Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving transliteration with precise alignment of phoneme chunks and using contextual features

Automatic transliteration of foreign names is basically regarded as a diminutive clone of the machine translation (MT) problem. It thus follows IBM’s conventional MT models under the sourcechannel framework. Nonetheless, some parameters of this model dealing with zero-fertility words in the target sequences, can negatively impact transliteration effectiveness because of the inevitable inverted conditional probability estimation. Instead of source-channel, this paper presents a direct probabilistic transliteration model using contextual features of phonemes with a tailored alignment scheme for phoneme chunks. Experiments demonstrate superior performance over the source-channel for the task of English-Chinese transliteration.
The Effect of Data Quantity on Dialog System Input Classification ModelsDatamängdens effekt på modeller för avsiktsklassificering i chattkonversationer

This paper researches how different amounts of data affect different word vector models for classification of dialog system user input. A hypothesis is tested that there is a data threshold for dense vector models to reach the state-of-the-art performance that have been shown with recent research, and that character-level n-gram word-vector classifiers are especially suited for Swedish classifiers–because of compounding and the character-level n-gram model ability to vectorize out-of-vocabulary words. Also, a second hypothesis is put forward that models trained with single statements are more suitable for chat user input classification than models trained with full conversations. The results are not able to support neither of our hypotheses but show that sparse vector models perform very well on the binary classification tasks used. Further, the results show that 799,544 words of data is insufficient for training dense vector models but that training the models with full conversations is sufficient for single statement classification as the single-statementtrained models do not show any improvement in classifying single statements.
Gardnerella vaginalis clades in pregnancy: New insights into the interactions with the vaginal microbiome

Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) is an anaerobic bacterial species involved in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition of vaginal dysbiosis associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. GV strains are categorized into four clades, characterized by a different ability to produce virulence factors, such as sialidase. We investigated the distribution of GV clades and sialidase genes in the vaginal ecosystem of a cohort of pregnant women, assessing the correlations between GV clades and the whole vaginal microbiome. A total of 61 Caucasian pregnant women were enrolled. Their vaginal swabs, collected both at the first and third trimester of pregnancy, were used for (i) evaluation of the vaginal status by Nugent score, (ii) vaginal microbiome profiling by 16S rRNA sequencing, (iii) detection and quantification of GV clades and sialidase A gene by qPCR assays. DNA of at least one GV clade was detected in most vaginal swabs, with clade 4 being the most common one. GV clade 2, together with the presence of multiple clades (>2 simultaneously), were significantly associated with a BV condition. Significantly higher GV loads and sialidase gene levels were found in BV cases, compared to the healthy status. Clade 2 was related to the major shifts in the vaginal microbial composition, with a decrease in Lactobacillus and an increase in several BV-related taxa. As the number of GV clades detected simultaneously increased, a group of BV-associated bacteria tended to increase as well, while Bifidobacterium tended to decrease. A negative correlation between sialidase gene levels and Lactobacillus, and a positive correlation with Gardnerella, Atopobium, Prevotella, Megasphaera, and Sneathia were observed. Our results added knowledge about the interactions of GV clades with the inhabitants of the vaginal microbiome, possibly helping to predict the severity of BV and opening new perspectives for the prevention of pregnancy-related complications.
CTNND1 variants cause familial exudative vitreoretinopathy through the Wnt/cadherin axis

