Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissociation and mindfulness in patients with auditory verbal hallucinations

ABSTRACT The very few studies relating mindfulness and dissociation have found a negative association between them (depersonalization and absorption). However, all of these studies have been done in nonclinical populations, and there are no data on the relationship between these variables in psychiatric patients with auditory hallucinations. This study was designed to study the relationship between mindfulness and the two dissociative variables, absorption and depersonalization, as well as their predictive power for the severity of auditory hallucinations and the distress they cause in a clinical population. A total of 55 psychiatric patients with hallucinations were given the following tests: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (K. Brown & R. Ryan, 2003), the Tellegen Absorption Scale (A. Tellegen & G. Atkinson, 1974), the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (M. Sierra & G. E. Berrios, 2000), the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (G. Haddock, J. McCarron, N. Tarrier, & E. B. Faragher, 1999), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (S. R. Kay, L. A. Opler, & J.-P. Lindenmayer, 1988). A significant negative correlation was found between mindfulness and the dissociative variables and between mindfulness and the distress caused by the hallucinations. A positive correlation was found between absorption and distress caused by hallucinations and between depersonalization and the severity of hallucinations. Finally, the variable with the most predictive power for severity of the voices was depersonalization, and the variable with the most predictive power for distress caused by the voices was mindfulness. Interventions addressing training in mindfulness techniques could diminish the distress associated with hearing voices.
Symptoms in Children With Advanced Cancer: Child and Nurse Reports

Background: Systematic studies on the specific symptom experience in children with advanced cancer are limited. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the common symptoms and to explore commonly occurring symptoms over time. Methods: A prospective and longitudinal study design was used. Data were collected at 10 data points from 60 children over a 5-month period. Children ranged from 6 to 17 years old, spoke English or Spanish, were diagnosed with advanced cancer, and were receiving healthcare in 1 of 4 Southern California hospitals. Nurses’ documentations of symptoms were examined. Results: The study sample was composed of children 6 to 12 years old (52%) and 13 to 17 years old (48%); 42% were female, and 58% were male. Fifty-five percent were Latino, and 30% were Caucasian. Pain, nausea, drowsiness, and energy loss were reported by children in more than 50% of the interviews. Children’s and nurses’ reports of symptoms were similar except children reported significantly more frequency and intensity of pain. Conclusion: Children with advanced cancer were able to report and describe their symptoms. There were few differences by gender, age, and ethnicity. Implications for Practice: It is important that children’s symptoms are clearly communicated to nurses, and these study findings may be used to anticipate and manage the symptoms experienced by children with advanced cancer.
Cancer in Nursing Homes: Characteristics and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Cognitively Intact Residents With and Without Cancer

Background:Studies are lacking on how cancer influences physical, mental, and social functioning beyond comorbidity among older people without cognitive impairment in nursing homes (NHs). Objective:The objective was to study the sociodemographic characteristics and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among NH residents with and without a cancer diagnosis, adjusting for comorbidity. Methods:This was a cross-sectional observation study: 30 NHs; 227 residents 65 to 102 years old: 60 with cancer and 167 without, at least 6 months’ residence. All had Clinical Dementia Rating of 0.5 or less and could converse. Health-related quality of life was measured using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey in face-to-face interviews. Sociodemographic variables and medical diagnoses were obtained from records. Possible differences in HRQOL, controlled for age, gender, marital status, education, length of stay, and comorbidity, were examined by multiple linear regression analyses. Results:The most common cancer diagnoses were breast cancer among women (20%) and prostate cancer among men (12%). More residents with cancer were married (P = .007), reported more bodily pain (P = .17) and scored lower on all other HRQOL subscales, except for role-emotional. General health was worse than that of the residents without cancer (P = .04) after adjusting for sociodemographic variables but not for comorbidity (P = .06). Conclusion:Cognitively intact NH residents with cancer reported more pain and worse general health but better role limitation related to emotional problems compared with residents without cancer. The difference in general health was partly due to comorbidity. Implications for Practice:Nurses should pay attention to HRQOL among NH residents with cancer and especially observe and ensure pain treatment.
MicroRNA‐195 suppresses tumorigenicity and regulates G1/S transition of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Growing evidence indicates that deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to tumorigenesis. Down‐regulation of miR‐195 has been observed in various types of cancers. However, the biological function of miR‐195 is still largely unknown. In this study we aimed to elucidate the pathophysiologic role of miR‐195. Our results showed that miR‐195 expression was significantly reduced in as high as 85.7% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and in all of the five HCC cell lines examined. Moreover, introduction of miR‐195 dramatically suppressed the ability of HCC and colorectal carcinoma cells to form colonies in vitro and to develop tumors in nude mice. Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR‐195 blocked G1/S transition, whereas inhibition of miR‐195 promoted cell cycle progression. Subsequent investigation characterized multiple G1/S transition‐related molecules, including cyclin D1, CDK6, and E2F3, as direct targets of miR‐195. Silencing of cyclin D1, CDK6, or E2F3 phenocopied the effect of miR‐195, whereas overexpression of these proteins attenuated miR‐195‐induced G1 arrest. In addition, miR‐195 significantly repressed the phosphorylation of Rb as well as the transactivation of downstream target genes of E2F. These results imply that miR‐195 may block the G1/S transition by repressing Rb‐E2F signaling through targeting multiple molecules, including cyclin D1, CDK6, and E2F3. Conclusion: Our data highlight an important role of miR‐195 in cell cycle control and in the molecular etiology of HCC, and implicate the potential application of miR‐195 in cancer therapy. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Comorbidities and their impact on outcome in patients with end-stage renal disease

