Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in the Impact of Heart Rate Variability on the Surgical Approach in Patients With Early Cervical Cancer: Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery

Background Evidence suggests that the risk of recurrence and death in patients with early cervical cancer (ECC) undergoing minimally invasive surgery is significantly higher than that in patients undergoing open surgery. However, the mechanisms underlying such a difference remain unclear. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents autonomic nerve activity, which is related to tumorgenesis and can be used as a prognostic indicator for various cancers. The main purpose of this study was to explore the difference in the effects of laparoscopic and open surgery on HRV in ECC patients. Methods A total of 68 ECC (FIGO IA1 with lymphovascular space invasion -IIA2) patients undergoing radical hysterectomy for the first time (84% open group vs. 16% laparoscopic group) were included. A single-lead micro-ECG recorder was used to collect 5 min electrocardiograms 1 day before the operation and 3 days after the operation, and then HRV time domain and frequency domain indices were analyzed, including mean heart rate (MeanHR), maximum heart rate (MaxHR), minimum heart rate (MinHR), the standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive interval differences (RMSSD), very low-frequency power (VLF), low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), total power (TP), and the ratio of LF to HF (LF/HF). Results Heart rate (i.e., MeanHR, MaxHR, and MinHR) were significantly higher, and HRV (i.e., SDNN, RMSSD, LF, HF, and TP) were significantly lower after the operation than before the operation in both the laparoscopic and open groups (P < 0.05). The postoperative reduction in RMSSD and HF was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (P < 0.05). Conclusions These data suggest that radical hysterectomy can lead to increased heart rate and decreased HRV in patients with ECC, which can negatively affect cardiac autonomic regulation. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery has a greater negative impact on the HRV of ECC patients.
Deletion of the Sodium-Dependent Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 in Maturing Oligodendrocytes Attenuates Myelination of Callosal Axons During a Postnatal Phase of Central Nervous System Development

The sodium-dependent glutamate transporter GLT-1 (EAAT2, SLC1A2) has been well-described as an important regulator of extracellular glutamate homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS), a function that is performed mainly through its presence on astrocytes. There is, however, increasing evidence for the expression of GLT-1 in CNS cells other than astrocytes and in functional roles that are mediated by mechanisms downstream of glutamate uptake. In this context, GLT-1 expression has been reported for both neurons and oligodendrocytes (OLGs), and neuronal presynaptic presence of GLT-1 has been implicated in the regulation of glutamate uptake, gene expression, and mitochondrial function. Much less is currently known about the functional roles of GLT-1 expressed by OLGs. The data presented here provide first evidence that GLT-1 expressed by maturing OLGs contributes to the modulation of developmental myelination in the CNS. More specifically, using inducible and conditional knockout mice in which GLT-1 was deleted in maturing OLGs during a peak period of myelination (between 2 and 4 weeks of age) revealed hypomyelinated characteristics in the corpus callosum of preferentially male mice. These characteristics included reduced percentages of smaller diameter myelinated axons and reduced myelin thickness. Interestingly, this myelination phenotype was not found to be associated with major changes in myelin gene expression. Taken together, the data presented here demonstrate that GLT-1 expressed by maturing OLGs is involved in the modulation of the morphological aspects associated with CNS myelination in at least the corpus callosum and during a developmental window that appears of particular vulnerability in males compared to females.
3-Dimensional Model to Study Apoptosis Induction of Activated Natural Killer Cells Conditioned Medium Using Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Organoids

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that can kill tumor cells via different pathways, including the secretion of cytotoxic granules in immunological synapses and the binding of apoptosis-inducing ligands with cognate death receptors on tumor cells. These ligands are also soluble in NK cells conditioned medium (NK-CM). However, novel preclinical in vitro models are required for solid tumors such as colorectal cancer (CRC) to investigate apoptosis induction of activated NK-CM in a tissue-like structure. In the present study, we established a patient-derived CRC organoid culture system as a new tool for CRC research in the last decade. Tumor organoids were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and compared with the original tumor taken from the patient. Goblet cell differentiation and mucus secretion were evaluated using periodic acid–Schiff and alcian blue histochemical staining. Moreover, tumor organoids were stained for CDX2 and Ki67 markers with immunohistochemistry (IHC) to investigate gastrointestinal origin and proliferation. Histopathological evaluations indicated tumor organoids represent patient tumor characteristics. Primary NK cells were isolated and characterized using CD56 marker expression and the lack of the CD3 marker. Flow cytometry results showed the purity of isolated CD3−and CD56 + NK cells about 93%. After further ex vivo expansion, IL-2-activated NK-CM was collected. Secretions of IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured to characterize activated NK-CM. Cytokines levels were significantly elevated in comparison to the control group. Soluble forms of apoptosis-inducing ligands, including TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and FasL, were detected by western blot assay. Colon cancer organoids were treated by IL-2-activated NK-CM. Apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and quantified by flow cytometry. In conclusion, despite the activated NK-CM containing apoptosis-inducing ligands, these ligands’ soluble forms failed to induce apoptosis in patient-derived colon cancer organoids. Nevertheless, we report a reliable in vitro assessment platform in a personalized setting.
Effects of Temperature on the Bioenergetics of the Marine Protozoans Gyrodinium dominans and Oxyrrhis marina

