Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal weighting of interaural time differences in low frequency noise presented at low signal-to-noise ratio

Discrimination of interaural time difference (ITD) improves with increasing duration of a target stimulus, but more slowly than expected if ITD sensitivity was temporally uniform over the sound duration. Houtgast and Plomp [JASA 44, 807–812 (1968)] thus argued for nonuniformal temporal weighting of ITD, in which sound onsets dominate listeners' ITD judgments. That theory is well supported by recent work. Additional data reported by Houtgast and Plomp suggest more uniform weighting in the presence of masking noise at 5 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The current study measured ITD thresholds for 500 Hz octave-band noise targets with ITD fixed over duration (condition “RR”) or changing linearly from zero to peak value (condition “0R”) or vice versa ( “R0”). Targets were presented in the presence or absence of a continuous 500Hz octave-band masker (5dB SNR). Comparison data were obtained using 500 Hz pure-tone targets across identical ITD and masker configurations (Diedesch and Stecker, 2014, Assoc. Res. Oto.
Treatment of calcaneal fractures with closed reduction and the Endobutton-assisted technique: short-term analysis.

BACKGROUND Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, open reduction and internal fixation, and primary arthrodesis are procedures used in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures. This study presents short-term clinical and radiologic results of patients with calcaneal fractures treated by closed indirect reduction with Endobutton-assisted minimally invasive osteosynthesis. METHODS Twenty-one feet of 18 patients (four women and 14 men) with calcaneal fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Böhler and Gissane angles were measured from the preoperative, postoperative, and latest follow-up lateral radiographs of the feet. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were used for the 6-month and latest follow-up clinical assessments. RESULTS The mean preoperative Böhler angle of 17.1° was corrected to a mean of 20.4° postoperatively. The mean value of this angle measured at the time of latest follow-up was 21.3°. The mean preoperative and postoperative Gissane angles were 116° and 117.8°, respectively. The mean value of this angle measured at the time of latest follow-up was 117.4°. The mean 6-month postoperative AOFAS score was 59.8 points. The mean AOFAS score at the time of latest follow-up (79.1 points) was significantly higher than the mean score 6 months postoperatively (P < .001). Regarding the latest follow-up AOFAS scores, four were poor, four were moderate, ten were good, and three were excellent. CONCLUSIONS With a low learning curve and satisfactory clinical outcomes, this technique can be used in acute, edematous cases with soft-tissue injuries to avoid calcaneal enlargement, infection, and soft-tissue problems.
AVIAN INFLUENZA INFECTIONS IN NONMIGRANT LAND BIRDS IN ANDEAN PERU

As part of ongoing surveillance for avian influenza viruses (AIV) in Peruvian birds, in June 2008, we sampled 600 land birds of 177 species, using real-time reverse-transcription PCR. We addressed the assumption that AIV prevalence is low or nil among land birds, a hypothesis that was not supported by the results—rather, we found AIV infections at relatively high prevalences in birds of the orders Apodiformes (hummingbirds) and Passeriformes (songbirds). Surveillance programs for monitoring spread and identification of AIV should thus not focus solely on water birds.
MOLECULAR ASSESSMENT OF HEPATOZOON (APICOMPLEXA: ADELEORINA) INFECTIONS IN WILD CANIDS AND RODENTS FROM NORTH AFRICA, WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS ACROSS TAXONOMIC GROUPS

Abstract Parasites play a major role in ecosystems, and understanding of host–parasite interactions is important for predicting parasite transmission dynamics and epidemiology. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the distribution, diversity, and impact of parasites in wildlife, especially from remote areas. Hepatozoon is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that is transmitted by ingestion of infected arthropod vectors. However, alternative modes of transmission have been identified such as trophic transmission. Using the 18S rRNA gene as a marker, we provide an assessment of Hepatozoon prevalence in six wild canid and two rodent species collected between 2003 and 2012 from remote areas in North Africa. By combining this with other predator–prey systems in a phylogenetic framework, we investigate Hepatozoon transmission dynamics in distinct host taxa. Prevalence was high overall among host species (African jerboa Jaculus jaculus [17/47, 36%], greater Egyptian jerboa Jaculus orientalis [5/7, 71%], side-striped jackal Canis adustus [1/2, 50%], golden jackal Canis aureus [6/32, 18%], pale fox Vulpes pallida [14/28, 50%], Rüppell's fox Vulpes rueppellii [6/11, 55%], red fox Vulpes vulpes [8/16, 50%], and fennec fox Vulpes zerda [7/11, 42%]). Phylogenetic analysis showed further evidence of occasional transmission of Hepatozoon lineages from prey to canid predators, which seems to occur less frequently than in other predator–prey systems such as between snakes and lizards. Due to the complex nature of the Hepatozoon lifecycle (heteroxenous and vector-borne), future studies on these wild host species need to clarify the dynamics of alternative modes of Hepatozoon transmission and identify reservoir and definitive hosts in natural populations. We also detected putative Babesia spp. (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) infections in two canid species from this region, V. pallida (1/28) and V. zerda (1/11).
Identification of a Novel Herpesvirus Associated with a Penile Proliferative Lesion in a Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas)

