Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing metamemory in older adults

The purposes of this study were to test the effects of a 2-week, four-session group intervention with older adults, designed to increase memory self-efficacy and memory performance and to evaluate the influence of depression on memory self-efficacy. A total of 145 community-dwelling older adults (M = 71 years) participated in the study. The intervention significantly increased both memory self-efficacy and memory performance in the treatment group (n = 74). In addition, the treatment group's perception of control in memory-demanding situations was strengthened, and their perception of negative changes in memory over time was diminished. The control group (n = 71) experienced a significant decline in memory self-efficacy over time. Memory performance was not significantly related to memory self-efficacy. Those individuals with depression (M = 7.5), as measured by the short Geriatric Depression Scale, had significantly lower memory self-efficacy scores than those without depression; however, there was no difference in memory performance between the depressed and nondepressed subjects. From the posttest to the follow-up period, depressed subjects receiving the intervention showed a significant decrease in memory self-efficacy, while nondepressed subjects showed no change.
The P-A-C-I-E-N-T-E Protocol: An instrument for breaking bad news adapted to the Brazilian medical reality.

OBJECTIVE There are plenty of published tools for breaking bad medical news; however, none of them is culturally appropriate to our reality or published in the Brazilian literature. This study proposes a genuinely Brazilian communication tool and evaluates its acceptance among doctors and nurses. METHOD This was a prospective study. The data were collected after specific training of doctors and nurses on the bad news communication techniques based on the P-A-C-I-E-N-T-E ("patient," in Portuguese) Protocol. This instrument is in accordance with the Brazilian reality and was based on the SPIKES communication tool. RESULTS The worst task to be performed during communication is "talking about death" followed by "discussing the end of curative treatment attempts" and "diagnosis" itself. Among the respondents, 48% reported they did not receive formal training for communicating. Also, 52% of respondents do not use any systematic approach in their daily practice when communicating with patients, but 97% considered the proposed P-A-C-I-E-N-T-E Protocol as a useful and appropriate communication tool. CONCLUSION The P-A-C-I-E-N-T-E Protocol proved to be suitable to the Brazilian context.
Mitral valve flow measured with cine MR velocity mapping in patients with ischemic heart disease: comparison with doppler echocardiography

Diastolic function is an important element of overall left ventricular function. The pattern of flow across the mitral valve is commonly used as a measure of diastolic ventricular function. Magnetic resonance (MR) velocity mapping of blood flow across the mitral valve was compared with Doppler echocardiography. Nineteen patients with known coronary artery disease (mean age. 62 years: 11 with previous myocardial infarction) were studied. The mean value of peak early filling velocity (± standard deviation) was 60.1 cm/sec ± 14.3 with the MR method and 59.4 cm/sec ± 13.7 with echocardiography (P = 0.732). The mean difference between the two measurements (95% confidence interval) was −0.8 cm/sec (−5.2 cm/sec. +2.2 cm/sec). The mean value of early deceleration was 4.3 mlsec2 ± 1.5 with the MR method and 4.0 m/sec2 ± 1.5 with echocardiography (P = 0.073). The mean Werence was −0.4 cm/sec2 (−0.92 cm/eec2. +0.05 cm/sec2). The mean value of peak atriosystolic velocity was 51 cm/sec ± 14.6 with the MR method and 62 cm/sec ± 17.2 with echocardiography (P = 0.002). The mean difference was −11 cm/sec (−18.1 cm/sec, −3.45 cm /sec). Peak atrial filling was consistently lower with the MR method than with echocardiography. Time‐averaged measurements of ventricular fflling with MR velocity mapping are an accurate measure of early diastolic filling but underestimate the velocity of atriosystolic fflling.
Lower Injury Rates for Newcomers to Professional Soccer

Background: No study has investigated whether newcomers to professional soccer have a different injury rate than established players. Purpose: The primary objective was to investigate whether being a newcomer to professional soccer influences injury rates. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether playing position and player age influence injury rates. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Twenty-six soccer clubs, with 1401 players, were followed prospectively over 9 consecutive seasons between 2001 and 2010. Club medical staff recorded time-loss injuries and soccer exposure on an individual level. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between time-loss injuries and time in professional soccer, playing position, and age. Results: In total, 6140 injuries and 797,389 hours of exposure were registered. A decreased general injury rate was observed for newcomers (n = 116) compared with established players (n = 3091) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.99). In contrast, newcomers had a higher rate of fractures (rate ratio [RR], 1.77; 95% CI, 1.05-2.97), especially stress-related bone injuries (RR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.08-6.69). Using goalkeepers as a reference, all outfield playing positions had significantly higher adjusted injury rates: defenders with an HR of 1.91 (95% CI, 1.64-2.24), midfielders with an HR of 1.78 (95% CI, 1.53-2.07), and forwards with an HR of 1.82 (95% CI, 1.55-2.14). Using players aged ≤21 years as a reference, the overall adjusted injury rate increased with age, with a peak injury rate among players aged 29 to 30 years (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.24-1.68). Conclusion: Newcomers to professional soccer had a lower general injury rate than established players but a higher rate of stress-related bone injuries. Being a goalkeeper was associated with lower injury rates than all outfield playing positions. Injury rates increased with age, a pattern that persisted after adjusting for playing position and match exposure.
Effectiveness of Program Modification Strategies of the Diabetes Prevention Program

