Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implications of Placebo and Nocebo Effects for Clinical Practice: Expert Consensus

Background: Placebo and nocebo effects occur in clinical or laboratory medical contexts after administration of an inert treatment or as part of active treatments and are due to psychobiological mechanisms such as expectancies of the patient. Placebo and nocebo studies have evolved from predominantly methodological research into a far-reaching interdisciplinary field that is unravelling the neurobiological, behavioural and clinical underpinnings of these phenomena in a broad variety of medical conditions. As a consequence, there is an increasing demand from health professionals to develop expert recommendations about evidence-based and ethical use of placebo and nocebo effects for clinical practice. Methods: A survey and interdisciplinary expert meeting by invitation was organized as part of the 1st Society for Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies (SIPS) conference in 2017. Twenty-nine internationally recognized placebo researchers participated. Results: There was consensus that maximizing placebo effects and minimizing nocebo effects should lead to better treatment outcomes with fewer side effects. Experts particularly agreed on the importance of informing patients about placebo and nocebo effects and training health professionals in patient-clinician communication to maximize placebo and minimize nocebo effects. Conclusions: The current paper forms a first step towards developing evidence-based and ethical recommendations about the implications of placebo and nocebo research for medical practice, based on the current state of evidence and the consensus of experts. Future research might focus on how to implement these recommendations, including how to optimize conditions for educating patients about placebo and nocebo effects and providing training for the implementation in clinical practice.
Friendship Processes Around Prosocial and Aggressive Behaviors: The Role of Teacher–Student Relatedness and Differences Between Elementary-School and Middle-School Classrooms

Abstract:This study examined the friendship processes around prosocial and aggressive behaviors and the moderating role of early adolescents' perceived relatedness with teachers. Differences between fifth graders in elementary school and sixth graders in middle school were examined. The sample was from 48 classrooms (N = 879, 51% girls at Wave 1, N = 859, 51% girls at Wave 2; 27 fifth-grade classrooms and 21 sixth-grade classrooms). With longitudinal social network analysis (RSiena [Simulation Investigation for Empirical Network Analysis]; see Ripley, Snijders, Boda, Voros, & Preciado, 2017), we found that friends were similar to each other in pro-social behavior, as well as aggressive behavior, and this similarity was due to selection, as well as influence effects. In general, there was a preference for prosocial friends as they tended to receive the most friend nominations. Perceived relatedness with their teacher amplified students' preference toward prosocial peers as friends, as well as decreased students' preference for aggressive peers as friends. Friendship processes and the moderating role of relatedness with one's teacher showed some differences between fifth and sixth graders. Sixth graders in middle school were less attracted to prosocial peers as friends and showed higher overall prevalence of aggressive behavior compared to fifth graders in elementary school. The moderating role of relatedness with their teacher on friendship preference toward highly prosocial and less aggressive peers was stronger for sixth graders compared to fifth graders.
The Relationship Between Honesty-Humility And Social Desirability : High-Stake Versus Low-Stake Situations

Faking in applications was found to be an important issue in which social desirability plays a relevant role. The present study brings Social Desirability Responding, Honesty-Humility, and different stakes of situations into relation. Social Desirability Responding, i.e. Communion Management and Self-Deceptive Enhancement, operationalized by the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) and Honesty-Humility (HEXACO-60) are analysed regarding their relationships and differences in and between high-stake, low-stake, and high-stake-lowframed situations. Relationships between Honesty-Humility and Communion Management were significantly positive, while no relationship between Honesty-Humility and SelfDeceptive Enhancement was found. There were also no significant differences in the constructs across situations. It was further investigated whether individuals scoring low in HonestyHumility show different responding behaviour dependent on situational frames compared to individuals scoring high in Honesty-Humility. No significant differences were found. Results imply that Social Desirable Responding scales do not measure what they intent to, hence further research is needed. The tested high-stake-low-framed situational instruction did not significantly reduce faking. However, exploring the option of framing application situations is recommended for organizations. Further, the problematic nature of measuring Social Desirability Responding is considered.
Concentrated Growth Factor Enhanced Fat Graft Survival: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND Concentrated growth factors (CGFs) belong to a new generation biomaterials that concentrate large number of growth factors and CD34+ stem cells in small volume of plasma. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the new technique, CGF, on fat graft survival, which compared with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nude mice received fat graft were divided into PRP group, PRF group, CGF group, and saline. The grafts were volumetrically and histologically evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after fat grafting. In vitro growth factor levels in PRP, PRF, and CGF were compared using enzyme-linked immunoassay method. Cell count and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the impact of CGF in medium on human adipose-derived stem cell (hADSC) proliferation and vascular differentiation, respectively. RESULTS Fat graft weight was significantly higher in the CGF group than those in the other groups, and histologic evaluation revealed greater vascularity, fewer cysts, and less fibrosis. Adding CGF to the medium maximally promoted hADSC proliferation and expressing vascular endothelial growth factor and PECAM-1. CONCLUSION In this preliminary study, CGF treatment improved the survival and quality of fat grafts.
Virulence function of the Ustilago maydis sterol carrier protein 2.

