Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ten years of active middle ear implantation for sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate long-term benefits of a totally implantable active middle ear implant (AMEI) that has been used in a single implanting center for over 10 years. Methods: Forty-one subjects who underwent implantation with an Esteem® AMEI during a 10-years period were evaluated on the auditory benefits, as derived from pure tone and speech audiometry tests. The analysis included a comparison with a conventional hearing aid, the problematics related to the battery duration and surgical replacement and, finally, the complication rate. Results: Over 80% of the implanted subjects maintained over time a satisfactory auditory gain, ranging from 10 to over 30 dB in respect to the unaided situation, as mean at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz. In more than 60% of them, an improvement has also been found at 4 and 8 kHz. Battery duration varied according to the severity of the hearing loss and to the daily use of the device. No major post-operative complications were recorded, whilst explantation was necessary in five subjects, although none for device failure. Conclusions: The Esteem® can be considered a reliable device for rehabilitation of sensorineural hearing loss in alternative to conventional hearing aids.
Differentiation of the acrosomal complex in ostrich (Struthio camelus) spermatids

The acrosomal complex of ostrich sperm consists of a small, cone‐shaped acrosome and a slender, cylindrical perforatorium housed within a deep endonuclear canal. The perforatorium is almost exclusively endonuclear in location and is only covered by the acrosome at its point of origin in the apical subacrosomal space. The development of the acrosome is generally similar to that described in other non‐passerine birds. Small proacrosomal granules (vesicles) emanating from the Golgi apparatus coalesce to form a large, membrane‐bound acrosomal vesicle filled with homogeneous, electron‐dense material. The acrosomal vesicle attaches to the nucleus via a shallow depression and subsequently collapses to form the typical cap‐like acrosome of non‐passerine birds. In ostrich spermatids the endonuclear canal becomes obvious when the collapsed acrosomal vesicle has assumed a dumbbell‐shaped appearance. The perforatorium, which originates from moderately electron‐dense material contained within the apical subacrosomal space, expands within the deepening endonuclear canal. The material of the perforatorium does not originate in the form of an obvious granule as in chicken and budgerigar spermatids. Indications are that in ostrich spermatids the developing acrosome plays a role in the shaping of the tip of the nucleus. The perforatorium, however, appears to represent a residual structure that has no specifically identified function. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Generalized Knowledge Hunting Framework for the Winograd Schema Challenge

We introduce an automatic system that performs well on two common-sense reasoning tasks, the Winograd Schema Challenge (WSC) and the Choice of Plausible Alternatives (COPA). Problem instances from these tasks require diverse, complex forms of inference and knowledge to solve. Our method uses a knowledge-hunting module to gather text from the web, which serves as evidence for candidate problem resolutions. Given an input problem, our system generates relevant queries to send to a search engine. It extracts and classifies knowledge from the returned results and weighs it to make a resolution. Our approach improves F1 performance on the WSC by 0.16 over the previous best and is competitive with the state-of-the-art on COPA, demonstrating its general applicability.
New records of subterranean and spring molluscs (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae) from Montenegro and Albania with the description of five new species.

A short overview of subterranean Balkan hydrobid genera, with special focus on genus Bythiospeum Bourguignat, 1892 and Iglica A.J. Wagner, 1928 is given. In addition, based on recently collected material in Montenegro (Vitoja Spring) and Albania (Krumë), five new species are described, namely: Bracenica vitojaensis n. sp. , Islamia montenegrina n. sp. , Lanzaia pesici n. sp. , Bythiospeum szarowskae n. sp. and Pseudamnicola krumensis n. sp. The holotypes and paratypes are depicted. In addition a re-description of Bythiospeum gittenbergeri (A. & P.L. Reischütz, 2008) is given and the types of the Iglica spp. deposited in the NHMW are depicted, some of them for the first time.
Species Composition, Abundance and Seasonal Phenology of Social Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Wisconsin Vineyards

Social wasps can be serious pests in fruit growing plantings and are becoming increasingly problematic for grape growers. In this study, we conducted two experiments to assess the species composition and seasonal phenology of social wasps in Wisconsin vineyards in 2015 and 2017. In 2015, three attractants were used: (1) wine; (2) heptyl butyrate (HB); and (3) acetic acid and isobutanol (AAIB) and in 2017, two attractants were used: HB and AAIB. In both years, the same eight species were trapped from the genera Vespula, Dolichovespula, and Polistes. The predominant wasp species trapped were Vespula maculifrons, Vespula vidua, Vespula flavopilosa, and Vespula germanica in 2015 and V. maculifrons, V. flavopilosa, V. germanica, and Dolichovespula maculata in 2017, in order of total abundance. The populations of V. vidua decreased in 2017 compared to 2015, indicating large inter-annual variation. In both years, AAIB lures trapped significantly more V. flavopilosa, V. maculifrons, and V. germanica, the three most prevalent species during grape harvest, than HB, whereas HB lures trapped more V. vidua than AAIB. Wine was generally attractive to all species in 2015. This study identifies for the first time the wasp species present in Wisconsin commercial vineyards using chemical attractants. This knowledge, along with the seasonal phenology of these pest species, will help facilitate the development of management strategies for social wasps in commercial vineyards.
Liquidity Tail Risk and Credit Default Swap Spreads

