Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of disclosure of mental illness by interviewers on reports of discrimination experienced by service users: A randomized study

User involvement in research is widely valued, but evidence of its impact in quantitative research is lacking. We investigate whether survey responses are affected by interviewers’ experience of mental health problems. We hypothesized that when the interviewer has experienced mental health problems, participants would be more likely to consent to participate, leave fewer items unanswered, report higher levels of discrimination and express greater satisfaction with the interview. The study was nested within a telephone survey of service users’ experiences of discrimination. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: peer disclosing, peer non-disclosing and non-peer interviewers, where ‘peer interviewers’ have personal experience of mental health problems. Analyses explored the impact on response rate, number of unanswered questions, reported discrimination and interview experience. No difference was found in prevalence of discrimination reported to interviewers. A significantly lower response rate was attained in the peer-disclosing group (5% compared to 6.5%, p = 0.005). Significantly fewer questions were left unanswered in the peer-disclosing group (Mean = 0.07 compared to 0.4, p = 0.004). Findings suggest that interviewers’ experiences of mental health problems broadly do not impact on quantitative data collected in structured interviews about discrimination. Disclosure of peer status prior to consent may have affected recruitment.
Discovery of estrogen receptor modulators: a review of virtual screening and SAR efforts

Importance of the field: Virtual screening (VS) coupled with structural biology is a significantly important approach to increase the number and enhance the success of projects in lead identification stage of drug discovery process. Recent advances and future directions in estrogen therapy have resulted in great demand for identifying the potential estrogen receptor (ER) modulators with more activity and selectivity. Areas covered in this review: This review presents the current state of the art in VS and structure–activity relationship of ER modulators in recent discovery, and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the technology. What the reader will gain: Readers will gain an overview of the current platforms of in silico screening for discovery of ER modulators; they will learn which structural information is significantly correlated with the bioactivity of ER modulators and what novel strategies should be considered for the creation of more effective chemical structures. Take home message: With the goal of reducing toxicity and/or improving efficacy, challenges to the successful modeling of endocrine agents are proposed, providing new paradigms for the design of ER inhibitors.
Barriers to participation in mental health research: Findings from the Genetics and Psychosis (GAP) Study

The aim of this study was to investigate why people with a first episode of psychosis choose or decline to participate in mental health research, using a qualitative study design. Participants were recruited via referrals from the Genetics and Psychosis (GAP) study. A total of 26 individuals with a first-episode of psychosis (nine of whom declined participation in the GAP study and 17 who participated) were individually interviewed and asked about their attitudes towards mental health research participation. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was used to determine dominant themes and sub-themes on what constituted barriers and facilitators to participation. Reasons for research participation identified included a desire to help others, curiosity, and positive experiences with clinicians. Decisions to participate or not were also influenced by practical issues, including the timing of the approach, researchers’ communication skills and whether individuals had concerns that it may be potentially harmful to their health. Other barriers to participation included patients’ conceptualizations of mental health problems and the influence of other inpatients. Information on barriers and facilitators to recruitment in mental health research could inform recruitment strategies, thereby maximizing recruitment rates and minimizing the risk of selection biases.
In silico prediction of aqueous solubility

The fundamentals of aqueous solubility, and the factors that affect it, are briefly outlined, followed by a short introduction to quantitative structure–property relationships. Early (pre-1990) work on aqueous solubility prediction is summarised, and a more detailed presentation and critical discussion are given of the results of most, if not all, of those published in silico prediction studies from 1990 onwards that have used diverse training sets. A table is presented of a number of studies that have used a 21-compound test set of drugs and pesticides to validate their aqueous solubility models. Finally, the results are given of a test of 15 commercially available software programs for aqueous solubility prediction, using a test set of 122 drugs with accurately measured aqueous solubilities.
Psychosocial preventive interventions for obesity and eating disorders in youths

Abstract The rates of paediatric obesity have risen dramatically. Given the challenge of successful weight loss and maintenance, preventive interventions are sorely needed. Furthermore, since a substantial proportion of individuals do not respond to traditional behavioural weight loss therapy, alternative approaches are required. Psychological treatments for binge eating disorder have been generally effective at reducing binge episodes and producing weight maintenance or modest weight loss in obese adults. Given the strong link between loss of control eating and obesity in youths, binge eating disorder treatment may serve as a viable form of excess weight gain prevention. An adapted version of interpersonal psychotherapy for binge eating disorder is one such intervention that we have considered. A description of the theoretical basis and proposed mechanism is described. Adaptations of interpersonal psychotherapy and other established therapies for binge eating disorder may serve as platforms from which to develop and disseminate obesity and eating disorder prevention programs in children and adolescents.
The epidemiology of frontotemporal dementia

