Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iterative Facial Image Inpainting using Cyclic Reverse Generator

Facial image inpainting is a challenging problem as it requires generating new pixels that include semantic information for masked key components in a face, e.g., eyes and nose. Recently, remarkable methods have been proposed in this field. Most of these approaches use encoder-decoder architectures and have different limitations such as allowing unique results for a given image and a particular mask. Alternatively, some approaches generate promising results using different masks with generator networks. However, these approaches are optimization-based and usually require quite a number of iterations. In this paper, we propose an efficient solution to the facial image painting problem using the Cyclic Reverse Generator (CRG) architecture, which provides an encoder-generator model. We use the encoder to embed a given image to the generator space and incrementally inpaint the masked regions until a plausible image is generated; a discriminator network is utilized to assess the generated images during the iterations. We empirically observed that only a few iterations are sufficient to generate realistic images with the proposed model. After the generation process, for the post processing, we utilize a Unet model that we trained specifically for this task to remedy the artifacts close to the mask boundaries. Our method allows applying sketch-based inpaintings, using variety of mask types, and producing multiple and diverse results. We qualitatively compared our method with the state-of-the-art models and observed that our method can compete with the other models in all mask types; it is particularly better in images where larger masks are utilized.
Predicting Hyperkalemia in the ICU and Evaluation of Generalizability and Interpretability

Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to fatal arrhythmias. Early identification of high risk patients can inform clinical care to mitigate the risk. While hyperkalemia is often a complication of acute kidney injury (AKI), it also occurs in the absence of AKI. We developed predictive models to identify intensive care unit (ICU) patients at risk of developing hyperkalemia by using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) and the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD). Our methodology focused on building multiple models, optimizing for interpretability through model selection, and simulating various clinical scenarios. In order to determine if our models perform accurately on patients with and without AKI, we evaluated the following clinical cases: (i) predicting hyperkalemia after AKI within 14 days of ICU admission, (ii) predicting hyperkalemia within 14 days of ICU admission regardless of AKI status, and compared different lead times for (i) and (ii). Both clinical scenarios were modeled using logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and XGBoost. Using observations from the first day in the ICU, our models were able to predict hyperkalemia with an AUC of (i) 0.79, 0.81, 0.81 and (ii) 0.81, 0.85, 0.85 for LR, RF, and XGBoost respectively. We found that 4 out of the top 5 features were consistent across the models. AKI stage was significant in the models that included all patients with or without AKI, but not in the models which only included patients with AKI. This suggests that while AKI is important for hyperkalemia, the specific stage of AKI may not be as important. Our findings require further investigation and confirmation.
World‐wide tracking of major SARS‐CoV‐2 genome haplotypes in sequences of June 1 to November 15, 2020 and discovery of rapid expansion of a new haplotype

Earlier, 13 haplotype groups defined by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) genome sequence variations were identified in 2790 sequences available in March 2020. Also, 23403A>G that causes p. Asp614Gly in the spike protein and is one of the defining variations of the haplotype group H1, was becoming increasingly prevalent. As a follow‐up, 74922 SARS‐CoV‐2 sequences retrieved from individuals infected in June 1 to November 15 were analyzed. Consistent with the reports on 23403A>G, H1 haplotype frequency increased world‐wide; among August to November sequences, only 0.3% were associated with non‐H1 haplotypes. This finding prompted assessment of H1 sub‐haplotypes among the sequences of the later stage of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The distribution of the sub‐haplotypes differed in different regions, but 98.4% of the sequences were associated with five H1 sub‐haplotypes. One of these had not been previously observed and had emerged in Europe by June 2020. The most important finding of the present study is identification of this new sub‐haplotype (H1r) and finding evidence that suggest it may have a high potential for expansion. Its frequency had reached 10%–90% in various countries/territories of Europe by the end of September. The new sub‐haplotype is defined by seven sequence variations, one of which causes Ala222Val in the spike protein.
Importance of endothelial Hey1 expression for thoracic great vessel development and its distal enhancer for Notch-dependent endothelial transcription

