Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficient Communication in Written and Performed Music

Since its inception, Shannon's information theory has attracted interest for the study of language and music. Recently, a wide range of converging studies have shown how efficient communication pervades language, from phonetics to syntax. Efficient principles imply that more resources should be assigned to highly informative items. For instance, average information content was shown to be a better predictor of word length than frequency, revisiting the famous Zipf's law. However, in spite of the success of the efficient communication framework in the study of language and speech, very little work has investigated its relevance in the analysis of music. Here, we examine the organization of harmonic information in two large corpora of Western music, one made of MIDI files directly sequenced from scores, and the other made of MIDI recordings of live performances of highly skilled piano players. We show that there is a clear positive relationship between (contextual) information content of harmonic sequences and two essential musical properties, namely duration and loudness: the more unexpected a harmonic event is, the longer and the louder it is.
Relationships Between Punch Impact Force and Upper- and Lower-Body Muscular Strength and Power in Highly Trained Amateur Boxers

Abstract Dunn, EC, Humberstone, CE, Franchini, E, Iredale, KF, and Blazevich, AJ. Relationships between punch impact force and upper- and lower-body muscular strength and power in highly trained amateur boxers. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1019–1025, 2022—This study examined the relationship between upper- and lower-body strength and power characteristics and punch performance in 28 highly trained male amateur boxers. Punch performance was assessed with a custom-built punch integrator using a 3-minute maximal effort punch test that contained straight- and bent-arm punches from the lead and rear hands. Peak punch force and force-time variables including impulse and rate of force development (RFD; calculated to various points) were assessed. Force, power, and RFD of the upper and lower body were assessed with countermovement bench throw, isometric bench push, countermovement jump (CMJ), and isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) tests. Correlation and regression analyses revealed significant (p < 0.05) relationships between peak punch force and forces measured in CMJ and IMTP tests. In addition, peak punch force was moderately and significantly correlated to body mass, but RFD in the lower body was not. Moreover, no meaningful relationships between punch performance characteristics and any upper-body strength or power parameter were identified. The results of this study show that lower-body strength but not RFD had a moderate to strong positive and significant correlation to peak punch force production. Although upper-body strength and power are expected to be important in boxing, they did not discriminate between boxers who punched with higher or lower peak force nor were they correlated to peak punch force. Training that improves lower-body strength without increasing total body mass (to maintain weight category) may positively influence punch capacity in highly trained amateur boxers.
Fecal gluten immunogenic peptides as indicators of dietary compliance in celiac patients.

BACKGROUND It is important to have methods for evaluating dietary compliance in patients with celiac disease (CD). Determination of fecal gluten immunogenic peptides (GIPs) was recently proposed as a method of detecting gluten intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether determination of GIPs can be used as an indicator of compliance with a gluten-free diet (GFD). METHODS Twenty-five persons with CD on a gluten-free diet for at least one year were enrolled in the study. Compliance with the diet was assessed by: the Biagi questionnaire, evaluation of symptoms and assay of IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA anti-tTG). GIPs were determined by iVYLISA GIP-S test (Biomedal S.L., Seville, Spain) on an automated Chorus analyzer (DIESSE Diagnostica Senese, Siena, Italia), after extraction of fecal samples by the method developed by DIESSE. RESULTS Four patients tested positive for GIPs (GIP+), two of whom complied strictly with the gluten- free diet according to the Biagi questionnaire. None of the four GIP-positive patients manifested symptoms. IgA anti-tTG was significantly higher in GIP+ than in GIP- subjects. CONCLUSIONS Assay of fecal GIPs identified more patients who were not complying with the diet than the Biagi questionnaire or evaluation of symptoms. The anti-tTG and GIP results agreed perfectly; however, since anti-tTG antibodies remain high for longer and are not a completely reliable marker of GFD intake, detection of fecal GIPs offers a direct, objective, quantitative assessment of exposure, even occasional, to gluten and could be used to check dietary compliance.
Co-occurrence of phonological traits in orthographic replacement of sonorant phonemes

Sciences Linguistics ABSTRACT Purpose : This short presentation aims to indicate phonological features inherent to the sonorant consonant class (nasals and liquids) that might be relatively problematic in the orthographic records of these phonemes. Methods : orthographic replacement in text compositions from children in the first grade of elementary school was analyzed. Data analysis was performed according to the Padrão de Aquisição de Contrastes (PAC). Results : Results reveal that replacement was distributed between the two classes, and within each subclass, relatively unstable phonological contrasts were detected in the orthographic records of these phonemes. Conclusion : This relative instability of contrasts pointed out phonological issues, as well as issues related to the orthographic complexity of each these segments, thus indicating a non-direct relation between speech
Academy of Emergency Medicine and Care-Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology consensus recommendations for clinical use of sepsis biomarkers in the emergency department

