Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Confocal Microscopy and Lentigo Maligna: An in vivo Pilot Study for the Assessment of Response to Imiquimod Therapy

Background: Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive technique that provides real-time in vivo images of the epidermal layer. Imiquimod has been recommended as an alternative treatment in lentigo maligna (LM) when surgical excision is not the treatment of choice. In the present study we compare the results of in vivo RCM to the histopathological examination before and after treatment of LM with topical imiquimod. Methods: Thirty-four patients with confirmed LM were included. Imiquimod 5% was applied until a weeping erosion appeared in the LM-affected skin. Evaluation was performed by clinical examination, dermatoscopy, histopathology and RCM. Results: During the follow-up, 27 of 34 patients (79.42%) demonstrated a total tumor clearance by imiquimod treatment. In the treated area, a significant decrease of atypical cells was detected using RCM (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation in the detected atypical cells was shown using confocal microscopy and histology (p = 0.0001, r = 0.7335, respectively). Conclusion: In patients not suitable for surgical intervention imiquimod treatment is an appropriate treatment alternative. Thereby, in vivo RCM was demonstrated to be an excellent examining device, which not only allows diagnosis of LM, but also therapy and follow-up examinations. An important benefit of RCM, in contrast to conventional histopathology, is the simple handling with in vivo examination of epidermal skin without any pain for the patient.
Development of Attribution-Based Scales Associated With Proactive, Reactive, and Acquisitive Offending

This study outlines the development of attribution scales to assess the antecedent processes of proactive, reactive, and acquisitive offending. Empirical keying, internal consistency, and item performance were the three test development strategies. Six samples (total N = 1,527) from parole, university, probation, and prison were used. The Proactive scale (10 items) reflected coldness and distance between offender and victims, the Reactive scale (10 items) reflected recklessness and excuses for violent behavior, and the Acquisitive scale (15 items) reflected less negative views of crime and choices. Convergent and discriminant validities were demonstrated by the Proactive scale stronger correlations with planning items, the Reactive scale stronger correlations with affective and person-based items, and the Acquisitive scale stronger correlations with other-based motives. Linking Proactive, Reactive, and Acquisitive scales to an offense provides psychological meaning that can benefit assessment and interventions.
Chicken endothelial cells are highly responsive to viral innate immune stimuli and are susceptible to infections with various avian pathogens

ABSTRACT It is well established that the endothelium plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of various infectious diseases in mammals. However, little is known about the role of endothelial cells (EC) as targets for avian pathogens and their contribution to the pathogenesis of infectious diseases in galliform birds. First, we explored the innate immune response of primary chicken aortic endothelial cells (pchAEC), obtained from 18-day-old embryos, to stimulation with pathogen-associated molecular patterns or recombinant chicken interferons (type I, II and III IFNs). In spite of the abundant expression of a number of innate immune receptors, marked cytokine responses to stimulation with pathogen-associated molecular patterns were only seen in pchAEC treated with the TLR3 agonist polyI:C (pI:C) and the MDA5 agonist liposome-complexed polyI:C (L-pI:C), as was assessed by quantitative PCR and luciferase-based IFN-I/NFκB reporter assays. Treatments of pchAEC with IFN-α, IFN-γ and IFN-λ resulted in STAT1-phosphorylation/activation, as was revealed by immunoblotting. Next, we demonstrated that pchAEC are susceptible to infection with a variety of poultry pathogens, including Marek’s disease virus (MDV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and Eimeria tenella. Our data highlight that chicken EC are potential targets for viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens in gallinaceous poultry and may partake in the inflammatory and antimicrobial response. The pchAEC infection model used herein will allow further studies interrogating avian pathogen interactions with vascular EC. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Use of a well-defined primary chicken aortic endothelial cell (pchAEC) culture model for studying avian host–pathogen interactions. pchAEC are responsive to innate immune stimulation with viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns and chicken type I, II and III interferons. pchAEC are susceptible to infections with economically important poultry pathogens, including MDV, IBDV, APEC and Eimeria tenella.
Collective ethnic-racial identity and health outcomes among African American youth: Examination of promotive and protective effects.