Thoracic great vessels such as the aorta and subclavian arteries are formed through dynamic remodeling of embryonic pharyngeal arch arteries (PAAs). Previous work has shown that loss of a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Hey1 in mice causes abnormal fourth PAA development and lethal great vessel anomalies resembling congenital malformations in humans. However, how Hey1 mediates vascular formation remains unclear. In this study, we revealed that Hey1 in vascular endothelial cells, but not in smooth muscle cells, played essential roles for PAA development and great vessel morphogenesis in mouse embryos. Tek-Cre–mediated Hey1 deletion in endothelial cells affected endothelial tube formation and smooth muscle differentiation in embryonic fourth PAAs and resulted in interruption of the aortic arch and other great vessel malformations. Cell specificity and signal responsiveness of Hey1 expression were controlled through multiple cis-regulatory regions. We found two distal genomic regions that had enhancer activity in endothelial cells and in the pharyngeal epithelium and somites, respectively. The novel endothelial enhancer was conserved across species and was specific to large-caliber arteries. Its transcriptional activity was regulated by Notch signaling in vitro and in vivo, but not by ALK1 signaling and other transcription factors implicated in endothelial cell specificity. The distal endothelial enhancer was not essential for basal Hey1 expression in mouse embryos but may likely serve for Notch-dependent transcriptional control in endothelial cells together with the proximal regulatory region. These findings help in understanding the significance and regulation of endothelial Hey1 as a mediator of multiple signaling pathways in embryonic vascular formation.
Development and validation of the Attachment Relationship Inventory—Caregiver Perception 2–5 years (ARI‐CP 2–5): Psychometric structure, external validity, and norms

ABSTRACT There is a lack of instruments assessing child–caregiver attachment relationships in early childhood to be used in attachment‐based practice, in particular from a caregiver's perception, which is an important factor of clinical importance to take into account in parenting interventions targeting young children. Therefore, the 48‐item Attachment Relationship Inventory—Caregiver Perception 2–5 years (ARI‐CP 2–5) was developed. Survey data of 446 caregivers of 2‐ to 5‐year‐old children were collected, and a subsample of 83 caregivers participated in an observation study. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a four‐factor structure of secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized attachment relationship. Indications of configural, metric, and scalar invariance were found for caregivers’ and children's sex, children's age, and population (clinical vs. general population). The four scales showed sufficient internal consistency and significant associations with children's psychopathology, caregivers’ general attachment representations, caregivers’ mind‐mindedness, and population type. Moreover, preliminary evidence for convergent validity with observational attachment measures was found. It is concluded that the ARI‐CP 2–5 is a valid instrument that can be used as part of the screening and assessment of insecure attachment relationships.
Dicer‐independent snRNA/snoRNA‐derived nuclear RNA 3 regulates tumor‐associated macrophage function by epigenetically repressing inducible nitric oxide synthase transcription

Small RNAs (sRNAs) extensively mediate gene‐specific chromatin regulation in lower organisms. As a dominant type of functional sRNAs in mature mammals, microRNAs mainly regulate gene expression at post‐transcription level in the cytoplasm. Currently, whether there exists a type of nuclear‐localized sRNAs mediating gene‐specific epigenetic regulation in mature mammalian cells remains largely unclear. Here, we profiled sRNAs enriched in the nucleus and investigated their function in mediating gene‐specific epigenetic regulation in anti‐tumor immunity.
Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Children and Adolescents during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Transcultural Approach.

