Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective, Comparative Study Using the Kangaroo Method as a Complement to the Standard Incubator Care

A retrospective, comparative study was conducted on 66 premature infants, 33 in a Kangaroo-group and 33 in a Standard Premature Care-group. Both groups were matched for maternal age, parity, pregnancy length, type of delivery, gestational age, birth weight and technological intervention (prior to first contact with mother outside the incubator). The study period for the Kangaroo-care group was November 1985 - May 1987 and for the Standard Premature Care group May 1984-November 1985, a year and a half before the Kangaroo-Method was introduced in the nursery. T-test and chi-square analyses indicated significant advantages in Kangaroo-care. The Kangaroo group was: younger when first taken out of incubator; had greater weight gain per week; needed less incubator care; had a shorter average length of hospital stay and was more frequently breastfed upon discharge. Although preliminary, these results demonstrate potential benefits of the Kangaroo-method of care for further research.
The experience of carers in supporting people with intellectual disabilities through the process of bereavement: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.

BACKGROUND This study explored the personal experiences of family carers and residential care staff in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities through the process of bereavement. METHOD A semi-structured interview was used to interview 11 carers on their experience of supporting adults with intellectual disabilities through the process of bereavement. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). RESULTS A total of five superordinate themes were identified: (i) Factors making the experience difficult for carers, (ii) Factors that helped carers, (iii) Carers' perspectives on the responses of people with intellectual disabilities, (iv) Approaches to supporting people with intellectual disabilities and (v) Carers' perspectives on support. CONCLUSIONS Supporting people with intellectual disabilities through bereavement is an emotionally demanding task for carers. The support needs of carers need to be acknowledged and addressed in order to ensure that adequate support is available to people with intellectual disabilities following bereavement.
Molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibition of IFN‐γ‐induced, STAT1‐mediated gene transcription in human macrophages by simvastatin and agonists of PPARs and LXRs

PPARs and LXRs are ligand‐activated transcription factors that are emerging as promising therapeutic targets for limiting atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disorder orchestrated by cytokines. The potent anti‐atherogenic actions of these nuclear receptors involve the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism along with attenuation of the inflammatory response. Similarly, cholesterol‐lowering drugs, statins, inhibit inflammation. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying such inhibitory actions of these agents in human macrophages are poorly understood and were therefore investigated in relation to IFN‐γ, a key pro‐atherogenic cytokine, which mediates its cellular effects mainly through STAT1. Simvastatin and PPAR agonists had no effect on the IFN‐γ‐induced, phosphorylation‐mediated activation of STAT1 and its DNA binding but attenuated its ability to activate gene transcription. On the other hand, LXR activators attenuated both DNA binding and trans‐activation potential of STAT1 induced by IFN‐γ. These studies reveal differences in the mechanism of action of agonists of PPARs (and simvastatin) and LXRs on the IFN‐γ‐induced, STAT1‐mediated gene transcription in human macrophages. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 675–683, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationships between leisure participation and quality of life of people with developmental disabilities.

BACKGROUND Studies of people with developmental disabilities suggest that participation in leisure activities might be a key factor for good quality of life. This study explores the relationships between objective and subjective quality of life and leisure participation of adults with developmental disabilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 125 people, aged 17-65, living in the community. Participants completed the subjective scale of Integral Quality Scale and the Leisure Assessment Inventory in the form of an individual interview. Staff completed the GENCAT Scale. RESULTS No relationship was found between objective quality of life and leisure participation. However, correlations between some leisure participation dimensions and specific subjective quality of life domains were observed. The results establish a predictive relationship between leisure participation and material, emotional, and physical well-being. Personal and environmental variables analyzed were not found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between leisure participation and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that some aspects of leisure participation may significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of life of young people and adults with developmental disabilities living in the community.
'He's hard work, but he's worth it'. The experience of caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this review is to synthesize the qualitative literature on the perspectives of those caring for a family member with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour, with a focus on their experiences of support services. MATERIALS AND METHODS A thorough literature search resulted in 17 studies being selected for inclusion in the meta-synthesis. RESULTS Five primary themes were identified: (i) love, (ii) altered identity, (iii) crisis management, (iv) support is not just 'challenging behaviour' services, and (v) the future: low expectations, high hopes. CONCLUSIONS Carers spoke of the deep love for their family member and of the chronic strain the demands of caregiving placed upon them. Support services often caused additional problems and high levels of stress for caregivers, although there were also reports of good practice. The findings may inform clinicians and service providers about how best to support families of individuals with challenging behaviour.
Constipação intestinal em terapia intensiva

