Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dysarthria following stroke – the patient’s perspective on management and rehabilitation

Objective: To explore the perceptions of people with stroke-related dysarthria in relation to the management and rehabilitation of dysarthria. Design: Qualitative semi-structured interviews. Setting: Community setting Subjects: Twenty-four people with an acquired dysarthria as a result of a stroke in the previous three years. All were living at home at the time of the interview. None exhibited a co-existing impairment (for example, aphasia, apraxia or cognitive impairment) that might have contributed to their communicative experiences. Results: Participants described the considerable efforts they made to maximize their communicative effectiveness prior to, and during, communicative interactions. Activities described included careful articulation and vocal projection as well as more inconspicuous strategies including pre-planning interactions, focused, effortful speech and word substitution. Communication was facilitated by a range of strategies including drafting, rehearsal, manoeuvring and ongoing monitoring and repair. Self-led speech rehabilitation activities were functionally based and often undertaken regularly. Some novel reading-aloud and speaking-aloud activities were described. Conclusion: The quantity and nature of inconspicuous, internalized, cognitive activities people with dysarthria engage in to maximize their communicative effectiveness should be considered in evaluating the impact of dysarthria following stroke. Focusing upon externally observable characteristics alone is insufficient. Challenging, functionally relevant, patient-focused activities, materials and targets are more likely to be perceived by the patient as relevant and worthwhile and are thus more likely to ensure adherence to recommended rehabilitation activities.
Effect of Organizational Learning, Transformational Leadership, and Market Orientation on Firm Performance

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of organizational learning, market orientation, and transformational leadership on the organizational innovation and firm’s performance amongst the firms performing in Turkey. Using LISREL, structural equation-model, the data gathered from 330 employees were used to identify the variables that significantly affect the firm’s performance. The results indicated that 32% of firm’s performance is explained by the organizational innovation and market orientation, and organizational innovation has the strongest effect. However, organizational learning has no substantial effect on firm’s performance, and transformational leadership is also found to have an insignificant impact on the organizational innovation.
Inhibition of restraint stress‐induced neural and behavioural activation by endogenous cannabinoid signalling

The role of endocannabinoid (eCB) signalling in restraint stress‐induced neuronal activation was studied. Male mice exposed to 30 min of restraint exhibit increased Fos protein within prefrontal cortex (PFC), lateral septum (LS), nucleus accumbens (Acb) and medial amygdala. SR141716 (2 mg/kg) itself had no effect on Fos but pretreatment with SR141716 significantly potentiated restraint‐induced Fos expression in cingulate, LS and Acb. SR141716 also significantly increased the time spent in active escape behaviours during the restraint. In restraint‐habituated mice (mice exposed to four previous restraint episodes), the fifth restraint exposure resulted in decreased expression of active escape behaviours compared to the first exposure and only induced Fos protein in the central and medial amygdala. Administration of SR141716 prior to the fifth restraint episode resulted in greater potentiation of restraint‐induced Fos induction than the first; significant increases occurred within all regions of PFC examined, LS and Acb. Brain regional eCB content was measured immediately after restraint. N‐arachidonylethanolamine content within the amygdala was significantly decreased after both restraint episodes. 2‐Arachidonylglycerol content was significantly increased in both the limbic forebrain and amygdala after the fifth restraint but not the first. Restraint had no effect on cerebellar eCB content. These data suggest that eCB activation of CB1 receptors opposes the behavioural and neuronal responses to aversive stimuli. Because repeated homotypic stress increased both limbic 2‐AG and resulted in a greater effect of SR141716 on limbic Fos expression, we hypothesize that increased CB1 receptor activity contributes to the expression of habituation to homotypic stress.
SiP-Based SSBI Cancellation for OFDM

We propose for the first time to use a silicon photonics (SiP) solution for a passive optical network to both reduce signal-signal beat interference (SSBI) and recuperate a part of the downlink carrier for use in the uplink. The Kramers–Kronig (KK) receiver for direct detection of advanced modulation formats overcomes SSBI at the cost of a moderate carrier to signal ratio ($>$6 dB) and high oversampling (4×). We propose an optical SSBI solution that achieves better performance than KK and requires only standard sampling and low (3 dB) carrier to signal power ratio. The receiver is conceived for the downlink in passive optical networks, where carrier signal must be husbanded for re-use in the uplink. Using cost effective and power efficient SiP, the receiver filters the incoming signal, suppresses SSBI, and routes a portion of the carrier for use in the uplink. We experimentally examine the SSBI suppression in this paper. While previous demonstrations used bulky, discrete components, we achieve significant Q-factor improvement with a simple SiP solution. We examine the optimal frequency offset between the carrier and the microring resonator center frequency. The robustness to frequency drift, as well as the impact of imperfect filtering, is discussed and quantified.
Metoclopramide, thickened feedings, and positioning for gastro-oesophageal reflux in children under two years.

