Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psycholinguistics of aphasia pharmacotherapy: Asking the right questions

Background: Among the obstacles to demonstrating efficacy of pharmacological intervention for aphasia is quantifying patients’ responses to treatment in a statistically valid and reliable manner. In many of the review papers on this topic, detailed discussions of various methodological problems are highlighted, with some suggestions on how these shortcomings should be addressed. Given this deep understanding of caveats associated with the experimental design of aphasia pharmacotherapy studies, investigations continue to produce inconsistent results. Aim: In this review paper, we suggest that the inclusion of theory-driven linguistic measures in aphasia pharmacotherapy studies would add an important step toward elucidating precise patterns of improvement in language performance resulting from pharmacotherapeutic intervention. Main Contribution: We provide a brief review of the clinical approaches currently used in pharmacotherapy studies of aphasia, which often lack psycholinguistic grounding. We then present ways in which psycholinguistic models can complement this approach, offering a rationale for task selection, and as a result, lead to a better understanding of treatment effects. We then follow with an example of how such an integrative approach can be implemented in studies targeting stress reduction in people with aphasia, via beta-blocking agents, as a means to augment language performance, using the recently proposed psycholinguistic framework of “linguistic anxiety” as our guideline. Conclusion: We conclude that the incorporation of psycholinguistic models into aphasia pharmacotherapy studies can increase the resolution with which we can identify functional changes.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Calcaneus and Femur of Women With Varying Degrees of Osteopenia and Vertebral Deformity Status

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (QMRI) allows measurement of two parameters that are related to the integrity of the trabecular bone: R2, the rate constant of the free induction signal, and trabecular bone volume fraction (BVF), the counterpart of apparent density. In this work, R2 and BVF were measured in 68 women (mean age, 58.2 ± 9.5 years) of varying spinal bone mineral density (BMD) T scores (mean, −1.37 ± 1.54) and vertebral fracture status on a commercial 1.5 T whole‐body imager using customized image acquisition and processing techniques. Twenty‐five of the patients had vertebral fractures, characterized by the total cumulative deformity burden exceeding 200%. R2 was measured in the calcaneus and proximal femur and BVF could be measured in the calcaneus only. On a pixel‐by‐pixel basis, calcaneal R2 and BVF within each subject were highly positively correlated (r2 = 0.61 ± 0.11) but the correlation of region‐of‐interest (ROI) means for different calcaneal sites among patients was weaker (r2 = 0.34; p < 0.0001). The strongest discriminator of vertebral deformity was R2 of the calcaneus, which was lower in the fracture group, consistent with lower trabecular density. Among the calcaneal sites examined, the subtalar region, a location characterized by dense nearly horizontal trabeculae that transmit the stresses imparted by body weight from the tibia to the heel, best discriminated the two groups (p = 0.0001), with 77% diagnostic accuracy as determined from the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (compared with 66% for vertebral BMD). The cavum calcanei, an anterior site of low trabecular density, and the tuber calcanei (the location ordinarily used for ultrasound measurements) also had significantly reduced R2 in the fracture group (p < 0.005 and p = 0.01, respectively). The R2av, computed as the average of all pixels in the calcaneus, was a strong discriminator as well (p < 0.005). On the other hand, calcaneal BVF was only marginally discriminating (p = 0.05). Among the BMD sites examined, the lumbar spine (average L1‐L4) was significant (p = 0.005, 66% diagnostic accuracy), as was the femoral neck (p = 0.01). The data suggest the calcaneus to be suited as a surrogate site to assess vertebral osteoporosis and that R2 is sensitive to alterations in bone quality not captured by density.
Optimized bidding area delimitations and their impact on electricity markets and congestion management

The delimitation of bidding areas and the overall European congestion management have been heavily discussed in the recent years. Although main evaluation criteria are defined in the network code on congestion management, the question of adequate or optimized bidding area delimitations remains open. Thus, this paper presents an approach for an optimized delimitation of bidding areas based on a clustering of security-constraint nodal prices. Relevant evaluation criteria, like the level of generation and redispatch costs or the level of network security, are derived via a multi-step optimization approach. Results show, that optimized bidding area delimitations differ significantly from the current ones. However, these optimized delimitations yield only small cost savings compared to the current bidding area delimitation.
The characteristics of Audioscan and DPOAE measures in tinnitus patients with normal hearing thresholds

