Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying international human mobility patterns using Facebook Network data

Quantifying global international mobility patterns can improve migration governance. Despite decades of calls by the international community to improve international migration statistics, the availability of timely and disaggregated data about long-term and short-term migration at the global level is still very limited. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using non-traditional data sources to fill existing gaps in migration statistics. To this end, we use anonymised and publicly available data provided by Facebook’s advertising platform. Facebook’s advertising platform classifies its users as “lived in country X” if they previously lived in country X, and now live in a different country. Drawing on statistics about Facebook Network users (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and the Audience Network) who have lived abroad and applying a sample bias correction method, we estimate the number of Facebook Network (FN) “migrants” in 119 countries of residence and in two time periods by age, gender, and country of previous residence. The correction method estimates the probability of a person being a FN user based on age, sex, and country of current and previous residence. We further estimate the correlation between FN-derived migration estimates and reference official migration statistics. By comparing FN-derived migration estimates in two different time periods, January-February and August-September 2018, we successfully capture the increase in Venezuelan migrants in Colombia and Spain in 2018. FN-derived migration estimates cannot replace official migration statistics, as they are not representative, and the exact methods the FN uses for classifying its users are not known, and might change over time. However, after carefully assessing the validity of the FN-derived estimates by comparing them with data from reliable sources, we conclude that these estimates can be used for trend analysis and early-warning purposes.
A simple-to-use nomogram to predict long term survival of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting technique

Background Several risk scores have been created to predict long term mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Several studies demonstrated a reduction in long-term mortality following bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITA) compared to single internal thoracic artery. However, these prediction models usually referred to long term survival as survival of up to 5 years. Moreover, none of these models were built specifically for operation incorporating BITA grafting. Methods A historical cohort study of all patients who underwent isolated BITA grafting between 1996 and 2011 at Tel-Aviv Sourasky medical center, a tertiary referral university affiliated medical center with a 24-bed cardio-thoracic surgery department. Study population (N = 2,935) was randomly divided into 2 groups: learning group which was used to build the prediction model and validation group. Cox regression was used to predict death using pre-procedural risk factors (demographic data, patient comorbidities, cardiac characteristics and patient's status). The accuracy (discrimination and calibration) of the prediction model was evaluated. Methods and findings The learning (1,468 patients) and validation (1,467 patients) groups had similar preoperative characteristics and similar survival. Older age, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive lung disease, congestive heart failure, chronic renal failure, old MI, ejection fraction ≤30%, pre-operative use of intra-aortic balloon, and peripheral vascular disease, were significant predictors of mortality and were used to build the prediction model. The area under the ROC curves for 5, 10, and 15-year survival ranged between 0.742 and 0.762 for the learning group and between 0.766 and 0.770 for the validation group. The prediction model showed good calibration performance in both groups. A nomogram was built in order to introduce a simple-to-use tool for prediction of 5, 10, and 15-year survival. Conclusions A simple-to-use validated model can be used for a prediction of 5, 10, and 15-year mortality after CABG using the BITA grafting technique.
Comparative Genomics Analysis Reveals High Levels of Differential Retrotransposition among Primates from the Hominidae and the Cercopithecidae Families

Abstract Mobile elements (MEs), making ∼50% of primate genomes, are known to be responsible for generating inter- and intra-species genomic variations and play important roles in genome evolution and gene function. Using a bioinformatics comparative genomics approach, we performed analyses of species-specific MEs (SS-MEs) in eight primate genomes from the families of Hominidae and Cercopithecidae, focusing on retrotransposons. We identified a total of 230,855 SS-MEs, with which we performed normalization based on evolutionary distances, and we also analyzed the most recent SS-MEs in these genomes. Comparative analysis of SS-MEs reveals striking differences in ME transposition among these primate genomes. Interesting highlights of our results include: 1) the baboon genome has the highest number of SS-MEs with a strong bias for SINEs, while the crab-eating macaque genome has a sustained extremely low transposition for all ME classes, suggesting the existence of a genome-wide mechanism suppressing ME transposition; 2) while SS-SINEs represent the dominant class in general, the orangutan genome stands out by having SS-LINEs as the dominant class; 3) the human genome stands out among the eight genomes by having the largest number of recent highly active ME subfamilies, suggesting a greater impact of ME transposition on its recent evolution; and 4) at least 33% of the SS-MEs locate to genic regions, including protein coding regions, presenting significant potentials for impacting gene function. Our study, as the first of its kind, demonstrates that mobile elements evolve quite differently among these primates, suggesting differential ME transposition as an important mechanism in primate evolution.
Review of the effect of 3D medical printing and virtual reality on urology training with ‘MedTRain3DModsim’ Erasmus + European Union Project

