Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cochlear Implantation for Treatment of Tinnitus in Single-sided Deafness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: Quantify the benefit of cochlear implantation (CI) for tinnitus relief among individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD). Data Sources: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched through July 10, 2019. Search strategies used a combination of subject headings (e.g., MeSH in PubMed) and keywords for the following three concepts: single-sided deafness, cochlear implantation, and tinnitus. Study Selection: English articles that reported the preintervention (baseline) tinnitus-related patient-reported outcome measures (e.g., Tinnitus Handicap Inventory [THI] and Visual Analog Scale [VAS] for loudness) in patients with SSD that underwent CI were included. Data Extraction: Number of patients, mean age, etiology of hearing loss, duration of deafness, baseline and follow-up THI and VAS scores. Data Synthesis: A total of 17 studies met inclusion criteria encompassing 247 patients with SSD receiving a cochlear implant (mean age 50.2 yr, range 23–71). For THI, CI resulted in a mean difference of –35.4 points [95% CI –55.8 to –15.0, p < 0.001]. VAS decreased by –4.6 points [CI –6.0 to –3.3, p < 0.001]. A weighted proportion of 14.9% [CI 6.4–26.1] of patients experienced complete resolution of tinnitus, while 74.5% [CI 63.1–84.5] experienced partial improvement; 7.6% [CI 4.1–12.6] of patients had no change in severity, and 3.0% [CI 1.0–6.7] experienced worsening of their tinnitus. Conclusions: On both THI and VAS, patients reported significant reduction in their scores, representing an overall improvement in tinnitus severity while wearing the cochlear implant. Most patients with SSD will experience partial improvement or complete resolution of tinnitus with a cochlear implant.
An overview of the time trade-off method: concept, foundation, and the evaluation of distorting factors in putting a value on health

ABSTRACT Introduction Preference-based instruments measuring health status express the value of specific health states in a single number. One method used is time trade-off (TTO). Health-status values are key elements in calculating quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and are pertinent for resource allocation. Since they are used in economic evaluations of healthcare, searching for a theoretical foundation of TTO in economics is justified. Area covered This paper provides an overview of TTO, including its relation to economic theory, and discusses biases and distortions, compiled from recent and older research. Inconsistencies between TTO and random utility theory were detected; The TTO is confounded by time preferences and by respondents’ life expectancies. TTO is cognitively challenging, therefore guidance during the interviews is needed, producing interview effects. TTO does not measure one thing at a time, nor are the values independent of other states that are being valued in the same task. That is, TTO does not exhibit theoretical measurement properties such as unidimensionality and the invariance principle. Expert opinion We conclude that the TTO may be a pragmatic method of eliciting health state values, but the limitations in regard to measurement theory and practical elicitation problems makes it prone to inconsistencies and arbitrariness.
(2S,3R,6R)-2-[(R)-1-Hydroxyallyl]-4,4-dimethoxy-6-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-ol

(2S,3R,6R)-2-[(R)-1-Hydroxyallyl]-4,4-dimethoxy-6-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-ol was isolated in 18% after treating the glucose derived (5R,6S,7R)-5,6,7-tris[(triethylsilyl)oxy]nona-1,8-dien-4-one with (1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid (CSA). The one-pot formation of the title compound involved triethylsilyl (TES) removal, alkene isomerization, intramolecular conjugate addition and ketal formation. The compound was characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy was used to establish the product structure, including the conformation of its tetrahydropyran ring.
THE FIRST COMPLETE SKELETON OF SOLNHOFIA PARSONSI (CRYPTODIRA, EURYSTERNIDAE) FROM THE UPPER JURASSIC OF GERMANY AND ITS TAXONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

Abstract A complete skeleton of Solnhofia parsonsi (Cryptodira, Eurysternidae) from the Kimmeridgian/Tithonian boundary of Schamhaupten, Germany provides the first complete understanding of the postcranial morphology of this genus. The here newly described postcranial characters are important in distinguishing Solnhofia from shell-based genera and thus help in resolving part of the parataxonomic conflict between shell-based and cranium-based turtle genera. This disparity originated during the last 150 years due to the history of fossil finds, preparation, and changing interests of researchers. Synonymies of Solnhofia with such turtle genera as Eurysternum, Idiochelys, Plesiochelys, Thalassemys, and Euryaspis can now be refuted. Similarities with Hydropelta are apparent, but not considered sufficient to support a synonymy. Newly observed or confirmed characters include the relatively large head (40 percent of the carapace length), the pentagonal carapace, the unique arrangement of bones and fontanelles in the pygal region, and the absence of mesoplastra, epiplastra, and an entoplastron. The carcass of the new specimen was embedded in finely laminated limestones and shows little sign of disintegration or scavenging, suggesting hostile bottom conditions with very low water energy during deposition. This taphonomy agrees with recent published models for the origin of the lithographic limestones of southern Germany. Tooth marks along the posterior margin of the carapace are evidence of predation by a broad-nosed crocodilian. This is the first clear example for this type of predatorial interaction from the Upper Jurassic of Germany.
Perinatal Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Stabilization Preserves Lung Alveolar and Vascular Growth in Experimental BPD.