Abstract Frontotemporal dementia, a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder, is a common cause of young onset dementia (i.e. dementia developing in midlife or earlier). The estimated point prevalence is 15–22/100,000, and incidence 2.7–4.1/100,000. Some 25% are late-life onset cases. Population studies show nearly equal distribution by gender, which contrasts with myriad clinical and neuropathology reports. FTD is frequently familial and hereditary; five genetic loci for causal mutations have been identified, all showing 100% penetrance. Non-genetic risk factors are yet to be identified. FTD shows poor life expectancy but with survival comparable to that of Alzheimer's disease. Recent progress includes the formulation of up-to-date diagnostic criteria for the behavioural and language variants, and the development of new and urgently needed instruments for monitoring and staging the illness. There is still need for descriptive population studies to fill gaps in our knowledge about minority groups and developing regions. More pressing, however, is the need for reliable physiological markers for disease. There is a present imperative to develop a translational science to form the conduit for transferring neurobiological discoveries and insights from bench to bedside.
Current concepts in blood glucose monitoring

Blood glucose monitoring has evolved over the last century. The concept of adequate glycemic control and minimum glycemic variability requires an ideal, accurate and reliable glucose monitoring system. The search for an ideal blood glucose monitoring system still continues. This review explains the various blood glucose monitoring systems with special focus on the monitoring systems like self- monitored blood glucose (SMBG) and continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). It also focuses on the newer concepts of blood glucose monitoring and their incorporation in routine clinical management of diabetes mellitus.
Circadian misalignment and health

Abstract Circadian rhythms are near 24-h patterns of physiology and behaviour that are present independent of external cues including hormones, body temperature, mood, and sleep propensity. The term ‘circadian misalignment’ describes a variety of circumstances, such as inappropriately timed sleep and wake, misalignment of sleep/wake with feeding rhythms, or misaligned central and peripheral rhythms. The predominance of early research focused on misalignment of sleep to the biological night. However, discovery of clock genes and the presence of peripheral circadian oscillators have expanded the definitions of misalignment. Experimental studies conducted in animal models and humans have provided evidence of potential mechanisms that link misalignment to negative outcomes. These include dysregulation of feeding behaviours, changes in appetite stimulating hormones, glucose metabolism and mood. This review has two foci: (1) to describe how circadian misalignment has been defined and evaluated in laboratory and field experiments, and (2) to describe evidence linking different types of circadian misalignment to increased risk for physical (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer) and psychiatric (depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, attention deficit) disorders. This review will describe the role of circadian misalignment as a risk factor for disease in the general population and in clinical populations, including circadian rhythm sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders.
The design of semi-synthetic and synthetic glycoconjugate vaccines

Introduction: Glycoconjugate vaccines are among the safest and most efficacious vaccines developed during the last 30 years. They are a potent tool for prevention of life-threatening bacterial infectious diseases like meningitis and pneumonia. The concept of hapten–carrier conjugation is now being extended to other disease areas. Areas covered: This is an overview of the history and current status of glycoconjugate vaccines. The authors discuss the approaches for their preparation and quality control as well as those variables which might affect their product profile. The authors also look at the potential to develop fully synthetic conjugate vaccines based on the progress of organic chemistry. Additionally, new applications of conjugate vaccines technology in the field of non-infectious diseases are discussed. Through this review, the reader will have an insight regarding the issues and complexities involved in the preparation and characterization of conjugate vaccines, the variables that might affect their immunogenicity and the potential for future applications. Expert opinion: The immunogenicity of weak T-independent antigens can be increased in quantity and quality by conjugation to protein carriers, which provide T-cell help. Glycoconjugate vaccines are among the safest and most efficacious vaccines developed so far. Various conjugation procedures and carrier proteins can be used. Many variables impact on the immunogenicity of conjugate vaccines and a tight control through physicochemical tests is important to ensure manufacturing and clinical consistency. New and challenging targets for conjugate vaccines are represented by cancer and other non-infectious diseases.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients especially in those requiring ventilatory support