Background/aim It is necessary to incorporate novel training modalities in medical education, especially in surgical fields, because of the limitations of cadaveric training. Traditional medical education has many drawbacks, such as residency working hour restrictions, patient safety conflicts with the learning needs, and the lack of hands-on workshops. The MedTRain3DModsim Project aimed to produce 3-dimensional (3D) medical printed models, simulations, and innovative applications for every level of medical training using novel worldwide technologies. It was aimed herein to improve the interdisciplinary and transnational approaches, and accumulate existing experience for medical education, postgraduate studies, and specialty training. Materials and methods This project focused on models of solid organs and the urinary system, including the kidney, prostate, ureter, and liver. With 3D medical printing, it is possible to produce a body part from inert materials in just a few hours with the standardization of medical 3D modeling. Results The target groups of this project included medical students and residents, graduate students from engineering departments who needed medical education and surgical training, and medical researchers interested in health technology or clinical and surgical anatomy. Conclusion It was also intended to develop a novel imaging platform for education and training by reevaluating the existing data using new software and 3D modalities. Therefore, it was believed that our methodology could be implemented in all related medical fields.
Membrane property changes in most distal motor axons in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Distal nerve terminals, where the blood‐nerve barrier is anatomically deficient, are preferentially affected in immune‐mediated neuropathies. Excitability alterations near the motor nerve terminals may be more prominent than the nerve trunk in typical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
Systemic Safety of a Recombinant AAV8 Vector for Human Cocaine Hydrolase Gene Therapy: A Good Laboratory Practice Preclinical Study in Mice.

Cocaine addiction continues to impose major burdens on affected individuals and broader society but is highly resistant to medical treatment or psychotherapy. This study was undertaken with the goal of FDA permission for a First-In-Human clinical trial of a gene therapy for treatment-seeking cocaine users to become and remain abstinent. The approach was based on i.v. administration of AAV8-hCocH, an adeno-associated viral vector encoding a modified plasma enzyme that metabolizes cocaine into harmless byproducts. To assess systemic safety we conducted GLP "Good Laboratory Practice" studies in cocaine-experienced and naïve mice at doses of 5E12 and 5E13 vector genomes/kg. Results showed total lack of viral vector-related adverse effects in all tests performed. Instead, mice given one injection of AAV8-hCocH and regular daily injections of cocaine had far less tissue pathology than cocaine-injected mice with no vector treatment. Biodistribution analysis showed the vector located almost exclusively in liver. These results indicate that a liver-directed AAV8-hCocH gene transfer at reasonable dosage is safe, well tolerated, and effective. Thus, gene transfer therapy emerges as a radically new approach to treat compulsive cocaine abuse. In fact, based on these positive findings, the FDA recently accepted our latest Investigational New Drug application (IND 18579).
Assessing the role of toll-like receptor in isolated, standard and enriched housing conditions

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder that has been poorly understood. Consequently, current antidepressant agents have clinical limitations. Until today, most have exhibited the slow onset of therapeutic action and, more importantly, their effect on remission has been minimal. Thus, the need to find new forms of therapeutic intervention is urgent. The inflammation hypothesis of depression is widely acknowledged and is one that theories the relationship between the function of the immune system and its contribution to the neurobiology of depression. In this research, we utilized an environmental isolation (EI) approach as a valid animal model of depression, employing biochemical, molecular, and behavioral studies. The aim was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor on a toll-like receptor 7 (TLR 7) signaling pathway in a depressive rat model, and compare these actions to fluoxetine, a standard antidepressant agent. The behavioral analysis indicates that depression-related symptoms are reduced after acute administration of fluoxetine and, to a lesser extent, etanercept, and are prevented by enriched environment (EE) housing conditions. Experimental studies were conducted by evaluating immobility time in the force swim test and pleasant feeling in the sucrose preference test. The mRNA expression of the TLR 7 pathway in the hippocampus showed that TLR 7, MYD88, and TRAF6 were elevated in isolated rats compared to the standard group, and that acute treatment with an antidepressant and anti-inflammatory drugs reversed these effects. This research indicates that stressful events have an impact on behavioral well-being, TLR7 gene expression, and the TLR7 pathway. We also found that peripheral administration of etanercept reduces depressive-like behaviour in isolated rats: this could be due to the indirect modulation of the TLR7 pathway and other TLRs in the brain. Furthermore, fluoxetine treatment reversed depressive-like behaviour and molecularly modulated the expression of TLR7, suggesting that fluoxetine exerts antidepressant effects partially by modulating the TLR7 signaling pathway.
Type-A aortic dissection manifesting as acute inferior myocardial infarction

