Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
P-Lex: A Simple and Effective Way of Describing the lexical Characteristics of Short L2 Tests.

This paper describes an alternative approach to assessing the lexical complexity of short texts produced by second language learners of English. This methodology bears a passing resemblance to the Lexical Frequency Profile (LFP) suggested by Laufer and Nation (1995), but the approach it takes is mathematically more sophisticated, and the data it produces is easier to work with. We argue that P_Lex produces data which is broadly comparable with the data produced by LFP. However, P_Lex works much better with shorter texts than LFP does, and this makes it a better tool for evaluating texts produced by low-level learners.
Mutations of the TGF‐β type II receptor BMPR2 in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is clinically characterized by a sustained elevation in mean pulmonary artery pressure leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The disorder is typically sporadic, and in such cases the term idiopathic PAH (IPAH) is used. However, cases that occur within families (familial PAH (FPAH)) display similar clinical and histopathological features, suggesting a common etiology. Heterozygous mutations of a type II member of the TGF‐β cell signaling superfamily known as BMPR2 on chromosome 2q33 have been identified in many kindreds with FPAH, yet display both reduced penetrance and sex bias. This report presents the compilation of data for 144 distinct mutations that alter the coding sequence of the BMPR2 gene identified in 210 independent PAH subjects. This large data set characterizes the extent of sequence variation and reveals that the majority (71%) of mutations in FPAH and IPAH comprise nonsense, frameshift, and splice‐site defects, and gene rearrangements. These predict premature termination of the transcript with likely loss through the process of nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD). A total of 44 missense mutations were identified that substitute amino acid residues at highly conserved sites within recognized functional domains of the mature receptor. We assess this category of mutations in the context of their heterogeneous effects on cell signaling when assayed by in vitro cell‐based systems. Disease‐causing mutation hot‐spots within BMPR2 are summarized. Taken together, these observations are likely to aid in the development of targeted mutation detection strategies relevant for patient management. Finally, we examine the age‐ and sex‐dependent reduced penetrance of BMPR2 mutations by reviewing bmpr2 animal models and the requirement for additional genetic and/or environmental modifiers of disease. In conclusion, these data provide compelling genetic evidence that haploinsufficiency is the predominant molecular mechanism underlying disease predisposition, and support the concept of a critical threshold of signaling activity below which disease may be precipitated. Hum Mutat 27(2), 121–132, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Evaluation of materials sent due to suspected cystic echinococcosis to the parasitology laboratory of Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical School between the Years 2005-2011].

OBJECTIVE Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important health problem common in our country. In this study, anti-Echinococcus granulosus IgG antibodies were investigated in the serum samples of 454 patients who attended the Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology between 2005 and 2011. METHODS IHA (Fumouze, France) and ELISA (R-Biopharm, Germany) tests were performed at the same time. RESULTS While serum samples from 328 patients (72%) were negative with both tests, 81 samples (18%) were found to be positive with both tests. Forty (49%) cases were female, 41 (51%) cases were male who were positive by both tests. 25 (31%) positive cases were between 31 and 50 years old. While IHA was negative for 33 patients (7%) ELISA was positive for the same samples. In 2 patients (0.4%), both tests revealed low-positivity. CONCLUSION Using these two tests together for serologic detection of cystic echinococcosis could be recommended because of the high sensitivity and specificity ratios.
Seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in Horses in North East of Iran

Background Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, is recognized as a major cause of abortion in cattle, while limited information is presently available on the seroprevalence of Neospora antibodies in horses’ worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine serologic prevalence of Neospora infection in horses in Iran. Methods Sera from 150 horses from Mashhad suburb in Razavi Khorasan Province, northeast Iran were examined for antibodies to Neospora spp. using Neospora modified direct agglutination test (N-MAT). Results Antibodies to this parasite were detected in 45 (30%) of the examined serum samples. Thirty four percent of the samples had titer of 1:40 while then reduced to 30% when 1:80 serum dilution was applied as significant cut off titer. Conclusion This study is the first investigation carried out on the Neospora in horses in Iran and indicates that horses in Iran are exposed to this parasite.
Predictors and Correlates of Academic Performance among Urban African American Adolescents

Abstract:The academic performance of urban African American students continues to be a major concern. Academic achievement has been the main avenue to upward social mobility for African Americans. This study assesses the effect of attitudes, behavior, peers, and family on the academic performance of African American students living in urban public housing developments located in a large midwestern city. Results are presented from a sample of 238 African American adolescents aged 13-19 with a mean age of 15.6 years. Results suggested that youth with unfavorable attitudes toward deviance and who spend time involved in family activities are more likely to report above-average grades. As youth involvement in antisocial behavior and exposure to delinquent peers increased, they were less likely to report above-average grades. This investigation highlights the importance of examining family, peer, and individual correlates when assessing factors that influence academic performance among African American students living in public housing or similar urban settings.
Psychosocial factors and type 1 diabetes