We show that liquidity tail risk in credit default swap (CDS) spreads is time-varying and explains variation in CDS spreads. We capture the liquidity tail risk of a CDS contract written on a firm by estimating the tail dependence, i.e., the asymptotic probability of a joint surge in the bid-ask spread of the firm’s CDS and the illiquidity of a CDS market index. Our results show that protection sellers earn a statistically and economically significant premium for bearing the risk of joint extreme downwards movements in the liquidity of individual CDS contracts and the CDS market. This effect holds in various robustness checks such as instrumental variable regressions and alternative liquidity measures and is particularly pronounced during the financial crisis.
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Suppresses IL-12p40 Induction via Capsid/gC1qR-Mediated MicroRNAs and Signalings

Porcine circovirus (PCV) type 2 (PCV2), an immunosuppression pathogen, is often found to increase the risk of other pathogenic infections. Yet the relative immune mechanisms determining the susceptibility of PCV2-infected animals remain unclear. In this study, we confirmed that PCV2 infection suppressed IL-12p40 expression and host Th1 immune response, leading to a weakened pathogenic clearance upon porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) or Haemophilus parasuis infection. PCV2 infection suppressed pathogens, LPS/IFN-γ, or LPS/R848-induced IL-12p40 expression in porcine alveolar macrophages. PCV2 capsid (Cap) was the major component to suppress IL-12p40 induction by LPS/IFN-γ, LPS/R848, PRRSV, or H. parasuis. Either wild-type PCV2 or mutants PCV2–replicase 1 and PCV type 1–Cap2, which contained PCV2 Cap, significantly decreased IL-12p40 levels and increased the replication of PRRSV and H. parasuis in the lung tissues relative to mock or PCV type 1 infection. gC1qR, a Cap binding protein, was not involved in IL-12p40 induction but mediated the inhibitory effect of PCV2 Cap on IL-12p40 induction. PCV2 also activated PI3K/Akt1 and p38 MAPK signalings to inhibit IL-12p40 expression via inhibition of NF-κB p65 binding to il12B promoter and upregulation of miR-23a and miR-29b. Knockdown of Akt1 and p38 MAPK downregulated miR-23a and miR-29b and increased IL-12p40 expression. Inhibition of miR-23a and miR-29b attenuated the inhibitory effect of PCV2 on IL-12p40 induction, resulting in an increased IL-12p40 expression and Th1 cell population and reduced susceptibility to PRRSV or H. parasuis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PCV2 infection suppresses IL-12p40 expression to lower host Th1 immunity to increase the risk of other pathogenic infection via gC1qR-mediated PI3K/Akt1 and p38 MAPK signaling activation.
Periodontal condition is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and premature rupture of membranes in low-income pregnant women in Bogota, Colombia: a case–control study

Abstract Objectives: To assess the periodontal condition as a factor associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, premature rupture of membranes (PRM), and preeclampsia in low-income pregnant women treated at public hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: Pregnant women with preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) or both conditions (n = 107/428), or only PTB (n = 73/292) or LBW (n = 74/296) or with PRM (n = 98/392) or preeclampsia (n = 76/304) in a ratio of four controls for each case, coming from three hospitals of the public Northern Network of Bogotá, Colombia were studied. Sociodemographic, perinatal adverse outcome history, antenatal care, chronic infections, periodontal condition, threatened abortion, bleeding in the second half of pregnancy, oligohydramnios, diabetes, gestational diabetes, alcohol consumption, hypertension, smoking, alcohol during pregnancy were determined. Logistic regression was conducted to establish factors associated to perinatal adverse outcomes. Multiple correspondence analysis was conducted as secondary analysis. Results: Threatened abortion, absence of antenatal care, hypertension, chronic infections, and periodontal condition were the most important factors associated with perinatal adverse outcomes. The presence of periodontal pockets was associated with LBW OR 2.52 (IC95% 1.36–4.70), PTB OR 2.04 (IC95% 1.10–3.64), PTB-LBW or both OR 2.08 (IC95% 1.18–3.31), PRM OR 2.04 (IC95% 1.17–3.56). Periodontal pockets presence was not associated with preeclampsia. Multiple correspondence analyses showed high correlation between PRM with chronic infection and presence of periodontal pockets. Conclusions: Periodontal condition is a factor independent of other important risk factors for a perinatal adverse outcome and PRM. Prevention of periodontal disease should be included in preconception and prenatal care programs.
Pre-Bout Neural Activity Changes in Premotor Nucleus HVC Correlate with Successful Initiation of Learned Song Sequence