We exposed Gyrodinium dominans and two strains of Oxyrrhis marina to temperatures well above (25°C) and below (12°C) their maintenance temperature (18°C) to study the mechanisms controlling the overall physiological response to thermal stress. As variables, we measured growth, ingestion, and respiration rates (this latter with and without food). The growth rates of O. marina strains plotted as a function of temperature showed maximum values at the maintenance temperature, as expected in a typical unimodal functional response. However, G. dominans showed similar growth rates at 12 and 18°C, and even a marked decrease in growth rates at 25°C, happened to be not significant. G. dominans ingestion rates were not significantly different at all temperatures (although apparently decreased at 25°C), whereas both O. marina strains showed higher ingestion rates at 18°C. The respiration rates of G. dominans were unaffected by temperature, but those of O. marina strains increased with temperature. The specific dynamic action (respiration increase produced by feeding activity) ranged from 2 to 20% of the daily carbon ingestion for all organisms investigated. The calculated energetic budget indicated that the responses to temperature were diverse, even between in strains of the same species. G. dominans maintained similar growth at all temperatures by balancing metabolic gains and losses. In O. marina strains, on the other hand, the decrease in growth rates at the lowest temperature was driven mainly by reduced ingestion rates. However, increased respiration seemed the primary factor affecting the decrease in growth rates at the highest temperature. These results are discussed in the light of previous studies and on its suitability to understand the response of wild organisms to fluctuations in temperature.
Exploring the Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length and Hearing Threshold Shifts of Adults in the United States

Background Although telomere length has a significant relationship with various age-related diseases, studies on its relationship with hearing status in adults are limited and equivocal. This study investigated the associations between mean telomere length (MTL) and low-, speech-, and high-frequency hearing threshold shifts of adults in the United States. Methods A total of 2,027 adults, aged 20-69 years, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES, 1999–2002) were included in the analytic sample. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used for the MTL assay, and MTL was expressed using the telomere-to-single copy gene (T/S) ratio. Hearing loss was defined as a pure-tone average (PTA) for the better ear at ≥ 20 dB HL at frequencies 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses and smooth curve fittings were conducted to evaluate the correlation between MTL and low-, speech-, and high-frequency hearing levels. Results The mean age of the participants was 40.60 ± 12.76 years, including 952 men (weighted, 48.67%) and 303 (weighted, 12.88%) participants with hearing loss. After adjusting for potential confounders in the multivariate linear regression model, the relationship between MTL and hearing thresholds was not statistically significant. Smooth curve fittings indicated a non-linear relationship between MTL and high-frequency PTA hearing threshold shifts. MTL was inversely related to high-frequency PTA to the turning point (T/S ratio = 0.82) (adjusted β−21.45, 95% CI −37.28, −5.62; P = 0.008). When the T/S ratio exceeded0.82, MTL was not associated with high-frequency PTA (adjusted β0.18, 95% CI −2.21, 2.57; P = 0.8809). Conclusion Our findings revealed that MTL was associated with high-frequency PTA hearing threshold shifts of adults in the United States in a non-linear manner.
Disclosing Child Sexual Abuse to a Health Professional: A Metasynthesis

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a critical role in stress response including neuropsychiatric disorders that are precipitated by stress, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). BDNF acts through its full length BDNF receptor, tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), to trigger a pro-plasticity effect. In contrast, the truncated isoform of the BDNF receptor (TrkB.t1) triggers an anti-plasticity effect. In stress outcomes, BDNF acting in the hippocampus has a stress resilient effect, whereas BDNF in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) promotes stress susceptibility. It is unknown if BDNF-TrkB acts on a specific NAc projection subtype or medium spiny neuron (MSN) subtype, in stress outcomes. To determine this, we performed chronic social or a vicarious witness defeat stress (CSDS or CWDS) in mice expressing TrkB.t1 in dopamine receptor 1 or 2 containing MSNs (D1- or D2-MSNs). Our results showed that TrkB.t1 overexpression in NAc D2-MSNs prevented the CSDS-induced social avoidance or other stress susceptible behaviors in male and female mice. Further, we showed that this overexpression in D2-MSNs blocked stress susceptible behavior induced by intra-NAc BDNF infusion. In contrast, our results demonstrate that overexpression of TrkB.t1 on NAc D1-MSNs facilitates the SDS susceptible behaviors. Our study provides enhanced understanding of NAc cell subtype roles of BDNF-TrkB signaling in stress outcomes.
The Coupled Representation of Hierarchical Features for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease Classification