Abstract The carcass of an adult male beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) was found beach cast in 2008 on the shore of the St. Lawrence Estuary at Rivière-Ouelle, Quebec, Canada. The carcass was transported to the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire of the Université de Montréal for postmortem examination. Aspiration pneumonia was the probable cause of death. Necropsy revealed a focal papilloma-like penile lesion, characterized by focal mucosal thickening with disorganization of the epithelial layers and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. A pan-herpesvirus nested PCR assay on frozen tissue from the penile lesion was positive. The PCR product sequencing revealed a partial herpesvirus DNA polymerase (DPOL) gene sequence of 600 nucleotides. Its nearest nucleotide identity was with the partial DPOL gene of an alphaherpesvirus, bovine herpesvirus 5 (79.5% identity). It also shared high identity with several other marine mammal herpesviruses (50.2 to 77.3% identity). This new herpesvirus was tentatively named beluga whale herpesvirus (BWHV). Virus isolation was unsuccessful. The pathogenic potential of BWHV is unknown, but the evaluation of archived tissues suggests that the virus is endemic in the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population.
New Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is entering a new era. In the last 5 years, several new exciting drugs have entered the realm in hopes for a success in curing the disease. The drugs fall into different classes such as BTK inhibitors, BCL-2 inhibitors, CD 20 Antibody, PI3 Kinase inhibitors, and Syk inhibitors. Numerous studies have shown that these agents have clinical activity both as initial therapy and as treatment of recurrent disease. Novel strategies combining or sequencing new agents with established chemotherapy and chemoimmunotherapies combinations are likely to change the treatment of CLL in the near future.
Comparison of Two Bacterial Transport Media for Culture of Tonsilar Swabs from Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) and Mountain Goats (Oreamnos americanus)

Abstract Duplicate tonsilar swabs were collected from 77 bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and 19 mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in Utah. Swabs were refrigerated in bacterial transport medium or frozen in cryopreservation medium prior to bacteriologic culture. The cryopreservation medium yielded comparable or superior bacterial growth while permitting more flexibility in specimen shipment to the laboratory.
GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF CANINE PARVOVIRUS IN SYMPATRIC FREE-RANGING WILD CARNIVORES IN PORTUGAL

Abstract Since its emergence in the 1970s, canine parvovirus (CPV) has been reported in domestic and nondomestic carnivores worldwide with severe implications on their health and survival. Here, we aim to better understand CPV circulation in multihost-pathogens systems by characterizing CPV DNA or viruses in 227 free-ranging wild carnivores of 12 species from Portugal. Collected samples during 1995–2011 were analyzed by PCR and sequence analysis. The canine parvovirus DNA was detected in 4 (2%) animals of two species, namely in wolves (Canis lupus; 3/63, 5%, 95% confidence interval=1.6–3.15) and in a stone marten (Martes foina; 1/36, 3%, 95% confidence interval=0.5–14.2). Viruses in two wolves had VP2 residue 426 as aspartic acid (so-called CPV-2b) and the third had VP2 residue 426 as asparagine (CPV-2a), while the virus in the stone marten uniquely had VP2 residue 426 as glutamic acid (CPV-2c). The comparative analysis of the full-length VP2 gene of our isolates showed other nonsynonymous mutations. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the sequences from wolves clustered together, showing a close relationship with European domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and wolf strains while the viral sequence from the stone marten grouped with other viruses contained the glutamic acid VP2 426 along with raccoon (Procyon lotor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and domestic dog strains. This study confirmed that wild carnivores in Portugal are infected by CPV variants, strongly suggesting viral transmission between the wild and domestic populations and suggesting a need for a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease and its management in wild populations.
Response to the Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine in Iranian Infants

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate infants' immune response to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on 215 infants 7-12 months of age in the Golestan province in northeastern Iran in 2006. These children had already received the complete three-dose vaccination against hepatitis B. The serumal levels of hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Of all 215 participants, 55.3% were males. All of them were 7-12 months old. Eighty-six percent of the studied cases responded positively to the vaccination. The response rate for males was lower than the rate for females (P = 0.34). Conclusions: We found that non-response to HBV vaccination is an important issue in our area. Further studies are needed to assess the influence of major factors such as the vaccination procedure, the type and site of inoculation, and vaccine preservation and transportation.
Limited Joint Mobility in 77 Children with Type I Diabetes Mellitus and Correlation to Other Diabetic Complications