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the effectiveness of commonly used program modifications classified under cultural adaptation and program translational strategies for the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in terms of risk reduction for type 2 diabetes. Methods Authors extracted data about weight, body mass index (BMI), and 5 areas of program modification strategies from 28 interventions and analyzed them in SPSS software. Bivariate analyses examined the odds of achieving a significant reduction in outcomes by each modification of the DPP and by presence of a maintenance component, as well as the mean reduction of weight and BMI by more versus fewer modifications and by the presence of a maintenance component. Results There were no statistically significant differences in achieving a significant reduction in weight or BMI by any type of modification or by the presence of a maintenance component. Programs with fewer modifications reported significantly greater reduction in mean weight at 12 months postintervention and the furthest time point extracted. Programs with a maintenance component achieved significantly greater reduction in mean weight measured at the furthest time point extracted. Conclusions The DPP appears to be programmatically robust to a variety of cultural adaptation and translational strategies. Potentially cost-saving modifications do not seem to reduce effectiveness, which should encourage implementation on a broader scale. Program planners should, however, make efforts to include maintenance components because they appear to significantly reduce risk for acquiring type 2 diabetes.
Everything community? Destructive processes in communities of crowdsourcing competitions

Purpose Virtual crowdsourcing initiatives, and in particular crowdsourcing competitions, have become a promising means of harnessing users’ creativity to help corporate innovation. To date, research has tended to focus on the outcome of the competition, i.e. on the creative solution. There is, however, a lack of understanding in such crowdsourcing environments of the creative process itself and the influence of social interaction on the platform during this process. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a series of qualitative interviews with participants from a major European crowdsourcing platform. The platform acts as an intermediary between companies and firms, and has launched more than 370 idea competitions. Findings The results suggest that there are not only positive interactions going on between participants. Below the surface, there also appear destructive processes provoked by the fierce competition among the contestants for prizes and a position in the Top Innovator lists. Such destructive behavior includes bullying of successful contestants, excessive use of like-functions among befriended contestants, and mutual donation of prize money among in-group members. Practical implications Negative social interaction among contestants of crowdsourcing communities can potentially threaten the platform provider’s business model. Managers of crowdsourcing platforms should engage in the development of strong social norms explicitly disapproving destructive behavior. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate in detail the phase of idea generation on crowdsourcing platforms, and the nature and impact of social interactions among contestants.
Accuracy and Reliability of Internet Resources for Information on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

RATIONALE Patients commonly use the Internet as a resource for health information; however, no studies have evaluated the online information about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the readability, content (compared with established guidelines), bias, and quality of online IPF resources. METHODS We analyzed the first 200 hits for "idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis" in Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Each website was evaluated for content related to IPF features and treatments that are discussed in clinical guidelines. Website quality was assessed using the validated DISCERN instrument. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Eligibility criteria were met in 181 websites. The median reading grade level was 12. More content was provided in scientific resources (academic institutions or governmental organizations) and foundation/advocacy organization sites than in personal commentary (blog) sites; however, most sites provided incomplete and/or inaccurate information. Nonindicated and/or harmful pharmacotherapies for IPF were described as potential IPF treatments in 48% of websites and were most often recommended in foundation/advocacy organization websites. Azathioprine and corticosteroids were discussed as potential chronic treatments of IPF in 13.3 and 30.6% of the 98 websites that had been updated after publication of data demonstrating harm from these medications. Website quality (DISCERN score) was poor in all site types but was worse in news/media reports and personal commentary (blog) sites than in sites from scientific and foundation/advocacy organizations. CONCLUSIONS Patient-directed online information on IPF is frequently incomplete, inaccurate, and outdated. There is no reliable method for patients to identify sites that provide appropriate information on IPF.
Immunohistologic localization of estrogen receptors in breast cancer with monoclonal antibodies. Correlation with biochemistry and clinical endocrine response