BACKGROUND Despite being necessary to delay the spread of COVID-19, home confinement could have affected the emotional well-being of children and adolescents. Knowing which variables are involved in anxiety and depressive symptoms could help to prevent young people's psychological problems related to lockdown as early as possible. This cross-sectional study aims to examine anxiety and depressive symptomatology in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese children and adolescents in order to determine which variables are related to poorer well-being during the pandemic. METHOD The parents of 515 children, aged 3-18 years old, completed an online survey. Children's anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale-Parent Version, and depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire-Parent Version. RESULTS We found differences in anxiety and depression between countries, with higher anxiety scores in Spanish children, and higher depression scores in Spanish and Italian children compared to the Portuguese. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were more likely in children whose parents reported higher levels of stress. CONCLUSIONS These findings are discussed in the light of detecting and supporting affected children as early as possible.
Chronic kidney disease: Definition, updated epidemiology, staging, and mechanisms of increased cardiovascular risk

Chronic kidney disease is defined by the presence of kidney damage or decreased kidney function for at least three months, irrespective of the cause.2 Kidney damage generally refers to pathologic anomalies in the native or transplanted kidney, established via imaging, biopsy, or deduced from clinical markers like increased albuminuria—that is, albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) >30 mg/g (3.4 mg/m Mol)—or urinary sediment alterations; decreased kidney function refers to a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is usually estimated (eGFR) from the serum concentration of creatinine.3
Cognitive Reflection, Life Satisfaction, Emotional Balance and Job Performance.

BACKGROUND The validity of individual difference variables for predicting important life phenomena, such as job performance, has been studied for over a century. However, the relationships between some of them have scarcely been investigated. This paper presents a study on the relationship between cognitive reflection (CR), satisfaction with life (SWL), and emotional balance (EB) with job performance. METHOD The participants were 245 managers (140 men and 105 women) working in companies in various economic sectors. RESULTS The results showed that CR was not significantly related to job performance but that SWL and EB were valid predictors. Moreover, CR correlated significantly with SWL and EB. Multiple regression analysis showed that neither CR nor EB showed incremental validity over SWL in predicting job performance. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that CR may not be an important variable in the workplace, at least regarding job performance, and that it is not a fully cognitive construct because some degree of its variance may be shared with motivational and personality traits.
Impact of individualized intervention on the psychological status of patients with localized small cell lung cancer complicated with pleural effusion

ABSTRACT To explore the intervention effects of individualized measures on the psychological status of patients with localized small cell lung cancer complicated with pleural effusion (LSCLC-PE). A total of 79 LSCLC patients were selected for comparing the source of psychological control and psychological distress between the patients with combined (group LSCLC-PE, n = 38) and non-combined pleural effusion (group LSCLC, n = 41). LSCLC-PE patients were randomly sub-divided into the control group (CON, for conventional intervention) and the observation group (OBS, for individualized intervention) for evaluating the intervention effects between these two subgroups using the SCL-90 scale. The PHLC score, psychological pain score, and sources of psychological pain (proportion of dyspnea, etc.) in group LSCLC-PE were higher than group LSCLC, but the IHLC and CHLC scores were lower; after intervention, the somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and total average score in subgroup OBS were statistically lower than subgroup CON. LSCLC-PE patients have poor psychological status, and intervention can improve their psychological status.
Using psychometric ability to improve education in ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

The learning curve for novices developing regional anaesthesia skills, such as real‐time ultrasound‐guided needle manipulation, may be affected by innate visuospatial ability, as this influences spatial cognition and motor co‐ordination. We conducted a multinational randomised controlled trial to test if novices with low visuospatial ability would perform better at an ultrasound‐guided needling task with deliberate practice training than with discovery learning. Visuospatial ability was evaluated using the mental rotations test‐A. We recruited 140 medical students and randomly allocated them into low‐ability control (discovery learning), low‐ability intervention (received deliberate practice), high‐ability control, and high‐ability intervention groups. Primary outcome was the time taken to complete the needling task, and there was no significant difference between groups: median (IQR [range]) low‐ability control 125 s (69–237 [43–600 s]); low‐ability intervention 163 s (116–276 [44–600 s]); high‐ability control 130 s (80–210 [41–384 s]); and high‐ability intervention 177 s (113–285 [43–547 s]), p = 0.06. No difference was found using the global rating scale: mean (95%CI) low‐ability control 53% (95%CI 46–60%); low‐ability intervention 61% (95%CI 53–68%); high‐ability control 63% (95%CI 56–70%); and high‐ability intervention 66% (95%CI 60–72%), p = 0.05. For overall procedure pass/fail, the low‐ability control group pass rate of 42% (14/33) was significantly less than the other three groups: low‐ability intervention 69% (25/36); high‐ability control 68% (25/37); and high‐ability intervention 85% (29/34) p = 0.003. Further research is required to determine the role of visuospatial ability screening in training for ultrasound‐guided needle skills.
Patients with Osteoarthritis and Kashin-Beck Disease Display Distinct CpG Methylation Profiles in the DIO2, GPX3, and TXRND1 Promoter Regions