BACKGROUND Antenatal inflammation with placental dysfunction is strongly associated with high BPD risk in preterm infants. Whether antenatal or postnatal HIF augmentation can preserve lung structure and function and prevent pulmonary hypertension (PH) after intrauterine inflammation is controversial. OBJECTIVE To determine if antenatal or postnatal prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor (PHi) therapy increases lung HIF expression, preserves lung growth and function and prevents PH in a rat model of CA-induced BPD caused by antenatal inflammation. METHODS Endotoxin was administered to pregnant rats by intra-amniotic (IA) injection at embryonic day 20 and pups were delivered by cesarean-section at E22. Selective PHi drugs, dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) or GSK360A (GSK), were administered into the amniotic space at E20 or after birth by intraperitoneal injection for 2 weeks. Placentas and lung tissue were collected at birth for morphometric and western blot measurements of HIF-1a, HIF-2a, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein contents. At day 14, lung function was assessed, and tissues were harvested to determine alveolarization by radial alveolar counts(RAC) and pulmonary vessel density(PVD) and right ventricular hypertrophy(RVH). RESULTS Antenatal PHi therapy preserves lung alveolar and vascular growth and lung function and prevents RVH after intrauterine ETX exposure. Antenatal administration of PHi markedly up-regulates lung HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF and eNOS expression after ETX exposure. CONCLUSIONS HIF augmentation improve lung structure and function, prevents RVH and improves placental structure following antenatal ETX exposure. We speculate that antenatal or postnatal PHi therapy may provide novel strategies to prevent BPD due to antenatal inflammation.
Click Trains do not Alter Auditory Temporal Order Judgements

Brief periods of repetitive stimulation (click trains) presented either contiguous or simultaneous to an interval have been previously shown to impact on its perceived duration. In the current investigation we asked whether the perception of temporal order can be altered in a similar way. Participants completed a dichotic spectral temporal order judgement task with the stimuli titrated to their individual thresholds. Immediately prior to the judgement, participants were presented with five seconds of click trains, white noise or silence. We extended previous work on this topic by using each participant’s accuracy and response time data to estimate diffusion model parameters so that the cognitive mechanisms underlying any effect of click trains on the response could be disentangled. There was no effect of stimulation condition on participant’s accuracy, or diffusion model parameters (drift rate, boundary separation or non-decision time). The present findings therefore suggest that click trains do not influence temporal order perception. Additionally, the previous suggestion that click trains induce an increase in the rate of information processing was not supported for this temporal order task. Further work probing the limits and conditions of the click train effect will help to constrain and extend theoretical accounts of subjective timing.
Translational mechanisms in business model design: introducing the continuous validation framework

PurposeThis paper aims at proposing knowledge translation as an element of business model design that can support entrepreneurs in achieving alignment and collaboration between entrepreneurial teams and external stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model presented in the paper is developed from the literature review and draws mainly on two streams of work as follows: first, the contributions related to the lean start-up methodology initially developed by Blank and Ries and second, the work of Osterwalder and Pigneur on business models and its subsequent developments. In addition, we draw on key insights from the entrepreneurship and organizational learning literature, such as discovery-driven planning and disciplined entrepreneurship.FindingsThe continuous validation framework (CVF) is introduced, posing the attention on underlining knowledge-translation mechanisms to decode complex concepts related to new venture creation.Originality/valueThe authors propose a new framework (the CVF) as an effective translational tool because it is a visual diagram that allows entrepreneurs to translate complex and technical ideas into a format that is more understandable for external audiences. Additionally, for each step of the CVF, specific translational mechanisms are defined and discussed, as each stage of the CVF presents specific translational challenges that result in outcomes that differ from stage to stage.
Socio-cultural Factors Associated with Complementary Feeding in Two Rural Districts in Ghana: A qualitative study involving Health Workers

