Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of concepts from cross-recurrence analysis in speech production: an overview and comparison with other nonlinear methods.

PURPOSE The aim of this article was to introduce an important tool, cross-recurrence analysis, to speech production applications by showing how it can be adapted to evaluate the similarity of multivariate patterns of articulatory motion. The method differs from classical applications of cross-recurrence analysis because no phase space reconstruction is conducted, and a cleaning algorithm removes the artifacts from the recurrence plot. The main features of the proposed approach are robustness to nonstationarity and efficient separation of amplitude variability from temporal variability. METHOD The authors tested these claims by applying their method to synthetic stimuli whose variability had been carefully controlled. The proposed method was also demonstrated in a practical application: It was used to investigate the role of biomechanical constraints in articulatory reorganization as a consequence of speeded repetition of CVCV utterances containing a labial and a coronal consonant. RESULTS Overall, the proposed approach provided more reliable results than other methods, particularly in the presence of high variability. CONCLUSION The proposed method is a useful and appropriate tool for quantifying similarity and dissimilarity in patterns of speech articulator movement, especially in such research areas as speech errors and pathologies, where unpredictable divergent behavior is expected.
Binding Free Energy Calculations of Nine FDA‐approved Protease Inhibitors Against HIV‐1 Subtype C I36T↑T Containing 100 Amino Acids Per Monomer

In this work, have investigated the binding affinities of nine FDA‐approved protease inhibitor drugs against a new HIV‐1 subtype C mutated protease, I36T↑T. Without an X‐ray crystal structure, homology modelling was used to generate a three‐dimensional model of the protease. This and the inhibitor models were employed to generate the inhibitor/I36T↑T complexes, with the relative positions of the inhibitors being superimposed and aligned using the X‐ray crystal structures of the inhibitors/HIV‐1 subtype B complexes as a reference. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out on the complexes to calculate the average binding free energies for each inhibitor using the molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM‐GBSA) method. When compared to the binding free energies of the HIV‐1 subtype B and subtype C proteases (calculated previously by our group using the same method), it was clear that the I36T↑T proteases mutations and insertion had a significant negative effect on the binding energies of the non‐pepditic inhibitors nelfinavir, darunavir and tipranavir. On the other hand, ritonavir, amprenavir and indinavir show improved calculated binding energies in comparison with the corresponding data for wild‐type C‐SA protease. The computational model used in this study can be used to investigate new mutations of the HIV protease and help in establishing effective HIV drug regimes and may also aid in future protease drug design.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Jeevaneeya Rasayana: an ayurvedic polyherbal formulation on acute and chronic models of inflammation

The present study was aimed to establish the efficacy of Jeevaneeya Rasayana (JR), an ayurvedic polyherbal formulation, in adjuvant-induced arthritic (AIA) rat model with reference to mediators of inflammation. The methanolic (MJR), ethanolic (EJR), and water extracts (WJR) of JR were prepared and their anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced acute model was evaluated. MJR at a dose of 25 mg/kg showed significantly higher anti-inflammatory effect than EJR, WJR, and standard drug diclofenac. MJR also significantly decreased the paw edema in AIA rats. Activities of cyclooxygenase, 5-lipoxygenase, and myeloperoxidase were decreased significantly on treatment with MJR. Supplementation with MJR increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the level of glutathione content. The increment in the concentration of C-reactive protein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and ceruloplasmin observed in arthritic rats were found to be significantly restored in MJR treated rats. Thus, the results demonstrated the potential beneficiary effect of methanolic extract of Jeevaneeya Rasayana on acute and chronic models of inflammation.
Low bone mineral density in adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND Patients with cystic fibrosis have several risk factors for the development of low bone mineral density (BMD). To identify the prevalence and clinical correlates of low BMD in adult patients with cystic fibrosis, densitometry was performed in 151 patients (83 men) aged 15–52 years. METHODS BMD was measured in the lumbar spine (L1–4) using dual energyx ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). It was also measured in the proximal femur (total hip and femoral neck) using DXA, and in the distal and ultra distal forearm using single energy x ray absorptiometry (SXA). Biochemical markers of bone turnover, vitamin D levels, parathyroid hormone levels, and a variety of anthropometric variables were also assessed. RESULTS The mean (SD) BMD Z score was –0.73 (0.85) in the distal forearm, –0.31 (0.92) in the ultra distal forearm, –1.21 (1.18) in the lumbar spine using DXA, –0.56 (1.36) in the lumbar spine using QCT, –1.25 (1.30) in the femoral neck, and –1.01 (1.14) in the total hip. 34% of patients had a BMD Z score of –2 or less at one or more skeletal sites. Body mass index (0.527, p = 0.01), percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (0.388, p = 0.01), and physical activity (0.249, p = 0.05) were positively related to the mean BMD Z score. Levels of C reactive protein (–0.328, p = 0.01), parathyroid hormone (–0.311, p = 0.01) and biochemical markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin –0.261 and bone specific alkaline phosphatase –0.249, p = 0.05) were negatively related to the mean BMD Z score. Vitamin D insufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D <15 ng/ml) was prevalent (53/139 patients, 38%) despite supplementation with 900 IU vitamin D per day. CONCLUSIONS Low bone density is prevalent in adult patients with cystic fibrosis. Current levels of vitamin D supplementation appear to be inadequate.
11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-II activity is affected by grapefruit juice and intense muscular work

