Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insula‐based networks in professional musicians: Evidence for increased functional connectivity during resting state fMRI

Despite considerable research on experience‐dependent neuroplasticity in professional musicians, detailed understanding of an involvement of the insula is only now beginning to emerge. We investigated the effects of musical training on intrinsic insula‐based connectivity in professional classical musicians relative to nonmusicians using resting‐state functional MRI. Following a tripartite scheme of insula subdivisions, coactivation profiles were analyzed for the posterior, ventral anterior, and dorsal anterior insula in both hemispheres. While whole‐brain connectivity across all participants confirmed previously reported patterns, between‐group comparisons revealed increased insular connectivity in musicians relative to nonmusicians. Coactivated regions encompassed constituents of large‐scale networks involved in salience detection (e.g., anterior and middle cingulate cortex), affective processing (e.g., orbitofrontal cortex and temporal pole), and higher order cognition (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the temporoparietal junction), whereas no differences were found for the reversed group contrast. Importantly, these connectivity patterns were stronger in musicians who experienced more years of musical practice, including also sensorimotor regions involved in music performance (M1 hand area, S1, A1, and SMA). We conclude that musical training triggers significant reorganization in insula‐based networks, potentially facilitating high‐level cognitive and affective functions associated with the fast integration of multisensory information in the context of music performance. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4834–4849, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Graph sketching-based Space-efficient Data Clustering

In this paper, we address the problem of recovering arbitrary-shaped data clusters from datasets while facing \emph{high space constraints}, as this is for instance the case in many real-world applications when analysis algorithms are directly deployed on resources-limited mobile devices collecting the data. We present DBMSTClu a new space-efficient density-based \emph{non-parametric} method working on a Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) recovered from a limited number of linear measurements i.e. a \emph{sketched} version of the dissimilarity graph $\mathcal{G}$ between the $N$ objects to cluster. Unlike $k$-means, $k$-medians or $k$-medoids algorithms, it does not fail at distinguishing clusters with particular forms thanks to the property of the MST for expressing the underlying structure of a graph. No input parameter is needed contrarily to DBSCAN or the Spectral Clustering method. An approximate MST is retrieved by following the dynamic \emph{semi-streaming} model in handling the dissimilarity graph $\mathcal{G}$ as a stream of edge weight updates which is sketched in one pass over the data into a compact structure requiring $O(N \operatorname{polylog}(N))$ space, far better than the theoretical memory cost $O(N^2)$ of $\mathcal{G}$. The recovered approximate MST $\mathcal{T}$ as input, DBMSTClu then successfully detects the right number of nonconvex clusters by performing relevant cuts on $\mathcal{T}$ in a time linear in $N$. We provide theoretical guarantees on the quality of the clustering partition and also demonstrate its advantage over the existing state-of-the-art on several datasets.
Divergent Intentions to Use Antibiotic Guidelines

Background. To improve physicians’ antimicrobial practice, it is important to identify barriers to and facilitators of guideline adherence and assess their relative importance. The theory of planned behavior permits such assessment and has been previously used for evaluating antibiotic use. According to this theory, guideline use is fueled by 3 factors: attitude, subjective norm (perceived social pressure regarding guidelines), and perceived behavioral control (PBC; perceived ability to follow the guideline). The authors aim to explore factors affecting guideline use in their hospital. Methods. Starting from their earlier observations, the authors constructed a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior, with an additional measure of habit strength. After pilot testing, the survey was distributed among physicians in a major teaching hospital. Results. Of 393 contacted physicians, 195 completed questionnaires were received (50.5% corrected response rate). Using multivariate analysis, the overall intention toward using antibiotic guidelines was not very predictable (model R2 = .134). Habit strength (relative weight = .391) and PBC (relative weight = .354) were the principal significant predictors. A moderator effect of respondents’ position (staff member v. resident) was found, with staff members’ intention being significantly influenced only by habit strength and residents’ intention by PBC. Regarding previously identified barriers, education on antibiotics and guidelines was rated unsatisfactory. Conclusions. These divergent origins of influence on guideline adherence point to different approaches for improvement. As habits strongly influence staff members, methods that focus on changing habits (e.g., automated decision support systems) are possible interventions. As residents’ intention seems to be guided mainly by external influences and experienced control, this may make feedback, convenient guideline formats, and guideline familiarization more suitable.
Relationship Between Pneumocystis carinii Burden and the Degree of Host Immunosuppression in an Airborne Transmission Experimental Model

