Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of perceptive-auditory training on the classification of speech hypernasality

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the effect of auditory-perceptual training by inexperienced speech-language pathologists in the classification of hypernasality in individuals with cleft lip and palate and compare their classification of hypernasality individually, with the gold standard evaluation, before and after this training. Methods Three inexperienced speech-language pathologists used a four-point scale to assess 24 high-pressure speech samples from individuals with cleft lip and palate, before and after auditory-perceptual training. The speech samples corresponded to six samples of each degree of hypernasality. The speech-language pathologists received auditory-perceptual training during the assessments. They had access to anchor samples and immediate feedback of correct answers regarding the degree of hypernasality in training. Results There was no significant difference in the overall percentage of correct answers when comparing before and after the auditory-perceptual training. There was a significant association and agreement of the three evaluators with a gold standard evaluation after training, with an increase in agreement for a single evaluator for absent and mild degrees of hypernasality. The dichotomous analysis of the data showed an increase in the Kappa Index of Agreement of this evaluator. Although there was an increase in the Index of Agreement between evaluators for absent, mild, and severe hypernasality, this increase did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion The auditory-perceptual training provided did not result in a significant improvement in the hypernasality classification for the inexperienced speech-language pathologists, even though the individual data analysis showed that the training favored one of the evaluators. Further studies involving gradual and more extensive auditory-perceptual training may favor the classification of hypernasality by inexperienced SLPs.
Nifuratel reduces Salmonella survival in macrophages by extracellular and intracellular antibacterial activity

ABSTRACT Salmonella are intracellular bacterial pathogens for which, as with many of the other Enterobacteriaceae, antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasing problem. New antibiotics are being sought as recommended by the World Health Organization and other international institutions. These must be able to penetrate macrophages, and infect the major host cells and the Salmonella-containing vacuole. This study reports screening a small library of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for their antibacterial effect in macrophages infected with a rapid-multiplying mutant of Salmonella Enteritidis. The most effective drug that was least toxic for macrophages was Nifuratel, a nitrofuran antibiotic already in use for parasitic infections. In mice, it provided 60% protection after oral infection with a lethal S. Enteritidis dose with reduced bacterial numbers in the tissues. It was effective against different serovars, including multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella Typhimurium, and in macrophages from different host species and against Listeria monocytogenes and Shigella flexneri. It reduced IL-10 and STAT3 production in infected macrophages which should increase the inflammatory response against Salmonella. IMPORTANCE Salmonella can keep long-term persistence in host's macrophages to evade cellular immune defense and antibiotic attack and exit in some condition and reinfect to cause salmonellosis again. In addition to multidrug resistance, this infection circle causes Salmonella clearance difficult in the host, and so there is a great need for new antibacterial agents that reduce intramacrophage Salmonella survival to block endogenous Salmonella reinfection. Salmonella can keep long-term persistence in host's macrophages to evade cellular immune defense and antibiotic attack and exit in some condition and reinfect to cause salmonellosis again. In addition to multidrug resistance, this infection circle causes Salmonella clearance difficult in the host, and so there is a great need for new antibacterial agents that reduce intramacrophage Salmonella survival to block endogenous Salmonella reinfection.
The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Binaural Processing in Young and Middle-Age Adults.

PURPOSE This study examined the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on self-perceived hearing and suprathreshold binaural processing in young and middle-age adults. METHOD Ninety-three adults with normal hearing (thresholds ≤ 25 dB HL, 250-4000 Hz) participated in one of four groups: 38 young adults, 23 young adults with TBI, 16 middle-age adults, and 16 middle-age adults with TBI. Self-perceived hearing difficulty was measured via questionnaires. Binaural processing was measured using dichotic word recognition, the Listening in Spatialized Noise-Sentences Test (LiSN-S), and the 500-Hz masking level difference (MLD). For each participant, a composite binaural processing (CBP) score was calculated to obtain a global metric of binaural processing performance. The CBP was composed of six measures from the three behavioral tests, including the S0N0 and SπN0 thresholds from the 500-Hz MLD, the low- and high-cue speech recognition thresholds from the LiSN-S, and the free and directed recall ear advantages from the dichotic word test. RESULTS The middle-age TBI group reported significantly greater degrees of self-perceived hearing difficulty than the other groups. On average, the middle-age TBI group performed poorer on the individual binaural processing tests; however, the differences were significant for the S0N0 and SπN0 MLD thresholds only. Results for the global metric of binaural processing revealed significantly poorer CBP scores for the middle-age TBI group compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate that both age and a positive history of TBI contributed to deficits in suprathreshold binaural processing. Middle-age adults with a history of TBI are at risk for experiencing presenescent deficits in suprathreshold binaural processing deficits, despite having clinically normal hearing.
Ivy leaf dry extract EA 575 for the treatment of acute and chronic cough in pediatric patients: review and expert survey