Breast cancer specimens from 114 patients were assayed for the presence of estrogen receptors (ER) utilizing highly specific, monoclonal antiestrophilin antibodies and the peroxidase‐antiperoxidase technique. Results were compared with conventional ER determinations by the dextran‐coated charcoal method (DCC) and were in agreement as to positivity and negativity in 86%. Semiquantifled immunocytologic assay results were in accord with the level of ER as measured by DCC in 66%. The tumors studied included 43 from patients with Stage IV disease where clinical response to hormonal manipulation was known. In the latter group, the immunohistologic method had a sensitivity similar to that of DCC but showed a superior positive predictive value and a significantly better specificity. These results indicate that this new method is a valuable laboratory tool, enabling prediction of hormone responsiveness in advanced mammary carcinoma and capable of performance at the community hospital level.
Effect of Business Group Affiliation on Firm Internationalization: The Case of India Under Reforms

ABSTRACT The authors investigate how diversified business groups influence the structural reform–firm strategy relations given its effect on strategic choice and its implementation in a large emerging economy: India. By integrating business group, industrial organization, and international business literature, the authors predict considerable differences in the exporting behavior of business group–affiliated firms on the basis of their market competitiveness and governance dynamics. The authors test their predictions empirically with longitudinal data of 6,119 Indian firms over a 21-year period starting from 1991–1992 to 2011–2012 and find support for most of the hypotheses. These findings suggest that knowledge of the heterogeneity within business groups are essential for understanding the response of business group affiliates in light of the progression of reform process in India. This study thus contributes to a more complete conceptual understanding of the strategic responses of promarket reforms of business group affiliates in emerging economies.
The effect of antimicrobial periodontal treatment on circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha and glycated hemoglobin level in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may play an important role in insulin resistance. In this study, we hypothesized that TNF-alpha produced due to periodontal inflammation synergistically affects insulin resistance as well as TNF-alpha produced from adipose tissues in insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes patients. Therefore, to understand the effects of antimicrobial periodontal therapy on serum TNF-alpha concentration and subsequent metabolic control of diabetes, we examined the periodontal and diabetic status on 13 type-2 diabetes patients. METHODS These patients were treated with local minocycline administration in every periodontal pocket around all existing teeth once a week for a month. Before and after treatment, the number of total bacteria in the periodontal pockets and circulating TNF-alpha concentration were measured and the HbA1c value was assessed. RESULTS Antimicrobial therapy significantly reduced the number of microorganisms in periodontal pockets (P <0.01). After treatment, the circulating TNF-alpha level was significantly reduced (P <0.015). The HbA1c value was also reduced significantly (P <0.007). In addition, the 6 patients who were not receiving insulin therapy demonstrated decreased fasting insulin levels (P <0.03), and HOMA-R (P <0.03) indices. The average reductions in circulating TNF-alpha concentration and HbA1c value were 0.49 pg/ml and 0.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION The results indicate that anti-infectious treatment is effective in improving metabolic control in diabetics, possibly through reduced serum TNF-alpha and improved insulin resistance.
Efficacy of the Sander bite-jumping appliance in growing patients with mandibular retrusion: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES The efficacy of functional appliances remains highly debated. This randomized controlled trial investigated the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects determined by the Sander bite-jumping appliance (BJA). The null hypothesis to be tested was that the appliance would not induce supplementary mandibular growth compared to untreated controls. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION This study was carried out at the Section of Orthodontics, University of Naples Federico II, Italy. Forty-six patients receiving a clinical diagnosis of skeletal and dental class II due to mandibular retrusion were either allocated to a treatment (23 patients;15 boys, 8 girls; mean age ± SD: 10.9 ± 1.3 years) or to an untreated control group (23 patients;11 boys, 12 girls; mean age ± SD: 10.5 ± 1.2 years), by using a balanced block randomization. METHODS Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after treatment and used for comparisons. Measurements were analyzed by descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate statistical tests. RESULTS Treated individuals had a significant increase in mandibular length (6.4 ± 2.3 vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 mm; p < 0.001), overjet reduction (-5.0 ± 2.9 vs. 0.3 ± 1.2 mm; p < 0.001) and molar relationship improvement (-5.3 ± 2.4 vs. 0.1 ± 1.1 mm; p < 0.001) compared to controls. The use of the appliance did not significantly affect jaw divergence. Proclination of lower incisors was slightly greater (3.0°, p = 0.023) in treated patients than in controls. The increase in mandibular length was not significantly influenced by cervical stage (p = 0.40). CONCLUSION The BJA can effectively correct class II malocclusions by a combination of dentoalveolar and skeletal effects. The long-term stability of the correction needs to be evaluated.
Principles of Successful Partnerships