BACKGROUND Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) is the refluxing of gastric contents into the esophagus. Fifty per cent of all infants 0 to 3 months regurgitate at least once a day. This drops to 5% once infants are 10 to 12 months old. Three per cent of parents of 10 to 12 month old infants view this as a problem. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effectiveness of thickened feeds, positioning, and metoclopramide as compared to placebo in improving the outcome of GER in developmentally normal infants aged one month to two years. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2003), MEDLINE (January 1966 to 23 January 2003), EMBASE (January 1985 to 27 January 2003), and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised studies (parallel or cross over) which evaluated thickened feeds, positional alternations or metoclopramide for the treatment of GER in children between the age of one month and two years who were developmentally normal. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS All three reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Adverse effects information was collected from the trials. MAIN RESULTS Twenty trials involving 771 children met the inclusion criteria: eight dealt with thickened feeds, five with positioning, and seven with metoclopramide. Few comparisons could be made, and so summary measures were often made with two or three studies. Thickened feeds reduce the regurgitation severity score (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.94;95% confidence interval -1.35 to -0.52), as well as the frequency of emesis (SMD -0.91; confidence interval -1.22 to -0.61). The reflux index was not reduced (weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.48%; 95% confidence interval-3.27 to 4.23). All five positioning studies utilized esophageal pH monitoring as their outcome measure. Elevating the head of the crib for treating reflux in the supine position is not justifiable. The seven metoclopramide studies used a variety of outcomes. Compared to placebo, metoclopramide appears to reduce daily symptoms ( SMD -0.73; 95% confidence interval -1.16 to -0.30), and reduce the reflux index (WMD -2.80%; 95% confidence interval -5.58 to -0.01). It does increase side effects. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS Thickened feeds are helpful in reducing the symptoms of GER. Elevating the head of the crib in the supine position does not have any effect. Metoclopramide may have some benefit in comparison to placebo in the symptomatic treatment for GER, but that must be weighed against possible side effects.
Establishment of an Algorithm Using prM/E- and NS1-Specific IgM Antibody-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays in Diagnosis of Japanese Encephalitis Virus and West Nile Virus Infections in Humans

ABSTRACT The front-line assay for the presumptive serodiagnosis of acute Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) infections is the premembrane/envelope (prM/E)-specific IgM antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA). Due to antibody cross-reactivity, MAC-ELISA-positive samples may be confirmed with a time-consuming plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). In the present study, we applied a previously developed anti-nonstructural protein 1 (NS1)-specific MAC-ELISA (NS1-MAC-ELISA) on archived acute-phase serum specimens from patients with confirmed JEV and WNV infections and compared the results with prM/E containing virus-like particle-specific MAC-ELISA (VLP-MAC-ELISA). Paired-receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed no statistical differences in the overall assay performances of the VLP- and NS1-MAC-ELISAs. The two methods had high sensitivities of 100% but slightly lower specificities that ranged between 80% and 100%. When the NS1-MAC-ELISA was used to confirm positive results in the VLP-MAC-ELISA, the specificity of serodiagnosis, especially for JEV infection, was increased to 90% when applied in areas where JEV cocirculates with WNV, or to 100% when applied in areas that were endemic for JEV. The results also showed that using multiple antigens could resolve the cross-reactivity in the assays. Significantly higher positive-to-negative (P/N) values were consistently obtained with the homologous antigens than those with the heterologous antigens. JEV or WNV was reliably identified as the currently infecting flavivirus by a higher ratio of JEV-to-WNV P/N values or vice versa. In summary of the above-described results, the diagnostic algorithm combining the use of multiantigen VLP- and NS1-MAC-ELISAs was developed and can be practically applied to obtain a more specific and reliable result for the serodiagnosis of JEV and WNV infections without the need for PRNT. The developed algorithm should provide great utility in diagnostic and surveillance activities in which test accuracy is of utmost importance for effective disease intervention.
The Microstructure of Foreign Exchange Markets

The foreign exchange market is the largest, fastest-growing financial market in the world. Yet conventional macroeconomic approaches do not explain why people trade foreign exchange. At the same time, they fail to explain the short-run determinants of the exchange rate. These nine innovative essays use a microstructure approach to analyze the workings of the foreign exchange market, with special emphasis on institutional aspects and the actual behavior of market participants. They examine the volume of transactions, heterogeneity of traders, the time of day and location of trading, the bid-ask spread, and the high level of exchange rate volatility that has puzzled many observers. They also consider the structure of the market, including such issues as nontransparency, asymmetric information, liquidity trading, the use of automated brokers, the relationship between spot and derivative markets, and the importance of systemic risk in the market. This timely volume will be essential reading for anyone interested in the economics of international finance.
Infant feeding and infant mortality in rural Chile.

