Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the taste of “Bouba” and “Kiki”: An exploration of word–food associations in neurologically normal participants

We investigated whether there are reliable crossmodal associations between foods/flavours and words in neurologically normal individuals. Participants were given a range of foods to taste, and had to rate each one along a number of dimensions. These included scales anchored with the words “takete/maluma” and “bouba/kiki”. The results highlight the existence of robust crossmodal associations between complex foods/flavours and words in normal (i.e., nonsynesthetic) individuals. For example, crisps (potato chips) and cranberry sauce are rated as being more “takete” than brie cheese, while mint chocolate is rated as more “kiki” than regular chocolate. On the basis of these results, we suggest that our brains can extract supramodal/conceptual properties from foods/flavours (just as has been demonstrated previously using auditory and visual stimuli) and meaningfully match them crossmodally. The possibility that this process is based on the global Gestalt of a food rather than on any specific sensory qualities is also discussed.
Pattern of Pain Management During Lumbar Puncture in Children

Background: Although studies have shown that children have similar physiological pain responses as adults, children often receive less pain medication compared with adults with similar painful conditions. The lumbar puncture is a painful procedure that historically has been commonly performed without local anesthesia, especially in young infants. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine what type of pain management, if any, pediatric patients received during lumbar puncture and whether its use varied by patient age. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who had cerebrospinal fluid cultures obtained via lumbar puncture during 2003 at a large urban children's hospital. Eligible cases were reviewed for demographic data, hospital patient care area, and type of pain management used for the procedure. Results: Of the 353 children who had lumbar punctures performed, 84 (23.8%) received some form of pain management before their lumbar puncture. Sixty (17.0%) received local anesthesia, 43 (12.2%) received sedation, and 19 (5.4%) of these received both local anesthesia and sedation. Younger patients received pain management less frequently (P < 0.001): 16 (6.5%) of 246 neonates (0-2 months), 4 (14.3%) of 28 infants (3-18 months), 9 (60%) of 15 preschoolers (19-59 months), and 55 (85.9%) of 64 older children (60 months to 21 years). Among infants, patients treated in the emergency department received pain management more often than those treated in the nursery (13/103 [12.6%] vs 1/117 [0.9%]; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Despite advances in the awareness and attentiveness given to pain and pain management in the pediatric population, children are still not receiving satisfactory pain management for lumbar punctures.
Brain potentials reflecting spontaneous retrieval of emotional long-term memories

Recent ERP studies using immediate recognition suggest better recollection for emotional, relative to neutral, scenes when retrieved in tasks where memory is not explicitly probed. In the present study we examined ERPs associated with explicit and spontaneous retrieval using a long retention interval. In a between-group design, one week after incidental encoding of emotional and neutral scenes, participants performed either an explicit recognition task or a categorization task whilst viewing old and new pictures. Enhanced ERP old/new differences were found for emotional and neutral stimuli over frontal regions and selectively for emotional pictures over centro-parietal regions during explicit recognition, but not during categorization. During categorization, old/new differences were only present for emotional scenes over frontal regions. Taken together, spontaneous retrieval of emotional memories occurs even after long retention intervals and is probably based on familiarity.
Loneliness and implicit attention to social threat: A high-performance electrical neuroimaging study

Prior research has suggested that loneliness is associated with an implicit hypervigilance to social threats—an assumption in line with the evolutionary model of loneliness that indicates feeling socially isolated (or on the social perimeter) leads to increased attention and surveillance of the social world and an unwitting focus on self-preservation. Little is known, however, about the temporal dynamics for social threat (vs. nonsocial threat) in the lonely brains. We used high-density electrical neuroimaging and a behavioral task including social and nonsocial threat (and neutral) pictures to investigate the brain dynamics of implicit processing for social threat vs. nonsocial threat stimuli in lonely participants (N = 10), compared to nonlonely individuals (N = 9). The present study provides evidence that social threat images are differentiated from nonsocial threat stimuli more quickly in the lonely (~116 ms after stimulus onset) than nonlonely (~252 ms after stimulus onset) brains. That speed of threat processing in lonely individuals is in accord with the evolutionary model of loneliness. Brain source estimates expanded these results by suggesting that lonely (but not nonlonely) individuals showed early recruitment of brain areas involved in attention and self-representation.
Audit and evaluation of a psychosexual counselling service identifying areas for development from a user-focused perspective

