Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of drugs in the induction and/or exacerbation of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder; knowledge of the factors that may induce, trigger, or exacerbate the disease is of primary importance in clinical practice. Drug intake is a major concern in this respect, as new drugs are constantly being added to the list of factors that may influence the course of this disease. Drug ingestion may result in exacerbation of pre‐existing psoriasis, in induction of psoriatic lesions on clinically uninvolved skin in patients with psoriasis, or in precipitation of the disease in persons without family history of psoriasis or in predisposed individuals. In view of their relationship to drug‐provoked psoriasis, therapeutic agents may be classified as drugs with strong evidence for a causal relationship to psoriasis, drugs about which there are considerable but insufficient data to support the induction or aggravation of the disease, and drugs that are occasionally reported to be associated with aggravation or induction. This review focuses on the most common causative agents for drug‐induced, drug‐triggered, or drug‐aggravated psoriasis, such as β‐blockers, lithium, synthetic antimalarial drugs, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, and tetracyclines, and the mechanisms of action of these drugs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Pioglitazone rapidly reduces neuropathic pain through astrocyte and nongenomic PPAR&ggr; mechanisms

Abstract Repeated administration of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPAR&ggr;) agonists reduces neuropathic pain-like behavior and associated changes in glial activation in the spinal cord dorsal horn. As PPAR&ggr; is a nuclear receptor, sustained changes in gene expression are widely believed to be the mechanism of pain reduction. However, we recently reported that a single intrathecal (i.t.) injection of pioglitazone, a PPAR&ggr; agonist, reduced hyperalgesia within 30 minutes, a time frame that is typically less than that required for genomic mechanisms. To determine the very rapid antihyperalgesic actions of PPAR&ggr; activation, we administered pioglitazone to rats with spared nerve injury and evaluated hyperalgesia. Pioglitazone inhibited hyperalgesia within 5 minutes of injection, consistent with a nongenomic mechanism. Systemic or i.t. administration of GW9662, a PPAR&ggr; antagonist, inhibited the antihyperalgesic actions of intraperitoneal or i.t. pioglitazone, suggesting a spinal PPAR&ggr;-dependent mechanism. To further address the contribution of nongenomic mechanisms, we blocked new protein synthesis in the spinal cord with anisomycin. When coadministered intrathecally, anisomycin did not change pioglitazone antihyperalgesia at an early 7.5-minute time point, further supporting a rapid nongenomic mechanism. At later time points, anisomycin reduced pioglitazone antihyperalgesia, suggesting delayed recruitment of genomic mechanisms. Pioglitazone reduction of spared nerve injury–induced increases in GFAP expression occurred more rapidly than expected, within 60 minutes. We are the first to show that activation of spinal PPAR&ggr; rapidly reduces neuropathic pain independent of canonical genomic activity. We conclude that acute pioglitazone inhibits neuropathic pain in part by reducing astrocyte activation and through both genomic and nongenomic PPAR&ggr; mechanisms.
Targeted alterations in dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids improve life functioning and reduce psychological distress among patients with chronic headache: a secondary analysis of a randomized trial