The peroxisomal sterol carrier protein 2 (Scp2) of the biotrophic maize pathogen Ustilago maydis was detected in apoplastic fluid, suggesting that it might function as a secreted effector protein. Here we analyze the role of the scp2 gene during plant colonization. We used reverse genetics approaches to delete the scp2 gene, determined stress sensitivity and fatty acid utilization of mutants, demonstrated secretion of Scp2, used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for expression analysis and expressed GFP-Scp2 fusion proteins for protein localization. scp2 mutants were strongly attenuated in virulence and this defect manifested itself during penetration. Scp2 localized to peroxisomes and peroxisomal targeting was necessary for its virulence function. Deletion of scp2 in U. maydis interfered neither with growth nor with peroxisomal β-oxidation. Conventionally secreted Scp2 protein could not rescue the virulence defect. scp2 mutants displayed an altered localization of peroxisomes. Our results show a virulence function for Scp2 during penetration that is probably carried out by Scp2 in peroxisomes. We speculate that Scp2 affects the lipid composition of membranes and in this way ensures the even cellular distribution of peroxisomes.
Understanding with theoretical models

This paper discusses the epistemic import of highly abstract and simplified theoretical models using Thomas Schelling's checkerboard model as an example. We argue that the epistemic contribution of theoretical models can be better understood in the context of a cluster of models relevant to the explanatory task at hand. The central claim of the paper is that theoretical models make better sense in the context of a menu of possible explanations. In order to justify this claim, we introduce a distinction between causal scenarios and causal mechanism schemes. These conceptual tools help us to articulate the basis for modelers' intuitive confidence that their models make an important epistemic contribution. By focusing on the role of the menu of possible explanations in the evaluation of explanatory hypotheses, it is possible to understand how a causal mechanism scheme can improve our explanatory understanding even in cases where it does not describe the actual cause of a particular phenomenon.
Polydopamine coating promotes early osteogenesis in 3D printing porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds.

Background Titanium implants are widely used in orthopedic and dental for more than 30 years. Its stable physicochemical properties and mechanical strength are indeed appropriate for implantation. However, the Bioinertia oxidized layer and higher elastic modulus often lead to the early implantation failure. Methods In this study, we proposed a simple design of porous structure to minimize the disparity between scaffold and natural bone tissue, and introduced a one-step reaction to form a polydopamine (PDA) layer on the surface of titanium for the purpose of improving osteogenesis as well. The porous scaffolds with pore size of 400 µm and porosity of 44.66% were made by additive manufacturing. The cell behavior was tested by seeding MC3T3-E1 cells on Ti6Al4V films for 15 days. The biomechanical properties were then analyzed by finite element (FE) method and the in vivo osteogenesis effect was accordingly evaluated by implanting the scaffolds for 5 weeks in rabbits. Results According to the achieved results, it was revealed that the immersion for 40 min with dopamine could significantly improve the cell adhesion. The proposed method for design of porous structure can avoid the stress shielding effect and bone growth inside the PDA coating scaffolds, which were observed at the early stage of bone healing process. Conclusions It can be concluded that the proposed PDA coating method is effective in promoting early osteogenesis, as well as being easy to operate, and can be helpful in the future clinical application of titanium implants.
Effects of compound Danshen injection combined with magnesium sulfate on serum MPO and hs-CRP in patients with severe preeclampsia

