Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Academic Outcomes in Bilingual Children With Developmental Language Disorder: A Longitudinal Study

Previous studies have shown that most English-speaking children with language difficulties show academic difficulties during their schooling. The present study aimed to describe the academic achievement of children speaking Spanish and Catalan with developmental language disorder (DLD) during their primary education and to predict their academic outcomes using several processing skills assessed at the beginning of their schooling. To this end, we followed 28 children during their schooling (6–12 years of age). Participants were divided into two groups, one with DLD (n = 14) and a control group (n = 14) paired by age, gender, socio-economic status (SES), family language (L1), and classroom. All participants were assessed through different processing skills with the Spanish version of the NEPSY at the beginning of their schooling (age 6): attention (visual attention, auditory attention, and response set), phonological awareness, verbal short-term memory (sentence repetition, and narrative memory), access to language (semantic verbal fluency and rapid naming), and language comprehension (comprehension of verbal commands). At the end of primary education, schools reported the official academic marks at the 1st cycle (6–8 years), 2nd cycle (8–10 years) and 3rd cycle (10–12 years). Direct scores of the processing skills and academic results were used for statistical analyses. Results showed that children with DLD had more frequent grade retention, and their academic marks were significantly lower than those of their peers in all the cycles and for all academic subjects with a high language dependency (all except physical education and mathematics). Those subjects with lower language dependence did not show significant differences (physical education and mathematics). Rapid naming accounted for most of the variance of academic outcomes, followed by phonological awareness, and language comprehension when both groups were taken together. Only rapid naming accounted for academic results in the DLD group and phonological awareness did so for the control group. In sum, children with DLD experienced more academic difficulties during their primary education. Those children (with and without DLD) who experienced difficulties not only with rapid naming but also with phonological awareness and oral language comprehension at the beginning of their schooling showed a higher probability of academic failure.
Phosphorylation of Plant Microtubule-Associated Proteins During Cell Division

Progression of mitosis and cytokinesis depends on the reorganization of cytoskeleton, with microtubules driving the segregation of chromosomes and their partitioning to two daughter cells. In dividing plant cells, microtubules undergo global reorganization throughout mitosis and cytokinesis, and with the aid of various microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), they form unique systems such as the preprophase band (PPB), the acentrosomal mitotic spindle, and the phragmoplast. Such proteins include nucleators of de novo microtubule formation, plus end binding proteins involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics, crosslinking proteins underlying microtubule bundle formation and members of the kinesin superfamily with microtubule-dependent motor activities. The coordinated function of such proteins not only drives the continuous remodeling of microtubules during mitosis and cytokinesis but also assists the positioning of the PPB, the mitotic spindle, and the phragmoplast, affecting tissue patterning by controlling cell division plane (CDP) orientation. The affinity and the function of such proteins is variably regulated by reversible phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues within the microtubule binding domain through a number of protein kinases and phosphatases which are differentially involved throughout cell division. The purpose of the present review is to provide an overview of the function of protein kinases and protein phosphatases involved in cell division regulation and to identify cytoskeletal substrates relevant to the progression of mitosis and cytokinesis and the regulation of CDP orientation.
Combining modifiable risk factors and risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To systematically review the literature relating to the impact of multiple co-occurring modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature relating to the impact of co-occurring key risk factors for incident cognitive decline and dementia. All abstracts and full text were screened independently by two reviewers and each article assessed for bias using a standard checklist. A fixed effects meta-analysis was undertaken. Data sources Databases Medline, Embase and PsycINFO were searched from 1999 to 2017. Eligibility criteria For inclusion articles were required to report longitudinal data from participants free of cognitive decline at baseline, with formal assessment of cognitive function or dementia during follow-up, and an aim to examine the impact of additive or clustered comorbid risk factor burden in with two or more core modifiable risk factors. Results Seventy-nine full-text articles were examined. Twenty-two articles (18 studies) were included reporting data on >40 000 participants. Included studies consistently reported an increased risk associated with greater numbers of intraindividual risk factors or unhealthy behaviours and the opposite for healthy or protective behaviours. A meta-analysis of studies with dementia outcomes resulted in a pooled relative risk for dementia of 1.20 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.39) for one risk factor, 1.65 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.94) for two and 2.21 (95% CI 1.78 to 2.73) for three or more, relative to no risk factors. Limitations include dependence on published results and variations in study outcome, cognitive assessment, length of follow-up and definition of risk factor exposure. Conclusions The strength of the reported associations, the consistency across studies and the suggestion of a dose response supports a need to keep modifiable risk factor exposure to a minimum and to avoid exposure to additional modifiable risks. Further research is needed to establish whether particular combinations of risk factors confer greater risk than others. PROSPERO registration number 42016052914.
Five-year standardised mortality ratios in a cohort of homeless people in Dublin