Abstract Objectives: To investigate auditory dysfunction in patients with tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds using two sensitive audiological measures. Design: The study was designed to investigate the characteristics of Audioscan and DPOAE tests in tinnitus patients with normal hearing thresholds. Audioscan and DPOAE notches were analysed and compared. All tests were performed in a sound-treated chamber or in a sound-treated room. Study sample: Forty-five tinnitus patients with normal hearing thresholds were examined following a written clinical protocol. Results: The averaged hearing levels obtained from tinnitus participants were significantly worse at high frequencies than those derived from the normative data. There was a significantly higher prevalence of Audioscan and DPOAE notches, whose central frequencies matched tinnitus frequencies in the mid-frequency regions, but not in the low- and high-frequency regions. A significant correlation was found between the centre frequencies of the Audioscan notches and the DPOAE notches from 500 to 4000 Hz. Conclusion: Tinnitus in different frequency regions may be associated with different underlying mechanisms of tinnitus generation. Some negative results on the Audioscan and DPOAE notches matching tinnitus pitches may be due to a limited set of discrete frequencies used for the tinnitus pitch matching test.
Fractures of the ankle. II. Combined experimental-surgical and experimental-roentgenologic investigations.

EXACT knowledge of the mechanism, pathologic anatomy, genetic roentgenologic diagnosis and genetic reduction of fractures of the ankle is to be attained by combined experimental-surgical and experimental-roentgenologic investigations. 1 In this study the mechanism of fracture was determined by fracturing, the pathologic anatomy was ascertained by dissection, the genetic roentgenologic diagnosis was established by roentgen examination and the genetic reduction technic of the fractures was found by reduction maneuvers, which will be dealt with in a later paper, "Clinical Use of Genetic Roentgenologic Diagnosis and Genetic Reduction. " In the experimental-surgical investigations free movability of the ankle joint is necessary in order to place the foot in the different positions which are to be considered. Experiments on cadavers were abandoned because of rigor mortis, which limits the movability of the foot and the ankle joint. The experiments have therefore been carried out exclusively on extremities which were amputated at the femur
Seizure Length With Sevoflurane and Thiopental for Induction of General Anesthesia in Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Double-blind Trial

In general, seizure length does not correlate with clinical outcome with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but whether markedly short seizures are still therapeutic is unknown. Furthermore, seizure length effects on clinical outcome in ECT may be different among the various anesthetic agents available. Several studies have investigated the use of inhalational anesthesia in ECT with sevoflurane. In general, seizure length when reported has been in the range of typical values encountered in practice. We recently completed a randomized double blind trial with sevoflurane induction compared with thiopental. Seizure duration with sevoflurane anesthesia was 8 seconds shorter than with thiopental for electroencephalogram and 6.4 seconds shorter for motor, the latter just barely missing statistical significance. Absolute values for seizure duration with both sevoflurane and thiopental are well within typical ranges for those seen with the more commonly used methohexital as anesthetic.
A Rho-associated Protein Kinase, ROKα, Binds Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 and Modulates Insulin Signaling*

Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is phosphorylated on multiple tyrosine residues by ligand-activated insulin receptors. These tyrosine phosphorylation sites serve to dock several Src homology 2-containing signaling proteins. In addition, IRS-1 contains a pleckstrin homology domain and a phosphotyrosine binding domain (PTB) implicated in protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions. In a yeast two-hybrid screening using XenopusIRS-1 (xIRS-1) pleckstrin homology-PTB domains as bait, we identified aXenopus homolog of Rho-associated kinase α (xROKα) as a potential xIRS-1-binding protein. The original clone contained the carboxyl terminus of xROKα (xROK-C) including the putative Rho binding domain but lacking the amino-terminal kinase domain. Further analyses in yeast indicated that xROK-C bound to the putative PTB domain of xIRS-1. Binding of xROK-C to xIRS-1 was confirmed inXenopus oocytes after microinjection of mRNA corresponding to xROK-C. Furthermore, microinjection of xROK-C mRNA inhibited insulin-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation with a concomitant inhibition of oocyte maturation. In contrast, microinjection of xROK-C mRNA did not inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinase activation or oocyte maturation induced by progesterone or by microinjection of viral Ras (v-Ras) mRNA. These results suggest that xROKα may play a role in insulin signaling via a direct interaction with xIRS-1.
Acute chest syndrome in paediatric patients with sickle cell disease in Northeastern , Nigeria

