Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How patient-centred care relates to patients' quality of life and distress: a study in 427 women experiencing infertility.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent patients' experiences with fertility care are associated with their quality of life (QoL), and levels of anxiety and depression. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire study within 29 Dutch fertility clinics, including women with fertility problems. Through multilevel regression analyses, associations between patients' QoL (FertiQoL) and distress [anxiety and depression; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)] and their experiences with fertility care [patient-centredness questionnaire (PCQ)-infertility] were determined. For all multilevel models, R² and intra-cluster correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS This study included 427 non-pregnant patients who filled out the FertiQoL, HADS and PCQ-infertility (response rate 76%). Multilevel regression analysis showed significant associations between the PCQ total scale, the total FertiQoL scale (B = 0.25), and HADS subscales (B = -0.22 and -0.18). Of the variance in patients' experiences, 13% (=R²) could be explained by their perceived QoL, 12% by their level of anxiety and 10% by their level of depression. CONCLUSIONS Patient-centredness in fertility care and the patients' QoL and anxiety and depression scores are related. Paying attention to these variables could lead to positive care experiences and improved patient-centredness of care. Future research should focus on identifying causal relationships among these variables.
Combined effects of polychlorinated biphenyls and methylmercury on hepatic microsomal monooxygenases and the hepatotoxic action of bromobenzene.

The combined effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and methylmercury were investigated by assaying the activities of hepatic enzymes and by measuring the binding of bromobenzene to microsomal protein. Rats were fed normal or PCB-diet (KC-400-KC-500, 1:1, 50 ppm) for 14 days and methylmercuric chloride (10 mg Hg/kg, s.c.) was given once daily for the last 2 days. The inducing effects of PCB on microsomal cytochrome P-450, cytochrome b5, aminopyrine N-demethylase, aniline hydroxylase, and p-nitroanisole O-demethylase were counteracted by methylmercury. Glucose 6-phosphatase activity was additively decreased by the combination of PCB and methylmercury. The activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in soluble fraction was increased by PCB but reduced by methylmercury. The toxicity of bromobenzene was enhanced by PCB but the effect of PCB was counteracted by methylmercury. The depletion of liver glutathione and the elevation of serum transaminases by bromobenzene were remarkably potentiated by PCB. Methylmercury counteracted the effect of PCB on serum transaminases but not that on liver glutathione. The amount of bromine covalently bound with liver microsomal protein after an injection of bromobenzene and the radioactivity bound with microsomal protein after in vitro incubation of 14C-bromobenzene with microsomes were fortified by PCB pretreatment but depressed by the combining administration of methylmercury.
Modulation of diabetic retinopathy pathophysiology by natural medicines through PPAR‐γ‐related pharmacology

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes and remains a major cause of preventable blindness among adults at working age. DR involves an abnormal pathology of major retinal cells, including retinal pigment epithelium, microaneurysms, inter‐retinal oedema, haemorrhage, exudates (hard exudates) and intraocular neovascularization. The biochemical mechanisms associated with hyperglycaemic‐induced DR are through multifactorial processes. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DR by inhibiting diabetes‐induced retinal leukostasis and leakage. Despite DR causing eventual blindness, only a few visual or ophthalmic symptoms are observed until visual loss develops. Therefore, early medical interventions and prevention are the current management strategies. Laser photocoagulation therapy is the most common treatment. However, this therapy may cause retinal damage and scarring. Herbal and traditional natural medicines may provide an alternative to prevent or delay the progression of DR. This review provides an analysis of the therapeutic potential of herbal and traditional natural medicines or their active components for the slowdown of progression of DR and their possible mechanism through the PPAR‐γ pathway.
Coping and positive perceptions in Irish mothers of children with intellectual disabilities

Thirty-six mothers of children aged between 5 and 8 years with intellectual disabilities completed five self-report questionnaires measuring variables related to behavioural and emotional difficulties, levels of care demand, family supports, coping and positive perceptions.The relationships among these variables were investigated using a working model proposed by Hastings and Taunt (2002). Child behavioural and emotional problems in the non-clinical range predicted low levels of care demand. Formal social support was an effective form of support for mothers; helpfulness of formal social support predicted mobilizing the family to acquire and accept help in the community; and mobilizing the family predicted levels of strength and family closeness.The majority of respondents rated agreement with statements that their child was: a source of happiness or fulfilment; a source of strength and family closeness; and a source of personal growth and maturity.The theoretical and clinical implications of these results are discussed.
What Is So Special About Apolipoprotein AI in Reverse Cholesterol Transport?

