Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional basic reading skills in Williams syndrome

ABSTRACT This study investigated whether individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) can attain a functional level of basic reading skills. The Study also investigated broader cognitive factors associated with reading ability in individuals with WS. Thirty individuals with WS participated in this study (mean chronological age 21 years and mean mental age 7 years 7 months). The results supported our hypotheses that: firstly, reading abilities would be heterogeneous in WS; secondly, at least some WS individuals are capable of achieving a functional basic reading level; and thirdly, on average, WS individuals would find reading of nonwords more difficult than reading of regular and irregular words. Moreover, higher reading ability was found to be associated with increased outcomes in adaptive functioning, in particular, Written and Expressive Communication skills and Community Living skills, highlighting the potential benefits of developing reading abilities in WS. Although Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was related to overall basic reading ability generally, it was not found to be a determining factor in reading subtypes. Several cognitive skills known to be related to reading ability in typically developing individuals were found to be associated with reading performance and reading subtypes. Implications for appropriate reading instruction are discussed.
Stand Structure, Allometric Equations, Biomass and Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Acacia mangium Wild. (Mimosaceae) in Côte d’Ivoire

In addition to bioenergy production, Acacia magium, a fast growing species, plays a major role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration from the atmosphere. The objective of this study was to improve estimates of aboveground biomass of 3, 7 and 11 years old stands of Acacia mangium set up through natural regeneration at Anguededou in Côte d’Ivoire. Tree measurements were done in circular plots of 615 m2 located at the center of each stand. 24 trees of circumference at breast height (cbh) between 31 and 116 cm were felled, weighed and measured. Multiple linear regressions were used to develop allometric equations linking aboveground biomass of trees to cbh and/or height. The carbon stock and sequestration capacity of each stand was assessed using these predictive models. The average cbh was 39.4 cm, 73.5 cm and 91.4 cm respectively for 3, 7 and 11 years old stands with a density ranging between 845 trees·ha-1 and 553 trees·ha-1. The allometric equations for biomass estimation were Btotal aboveground = exp(-3.455 + 2.081 × ln(C)), Btrunk = exp (-5.153 + 1.681 × ln(C) + 1.056 × ln(H)), Bbranches = exp(-2.005 + 0.498 × ln(C2 × H)), Bleaves = exp(-2.415 + 1.339 × ln(C)). Total height had no influence on total and leaf biomass but increased precision of trunk and branch biomass. The carbon sequestration capacity of aboveground biomass was highest in Acacia mangium stand of 7 years old with 45.14 teqCO2·ha-1·year-1 and lowest in the 3-year stand with 33.90 teqCO2·ha-1·year-1.
Multiscale methods for shape constraints in deconvolution: Confidence statements for qualitative features.

We derive multiscale statistics for deconvolution in order to detect qualitative features of the unknown density. An important example covered within this framework is to test for local monotonicity on all scales simultaneously. We investigate the moderately ill-posed setting, where the Fourier transform of the error density in the deconvolution model is of polynomial decay. For multiscale testing, we consider a calibration, motivated by the modulus of continuity of Brownian motion. We investigate the performance of our results from both the theoretical and simulation based point of view. A major consequence of our work is that the detection of qualitative features of a density in a deconvolution problem is a doable task, although the minimax rates for pointwise estimation are very slow.
Electrostatic field-assisted alignment of electrospun nanofibres

This paper describes an electrostatic field-assisted assembly technique combined with an electrospinning process used to position and align individual nanofibres (NFs) on a tapered and grounded wheel-like bobbin. The bobbin is able to wind a continuously as-spun nanofibre at its tip-like edge. The alignment approach has resulted in polyethylene oxide-based NFs with diameters ranging from 100-300 nm and lengths of up to hundreds of microns. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of this new approach for assembling NFs in parallel arrays while being able to control the average separation between the fibres.
Membrane peroxidation by lipopolysaccharide and iron-ascorbate adversely affects Caco-2 cell function: beneficial role of butyric acid.