Objective To calculate standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) for a cohort of homeless people in the Dublin region over a 5-year period and to examine leading causes of death. Setting Homeless services reporting deaths from homeless persons in their care across the Dublin Homeless Region. Methods Death data among people who experience homelessness was acquired from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (2011–2015) and validated from both death certificates and records from the Dublin Coroner’s Office. Participants Two hundred and nine deaths were recorded; of these 201 were verified (n=156 males, 77.6%). Deaths that could not be verified by certificate or coroners record were excluded from the study. Results SMRs were 3–10 times higher in homeless men and 6–10 times higher in homeless women compared with the general population. Drug and alcohol-related deaths were the leading cause of death, accounting for 38.4% of deaths in homeless individuals. These were followed by circulatory (20%) and respiratory causes (13%). Conclusion Mortality rates among homeless persons are exceptionally high. Services and programmes, particularly housing and those targeting overdose and alcoholism, are urgently needed to prevent premature mortality in this vulnerable population.
Tetraspanin CD9 and ectonucleotidase CD73 identify an osteochondroprogenitor population with elevated osteogenic properties

Cell-based bone regeneration strategies offer promise for traumatic bone injuries, congenital defects, non-union fractures and other skeletal pathologies. Postnatal bone remodeling and fracture healing provide evidence that an osteochondroprogenitor cell is present in adult life that can differentiate to remodel or repair the fractured bone. However, cell-based skeletal repair in the clinic is still in its infancy, mostly due to poor characterization of progenitor cells and lack of knowledge about their in vivo behavior. Here, we took a combined approach of high-throughput screening, flow-based cell sorting and in vivo transplantation to isolate markers that identify osteochondroprogenitor cells. We show that the presence of tetraspanin CD9 enriches for osteochondroprogenitors within CD105+ mesenchymal cells and that these cells readily form bone upon transplantation. In addition, we have used Thy1.2 and the ectonucleotidase CD73 to identify subsets within the CD9+ population that lead to endochondral or intramembranous-like bone formation. Utilization of this unique cell surface phenotype to enrich for osteochondroprogenitor cells will allow for further characterization of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their osteogenic properties. Summary: High-throughput screening identifies a subpopulation of mouse mesenchymal progenitors with enhanced osteogenic capacity in both in vivo and in vitro assays.
Behçet's Disease as a Model of Venous Thrombosis.

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology characterized by recurrent oral, genital aphthous ulcerations, uveitis, skin lesions and other multisystem affections associated with vasculitis. Different types of vessels, predominantly veins, can be affected in BD. The frequency of vascular lesions in BD, such as superficial and deep venous thromboses, arterial aneurysms and occlusions, ranges between 7-29%. In this review, various factors of thrombogenesis in BD, particularly pro- and antithrombotic endothelial and non-endothelial factors, factors of coagulation, platelet activation and rheological changes are presented and discussed from positions of Virchow’s triad of venous thrombosis. Despite advances in understanding of thrombogenesis in BD, still many issues of diagnosis and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures remain unresolved. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathobiology of BD-related thrombosis and to provide the clinicians with recommendations over the utility, safety and effectiveness of the antithrombotic therapy in BD.
Comparing Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Low Back Pain Participating in an Outpatient Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Program

