Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FEUP at TREC 2018 Common Core Track - Reranking for Diversity using Hypergraph-of-Entity and Document Profiling

We describe our participation in the TREC 2018 Common Core track, where we experimented with hyperedge-based document ranking, over the hypergraph-of-entity. We compared a text-only implementation ( feup-run1 ) with a different implementation that also included entities and triples from DBpedia ( feup-run2 ). We also experimented with reranking for diversity, based on the maximal marginal relevance and document profiling, in order to find a balance between relevance and the dissimilarity of neighboring documents. This resulted in six additional runs (3 to 8), using feup-run1 and feup-run2 as the base runs for reranking. We then assessed the impact in effectiveness, along with the changes in diversity, particularly over the top-ranked documents. We evaluated retrieval effectiveness based on the mean average precision, over the relevance judgments provided by TREC. We also proposed a weighted diversity metric, based on the cosine distance between each document and all others, within results for the same topic. Documents with a lower rank were assigned a higher weight, more strongly contributing to the weighted diversity. Our best results were for feup-run1 and feup-run7 , both with a MAP score of 0 . 0070 and a P@10 of 0 . 0680, as well as a weighted diversity of 0 . 1197 and 0 . 1218, respectively.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Kombucha Tea in Rodent Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Kombucha tea (KT) has emerged as a substance that protects the liver from damage; however, its mechanisms of action on the fatty liver remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the potential role of KT and its underlying mechanisms on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). db/db mice that were fed methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diets for seven weeks were treated for vehicle (M + V) or KT (M + K) and fed with MCD for four additional weeks. Histomorphological injury and increased levels of liver enzymes and lipids were evident in the M + V group, whereas these symptoms were ameliorated in the M + K group. The M + K group had more proliferating and less apoptotic hepatocytic cells than the M + V group. Lipid uptake and lipogenesis significantly decreased, and free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation increased in the M + K, when compared with the M + V group. With the reduction of hedgehog signaling, inflammation and fibrosis also declined in the M + K group. Palmitate (PA) treatment increased the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased the viability of primary hepatocytes, whereas KT suppressed PA-induced damage in these cells by enhancing intracellular lipid disposal. These results suggest that KT protects hepatocytes from lipid toxicity by influencing the lipid metabolism, and it attenuates inflammation and fibrosis, which contributes to liver restoration in mice with NAFLD.
Pipe flow transition threshold following localized impulsive perturbations

A numerical study of the destabilizing effects of localized impulsive perturbations in pressure-driven Hagen-Poiseuille or pipe flow is presented. The numerics intend to ellucidate the intrinsic mechanisms of subcritical transition to turbulence in pipe flow by reproducing very recent experimental explorations carried out by Hof, Juel, and Mullin [Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 244502 (2003)], concluding that the minimum amplitude of a perturbation required to cause transition scales as the inverse of the Reynolds number, i.e., O(Re−1). The numerical model simulates the experimental disturbance generator based on impulsive injection of fluid through six slits azimuthally equispaced on a perimeter around the pipe. This is accomplished by introducing a local time-dependent impulsive volume force term in the Navier-Stokes equations for the perturbation velocity field, fulfilling incompressibility constraints. A comprehensive exploration of the critical amplitudes that trigger transition as a function of the injection .
Isolated postaxial polydactyly: Epidemiologic characteristics from a multicenter birth defects study