Introduction: Psychosocial factors have been associated with outcomes in the general population and type 2 diabetes, yet rarely in those with type 1 diabetes. We previously demonstrated that type A behavior is associated with lower mortality risk, while higher depression symptoms are associated with an increased risk. In addition, stressful life events have been previously demonstrated to lead to increased depression and poor glycemic control in those with type 1 diabetes. Methods: We aimed to further understand the type A behavior and mortality relationship through assessment of potential mediators, moderators, and confounders, and well as by examining the different Bortner Rating Scale scoring methods using Cox proportional hazards modeling. We also investigated which psychosocial factors, including trait-anger, interacted with depressive symptoms to predict mortality, again utilizing Cox proportional hazards modeling. Lastly, we investigated whether increased life events scores were associated with high depression symptoms or a change in glycemic control using logistic and linear regression. Results: We found that type A behavior was no longer significantly predictive of mortality after the additions of age, inflammatory markers/stress reactants, and waist-to-hip ratio, and that the item “fast eater, walker, etc.” was the best type A predictor of mortality, but also lost significance in multivariable modeling. Next, we found that increased depressive symptoms,independent of anxiety and stress, were associated with increased mortality risk only in those with low anger scores. Lastly, we found that increased life events scores were predictive of high depressive symptomatology, but not with change in glycemic control. Discussion: Along with the well established, physiological and diabetes care risk factors, psychosocial factors also play an important role in outcome development. These factors in type 1 diabetes were very understudied, thus this work has a large public health impact. In line with earlier theories of health locus of control, psychosocial factors may impact on mortality risk through a variety of pathways following a diabetes diagnosis. Future research should focus on further exploring these psychosocial factors as individual predictors of mortality, and examining them in a clinical trial setting to potentially improve outcomes.
The Link between Inequality and Population Health in Low and Middle Income Countries: Policy Myth or Social Reality?

An influential policy idea states that reducing inequality is beneficial for improving health in the low and middle income countries (LMICs). Our study provides an empirical test of this idea: we utilized data collected by the Demographic and Health Surveys between 2000 and 2011 in as much as 52 LMICs, and we examined the relationship between household wealth inequality and two health outcomes: anemia status (of the children and their mothers) and the women' experience of child mortality. Based on multi-level analyses, we found that higher levels of household wealth inequality related to worse health, but this effect was strongly reduced when we took into account the level of individuals' wealth. However, even after accounting for the differences between individuals in terms of household wealth and other characteristics, in those LMICs with higher household wealth inequality more women experienced child mortality and more children were tested with anemia. This effect was partially mediated by the country's level and coverage of the health services and infrastructure. Furthermore, we found higher inequality to be related to a larger health gap between the poor and the rich in only one of the three examined samples. We conclude that an effective way to improve the health in the LMICs is to increase the wealth among the poor, which in turn also would lead to lower overall inequality and potential investments in public health infrastructure and services.
Secretion modification region-derived peptide blocks exosome release and mediates cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells

Purpose Discovery and development of a novel anticancer PEG-SMR-Clu peptide to prevent breast cancer metastasis. How breast cancer cells and primary mammary epithelial cells interact and communicate with each other to promote tumorigenesis and how to prevent tumor metastasis has long been a concern of researchers. Cancer cells secrete exosomes containing proteins and RNA. These factors can influence tumor development by directly targeting cancer cells and tumor stroma. In this study, we determined the effects of a peptide as an inhibitor of exosome secretion on breast tumors. We developed a peptide derived from the Secretion Modification Region (SMR) of HIV-1 Nef protein that was modified with PEG on the N-terminus and with a Clusterin (Clu)-binding peptide on the C-terminus. Attachment of PEG to the SMR peptide, termed PEGylation, offers improved water solubility and stability as well as reduced clearance through the kidneys, leading to a longer circulation time. The 12-mer Clu-binding peptide plays multiple roles in tumor development and metastasis. The Clu peptide can be detected by antibody in vivo, thus it has the potential to be used to monitor tumor status and treatment efficacy in animal studies and eventually in cancer patients. Results PEG-SMRwt-Clu and PEG-SMRwt peptides inhibited the growth of both of MCF-7 (estrogen responsive, ER+) and MDA-MD-231 (estrogen non-responsive, ER-) human breast cancer cells in a dose and time-dependent manner, without inducing cytotoxic effects. The SMRwt peptide, combined with paclitaxel, induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells but did not promote apoptosis. PEG-SMRwt-Clu peptide treatment blocked exosome release from both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. This effect was blocked by knockdown of the chaperone protein mortalin by either antibody or siRNA. Materials and methods MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells were treated with PEG-SMR-Clu peptide alone and in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin. Cell proliferation and viabilty were determined via cell cycle analysis using Cellometer imaging cytometry, Annexin V and MTT assays. The effects of the PEG-SMR-Clu peptide on tumor exosome release were determined by testing isolated exosome fractions, for (i) expression of CD63 and Alix proteins by Western blotting, (ii) NanoSight nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA 10) to measure exosomes size and concentration, and (iii) measurement of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) for exosome specific enzyme activity. Conclusions PEG-SMRwt-CLU peptides inhibited the growth of human breast cancer cells and blocked tumor exosome release in vitro. The peptide alone did not cause increased cytotoxicity or apoptosis induction, but did cause cell cycle G2/M phase arrest in both estrogen responsive and non-responsive breast cancer cells. These data suggest a potential therapeutic value of SMR to prevent breast cancer metastasis and as an adjuvant for the chemotherapeutic treatment of human breast cancer.
Renal Protection of Losartan 50 mg in Normotensive Chinese Patients With Nondiabetic Chronic Kidney Disease

Aims Nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the leading major cause of end-stage renal disease in developing countries including China. Among the 5 stages of CKD, it is critical to retard the progression of stage 3 because renal disorder could accelerate aggravation behind that stage. Data suggest that high dosages of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) could retard the progression of renal disease in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients. Nevertheless, in daily practice of nephrology, quite a number of nondiabetic patients with CKD who are normotensive do not tolerate even moderate dosages of ARBs because of adverse effects such as systemic hypotension, epically for Chinese patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of relatively low dosages of ARBs in normotensive Chinese patients with nondiabetic stage 3 CKD. Methods A prospective, randomized, parallel-group, open-label study was performed over a period of 12 months. A total of 238 enrolled patients were randomly allocated to treatment with losartan 50 mg (n = 119) or placebo (n = 119). All patients were followed up at 2-month intervals. At each visit, blood pressure was measured, and urinalysis and serum biochemistry tests were performed. Results Finally, 112 patients given losartan and 114 patients given placebo completed the study. In the losartan group, there was a significant and biphasic time-dependent decline in proteinuria during therapy (1.72 ± 0.47 to 0.99 ± 0.48 g/d; P < 0.001). Conversely, placebo did not simultaneously change the amount of proteinuria (1.73 ± 0.49 to 1.64 ± 0.50 g/d; P = 0.337). Estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable during the entire study period in the patients given losartan (44.8 ± 8.1 to 44.1 ± 7.7 mL/min per 1.73 m2; P = 0.120) but were significantly reduced in the placebo group (44.5 ± 8.5 to 39.1 ± 7.4 mL/min per 1.73 m2, P < 0.001). The changes in blood pressure were kept constant in the 2 groups. All adverse events were minimal and nonfatal. Conclusions For normotensive patients with nondiabetic stage 3 CKD, therapy with a daily dose of losartan, 50 mg, may perform effective renoprotection without changing blood pressure and be generally safe and well tolerated.
Minimally Invasive Techniques for an Intersphincteric Resection and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Rectal Cancer

A proper total mesorectal excision (TME) technique is paramount to the successful treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer irrespective of operative method, including open and minimally-invasive approaches. The use of minimally-invasive surgery is of growing interest for the treatment of rectal cancer. The results of a recent, multicenter, randomized COREAN trial and of the COlorectal cancer Laparoscopic or Open Resection (COLOR II) trial suggested that high-quality laparoscopic TME in rectal cancer could be safely achieved through proper patient selection when performed by a skilled surgeon [1, 2]. Moreover, robot-assisted rectal surgery has recently been introduced as a minimallyinvasive alternative. Several retrospective analyses have suggested that robotic surgery has several technical advantages and may lead to favorable patient outcomes, although it still has a few drawbacks, including a long operation time and high cost [3-5]. The potential benefits of laparoscopic colorectal surgery compared with open surgery include faster recovery, lower morbidity, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay, and these can be achieved without compromising oncologic outcomes [6]. Although a laparoscopic colorectal resection is now an established treatment for colorectal cancer, a belief exists that laparoscopic colorectal surgery is not suitable for tumors that have invaded adjacent organs or structures due to its having high morbidities, conversion rates, and questionable oncologic outcomes. Especially, an open resection for an intersphincteric resection (ISR) and a lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) in rectal cancer remains a very troublesome and demanding procedure; therefore, it would become even more difficult when performed laparoscopically. More recently, with advances in modern laparoscopic technology, a minimally-invasive laparoscopic resection for these circumstances has been reported. I previously suggested that a laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer could be achieved with low rates of conversion and morbidity even in patients with a preoperativelysuspected T4 tumor, which is associated with the acceptable perioperative outcomes and the disease-free survival rates when compared with an open resection [7]. Moreover, I believe that patients with demanding conditions, such as duodenal or pancreatic invasion in right-sided colon cancer, complex pelvic irregularities or
A Randomised Controlled Trial of Therapist-Assisted, Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Women with Maternal Depression