Objectives: To compare baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with fibromyalgia [FMS] and chronic low back pain [CLBP] participating in a cognitive-behavioral treatment program. Methods: Pretreatment and posttreatment data obtained by questionnaire from 53 participants with fibromyalgia syndrome and 57 patients with CLBP who completed a 10-session cognitive-behavioral treatment program and at one year were examined. Demographics, pain, distress, self-efficacy, disability, and symptoms of depression were measured. Results: At baseline patients with FMS and CLBP differed in a number of characteristics. Fibromyalgia syndrome patients were more likely to be female [P <. 001], have higher education [P <. 018], and were more self-efficacious in their ability to manage their pain [P <. 027]. The CLBP patients reported higher levels of pain sensation [P <. 049] and distress [P <. 014], were more often prescribed opiates [P <. 012], and more likely to be in litigation and receiving compensation [P <. 005]. Postprogram each group reported a significant improvement in self-efficacy, pain, distress, disability, and symptoms of depression [P <. 05]. There were no between group differences. Furthermore, these gains were sustained at one-year follow-up [P <. 001] with no significant difference in gains made by the CLBP or FMS patients. Conclusions: Despite considerable between group differences at baseline, patients with FMS and CLBP experienced similar improvements in self-efficacy, pain, distress, disability, and symptoms of depression immediately upon completion and up to a year following a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatment program.
Interaction, usability and aesthetics: what influences users' preferences?

In this paper we describe an evaluation of two websites with the same content but different interface styles (traditional menu-based and interactive metaphors). A formative usability evaluation was carried out with heuristic assessment of aesthetics, and questionnaire assessment of aesthetics, content, information quality, usability and post-test memory. The study revealed that perception of information quality is affected by the interaction style implemented in the interface, in a manner resembling the halo effect in person perception. Implications for website design and evaluation are discussed.
A survey of perceived social support among pregnant women in the intermountain region

Social support influences health and well-being. Research findings show that social support positively influences pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe and explore perceived social support of pregnant women and determine if social support is associated with degrees of rurality, i.e., urban, rural and remote rural. The sample was comprised of 60 pregnant women in their second and third trimester who resided in the Intermountain region. Perceived social support self-report surveys (PRQ85Part 2) were distributed and completed by women at two urban clinics and one hospital located in Montana. Perceived social support scores were calculated for each participant, with a possible range from 25-175; higher scores indicated greater perceived social support. The mean perceived social support score for the sample was 152.9. Scores were highest among those who were married, Caucasian, had a higher level of education, had a higher annual income, and who indicated their primary source of support as spouse. Scores were also highest for those in their third trimester with complications of the current pregnancy. Scores were lowest for those who indicated living in a remote rural setting and highest for those from a rural setting. When stratified by degrees of rurality, findings reflected those of the entire sample except the remote rural group, which had lower scores with a higher annual income and were in their third trimester. Possible explanations for these findings are supported by Cohen’s stress buffering model of social support and rural nursing theory. These results may help nurses and other healthcare providers offer a more holistic approach to meeting unique health care needs of pregnant women in rural communities. Of significance here is recognizing social support as important to health care during pregnancy, a specific period of time when health promotion and prevention are of critical importance.
Initiative to Build a Community-Based Mental Health System Including Assertive Community Treatment for People With Severe Mental Illness in Japan

In Japan, although the locus of care is still predominantly in psychiatric hospitals, a growing number of mental health service providers have become engaged in promoting community integration of people with severe mental illness. This paper describes an ongoing initiative to build a mental health and social services system, which is viewed as a model for other Japanese communities in creating support for people with severe mental illness. This initiative consists of two projects: development and evaluation of an assertive community treatment (ACT) team located in a suburb of Tokyo and a broader community support project in this same community. A pilot evaluation of consumer outcomes for the ACT team demonstrated that ACT is feasible and effective in the Japanese social and cultural context. The community support project was successful in start-up demonstration programs of case management, residential, and supported employment services. Challenges to the expansion of ACT and other community-based services in Japan are discussed.
A Comparison of Alternative Risk-Assessment Strategies for Predicting Significant Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in Term and Near-Term Infants