ABSTRACT Objective The enzymatic activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11β-HSD2) is key to protecting mineral corticoid receptors from cortisol and has been implicated in blood pressure regulation. Grapefruit juice (GFJ) and acidity are thought to inhibit this enzyme in vitro. This study examines the effect of GFJ and intense exercise on 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity in vivo. Subjects and methods Eighteen subjects ingested GFJ or apple juice (CON) on separate days prior to reporting to the laboratory in a randomized order. Saliva (Sal) samples were obtained at baseline, 15 and 45 minutes post-treadmill stress test; Sal cortisone (E) and cortisol (F) levels were determined, and the Sal cortisone:cortisol (E:F) ratio was used as an index of 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity at rest and after intense muscular work. Results GFJ treatment decreased baseline 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity (44%) and Sal-E (28%) compared to CON (both, p < 0.05). Sal-E (r = 0.61, p < 0.05) and Sal-F (r = 0.66, p < 0.05) were correlated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in GFJ-treated individuals. Treadmill stress significantly increased Sal-E and Sal-F but did not alter 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity regardless of treatment. When treatments were examined separately, CON 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity decreased by 36% (p < 0.05) from baseline to 15 post-treadmill exercise. Conclusion Our findings suggest that GFJ and intense muscular work decrease 11β-HSD-2 activity independently, and no additive effect was noted. The association between DBP and the levels of Sal-F and Sal-E during the GFJ trial should be interpreted cautiously and warrants further investigation.
Size distribution and meiotic competence of oocytes obtained from bitch ovaries at various stages of the oestrous cycle.

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of the stage of the oestrous cycle on the meiotic competence of canine oocytes and also to investigate the relationship between the stage of the oestrous cycle and the relative size distribution of oocytes obtained from bitches at three stages of the cycle (anoestrus, follicular phase and dioestrus). Only healthy-looking cumulus-oocyte complexes were used for in vitro maturation and these were divided into three groups based on diameter (< 110, 110 to < 120 and > or = 120 microm). The mean diameter of oocytes from ovaries at anoestrus, the follicular phase and dioestrus was 103.6, 119.2 and 107.7 microm, respectively. The percentage of large oocytes (> or = 120 microm) collected at the follicular phase was higher (P<0.01) than that collected at dioestrus and the percentage of oocytes > or = 120 microm collected from ovaries at dioestrus was higher (P<0.01) than that collected at anoestrus. After culture for 72 h, significantly more oocytes reached metaphase II (MII) in the follicular phase than in the other stages (P<0.01), and more oocytes reached MII in dioestrus than in anoestrus (P<0.05). In the > or = 120 microm group, the frequency of oocytes that resumed meiosis in the follicular phase was higher (P<0.05) than in the other stages. However, in the smaller diameter (< 120 microm) groups, there were no significant differences between ovaries at different stages of the oestrous cycle with respect to the proportion of oocytes reaching each stage of meiosis. Thus, the oestrous cycle stage influences maturation frequency. Moreover, oocytes demonstrated a size-related ability to undergo meiotic maturation, irrespective of the stage of the oestrous cycle. These results suggest that the effects of the stage of the oestrous cycle may result from differences in the distribution of large oocytes.
Glial Alkalinization Detected In Vivo by 1H‐15N Heteronuclear Multiple‐Quantum Coherence‐Transfer NMR in Severely Hyperammonemic Rat

