Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do the Residual Lung Lesions Threaten Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Patients?

Objective Although most gestational trophoblastic neoplasias (GTN) are sensitive to chemotherapy, the treatment strategy of patients who achieve normal &bgr;-human chorionic gonadotropin (&bgr;-hCG) after the completion of treatment but with residual lung lesions is undefined, let alone whether residual lung lesions threaten GTN patients with acceptable recurrent risk factors. Methods We observed 73 patients with stage III and stage IV GTN treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital between September 2007 and August 2016. Among these patients, 46 women confirmed to have residual lung lesions with normalized &bgr;-hCG titer levels at 6 weeks after the completion of treatment, and the other 27 were without residual lung lesions. Statistical analysis was used to compare the progression-free survival of these 73 patients. Results The follow-up period of all 73 patients ranged from 6 to 115 months. Six women relapsed with GTN. There were no significant statistical differences (P > 0.05) between the progression-free survival of the patients with residual lung lesions and those without, even in the subgroup of patients with GTN with recurrent risk factors. Conclusions After the achievement of normalized &bgr;-hCG by sufficient chemotherapy, residual lung lesions do not alter the prognosis of patients with GTN, even if the patients are with other recurrent risk factors.
Imitation Learning on Atari using Non-Expert Human Annotations

In this paper, we explore the problem of learning a policy from non-expert human demonstrators. We use a consensus algorithm to estimate consensus actions and learn worker skill levels. We iteratively update the skill levels while training an RL agent using learned weights for demonstrations over the entire training period. We perform our experiments in the Atari Learning Environment (ALE) available on Ope-nAI Gym and show initial results.
Presynaptic Inhibition of Primary Nociceptive Signals to Dorsal Horn Lamina I Neurons by Dopamine

The dorsal horn of the spinal cord represents the first relay station in the pain pathway where primary nociceptive inputs are modulated by local circuits and by descending signals before being relayed to supraspinal nuclei. To determine whether dopamine can modulate primary nociceptive Aδ- and C-fiber signals, the effects of dopamine were tested on the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) recorded from large lamina I neurons and from retrograde-labeled spinoparabrachial lamina I neurons upon stimulation of the L4/L5 dorsal root in horizontal spinal cord slices in vitro. Dopamine inhibited the EPSCs in a dose-dependent manner, with substantial inhibition (33%) at 1 μm and maximum inhibition (∼70%) at 10–20 μm. Dopamine reduced the frequency of miniature EPSCs recorded from large lamina I neurons, increased the paired pulse depression ratio of paired EPSCs, and induced similar inhibition of EPSCs after dialysis of large lamina I neurons with GDP-β-S, consistent with actions at presynaptic sites. Pharmacological experiments suggested that the inhibitory effects of dopamine were largely mediated by D4 receptors (53%). Similar inhibition (66%) by dopamine was observed on EPSCs recorded from ipsilateral large lamina I neurons 6 d after injection of complete Freund's adjuvant in the hindpaw, suggesting that dopamine downregulates primary nociceptive inputs to lamina I neurons during chronic inflammatory pain. We propose that presynaptic inhibition of primary nociceptive inputs to lamina I projection neurons is a mechanism whereby dopamine can inhibit incoming noxious stimuli to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Lamina I projection neurons represent the main output for the pain signals from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to brainstem and thalamic nuclei. We found that dopamine inhibits the nociceptive Aδ- and C-fiber synaptic inputs to lamina I projection neurons via presynaptic actions. Similar inhibitory effects of dopamine on the EPSCs were observed in rats subjected to complete Freund's adjuvant to induce peripheral inflammation, suggesting that dopamine inhibits the synaptic inputs to lamina I neurons in the setting of injury. A better understanding of how primary nociceptive inputs to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord are modulated by descending monoaminergic signals may help in the development of new pharmacological strategies to selectively downregulate the output from lamina I projection neurons.
An improved least squares constant modulus algorithm for collision messages separation in multichannel space‐based AIS

In space‐based automatic identification system, message collision is inevitable. To separate collision messages in multichannel space‐based automatic identification system, an improved least squares constant modulus algorithm (LSCMA) is proposed in this paper. The algorithm initializes LSCMA by using the result of complex symmetric fast independent component analysis and reduces the dimension of the received signal by using the minimum description length algorithm. At the same time, a new metric named failure rate is proposed to measure the separation performance. The simulation shows that the performance loss caused by the delay, the frequency and phase offset, and the input signal‐to‐interference ratio is within an acceptable range. The proposed algorithm outperforms the original LSCMA and other algorithms in terms of red packet error rate and failure rate.
Yoga Breathing Techniques Have No Impact on Isokinetic and Isoinertial Power.

