Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blended Digital and Face-to-Face Care for First-Episode Psychosis Treatment in Young People: Qualitative Study

Background A small number of studies have found that digital mental health interventions can be feasible and acceptable for young people experiencing first-episode psychosis; however, little research has examined how they might be blended with face-to-face approaches in order to enhance care. Blended treatment refers to the integration of digital and face-to-face mental health care. It has the potential to capitalize on the evidence-based features of both individual modalities, while also exceeding the sum of its parts. This integration could bridge the online–offline treatment divide and better reflect the interconnected, and often complementary, ways young people navigate their everyday digital and physical lives. Objective This study aimed to gain young people’s perspectives on the design and implementation of a blended model of care in first-episode psychosis treatment. Methods This qualitative study was underpinned by an end-user development framework and was based on semistructured interviews with 10 participants aged 19 to 28 (mean 23.4, SD 2.62). A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Three superordinate themes emerged relating to young people’s perspectives on the design and implementation of a blended model of care in first-episode psychosis treatment: (1) blended features, (2) cautions, and (3) therapeutic alliance. Conclusions We found that young people were very enthusiastic about the prospect of blended models of mental health care, in so far as it was used to enhance their experience of traditional face-to-face treatment but not to replace it overall. Aspects of blended treatment that could enhance clinical care were readily identified by young people as increasing accessibility, continuity, and consolidation; accessing posttherapy support; strengthening the relationship between young person and clinician; and tracking personal data that could be used to better inform clinical decision making. Future research is needed to investigate the efficacy of blended models of care by evaluating its impact on the therapeutic alliance, clinical and social outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and engagement.
Social cognition, adaptive functioning, and behavior problems in preschoolers born extremely preterm

ABSTRACT Despite medical advances, prematurity is associated with a higher risk of neurodevelopmental problems. Although social impairments are commonly reported in preterm children, their origins are not clearly determined though they may be associated with the integrity of social cognitive skills, such as theory of mind. This study aimed to assess social cognitive, social adaptive, and social behavior functioning in children born extremely prematurely. Thirty children born between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation and 30 children born at term completed measures of social cognition (theory of mind, affect recognition) between 4:6, 5:11 years of age (mean = 5.29, standard deviation = 0.28 years). Parents completed questionnaires measuring their child’s adaptive social functioning and social behavior. Analyses of covariance controlling for cognitive, attentional, executive, sociodemographic, and perinatal characteristics were performed. Children born between 22 and 28 weeks displayed poorer theory of mind (p < 0.01) and affect recognition (p < 0.01) than term controls, and their parents reported lower adaptive social functioning (p < 0.01) and prosocial behavior (p = 0.04). Social cognitive, adaptive, and behavior functioning appear to be affected by extreme preterm birth. These findings may explain the social challenges experienced by extremely preterm children and provide potential loci for targeted interventions to optimize social functioning.
Individual Differences in Infants’ Temperament Affect Face Processing

Infants show an advantage in processing female and familiar race faces, but the effect sizes are often small, suggesting individual differences in their discrimination abilities. This research assessed whether differences in 6–10-month-olds’ temperament (surgency and orienting) predicted how they scanned individual faces varying in race and gender during familiarization and whether and how long it took them to locate the face during a visual search task. This study also examined whether infants viewing faces posing pleasant relative to neutral expressions would facilitate their discrimination of male and unfamiliar race faces. Results showed that infants’ surgency on its own or in conjunction with their orienting regularly interacted with facial characteristics to predict their scanning and location of faces. Furthermore, infants’ scanning patterns (dwell times and internal–external fixation shifts) correlated with their ability and time to locate a familiarized face. Moreover, infants who viewed faces with pleasant expressions showed better discrimination of unfamiliar race and male faces compared with infants who viewed neutral faces. Including temperament in the analyses consistently demonstrated its significance for understanding infant face processing. Findings suggest that positive interactions with other-race individuals and men might reduce processing disadvantages for those face types. Locating familiar adults in a timely manner is a crucial skill for infants to develop and these data elucidate factors influencing this ability.
Comparison of Head Movement and EMG Activity of Muscles between Advanced and Novice Horseback Riders at Different Gaits

