Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health behaviour change in cardiovascular disease prevention and management: meta-review of behaviour change techniques to affect self-regulation

ABSTRACT Self-regulation processes assume a major role in health behaviour theory and are postulated as important mechanisms of action in behavioural interventions to improve health prevention and management. The need to better understand mechanisms of behaviour change interventions for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) called for conducting a meta-review of meta-analyses for interventions targeting self-regulation processes. The protocol, preregistered on Open Science Framework (OSF), found 15 eligible meta-analyses, published between 2006 and August 2019, which quantitatively assessed the role of self-regulatory mechanisms and behaviour change techniques (BCTs). Quality of the meta-analyses varied widely according to AMSTAR-2 criteria. Several BCTs, assumed to engage self-regulatory mechanisms, were unevenly represented in CVD meta-analytic reviews. Self-monitoring, the most frequently studied self-regulatory BCT, seemed to improve health behaviour change and health outcomes but these results merit cautious interpretation. Findings for other self-regulatory BCTs were less promising. No studies in the CVD domain directly tested engagement of self-regulation processes. A general challenge for this area stems from reliance on post-hoc tests of the effects of BCTs in multiple-component interventions. Recent advances in BCT taxonomies and the experimental medicine approach to engaging self-regulation mechanisms, however, provide opportunities to improve CVD prevention and management behavioural interventions.
Body Donation: An act of love supporting anatomy education

Cadavers for anatomical dissection in Japan are supplied totally by body donation. At present, 210,000 persons have been registered for body donation and donation of 77,000 bodies has been conducted. The supply is generally sufficient. To extend the spirit of love associated with body donation, Tokushi Kaibo Zenkoku Rengokai [National Confederation of Anatomy Body Donation] conducts PR activities using publications and lecture meetings. A distinct feature of body donation in Japan is the fact that the ashes after dissection are returned to the families of body donors. This practice reflects the strong attachment of Japanese people to the remains of deceased relatives. In Western countries, the ashes are not usually returned to the families, and donated bodies are used for various purposes, such as the study of human body damage in car crash experiments and the preparation of anatomical specimens for exhibitions. Japanese laws place restrictions on cadaver dissection with respect to place, instructors, purposes, and courtesy, and strictly limit the use of cadavers for purposes other than the education of medical students. Medical students in Japan perform dissection with deep understanding of the goodwill of body donors and the feelings of their families. This fact contributes tremendously to the effectiveness of ethical education.
Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, Gene Therapy

Tremendous advances in the biomaterials field have been made in the last 50 years where materials intended for biomedical purposes have evolved through three different generations, namely first generation (“bioinert” materials), second-generation (bioactive and biodegradable materials) and third-generation (materials designed to stimulate specific responses at the molecular level). These three generations should not be interpreted as chronological, but conceptual, since each generation represents an evolution of the requirements and properties of the materials involved (1). A wide range of natural or synthetic polymers, metals, ceramics as cast or assembled in composites has been used as biomaterials: the assessment of biocompatibility, the “ability of a material to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application” has always played a key role in the design of implantable devices (2-5). This editorial review wishes to present some aspects of two strategic areas in the biomedical field where the Journal of Applied Biomaterials and Biomechanics has given several remarkable contributions: biomimetic micro/nanoscale surface treatment for tissue engineering applications and gene therapy and delivery systems in the nanomedicine field.
Lysophosphatidylcholine and v-3 Fatty Acids in Sepsis

Sepsis is a major cause of death in medical/surgical intensive care units (ICUs). It is estimated that >750 000 cases of sepsis are diagnosed each year in the US alone, with crude mortality rates of 28‐50% [1]. It is believed that the number of patients with sepsis will increase by 1.5% annually, exceeding the anticipated population growth. This increase is attributed to the high prevalence of sepsis among elderly patients and the aging of the population in the US [2]. The total national healthcare cost of sepsis is estimated to be in excess of US$16.7 billion annually. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis is expected to lead to better management strategies that will not only save lives, but also reduce healthcare costs. Sepsis can be defined as a systemic inflammatory response to infection; when this causes hypotension and multi-organ dysfunction, septic shock ensues. However, it is common knowledge that in many instances the infectious agent cannot be isolated. It is relevant to note that noninfectious disorders such as trauma, pancreatitis, and major abdominal or cardiovascular surgery also result in critical illness that resembles sepsis and septic shock, due to stimulation of the innate immune system. Several studies have indicated that mortality in sepsis is a function of the number of failing organ systems and the severity of dysfunction within the system. In fact, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is now regarded as the most common cause of death among patients in noncoronary ICUs. In other words, the prognosis of patients with sepsis is related to the severity of organ dysfunction at the time of admission to the ICU. Several events appear to contribute to the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, including:
Hydration Characteristics of α-tricalcium Phosphates: Comparison of Preparation Routes

