Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depression, Somatization, and Somatic Dysfunction in Patients With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain: Results From the OSTEOPATHIC Trial

Abstract Context: Depression and somatization are often present in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). Objectives: To measure the presence of depression and somatization in patients with chronic LBP and to study the associations of depression and somatization with somatic dysfunction, LBP severity, back-specific functioning, and general health. Design: Cross-sectional study using baseline measures collected within a randomized controlled trial. Setting: University-based study in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Patients: A total of 202 adult research participants with nonspecific chronic LBP. Main Study Measures: Depression was self-reported and also measured with the Modified Zung Depression Index (MZDI). Somatization was measured with the Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ). The MZDI and MSPQ scores were used to classify patients as “normal,” “at risk,” or “distressed” using the Distress and Risk Assessment Method. Somatic dysfunction was assessed using the Outpatient Osteopathic SOAP Note Form. A 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used to measure LBP severity, back-specific functioning, and general health, respectively. Results: There were 53 patients (26%) and 44 patients (22%) who were classified as having depression on the basis of self-reports and the MZDI cut point, respectively. A total of 38 patients (19%) were classified as having somatization on the basis of the MSPQ cut point. There were significant correlations among self-reported depression and the MZDI and MSPQ scores (P<.001 for each pairwise correlation). Similarly, the MZDI and MSPQ scores were both correlated with LBP severity and back-specific disability, and they were inversely correlated with general health (P<.001 for each pairwise correlation). Depression and the number of key osteopathic lesions were also each correlated with back-specific disability and inversely correlated with general health (P<.001 for each pairwise correlation). The MZDI (P=.006) and MSPQ (P=.004) scores were also correlated with the number of key osteopathic lesions. Conclusions: The associations among depression, somatization, and LBP in this study are consistent with the findings of previous studies. These associations, coupled with the findings that MZDI and MSPQ scores are correlated with somatic dysfunction, may have important implications for the use of osteopathic manual treatment in patients with chronic LBP.
How Healthcare Professionals “Make Sense” of an Electronic Patient Record Adoption

ABSTRACT This article examines how healthcare professionals experience an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) adoption process. Based on a case study from two surgical wards in Danish hospitals, we analyze the healthcare professionals' conceptions of the technology, how it relates to their professional roles, and aspects of the implementation process from a “sensemaking” perspective.
Enemy or partner: Relationship between intronic micrornas and their host genes

In the past several years, microRNAs have been identified as a class of important regulators of gene expression. One hot topic in the microRNA field is the location of microRNA genes. Most microRNAs are called intronic microRNAs, which are encoded in the introns of coding or non‐coding genes. Some research studies have shown that intronic miRNAs coexpress and act similarly to their host genes; however, other research studies have suggested that their level of expression and function are opposite to that of their host genes. Intronic microRNAs have been reported to play an antagonistic or synergetic role as an enemy or a partner of their host genes. Elucidation of the relationship between intronic microRNAs and their host genes will facilitate a deeper understanding of gene expression and the function of introns. This mini review will discuss recent research addressing intronic microRNAs and their host genes. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(10): 835–840, 2012
Bayesian Optimization in Weakly Specified Search Space

Bayesian optimization (BO) has recently emerged as a powerful and flexible tool for hyper-parameter tuning and more generally for the efficient global optimization of expensive black-box functions. Systems implementing BO has successfully solved difficult problems in automatic design choices and machine learning hyper-parameters tunings. Many recent advances in the methodologies and theories underlying Bayesian optimization have extended the framework to new applications and provided greater insights into the behavior of these algorithms. Still, these established techniques always require a user-defined space to perform optimization. This pre-defined space specifies the ranges of hyper-parameter values. In many situations, however, it can be difficult to prescribe such spaces, as a prior knowledge is often unavailable. Setting these regions arbitrarily can lead to inefficient optimization - if a space is too large, we can miss the optimum with a limited budget, on the other hand, if a space is too small, it may not contain the optimum point that we want to get. The unknown search space problem is intractable to solve in practice. Therefore, in this paper, we narrow down to consider specifically the setting of "weakly specified" search space for Bayesian optimization. By weakly specified space, we mean that the pre-defined space is placed at a sufficiently good region so that the optimization can expand and reach to the optimum. However, this pre-defined space need not include the global optimum. We tackle this problem by proposing the filtering expansion strategy for Bayesian optimization. Our approach starts from the initial region and gradually expands the search space. Wedevelop an efficient algorithm for this strategy and derive its regret bound. These theoretical results are complemented by an extensive set of experiments on benchmark functions and tworeal-world applications which demonstrate the benefits of our proposed approach.
Non-linear image representation based on IDP with NN