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a hereditary disorder that can cause vision loss. CTNND1 encodes a cellular adhesion protein p120-catenin (p120), which is essential for vascularization with unclear function in postnatal physiological angiogenesis. Here, we applied whole-exome sequencing to 140 probands of FEVR families and identified 3 candidate variants in the human CTNND1 gene. We performed inducible deletion of Ctnnd1 in the postnatal mouse endothelial cells (ECs) and observed typical phenotypes of FEVR with reactive gliosis. Using unbiased proteomics analysis combined with experimental approaches, we conclude that p120 is critical for the integrity of adherens junctions (AJs) and that p120 activates Wnt signaling activity by protecting β-catenin from glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta–ubiqutin–guided (Gsk3β-ubiquitin–guided) degradation. Treatment of CTNND1-depleted human retinal microvascular ECs with Gsk3β inhibitors LiCl or CHIR-99021 enhanced cell proliferation. Moreover, LiCl treatment increased vessel density in Ctnnd1-deficient mouse retinas. Variants in CTNND1 caused FEVR by compromising the expression of AJs and Wnt signaling activity. Genetic interactions between p120 and β-catenin or α-catenin revealed by double-heterozygous deletion in mice showed that p120 regulates vascular development through the Wnt/cadherin axis. In conclusion, variants in CTNND1 can cause FEVR through the Wnt/cadherin axis.
Evaluation of Aptamer Fluorescence Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

We established an aptamer fluorescence microscopy approach for rapid detection of MTB in clinical sputum samples. The use of aptamer probes was proven to significantly increase the sensitivity of sputum smear microscopy. ABSTRACT Sputum smear microscopy for tuberculosis diagnosis has stood the test of time. However, due to its low sensitivity, the positive detection rate for tuberculosis in clinical specimens is not high. To improve the sensitivity of microscopic observation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) detection, we developed the MTB-specific aptamer MA1. To further improve the binding reactivity of MA1 with MTB, we constructed a new derivative aptamer with a pocket-stem-loop-structure, MA1-39, and identified it to have high binding reactivity with the MTB reference strain. We developed an aptamer fluorescence microscopy test for MTB based on MA1-39 and evaluated its feasibility for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis. Among 56 tested strains, MA1-39 was proven to effectively discriminate MTB from the control strains, including 12 non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) reference strains, 6 NTM isolates, and 7 other bacteria. Next, this approach was applied to 169 clinical sputum samples from suspected tuberculosis patients and non-tuberculosis controls. Molecular tests together with both clinical and bacteriological identification were used as a protocol to evaluate the efficacy of aptamer detection. Compared with the traditional acid-fast staining light microscope, the aptamer fluorescence microscope showed a higher detection rate for MTB in clinical specimens (48.8% versus 32.6%), and the specificities of the two techniques had almost no significant difference (90.4% versus 94%). In addition, aptamer fluorescence microscopy showed the same positive predictive value (PPV) as staining (84% versus 84.9%), but a higher negative predictive value (NPV; 63% versus 57.3%). In conclusion, the newly established aptamer fluorescence microscopy approach is likely to be a feasible method for microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis. IMPORTANCE We established an aptamer fluorescence microscopy approach for rapid detection of MTB in clinical sputum samples. The use of aptamer probes was proven to significantly increase the sensitivity of sputum smear microscopy. In resource-limited countries, microscopy is currently a fast, simple, and very common test method in many laboratories, and it will remain the primary means of microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis in the foreseeable future. Improving detection techniques can further enhance the clinical application value of this ancient diagnostic method. Since aptamer fluorescence microscopy can provide rapid and sensitive results, it may be a feasible and useful method in resource-limited settings.
Using pooled data for genomic prediction in a bivariate framework with missing data

Abstract Pooling samples to derive group genotypes can enable the economically efficient use of commercial animals within genetic evaluations. To test a multivariate framework for genetic evaluations using pooled data, simulation was used to mimic a beef cattle population including two moderately heritable traits with varying genetic correlations, genotypes and pedigree data. There were 15 generations (n = 32,000; random selection and mating), and the last generation was subjected to genotyping through pooling. Missing records were induced in two ways: (a) sequential culling and (b) random missing records. Gaps in genotyping were also explored whereby genotyping occurred through generation 13 or 14. Pools of 1, 20, 50 and 100 animals were constructed randomly or by minimizing phenotypic variation. The EBV was estimated using a bivariate single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction model. Pools of 20 animals constructed by minimizing phenotypic variation generally led to accuracies that were not different than using individual progeny data. Gaps in genotyping led to significantly different EBV accuracies (p < .05) for sires and dams born in the generation nearest the pools. Pooling of any size generally led to larger accuracies than no information from generation 15 regardless of the way missing records arose, the percentage of records available or the genetic correlation. Pooling to aid in the use of commercial data in genetic evaluations can be utilized in multivariate cases with varying relationships between the traits and in the presence of systematic and randomly missing phenotypes.
Rate of conversion to secondary arthroplasty after femoral neck fractures in 796 younger patients treated with internal fixation: a Swedish national register-based study

