Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A social-cognitive approach to motivation and personality

Past work has documented and described major patterns of adaptive and maladaptive behavior: the mastery-oriented and the helpless patterns. In this article, we present a research-based model that accounts for these patterns in terms of underlying psychological processes. The model specifies how individuals' implicit theories orient them toward particular goals and how these goals set up the different patterns. Indeed, we show how each feature (cognitive, affective, and behavioral) of the adaptive and maladaptive patterns can be seen to follow directly from different goals. We then examine the generality of the model and use it to illuminate phenomena in a wide variety of domains. Finally, we place the model in its broadest context and examine its implications for our understanding of motivational and personality processes. The task for investigators of motivation and personality is to identify major patterns of behavior and link them to underlying psychological processes. In this article we (a) describe a research-based model that accounts for major patterns of behavior, (b) examine the generality of this model—its utility for understanding domains beyond the ones in which it was originally developed, and (c) explore the broader implications of the model for motivational and personality processes.
From Totalitarianism to Capitalism – the Case of IFRS Adoption in Vietnam

We investigate the strategic process of contextualisation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in an economy transitioning from totalitarianism to capitalism &#8211; Vietnam &#8211; paying attention to tensions between actors involved in the process. This study employs the framework suggested by Puxty et&#160;al. to analyse the behaviour of actors of the State, Market, and Profession. We find that Market's needs trigger the IFRS contextualisation, which is institutionalised by the state. IFRS&#8208;oriented rules undergo &#8216;reality tests&#8217; and are tailored to fit the local context. Despite active interactions between the actors, the dominant role of the State results in some tensions.
Coping Styles, Pain Expressiveness, and Implicit Theories of Chronic Pain

ABSTRACT Whereas some individuals use active coping strategies and are able to adaptively cope with their pain, others use passive strategies and catastrophic appraisals, which are often associated with increased displays of pain behavior and negative pain-related outcomes. To investigate attribution-based implicit theories as a potential underlying mechanism that might affect coping success, we hypothesized that pain patients with an incremental implicit theory of pain (i.e., view pain as malleable) would have more active coping strategies, lower levels of pain expressiveness, and better pain-related outcomes than those with an entity implicit theory of pain (i.e., view pain as nonmalleable). Patients with chronic back pain undergoing a functional assessment completed a variety of self-report measures and participated in a pain-inducing physiotherapy procedure. The results revealed those with an incremental theory of pain used more active coping strategies, displayed less pain behavior, and reported better pain-related outcomes (e.g., lower levels of depression) than individuals with an entity theory of pain. The findings suggest implicit theories of pain may represent an underlying social-cognitive mechanism linked to important coping, emotional, and expressive reactions to chronic pain. Identifying such a mechanism may provide valuable information for the assessment and treatment of chronic pain.
Outcomes of cancer patients after unplanned admission to general intensive care units

Abstract Background. Acute admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) of cancer patients is considered with increasing frequency due to a better life expectancy and more aggressive therapies. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and outcomes of cancer patients with unplanned admissions to general ICUs, and to compare these with outcomes of critically ill patients without cancer. Material and methods. All unplanned ICU admissions in the Netherlands collected in the National Intensive Care Evaluation registry between January 2007 and January 2011 were analyzed. Results and conclusion. Of the 140,154 patients with unplanned ICU admission 10.9% had a malignancy. Medical cancer patients were more severely ill on ICU admission in comparison with medical non-cancer patients, as reflected by higher needs for mechanical ventilation (50.8% vs. 46.4%, p < 0.001) and vasopressors within 24 hours after admission (41.5% vs. 33.0%, p < 0.001), higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV scores (88.1 vs. 67.5, p < 0.001) and a longer ICU stay (5.1 vs. 4.6 days, p < 0.001). In contrast, surgical cancer patients only displayed a modestly higher APACHE IV score on admission when compared with non-cancer surgical patients, whereas the other afore mentioned parameters were lower in the surgical cancer patients group. In-hospital mortality was almost twice as high in medical cancer patients (40.6%) as in medical patients without cancer (23.7%). In-hospital mortality of surgical cancer patients (17.4%) was slightly higher than in patients without cancer (14.6%). These data indicate that unplanned ICU admission is associated with a high mortality in patients with cancer when admitted for medical reasons.
Advanced Glycation End Products Suppress Neuropilin-1 Expression in Podocytes by a Reduction in Sp1-Dependent Transcriptional Activity