Comorbidities and their impact on outcome in patients with end-stage renal disease. End-stage renal disease is associated with an increased mortality compared to age-matched controls. Increasing age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and poor nutrition are the most important co-existing conditions that predict worse outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease. Of the cardiovascular conditions that are associated with higher mortalities, ischemic heart disease and left ventricular hypertrophy have a high prevalence amongst the predialysis and dialysis population. There are multiple risk factors associated with uremia that predispose to these conditions. Congestive heart failure is also a strong predictor of poor outcome and often coexists with hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Although hypertension in the general population is associated with higher mortalities, in dialysis patients hypotension is a more accurate predictor of high mortality rates. Diabetes is now the most common cause of end-stage renal disease in many parts of the world. It has a strong negative impact on survival and is associated with the presence of vascular disease. Similarly, increasing age in the uremic population is associated with a high frequency of hypertension and vascular disease. Poor nutritional status, as indicated by a low serum albumin or subjective global assessment is a strong predictor of high mortality. This may in part indicate the coexistence of a chronic inflammatory state. The most important predictors of poor outcome in end-stage renal disease are increasing age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and poor nutrition as reflected by hypoalbuminemia. Future studies need to be initiated which will assess the impact of interventions which modify directly these co-morbidities.
Evaluation of the patient with hepatitis B

The initial evaluation of a patient with hepatitis B virus infection should attempt to assess the disease activity and stage in the context of the known natural history of this infection and to properly assess the needs for treatment and surveillance. In addition to a medical history and focused physical examination, the initial evaluation usually requires serological, biochemical, and virological tests to confirm the diagnosis as well as an imaging study to establish a baseline for future monitoring. A liver biopsy is generally not needed but can provide useful information on prognosis, need for surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and whether to recommend therapy. Follow‐up monitoring is aimed at determining disease progression, development of complications, and reassessing the need for treatment. Monitoring frequency should be determined based on the activity and stage of disease. Initiation of screening for HCC should be based on age, race, sex, family history, and stage and duration of disease. The current recommended method of screening and surveillance for HCC is by ultrasonography and alpha‐fetoprotein measurements every 6–12 months. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the role of longitudinal application of noninvasive assays of fibrosis, such as serum fibrosis markers and transient elastography. Better biomarkers and imaging modalities are needed for early detection of HCC. Finally, studies are needed to better refine the indications and to balance the risks and benefits of antiviral therapy. (HEPATOLOGY 2009;49:S22–S27.)
THE QUICK TEST

To the Editor:— The problem of hemorrhage caused by bishydroxycoumarin (dicumarol®) which was discussed editorially inThe JournalDec. 23, 1950 (page 1466) deserves serious consideration. It involves more than "the vagaries of the Quick test of prothrombin time. " If this test is carried out as I described inThe Journal( 110 :1658 [May 14] 1938), with the correction of a typographical error ( 111 :1775, [Nov. 5] 1938), it will be found that the vagaries are conspicuously absent. Much of the trouble can be attributed to the indiscriminate flood of modifications of the original test and to the reckless introductions of various types of thromboplastin. The thromboplastic reagent that I developed was the result of years of meticulous study and testing. In spite of its commercial possibilities, it was made available without patent attachments. It was described so explicitly that any technician who is capable of following cook book directions
Generation and Characterization of Chicken-Sourced Single-Chain Variable Fragments (scFvs) Against Porcine Interferon-Gamma (pIFN-γ)

