Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Renforcement des voyelles orales du français en position initiale de constituants prosodiques : interaction avec les contrastes phonologiques.

Le but de cette these est de mieux comprendre le phenomene de renforcement initial pour les voyelles du francais : ses mecanismes de realisations et sa fonction linguistique. Pour cela, cette these compare la realisation acoustique et articulatoire (levres et menton) des voyelles orales du francais /i, e, ɛ, a, y, o, œ, u, o, ɔ/ en position strictement initiale de Groupe Intonatif et en position mediane de Groupe Intonatif. Le corpus a ete enregistre par quatre locutrices avec deux appareils en simultane : une camera pour l’analyse de l’aperture et l’etirement des levres et un appareil de capture mouvements (Qualisys) pour l’analyse articulatoire de la protrusion des levres et de l’abaissement du menton. Une etude acoustique a egalement ete menee (formants, intensite, duree). Cette these montre que, d’une part, le renforcement initial modifie des caracteristiques phonetiques des voyelles qui peuvent contribuer, a renforcer les contrastes syntagmatiques en augmentant la sonorite de la voyelle: augmentation de l’aperture et l’etirement aux levres pour l’ensemble des voyelles et augmentation d’intensite acoustique pour la plupart. D’autre part, le renforcement initial renforce des caracteristiques acoustiques et articulatoires propres a chaque voyelle. Ces variations contribuent a maximiser les contrastes paradigmatiques entre voyelles : soit par une maximisation de chacune des valeurs du contraste ([+F] et [-F]), soit par une maximisation d’une des deux valeurs du contraste ([+F] ou [-F]).
The Effect of Acute Insulin Deficiency in the Rat on Adipose Tissue Lipolytic Activity and Plasma Lipids

Recently lipoprotein lipase activity of rat adipose tissue has been compared with tributyrinase activity* of the same tissue. In contrast to the tributyrinase activity, lipoprotein lipase activity increased markedly when insulin was administered to diabetic rats. This response to insulin administration, and the apparent role of lipoprotein lipase in plasma clearing' prompted the present study. The rapidity with which adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity decreases after cessation of insulin administration to diabetic rats was compared with changes in tributyrinase activity. These enzymatic activities were related to the plasma triglyceride and fatty acid levels at the same time intervals. Blood glucose was determined in addition to the ability of the excised diaphragm to remove glucose from an incubation medium.
Proximal disease extension and related predicting factors in ulcerative proctitis

Abstract Objective. Ulcerative colitis usually involves the rectum, may extend in a proximal and continuous fashion to involve varying portions of the bowel. However, the risk factors predictive of proximal extension have yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the natural course of disease and the risk factors influencing the proximal disease extension in ulcerative proctitis. Material and methods. We retrospectively analyzed 98 patients with ulcerative proctitis at the time of diagnosis who were regularly followed and underwent sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy between January 2000 and December 2007. Results. The mean duration of follow-up was 109.2 ± 49.5 months. A total of 27 (27.6%) patients experienced proximal disease extension. Mayo scores were significantly higher in the extension group compared with patients whose ulcerative proctitis did not extend proximally (p < 0.001). Corticosteroid use at initial diagnosis was also more frequent in the extension group (p = 0.026). In addition, chronic, continuous disease activation within 6 months of the initial diagnosis was significantly higher in the extension group (p < 0.001), as was disease relapse and the number of hospitalizations over the entire follow-up period (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). According to multivariate analysis, disease extension after the initial diagnosis was associated with chronic disease activation, disease relapse and hospitalization (p = 0.030, p = 0.042 and p = 0.044, respectively). Conclusion. Increased severity of disease upon diagnosis of ulcerative proctitis was associated with a higher probability of proximal disease extension during the follow-up period. Moreover, those with disease extension were more likely to experience relapse and to be hospitalized, indicating poor prognosis.
A Histopathological Study of Neoplastic and Non-Neoplastic Breast Lesions at a Rural Tertiary Care Centre in India

