Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speech perception in elderly patients following cochlear implantation

Conclusions. Elderly patients benefit from cochlear implantation in terms of speech perception and quality of life. Age alone should be no contraindication for implantation. Objective. There have been concerns whether elderly patients may perform poorly after cochlear implantation due to degenerative processes in the central and peripheral auditory systems. The purpose of this study was to analyze the benefits of cochlear implantation in elderly patients in comparison to younger recipients. Material and methods. We examined 26 postlingually deafened adults aged > 65 years who received a cochlear implant at our center regarding preoperative findings, comorbidities, postoperative complications and quality of life. Speech perception was assessed by means of multi- and monosyllabic word recognition and compared to the results obtained by younger patients. Results. The surgical procedure was well tolerated by all patients without notable perioperative complications. In terms of speech perception, no significant differences between the elderly patients and younger recipients were noted. All patients found that cochlear implantation had a positive impact on their quality of life.
Biological activity from indigenous medicinal plants of Mauritius

Abstract The Mauritian population has a long tradition in the use of ethno-medicine, and the practice is still strong, especially in the treatment of minor ailments. Such interest stems from an existing culture, and many “tisanes” are still prepared from plant materials and sold in several markets around the island. This paper will focus on the various chemical/biological screening techniques currently being used to evaluate the biological properties of medicinal plant extracts. Particular emphasis will be put on extraction and various screening for biological/pharmacological properties. Due consideration will be given to the pharmacological approaches that utilize different animal models for the in vitro and in vivo screening of medicinal plant extracts.
Quad-Band Microstrip Bandstop Filter Design Using Dual-Mode Open Loop Resonators Having Thin Film Capacitors

This letter presents a quad-band microstrip bandstop filter based on open loop resonators having thin film chip capacitors. For this purpose, dual-mode properties of open loop resonators are used and four independently controllable resonance frequencies are obtained by two open loop resonators in different electrical length. Even/odd mode analysis of the proposed structure is introduced to clarify the design method. In order to obtain higher degree, two unit cells including two resonators are used. While center frequencies can be independently controlled, the same is not true for the bandwidths and rejection levels. The proposed filter was also fabricated for the experimental verification of the predicted results. Four stopbands at 1.46, 1.86, 2.3 and 2.79 GHz were obtained in a good agreement with the predicted results.
Population Shift Underlies Ca2+-induced Regulatory Transitions in the Sodium-Calcium Exchanger (NCX)*

Background: Ca2+ binding to the regulatory two-domain tandem (CBD12) activates ion transport in NCX. Results: Ca2+ binding to high affinity sites of CBD12 results in a population shift, where more constraint conformational states become highly populated. Conclusion: Ca2+-induced population shift governs NCX activation with no significant contribution of global conformational changes in CBD alignment. Significance: Population shift may represent a general mechanism for regulating NCX. In eukaryotic Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCX) the Ca2+ binding CBD1 and CBD2 domains form a two-domain regulatory tandem (CBD12). An allosteric Ca2+ sensor (Ca3–Ca4 sites) is located on CBD1, whereas CBD2 contains a splice-variant segment. Recently, a Ca2+-driven interdomain switch has been described, albeit how it couples Ca2+ binding with signal propagation remains unclear. To resolve the dynamic features of Ca2+-induced conformational transitions we analyze here distinct splice variants and mutants of isolated CBD12 at varying temperatures by using small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and equilibrium 45Ca2+ binding assays. The ensemble optimization method SAXS analysis demonstrates that the apo and Mg2+-bound forms of CBD12 are highly flexible, whereas Ca2+ binding to the Ca3–Ca4 sites results in a population shift of conformational landscape to more rigidified states. Population shift occurs even under conditions in which no effect of Ca2+ is observed on the globally derived Dmax (maximal interatomic distance), although under comparable conditions a normal [Ca2+]-dependent allosteric regulation occurs. Low affinity sites (Ca1–Ca2) of CBD1 do not contribute to Ca2+-induced population shift, but the occupancy of these sites by 1 mm Mg2+ shifts the Ca2+ affinity (Kd) at the neighboring Ca3–Ca4 sites from ∼ 50 nm to ∼ 200 nm and thus, keeps the primary Ca2+ sensor (Ca3–Ca4 sites) within a physiological range. Thus, Ca2+ binding to the Ca3–Ca4 sites results in a population shift, where more constraint conformational states become highly populated at dynamic equilibrium in the absence of global conformational transitions in CBD alignment.
In vitro investigation of the potential health benefits of wild Mediterranean dietary plants as anti-obesity agents with α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities.