Wooten, SV, Cherup, N, Mazzei, N, Patel, S, Mooney, K, Rafiq, A, and Signorile, JF. Yoga breathing techniques have no impact on isokinetic and isoinertial power. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-As an exercise discipline, yoga incorporates breathing (pranayama) and posture (asana) techniques to facilitate improvements in flexibility, strength, and meditation. Both techniques have been used to enhance muscular strength and power output. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of various yoga breathing techniques on lower-limb power output. Thirty-two individuals (15 men and 17 women) participated in the study. All subjects performed a baseline 1 repetition maximum (1RM) on a pneumatic leg press machine and isokinetic testing on a Biodex 4 dynamometer. Participants then performed 3RM power tests at 50% of 1RM on the pneumatic leg press machine using 3 different yoga breathing techniques (Ujjayi, Bhastrika, and Kapalabhati) and normal breathing (control) across all repetitions. After power testing, participants completed an isokinetic test on the Biodex 4 dynamometer using their dominant leg. Subjects had their knee placed at a predetermined starting position (90°) and executed knee extension at 3 randomized testing speeds (60, 180, and 300°·s). The implementation of specific breathing protocols before and during the leg press produced no significant differences in power output. For isokinetic power measured at 60, 180, and 300°·s, there was a significant difference among testing speeds (η = 0.639; p < 0.0001) and a significant sex × speed interaction (η = 0.064; p < 0.0001), where men consistently demonstrated greater isoinertial power, isokinetic power, isokinetic torque, and isokinetic work than women. No other significant differences or interactions were detected. The differences between our study and others, which have concluded that adopting specific breathing techniques can enhance core stability and force production during lifting, may be attributable to the acute nature of the design, the novice participants who had insufficient time to practice the breathing techniques or testing protocols, and the use of tests that isolated specific muscle groups. Nonetheless, the current findings do not support the use of yoga breathing techniques as a method to enhance power output, whether used before or during power performance.
Epigenetic analyses of planarian stem cells demonstrate conservation of bivalent histone modifications in animal stem cells

Planarian flatworms have an indefinite capacity to regenerate missing or damaged body parts owing to a population of pluripotent adult stems cells called neoblasts (NBs). Currently, little is known about the importance of the epigenetic status of NBs and how histone modifications regulate homeostasis and cellular differentiation. We have developed an improved and optimized ChIP-seq protocol for NBs in Schmidtea mediterranea and have generated genome-wide profiles for the active marks H3K4me3 and H3K36me3, and suppressive marks H3K4me1 and H3K27me3. The genome-wide profiles of these marks were found to correlate well with NB gene expression profiles. We found that genes with little transcriptional activity in the NB compartment but which switch on in post-mitotic progeny during differentiation are bivalent, being marked by both H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 at promoter regions. In further support of this hypothesis bivalent genes also have a high level of paused RNA Polymerase II at the promoter-proximal region. Overall, this study confirms that epigenetic control is important for the maintenance of a NB transcriptional program and makes a case for bivalent promoters as a conserved feature of animal stem cells and not a vertebrate specific innovation. By establishing a robust ChIP-seq protocol and analysis methodology, we further promote planarians as a promising model system to investigate histone modification mediated regulation of stem cell function and differentiation.
The analysis of GM (1, 1) grey model to predict the incidence trend of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers in Wuhan City, China

Abstract Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers (TPF), systemic emerging infectious diseases, is a serious health problem for society. If the incidence trend of TPF can be predicted, prevention and control measures can be taken in advance to reduce the harm to the people's health. Grey Model First Order One Variable [GM (1, 1)] was applied to predict the incidence trend of TPF with the incidence data of TPF in Wuhan City of China from 2004 to 2015. The original data were acquired from the national surveillance system. The GM (1, 1) model was established as ŷ (t + 1) = 0.88 e−0.21t + 0.15. The goodness-of-fit test indicated that the precision (degree 2) was qualified (C = 0.40, P = .91). We further compared actual values with predicted values in 2016 and found that GM (1, 1) model we built has excellent performance in incidence trend prediction. Our prediction shows that the TPF incidences in Wuhan City will be slowly decreasing in the next 3 years. It is, however, still necessary to strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control to reduce the incidence level of TPF.
Influence of the position of the antrostomy in sinus floor elevation assessed with cone-beam computed tomography: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM The aim of the present study was to evaluate dimensional variations of augmented sinus volumes after sinus floor elevation using a lateral approach placing the antrostomy close to the sinus floor or more cranially to it. METHODS Twenty-four healthy volunteers in need of sinus floor elevation were included in the study. The lateral approach was adopted placing the antrostomy randomly either close to the level of the sinus floor (group A) or approximately 3-4 mm cranially (group B). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was done before surgery (T0) and after 1 week (T1) and 9 months (T2), and analyses on dimensional variations were performed. RESULTS CBCT of 10 patients per group were analyzed. At T1, the sinus floor was found to be elevated by 9.8 ± 2.1 mm in group A and 10.9 ± 1.9 mm in group B. At T2, shrinkage of 2.0 ± 1.7 mm in group A and 1.4 ± 2.5 mm in group B was observed. The area was reduced approximately 18-24% between T1 and T2. The sinus mucosa width increased by 4.3-5 mm between T0 and T1, and regained the original dimensions at T2. CONCLUSIONS The more cranial the antrostomy, the greater the augmentation height after 9 months.
Genetic influences on neonatal cortical thickness and surface area

