Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CONCAVE PENALIZED ESTIMATION OF SPARSE BAYESIAN NETWORKS BRYON ARAGAM AND QING ZHOU University of California, Los Angeles

We develop a penalized likelihood approach to estimating the structure of a Gaussian Bayesian network, given by a directed acyclic graph, from observational data under a concave penalty. The framework introduced here does not rely on faithfulness or knowledge of the ordering of the variables and favours sparsity over complexity in estimating the underlying graph. Asymptotic theory for the estimator is provided in the finite-dimensional case, and a fast numerical scheme is offered that is capable of estimating the structure of graphs with thousands of nodes. By reparametrizing the usual normal log-likelihood, we obtain a convex loss function which accelerates computation of the proposed estimator. Our algorithm also takes advantage of sparsity and acyclicity by using coordinate descent, a computational approach which has recently become quite popular. Finally, we compare our method with the well-known PC algorithm, and show that our method is faster in general and does a significantly better job of handling small samples and very sparse networks. Our focus is on the Gaussian linear model, however, the framework introduced here can also be extended to non-Gaussian and non-linear designs, which is an attractive prospect for future applications.
A Modified AIDA Protocol With Anthracycline-Based Consolidation Results in High Antileukemic Efficacy and Reduced Toxicity in Newly Diagnosed PML/RAR-Positive Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

The Spanish PETHEMA group designed a protocol for newly diagnosed PML/RAR-positive acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in which induction and consolidation followed the original AIDA regimen, except for the omission of cytarabine and etoposide from consolidation. Induction consisted of 45 mg/m2 all- trans retinoic acid (ATRA) daily until complete remission (CR) and 12 mg/m2 idarubicin on days 2, 4, 6, and 8. Patients in CR received 3 monthly chemotherapy courses: idarubicin 5 mg/m2/d × 4 (course no. 1), mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2/d × 5 (course no. 2), and idarubicin 12 mg/m2/d × 1 (course no. 3). Maintenance therapy consisted of 90 mg/m2/d mercaptopurine orally, 15 mg/m2/wk methotrexate intramuscularly, and, intermittently, 45 mg/m2/d ATRA for 15 days every 3 months. Between November 1996 and December 1998, 123 patients with newly diagnosed PML/RAR-positive APL from 39 centers were enrolled. A total of 109 patients achieved CR (89%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 83 to 95), 12 died of early complications, and the remaining 2 were resistant. Consolidation treatment was associated with very low toxicity and no deaths in remission were recorded. Molecular assessment of response by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed conversion to PCR-negative in 48 of 99 (51%) and 82 of 88 patients (93%) after induction and consolidation, respectively. The 2-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival and event-free survival were 82% ± 4% and 79% ± 4%, respectively. For patients who achieved CR, the 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 92% ± 3%. These data indicate that a significant reduction in toxicity might be obtained in APL using a less intensive consolidation without apparently compromising the antileukemic effect. These results also suggest a minor role for cytarabine and etoposide in the treatment of newly diagnosed PML/RAR-positive APL patients.
[Clinical significance of antibacterial peptide LL-37 in early diagnosis of patients with sepsis in emergency department].