Background: Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, initially defined as a receptor for members of the semaphorin family. We observed that NRP1 expression was downregulated by the addition of advanced glycation end products-modified bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA). The present study was undertaken to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying AGE-BSA-mediated NRP1 suppression. Methods: Expression of NRP1 was analyzed in podocytes. The transcriptional activity of the NRP1 promoter was investigated using wild-type and mutant NRP1 promoter reporter constructs. Electrophoretic mobility assays were performed. Results: NRP1 expression was downregulated in podocytes by the addition of AGE-BSA. In contrast, phorbolester induced NRP1 mRNA and protein expression. The wild-type promoter transcriptional activity was significantly reduced when podocytes were treated with AGE-BSA compared with control, unmodified BSA. Point mutations of proximal and distal Sp1-like sites inhibited basal NRP1 promoter activity. AGE-BSA failed to further suppress transcriptional activity of these constructs. Double mutation of the Sp1A and Sp1B binding sites completely abolished NRP1 transcriptional activity. Gel shift analysis showed a specific binding of the Sp1 transcription factor. Treatment of podocytes with AGE-BSA revealed a decrease in Sp1 binding to consensus sequences, but no effect on AP1 binding. Conclusions: AGE-BSA inhibits NRP1 promoter transcriptional activity in podocytes by reducing the binding ability of the Sp1 transcription factor to attach to the NRP1 promoter.
Fourth branchial pouch sinus: Principles of diagnosis and management

The fourth branchial pouch sinus is a congenital anomaly which most frequently manifests itself by recurrent episodes of neck abscess or acute suppurative thyroiditis. This lesion usually becomes symptomatic before the age of 10 years and is more common than has previously been suspected. It has been found on the left side in 93% of the 28 cases reported in the English literature. Barium swallow during periods of quiescence and nasopharyngoscopy have frequently been successful in identifying the presence of these embryological remnants. Definitive therapy consists of total excision of the sinus tract, which can be facilitated by direct endoscopic placement of a Fogarty® catheter into the sinus lumen before surgical exploration. The embryological basis for the occurrence of these sinuses is discussed.
An Efficient Calculation of the Far Field Radiated by Non-Uniformly Sampled Planar Fields Complying Nyquist Theorem

An efficient and accurate method to calculate the far field radiated by non-uniformly sampled planar apertures using the non-uniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT) is shown. The sampled fields in the planar aperture have to comply the Nyquist theorem. The method takes into account the amplitude of the unit cell radiation pattern, which allows to compute more accurately the copolar and crosspolar components of the far field. Due to the generality of the NUFFT, it also allows to overcome some limitations of the FFT when computing the radiated fields of reflectarrays with periodicity larger than half a wavelength. Because the NUFFT is precision-dependent, a discussion of how its accuracy can affect the computed radiated fields is carried out. Numerical examples are provided to show the accuracy and performance of the NUFFT with regard to the FFT and direct evaluation of the fields. Finally, a study of computing times comparing the FFT, NUFFT and direct evaluation is presented.
DnIKK2-Transfected Dendritic Cells Induce a Novel Population of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase–Expressing CD4+CD25− Cells with Tolerogenic Properties

Background. We previously documented that rat bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs), transfected with an adenovirus encoding a dominant negative form of IKK2 (dnIKK2), have impaired allostimulatory capacity and generate CD4+ T cells with regulatory function. Here we investigate the potency, the phenotype, and the mechanism of action of dnIKK2-DC-induced regulatory cells and we evaluated their tolerogenic properties in vivo. Methods. Brown Norway (BN) transfected dnIKK2-DCs were cultured with Lewis (LW) lymphocytes in primary mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). CD4+ T cells were purified from primary MLR and incubated in secondary coculture MLR with LW lymphocytes. Phenotypic characterization was performed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The tolerogenic potential of CD4+ T cells pre-exposed to dnIKK2-DCs was evaluated in vivo in a model of kidney allotransplantation. Results. CD4+ T cells pre-exposed to dnIKK2-DCs were CD4+CD25−/dim and expressed interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor-beta, interferon-gamma, IL-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These cells (dnIKK2-Treg), cocultured (at up to 1:105 ratio) with a primary MLR, suppressed T-cell proliferation to alloantigens. The regulatory effect was cell-to-cell contact-independent since it was also observed in a transwell system. A nitric oxide synthase inhibitor significantly reverted dnIKK2-Treg-mediated suppression, whereas neutralizing antibodies to IL-10 and TGF-beta had no significant effect. DnIKK2-Treg given in vivo to LW rats prolonged the survival of a kidney allograft from BN rats (the donor rat strain used for generating DCs). Conclusions. DnIKK2-Treg is a unique population of CD4+CD25− T cells expressing high levels of iNOS. These cells potently inhibit T-cell response in vitro and induce prolongation of kidney allograft survival in vivo.
Chronic Stress Triggers Expression of Immediate Early Genes and Differentially Affects the Expression of AMPA and NMDA Subunits in Dorsal and Ventral Hippocampus of Rats