Constipation is a common complication identified among critically ill patients. Its incidence is highly variable due to lack of definition of such patients. Besides the already known consequences of constipation, in recent years it was observed that this complication may also be related to worse prognosis of critically ill patients. This review endeavors to describe the main available scientific evidence showing that constipation is a prognostic marker and a clinical representation of intestinal dysfunction, in addition to eventually interfering in the prognosis with treatment. Ogilvie syndrome, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units was also reviewed. Considering the above cases it was concluded that more attention to this disorder is required in intensive care units as well as development of protocols for diagnosis and management of critically ill patients.
Role of C/EBP‐β, p38 MAPK, and MKK6 in IL‐1β‐mediated C3 gene regulation in astrocytes

Complement component C3, the central player in the complement cascade and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β is expressed by activated glial cells and may contribute to neurodegeneration. This study examines the regulation of the expression of C3 by IL‐1β in astroglial cells focusing on the role of the upstream kinase MKK6, p38‐α MAPK, and C/EBP‐β isoforms (LAP1, LAP2, or LIP) in astroglial cells. Activation of human astroglial cell line, U373 with IL‐1β, led to the induction of C3 mRNA and protein expression as determined by real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. This induction was suppressed by the pharmacological inhibitor of p38 MAPK (i.e., SB202190‐HCl), suggesting the involvement of p38 MAPK in C3 gene expression. IL‐1β also induced C3 promoter activity in U373 cells in a MAP kinase‐ and C/EBP‐β‐dependent manner. Cotransfection of C3 luciferase reporter construct with constitutively active form of the upstream kinase in the MAP kinase cascade, that is, MKK6 (the immediate upstream activator of p38 kinase) resulted in marked stimulation of the promoter activity, whereas overexpression of a dominant negative forms of MKK6 and p38α MAPK inhibited C3 promoter activity. Furthermore, a mutant form of C/EBP‐β, LAPT235A showed reduction in IL‐1β‐mediated C3 promoter activation. These results suggest that the p38α, MAPK, and MKK6 play prominent roles in IL‐1β and C/EBP‐β‐mediated C3 gene expression in astrocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1168–1175, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The structure of informal social networks of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.

BACKGROUND Persons with less severe disabilities are able to express their needs and show initiatives in social contacts, persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), however, depend on others for this. This study analysed the structure of informal networks of persons with PIMD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data concerning the number, type and frequency of contacts were collected in 205 persons with PIMD. RESULTS The mean number of contact persons was 5.1 (range: 0-26, SD: 4.2) per year. 79.4% of the contact persons are family, with an average of 72.3 contacts per year. Parents had significantly more contact compared to the other informal contact persons. In 2.2% of the sample contacts with peers were seen. CONCLUSIONS The informal networks of persons with PIMD consist mainly of family. The question arises how informal networks can be expanded and which role professionals have in this process.
C/EBPβ regulates dexamethasone‐induced muscle cell atrophy and expression of atrogin‐1 and MuRF1

Muscle wasting in catabolic patients is in part mediated by glucocorticoids and is associated with increased expression and activity of the transcription factor C/EBPβ. It is not known, however, if C/EBPβ is causally linked to glucocorticoid‐induced muscle atrophy. We used dexamethasone‐treated L6 myoblasts and myotubes to test the role of C/EBPβ in glucocorticoid‐induced expression of the muscle‐specific ubiquitin ligases atrogin‐1 and MuRF1, protein degradation, and muscle atrophy by transfecting cells with C/EBPβ siRNA. In myoblasts, silencing C/EBPβ expression with siRNA inhibited dexamethasone‐induced increase in protein degradation, atrogin‐1 and MuRF1 expression, and muscle cell atrophy. Similar effects of C/EBPβ siRNA were seen in myotubes except that the dexamethasone‐induced increase in MuRF1 expression was not affected by C/EBPβ siRNA in myotubes. In additional experiments, overexpressing C/EBPβ did not influence atrogin‐1 or MuRF1 expression in myoblasts or myotubes. Taken together, our observations suggest that glucocorticoid‐induced muscle wasting is at least in part regulated by C/EBPβ. Increased C/EBPβ expression alone, however, is not sufficient to upregulate atrogin‐1 and MuRF1 expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1737–1748, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial CD34+ cell‐enrichment of cord blood determines hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell yield upon Ex vivo expansion