OBJECTIVES Racial discrimination is associated with numerous negative health outcomes, including increased risk for depression and anxiety symptoms and substance use. Positive affect toward of one's ethnic or racial group (i.e., ethnic-racial identity affirmation) has been shown to buffer the negative effects of racial discrimination on health outcomes. The extent to which one believes his or her group is valued by others (i.e., positive collective ethnic-racial identity) has also been proposed to be protective. However, to date a limited body of research has examined the moderating effect of collective ethnic-racial identity on health, and among available studies, findings are mixed. METHOD African American youth (N = 612; 58.2% female, M grade = 8) completed measures on experiences of discrimination, mood symptoms, substance use, ethnic-racial identity affirmation, and collective ethnic-racial identity (assessed using the Collective Self-Esteem Scale). RESULTS Controlling for demographic variables and affirmation, a significant main effect was found for collective ethnic-racial identity, such that believing that others viewed your group positively was associated with better health outcomes among African American youth. However, collective ethnic-racial identity was not found to buffer the effects of discrimination on health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of examining collective ethnic-racial identity and the promotive effect it can have on health outcomes for African Americans. More research is needed to better understand if there are health outcomes in which collective ethnic-racial identity may also mitigate risk as a consequence of racial discrimination. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
They Are Coming Home: The Effect of Trauma-Related Cognitions on Vocational Readiness of Incarcerated Women

The prevalence of trauma in the lives of incarcerated women has been well-documented. Yet, few studies have included trauma-related cognitions, a common response to interpersonal trauma, in their analyses. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between trauma (pre-incarceration trauma [PIT] and incarceration-based trauma [IBT]), trauma-related cognitions [TRC] (i.e., Total; Self, Blame, and World), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity, and vocational readiness-motivation (VR-M) in a random sample of incarcerated women in three prison facilities. A cross-sectional research design was employed using a stratified random sampling procedure. The stratum was housing security levels 1 to 4. The study was conducted in three prisons located in the midwestern region of the United States. Self-administered questionnaires measured PIT, IBT, TRC, PTSD, and VR-M. The study sample included (N = 250) female inmates: 152 White (60.8%), 50 Black (20.4%), 18 Biracial (7.3%), 13 Native American/Pacific Islander (5.3%), and 12 Latina (4.8%) females. The average age of participants was 36.2, and 82.4% were mothers. A key finding in this study was that TRC-Total was best predicted by trauma associated with the prison environment (IBT) and PTSD severity. Our findings indicated that for Black and Latina women, higher levels of trauma-related cognitions about “self” were predictive of a lower potential for vocational readiness in the area of motivation. Future examination of trauma’s effect on the development of negative trauma-related cognitions about self (e.g., self as incompetent) has the potential to inform prison mental health practice and the development of clinical interventions to decrease trauma-related cognitions about self for incarcerated women with multiple trauma experiences.
A Review of Treatments for Young Black Males Experiencing Depression

The objective was to qualitatively examine the treatment effects of depression interventions on young, Black males (YBM) across treatment providers and settings via a review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) seeking to ameliorate depressive symptomology in Black males ages 12–29 were eligible for inclusion. After review of 627 abstracts and 212 full-text articles, 12 studies were selected. These RCTs were organized into five categories based on the intervention method. We isolated only one study that targeted YBM exclusively. Additionally, only two treatment effect sizes for YBM were available from the data. While remaining RCTs did involve Black youth, disaggregated data based on race and gender were not reported. Overall, the lack of research specific to YBM prevented any strong conclusions about the treatment effects on depression for this population. Small sample size along with poor representation of YBM were trends in the selected studies that also posed an issue. Therefore, our review produced qualitative findings but failed to isolate any true effect size for YBM being treated for depression. Until more conclusive evidence exists, alternative strategies may need to be employed in order to find appropriate interventions for depressed YBM seeking mental health treatment.
The REACH Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Safety and Effectiveness of the Spiration® Valve System in the Treatment of Severe Emphysema

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in China, with tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational biohazards being the major risk factors. Objectives: The REACH trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial undertaken in China to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Spiration® Valve System (SVS) compared to standard medical care in COPD patients with severe emphysema. Methods: Patients with severe airflow obstruction, hyperinflation, and severe dyspnea with interlobar fissure integrity were evaluated for enrollment. A total of 107 subjects were randomized in a 2: 1 allocation ratio to either the treatment group (SVS valves and medical management) or the control group (medical management alone). Results: The 3-month primary endpoint showed statistically significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s in the treatment group compared to the control group (0.104 ± 0.18 vs. 0.003 ± 0.15 L, p = 0.001), with the difference being durable through 6 months. Statistically significant target lobe volume reduction was achieved at 3 months (mean change 684.4 ± 686.7 mL) and through 6 months (757.0 ± 665.3 mL). Exercise function and quality of life measures improved in the treatment group, but showed a deterioration in the control group. The serious adverse event (SAE) rate was 33% in the treatment group and 24.2% in the control group. The predominance of SAEs were acute exacerbations of COPD in both groups. There was 1 death in the control group and no deaths in the treatment group. Conclusion: The SVS represents a novel approach for the treatment of severe emphysema with a clinically acceptable risk-benefit profile.
Packaging functionally important plasma proteins into the α‐granules of human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived megakaryocytes

