Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Educating for empathy

AbstractOBJECTIVE: Empathy in the medical setting is appreciation of the patient’s emotions and expression of that awareness to the patient. Named as an essential learning objective by the American Association of Medical Colleges, empathy is believed to significantly influence patient satisfaction, adherence to medical recommendations, clinical outcomes, and professional satisfaction. The objective of this study was to identify effective strategies to enhance empathy in undergraduate medical students. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed for studies that address the effectiveness of strategies for teaching empathy to medical students. We identified 13 peer-reviewed, English language, qualitative and quantitative studies reporting primary data on interventions that aim to foster empathy in undergraduate medical students, using Medical Subject Heading terms education, medical, undergraduate or student, medical crossed with empathy. RESULTS: These studies indicate that empathy may be amenable to positive change with a range of interventional strategies. Communication skill workshop addressing the behavioral dimension of empathy show greatest quantitative impact on participants. However, current studies are challenged by varying definitions of empathy, small sample sizes, lack of adequate control groups, and variation among existing empathy measurement instruments. CONCLUSION: Given the methodological limitations of the available studies, and uncertainty about which dimensions of empathy should be addressed, larger studies using validated measurement tools are recommended.
Dermo‐epidermal separation is associated with induced tenascin expression in human skin

Tenascin, a large glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix, shows a site‐restricted distribution during embryogenesis. and can be found in adults in a variety of pathological conditions. In normal skin, tenascin is expressed at low levels, but it is upregulated in skin tumours, in a number of skin diseases with epidermal hyperproliferatkm and during wound healing. Several tenascin variants have been described, and these arise by alternative splicing. Using a monoclonal antibody recognizing all tenascin variants, and polyclonal antibodies specific for the large tenascin variants, we have investigated tenascin expression in bullous diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa, pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid and pemphigoid gestationis. By immunohistochemistry, we have found increased tenascin staining in ail patient skin samples, with a more pronounced tenascin expression in samples of autoimmune bullous diseases. The large tenascin variants seem to be major forms of tenascin occurring in healthy skin. In patients with blistering diseases, however, these large variants appear to represent a subpopulation of the induced tenascin accumulation. These findings suggest different functions for the tenascin variants in normal and diseased skin.
Self-reported subjective perception of intoxication reflects family history of alcoholism when breath alcohol levels are constant.

BACKGROUND The premise of this study is that the increased familial risk for alcoholism is associated with genetic determinants of the response to alcohol, characterized by sensitivity and adaptation. Following a single administration, sensitivity is the initial response to alcohol, expressed as the change in dependent measures from baseline. Adaptation of dependent measures within a single exposure to alcohol can be expressed as acute tolerance (recovery of dependent measures toward baseline values) or sensitization (movement of dependent measure further away from baseline values). This study tested the hypothesis that family history-positive (FHP) subjects are more sensitive and more adaptive to alcohol compared with family history-negative (FHN) subjects. METHODS The initial response and development of adaptation to alcohol were assessed by using self-reported subjective perceptions during a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) clamp of 60 mg%. The Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale, the Sensation Scale and a visual analog scale of intoxication were acquired at baseline, after the BrAC clamp was established, and after maintenance of the clamp for 105 min. RESULTS FHP subjects were more sensitive to alcohol compared with FHNs, as evidenced by greater changes in feelings of intoxication when the BrAC clamp was initially achieved. While the clamp was maintained, the FHP subjects adapted to the effects of alcohol and their perceptions of intoxication became indistinguishable from those of the FHN subjects. The FHP subjects had developed acute tolerance to alcohol, whereas the FHN subjects did not. Other self-reported perceptions of alcohol's effects did not distinguish between the groups. CONCLUSIONS A differential family history of alcoholism was reflected in self-reported subjective perceptions of intoxication when the brain's exposure to a specified concentration of alcohol was held constant (BrAC of 60 mg%). FHP subjects reported greater intoxication after alcohol and subsequently developed acute tolerance to alcohol compared with FHN subjects.
Advantages of second-generation high temperature superconductors for pulsed power applications