This study examines infant feeding practices to: 1) measure the effect of early weaning on mortality; 2) identify characteristics distinguishing mothers who practised early weaning; 3) clarify the respective roles of maternal milk deprivation and factors associated with bottle feeding; and 4) measure the effect on survival of giving bottlefed babies additional foods. 1712 rural mothers who had had deliveries in the preceding years were interviewed. Level of statistical significance was preset at 0.01. Three times as many deaths occurred among babies given bottles before the age of 3 months as among those who were wholly breastfed. As nearly 50% of the children had started bottlefeeding by that age, bottlefeeding was considered a major factor in infant mortality. Additional foods provided these babies with some protection but continued breastfeeding did not. Improvement in living standards accelerated weaning and let to an increase in the proportion of children being fed on bottle alone. Infant mortality consequently increased with income. The findings confirm the claim that early weaning is a concomitant of economic developments. It is suggested however that the risk associated with bottle feeding may be reduced by adding or supplementing other foods to the diet.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce Expression of CD73 in Human Monocytes In Vitro and in a Swine Model of Myocardial Infarction In Vivo

The ectoenzymes CD39 and CD73 regulate the purinergic signaling through the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/ADP to AMP and to adenosine (Ado), respectively. This shifts the pro-inflammatory milieu induced by extracellular ATP to the anti-inflammatory regulation by Ado. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potent immunomodulatory capabilities, including monocyte modulation toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype aiding tissue repair. In vitro, we observed that human cardiac adipose tissue-derived MSCs (cATMSCs) and umbilical cord MSCs similarly polarize monocytes toward a regulatory M2 phenotype, which maintained the expression of CD39 and induced expression of CD73 in a cell contact dependent fashion, correlating with increased functional activity. In addition, the local treatment with porcine cATMSCs using an engineered bioactive graft promoted the in vivo CD73 expression on host monocytes in a swine model of myocardial infarction. Our results suggest the upregulation of ectonucleotidases on MSC-conditioned monocytes as an effective mechanism to amplify the long-lasting immunomodulatory and healing effects of MSCs delivery.
Spacecraft instrument technology and cosmochemistry

Measurements by instruments on spacecraft have significantly advanced cosmochemistry. Spacecraft missions impose serious limitations on instrument volume, mass, and power, so adaptation of laboratory instruments drives technology. We describe three examples of flight instruments that collected cosmochemical data. Element analyses by Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometers on the Mars Exploration Rovers have revealed the nature of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits on Mars. The Gamma Ray Spectrometer on the Lunar Prospector orbiter provided a global database of element abundances that resulted in a new understanding of the Moon’s crust. The Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer on Cassini has analyzed the chemical compositions of the atmosphere of Titan and active plumes on Enceladus.
Postsynaptic action of GABA in modulating sensory transmission in co‐cultures of rat carotid body via GABAA receptors

GABA is expressed in carotid body (CB) chemoreceptor type I cells and has previously been reported to modulate sensory transmission via presynaptic GABAB receptors. Because low doses of clinically important GABAA receptor (GABAAR) agonists, e.g. benzodiazepines, have been reported to depress afferent CB responses to hypoxia, we investigated the potential contribution of GABAAR in co‐cultures of rat type I cells and sensory petrosal neurones (PNs). During gramicidin perforated‐patch recordings (to preserve intracellular Cl−), GABA and/or the GABAA agonist muscimol (50 μm) induced a bicuculline‐sensitive membrane depolarization in isolated PNs. GABA‐induced whole‐cell currents reversed at ∼−38 mV and had an EC50 of ∼10 μm (Hill coefficient =∼1) at −60 mV. During simultaneous PN and type I cell recordings at functional chemosensory units in co‐culture, bicuculline reversibly potentiated the PN, but not type I cell, depolarizing response to hypoxia. Application of the CB excitatory neurotransmitter ATP (1 μm) over the soma of functional PN induced a spike discharge that was markedly suppressed during co‐application with GABA (2 μm), even though GABA alone was excitatory. RT‐PCR analysis detected expression of GABAergic markers including mRNA for α1, α2, β2, γ2S, γ2L and γ3 GABAAR subunits in petrosal ganglia extracts. Also, CB extracts contained mRNAs for GABA biosynthetic markers, i.e. glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) isoforms GAD 67A,E, and GABA transporter isoforms GAT 2,3 and BGT‐1. In CB sections, sensory nerve endings apposed to type I cells were immunopositive for the GABAAR β subunit. These data suggest that GABA, released from the CB during hypoxia, inhibits sensory discharge postsynaptically via a shunting mechanism involving GABAA receptors.
Age‐Associated Statural Loss and Socioeconomic Status

