Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Biobehavioral Framework to Address the Emerging Challenge of Multimorbidity

ABSTRACT Multimorbidity, the co-occurrence of multiple physical or psychological illnesses, is prevalent particularly among older adults. The number of Americans with multiple chronic diseases is projected to increase from 57 million in 2000 to 81 million in 2020. However, behavioral medicine and health psychology, while focusing on the co-occurrence of psychological/psychiatric disorders with primary medical morbidities, have historically tended to ignore the co-occurrence of primary medical comorbidities, such as diabetes and cancer, and their biopsychosocial implications. This approach may hinder our ecologically valid understanding of the etiology, prevention, and treatment for individual patients with multimorbidity. In this selective review, we propose a heuristic biobehavioral framework for the etiology of multimorbidity. More acknowledgment and systematic research on multiple, co-existing disorders in behavioral medicine are consistent with the biopsychosocial model's emphasis on treating the “whole person,” which means not considering any single illness, its symptoms, risk factors, or mechanisms, in isolation. As systems analytics, big data, machine learning, and mixed-model trajectory analyses, among others, come online and become more widely available, we may be able to tackle multimorbidity more holistically, efficiently, and satisfactorily.
The Placebo Analgesic Effect in Healthy Individuals and Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Objective The present meta-analysis investigates whether the magnitude of placebo analgesia is different in patients compared with healthy individuals and whether placebo analgesia is different in experimentally induced pain compared with clinical pain in patients. Methods A literature search in Web of Science (ISI) on the terms “placebo analgesia” and “placebo analgesic” was conducted. The search resulted in 71 studies, including 4239 participants. Fifty-five studies included healthy individuals and 16 studies included patients. Of the 16 studies with patients, five studies investigated clinical pain and 11 studies investigated experimentally induced pain. Results The average effect size was 1.24 for healthy individuals and 1.49 for patients. In the studies with patients, the average effect sizes of placebo treatment were 1.73 for experimentally induced pain and 1.05 for clinical pain. A &khgr;2 test revealed that there were relatively more studies with patients compared with healthy volunteers in which there was a clinically significant reduction in pain (p = .040). Conclusions The findings suggest that patients benefited from placebo treatment to a greater degree than healthy individuals did and that studies on healthy individuals may underestimate the magnitude of the placebo analgesic effect in patients. Patients' clinical pain and experimentally induced pain respond to placebo to the same degree.
Evaluation of cytotoxic, genotoxic and inflammatory response in human alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles

The toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2‐NPs), used in several applications, seems to be influenced by their specific physicochemical characteristics. Cyto‐genotoxic and inflammatory effects induced by a mixture of 79% anatase/21% rutile TiO2‐NPs were investigated in human alveolar (A549) and bronchial (BEAS‐2B) cells exposed to 1–40 µg ml–1 30 min, 2 and 24 h to assess potential pulmonary toxicity. The specific physicochemical properties such as crystallinity, NP size and shape, agglomerate size, surface charge and specific surface area (SSA) were analysed. Cytotoxic effects were studied by evaluating cell viability using the WST1 assay and membrane damage using LDH analysis. Direct/oxidative DNA damage was assessed by the Fpg‐comet assay and the inflammatory potential was evaluated as interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α release by enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). In A549 cells no significant viability reduction and moderate membrane damage, only at the highest concentration, were detected, whereas BEAS‐2B cells showed a significant viability reduction and early membrane damage starting from 10 µg ml–1. Direct/oxidative DNA damage at 40 µg ml–1 and increased IL‐6 release at 5 µg ml–1 were found only in A549 cells after 2 h. The secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6, involved in the early acute inflammatory response, and oxidative DNA damage indicate the promotion of early and transient oxidative‐inflammatory effects of tested TiO2‐NPs on human alveolar cells. The findings show a higher susceptibility of normal bronchial cells to cytotoxic effects and higher responsiveness of transformed alveolar cells to genotoxic, oxidative and early inflammatory effects induced by tested TiO2‐NPs. This different cell behaviour after TiO2‐NPs exposure suggests the use of both cell lines and multiple end‐points to elucidate NP toxicity on the respiratory system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between Cd‐induced autophagy and lysosomal activation in WRL‐68 cells