The aim of this study was to see if differences in proficiency exist between advanced-and novice-level horseback riders with regard to head movement and EMG activity. Three advanced-and three novice horseback riders rode a horse at a walk, sitting trot and canter whilst their head acceleration and the EMG activity of their rectus abdominis muscle (M. rectus abdominis), erector spinae muscle (M. erector spinae) and abductor magnus muscle (M. adductor magnus) were recorded simultaneously. All results were conducted with Frequency Analysis by the Maximum Entropy Method. At walk, the novice rider showed a frequency distribution dispersion (P<0.1) of the head in the proximal-distal direction which was not observed in the advanced rider, but no distinct primary factors were observed in the muscular discharge frequency distributions-perhaps due to the novice rider's level which was not completely inexperienced. At a sitting trot, unstable movements of the novice rider's upper body were observed in the cranial-caudal direction (P<0.05), mirroring the horse's violent rocking movements. The electromyogram frequency distributions at this gait suggest that the novice rider was unable to balance the erector spinae and rectus abdominis muscles, and therefore unable to cope with the unstable movement. It also suggests that there was instantaneous muscular activity of the adductor magnus muscle in order to stabilize the ill-balanced body. At a canter, there were no significant differences in the dispersion of acceleration frequency distribution or in the electromyogram frequency distribution, but although there were no "significant" differences, the results obtained from the advanced rider at this gait showed a dispersion of acceleration frequency distribution that was slightly greater than that of the novice rider. This situation was only observed at a canter. In conclusion, differences exist in the degree of difficulty of coordination between horse and rider according to the gait. In addition, from the results of this study, we can clearly see that differences also exist in the rider's own skill and ability to "maintain posture".
Melengestrol acetate, estradiol-17β and GnRH for synchronization of estrus and ovulation in beef cows

Three experiments were conducted with suckled crossbred beef cows to determine the efficacy of various short-term regimens for synchronizing estrus or ovulation and to determine whether feeding melengestrol acetate (MGA) after timed AI will increase pregnancy rate. In exp. 1, all cows (n = 141) were given 0.5 mg MGA head−1 d−1 for 7 d (days 1 to 7), 1 or 5 mg E17β (and 100 mg progesterone) or 100 µg GnRH on day 1, and 500 µg cloprostenol on day 7. There were no significant differences among groups for estrous or synchronized conception rates (average, 84.4 and 52.1%, respectively). With an identical protocol in exp. 2 (78 cows), by day 11, cows given 5 mg E17β had the highest estrous and synchronized pregnancy rates (65.4 and 42.3%), compared to 1 mg E17β (46.2 and 15.4%) and GnRH (34.6 and 11.5%). Cows not detected in estrus were timed-inseminated and given 100 µg GnRH, 100 h after cloprostenol. There were no significant differences among groups for synchronized conception rate to timed AI (65.0%) or syn.
Pediatric kidney transplant in undocumented immigrants: An American perspectives

Kidney transplant in undocumented immigrants remains controversial. While in the United States the National Organ Transplant Act does not prohibit inclusion of these patients as transplant candidates, legislative and financial barriers and ethical concerns remain. The purpose of this article was to review the legal and financial barriers to kidney transplant for children with ESKD who are undocumented immigrants and consider arguments for and against inclusion of these children as kidney transplant candidates. While this discussion is largely restricted to the experience in the United States and its unique healthcare system, the themes and ideas may be more generalizable to the experience in many high‐income countries. We conclude that access to kidney transplant is legal, ethically justifiable, and clearly in the best interest of these children. Transplant professionals should continue to advocate for changes in policy and greater resources to support these patients.
Novel clinicopathological characteristics differentiate dementia with Lewy bodies from Parkinson’s disease dementia