Abstract: Brain [5‐15N]glutamine amide protons were selectively observed in vivo by 1H‐15N heteronuclear multiple‐quantum coherence‐transfer NMR in spontaneously breathing, severely hyperammonemic rats during intravenous [15N]ammonium acetate infusion and the subsequent recovery period. The linewidth of brain [5‐15N]‐glutamine amide proton Hz increased from 36 ± 2 Hz at 3.4 h to 58 ± 6 Hz after 5.7 h of infusion, a net increase of 22 ± 6 Hz. Concomitantly, brain ammonia concentration increased from 1.7 to 3.5 ± 0.2 µmol/g and the rat progressed from grade III to grade IV encephalopathy. On recovery to grade III and decrease of brain ammonia concentration to 1.3 µmol/g, the linewidth returned to 37 ± 2 Hz. In aqueous solution, [5‐15N]glutamine amide proton Hz underwent a 17‐Hz linebroadening when pH was raised from 7.1 to 7.5 at 37°C, due to the increased rate of base‐catalyzed exchange with water proton. Hence, linebroadening is a sensitive measure of changing intracellular pH. The 22‐Hz linebroadening observed in vivo in severely hyperammonemic grade IV rats strongly suggests that the intracellular pH increases from 7.1 to about 7.4–7.5 in astrocytes where glutamine is synthesized and mainly stored. Probable mechanisms for the ammonia‐induced alkalinization and decreased intraglial buffering capacity, as well as implications of the result for pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, are discussed.
Dynamic Modeling of Power Systems Experiencing Faults in Transmission/Distribution Networks

In this paper we address some shortcomings in existing nonlinear dynamic models of power system experiencing symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults in their transmission/distribution networks. The shortcomings relate to: 1) approximations relating to stator dynamics, internal voltage of the positive sequence network and the dynamics of the negative and zero sequence networks, and 2) existing models are time -variant, which may not be suitable for system studies such as stability and fault detection studies that require time invariant model. The approximations outlined in 1) adversely affect the modeling accuracy, especially that of the system response during the period immediately after the occurrence of faults. We present in this paper a full fault-dependent time-invariant dynamical model of power systems experiencing symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults in their transmission/distribution networks and verify it through simulation studies mimicking real life scenarios. IEEE 30 bus power system is considered as the study case. The simulation results are compared to Matlab's “SimPower” and PSCAD/EMTDC software packages.
Caustic oesophagitis in children: prevalence, the corrosive agents involved, and management from primary care through to surgery

Purpose of reviewCaustic substance ingestion (CSI) remains a major health issue, particularly in developing countries, where laws are not effectively enforced. This review offers a thorough analysis of the current epidemiology, clinical features, management, treatment, and long-term complications of CSI in children. Recent findingsStrong alkalis sold in liquid and granular forms, particularly crystalline grease cleaners (concentrated sodium hydroxide), are the principal causes of severe oesophageal damage. Currently, early endoscopy to assess the gastro-oesophageal mucosa is not considered necessary for all CSI cases. Oesophageal stricture is a major complication developing after CSI, and should be diagnosed and treated earlier, 10–14 days after CSI via commencement of a dilation program. Fluoroscopically guided oesophageal balloon dilatation seems to be safe, with a low frequency of complications and a high success rate. However, it should commence earlier than is currently the case, and should be performed gently, using balloons of gradually increasing diameter. If dilation fails after a few months, oesophageal replacement surgery should be performed. SummaryUnfortunately, neither dilatation treatment nor oesophageal bypass surgery can prevent the development of oesophageal carcinoma, the incidence of which is high after CSI. The continuing unacceptably high incidence of CSI accidents would be reduced if corrosive materials were sold in their original childproof containers, highlighting the need for preventive and adult education programmes.
Geometric Least Squares Fitting of Circle and Ellipse

