38,224 research outputs found
Temperament and Character Moderate the Effects of Mindfulness Training on Psychological and Professional Well-Being of School Teachers
No full textObjectives: The study aimed to investigate the pre-to-post effects of mindfulness training on school teachers’ psychological and professional well-being, as well as to explore the moderating role of temperament and character on these effects. Method: An 8-week mindfulness-based intervention was delivered via internet-based group meetings to Italian teachers (n = 139), who were assessed within two weeks before and after the intervention with self-report measures of emotional distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), interoceptive awareness (Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness), and professional efficacy (Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale), as well as with the Temperament and Character Inventory. A control group of teachers (n = 47) was tested with the same measures in two temporally-matched sessions. Results: Analysis of variance showed positive intervention effects on anxiety (medium effect size), on six of the eight dimensions of interoceptive awareness (medium-to-large effect size) and on two of the three scales of professional efficacy (small-to-medium effect size). Moderation analysis identified the following effects of temperament and character on outcomes: (1) reduced anxiety only for higher baseline reward dependence, or lower-to-middle baseline self-directedness; (2) improved interoceptive attention regulation specifically for middle-to-higher baseline persistence; (3) improved teacher efficacy for student engagement only for lower baseline self-transcendence. Conclusions: The study shows the positive effects of mindfulness training on teachers' psychological and professional well-being. It also highlights the importance of considering the impact of temperament and character dimensions on these effects, for example for developing effective mindfulness-based interventions for teachers. Future research should explore potential mechanisms of action underlying the observed effects and evaluate them in the long term. Preregistration: This study is not preregistered
Monitoring the mineralisation of bone nodules in vitro by space- and time-resolved Raman micro-spectroscopy
No full textRaman microscopy was used as a label-free method to study the mineralisation of bone nodules formed by mesenchymal stem cells cultured in osteogenic medium in vitro. Monitoring individual bone nodules over 28 days revealed temporal and spatial changes in the crystalline phase of the hydroxyapatite components of the nodules. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry
Erratum to: Effect of moderate red wine intake on cardiac prognosis after recent acute myocardial infarction of subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Diabetic Medicine, (2006), 23, 9, (974-981), 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2006.01886.x)
No full textIn an article by Marfella et al, the author name C. Saron is incorrect and should be listed as C. Sardu. Therefore the correct author list is: R. Marfella, F. Cacciapuoti, M. Siniscalchi, F. C. Sasso, F. Marchese, F. Cinone, E. Musacchio, M. A. Marfella, L. Ruggiero, G. Chiorazzo, D. Liberti, G. Chiorazzo, G. F. Nicoletti, C. Sardu, F. D'Andrea, C. Ammendola, M. Verza and L. Coppola.In an article by Marfella et al, the author name C. Saron is incorrect and should be listed as C. Sardu. Therefore the correct author list is: R. Marfella, F. Cacciapuoti, M. Siniscalchi, F. C. Sasso, F. Marchese, F. Cinone, E. Musacchio, M. A. Marfella, L. Ruggiero, G. Chiorazzo, D. Liberti, G. Chiorazzo, G. F. Nicoletti, C. Sardu, F. D'Andrea, C. Ammendola, M. Verza and L. Coppola
Cytoplasmic RNA in undifferentiated neural stem cells: A potential label-free raman spectral marker for assessing the undifferentiated status
No full textRaman microspectroscopy (rms) was used to identify, image, and quantify potential molecular markers for label-free monitoring the differentiation status of live neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. Label-free noninvasive techniques for characterization of NCSs in vitro are needed as they can be developed for real-time monitoring of live cells. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) models based on Raman spectra of undifferentiated NSCs and NSC-derived glial cells enabled discrimination of NSCs with 89.4% sensitivity and 96.4% specificity. The differences between Raman spectra of NSCs and glial cells indicated that the discrimination of the NSCs was based on higher concentration of nucleic acids in NSCs. Spectral images corresponding to Raman bands assigned to nucleic acids for individual NSCs and glial cells were compared with fluorescence staining of cell nuclei and cytoplasm to show that the origin of the spectral differences were related to cytoplasmic RNA. On the basis of calibration models, the concentration of the RNA was quantified and mapped in individual cells at a resolution of ∼700 nm. The spectral maps revealed cytoplasmic regions with concentrations of RNA as high as 4 mg/mL for NSCs while the RNA concentration in the cytoplasm of the glial cells was below the detection limit of our instrument (∼1 mg/mL). In the light of recent reports describing the importance of the RNAs in stem cell populations, we propose that the observed high concentration of cytoplasmic RNAs in NSCs compared to glial cells is related to the repressed translation of mRNAs, higher concentrations of large noncoding RNAs in the cytoplasm as well as their lower cytoplasm volume. While this study demonstrates the potential of using rms for label-free assessment of live NSCs in vitro, further studies are required to establish the exact origin of the increased contribution of the cytoplasmic RNA. © 2012 American Chemical Society