OBJECTIVE To discuss the clinical significance of antibacterial peptide LL-37 in the early diagnosis of patients with sepsis in emergency department. METHODS Forty patients diagnosed with sepsis in the emergency department of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College from December 2017 to March 2018 were enrolled as sepsis group. Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled contemporaneously in our hospital at medical center as healthy control group. Peripheral blood was collected immediately after diagnosis in sepsis group or during physical examination in healthy control group. The expression of antibacterial peptide LL-37 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined. The differences in antibacterial peptide LL-37, PCT and CRP levels between the two groups were compared. Pearson correlation method was used to analyze the correlation between antibacterial peptide LL-37, PCT and CRP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the early individually or jointly diagnostic value of each detected index for sepsis was analyzed. RESULTS The levels of antimicrobial peptide LL-37, PCT and CRP in peripheral blood of sepsis group were significantly higher than those of healthy control group [LL-37 (μg/L): 1.34±0.69 vs. 0.10±0.06, PCT (μg/L): 46.67±39.51 vs. 0.03±0.02, CRP (mg/L): 129.68±49.83 vs. 3.16±2.85], with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 was positively correlated with PCT and CRP levels (r1 = 0.835, r2 = 0.932, both P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under ROC curve (AUC) of LL-37, PCT and CRP for early diagnosis of sepsis was 0.885, 0.963 and 0.983, respectively, and the AUC of combined diagnosis of the three parameters was as high as 0.994, indicating that the value of combined diagnosis of sepsis was greater than that of single diagnosis; when the combined prediction probability of the three parameters was 0.92, the sensitivity was 97.5%, and the specificity was 95.0%. CONCLUSIONS Antibacterial peptide LL-37 has certain clinical value in early diagnosis of patients with sepsis, which can be used as early routine monitoring indicators for patients with early sepsis when combined with PCT and CRP.
The Impact of Colonization and Western Assimilation on Health and Wellbeing of Canadian Aboriginal People

Abstract Colonization and government assimilation (i.e., into mainstream Western society) impacted all aspects of Aboriginal life, including: health, traditional roles, culture, socio-economic conditions, access to services, and equity among others. Consequently, many Canadian Aboriginal people today experience health inequities, loss of tradition and traditional practices, and breakdown of the family unit. To gain an understanding of how to promote equity in health care for Aboriginal people, a critical examination of the root causes of health and healthcare inequities must be considered within historical, economic, and socio-political contexts. The following paper uses a post-colonial feminist theoretical perspective to situate inequities in Aboriginal people's lives and health by focusing on the impact of colonization and assimilation on Aboriginal people.
Respiratory function among sawmill workers in different areas of Sulaimani city

Background: One of the major health problems of sawmill workers is respiratory, which usually results from breathing in noxious or toxic chemicals such as wood dust. Objective: To evaluate the respiratory functions of sawmill workers within the area of Sulaimani city. Materials and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was carried out among 42 randomly selected sawmill workers in Sulaimani city from January to April 2015. Lung function test was performed to all participants and were also given modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Seventeen healthy nonexposed subjects were included as control. Results: The study demonstrated that lung function significantly reduced in sawmill workers compared with control subjects, and such impairment was poorly correlated with the duration of exposure. The most prevalent respiratory symptoms among workers were running nose (50%) and oral cavity irritation (4%). Conclusion: Sawmill workers in Sulaimani city showed reduced pulmonary functions and higher prevalence of pulmonary-related symptoms compared with nonexposed subjects.
Lateralized Neural Responses to Letters and Digits in First Graders

The emergence of visual cortex specialization for culturally acquired characters like letters and digits, both arbitrary shapes related to specific cognitive domains, is yet unclear. Here, 20 young children (6.12 years old) were tested with a frequency‐tagging paradigm coupled with electroencephalogram recordings to assess discrimination responses of letters from digits and vice‐versa. One category of stimuli (e.g., letters) was periodically inserted (1/5) in streams of the other category (e.g., digits) presented at a fast rate (6 Hz). Results show clear right‐lateralized discrimination responses at 6 Hz/5 for digits within letters, and a trend for left‐lateralization for letters. These results support an early developmental emergence of ventral occipito‐temporal cortex specialization for visual recognition of digits and letters, potentially in relation with relevant coactivated brain networks.
Radiographic comparison of cervical spine motion using LMA Fastrach, LMA CTrach, and the Macintosh laryngoscope