In this paper is offered a method for non-linear still image representation based on pyramidal decomposition with a neural network. This approach is developed by analogy with the hypothesis for the way humans do image recognition using consecutive approximations with increasing similarity. A hierarchical decomposition, named Inverse Difference Pyramid (IDP), is used for the image representation. The approximations in the consecutive decomposition layers are represented by the neurons in the hidden layers of the neural networks (NN). This approach ensures efficient description of the processed images and as a result -- a high compression ratio. This new way for image representation is suitable for various applications (efficient compression, multi-layer search in image databases, etc.).
The Chikungunya Threat: an Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus. Although primarily African and zoono-tic, it is known chiefly for its non-African large urban outbreaks during which it is transmitted by the same vectors as those of Dengue viruses. Unlike Dengue viruses, CHIKV displays a re-emergence pattern that closely depends on long-distance migrations including recent re-immigrations from African (putatively zoonotic) sources. Genus-based differences also emerged when comparing the evolution of Dengue-related (Flaviviruses) and of CHIKV-related (Alphaviruses) arboviruses. In this review, we discuss current information on CHIKV genetics, ecology and human infection. Further investigations on African CHIKV ecology and the differences between Flavivirus and Alphavirus members in adaptive changes and evolutionary constraints are likely to help delineate the potential of further CHIKV (re-)emergence. Chikungunya: an overlooked threat? Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was discovered in the mid-1950s from the serum of a febrile patient during a dengue-like epidemic in Tanzania, East Africa. The virus and associated disease were named from clinical symptoms: 'chikungunya' means 'stooped walk' in the local language, and refers to painful arthralgia that can last for months. Other clinical symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever, including fever, nausea, myalgia and rash. Since its discovery, CHIKV has been somewhat ignored by scientists except when it has caused large human outbreaks. The present review briefly summarizes our knowledge of the biology of alphaviruses and recalls the history of CHIKV emergence as seen by phylogenetic studies. The ecological determinants of CHIKV outbreaks are examined by combining the information gained on CHIKV genetic variations with current observations of CHIKV ecology and human infection reports. Finally we compare these results with the information gathered for more extensively studied emerging arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). The main genetic and ecological traits of CHIKV An alphavirus with arboviral ecology originating in West Africa The genomic structure, replicative cycle and functions of viral loci and proteins have been extensively studied for different alphaviruses [1], providing predictive models for CHIKV. Box 1 details predictions about the CHIKV repli-cative cycle. Differences between vertebrate and invertebrate infections were repeatedly observed among alphaviruses [1] and are therefore expected to occur for CHIKV. At the level of the individual host, vertebrate immune systems usually clear infections within days, whereas invertebrates support lifelong infections. This has made it difficult to explain how human chikungunya disease could be characterized by long-lasting symptoms. A recent study might have provided the beginnings of an explanation by discovering CHIKV tropism …
Replication fork stalling in WRN-deficient cells is overcome by prompt activation of a MUS81-dependent pathway

Failure to stabilize and properly process stalled replication forks results in chromosome instability, which is a hallmark of cancer cells and several human genetic conditions that are characterized by cancer predisposition. Loss of WRN, a RecQ-like enzyme mutated in the cancer-prone disease Werner syndrome (WS), leads to rapid accumulation of double-strand breaks (DSBs) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen removal from chromatin upon DNA replication arrest. Knockdown of the MUS81 endonuclease in WRN-deficient cells completely prevents the accumulation of DSBs after fork stalling. Also, MUS81 knockdown in WS cells results in reduced chromatin recruitment of recombination enzymes, decreased yield of sister chromatid exchanges, and reduced survival after replication arrest. Thus, we provide novel evidence that WRN is required to avoid accumulation of DSBs and fork collapse after replication perturbation, and that prompt MUS81-dependent generation of DSBs is instrumental for recovery from hydroxyurea-mediated replication arrest under such pathological conditions.
Deterministic Logic BIST for Transition Fault Testing

BIST is an attractive approach to detect delay faults due to its inherent support for at-speed test. Deterministic logic BIST (DLBIST) is a technique which was successfully applied to stuck-at fault testing. As delay faults have lower random pattern testability than stuck-at faults, the need for DLBIST schemes is increased. Nevertheless, an extension to delay fault testing is not trivial, since this necessitates the application of pattern pairs. Consequently, delay fault testing is expected to require a larger mapping effort and logic overhead than stuck-at fault testing. In this paper, we consider the so-called transition fault model, which is widely used for complexity reasons. We present an extension of a DLBIST scheme for transition fault testing. Functional justification is used to generate the required pattern pairs. The efficiency of the extended scheme is investigated by using industrial benchmark circuits
DOES INNOVATION MATTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT? AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN THE CITY OF KUMBA - CAMEROON

