Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic modifications in acute myeloid leukemia: The emerging role of circular RNAs (Review)

Canonical epigenetic modifications, which include histone modification, chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation, play key roles in numerous cellular processes. Epigenetics underlies how cells that posses DNA with similar sequences develop into different cell types with different functions in an organism. Earlier epigenetic research has primarily been focused at the chromatin level. However, the number of studies on epigenetic modifications of RNA, such as N1-methyladenosine, 2′-O-ribosemethylation, inosine, 5-methylcytidine, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and pseudouridine, has seen an increase. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of RNA species that lacks a 5′ cap or 3′ poly(A) tail, are abundantly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and may regulate disease progression. circRNAs possess various functions, including microRNA sponging, gene transcription regulation and RNA-binding protein interaction. Furthermore, circRNAs are m6A methylated in other types of cancer, such as colorectal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell cancers. Therefore, the critical roles of circRNA epigenetic modifications, particularly m6A, and their possible involvement in AML are discussed in the present review. Epigenetic modification of circRNAs may become a diagnostic and therapeutic target for AML in the future.
Comment on “Test of Seismic Hazard Map from 500 Years of Recorded Intensity Data in Japan” by Masatoshi Miyazawa and Jim Mori

Miyazawa and Mori (2009) propose testing probabilistic seismic hazard assessments (PSHAs) for Japan in terms of predicted macroseismic intensities against those observed over the past 500 yrs. While the comparison presents a real interest to the seismological and engineering communities, their reasoning is based on an incorrect hypothesis and leads to several problems. Comparing probabilistic estimates and observations is an important topic; any available observations should be used to infer constraints on the probabilistic estimates. Testing long-term earthquake hazard predictions is currently one of the biggest challenges in the area of engineering seismology. Several current large-scale seismic hazard projects have work packages dedicated to developing so-called validation techniques (e.g., the European Commission-funded Seismic Hazard Harmonization in Europe [SHARE] project and the Global Earthquake Model). Obviously, this task should be performed with great caution, as such validation studies have a direct impact on, for example, estimates of seismic risk and building regulations.
Leadership style of construction managers in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's construction industry is one of the most dynamic in the world and the Territory has a remarkable record of completing projects to budget in seemingly impossible times. Despite the fact that 97% of the population is Chinese, the Territory remains under British Colonial rule (until 1 July 1997) making Hong Kong a meeting point for Western and Eastern cultures. This mixture of cultures raises interesting managerial issues and an issue particularly relevant to construction project management is leadership behaviour style. This paper studies the leadership styles of Hong Kong Chinese construction managers (by means of Fiedler's Least Preferred Co-worker (LPC) scale and House's styles grid) and compares these styles with those of their western counterparts. Hong Kong managers are found to be much more relationship-orientated than their western counterparts. The issue of the effect of situational variables on the style adopted is explored.
Broken detailed balance and entropy production in the human brain

Significance To perform biological functions, living systems must break detailed balance by consuming energy and producing entropy. At microscopic scales, broken detailed balance enables a suite of molecular and cellular functions, including computations, kinetic proofreading, sensing, adaptation, and transportation. But do macroscopic violations of detailed balance enable higher-order biological functions, such as cognition and movement? To answer this question, we adapt tools from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics to quantify broken detailed balance in complex living systems. Analyzing neural recordings from hundreds of human subjects, we find that the brain violates detailed balance at large scales and that these violations increase with physical and cognitive exertion. Generally, we provide a flexible framework for investigating broken detailed balance at large scales in complex systems. Living systems break detailed balance at small scales, consuming energy and producing entropy in the environment to perform molecular and cellular functions. However, it remains unclear how broken detailed balance manifests at macroscopic scales and how such dynamics support higher-order biological functions. Here we present a framework to quantify broken detailed balance by measuring entropy production in macroscopic systems. We apply our method to the human brain, an organ whose immense metabolic consumption drives a diverse range of cognitive functions. Using whole-brain imaging data, we demonstrate that the brain nearly obeys detailed balance when at rest, but strongly breaks detailed balance when performing physically and cognitively demanding tasks. Using a dynamic Ising model, we show that these large-scale violations of detailed balance can emerge from fine-scale asymmetries in the interactions between elements, a known feature of neural systems. Together, these results suggest that violations of detailed balance are vital for cognition and provide a general tool for quantifying entropy production in macroscopic systems.
Clarifying gambling subtypes: the revised pathways model of problem gambling