Acute chest syndrome is known to be leading cause of death among patients with sickle cell disease. This study was conducted to identify acute chest syndrome (ACS) in paediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the university of Maiduguri teaching hospital (UMTH), Northeastern Eastern, Nigeria. A retrospective study of eighty children comprising of boys and girls aged 2 to 12 years with presenting symptoms and physical signs suggestive ACS, admitted to the paediatric ward over a period of 3 years. The frequency of occurrence of ACS between the males and females in the different age groups were analyzed. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of this syndrome were equally evaluated and analyzed. Oxygen therapy, antibiotics, analgesiaboth simple paracetamol and narcotics, blood transfusion and mechanical ventilation were used as required. The study consisted of 52(65%) males and 28(35%) females, with male: female ratio of 1.8:1. The age ranged from 2 to 12years. Our results revealed that the frequency of ACS episodes are age dependent. Overall the symptoms were more prevalent in the younger children than the older ones. Fever and cough seemed more pronounced in the ages 2-8, whereas chest pain, productive cough and shortness of breath were more prevalent amongst the 10-12 years category. Though, the frequency of these symptoms and signs differ in the age groups, their presence as symptoms and signs of ACS were all significant (p <0.01). This study demonstrates the importance of acute chest syndrome as a cause of morbidity and mortality in children with sickle cell disease in our environment. The results serves as a baseline for an elaborate study of the syndrome in our environment.
Postoperative Pain Management Outcome in Chinese Inpatients

In the absence of pain management outcome reports representing mainland China, the purposes of this study were to describe the outcome of postoperative pain management and the relationship between patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in an indigenous Chinese population. From a sample of 388 second-day-postoperative inpatients, 304 (78%) reported pain in the past 24 hours and were enrolled in the study. Mean ratings for pain were moderate to severe. Patients reported mild to moderate pain-related interference with mood and physical activities. There were significant differences on worst pain intensity and pain interference with daily activity in the past 24 hours for different types of surgery. Top-ranked nonpharmacologic methods for managing pain were tolerating pain, changing positions, and family support. As measured by the Pain Management Index, 60.2% of patients were inadequately treated for pain, yet patients reported high satisfaction with pain management. Patient satisfaction, however, was inversely and significantly correlated with pain intensity. Study results indicate a need for standardized policies and guidelines about pain management and education among providers and for patients and families to overcome the suboptimal pain outcomes among this Chinese population.
Post-Stroke Apathy and Hypoperfusion in Basal Ganglia: SPECT Study

Background: Although apathy has been reported as one of the neuropsychiatric symptoms following stroke, there are few studies on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in stroke patients with apathy. The present study compared rCBF between apathetic and non-apathetic patients after stroke. Methods: We recruited 102 patients with cerebral infarction within 1 month after stroke and performed neuropsychiatric assessments that included the apathy scale. rCBF was quantitatively measured using N-isopropyl-p-123I-iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography. Results: Thirty-seven patients (36%) had apathy. The apathetic group showed lower cognitive function and a higher depressive state than the non-apathetic group. rCBF in the basal ganglia was reduced for the apathetic group compared with the non-apathetic group. Furthermore, lesions in the left basal ganglia were associated with hypoperfusion in bilateral basal ganglia and the presence of apathy. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that apathy is a frequent symptom among stroke patients and that hypoperfusion caused by basal ganglia lesions may contribute to post-stroke apathy.
Vibriocidal antibodies induced by Yersinia enterocolitica serotype IX

SUMMARY Yersinia enterocolitica serotype IX has been found to stimulate the production of vibriocidal antibody against Vibrio cholerae, particularly in Inaba serotype, in experimental rabbits and infected man to a significant degree. This activity could be absorbed by both Inaba and Yersinia antigens from anti-yersinia sera, but Yersinia antigen could not absorb vibriocidal activity from the anti-cholera sera, indicating a unilateral relation. Vibrio agglutinating antibody, particularly against Ogawa, in anti-yersinia rabbit or human sera was found to be less liable to non-specific stimulation. V. cholerae, while removing vibriocidal antibody, could not absorb the Yersinia agglutinin from anti-yersinia sera, suggesting that there is a different determinant for these two types of antibody activities. The non-specific production of vibriocidal antibody by Y. enterocolitica type IX indicates the need for caution in the interpretation of the results of vibriocidal tests where such organisms are prevalent.
Personal Attitudes, Risk Perception and Perceived Vulnerability toward Water Pipe Smoking among Male Students in Zarandieh

Aim: Tobacco use is one of the major causes of death worldwide and the most preventable risk factor of the coronary heart disease. The purpose of this study was to determine attitudes, risk perception and perceived vulnerability toward to water pipe (WP) smoking among male students in Zarandieh city of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 400 male adolescents in 2011-2012. A multiple-stage sampling protocol was used. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire about demographics, knowledge, attitude and beliefs about WP smoking and their tobacco use background. Data were analyzed by SPSS16. Findings: The prevalence of WP smoking was 72 (18%). Also 50% of participants believed water pipe smoking is less harmful compared to cigarettes. The mean score of knowledge, attitude, and risk perception for non smokers was higher from smokers (knowledge 4.9±2.1, attitude 19.5±4.3 and risk perception 18.6±3.3 versus 3.4±1.5, 15.6±5.5 and 15.4±4.3 respectively), whereas smokers reported a fairly high level of perceived stress and depression (perceived vulnerability). Conclusion: Noticing the side effects of tobacco use and the high prevalence of incorrect perceived WP smoking beliefs among students, provision of educational programs for the correction of the beliefs of students regarding WP smoking is recommended.
Cellular proteins associated with simian virus 40 early gene products in newly infected cells