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) known as Lewy body dementias have overlapping clinical and neuropathological features. Neuropathology in both includes combination of Lewy body and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), often seen in AD, is increasingly recognized for its association with dementia.
An association study of polymorphisms in the H19 imprinted gene in an Iranian population with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies that causes problems in female fertility at the reproductive age. PCOS is a multifactorial disease, with genetic factors playing a crucial role in its development. H19 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expressed from the maternal chromosome, which is correlated with PCOS. In this study, 115 women suffering from PCOS and 130 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles were recruited as case and control groups, respectively. After the extraction of genomic DNA, the restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction was employed for genotyping of rs2067051G>A and rs3741219T>C. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS package V.22 for Windows. In silico analysis was recruited to determine the effects of SNPs on the secondary structure of gene transcript as well as miRNA binding sites. The obtained data showed that the A allele of rs2067051G>A was associated with the high risk of PCOS (OR = 2.00, 95%CI = 1.38–2.91, P = 0.00). AG and AA genotypes led to a 3.64- and (about) a five-fold increase in the risk of PCOS, respectively (95%CI = 2.02–6.54, P = 0.00, and 95%CI = 1.51–16.52, P = 0.00, respectively). These variants caused a significant increase in the risk of this disorder in all genotype models except in the recessive model. However, no association was found between rs3741219T>C and the increased risk of PCOS, either in the allele or in the genotype models. According to the findings, rs2067051G>A is associated with an increased risk of PCOS in the Iranian population.
Influences of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on mineral and trace elements content of rat teeth

Exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) emanating from the generation, distribution, and utilization of electricity is widespread. The major debate in recent years has focused on the possibility that exposure to ELF-MF may result in adverse health consequences. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of ELF-MF on the mineral content in rat teeth. 27 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: two experimental (each, n=10), one control sham (n=7). After ELF-MF and sham exposure, some mineral levels (Ca, Mg, Zn, and P) were determined with Atomic Absorbtion Spectrophotometry (AAS). It was determined that Ca levels increased in the two experimental groups as compared to the sham group (p<.05). The levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, and P in second experimental group rats were also higher than sham group (p<.05). The results demonstrate that ELFMF can have significant effects on teeth mineral content. Future observations and epidemiological studies of ELF-MF effects should be accompanied by laboratory experiments to evaluate oral and dental effects.
Strongyloidiasis in Southern Alicante (Spain): Comparative Retrospective Study of Autochthonous and Imported Cases

Background: Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease with global prevalence. In Spain, autochthonous cases are concentrated in the Mediterranean basin. We aimed to analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Vega Baja del Segura (Spain), comparing autochthonous versus imported cases. Methods: Observational retrospective study of all strongyloidiasis cases from January 2009 to January 2019. Cases were diagnosed by stool larvae visualization, positive culture, PCR, Strongyloides serology, and/or compatible histology. Results: We included 36 patients (21 men) with a mean age of 60.8 years ±17.6; 15 cases were autochthonous and 21 imported 80.9% from Latin America. Autochthonous cases were associated with older age (mean 71.3 vs. 53.3 years; p = 0.002), male sex (odds ratio (OR) 5.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–24.68; p = 0.041), and agricultural activity (OR 13.5; 95% CI 2.4–73.7; p = 0.002). Fourteen were asymptomatic, three autochthonous cases presented with hyperinfection syndrome, and two patients died. There was no difference between autochthonous versus imported origin in eosinophilia at diagnosis (93.3% vs. 75%; p = 0.207), treatment received, or clinical response (85.7% vs. 88.9% cured; p = 1). Conclusion: In our region, imported strongyloidiasis coexists with autochthonous cases, which are mainly in older male farmers who are diagnosed at more advanced stages. Systematic screening programs are needed.
Applicability of the REDUCE‐IT trial to the FAST‐MI registry. Are the results of randomized trials relevant in routine clinical practice?