Isolated postaxial polydactyly (I‐PAP), as a single defect, is a frequent malformation, characterized by an extra digit placed on the ulnar or fibular side of the limbs. Worldwide prevalence varies from as high as 225/10,000 in Nigerians to so low as 6.08/10,000 in Argentinians. Genetic–ethnic background significantly affects worldwide prevalence and type of I‐PAP. Herein we describe the epidemiological characteristics of I‐PAP in 697 newborns, 383 males and 314 females identified in 1,178,993 examined live births from a multicenter case–control hospital‐based population study, the Mexican program of Registry and Epidemiological Surveillance of Congenital Malformations (RYVEMCE). The main characteristics analyzed included total I‐PAP, stratified in Types A and B, defined as complete or incomplete extra‐digit formation, respectively, sex prevalence, affected limb, laterality, parity, prematurity, delivery‐type, twinning, consanguinity, and parental age. Males (6.35/10,000) are significantly more frequently affected than females (5.45/10,000), hands more than feet, left more than right limbs, and Type B (74.50%) more than A (25.50%). Prematurity and forceps use were significantly more frequent in cases than controls. An evident decreasing time‐trend prevalence was present. Similar findings with other studies were males, upper and left limbs more frequently affected. Findings that were not previously reported include prematurity, forceps use, a significant decreasing time trend and an inverse ethnic prevalence for Types A (75%) and B (25%) in the Mayan population in contrast to other worldwide ethnic groups.
Pou4f1 Defines a Subgroup of Type I Spiral Ganglion Neurons and Is Necessary for Normal Inner Hair Cell Presynaptic Ca2+ Signaling

Acoustic signals are relayed from the ear to the brain via spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) that receive auditory information from the cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) and transmit that information to the cochlear nucleus of the brainstem. Physiologically distinct classes of SGNs have been characterized by their spontaneous firing rate and responses to sound and those physiological distinctions are thought to correspond to stereotyped synaptic positions on the IHC. More recently, single-cell profiling has identified multiple groups of SGNs based on transcriptional profiling; however, correlations between any of these groups and distinct neuronal physiology have not been determined. In this study, we show that expression of the POU (Pit-Oct-Unc) transcription factor Pou4f1 in type I SGNs in mice of both sexes correlates with a synaptic location on the modiolar side of IHCs. Conditional deletion of Pou4f1 in SGNs beginning in mice at embryonic day 13 rescues the early path-finding and apoptotic phenotypes reported for germline deletion of Pou4f1, resulting in a phenotypically normal development of SGN patterning. However, conditional deletion of Pou4f1 in SGNs alters the activation of Ca2+ channels in IHCs primarily by increasing their voltage sensitivity. Moreover, the modiolar to pillar gradient of active zone Ca2+ influx strength is eliminated. These results demonstrate that a subset of modiolar-targeted SGNs retain expression of Pou4f1 beyond the onset of hearing and suggest that this transcription factor plays an instructive role in presynaptic Ca2+ signaling in IHCs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Physiologically distinct classes of type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are necessary to encode sound intensities spanning the audible range. Although anatomical studies have demonstrated structural correlates for some physiologically defined classes of type I SGNs, an understanding of the molecular pathways that specify each type is only now emerging. Here, we demonstrate that expression of the transcription factor Pou4f1 corresponds to a distinct subgroup of type I SGNs that synapse on the modiolar side of inner hair cells. The conditional deletion of Pou4f1 after SGN formation does not disrupt ganglion size or morphology, change the distribution of IHC synaptic locations, or affect the creation of synapses, but it does influence the voltage dependence and strength of Ca2+ influx at presynaptic active zones in inner hair cells.
Cultural roadblocks on women’s reproductive health rights: a qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Women disproportionately confront disparate barriers in accessing reproductive health services across the world. We used qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) to explore cultural barriers that women face in reproductive health decision making and access to reproductive health services in developing countries of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings indicated that experience with domestic violence, son preference, and lack of financial independence were some of the crucial obstacles that women face to enjoy reproductive rights. Findings pointed to the need for targeted sexual and reproductive health educational policies and training for all in order to reduce gender based health disparities.
Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than PET for detecting treatment-induced cell death-dependent changes in glycolysis.