The contents of platelet α‐granules arrive via a number of pathways; some are synthesized by megakaryocytes (MKs), for example, von Willebrand factor (VWF), whereas others are endocytosed from plasma, for example, fibrinogen (Fgn) and factor V (FV). Currently, almost all in vitro‐induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived MKs are generated under serum‐free conditions, and their α‐granule cargoes lack components that would normally be taken up from plasma during the course of megakaryopoiesis. How this might affect the ability of in vitro‐derived platelets to contribute fully to haemostasis is not known. The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether “feeding” human plasma to iPSC‐derived MKs might result in loading their α‐granules with physiologically important proteins. iPSCs were differentiated to CD41+/CD42b+ MKs using a serum‐free protocol. The resulting MKs were polyploid, expressed a number of platelet‐specific surface receptors, and spread on Fgn or collagen‐coated surfaces. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis detected mRNA transcripts for FV and VWF but not Fgn chains. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy confirmed constitutive VWF distribution in granule‐like structures in MKs cultured under plasma‐free conditions, and the granules became positive for Fgn upon incubation with human plasma. iPSC‐derived MKs showed a low level of constitutive FV expression that increased dramatically upon incubation with human plasma. Taken together, these data suggest that human iPSC‐derived MKs are capable of endocytosing and storing plasma components in their α‐granules. Incorporating this methodology into current protocols for producing in vitro‐derived MKs should provide novel insights into MK biology and lead to the generation of large numbers of MKs and platelets with improved functionality.
Cutaneous changes in hypothyroidism

The association of thyroid disorders with skin manifestations is complex. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are known to cause these changes. In order to study this association of skin changes in relation to hypothyroidism, a study was carried out in the Out Patients Department of Dermatology of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, over a period of 3 months from Jan - March 2005. Thirty two patients were enrolled in the study and parameters were noted regarding history, general symptoms, cutaneous signs and associated diseases. We found gain in weight (71.85%) and lethargy (65.62%) to be the most common complaints. On cutaneous examination dry, coarse texture of the skin (56%), telogen effluvium (40.62%) and pigmentary disorders (37.5%) were most common findings. Other associated disorders were vitiligo, melasma, pemphigus, alopecia areata, xanthelasma palpebrum, etc.
Exploring the Benefits of a Parent Partner Mentoring Program in Child Welfare

Parent partner mentoring programs are an innovative strategy for child welfare agencies to engage families in case planning and service delivery. These programs recruit and train parents who have been involved in the system and have successfully resolved identified child abuse or neglect issues to work with families with current open cases in the child welfare system. Parent partner mentors can provide social and emotional support, advocacy, and practical advice for navigating this challenging system. Insofar as parent partners share similar experiences, and cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of families, they may be more successful in engaging families and building trusting supportive relationships. The current study presents qualitative data from interviews and case studies of families who were matched with a parent partner in a large county in a Midwestern state. Interviews with families, parent partner mentors, child welfare agency staff, and community partners and providers suggest that parent partner programs may be just as beneficial for parent partner mentors as they are for families being mentored. These programs can build professional skills, help improve self-esteem, provide an avenue for social support, and may potentially prevent recidivism. Parent Partner programs also provide a mechanism for amplifying family voice at all levels of the agency.
The effects of menstrual cycle phase on the development of peak torque under isokinetic conditions

BACKGROUND: There are alterations in strength in relation to menstrual cycle phase but little data attributing these responses to female sex hormone levels using a pseudo-menstrual cycle group as control. OBJECTIVE: Examining the effects of menstrual cycle phase on the development of peak torque across a range of isokinetic speeds. METHOD: 17 well trained females, 11 formed the non-oral contraceptive group (n-OC) (age 20.7 ± 1.4 yrs, mass 59.2 ± 6.9 kg, height 166.8 ± 7.1 cm) and 6 the oral contraceptive control group (OC) (age 20.3 ± 0.5 yrs, mass 60.5 ± 4.2 kg, height 164.8 ± 4.8 cm). Concentric strength of the knee flexors and extensors (60–240°/s) was assessed, corresponding to menstruation (MEN), mid-follicular (mFOL), mid-luteal (mLUT) and pre-menstrual (pMEN). RESULTS: For n-OC significant decreases in peak torque production of the extensors at 120°/s (P=0.0207) (MEN) and of the flexors at 60°/s (P=0.0116) (MEN) and 120°/s (P=0.0282) (MEN) were observed compared to pMEN. No significant differences were observed across any menstrual cycle phase and peak torque for the OC group (p> 0.05). Significant positive correlations were observed (mLUT) between peak torque and oestrogen at 60°/s (P=0.040) and 120°/s (P=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant fluctuations in peak torque of the knee extensors in response to phases of the menstrual cycle associated with variances in the female sex hormones. The findings have implications for the planning of strength training in female athletes.
The prediction of antenatal and postnatal depression in a sample of Western Australian women