Previous studies in rats have demonstrated that chronic restraint stress triggers anhedonia, depressive-like behaviors, anxiety and a reduction in dendritic spine density in hippocampal neurons. In this study, we compared the effect of repeated stress on the expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits in dorsal and ventral hippocampus (VH). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and stressed groups, and were daily restrained in their motion (2.5 h/day) during 14 days. We found that chronic stress promotes an increase in c-Fos mRNA levels in both hippocampal areas, although it was observed a reduction in the immunoreactivity at pyramidal cell layer. Furthermore, Arc mRNAs levels were increased in both dorsal and VH, accompanied by an increase in Arc immunoreactivity in dendritic hippocampal layers. Furthermore, stress triggered a reduction in PSD-95 and NR1 protein levels in whole extract of dorsal and VH. Moreover, a reduction in NR2A/NR2B ratio was observed only in dorsal pole. In synaptosomal fractions, we detected a rise in NR1 in dorsal hippocampus (DH). By indirect immunofluorescence we found that NR1 subunits rise, especially in neuropil areas of dorsal, but not VH. In relation to AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunits, chronic stress did not trigger any change, either in dorsal or ventral hippocampal areas. These data suggest that DH is more sensitive than VH to chronic stress exposure, mainly altering the expression of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunits, and probably favors changes in the configuration of this receptor that may influence the function of this area.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis in mitochondrial DNA disorders: challenge and success

Background Mitochondrial or oxidative phosphorylation diseases are relatively frequent, multisystem disorders; in about 15% of cases they are caused by maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. Because of the possible severity of the phenotype, the lack of effective treatment, and the high recurrence risk for offspring of carrier females, couples wish to prevent the transmission of these mtDNA disorders to their offspring. Prenatal diagnosis is problematic for several reasons, and concern the often poor correlation between mutation percentages and disease severity and the uncertainties about the representativeness of a fetal sample. A new option for preventing transmission of mtDNA disorders is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which circumvents these problems by transferring an embryo below the threshold of clinical expression. Methods We present the data on nine PGD cycles in four female carriers of mitochondrial diseases: three mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) (m.3243A>G), and one Leigh (m.8993T>G). Our threshold for transfer after PGD is 15% for the m.3243A>G mutation and 30% for the m.8993T>G mutation. Results All four female carriers produced embryos eligible for transfer. The m.8993T>G mutation in oocytes/embryos showed more skewing than the m.3243A>G. In about 80% of the embryos the mutation load in the individual blastomeres was fairly constant (interblastomere differences <10%). However, in around 11% (in embryos with the m.3243A>G mutation only), the mutation load differed substantially (>15%) between blastomeres of a single embryo, mostly as a result of one outlier. The m.8993T>G carrier became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy son. Conclusions PGD provides carriers of mtDNA mutations the opportunity to conceive healthy offspring.
Curative versus palliative surgical resection of liver metastases in patients with neuroendocrine tumors: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND The role of surgical therapy in patients with liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is unclear. In this study, the results obtained with curative or palliative resection, by reviewing recent literature and performing a meta-analysis, were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published between January 1990 and October 2013 were performed. Studies that evaluated the different survival between patients treated by curative or palliative surgical resection of hepatic metastases from NETs were considered. The collected studies were evaluated for heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality. To calculate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimate and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI), a fixed-effects model was applied. RESULTS After the literature search, 2,546 studies were found and, among 38 potentially eligible studies, 3 were considered. We did not find a significant longer survival in patients treated with curative surgical resection of hepatic metastases when compared to palliative hepatic resection HR 0.40 (95% CI: 0.14-1.11). In one study, palliative resection of hepatic metastases significantly increased survival when compared to embolization. CONCLUSIONS Curative and also palliative surgery of NETs liver metastases may improve survival outcome. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed to elucidate this argument.
Comparison of transepithelial corneal crosslinking with epithelium-off crosslinking (epithelium-off CXL) in adult Pakistani population with progressive keratoconus