Since umbilical cord blood (UCB), contains a limited hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSC) number, successful expansion protocols are needed to overcome the hurdles associated with inadequate numbers of HSC collected for transplantation. UCB cultures were performed using a human stromal‐based serum‐free culture system to evaluate the effect of different initial CD34+ cell enrichments (Low: 24 ± 1.8%, Medium: 46 ± 2.6%, and High: 91 ± 1.5%) on the culture dynamics and outcome of HSC expansion. By combining PKH tracking dye with CD34+ and CD34+CD90+ expression, we have identified early activation of CD34 expression on CD34− cells in Low and Medium conditions, prior to cell division (35 ± 4.7% and 55 ± 4.1% CD34+ cells at day 1, respectively), affecting proliferation/cell cycle status and ultimately determining CD34+/CD34+CD90+ cell yield (High: 14 ± 1.0/3.5 ± 1.4‐fold; Medium:22 ± 2.0/3.4 ± 1,0‐fold; Low:31 ± 3.0/4.4 ± 1.5‐fold) after a 7‐day expansion. Considering the potential benefits of using expanded UCB HSC in transplantation, here we quantified in single UCB units, the impact of using one/two immunomagnetic sorting cycles (corresponding to Medium and High initial progenitor content), and the average CD34+ cell recovery for each strategy, on overall CD34+ cell expansion. The higher cell recovery upon one sorting cycle lead to higher CD34+ cell numbers after 7 days of expansion (30 ± 2.0 vs. 13 ± 1.0 × 106 cells). In particular, a high (>90%) initial progenitor content was not mandatory to successfully expand HSC, since cell populations with moderate levels of enrichment readily increased CD34 expression ex‐vivo, generating higher stem/progenitor cell yields. Overall, our findings stress the importance of establishing a balance between the cell proliferative potential and cell recovery upon purification, towards the efficient and cost‐effective expansion of HSC for cellular therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1822–1831, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From Social Exclusion to Supported Inclusion: Adults with Intellectual Disability Discuss Their Lived Experiences of a Structured Social Group

BACKGROUND People with intellectual disability often have few friends and experience social exclusion. Recognising this gap, supported social groups with the aim of inclusion and interdependence were created by a supported employment provider. METHODS Interviews were undertaken with 10 adults with intellectual disability exploring their lived experiences of a supported social group. Data were analysed using descriptive phenomenology. RESULTS Two themes emerged (i) supported engagement fosters wellbeing, and (ii) developing social belonging and connectedness. Participants not only acknowledged the support that they needed to participate, but also that the social group had changed their lives in many ways. CONCLUSIONS Adults with intellectual disability want to socialise, have friends and be part of their community. For this to be achieved, they recognise the need to seek some form of support. With appropriate and targeted support, adults with intellectual disability can move from social exclusion towards supported inclusion and experience richer lives.
Sex, fiber‐type, and age dependent in vitro proliferation of mouse muscle satellite cells

During postnatal growth and after muscle injury, satellite cells proliferate and differentiate into myotubes to form and repair musculature. Comparison of studies on satellite cell proliferation and differentiation characteristics is confounded by the heterogeneity of the experimental conditions used. To examine the influence of sex, age, and fiber‐type origin on in vitro properties of satellite cells derived from postnatal muscles, fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and slow soleus (SOL) muscles were extracted from male and female mice of 1 week to 3 months of age. Myoblast proliferation and myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) expression was measured from cultures of freshly isolated satellite cells. Higher proliferation rate and elevated Myod1 expression was found in male EDL and SOL derived cells compared with females at age of 40, 60, and 120 days, whereas inverse tendency for cell proliferation was apparent in EDL of juvenile (7‐day‐old) pups. Myogenin and Mrf4 transcripts were generally elevated in males of 40 and 60 days of age and in female EDL of juveniles. However, these differentiation markers did not significantly correlate with proliferation rate at all ages. Pax7, whose overexpression can block myogenesis, was up‐regulated especially in 40‐day‐old females where MRF expression was low. These results indicate that gender, postnatal age, and muscle fiber origin affect proliferation and muscle transcription factor expression in vitro. The results also support the view that satellite cells originating from slow and fast muscles are intrinsically different and warrant further studies on the effect of cell origin for therapeutic approaches. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 2825–2836, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Validation of calculation algorithms for organ doses in CT by measurements on a 5 year old paediatric phantom