Increasing evidence is emerging that the measurement of circulating biomarkers may be clinically useful for diagnosing and monitoring sepsis. Eight members of AcEMC (Academy of Emergency Medicine and Care) and eight members of SIBioC (Italian Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine) were identified by the two scientific societies for producing a consensus document aimed to define practical recommendations about the use of biomarkers for diagnosing of sepsis and managing antibiotic therapy in the emergency department (ED). The cumulative opinions allowed defining three grade A recommendations ( i.e. , highly recommended indications), entailing ordering modality (biomarkers always available on prescription), practical use (results should be interpreted according to clinical information) and test ordering defined according to biomarker kinetics. Additional grade B recommendations ( i.e. , potentially valuable indications) entailed general agreement that biomarkers assessment may be of clinical value in the diagnostic approach of ED patients with suspected sepsis, suggestion for combined assessment of procalcitonin (PCT) and Creactive protein (CRP), free availability of the selected biomarker(s) on prescription, adoption of diagnostic threshold prioritizing high negative predictive value, preference for more analytically sensitive techniques, along with potential clinical usefulness of measuring PCT for monitoring antibiotic treatment, with serial testing defined according to biomarker kinetics. PCT and CRP were the two biomarkers that received the largest consensus as sepsis biomarkers (grade B recommendation), and a grade B recommendation was also reached for routine assessment of blood lactate. The assessment of biomarkers other than PCT and CRP was discouraged, with exception of presepsin for which substantial uncertainty in favor or against remained.
Buprenorphine use for pain and suicidal ideation in severely suicidal patients

Objective Chronic pain is frequently comorbid with opioid abuse and severe depression, a combination that greatly compounds suicide risk. In addition to the therapeutic value of buprenorphine in addiction and analgesia, growing evidence suggests potential use as an antidepressant. Data supporting buprenorphine antisuicidal properties are scarce. We aim to contribute to the discussion of buprenorphine antisuicidal potential in patients with significant psychiatric and medical comorbidity. Methods We performed a chart review of suicidal adult depressed patients with comorbid chronic pain and opioid use disorder who received off-label buprenorphine in outpatient and inpatient settings in a university hospital between 2013 and 2016. Results Four of the patients had an early positive response. However, only three continue to adhere to treatment for six months or longer. Conclusions More severe opioid use disorder seems to more negatively influence clinical outcome, independently of cluster b personality traits. Identification of patients who could benefit from buprenorphine will require further studies.
Review of Appendicitis in Patients With Prolonged Neutropenia

Abstract The diagnosis of appendicitis in patients with prolonged neutropenia is difficult. The range of possible infectious agents includes parasites, bacteria, and fungi, all with various presentations. The choice between medical or surgical interventions for the treatment of patients with appendicitis and prolonged neutropenia can be controversial. We report 3 cases of appendicitis in adult patients with prolonged neutropenia and a literature review outlining the effectiveness of medical management versus surgical treatment for appendicitis in prolonged neutropenic populations. Our 3 cases show that there is potential efficacy of medical management in immunocompromised patients with appendicitis.
Heeding the psychological concerns of young cancer survivors: a single-arm feasibility trial of CBT and a cognitive behavioral conceptualization of distress

Background A subgroup of adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of cancer during adolescence report high levels of psychological distress. To date, evidence-based psychological interventions tailored to the cancer-related concerns experienced by this population are lacking. The present study aimed to (1) examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an individualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for AYA survivors of cancer during adolescence; and (2) identify and conceptualize cancer-related concerns as well as maintaining factors using cognitive-behavioral theory. Methods A single-arm trial, whereby AYA survivors of cancer during adolescence (aged 17–25 years) were provided individualized face-to-face CBT at a maximum of 15 sessions. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Intervention uptake, retention, intervention delivery, and reliable change index scores were examined. An embedded qualitative study consisted of two unstructured interviews with each participant pre-intervention. Along with individual behavioral case formulations developed to guide the intervention, interview data was analyzed to identify and conceptualize cancer-related concerns and potential maintaining factors. Results Ten out of 213 potential participants invited into the study were included, resulting in an overall participation rate of 4.7%. Nine participants completed the intervention, with respectively seven and eight participants completing the post-intervention and three month follow-up assessment. The majority of reported cancer-related concerns and maintaining factors were conceptualized into four themes: social avoidance, fear of emotions and bodily symptoms, imbalance in activity, and worry and rumination. Conclusions Given significant recruitment difficulties, further research is required to examine barriers to help-seeking in the AYA cancer survivor population. However, the conceptualization of cancer-related concerns and maintaining factors experienced by the population may represent an important first step in the development of psychological support tailored toward AYA cancer survivors’ unique needs.
Genetic lineage tracing with multiple DNA recombinases: A user's guide for conducting more precise cell fate mapping studies

