Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thresholds for Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Based on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Late Pregnancy in a Southern Chinese Population

Background In contrast to the general population, outcome‐derived thresholds for diagnosing ambulatory hypertension in pregnancy are not yet available. We aimed to identify and compare outcome‐derived ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring thresholds for adverse perinatal outcomes by using approaches related and not related to clinic BP in a southern Chinese population. Methods and Results Ambulatory BP monitoring was performed in a cohort of 1768 high‐risk participants in late pregnancy who were not taking antihypertensive medications. Participants were followed for composite maternal (severe complications) and neonatal (pregnancy loss, advanced neonatal care, and small for gestational age) outcomes. Modeling of clinic BP–unrelated approaches revealed a nonlinear threshold effect of ambulatory diastolic BP on the composite outcome, with increased risk for daytime ≥79 mm Hg and 24‐hour measurement ≥76 mm Hg. For other ambulatory BP components showing linear associations with outcome, the following thresholds were identified: 131 mm Hg for daytime systolic, 121 mm Hg for nighttime systolic, 130 mm Hg for 24‐hour systolic, and 73 mm Hg for night‐time diastolic BP. These thresholds unrelated to clinic BP were lower than the equivalents yielding a similar probability of outcome to clinic BP of 140/90 mm Hg and were comparable with equivalents to clinic BP of 130/80 mm Hg. Conclusions Using an outcome‐derived approach unrelated to clinic BP, we identified rounded thresholds to define ambulatory hypertension in at‐risk women in late pregnancy in a southern Chinese population as follows: 130/80 mm Hg for daytime, 120/75 mm Hg for nighttime, and 130/75 mm Hg for 24‐hour measurement. For wider clinical applicability and to align both nonpregnancy and pregnancy ambulatory BP monitoring with an outcomes‐based approach, prospective, multiethnic, international studies from early pregnancy onward will be required.
Adaptive Neural Output-Feedback Decentralized Control for Large-Scale Nonlinear Systems With Stochastic Disturbances

This paper addresses the problem of adaptive neural output-feedback decentralized control for a class of strongly interconnected nonlinear systems suffering stochastic disturbances. An state observer is designed to approximate the unmeasurable state signals. Using the approximation capability of radial basis function neural networks (NNs) and employing classic adaptive control strategy, an observer-based adaptive backstepping decentralized controller is developed. In the control design process, NNs are applied to model the uncertain nonlinear functions, and adaptive control and backstepping are combined to construct the controller. The developed control scheme can guarantee that all signals in the closed-loop systems are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded in fourth-moment. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented control scheme.
An Adaptive Speech Recognizer that Learns using Short and Long Term Memory

The world is constantly changing and new words and concepts are continually being created. Therefore, Spoken Language Systems need to be able to function in a dynamic environment and adapt. In this paper, we propose a number of ways in which the supervisor can modify the recognizer without the need for costly, esoteric developer knowledge.
FEN1 mediates miR‐200a methylation and promotes breast cancer cell growth via MET and EGFR signaling

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is recognized as a pivotal factor in DNA replication, long‐patch excision repair, and telomere maintenance. Excessive FEN1 expression has been reported to be closely associated with cancer progression, but the specific mechanism has not yet been explored. In the present study, we demonstrated that FEN1 promoted breast cancer cell proliferation via an epigenetic mechanism of FEN1‐mediated up‐regulation of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1 and DNMT3a. FEN1 was proved to interact with DNMT3a through proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to suppress microRNA (miR)‐200a‐5p expression mediated by methylation. Furthermore, miR‐200a‐5p was identified to repress breast cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting the expression of its target genes, hepatocyte growth factor (MET), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Overall, our data surprisingly demonstrate that FEN1 promotes breast cancer cell growth via the formation of FENl/PCNA/DNMT3a complex to inhibit miR‐200a expression by DNMT‐mediated methylation and to recover the target genes expression of miR‐200a, MET, and EGFR. The novel epigenetic mechanism of FEN1 on proliferation promotion provides a significant clue that FEN1 might serve as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer. —Zeng, X. , Qu, X. , Zhao, C. , Xu, L. , Hou, K. , Liu, Y. , Zhang, N. , Feng, J., Shi, S. , Zhang, L. , Xiao, J., Guo, Z. , Teng, Y. , Che, X. FEN1 mediates miR‐200a methylation and promotes breast cancer cell growth via MET and EGFR signaling. FASEB J. 33, 10717–10730 (2019). www.fasebj. org
Communal metabolism by Methylococcaceae and Methylophilaceae is driving rapid aerobic methane oxidation in sediments of a shallow seep near Elba, Italy.