An initial step in reverse cholesterol transport is the movement of unesterified cholesterol from peripheral cells to high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). This transfer usually occurs in extracellular spaces, such as the subendothelial space of a vessel wall, and is promoted by the interaction of lipid-free or lipid-poor apolipoprotein (apo)AI with ATP binding cassette A1 cellular transporters on macrophages (M&PHgr;). Because HDL does not interact with M&PHgr; ATP binding cassette A1 and apoAI is not synthesized by macrophages, this apoAI must be generated from spherical HDL. In this brief review, we propose that spherical apoAI is derived from HDL by remodeling events that are accomplished by proteins secreted by cholesteryl ester–loaded foam cells, including the lipid transfer proteins, phospholipid transfer protein, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and the triglyceride hydrolases hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase.
Percutaneous reperfusion of left main coronary disease complicated by acute myocardial infarction

Previous studies have shown a benefit of a strategy of direct angioplasty and stenting in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by early cardiogenic shock. However, few data exist for the subset of patients with left main trunk disease complicated by AMI and cardiogenic shock. We performed an analysis of patients with AMI who underwent mechanical intervention between January 1995 and December 2000. Out of 1,433 patients with ST segment elevation AMI treated with primary coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 22 patients (1.5%) had left main disease (LMD) as the culprit lesion. Baseline characteristics were age, 66 ± 11 years; female gender, 9%; diabetes, 14%; previous myocardial infarction, 14%; mean systolic blood pressure, 77 ± 24 mm Hg; time to treatment, 4.8 ± 2.2 hr; TIMI 0–1, 77%; collateral flow (Rentrop grade ≥ 2) 9%. The primary success rate was 91%. Primary stenting was performed in 17 patients (77%). The in‐hospital mortality rate was 50%. All deaths were due to refractory shock. The 6‐month survival rate was 41% ± 1%, while the event‐free survival rate was 27% ± 10%. At 6‐month follow‐up, the mortality rate increased to 59%; the target vessel revascularization rate was 14%. A percutaneous mechanical intervention strategy in patients with left main disease complicated by AMI is feasible and effective, and patients discharged alive have a good mid‐term prognosis. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;56:31–34. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Functional Effects of Physical Interactions among Toll-like Receptors 7, 8, and 9*

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6 are evolutionarily conserved, highly homologous, and localized to plasma membranes of host cells and recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from bacterial membranes. These receptors cooperate in a pairwise combination to elicit or inhibit the inflammatory signals in response to certain PAMPs. The other TLRs that are evolutionarily closely related and highly homologous are TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9. They are all confined to the membranes of endosomes and recognize similar molecular structures, the oligonucleotide-based PAMPs. However, the cooperative interactions among these receptors that may modulate the inflammatory signaling in response to their cognate agonists are not reported. We report here for the first time the functional effects of one TLR on the other among TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9. The results indicate that TLR8 inhibits TLR7 and TLR9, and TLR9 inhibits TLR7 but not vice versa in HEK293 cells transfected with TLRs in a pairwise combination. This is concluded by selectively activating one TLR over the other by using small molecule TLR agonists. We also show that these inhibitory interactions are the result of direct or indirect physical interactions between the TLRs. The murine TLR8 that does not respond to any known human TLR8 agonists also inhibits both murine and human TLR7. The implications of the inhibitory interactions among these TLRs in host-pathogen recognition and subsequent inflammatory responses are not obvious. However, given the complexity in expression pattern in a particular cell type and the variation in distribution and response to different pathogens and stress signals in different cell types, the inhibitory physical interactions among these TLRs may play a role in balancing the inflammatory outcome from a given cell type to a specific challenge.
Feedforward activation of endothelial ENaC by high sodium

Kidney epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are known to be inactivated by high sodium concentrations (feedback inhibition). Recently, the endothelial sodium channel (EnNaC) was identified to control the nanomechanical properties of the endothelium. EnNaC‐dependent endothelial stiffening reduces the release of nitric oxide, the hallmark of endothelial dysfunction. To study the regulatory impact of sodium on EnNaC, endothelial cells (EA.hy926 and ex vivo mouse endothelium) were incubated in aldosterone‐free solutions containing either low (130 mM) or high (150 mM) sodium concentrations. By applying atomic force microscopy‐based nanoindentation, an unexpected positive correlation between increasing sodium concentrations and cortical endothelial stiffness was observed, which can be attributed to functional EnNaC. In particular, an acute rise in sodium concentration (+20 mM) was sufficient to increase EnNaC membrane abundance by 90% and stiffening of the endothelial cortex by 18%. Despite the absence of exogenous aldosterone, these effects were prevented by the aldosterone synthase inhibitor FAD286 (100 nM) or the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)‐antagonist spironolactone (100 nM), indicating endogenous aldosterone synthesis and MR‐dependent signaling. Interestingly, in the presence of high‐sodium concentrations, FAD286 increased the transcription of the MR by 69%. Taken together, a novel feedforward activation of EnNaC by sodium is proposed that contrasts ENaC feedback inhibition in kidney. —Korte, S. , Sträter, A. S. , Drüppel, V. , Oberleithner, H. , Jeggle, P., Grossmann, C. , Fobker, M. , Nofer, J.‐R. , Brand, E. , Kusche‐Vihrog, K. Feedforward activation of endothelial ENaC by high sodium. FASEB J. 28, 4015‐4025 (2014). www.fasebj. org
Quaternary ammoniums and other preservatives' contribution in oxidative stress and apoptosis on Chang conjunctival cells.