BACKGROUND Membrane lipid peroxidation may play a role in immune-mediated bowel diseases. OBJECTIVE We examined the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a ubiquitous endotoxin mediator of gram-negative bacteria, alone and in combination with iron-ascorbate, on enterocyte function. Furthermore, we assessed the antioxidant capacity of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butyric acid, which are known to play a significant role in the welfare of intestinal mucosa. DESIGN Differentiated intestinal Caco-2 cells were used to study the induction of membrane peroxidation by LPS (100 micro g/mL) and iron-ascorbate (0.2 and 2 mmol/L, respectively) and to examine the beneficial effects of BHT and butyric acid. RESULTS A significant dose-dependent increase in malondialdehyde, accompanied by lower apical membrane fluidity and significantly decreased sucrase activity, was observed when Caco-2 cells were incubated with LPS. LPS also augmented paracellular permeability ([(14)C]polyethylene glycol flux), prostaglandin E(2) production, and cyclooxygenase-2 (EC 1.14.99.1) expression. These abnormalities were exacerbated by the coadministration of iron-ascorbate, but most of them were suppressed by butyric acid and BHT. CONCLUSION Bacterial endotoxin and prooxidants may overwhelm antioxidant defenses and become deleterious to enterocyte function, whereas butyric acid and BHT may provide antioxidant protection.
PDGF and VEGF Levels in Platelet-Rich Plasma

PDGF and VEGF are two of the most potent mitogen for connective tissue, its secretion appears to be particularly important when the source is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), hence the latter leading role in tissue regeneration. ELISA PDGFBB levels in PRP, Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP) and exudates, were determined in 32 healthy subjects before and 24 hours after ingestion of Aspirin (ASA) and Clopidogrel (CLO). Results: PDGFBB baseline levels were 10.6 ± 1.9 ng / ml (PPP), 12.12 ± 2.5 ng / ml (PRP) and 10.84 ± 1.68 ng / ml (exudate) While after treatment with PDGFBB ASA concentrations were at 8.96 ± 1.4 ng / ml (PPP), 11.36 ± 1.48 ng / ml (PRP), 11.11 ± 1.14 ng / ml (exudate) and the Clopidogrel were 8.53 ± 0.59 ng / ml (PPP), 9.65 ± 1.17 ng / ml (PRP) and 8.51 ± 0.75 ng / ml (exudate) . VEGF basal values were 973.9 ± 590.3 pg / ml (PPP), 1184.2 ± 288.4 pg / ml (PRP), 1069.3 ± 192.3 pg / ml (exudate). After treatment with ASA VEGF values were at 1439.5 ± 117.4 pg / ml (PPP), 1802.3 ± 123.9 pg / ml (PRP), 1745.6 ± 171.6 pg / ml (exudate) and the Clopidogrel were 577.8 ± 150.6 pg / ml (PPP), 668.7 ± 100.6 pg / ml (PRP), 624.9 ± 106.7 pg / ml (exudate). Conclusions: It was noted that after administration of antiplatelet drugs PDGFBB and VEGF values decreased statistically significantly, especially for the group of Clopidogrel. The ASA lesser extent appear to affect the concentrations of both factors, which may be attributable to the pharmacological action mechanism between the ASA and Clopidogrel.
Association of mutations with morphological dysplasia in de novo acute myeloid leukemia without 2016 WHO Classification-defined cytogenetic abnormalities

Despite improvements in our understanding of the molecular basis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the association between genetic mutations with morphological dysplasia remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated and scored dysplasia in bone marrow (BM) specimens from 168 patients with de novo AML; none of these patients had cytogenetic abnormalities according to the 2016 World Health Organization Classification. We then performed targeted sequencing of diagnostic BM aspirates for recurrent mutations associated with myeloid malignancies. We found that cohesin pathway mutations [q (FDR-adjusted P)=0.046] were associated with a higher degree of megakaryocytic dysplasia and STAG2 mutations were marginally associated with greater myeloid lineage dysplasia (q=0.052). Frequent megakaryocytes with separated nuclear lobes were more commonly seen among cases with cohesin pathway mutations (q=0.010) and specifically in those with STAG2 mutations (q=0.010), as well as NPM1 mutations (q=0.022 when considering the presence of any vs. no megakaryocytes with separated nuclear lobes). RAS pathway mutations (q=0.006) and FLT3-ITD (q=0.006) were significantly more frequent in cases without evaluable erythroid cells. In univariate analysis of the 153 patients treated with induction chemotherapy, NPM1 mutations were associated with longer event-free survival (EFS) (P=0.042), while RUNX1 (P=0.042), NF1 (P=0.040), frequent micromegakaryocytes (P=0.018) and presence of a subclone (P=0.002) were associated with shorter EFS. In multivariable modeling, NPM1 was associated with longer EFS, while presence of a subclone and frequent micromegakaryocytes remained significantly associated with shorter EFS.
Fetal programming of body composition: relation between birth weight and body composition measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and anthropometric methods in older Englishmen.