Background and purpose In younger patients with a femoral neck fracture (FNF), internal fixation is the recommended treatment regardless of displacement. Healing complications are often treated with arthroplasty. We determined the rate of conversion to arthroplasty up to 5 years after fixation of either undisplaced FNFs (uFNFs) or displaced FNFs (dFNFs). Patients and methods The study was based on prospectively collected data from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) and the Swedish Arthroplasty Register (SAR). FNFs in patients aged < 60 treated with parallel pins/screws or sliding hip screws (SHS) registered in SFR 2012–2018 were cross-referenced with conversions to arthroplasty registered in SAR until 2019. The cumulative conversion and mortality rates were determined by Kaplan–Meier analyses and patient- and surgery-dependent risk factors for conversion by Cox regression analyses. Results We included 407 uFNFs and 389 dFNFs (median age 52, 59% men). The 1-year conversion rate was 3% (95% CI 1–5) for uFNFs and 9% (CI 6–12) for dFNFs. Corresponding results at 5 years were 8% (CI 5–11) and 25% (CI 20–30). Besides a displaced fracture, age 50–59 was associated with an increased rate of conversion in uFNFs. This older group also had a higher mortality rate, compared with patients aged < 50. There was no sex difference for mortality. Interpretation Adults aged under 60 with uFNFs and dFNFs face an 8–25% risk, respectively, of conversion to arthroplasty within 5 years after internal fixation. This is new and pertinent information for surgeons as well as patients.
Immunosuppressive therapy in patients with connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review

It is currently accepted that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD‐PAH). However, the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy remains anecdotal. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with CTD‐PAH and to further assess whether response differs between CTD subtypes and clinical features.
Music to improve sleep quality in adults with depression-related insomnia (MUSTAFI): randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Insomnia in depression is common and difficult to resolve. Unresolved depression-related sleep disturbances increase risk of relapse at high costs for individuals and society. Trials have suggested music for insomnia in various populations, but there is little research on the effectiveness of music for depression-related insomnia. Methods We examined the efficacy of a music intervention on insomnia, depression symptoms and quality of life in adults with depression-related insomnia. A two-armed randomized controlled trial was conducted, including depression outpatients with insomnia (n = 112) in a 1:1 ratio to music intervention and waitlist control group. The intervention group listened to music at bedtime for 4 weeks. Participants received treatment as usual during 8 weeks with assessments at baseline, at 4 and 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure was Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), secondary outcomes comprised Actigraphy, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and World Health Organisation well-being questionnaires (WHO-5, WHOQOL-BREF). Results The music intervention group experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and well-being at 4 weeks according to global PSQI scores (effect size = −2.1, 95%CI −3.3; −0.9) and WHO-5 scores (effect size 8.4, 95%CI 2.7;14.0). At 8 weeks, i.e. 4 weeks after termination of the music intervention, the improvement in global PSQI scores had decreased (effect size = −0.1, 95%CI −1.3; 1.1). Actigraphy sleep assessments showed no changes and there was no detection of change in depression symptoms. Conclusions Music intervention is suggested as a safe and moderately effective sleep aid in depression-related insomnia. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov. ID NCT03676491
Initial evaluation in the climacteric