Release of abiotic methane from marine seeps into the atmosphere is a major source of this potent greenhouse gas. Methanotrophic microorganisms in methane seeps use methane as carbon and energy source, thus significantly mitigating global methane emissions. Here we investigated microbial methane oxidation at the sediment-water interface of a shallow marine methane seep. Metagenomics and metaproteomics, combined with 13 C-methane stable isotope probing, demonstrated that various members of the gammaproteobacterial family Methylococcaceae were the key players for methane oxidation, catalyzing the first reaction step to methanol. We observed a transfer of carbon to methanol-oxidizing methylotrophs of the betaproteobacterial family Methylophilaceae, suggesting an interaction between methanotrophic and methylotrophic microorganisms that allowed for rapid methane oxidation. From our microcosms, we estimated methane oxidation rates of up to 871 nmol of methane per gram sediment and day. This implies that more than 50% of methane at the seep is removed by microbial oxidation at the sediment-water interface, based on previously reported in situ methane fluxes. The organic carbon produced was further assimilated by different heterotrophic microbes, demonstrating that the methane-oxidizing community supported a complex trophic network. Our results provide valuable eco-physiological insights into this specialized microbial community performing an ecosystem function of global relevance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Effects of Transition Metal Substituents on Interfacial and Electronic Structure of CH3NH3PbI3/TiO2 Interface: A First-Principles Comparative Study

To evaluate the influence of transition metal substituents on the characteristics of CH3NH3PbI3/TiO2, we investigated the geometrical and electronic properties of transition metal-substituted CH3NH3PbI3/TiO2 by first-principles calculations. The results suggested that the substitution of Ti4+ at the five-fold coordinated (Ti5c) sites by transition metals is energetically favored. The substituted interface has enhanced visible light sensitivity and photoelectrocatalytic activity by reducing the transition energies. The transition metal substitution can effectively tune the band gap of the interface, which significantly improves the photo-reactivity. The substituted systems are expected to be more efficient in separating the photo-generated electrons-holes and active in the visible spectrum.
Randomized, controlled, crossover trial of prevention of antibiotic‐induced gastrointestinal signs using a synbiotic mixture in healthy research dogs

Abstract Background Synbiotics decrease antibiotic‐associated gastrointestinal signs (AAGS) in cats, but data supporting synbiotic use to ameliorate AAGS in dogs are lacking. Objectives To determine if administration of synbiotics mitigates AAGS in dogs. Animals Twenty‐two healthy research dogs. Methods Randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, 2‐way, 2‐period, crossover study with an 8‐week washout period. Each period included a 1‐week baseline and 3‐week treatment phase. Dogs received enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg PO q24h) and metronidazole (12.5 mg/kg PO q12h), followed 1 hour later by a bacterial/yeast synbiotic combination or placebo. Food intake, vomiting, and fecal score were compared using repeated‐measures crossover analyses, with P < . 05 considered significant. Results Hyporexia, vomiting, and diarrhea occurred in 41% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21‐64), 77% (95% CI, 55‐92), and 100% (95% CI, 85‐100) of dogs, respectively, during the first treatment period. Derangements in food intake were smaller in both periods for dogs receiving synbiotics (F‐value, 5.1; P = .04) with treatment‐by‐period interactions (F‐value, 6.0; P = .02). Days of vomiting differed over time (F‐value, 4.7; P = .006). Fecal scores increased over time (F‐value, 33.5; P < .001), were lower during period 2 (F‐value, 14.5; P = .001), and had treatment‐by‐period effects (F‐value, 4.8; P = .04). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Enrofloxacin/metronidazole administration is associated with a high frequency of AAGS. Synbiotic administration decreases food intake derangements. The presence of milder AAGS in period 2 suggests that clinical effects of synbiotics persist >9 weeks after discontinuation, mitigating AAGS in dogs being treated with antibiotics followed by placebo.
Time-Varying Exposure to Air Pollution and Outcomes of in Vitro Fertilization among Couples from a Fertility Clinic