In Australia, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; Cox, Holden & Sagovsky, 1987) has been increasingly used to screen for antenatal depression prior to its evaluation on a sample of Australian pregnant women. Also, the identification of predictors associated with antenatal depression has been neglected relative to the research focus on postpartnm depression. An aim of the study was to evaluate the antenatal screening properties of the EPDS against diagnoses of major depression with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI; Sheehan eta! ., 1998). The aims were also to develop predictive models of risk factors associated with antenatal depression as measured by: (a) diagnosis of major depression (MINI); (b) depressive symptoms (EPDS 2: 9); (c) depression false positive results (EPDS 2:9, but no MINI diagnosis of major depression); and (d) depression level (EPDS total score) in the antenatal and early postnatal period. The study was prospective in design, with 200 women enrolled from Western Australia's largest public maternity hospital. An EPDS 2: 12 was identified to be optimum for the clinical screening of major depression at 32 weeks of pregnancy. The results from the different regression analyses showed that the strongest predictors of antenatal depression were: depression earlier in pregnancy, anxiety, stress, daily hassles, expectations of support, personality traits, and history variables. The findings were in support of routine screening for depression and anxiety during pregnancy, the effects of stress on mood, and the lesser importance of antenatal compared to postnatal variables in accounting for postpartum depression level.
Tratamento cirúrgico de canino incluso em mento: relato de caso

The mandibular and maxillary canines when well positioned in the arch, are important functionally and aesthetically. Although these teeth are frequently malpositioned in the dental arch, their absence of eruption are not common, occuring more frequently with the maxillary canine than the mandibular canine. The canine transmigration is a well-known pre eruptive phenomenon in which the tooth goes thru the facial midline, occurring more frequently in the mandible than in maxila. Females are more susceptible than males and the right side more than the left one. Normally the patients do not show any symptoms, and this condition is observed during radiographic exams to diagnose the late exfoliation of the deciduous canine or for any other purpose. Due to the relationship between impacted canines and pathologic lesions, infection, trauma to the adjacent teeth, pain, ectopic eruption
Novel computational methods for the reliability evaluation of composite power systems using computational intelligence and high performance computing techniques

The probabilistic reliability evaluation of power systems is a complex and highly dimensional problem that often requires a large amount of computational resources, particularly processing power and time. The complexity of this problem is only increasing with the advent of the smart grid and its accompanying technologies, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Such technologies, while they add convenience, intelligence, and reduce environmental impacts, also add dynamic and stochastic loads that challenge the current reliability and security of the power grid. One method that is often used to evaluate the reliability of power systems is Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). As the complexity and dimensionality of a power system grows, MCS requires more and more resources leading to longer computational times. Multiple methods have previously been developed that aid in reducing the computational resources necessary for MCS in order to achieve a more efficient and timely convergence while continuing to accurately assess the reliability of a given system. Examples include analytical state space decomposition, population based metaheuristic algorithms (PBMs), and the use of high performance computing (HPC). In order to address these issues, this dissertation is focused on improving the performance of algorithms used to examine the level of reliability in composite power systems through the use of computational intelligence (CI) and HPC, while also investigating the impact of PHEVs on the power grid at the composite and distribution levels. Contributions include the development and exploration of 3 variations of a new, hybrid algorithm called intelligent state space pruning (ISSP) that combines PBMs with non-sequential MCS in order to intelligently decompose, or prune, a given state space and improve computational efficiency, an evaluation of the use of latin hypercube sampling and low discrepancy sequences in place of MCS, the use of serial and parallel support vector machines for state classification when evaluating power system reliability using MCS, an investigation of the impact that PHEVs will have when integrated into the power grid at the distribution level, and the development of a new model for the probabilistic evaluation of composite system reliability that includes one of the key technologies in the smart grid, PHEVs.
Defining the position of cryoablation in the therapeutic armamentarium of small renal masses

Niertumoren kunnen behandeld worden met sterk afgekoelde naalden (cryoablatie). Patricia Beemster onderzocht de werking van deze naalden. Ze constateert dat de werking in verschillende omgevingen anders is. De verschillen die optreden staan een verantwoord gebruik in de praktijk echter niet in de weg, stelt ze. Uit een analyse van patienten die cryoablatie ondergingen voor de behandeling van kleine niertumoren, blijkt dat er goede resultaten worden geboekt. De grootte van de tumor en de conditie van het hart bepalen in hoge mate of er complicaties optreden bij de behandeling.