BACKGROUND Reduced fetal growth is associated with differences in body composition in adult life that may predispose to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Most published data are based on simple anthropometric measures, which incompletely describe body composition. OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess body composition and fat distribution by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). DESIGN This was a case-control study of 64-72-y-old white men (n = 32) with a low (mean: 2.76 kg) or high (mean: 4.23 kg) birth weight. RESULTS Compared with the high-birth-weight group, after adjustment for weight and height, the low-birth-weight group had a higher percentage body fat (29.31% compared with 25.33%; P = 0.029) and fat mass (P = 0.039) but a lower fat-free soft tissue (56.32 compared with 59.22 kg; P = 0.024), muscle mass (27.25 compared with 29.22 kg; P = 0.022), and muscle-to-fat ratio. Low birth weight was also associated with a higher trunk-to-limb fat ratio after control for total fat mass (1.42 compared with 1.16; P = 0.005) or percentage body fat (P = 0.041). The same body mass index predicted a greater percentage body fat (P = 0.019) in the low- than in the high-birth-weight group, and the same ratio of trunk-to-limb skinfold thickness (or waist-to-hip ratio) predicted a higher trunk-to-limb fat ratio (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Lifelong differences in adult body composition and fat distribution between the low- and high-birth-weight groups are consistent with programming in early life. The use of BMI to predict percentage body fat and the use of the trunk-to-limb skinfold thickness ratio (and waist-to-hip ratio) to predict the trunk-to-limb fat ratio measured by DXA can be misleading when low- and high-birth-weight groups are compared.
Soy protein isolate increases urinary estrogens and the ratio of 2:16α‐hydroxyestrone in men at high risk of prostate cancer

In epidemiological studies, significantly lower excretion of urinary estradiol (E2) and lower ratio of urinary 2‐hydroxyestrone to 16α‐hydroxyestrone (2:16 OH‐E1) has been reported in prostate cancer cases compared to controls. Although soy supplementation has been shown to increase the ratio 2:16 OH‐E1 in women, no studies have investigated the effects of soy supplementation on estrogen metabolism in men. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effects of soy protein isolate consumption on estrogen metabolism in men at high risk of prostate cancer. Fifty‐seven men supplemented their habitual diets with 40 g protein in soy protein isolate (SPI+) (containing 107 mg isoflavones/d), alcohol‐extracted soy protein isolate (SPI‐) (containing < 6 mg isoflavones/d), or milk protein isolate (MPI). The urinary estrogen metabolite profile was measured by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Both soy groups had higher E2 excretion than MPI at 3 and 6 months. After 6 months of supplementation, the SPI+ group had a significantly higher urinary 2:16 OH‐E1 ratio than the MPI group. These results were not influenced by equol‐excretor status, although at baseline, equol‐excretors had higher 2:16 OH‐E1 concentrations than non‐excretors. Increased urinary E2 excretion and 2:16 OH‐E1 ratio in men consuming soy protein isolate are consistent with studies in women and suggest that soy consumption may be beneficial in men at high risk of progressing to advanced prostate cancer.
A decrease in physical activity affects appetite, energy, and nutrient balance in lean men feeding ad libitum.