In recent years, the development priorities of African countries have centred on private sector development to build a strong market economy that gives a more dynamic role to indigenous entrepreneurs and their innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper investigates the potential for indigenous SMEs in Cameroon to successfully emerge as agents of economic development through innovation. The analysis includes the personal characteristics that make up an indigenous entrepreneur as well as the contemporary environments in which SMEs operate. Building on Schumpeter’s notion that entrepreneurship contributes to economic development through the interplay of new firm creation, innovation and competition, questionnaires and interviews were conducted with indigenous entrepreneurs of selected SMEs in the city of Kumba, one of the most important concentrations of economic activity in the English-Speaking region of Cameroon. The results reveal that while economic profit is a priority for most entrepreneurs, SMEs exists mainly to alleviate poverty through income generating activities and contribute to economic development by providing employment and income for the poor. The SMEs studied focused on adapting, imitating and modifying existing innovations rather than pursuing genuine Schumpeterian innovation. This suggests that innovation is not a priority for the SME sector and therefore policies aimed at catching up with modern technology should be the central focus in providing assistance for indigenous entrepreneurs and these are suggested in this paper.
The role of advanced glycation end products in progression and complications of diabetes

Context: Diabetic complications appear to be multifactorial in origin, but in particular, the biochemical process of advanced glycation, which is accelerated in diabetes as a result of chronic hyperglycemia and increased oxidative stress, has been postulated to play a central role in these disorders. Advanced glycation involves the generation of a heterogenous group of chemical moieties known as advanced glycated end products (AGEs), this reaction occurring as a result of a nonenzymatic reaction with glucose interacting with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and involves key intermediates such as methylglyoxal. Evidence Synthesis: In this review we report on how these AGEs may exert deleterious effects in diabetes, as well as address current strategies to interrupt the formation or action of AGEs. First, AGEs act directly to induce cross-linking of long-lived proteins such as collagen to promote vascular stiffness, and, thus, alter vascular structure and function. Second, AGEs can interact with certain.
Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction on computed tomography angiogram.

A 68-year-old white man, an active smoker with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, presented to the emergency department with substernal chest pain. His chest pain began acutely 2 hours earlier, was described as intense pressure radiating to the back, 10/10 in severity with associated diaphoresis, nausea, and vomiting. Chest pain persisted despite sublingual nitroglycerin and subsequent intravenous nitroglycerin and morphine. He remained hemodynamically stable, and the results of his clinical examination were unremarkable. His initial ECG demonstrated nonspecific ST-segment changes (Figure 1). Serial ECGs remained unchanged; a posterior ECG was not performed. Initial cardiac enzymes were also nondiagnostic. …
Overcoming Apartheid: Can Truth Reconcile a Divided Nation?

Throughout the world, truth commissions are being constructed under the hope that discovering the “truth” about a country's conflictual past will somehow contribute to “reconciliation. ” Most such efforts point to South Africa's process as an exemplar of the powerful influence of truth finding. But has truth actually contributed to reconciliation in South Africa? No rigorous and systematic assessment of the truth and reconciliation process has ever been conducted. This article investigates the hypothesis that truth leads to reconciliation. Based on a survey of thirty-seven hundred South Africans in 2001, the author begins by giving both “truth” and “reconciliation” clear conceptual and operational meaning. The author reports empirical evidence that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's “truth” is fairly widely accepted by South Africans of all races, that some degree of reconciliation characterizes South Africa today, and that the collective memory produced by the process (“truth”) did indeed contribute to reconciliation. The author then considers whether other divided countries might be able to use a similar process to propel themselves toward a more peaceful and democratic future.
Religious homophobia: The experiences of a sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Ireland

This paper presents the findings of an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of the experiences of religious homophobia among a sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Ireland. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 LGBT-identified people in Dublin (age range early 20s to 50s; six male and four female), of whom five identified as religious and five as atheist. IPA generated the overarching theme of Religious Homophobia which was experienced and responded to differently by religious and atheist participants. Findings were that, while participants lived in an increasingly pluralistic Irish society, the negative dividend of religious homophobia created intrapsychic tension for participants and led some to abandon religion altogether. Nevertheless the experiences of participants point to the changing nature of Irish society which is characterised by increased diversity, openness and respect for minority rights including LGBT rights.
The art and science of impact assessment: results of a survey of IAIA members