Abstract Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are precursors of bioactive lipid mediators posited to modulate both physical pain and psychological distress. In a randomized trial of 67 subjects with severe headaches, we recently demonstrated that targeted dietary manipulation—increasing omega-3 fatty acids with concurrent reduction in omega-6 linoleic acid (the H3-L6 intervention)—produced major reductions in headache compared with an omega-6 lowering (L6) intervention. Because chronic pain is often accompanied by psychological distress and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL), we used data from this trial to examine whether the H3-L6 intervention favorably impacted these domains. Additionally, we examined the effect of the interventions on the number of cases with substantial physical or mental impairments as defined by cutoff values in the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), Medical Outcomes Study Short Forms 12 (SF-12), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and the number of headache days per month. In the intention-to-treat analysis, participants in the H3-L6 group experienced statistically significant reductions in psychological distress (BSI-18 mean difference: −6.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −11.43 to −1.69) and improvements in SF-12 mental (mean difference: 6.01; 95% CI: 0.57 to 11.45) and physical (mean difference: 6.65; 95% CI: 2.14 to 11.16) health summary scores. At 12 weeks, the proportion of subjects experiencing substantial impairment according to cutoff values in the BSI-18, SF-12 physical, HIT-6, and headache days per month was significantly lower in the H3-L6 group. Dietary manipulation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, previously shown to produce major improvements in headache, was found to also reduce psychological distress and improve HRQOL and function.
Psychological Effects of Group Hypnotherapy on Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of group hypnotherapy on anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, optimism, and social support during chemotherapy, in patients with breast cancer, compared with a control group with standard medical care. Hypnotherapy consisted of 24 sessions that included suggestions to encourage relaxation, self-esteem, the resolution of past traumatic events, physical healing, and optimism. Results show that the hypnotherapy group significantly decreased anxiety, distress, increased self-esteem, and optimism in the first 12 sessions. However, at the end of the 24 sessions, only self-esteem and optimism remained significant compared with the control group. The convenience of using hypnotherapy to encourage optimism and self-esteem in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy treatment is discussed given its protective effect on health.
On Suggestibility and Placebo: A Follow-Up Study

Identifying what makes some people respond well to placebos remains a major challenge. Here, we attempt to replicate an earlier study in which we found a relationship between hypnotic suggestibility and subjective ratings of relaxation following the ingestion of a placebo sedative (Sheiner, Lifshitz, & Raz, 2016). To assess the reliability of this effect, we tested 34 participants using a similar design. Participants ingested a placebo capsule in one of two conditions: (1) relaxation, wherein we described the capsule as a herbal sedative, or (2) control, wherein we described the capsule as inert. To index placebo response, we collected measures of blood pressure and heart rate, as well as self-report ratings of relaxation and drowsiness. Despite using a similar experimental design as in our earlier study, we were unable to replicate the correlation between hypnotic suggestibility and placebo response. Furthermore, whereas in our former experiment we observed a change in subjective ratings of relaxation but no change in physiological measures, here we found that heart rate dropped in the relaxation condition while subjective ratings remained unchanged. Even within a consistent context of relaxation, therefore, our present results indicate that placebos may induce effects that are fickle, tenuous, and unreliable. Although we had low statistical power, our findings tentatively accord with the notion that placebo response likely involves a complex, multifaceted interaction between traits, expectancies, and contexts.
Pathology of Mycotic Tracheitis in Poultry

A case of mycotic tracheitis in an adult Rhode Island Red bird of about 20 weeks of age is described here. The bird had a history of dyspnoea, gasping and was dull prior to death. On postmortem examination lungs showed multiple circumscribed granulomatous nodules in the lungs and the trachea was occluded with caseous plugs. Microscopically there were fungal hyphae penetrating the tracheal mucosa together with a caseative plug having central necrotic mass adhering to the tracheal wall, foci of severe congestion and hemorrhage, fungal granuloma surrounded by mononuclear cell infiltration, giant cell, fungal hyphae and fibrous tissues were recorded. The fungal hyphae were also demonstrated by Grocott's methanamine silver stain.
First drink: What does it mean? The alcohol socialization process in different drinking cultures

Aims: The aim of this qualitative research is to show how the alcohol socialization process – i.e. the ways children and young people get acquainted with alcohol – can generate very diverse experiences and meanings in different cultural contexts. Method: A total of 16 focus groups were conducted in Italy and Finland, divided by age (4 groups), gender and socio-cultural level. A total of 190 participants took part in the study. Findings: The findings support the hypothesis that the alcohol socialization process takes place in very different ways and assumes diverse meaning in the two countries involved in the study. In Italy the relationship with alcohol takes place as part of a gradual process and participants’ first memories of drinking alcohol are connected to positive values. In Finland, on the other hand, often the first experiences of drinking overlap with the first experiences of intoxication and alcohol images reflect an ambiguous relation with this substance, closely related to its intoxicating effects. Conclusions: Results show that the alcohol socialization process can take very different forms and meanings according to a specific drinking cultures. Thus, further comparative research should take into more consideration the implication of these substantial differences.
Role of physiotherapists in intensive care units of India: A multicenter survey

