Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of sensory cueing and limb activation on unilateral neglect in subacute left hemiplegic stroke patients: a randomized controlled pilot study

Objective: To compare the effects of contralesional sensory cueing and limb activation with that of sham control in the treatment of unilateral neglect after stroke. Design: A randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled pilot study. Setting: Two rehabilitation hospitals. Subjects: Forty subacute left hemiplegic stroke inpatients with unilateral neglect. Interventions: Participants were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 groups. The experimental group wore a wristwatch cueing device over the hemiplegic arm for three hours a day, five days per week, for three weeks, and also underwent conventional rehabilitation. Patients were encouraged to move their hemiplegic arm five consecutive times after each prompt. The sham group underwent the same rehabilitation process, except they wore a sham device. Main measures: Neglect, arm motor performance, and overall functioning were assessed pre- and posttraining, and at follow-up. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in outcome measures except the neglect drawing tasks (p = 0.034) (the mean gain score from baseline to follow-up assessment was 5.2 (3.7) in the experimental group and 1.9 (3.5) in the sham group), across three time intervals. The experimental group showed greater improvement in arm motor performance than did the sham group. Conclusion: The results did not confirm that sensory cueing and limb activation treatment is effective when compared with those receiving placebo to reduce unilateral neglect, but it might be useful for promoting hemiplegic arm performance in stroke patients.
Within Your Control? When Problem Solving May Be Most Helpful

Emotion regulation strategies have been conceptualized as adaptive or maladaptive, but recent evidence suggests emotion regulation outcomes may be context-dependent. The present study tested whether the adaptiveness of a putatively adaptive emotion regulation strategy—problem solving—varied across contexts of high and low controllability. The present study also tested rumination, suggested to be one of the most putatively maladaptive strategies, which was expected to be associated with negative outcomes regardless of context. Participants completed an in vivo speech task, in which they were randomly assigned to a controllable (n = 65) or an uncontrollable (n = 63) condition. Using moderation analyses, we tested whether controllability interacted with emotion regulation use to predict negative affect, avoidance, and perception of performance. Partially consistent with hypotheses, problem solving was associated with certain positive outcomes (i.e., reduced behavioral avoidance) in the controllable (vs. uncontrollable) condition. Consistent with predictions, rumination was associated with negative outcomes (i.e., desired avoidance, negative affect, negative perception of performance) in both conditions. Overall, findings partially support contextual models of emotion regulation, insofar as the data suggest that the effects of problem solving may be more adaptive in controllable contexts for certain outcomes, whereas rumination may be maladaptive regardless of context.
Survivin expression in the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia: A sequential study in 16 patients

An increase in the proliferation and resistance to apoptosis of leukemic cells has been found in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) as the disease evolves from the chronic phase to blast crisis (BC). To contribute to a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in such biological abnormality, the expression of the survivin gene was studied by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the chronic phase of CML and at BC in 16 patients in whom sequential RNA samples from the 2 phases of the disease were available. Survivin was significantly overexpressed in both the chronic phase and BC as compared with granulocytes from controls. In BC, survivin expression was 7-fold higher than in the chronic phase, with such an increase being more pronounced in the myeloid (17-fold) than in the lymphoid cases (3-fold) (P = 0.03). Cell proliferation was significantly increased at BC, with Ki-67 expression being 2.8-fold higher than in the chronic phase. Despite the overexpression of both survivin and Ki-67 at BC, no significant correlation between their expression levels was observed. These data support a possible role for survivin overexpression in the pathogenesis of the progression of CML. However, further studies are required to elucidate the possible prognostic importance of such biological findings in this disease.
Immediate loading of 2 interforaminal dental implants supporting an overdenture: clinical and radiographic results after 24 months.