Genetic and environmental influences on cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA) are thought to vary in a complex and dynamic way across the lifespan. It has been established that CT and SA are genetically distinct in older children, adolescents, and adults, and that heritability varies across cortical regions. Very little, however, is known about how genetic and environmental factors influence infant CT and SA. Using structural MRI, we performed the first assessment of genetic and environmental influences on normal variation of SA and CT in 360 twin neonates. We observed strong and significant additive genetic influences on total SA (a2 = 0.78) and small and nonsignificant genetic influences on average CT (a2 = 0.29). Moreover, we found significant genetic overlap (genetic correlation = 0.65) between these global cortical measures. Regionally, there were minimal genetic influences across the cortex for both CT and SA measures and no distinct patterns of genetic regionalization. Overall, outcomes from this study suggest a dynamic relationship between CT and SA during the neonatal period and provide novel insights into how genetic influences shape cortical structure during early development.
Morphology, ultrastructure, and molecular phylogeny of Wangodinium sinense gen. et sp. nov. (Gymnodiniales, Dinophyceae) and revisiting of Gymnodinium dorsalisulcum and Gymnodinium impudicum

The genus Gymnodinium includes many morphologically similar species, but molecular phylogenies show that it is polyphyletic. Eight strains of Gymnodinium impudicum, Gymnodinium dorsalisulcum and a novel Gymnodinium‐like species from Chinese and Malaysian waters and the Mediterranean Sea were established. All of these strains were examined with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. SSU, LSU and internal transcribed spacers rDNA sequences were obtained. A new genus, Wangodinium, was erected to incorporate strains with a loop‐shaped apical structure complex (ASC) comprising two rows of amphiesmal vesicles, here referred to as a new type of ASC. The chloroplasts of Wangodinium sinense are enveloped by two membranes. Pigment analysis shows that peridinin is the main accessory pigment in W. sinense. Wangodinium differs from other genera mainly in its unique ASC, and additionally differs from Gymnodinium in the absence of nuclear chambers, and from Lepidodinium in the absence of Chl b and nuclear chambers. New morphological information was provided for G. dorsalisulcum and G. impudicum, e.g., a short sulcal intrusion in G. dorsalisulcum; nuclear chambers in G. impudicum and G. dorsalisulcum; and a chloroplast enveloped by two membranes in G. impudicum. Molecular phylogeny was inferred using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference with independent SSU and LSU rDNA sequences. Our results support the classification of Wangodinium within the Gymnodiniales sensu stricto clade and it is close to Lepidodinium. Our results also support the close relationship among G. dorsalisulcum, G. impudicum, and Barrufeta. Further research is needed to assign these Gymnodinium species to Barrufeta or to erect new genera.
ESM‐1 promotes adhesion between monocytes and endothelial cells under intermittent hypoxia

Intermittent hypoxia (IH), the key property of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial‐cell‐specific molecule‐1 (ESM‐1, Endocan) is a novel, reported molecule linked to endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of IH on ESM‐1 expression and the role of ESM‐1 in endothelial dysfunction. We found that serum concentration of ESM‐1, inter‐cellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) is significantly higher in patients with OSA than healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). The expression of ESM‐1, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly increased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by treated IH in a time‐dependent manner. HIF‐1α short hairpin RNA and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor inhibited the expression of ESM‐1 in HUVECs. ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expressions were significantly enhanced under IH status, accompanied by increased monocyte–endothelial cell adhesion rate ( p < 0.001). Accordingly, ESM‐1 silencing decreased the expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in HUVECs, whereas ESM‐1 treatment significantly enhanced ICAM‐1 expression accompanied by increasing adhesion ability. ESM‐1 is significantly upregulated by the HIF‐1α/VEGF pathway under IH in endothelial cells, playing a critical role in enhancing adhesion between monocytes and endothelial cells, which might be a potential target for IH‐induced endothelial dysfunction.
Src mediates TGF‐β‐induced intraocular pressure elevation in glaucoma