Metabolic imaging has been widely used to measure the early responses of tumors to treatment. Here we assess the abilities of positron emission tomography (PET) measurement of [18F]FDG uptake and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate metabolism to detect early changes in glycolysis following treatment-induced cell death in human colorectal (Colo205) and breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) xenografts in mice. A TRAIL agonist that binds to human but not mouse cells induced tumor-selective cell death. Tumor glycolysis was assessed by injecting [1,6-13C2]glucose and measuring 13C-labeled metabolites in tumor extracts. Injection of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate induced rapid reduction in lactate labeling. This decrease, which correlated with an increase in histological markers of cell death and preceded decrease in tumor volume, reflected reduced flux from glucose to lactate and decreased lactate concentration. However, [18F]FDG uptake and phosphorylation was maintained following treatment, which has been attributed previously to increased [18F]FDG uptake by infiltrating immune cells. Quantification of [18F]FDG uptake in flow-sorted tumor and immune cells from disaggregated tumors identified CD11b+/CD45+ macrophages as the most [18F]FDG-avid cell type present, yet they represented <5% of the cells present in the tumors and could not explain the failure of [18F]FDG-PET to detect treatment response. MRI measurement of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate metabolism is therefore a more sensitive marker of the early decreases in glycolytic flux that occur following cell death than PET measurements of [18F]FDG uptake.
The Effect of &kgr;-Opioid Receptor Agonists on Tetrodotoxin-Resistant Sodium Channels in Primary Sensory Neurons

BACKGROUND: A non-opioid receptor-mediated inhibition of sodium channels in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) by &kgr;-opioid receptor agonists (&kgr;-ORAs) has been reported to contribute to the antinociceptive actions in animals and humans. In this study, we examined structurally diverse &kgr;-ORAs for their abilities to inhibit tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-r) sodium channels in adult rat DRGs. METHODS: Whole-cell recordings of TTX-r sodium currents were performed on cultured adult rat DRGs. Structurally diverse &kgr;-ORAs were studied for their abilities to inhibit TTX-r sodium channels. RESULTS: The racemic &kgr;-ORA, (±)U50,488, inhibited TTX-r sodium currents in a voltage-dependent manner, yielding IC50 values of 49 and 8 &mgr;M, at prepulse potentials of −100 and −40 mV, respectively. Furthermore, we found that both the &kgr;-ORA U50,488 active enantiomer 1S,2S U50,488 and the inactive enantiomer 1R,2R U50,488 were equally potent inhibitors of TTX-r sodium currents. Structurally related &kgr;-ORAs, such as BRL 52537 and ICI 199,441 also inhibited TTX-r sodium currents. However, sodium channel inhibition and &kgr;-opioid receptor agonism have a distinct structure-activity relationship because another &kgr;-ORA (ICI 204,488) was inactive versus TTX-r sodium channels. We further investigated the sodium channel block of this class of compounds by studying (±)U50,488. (±)U50,488 was found to preferentially interact with the slow inactivated state of TTX-r sodium channels and to retard recovery from inactivation. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that TTX-r sodium channels can be inhibited by many &kgr;-ORAs via an opioid receptor-independent mechanism. Although the potency for sodium channel inhibition is typically much less than apparent affinity for opioid receptors, sodium channel block may still contribute to the antinociceptive effects of this class of compounds.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion as Adjunctive Therapy to Anticoagulation for Stroke Recurrence.

BACKGROUND Stroke recurrence despite optimal oral anticoagulation (OAC) might represent a novel indication for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). The heterogeneity of these patients is generally high, as the presence of valvular atrial fibrillation (VAF) is common. The aim of this study was to explore the role of LAAO as an adjunctive therapy to OAC in patients with recurrent stroke despite optimal OAC. METHODS The study screened consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous LAAO at nine centers between 2009 and 2017. Patients with recurrent stroke despite optimal OAC were selected and those with an absolute or relative contraindication to OAC were not included in the study. RESULTS Among 837 patients who underwent LAAO between the study period, a total of 22 (2.6%) met the inclusion criteria. There was a high percentage of VAF (38%) and 59% presented more than one cardioembolic event before LAAO. All patients underwent successful implantation of the device and no procedural major adverse events were reported. In all but 3 patients, anticoagulation was continued after LAAO. With a median clinical follow-up of 1.8 years (range, 0.7-2.8 years), only 1 stroke and 1 transient ischemic attack were reported, translating into a significant reduction of cerebrovascular events before and after LAAO (2.0 ± 1.0 events vs 0.1 ± 0.3 events; P<.01). Imaging follow-up revealed only 1 case of device thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS LAAO as an adjunctive therapy to OAC seems to be feasible and safe in patients with previous cardioembolic events despite optimal OAC. In our series, this strategy was associated with a low rate of cerebrovascular events after LAAO.
High R/V ratio and vertical P‐axis in electrocardiography of schoolchildren with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Persistent elevation in pulmonary artery pressure is frequently observed in severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and it has been suggested that being born preterm is a likely independent risk factor for a novel form of cardiomyopathy (1). Also, preterm birth is associated with higher resting systolic blood pressure later in life than term birth. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Mechanism of Post-parotidectomy Gustatory Sweating (the Auriculo-temporal Syndrome)