We investigated limited joint mobility in 77 patients with type I diabetes mellitus. The patients were also assesed for neuropathy, retinopathy and pulmonary complications. The prevalence of limited joint mobility was 47%. Skin changes were present in 87% of patients with diabetes of more than 5 years' duration. No relationship was found between limited joint mobility and metabolic control, but there was a very strong correlation between limited joint mobility and other diabetic complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. We did not find any differences in the pulmonary function tests of patients with and without limited joint mobility. We concluded that limited joint mobility was a simple and reliable indicator of chronic microangiopathic diabetic complications.
Profile of aortopulmonary window in India—a study of twenty cases

Summary Twenty cases of aortopulmonary window are reported with special reference to some unusual modes of presentation and hemodynamics. Patients over 15 years of age accounted for 35% of the group. This delayed presentation may relate to referral patterns and socioeconomic conditions prevalent in India. Curiously, this elderly subset had two modes of presentation—either as large left-to-right shunts with low pulmonary vascular resistance (71.4%), or as Eisenmenger's syndrome (28.6%). The reasons for the low pulmonary vascular resistance in the majority of these older patients remain unclear. The echocardiographic features of these defects can be missed in presence of significant associated cardiac lesions. A careful search should, therefore, be made for an additional aortopulmonary window in all cases with evidence of intercirculatory shunting.
Cervical Lymph Node Dissection in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Pattern and Predictive Factors of Regional Lymph Node Metastas

Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) exhibits a high index of cervical lymphatic dissemination. Methods: Retrospective study of 101 cases of PTC subjected to total thyroidectomy associated with cervical lymph node dissection. Results: The incidence of neck metastasis was 50.5%, and all the metastases wereipsilateral to the primary tumor. Although the participants with metastases (N+) hadmore dissected lymph nodes than the group without metastases (p = 0.01), the lymphnode size was not a determinant of malignancy (p=0.34). Uni and multivariate analyses showed tumor size ≥ 1.0 cm, angiolymphatic invasion, and multicentric diseases were associated with lymphatic dissemination (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Factors predictive of cervical lymph node metastasis were tumor size ≥ 1.0cm, multicentric disease and angiolymphatic invasion. All the metastases wereipsilateral to the primary tumor. Lymph node size was not a reliable predictor of thepresence or absence of metastasis.
Growth hormone treatment in young children with Down’s syndrome: effects on growth and psychomotor development

BACKGROUND Learning disability and short stature are cardinal signs of Down’s syndrome. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), regulated by growth hormone (GH) from about 6 months of age, may be involved in brain development. AIMS To study long term effects of GH on linear growth and psychomotor development in young children with Down’s syndrome. Study design—Fifteen children with Down’s syndrome were treated with GH for three years from the age of 6 to 9 months (mean, 7.4). Linear growth, psychomotor development, skeletal maturation, serum concentrations of IGF-I and its binding proteins (BPs), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of IGF-II were studied. RESULTS The mean height of the study group increased from −1.8 to −0.8 SDS (Swedish standard) during treatment, whereas that of a Down’s syndrome control group fell from −1.7 to −2.2 SDS. Growth velocity declined after treatment stopped. Head growth did not accelerate during treatment. No significant difference in mental or gross motor development was found. The low concentrations of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 became normal during GH treatment. CONCLUSIONS GH treatment results in normal growth velocity in Down’s syndrome but does not affect head circumference or mental or gross motor development. Growth velocity declines after treatment stops.
A placebo‐controlled trial of recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic (rhCNTF) factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Preclinical investigations indicated that recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rhCNTF) may have potential as therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of rhCNTF in a prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in 570 patients with US. Patients were randomized to receive 0.5, 2, or 5 μg/kg/day rhCNTF, or placebo, for 6 months. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline to the last on‐ treatment value of a combination megascore for limb strength (maximum voluntary isometric contraction) and pulmonary function. Secondary end points included individual arm and leg megascores, pulmonary function tests, an activities‐of‐daily‐living outcome measure, and survival. The four treatment groups were similar at baseline with respect to age, sex, disease duration, and muscle strength values. At all doses tested, rhCNTF had no beneficial effect on the primary or secondary end points. Certain adverse events, as follows, appeared to be dose related: injection site reactions, cough, asthenia, nausea, anorexia, weight loss, and increased salivation. There was an increased number of deaths at the highest dose level. rhCNTF had no benefical effect on any measure of ALS progression. There were increased adverse events in the 5 μg/kg group and increased deaths.
Development and process evaluation of an educational intervention to support primary care of problem alcohol among drug users

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and process evaluation of an educational intervention, designed to help general practitioners (GPs) identify and manage problem alcohol use among problem drug users. Design/methodology/approach – The educational session was developed as part of a complex intervention which was informed by the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions. A Cochrane review and a modified Delphi-facilitated consensus process formed the theoretical phase of the development. The modelling phase involved qualitative interviews with professionals and patients. The training's learning outcomes included alcohol screening and delivery of brief psychosocial interventions and this was facilitated by demonstration of clinical guidelines, presentation, video, group discussion and/or role play. Findings – Participants (n=17) from three general practices and local medical school participated in four workshops. They perceived the training as most helpful i.
Engaging minorities in researching sensitive health topics by using a participatory approach.