Clinical audit data has been collected since 1996 from an established National Health Service Nurse-led Psychosexual Counselling Service. An analysis of year-on-year data began to show that increasing numbers of clients were not actively “opting-in” to the service following referral and this became a cause for concern. In order to explore the reason for the increase in non-engagement with the service, a client feedback questionnaire was developed and sent within two weeks to all discharged clients over a twelve-month period. Once the user views coupled with general clinic audit data were analysed, the cause of increasing rates of non-engagement with the service appeared to be linked with increased waiting list times. Further benefit arose from the client feedback data analysis providing evidence from which it was possible to create a number of simple low-cost service developments. Finally, the client feedback data also became a source of affirmation in relation to this complex area of clinical practice – showing 71% of survey returns found the engagement with psychosexual counselling gave them “change for the better” or “great change for the better”.
Neuromodulation of reward‐based learning and decision making in human aging

In this paper, we review the current literature to highlight relations between age‐associated declines in dopaminergic and serotonergic neuromodulation and adult age differences in adaptive goal‐directed behavior. Specifically, we focus on evidence suggesting that deficits in neuromodulation contribute to older adults’ behavioral disadvantages in learning and decision making. These deficits are particularly pronounced when reward information is uncertain or the task context requires flexible adaptations to changing stimulus–reward contingencies. Moreover, emerging evidence points to age‐related differences in the sensitivity to rewarding and aversive outcomes during learning and decision making if the acquisition of behavior critically depends on outcome processing. These age‐related asymmetries in outcome valuation may be explained by age differences in the interplay of dopaminergic and serotonergic neuromodulation. This hypothesis is based on recent neurocomputational and psychopharmacological approaches, which suggest that dopamine and serotonin serve opponent roles in regulating the balance between approach behavior and inhibitory control. Studying adaptive regulation of behavior across the adult life span may shed new light on how the aging brain changes functionally in response to its diminishing resources.
Thirty years of primary immunodeficiencies in Turkey

Turkey, with its population of some 75 million, has a high rate of consanguineous marriages. Because the majority of the primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are inherited as autosomal recessive (AR) forms, the high consanguinity rate leads to a high prevalence of PID diseases in Turkey. The first pediatric immunology division was established in 1972, since then over 10 other immunology divisions have been established in different cities. Approximately 4,000 patients with possible PID are referred to these centers annually. The percentages of some of the major immunodeficiency groups and individual disease numbers among these patients differ somewhat in comparison with Western countries, likely because the relative incidences of PIDs with AR inheritance and of rare diseases are higher. These characteristics of the patient population, and our determination of differences in disease presentation and unusual features, have led us to undertake studies in collaboration with various centers in Western countries. These collaborations have contributed to the identification of the genes responsible for some rare immunodeficiencies, to the resolution of the genetic heterogeneity underlying conventional phenotypes, and to the description of new clinical phenotypes.
A defense of using resting-state fMRI as null data for estimating false positive rates

ABSTRACT A recent Editorial in Cognitive Neuroscience reconsiders the findings of our work on the accuracy of false positive rate control with cluster inference in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), in particular criticizing our use of resting-state fMRI as a source for null data in the evaluation of task fMRI methods. We defend this use of resting fMRI data, as while there is much structure in this data, we argue it is representative of task data noise and task analysis software should be able to accommodate this noise. We also discuss a potential problem with Slotnick’s own method.
Pediatric All-Terrain Vehicle Injuries: Does Legislation Make a Dent?

Objectives: We sought to determine whether North Carolina legislation pertaining to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) has affected the frequency, distribution, or severity of injury in children. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Trauma Registry from 2003 to 2008 along with North Carolina Medical Examiner's child fatality data for all children injured on an ATV. Patients were excluded if the accident did not occur in North Carolina, incomplete data, or if the vehicle was not an ATV. We evaluated the use of helmets, the extent of injury, and the mechanism of injury, comparing the patterns before the laws went into effect (2003-2005) with those after the law was enacted (2006-2008). Results: Eighty-eight patients were included for analysis, predominantly white boys with a mean age of 12.1 ± 4.1 years. Children not wearing helmets were 5-fold more likely to have a significant head/neck injury (odds ratio [OR], 5.1; confidence interval [CI], 1.61-15.88; P = 0.01) and 3.7-fold more likely to have a significant chest injury (OR, 3.73; CI, 1.01-13.86; P = 0.05). Passengers were 5-fold more likely to die or require inpatient rehabilitation (OR, 5.0; CI, 1.2-20.8; P = 0.03) and 13.7 times as likely to have a significant injury to their head/neck (OR, 13.7; CI, 3.07-60.93; P = 0.01). Conclusions: There were no significant changes seen in the children injured without and then with legislation, which may be significant if ATV use indeed is increasing. A child's vehicular position was the most significant predictor of morbidity and mortality. Helmet use was not increased once mandated by law. Further efforts to implement such legislation and educate the public are necessary to make a significant change in injuries.
Preoperative chemoradiation versus radiation alone for stage II and III resectable rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Combining chemotherapy with preoperative radiotherapy (RT) has a sound radiobiological rationale. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of trials comparing preoperative RT with preoperative chemoradiation (CRT) in rectal cancer patients. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase and Medline (Pubmed) were searched from 1975 until June 2007. Dichotomous parameters were summarized using the odds ratio while time to event data were analyzed using the pooled hazard ratio for death. From the primary search result of 324 trials, 4 relevant randomized trials were identified. The addition of chemotherapy significantly increased grade III and IV acute toxicity (p = 0.002) while no differences were observed in postoperative morbidity or mortality. Preoperative CRT significantly increased the rate of pathological complete response (p < 0.001) although this did not translate into a higher sphincter preservation rate (p = 0.29). The local recurrence rate was significantly lower in the CRT group (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in disease free survival (p = 0.89) or overall survival (p = 0.79). Compared to preoperative RT alone, preoperative CRT improves local control in rectal cancer but is associated with a more pronounced treatment related toxicity. The addition of chemotherapy does not benefit sphincter preservation rate or long‐term survival. Future trials should address improvements in the rate of distant metastasis and overall survival by incorporating more active chemotherapy. © 2008 UICC
A comment in reply