Results from a questionnaire survey of International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) members' on the art and science of impact assessment (IA) are reported. Over 325 respondents provided their views and ideas on what this relationship means and how it contributes to effective assessment practice. The importance of a strong scientific basis of rigorous, verifiable and objective information was endorsed by nearly everyone. As policy art, the integration of values and community concerns into assessments and the effective communication of information and findings to the public and decision-makers were also highly regarded. Political influences on IA outcomes were acknowledged but viewed with some suspicion. Overall, the results suggest that IA good practice is recognised by many IAIA members as an amalgam of sound science and policy art, with space and need for both rational, technical and fact-based analysis and contextual, participative and value- responsive actions to deliver sustainable outcomes.
Leadership and outcomes of performance appraisal processes

The extent to which transactional and transformational leadership practices are related to the attitudinal and rated performance outcomes of a performance appraisal process was examined in this study involving 256 managers in a large business organization. Results indicated that only aspects of transformational leadership were related to performance appraisal scores. However, the contingent reward factor of transactional leadership, as well as all factors of transformational leadership, were related to satisfaction with performance appraisal processes. Management-by-exception was associated with lower satisfaction. Conclusions were drawn regarding the need for active transactional and transformational leadership in the performance appraisal process.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Its Effect on Survival of HIV-Infected Individuals in Jharkhand, India

Introduction Research in India has extensively examined the factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) with limited focus on examining the relationship between adherence to ART regimen and survival status of HIV infected patients. This study examines the effect of optimal adherence to ART on survival status of HIV infected patients attending ART centers in Jharkhand, India. Materials and Methods Data from a cohort of 239 HIV infected individuals who were initiated ART in 2007 were compiled from medical records retrospectively for 36 months. Socio-demographic characteristics, CD4 T cell count, presence of opportunistic infections at the time of ART initiation and ART regimen intake and survival status was collected periodically. Optimal adherence was assessed using pill count methods; patients who took <95% of the specified regimens were identified as non-adherent. Cox-proportional hazard model was used to determine the relative hazards of mortality. Results More than three-fourths of the patients were male, on an average 34 year old and median CD4 T cell count was 118 cells/cmm at the time of ART registration. About 57% of the patients registered for ART were found to be adherent to ART. A total of 104 patients died in 358.5 patient-years of observation resulting in a mortality rate of 29 per 100 patient-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 23.9–35.2) and median survival time of 6.5 months (CI: 2.7–10.9). The mortality rate was higher among patients who were non-adherent to ART (64.5, CI: 50.5–82.4) than who were adherent (15.4, CI: 11.3–21.0). The risk of mortality was fourfold higher among individuals who were non-adherent to ART than who were adherent (Adjusted hazard ratio: 3.9, CI: 2.6–6.0). Conclusion Adherence to ART is associated with a higher chance of survival of HIV infected patients, ascertaining the need for interventions to improve the ART adherence and early initiation of ART.
Social phobia and avoidant personality disorder

The state of knowledge concerning the nature, complexity and treatment of social phobia and avoidant personality disorder is overviewed. It is apparent that the severity of social phobia has been underestimated, and that it can result in significant impairment. The co-occurrence of other psychopathology is discussed. Information on the aetiology of the disorders is scant, but lends some support to the view that a general biological vulnerability may be inherited and interact with environmental factors. These environmental factors are not well elaborated. The treatment-outcome literature is limited to a relatively small number of studies. The evidence of the impact of the pharmacotherapies is limited to a few trials, and while the benzodiazepines and the MAOIs reduce symptoms, there is evidence of a return of the disorder upon cessation of the medication. While there is evidence that exposure therapy, cognitive therapy, and social skills training all exert positive effects on the disorder, the clinical sig.
Biofilm formation by pathogenic Prototheca algae

Prototheca microalgae are the only plants known to cause infections in humans and animals. The mechanisms of Prototheca infections are poorly understood, and no good treatments are available. Biofilms—surface‐attached, three‐dimensional microbial communities contributing to chronic infections—are formed by many pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but it is not known if Prototheca algae also have this ability. This study shows that various Prototheca species form biofilms composed of surface‐attached cells in all growth phases, linked together by matrix containing DNA and polysaccharides. Biofilm formation was modulated by the presence of host plasma or milk. Compared to planktonic cells, Prototheca biofilms caused decreased release of IL‐6 by mononuclear immune cells and responded differently to treatment with antimicrobials. Prototheca biofilms possibly contribute to chronic and hard‐to‐treat character of those algal infections.