AIM To report the use of a community participatory approach (PA) in a project investigating tuberculosis (TB) in UK Somali migrants. BACKGROUND It is crucial to address health inequalities and persistent health problems, particularly in groups who are often excluded or seem hard to reach. TB is an illness stigmatised in the Somali population, making it a difficult topic for research. In this study, a community PA was used to investigate TB and members of the Somali community were recruited as co-researchers. DATA SOURCES Four community researchers (CRs), eight focus groups (n=48), interviews with members of the community (n=24), people with TB and ex-TB patients (n=14), and healthcare practitioners (n=18). REVIEW METHODS This is an informative paper. Discussion The paper describes the approach used in the recruitment of community researchers and how engaging early with community leaders using oral communication made it possible to research TB in the Somali community. CONCLUSION The PA led to capacity building, trust and a longer sustainable partnership with members of the Somali community. The success of the approach in the study suggests that there are valuable lessons for those researching similar topics with minority groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE/RESEARCH Involving people in health research topics with a stigma is possible. This paper highlights how this could be achieved using a community PA and the recruitment of community members as co-researchers. However, the PA is time-consuming and will depend on the skills of academic researchers in knowing and engaging with the community.
A critical review of the Delphi technique.

The Delphi technique takes its name from the Greek god Apollo Pythias who, as master of Delphi, was renowned for his ability to predict the future. It has been defined by Reid ( 1 ) as: 'A method for the systematic collection and aggregation of informed judgements from a group of experts on specific questions or issues. ' It is essentially a series of questionnaires; the first questionnaire sets out to gain a response to a broad subject and the subsequent questionnaires are built upon the responses of the preceding questionnaire ( 2 ). Three to five questionnaires may be required before consensus is reached.
Prevalência e fatores associados ao sedentarismo em adolescentes de área urbana

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalencia e fatores associados ao sedentarismo em adolescentes residentes em uma area urbana. METODOS: Realizou-se estudo transversal em uma amostra representativa de 960 adolescentes com idades entre 15 e 18 anos, em 2002, em Pelotas, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionario anonimo e auto-aplicado. Foi definindo como sedentario o adolescente que participava de atividades fisicas por um tempo menor do que 20 minutos diarios e uma frequencia menor do que tres vezes por semana. Variaveis sociodemograficas e comportamentais foram avaliadas. Para as comparacoes entre proporcoes, utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado, e para a analise multivariada, a regressao de Poisson com ajuste robusto para as variâncias. Foi feito controle para efeito de delineamento. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 960 adolescentes, dos quais 39% foram considerados sedentarios. As meninas foram mais sedentarias do que os meninos, 2,45 (IC 95% 2,06-2,92). Os adolescentes das classes sociais mais baixas foram mais sedentarios, 1,35 (IC 95% 1,06-1,72). Escolaridade inferior a quatro anos de estudo do adolescente 1,30 (IC 95% 1,01-1,68) e da mae 1,75 (IC 95% 1,31-2,23) apresentaram maior risco para o sedentarismo. Apos controle para possiveis fatores de confusao, mostrou-se tambem positiva a associacao entre o sedentarismo e a presenca de transtornos psiquiatricos menores e relacao inversa, fator de protecao para os sexualmente ativos 0,84 (IC 95% 0,71-0,99). CONCLUSOES: Ser do sexo feminino, pertencer a classe social baixa, ter uma baixa escolaridade e ser filho de mae com baixa escolaridade sao fatores associados ao sedentarismo.
The tumour and its microenvironment – a complicated interplay

develops between growing malignant neoplastic cells and non-malignant stromal elements of a tumour. The tumour microenvironment includes a number of interrelated elements: fibroblasts, macrophages and dendritic cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, inflammatory cells and extracellular matrix components. All these elements are actively involved in tumour growth and progression and angiogenesis, and can either promote or inhibit these processes. Understanding of the relationship between the various components of the tumour microenvironment and tumour cells may allow the introduction of combination drug therapy having different target points which gives hope of reducing the doses of medicines, and thus reducing their toxicity while increasing their efficiency.