Objective We aimed to analyze deoxycytidine-deoxyguanosine dinucleotide (CpGs) methylation profiles in DIO2, GPX3, and TXNRD1 promoter regions in osteoarthritis (OA) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) patients. Methods Blood samples were collected from 16 primary OA patients and corresponding 16 healthy individuals and analyzed for methylations in the CpGs of DIO2, GPX3, and TXNRD1 promoter regions using MALDI-TOF-MS. The methylation profiles of these regions were then compared between OA and KBD patients. Results DIO2-1_CpG_2 and DIO2-1_CpG_3 methylations were significantly lower in OA than KBD patients (P < 0.05). A similar trend was observed for GPX3-1_CpG_4, GPX3-1_CpG_7, GPX3-1_CpG_8. 9.10, GPX3-1_CpG_13. 14.15 and GPX3-1_CpG_16 (P < 0.05) as well as TXNRD1-1_CpG_1 and TXNRD1-1_CpG_2 methylation between OA and KBD patients (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference in methylation levels of other CpGs between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion OA and KBD patients display distinct methylation profiles in the CpG sites of DIO2, GPX3, and TXNRD1 promoter regions. These findings provide a strong background and new perspective for future studies on mechanisms underlying epigenetic regulation of selenoprotein genes associated with OA and KBD diseases.
Cartilage endplate stem cells inhibit intervertebral disc degeneration by releasing exosomes to nucleus pulposus cells to activate Akt/autophagy

Degeneration of the cartilage endplate (CEP) induces intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) apoptosis is also an important exacerbating factor in IVDD, but the cascade mechanism in IVDD is not clear. We investigated the apoptosis of NPCs and IVDD when stimulated by normal cartilage endplate stem cell (CESC)‐derived exosomes (N‐Exos) and degenerated CESC‐derived exosomes (D‐Exos) in vitro and in vivo. Tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was used to induce inflammation of CESCs. The bioinformatics differences between N‐Exos and D‐Exos were analyzed using mass spectrometry, heat map, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. NPC apoptosis was examined using TUNEL staining. The involvement of the AKT and autophagy signaling pathways was investigated using the signaling inhibitor LY294002. Magnetic resonance imaging, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of N‐Exos in rats with IVDD. TBHP effectively induced inflammation and the degeneration of CEP in rat. N‐Exos were more conducive to autophagy activation than D‐Exos. The apoptotic rate of NPCs decreased obviously after treatment with N‐Exos compared to D‐Exos. N‐Exos inhibited NPCs apoptosis and attenuated IVDD in rat via activation of the AKT and autophagy pathways. These results are the first findings to confirm that CEP delayed the progression of IVDD via exosomes. The therapeutic effects of N‐Exos on NPC apoptosis inhibition and the slowing of IVDD progression were more effective than D‐Exos due to activation of the PI3K/AKT/autophagy pathway, which explained the increase in the incidence of IVDD after inflammation of the CEP.
Racial inequity in grant funding from the US National Institutes of Health