Background/aim The optimal technique for airway management in patients with cervical pathology remains unclear. Intubating laryngeal mask airway devices such as LMA CTrach and LMA Fastrach have not been compared for cervical spine (C-spine) movements in the context of cervical pathology. The present study aimed to determine upper C-spine movements by radiography during intubation with different devices as well as comparing the duration and success of intubation in cervical surgery. Materials and methods Sixty patients scheduled for elective cervical surgery were registered in this prospective, randomized study. Patients with cervical trauma/injury, previous neck surgery, and body mass index (BMI) of >35 kg/m2 were excluded. Participants were randomized to one of the 3 groups: LMA CTrach, LMA Fastrach, or the Macintosh laryngoscope. C-spine motion was evaluated by measuring angles created by bordering vertebrae at cervical 1/2 and 2/3 (C1/2, C2/3) segments on 2 lateral cervical radiographs for each patient. Intubation time, ease of intubation, number of attempts, and success rate were also documented. Results Demographic data were similar in all the groups. The cervical movement with LMA CTrach and LMA Fastrach compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope were similar at C1/2. However, LMA CTrach significantly reduced extension compared to LMA Fastrach and Macintosh laryngoscopes at C2/3. Duration of intubation was significantly shorter with the Macintosh laryngoscope. The rate of successful intubation was 80% with LMA Fastrach and 100% with both LMA CTrach and the Macintosh laryngoscopes. Conclusion The LMA CTrach laryngoscopy involves less upper C-spine movement than the LMA Fastrach and does not increase the duration of the intubation period.
Taxifolin Shows Anticataractogenesis and Attenuates Diabetic Retinopathy In STZ-Diabetic Rats via Suppression of Aldose Reductase, Oxidative Stress and MAPK Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND Due to the increased prevalence of diabetes associated complications of eye like diabetic retinopathy and cataract need of a novel therapeutic agent is urgent. Due to the advantage the polyphenolic compounds enjoy in diabetes and associated complications, we postulated that Taxifolin (TXF) a poly-phenolic flavanol could show anti-retinopathic and anti-cataract effect in diabetes induced rats. METHODS TXF at a dose of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg was given by oral route to STZ mediated diabetic rats for time period of 10 weeks. The opacity of lens was studied after every 7 days of treatment till 10 weeks; evaluation of severity of cataract and changes in histology of lens as well as retina was done. Tissue homogenates of lens isolated after end of study were evaluated for markers of oxidative stress, levels of aldose reductase, p38MAPK, VEGF and ERK1/2 were done. RESULTS Outcomes suggested that TXF improved retinopathy and cataract in diabetes induced rats. The treatment of TXF also improved the status of oxidative stress and inhibited the levels of p38MAPK, VEGF and ERK1/2. The treatment also improved the lens opacity in diabetic rats. The results suggest that the protective effect of TXF against cataract and retinopathy may be due to the anti-oxidative potential of TXF and its inhibiting effect on VEGF, ERK1/2, p38MAPK and aldose reductase. CONCLUSION The study confirms that TXF is potential candidate showing protective effect against diabetic induced retinopathy and cataract.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Seropositivity versus seronegativity; A comparative cross-sectional study arising from Moroccan context.

INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is biologically marked by a positive serum rate of rheumatoid factor (RA) and/or anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). Nevertheless, 20% of RA cases remain seronegative. OBJECTIVE The main purpose of this study, is to bring out the clinical, biological, imaging, therapeutic, and evolutionary distinctions between seropositive RA and seronegative one. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is an observational cross-sectional study that involves the whole patients with RA admitted within our rheumatology department, all along the period lying between january 2012 and january 2018. RA seronegativity is described as the absence of both RF and ACPA , while seropositivity is recognized by the presence of at least one of the two antibodies. RESULTS 294 patients were included, of which 90% were seropositive and 10% seronegative. Thereby, RA in our study is most often seropositive. The bivariate analysis underscored plenty of differences, statistically notable, according to the RA immune status. In fact, patients with seropositive RA had more synovitis (p=0.049), more deformities (p=0.01), and more bone destruction on radiographs (p=0.04). Furthermore, RA in this Moroccan study tended to be quite severe (p=0.006) and got more complicated by systemic manifestations (p=0.02). Whereas, no distinction was brought up between the two groups, concerning the resort to biotherapy. As for the multivariate study, RA in our patients, had greater severity (p=0.009, OR=4.53) and was more deforming (p=0.03 OR=2.45). CONCLUSION RA in our Moroccan context is dominated by the seropositive form. This seropositivity is often coupled with clinical severity and joint destruction, resulting in more deformities.
Okul Öncesi Öğretmen Yetiştirme Programı Hakkında Okul Öncesi Öğretmen Adaylarının Görüşleri