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find what role physiotherapists play in the care of the critically ill in Indian Intensive Care Units (ICU). Materials and Methods: Study Design and Setting: Exploratory cross-sectional survey Questionaires were sent to 260 ICUs in India. A stamped self-addressed envelope was enclosed with the questionnaire and a period of six weeks for completion were given in an attempt to ensure good response rates. If response was not obtained within six weeks, two subsequent reminders were sent to the hospitals with a further time gap of six weeks. Results: Eighty-nine completed questionnaires were received and analyzed, representing 35% of the questionnaires sent. The present study revealed that, 24% of ICUs had a resident physiotherapist available during the night and 79% of physiotherapists available on-call. In almost 90% of ICUs physiotherapists performed chest manipulations, mobilization, incentive spirometry and postural drainage. Correlation of physiotherapists' role between different states of India, were performed by Chi-square. Mann-Whitney U test was performed to compare, within each of the five states for two types of postings in relation to the years of experience in ICU. Conclusion: All physiotherapists in ICU are routinely involved in chest physiotherapy and mobilization
Combining value and momentum: evidence from the Nordic equity market

ABSTRACT This is the first article that explores the recently proposed average ranking approach for the value and momentum strategy in the Nordic equity market offering an exceptional experimental environment. Our results indicate that in the Nordic stock markets, the value anomaly offered excess returns in the 1993–2017 sample period only when small stocks were a part of the portfolio, whereas the momentum effect is strong and significant, irrespective of size. Interestingly, our findings also indicate that the negative correlation between value and momentum seems to be driven by growth stocks: Winner stocks that are value stocks generated 1.66% per month on average, whereas winner stocks that are growth stocks exhibit virtually the same average payoff. On the other hand, the spread between value and growth stocks that are loser stocks is on average 0.97% per month.
Comparison of Therapeutic Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Fluoxetine, Separately and in Combination, in Major Depressive Disorder

Objective: To compare therapeutic effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), fluoxetine and a combination of them in major depression. Method: Sixty outpatients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on DSM-IV criteria and a score ≥15 in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were randomly allocated to receive daily either 1000 mg EPA or 20 mg fluoxetine, or their combination for 8 weeks. Double dummy technique was used to double blind the study. Patients were assessed at 2 week intervals. Change in HDRS was the primary outcome measure. Results: Analysis of covariance for HDRS at week 8 across treatment groups was performed in 48 patients who completed at least 4 weeks of the study, with the last observation carried forward. Treatment, age of onset and baseline HDRS had a significant effect on HDRS at week 8. EPA + fluoxetine combination was significantly better than fluoxetine or EPA alone from the fourth week of treatment. Fluoxetine and EPA appear to be equally effective in controlling depressive symptoms. Response rates (≥50% decrease in baseline HDRS) were 50%, 56% and 81% in the fluoxetine, EPA and combination groups, respectively. Conclusions: In the present 8 week trial EPA and fluoxetine had equal therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder. EPA + fluoxetine combination was superior to either of them alone.
Longitudinal Evaluation of a Teenage Pregnancy Case Management Program in Oklahoma

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a school-based case management intervention in reducing teen-pregnancy. A nonrandomized intervention/comparison schools mixed-method evaluation design was employed. Participants included 203 pregnant and parenting teens with annual follow-up over a 3-year period. The results indicated that the time to repeat pregnancy was delayed among pregnant teens, high school drop-out rates were reduced among parenting teens, and pregnant teens were less likely to deliver before 36 weeks in the intervention versus the comparison school. Case management at a school setting is a promising approach to decrease repeat teen pregnancy.
Sympathetic Nerve Dysfunction is Common in Patients With Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction

Goal To clarify whether disturbances in the autonomic nervous system, reflected in abnormal cardiovascular reflexes, could explain symptoms of impaired heat regulation in patients with intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Background Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a clinical syndrome characterized by diffuse, unspecific gastrointestinal symptoms due to damage to the enteric nervous system or the smooth muscle cells. These patients often complain of excessive sweating or feeling cold, suggesting disturbances in the autonomic nervous system. Earlier studies have pointed to a coexistence of autonomic disturbances in the enteric and cardiovascular nervous system. Study Thirteen consecutive patients (age range 23 to 79, mean 44 y) fulfilling the criteria for chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction were investigated. Six of them complained of sweating or a feeling of cold. Examination of autonomic reflexes included heart rate variation to deep-breathing (expiration/inspiration index), heart rate reaction to tilt (acceleration index, brake index), and vasoconstriction (VAC) due to indirect cooling by laser doppler (VAC-index; high index indicates impaired VAC). Test results in patients were compared with healthy individuals. Results Patients had significantly higher (more abnormal) median VAC-index compared with healthy controls [1.79 (interquartile ranges 1.89) vs. 0.08 (interquartile ranges 1.29); P=0.0007]. However, symptoms of impaired heat regulation were not related to the VAC-index. There were no differences in expiration/inspiration, acceleration index, or brake index between patients and controls. Conclusions The patients with severe gastrointestinal dysmotility showed impaired sympathetic nerve function which, however, did not seem to be associated with symptoms of impaired heat regulation.
Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness and Its Response among Female Health Workers

Objectives: To determine the level of awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and help-seeking responses of female health workers. Methods: Four hundred and fifty seven female health workers were randomly selected and made to complete a structured proforma adapted from the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Measure (Ovarian CAM), which is a site-specific version of the generic Cancer Awareness Measure. Questions were asked on level of awareness of ovarian cancer early symptoms, anticipated time and the barriers to help-seeking responses. Results: Out of 457 clients, 211 (46.2%) were able to recall at least one warning symptom of ovarian cancer while 20 (4.4%) were able to recall more than 3 warning symptoms. On the other end, when presented with a list of warning symptoms of ovarian cancer, identification ranged from 33.7-72.0% for the symptoms. As high as 28.0% could not identify any of the listed warning
Validation of Attention-Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder Subtypes Among Taiwanese Children Using Neuropsychological Functioning

Objective: The findings regarding the validity of attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtypes using neuropsychological functioning have been inconsistent; and no such study has been conducted in an ethnic Chinese population. The aim of the present paper was therefore to examine the validity of attention tasks in distinguishing the ADHD-combined type (ADHD-C) from the ADHD-inattention type (ADHD-I), as compared to children without ADHD in Taiwan. Methods: Participants included 52 children with ADHD-C, 17 with ADHD-I, and 52 controls, aged 7–10years. The clinical diagnosis of DSM-IV ADHD was further confirmed by a standardized psychiatric interview. Four attention components were examined: sensory selection, response selection, capacity/focus, and sustained attention, using the Cancellation Test, Digit Span, Trail-Making Test (TMT), Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and Circle-Tracing Test. Behaviour symptoms were rated by the parents, teachers, and investigators. Results: Compared to children without ADHD, children with ADHD scored significantly higher in parent-reported and investigator-rated behavioural symptoms, and performed worse in the four domains of attention. Multiple comparisons indicated that children with ADHD-C had a worse performance on most tests than children with ADHD-I, except that children with ADHD-I had more off-target errors on the TMT with alphanumeric sequencing than children with ADHD-C. Conclusions: Attention tests can distinguish Taiwanese children with ADHD from those without ADHD, and these tests also demonstrate different profiles between the ADHD-C and ADHD-I groups. Further investigation on this topic should include the ADHD-hyperactivity–impulsivity subtype (ADHD-HI) and increase sample sizes of the children with ADHD-I and ADHD-HI. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00494819.)
Incidência de Doenças Metabólicas em Frangos de Corte no Sul do Brasil e Uso do Perfil Bioquímico Sanguíneo para o seu Estudo