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features have played an increasingly crucial role in discriminating patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from normal controls (NC). However, the large number of structural MRI studies only extracted low-level neuroimaging features or simply concatenated multitudinous features while ignoring the interregional covariate information. The appropriate representation and integration of multilevel features will be preferable for the precise discrimination in the progression of AD. In this study, we proposed a novel inter-coupled feature representation method and built an integration model considering the two-level (the regions of interest (ROI) level and the network level) coupled features based on structural MRI data. For the intra-coupled interactions about the network-level features, we performed the ROI-level (intra- and inter-) coupled interaction within each network by feature expansion and coupling learning. For the inter-coupled interaction of the network-level features, we measured the coupled relationships among different networks via Canonical correlation analysis. We evaluated the classification performance using coupled feature representations on the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Results showed that the coupled integration model with hierarchical features achieved the optimal classification performance with an accuracy of 90.44% for AD and NC groups, with an accuracy of 87.72% for the MCI converter (MCI-c) and MCI non-converter (MCI-nc) groups. These findings suggested that our two-level coupled interaction representation of hierarchical features has been the effective means for the precise discrimination of MCI-c from MCI-nc groups and, therefore, helpful in the characterization of different AD courses.
Modeling data with observers

Compact data models have become relevant due to the massive, ever-increasing generation of data. We propose Observers-based Data Modeling (ODM), a lightweight algorithm to extract low density data models (aka coresets) that are suitable for both static and stream data analysis. ODM coresets keep data internal structures while alleviating computational costs of machine learning during evaluation phases accounting for a O(n log n) worst-case complexity. We compare ODM with previous proposals in classification, clustering, and outlier detection. Results show the preponderance of ODM for obtaining the best trade-off in accuracy, versatility, and speed.
Rapid and Ultrasensitive Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Based on CRISPR-Cas12a Combined With Recombinase-Aided Amplification

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main pathogens causing hospital and community-acquired infections, in particular, infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cause a higher mortality rate than those caused by methicillin-sensitive strains, which poses a serious global public health problem. Therefore, rapid and ultrasensitive detection of patients with clinical MRSA infection and timely control of infection are essential. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) based on nucleic acid detection methods are well-known for its high specificity and sensitivity and programmability. Here, we successfully proposed a method based on CRISPR-Cas12a combined with recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) through fluorescent readout to achieve accurate identification and highly sensitive detection of MRSA in clinical samples. Results showed that the limit of detection (LoD) of the RAA-Cas12a method could reach 10 copies/μl at 60 min of reaction. Specificity tests showed that the method could distinguish MRSA from clinically common bacteria. The results of RAA-Cas12a were consistent with that of antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 83 clinical samples. These results indicated that the detection method based on RAA-Cas12a has high sensitivity and specificity, and provides important value for rapid detection of MRSA.
Chemical Conjugation in Drug Delivery Systems

Cancer is one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate. Treatments to mitigate cancer are usually so intense and invasive that they weaken the patient to cure as dangerous as the own disease. From some time ago until today, to reduce resistance generated by the constant administration of the drug and improve its pharmacokinetics, scientists have been developing drug delivery system (DDS) technology. DDS platforms aim to maximize the drugs’ effectiveness by directing them to reach the affected area by the disease and, therefore, reduce the potential side effects. Erythrocytes, antibodies, and nanoparticles have been used as carriers. Eleven antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) involving covalent linkage has been commercialized as a promising cancer treatment in the last years. This review describes the general features and applications of DDS focused on the covalent conjugation system that binds the antibody carrier to the cytotoxic drug.
Stimulatory G-Protein α Subunit Modulates Endothelial Cell Permeability Through Regulation of Plasmalemma Vesicle-Associated Protein

