Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impairment in predictive processes during auditory mismatch negativity in ScZ: Evidence from event‐related fields

Patients with schizophrenia (ScZ) show pronounced dysfunctions in auditory perception but the underlying mechanisms as well as the localization of the deficit remain unclear. To examine these questions, the current study examined whether alterations in the neuromagnetic mismatch negativity (MMNm) in ScZ‐patients could involve an impairment in sensory predictions in local sensory and higher auditory areas. Using a whole‐head MEG‐approach, we investigated the MMNm as well as P300m and N100m amplitudes during a hierarchical auditory novelty paradigm in 16 medicated ScZ‐patients and 16 controls. In addition, responses to omitted sounds were investigated, allowing for a critical test of the predictive coding hypothesis. Source‐localization was performed to identify the generators of the MMNm, omission responses as well as the P300m. Clinical symptoms were examined with the positive and negative syndrome scale. Event‐related fields (ERFs) to standard sounds were intact in ScZ‐patients. However, the ScZ‐group showed a reduction in the amplitude of the MMNm during both local (within trials) and global (across trials) conditions as well as an absent P300m at the global level. Importantly, responses to sound omissions were reduced in ScZ‐patients which overlapped both in latency and generators with the MMNm sources. Thus, our data suggest that auditory dysfunctions in ScZ involve impaired predictive processes that involve deficits in both automatic and conscious detection of auditory regularities. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5082–5093, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peroxiredoxin I is differentially expressed in multiple myelomas and in plasmablastic lymphomas.

BACKGROUND Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) and multiple myeloma (MM) are B cell-derived malignancies that share many morphologic and immunophenotypic traits, making the differential diagnosis particularly complicated. We have recently demonstrated that peroxiredoxin I (PrdxI) is expressed in plasma cells but not in B lymphocytes, suggesting that its expression is development-associated. AIM To analyze PrdxI expression in PBL and in MM in order to study its utilization as an additional diagnostic molecular tool. METHODS AND RESULTS Eight cases of PBL and nine of MM were studied by immunohistochemistry. We have demonstrated that PrdxI expression is closely connected with the immunoglobulin production capacity of the cells, which means high in MM, but absent in PBL cases, except one, wherein few cells were stained. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize PrdxI as a component of the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive pathway essential for plasma cell differentiation. As we have not detected immunoglobulin in our PBL cases, we suggest that UPR was not activated in the cells, accounting for the impediment of the developmental process, and for the inhibition of PrdxI expression observed. PrdxI could be considered an additional plasma cell functional marker and could also be speculated as a therapeutic target in the treatment of MM.
Dynamic coupling between fMRI local connectivity and interictal EEG in focal epilepsy: A wavelet analysis approach

Simultaneous scalp EEG‐fMRI recording is a noninvasive neuroimaging technique for combining electrophysiological and hemodynamic aspects of brain function. Despite the time‐varying nature of both measurements, their relationship is usually considered as time‐invariant. The aim of this study was to detect direct associations between scalp‐recorded EEG and regional changes of hemodynamic brain connectivity in focal epilepsy through a time‐frequency paradigm. To do so, we developed a voxel‐wise framework that analyses wavelet coherence between dynamic regional phase synchrony (DRePS, calculated from fMRI) and band amplitude fluctuation (BAF) of a target EEG electrode with dominant interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). As a proof of concept, we applied this framework to seven patients with focal epilepsy. The analysis produced patient‐specific spatial maps of DRePS‐BAF coupling, which highlight regions with a strong link between EEG power and local fMRI connectivity. Although we observed DRePS‐BAF coupling proximate to the suspected seizure onset zone in some patients, our results suggest that DRePS‐BAF is more likely to identify wider ‘epileptic networks’. We also compared DRePS‐BAF with standard EEG‐fMRI analysis based on general linear modelling (GLM). There was, in general, little overlap between the DRePS‐BAF maps and GLM maps. However, in some subjects the spatial clusters revealed by these two analyses appeared to be adjacent, particularly in medial posterior cortices. Our findings suggest that (1) there is a strong time‐varying relationship between local fMRI connectivity and interictal EEG power in focal epilepsy, and (2) that DRePS‐BAF reflect different aspects of epileptic network activity than standard EEG‐fMRI analysis. These two techniques, therefore, appear to be complementary. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5356–5374, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of a frequency transposition algorithm using wearable hearing aids

Transposition of acoustic information from higher to lower frequencies may help people with severe or profound high-frequency hearing loss, especially when a ‘dead region’ is present. Previously, we (Robinson et al, ) evaluated the benefit of an FFT-based transposition algorithm in a laboratory study. Although results were promising, we hypothesized that further training and exposure would be needed to gain the full benefit. This was tested here by implementing the algorithm in wearable digital hearing aids. Five subjects with high-frequency dead regions used the aids for five weeks. Performance on the transposing and control conditions was compared objectively using speech tests (vowel-consonant-vowel, ‘s’ detection, and speech in noise) and subjectively using questionnaires. Overall, the results showed no benefit with the transposition even after experience. Subjective preference was generally for the control condition.
Reproducibility of a Method for Graded Stenosis in Tubes and Vessels of Small Calibres