Alpha tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) cement powders were obtained by solid state reaction and milling (M1) and by precipitation from aqueous solution followed by heating (M2). The materials were hydrated to form calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) with a 2.5 wt% solution of Na2HPO4 (liquid to powder ratio = 0.34 ml/g, temperature = 37.5 °C) and subjected to isothermal calorimetry, mechanical compression tests, X-ray powder diffraction, at various times during hydration, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser diffraction and gas adsorption. The particle characteristics of the two powders were similar, but M2 exhibited two reaction events in the thermal power curve, while M1 showed a single event. Both reaction events were attributed to α-TCP dissolution and CDHA precipitation. The minimum in the reaction rate response of M2 was probably due to the formation of a passivating product layer. No such layer was formed on the milled M1 due to its rougher surfaces. Both preparations reached a compressive strength of 30-40 MPa after 24 hr. (Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Biomechanics 2005; 3: 106-11)
QUALITY OF LIFE COMPARISON OF PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT DIABETES MELLITUS

Quality of life is distinctly conceived as a construct, and, therefore, is distinctly defined and measured. The main purpose of this article was to compare the quality of life assessment in respondents with and without diabetes mellitus by using World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Then, quality of life in several major domains, such as physical health, psychological domain, social relationships, and environment is assessed and compared. Finally, a quality of life profile in respondents with and without diabetes mellitus in the Czech and Slovak Republic is produced and compared.
Spatial Modeling of Regional Variables

In developing the statistics of spatial data there is a need for methods in both the areas of data analysis and statistical z modeling. Here we analyze a data set of Sudden Infant Deaths, 1974 1978, in the counties of North Carolina, using a Markovrandom-field approach to spatial modeling. We model the spatial trend with what we call large-scale-variation parameters, and the variance and spatial dependence with small-scale variation parameters. We show that a combination of resistant trend fitting to the data, and simple spatial auto Gaussian fitting to the residuals, is an effective way to analyze the (transformed) data.
Beyond the Informed Citizen?

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the narratives of everyday news engagement, and examines what news users perceive as the ideals, values and normative expectations surrounding their orientation to the “public world”. While many studies have examined this orientation related to media consumption in the broad sense, fewer have investigated how public connection and civic experiences are related to a news users’ normative ideals of news engagement. Through such a focus, this study shows the multiple and complex ways in which subjective experiences of news are related to civic experiences, here understood as how audiences articulate and understand their role as citizens in democratic societies. Based on an analysis of semi-structured interviews with, and in-depth media diaries by, 17 Danish news users between the ages of 21 and 65, we find that the often-implied ideal of the informed citizen in democratic theory is very strong among the participants. This is expressed through a narrative of news engagement as a moral obligation to be informed, resulting in what we label dutiful public connection. Secondly, we see a narrative of news consumption as socially expected, which is related to civic experiences such as taking a stand and debating societal issues with other people. In this narrative, the public connection is interpretative. Lastly, the study identifies a narrative of news engagement as genuine interest in news content and a wish to critically evaluate the news and its consequences, resulting in what we have termed a self-actualising public connection.
A SCREENING FOR APHASIA IN NEURODEGENERATION FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE APHASIA. CLINICAL VALIDITY AND PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES VALIDITY OF SAND IN PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE APHASIA

1 Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; 2 Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”, Tricase, Italy; 3 NEUROFARBADipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy; 4 Center for Neurocognition and theoretical Syntax (NEtS), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Italy; 5 Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS-Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy 6 Department of Specialistic Rehabilitation of Neurological, Cognitive and Motor Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy 7 Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano 8 Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; 9 Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Salerno, Italy 10 IRCCS Don Gnocchi Firenze, Italy 11 Neuroscience Research Centre St George's University of London 12 IRCCS S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
Environmental enrichment induces axon regeneration and recovery after peripheral and spinal injuries via activity mediated CBP-dependent histone acetylation: a druggable pathway

Injured axons fail to regenerate in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS), leading to permanent deficits in sensory and motor functions. We found that enhancing the activity of proprioceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons through an enriched environment induces a long-lasting increase in their regenerative potential that is dependent on CREB Binding Protein (CBP)-mediated histone acetylation. Delivery of a small molecule activator of CBP acetyltransferase at clinically relevant times after spinal cord injury promoted regeneration and sprouting of sensory and motor axons, together with improvement in both sensory and motor functions. These findings open avenues for therapeutic developments in clinical spinal cord injury.
Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells: recent findings and current research