Immunoprecipitates of extracts of simian virus 40-infected permissive monkey kidney cells contained two proteins with molecular weights of 56,000 and 32,000 (52K and 32K) in addition to the known viral early gene products. Immunoprecipitates of cells infected with the 0.54-0.59 deletion mutants that lack the viral 17K gene product did not contain thhe 56K and 32K proteins. The additional proteins appeared in immunoprecipitates of deletion mutant extracts if unlabeled extracts of wild-type-infected cells were added before addition of antiserum. The proteins can also be identified in uninfected cells by co-precipitation with unlabeled viral proteins. Thus, it appears that the 56K and 32K proteins are cellular products that associate with the viral proteins, the 17K in particular, and are indirectly immunoprecipitated by anti-tumor serum.
APPROXIMATE SPECTRAL CLUSTERING FOR LARGE-SCALE DATASETS by

Many kernel-based clustering algorithms do not scale up to high-dimensional large datasets. The similarity matrix, on which these algorithms rely, calls for O(N2) complexity in both time and space. In this thesis, we present the design of an approximation algorithm to cluster high-dimensional large datasets. The proposed design enables great reduction of the similarity matrix’s computing time as well as its space requirements without significantly impacting the accuracy of the clustering. The proposed design is modular and self-contained. Therefore, several kernel-based clustering algorithms could also benefit from the proposed design to improve their performance. We implemented the proposed algorithm in the MapReduce distributed programming framework and experimented with synthetic datasets as well as a real dataset from Wikipedia that has more than three million documents. Our results demonstrate the high accuracy and the significant time and memory savings that can be achieved by our algorithm.
Omega-3 as an adjunctive to non surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis patients

Background: Host modulatory therapy has been proposed as a treatment for periodontal diseases. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) , were shown to have therapeutic anti-inflammatory and protective actions in inflammatory diseases including periodontitis. Aim of study: To test the effect of Adjunctive treatment of chronic periodontitis with daily dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid Material & Method: Fifty patients with chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this study, in a double blind clinical study . the control group was treated with scaling and root planning(SRP) and a placebo, where as the study group was treated with SRP followed by dietary supplementation of Omega-3 ( 1000 mg EPA+DHA) for three months . plaque and gingival index, bleeding on probing , probing depth were recorded at base line , after 1 and 3 months after treatment. Results: the omega-3 group had highly significant lower scores for Plaque index(P<0.001), gingival index(GI P< 0.001) and significant lower scores for the probing pocket at all examination than did the control group. At first visit mean PLI scores was 1.94 after three months it was 0.73. for the GI it was 1.98 at first visit ,after three months it was 0.733. for PPD it was 4.79 was reduced to 3.05 after three months. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 may provide a sustainable , low cost intervention to augment periodontal therapy. Key word: omega-3 , fish oil , periodontal disease.
Durable Cancer Regression Off-Treatment and Effective Reinduction Therapy with an Anti-PD-1 Antibody

Purpose: Results from the first-in-human phase I trial of the anti–programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody BMS-936558 in patients with treatment-refractory solid tumors, including safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and immunologic correlates, have been previously reported. Here, we provide long-term follow-up on three patients from that trial who sustained objective tumor regressions off therapy, and test the hypothesis that reinduction therapy for late tumor recurrence can be effective. Experimental Design: Three patients with colorectal cancer, renal cell cancer, and melanoma achieved objective responses on an intermittent dosing regimen of BMS-936558. Following cessation of therapy, patients were followed for more than 3 years. A patient with melanoma who experienced a prolonged partial regression followed by tumor recurrence received reinduction therapy. Results: A patient with colorectal cancer experienced a complete response, which is ongoing after 3 years. A patient with renal cell cancer experienced a partial response lasting 3 years off therapy, which converted to a complete response, which is ongoing at 12 months. A patient with melanoma achieved a partial response that was stable for 16 months off therapy; recurrent disease was successfully treated with reinduction anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusion: These data represent the most prolonged observation to date of patients with solid tumors responding to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and the first report of successful reinduction therapy following delayed tumor progression. They underscore the potential for immune checkpoint blockade with anti-PD-1 to reset the equilibrium between tumor and the host immune system. Clin Cancer Res; 19(2); 462–8. ©2012 AACR.