This study shows that Cd induces autophagy in the human's embryonic normal liver cell line (WRL‐68). The expression of LC3B‐II and the mature cathepsin L were analyzed by Western blotting. The autophagosomes and lysosomes were directly visualized by electron microscopy and confocal microscopy analysis in Cd‐exposed WRL‐68 cells. In this study, we first found that autophagy induced the activation of lysosomal function in WRL‐68 cells. The lysosomal activation was markedly decreased when the cells were co‐treated with 3‐MA (an inhibitor of autophagy). Secondly, we provided the evidence that the activation of lysosomal function depended on autophagosome–lysosome fusion. The colocalization of lysosome‐associated membrane protein‐2 (LAMP2) and GFP‐LC3 was significantly reduced, when they were treated with thapsigargin (an inhibitor of autophagosome–lysosome fusion). We demonstrated that deletion or blockage of the autophagosome–lysosome fusion process effectively diminished lysosomal activation, which suggests that lysosomal activation occurring in the course of autophagy is dependent on autophagosome–lysosome fusion. Thirdly, we provided evidence that the activation of lysosomal function was associated with lysosomal acid. We investigated the relationship between autophagosome–lysosome fusion and pH in acidic compartments by visualizing fusion process in WRL‐68 cells. This suggests that increasing pH in acidic compartments in WRL‐68 cells inhibits the autophagosome–lysosome fusion. Finally, we found that the activation of lysosomal function was associated with Ca2+ stores and the intracellular Ca2+ channels or pumps were possibly pH‐dependent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening: the new frontier in heart failure management.

Heart failure is a major health problem throughout the world, with attendant high morbidity, mortality, and cost to the healthcare system. Population estimates of heart failure prevalence vary between 2 and 10%, depending on the population, and rise exponentially with age [1,2]. Fifty percent or more of those with identifiable left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are asymptomatic, undiagnosed, and presumably untreated [3–7]. Prevalence rates may be even greater in selected populations, particularly those with a very high prevalence of known risk factors for the condition, such as hypertension, myocardial ischemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and obesity. Effective therapies exist to treat both symptomatic and asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ALVSD) [8–10], and therapeutic gains may be greater in the early stages of disease. Treatment of end-stage disease with therapies such as implantable defibrillators, biventricular pacing, assist devices, and transplantation is of limited benefit and is exceedingly costly. Consequently, strategies aimed at early diagnosis and intervention represent a far more effective and cost-effective approach to reducing progression in the individual patient and overall burden of disease in the community. Indeed, early diagnosis and treatment are advocated by all major heart failure guidelines [1,2,11]. Based on the above considerations, screening for heart failure and ALVSD is an attractive option, permitting earlier institution of therapies and potentially improving quality of life and survival. Multiple population screening strategies have been investigated, including the use of clinical parameters (symptoms and signs), electrocardiography (ECG), cardiac biomarkers, and echocardiography. None have shown a clear cost-effective benefit when used alone. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) and asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction are also highly prevalent and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Early detection is complex, and diagnosis is difficult even with the use of Doppler echocardiography and Btype natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement. Moreover, treatment of these conditions remains largely empirical. There is evidence that increased LV mass correlates with poorer cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, and that regression of LV mass correlates with improved outcomes. There is, however, no single randomized, placebocontrolled trial that definitively supports this contention. Thus, the argument for screening for HFPEF may not be as strong as for disorders of systolic LV function. So how best to screen populations for heart failure and ALVSD (systolic and diastolic)? Echocardiography, the gold standard for documenting ventricular dysfunction,
Ag(I) Catalyzed Grafting of Acrylonitrile onto Gum Arabic by Ce(IV) in H2SO4 Medium: A Kinetic Study

Grafting of Acrylonitrile (AN) onto water-soluble polymer Gum arabic (GA) was carried out using ceric ammonium sulfate [Ce(IV)] as initiator in the presence and absence of Ag(I) in H2SO4 medium at 313 K. The rate of oxidation (𝑅oxi), rate of grafting (𝑅g), and grafting efficiency (GE) were determined for catalyzed and uncatalyzed grafting and suitable mechanism was proposed to explain the observed results. No homopolymerization in the absence of GA indicates that the polymer obtained is purely a graft copolymer. A probable mechanism involving the formation of Ag(I)-GA adduct followed by its oxidation with Ce(IV) to give Ag(II)-GA adduct, and its decomposition to give initiating radicals is proposed to explain the observed results. The graft polymer was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) considering GA as reference.
In vitro cytotoxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on neuronal and glial cells. Evaluation of nanoparticle interference with viability tests