The methods adopted to establish a blood bank in Cyprus are described. The ABO frequencies of the two main racial stocks in Cyprus are so similar as to suggest a common ethnic derivation. The ABO frequencies in Cyprus resemble those of the inhabitants of the adjacent mainland rather than those in Greece. The resemblance is so close as to suggest that Cypriots are ethnically related to their neighbours on the Asiatic mainlaind.
Effect of sleep deprivation on shuttle run score in middle-aged amateur athletes. Influence of initial score.

AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on shuttle run score (corresponding to an estimated VO2 peak) in middle-aged amateur athletes. METHODS Twenty-two athletes, training 9.2 hours a week (+/-4), performed a Leger and Gadoury shuttle test daily in a 4-day series that included a pre-test in day 0, 28 hours without sleep before test 1 (and 10 another hours after the test and before bedtime for a sleep deprivation of 38 hours), and then 10 hours of sleep before each of days 2 and 3. RESULTS Shuttle run score showed no significant difference over the 4 days; however, the change in shuttle run score on day 2 was significantly correlated with the initial score. CONCLUSIONS This result suggests that effect of sleep deprivation on shuttle run score is dependent on initial score and may encourage high level aerobic athletes to avoid sleep deprivation 2 days before a competition.
Gabapentin for essential tremor: A multiple‐dose, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder that often becomes refractory to conventional pharmacologic management. Open‐label studies suggest that gabapentin is efficacious for ET, but the results of controlled trials have been mixed. To determine the efficacy and tolerability of gabapentin in ET, we conducted a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial evaluating two doses (1800 mg per day and 3600 mg per day; N = 25). Patients on other ET medications were maintained on their concurrent medications for 3 months prior to study initiation and throughout the study. Twenty patients (mean age, 69.9 ± 6.1 yrs) completed the study. Overall, patient global assessments (p <0.05), observed tremor scores (p <0.005), water pouring scores (p <0.05), and activities of daily living scores (p <0.005) significantly improved. Accelerometry scores, spirographs, and investigator global impression scores did not improve. The results were similar for high and low doses. Statistical regression models did not demonstrate any significant predictors for response. Gabapentin may be effective in some cases of ET.
A glucose-dependent spatial patterning of exocytosis in human β-cells is disrupted in type 2 diabetes

Impaired insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is linked to reduced insulin granule docking, disorganization of the exocytotic site, and an impaired glucose-dependent facilitation of insulin exocytosis. We show in β-cells from 80 human donors that the glucose-dependent amplification of exocytosis is disrupted in T2D. Spatial analyses of granule fusion events, visualized by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, demonstrate that these are non-random across the surface of β-cells from donors with no diabetes (ND). The compartmentalization of events occurs within regions defined by concurrent or recent membrane-resident secretory granules. This organization, and the number of membrane-associated granules, is glucose-dependent and notably impaired in T2D β-cells. Mechanistically, multi-channel Kv2.1 clusters contribute to maintaining the density of membrane-resident granules and the number of fusion ‘hot spots’, while SUMOylation sites at the channel N-(K145) and C-terminus (K470) determine the relative proportion of fusion events occurring within these regions. Thus, a glucose-dependent compartmentalization of fusion, regulated in part by a structural role for Kv2.1, is disrupted in β-cells from donors with type 2 diabetes. HIGHLIGHTS Exocytosis of secretory granules is non-random across the surface of human β-cells, and this organization is disrupted in type 2 diabetes. Increasing glucose facilitates the spatial compartmentalization of fusion, independent of an overall increase in event frequency. Compartmentalized ‘hot spots’ occur at sites marked by membrane-associated granules, the density of which is regulated in part by a clustered K+ channel (Kv2.1). SUMOylation status of the channel controls the proportion of events that occur within these local regions.
Molecular matching for patients with haematological diseases expressing altered RHD‐RHCE genotypes