PURPOSE To investigate some of the toxicity mechanisms of 10 preservatives currently used in ophthalmic solutions in vitro. METHODS A continuous human conjunctival cell line was treated with different concentrations of various preservatives for 15 minutes and for 15 minutes followed by 24 hours of cell recovery: three benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) with different hydrocarbon chain length, benzododecinium bromide (BOB), cetrimide (Cet), phenylmercuric nitrate (PM), thimerosal (thi), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (MPHB), chlorobutanol (clb), and EDTA. An inhibition study was then conducted using a 1-hour vitamin E pretreatment followed by a 15-minute BAC treatment. Membrane integrity was assessed using a neutral red test and chromatin condensation with a Hoechst 33342 test. Reactive oxygen species were measured using dichlorofluorescein diacetate test for H2O2 production and hydroethidine test for O2. - production. These tests were performed using microplate cold light cytofluorometry. Cell size and DNA content were also analyzed using flow cytometry. Confocal microscopy was used to explore morphologic changes. RESULTS A significant decrease of membrane integrity with chromatin condensation was observed with all the quaternary ammoniums tested at concentrations of 0.005% and higher. The effect was amplified after 24 hours of cell recovery. The other preservatives tested did not decrease membrane integrity. H2O2 production was observed with all the preservatives, whereas O2. - production was significantly higher with the quaternary ammoniums at 0.005% and 0.01%, compared with the other preservatives. Flow cytometry results confirmed the cytotoxicity observed with cold light cytofluorometry. CONCLUSIONS The quaternary ammoniums tested (BAC, BOB, and Cet) were the most cytotoxic preservatives in the current model. An apoptotic mechanism appeared to be present at low concentrations of quaternary ammoniums, whereas a necrotic process appeared at higher concentrations. Superoxide anions may play an important role in tissue damage induced by preservatives in ocular surface disorders.
In vivo tumor suppression via curcumin released from gelatin/Thai silk fibroin microspheres

In this study, we applied the curcumin-loaded gelatin/Thai silk fibroin microspheres previously developed for the suppression of CaSki cervical cancer cells-induced tumor in BALB/c-nude mice. The gelatin/silk fibroin microspheres (80/20 and 50/50) with the size range of 32–74 μm were fabricated by water in oil emulsion and crosslinked with dehydrothermal techniques. Curcumin in water:ethanol (80:20) solution was physically adsorbed on the microspheres. The sustained release of curcumin from the microspheres was achieved. When injected the curcumin-adsorbed gelatin/silk fibroin (50/50) microspheres locally to the CaSki-induced tumor in BALB/c-nude mice, the tumor size reduction was clearly seen at 7–14 days after treatment, comparing to the groups treated with PBS and blank microspheres. The effect was possibly explained by the anti-angiogenesis of curcumin. However, the optimization of curcumin release rate and microspheres' degradation rate is necessary to obtain more therapeutic efficacy. We therefore suggested further development of these curcumin-loaded gelatin/Thai silk fibroin microspheres to be alternative localized treatment of tumor suppression.
Field trial of 1.6 Tb/s (40 channels/spl times/40 Gb/s) NRZ signals over 511 km standard single mode fiber using conventional optical amplifiers

We have successfully transmitted 40 channels/spl times/40 Gb/s NRZ signals using KT (Korea Telecom)'s field installed 511 km of standard single mode fiber. In the field trial, we adopted conventional optical amplifiers to provide cost-effective capacity upgradeability from already installed 10 Gb/s based WDM transmission equipment. After transmission of 511 km, the measured Q-values range from 13.3 to 15.4 dB without forward error correction (FEC) operation. The Q-value fluctuation in the worst performance channel was found to be 0.08 dB.
Relationship between Oil Price, Exchange Rates and Stock Market: An Empirical study of Indian stock market

The theories consider macroeconomic variables to be major determinants of stock market returns or performance. But, the empirical evidence collected from different countries over the world is ambiguous. The effect of macroeconomic variables on stock market has been very popular among the researchers from past many decades. This study chooses two macro variables, i.e., oil price and exchange rate because of their increasing importance nowadays. The variables chosen do not show long run association, while short run association was evident from the analysis.
A synthetic HIV‐1 Tat protein breaches the skin barrier and elicits Tat‐neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity

The HIV‐1 Tat protein plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of HIV and has been considered as a candidate vaccine antigen. In an effort to design a non‐invasive vaccination strategy against HIV‐1 that stimulates the induction of systemic and mucosal immune responses, we studied the transcutaneous delivery of a synthetic Tat protein using cholera toxin as an adjuvant. Following immunization of BALB/c mice with various doses of Tat, IgG and IgA antibody responses were measured in the serum and vaginal washes, respectively. Serum antibodies predominantly recognized the N‐terminal and basic functional domains of the protein and exhibited neutralizing capacity against Tat‐driven transactivation. Transcutaneous immunization also elicited potent cellular immune responses against Tat and the secretion of high levels of IL‐2, IFN‐γ and IL‐6. These findings demonstrate for the first time that by using a simple and safe immunization procedure, a synthetic Tat protein can elicit potentially protective immune responses. Transcutaneous immunization may be advantageous for the non‐invasive delivery of other HIV candidate vaccine antigens.
The value relevance of brand valuation

ABSTRACT The reports published by independent parties are often used to provide an estimation of brands due to the lack of literature and best practices regarding which brand valuation method is more value relevant and reliable than another. Over the last several years, brand valuation debate is growing in importance because of the need to provide a value of intangibles for different purposes. The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, we aim to understand whether brand valuation related to listed companies provided by three independent agencies is value relevant and therefore whether these brand valuations are taken into consideration by investors in their decision-making process. Second, we assess which of the three methods reflects the stock markets in a better way. We analyse a sample of 71 brands valuated by Interbrand, Brand Finance and BrandZ from 2013 to 2015. The results show that brand valuation provided by the independent agencies is value relevant; in addition, they reveal that the Brand Finance method, based on the royalty relief approach, is more value relevant than the others. This study contributes to the extant literature on value relevance by providing evidence on the impact of stock prices of brand agencies’ valuation.
Immunological efficacy of a prime-boost pneumococcal vaccination in HIV-infected adults

Objective:To evaluate whether a strategy combining a prime with a 7-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) followed by a boost with the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) would improve immunogenicity against Streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharides in HIV-infected patients. Design:Randomized controlled phase II trial. Methods:Two-hundred and twelve patients with CD4 cell counts of 200–500 cells/μl and HIV RNA< 4 log10 copies/ml, regardless of antiretroviral treatment, were randomized to receive either PCV at week 0 and PPV at week 4 (n = 106) or PPV alone at week 4 (n = 106). The proportion of responders to 0, 1–2, 3–4, 5–7 serotypes shared by the two vaccines was evaluated at week 8 and compared using a proportional odds model allowing for adjustment for CD4 cell count, HIV RNA and antiretroviral treatment. Results:At week 8, the profile of response was better in the prime-boost group compared to the PPV group, as determined by the frequency of patients who reached both a twofold increase of serotype-specific IgG levels and IgG level ≥ 1 μg/ml [proportional odds ratio (OR), 2.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–3.51; P = 0.005]. No differences in responders were found 4 weeks after PCV or PPV alone, suggesting that PCV primed for response to PPV. Early differences between groups remained significant at week 24 (proportional OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.30–3.54; P = 0.003). Conclusions:In a setting of practical care, a PCV prime-PPV boost strategy enhances the frequency, breadth and magnitude of antibody responses against SPP in HIV-infected adults.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON ADMINISTRATIVE MODEL OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY TO DEVELOP THAI LANGUAGE TEACHING CAPACITY OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THREE SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCES

The three southern border provinces of Thailand are unique with their own language and cultural identity. Most students speak Thai as a second language. Such conditions, educators put their effort seeking appropriate methods of teaching Thai language to the context of those areas. This research aims to develop the administrative model of professional learning communities to improve teaching skills of elementary school teachers in the three southern border provinces. The study was guided by two main questions: (1) what are the components of the PLC administrative model? ; and (2) how should the model be developed in improving Thai teachers’ teaching ability? A mixed-methods approach was employed, which consists of document analyses to identify the elements of the PLC administrative model, and then to synthesize the preliminary model. After that the researcher examined the suitability and feasibility of the model by using in-depth interviews with 17 key informants; focus group with 20 experts; and questionnaires with 705 school administrators and Thai language teachers from elementary schools in those three southern border provinces. Research data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The preliminary results revealed that the PLC administrative model for the development of Thai language teachers’ teaching skills in those areas should comprise four main stages: (1) planning for establishing the objectives of a collaborative team and guidelines for action; (2) implementing the action plan into classroom practices along with teachers’ shared learning and experiences, (3) investigating the performances of teachers by using methods of supervision, monitoring, and evaluation, and 4) rectifying all practices to improve the model for the sustainable development of Thai language teachers in the three southern border provinces. The results suggest that each stage of the effective model should be interrelated to the PLC principle. For better conclusion, the model is further experimented within two participative schools. Keywords: Professional Learning Community, Thai Language, Teaching Capacity, Southern Border Province.