Within the past few years a newer, more robust type of superconductor known as Second-generation (2G) High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) wire, has become available in sufficient quantity and length for developers to build prototype devices and test their capabilities. This new material offers the potential for revolutionary changes in magnet technology, enabling more compact and higher performance systems that can meet the stringent demands of different pulsed power technologies, particularly for those in high energy density, nuclear, fusion and plasma applications. This manuscript will discuss the latest advantages and superior performance of the new Superpower® 2G HTS superconductors [1]. We will discuss the principal advantages over First-Generation (1G) Low Temperature Superconductors (LTS) and conventional conductors. We also discuss how pulsed power applications can benefit from their use and their suitability. We will show a wide range of extreme low and high temperature tests performed with currents up to 40kA with Superpower® 2G HTS that demonstrate superior performance and new capabilities. We also will illustrate different applications where Superpower® 2G HTS can be the key to improving the performance, compactness and other capabilities of present pulsed power applications.
Prenatal protein restriction leads to a disparity between aortic and peripheral blood pressure in Wistar male offspring

A host of animal studies have been used to model the effects of exposure to a low protein diet in utero on adult blood pressure. Collection of systolic blood pressure data by the indirect tail‐cuff plethysmography method consistently shows increased pressures in low protein exposed rodent offspring compared to controls, but this technique has been criticised as the associated stress artefacts may confound the observed effects. Conversely, radiotelemetry systems allow unrestrained and continuous monitoring of blood pressure through the awake and sleep phases of the diurnal cycle. In this novel study, we directly compared blood pressure parameters in male offspring from low protein and control‐fed dams measured simultaneously using tail‐cuff and radiotelemetry systems. Control rats showed a good correlation between tail‐cuff and radiotelemetry derived blood pressure data. Conversely, low protein males were relatively hypertensive at 8 weeks of age when measured by tail‐cuff, but had significantly lower blood pressure than controls at 12 weeks of age when measured by telemetry. Heart rate and length of systole did not differ between the two groups. Individual stress protocols mimicking those imposed by tail‐cuff plethysmography (novel environment, heat, restraint, inflation), caused similar increases in blood pressure and heart rate in control and low protein animals, ruling out an effect of enhanced pressor response to stress following prenatal protein restriction. Instead, an increase in peripheral vascular resistance in these animals is considered possible. Such a disparity between central and peripheral blood pressure measurements could have important clinical implications regarding cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment.
Comparison of drug-eluting stents to bare-metal stents in ST-elevation myocardial infarction in long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND Recent data from "real world" registries and some randomised trials concerning the safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are equivocal. AIM We sought to compare DES with bare-metal stents (BMS) in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in terms of safety and efficacy parameters in long-term follow-up. METHODS 895 consecutive STEMI patients admitted between 2003 and 2006 were included in this observational study. The clinical and procedural characteristic as well as long-term outcome of 327 patients treated with DES were compared with 568 patients treated with BMS. Combined primary endpoint consisted of: death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel revascularisation (TVR). RESULTS Age, sex, risk factors, presence of 3-vessel disease, left ventricular ejection fraction and the use of IIb/IIIa antagonist were comparable in both groups. During a mean follow-up of 570 ± 490 days, the mortality rate was 8.9% in the DES group vs. 15.5% in the BMS group (p = 0.005). In the DES group, lower incidences of both death and MI (9.5% vs. 16%, p = 0.006) as well as the combined endpoint of death, MI and TVR (19.3% vs. 31.3%, p < 0.001) were recorded. Target lesion revascularisation was more frequently performed in the BMS group (13.4% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.03). However, patients who received BMS more frequently had history of MI and coronary interventions, Killip class > 1 on admission, lower level of haemoglobin and HDL-cholesterol and higher level of troponin than those who received DES. After adjustment, the use of BMS was no longer significantly associated with worse clinical outcome with a trend in favour of DES. The only independent factor associated with increased risk of the combined endpoint was the Killip class > 1 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS In STEMI patients, DES are not inferior in comparison to BMS in terms of safety and efficacy parameters and seem to be associated with a lower rate of target lesion revascularisations. Additionally, Killip classification remains a simple and important classification used to stratify risk in patients with acute MI.
Spatially coupled repeat-accumulate codes over half-duplex relay channel

In this paper we study the design and analysis of spatially coupled repeat-accumulate (SC-RA) codes over a three-terminal half-duplex relay channel. The channels between the terminals are considered binary input additive white Gaussian noise (BIAWGN) channels, while decode-and-forward (DF) relaying is considered at the relay. We present low complexity density evolution analysis for the SC-RA code based relay code, which leads to simple code design procedure. For a wide range of design rates, we show that SC-RA code based relay code asymptotically approaches the capacity of a given relay channel. We observe that this relay code outperforms existing channel codes optimized for half-duplex DF relaying protocol. We also show the finite-length performance of the presented code through simulation results.
Life activities of persons with rheumatoid arthritis with and without depressive symptoms.