Abstract Rationale: Acute Type-A aortic dissection (AD) is a challenging clinical emergency. Despite advances in diagnosis and surgical techniques, the high surgical mortality rate of the condition persists. As a result of similarities in clinical symptoms, AD can mimic acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this paper, we report 2 cases of patients with acute AD manifesting as inferior AMI. Patient concerns: Two patients with undetected AD were misdiagnosed with AMI; in such patients, the administration of thrombolytic therapy has disastrous consequences. Diagnoses: The patients were initially diagnosed with AMI in the emergency room, and then diagnosed with AD during catheterization. Interventions: The patients were transferred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for primary coronary angiography. The initial attempt to selectively engage the coronary ostium was unsuccessful. Subsequent computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed AD from the aortic root to the abdominal aorta and dissection violations of the coronary ostium. The patients underwent emergency aortic root replacement. Outcomes: One patient recovered and was discharged 2 weeks later. At a 1-year follow-up examination, CTA indicated that this patient had made a full recovery. The other patient died 6 days after surgery. Lessons: As a result of similarities in clinical symptoms, AD can mimic AMI. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of AD is crucial. Difficulty during catheter engagement should raise the suspicion of acute Type-A AD.
Passive perceptual learning modulates motor inhibitory control in superior frontal regions

Response inhibition is of vital importance in the context of controlling inappropriate responses. The role of perceptual processes during inhibitory control has attracted increased interest. Yet, we are far from an understanding of the mechanisms. One candidate mechanism by which perceptual processes may affect response inhibition refers to “gain control” that is closely linked to the signal‐to‐noise ratio of incoming information. A means to modulate the signal‐to‐noise ratio and gain control mechanisms is perceptual learning. In the current study, we examine the impact of perceptual learning (i.e., passive repetitive sensory stimulation) on response inhibition combining EEG signal decomposition with source localization analyses. A tactile GO/NOGO paradigm was conducted to measure action restraint as one subcomponent of response inhibition. We show that passive perceptual learning modulates response inhibition processes. In particular, perceptual learning attenuates the detrimental effect of response automation during inhibitory control. Temporally decomposed EEG data show that stimulus‐related and not response selection processes during conflict monitoring are linked to these effects. The superior and middle frontal gyrus (BA6), as well as the motor cortex (BA4), are associated with the effects of perceptual learning on response inhibition. Reliable neurophysiological effects were not evident on the basis of standard ERPs, which has important methodological implications for perceptual learning research. The results detail how lower level sensory plasticity protocols affect higher‐order cognitive control functions in frontal cortical structures.
Physical exercise stimulates salivary secretion of cystatins

Physical exercise is known to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which influences the production of saliva from salivary glands. Our examination of saliva collected from highly trained athletes before and after a number of physical competititions showed an increase in the secretion of S-type cystatins and cystatin C as a subacute response to aerobic and anaerobic exercise. The elevation in salivary cystatins was transient and the recovery time course differed from that of amylase and other salivary proteins. An in vitro assay was developed based on a cell line from a human submandibular gland (HSG) that differentiated into acinus-like structures. Treatments with the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol caused a shift in the intracellular distribution of S-type cystatins and cystatin C, promoting their accumulation at the outer regions of the acinus prior to release and suggesting the activation of a directional transport involving co-migration of both molecules. In another treatment using non-differentiated HSG cells, it was evident that both expression and secretion of cystatin C increased upon addition of the β-adrenergic agonist, and these effects were essentially eliminated by the antagonist propranolol. The HSG cell line appears to have potential as a model for exploring the mechanism of cystatin secretion, particularly the S-type cystatins that originate primarily in the submandibular glands.
Improved clinical outcome after medial open-wedge osteotomy despite cartilage lesions in the lateral compartment