BACKGROUND Inhibition of digestive enzymes is one of the most widely studied mechanisms used to determine the potential efficacy of natural products as anti-obesity agents. In vitro studies reported here were performed to evaluate the inhibitory activity of formulations of edible plants from Italy on amylase and lipase by monitoring the hydrolysis of nitrophenyl caprilate and the hydrolysis of glycoside bonds in digestible carbohydrate foods. RESULTS The formulation obtained from Capparis sicula exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 0.53 mg mL(-1) ) while the Borago officinalis formulation exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on α-amylase (IC50 = 31.61 µg mL(-1) ). In order to characterise the extracts, high-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis of the formulations was performed, revealing the predominance of (±)-catechin in Mentha aquatica formulation, rutin in C. sicula, and caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid in Echium vulgare. CONCLUSION The results obtained indicated that the extracts of C. sicula and B. officinalis could be good candidates for further studies to isolate pancreatic lipase and α-amylase inhibitors, respectively.
Estimated blood alcohol concentration correlation with self-reported negative consequences among college students using alcohol.

OBJECTIVE The estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) is a potentially useful index of alcohol-induced intoxication and impairment. This study investigates the association of the eBAC with negative consequences associated with alcohol use. METHOD Self-reported negative consequences were assessed using a stratified random sampling of 4,708 undergraduate students at a public university with a total enrollment of 12,550. Survey questions permitted the calculation of the "typical" eBAC for each respondent. The eBACs were correlated with demographic characteristics and self-reported negative consequences. The effectiveness of eBAC in predicting negative consequences was compared with drinks per week and consumption at or above the heavy episodic drinking level by calculating receiver operator characteristic values and incremental validity through multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS The odds of reporting a higher eBAC were significantly elevated for men, underage underclassmen and members of Greek organizations. The odds of reporting a negative consequence were highly associated with each incremental increase in the eBAC. In correlating with negative consequences, the performance of the eBAC index was not significantly different from drinks per week and the heavy episodic drinking index. CONCLUSIONS As an index of alcohol consumption, the "typical" eBAC is correlated with 17 self-reported social and health consequences. There are potential advantages in using the eBAC index for assessing alcohol use among college drinkers.
Reproductive Performances of Holstein Cows with Different Milk Fat to Protein Ratio during Successive Stages of Lactation

Aim of study was to determine relationship between the energy status of cows, expressed through different milk fat to protein ratio values (FPR 1.3), and their reproductive performances (interval from calving to first artificial insemination; calving to conception interval; insemination index; pregnancy duration; intercalving interval) during succesive stages of lactation (day 15 th to 45 th ; day 46 th -75 th ; day 76 th -105 th ; day 106 th to 135 th of lactation). The study included a total of 350 fresh calved Holstein cows (121 primiparous, 115 secundiparous and 114 cows which calved three or more times), kept and fed in usual farm conditions. Milk samples were taken during morning milking, and FPR value was calculated from concentrations of milk fat and protein for all milk samples. Reproductive parameters were calculated from farm data. Values of all reproductive parameters, except pregnancy duration, had generally increasing trend in all groups during successive stages of lactation. During successive stages of lactation, cows with optimal FPR values had generally better reproductive performances, compared to cows with increased or decreased FPR values, which indicates importance of FPR monitoring during early lactation for timely detection of cows predisposed for poor reproductive results.
Comparison by optical coherence tomography of paclitaxel-eluting stents with sirolimus-eluting stents implanted in one coronary artery in one procedure. - 6-month follow-up -.