The reproducibility of a previously described method for graded stenosis has been tested in a model experiment and by repeated stenosis of the portal vein in rats. In the model experiment, the method was tested in terms of flow variations; in the animal experiment, in terms of prestenotic pressure variations. In the model experiment, the coefficient of variation in repeated stenosis was less than 3%. In the animal experiment, repeated stenosis constantly produced the same high level of pressure. The present method is discussed in relation to a theoretical optimal standard and found to be satisfactory.
Comparing the Obvious: Interactional Characteristics of Staff in Acute Mental Health Nursing and Forensic Psychiatric Nursing

This article reports on and compares two separate studies of the interactional characteristics of forensic mental health staff and acute mental health staff as they interact with inpatients, respectively. Both studies were conducted using participant observation, along with informal and formal interviews. Findings show that both acute and forensic mental health nursing practice is characterized by two overriding themes; ‘trust and relationship-enabling care’ and ‘behavior and perception-corrective care. ’ The comparison of the two studies shows no major differences in the characteristics of staff interactions with patients or in the overall meanings ascribed by staff in the different practice settings.
Lack of association between IRF6 polymorphisms (rs2235371 and rs642961) and non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate in a Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND Interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene has emerged as a potential susceptibility gene for non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) in different populations. The aim of this study was to determine the association of IRF6 rs2235371 and rs642961 polymorphisms with NSCL/P in a Brazilian population. METHODS Two hundred and twenty-eight patients affected by NSCL/P and 126 healthy individuals were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. RESULTS Overall genotype distributions of rs2235371 and rs642961 polymorphisms were as expected by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test. The rs2235371 polymorphic genotype GA was identified in 10.1% of the patients with NSCL/P and in 10.3% of the control group, revealing no statistical difference. Similarly, the frequency of rs642961 minor genotypes (GA and AA) was quite similar between control group (28.6%) and NSCL/P group (25.4%), without significant difference. CONCLUSION Our findings are consistent with a lack of involvement of IRF6 rs2235371 and rs642961 polymorphisms in the NSCL/P pathogenesis in the Brazilian population.
APEX/SPIN: a free test platform to measure speech intelligibility

Abstract Objectives: Measuring speech intelligibility in quiet and noise is important in clinical practice and research. An easy-to-use free software platform for conducting speech tests is presented, called APEX/SPIN. Design: The APEX/SPIN platform allows the use of any speech material in combination with any noise. A graphical user interface provides control over a large range of parameters, such as number of loudspeakers, signal-to-noise ratio and parameters of the procedure. An easy-to-use graphical interface is provided for calibration and storage of calibration values. To validate the platform, perception of words in quiet and sentences in noise were measured both with APEX/SPIN and with an audiometer and CD player, which is a conventional setup in current clinical practice. Study sample: Five normal-hearing listeners participated in the experimental evaluation. Results: Speech perception results were similar for the APEX/SPIN platform and conventional procedures. Conclusions: APEX/SPIN is a freely available and open source platform that allows the administration of all kinds of custom speech perception tests and procedures.
Transition of Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease From Pediatric to Adult Care: A Survey of Adult Gastroenterologists

Objectives: Transition of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from pediatric to adult providers requires preparation. Gastroenterologists for adult patients (“adult gastroenterologists”) may have expectations of patients that are different from those of pediatric patients. We sought to explore the perspectives of adult gastroenterologists caring for adolescents and young adults with IBD, to improve preparation for transition. Materials and Methods: A survey sent to 1132 adult gastroenterologists caring for patients with IBD asked physicians to rank the importance of patient competencies thought necessary in successful transition to an adult practice. Providers reported which problems occurred in patients with IBD transitioning to their own practice. Adult gastroenterologists were asked about medical and developmental issues that are unique to adolescence. Results: A response rate of 34% was achieved. Adult gastroenterologists reported that young adults with IBD often demonstrated deficits in knowledge of their medical history (55%) and medication regimens (69%). In addition, 51% of adult gastroenterologists reported receiving inadequate medical history from pediatric providers. Adult providers were less concerned about the ability of patients to identify previous and current health care providers (19%), or attend office visits by themselves (15%). Knowledge of adolescent medical and developmental issues was perceived as important by adult gastroenterologists; however, only 46% felt competent addressing the developmental aspects of adolescents. Conclusions: For successful transition, adolescents and young adults with IBD need improved education about their medical history and medications. Pediatric providers need to improve communication with the receiving physicians. In addition, adult providers may benefit from further training in adolescent issues. Formal transition checklists and programs may improve the transition of patients with IBD from pediatric to adult care.
Zinc Therapy for Diarrhoea Improves Growth Among Bangladeshi Infants 6 to 11 Months of Age