Arastirmanin amaci Okul Oncesi Ogretmeni adaylarinin Okul Oncesi Ogretmeni Yetistirme Programi hakkindaki degerlendirmelerini ortaya koymaktir. Arastirma betimsel turde nitel bir calismadir. Verilerin toplanmasinda yari yapilandirilmis ve yonlendirici olmayan gorusme teknigi kullanilmistir. Arastirma 2011-2012 egitim-ogretim yilinda Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Okul Oncesi Ogretmenligi okuyan 30 ogretmen adayi ile gerceklestirilmistir. Calismada Okul Oncesi Ogretmen Adaylarinin, Okul Oncesi Ogretmeni YetistirmeProgrami hakkinda gorusleri alinmistir. Alinan cevaplara gore, lisans programinda onemli degisiklikler yapilmasi ve programin etkililigi surekli olculmesi gerekmektedir. Hâlihazirda okutulan bazi derslerin icerik ve ogretim yontemleri gelistirilmeli ve bunlar yapilirken ogretmen adaylarinin ihtiyaclari da dikkate alinmalidir
Motor learning outcomes of handrim wheelchair propulsion during active spinal cord injury rehabilitation in comparison with experienced wheelchair users

Abstract Purpose To investigate changes in wheelchair propulsion technique and mechanical efficiency across first five weeks of active inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation and to compare the outcomes at discharge with experienced wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Methods Eight individuals with recent spinal cord injury performed six weekly submaximal exercise tests. The first and last measurement additionally contained a wheelchair circuit and peak graded exercise test. Fifteen experienced individuals performed all above-mentioned tests on one occasion. Results Mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique did not change during the five weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Peak power output during peak graded test and performance time on the wheelchair circuit improved between the first and the last week. No difference in propulsion technique, peak power output, and performance time was found between the persons with a recent injury and the experienced group. Mechanical efficiency was higher after the correction for the difference in relative power output in the experienced group. Conclusion The group with a recent injury did not improve mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique over the period of active rehabilitation, despite significant improvements on the wheelchair circuit and in work capacity. The only significant difference between the groups was found in mechanical efficiency. Implications for rehabilitation The lack of time-dependent changes in mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique in the group with a recent spinal cord injury, combined with the lack of differences in technique, work capacity and on the wheelchair circuit between the groups, suggest that important adaptations of motor learning may happen even earlier in rehabilitation and emphasize that the group in active rehabilitation was relatively skilled. Standardized observational analyses of handrim wheelchair propulsion abilities during early spinal cord injury rehabilitation provide detailed understanding of wheelchair technique, skill as well as wheelchair propulsion capacity. Measurement of external power output is critical to interpretation of gross efficiency, propulsion technique, and capacity. Wheelchair quality and body weight – next to wheelchair fitness and skill – require careful consideration both in early rehabilitation as well as in the chronic phase of spinal cord injury.
Serum Lipopolysaccharide‐Binding Protein Levels and the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in a General Japanese Population: The Hisayama Study

