Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation of activity in temporal cortex during generation of inner speech

Monitoring one's thoughts (in the verbal modality) is thought to be critically dependent on the interaction between areas that generate and perceive inner speech in the frontal and temporal cortex, respectively. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the relationship between activity in these areas while the rate of inner speech generation was varied experimentally. The faster rate was associated with activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus, the right pre‐ and postcentral gyri and both superior temporal gyri. Thus, temporal cortical activation was associated with increasing the rate of covert articulation, in the absence of external auditory input, suggesting that there is effective fronto‐temporal connectivity. Furthermore, this may provide support for the existence of feed forward models, which suggest that activity in regions responsible for verbal perception is modulated by activity in areas that generate inner speech. Hum. Brain Mapping 16:219–227, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infant sleep position. Nursing practice and knowledge.

PURPOSE (1) to examine the extent to which maternal/child health nurses caring for children accept the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on infant sleep position, (2) to determine if nurses are practicing according to the AAP recommendations, and (3) to determine the type of bedding utilized in the two institutions for infants. METHODS Descriptive survey using 103 nurses in 2 institutions, and an observational assessment of nurses' practice. RESULTS Findings revealed that 97% of the nursing staff were aware of the AAP recommendations, although only 67% agreed with the recommendations. The observational component of the investigation evaluated the sleep position during hospitalization of 206 infants < 6 months old on both the pediatric and maternity units of the two institutions. Fifty-five percent of the infants were observed to be in the side-lying position, 29% in the recommended supine (back) position, and 16% in the prone (abdomen) sleeping position. The recommended firm bedding was observed with 63% of the infants, whereas the remainder of the infants were observed to be on foam mattresses, extra blankets, or gel packs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Because side sleeping position was observed in the majority of infants, and one-third of the nurses queried disagreed with the AAP recommendations, education of nurses about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome prevention through "Back to Sleep" is still necessary.
Neuronale Zeroidlipofuszinose bei einem adulten American Staffordshire Terrier Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in an adult American Staffordshire Terrier

Zusammenfassung Der Fall eines weiblichen, 5 Jahre alten American Staffordshire Terriers mit hochgradigen progressiven neurologischen Ausfallserscheinungen, insbesondere in Form von Ataxie und Balanceproblemen, wurde pathomorphologisch aufgearbeitet und genetisch untersucht. In Neuronen unterschiedlicher Lokalisationen des Zentralnervensystems zeigte sich eine Akkumulation von feingranulärem, schwach eosinophilem oder hellbräunlichem Material im Zytoplasma. Zusätzlich bestanden eine hochgradige Degeneration und ein Verlust von Purkinjeund inneren Körnerzellen des Kleinhirns. Das akkumulierte PAS-positive, argyrophile, autofluoreszierende Material wies elektronenmikroskopisch eine lamelläre Struktur auf und wurde als Lipofuszin interpretiert. Eine genetische Analyse bestätigte das Vorliegen einer Variante im ARSG-Gen, das für das lysosomale Enzym Arylsulfatase G kodiert. Der Fallbericht beschreibt eine neuronale Zeroidlipofuszinose bei einem adulten Hund, die Ähnlichkeiten mit der Kufs-Krankheit des Menschen aufweist. Summary A female, 5-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier with severe progressive neurological deficits, particularly in terms of ataxia and keeping balance, was examined pathomorphologically and a genetic analysis was performed. In neurons of various localizations of the central nervous system an accumulation of a finely granular pale eosinophilic or light brown material was found. In addition, the cerebellum revealed marked degeneration and loss of Purkinje and inner granule cells. The accumulated PAS-positive, argyrophilic, autofluorescent material showed ultrastructurally a lamellar appearance suggestive of lipofuscin. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of a sequence variant in the ARSG gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase G. This case report describes an adult-onset of a neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis that shows similarities with a human disorder termed Kufs disease.
Low-positive anti-hepatitis C virus enzyme immunoassay results: an important predictor of low likelihood of hepatitis C infection.