Background: A few studies suggest that air pollution may decrease fertility, but prospective studies and examinations of windows of susceptibility remain unclear. Objective: We aimed to examine the association between time-varying exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), fine particulate matter <2. 5μm (PM2.5), and black carbon (BC) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Methods: We included 345 women (522 IVF cycles) for the NO2, O3, and PM2.5 analyses and 339 women (512 IVF cycles) for the BC analysis enrolled in a prospective cohort at a Boston fertility center (2004–2015). We used validated spatiotemporal models to estimate daily residential exposure to NO2, O3, PM2.5, and BC. Multivariable discrete time Cox proportional hazards models with four periods [ovarian stimulation (OS), oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer (ET), ET to implantation, implantation to live birth] estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of failing at IVF. Time-dependent interactions were used to identify vulnerable periods. Results: An interquartile range (IQR) increase in NO2, PM2.5, and BC throughout the IVF cycle was associated with an elevated odds of failing at IVF prior to live birth (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.23 for NO2; OR=1.06, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.28 for PM2.5; and OR=1.16, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.41 for BC). This relationship significantly varied across the IVF cycle such that the association with higher exposure to air pollution during OS was strongest for early IVF failures. An IQR increase in NO2, PM2.5, and BC exposure during OS was associated with 1.42 (95% CI: 1.20, 1.69), 1.26 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.67), and 1.23 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.59) times the odds of failing prior to oocyte retrieval, and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.54), 1.27 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.65), and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.59) times the odds of failing prior to ET. Conclusion: Increased exposure to traffic-related pollutants was associated with higher odds of early IVF failure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4601
Use of a Lateral Extended Nasal Island Flap for Nasal Reconstruction

Key Points Question What is the application of the lateral extended nasal island (LENI) flap and its cosmetic outcome in nasal reconstruction? Findings This retrospective case series study of 82 patients who underwent the LENI flap procedure found that the LENI flap is a reliable single-stage reconstruction for various nasal defects including the nasal tip, bridging distances up to 1.8 cm. Meaning The lateral extended nasal island flap is an effective and predictable single-stage reconstructive technique for medium-size nasal tip defects.
Re: Selective Targeting of PARP-2 Inhibits Androgen Receptor Signaling and Prostate Cancer Growth through Disruption of FOXA1 Function.

available at http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih. gov/pubmed/31266892 Editorial Comment: While androgen deprivation therapy has been the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer leading to initial response and durable remission, incurable castration resistant prostate cancer invariably develops. Importantly androgen receptor activity remains critical for tumor growth in castration resistant prostate cancer. Despite the significant research advances in prostate cancer biology and development of next generation antiandrogens, limited progress has been made in the management of castration resistant prostate cancer when direct androgen receptor targeted therapies fail. PARP-2, which enhances androgen receptor mediated transcription through interaction with the pioneer factor FOXA, is a druggable target. Targeting PARP-2 might provide an alternative therapeutic approach for androgen receptor inhibition without involving androgen receptor ligand binding. Anthony Atala, MD Suggested Reading Todenh€ofer T, Azad A, Stewart C et al: AR-V7 transcripts in whole blood RNA of patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer correlate with response to abiraterone acetate. J Urol 2017; 197: 135. Re: The Polycomb Repressor Complex 1 Drives Double-Negative Prostate Cancer Metastasis by Coordinating Stemness and Immune Suppression W. Su, H. H. Han, Y. Wang, B. Zhang, B. Zhou, Y. Cheng, A. Rumandla, S. Gurrapu, G. Chakraborty, J. Su, G. Yang, X. Liang, G. Wang, N. Rosen, H. I. Scher, O. Ouerfelli and F. G. Giancotti Molecular Pharmacology Program and Genitourinary Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, and Organic Synthesis Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, Departments of Cancer Biology and Genitourinary Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, Department of Urology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea, and State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China Cancer Cell 2019; 36: 139e155.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell. 2019.06. 009 Abstract available at http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih. gov/pubmed/31327655 Editorial Comment: This study shows that PRC1 drives metastasis of androgen receptor and neuroendocrine double negative prostate cancers by regulating CCL2 expression. CCL2 governs selfrenewal and recruitment of TAMs (tumor associated macrophages) and Tregs (regulatory T cells). PRC1 inhibition combined with immune checkpoint blockade reverses these processes and URO-SCIENCE 665 Copyright © 2020 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
An efficient clustering technique for circuit partitioning

As the complexity of VLSI circuits increases, a hierarchical design approach becomes essential to shorten the design period. Circuit clustering plays a fundamental role in hierarchical designs. Identifying strongly connected components in the netlist can significantly reduce the complexity of the circuit and improve the performance of the design process. A good clustering method should identify groups of cells which will eventually end up together in the final partitioning and placement stages. The sizes of today's circuits are so large that a top-down partitioning scheme alone is infeasible. Therefore, an effective bottom-up clustering approach is necessary as a preprocessing stage in a hierarchical placement approach. In this paper, new clustering techniques that can be used for circuit partitioning and placement are introduced.
HMGB1 release from trophoblasts contributes to inflammation during Brucella melitensis infection