The least squares fitting of geometric features to given points minimizes the squares sum of error-of-fit in predefined measures. By the geometric fitting, the error distances are defined with the orthogonal, or shortest, distances from the given points to the geometric feature to be fitted. For the geometric fitting of circle and ellipse, robust algorithms are proposed which are based on the coordinate descriptions of the corresponding point on the circle/ellipse for the given point, where the connecting line of the two points is the shortest path from the given point to the circle/ellipse.
Clinical Role of FDG PET/CT for Methotrexate-Related Malignant Lymphoma

Methotrexate-related malignant lymphoma (MTX-RML) is a type of therapy-related lymphoma, and it often occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The most distinctive characteristic of MTX-RML is a quick response to withdrawal of MTX. However, because there is a risk of recurrence without a distinctive indicator of disease, close follow-up is needed. We present F-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) postitron emission tomography (PET) or computed tomography (CT) images of MTX-RML along with the characteristic clinical presentation of MTX-RML. FDG PET/CT has the advantage of being able to detect malignant lymphoma in patients who have undergone MTX treatment. After withdrawal of MTX, FDG uptake decreases along with a reduction in the volume of lesions. Although recurrent lesion develops independent to the initial FDG PET/CT findings, FDG PET/CT is useful for early detection of unexpected recurrent lesions. FDG PET/CT allows for the assessment of malignant lymphoma and recurrent lesions in patients who received MTX therapy, which is crucial for the management of MTX-RML.
Exploiting chimeric human antibodies to characterize a protective epitope of Neisseria adhesin A, one of the Bexsero vaccine components

Neisseria adhesin A (NadA) is one of the antigens of Bexsero, the recently licensed multicomponent vaccine against serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB). NadA belongs to the class of oligomeric coiled‐coil adhesins and is able to mediate adhesion and invasion of human epithelial cells. As a vaccine antigen, NadA has been shown to induce high levels of bactericidal antibodies; however, the domains important for protective response are still unknown. In order to further investigate its immunogenic properties, we have characterized the murine IgG1 mAb (6E3) that was able to recognize the 2 main antigenic variants of NadA on the surface of MenB strains. The epitope targeted by mAb 6E3 was mapped by hydrogen‐deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and shown to be located on the coiled‐coil stalk region of NadA (aa 206‐249). Although no serum bactericidal activity was observed for murine IgG1 mAb 6E3, functional activity was restored when using chimeric antibodies in which the variable regions of the murine mAb 6E3 were fused to human IgG3 constant regions, thus confirming the protective nature of the mAb 6E3 epitope. The use of chimeric antibody molecules will enable future investigations of complement‐mediated antibody functionality independently of the Fc‐mediated differences in complement activation. —Bertoldi, I. , Faleri, A. , Galli, B. , Lo Surdo, P., Liguori, A. , Norais, N. , Santini, L. , Masignani, V. , Pizza, M. , Giuliani, M. M. Exploiting chimeric human antibodies to characterize a protective epitope of Neisseria adhesin A, one of the Bexsero vaccine components. FASEB J. 30, 93‐101 (2016). www.fasebj. org
Multiple Sources of Psychosocial Disadvantage and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Objectives: To examine the co-occurrence of multiple sources of psychosocial disadvantage in association with risk of incident coronary heart disease (CHD). It was hypothesized that increased co-occurring psychosocial disadvantage would be associated with increased risk of CHD in a monotonic fashion. While both social and psychological disadvantage are associated with increased risk of CHD, indicators of psychosocial disadvantage are traditionally examined individually in relationship to CHD. However, multiple sources of psychosocial disadvantage tend to co-occur. Methods: Hypotheses were examined using data from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and its follow-up studies (n = 6913). Indicators of psychosocial disadvantage (education, income, employment, single parenting, marital status, depressive and anxious symptoms) and covariates were derived from baseline interviews and incident CHD from hospital records/death certificates collected over 22 years of follow-up. Hypotheses were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Results indicated that greater co-occurrence of psychosocial disadvantage conferred increased CHD risk. Relative to no disadvantage, one indicator of psychosocial disadvantage (relative risk (RR) = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.48), two to three indicators of psychosocial disadvantage (RR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.33–1.84), and four or more indicators of psychosocial disadvantage (RR = 2.63; 95% CI = 2.01–3.44) were associated with increased risk of incident CHD. Results persisted in covariate-adjusted models. A significant interaction by gender was observed such that the co-occurrence of psychosocial risk and its association with incident CHD were stronger among women than among men. Conclusions: Results indicate the importance of considering patterns of co-occurring psychosocial risk factors in relationship to CHD. CHD = coronary heart disease; RR = relative risk; CI = confidence interval; NHANES I = First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; ICD-9 = International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision; BMI = body mass index; SBP = systolic blood pressure; DBP = diastolic blood pressure.
Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas.