Background Epidemiological studies have reported a link between serum LBP (lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein) levels and lifestyle‐related diseases. However, there have been no longitudinal studies investigating the association of serum LBP levels and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general populations. Methods and Results A total of 2568 community‐dwelling Japanese individuals 40 years and older without prior CVD were followed for 10 years (2002–2012). Serum LBP levels were divided into quartiles (quartile 1: 2.20–9.68 μg/mL; quartile 2: 9.69–10.93 μg/mL; quartile 3: 10.94–12.40 μg/mL; quartile 4: 12.41–24.34 μg/mL). The hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% CIs for the incidence of CVD were computed using a Cox proportional hazards model. During the follow‐up period, 180 individuals developed CVD. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted cumulative incidence of CVD increased significantly with higher serum LBP levels (P for trend=0.005). Individuals with higher serum LBP levels had a significantly greater risk of the development of CVD after adjusting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors (quartile 1: HR, 1.00 [reference]; quartile 2: HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.60–1.78]; quartile 3: HR, 1.52 [95% CI, 0.92–2.51]; and quartile 4: HR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.17–3.09]; P for trend=0.01). This association remained significant after additional adjustment for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P for trend=0.01). However, when additional adjustment was made for high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, the association was attenuated to the nonsignificant level (P for trend=0.08). Conclusions The present findings suggest that higher serum LBP levels are associated with increased risk of the development of CVD in the general Japanese population. Low‐grade endotoxemia may contribute to the pathogenesis of CVD through chronic systemic inflammation.
Effect of long-term frozen storage and thawing of stool samples on faecal haemoglobin concentration and diagnostic performance of faecal immunochemical tests

Abstract Background Faecal samples collected and stored frozen over years may be a valuable resource for efficient retrospective evaluation of faecal immunochemical tests (FITs). We aimed to assess how prolonged frozen storage and freeze-thaw cycles might affect measures of faecal haemoglobin (Hb) and diagnostic performance of FITs. Methods From 2005 through 2010, participants of screening colonoscopy (n = 2042) and clinical colorectal cancer (CRC) cases (n = 184) provided faecal samples in stool containers (60 mL). The samples were stored at −80 °C for up to 11 years and underwent three freeze-thaw cycles. Between each cycle, a defined amount of faeces was extracted using the manufacturer’s sampling device of one or two FITs (RIDASCREEN, OC-Sensor). Faecal Hb concentration and diagnostic performance were calculated and compared across freeze-thaw cycles. Results For RIDASCREEN and the OC-Sensor, repeat measurements were available for 504 and 551 study participants, respectively. Hb concentrations correlated strongly (0.77 and 0.85, respectively) and diagnostic performance indicators were similar at the repeat measurements among the same FITs. For RIDASCREEN we found even slightly higher Hb levels, sensitivities and area under the curves (AUCs) after the third than after the first freeze-thaw cycle. For the OC-Sensor the Hb levels, sensitivities and AUCs were slightly lower after prolonged storage and one additional freeze-thaw cycle. Conclusions Measures of Hb and diagnostic performance were fairly stable, even after long-term frozen storage and multiple freeze-thaw cycles of raw faecal samples. Faecal samples collected in prospective screening studies and kept frozen at −80 °C before analysis seem useful for timely and efficient retrospective evaluation of FIT performance.
Nitric Oxide-Dependent Protein Posttranslational Modifications Impair Mitochondrial Function and Metabolism to Contribute to Neurodegenerative Diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE Most brains affected by neurodegenerative diseases manifest mitochondrial dysfunction as well as elevated production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), contributing to synapse loss and neuronal injury. Recent Advances: Excessive production of RNS triggers nitric oxide (NO)-mediated posttranslational modifications of proteins, such as S-nitrosylation of cysteine residues and nitration of tyrosine residues. Proteins thus affected impair mitochondrial metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy in the nervous system. CRITICAL ISSUES Identification and better characterization of underlying molecular mechanisms for NO-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction will provide important insights into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we highlight recent discoveries concerning S-nitrosylation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes, mitochondrial fission GTPase Drp1, and mitophagy-related proteins Parkin and PINK1. We delineate signaling cascades affected by pathologically S-nitrosylated proteins that diminish mitochondrial function in neurodegenerative diseases. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Further elucidation of the pathological events resulting from aberrant S-nitrosothiol or nitrotyrosine formation may lead to new therapeutic approaches to ameliorate neurodegenerative disorders.