Abstract Prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, most of which are life threatening and incurable, is an increasing clinical problem. To date, studies have demonstrated a superior proliferation rate of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) compared to other mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. DPSCs has recently been recognized as a novel treatment strategy for neurodegenerative disease, due to their advanced potential for neurogenic differentiation. The oral cavity has been described as a promising source of dental pulp stem cells. DPSCs are widely used in regenerative dentistry holding alternative capacity for osteogenic differentiation and therefore new promises for tissue and whole tooth regeneration. Dental stem cell banking offers a plentiful source of stem cells representing great potential for cell reprogramming and thus cell therapy. Recently, the association of pulp stem cells with three – dimensional scaffold templates allows for building up naturally derived implants. This review introduces to unique properties of DPSCs and biological factors influencing mineralization, proliferation and differentiation of pulp stem cells. Latest research studies are compared in terms of effectiveness and limitations of techniques for the isolation of pulp stem cells, including the enzymatic digestion and the explant culture methods. Moreover, a short overview of most recent findings and clinical application of DPSCs is proffered including progress of current research and limitations still to be addressed in the nearest future. Finally, the article presents new advances in the area of regenerative dentistry and regenerative medicine, including three dimensional printing and three dimensional analysis, emerged to deepen studies under procedures to replace the non patient specific artificial implants. Running title: DPSCs - review
O UIGA 'ESE'ESE MA O'OŌOGA O LE LĒ-TAUTALA THE MULTIPLE MEANINGS OF SILENCE IN THE SAMOAN CLASSROOM: IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHERS OF SAMOAN STUDENTS

In Samoan classrooms, student silence or lē-tautala is a c ultural communication practice, as it is in the community. The most significant meaning promoted in the home context is that of respect for elders or visitors, but as this paper explains, lē-tautala has multiple meanings. This paper r eports on the findings of a doctoral study that unpacked lēta utala. It looks at the multiple meanings communicated via the practice of lē-tautala and the consequences of requiring s tudents to speak when their cultural inclination tells them not to. This paper also highlights some implications of the cultural practice of lē-tautala for teachers of Samoan s tudents both in Samoa and elsewhere.
Clinical benefit in phase I trials of novel molecularly targeted agents: Does dose matter?

2509 Background: Phase I trials of novel molecularly targeted, non-cytotoxic agents, traditionally involve escalation to determine MTD, even though the need for this is uncertain. While the potential for response in phase I trials of classical cytotoxic agents has generally been considered to increase at higher dose levels, the same may not be true for molecularly targeted agents. For this drug class, in which cytostasis may be the main outcome, the clinical benefit rate (CBR)—defined as CR/PR/SD for at least 3 months by RECIST criteria—is a relevant measure of response. Methods: We analysed 252 consecutive patients (pts) who were treated in one of 29 phase I trials from Jan 05 to Jun 06. We excluded trials involving conventional chemotherapy, or trials involving molecularly targeted agents where the MTD was not reached. Three cohorts of pts were identified according to the percentage of the final trial MTD (0–33%, 34–65% and 66–100% of the MTD). Results: 145 pts included in 16 eligible trials were analys.
Constructing fluid relationships through language: A study of address terms in a Japanese drama and its pedagogical implications

Abstract This study investigates address practices among family members in a Japanese TV drama. It qualitatively analyses not only a speaker’s culturally normative use of address terms but also his/her deviations from the norm, including the use of terms that are atypical in Japanese communication. The study sheds light on dynamic aspects of interaction in Japanese in which the speaker creates meaning and constructs fluid relationships with other interlocutors through the use of address terms. The pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed, along with the value of using telecinematic discourse in teaching, to give learners of Japanese a socio-pragmatic understanding of address practices.
Assessing the Usefulness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Terrorism Advisory System

This study reports the results of a national survey of 1,023 U.S. adults and their evaluations of the usefulness of the color-coded U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Advisory System. The study explores the relationships among information sources, risk perception, demographics, and preparedness behaviors within the context of the social amplification of risk. Half of the respondents (48.8%) rated the advisory system as useful and half (47.0%) rated it as not useful; however, far fewer respondents reporting having made any preparations for a future attack. Strong support was found for the social amplification of risk model with 87.1 percent of the respondents reporting that terrorism was an important problem and two-thirds of those respondents reporting that news reports had influenced how important they believed the problem was. The findings also underscore that information sources were not of consequence for all respondents, and that it was the perceived utility of the advisory system, not risk perception, that impacted whether or not respondents made preparations.
Nonlinear deterministic modelling of ecological scenarios - typical predictions and limitations