This work was performed in broiler farms located in the Parana State (southern Brazil). 450 farms with a total population of 4,5 millions was considered during 6 months, registering total mortality and deaths compatible to be caused by ascitic syndrome and sudden death syndrome in broilers between 1 and 7 weeks of age. Total mortality was 4,8% from which 12,9% was registered as caused by ascitic syndrome and 26,4% by sudden death syndrome. Mortality peaks occured at 5th and 6th weeks of age, respectively for ascitic syndrome and sudden death syndrome. The latter value could include no specific syndrome of sudden death due to caloric stress. The profile values of dead animals showed that sudden death syndrome is characterized by hyperproteinemia, hyperlipidemia, increments of uric acid, phosphorus and magnesium levels. The profile also reveals a hypovolemic shock, metabolic acidosis and disturbance in the lipid metabolism. The biochemical profile of animals dead by ascitis syndrome showed depression of energetic metabolism, evidenced by a decrease in the levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, hypoproteinemia and hypocalcemia.
Harm Associated With Stalking Victimization

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the frequency at which assault and attempted assault occur as outcomes among stalking victims, and to explore the common characteristics of those cases in which the victims report these harmful outcomes as a result of the stalking behaviour. Method: A sample of 3700 men and women randomly selected from the electoral roll were sent a postal questionnaire to determine the prevalence and nature of their experiences of stalking behaviours. Those who self-reported that they had been stalked were divided according to whether their pursuer had, or had not, attacked them. Results: Of the 432 who reported having been stalked, 75 (17.4%) had been attacked. A number of victim and perpetrator factors differentiated those who reported attacks. A combination of the victim being threatened, being an ex-intimate, and being younger at the time of the stalking incident were predictive of attack. A multivariate model containing these factors correctly classified 82% of the sample and achieved an AUC of 0.87. Conclusions: Stalking is an all too common problem behaviour that can result in a range of harmful outcomes for victims. Threats made by ex-intimates are a particular cause for concern. The generalizability of these findings should be tested using robust prospective methodologies in diverse populations.
Links Between Ethnic Identification, Cannabis Use and Dependence, and Life Outcomes in a New Zealand Birth Cohort

Objective: To examine the role of ethnic identity in cannabis use, and links between ethnic identity, cannabis use and life outcomes, in a birth cohort of >1000 young people studied to age 25. Methods: Data were gathered on cultural identification, cannabis use, socioeconomic factors, childhood adversity, and a range of life outcomes as part of a longitudinal study of a New Zealand birth cohort (Christchurch Health and Development Study). Results: Those reporting Māori identity had rates of cannabis use and dependence that were significantly higher (p<0.05) than rates for non-Māori. Regression analysis suggested that the elevated rates of cannabis use among Māori were largely explained by their higher exposure to socioeconomic disadvantage and childhood adversity. Further analyses examined the role of cannabis use in the links between ethnicity and a range of life outcomes, including education, income and employment, mental health, criminal offending, and intimate partner violence. These analyses showed that cannabis use made a small but detectable contribution to rates of Māori disadvantage in life outcomes, with this contribution being most evident in the areas of crime, education, and unemployment. Conclusions: Māori ethnic identification was associated with increased risks of cannabis use and dependence. The higher rate of cannabis use by Māori could be largely attributed to a combination of socioeconomic factors and greater exposure to environmental factors known to influence risk of cannabis use. The higher rates of cannabis use by Māori made a small contribution to higher rates of early school leaving, crime, and unemployment among Māori.