High tibial medial open-wedge osteotomy (HTO) is an established treatment option for cartilage lesions in the medial compartment. It was this study’s aim to evaluate the effect of asymptomatic single or kissing lesions in the lateral compartment on functional outcome after medial open-wedge osteotomy. A total of 156 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent HTO due to a varus deformity and a symptomatic cartilage lesion or osteoarthritis in the medial compartment. We acquired preoperative Lysholm and VAS Scores. Each open-wedge osteotomy was preceded by diagnostic arthroscopy to ensure the compartments were thoroughly documented and diagnosed. Cartilage lesions in the lateral compartment were evaluated, and three groups created according to their individual characteristics: group A (no cartilage lesion, n = 119), group B (single cartilage lesion, n = 16) and group C (kissing lesions, n = 21). Cartilage lesions were graded according to the Outerbridge classification, The functional postoperative outcome was determined by relying on several parameters (VAS Score, Lysholm, KOOS, WOMAC Score). Pre- and postoperative long-leg axis views were analyzed via special planning software (mediCAD, Hectec GmbH Germany). Mean follow-up was at 69.0 ± 30.3 months after surgery (range 22 to 121 months). There were no significant differences between the three groups in the correction angle chosen (p = 0.16). Regarding the outcome parameters, group A attained the best results in the WOMACpain Score (p = 0.03) and WOMACfunction Score (p = 0.05). A higher Outerbridge-Score of cartilage lesions in the lateral compartment was associated with a higher (i.e., worse) WOMACpain Score (p = 0.018) and WOMACfunction Score (p = 0.033). In all the groups (A, B, and C), HTO led to a significant improvement in the Lysholm Score (p < 0.001) and to a decrease in pain level (VAS Score; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Valgus high tibial osteotomy leads to reduced pain and improved functional outcome scores, even in patients with pre-existing asymptomatic single or corresponding cartilage lesions in the lateral compartment. In case of severe cartilage lesions in the lateral compartment, surgeons should consider that clinical outcome worsens depending on the Outerbridge Score.
The toxicological effects of lead and its analytical trends: an update from 2000 to 2018

Abstract In every developed and developing country, the major facing problem is heavy metals toxicity. Due to there is an increase in the heavy metals anthropogenic in day to day life by various factors, which are causing serious issues or harmful health hazardous for all types of living organisms. Moreover, they are present everywhere in the universe it causes the contamination of the food, dietary, and processed materials. Accordingly, the present review article further summarizes the studies related to the determination of lead as a toxic impurity with a total of 134 references in the period 2000 to 2018. In this write-up, emphasize the one of the highly toxic heavy metal element Lead (Pb) and it’s toxicity in the animals, humans, plants, and aquatic systems. In addition, the purpose of this article is to evaluate the effectiveness of established analytical techniques and trends in analytical methods like AAS; ICP-OES; ICP-MS; ASV; X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, these techniques significantly applicable for the quantitative analysis of Pb in various sources. The various regulatory authorities for Pb throughout the globe like IOSH, EPA, EMA, and CDCSO. This reveals the need and scope of further research in the field of heavy metal toxicity and development of new analytical techniques in meeting the needs of the life scientists. The present comprehensive review is an attempt to transform the state of knowledge into the findings that may act as a guideline for all the interested groups at different levels.
A Facile Colorimetric and Spectrophotometric Method for Sensitive Determination of Metformin in Human Serum Based on Citrate-Capped Gold Nanoparticles: Central Composite Design Optimization

For the determination of Metformin in human serum, a facile colorimetric and spectrophotometric sensor was designed based on citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (citrate-GNPs). In this probe, the addition of Metformin to GNP solution generates a naked-eye color change resulting from the aggregation of GNPs. Study of this color conversion and quantity analysis of analyte is operated by spectrophotometric instruments. The three factors pH, time, and GNP ratio were selected to examine their effects on sensing results and their values optimization. The optimization of parameters was done by means of central composite design and one-at-a-time methods. The sensing results proved the highly selective and sensitive performance of the sensor for Metformin in a linear range of 6.25–133.3 ppm with a detection limit of 1.79 ppm. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the reported method is 2.53%.
OCT in difficult diagnostic cases in gynecology

The study is aimed at developing new methods for diagnosing causes of impairment of female reproductive function. An increase of infertility and chronic pelvic pains syndrome, a growing level of latent diseases of this group, as well as a stably high percentage (up to 25% for infertility and up to 60% for the chronic pelvic pains syndrome) of undetermined origin make this research extremely important. As a complementary technique to laparoscopy we propose to use optical coherence tomography. We have acquired OCT images of different parts of fallopian tubes and pelvic peritoneum and analyzed OCT criteria of unaltered tissues. The OCT images of the isthmic part of fallopian tubes and peritoneum have been morphologically verified for pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) and endometriosis. Changes in the optical properties of the studied organs typical of PID and endometriosis have been investigated. Based on comparative analysis of the OCT data and the results of histological studies OCT criteria of the considered diseases have been developed. Statistical analysis of diagnostic efficacy of OCT in the case of PID has been carried out. High (75-85%) diagnostic accuracy of OCT in PID is shown.