Abstract Objectives EA 575 (Prospan) is a herbal medicine containing a dried extract of ivy leaves (drug extract ratio 5–7.5:1; extraction solvent, 30% ethanol). Although widely used for the treatment of cough, there remains a lack of clarity on the effects of EA 575 in children. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of EA 575 in pediatric patients with cough, via a literature review and expert survey. Methods A MEDLINE/PubMed database search was performed to identify articles evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of EA 575 in pediatric patients with cough. An online survey of international pediatric cough experts was conducted to gather expert opinion regarding the use of EA 575 for pediatric cough. Results Ten controlled clinical trials and nine observational studies were identified. Controlled trials reported improvements in lung function and subjective cough symptoms with EA 575, while observational studies indicated overall favorable efficacy. EA 575 was generally well tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events in children of all ages, including those aged <1 year. Survey responses from ten experts aligned with findings from the reviewed studies. Most experts agreed that EA 575 may improve quality of life, and highlighted its potential benefits on sleep. Conclusions EA 575 has minimal side effects in pediatric patients with cough, as demonstrated by large, real-world studies. EA 575 may provide clinical benefits in pediatric patients; however, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY EA 575 (Prospan) is a medicine containing a dried extract of ivy leaves that is used to treat coughs. The aim of this review was to evaluate the available published information on the health benefits and side effects of EA 575 in children with coughs. We also conducted a survey of doctors who treat children with coughs. We found information from ten research trials that compared EA 575 with another cough medicine or a “dummy medicine”. Although these studies included only a small number of children, the results suggested that children’s breathing and cough symptoms may improve with EA 575 treatment. We also found nine studies that included children being treated in normal clinical situations and not in a research setting. Most of the children included in these studies and their doctors thought that EA 575 treatment was beneficial. A low number of side effects was reported in children of all ages, including in infants aged <1 year. Survey responses from ten doctors generally agreed with the findings from the research studies. Most of the doctors thought that EA 575 may improve quality of life. Improved sleep was commonly mentioned by doctors. Overall, our findings indicate that EA 575 has minimal side effects in children; we call for more research on the benefits of EA 575 on cough symptoms in children.
COVID-19 vaccination intention among nursing, medical, and dental students: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis

ABSTRACT The introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine amidst the pandemic has heralded a paradigm shift. Healthcare students in nursing, medicine, and dentistry must have positive attitudes owing to their future role in vaccine recommendations to the public and patients. This meta-regression analysis assessed the differences in COVID-19 vaccination intention (VI) of nursing, medical, and dental students. Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Korean MBASE were searched for eligible studies. Quality was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute’s quality appraisal. Forty-one studies were included in the final analysis, and the estimation of pooled prevalence (68%) and relevant factors were assessed. Dental students were found to have the lowest VI (57%), which significantly (p = .018) differed from that of nursing students (64%). Countries in South-East Asia and those with high income levels were found to have high VI. Therefore, global vaccine programs for healthcare students should be prepared considering their geographical and economic status.
Therapeutic efficacy of vancomycin‐loaded carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone hip stem for periprosthetic joint infection: A pilot study

A carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR/PEEK) hip stem with a special antibiotic elution mechanism is under development to treat periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The antibiotic elution characteristics of intramedullary implants were experimentally investigated, and the efficacy of revision surgery using a therapeutic stem in treating ovine PJI was examined. To evaluate elution characteristics, the intramedullary vancomycin‐loaded CFR/PEEK cylindrical implants were inserted in the distal femur of nine sheep, and the vancomycin elution rate was measured at 2, 7, and 21 days. To evaluate therapeutic efficacy, the PJI model with staphylococcus aureus was attempted to create for five sheep. Moreover, the therapeutic vancomycin‐loaded CFR/PEEK stem was implanted during one‐stage revision surgery. Three weeks after revision surgery, the treatment efficacy was evaluated based on bacterial cultures and wound findings. In addition, the vancomycin elution rate from the stem was measured. On average, the cylindrical implants eluted approximately 70% vancomycin in 21 days. Of the five sheep attempting to create a PJI model, three were successfully infected with S. aureus as intended for verification of treatment efficacy. In all three joints, negative bacterial cultures and no purulence were observed 3 weeks after revision surgery. The vancomycin elution rates from the stems were >70%. Efficient elution of vancomycin was confirmed by the experimental implant inserted into the bone marrow and the stem in actual PJI treatment. Using a novel therapeutic stem with an antibiotic elution mechanism in one‐stage revision surgery, successful treatment was demonstrated in all S. aureus‐induced PJIs.
Hormonal, immune, and oxidative stress responses to blood flow‐restricted exercise