Abstract Background and Aims The pathways model is a highly cited etiological model of problem gambling. In the past two decades, a number of studies have found support for the model's utility in classifying gambling subtypes. The aims of this paper were to refine empirically the model subtypes and to revise and update the model based on those findings. Design and Measurement Observational study using data collected from treatment‐seeking problem gamblers using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and the Gambling Pathways Questionnaire (GPQ). Setting Treatment clinics in Canada, Australia and the United States. Participants A convenience sample of 1168 treatment‐seeking problem gamblers, aged 18 years or older. Findings Empirically validated risk factors were analyzed using latent class analyses, identifying a three‐class solution as the best‐fitting model. Those in the largest class (class 1: 44.3%, n = 517) reported the lowest levels of all etiological risk factors. Participants in class 2 (39.5%, n = 461) reported the highest rates of anxiety and depression, both before and after gambling became a problem, as well as childhood maltreatment, and a high level of gambling for stress‐coping. Those in class 3 (16.3%, n = 190) reported high levels of impulsivity; risk‐taking, including sexual risk‐taking; antisocial traits; and coping to provide meaning in life and to alleviate stress. Conclusions The revised pathways model of problem gambling includes three classes of gamblers similar to the three subtypes in the original pathways model, but class 3 in the revised pathways model is distinct from class 2, showing higher levels of risk‐taking and antisocial traits and gambling motivated by a desire for meaning/purpose and/or to alleviate stress. Class 2 in the revised pathways model demonstrates high levels of childhood maltreatment as well as gambling for stress‐coping.
Azithromycin in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Azithromycin has been widely used in the management of COVID-19. However, the evidence on its actual effects remains disperse and difficult to apply in clinical settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the available evidence to date on the beneficial and adverse effects of azithromycin in patients with COVID-19. Methods The PRISMA 2020 statement criteria were followed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing clinical outcomes of patients treated with and without azithromycin, indexed until 5 July 2021, were searched in PubMed, Embase, The Web of Science, Scopus, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MedRXivs. We used random-effects models to estimate pooled effect size from aggregate data. Results The initial search produced 4950 results. Finally, 16 studies, 5 RCTs and 11 with an observational design, with a total of 22 984 patients, were included. The meta-analysis showed no difference in mortality for those treated with or without azithromycin, in observational studies [OR: 0.90 (0.66–1.24)], RCTs [OR: 0.97 (0.87–1.08)] and also when both types of studies were pooled together [with an overall OR: 0.95 (0.79–1.13)]. Different individual studies also reported no significant difference for those treated with or without azithromycin in need for hospital admission or time to admission from ambulatory settings, clinical severity, need for intensive care, or adverse effects. Conclusions The results presented in this systematic review do not support the use of azithromycin in the management of COVID-19. Future research on treatment for patients with COVID-19 may need to focus on other drugs.
MPPM: a method for improving the band-utilization efficiency in optical PPM

Multiple pulse position modulation (MPPM) is proposed as a modulation method to improve the band-utilization efficiency in optical pulse position modulation (PPM). Optical PPM gives higher transmission efficiency (bit/photon) in optical communications but degrades band-utilization efficiency. The proposed method reduces the required transmission bandwidth in optical PPM to about half with the same transmission efficiency, thus increasing band-utilization efficiency. While in conventional optical PPM, only one optical pulse is transmitted in every signal block, multiple pulses are transmitted using this method. Information is represented by different combinations of the positions of these pulses. The principle of bandwidth reduction applied, the transmission characteristics of the proposed method, and examples of improvement in band-utilization efficiency are also shown. >
A comprehensive review of drivers influencing flu vaccine acceptance in the Middle East over the last six years: using Health Belief Model.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to review the literature covering the perceptions about influenza vaccines in the Middle East and to determine factors influencing the acceptance of vaccination using Health Belief Model (HBM). METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Three keywords were used: Influenza vaccine, perceptions and Middle East. Empirical studies that dealt with people/healthcare worker (HCW) perceptions of influenza vaccine in the Middle East and written in English were included. The search covered articles published between January 2015 and November 2020. KEY FINDINGS A total of 34 cross-sectional studies covering a total of 35 518 participants from 22 countries were included in this review. The overall influenza vaccination rates were generally low (<50%) among general population, particularly among pregnant women and children. HCWs had relatively higher vaccination rates compared with general population. Old age, health comorbidities or working in high-risk environments were noted as major motivators to receive the vaccine. Concerns about adverse reactions and the lack of vaccine efficacy were the most predominant reported barriers to receiving the vaccines. Lastly, cues to actions included receiving advice from HCWs, influence of institutional requirement, awareness/educational pamphlets and influence from the media. SUMMARY The HBM can be helpful in identifying and analysing motivators and barriers to vaccination. Additionally, by looking at the root causation, this model can help plan campaigns to increase vaccination rates in the region. Finally, we recommend empowering HCWs to proactively advocate for vaccination as part of preventive care.
Faster and less invasive tools to identify patients with ileal colonization by adherent‐invasive E. coli in Crohn's disease