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of transepithelial corneal crosslinking (CXL) with epithelium-off crosslinking (epithelium-off CXL) in the treatment of progressive keratoconus in adult Pakistani population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four eyes of 64 consecutive patients of progressive keratoconus were included in this quasi-experimental study. Thirty-two eyes received transepithelial CXL with Peschke TE (0.25% riboflavin (Vitamin B2), 1.2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), 0.01% benzalkonium chloride) and 32 eyes received epithelium-off CXL with Peschke M (0.1% riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 0.1%, HPMC 1.1%. ) The cornea was then exposed to ultraviolet A light at an irradiance of 3 mW/cm2 for 30 min. The primary outcome measure, clinical stabilization of keratoconus was defined as an increase of no more than 1D in Kmaxat 1 year. Other parameters evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), astigmatism (Ast), simulated keratometry, steep keratmetry (steep K), and corneal thickness at thinnest point (pachy thin). RESULTS: Both epithelium-off CXL and transepithelial CXL groups showed a significant reduction in Kmax, steep K, simulated K, corneal pachymetry at all test points (P < 0.05) with significantly greater reductions achieved in epithelium-off CXL group at 18 months follow-up. The mean UDVA, CDVA, SE, Ast significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.05). The mean postoperative UDVA and CDVA between the groups were not significant at 12 months (P = 0.650, 0.018, respectively). Clinical stabilization was achieved in 94% of eyes in epithelium-off CXL and 75% of eyes in transepithelial CXL. In epithelium-off CXL, three eyes exhibited stromal haze resolved by corticosteroid treatment. No complication was documented in transepithelial CXL group. CONCLUSION: Transepithelial CXL is not recommended to be replaced completely by standard epithelium-off CXL due to continued ectatic progression in 25% of cases. However, thin corneas, unfit for standard epithelium-off CXL, can benefit from transepithelial CXL.
Bridging the gap between basic and clinical sciences: A description of a radiological anatomy course

A wide variety of medical imaging techniques pervade modern medicine, and the changing portability and performance of tools like ultrasound imaging have brought these medical imaging techniques into the everyday practice of many specialties outside of radiology. However, proper interpretation of ultrasonographic and computed tomographic images requires the practitioner to not only hone certain technical skills, but to command an excellent knowledge of sectional anatomy and an understanding of the pathophysiology of the examined areas as well. Yet throughout many medical curricula there is often a large gap between traditional anatomy coursework and clinical training in imaging techniques. The authors present a radiological anatomy course developed to teach sectional anatomy with particular emphasis on ultrasonography and computed tomography, while incorporating elements of medical simulation. To assess students' overall opinions about the course and to examine its impact on their self‐perceived improvement in their knowledge of radiological anatomy, anonymous evaluation questionnaires were provided to the students. The questionnaires were prepared using standard survey methods. A five‐point Likert scale was applied to evaluate agreement with statements regarding the learning experience. The majority of students considered the course very useful and beneficial in terms of improving three‐dimensional and cross‐sectional knowledge of anatomy, as well as for developing practical skills in ultrasonography and computed tomography. The authors found that a small‐group, hands‐on teaching model in radiological anatomy was perceived as useful both by the students and the clinical teachers involved in their clinical education. In addition, the model was introduced using relatively few resources and only two faculty members. Anat Sci Educ 9: 295–303. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
Racial comparison of outcomes of male Department of Veterans Affairs patients with lung and colon cancer.

BACKGROUND A study was performed to distinguish between genetic vs socioeconomic factors or artifacts inherent in retrospective studies to discover explanations for the apparent shorter survival of blacks than whites with lung and colon cancer. METHODS Detailed biological and socioeconomic data were collected prospectively from a large cohort of patients with advanced lung and colon cancer who had not previously received chemotherapy and who consented to be entered in the clinical trial. Twelve medical centers within the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital system (Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study 188) entered patients between May 1981 and May 1986. These patients were evaluated and treated in a uniform manner within this hospital system and followed up to death. Outcome measures included time to tumor progression, tumor response, and survival. RESULTS A total of 719 patients were entered in the study, 704 of whom were either black or white men. Blacks were found to have a significantly lower socioeconomic status than whites as measured by marital and educational status, occupation, income, housing, and number of individuals residing in household. Blacks had a significantly lower frequency of prior tumor resection and a significantly increased frequency of mediastinal lymph node involvement and of metastasis than whites. Trends existed toward a shorter time interval from original diagnosis to entry and a lower frequency of prior radiation therapy among blacks in comparison with whites at the time of entry to the study. However, no differences in intensity of treatment or follow-up, time to progression, response to treatment, or overall survival (measured from entry to the study to death) were observed for blacks vs whites. CONCLUSIONS Lung and colon cancer are not necessarily more aggressive diseases in blacks than in whites. Based on a comparison of these data with those reported from other practice settings, we postulate that lung and colon cancer outcomes may be similar among black and white patients who receive equal access to comparable medical care in spite of socioeconomic differences. Findings suggest that future studies might focus profitably on racial factors that may exist at the time of patient entry to the health care system.