Preparatory activity, characterized by gradual, longer timescale changes in neural activity, is present in a number of different brain areas before the onset of simple movements and is believed to be important for movement initiation. However, relatively little is known about such activity before initiation of naturally learned movement sequences. The song of an adult male zebra finch is a well studied example of a naturally learned movement sequence and previous studies have shown robust premotor activity immediately before song. Here, I characterize longer timescale changes in neural activity in adult male zebra finch premotor nucleus HVC before onset of song bouts. I show that interneurons and a subset of basal-ganglia-projecting neurons change their activity several hundred milliseconds before song bout onset. Interneurons increased their activity, whereas basal-ganglia-projecting neurons either increased or decreased their activity. Such changes in neural activity were larger, started earlier, and were more common specifically before song bouts that began with the short, repetitive, introductory notes (INs) characteristic of zebra finch song bouts. Further, stronger and earlier changes were also correlated with successful song sequence initiation. Finally, a small fraction of basal-ganglia-projecting neurons that increased their activity before song bout onset did not have song or IN-related activity, suggesting a specialized preparatory role for such neurons. Overall, these data suggest that pre-bout activity in HVC represents preparatory activity important for initiation of a naturally learned movement sequence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Changes in neuronal activity well before the onset of simple movements are thought to be important for movement initiation. However, a number of animal movements consist of sequences of simple movements and relatively little is known about neuronal activity before such movement sequences. Using adult zebra finch song, a well studied example of a movement sequence, I show here that neurons in premotor nucleus HVC change their activity hundreds of milliseconds before song bout onset. In most neurons, the presence of such changes correlated with successful song sequence initiation. My results show the presence of preparatory neural activity in HVC and suggest a role for HVC in sequence initiation in addition to its established role in song sequence timing.
PARP1 depletion improves mitochondrial and heart function in Chagas disease: Effects on POLG dependent mtDNA maintenance

Chagasic cardiomyopathy is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is known for its function in nuclear DNA repair. In this study, we have employed genetic deletion and chemical inhibition approaches to determine the role of PARP1 in maintaining mtDNA dependent mitochondrial function in Chagas disease. Our data show that expression of PARP1 and protein PARylation were increased by >2-fold and >16-fold, respectively, in the cytosolic, nuclear, and mitochondrial fractions of the human cardiac myocytes and the myocardium of wildtype (WT) mice chronically infected with T. cruzi. The nuclear and cytosolic PARP1/PAR did not interfere with the transcription and translation of the components of the mtDNA replisome machinery in infected cardiomyocytes and chagasic murine myocardium. However, PARP1 binding to Polymerase γ and mtDNA in mitochondria were increased, and associated with a loss in mtDNA content, mtDNA-encoded gene expression, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity, and an increase in mitochondrial ROS production in cells and heart of WT mice infected with T. cruzi. Subsequently, an increase in oxidative stress, and cardiac collagen deposition, and a decline in LV function was noted in chagasic mice. Genetic deletion of PARP1 or treatment with selective inhibitor of PARP1 (PJ34) improved the mtDNA content, mitochondrial function, and oxidant/antioxidant balance in human cardiomyocytes and chronically infected mice. Further, PARP1 inhibition was beneficial in preserving the cardiac structure and left ventricular function in chagasic mice. We conclude that PARP1 overexpression is associated with a decline in Pol γ-dependent maintenance of mtDNA content, mtDNA-encoded gene expression, and mitochondrial respiratory function, and subsequently contributes to an increase in mtROS and oxidative stress in chagasic myocardium. Inhibition of mitochondrial PARP1/PAR offers a novel therapy in preserving the mitochondrial and LV function in chronic Chagas disease.
Cannabis regulatory science: risk–benefit considerations for mental disorders

Abstract The evolving legal cannabis landscape in the US continues to present novel regulatory challenges that necessitate the development of a Cannabis Regulatory Science. Two specific issues of concern within Cannabis Regulatory Science are (1) the impact that cannabis use has on the incidence, prevalence, and severity of mental disorders, and (2) how cannabis laws and regulations modify this impact. This paper first provides several conceptual points that are useful for evaluating the relationship between cannabis use and mental disorders. Second, it selectively reviews and comments on data relevant to the relationship between cannabis use and depression, several forms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Next, regulatory and public health parallels between the nascent cannabis industry and the pharmaceutical, tobacco, and alcohol industries are discussed. The focus is on specific types of industry practices that may harm those with or at risk for mental disorders. Recommendations are then offered for legal cannabis regulations that could mitigate this harm. Last, future research goals are discussed for building the field of Cannabis Regulatory Science and addressing the potential negative impact of cannabis on those with mental disorders.
I TRIANGULATE THEREFORE I AM: RIGOUR IN CASE STUDY RESEARCH