A comparative characterization of the circulating miRNome in whole blood and serum of HCC patients
No full textmiRNAs are considered promising non-invasive biomarkers. Serum represents the major source of biomarkers, being readily accessible for many analytical tests. Recently, whole blood has drawn increasing interest in biomarker studies due to the presence of cancer-interacting cells and circulating cancer cells. Although Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most frequent cancer worldwide, fragmented information exists regarding the miRNome characterization in blood and serum. We profiled the circulatory miRNome of paired serum and blood samples from 20 HCC patients, identifying 274 miRNA expressed in serum and 670 in blood, most of them still uncharacterized. 157 miRNA significantly differ between the two biofluids with 28 exclusively expressed in serum. Six miRNA clusters significantly characterize the two compartments, with the cluster containing miR-4484, miR-1281, miR-3178, miR-3613-3p, miR-4532, miR-4668-5p, miR-1825, miR-4487, miR-455-3p, miR-940 having the highest average expression in serum compared to blood. The ontological analysis revealed a role of these miRNAs in cancer progression, vascular invasion and cancer immune surveillance thought the regulation of DUSP1, PD-L1 and MUC1. Taken together, these results provide the most comprehensive contribution to date towards a complete miRNome profile of blood and serum for HCC patients. We show a consistent portion of circulatory miRNAs being still unknown
Differential effects of mindfulness meditation conditions on repetitive negative thinking and subjective time perspective: a randomized active-controlled study
No full textObjective: Preliminary findings suggest that different kinds of meditation could work on diverse cognitive and psychological processes. The present study aimed at disentangling the effects of three mindfulness techniques on mental rumination and subjective time perspective. Design: 75 young healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: mindful breathing, body scan, observing-thoughts meditation and an active control condition. The meditation groups practiced mindfulness daily and attended weekly group meetings for 8 weeks, while the control group was involved in reading and discussing a book about mindfulness. Main outcome measures: Self-report measures of mindfulness skills, ruminative thinking, attitude towards time, anxiety, depression and personality traits. Results: In all meditation conditions, analysis of covariance showed a significant improvement in mindfulness skills compared to the control group. We found a specific effect of mindful breathing in reducing participants’ tendency to brooding and in increasing their positive vision of the future, compared to all other conditions. Conclusions: As expected, we found some differential effects: breathing meditation helped practitioners to train more effectively their ability to disengage from maladaptive ruminative thoughts, which could be reflected in a more optimistic attitude toward the future. These results provide useful information to structure better mindfulness-based interventions
Sexual health and contraception. A three years survey on Italian students’ knowledge and behaviours
No full textBackground
Sexual health and experiences are considered of utmost importance for their influence on adolescents’ personal and intellectual development.Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) and undesired pregnancies represent one of the greatest problems impacting adolescents all over the world. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and behaviours of adolescents regarding contraception and STDs.
Methods
From 2014 to 2016 a self-designed questionnaire had been given to students of five different high schools of Udine(North-East of Italy) attending the first or the second or the third year. The questionnaire was composed by 5 open- and 10 closed-ended queries (maximum score of 19 points), regarding knowledge and attitudes related to contraception and STDs infection and prevention.
Results
Questionnaires were completely filled in by 3076 students: 46% males, 53%females and 1% n.d. Comparing global results on students knowledge among the years, right answers median scores showed little variations with a decrease between 2014 and 2015 (8/19 in 2014, 7/19 in 2015 and 7/19 in 2016). Identify correctly a threshold age for family counselling and the population with the highest risk for new HIV infections were the most critical topics (only the 3% and the 15% of the students gave the right answer respectively). Regarding behaviours, from 2014 to 2016 students declared to be more self-confident in refusing to have unprotected sex (+22%, p < 0,05). Furthermore they pinpointed parents(19%), hospital doctors(18%) and chemists(12%) as the main figures they would ask for contraception advices.
Conclusions
Results showed constant levels of knowledge on sexual health topics in the years. Self-confidence in preventing measures is increasing, however adolescents seem poorly educated about access to services and relevant epidemiology data on STDs infection. This survey could be a starting point for the implementation of more focused educational interventions.