Development of chicken-sourced antibodies offers an alternative strategy for the development of highly specific antibodies against mammalian proteins with conserved epitopes due to the phylogenetic distance between avian and mammalian species. In this study, the single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) against porcine interferon-gamma was screened and characterized from a hyperimmunized chicken phage display library. The expressed soluble scFvs exhibited highly specific recognition of porcine interferon-gamma in ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining assays. Results of the current study indicate that it is possible to develop scFv IgY antibodies to a mammalian interferon by using Biopanning technology. Furthermore, it also confirms that monoclonal avian IgY antibody technique could be applied as a promising tool to produce immunoglobulin molecules with high specificity and affinity towards conserved mammalian epitopes or antigens.
The Radiographer's impact on improving Clinical Decision‐making, Patient Care and Patient Diagnosis: A pilot study

Aim: This pilot study attempts to quantify the benefits of a documented radiographic clinical history through the use of the clinical history template form designed by Egan and Baird. Method: Six radiographers completed the clinical history template for 40 patients and four radiologists included the recorded information as part of their reporting process. A focus discussion group was held between the radiographers to ascertain the level of satisfaction and benefits encountered with the use of the template form. A questionnaire was designed for the radiologists to complete regarding the usefulness of the template form with respect to the radiological reporting process. Results/Discussion: 15 cases for which the form was used demonstrated a direct benefit in respect to improved radiographic clinical decision- making. Radiographers agreed the template form aided the establishment of a stronger radiographer-patient relationship during the radiographic examination. Two radiologists agreed the form aided in establishing a radiological diagnosis and suggested the form be implemented as part of the standard departmental protocol. Conclusion: Despite the small sample size, there is evidence the form aided radiographic decision making and assisted in the establishment of an accurate radiological diagnosis. The overall consensus amongst radiographers was that it enhanced radiographer-patient communication and improved the level of patient care. (author abstract)
Immunoassay and molecular methods to investigate DNA methylation changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in HIV infected patients on cART

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the influence of antiretroviral therapy on methylation markers, in a group of HIV infected, heavily treated patients. Immune and molecular methods were used to investigate potential changes in methylation profile in DNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from antiretroviral-experienced HIV infected patients and healthy controls. The percentage of 5-methylcytosine was inversely correlated with proviral DNA and active replication while DNMT1 (p = 0.01) and DNMT3A (p = 0.004) independently correlated with active viral replication. DNMT3A expression increased with total treatment duration (p = 0.03), number of antiretroviral drugs ever used (p = 0.003), and cumulative exposure to protease inhibitors (p = 0.02) even in currently HIV undetectable patients.
Methodological Remarks on Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography for PFO Detection

To the Editor:—With great interest and appreciation, we read the article of Stendel et al. about contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (c-TCD) for detection of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) before surgery in the sitting position. Although we agree that this is a significant alternative to the gold standard set by contrast-enhanced transesophageal echocardiography, we would like to make some methodologic remarks. Contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler ultrasonography is an indirect approach to detect right-to-left shunting and does not allow for an exact anatomic localization of shunts. Precisely, in the mentioned diagnostic setting, a PFO is likely to cause high-intensity transient signals in c-TCD, but one should be aware that a PFO is not proven by this method. To ensure the diagnosis, contrast medium has to cross the atrial septum following the pressure gradient produced by a Valsalva maneuver during an interval of time that excludes pulmonary passage. Therefore, this interval should start with presence of contrast agent in the right atrium and should not exceed 10 cardiac cycles. Stendel et al. allow for 3–15 heart cycles after 5 s injection and 5 s Valsalva maneuver, following the protocol of Schwarze et al., but pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas can be a reason for the detection of high-intensity transient signals during the mentioned interval. In c-TCD, we frequently observe high-intensity transient signals that meet with the criteria to diagnose a PFO, whereas in contrast-enhanced transesophageal echocardiography, there is no evidence for it. These findings can be explained either by leakage of the capillary lung filter for microbubbles in some individuals or by pulmonary passage of contrast medium parts below standard size, despite correct preparation and handling of the D-Galactose contrast medium. When c-TCD is positive with Valsalva maneuver, we recommend an additional contrast injection without Valsalva maneuver to exclude pulmonary passage. In the normal heart cycle, an intermittent right-toleft pressure gradient occurs in the early systole because the tricuspidal valve physiologically closes a little earlier than does the mitral valve. Therefore, with c-TCD, even at rest an atrial septal defect or a permanent PFO allowing for spontaneous right-to-left shunting can be detected. Spontaneous right-to-left shunting indicates high hemodynamic relevance of the shunt and may be a valuable finding to select surgical and anesthesiologic procedures to avoid intraoperative paradoxical air embolism.
Ethno-Cultural Differences in the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs: Evidence from the Vancouver Youth Drug Reporting System