Biomedical science and federal funding for scientific research are not immune to the systemic racism that pervades American society. A groundbreaking analysis of NIH grant success revealed in 2011 that grant applications submitted to the National Institutes of Health in the US by African-American or Black Principal Investigators (PIs) are less likely to be funded than applications submitted by white PIs, and efforts to narrow this funding gap have not been successful. A follow-up study in 2019 showed that this has not changed. Here, we review those original reports, as well as the response of the NIH to these issues, which we argue has been inadequate. We also make recommendations on how the NIH can address racial disparities in grant funding and call on scientists to advocate for equity in federal grant funding.
Symptoms upon postural change and orthostatic hypotension in adolescents with concussion

ABSTRACT Objective: Concussion is associated with dysautonomia, altered blood pressure (BP) control, and may cause Orthostatic Hypotension (OH). We measured prevalence of OH using the 1-minute supine-to-standing OH Test in adolescents with concussion and controls. Participants: Adolescents within 10 days of injury (Concussion Group, n = 297, 15.0 ± 1.7 years, 59% male) were compared with controls (Control Group, n = 214, 15.0 ± 1.5 years, 58% male). Methods: BP, heart rate (HR), and complaints of lightheadedness/dizziness were measured after 2-minute supine and 1-minute standing. Control Group was assessed once. Concussion Group was assessed twice; (1) initial visit (mean 6.0 ± 3 days-since-injury) and (2) after clinical recovery (mean 46.3 ± 42 days-since-injury). Results: Initial visit; Concussion Group reported feeling lightheaded/dizzy on postural change more often than the Control Group (37% vs 4%, p < .001) but did not differ in meeting standard OH criteria (3% vs 5%, p = .32). Experiencing symptoms did not correlate with meeting OH criteria, but correlated with abnormal vestibulo-ocular reflex. After clinical recovery; Concussion Group did not differ in experiencing lightheaded/dizziness on postural change than controls (4%, p = .65). Conclusion: Adolescents commonly experience orthostatic intolerance after concussion without meeting the standard criteria for OH.
Discovery of drug‐like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors by rapid virtual screening of a 6.9 million compound database

Cholinesterase inhibitors remain the mainstay of Alzheimer's disease treatment, and the search for new inhibitors with better efficacy and side effect profiles is ongoing. Virtual screening (VS) is a powerful technique for searching large compound databases for potential hits. This study used a sequential VS workflow combining ligand‐based VS, molecular docking and physicochemical filtering to screen for central nervous system (CNS) drug‐like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) amongst the 6.9 million compounds of the CoCoCo database. Eleven in silico hits were initially selected, resulting in the discovery of an AChEI with a Ki of 3.2 µM. In vitro kinetics and in silico molecular dynamics experiments informed the selection of an additional seven analogues. This led to the discovery of two further AChEIs, with Ki values of 2.9 µM and 0.65 µM. All three compounds exhibited reversible, mixed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Importantly, the in silico physicochemical filter facilitated the discovery of CNS drug‐like compounds, such that all three inhibitors displayed high in vitro blood‐brain barrier model permeability.
Evolution of Gender Stereotypes in Spain: From 1985 to 2018.

BACKGROUND Gender stereotypes are the images, beliefs, or expectations that people have about men and women. Have these stereotypes changed in Spain in recent decades? METHOD In this study we present data on gender stereotypes in Spain in two different time periods (1985, N = 1060; and 2018, N = 802). RESULTS Results indicate that of the four components of the stereotypes analyzed (traits, role behaviors, occupations, and physical characteristics), the stereotypes in three of them have changed. In role behaviors and occupations, people perceive that men have increased their presence in female-linked gender roles and occupations, and that women have increased their presence in roles and occupations that are traditionally male-linked. Women in 2018 are more associated with physical characteristics traditionally associated with men, but men are not perceived as more associated with physical characteristics traditionally linked to women. In personality traits the stereotype has not changed: In agentic traits there were no differences between men and women in 1985 and in 2018; and communal traits were more attributed to women than men in 1985 and in 2018. CONCLUSIONS These results show that although gender stereotypes still exist in Spain, they have changed considerably, at least in several dimensions.