concentrations of PCSK9. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed using a random-effects model. A weighed mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the magnitude of fibrates’ effect on PCSK9 concentrations. Six studies comprising 218 subjects fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included for systematic review and quantitative data synthesis. A meta-analysis indicated a significant elevation of circulating PCSK9 concentrations following fibrate therapy (WMD: +60.37; 95% CI: 11.04–109.71; P = 0.02). The PCSK9-elevating effect of fibrates remained significant after comparison with a control group receiving either placebo or a statin (WMD: +23.97; 95% CI: 5.68–42.26; P = 0.01). Meta-regression analysis indicated that the effect size of fibrates in modulating circulating PCSK9 levels is not dependent on the duration of treatment (point estimate for slope = 0.59, SE = 4.56; 95% CI = −8.34 to 9.53; z = 0.130, P = 0.897). Fibrate therapy is associated with a significant increase in circulating PCSK9 concentrations. Such a PCSK9 elevation may partly explain the modest efficacy of fibrates on LDL-C.
Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotube Arrays for High-Efficiency Electrochemical Reduction of CO2: On the Understanding of Defects, Defect Density, and Selectivity.

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) have been considered as a promising electrocatalyst for carbon-dioxide-reduction reactions, but two fundamental chemistry questions remain obscure: 1) What are the active centers with respect to various defect species and 2) what is the role of defect density on the selectivity of NCNTs? The aim of this work is to address these questions. The catalytic activity of NCNTs depends on the structural nature of nitrogen in CNTs and defect density. Comparing with pristine CNTs, the presence of graphitic and pyridinic nitrogen significantly decreases the overpotential (ca. -0.18 V) and increases the selectivity (ca. 80%) towards the formation of CO. The experimental results are in congruent with DFT calculations, which show that pyridinic defects retain a lone pair of electrons that are capable of binding CO2. However, for graphitic-like nitrogen, electrons are located in the π* antibonding orbital, making them less accessible for CO2 binding.
Experiences of Marriage and Family Therapists Working with Intimate Partner Violence

The purpose of our study was to explore the experiences of marriage and family therapists in working with violent couples. In particular, we focused on therapists' questions and feelings of competency pertaining to violence assessment and treatment, the difficulties they face during their practices, and the factors that affect their practice. Data for this study were collected via a focus group that lasted approximately 1 hour. The participants included five marriage and family therapists. A set of questions were used to explore experiences of therapists who were working with clients who are experiencing domestic violence. The research team recorded the answers to these questions as well as associated discussion. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data. Six themes were derived from the coded data: acknowledgment and reliance on systemic foundations, therapist factors, assessment, treatment considerations, sex of batterers, and training in marriage and family therapy programs.
The human NAIP-NLRC4-inflammasome senses the Pseudomonas aeruginosa T3SS inner-rod protein

While NLRC4-dependent sensing of intracellular Gram-negative pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium is a beneficial host response, NLRC4-dependent sensing of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type 3 secretion system (T3SS) has been shown to be involved in pathogenicity. In mice, different pathogen-associated microbial patterns are sensed by the combination of the NLRC4-inflammasome with different neuronal apoptosis inhibitory proteins (NAIPs). NAIP2 is involved in sensing PscI, an inner-rod protein of the P. aeruginosa T3SS. Surprisingly, only a single human NAIP (hNAIP) has been found. Moreover, there is no description of hNAIP-NLRC4 inflammasome recognition of T3SS inner-rod proteins in humans. Here, we show that the P. aeruginosa T3SS inner-rod protein PscI and needle protein PscF are both sensed by the hNAIP-NLRC4 inflammasome in human macrophages and PBMCs from healthy donors, allowing caspase-1 and IL-1β maturation and resulting in a robust inflammatory response. TLR4 and TLR2 are involved in redundantly sensing these two T3SS components.