Glaucoma, a progressive and irreversible optic neuropathy, is one of the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide. Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) due to transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)‐induced dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork is a risk factor for glaucoma, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that Src kinase is involved in TGF‐β‐induced IOP elevation. We observed that dasatinib, a potent Src inhibitor, suppressed TGF‐β2‐induced IOP in rat eyes. Mechanistic analyses in human trabecular meshwork cells showed that TGF‐β2 activated Src signaling and concomitantly increased cytoskeletal remodeling, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Src was activated via TGF‐β2‐induced upregulation of the Src scaffolding protein CasL, which mediates the assembly of focal adhesions, cytoskeletal remodeling, and ECM deposition. Activation of Src suppressed the expression of tissue plasminogen activator, thereby attenuating ECM degradation. Furthermore, the Src inhibitor ameliorated TGF‐β2‐induced changes in the contractile and adhesive characteristics of trabecular meshwork cells, and ECM deposition. These findings underscore the crucial role of Src activity in TGF‐β‐induced IOP elevation and identify Src signaling as a potential therapeutic target in glaucoma.
Plasmodium vivax-like genome sequences shed new insights into Plasmodium vivax biology and evolution

Plasmodium vivax is responsible of the majority of malaria infections outside Africa. Its closer genetic relative, Plasmodium vivax-like, was discovered in African great apes and suggested to have given rise to P. vivax in humans. We generated two newly P. vivax-like reference genomes and 9 additional P. vivax-like genotypes, to unravel the evolutionary history of P. vivax. We showed a clear separation between the two clades, a higher genetic diversity of P. vivax-like parasites in comparison to the P. vivax ones, and the potential existence of two sub-clades of P. vivax-like. We dated the relative split between P. vivax and P. vivax-like as three times shorter than the split between P. ovale wallikeri and P. ovale curtesi and 1.5 times longer than the split between Plasmodium malariae. The sequencing of the P. vivax-like genomes is an undeniable advance in the understanding of P. vivax biology, evolution and emergence in human populations.
Association of gestational diabetes mellitus and abnormal vaginal flora with adverse pregnancy outcomes

Abstract Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to examine the association between GDM and abnormal vaginal flora, and the association between abnormal vaginal flora and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This was a prospective study of pregnant women who visited Xuanwu Hospital of the Capital Medical University (Beijing, China) between February and October 2015. All women were screened for GDM according to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) recommendations. Vaginal secretions were sampled at 28 to 30 and 37 to 40 weeks. Microorganisms were examined. The women were 28.3 ± 2.6 years and their body mass index was 22.8 ± 1.4 kg/m2. GDM was associated with higher frequencies of vulvovaginal candidiasis (22.6% vs 9.7%, P < .001), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (22.6% vs 11.5%, P = .004), premature delivery (16.1% vs 5.5%, P = .02), chorioamnionitis/puerperal infection (19.4% vs 4.5%, P < .001), macrosomia (9.7% vs 4.0%, P = .04), neonatal hypoglycemia (5.4% vs 1.0%, P = .02), and neonatal referral (15.1% vs 6.5%, P = .008). Among healthy women, abnormal flora was associated with PROM (19.4% vs 7.5%, P = .02) and chorioamnionitis/puerperal infection (11.9% vs 0.8%, P < .001). Among women with GDM, abnormal flora was associated with PROM (32.1% vs 10.0%, P < .001), premature delivery (17.7% vs 6.3%, P = .04), and chorioamnionitis/puerperal infection (32.8% vs 2.5%, P < .001). The vaginal infection rate was higher in patients with GDM compared with healthy pregnant women. GDM and abnormal vaginal flora were both associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The vaginal Lactobacillus species were different between the 2 groups, which could contribute to the adverse outcomes.
Potential role of LINC00996 in colorectal cancer: a study based on data mining and bioinformatics

Background The clinical significance of LINC00996 in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been verified. In the current study, the authors aimed to explore the expression of LINC00996 and its clinical significance in CRC based on the data mining of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, as well as to elucidate the functions of its potential target genes. Materials and methods GEO and TCGA microarray datasets were used to evaluate the LINC00996 expression and its clinical significance in CRC. LINC00996 related genes were identified by Multi Experiment Matrix, RNA-Binding Protein DataBase, and The Atlas of Noncoding RNAs in Cancer. Subsequently, they were sent to gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. Results LINC00996 is significantly decreased in CRC tissues compared with non-tumor tissues. Low level of LINC00996 is associated with remote metastasis and poor overall survival. However, LINC00996 has a minimal effect on gender, lymphatic invasion, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and pathological stage. One hundred and forty-two LINC00996 related genes were identified; the results of functional analysis indicated that LINC00996 might repress tumorigenesis and metastasis via modulating the JAK-STAT, NF-κB, HIF-1, TLR, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that decreased LINC00996 expression may be involved in colorectal carcinogenesis and metastasis, and the depletion of LINC00996 is associated with a poor outcome in CRC patients. Moreover, the JAK-STAT, NF-κB, HIF-1, TLR, and PI3K-AKT pathways may be the key pathways regulated by LINC00996 in CRC.