BACKGROUND Tests for hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV enzyme immunoassays) are usually described as positive or negative. Several studies, mainly in blood donors, have found that specimens with low signal/cutoff (S/C) ratios are commonly negative when tested with a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) or for HCV RNA. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 17 418 consecutive anti-HCV results from a screening program for high-risk veterans; 2986 (17.1%) samples were anti-HCV-positive, and 490 (16.4%) had S/C ratios <or=3.7 (low positive). Additional tests were performed in 1814 anti-HCV-positive individuals. RESULTS RIBA was performed in 263 patients with low-positive anti-HCV; results were negative in 86%, indeterminate in 12%, and positive in 2%. Only 16 of 140 individuals (11%) with low-positive anti-HCV values were HCV RNA-positive, whereas HCV RNA was positive in 90% of 1435 individuals with high-positive anti-HCV values (P <0.0001). Compared with those with high-positive anti-HCV, individuals with low-positive anti-HCV values were older (P <0.0001) and were less likely to have risk factors for HCV (P <0.0001 for most), multiple increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity values (30% vs 81%; P <0.0001), or positive anti-hepatitis B core antigen (19% vs 59%; P <0.0002). Among 634 individuals with high anti-HCV titers and multiple increased ALT activity values, 95% were HCV RNA-positive. CONCLUSIONS The S/C ratio is important even in high-risk individuals; laboratories should report the S/C ratio along with anti-HCV EIA results and perform supplemental RIBA testing in those with low-positive values to avoid reporting false-positive results.
Energy Management System for an Energy District With Demand Response Availability

During recent years the electricity supply chain (electricity production, consumption, distribution, storage, and load management) has changed. In this context a new term appears: the prosumer, that is both a consumer and producer of energy in the same entity. In the paper, an energy management approach of several prosumers aggregated in a coalition, the energy district (ED), and coordinated through a central control entity, the coalition coordinator, is proposed. The aim of the coalition coordinator is to maximize the coalition utility also reducing in this way the reverse energy flows at the point of delivery by an appropriate demand response program. The application on an Italian residential housing area is illustrated. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and attractiveness of the proposed energy management scheme.
Components of Attention in Children with Complex Partial Seizures With and Without ADHD

Summary: Purpose: To evaluate attentional difficulties in children with complex partial seizures, we reviewed the records of 12 children with complex partial seizures with attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (CPS/ADHD); 21 children with CPS without ADHD (CPS); 22 children with ADHD; and 15 control children.
Examining the link between word of mouth and brand equity: A study on international fast food restaurants in Malaysia

This paper aims to test the link between word of mouth and brand equity in the restaurant industry. The data were collected from293 customers of the international fast food restaurants in east coast Malaysia using convenience sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using SPSS and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings revealed that word of mouth has a significant relationship with brand image and brand loyalty. Furthermore, word of mouth has a significant relationship with brand preference and brand leadership. Finally, the findings indicated that word of mouth has a significant positive relationship with overall brand equity. This paper provides useful implications for the decision makers in the fast food restaurants by improving their understanding of the role of word of mouth in affecting brand equity.
Current Studies into the Genotoxic Effects of Nanomaterials

Nanotechnology has created opportunities for engineers to manufacture superior and more efficient devices and products. Nanomaterials (NMs) are now widely used in consumer products as well as for research applications. However, while the lists of known toxic effects of nanomaterials and nanoparticles (NPs) continue to grow, there is still a vast gap in our knowledge about the genotoxicity of NMs. In this paper, we highlight some NMs of interest and discuss the current in vivo and in vitro studies into genotoxic effects of NMs.
Leak Detection, Isolation and Estimation in Pressurized Water Pipe Networks using LPV Models and Zonotopes

In this paper, a leak detection, isolation and estimation methodology in pressurized water pipe networks is proposed. The methodology is based on computing residuals which are obtained comparing measured pressures (heads) in selected points of the network with their estimated values by means of a Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) model and zonotopes. The structure of the LPV model is obtained from the non-linear mathematical model of the network. The proposed detection method takes into account modelling uncertainty using zonotopes. The isolation and estimation task employs an algorithm based on the residual fault sensitivity analysis. Finally, a typical water pipe network is employed to validate the proposed methodology. This network is simulated using EPANET software. Parameters of LPV model and their uncertainty bounded by zonotopes are estimated from data coming from this simulator. A leak scenario allows to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A Novel CXCR4 antagonist enhances angiogenesis via modifying the ischaemic tissue environment

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a capital role in angiogenesis via directly participating in neo‐vessel formation and secreting pro‐angiogenic factors. Stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1) and its receptor CXCR4 play a critical role in the retention and quiescence of EPCs within its niche in the bone marrow. Disturbing the interaction between SDF‐1 and CXCR4 is an effective strategy for EPC mobilization. We developed a novel CXCR4 antagonist P2G, a mutant protein of SDF‐1β with high antagonistic activity against CXCR4 and high potency in enhancing ischaemic angiogenesis and blood perfusion. However, its direct effects on ischaemic tissue remain largely unknown. In this study, P2G was found to possess a robust capability to promote EPC infiltration and incorporation in neo‐vessels, enhance the expression and function of pro‐angiogenic factors, such as SDF‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloprotein‐9, and activate cell signals involved in angiogenesis, such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen, protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular regulated protein kinases and mammalian target of rapamycin, in ischaemic tissue. Moreover, P2G can attenuate fibrotic remodelling to facilitate the recovery of ischaemic tissue. The capability of P2G in direct augmenting ischaemic environment for angiogenesis suggests that it is a potential candidate for the therapy of ischaemia diseases.
Clinical potential of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the management of type 2 diabetes