PURPOSE In this study, preliminary results of immediate loading of ITI sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) implants with a bar-connected overdenture in the edentulous mandible are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten edentulous patients between 48 and 74 years old were included in this study. All patients received 2 SLA-surfaced ITI solid-screw dental implants in the interforaminal region, which were loaded with a bar connector and an overdenture 1 day after implant placement. Marginal bone resorption was evaluated using periapical radiographs. Gingival health (ie, Bleeding Index) and patient satisfaction (measured using a visual analog scale) were evaluated. Follow-up time was 24 to 36 months (mean time 29.8 months) after implant loading. RESULTS Twenty-four months after placement, none of the 20 implants had failed. Marginal bone resorption around all implants after 12 months averaged 0.71 mm, and 92% of the sites had a Bleeding Index of 0. Between 12 and 24 months, average bone resorption was an additional 0.08 mm. All patients demonstrated an improved quality of life. DISCUSSION The amount of bone resorption was comparable to amounts reported in studies with standard loading times. The low rate of inflammation of the peri-implant soft tissue and the high level of patient satisfaction in this study demonstrate encouraging short-term results. CONCLUSION The results suggest that immediate loading of 2 dental implants can be successful and further support the use of a rough implant surface in residual bone.
Microvascular Endothelial Cell Responses in vitro and in vivo: Modulation by Zoledronic Acid and Paclitaxel?

Background/Aims: The cytotoxic agent paclitaxel and the anti-resorptive drug zoledronic acid are used in the early and advanced breast cancer setting, respectively. Both agents have been demonstrated to have anti-tumour and anti-endothelial actions. Combining paclitaxel with zoledronic acid induces a synergistic increase in apoptotic breast cancer cell death in vitro, suggesting an increased anti-tumour effect in vivo, but any specific effects on the normal microvasculature and potential side-effects of this combination remain to be established. Methods: The effects of zoledronic acid and paclitaxel were investigated, alone and in combination, on human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro, using functional assays including proliferation, migration, tubule formation and apoptosis. The in vivo effect of the drugs on the normal microvasculature was determined using the dorsal microcirculation chamber model. Results/Conclusion: Zoledronic acid reduced human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HuDMEC) proliferation, caused accumulation of cells in S phase, and inhibited migration, tube formation and Rap1a prenylation. Paclitaxel significantly inhibited tube formation and proliferation, and increased endothelial necrosis; the combination induced HuDMEC apoptosis and further enhanced the inhibition of tube formation and migration. The combination caused minimal effects on the normal microvasculature in vivo, suggesting that this potential therapeutic strategy is not associated with deleterious microvascular side-effects.
Applications of stimulated echo correction to multicomponent T2 analysis

We propose a multicomponent fitting algorithm for multiecho T2 data which allows for correction of T2 distributions in the presence of stimulated echoes. Tracking the population of spins in many coherence pathways via the iterated method of the Extended Phase Graph algorithm allows for accurate quantification of echo magnitudes. The resulting decay curves allow for correction of errors due to nonideal refocusing pulses as a result of inhomogeneities in the B1 transmit field. Non‐Negative Least Squares fitting is used to quantify the magnitude of T2 components at various T2 values. This method, allowing calculation of the T2 distribution with simultaneous extraction of the refocusing pulse flip angle, requires no change to image acquisition procedures and no extra data input. Validation by means of both simulations and in vivo data shows excellent interscan reproducibility while vastly improving the accuracy of extracted T2 parameters in voxels where poor B1 homogeneity leads to refocusing pulse flip angles significantly less than 180°. Most notably, myelin water fraction values in these regions are found to have increased consistency and accuracy. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus and optic neuritis

One prognostic factor for early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to develop a definite MS may be the presence of the MS-associated retrovirus (MSRV) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We designed a specific study on a cohort of optic neuritis (ON) patients to evaluate the MSRV-dependent conversion to MS relative to the prediction conferred by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CSF abnormalities. At follow-up, 33.3% MSRV+ and 0% MSRV− ON patients developed MS (P=0.03). The prediction value is lower than that given by CSF and MRI abnormalities (42.3%). This intriguing finding is discussed in the light of the abundant discrepancies observed in the MSRV literature.
A Rationale for Age-Adapted Immunosuppression in Organ Transplantation

Abstract Demographic changes are associated with a steady increase of older patients with end-stage organ failure in need for transplantation. As a result, the majority of transplant recipients are currently older than 50 years, and organs from elderly donors are more frequently used. Nevertheless, the benefit of transplantation in older patients is well recognized, whereas the most frequent causes of death among older recipients are potentially linked to side effects of their immunosuppressants. Immunosenescence is a physiological part of aging linked to higher rates of diabetes, bacterial infections, and malignancies representing the major causes of death in older patients. These age-related changes impact older transplant candidates and may have significant implications for an age-adapted immunosuppression. For instance, immunosenescence is linked to lower rates of acute rejections in older recipients, whereas the engraftment of older organs has been associated with higher rejection rates. Moreover, new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation is more frequent in the elderly, potentially related to corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors. This review presents current knowledge for an age-adapted immunosuppression based on both, experimental and clinical studies in and beyond transplantation. Recommendations of maintenance and induction therapy may help to improve graft function and to design future clinical trials in the elderly.
Cross‐Validation of the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire

PURPOSE The Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is the leading method for assessing quality of life in patients with heart failure (HF) around the world. However, unique, culture-specific variations in factorial structure have been identified. The current study examined the cross-cultural equivalence of an Italian version of the MLHFQ. DESIGN Cross-sectional assessment as part of an HF study in Italy. Patients (n = 1,192; mean age = 72 years, SD = 11) completed demographics, the MLHFQ, and the Short-Form 12 (SF-12). METHODS A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to develop an appropriate factor model in the current sample. FINDINGS We initially fit a confirmatory factor analysis based on published psychometric work validating the MLHFQ. This did not provide adequate fit, and the sample was then randomly split into equivalent subsets to conduct factor analyses with cross-validation. In the first subsample, an exploratory factor analysis uncovered slight modifications to the proposed factor structure that resulted in much improved model fit. The final model included a higher order factor and three subscales: physical, emotional, and social. A cross-validation confirmatory factor analysis using this structure was conducted in the remaining subset to ensure broader applicability of the results. Correlations with the SF-12 were consistent with previous work using these measures. CONCLUSIONS Some items of the MLHFQ are sensitive to differences across cultures, and factor structures vary based on where the scale is administered. In spite of these differences, the total score remains a valid and reliable indicator of quality of life in HF patients across cultures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cultural influences on quality of life are important to consider when assessing patients' well-being in HF.
Tumor-suppressive miR-34a induces senescence-like growth arrest through modulation of the E2F pathway in human colon cancer cells

Accumulating evidence suggests a role for microRNAs in human carcinogenesis as novel types of tumor suppressors or oncogenes. However, their precise biological role remains largely elusive. In the present study, we aimed to identify microRNA species involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. Using quantitative RT-PCR analysis, we demonstrated that miR-34a was highly up-regulated in a human colon cancer cell line, HCT 116, treated with a DNA-damaging agent, adriamycin. Transient introduction of miR-34a into two human colon cancer cell lines, HCT 116 and RKO, caused complete suppression of cell proliferation and induced senescence-like phenotypes. Moreover, miR-34a also suppressed in vivo growth of HCT 116 and RKO cells in tumors in mice when complexed and administered with atelocollagen for drug delivery. Gene-expression microarray and immunoblot analyses revealed down-regulation of the E2F pathway by miR-34a introduction. Up-regulation of the p53 pathway was also observed. Furthermore, 9 of 25 human colon cancers (36%) showed decreased expression of miR-34a compared with counterpart normal tissues. Our results provide evidence that miR-34a functions as a potent suppressor of cell proliferation through modulation of the E2F signaling pathway. Abrogation of miR-34a function could contribute to aberrant cell proliferation, leading to colon cancer development.
Priming deficits in amnesia: Now you see them, now you don't

The rate with which perceptual information becomes available was manipulated in 2 word naming experiments. Word priming effects, in terms of reduced naming latencies for repeated items, and recognition memory measures were obtained with matched groups of amnesic patients and control participants. In both experiments, the amnesic patients evidenced significantly reduced priming effects compared to control participants under difficult task conditions. Under easy task conditions the baseline naming latencies of the amnesics were significantly longer than those of controls, but the difference in priming effects failed to reach significance. The findings are consistent with the Information Availability model of priming positing that both priming and explicit memory are mediated by episodic information from a study or information processing episode. It is argued that word priming does not represent a memory function that is spared in amnesia. (JINS, 1999, 5, 175–190.)
The clinical utility of functional performance tests within one-year post-acl reconstruction: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) represents a significant injury for an athlete that requires substantial time away from sport, and significant rehabilitation after reconstruction. The physical therapist is responsible to determine when a patient is capable of tolerating the physical demands of daily activities and to attempt to prevent re-injury. Physical or functional performance tests (FPTs) are one mechanism used to evaluate the athlete's physical skills and capabilities prior to returning to sports participation. The purpose of this systematic review is to critically examine the clinical utility of functional performance tests used with patients less than or equal to one year post ACL reconstruction. METHODS A systematic review of the relevant literature was performed using PRISMA guidelines. A total of twelve studies were included for analysis. RESULTS Two independent blinded reviewers then analyzed and rated the final included articles (n=12) utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Percent overall agreement between raters for the NOS was 88% with a fixed-marginal kappa (κ) of 0.80. Of the 12 included articles, the FPTs were utilized as an outcome measure within the study design (41.7%) or studied as a measure of function (58.3%). Among those studies that used FPTs as a "measure of function" 71.4% studied a battery of FPTs, while 28.6% studied a single test. None of the studies utilized FPTs as a measure to determine readiness to return to sport. DISCUSSION FPTs are being utilized with patients, less than or equal to one year post ACL reconstruction, either as an assessment of functional performance or as an outcome measure. No studies identified a FPT or test battery that has construct or predictive validity for "return to sport" in athletic population one-year post-ACL reconstruction. The identification of the critical elements within the return to sport construct may allow lower extremity performance tests to be developed or test batteries assembled to incorporate the appropriate tests to examine all of these elements deemed critical. Additionally the current FPTs should undergo content and predictive validation to assist the sports physical therapist in determining the readiness of the athlete for return to sport.
Public–private partnerships (PPPs) in local services: risk-sharing and private delivery of water services in Spain