Associations between socioeconomic score (SES) and age‐related statural loss were investigated in a cross‐sectional sample of 718 adults from rural Colombia. Estimates of statural aging were calculated by estimating the maximum statural attainment of each subject from statural relationships with subischial length. Statural loss was correlated with SES, r = –0.06 (not significant) for men, and r = –0.14 (p < 0.01) for women. Subjects with a high SES tended to lose stature at a slower rate than those with a low SES. For women, the difference in rates of statural loss between the two SES groups was significant (p < 0.05).
Abnormal heart rate variability in AA amyloidosis of familial mediterranean fever

Background: A scarcity of data exists relating to the effect of amyloidosis of Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) on the autonomic nervous system. Our aim was to further investigate the presence of dysautonomia in FMF-AA amyloidosis, using a comparative case series design. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 40 patients with FMF: 20 without co-morbidities or amyloidosis and 20 in various stages of renal amyloidosis. Time domain and power spectral analyses of heart rate dynamics were performed according to accepted procedures. Findings were compared with 20 healthy control subjects. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in any of the studied heart rate variability (HRV) parameters between patients with uncomplicated FMF and controls. In contrast, patients with progressive amyloidosis (post renal transplantation or on dialysis) had significantly lower HRV parameters compared to control subjects (i.e. mean low frequency power spectral components 104.30 ms2 vs. 172.09 ms2, p <0.05, mean standard deviation of all normal RR intervals 32.27 ms vs. 51.51 ms, p <0.05, mean HRV triangular index 9.08 vs. 15.82, p <0.05). The adjusted odds ratio was 14.5 (95%CI 1.21–165.03, p = 0.04) for HRV triangular index lower than 12.2 in the progressive amyloidosis group, 41.24 (95%CI 1.81–938.68, p = 0.02) for low frequency power spectral components values lower than 142.35 ms2, and 12.67 (95%CI 1.04–153.96, p = 0.04) for standard deviation of all normal RR intervals values lower than 40.15 ms. Conclusion: Amyloidosis of FMF, particularly at a progressive stage, is associated with HRV abnormalities suggestive of the presence of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Microsphere embolism‐induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression mediates disruption of the blood–brain barrier in rat brain

Microsphere embolism (ME)‐induced up‐regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells of brain microvessels was observed 2–48 h after ischemia. eNOS induction preceded disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) observed 6–72 h after ischemia. In vascular endothelial cells, ME‐induced eNOS expression was closely associated with protein tyrosine nitration, which is a marker of generation of peroxynitrite. Leakage of rabbit IgG from microvessels was also evident around protein tyrosine nitration‐immunoreactive microvessels. To determine whether eNOS expression and protein tyrosine nitration in vascular endothelial cells mediates BBB disruption in the ME brain, we tested the effect of a novel calmodulin‐dependent NOS inhibitor, 3‐[2‐[4‐(3‐chloro‐2‐methylphenyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethyl]‐5,6‐dimethoxy‐1‐(4‐imidazolylmethyl)‐1H‐indazole dihydrochloride 3.5 hydrate (DY‐9760e), which inhibits eNOS activity and, in turn, protein tyrosine nitration. Concomitant with inhibition of protein tyrosine nitration in vascular endothelial cells, DY‐9760e significantly inhibited BBB disruption as assessed by Evans blue (EB) excretion. DY‐9760e also inhibited cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase as a marker of the apoptotic pathway in vascular endothelial cells. Taken together with previous evidence in which DY‐9760e inhibited brain edema, ME‐induced eNOS expression in vascular endothelial cells likely mediates BBB disruption and, in turn, brain edema.
Association between subjective sleep quality and depression on immunocompetence in low-income women at risk for cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether subjective sleep quality is more strongly associated with immunocompetence than depression among women at risk for cervical cancer. METHODS Participants were 91 women referred for colposcopy because of abnormal results on a Pap smear. On the day of the procedure. participants completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, two indices of subjective sleep quality (ie, satisfaction with sleep obtained and degree of sleep restfulness), and a health behaviors assessment questionnaire. Levels of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations (helper T, cytotoxic/suppressor T, NK, and B cells) were also assessed at this time. Approximately 10 days later, the presence of depressive disorder was assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. RESULTS Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that satisfaction with the amount of sleep obtained was significantly associated with the circulating number and percentage of helper T cells (T(H)/CD4+) and the percentage of cytotoxic/suppressor T cells (T(C)/CD8+), after controlling for confounder variables (ie, age, smoking status, and drug use). Depression was significantly associated only with the percentage of T(C) cells. Sleep satisfaction remained significantly associated with the number and percentage of T(H) cells and percentage of T(C) cells after controlling for the variance explained by depression. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest that subjective sleep quality shares a significant and independent portion of the variance with immunity that is not accounted for by depression. Although the long-term impact of these immune alterations on disease progression needs to be directly explored, it may be important to systematically screen for and manage sleep disturbance in women at high risk for cervical cancer.