BACKGROUND Differences between paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) and sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) in neointimal proliferation under strictly matched conditions remain to be clarified by optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS AND RESULTS Between May and December 2007, 27 patients were implanted with a PES and a SES, randomized to either the proximal or distal site in a single coronary artery, and underwent follow-up angiography and OCT examination at 6 months. The frequency of vessel wall apposition with neointima was greater for PES than for SES (92.6% vs 85.8%, P<0.01). The median (25th, 75th percentiles) neointimal thickness (NIT) in PES was significantly greater than that in SES (90 microm [25th: 40 microm; 75th: 200 microm] vs 50 microm [25th: 20 microm; 75th: 140 microm]; P<0.01). Both the average difference between the maximum and minimum NIT in each cross-section and the average difference between the maximum and minimum NIT in the longitudinal axis were larger in PES than in SES (206+/-88 vs 131+/-57 microm; P<0.001, 607+/-243 vs 400+/-185 microm; P<0.001). Low-density spots were significantly more frequently observed in PES than in SES (30.9% vs 17.0%, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Compared with SES, PES had a non-uniform and larger neointimal thickness with fewer uncovered struts, and more peri-strut low-density areas.
45° linearly polarized substrate integrated waveguide-fed slot array antennas

A novel substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) based array antenna structure with slant radiation slots and through- hole cancellation vias is proposed for 45-degree linearly polarized millimeter wave applications. This antenna structure is able to better support a traveling wave and achieve wider bandwidth and better cross-polarization performance. As an example, a 10- element array centered at 24 GHz with a uniform power distribution is designed and presented with a impedance bandwidth of 7.5%, a maximum gain of 15.3 dBi, a cross polarization of 23.5 dB. This type of SIW-fed slot array antennas can be used in other frequency bands for 45-degree linearly polarized microwave and millimeter-wave applications.
Orthobiologics in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Exploration into the molecular aspects of the healing process has led to the development of autologous and recombinant biologic agents. These products, collectively known as orthobiologics, have the potential to optimize favorable outcomes with respect to bone and soft-tissue restoration and to maximize the natural healing response. These orthobiologics include platelet-derived growth factor, bone morphogenetic proteins, and platelet-rich plasma. Although the usefulness of these growth factors is well described in various fields of surgery, few data exist to support or oppose the specific application of growth factors in foot and ankle surgery.
Qualitativ-psychologische Forschung mit dem Voice-Ansatz

Zusammenfassung: Die hier vorgestellte Voice-Methode ist ein qualitativ-psychologischer Ansatz, der besonders geeignet ist, um psychologische Umgangsprozesse mit tabuisierten Themen oder mit psychischen Konflikten zu analysieren. Ursprunglich basierend auf einem Verfahren zur Analyse von Moralentwicklung wird in diesem erweiterten Verfahren den verschiedenen Strangen von Umgangsformen mit Tabuthemen nachgespurt. Dabei entsteht eine Analyse des Zusammenspiels einzelner dieser Strange oder Stimmen, die Dissonanzen, Harmonien und Widerspruche in die psychologische Auswertung mit einbezieht.
Axiomatic Approach to Feature Subset Selection Based on Relevance

Relevance has traditionally been linked with feature subset selection, but formalization of this link has not been attempted. In this paper, we propose two axioms for feature subset selection-sufficiency axiom and necessity axiom-based on which this link is formalized: The expected feature subset is the one which maximizes relevance. Finding the expected feature subset turns out to be NP-hard. We then devise a heuristic algorithm to find the expected subset which has a polynomial time complexity. The experimental results show that the algorithm finds good enough subset of features which, when presented to C4.5, results in better prediction accuracy.
Imperative programming with dependent types