Introduction: Vitamin D (VitD) classically recognized for its role in the musculoskeletal system, has been implicated in myriad of conditions such as diabetes, immune dysfunction, cancers, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, etc. We studied the role of VitD in acute care setting and its correlation with mortality. Materials and Methods: A total of 85 consecutive consenting patients admitted in medical intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. All patients were evaluated clinically, and blood samples were collected for hemogram, biochemical investigations including serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, along with 25(OH) VitD, 1,25(OH) VitD and intact parathormone levels. Simplified acute physiology score (SAPS II) was calculated for all patients. Results: VitD was deficient (<30 ng/ml) in 27 patients (32%). The overall mortality was more in VitD deficient group as compared to VitD sufficient group (74 vs. 41%; P < 0.05). The actual mortality in VitD deficient group was higher than the mortality predicted by SAPS II score (50 vs. 74%; P < 0.0507). VitD deficiency was also associated with more mortality among those requiring ventilator support (95% vs. 40%; P < 0.05) as well as with higher blood glucose (124.5 ± 29.7 vs. 94.8 ± 19.8: P < 0.01) levels. Conclusion: VitD deficiency was associated with increased mortality, poor ventilator outcomes, and increased blood glucose in critically ill patients.
New hepatitis C virus drug discovery strategies and model systems

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Current treatment options are expensive, not effective in all patients and are associated with serious side effects. Although preclinical, anti-HCV drug screening is still hampered by the lack of readily infectable small animal models, the development of cell culture HCV experimental model systems has driven a promising new wave of HCV antiviral drug discovery. Areas covered: This review contains a concise overview of current HCV treatment options and limitations with a subsequent in-depth focus on the available experimental models and novel strategies that have, and continue to enable, important advances in HCV drug development. Expert opinion: With a large cohort of chronically HCV-infected patients progressively developing liver disease that puts them at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation, there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutics that are well tolerated and effective in all patients and against all HCV genotypes. Significant advances in HCV experimental model development have expedited drug discovery; however, additional progress is needed. Importantly, the current trends and momentum in the field suggests that we will continue to overcome critical experimental challenges to reach this end goal.
Platelet FcγRIIA expression is associated with the α2 integrin C807T gene polymorphism in type 2 diabetes

“Patelet” FcγRIIA is stably overexpressed in type 2 diabetes and may also play a role in collagen-mediated platelet activation. Platelet surface integrin α2β1–collagen interaction is an early step associated with platelet adhesion and activation and plays an important role in arterial thrombosis. The objective of this study was to characterize the relationship in diabetes and non-diabetes platelets between FcγRIIA expression and a polymorphism associated with arterial thrombotic events, polymorphism C807T on the gene encoding α2β1. Platelet flow cytometry and allele-specific PCR revealed a significant correlation in type 2 diabetes between low platelet FcγRIIA expression and the 807TT genotype that is associated with increased platelet α2β1 receptor density. We conclude that uni- or bi-directional modulation of surface expression may exist between the platelet FcγRIIA receptor and a α2β1 thrombogenic polymorphism that could play a role in platelet sensitivity to collagen in type 2 diabetes.
BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN KEDAH

Breast feeding has been actively encouraged in Malaysia in the last few years in all public hospitals. This study proposes to find out the prevalence of breast feeding in three villages in a rural community in Kedah, Malaysia. This was a cross sectional study on breastfeeding practices in Kubang Pasu, a district of Kedah. Majority of the mothers initiated breast feeding but exclusive breastfeeding was only 21% for four months and predominant breastfeeding was about 12.6%. The breastfeeding practice was more prevalent among women from the higher educational strata and higher income than those from the lower strata and lower income ( p<0.05). Mothers with a positive attitude on breastfeeding and those who possess a higher knowledge were associated with a longer mean total duration of breastfeeding ( p<0.05). Spouse and family members played an important role in building up a mother’s confidence to breast feed her child. Majority of the mothers received breast feeding information before birth from mainly the doctors and nurses. Older mothers, house wives and mothers with formal education practiced a longer duration of breast feeding ( p<0.05). The study also showed that there is an increase in the knowledge of breast feeding among the mothers and that they have a positive attitude to breastfeeding. Most of the mothers initiated breast feeding early and they received support on breastfeeding from the nurses and doctors. (JUMMEC 2010; 13 (1): 38-44)
Comparison of the performance of two measures of central adiposity among apparently healthy Nigerians using the receiver operating characteristic analysis