As the incidence of HIV in the community increases, the areas of practice where anaesthetists' exposure to this virus may occur. will increase. Recent cxamplcs include a patient with burns who was found to be HIV antibody positive. The fairly haemorrhagie procedures associatcd with the management i n this instance. posc potential problems for both anaesthetist and surgeon. Similarly, there are now obstetric patients who are HIV antibody positive and the question of the suitability of epidural analgesia is raised. Obviously, paediatric anaesthesia will also be affected. Re-evaluation of customary technique will bc ncccssary in all thcsc areas. Dr Owcn and his collcagucs illustrate well two basic approaches to the management of these problems. Firstly, the avoidance or parenteral drugs where possible and, secondly, the rationalisation of what are considcrcd csscntial tests to reduce the risk to medical and technical staff. The use of alternative, non invasive techniques should also bc encouraged. For example, oximetry may reduce the need for arterial blood gas sampling in thc management of respiratory problems in HIV antibody positive patients. Rationalisation of technique, common sense and scnsible precautions will significantly reducc the risk to anaesthetists. We agree fully that anaesthetists in all area5 of the specialty shuuld be aware of the iinplications of treating these patients but they should also be aware of the undiagnosed. or not yet seropositive, patient who they may treat. Anaesthetists are in contact with blood and saliva I frequently in normal daily practice and. consequently, are at risk. Simple precautions in normal practice. for example wearing gloves. may be sensible if' the prevalence of the virus increases.
Triterpenes augment the inhibitory effects of anticancer drugs on growth of human esophageal carcinoma cells in vitro and suppress experimental metastasis in vivo

The antineoplastic effects of combinations of anticancer drugs (5‐fluorouracil, irinotecan and cisplatin) and triterpenes (ursolic acid, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and a Japanese apricot extract (JAE) containing triterpenes) on esophageal squamous carcinoma cells were examined by the WST‐8 (2‐(2‐methoxy‐ 4‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐5‐(2,4‐disulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium, monosodium salt) assay in vitro and by an animal model in vivo. Triterpenes and JAE showed additive and synergistic cytotoxic effects, respectively, on esophageal squamous carcinoma cells (YES‐2cells) by combinational use of 5‐fluorouracil. JAE and 5‐fluorouracil induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and at S phase, respectively, and caused apoptosis in YES‐2 cells. A new animal model of esophageal cancer causing tumor colonization of the peritoneal cavity and producing bloody ascites was made by injecting YES‐2 cells into the peritoneal cavity of a severe combined immunodeficiency mouse. In this model, 5‐fluorouracil inhibited colonization of tumor cells in the peritoneum. The addition of JAE to 5‐fluorouracil augmented the suppression of experimental metastasis of the peritoneum. The numbers of peritoneal nodules of more than 2 mm in diameter in mice treated with 5‐fluorouracil and JAE were less than those in mice treated with 5‐fluorouracil alone or JAE alone. These results suggest that triterpenes, especially JAE, are effective supplements for enhancing the chemotherapeutic effect of 5‐fluorouracil on esophageal cancer. © 2009 UICC
Adolescent and Parent Attitudes Toward Screening for Suicide Risk and Mental Health Problems in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate adolescent and parent attitudes toward screening adolescents for suicide risk and other mental health problems in the emergency department (ED). Methods Two hundred ninety-four adolescents and 300 parents completed questionnaires about the importance of screening for suicide risk and other mental health problems in the ED, what would be helpful if the screen was positive, their concerns about screening in the ED, whether they believe screening should be a routine part of an ED visit, and whether they would complete a screening during the current visit if offered the opportunity. Results Overall, parents and adolescents reported positive attitudes toward screening for suicide risk and other mental health problems in the ED, with the majority responding that it should be a routine part of ED care. Suicide risk and drug and alcohol misuse were rated as more important to screen for than any of the other mental health problems by both parents and adolescents. Adolescent females and mothers were more supportive of screening for suicide risk and mental health problems in the ED than male adolescents and fathers. Descriptive data regarding screening concerns and follow-up preferences are reported. Conclusions Study results suggest overall positive support for screening for suicide risk and other mental health problems in the ED, with some important preferences, concerns, and parent versus adolescent and male versus female differences.
Thymosin β4 expression reveals intriguing similarities between fetal and cancer cells

Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is highly expressed in saliva of human newborns but not in adults. Here preliminary immunohistochemical analyses on different human tissues are reported. Immunoreactivity for Tβ4 in human salivary glands show high quantities of Tβ4 before birth, followed by downregulation of expression in adulthood. In contrast, Tβ4 is detected in tumors of salivary glands, suggesting that tumor cells might utilize fetal programs, including Tβ4 synthesis. Immunohistochemical analyses in the gastrointestinal tract showed strong reactivity for Tβ4 in enterocytes during development, but weak immunostaining in mature enterocytes. In colorectal cancer, the association of a high expression of Tβ4 with epithelial–mesenchymal transition was observed. On the basis of these data, the process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition could represent the unifying process that explains the role of Tβ4 during fetal development and in cancer progression.
Depression and body image disturbances among females seeking treatment for obesity in Saudi Arabia

Hypothesis: Obesity is an increasingly prevalent disease around the world and is becoming one of the main public health problems in developed countries. The relationship between obesity and psychological distress continued to be debated by researchers and clinicians. This study aimed to assess depression and body image disturbances in obese patients seeking treatment for obesity. Method : A case-control design was adopted in the study. Total of (236) obese women, self-referred to a residential weight-loss facility for weight control, were invited to participate in this study. Obese women were compared with (296) of an age-matched control group. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory for depressive symptoms, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire for body-image satisfaction and The Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire. Results : revealed that obesity were more common among older than younger females, among married than single females, and among those with lower level of education than those with higher level. Obese women as compared with non-obese reported significantly more symptoms of depression and significantly more negative body image. Conclusions and significance: Our results indicate a high frequency of depressive symptoms, and concern with body image among obese patients. Therefore, obese women who seek treatment should be screened for depression and body image dissatisfaction.
Red wine consumption and risk of prostate cancer: The California Men's Health Study

Red wine contains polyphenol antioxidants that inhibit prostate cancer development in animal studies. We investigated the effect of red wine intake on the risk of prostate cancer using data prospectively collected in the California Men's Health Study (CMHS). CMHS is a multiethnic cohort of 84,170 men aged 45–69 years who were members of the Kaiser Permanente Southern and Northern California Health Plans. Information on demographic and lifestyle factors was collected using mailed questionnaires between 2002 and 2003. We used Cox models to estimate the effect of red wine on prostate cancer risk, adjusting for potential confounders. A total of 1,340 incident prostate cancer cases identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result‐affiliated cancer registries were included in the analyses. We did not find a clear association between red wine intake and risk of prostate cancer. Hazard ratio (HR) estimates for consuming <1 drink/week, ≥1 drink/week but <1 drink/day and ≥1 drink/day were 0.89, 95% confidence interval (0.74–1.07), 0.99 (0.83–1.17) and 0.88 (0.70–1.12), respectively. Further, we observed no linear dose response. The lack of association for red wine intake was consistently observed when we restricted the analyses to those with and without a history of PSA screening. In addition, we also did not observe any association with prostate cancer for beer, white wine, liquor or combined alcoholic beverage intake (HR for combined alcoholic beverage intake of ≥5 drinks/day = 1.16 (0.83–1.63). Neither red wine nor total alcohol consumption were associated with prostate cancer risk in this population of moderate drinkers.
Negation in Natural Language: On the Form and Meaning of Negative Elements

A universal property of natural language is that every language is able to express negation. Every language has some device at its disposal to reverse the truth value of a certain sentence. However, languages may differ to quite a large extent as to how they express this negation. Not only do languages vary with respect to the position of negative elements, also the form of negative elements and the interpretation of sentences that consist of multiple negative elements are subject to broad cross-linguistic variation. The study to the behaviour of sentential negation has therefore strongly been guided by the question as to what determines the possible ways that sentential negation can manifest itself. A conclusion of the article will be that the behaviour of negation in natural language strongly deviates from what intuitively might be expected.