Although clinical and radiographic examination for breast lesions have come to play an important role in the assessment of the malignant potential of a lesion involving the breast, histopathology remains the gold standard in this regard, not only for its diagnostic role but also due to its prognostic implications and as guide to further management. The present prospective observational study was conducted at a rural medical college over 2 years from September 2013 to August 2015 in which 274 cases of breast lesions were assessed and correlation was done between clinic-radiological and histological diagnoses. 67.88% of the lesons were benign neoplasms while 28.46% were malignant. Clinico-radiological features were found to have 93.84% sensitivity and 93.58% specificity for identifying benign lesions; the sensitivity for malignancies was 93.58% while the specificity was 93.84%.
Dendritic Alterations of Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons in Postnatally Lead-Exposed Kittens

Many investigations have sought to determine the effect of lead exposure on the development of the cerebellum. This study addresses the effects of postnatal lead exposure in kittens on dendritic development of Purkinje cells. Golgi-Cox filled cells were used to measure dendritic branching patterns, spine density, height, width and distance from the cerebellar surface. The results revealed a significant increase in spine density and altered patterns of dendritic branching. Complex dendritic branching was evident with a progressive shift in peak branching peripherally. Lead-exposed Purkinje cells showed early sprouting with subsequent pruning. At 5 weeks of age dendritic branches on experimental cells were increased along the entire dendritic extent. Control Purkinje cells showed initial sprouting with subsequent pruning. Normal developmental growth spurts and lead-induced effects were evident on dendritic height, width and distance from the surface. Cerebella stained with hematoxylin and eosin and cresyl violet acetate showed no evidence of vascular damage or other pathologies. These findings corroborate the evidence of hyperspiny dendritic formation representing an important mechanism of neuronal plasticity. In regard to morphological effects of lead on rodents, the hyperspiny Purkinje cell dendrites and patterns of dendritic growth in lead-treated kittens offer an alternative interpretation of neurobehavioral findings of lead-burdened children. The results are discussed with reference to other aspects of lead exposure and neural development.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Hemolysis, and Nitroprusside-Induced Cyanide Production

BACKGROUND: Cyanide toxicity is a complication of sodium nitroprusside administration. Cardiac surgery may increase the risk of cyanide toxicity, because hemolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may catalyze the release of free cyanide from sodium nitroprusside. METHODS: We obtained serial blood specimens from 25 cardiac surgical patients during CPB. Plasma specimens were analyzed for free hemoglobin concentration and ability to generate free cyanide anion upon exposure to sodium nitroprusside. RESULTS: Hemolysis based on plasma-free hemoglobin concentration increased over time during CPB at an average rate of 0.27 mg·dL−1·min−1 (P < 0.001). The concentration of free cyanide generated by the addition of sodium nitroprusside to the plasma samples was directly related to the plasma-free hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CPB-associated hemolysis and free hemoglobin release accelerated the immediate release of free cyanide from sodium nitroprusside. These in vitro findings suggest that cardiac surgical patients may be at increased risk of cyanide toxicity in response to the perioperative administration of sodium nitroprusside.
Predictive value of vascular disease biomarkers for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis vascular biomarkers as risk factors and their predictive value for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients. METHODS Endothelin-1 (ET-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endostatin and endoglin were measured in an observational prospective cohort of 77 SSc patients. The primary outcome was the occurrence of one or more new ischaemic digital ulcers during a planned 3-year follow-up. RESULTS After the 3-year follow-up, 40 patients developed new digital ulcers. Logistic regression confirmed VEGF (HR 1.128, 95% CI 1.010-1.260, p=0.033) and ADMA (HR 0.995, 95% CI 0.991-0.998, p=0.006) as independent predictors of new digital ulcers. Patients with serum levels of ET-1>11.9 pmol/ml (p<0.001) and VEGF<422.47 pg/ml (p=0.028) had significantly more DU in the 3-year follow-up. Although not significant, a trend towards increased serum levels of endoglin>4.215 ng/ml (p=0.053) was associated to a new DU episode. No predictive serum value was found for ADMA (p=0.075) and endostatin (p=0.130). CONCLUSIONS Endothelial dysfunction and angiogenic vascular biomarkers have an important role in the underlying and in the progression of microvascular disease in systemic sclerosis. Increased serum levels of ET-1, ADMA and VEGF are strong predictors of severe microangiopathy complications, namely ischaemic digital ulcers.
Terminal care at home for children with cancer.