The reduction of cardiovascular events with icosapent ethyl‐intervention trial (REDUCE‐IT) trial revealed robust atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk reduction with a strategy comprising high‐dose omega‐3 icosapent ethyl vs placebo in statin‐treated patients with elevated triglycerides and controlled low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C).
Physical or Cognitive Exertion Does Not Influence Cortical Movement Preparation for Rapid Arm Movements.

The contribution of central factors to movement preparation (e.g., the contingent negative variation [CNV]) and the influence of fatigue on such factors are still unclear, even though executive cognitive functions are regarded as key elements in motor control. Therefore, this study examined CNV amplitude with electroencephalography in 22 healthy humans during a rapid arm movement task prior to and following three experimental conditions: (a) a no exertion/control condition, (b) a physical exertion, and (c) a cognitive exertion. CNV amplitude was affected neither by a single bout of physical/cognitive exertion nor by the control condition. Furthermore, no time-on-task effects of the rapid arm movement task on the CNV were found. Exertion did not affect cortical movement preparation, which is in contrast to previous findings regarding time-on-task effects of exertion on CNV. Based on the current findings, the rapid arm movement task is deemed suitable to measure cortical movement preparation, without being affected by learning effects and physical/cognitive exertion.
Expression of recombinant TGF-β2(442) precursor and detection in BSC-40 cells

AbstractAnalysis of cDNA clones encoding transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 predicts two different precursor proteins derived by alternative mRNA splicing; a 414 amino acid precursor [TGF-β2 (414)] and a 442 amino acid precursor [TGF-β2(442)]. The two proteins differ by a 28 amino acid insertion within the pro-region of TGF-β2 (442). In order to characterize the TGF-β2 related proteins encoded by the TGF-β2(442) cDNA and determine whether it could, in fact, direct the synthesis of active growth factor, we have expressed this gene in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and, after amplification with methotrexate, obtained stable clones secreting TGF-β2 (442). The TGF-β2 secreted by these cells was latent as acidification was necessary to detect optimal biological activity. In addition to mature TGF-β2, high molecular weight pro-region containing proteins were also secreted as analyzed by immunoblotting using site-specific anti-peptide antibodies. These proteins migrated differently than those secreted by CHO.
Treatment of Acute Hemorrhage from Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients.

Cirrhosis describes the end stages of chronic inflammation and progressive scarring of the liver and may lead to hepatocellular dysfunction and portal venous hypertension. Liver cirrhosis in itself is a major cause of mortality worldwide, accounting from more than 1 million deaths in 2010. Esophageal varices are common in cirrhosis such that Christensen et al. documented their occurrence in 90% of patients with cirrhosis within 10 years of follow up, 40% experiencing variceal bleeding. Acute hemorrhage from esophageal varices will classically appear as hematemesis and/or melena in patients with a history of cirrhosis. It is most often diagnosed by performance of an EGD which will reveal actively bleeding varices. Because of the high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with esophageal variceal bleeding, one must have a high index of suspicion in any patient with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. As such, empiric management for variceal hemorrhage should be initiated any time this diagnosis is considered.
Use of different doses of rBST associated to a protocol for multiple ovulation and embryo transfer in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract The efficiency of different doses of rBST in a MOET protocol was verified in buffaloes. The animals received an intravaginal progesterone device (DIB) plus 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate (Ric-BE, i.m.) and 0 mg, 250 mg or 500 mg of rBST. Ovarian follicular growth was stimulated by treatment with 200 mg of FSH in decreasing amount (12/12hs). Buffaloes received injections of PGF2α on D6 and on D7. The DIB was removed on D7. On D8, 24 hours after DIB removal, ovulation was induced with GnRH. The follicular emergence and the response to FSH treatment were evaluated by ultrasound on D4 and D8. The artificial insemination (AI) was performed 12 and 24 hours after the GnRH administration. The embryonic structures were collected 5.5 days after the first AI. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. No statistical differences were found between groups. The results indicated that rBST, associated to a MOET protocol at the different dosages used, does not to improve the efficiency of the technique in buffalo.
Influences of Upwelling, Ocean Temperature, and Smolt Abundance on Marine Survival of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the Oregon Production Area