The high homology and the inverted orientation of RHD and RHCE may give rise to non‐functional and aberrant RH alleles. RH genotyping is used to screen RH matched donors to African descent patients. This study aimed to define a strategy for testing RHD and RHCE variants in blood donors to provide compatible units for transfusion of patients with haematological diseases.
The structural changes in the kidney and urinary tract caused by ethyleneimine (“vinylamine”)

MOST nephrotoxins produce necrosis of proximal convoluted tubules, but there are a small number that cause renal medullary necrosis. Until fairly recently their action was of academic interest only, but with the recognition of the condition of analgesic nephritis, in which medullary necrosis is the basic lesion (Sanerkin, 1966 ; Kincaid-Smith, 1967),‘an understanding of their mode of action is now of some practical importance. Ethyleneimine (formerly called vinylamine) is the most potent of these known medullary nephrotoxins and was therefore selected for investigation.
Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) Cases at a sentinel site in Egypt, 2013–15

Abstract Background Sentinel surveillance for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in Egypt began in 2006 and occurs at eight sites. Avian influenza is endemic, and human cases of influenza A (H5N1) have been reported annually since 2006. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of SARI at a major sentinel site in the country. Methods Data included in the study were collected from a major SARI sentinel site in Egypt during three consecutive years (2013–15). Results A total of 1254 SARI patients conforming to the WHO case definition were admitted to the sentinel site, representing 5.6% of admitted patients for all causes and 36.6% of acute respiratory infection patients. A total of 99.7% of the patients were tested, and 21.04% tested positive; 48.7% of cases involved influenza A viruses, while 25% involved influenza B. The predominant age group was under 5 years of age, accounting for 443 cases. The seasonality of the influenza data conformed to the Northern Hemisphere pattern. Conclusions The present study’s results show that SARI leads to substantial morbidity in Egypt. There is a great need for high-quality data from the SARI surveillance system in Egypt, especially with endemic respiratory threats such as influenza A (H5N1) in Egypt.
Direct Oral Feeding Following Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (NUTRIENT II trial): An International, Multicenter, Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE Patients undergoing an esophagectomy are often kept nil-by-mouth postoperatively out of fear for increasing anastomotic leakage and pulmonary complications. This study investigates the effect of direct start of oral feeding following minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) compared with standard of care. BACKGROUND Elements of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been successfully introduced in patients undergoing an esophagectomy. However, start of oral intake, which is an essential part of the ERAS protocols, remains a matter of debate. METHODS Patients in this multicenter, international randomized controlled trial were randomized to directly start oral feeding (intervention) after a MIE with intrathoracic anastomosis or to receive nil-by-mouth and tube feeding for 5 days postoperative (control group). Primary outcome was time to functional recovery. Secondary outcome parameters included anastomotic leakage, pneumonia rate, and other surgical complications scored by predefined definitions. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were similar in the intervention (n = 65) and control (n = 67) group. Functional recovery was 7 days for patients receiving direct oral feeding compared with 8 days in the control group (P = 0.436). Anastomotic leakage rate did not differ in the intervention (18.5%) and control group (16.4%, P = 0.757). Pneumonia rates were comparable between the intervention (24.6%) and control group (34.3%, P = 0.221). Other morbidity rates were similar, except for chyle leakage, which was more prevalent in the standard of care group (P = 0.032). CONCLUSION Direct oral feeding after an esophagectomy does not affect functional recovery and did not increase incidence or severity of postoperative complications.