ABSTRACT Local governments are increasingly utilising the public–private partnership (PPP) model as a means of organising service delivery in the public–private domain. This article examines the experiences with construction and operation of 131 PPP wastewater treatment plants in the region of Aragon, Spain. The study highlights how an inadequate management of construction risk and unsuitable transfer of demand and revenue risk resulted in significant time delays in execution of the PPP projects. The research also shows how the involvement of public bodies at local, regional and national level further added to the complexity of implementing the projects. The findings contribute to the literature on local service delivery and provide insights regarding risk transfer in long-term PPP contracts for the delivery of local services in general and water services in particular.
The Essential and the Nonessential

Among the relations between student,teacher and president,the student is essential and the president is nonessential.As for the relations between people,economy and politics,the people are essential and the politics is nonessential.People's requirements are the origin of education.The former higher education is depended by political economy.It put the nonessential before the essential.Now the great policy of people-oriented has been raised.The theory of education remains to should the heavy responsibility for reforming radically.
Microsatellite loci for the invasive colonial hydrozoan Cordylophora caspia

Cordylophora caspia, a colonial hydrozoan native to the Ponto‐Caspian region, has become a common invader of both fresh and brackish water ecosystems of North America and Europe. We describe 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci for this species. Preliminary analyses indicate that population substructure may contribute to departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, new loci failed to consistently amplify Cordylophora samples known to be genetically distant from those utilized in this study, indicating the presence of cryptic diversity within the taxon.
Mutual gains or mutual losses? Organisational fragmentation and employment relations outcomes at Qantas Group

While previous studies indicate the commercial benefits for airlines from either ‘high road’ or ‘low road’ employment relations approaches, there is limited evidence of success among organisations utilising a ‘hybrid’ model involving differentiated arrangements with different workforce segments. In analysing the processes and outcomes associated with strategic change at Qantas Group, this article examines the reasons why organisations adopt hybrid employment relations arrangements and the outcomes associated with this approach. Drawing upon the strategic negotiations and employment subsystems frameworks, we find that hybrid strategies emerge under the influence of product market pressures and institutional forces. In the Qantas Group case, these factors combined to inhibit the capacity of management to pursue either low road or high road strategies, resulting in differentiated and fragmented arrangements. The case highlights the potential risks of hybrid employment relations strategies for worker commitment, workplace conflict and organisational performance, with implications for human resource management scholarship and practice.
Building hydroliteracy among stakeholders for effective water benefit sharing in the Andes

ABSTRACT This article integrates social and biophysical analysis to identify water-sharing opportunities in three basins across the northern Andes: the Rio Santa in Peru; the system of source watersheds for the cities of La Paz–El Alto in Bolivia; and the Coello-Combeima watershed in Colombia. The work included building knowledge of hydrology (hydroliteracy) among stakeholders to enable them to develop more technically sophisticated analyses of alternative management strategies for their respective basins. The participatory processes, including the development of alternative scenarios for water benefit sharing, provided a valuable interface for negotiating arrangements that are both biophysically and socio-economically sustainable, with tangible results in all three watersheds. Empowered with new technical skills and knowledge of their watersheds, stakeholders were able to achieve outcomes that will benefit all.