Postpartum depression impacts up to 15% of Canadian women following childbirth. Remarkably, many women suffering from this disorder do not receive appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to conduct a parallel-group randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of Therapist-Assisted Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TA-ICBT) for the treatment of postpartum depression. This study was registered with the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials (ISRCTN: 85456371) and received funding from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (#101526) and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. Fifty women who gave birth to an infant in the past year, who scored above 10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and who resided in Saskatchewan, Canada were eligible to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either TA-ICBT (n = 25) or waitlist control (n = 25). The efficacy of the treatment was investigated at baseline and at seven- to 10-week follow-up. TA-ICBT participants were also contacted four-weeks following treatment completion. Symptoms of postpartum depression decreased more for participants in the TA-ICBT group (average reduction of 6.24 points on the EPDS; n = 21 included in analyses) compared to those participants in the waitlist control group (average reduction of 2.42 points on the EPDS; n = 20 included in analyses), and these results were clinically significant and maintained at four-week follow-up. TA-ICBT participants demonstrated a reduction in postnatal anxiety, general stress, and parental distress, and an increase in psychological and environmental quality of life when compared to the waitlist control participants. Study implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed. Trial Registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN85456371
The overt behaviour scale (OBS): A tool for measuring challenging behaviours following ABI in community settings

Objectives: The Overt Behaviour Scale (OBS) was designed as a comprehensive measure of common challenging behaviours observed after acquired brain injury (ABI) in community settings. The OBS comprises 34 items in nine categories that measure aggression, inappropriate sexual behaviour, perseveration, wandering, inappropriate social behaviour and lack of initiation. The aim of the current study was to determine the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the OBS. Method: Two adult community-based samples of people with ABI were recruited. Sample 1 (n = 30) were concurrently evaluated on the OBS by two raters and again 1 week later to test stability. Other validating scales were also administered. Sample 2 (n = 28) were clients of the ABI Behaviour Consultancy who were treated for challenging behaviours and were administered the OBS before treatment commenced and then again 4 months later. Results: Inter-rater reliability and stability coefficients for the OBS total score was strong (0.97 and 0.77, respectively). Initial evidence of convergent and divergent validity was shown by the differential pattern of correlations with other measures. Moderate-to-strong coefficients (range 0.37–0.66) were observed between the OBS and other measures that had behavioural content (i.e. Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory, Current Behaviour Scale, Neurobehavioural Rating Scale–Revised). Divergent validity was shown by the lack of correlation between the OBS and the sub-scales of these tools that do not measure challenging behaviour. Finally, responsiveness was demonstrated with a significant decrease in OBS scores in the expected direction over the 4-month period. This improvement was confirmed by corroborating evidence from key informants. Conclusion: The OBS shows promise as a reliable, valid and responsive measure that can be used for the systematic assessment of challenging behaviours in community settings.
Inferring Interaction Rules From Observations of Evolutive Systems I: The Variational Approach

In this paper we are concerned with the learnability of nonlocal interaction kernels for first order systems modeling certain social interactions, from observations of realizations of their dynamics. This paper is the first of a series on learnability of nonlocal interaction kernels and presents a variational approach to the problem. In particular, we assume here that the kernel to be learned is bounded and locally Lipschitz continuous and that the initial conditions of the systems are drawn identically and independently at random according to a given initial probability distribution. Then the minimization over a rather arbitrary sequence of (finite dimensional) subspaces of a least square functional measuring the discrepancy from observed trajectories produces uniform approximations to the kernel on compact sets. The convergence result is obtained by combining mean-field limits, transport methods, and a $\Gamma$-convergence argument. A crucial condition for the learnability is a certain coercivity property of the least square functional, majoring an $L_2$-norm discrepancy to the kernel with respect to a probability measure, depending on the given initial probability distribution by suitable push forwards and transport maps. We illustrate the convergence result by means of several numerical experiments.