Site-specific recombinases, such as Cre, are a widely used tool for genetic lineage tracing in the fields of developmental biology, neural science, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine. However, nonspecific cell labeling by some genetic Cre tools remains a technical limitation of this recombination system, which has resulted in data misinterpretation and led to many controversies in the scientific community. In the past decade, to enhance the specificity and precision of genetic targeting, researchers have used two or more orthogonal recombinases simultaneously for labeling cell lineages. Here, we review the history of cell-tracing strategies and then elaborate on the working principle and application of a recently developed dual genetic lineage-tracing approach for cell fate studies. We place an emphasis on discussing the technical strengths and caveats of different methods, with the goal to develop more specific and efficient tracing technologies for cell fate mapping. Our review also provides several examples for how to use different types of DNA recombinase–mediated lineage-tracing strategies to improve the resolution of the cell fate mapping in order to probe and explore cell fate–related biological phenomena in the life sciences.
Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Diseases: A Consecutive Case Series with Mean 2-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND Conventional open surgical procedures may cause massive dissections of the spine, higher perioperative complications, prolonged hospitalization, protracted rehabilitation programs and recovery. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PELIF) is an evolving treatment option. OBJECTIVES To present the detailed procedure and preliminary clinical and radiologic results of PELIF for degenerative lumbar diseases. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING A university affiliated tertiary hospital. METHODS The medical records of patients with degenerative lumbar diseases who underwent PELIF between January 2016 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical level, surgical time, blood loss, hospital length of stay, and perioperative complications were discussed. Patients were also evaluated for pain by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional assessment by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), including Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) preoperatively, postoperatively, and during the follow-up period. RESULTS Thirty-nine consecutive patients (25 men and 14 women) with a mean age of 59.0 years (range, 39-77 years) were enrolled. The average surgical time was 213.8 ± 31.7 minutes (range, 185-324 minutes). Mean estimated blood loss was 25.0 ± 12.6 mL (range, 15-50 mL). At the latest follow-up visit, the VAS scores for back pain, leg pain, ODI, and SF-36 (MCS/PCS) scores improved 89.5%, 95.0%, 71.2%, and 37.5%/58%, respectively. Reoperations were performed in one patient for residual disc mass and one for misplacement of pedicle screw. Fusion was achieved in all patients. LIMITATIONS The presented results are preliminary and should be interpreted taking the limitations into account, including nonrandomized design, relatively small sample size, and less intensive follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS The presented PELIF technique seems to be a promising surgical alternative for the treatment of patients with specific degenerative lumbar diseases. Randomized studies with larger sample size and long-term follow-up duration are needed to validate the superiorities of this versatile surgery. KEY WORDS Endoscopic, minimally invasive spine surgery, lumbar interbody fusion, disc herniation, spondylolisthesis.
Course of Psychosis in Schizophrenia With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness in Schizophrenia Phase 1 Study.

OBJECTIVE Patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol use disorder remain understudied. This post hoc analysis evaluated data from Phase 1 of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness in Schizophrenia study (January 2001-December 2004). METHODS Patients without substance abuse (except marijuana use) in the month before study entry were categorized into those with a history of alcohol use disorder (SZ + AUD) within 5 years before study entry and those without alcohol use disorder (SZ-only) per DSM-IV criteria. Time to first and recurrent exacerbations and hospitalizations were compared between disease states and between olanzapine and perphenazine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone. RESULTS A total of 1,338 patients (SZ + AUD = 22.6%; SZ-only = 77.4%) were included. Time to first exacerbation of SZ was significantly shorter in the SZ + AUD versus SZ-only population (median = 5.4 vs 6.4 months; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20 [95% CI, 1.01-1.42]; P = .039). Similar findings were observed for first hospitalization (HR = 1.63 [95% CI, 1.20-2.22]; P = .002) and recurrent hospitalizations (HR = 1.60 [95% CI, 1.18-2.15]; P = .002). The most common reasons leading to exacerbation in both groups were an increase in symptom severity and lack of efficacy. In patients with SZ + AUD related or unrelated to marijuana, perphenazine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone were associated with significantly shorter time to first exacerbation versus olanzapine. CONCLUSIONS This post hoc analysis confirmed that patients with SZ + AUD had a worse illness course than patients with SZ-only and suggests that olanzapine may be associated with a longer time to first and recurrent exacerbations versus other antipsychotics in this difficult-to-treat population. Further research is needed to identify effective treatments for this important yet understudied patient population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00014001.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Safety Performance: Comparing Proactive and Reactive Approaches