Background The kidney plays an important role in glucose metabolism, and has been considered a target for therapeutic intervention. The sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) mediates most of the glucose reabsorption from the proximal renal tubule. Inhibition of SGLT2 leads to glucosuria and provides a unique mechanism to lower elevated blood glucose levels in diabetes. The purpose of this review is to explore the physiology of SGLT2 and discuss several SGLT2 inhibitors which have clinical data in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods We performed a PubMed search using the terms “SGLT2” and “SGLT2 inhibitor” through April 10, 2012. Published articles, press releases, and abstracts presented at national and international meetings were considered. Results SGLT2 inhibitors correct a novel pathophysiological defect, have an insulin-independent action, are efficacious with glycosylated hemoglobin reduction ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%, promote weight loss, have a low incidence of hypoglycemia, complement the action of other antidiabetic agents, and can be used at any stage of diabetes. They are generally well tolerated. However, due to side effects, such as repeated urinary tract and genital infections, increased hematocrit, and decreased blood pressure, appropriate patient selection for drug initiation and close monitoring after initiation will be important. Results of ongoing clinical studies of the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on diabetic complications and cardiovascular safety are crucial to determine the risk-benefit ratio. A recent decision by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency has recommended approval of dapagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise, in combination with other glucose-lowering medicinal products, including insulin, and as a monotherapy for metformin-intolerant patients. Clinical research also remains to be carried out on the long-term effects of glucosuria and other potential effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, especially in view of the observed increase in the incidence of bladder and breast cancer. SGLT2 inhibitors represent a promising approach for the treatment of diabetes, and could potentially be an addition to existing therapies.
How Viruses Spread Among Computers and People

The spread of diseases in human and other populations can be described in terms of networks, where individuals are represented by nodes and modes of contact by edges. Similar models can be applied to the spread of viruses on the Internet. In their Perspective, Lloyd and May discuss the similarities and differences between the dynamics of computer viruses and infections of human and other populations.
Direct Molecular Diagnosis of Aspergillosis and CYP51A Profiling from Respiratory Samples of French Patients

Background: Microbiological diagnosis of aspergillosis and triazole resistance is limited by poor culture yield. To better estimate this shortcoming, we compared culture and molecular detection of A. fumigatus in respiratory samples from French patients at risk for aspergillosis. Methods: A total of 97 respiratory samples including bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL), bronchial aspirates (BA), tracheal aspirates, sputa, pleural fluids, and lung biopsy were collected from 33 patients having invasive aspergillosis (n = 12), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (n = 3), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (n = 7), or colonization (n = 11) and 28 controls. Each specimen was evaluated by culture, pan-Aspergillus qPCR, and CYP51A PCR and sequencing. Results: One A. flavus and 19 A. fumigatus with one multiazole resistant strain (5.3%) were cultured from 20 samples. Culture positivity was 62.5, 75, 42.9, and 15.8% in ABPA, CPA, IA, and colonized patients, respectively. Aspergillus detection rate was significantly higher by pan-Aspergillus qPCR than by culture in IA (90.5 vs. 42.9%; P < 0.05) and colonization group (73.7 vs. 15.8%; P < 0.05). The CYP51A PCR found one TR34/L98H along with 5 novel cyp51A mutations (4 non-synonymous and 1 promoter mutations), yet no association can be established currently between these novel mutations and azole resistance. The analysis of 11 matched pairs of BA and BAL samples found that 9/11 BA carried greater fungal load than BAL and CYP51A detection was more sensitive in BA than in BAL. Conclusion: Direct molecular detection of Aspergillus spp. and azole resistance markers are useful adjunct tools for comprehensive aspergillosis diagnosis. The observed superior diagnostic value of BAs to BAL fluids warrants more in-depth study.
Psychotic Illness in Multiple Sclerosis