Brucella melitensis infection causes acute necrotizing inflammation in pregnant animals; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to placentitis are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) acts as a mediator of placenta inflammation in B. melitensis‐infected pregnant mice model. HMGB1 levels were increased in trophoblasts or placental explant during B. melitensis infection. Inhibition of HMGB1 activity with neutralising antibody significantly reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in B. melitensis‐infected trophoblasts or placenta, whereas administration of recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) increased the inflammatory response. Mechanistically, this decreased inflammatory response results from inhibition of HMGB1 activity, which cause the suppression of both mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) activation. Moreover, neutralising antibody to HMGB1 prevented B. melitensis infection‐induced activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in trophoblasts. In contrast, in vitro stimulation of trophoblasts with rHMGB1 caused activation of NADPH oxidase and increased the production of ROS, which contributes to high bacterial burden within trophoblasts or placenta. In vivo, treatment with anti‐HMGB1 antibody increases the number of Brucella survival within placenta in B. melitensis‐infected pregnant mice but successfully reduced the severity of placentitis and abortion.
Effect of proteases secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Scedosporium aurantiacum on human epithelial cells.

Peptidases secreted by a clinical high-virulence Scedosporium aurantiacum isolate (strain WM 06.482; CBS 136046) under normoxic as well as hypoxic conditions were separated using size exclusion chromatography, and peptidase activities present in each fraction were determined using class-specific substrates. Effects of the fractions demonstrating peptidase activity on the attachment and viability of A549 human lung epithelial cells were assessed in vitro. From the peptidases detected in the exclusion chromatography fractions, the elastase-like peptidase reduced cell viability, chymotrypsin-like peptidase was associated with cell detachment and cysteine peptidases were able to abolish both cell attachment and viability. The loss of cell viability and attachment became more prominent with an increase in the peptidase activity and could also be specifically prevented by addition of class-specific peptidase inhibitors. Our findings indicate that peptidases secreted by S. aurantiacum can breach the human alveolar epithelial cell barrier and thus may have a role in the pathobiology of the organism.
Comparison of treatment outcomes in lumbar disc herniation patients treated with epidural steroid injections: interlaminar versus transforaminal approach

Background The study describes the difference of pain reduction in interlaminar and transforaminal injections. Purpose To compare treatment outcomes after interlaminar versus transforaminal epidural steroid injections in patients with disc herniations at the level L3/4–L5/S1 and analyze associated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Material and Methods This retrospective comparative effectiveness outcome study included 198 patients with computed tomography (CT)-guided interlaminar (n = 99) or transforaminal (n = 99) epidural injections with particulate steroids. Pain levels at baseline and one day, one week, and one month after injection were assessed using the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale for Pain. Overall improvement was assessed after one day, one week, and one month using the Patients Global Impression of Change. MRI analysis was performed by two radiologists. Student’s t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were calculated. Results Baseline pain scores were equal for interlaminar and transforaminal injections (6.23, SD = 2.10 vs. 5.84, SD = 2.02; P = 0.18). There were no significant differences in improvement between the interlaminar and transforaminal approach of epidural steroid injections after one day (30.5% vs. 21.2%, P = 0.432), one week (41.7% vs. 40.8%, P = 1.000), and one month (53.3% vs. 43.9%, P = 0.322), but there was a trend towards better effect of interlaminar injections at one day and one month. The change in Numerical Rating Scale for Pain scores showed no significant differences between the two cohorts after one day, one week, and one month (P ≥ 0.115). None of the MR findings predicted a better or worse outcome (P ≥ 0.171). Conclusion Interlaminar and transforaminal injections with particulate corticosteroids were equally effective, with a non-significant advantage of interlaminar injections at one day and one month. None of the MR findings were associated with treatment outcomes.
Silicon-Based Sensors for Biomedical Applications: A Review

The paper highlights some of the significant works done in the field of medical and biomedical sensing using silicon-based technology. The use of silicon sensors is one of the pivotal and prolonged techniques employed in a range of healthcare, industrial and environmental applications by virtue of its distinct advantages over other counterparts in Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Among them, the sensors for biomedical applications are one of the most significant ones, which not only assist in improving the quality of human life but also help in the field of microfabrication by imparting knowledge about how to develop enhanced multifunctional sensing prototypes. The paper emphasises the use of silicon, in different forms, to fabricate electrodes and substrates for the sensors that are to be used for biomedical sensing. The electrical conductivity and the mechanical flexibility of silicon vary to a large extent depending on its use in developing prototypes. The article also explains some of the bottlenecks that need to be dealt with in the current scenario, along with some possible remedies. Finally, a brief market survey is given to estimate a probable increase in the usage of silicon in developing a variety of biomedical prototypes in the upcoming years.