BrMedJ 1989;298:937-40 The paediatric oncology unit at this hospital provides an oncology service to the south west of England. Patients from the region come to Bristol for diagnosis and evaluation and to begin treatment. When it is appropriate care is shared between the referring unit and the unit in Bristol. When a diagnosis is made an information pack is sent to the child's general practitioner giving the diagnosis, describing the unit, and giving details of treatment and probable side effects, thus ensuring a firm link between the specialist unit and the primary care team.1 The ensuing period of intense treatment, however, requires close supervision by the hospital, which creates strong links between the families and the specialist unit. We try to keep the general practitioner informed of any important events that occur during treatment. A family support nurse gets to know the family while the child is being treated and as needed visits the child's home to give psychological support, provide family education, and carry out blood tests and physical assessment. In the event that treatment fails the doctors and the
Genotype F prevails in HBV infected patients of Hispanic origin in Central America and may carry the precore stop mutant

The distribution of HBV genotypes and the presence of the precore stop mutation were investigated in HBV strains from Central America. 333 HBsAg positive sera from chronic HBsAg carriers and acute hepatitis B cases from five different countries (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala) were tested for HBV DNA by nested PCR. Genotyping by limited sequencing within the S gene was performed on 90 strains, 66 from sera with a high level of HBV DNA, and another 24 from sera positive for HBV DNA only after nested PCR. 23 of the samples were anti‐HBe positive. Genotype F was found in 71 (79%), A in 13 (14%), D in 5 (6%) and C in one of the 90 sera. 18 patients with genotype F infection had anti‐HBe and HBV DNA in serum. Since the three published precore sequences of genotype F strains have a C1858, which is known to prevent the precore stop mutation from G to A at position 1896, the precore and part of the core genes were sequenced from 19 anti‐HBe positive sera with HBV DNA, 17 with genotype F and 2 with genotype A. The A1896 mutation was found in 11 of the 17 genotype F strains. All these had a T1858, which was also present in 5 of the 6 genotype F strains with G1896. The precore region was therefore sequenced from genotype F strains from 5 HBeAg positive sera from the five different Central American countries. These also had a T1858, which thus is the wild type substitution in genotype F in Central America. A number of mutations were recorded between residues 57 and 68 in the core protein corresponding to a unique clustering region of the genotype F strains. The predominance of genotype F in Central American populations of Hispanic origin was not anticipated since this genotype is regarded as indigenous to the Amerindian populations of the New World. J. Med. Virol. 51:305–312, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RELATIVE EFFICACY OF VERMICOMPOST AND FARMYARD MANURE INTEGRATED WITH INORGANIC FERTILIZERS FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTIVITY OF FORAGE SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH)