Objectives: We assessed the effect of zinc for the treatment of diarrhoea implemented at the community level on physical growth among children 6 to 35 months of age. Methods: The service areas of 30 community health workers in the Matlab field site of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, were randomly allocated to the intervention or comparison study arm. Between November 1998 and October 2000, caretakers of 3- to 59-month-old children with diarrhoea in both intervention and comparison areas were offered oral rehydration solution and feeding advice, and severe episodes were referred for facility-based care. The caretakers of the children in the intervention area were additionally offered 20 mg/day elemental zinc for 14 days as adjunct treatment for each diarrhoea episode. Weight and length of children who were 6 to 11 months of age at the beginning of the study were measured every 2 months for 2 years. Rates of length and weight gains were compared between children living in intervention and control arms using a latent growth model. Results: Characteristics of children living in control and intervention areas were similar, except that more children living in intervention areas were underweight at baseline (44 vs 35%; P = 0.02). Children living in intervention clusters gained slightly more weight and length than children in the control clusters (86.4 g/year and 2.8 mm/year, respectively). Conclusions: The therapeutic use of zinc along with oral rehydration solution for community-based diarrhoea management may have a small positive benefit on the rates of growth among children younger than 3 years of age.
Neonate auditory brainstem response repeatability with controlled force gauge bone-conducted stimulus delivery

Abstract Objective: The feasibility and repeatability of neonate auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) with a controlled hand-held applied force gauge for bone-conducted stimulus delivery was examined. Design: A repeated measures test–retest design was employed. Study sample: Participants were 27 healthy neonates. A 4000 Hz bone-conducted CE-Chirp octave band stimulus evoked the ABRs. Intra- and intertester conditions were employed with a prototype hand-held applied force gauge (Etymōtic Research) attached to the superior aspect of the bone vibrator. The bone vibrator was placed in a superoposterior auricular position and held manually. The force gauge displayed a desired coupling force via an LED light indicator. Results: Three sets of replicated ABRs were recorded from all neonates: initial test and retest with one tester (i.e. intratester 1 and 2) and final test with a second tester (i.e. intertester). No significant differences in intra- or intertester ABR wave V latencies or amplitudes were found (p > 0.05). Coefficients of reliability (Cronbach’s α) were . 95 and . 43 for wave V latencies and amplitudes, respectively. Conclusions: A hand-held applied force gauge may be a reliable means of delivering controlled bone-conducted stimuli in ABR assessments in neonates and infants.
Deuterium Equilibrium Time in Saliva of Newborn Infants

There is an increasing interest about the use of stable isotopes for body composition analysis in pediatrics. To ensure the success of total body water analysis by the deuterium dilution method, it is fundamental to determine the equilibrium time (plateau) of deuterium in the body fluid studied. Objectives: We report here the equilibration time of deuterium oxide in the saliva of newborns after oral intake of the isotope. Methods: Twenty healthy term newborn infants, 10 males and 10 females, were analyzed. Saliva was collected from each newborn before the oral administration of a 100 mg/kg dose of deuterium oxide (baseline sample) and then at 1-hour intervals for 5 hours after administration. Deuterium enrichment of saliva was determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry according to the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Results: The plateau time of deuterium in saliva occurred 3 hours after oral administration of the stable isotope. Conclusion: These data are essential for further studies on the body composition of newborn infants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study regarding the equilibration time of deuterium in the saliva of term newborns.
Effects of a transient noise reduction algorithm on speech intelligibility in noise, noise tolerance and perceived annoyance in cochlear implant users

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the validity and efficacy of a transient noise reduction algorithm (TNR) in cochlear implant processing and the interaction of TNR with a continuous noise reduction algorithm (CNR). Design: We studied the effects of TNR and CNR on the perception of realistic sound samples with transients, using subjective ratings of annoyance, a speech-in-noise test and a noise tolerance test. Study sample: Participants were 16 experienced cochlear implant recipients wearing an Advanced Bionics Naida Q70 processor. Results: CI users rated sounds with transients as moderately annoying. Annoyance was slightly, but significantly reduced by TNR. Transients caused a large decrease in speech intelligibility in noise and a moderate decrease in noise tolerance, measured on the Acceptable Noise Level test. The TNR had no significant effect on noise tolerance or on speech intelligibility in noise. The combined application of TNR and CNR did not result in interactions. Conclusions: The TNR algorithm was effective in reducing annoyance from transient sounds, but was not able to prevent a decreasing effect of transients on speech understanding in noise and noise tolerance. TNR did not reduce the beneficial effect of CNR on speech intelligibility in noise, but no cumulated improvement was found either.
Performance of the AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index as a Noninvasive Marker of Fibrosis in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Viral Hepatitis