Ten patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and psychosis were assessed using the Present State Examination, and matched retrospectively with respect to age, disability, duration of symptoms, and disease type with 10 MS patients without psychosis. Both groups underwent MRI of the brain. There was a trend for the psychotic group to have a higher total lesion score, particularly around the periventricular areas. This reached statistical significance in the areas around the temporal horn. In all cases, neurological symptoms preceded the onset of psychosis. The psychotic group also had a later age of onset of psychosis than psychotic patients without brain disease. These results point to an aetiological association between the pathological process of MS and psychosis.
Caesarean section in the management of singleton breech delivery in Calabar, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE To establish the role of Caesarean section in reducing perinatal mortality following singleton breech delivery in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. METHOD The case notes of all patients who had singleton breech delivery between 1st January 1991 and 31st December 2000 were studied. RESULTS The incidence of singleton breech delivery was 1.4% and 37.1% of the breech deliveries were by Caesarean section. Feto-pelvic disproportion and footling breech presentation were the most common indications for Caesarean section (50.0%). Most of the breeches delivered by emergency Caesarean section (55.0%) were in unbooked patients while the booked ones were mostly delivered by elective Caesarean section (80.0%). There was a statistically significant decrease in perinatal mortality in primigravid breeches ((p = 0.018) and in fetuses estimated to weigh above 3.5 kilograms (p = 0.0005) following Caesarean section. CONCLUSION This study shows that Caesarean section plays a very important role in the management of breech presentation in our environment. We advocate elective Caesarean section of all primigravid breeches and those whose fetuses are estimated to weigh above 3.5 kilograms.
Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Open Access Routine Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: a Practical Approach

Background: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has excellent capabilities to assess ventricular systolic function. Current clinical scenarios warrant routine evaluation of ventricular diastolic function for complete evaluation, especially in congestive heart failure patients. To our knowledge, no systematic assessment of diastolic function over a range of lusitropy has been performed using CMR.
Large scale structure, the cosmic microwave background, and primordial non-gaussianity

Since cosmic-microwave-background (CMB) and large-scale-structure (LSS) data will shortly improve dramatically with the Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP) and Planck Surveyor, and the Anglo-Australian 2-Degree Field (2dF) and Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), respectively, it is timely to ask which of the CMB or LSS will provide a better probe of primordial non-gaussianity. In this paper we consider this question, using the bispectrum as a discriminating statistic. We consider several non-gaussi an models and find that in each case the CMB will provide a better probe of primordial non-gaussianity. Since the bispectrum is the lowest-order statistic expected to arise in a generic non-g aussian model, our results suggest that if CMB maps appear gaussian, then apparent deviations from gaussian initial conditions in galaxy surveys can be attributed with confidence to the eff ects of biasing. We demonstrate this precisely for the spatial bispectrum induced by local n on-linear biasing.
T lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are resistant to induction of autophagy

Autophagy, the cytoprotection mechanism that takes place under metabolic impairment, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. Here, we investigated the spontaneous and induced autophagic behavior of T lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with that of T lymphocytes from healthy donors by measuring the autophagy marker microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)‐II. No significant differences in spontaneous autophagy were found between T lymphocytes from patients with SLE and from healthy donors, apart from CD4+ naive T cells from patients with SLE in which constitutively higher levels of autophagy (P < 0.001) were detected. At variance, whereas treatment of T lymphocytes from healthy donors with serum IgG from patients with SLE resulted in a 2‐fold increase in LC3‐II levels (P<0.001), T lymphocytes from SLE patients were resistant to autophagic induction and also displayed an up‐regulation of genes negatively regulating autophagy, e.g., α‐synuclein. These findings could open new perspectives in the search for pathogenetic determinants of SLE progression and in the development of therapeutic strategies aimed to recover T‐cell compartment homeostasis by restoring autophagic susceptibility. —Alessandri, C. , Barbati, C. , Vacirca, D. , Piscopo, P., Confaloni, A. , Sanchez, M. , Maselli, A. , Colasanti, T. , Conti, F. , Truglia, S. , Perl, A. , Valesini, G. , Malorni, W. , Ortona, E. , Pierdominici, M. T lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are resistant to induction of autophagy. FASEB J. 26, 4722–4732 (2012). www.fasebj. org
Regular scintigraphic measurements of food transit following different types of reconstruction after total gastrectomy.

HYPOTHESIS Ideal reconstruction after gastrectomy should ensure that the patient has a sufficiently large enteric reservoir to accommodate normal meals. Little is known about the transit of food after different methods of stomach reconstruction. The hypothesis of this trial was that food transit after gastrectomy is delayed by a pouch reconstruction compared with reconstructions without a pouch. DESIGN Prospective. SETTING University hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 27 patients underwent an interposition of a jejunal loop between the esophagus and the duodenum with (n = 19) or without (n = 8) a 7- or 15-cm proximal pouch reconstruction. Standardized scintigraphic measurements were performed to evaluate the food transit at fixed postoperative times. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Scintigraphically measured food transit time. RESULTS The food transit time 1 year postoperatively was significantly prolonged in patients with the 15-cm pouch in comparison with those with the 7-cm pouch and those without a pouch reconstruction (P = .005, P = .012). Patients with a pouch reconstruction tended to have better eating habits. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm the hypothesis and suggest that interposition of a large 15-cm jejunal pouch can lead to a prolonged food transit time with enteric reservoir function resulting in better patient nutritional status.