OBJECT The aim of this study was to determine the preoperative predictors of the extent of resection and endocrinological remission following endonasal endoscopic removal of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas. METHODS The authors analyzed a prospectively collected database of 24 consecutive acromegalic patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. The extent of resection was evaluated on postoperative contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Endocrinological remission was defined as normal insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI) serum levels and either a nadir GH level of < 0.4 ng/ml after an oral glucose load or a basal GH serum level < 1 ng/ml. RESULTS The majority of acromegalic patients (83%) had macroadenomas > 1 cm in maximum diameter. Gross-total resection was achieved in 17 (71%) of 24 patients. Notably, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery allowed complete resection of all lesions without cavernous sinus invasion, regardless of the suprasellar extent. Biochemical remission was achieved in 11 (46%) of 24 patients. A smaller tumor volume and a postoperative reduction in GH serum levels were associated with a higher rate of biochemical cure (p < 0.05). During a 23-month follow-up period 5 patients (21%) underwent Gamma Knife treatment of any residual disease to further reduce excess GH production. Twenty patients (83%) reported significant relief of their symptoms, while 3 (13%) considered their symptoms stable. Two patients (8%) with large macroadenomas experienced postoperative panhypopituitarism, and 2 patients (8%) suffered from CSF leaks, which were treated with lumbar CSF diversion. CONCLUSIONS A purely endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal adenoma resection leads to a high rate of gross-total tumor resection and endocrinological remission in acromegalic patients, even those harboring macroadenomas with wide suprasellar extension. Extended approaches and angled endoscopes are useful tools for increasing the extent of resection.
The nutritional status of children with cystic fibrosis

The importance of nutritional intervention for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is well recognised. It would be expected that the increase in knowledge over the past decade would be reflected in improvements in nutritional status for the CF paediatric population. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the nutritional status of children with CF, cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Body cell mass adjusted for gender and size (BCM/Htp) was measured in sixty-four children with CF to represent nutritional status and expressed as a Z-score. The cross-sectional results showed a mean BCM/Htp Z-score of 0·54 (sd 1·21), with males having a slightly higher Z-score than females but with a larger variation. At the initial measurement, only one female and one male were considered sub-optimally nourished. The longitudinal analysis after 2 years showed that the mean population had a significantly decreased BCM/Htp Z-score; however, when each gender was analysed separately, this decrease was significant only in the males. At the final measurement, only two females and three males were considered sub-optimally nourished. It is evident from our results that children with CF are well nourished, with only a small percentage considered malnourished. It appears that nutritional status decreases with age, with this decline being more evident in males. These results signify that although children with CF are better nourished with current treatment support, intervention needs to continue throughout a CF patient's life to counteract the changes that occur with age.