Health care providers must understand and value the unique contributions of all interdisciplinary professionals, with the goal of optimizing the wellness or illness needs of each patient. Work cannot be done in silos, and the ability to develop and sustain effective professional partnerships is essential. Health care teams must work within a complex environment that depends on the shared efforts of multiple professionals to successfully provide care in a fragmented, highly stressed system. Implementing partnerships that foster relationships through shared interests, vision, and values can aid in the coordination of resources to provide a more positive patient experience and outcome. The development of partnerships requires time and acceptance of shared risks and responsibilities. In return, involved parties will be able to build trust, share rewards, and expand the possibilities of what can be accomplished. The purpose of this review is to describe results-oriented partnerships, which include the attributes of collaboration, coordination, and communication. Essential concepts and practical tools for success are reviewed to offer new and existing partnerships a lens through which to view interdisciplinary interactions that can contribute to organizational success and longevity. Potential pitfalls that may impact patient services and organizational health are also discussed.
Observer design for one-sided lipschitz nonlinear continuous-time singular systems with unknown input

In this paper, the unknown input observers (UIOs) design problem for one-sided Lipschitz nonlinear continuous-time singular systems is investigated. First, with the assumption of one-sided Lipschitz condition and quadratic inner-bounded condition, sufficient conditions are established, which guarantee the existence of the full-order and reduced-order UIOs. By using the matrix generalized inverse approach, linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions are developed. Then, the design procedures of the full-order and reduced-order UIOs are given based on LMI approach. Last, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design methods.
Neural correlates of working memory in pure and polyvalent ecstasy (MDMA) users

Poor cognitive performance in ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) users has been related to the well-recognized neurotoxic effects of the drug upon central serotonergic and possibly also dopaminergic systems. However, concomitant use of other drugs has been a critical confound in most investigations. In this study we used an n-back task and fMRI to investigate working memory performance and related cerebral activation in eight, currently abstinent pure MDMA users and two matched groups of polyvalent MDMA users and non-users. Pure MDMA users presented lower activations than controls and/or polyvalent users, most notably in inferior temporal regions, the angular gyrus and the striate cortex, whereas polyvalent users did not differ from controls. Our results suggest that altered brain activation patterns during cognitive processing in ecstasy users may be mainly associated with prior MDMA use. Concomitant use of other drugs may modify this effect.
Constancy of the Orbscan acoustic factor to detect contact lens‐induced corneal swelling

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare central and peripheral corneal thickness measurements in corneas with and without contact lens (CL)‐induced corneal swelling, in order to establish the constancy of the Orbscan acoustic factor (AF) for reliability in detection of CL‐induced corneal swelling.
Hepatobiliary transport of plasma IgA in the mouse: contribution to clearance of intravascular IgA

Labeled monomeric and polymeric (pIgA) mouse monoclonal IgA were injected intravenously into mice which were either sequentially bled for plasma turnover studies of IgA, or cannulated at their common bile duct, with excluded gallbladder, for quantitation of plasma‐to‐bile transport of pIgA. Our data show that mice do display a relatively high rate of biliary transport of plasma pIgA (22–28% of the injected 125I‐labeled pIgA over 3 h), which accounts for ∼90% of the total amount of pIg A (8.8 mg/kg/day) daily delivered by hepatic bile into the duodenal fluid of this species. However, in mice the absolute biliary output of pIgA does not exceed that of IgG (9.5 mg/kg/day) and the kinetics of the hepatobiliary transport of plasma PIgA appear to be slower than in the rat. Furthermore, as plasma survival studies of 125I‐labeled pIg A yielded a plasma turnover of pIgA averaging 20.6 mg/kg/day, it can be approximated that the hepatobiliary pathway contributes for only 38% to the elimination of intravascular pIgA from mouse plasma, a figure to be compared to 89.8% in the rat and ∼ 8.9% in man. We conclude that internal catabolism plays a dominant role in the clearance of intravascular pIgA in the mouse which appears as a model intermediate between rats and humans. Supporting this conclusion, serum pIgA two days after common bile duct ligation in 6 mice was increased by 2.5‐fold vs. > 14‐fold in ligated rats and 1.1‐fold in humans with complete biliary obstruction.
Localization of binding sites in protein structures by optimization of a composite scoring function

The rise in the number of functionally uncharacterized protein structures is increasing the demand for structure‐based methods for functional annotation. Here, we describe a method for predicting the location of a binding site of a given type on a target protein structure. The method begins by constructing a scoring function, followed by a Monte Carlo optimization, to find a good scoring patch on the protein surface. The scoring function is a weighted linear combination of the z‐scores of various properties of protein structure and sequence, including amino acid residue conservation, compactness, protrusion, convexity, rigidity, hydrophobicity, and charge density; the weights are calculated from a set of previously identified instances of the binding‐site type on known protein structures. The scoring function can easily incorporate different types of information useful in localization, thus increasing the applicability and accuracy of the approach. To test the method, 1008 known protein structures were split into 20 different groups according to the type of the bound ligand. For nonsugar ligands, such as various nucleotides, binding sites were correctly identified in 55%–73% of the cases. The method is completely automated (http://salilab.org/patcher) and can be applied on a large scale in a structural genomics setting.