Aim: This study sought to explore the cultural factors that are associated with complementary feeding from the reports of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Volunteers (CHVs) in two rural districts in Ghana. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study that assessed cultural beliefs, norms, superstitions and practices that influence complementary feeding practices of young children under two years in two rural farming districts in Ghana Study Area: The study was conducted at Kwahu Afram Plains North and South Districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methodology: The study employed qualitative methods which entailed conducting 9 focus group discussions among CHWs and CHVs working at two rural districts in Ghana. The focus group discussions were conducted with the aid of a validated, interview guide, after obtaining informed consent (written) from the health workers. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Boards of the Dodowa Health Research Centre and the University of Cape Coast. Thematic content analytical procedures were applied to analyze the transcripts, interpret and present findings as a narrative account. Results: The reports of the health workers indicate a common practice of early introduction of solid foods to infants before they attain six(6) months of age. Cultural beliefs, superstitions, beliefs, food Original Research Article Nsiah-Asamoah; EJNFS, 12(5): 10-24, 2020; Article no.EJNFS. 57563 11 taboos and prohibitions influence mothers’ complementary-feeding practices and result in limiting the food scope and dietary diversity of their young children. Conclusions: Interventions designed to promote appropriate complementary feeding practices should incorporate an understanding of social context, family, and cultural factors in developing nutrition promotion messages that are tailored to meet the needs of rural populations. More community interventions that draw on the support of key influential persons in the community and fathers are needed to address cultural barriers to appropriate complementary feeding practices.
A non-toxic herbal remedy which enhance lymphocyte activity and cytokine secretion: Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum is grown in the deep foliage of South-western China, where it is free from heavy metals and pollutions from populated cities. G. lucidum contains biologically active components, polysaccharides, which have been shown to enhance the immune system. In China, G. lucidum is commonly used to treat cancer, allergies, inflammation, hypertension and platelet-aggregation. This study investigates the proliferation, metabolism and cytokine secretion of lymphocytes in vitro upon G. lucidum stimulation. The powder of G. lucidum was provided by Mei Shan Tang Limited (Hong Kong) and tested to be free of heavy metals and microorganisms. Lymphocytes were extracted from 66 healthy human subjects and cultured with a pre-determined optimal concentration of G. lucidum (50-100 ug/mL) or a control medium for 72 h. Proliferation was measured with cell proliferation reagent, and metabolic rate was measured with ATP bioluminescence assay. Levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, GM-CSF and TNF- were measured with ELISA. Meanwhile, toxicity was tested by feeding 70 rats with G. lucidum. No significant toxicity was detected in the rats. In human lymphocytes, G. lucidum was found to significantly increase cell proliferation and metabolism (p cellular immunity. G. lucidum is therefore potential candidate as a safe immunostimulant for patients on antin-eoplastic therapy.
Spore Germination and Gametophyte Development in Three Species of Asplenium

Abstract Laboratory and field experiments involving Asplenium ruta-muraria L. , Asplenium trichomanes L. subsp. quadrivalens D.E. Meyer emend. Lovis and Asplenium scolopendrium L. [= Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newm. ] revealed differences in their temperature requirements for germination and in their sexual development on soil. The germination responses of A. trichomanes and A. scolopendrium to culture temperatures of 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C were very similar and all spores were able to germinate at 10 °C. Spores of A. ruta-muraria differed in that germination was slower at 15-25 °C and very much delayed, or even inhibited, at 10 °C. Both laboratory and field cultures of A. trichomanes and A. scolopendrium produced male, female and bisexual gametophytes whereas those of A. ruta-muraria produced only males and bisexuals. The ecological significance of these differences is discussed.
Leaf chlorosis in Arabidopsis thaliana hybrids is associated with transgenerational decline and imbalanced ribosome number.

Interaction of two parental genomes can result in negative outcomes in offspring, also known as hybrid incompatibility. We have previously reported a case in which two recessively interacting alleles result in hybrid chlorosis in Arabidopsis thaliana. A DEAD-box RNA helicase 18 (AtRH18) was identified to be necessary for chlorosis. In this study, we used a sophisticated genetic approach to investigate genes underlying hybrid chlorosis. Sequence comparisons, DNA methylation inhibitor drug treatment and segregation analysis were used to investigate the epigenetic regulation of hybrid chlorosis. Relative ribosomal RNA numbers were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR. We confirmed the causality of AtRH18 and provided evidence for the involvement of the promoter region of AtRH18 in the hybrid chlorosis. Furthermore, AtMOM1 from the second parent was identified as the likely candidate gene on chr 1. Chlorotic hybrids displayed transgenerational decline in chlorosis and DNA de-methylation experiments restored chlorophyll levels in chlorotic hybrids. Quantification of ribosomal RNA indicated that hybrid chlorosis was associated with an imbalance in the ratio of cytosolic and plastid ribosomes. Our findings highlight that the epigenetic regulation of AtRH18 causes hybrid breakdown and provide novel information about the role of AtRH18 in plant development.
Investigating the predictive validity of Static-99/99R scores in a sample of older sexual offenders