To quantitatively assess the risk of contamination by Pneumocystis depending on the degree of immunosuppression (ID) of the exposed rat hosts, we developed an animal model, where rats went through different doses of dexamethasone. Then, natural and aerial transmission of Pneumocystis carinii occurred during cohousing of the rats undergoing gradual ID levels (receivers) with nude rats developing pneumocystosis (seeders). Following contact between receiver and seeder rats, the P. carinii burden of receiver rats was determined by toluidine blue ortho staining and by qPCR targeting the dhfr monocopy gene of this fungus. In this rat model, the level of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes remained significantly stable and different for each dose of dexamethasone tested, thus reaching the goal of a new stable and gradual ID rat model. In addition, an inverse relationship between the P. carinii burden and the level of circulating CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes was evidenced. This rat model may be used to study other opportunistic pathogens or even co‐infections in a context of gradual ID.
Total intravenous anaesthesia using propofol and sufentanil allows controlled long-term ventilation in rabbits without neuromuscular blocking agents

The aim of this study was to evaluate a total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) protocol using propofol and sufentanil without neuromuscular blocking agents (NBAs) for a non-recovery lung pathology study in rabbits including 10 h of pressure-controlled ventilation. TIVA was started with 20 mg/kg/h propofol and 0.5 µg/kg/h sufentanil. The depth of anaesthesia was assessed by reflex testing and monitoring of spontaneous movements or respiratory efforts. Vital parameters were monitored to assess the effects of the TIVA protocol. The infusion rates were increased whenever reflex testing indicated inadequate depth of anaesthesia, and were reduced when vital parameters indicated unnecessarily deep levels. Median infusion rates of 35 mg/kg/h propofol and 2.0 µg/kg/h sufentanil were needed to ensure an adequate depth of anaesthesia. This protocol suppressed spontaneous movements, breathing and palpebral reflexes, but was unable to suppress corneal and pedal withdrawal reflexes. Since significant drops in arterial blood pressure (ABP) were observed and the animals were not exposed to painful procedures, positive corneal and pedal withdrawal reflexes were tolerated. In conclusion, propofol and sufentanil is a suitable combination for long-term anaesthesia in non-recovery lung pathology models in rabbits without painful procedures. ABP must be monitored carefully because of the circulatory side-effects, but it is an inappropriate surrogate marker for depth of anaesthesia. Due to the lack of neuromuscular blockade this TIVA protocol allows the adjustment of infusion rates based on reflex testing. The resulting decreased risk of unnoticed awareness is a decisive refinement in anaesthesia for similar studies including long-term mechanical ventilation in rabbits.
Acceptability of Extended-Release Naltrexone by Heroin-Dependent Patients and Addiction Treatment Providers in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT Background: Extended-release naltrexone (XRNT) was developed to overcome poor treatment compliance with oral naltrexone in alcohol and opioid-dependent patients. XRNT injections are registered in the United States and Russia, but not in The Netherlands. However, XRNT can be obtained for individual patients, but it is expensive and not reimbursed by the health insurance. Objectives: This study evaluates the support for abstinence oriented treatment among heroin-dependent patients and the acceptability of XRNT injections by heroin-dependent patients and treatment providers in The Netherlands. Methods: A sample of 261 patients in methadone maintenance treatment or heroin assisted treatment and a sample of 188 addiction treatment providers completed specially designed questionnaires. Results: The current study shows that many patients in opioid maintenance treatment (58%) report a desire to become abstinent from opioids and that 83% of the patients with a desire for abstinence are interested in XRNT. The majority of treatment providers (81%) are willing to support the prescription of XRNT injections in opioid-dependent patients to prevent relapse after detoxification. Conclusions: The current practice of automatic and indefinite continuation of opioid substitution should therefore be reconsidered. However, XRNT injections are very expensive and currently not reimbursed by the health insurance agencies in The Netherlands and thus not really available to most patients.
Uric Acid Determination in Gestational Hypertension

We asked, is uric acid as effective as proteinuria at identifying perinatal risk in high-risk women with gestational hypertension? Uric acid was measured in samples obtained ≈4.6 weeks predelivery in 259 women with prior preeclampsia from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development network study of low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia. Participants were grouped according to the presence/absence of gestational hypertension (H), proteinuria (P), and hyperuricemia (U). Adverse perinatal outcomes were not different between H or U and women with normal values (normal blood pressure, urinary protein, and uric acid [NNN]). Preterm birth was greater in hypertension and proteinuria (HP) and hypertension and hyperuricemia (HU) compared to NNN (relative risk [RR] = 2.4, P = .03 and 3.8, P < .01), respectively. In addition, in HU women, delivery was earlier (36.6 ± 3.4 vs 38.4 ± 2.3 weeks, P < .001) and small for gestational age infants <fifth centile more frequent (RR = 8.2, P = .01) compared to NNN women. This study sought to determine if uric acid is as effective as proteinuria at identifying perinatal risk in high-risk women with gestational hypertension. Our results suggest that hyperuricemia is at least as accurate as proteinuria at identifying perinatal risk in high-risk women with gestational hypertension.
MicroRNA858 Is a Potential Regulator of Phenylpropanoid Pathway and Plant Development1