Key messages:
Adolescents' knowledge on sexual health is constant during the years, with specific lacks in education.
Parents and healthcare professionals are the main figures receiving requests by adolescents concerning sexual health and contraception advices
Sexual health knowledge and its promotion in adolescents: three years of interventions in Udine
No full textBackground
The WHO defines sexual health as a state of comprehensive well-being in relation to sexuality and education is essential for reducing inequality and addressing needs of vulnerable groups. The Italian educational system overlooks sexual education, so no baseline information levels have been defined. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a sexual health educational project in five heterogeneous high schools of Udine (North-Eastern Italy) as a part of the WHO Healthy Cities project.
Methods
The intervention took place between 2014 and 2016 involving a multidisciplinary team (psychologists, doctors and others). Students with minimum age of 14 were given six hours of lectures in three subsequent weeks, regarding psychological, bio-anatomical and infection prevention subjects respectively.
To test the efficacy of the intervention, a self-designed questionnaire had been administered to participants both before and after the cycle. The focus of 11 questions was on STDs and contraception (maximum score: 19 points). Medians of scores were calculated and compared using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.
Results
Total questionnaires were 6033 (46% males, 52% females and 2% not declared). Educational paths of students were not equally represented (scientific 15%, technical 34%, social sciences 21%, arts 13%, commerce 17%). Comparing medians of pre- and post-intervention scores, they increased globally by year (+37.5% in 2014, +57.1% in 2015, +57.1% in 2016, p < 0.001 for all). They increased in each school as well by year, ranging from +25% (technical school in 2016) to + 71.2% (scientific and commerce schools in 2016), with p < 0.001 for all.
Conclusions
The results show a widespread increase in knowledge after this intervention, suggesting the efficacy of a multi-professional sexual health promotion project. Further analyses could evaluate specific subjects or schools in detail, helping to redesign and fine-tune the project according to educational needs.
Key messages:
Sexual education and sexual health promotion show their efficacy on a broad audience when a multidisciplinary team is involved.
Monitoring knowledge about sexual health themes in different contexts can help to tailor an appropriate intervention
Mitomycin C in highly myopic eyes - Author reply
No full textOphthalmology. 2005 Feb;112(2):208-18; discussion 219.
Mitomycin C modulation of corneal wound healing after photorefractive keratectomy in highly myopic eyes.
Gambato C, Ghirlando A, Moretto E, Busato F, Midena E.
SourceRefractive Surgery Service and Antimetabolite Therapy Research Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of topical mitomycin C in corneal wound healing (CWH) after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in highly myopic eyes.
DESIGN: Prospective, double-masked, randomized clinical trial.
PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-two eyes of 36 patients affected by high (>7 diopters) myopia.
METHODS: In each patient, one eye was randomly assigned to PRK with intraoperative topical 0.02% mitomycin C application, and the fellow eye was treated with a placebo. Postoperatively, mitomycin C-treated eyes received artificial tears (3 times daily, tapered in 3 months), whereas the fellow eye was treated with fluorometholone sodium 2% and artificial tears (3 times daily, tapered in 3 months).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, manifest refraction, and biomicroscopy. Contrast sensitivity was determined using the Pelli-Robson chart. Corneal confocal microscopy documented CWH.
RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 18 months (range, 12-36). No side effects or toxic effects were documented. At 12-month follow-up examination, UCVAs (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) were 0.4+/-0.48 and 0.5+/-0.53 (P = .03) in mitomycin C-treated eyes and corticosteroid-treated eyes, respectively. At 1 year, corneal haze developed in 20% of corticosteroid-treated eyes, versus 0% of mitomycin C-treated eyes. At 12, 24, and 36 months, corneal confocal microscopy showed activated keratocytes and extracellular matrix significantly more evident in untreated eyes (Ps = 0.004, 0.024, and 0.046, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Topical intraoperative application of 0.02% mitomycin C can reduce haze formation in highly myopic eyes undergoing PRK.
Comment in
Ophthalmology. 2006 Feb;113(2):357; author reply 357-8
Six Overtures Composed by C. F. Abel. Adapted for the Harpsichord or Piano Forte : being Opera First / By the Author
No full textSIX OVERTURES COMPOSED BY C. F. ABEL. ADAPTED FOR THE HARPSICHORD OR PIANO FORTE : BEING OPERA FIRST / BY THE AUTHOR
Six Overtures Composed by C. F. Abel. Adapted for the Harpsichord or Piano Forte : being Opera First / By the Author (1)
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Overture II. (8)
Overture III. (12)
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