BACKGROUND It is not clear how decreased activity quantitatively affects energy balance (EB) in subjects feeding ad libitum. OBJECTIVE We assessed the effect of an imposed sedentary routine on appetite, energy intake (EI), EB, and nutrient balance in lean men for 7 d. DESIGN Six men with a mean (+/-SD) age of 23.0 +/- 2.3 y, weight of 69.2 +/- 11.4 kg, and height of 1.76 +/- 0.07 m were each studied twice during a sedentary [1.4 x resting metabolic rate (RMR)] and a moderately active (1.8 x RMR) regimen. During each treatment, they resided in the whole-body indirect calorimeter for the 7 d and had ad libitum access to a medium-fat diet of constant, measurable composition. Meal size, frequency, and composition were continually monitored. Motivation to eat was recorded during waking hours. Subjects were weighed in light clothing each morning, and their weight was corrected to nude. RESULTS Energy expenditure was 9.7 and 12.8 MJ/d [P < 0.01; SE of the difference between means (SED) = 0.41] during the sedentary and active regimens, respectively. EI was 13.5 and 14.4 MJ/d (P = 0.463, SED = 1.06), respectively. There was no regimen effect on hunger, appetite, or body weight. By day 7, cumulative EB was 26.3 and 11.1 MJ, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Reducing a level of physical activity from 1.8 to 1.4 x RMR can markedly affect EB. A sedentary routine does not induce a compensatory reduction of EI and leads to a significantly positive EB, most of which is stored as fat.
Does self-perceived sleep reflect sleep estimated via activity monitors in professional rugby league athletes?

ABSTRACT This study examined agreement between self-perceived sleep and sleep estimated via activity monitors in professional rugby league athletes. 63 athletes, from three separate teams wore actigraphy monitors for 10.3 ± 3.9 days. During the monitoring period, ratings of perceived sleep quality (on a 1–5 and 1–10 Likert scale), and an estimate of sleep duration were recorded daily. Agreement between sleep estimated via activity monitors and self-perceived sleep was examined using mean bias, Pearson correlation (r) and typical error of the estimate (TEE). 641 nights of sleep were recorded, with a very large, positive correlation observed between sleep duration estimated via activity monitors and subjective sleep duration (r = 0.85), and a TEE of 48 minutes. Mean bias revealed subjective sleep duration overestimated sleep by an average of 19.8 minutes. The relationship between sleep efficiency estimated via activity monitors and self-perceived sleep quality on a 1–5 (r = 0.22) and 1–10 Likert scale (r = 0.28) was limited. The outcomes of this investigation support the use of subjective measures to monitor sleep duration in rugby league athletes when objective means are unavailable. However, practitioners should be aware of the tendency of athletes to overestimate sleep duration.
Adaptive wavelet estimation of the diffusion coefficient under additive error measurements