Abstract Background and Aims The identification of Crohn's disease (CD)‐associated adherent and invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) is time‐consuming and requires ileal biopsies. We aimed to identify a faster and less invasive methods to detect ileal colonization by AIEC in CD patients. Methods CD patients requiring ileo‐colonoscopy were consecutively enrolled in this prospective multicenter study. Samples from saliva, serum, stools, and ileal biopsies of CD patients were collected. Results Among 102 CD patients, the prevalence of AIEC on ileal biopsies was 24.5%. The abundance and global invasive ability of ileal‐associated total E. coli were respectively ten‐fold (p = 0.0065) and two‐fold (p = 0.0007) higher in AIEC‐positive (vs. AIEC‐negative), while abundance of total E. coli in the feces was not correlated with AIEC status in the ileum. The best threshold of ileal total E. coli was 60 cfu/biopsy to detect AIEC‐positive patients, with high negative predictive value (NPV) (94.1%[80.3–99.3]), while the global invasive ability (>9000 internalized bacteria) was able to detect the presence of AIEC with high positive predictive value (80.0% [55.2–100.0]). Overall, 78.1% of the AIEC + patients were colonized by two or less different AIEC strains. The level of serum anti‐total E. coli antibodies (AEcAb) was higher in AIEC‐positive patients (p = 0.038) with a very high negative predictive value (96.6% [89.9–100.0]) (p = 0.038) for a cut‐off value > 1.9 × 10−3. Conclusions More than two thirds of AIEC‐positive CD patients were colonized by two or less AIEC strains. While stools samples are not accurate to screen AIEC status, the AEcAb level appears to be an attractive, rapid and easier biomarker to identify patients with Crohn's disease harboring AIEC.
Markov chains on hyperbolic-like groups and quasi-isometries

We propose the study of Markov chains on groups as a"quasi-isometry invariant"theory that encompasses random walks. In particular, we focus on certain classes of groups acting on hyperbolic spaces including (non-elementary) hyperbolic and relatively hyperbolic groups, acylindrically hyperbolic 3-manifold groups, as well as fundamental groups of certain graphs of groups with edge groups of subexponential growth. For those, we prove a linear progress result and various applications, and these lead to a Central Limit Theorem for random walks on groups quasi-isometric to the ones we consider.
Segregating Complete Tf2 Elements Are Largely Neutral in Fission Yeast

Abstract Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a large proportion of the eukaryote genomes. Yet it remains poorly understood how TEs influence the fitness of the hosts carrying them. Here, we empirically test the impact of TEs on the host fitness in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We find that two families of TEs (Tf1 and Tf2 elements), both of which belong to long terminal repeat retrotransposons, are highly polymorphic among individual S. pombe strains. Only 13 complete Tf2 elements are identified in S. pombe laboratory strain 972. These 13 Tf2 elements integrated into host genomes in very recent time and are segregating within the S. pombe population. Through knocking out each of the 13 Tf2 elements in S. pombe strain 972, we find Tf2 knockout does not affect the host fitness, and Tf2 elements do not alter the expression of nearby genes. Challenged by diverse forms of stress, the Tf2 knockout strains do not exhibit different growth rates from wild-type strain. Together, we conclude that segregating complete Tf2 elements insertions are largely neutral to host fitness in the fission yeast. Our study provides genome-wide empirical support for the selfish nature of TEs in fission yeast.
Trauma exposure and factors associated with ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD in the Lithuanian general population