Many organ dose calculation tools for computed tomography (CT) scans rely on the assumptions: (1) organ doses estimated for one CT scanner can be converted into organ doses for another CT scanner using the ratio of the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) between two CT scanners; and (2) helical scans can be approximated as the summation of axial slices covering the same scan range. The current study aims to validate experimentally these two assumptions. We performed organ dose measurements in a 5 year-old physical anthropomorphic phantom for five different CT scanners from four manufacturers. Absorbed doses to 22 organs were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters for head-to-torso scans. We then compared the measured organ doses with the values calculated from the National Cancer Institute dosimetry system for CT (NCICT) computer program, developed at the National Cancer Institute. Whereas the measured organ doses showed significant variability (coefficient of variation (CoV) up to 53% at 80 kV) across different scanner models, the CoV of organ doses normalised to CTDIvol substantially decreased (12% CoV on average at 80 kV). For most organs, the difference between measured and simulated organ doses was within ±20% except for the bone marrow, breasts and ovaries. The discrepancies were further explained by additional Monte Carlo calculations of organ doses using a voxel phantom developed from CT images of the physical phantom. The results demonstrate that organ doses calculated for one CT scanner can be used to assess organ doses from other CT scanners with 20% uncertainty (k = 1), for the scan settings considered in the study.
Achados timpanométricos em neonatos com emissões otoacústicas presentes: medidas e interpretações

Tympanometry is used in evaluating middle ear functional conditions. Before six months of age its results may be misleading. High frequency studies aim to provide more valid procedures. AIM: To describe and discuss tympanometric measurements and the interpretation in normal hearing neonates at 226, 678 and 1000Hz. METHOD: 110 neonates that were analyzed had normal otoacoustic emissions and no risk for hearing impairment. The age range was 6 to 30 days. Curves were obtained using the GSI-33-II, at the Divisao de Educacao e Reabilitacao dos Disturbios da Comunicacao, Sao Paulo, in 2004. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective. RESULTS: There was a balance between single and double peak curves at 226Hz. Most of the curves were asymmetric at 678Hz, and single-peaked at 1000Hz. quantitative measurements showed a significant gender difference in the Equivalent Ear Canal Volume at 226Hz and on the Peak Compensated Static Acoustic Admittance at 1000Hz. The English protocol showed that almost 100% of ears were normal at 678 and 1000Hz. CONCLUSION: 1000Hz yielded superior results for characterizing normality. The English protocol was efficient to reduce the variability of tympanometric measurements. Data from this study may be used as a guide for diagnosis using tympanometry in neonates.
Patient-oriented interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing practices in respiratory tract infections: a meta-analysis

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue and despite the growing awareness of this problem, antibiotic consumption remains common. Interventions geared towards the patient may be an effective means to reduce antibiotic overuse. The present study examines the effectiveness of patient-oriented interventions to promote more prudent use of antibiotics. Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the results of 28 studies describing patient-oriented intervention in terms of cognitive outcomes (attitudes and knowledge about antibiotics), use of antibiotics (self-reported by patients, prescription or dispension rates), and patient satisfaction with treatment. Our findings demonstrate relatively small but consistent positive effects on cognitive outcomes, which were not moderated by any intervention characteristic (e.g., intervention setting or type of education materials). Findings also show moderate to large positive effects on the use of antibiotics: especially interventions promoting delayed or refused prescription proved very effective in decreasing the use of antibiotics. In contrast, interventions using other methods (any type of education) to decrease the inappropriate use of antibiotics were not effective at all. Interestingly, delayed or refused prescription did not affect patient satisfaction with treatment in a negative manner. Based on these results, it is concluded that the promotion of more prudent use of antibiotics in patients is better achieved by encouraging health professionals to delay or refuse the prescription of antibiotics rather than by educating patients about the negative aspects of antibiotics.
Molecular basis underlying the biological effects elicited by extremely low‐frequency magnetic field (ELF‐MF) on neuroblastoma cells

Extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MFs) may affect human health because of the possible associations with leukemia but also with cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. In the present work, human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed to a 50 Hz, 1 mT sinusoidal ELF‐MF at three different times, that is, 5 days (T5), 10 days (T10), and 15 days (T15) and then the effects of ELF‐MF on proteome expression and biological behavior were investigated. Through comparative analysis between treated and control samples, we analyzed the proteome changes induced by ELF‐MF exposure. Nine new proteins resolved in sample after a 15‐day treatment were involved in a cellular defense mechanism and/or in cellular organization and proliferation such as peroxiredoxin isoenzymes (2, 3, and 6), 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, actin cytoplasmatic 2, t‐complex protein subunit beta, ropporin‐1A, and profilin‐2 and spindlin‐1. Our results indicated that ELF‐MFs exposure altered the proliferative status and other important cell biology‐related parameters, such as cell growth pattern, and cytoskeletal organization. These findings support our hypothesis that ELF radiation could trigger a shift toward a more invasive phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 3797–3806, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.