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) have attracted great interest for use in several biomedical fields. In general, they are considered biocompatible, but little is known of their effects on the human nervous system. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of two ION (magnetite), coated with silica and oleic acid, previously determining the possible interference of the ION with the methodological procedures to assure the reliability of the results obtained. Human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y and glioblastoma A172 cells were exposed to different concentrations of ION (5–300 µg ml–1), prepared in complete and serum‐free cell culture medium for three exposure times (3, 6 and 24 h). Cytotoxicity was evaluated by means of the MTT, neutral red uptake and alamar blue assays. Characterization of the main physical–chemical properties of the ION tested was also performed. Results demonstrated that both ION could significantly alter absorbance readings. To reduce these interferences, protocols were modified by introducing additional washing steps and cell‐free systems. Significant decreases in cell viability were observed for both cell lines in specific conditions by all assays. In general, oleic acid‐coated ION were less cytotoxic than silica‐coated ION; besides, a serum‐protective effect was observed for both ION studied and cell lines. These results contribute to increase the knowledge of the potential harmful effects of ION on the human nervous system. Understanding these effects is essential to establish satisfactory regulatory policies on the safe use of magnetite nanoparticles in biomedical applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
La traduction d'instruments de mesure pour la recherche gérontologique en langue française: critères métrologiques et inventaire

ABSTRACT The French language imposes an additional difficulty for gerontological research: the lack of research on valid and reliable instruments of measurement in the French language. The translation into French of instruments already developed and validated in English is an interesting solution to this problem, since it offers the opportunity of profiting from previous research and allows for international comparisons. However, translation must follow strict rules to ensure that psychometric properties of the instrument have not been altered. A consensus workshop concluded that the following steps were needed in translating from English an instrument for gerontological research: (1) selection of the most valid and reliable instrument in English; (2) translation into French and back again into English; (3) review of the translated versions by a committee; (4) pretest; (5) test-retest (and if indicated inter-rater) reliability study. An inventory of all translated instruments showed that very few instruments fulfil these basic rules. This inventory is a useful tool for researchers and will stimulate research on measurement instruments and encourage publication of its results. RÉSUMÉ La langue française impose à la recherche gérontologique une difficulté méthodologique supplémentaire: la disponibilité d'instruments de mesure fidèles et valides en français. La traduction française d'instruments développés et validés en anglais est une solution intéressante puisqu'elle offre l'avantage de profiter des connaissances obtenues par les recherches déjà effectuées avec la version originale de l'instrument et de permettre des comparaisons internationales. La traduction doit cependant suivre des règles strictes pour s'assurer de la préservation des caractéristiques métrologiques de l'instrument. Un colloque consensus a permis de retenir les étapes essentielles suivantes dans le processus de traduction d'un instrument en gérontologie: (1) sélection de l'instrument le plus fidèle et valide en langue anglaise; (2) traduction renversée; (3) révision en comité; (4) pré-test; (5) fidélité test-retest et, le cas échéant, interjuges. Un inventaire des instruments traduits a été réalisé et démontre que peu d'instruments satisfont ces normes minimales. La publication d'un répertoire de ces instruments guidera les chercheurs dans le choix des instruments, stimulera la recherche métrologique et servira à diffuser les résultats de ces travaux.
Predictors of Organizational Commitment Among Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants

The purpose of this correlational research study was to provide insights into specific extrinsic organizational rewards, extrinsic social rewards, and intrinsic rewards that lead to certified occupational therapy assistants' (COTA) organizational commitment, and how managers and recruiters can utilize this knowledge in developing more effective COTA recruitment and retention strategies. The target population for this investigation included COTAs who worked full-time in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia and were members of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Findings from this study indicated that predictors of COTAs' organizational commitment were determined by intrinsically rewarding job tasks that were supported by their work environment, salary, and promotional opportunities.
Rhamnose‐coated superparamagnetic iron‐oxide nanoparticles: an evaluation of their in vitro cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity

Tumor recurrence after the incomplete removal of a tumor mass inside brain tissue is the main reason that scientists are working to identify new strategies in brain oncologic therapy. In particular, in the treatment of the most malignant astrocytic tumor glioblastoma, the use of magnetic nanoparticles seems to be one of the most promising keys in overcoming this problem, namely by means of magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) treatment. However, the major unknown issue related to the use of nanoparticles is their toxicological behavior when they are in contact with biological tissues. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of glioblastoma and other tumor cell lines with superparamagnetic iron‐oxide nanoparticles covalently coated with a rhamnose derivative, using proper cytotoxic assays. In the present study, we focused our attention on different strategies of toxicity evaluation comparing different cytotoxicological approaches in order to identify the biological damages induced by the nanoparticles. The data show an intensive internalization process of rhamnose‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles by the cells, suggesting that rhamnose moiety is a promising biocompatible coating in favoring cells’ uptake. With regards to cytotoxicity, a 35% cell death at a maximum concentration, mainly as a result of mitochondrial damages, was found. This cytotoxic behavior, along with the high uptake ability, could facilitate the use of these rhamnose‐coated iron‐oxide nanoparticles for future MFH therapeutic treatments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of ionic silver to genotoxic potential of nanosilver in human liver HepG2 and colon Caco2 cells evaluated by the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay

Extensive human exposure to food‐ and cosmetics‐related consumer products containing nanosilver is of public concern because of the lack of information about their safety. Genotoxicity is an important endpoint for the safety and health hazard assessment of regulated products including nanomaterials. The in vitro cytokinesis‐block micronucleus (CBMN) assay is a very useful test for predictive genotoxicity testing. Recently, we have reported the genotoxicity of 20 nm nanosilver in human liver HepG2 and colon Caco2 cells evaluated using the CBMN assay. The objective of our present study was three‐fold: (i) to evaluate if HepG2 and Caco2 cells are valuable in vitro models for rapid genotoxicity screening of nanosilver; (ii) to test the hypothesis that the nanoparticle size and cell types are critical determinants of its genotoxicity; and (iii) to determine if ionic silver contributes to the nanosilver genotoxicity. With these objectives in mind, we evaluated the genotoxic potential of 50 nm nanosilver of the same shape, composition, surface charge, obtained from the same commercial source, under the same experimental conditions and the same genotoxic CBMN endpoint used for the previously tested 20 nm silver. The ionic silver (silver acetate) was also evaluated under the same conditions. Results of our study show that up to the concentrations tested in these cell types, the smaller (20 nm) nanosilver induces micronucleus formation in both the cell types but the larger (50 nm) nanosilver and the ionic silver provide a much weaker response compared with controls under the same conditions. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Model of Competence: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Person-Environment Interaction for Persons with Motor Disabilities

The “Model of Competence” has been recently elaborated to help expand our understanding relating to a person's interaction with the environment. Specifically, it seeks to deal with the issues related to the home adaptation (the home layout and equipment) for a person living with motor disabilities. This theoretical model takes into account various characteristics of the person as well as of the environment, by re-grouping six concepts: person, environment, activity, role, competence and handicap situation. The “Model of Competence” is distinct because it includes: (1) both the human and the nonhuman dimension of the environment; (2) personal characteristics other than the strictly physical ones; (3) a clear identification of the interaction between the person and the environment; and (4) a means of operationalizing it via an assessment instrument. This model proposes an innovative approach to the person-environment relation in terms of personalizing accessibility, and thereby offers a new approach to understanding the concept of universal access. It has been developed for research and application, and addresses several disciplines.
RNA‐sequencing analysis reveals the hepatotoxic mechanism of perfluoroalkyl alternatives, HFPO2 and HFPO4, following exposure in mice

The toxicological impact of traditional perfluoroalkyl chemicals has led to the elimination and restriction of these substances. However, many novel perfluoroalkyl alternatives remain unregulated and little is known about their potential effects on environmental and human health. Daily administration of two alternative perfluoroalkyl substances, HFPO2 and HFPO4 (1 mg kg−1 body weight), for 28 days resulted in hepatomegaly and hepatic histopathological injury in mice, particularly in the HFPO4 group. We generated and compared high‐throughput RNA‐sequencing data from hepatic tissues in control and treatment group mice to clarify the mechanism of HFPO2 and HFPO4 hepatotoxicity. We identified 146 (101 upregulated, 45 downregulated) and 1295 (716 upregulated, 579 downregulated) hepatic transcripts that exhibited statistically significant changes (fold change ≥2 or ≤0.5, false discovery rate < 0.05) after HFPO2 and HFPO4 treatment, respectively. Among them, 111 (82 upregulated, 29 downregulated) transcripts were changed in both groups, and lipid metabolism associated genes were dominant. Thus, similar to their popular predecessors, HFPO2 and HFPO4 exposure exerted hepatic effects, including hepatomegaly and injury, and altered lipid metabolism gene levels in the liver, though HFPO4 exerted greater hepatotoxicity than HFPO2. The unregulated use of these emerging perfluoroalkyl alternatives may affect environmental and human health, and their biological effects need further exploration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.