A field experiment was carried out on sandy loam soils at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India during the summer/rainy season from 1998-99 to 2000-01. The experiment consisted of ten fertility treatments having control, 50, 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers, vermicompost and farmyard manure alone and in combination with chemical fertilizers. The three-year study revealed that the application of 10 t/ha vermicompost or farmyard manure each along with 75% recommended doses of fertilizers gave significantly higher green fodder and dry matter yield than all other treatments except 100% recommended dose of fertilizers. Likewise, the fodder yield obtained from the use of 10 t/ha vermicompost + 50% recommended dose of fertilizers was found to be statistically at par with that obtained from the application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizers alone, indicating that 25% chemical fertilizers could be substituted. The application of 10 t/ha vermicompost along with 75% recommended dose of fer.
Refractive results of post penetrating keratoplasty photorefractive keratectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and predictability of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for severe myopia and astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS PRK was performed on 42 eyes, and 33 eyes were followed up for at least 6 months. RESULTS Mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -8.29 +/- 4.01 diopters (D), which decreased to -2.96 +/- 3.26 D in manifest refraction at 6 months. Keratometric power reduced from 48.06 +/- 3.32 D preoperatively to 43.97 +/- 3.40 D. Refractive and keratometric astigmatism attained the reduction of 31.0% and 13.56% in average respectively. Twenty three eyes had improved uncorrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION PRK was effective in reducing post-keratoplasty myopia and astigmatism, but the predictability was not as good as in the non-grafted eye.
Current pharmacological treatment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

ABSTRACT The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are uncommon and heterogeneous disorders. Their classification is based on distinct clinicopathologic features. Although idiopathic inflammatory myopathies share some similarities, different subtypes may have variable responses to therapy, so it is very important to distinguish the correct subtype. There are few randomised, double blind placebo controlled studies to support the current treatment. High dose corticosteroids continue to be the first-line therapy and other immunosupressive drugs are used in refractory cases, as well as steroid-sparing agents. Some novel therapeutic approaches have emerged as potential treatment including tacrolimus, intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab, following good outcomes reported in case studies. However, more randomised controlled trials are needed. This review considers the current and the potential future therapies for inflammatory myopathies.
Delayed leukocytosis and cytokine response to high-force eccentric exercise.

PURPOSE Delayed leukocytosis after strenuous exercise is well documented, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between exercise-induced muscle damage and delayed leukocytosis, by utilizing an extreme eccentric exercise protocol. METHODS We obtained blood samples from 11 healthy men before and after 300 maximal eccentric actions with m. quadriceps. Maximal force-generating capacity was tested before and regularly during the 7 d after exercise. Blood was analyzed for leukocytes, growth hormone (GH), cortisol, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1beta), creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), complement activation products (C3bc and the terminal complement complex (TCC)), and chemotactic activity in plasma. RESULTS The force-generating capacity was reduced by 47 +/- 5% (mean +/- SEM) immediately after exercise. Blood concentration of neutrophils and monocytes and the plasma concentration of G-CSF, IL-6, and MCP-1 peaked 6 h after exercise, whereas M-CSF peaked immediately after exercise. Serum concentration of GH and cortisol also peaked immediately after exercise, whereas the serum concentration of CRP and CK peaked after 2 and 4 d, respectively. At 1 h after exercise, chemotactic activity in plasma was increased; at the same time, concentration of C3bc and TCC were decreased. A positive correlation was found between the acute loss of force and the delayed leukocytosis (r = 0.66; P < 0.05), between peak G-CSF and the delayed neutrophilia (r = 0.65, P < 0.05), between acute loss of force and changes in CK (r = 0.65, P < 0.05), between acute loss of force and changes in CRP (r = 0.65, P < 0.05), and between changes in GH and monocyte blood concentrations (r = 0.68, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The degree of exercise-induced muscle damage seems to be reflected by the magnitude of the subsequent delayed leukocytosis. The signal between the exercised muscle and bone marrow must be investigated further, but G-CSF and GH are putative mobilizing factors.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Enhances Alternative Splicing of the Krüppel-like Factor 6 (KLF6) Tumor Suppressor to Promote Growth through SRSF1