The article enriches imperative programming with a form of dependent types. We start by explaining some motivations for this enrichment and mentioning some major obstacles that need to be overcome. We then present the design of a source level dependently typed imperative programming language Xanadu, forming both static and dynamic semantics and then establishing the type soundness theorem. We also present realistic examples, which have all been verified in a prototype implementation, in support of the practicality of Xanadu. We claim that the language design of Xanadu is novel and it serves as an informative example that demonstrates a means to combine imperative programming with dependent types.
Structural Basis for HNF-4α Activation by Ligand and Coactivator Binding*

In addition to suggesting that fatty acids are endogenous ligands, our recent crystal structure of HNF-4α showed an unusual degree of structural flexibility in the AF-2 domain (helix α12). Although every molecule contained a fatty acid within its ligand binding domain, one molecule in each homodimer was in an open inactive conformation with α12 fully extended and colinear with α10. By contrast, the second molecule in each homodimer was in a closed conformation with α12 folded against the body of the domain in what is widely considered to be the active state. This indicates that although ligand binding is necessary, it is not sufficient to induce an activating structural transition in HNF-4α as is commonly suggested to occur for nuclear receptors. To further assess potential mechanisms of activation, we have solved a structure of human HNF-4α bound to both fatty acid ligand and a coactivator sequence derived from SRC-1. The mode of coactivator binding is similar to that observed for other nuclear receptors, and in this case, all of the molecules adopt the closed active conformation. We conclude that for HNF-4α, coactivator rather than ligand binding locks the active conformation.
Evaluation of role of acute intermittent peritoneal dialysis in resistant congestive heart failure.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the role of acute intermittent peritoneal dialysis (PD) in resistant congestive heart failure (CHF). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted on 20 adult patients of resistant CHF. These patients were subjected to 12 cycles of acute intermittent hypertonic peritoneal dialysis. Improvement was monitored by clinical symptomatology, echocardiography, measurement of ultrafiltration and quantity of sodium transferred. RESULTS There was improvement in clinical symptomatology. There was significance improvement in left ventricular (LV) function as evidenced by improvement in ejection fraction from a predialysis value of 43.35 +/- 16.73% to a post dialysis value of 53.55 +/- 14.53%. The ultrafiltration and quantity of sodium transferred was also significant. CONCLUSIONS Acute intermittent hypertonic peritoneal dialysis is an effective and safe treatment modality in patients of resistant CEF. The patients subsequently respond well to medical therapy.
Epinephrine Mediated Increases in Plasma Cholesterol

&NA; The effect of physiological elevations of plasma epinephrine levels on plasma cholesterol levels was studied in ten cynomolgus monkeys. Epinephrine was increased 5 days/week for 6 hr/day. After 2 weeks, the cholesterol levels increased on the average of 15 mg% (p less than 0.01).
Treatment of porcine sepsis with high-dose antithrombin III reduces tissue edema and effusion but does not increase risk for bleeding

We evaluated the effectiveness of antithrombin III (AT III) infusions designed to achieve supraphysiologic plasma levels of this serine protease inhibitor in preventing vascular permeability and disseminated intravascular coagulation in a pig model of sepsis. In addition, we determined whether high AT III doses were associated with increased bleeding risk. Sepsis was induced in 18 pigs by injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.25 μg/kg per h for 3 h). At 90 min after the start of LPS infusion, pigs were randomized (n = 6 per group) to receive either human serum albumin as a placebo, AT III 120/5 (120 U/kg, 30-min bolus + 5 U/kg per h for 240 min), or AT III 250/10 (250 U/kg + 10 U/kg per h). Three additional animals served as negative controls (no LPS, no AT III). Treatment with AT III significantly reduced the amount of effluents in body cavities and fibrin monomers. AT III did not significantly increase bleeding risk as determined by organ hemorrhage. An additional assessment of AT III's bleeding risk [skin bleeding time (SBT)] was carried out in 35 nonseptic pigs treated with either AT III alone (120/5 or 250/10) or in the combination with heparin. Heparin administration alone produced a dose-dependent increase in SBT, but AT III alone did not. Addition of AT III 120/5 to heparin did not induce a further increase in bleeding time over heparin alone. These results indicate that administration of AT III in doses designed to achieve very high plasma concentrations significantly ameliorates symptoms of sepsis-induced vascular leakage and disseminated intravascular coagulation without increasing bleeding risk.
w-Invariants and the Fintushel–Stern Invariants for Plumbed Homology 3-Spheres