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to compare the predictive accuracy of alternative risk-assessment strategies used to screen for the risk of significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 823 term and near-term newborns admitted to the well-infant nursery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Maternal, infant, and delivery risk factors for significant hyperbilirubinemia were obtained from chart review, structured interviews with parents, and nurse assessments before discharge. Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement was performed daily until discharge and once by a visiting home nurse between 3 and 8 days of life. We used the c statistic to compare the predictive accuracy of 3 risk-assessment strategies for estimating the risk of significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, defined as a bilirubin level that at any time after birth exceeded or was within 1 mg/dL (17 μmol/L) of the hour-specific phototherapy treatment threshold recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2004. The compared strategies included those that use (1) a predischarge bilirubin level (obtained before 52 hours) expressed as a risk zone on an hour-specific bilirubin nomogram, (2) clinical risk factors other than the predischarge bilirubin level, and (3) a combination of the predischarge bilirubin risk zone and additional clinical risk factors. RESULTS. Forty-eight patients (6%) developed significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The predischarge (<52 hours) bilirubin level expressed as a risk zone on the bilirubin nomogram and a prediction model that combined multiple other clinical risk factors had similar accuracy for predicting significant hyperbilirubinemia. The only clinical risk factor that could be added to the predischarge risk zone to improve overall predictive accuracy was gestational age. The predischarge bilirubin risk zone and gestational age could be used to stratify patients into a large group (n = 523 [70%]) of infants with a very low (0.2%) risk of developing significant hyperbilirubinemia, a small group of infants (n = 127 [17%]) with a low (4%) risk of developing significant hyperbilirubinemia, and an even smaller group of infants (n = 100 [13%]) with a high (42%) risk of developing significant hyperbilirubinemia. CONCLUSIONS. An infant's risk of developing significant hyperbilirubinemia can be simply and accurately assessed by using just the infant's predischarge bilirubin level and gestational age.
Determination of prostatic volume and characteristics by transrectal ultrasound among patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in Zaria, Nigeria

Background: To determine the average volume and ultrasonographic characteristics of the prostate with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) among adult male patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This is because the size and characteristics of the prostate may suggest the specific pathology and guide the urologist on subsequent investigations and the choice of the most appropriate treatment. Patients and Methods: All male patients, 30 years or older, presenting with LUTS in the absence of non-prostatic causes of LUTS between 2006 and 2010 were included in the study. Patients with clinical suspicion or confirmed cause of LUTS other than the prostate were excluded from the study. They were all evaluated by TRUS and the findings recorded. Results: A total number of 602 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was 62.5 years with a standard deviation (SD) of 13.70. The average prostate volume for all patients was 56.2 (12.5-325) and SD 42.70, while the average prostate volume among patients with suspected benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (317) was 68.7 g and SD 47.52. Diagnosis based on ultrasound features was BPH (52.7%, 317) in majority of the patients, 27.6% (166) suggested carcinoma of the prostate (CaP). The TRUS characteristics of patients with suspected BPH was predominantly mixed echo (51.7%), CaP commonly appeared hypoechoic (70.5%), while prostatitis appeared hyperechoic in most patients (69.4%). Conclusion: The mean prostate size of 68.7 g among patients with BPH is consistent with most studies among Nigerians, but greater than the mean volume among Caucasians. Thus, open prostatectomy remains relevant in our environment and accurate prostate volume estimation by TRUS is required for proper patient′s selection for endoscopic treatment. The predominant ultrasonic features of BPH and CaP are mixed echo and hypoechoic appearance, respectively.
Fathers’ Experiences in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Search for Control

OBJECTIVE. This qualitative study aimed at understanding the experiences of fathers of very ill neonates in the NICU. METHODS. Sixteen fathers of very ill and/or very preterm infants who had been in the NICU for >30 days were interviewed by a male physician. Fathers were asked about their level of comfort with or concerns about staff communication regarding their infant, about accessing information, and about more general perceptions of their experience in the neonatal intensive care unit. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed for analysis. Coding used content analysis with construction of themes by 3 researchers. RESULTS. The overarching theme for fathers was a sense of lack of control. Their world view, as a “backdrop” theme, provided context for all of the themes. Four other interrelated subthemes were identified, including information; communication, particularly with the health care team; fathers’ various roles; and external activities. Fathers reported that relationships with friends/family/health care team, receiving information consistently, and receiving short written materials on common conditions were ways of giving them support. The fathers said that speaking to a male physician was a positive and useful experience. CONCLUSIONS. Fathers experience a sense of lack of control when they have an extremely ill infant in the NICU. Specific activities help fathers regain a sense of control and help them fulfill their various roles of protectors, fathers, partners, and breadwinners. Understanding these experiences helps the health care team offer targeted supports for fathers in the NICU.
Chronic use of phenytoin reversibly suppresses fertility in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Department of Anatomy Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.