Alternative splicing of the Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) tumor suppressor into an antagonistic splice variant 1 (SV1) is a pathogenic event in several cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because elevated SV1 is associated with increased tumor metastasis and mortality. Ras activation is one factor that can enhance KLF6 splicing in cancer cells, however pathways driving KLF6 splicing are unknown. Splice site selection is regulated by splice factors that include serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins such as SRSF1 (ASF-SF2), which in turn is controlled by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Because signaling pathways downstream of the liver mitogen hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) include Akt, we explored whether HGF induces KLF6 alternative splicing. In HepG2 cells, HGF (25 ng/mL) significantly increases the ratio of SV1/KLF6 full by 40% through phosphorylation of Akt and subsequent downregulation of two splicing regulators, SRSF3 (SRp20) and SRSF1. Decreased SRSF3 levels regulate SRSF1 levels by alternative splicing associated with the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway (AS-NMD), which stimulates cell growth by decreasing p21 levels. Enhanced cell replication through increased KLF6 alternative splicing is a novel growth-promoting pathway of HGF that could contribute to the molecule's mitogenic activity in physiologic liver growth and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cancer Res; 10(9); 1216–27. ©2012 AACR.
Altering the Expression of the Chlorophyllase GeneATHCOR1 in Transgenic Arabidopsis Caused Changes in the Chlorophyll-to-Chlorophyllide Ratio1

The Arabidopsis gene ATHCOR1, which encodes the CORI1 (coronatine-induced) protein, was expressed in bacterial cells. Soluble recombinant CORI1 was purified and shown to possess chlorophyllase (Chlase) activity in vitro. To determine its activity in vivo, wild-type Arabidopsis and coi1 mutant, which lacksATHCOR1 transcripts, were transformed with sense and antisense forms of the gene. Wild-type and coi1 plants overexpressing ATHCOR1 showed increased contents of chlorophyllide (Chlide) without a substantial change in the total amount of the extractable chlorophyll (Chl). These plants presented high Chlide to Chl ratios in leaves, whereas antisense plants and nontransformed coi1 mutant showed undetectableATHCOR1 mRNA and significantly lower Chlide to Chl ratios, relative to wild-type control. Overexpression ofATHCOR1 caused an increased breakdown of Chla, as revealed by the Chlide a tob ratio, which was significantly higher in sense than wild-type, coi1 mutant, and antisense plants. This preferential activity of CORI1 toward Chl a was further supported by in vitro analyses using the purified protein. Increased Chlase activity was detected in developing flowers, which correlated to the constitutive expression of ATHCOR1 in this organ. Flowers of the antisense plant showed reduced Chlide to Chl ratio, suggesting a role of CORI1 in Chl breakdown during flower senescence. The results show that ATHCOR1 has Chlase activity in vivo, however, because coi1 flowers have no detectableATHCOR1 mRNA and present Chlide to Chl ratios comparable with the wild type, an additional Chlase is likely to be active in Arabidopsis. In accordance, transcripts of a second Arabidopsis Chlase gene, AtCLH2, were detected in both normal and mutant flowers.
Clinical, genetic and microbiological findings in a Brazilian family with aggressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND/AIM Aggressive periodontitis comprises a group of rapidly progressive forms of periodontitis. Besides bacteria, a high level of subject susceptibility must be involved in the expression of disease. In the present study, we report the clinical, microbiological and genetic profile of a 14-individual family with aggressive periodontitis. METHOD PCR was utilized to detect pathogenic bacteria of affected sites. DNA was obtained from epithelial cells through a mouthwash with 3% glucose and scrapping of the oral mucosa. RFLP-PCR was used to analyze cytokine genetic polymorphisms. RESULTS Localized aggressive periodontitis was diagnosed for an 18-year-old systemically healthy non-smoking proband, with siblings displaying aggressive periodontitis. Bacteroides forsythus and Treponema denticola were the most frequent pathogens. The proband presented Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and detectable levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus and Treponema denticola. Allele 2 of IL-1alpha (-889) polymorphism was found in all individuals as well as allele 1 of the IL-1beta (+3953) gene. Alleles 1 and 2 (50 % each) of IL-1beta (-511), allele 1 of TNF-alpha (-308) and allele 2 (in homo or heterozygosity) of IL-RN (intron 2) gene were present. CONCLUSION The results show that the present microbiological and genetic parameters were not relevant for the prediction of periodontitis susceptibility in this family.