In this paper, we present numerical computations of the w-invariants and the Fintushel–Stern invariants for plumbed homology 3-spheres and use the results to test a conjecture of Witten suggesting that the invariants carry equivalent information. While the two invariants give nearly the same information for some homology 3-spheres, we present numerous examples in which the information carried by the two invariants is quite different.
Dispositional predictors of problem gambling in male adolescents.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the possible relationship between impulsivity in early adolescence and gambler status in late adolescence. METHOD Impulsivity measures consisting of self-reports and teacher ratings were gathered from 754 boys in early adolescence, and their gambling status in late adolescence was assessed with a self-report measure. RESULTS On both measures of impulsivity, nongamblers had the lowest scores, recreational gamblers had the next higher scores, low problem gamblers had still higher scores, and high problem gamblers had the highest scores. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the DSM-IV classification of problem gambling as a deficit in impulse control.
Quantifying the Impact of Extranasal Testing of Body Sites for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization at the Time of Hospital or Intensive Care Unit Admission

Objective. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections. Recent legislative mandates require nares screening for MRSA at hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in many states. However, MRSA colonization at extranasal sites is increasingly recognized. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify the yield of extranasal testing for MRSA. Design. We searched MEDLINE from January 1966 through January 2012 for articles comparing nasal and extranasal screening for MRSA colonization. Studies were categorized by population tested, specifically those admitted to ICUs and those admitted to hospitals with a high prevalence (6% or greater) or low prevalence (less than 6%) of MRSA carriers. Data were extracted using a standardized instrument. Results. We reviewed 4,381 abstracts and 735 articles. Twenty-three articles met the criteria for analysis (n = 39,479 patients). Extranasal MRSA screening increased the yield by approximately one-third over nares alone. The yield was similar at ICU admission (weighted average, 33%; range, 9%–69%) and hospital admission in high-prevalence (weighted average, 37%; range, 9%–86%) and low-prevalence (weighted average, 50%; range, 0%–150%) populations. For comparisons between individual extranasal sites, testing the oropharynx increased MRSA detection by 21% over nares alone; rectum, by 20%; wounds, by 17%; and axilla, by 7%. Conclusions. Extranasal MRSA screening at hospital or ICU admission in adults will increase MRSA detection by one-third compared with nares screening alone. Findings were consistent among subpopulations examined. Extranasal testing may be a valuable strategy for outbreak control or in settings of persistent disease, particularly when combined with decolonization or enhanced infection prevention protocols.
Virological Response to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Patients Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2) and in Patients Dually Infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2 in The Gambia and Emergence of Drug-Resistant Variants

ABSTRACT Drug design, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and drug resistance studies have focused almost exclusively on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), resulting in limited information for patients infected with HIV-2 and for those dually infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2. In this study, 20 patients, 12 infected with HIV-2 and 8 dually infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2, all treated with zidovudine (ZDV), lamivudine (3TC), and lopinavir-ritonavir (LPV/r), were followed up longitudinally for about 3 years. For 19/20 patients, viral loads were reduced to undetectable levels; the patient whose viral load remained detectable reported adverse effects associated with LPV/r that had caused him to stop taking all the drugs. HIV-2 strains containing mutations in both the protease and the reverse transcriptase gene that may confer drug resistance were observed in two patients with viral rebound, as early as 130 days (4.3 months) after the initiation of therapy. We conclude that the combination of ZDV, 3TC, and LPV/r is able to provide efficient and durable suppression of HIV-1 and HIV-2 for as long as 3 years in HIV-2-infected and dually infected patients. However, the emergence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains containing drug-resistant mutations can compromise the efficacy of this highly active ART.