Effects of compound Danshen injection combined with magnesium sulfate on serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with severe preeclampsia (PE) were investigated. Five hundred patients with severe PE were randomly divided into early-onset observation, early-onset control, late-onset observation and late-onset control groups. Control group was treated with magnesium sulfate, while patients in observation group were treated with magnesium sulfate combined with compound Danshen injection. Serum levels of MPO and hs-CRP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and turbidimetric assay. The effects of compound Danshen injection combined with magnesium sulfate on the above indexes were observed. Serum levels of MPO and hs-CRP significantly decreased in early-onset observation, late-onset observation, early-onset control and late-onset control groups after treatment (p<0.05). After treatment, levels of MPO and hs-CRP were significantly lower in early-onset observation group than in early-onset control group (p<0.05), and levels of MPO and hs-CRP were also significantly lower in late-onset observation group than in late-onset control group (p<0.05). Total effective rate of early-onset observation group and late-onset observation group were higher than that of early-onset control group and late-onset control group. Compound Danshen injection combined with magnesium sulfate achieved better treatment outcomes in the treatment of severe PE than magnesium sulfate alone. The combined treatment can effectively reduce the serum levels of MPO and hs-CRP.
Procrastination , grit and self-efficacy for self-regulation : A correlational study in a student sample Prokrastinering , grit och ” self-efficacy for self-regulation ” : En korrelationsstudie bland studenter

Background: Procrastination or the tendency to delay various actions despite knowing that this delay will likely bring negative consequences, is a widespread phenomenon. It has been found to be especially common among college students and has been linked to various negative outcomes. Aim: The current study aimed to explore the relationship between procrastination and self-efficacy for self-regulation (belief in ones ability to successfully self-regulate) and grit (to pursue important goals over long periods of time with passion and determination, despite setbacks or distractions) in a sample of 208 Swedish university students. Method: Self-report measures relating to the relevant constructs were administered to the students and analysed using correlational and partial correlational tests. Results: Results indicated that procrastination were strongly negatively correlated with both grit and self-efficacy for self-regulation. Self-efficacy for self-regulation were also found to be a partial mediator of the relationship between grit and procrastination. Conclusion: More research is needed on the relationship between self-efficacy for self-regulation and procrastination. Additionally, a more conceptually valid scale to measure grit should be developed.
Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With a History of Cerebrovascular Disease: Insights From the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium

Background— Because of shared risk factors between coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, patients with a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke are at greater risk of developing coronary artery disease, which may require percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there remains a paucity of research examining outcomes after PCI in these patients. Methods and Results— We analyzed consecutive patients who underwent PCI between January 1, 2013, and March 31, 2016, at 47 Michigan hospitals and identified those with a history of TIA/stroke. We used propensity score matching to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and compared in-hospital outcomes between patients with and without a history of TIA/stroke. We compared rates of 90-day readmission and long-term mortality in a subset of patients. Among 98 730 patients who underwent PCI, 10 915 had a history of TIA/stroke. After matching (n=10 618 per group), a history of TIA/stroke was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.41–2.96; P<0.001). There were no differences in the risks of other in-hospital outcomes. In a subset of patients with postdischarge data, a history of TIA/stroke was associated with increased risks of 90-day readmission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.38; P<0.001) and long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.43; P=0.005). Conclusions— A history of TIA/stroke was common in patients who underwent PCI and was associated with increased risks of in-hospital stroke, 90-day readmission, and long-term mortality. Given the devastating consequences of post-PCI stroke, patients with a history of TIA/stroke should be counseled on this increased risk before undergoing PCI.
Two functional indel polymorphisms in the promoter region of the Brahma gene (BRM) and disease risk and progression-free survival in colorectal cancer