Heavy‐load free‐flow resistance exercise (HL‐FFRE) is a widely used training modality. Recently, low‐load blood‐flow restricted resistance exercise (LL‐BFRRE) has gained attention in both athletic and clinical settings as an alternative when conventional HL‐FFRE is contraindicated or not tolerated. LL‐BFRRE has been shown to result in physiological adaptations in muscle and connective tissue that are comparable to those induced by HL‐FFRE. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear; however, evidence suggests that LL‐BFRRE involves elevated metabolic stress compared to conventional free‐flow resistance exercise (FFRE).
BCR::ABL1 kinase domain mutation testing and clinical outcome in a nationwide chronic myeloid leukemia patient population

Acquired missense mutations in the BCR::ABL1 kinase domain (KD) may cause tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment failure. Based on mutation‐specific in vitro derived IC50‐values, alternative TKI may be selected. We assessed clinical practice of BCR::ABL1 KD mutation testing, clinical response in relation to IC50‐values, and clinical outcome of tested patients.
3D phantom for image quality assessment of mammography systems

Objective. To present an innovative approach for the design of a 3D mammographic phantom for medical equipment quality assessment, estimation of the glandular tissue percentage in the patient’s breast, and emulation of microcalcification (μC) breast lesions. Approach. Contrast-to noise ratio (CNR) measurements, as well as spatial resolution and intensity-to-glandularity calibrations under mammography conditions were performed to assess the effectiveness of the phantom. CNR measurements were applied to different groups of calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) and aluminum oxide (AO) μCs ranging from 200 to 600 μm. Spatial resolution was characterized using an aluminum plate contained in the phantom and standard linear figures of merit, such as the line spread function and modulation transfer function (MTF). The intensity-to-glandularity calibration was developed using an x-ray attenuation matrix within the phantom to estimate the glandular tissue percentage in a breast with a compressed thickness of 4 cm. Main results. For the prototype studied, the minimum confidence level for detecting HA μCs is 95.4%, while for AO μCs is above 68.3%. It was also possible to determine that the MTF of the commercial mammography machine used for this study at the Nyquist frequency is 41%. Additionally, a one-to-one intensity-to-glandularity calibration was obtained and verified with Monte-Carlo simulation results. Significance. The phantom provides traditional arrangements presented in accreditation phantoms, which makes it competitive with available devices, but excelling in regarding affordability, modularity, and inlays distribution. Moreover, its design allows to be positioned in close proximity to the patient's breast during a medical screening for a simultaneous x-ray imaging, such that the features of the phantom can be used as reference values to specify characteristics of the real breast tissue, such as proportion of glandular/adipose composition and/or μC type and size lesions.
A scoping review of the functional magnetic resonance imaging‐based functional connectivity of focal cortical dysplasia‐related epilepsy

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is the most frequent etiology of operable pharmacoresistant epilepsy in children. There is burgeoning evidence that FCD‐related epilepsy is a disorder that involves distributed brain networks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a tool that allows one to infer neuronal activity and to noninvasively map whole‐brain functional networks. Despite its relatively widespread availability at most epilepsy centers, the clinical application of fMRI remains mostly task‐based in epilepsy. Another approach is to map and characterize cortical functional networks of individuals using resting state fMRI (rsfMRI). The focus of this scoping review is to summarize the evidence to date of investigations of the network basis of FCD‐related epilepsy, and to highlight numerous potential future applications of rsfMRI in the exploration of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for FCD‐related epilepsy. There are numerous studies demonstrating a global disruption of cortical functional networks in FCD‐related epilepsy. The underlying pathological subtypes of FCD influence overall functional network patterns. There is evidence that cortical functional network mapping may help to predict postsurgical seizure outcomes, highlighting the translational potential of these findings. Additionally, several studies emphasize the important effect of FCD interaction with cortical networks and the expression of epilepsy and its comorbidities.
Parent Alcohol Use and Problems in Children’s Alcohol-Related Learning and Subsequent Alcohol Use