OBJECTIVE Persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report more activity losses than persons without RA. Persons with RA who report depressive symptoms experience lower levels of functioning. We integrated these findings and examined the association of depressive symptoms with the activities in which persons with RA participate. METHODS We surveyed 726 persons with RA and 192 matched controls. Within each group, we examined the perceived importance and actual performance of 65 life activities by individuals with and without depressive symptoms. RESULTS Significantly more individuals with RA reported depressive symptoms. Among persons with RA, those who had depressive symptoms performed fewer activities, particularly fewer valued activities. In contrast, among controls, those who were depressed rated fewer activities as important, but exhibited few significant differences in the performance of activities. CONCLUSIONS Depressive symptoms and life activities are associated differently among persons with RA and controls. The higher rate of depression among persons with RA may be partially due to the inability to perform valued activities.
Photon counting 1060-nm hybrid photomultiplier with high quantum efficiency

An ultra-low-noise, high-speed, hybrid photomultiplier tube sensitive from 900 to 1300 nm optical wavelength is described. The device, also known as an intensified photodiode (IPD), uses an active transferred electron (TE) photocathode with the quaternary In/sub . 69/Ca/sub . 31/As/sub . 67/P/sub . 33/ photo-absorbing layer and a GaAs Schottky avalanche photodiode (SAPD) anode. The detector has a combined electron bombarded and avalanche gain of over 15000 which is sufficient to overcome preamplifier noise and provide high internal counting efficiency of approximately 85%. At an active cathode bias of 1.5 V the room temperature cathode dark count rate is 6.67/spl times/10/sup 5//s. Cooling reduces this substantially corresponding to a dark current activation energy almost equal to the bandgap of the In/sub . 69/Ca/sub . 31/As/sub . 67/P/sub . 33/ layer.
Recovery Efficiency and Limit of Detection of Aerosolized Bacillus anthracis Sterne from Environmental Surface Samples

ABSTRACT After the 2001 anthrax incidents, surface sampling techniques for biological agents were found to be inadequately validated, especially at low surface loadings. We aerosolized Bacillus anthracis Sterne spores within a chamber to achieve very low surface loading (ca. 3, 30, and 200 CFU per 100 cm2). Steel and carpet coupons seeded in the chamber were sampled with swab (103 cm2) or wipe or vacuum (929 cm2) surface sampling methods and analyzed at three laboratories. Agar settle plates (60 cm2) were the reference for determining recovery efficiency (RE). The minimum estimated surface concentrations to achieve a 95% response rate based on probit regression were 190, 15, and 44 CFU/100 cm2 for sampling steel surfaces and 40, 9.2, and 28 CFU/100 cm2 for sampling carpet surfaces with swab, wipe, and vacuum methods, respectively; however, these results should be cautiously interpreted because of high observed variability. Mean REs at the highest surface loading were 5.0%, 18%, and 3.7% on steel and 12%, 23%, and 4.7% on carpet for the swab, wipe, and vacuum methods, respectively. Precision (coefficient of variation) was poor at the lower surface concentrations but improved with increasing surface concentration. The best precision was obtained with wipe samples on carpet, achieving 38% at the highest surface concentration. The wipe sampling method detected B. anthracis at lower estimated surface concentrations and had higher RE and better precision than the other methods. These results may guide investigators to more meaningfully conduct environmental sampling, quantify contamination levels, and conduct risk assessment for humans.
Nuclear Factor I-mediated Repression of the Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Promoter Is Abrogated by the Coactivators p300/CBP and SRC-1*

To better understand the function of nuclear factor I (NFI) proteins in transcription, we have used transient transfection assays to assess transcriptional modulation by NFI proteins on the NFI-dependent mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. Expression of NFI-C or NFI-X, but not NFI-A or NFI-B proteins, represses glucocorticoid induction of the MMTV promoter in HeLa cells. Repression is DNA binding-independent as a deletion construct expressing the NH2-terminal 160 residues of NFI-C represses but does not bind DNA. Repression by NFI-C is cell type-dependent and occurs in HeLa and COS-1 cells but not 293 or JEG-3 cells. NFI-C does not repress progesterone induction of the MMTV promoter in HeLa cells, suggesting that progesterone induction of the promoter differs mechanistically from glucocorticoid induction. NFI-C-mediated repression is alleviated by overexpression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), suggesting that NFI-C represses the MMTV promoter by preventing GR function. However, repression by NFI-C occurs with only a subset of glucocorticoid-responsive promoters, as the chimeric NFIGREβ-gal promoter that is activated by GR is not repressed by NFI-C. Since the coactivator proteins p300/CBP, SRC-1A, and RAC3 had previously been shown to function at steroid hormone-responsive promoters, we asked whether they could influence NFI-C-mediated repression of MMTV expression. Expression of p300/CBP or SRC-1A alleviates repression by NFI-C, whereas RAC3 has no effect. This abrogation of NFI-C-mediated repression by p300/CBP and SRC-1A suggests that repression by NFI-C may occur by interference with coactivator function at the MMTV promoter.
Fixed Green and Brown Color Morphs and a Novel Color‐Changing Morph of the Pacific Tree Frog Hyla regilla