We investigated the performance of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) as a noninvasive marker of fibrosis and cirrhosis in children with chronic viral hepatitis. All of the patients 0 to 20 years old with chronic hepatitis B or C presenting at a tertiary medical center from 1992 to 2008 were identified. Thirty-six patients were evaluated with 48 biopsy results. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.71 for fibrosis and 0.52 for cirrhosis. When examining subgroups, the APRI performed better in older patients and in those with vertically transmitted hepatitis C virus. Further research into APRI and the other noninvasive markers of fibrosis in children with chronic viral hepatitis is warranted.
Animals lacking endothelin‐converting enzyme‐2 are deficient in learning and memory

Endothelin‐converting enzyme (ECE)‐2 is a metalloprotease that possesses many properties consistent with it being a neuropeptide‐processing enzyme. This protease is found primarily in neural tissues, with high levels of expression in midbrain, cerebellum, hypothalamus, frontal cortex and spinal cord and moderate levels in hippocampus and striatum. To evaluate its role in neural function, mice have been generated lacking this enzyme. Physical appearance, autonomic reflexes, motor co‐ordination, balance, locomotor activity and spontaneous emotional responses appear normal in these knockout (KO) mice. However, these mutants display deficits in learning and memory as evidenced by marked impairment in the Morris water maze. Knockout mice are also deficient in object recognition memory where they show delays in discerning changes in object location and in recognizing the introduction of a novel object. In this study, perseveration appears to interfere with learning and memory. Finally, mutants are impaired in social transmission of food preference where they show poor short‐term memory and perturbations in long‐term memory; the latter can be ameliorated by reminder cues. As ECE‐2 has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, the deficits in learning and memory in the KO mice may provide unique insights into processes that may contribute to this disease and possible other disorders of cognition.
Ophthalmologic Complications in Children With Chronic Hepatitis C Treated With Pegylated Interferon

Objectives: Interferon treatment for chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) has been associated with the development of retinopathy in 19% to 29% of adults. Our purpose is to describe the ophthalmologic complications of pegylated interferon-α2a with either placebo or ribavirin in children with chronic HCV (the PEDS-C trial). Materials and Methods: Prospective, comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations including slit lamp at enrollment and after 24 and 48 weeks of treatment of 114 children participating in a randomized clinical trial. Results: One hundred and twenty-eight children were screened for entry, of whom 123 had an eye examination and no child had existing retinal disease. One hundred fourteen children were eligible and were treated. One hundred ten children had an eye examination at 24 weeks and 103 children at 48 weeks. Three of 114 subjects (2.6%) developed documented (n = 2) or possible (1) serious eye complications. One subject developed evidence of ischemic retinopathy (cotton-wool spots) by week 24, 1 developed uveitis by week 48, and 1 reported at week 48 transient (<4 hours) monocular blindness that had occurred at week 36 with a subsequent normal examination at week 48. Conclusions: Ophthalmologic complications are infrequent in children who are treated with pegylated interferon-α2a for HCV (2%–3%). Because of the potential severity of ischemic retinopathy and uveitis, prospective ocular assessment should remain part of the monitoring strategy for children who are treated with interferon for HCV.
Gene expression patterns in brain cortex of three different animal models of depression

Animal models represent a very useful tool for the study of depressive‐like behavior and for the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants. Nevertheless, gene expression patterns of these different animal models and whether genes classically associated with human major depression are present in these genetic profiles remain unknown. Gene expression was evaluated in three animal models of depression: acute treatment with reserpine, olfactory bulbectomy and chronic treatment with corticosterone. Gene expression analysis was carried out using the Affymetrix GeneChip® technology. The results were evaluated using the GeneChip Operating software (Gcos 1.3) and analyzed with the GeneSpring GX v7.3 bioinformatics software (Agilent) and dChip 2005 software. Expression changes were validated with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays. Many transcripts were differentially expressed in the cortex of depressed‐like animals in each model. Gene ontology analysis showed that significant gene changes were clustered primarily into functional neurochemical pathways associated with apoptosis and neuronal differentiation. When expression profiles were compared among the three models, the number of transcripts differentially expressed decreased and only two transcripts (complement component 3 and fatty acid‐binding protein 7) were differentially expressed in common. Both genes were validated with RT‐PCR. Moreover, five (Htr2a, Ntrk3, Crhr1, Ntrk2 and Crh) of the genes classically related to human major depression were differentially expressed in at least one of these models. The different animal models of depression share relevant characteristics although gene expression patterns are different among them. Moreover, some of the classical genes related to human major depression are differentially expressed in these models.