Abstract Background: Alcohol cognitions can emerge early in life and have lasting associations with alcohol use behavior. Observational learning theories suggest that witnessing alcohol use and its consequences may be an important mechanism underlying early development of alcohol cognitions. Parents are among the earliest contributors to children’s alcohol-related learning, although findings regarding the association of parental alcohol use and problems with children’s alcohol-related beliefs and attitudes are considerably mixed. This study tested associations of parent alcohol use and problems with adolescent alcohol expectancies, motives, and subsequent alcohol use to help clarify this literature. Methods: Families (N = 227) comprising family alcohol use disorder cases and demographically matched controls were recruited as part of a longitudinal investigation on child development. Parents reported on their alcohol use and problems at seven assessments throughout the index adolescents’ childhood, and adolescents reported on their own alcohol expectancies in 6th grade, alcohol motives in 8th grade, and alcohol use in 12th grade. Results: Father alcohol problems and mother alcohol use were linked to more positive and less negative child alcohol expectancies, respectively. However, these cognitions did not contribute unique variance in adolescent alcohol use after accounting for additional risks included in the model. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for future research aimed at modeling broader and potentially indirect sources of parent influences on adolescent alcohol-related learning and subsequent drinking behavior.
Knowledge-Embedded Mutual Guidance for Visual Reasoning

Visual reasoning between visual images and natural language is a long-standing challenge in computer vision. Most of the methods aim to look for answers to questions only on the basis of the analysis of the offered questions and images. Other approaches treat knowledge graphs as flattened tables to search for the answer. However, there are two major problems with these works: 1) the model disregards the fact that the world we surrounding us interlinks our hearing and speaking of natural language and 2) the model largely ignores the structure of the acrlong KG. To overcome these challenging deficiencies, a model should jointly consider two modalities of vision and language, as well as the rich structural and logical information embedded in knowledge graphs. To this end, we propose a general joint representation learning framework for visual reasoning, namely, knowledge-embedded mutual guidance. It realizes mutual guidance not only between visual data and natural language descriptions but also between knowledge graphs and reasoning models. In addition, it exploits the knowledge derived from the reasoning model to boost knowledge graphs when applying the visual relation detection task. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach performs dramatically better than state-of-the-art methods on two benchmarks for visual reasoning.
Association Between Community Social Vulnerability and Preventable Hospitalizations

Preventable hospitalizations are common and costly events that burden patients and our health care system. While research suggests that these events are strongly linked to ambulatory care access, emerging evidence suggests they may also be sensitive to a patient’s social, environmental, and economic conditions. This study examines the association between variations in social vulnerability and preventable hospitalization rates. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of county-level preventable hospitalization rates for 33 states linked with data from the 2020 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Preventable hospitalizations were 40% higher in the most vulnerable counties compared with the least vulnerable. Adjusted regression results confirm the strong relationship between social vulnerability and preventable hospitalizations. Our results suggest wide variation in community-level preventable hospitalization rates, with robust evidence that variation is strongly related to a community’s social vulnerability. The human toll, societal cost, and preventability of these hospitalizations make understanding and mitigating these inequities a national priority.
A novel prognostic model based on AFP, tumor burden score and Albumin-Bilirubin grade for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing radiofrequency ablation

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to develop prognostic scores, including the tumor burden score (TBS) and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, for evaluating the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Materials and Methods This retrospective study enrolled treatment-naïve HCC patients with BCLC 0-A who underwent RFA between January 2009 and December 2019. Regular follow-up was conducted after RFA to determine progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The patients were randomly allocated to the training or validation datasets in a 1:1 ratio. Preoperative prognostic scores were developed based on the results of multivariate analysis. The discriminatory ability of the scores was assessed using time-dependent AUC and compared with other models. Results Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level and TBS were identified as independent prognostic factors for PFS, while serum AFP, TBS, and ALBI were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS in HCC patients after RFA. The time-dependent AUCs of the AFP-TBS score for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS were 0.651, 0.667, and 0.620, respectively, in the training set, and 0.657, 0.687, and 0.704, respectively, in the validation set. For the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS, the time-dependent AUCs were 0.680, 0.712, and 0.666, respectively, in the training set, and 0.712, 0.706 and 0.726 in the validation set for the AFP-TBS-ALBI score (ATA). The C-indices and AIC demonstrated that the scores provided better clinical benefits compared to other models. Conclusion The ATA/AT score, derived from clinical and objective laboratory variables, can assist in individually predicting the prognosis of HCC patients undergoing curative RFA.