There is limited information regarding the use of risk assessment tools with aging offender populations. It is known that the likelihood of offending behaviour decreases with age, a small group of men either continue or begin to offend sexually in the later decades of life. The current study investigated the predictive validity of the Static-99 and the Static-99R, in a sample of convicted Australian sex offenders aged 50 and older. A sample of 118 participants was identified, of which 17 (14.4%) re-offended within a follow-up period ranging from four months to 20 years (M = 9.07 years). There were seven recidivists (13.46%) above the age of 60 years (n = 52) and 10 aged 40 to 59.9 years (n = 66). Both the Static-99 and Static-99R demonstrated moderate predictive validity with both age groups. The limitations of this study are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.
“Sometimes I Do Not Understand Exactly Where the Difficulties Are for My Students”: Language, Literacy, and the New Mainstream in Community Colleges

Objective: To inform efforts to boost college completion and professional preparation for the linguistically diverse New Mainstream, we explored language and literacy demands, and how faculty conceive of those demands, in one allied health program at one community college in California. We also explore the implications for the preparation of community college students in academic and professional preparation programs more generally. Method: We examined program documents and outlines of courses in the allied health program and interviewed eight faculty members teaching these courses. We analyzed data using deductive and inductive codes and drafted a program overview of assignments, associated language and literacy demands, and identifiable genres and metagenres. We also conducted member checks with key faculty members to clarify and deepen our understanding. Results: Despite our efforts to focus on disciplinary dimensions of language and literacy in the allied health program, we found that course outlines and instructors tended instead to emphasize general reading and writing competencies, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Discussing students’ language and literacy challenges, instructors underscored challenges common to English-dominant and language-minority students, including problems with students’ study skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, or time committed to their studies. Contributions: We argue that, although focusing on general academic and life skills is important for the diversity of students served by community colleges, a deeper focus on disciplinary and professional language and literacy practices is warranted by both instructors and institutions to prepare and support the New Mainstream in completing college and succeeding in the workforce.
Effects of Increased 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate (ACC) Deaminase Activity in Bradyrhizobium sp. SUTN9-2 on Mung Bean Symbiosis under Water Deficit Conditions

Bacteria exhibiting 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity, which inhibits the biosynthesis of ethylene in higher plants, promote plant growth through the degradation of ethylene precursors, such as ACC. ACC deaminase activity in Bradyrhizobium sp. SUTN9-2 was enhanced by genetic engineering and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE)-based methods. The transferal of a plasmid containing the acdR and acdS genes into SUTN9-2 was genetic engineering improved, while the ALE method was performed based on the accumulation of an adaptive bacterial population that continuously grew under specified growth conditions for a long time. ACC deaminase enzyme activity was 8.9–fold higher in SUTN9-2:pMG103::acdRS and 1.4–fold higher in SUTN9-2 (ACCDadap) than in the wild-type strain. The effects of increased activity were examined in the host plant (Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek SUT1). The improved strains enhanced nodulation in early stage of plant growth. SUTN9-2:pMG103::acdRS also maintained nitrogen fixation under water deficit conditions and increased the plant biomass after rehydration. Changes in nucleotides and amino acids in the AcdS protein of SUTN9-2 (ACCDadap) were then investigated. Some nucleotides predicted to be located in the ACC-binding site were mutated. These mutations may have increased ACC deaminase activity, which enhanced both symbiotic interactions and drought tolerance and promoted recovery after rehydration more than lower ACC deaminase activity. Adaptive evolution represents a promising strategy for further applications in the field.
The Epidemiology of Celiac Disease in the General Population and High-Risk Groups in Arab Countries: A Systematic Review

Background and Aims Celiac disease (CD) is possibly the most common autoimmune disorder, which may lead to dietary problems in the Arab region. This paper is aimed at exploring the epidemiology of the celiac disease in Arab countries, including its prevalence, associated risk factors, and clinical patterns. Methods An extensive search of the literature was conducted from electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. In total, 134 research papers were retrieved. We extracted studies published from January 1996 to December 2019. Our search was limited to studies published in English. Findings. The review included 35 studies with 22,340 participants from 12 countries and demonstrated a wide variation in the prevalence of CD. The highest prevalence among the general population (3.2%) was reported in Saudi Arabia, and the lowest (0.1%) was reported in Tunisia. Women demonstrated a higher prevalence of celiac disease relative to men. The peak age at diagnosis fell between 1 and 3 years and 9-10 years. Most studies focused on type 1 diabetes. Children with type 1 diabetes have a higher prevalence of CD (range from 5.5% to 20%), while the prevalence of CD in Down's syndrome patients was 1.1% and 10.7% in UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively. Other autoimmune diseases associated with CD are thyroid disease and irritable bowel disease. The most widely recognized clinical presentation was an inability to flourish and poor weight gain, followed by short stature, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, bloating, and chronic diarrhea. Conclusion The prevalence of the celiac disease in Arab countries varies with sex and age. However, we found that celiac disease presented similar clinical characteristics independent of the geographic region. Longitudinal population-based studies are needed to better identify the true burden and determinants of celiac disease.