The relationships between the marine survival of hatchery and wild coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the Oregon Production Area and ocean upwelling, ocean temperature, and smolt abundance were investigated. Hatchery coho appear to be more sensitive than wild coho to changes in upwelling-related factors although this difference may be due to errors in the estimates of wild smolts and adults that were used in the analysis. Two levels of upwelling (strong and weak), which are associated with a twofold difference in survival of hatchery coho smolts, were identified. Significant relationships were identified between survival of hatchery smolts and survival of wild smolts that migrated in strong upwelling years and sea-surface temperature during that year. Similar relationships were not as apparent for smolts migrating in weak upwelling years as they were for smolts migrating in strong upwelling years. Each major component of coho production (wild, public hatchery, and private hatchery), when treated separa.
Evaluation of HIV Transmission Clusters among Natives and Foreigners Living in Italy

We aimed at evaluating the characteristics of HIV-1 molecular transmission clusters (MTCs) among natives and migrants living in Italy, diagnosed between 1998 and 2018. Phylogenetic analyses were performed on HIV-1 polymerase (pol) sequences to characterise subtypes and identify MTCs, divided into small (SMTCs, 2–3 sequences), medium (MMTCs, 4–9 sequences) and large (LMTCs, ≥10 sequences). Among 3499 drug-naïve individuals enrolled in the Italian Cohort Naive Antiretroviral (ICONA) cohort (2804 natives; 695 migrants), 726 (20.8%; 644 natives, 82 migrants) were involved in 228 MTCs (6 LMTCs, 36 MMTCs, 186 SMTCs). Migrants contributed 14.4% to SMTCs, 7.6% to MMTCs and 7.1% to LMTCs, respectively. HIV-1 non-B subtypes were found in 51 MTCs; noteworthy was that non-B infections involved in MTCs were more commonly found in natives (n = 47) than in migrants (n = 4). Factors such as Italian origin, being men who have sex with men (MSM), younger age, more recent diagnosis and a higher CD4 count were significantly associated with MTCs. Our findings show that HIV-1 clustering transmission among newly diagnosed individuals living in Italy is prevalently driven by natives, mainly MSM, with a more recent diagnosis and frequently infected with HIV-1 non-B subtypes. These results can contribute to monitoring of the HIV epidemic and guiding the public health response to prevent new HIV infections.
Platelet Functions During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. Platelet–Leukocyte Aggregates Analyzed by Flow Cytometry as a Promising Tool to Monitor Platelet Activation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an extracorporeal circulation used to manage patients with severe circulatory or respiratory failure. It is associated with both high bleeding and thrombosis risks, mainly as a result of biomaterial/blood interface phenomena, high shear stress, and complex inflammatory response involving the activation of coagulation and complement systems, endothelial cells, leukocytes, and platelets. Besides their critical role in hemostasis, platelets are important players in inflammatory reactions, especially due to their ability to bind and activate leukocytes. Hence, we reviewed studies on platelet function of ECMO patients. Moreover, we addressed the issue of platelet–leukocyte aggregates (PLAs), which is a key step in both platelet and leukocyte activation, and deserves to be investigated in these patients. A reduced expression of GPIb and GPVI was found under ECMO therapy, due to the shedding processes. However, defective platelet aggregation is inconsistently reported and is still not clearly defined. Due to the high susceptibility of PLAs to pre-analytical conditions, defining and strictly adhering to a rigorous laboratory methodology is essential for reliable and reproducible results, especially in the setting of complex inflammatory situations like ECMO. We provide results on sample preparation and flow cytometric whole blood evaluation of circulating PLAs.