Background and objective The Brahma gene (BRM) encodes a catalytic ATPase subunit of the Switch/Sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex, which modulates gene expression and many important cellular processes. Two indel polymorphisms in the promoter region of BRM (BRM-741 and BRM-1321) are associated with its reduced expression and the risk of susceptibility or survival outcomes in multiple solid cancers. In this study, we have examined these variants in relation to susceptibility and survival outcomes in colorectal cancer. Methods Genotypes were obtained using TaqMan assays in 427 cases and 408 controls. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression models were fitted to examine the associations of the BRM-741 and BRM-1321 genotypes adjusting for relevant covariates. Sub-group analyses based on tumor location and patient sex were also performed. In all analyses, indels were examined individually as well as in combination. Results Our results showed that there was no association between the BRM polymorphisms and the risk of colorectal cancer. However, genotype combinations of the BRM-741 and BRM-1321 variants were associated with the risk of colon cancer. Particularly, patients having at least one variant allele had increased risk of colon cancer when compared to patients with the double wild-type genotype. In the survival analyses, BRM-741 heterozygosity was associated with longer progression-free survival time in the colorectal cancer patients. A stronger association was detected in the male patients under the recessive genetic model where the homozygosity for the variant allele of BRM-741 was associated with shorter progression-free survival time. Conclusions Our analyses suggest that BRM-741 and BRM-1321 indels are associated with the risk of developing colon cancer and the BRM-741 indel is associated with the disease progression in colorectal cancer patients, especially in the male patients. Although our results show a different relationship between these indels and colorectal cancer compared to other cancer sites, they also suggest that BRM and its promoter variants may have biological roles in susceptibility and survival outcomes in colorectal cancers. Performing further analyses in additional and larger cohorts are needed to confirm our conclusions.
Assessment of circulating betatrophin levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Abstract Objective: To investigate maternal serum levels of betatrophin and their relationship with total bile acid (TBA) levels in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Materials and methods: Fifty-nine pregnant women with ICP (31 patients with severe and 28 patients with mild disease classifications) and 23 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies as the control group included the study. The maternal betatrophin, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin (FI), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels of the groups were compared. Results: Serum betatrophin levels were significantly higher in the ICP groups than in the control group (p = .04 and p < .001, respectively). The FI levels and HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in the severe ICP group than in the control group (p = .006 and p = .001, respectively). While a significant positive correlation was found between betatrophin levels and fasting and postprandial TBA levels, there was no significant correlation among betatrophin and HOMA-IR or FI levels. Conclusions: Betatrophin levels were shown to correlate with TBA levels, it provides a model for future studies to understand the physiopathology of ICP, a complex metabolic disease. Changes in betatrophin levels may shed light on the pathogenesis of ICP.
Culturally Competent Practice: A Mixed Methods Study Among Students, Academics and Alumni of Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs in the Netherlands

This is the first research into preparation for multicultural clinical psychology practice in Europe. It applies the theory of multicultural counselling competency (MCC) to a case study in the Netherlands. It was hypothesized that cross-cultural practice experience, identification as a cultural minority, and satisfaction with cultural training was associated with MCC. The Multicultural Awareness Knowledge and Skills Survey was completed by 106 participants (22 students, 10 academics, 74 alumni) from clinical psychology masters’ programs. MANOVA detected a main effect of cross-cultural experience on MCC for all groups and universities. The data were enriched with exploratory qualitative data from 14 interviews (5 students, 5 academics, 4 alumni). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed three themes: limitations of clinical psychology, strategies for culturally competent practice, and strategies for cultural competency development. These outcomes suggest that cultural competency continues to require attention in master’s programs. The paper makes recommendations for further research enquiry related to training clinical psychologists to practice in Europe’s multicultural societies.
Association of hereditary antithrombin deficiency with intrauterine growth restriction

&NA; Antithrombin is a major suppressor of thrombin, factor Xa and blood coagulation. Inherited antithrombin deficiency is rare and is considered among the common causes of inherited thrombophilia. The relationship between antithrombin and IUGR, is questionable. The aim of this study was to trace the relationship between antithrombin deficiency and the intrauterine weight reduction and neonatal morbidity. The study was conducted on 55 full-term neonates (including 25 baby boys and 30 baby girls), all were admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Cairo University Hospitals with IUGR; and another 110 healthy full-term neonates as control group. ATIII activities were assessed in citrated of patient and control samples automatically on coagulometer (Stago, France). There was a highly significant relationship regarding ATIII deficiency in IUGR group in relation to control group (P value <0.001). In conclusion, we have identified antithrombin deficiency in Egyptian infants as an additional cause for low-birth weight and intrauterine growth retardation.
Differentiable Compositional Kernel Learning for Gaussian Processes

The generalization properties of Gaussian processes depend heavily on the choice of kernel, and this choice remains a dark art. We present the Neural Kernel Network (NKN), a flexible family of kernels represented by a neural network. The NKN architecture is based on the composition rules for kernels, so that each unit of the network corresponds to a valid kernel. It can compactly approximate compositional kernel structures such as those used by the Automatic Statistician (Lloyd et al., 2014), but because the architecture is differentiable, it is end-to-end trainable with gradient-based optimization. We show that the NKN is universal for the class of stationary kernels. Empirically we demonstrate pattern discovery and extrapolation abilities of NKN on several tasks that depend crucially on identifying the underlying structure, including time series and texture extrapolation, as well as Bayesian optimization.