We study nonparametric estimation of the diffusion coefficient from discrete data, when the observations are blurred by additional noise. Such issues have been developed over the last 10 years in several application fields and in particular in high frequency financial data modelling, however mainly from a parametric and semiparametric point of view. This paper addresses the nonparametric estimation of the path of the (possibly stochastic) diffusion coefficient in a relatively general setting. By developing pre-averaging techniques combined with wavelet thresholding, we construct adaptive estimators that achieve a nearly optimal rate within a large scale of smoothness constraints of Besov type. Since the diffusion coefficient is usually genuinely random, we propose a new criterion to assess the quality of estimation; we retrieve the usual minimax theory when this approach is restricted to a deterministic diffusion coefficient. In particular, we take advantage of recent results of Reiß (Ann. Statist. 39 (2011) 772–802) of asymptotic equivalence between a Gaussian diffusion with additive noise and Gaussian white noise model, in order to prove a sharp lower bound. Résumé. On étudie l’estimation non-paramétrique du coefficient de diffusion à partir d’observations discrètes, lorsque les observations sont bruitées par un bruit additionnel. De tels problèmes se sont développés au cours des dix dernières années dans plusieurs champs d’application, en particuler pour la modélisation des données haute fréquence en finance, cependant plutôt d’un point de vue paramétrique ou semi-paramétrique. Ce travail concerne l’estimation de la trajectoire (éventuellement stochastique) du coefficient de diffusion dans un cadre relativement général. En développant des techniques de pré-moyennage combinées avec du seuillage des coefficients d’ondelettes, nous contruisons des estimateurs adaptatifs qui atteignent une vitesse quasi-optimale parmi une vaste échelle de contraintes de régularité de type Besov. Puisque le coefficient de diffusion est souvent intrinsèquement aléatoire, nous proposons un nouveau critère pour qualifier la qualité d’estimation ; nous retrouvons la théorie minimax usuelle lorsque cette approche est restreinte à un coefficient de diffusion déterministe. En particulier, on exploite les résultats récents de Reiß (Ann. Statist. 39 (2011) 772–802) de l’équivalence asymptotique entre une diffusion gaussienne avec un bruit additif et le bruit blanc gaussien. MSC: 62G99; 62M99; 60G99
The pregnancy-related decrease in fasting plasma homocysteine is not explained by folic acid supplementation, hemodilution, or a decrease in albumin in a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND Fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) decreases during pregnancy. Previous reports suggested that this is due to folic acid supplementation, hemodilution, or a decrease in albumin. However, these hypotheses have not been tested in a longitudinal study. OBJECTIVE We investigated the relation between pregnancy-related physiologic changes and tHcy in a group of healthy women who were either unsupplemented or supplemented with folic acid. DESIGN In a longitudinal study from preconception throughout pregnancy, we studied 54 unsupplemented women and 39 women who were supplemented with folic acid during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. tHcy, hematocrit, and serum albumin were determined preconceptionally and at 8, 20, and 32 wk of pregnancy. RESULTS For the entire group, geometric mean tHcy concentrations at preconception (8.2 micro mol/L) were significantly greater (P < 0.001) than those at 8 wk of pregnancy (6.4 micro mol/L). When the unsupplemented and supplemented groups were regarded separately, geometric mean tHcy concentrations at preconception were significantly greater than those at 20 (5.22 and 4.18 micro mol/L, respectively) and 32 (5.16 and 4.42 micro mol/L, respectively) wk of pregnancy (P < 0.001 for both). Mean reductions from preconception concentrations at 8, 20, and 32 wk of pregnancy were significantly greater (P < 0.001) for tHcy (-11.5%, -25.5%, and -24.5%, respectively) than for hematocrit (-1.9%, -4.2%, and -4.3%, respectively) or serum albumin (-1.1%, -9.8%, and -13.4%, respectively). There was no correlation between changes in either hematocrit or serum albumin and changes in tHcy. CONCLUSIONS This study refutes the previous explanations for the reduction in plasma tHcy known to occur in pregnancy, namely, folic acid supplementation, hemodilution, and a decrease in serum albumin. We suggest that the changes may be endocrine-based.
Alcohol consumption, interleukin-6 and apolipoprotein E genotypes, and concentrations of interleukin-6 and serum amyloid P in older adults.

BACKGROUND Whether alcohol intake is associated with concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serum amyloid P (SAP) is uncertain. OBJECTIVE We determined how alcohol intake and apolipoprotein E (apo E) and IL-6 promoter (IL-6 -174G-->C) polymorphisms interact for concentrations of IL-6 and SAP. DESIGN In the Cardiovascular Health Study, 2454 older adults reported their intake of beer, wine, and liquor and underwent measurements of circulating IL-6 and SAP. RESULTS Alcohol intake was not associated with IL-6 concentrations among apo E4-negative or IL-6C-positive participants but was positively associated among both apo E4-positive and IL-6C-negative participants (P for trend = 0.02 for both). The corresponding interactions on SAP were not significant for alcohol overall but were similar for liquor intake. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults free of clinical cardiovascular disease, specific IL-6 promoter and apo E alleles appeared to confer positive associations of alcohol consumption with IL-6 concentrations. Genetic heterogeneity should be considered in understanding the cardiovascular effects of alcohol intake.
A Review of Management of Inflammation in the HIV Population

Advancements in antiretroviral therapy have drastically increased the life expectancy for those infected with HIV. Today, a new subgroup of older patients with long-term controlled HIV exists, and its populace is continuously mounting. Therefore, it is essential to understand the enduring effects of chronic suppressed HIV infection in order to further improve HIV management in these patients. This paper will examine the role of HIV in chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, the dynamic interaction that exists between comorbidity and HIV, and the potential consequences of long-term antiretroviral therapy in an effort to provide the best management options for the virally suppressed HIV patient.