Background: After the inclusion of a novel diagnosis of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), there is a growing need for research focused on not only studying the underlying risk factors of this disorder but also differentiating the risk factors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and CPTSD to understand better the factors leading to CPTSD onset and symptom maintenance. Aims: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of traumatic experiences, trauma-related disorders and risk factors associated with ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in a population-based Lithuanian sample using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Methods: The study sample included 885 participants (age M[SD] = 37.96 [14.67], 63.4% female). The Life Events Checklist was used to measure trauma exposure, PTSD and CPTSD symptoms were measured by the Lithuanian ITQ version. The Disclosure of Trauma Questionnaire (DTQ) was used to measure the urge or reluctance to talk about trauma. Results: The prevalence of at least one traumatic experience in the study sample was 81.4%. The prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD among the general population in Lithuania was 5.8% and 1.8%, respectively. Accumulative lifetime trauma exposure, sexual assault and assault with a weapon were significant predictors for both PTSD and CPTSD. Participants from the CPTSD group reported greater reluctance to disclose trauma and stronger emotional reactions than no diagnosis and PTSD groups. Results also indicate that the Lithuanian ITQ version is a valid measure for screening PTSD and CPTSD in the general population. Conclusion: Previous history of trauma and interpersonal trauma were associated with posttraumatic stress disorders but did not differentiate between PTSD and CPTSD in our study. However, social trauma-related factors, such as trauma disclosure, were associated with stronger CPTSD symptoms.
Interventions in sexual and reproductive health services addressing violence against women in low-income and middle-income countries: a mixed-methods systematic review

Objectives To synthesise evidence on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and barriers to responding to violence against women (VAW) in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Design Mixed-methods systematic review. Data sources Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, Cochrane, Cinahl, IMEMR, Web of Science, Popline, Lilacs, WHO RHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google, Google Scholar, websites of key organisations through December 2019. Eligibility criteria Studies of any design that evaluated VAW interventions in SRH services in LMICs. Data extraction and synthesis Concurrent narrative quantitative and thematic qualitative syntheses, integration through line of argument and mapping onto a logic model. Two reviewers extracted data and appraised quality. Results 26 studies of varied interventions using heterogeneous outcomes. Of ten interventions that strengthened health systems capacity to respond to VAW during routine SRH consultation, three reported no harm and reduction in some types of violence. Of nine interventions that strengthened health systems and communities’ capacity to respond to VAW, three reported conflicting effects on re-exposure to some types of VAW and mixed effect on SRH. The interventions increased identification of VAW but had no effect on the provision (75%–100%) and uptake (0.6%–53%) of referrals to VAW services. Of seven psychosocial interventions in addition to SRH consultation that strengthened women’s readiness to address VAW, four reduced re-exposure to some types of VAW and improved health. Factors that disrupted the pathway to better outcomes included accepting attitudes towards VAW, fear of consequences and limited readiness of the society, health systems and individuals. No study evaluated cost-effectiveness. Conclusions Some VAW interventions in SRH services reduced re-exposure to some types of VAW and improved some health outcomes in single studies. Future interventions should strengthen capacity to address VAW across health systems, communities and individual women. First-line support should be better tailored to women’s needs and expectations. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019137167.
Deep learning—a first meta-survey of selected reviews across scientific disciplines, their commonalities, challenges and research impact

Deep learning belongs to the field of artificial intelligence, where machines perform tasks that typically require some kind of human intelligence. Deep learning tries to achieve this by drawing inspiration from the learning of a human brain. Similar to the basic structure of a brain, which consists of (billions of) neurons and connections between them, a deep learning algorithm consists of an artificial neural network, which resembles the biological brain structure. Mimicking the learning process of humans with their senses, deep learning networks are fed with (sensory) data, like texts, images, videos or sounds. These networks outperform the state-of-the-art methods in different tasks and, because of this, the whole field saw an exponential growth during the last years. This growth resulted in way over 10,000 publications per year in the last years. For example, the search engine PubMed alone, which covers only a sub-set of all publications in the medical field, provides already over 11,000 results in Q3 2020 for the search term ‘deep learning’, and around 90% of these results are from the last three years. Consequently, a complete overview over the field of deep learning is already impossible to obtain and, in the near future, it will potentially become difficult to obtain an overview over a subfield. However, there are several review articles about deep learning, which are focused on specific scientific fields or applications, for example deep learning advances in computer vision or in specific tasks like object detection. With these surveys as a foundation, the aim of this contribution is to provide a first high-level, categorized meta-survey of selected reviews on deep learning across different scientific disciplines and outline the research impact that they already have during a short period of time. The categories (computer vision, language processing, medical informatics and additional works) have been chosen according to the underlying data sources (image, language, medical, mixed). In addition, we review the common architectures, methods, pros, cons, evaluations, challenges and future directions for every sub-category.