Background: Sleep disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness negatively affect employees' safety performance. Objective: To investigate the relationship between excessive daytime sleepiness with obstructive sleep apnea and safety performance at an oil construction company in Iran. Methods: 661 employees consented to participate in this study. Excessive daytime sleepiness was measured with the STOP-BANG questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). To determine how sleepiness would affect the studied occupational incidents, accidents causing injury and near misses, both reactive data and proactive safety performance indices were measured. Demographic and predictor variables were analyzed with hierarchical multiple linear regression. Results: Employees who met the criteria of excessive daytime sleepiness and obstructive sleep apnea had significantly poorer safety performance indicators. STOP-BANG and ESS were significant predictors of safety compliance (β 0.228 and 0.370, respectively), safety participation (β 0.210 and 0.144, respectively), and overall safety behavior (β 0.332 and 0.213, respectively). Further, occupational incidents were 2.5 times higher in workers with indicators of excessive daytime sleepiness and 2 times higher in those with obstructive sleep apnea compared with those without. Conclusion: These findings confirmed that excessive daytime sleepiness is a serious safety hazard, and that both reactive and proactive measures are important to understand the relative contribution of predictor variables.
Improving Self-Care in Patients With Coexisting Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension by Technological Surrogate Nursing: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Technological surrogate nursing (TSN) derives from the idea that nurse-caregiver substitutes can be created by technology to support chronic disease self-care. Objective This paper begins by arguing that TSN is a useful and viable approach to chronic disease self-care. The analysis then focuses on the empirical research question of testing and demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of prototype TSN supplied to patients with the typical complex chronic disease of coexisting type 2 diabetes and hypertension. At the policy level, it is shown that the data allow for a calibration of TSN technology augmentation, which can be readily applied to health care management. Methods A 24-week, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed and implemented among diabetic and hypertensive outpatients in two Hong Kong public hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group, supplied with a tablet-based TSN app prototype, or to a conventional self-managing control group. Primary indices—hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure—and secondary indices were measured at baseline and at 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks after initiation, after which the data were applied to test TSN effectiveness and safety. Results A total of 299 participating patients were randomized to the intervention group (n=151) or the control group (n=148). Statistically significant outcomes that directly indicated TSN effectiveness in terms of hemoglobin 1c were found in both groups but not with regard to systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These findings also offered indirect empirical support for TSN safety. Statistically significant comparative changes in these primary indices were not observed between the groups but were suggestive of an operational calibration of TSN technology augmentation. Statistically significant changes in secondary indices were obtained in one or both groups, but not between the groups. Conclusions The RCT’s strong behavioral basis, as well as the importance of safety and effectiveness when complex chronic illness is proximately self-managed by layperson patients, prompted the formulation of the empirical joint hypothesis that TSN would improve patient self-care while satisfying the condition of patient self-safety. Statistical and decision analysis applied to the experimental outcomes offered support for this hypothesis. Policy relevance of the research is demonstrated by the derivation of a data-grounded operational calibration of TSN technology augmentation with ready application to health care management. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02799953; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02799953
Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia with spontaneous upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report

Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare bleeding disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The pathogenesis of GT mainly involves structural abnormalities and dysfunction of platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3). The most common symptoms of GT are various types of bleeding, including recurrent nasal bleeding, mucocutaneous bleeding, unremitting bleeding after injury or operation, and menorrhea in women. Such hemorrhage may be fatal in some patients. GT with spontaneous upper gastrointestinal bleeding is relatively rare. In the present report, we describe a middle-aged man who was hospitalized with spontaneous upper gastrointestinal bleeding. His main symptom was recurrent chronic and intermittent melena. Gastroscopy revealed oozing of blood in the gastric antrum wall. However, no obvious lesions such as erosion or ulceration were found. Upon further inspection, we found that the patient’s platelet aggregation was poor, and flow cytometry assay revealed low expression of platelet membrane integrin αIIbβ3. The patient was eventually diagnosed with GT and exhibited clinical improvement after active treatment.