548 548 Key points • Climacteric syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms resulting from the interaction between sociocultural, psychological and endocrine factors occurring in aging women. Its diagnosis is clinical in women with the expected age group for ovarian hypofunction. The term “menopause” refers to the date of the woman’s last menstrual bleeding episode and is defined retrospectively. • Women in menopausal transition have disease prevention and health promotion needs. Hypoestrogenism associated with aging and metabolic syndrome can lead to lower quality of life and increased occurrence of cardiovascular disease. • The medical consultation of climacteric women is an excellent opportunity of screening for chronic diseases and neoplasms. • Complementary evaluation for climacteric women must be carried out judiciously. The benefit and risk of each test must be considered. Complementary tests without a specific definition of a diagnostic and therapeutic plan should be avoided. • Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) may be indicated to treat climacteric symptoms. Detailed clinical history and rational complementary exams are essential to define the therapeutic plan and follow-up of women undergoing HT.
Antiactivators prevent self-sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing

Significance Canonical quorum sensing is characterized as a cell–cell communication process that bacteria use to coordinate group behaviors. Diffusible signal molecules induce gene expression in response to cell density. Here, we describe a mechanism in the acyl-homoserine lactone signaling pathway of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that ensures this sensing and response at the group level. We show that two accessory proteins termed antiactivators prevent self-sensing, the cell-autonomous and density-independent reception of signals produced by the same cell. Self-sensing in turn generates population-wide bimodality in gene expression that may explain the response heterogeneity observed in other quorum-sensing bacteria. The ability to experimentally tune the sensing mode adds functionality to the design of cell–cell signaling circuits in synthetic biology.
Illicit drug use and male barroom aggression among members of the Australian construction industry: Associations with personality and masculinity factors

Abstract Introduction Illicit drug use has been found to increase the risks of male barroom aggression (MBA). Personality traits such as dispositional aggressiveness have been associated with illicit substance use and aggressive behaviour, along with social normative masculinity factors. The present study assessed the relationships between illicit drug use, key personality (trait aggression, impulsivity, narcissism) and masculinity (conformity to masculine norms, male honour) variables with physical MBA perpetration and victimisation among male Australian construction workers. Methods A purposive, high‐risk sample of male construction workers aged 18–69 years (n = 476, M age = 25.90 years, SDage = 9.44) completed interviews at their place of work or training. Results Participants reported high rates of both physical MBA perpetration (21%; n = 100) and victimisation (31.1%; n = 148) as well as any illicit drug use (33.61%; n = 160). Logistic regressions revealed the use of amphetamine‐type stimulants (methamphetamine, ecstasy) was associated with violence perpetration, even after accounting for high‐intensity drinking (HID) which was the strongest predictor of MBA involvement. Trait variables (Trait Physical aggressiveness, narcissism) and the masculine norm CMNI Violence were also risk factors for MBA perpetration while CMNI Playboy was protective against MBA. Discussion and Conclusions The use of amphetamine‐type stimulants is a risk‐factor for MBA perpetration, as are key personality traits such as aggressiveness and narcissism. Most aspects of masculinity, including male honour, were either unrelated to or protective against involvement in physical violence in bars, clubs or pubs.
Piezotronic Effect-Augmented Cu2-xO-BaTiO3 Sonosensitizers for Multifunctional Cancer Dynamic Therapy.

Ultrasound (US)-triggered sonodynamic therapy (SDT) based on semiconductor nanomaterials has attracted considerable attention for cancer therapy. However, most inorganic sonosensitizers suffer from low efficiency due to the rapid recombination of electron-hole pairs. Herein, the Cu2-xO-BaTiO3 piezoelectric heterostructure was fabricated as a sonosensitizer and chemodynamic agent, simultaneously, for improving reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cancer therapeutic outcome. Under US irradiation, the Cu2-xO-BaTiO3 heterojunction with a piezotronic effect exhibits high-performance singlet oxygen (1O2) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation to enhance SDT. Moreover, it possesses Fenton-like reaction activity to convert endogenous H2O2 into •OH for chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The integration of SDT and CDT substantially boosts ROS generation and cellular mitochondria damage, and the in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate high cytotoxicity and tumor inhibition on murine refractory breast cancer. This work realizes improvement in cancer therapy using piezoelectric heterostructures with piezotronic effects.
Diabetic neuropathy is a generalized phenomenon with impact on hand functional performance and quality of life