Objective: To compare the performance of waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in predicting the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension and generalized obesity) in an apparently healthy population. Materials and Methods: We recruited 898 apparently healthy subjects (318 males and 580 females) of the Igbo ethnic group resident in Enugu (urban), Southeast Nigeria. Data collection was done using the World Health Organization Stepwise approach to Surveillance of risk factors (STEPS) instrument. Subjects had their weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures measured according to the guidelines in the step 2 of STEPS instrument. Generalized obesity and hypertension were defined using body mass index (BMI) and JNC 7 classifications, respectively. Quantitative and qualitative variables were analyzed using t-test and Chi-square analysis, respectively, while the performance of WC and WHR was compared using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. P value was set at <0.05. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 48.7 (12.9) years. Central obesity was found in 76.9% and 66.5% of subjects using WHR and WC, respectively. WC had a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) than WHR in all the cardiovascular risk groups, namely, generalized obesity (AUC = 0.88 vs. 0.62), hypertension alone (AUC = 0.60 vs. 0.53), and both generalized obesity and hypertension (AUC = 0.86 vs. 0.57). Conclusion: WC performed better than WHR in predicting the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Being a simple index, it can easily be measured in routine clinic settings without the need for calculations or use of cumbersome techniques.
Adiponectin biochemical and histopathological effects on obesity/type-II diabetes mellitus and pancreatic ß- cell dysfunction in experimental rats

A comparison was done for serum lipid profile, glucose, adiponectin and insulin levels with/without hyperlipidemia; and with/without diabetes mellitus-II Wistar rat; with histopathological and immunohistochemical studies on pancreatic Langerhans islets and s-cells (endocrine secretary portion of insulin). Sixty four adult Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups with 14 weeks study duration. The study is an elevation of serum glucose levels and decrease in insulin and adiponectin levels in diabetic groups. Serum lipid profile: triacylglycerol and low density lipoprotein were elevated and high density lipoprotein was decreased in obesity groups. However, these items were in demanded balance after adiponectin treatments. Histopathological alterations were found in diabetic groups severely and moderately in obesity/without diabetes groups. Also, insulin investigation content showed strong immune-reaction in pancreatic β-cells in the control groups and light to null insulin immune-reaction in obesity and diabetic groups when stained with anti-insulin antibody. After adiponectin administration, there was a β-cells dysfunction recovery and moderate insulin immune- reaction. Key words: Glucose, insulin, adiponectin, diabetes mellitus type-II, pancreatic s-cells
Support vector machines for drug discovery

Introduction: Support vector machines (SVMs) are supervised machine learning algorithms for binary class label prediction and regression-based prediction of property values. In recent years, SVMs have become increasingly popular for drug discovery-relevant applications such as compound classification, the search for novel active compounds and property predictions. Areas covered: The authors provide the readers with a brief introduction of SVM theory and discuss the kernel functions designed for drug discovery applications. The authors also review the different types of SVM applications in drug discovery, looking at particular case studies. Furthermore, the authors discuss the recent hybrid methods developed that incorporate SVM modeling in different ways. Expert opinion: SVMs are currently among the best-performing approaches for chemical and biological property prediction and the computational identification of active compounds. It is anticipated that their use in drug discovery will further increase. Indeed, this will also include the development of SVM-based meta-classifiers that combine different approaches and exploit their individual strengths and complementarity.
The metabolic pathway of (alanyl-)glutamine into citrulline and arginine in surgical patients

Purpose of review The aim of this review is to describe the clinical relevance of supplementation of glutamine from the recent literature. First, new basic research and subsequently metaanalyses and recent clinical trials concerning the effect of glutamine on clinical outcome are discussed. Recent Findings Recent basic research on glutamine has further improved our understanding about the possible mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of glutamine on clinical outcome. We now know that the purpose of glutamine to serve as a substrate for protein synthesis and a respiratory fuel for cells of the immune system and the gastro-intestinal tract is incomplete. Recent discoveries on glutamine emphasize its role as a regulating molecule. Glutamine supports the immune system and blunts the inflammatory response. Glutamine protects organs from inflammation and concomitant oxidative stress by enhancing the availability of the antioxidants glutathione and taurine and by enhancing the expression of heat shock proteins. Furthermore, glutamine regulates the nitric oxide synthesis from arginine in endothelial cells and macrophages, and is an important precursor for the de novo synthesis of arginine in humans. Finally, glutamine helps to preserve insulin sensitivity. Summary of clinical evidence Based on an ongoing meta-analysis and up-to-date clinical trials, we may conclude that supporting the parenterally fed, critically ill patient with > 0.2 g glutamine · kg-1 · day-1 is beneficial because it improves survival. The benefits of enteral supplementation of glutamine seem established in trauma and burn patients. Currently, a large trial is ongoing involving 1200 critically ill patients receiving a combination of intravenous (0.35 g · kg-1 · day-1) and enteral glutamine (30 g/dag).