This article reports on ethno-cultural differences in the use of alcohol and other drugs by using data derived from the Vancouver Youth Drug Reporting System. Data were collected between May and August 2006 among a sample of 514 youth aged 16 to 25. Statistically significant ethno-cultural differences were reported for “lifetime” alcohol and other drugs prevalence; alcohol and other drugs experience in the peer group; parental attitudes; and in the assessment of alcohol and other drugs prevention strategies. White and Aboriginal youth reported significantly higher rates of personal and peer group alcohol and other drugs use than other groups, whereas Chinese youth reported the lowest rates.The implications of these findings for alcohol and other drug prevention efforts are briefly discussed.
Modulation of glycosphingolipid metabolism significantly improves hepatic insulin sensitivity and reverses hepatic steatosis in mice

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. The hyperinsulinemia that occurs as a consequence of insulin resistance is thought to be an important contributor to the development of fatty liver. We have shown that the iminosugar N‐(5'‐adamantane‐1'‐yl‐methoxy)‐pentyl‐1‐deoxynojirimycin (AMP‐DNM), an inhibitor of the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase, is a potent enhancer of insulin signaling in rodent models for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The present study was designed to assess the impact of AMP‐DNM on insulin levels, liver triglyceride synthesis, and gene expression profile. Treatment of ob/ob mice with AMP‐DNM restored insulin signaling in the liver, corrected blood glucose values to levels found in lean mice, and decreased insulin concentration. The expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c target genes involved in fatty acid synthesis normalized. AMP‐DNM treatment significantly reduced liver to body weight ratio and reversed hepatic steatosis, comprising fat as well as inflammatory markers. In addition, AMP‐DNM treatment corrected to a large extent the gene expression profile of ob/ob mice livers toward the profile of lean mice. Conclusion: Pharmacological lowering of glycosphingolipids with the iminosugar AMP‐DNM is a promising approach to restore insulin signaling and improve glucose homeostasis as well as hepatic steatosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Protective Behavioral Strategies, Alcohol Consumption, and Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences: Do Race and Gender Moderate these Associations?

White, non-Hispanic college students tend to drink more alcohol and experience more negative consequences than African American college students. However, racial differences have not been examined for protective behavioral strategies. This study examined whether race and gender moderated the associations that protective behavioral strategies had with alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences. In general, the use of protective behavioral strategies were associated with greater deceases in consumption, harmful drinking, and negative consequences for White, non-Hispanic students than African American students, which suggests important racial differences related to protective strategy use. Research and clinical implications are provided.
Adolescent Perceptions of Alcohol Risk: Variation by Sex, Race, Student Activity Levels and Parental Communication

Drawing on data gathered from adolescents (N = 18,991) in the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), this study examined the effects of sex and race, as well as measures of student activity levels and frequency of recognition from parents, on perceptions of the risks associated with binge drinking. Overall, female, Black, Asian, and Hispanic adolescents, as well as individuals who indicated belonging to more than one race, perceived higher levels of risk. Male, White, and Native American/Alaskan/Pacific Islander respondents perceived lower risk levels. In addition, those who participated the most in school and community activities, as well as those who received more frequent recognition from parents, estimated higher levels of risk associated with binge drinking.
Essential Emergency Trauma

Major sections cover trauma of each anatomic region. Each section opens with a chapter: The First 15 Minutes, Algorithm, and Decision Making. Subsequent chapters focus on specific injury patterns, emphasizing pathophysiology, diagnosis, evaluation, and management. The information is presented in bullet points with numerous tables and images. Each chapter ends with an up-to-date review of the Best Evidence.
Aggression behavior and substance use among immigrant children: Mediating effect of antisocial attitudes

ABSTRACT In 2010, approximately one out of four youths in the United States were immigrant children. Hispanics and Asians comprised the largest groups (58% and 16%), respectively. Today, the Hispanic population is the largest ethnic minority in the United States (15%) and is a majority of the U.S. foreign-born population (47%). While immigration is a positive process for most immigrants, resettlement into a new country has challenges, including acculturation adjustments. Youth engage in risky behaviors such as substance use and antisocial behaviors. For immigrant youth with limited supportive opportunities, however, the acculturation process can be difficult. Stress, alienation, and stigma often manifest and cause behavioral problems, including aggression. This pilot study examines the mediating effect of antisocial attitudes using sociocultural, developmental, and environmental factors to understand Hispanic youth problem behaviors. We sampled 136 youths, ages 6–12, from predominantly Hispanic elementary schools in the southwestern United States to ascertain the role of aggression and antisocial behavior in substance use attitudes. The results show significant differences in aggression, antisocial attitudes, and substance use according to (1) age, (2) years in the United States, (3) English level, and (4) relationship with mother. Aggression significantly predicted antisocial attitudes and substance use, with antisocial attitudes having a mediating effect on the relationship between aggression and substance use. In developing social service programs to prevent substance use among children from immigrant families, social work educators and practitioners may consider addressing the role of aggression in Hispanic adolescents’ future behavior.