Diabetic sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy is usually considered to affect predominantly the lower limbs (LL‐N), whereas the impact of upper limb neuropathy (UL‐N) on hand functional performance and quality of life (QoL) has not been evaluated systematically. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of UL‐N and its functional and psychosocial consequences in type 2 diabetes.
Paraphilic Interests Versus Behaviors: Factors that Distinguish Individuals Who Act on Paraphilic Interests From Individuals Who Refrain

Little is known about distinct factors linked with acting on paraphilic interests or refraining from engaging in paraphilic behaviors. Participants from Canada and the United States (N = 744), aged 19–42 years (M = 29.2; SD = 3.18), were recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Participants completed questionnaires about their paraphilic interests and behaviors, as well as potential key factors linked to behavioral engagement (i.e., perceptions of consent, sexual excitation/inhibition, impulsivity, moral disengagement, empathy). Results indicated that higher moral disengagement and impulsivity, lower sexual control (i.e., high sexual excitation, low sexual inhibition), and maladaptive understandings of consent were best able to differentiate individuals who reported highly stigmatized (e.g., hebephilia, pedophilia, coprophilia) or Bondage and Dicipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism(BDSM)/Fetish paraphilic interests and engagement in the paraphilic behaviours associated with these interests relative to individuals who did not report such paraphilic interests or behaviors. Moreover, higher moral disengagement, impulsivity, and maladaptive perceptions of consent were best able to differentiate non-consensual paraphilic interests and behaviours (e.g., voyeurism, exhibitionism) compared to individuals who did not report these paraphilic interests or behaviours. These results provide future directions for the exploration of mechanisms that may contribute to engagement in paraphilic behaviors and may be targets for intervention aimed at preventing engagement in potentially harmful paraphilias.
Protocol for a Randomized Multiple Center Trial of Conservative Versus Liberal Oxygenation Targets in Critically Ill Children (Oxy-PICU): Oxygen in Pediatric Intensive Care

OBJECTIVES: Oxygen administration is a fundamental part of pediatric critical care, with supplemental oxygen offered to nearly every acutely unwell child. However, optimal targets for systemic oxygenation are unknown. Oxy-PICU aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a conservative peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo2) target of 88–92% compared with a liberal target of more than 94%. DESIGN: Pragmatic, open, multiple-center, parallel group randomized control trial with integrated economic evaluation. SETTING: Fifteen PICUs across England, Wales, and Scotland. PATIENTS: Infants and children age more than 38 week-corrected gestational age to 16 years who are accepted to a participating PICU as an unplanned admission and receiving invasive mechanical ventilation with supplemental oxygen for abnormal gas exchange. INTERVENTION: Adjustment of ventilation and inspired oxygen settings to achieve an Spo2 target of 88–92% during invasive mechanical ventilation. MEASUREMENTS and MAIN RESULTS: Randomization is 1:1 to a liberal Spo2 target of more than 94% or a conservative Spo2 target of 88–92% (inclusive), using minimization with a random component. Minimization will be performed on: age, site, primary reason for admission, and severity of abnormality of gas exchange. Due to the emergency nature of the treatment, approaching patients for written informed consent will be deferred to after randomization. The primary clinical outcome is a composite of death and days of organ support at 30 days. Baseline demographics and clinical status will be recorded as well as daily measures of oxygenation and organ support, and discharge outcomes. This trial received Health Research Authority approval on December 23, 2019 (reference: 272768), including a favorable ethical opinion from the East of England—Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee (reference number: 19/EE/0362). Trial findings will be disseminated in national and international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.