RESEARCH Introduction For marketing across the dimensions of people, places and spaces, an in-depth understanding of complex problems is invaluable. Case study research is well suited to investigating complexity (Eisenhardt, 1989, Yin, 2009) and generating context-dependent knowledge (Flyvbjerg, 2006). In spite of its benefits, case study research has attracted criticisms, primarily directed as its perceived lack of rigour. Reviewers have, for example, pointed to case study research where little insight has been provided (Beverland and Lindgreen, 2010; Dubé and Paré, 2003). To respond to this damning accusation, case study researchers need to enhance the quality of the ‘story’ by detailing analytical procedures (Eisenhardt, 1989), such as triangulation. The claims made for triangulation in establishing rigour in research are extensive and perhaps even over-stated as suggested in Miles and Huberman’s (1994) description of it as near-talismanic. Researchers are, therefore, left in something of a quandary about the nature of the claims that they can make about the rigour of their research. In particular, how can the multiple sources, which characterise case study research, be triangulated and what may be the outcomes? The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to appraise and advance understanding of the role of triangulation in strengthening the rigour of case study research. Triangulation The principle of triangulation is getting a fix on the phenomenon under investigation from two known points. It is a construct borrowed from trigonometry and adapted by social sciences and proposes that multiple and independent measures provide a more ‘certain portrayal’ of the phenomenon that is being studied (Jick, 1979 p. 604). Researchers triangulate multiple measures or sources so that they converge on this phenomenon (Yin, 2009; Modell, 2005, 2009). In this way, triangulation overcomes bias and establishes validity (Blaikie, 1991). More broadly, the multiplicity of sources offers a stronger substantiation of constructs and hypotheses in grounding emerging theory (Eisenhardt, 1989). Although triangulation is often envisaged as being data or method, Denzin (1978) extended the number of triangulation types to include investigator and theoretical triangulation. In Table 1, we update and extend the original categories in the light of recent contributions to the topic.
Pathophysiological Characteristics Underlying Different Glucose Response Curves: A Latent Class Trajectory Analysis From the Prospective EGIR-RISC Study

OBJECTIVE Glucose measurements during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are useful in predicting diabetes and its complications. However, knowledge of the pathophysiology underlying differences in glucose curve shapes is sparse. We examined the pathophysiological characteristics that create different glucose curve patterns and studied their stability and reproducibility over 3 years of follow-up. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed data from participants without diabetes from the observational cohort from the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance: Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease study; participants had a five–time point OGTT at baseline (n = 1,443) and after 3 years (n = 1,045). Measures of insulin sensitivity and secretion were assessed at baseline with a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and intravenous glucose tolerance test. Heterogeneous glucose response patterns during the OGTT were identified using latent class trajectory analysis at baseline and at follow-up. Transitions between classes were analyzed with multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS We identified four different glucose response patterns, which differed with regard to insulin sensitivity and acute insulin response, obesity, and plasma levels of lipids and inflammatory markers. Some of these associations were confirmed prospectively. Time to glucose peak was driven mainly by insulin sensitivity, whereas glucose peak size was related to both insulin sensitivity and secretion. The glucose patterns identified at follow-up were similar to those at baseline, suggesting that the latent class method is robust. We integrated our classification model into an easy-to-use online application that facilitates the assessment of glucose curve patterns for other studies. CONCLUSIONS The latent class analysis approach is a pathophysiologically insightful way to classify individuals without diabetes based on their response to glucose during an OGTT.
ABT‐122, a Bispecific Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor and Interleukin‐17A, in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis With an Inadequate Response to Methotrexate

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) may independently contribute to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ABT‐122, a novel dual variable domain immunoglobulin targeting human TNF and IL‐17A, in patients with RA who have experienced an inadequate response to methotrexate.
XCL1‐XCR1 pathway promotes trophoblast invasion at maternal‐fetal interface by inducing MMP‐2/MMP‐9 activity

Certain chemokines with their receptors can promote or inhibit trophoblast cell migration and invasion in human first‐trimester placenta. Whether the lymphotactin (Lptn; XCL1)—XC chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1) chemokine pathway affects trophoblast cell migration and invasion in human first‐trimester placenta remains unclear.