miR858a targets MYB transcription factors involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and plant growth and development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, noncoding small RNAs that function as critical regulators of gene expression. In plants, miRNAs have shown their potential as regulators of growth, development, signal transduction, and stress tolerance. Although the miRNA-mediated regulation of several processes is known, the involvement of miRNAs in regulating secondary plant product biosynthesis is poorly understood. In this study, we functionally characterized Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) miR858a, which putatively targets R2R3-MYB transcription factors involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. Overexpression of miR858a in Arabidopsis led to the down-regulation of several MYB transcription factors regulating flavonoid biosynthesis. In contrast to the robust growth and early flowering of miR858OX plants, reduction of plant growth and delayed flowering were observed in Arabidopsis transgenic lines expressing an artificial miRNA target mimic (MIM858). Genome-wide expression analysis using transgenic lines suggested that miR858a targets a number of regulatory factors that modulate the expression of downstream genes involved in plant development and hormonal and stress responses. Furthermore, higher expression of MYBs in MIM858 lines leads to redirection of the metabolic flux towards the synthesis of flavonoids at the cost of lignin synthesis. Altogether, our study has established the potential role of light-regulated miR858a in flavonoid biosynthesis and plant growth and development.
Validating a Model to Measure the Brand Loyalty of Fast Moving Consumer Goods

Abstract The objective of this paper is to validate a conceptual model to measure brand loyalty. The empirical process of validation is based on literature research. The model was tested amongst a sample of 550 managers and 541 completed the questionnaires (response rate of 98%). The validation process aimed to validate the items that measure each of the brand loyalty influences; assess the sampling adequacy; test the applicability of the data for multivariate statistical analysis; determine the importance of each of the brand loyalty influences; and test the reliability of each of the brand loyalty influences in the model. All these objectives were met. This culminated in the final result, namely that the model to measure brand loyalty was proven statistically to be a valid and reliable model that can be used to measure brand loyalty. The research is of value to managers, academia and researchers.
HARMONIZING HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS: TO WHAT EXTENT IS THE MINI-HTA MODEL SUITABLE IN THE FRENCH CONTEXT?

Background: The number of new medical devices for individual use that are launched annually exceeds the assessment capacity of the French national health technology assessment (HTA) agency. This has resulted in hospitals, and particularly university hospitals (UHs), developing hospital-based HTA initiatives to support their decisions for purchasing innovative devices. However, the methodologies used in such hospitals have no common basis. The aim of this study was to assess a mini-HTA model as a potential solution to harmonize HTA methodology in French UHs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on Medline, Embase, Health Technology Assessment database, and Google Scholar to identify published articles reporting the use of mini-HTA tools and decision support-like models. A survey was also carried out in eighteen French UHs to identify in-house decision support tools. Finally, topics evaluated in the Danish mini-HTA model and in French UHs were compared using Jaccard similarity coefficients. Results: Our findings showed differences between topics evaluated in French UHs and those assessed in decision support models from the literature. Only five topics among the thirteen most evaluated in French UHs were similar to those assessed in the Danish mini-HTA model. The organizational and ethical/social impacts were rarely explored among the surveyed models used in French UHs when introducing new medical devices. Conclusions: Before its widespread and harmonized use in French UHs, the mini-HTA model would first require adaptations to the French context.
Can mindfulness-based interventions influence cognitive functioning in older adults? A review and considerations for future research