Modelling population and commwiity dynamics has evolved a lot after the early attemptsby Malthus (1798), Darwin ( 1878), Lotka ( 1925), and Volterra ( 1926). The power ofnonlinear simple deterministic models is usually that they show right directions andVolterra's principle still remain a remarkable example of that Another benefit is thatmany properties of the models can be made visible in a geometric way to scientists withlittle or limited backgrowid in mathematics.Today more is known about species response to competition, nutrient limitation,predation and what environments support longer food-chains. In this paper we show howtypical communities like competing species, predator-prey systems, and food-chainsreply to changes in the environmental parameters.
The Italian Solfatara as an analog for Mars fumarolic alteration

Abstract The first definitive evidence for continental vents on Mars is the in situ detection of amorphous silicarich outcrops by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. These outcrops have been tentatively interpreted as the result of either acid sulfate leaching in fumarolic environments or direct precipitation from hot springs. Such environments represent prime targets for upcoming astrobiology missions but remain difficult to identify with certainty, especially from orbit. To contribute to the identification of fumaroles and hot spring deposits on Mars, we surveyed their characteristics at the analog site of the Solfatara volcanic crater in central Italy. Several techniques of mineral identification (VNIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, XRD) were used both in the field and in the laboratory on selected samples. The faulted crater walls showed evidence of acid leaching and alteration into the advanced argillic-alunitic facies, with colorful deposits containing alunite, jarosite, and/or hematite. Sublimates containing various Al and Fe hydroxyl-sulfates were observed around the active fumarole vents at 90 °C. One vent at 160 °C was characterized by different sublimates enriched in As and Hb sulfide species. Amorphous silica and alunite assemblages that are diagnostic of silicic alteration were also observed at the Fangaia mud pots inside the crater. A wide range of minerals was identified at the 665 m diameter Solfatara crater that is diagnostic of acid-steam heated alteration of a trachytic, porous bedrock. Importantly, this mineral diversity was captured at each site investigated with at least one of the techniques used, which lends confidence for the recognition of similar environments with the next-generation Mars rovers.
Towards NIST Standards for Threshold
 Schemes for Cryptographic Primitives

60 This document proposes a preliminary roadmap for the standardization of threshold schemes 61 for cryptographic primitives by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 62 To cover the large diversity of possible threshold schemes, as identified in the NIST Internal 63 Report (NISTIR) 8214, we tackle them in a structured way. We consider two main tracks 64 — single-device and multi-party — and within each of them we consider cryptographic 65 primitives in several possible threshold modes. The potential for real-world applications 66 is taken as an important motivating factor differentiating the pertinence of each possible 67 threshold scheme. Also, the standardization of threshold schemes needs to consider features 68 such as configurability of parameters, advanced security properties, testing and validation, 69 granularity (e.g., gadgets vs. composites) and specification detail. Overall, the organization 70 put forward enables us to solicit feedback useful to consider a variety of threshold schemes, 71 while at the same time considering differentiated standardization paths and timelines, namely 72 depending on different levels of technical and standardization challenges. This approach 73 paves the way for an effective engagement with the community of stakeholders and a 74 preparation for devising criteria for standardization and subsequent calls for contributions. 75
DETERMINANTS OF RURAL POVERTY AND ITS PERSISTENCE IN GHANA

Waging a successful fight against poverty requires being able to identify its nature and causes in specific situations, over both space and time. The study investigates the determinants of rural poverty by location for three consecutive rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS) between 1998 and 2013, using mixed methods. It also estimates the effects of a household’s access to productive assets on its welfare or poverty status, and assesses why poverty and inequality persist, and the role of agriculture in that process. We find that irrespective of location, increasing dependency ratio and female headship of households reduce the likelihood of being moderately poor or non-poor relative to being poor. But education of household head at post-basic level increases the likelihood of the household being non-poor or moderately poor compared to being poor. We conclude that the determinants of poverty may vary by location; but access of households to productive assets is key to fighting rural poverty. Also, evidence from the GLSS data confirms public perceptions on poverty and inequality, and rural households in Northern Ghana are more likely to be poor. In the short to medium term we recommend providing access to productive assets for rural households; promoting family planning education and removing barriers to education, that constrain progression beyond basic education would be more effective for fighting poverty in the medium to long term. Key words: Rural poverty, Inequality, Persistence, Determinants of poverty, Mixed methods