Pacific tree frogs Hyla regilla are typically either green or brown in dorsal coloration. The frequency of green and brown individuals is known to fluctuate seasonally. Previous investigators have generally assumed that the green and brown body colors represent a “fixed” polymorphism and that seasonal changes in the proportion of the two body colors are a consequence of differential survival of the two color morphs. Here we report that, in addition to the “fixed” (i.e., non‐color‐changing) green and brown morphs of H. regilla, there are some individuals that can change hue between green and brown. The distribution of color‐change ability in our study population is bimodal, suggesting that “color changers” are a distinct morph rather than one extreme of a continuous distribution of color‐change ability. Our findings suggest that background brightness, not hue, triggers color change in the newly discovered morph and that this change requires days to weeks to occur. Such slow color change is not well suited for making short‐term changes in color as a frog moves between differently colored substrates. Rather, seasonal changes in habitat characteristics and/or microhabitat use are likely to maintain color‐change ability. Color polymorphism and color‐change ability appear to represent alternative responses to divergent selection for crypsis in a heterogeneous, seasonally variable environment.
Activation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transcription in T Cells Revisited: NF-κB p65 Stimulates Transcriptional Elongation

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is able to establish a persistent latent infection during which the integrated provirus remains transcriptionally silent. Viral transcription is stimulated by NF-κB, which is activated following the exposure of infected T cells to antigens or mitogens. Although it is commonly assumed that NF-κB stimulates transcriptional initiation alone, we have found using RNase protection assays that, in addition to stimulating initiation, it can also stimulate elongation from the HIV-1 long terminal repeat. When either Jurkat or CCRF/CEM cells were activated by the mitogens phorbol myristate acetate and phytohemagglutinin, elongation, as measured by the proportion of full-length transcripts, increased two- to fourfold, even in the absence of Tat. Transfection of T cells with plasmids carrying the different subunits of NF-κB demonstrated that the activation of transcriptional elongation is mediated specifically by the p65 subunit. It seems likely that initiation is activated because of NF-κB's ability to disrupt chromatin structures through the recruitment of histone acetyltransferases. To test whether p65 could stimulate elongation under conditions where it did not affect histone acetylation, cells were treated with the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A. Remarkably, addition of p65 to the trichostatin A-treated cell lines resulted in a dramatic increase in transcription elongation, reaching levels equivalent to those observed in the presence of Tat. We suggest that the activation of elongation by NF-κB p65 involves a distinct biochemical mechanism, probably the activation of carboxyl-terminal domain kinases at the promoter.
Cross-sectional analysis of a large cohort with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX1)

Objective: To extend the phenotypic description of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX1) and to draw new genotype-phenotype relationships. Methods: Mutations in GJB1 cause the main X-linked form of CMTX (CMTX1). We report cross-sectional data from 160 patients (from 120 different families, with 89 different mutations) seen at the Inherited Neuropathies Consortium centers. Results: We evaluated 87 males who had a mean age of 41 years (range 10–78 years) and 73 females who had a mean age of 46 years (range 15–84 years). Sensory-motor polyneuropathy affects both sexes, more severely in males than in females, and there was a strong correlation between age and disease burden in males but not in females. Compared with females, males had more severe reduction in motor and sensory neurophysiology parameters. In contrast to females, the radial nerve sensory response in older males tended to be more severely affected compared with younger males. Median and ulnar nerve motor amplitudes were also more severely affected in older males, whereas ulnar nerve motor potentials tended to be more affected in older females. Conversely, there were no statistical differences between the sexes in other features of the disease, such as problems with balance and hand dexterity. Conclusions: In the absence of a phenotypic correlation with specific GJB1 mutations, sex-specific distinctions and clinically relevant attributes need to be incorporated into the measurements for clinical trials in people with CMTX1. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01193075.