ABSTRACT Objectives: An increased need exists to examine factors that protect against age-related cognitive decline. There is preliminary evidence that meditation can improve cognitive function. However, most studies are cross-sectional and examine a wide variety of meditation techniques. This review focuses on the standard eight-week mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Method: We searched the PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, COCHRANE, and PubMed databases to identify original studies investigating the effects of MBI on cognition in older adults. Results: Six reports were included in the review of which three were randomized controlled trials. Studies reported preliminary positive effects on memory, executive function and processing speed. However, most reports had a high risk of bias and sample sizes were small. The only study with low risk of bias, large sample size and active control group reported no significant findings. Conclusion: We conclude that eight-week MBI for older adults are feasible, but results on cognitive improvement are inconclusive due a limited number of studies, small sample sizes, and a high risk of bias. Rather than a narrow focus on cognitive training per se, future research may productively shift to investigate MBI as a tool to alleviate suffering in older adults, and to prevent cognitive problems in later life already in younger target populations.
Evaluation of trypan blue stain in the TC20 automated cell counter as a point-of-care for the enumeration of viable cryptococcal cells in cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture can determine a quantitative viability of Cryptococcus yeasts; however, culture has a long turnaround-time. The TC20 automated cell counter (Bio-Rad) is a benchtop instrument used to count cells in 30 seconds. In vitro studies suggest trypan blue staining can distinguish between viable and dead cryptococcal yeasts. We hypothesized that trypan blue staining with automated cell counting may provide rapid quantification of viable CSF Cryptococcus yeasts. In sum, 96 HIV-infected participants with cryptococcal meningitis were enrolled and provided 194 CSF specimens in Kampala, Uganda. Cryptococcosis was diagnosed by CSF cryptococcal antigen (CRAG). CSF was stained with trypan blue and quantified yeasts with the TC20 cell counter. We compared the log10 transformed cell counter readings with gating of 4-10 μm versus log10 quantitative Cryptococcus cultures/ml. TC20 showed more positive results (95.4%) overall than culture (78.4%) with reference to CSF CRAG. TC20 had higher readings compared to culture in most cases with only a 25% level of agreement between the two methods. TC20 had a poor correlation to culture throughout the 14 days of antifungal therapy. The median of log10 transformed counts were 5.22 (IQR = 4.79-5.44) for the TC20 and 3.99 (IQR = 2.59-5.14) for culture. Overall, a linear regression showed no significant relationship between the TC20 and culture (r = -0.0025; P = .92). TC20 automated cell counting with trypan blue staining was poorly predictive of the quantitative CSF culture and could not be used as a substitute for quantitative culture.
Breeding Success of Hatchery and Wild Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus Kisutch) in Competition.

The divergence of hatchery fish in traits important for reproductive success has raised concerns about their ability to rehabilitate wild populations, and the threat that their inevitable straying poses to biological diversity through introgression. We therefore undertook a study of the breeding competition and success of sea-ranched hatchery fish placed in direct competition with wild fish. Experiments using wild and hatchery coho salmo (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were conducted within a controlled stream channel, allowing selective manipulation of breeding competition and density. Hatchery fish, particularly males, were competitively inferior to wild fish, being less aggressive and more submissive. As a consequence, hatchery males were denied access to ovipositing females; they partook in fewer spawnings, held more distal positions in spawning hierarchies, and attained only an estimated 62% of the breeding success of wild males. By contrast, competition did not appear to inhibit hatchery females as overtly as males. Hatchery and wild females exhibited similar levels of aggressive behavior, however hatchery females did suffer greater delays in the onset of breeding, failed to spawn larger proportions of their eggs, and lost more eggs to nest destruction by other females. They averaged an estimated 82% of the breeding success of wild females. There was thus a sex bias in the breeding disadvantage of hatchery fish, with males suffering more than females. Furthermore, the breeding disadvantage was density dependent with the relative success of hatchery to wild fish declining with increasing density. These results imply that hatchery fish have restricted abilities to rehabilitate wild populations, and may pose ecological and genetic threats to the conservation of wild populations.
Use of Isobutyl Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive to Stabilize External Eyelid Weights in Temporary Treatment of Facial Palsies

Purpose To describe a technique for stabilizing external eyelid load weights with isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for the temporary treatment of facial palsies. Methods This was a nonrandomized, prospective study of six consecutive patients with unilateral facial paralysis treated with external eyelid load weights stabilized with isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive instead of adhesive tape. Follow-up assessment included corneal exposure, patient comfort, amount of artificial tear usage, and complications associated with the weights. Results Of the six patients studied, five had decreased corneal exposure, decreased artificial tear usage, and increased patient comfort with use of the weights. One patient had no improvement of symptoms. Weights were retained for a mean of 10.7 days. Two patients had difficulty with the weights; one was secondary to dermatochalasis and blepharoptosis obscuring his vision, and the other patient’s weight fell off after 1 day. No weights were lost. Conclusions The use of isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is a simple, quick, and inexpensive method for placement of external eyelid weights for temporary treatment of ocular exposure associated with facial paralysis and for determining the correct weight for implantation. Furthermore, isobutyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive used to stabilize external eyelid weights is better tolerated and lasts longer than the previously described fixation method with adhesive tape.