Endothelial cell leakage occurs in several diseases. Intracellular junctions and transcellular fashion are involved. The definite regulatory mechanism is complicated and not fully elucidated. The alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric G-stimulatory protein (Gsα) mediates receptor-stimulated production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). However, the role of Gsα in the endothelial barrier remains unclear. In this study, mice with knockout of endothelial-specific Gsα (GsαECKO) were generated by crossbreeding Gsαflox/flox mice with Cdh5-CreERT2 transgenic mice, induced in adult mice by tamoxifen treatment. GsαECKO mice displayed phenotypes of edema, anemia, hypoproteinemia and hyperlipoproteinemia, which indicates impaired microvascular permeability. Mechanistically, Gsα deficiency reduces the level of endothelial plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP). In addition, overexpression of Gsα increased phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) as well as the mRNA and protein levels of PLVAP. CREB could bind to the CRE site of PLVAP promoter and regulate its expression. Thus, Gsα might regulate endothelial permeability via cAMP/CREB-mediated PLVAP expression.
RPC-PET IMAGES WITH ANIMAL MRI

Medical imaging is one of the most common resources in medicine, where the main applications are within disease diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. Images obtained resorting to two different procedures of medical imaging show considerable advantages when compared with single methods, as both anatomical and functional information are provided with more accuracy. While positron emission tomography (PET) provides a specific metabolic signal, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes anatomical information with superior soft-tissue contrast: the combination of the two methods provides functional parameters and additional spatial information. In this work, we aim at developing a graphical interface for automating the co-registration of images obtained through a pre-clinical RPC-PET system and its image fusion with an animal magnetic resonance system efficiently. Software comparisons were performed considering the breadth of functionality, extensibility, cross-platform portability, and non-restrictive software license, as well as future applicability in clinical settings. It was considered that the Interactive Data Language (IDL) software development package is the one that best fits the current project. The co-registration algorithm is based on the landmarks measurements method grounded on the pixel intensity and the location of the centroids of the five artificial fiducial markers placed on the examination bed used on the two acquisition equipment. The registration transformation is determined by the minimization of the feature-based metrics. After this optimization process, the source image (RCP-PET) is transformed and interpolated. The merged volumes are displayed in a GUI that allows basic volume manipulation steps. xi
SSR COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS IN TCSC SYSTEM BASED ON SAMPLE-DATA MODEL

The paper presents a sample data model of TCSC which can be applied to large scale power systems with TCSC using various complex control strategies. The model takes account of the nonlinear and time varying dynamics of switch devices and is valid in the frequency range of generator shaft. The IEEE first benchmark system and Yimin Fengtun 500kV transmission system with TCSC are analyzed. The results prove that the SSR can not always be well damped by TCSC unless within proper range of conduction angle of thyristors.
Portland-limestone cement: the UK situation

Portland-limestone cements (PLCs) are produced at numerous plants across the UK. They have strong positive environmental credentials. This cement type accounted for more than 24% of the European cement market (approximately 40 million tonnes) in 2000. However, these cements have not been used to any great extent in the UK. The objective of this article is to update an earlier article in CONCRETE, explaining the properties and uses of factory-produced Portland-limestone cements. It is hoped that they will become more widely ued as a consequence (3) .
Machine learning methods for limited data speaker identification

With the recent development of speech-to-text algorithms it has becoming increasingly plausible to generate subtitles to a live stream or to transcribe the content of a meeting in real time. Most of these algorithms specialise in this speech-to-text task, while omitting the sometimes important information of who is saying what. The objective of this thesis project is to design and implement a real time speaker identiﬁcation system to complement existing speech-to-text systems. The thesis compares using Gaussian mixture models (GMM) versus multi-layer perceptrons (MLP) as classiﬁers for mel-frequency cepstral coeﬃcients (MFCCs). The primary performance experiment was conducted on a continuous conversation-like test based on the LibriSpeech ASR corpus. For 12 seconds of training data per speaker the system achieved a 99 % identiﬁcation accuracy for 2 speakers, but the performance declined linearly down to 88 % for 12 speakers. The result was therefore deemed unsatisfactory for the intended application and more modern features and classiﬁers are recommended.
Computer Aided Fraud Prevention and Detection: A Step by Step Guide

Praise for Computer-Aided Fraud Prevention and Detection: A Step-by-Step Guide"A wonderful desktop reference for anyone trying to move from traditional auditing to integrated auditing. The numerous case studies make it easy to understand and provide a how-to for those? seeking to implement automated tools including continuous assurance. Whether you are just starting down the path or well on your way, it is a valuable resource. " -Kate M. Head, CPA, CFE, CISA Associate Director, Audit and Compliance University of South Florida"I have been fortunate enough to learn from Dave's work over the last fifteen years, and this publication is no exception. Using his twenty-plus years of experience, Dave walks through every aspect of detecting fraud with a computer from the genesis of the act to the mining of data for its traces and its ultimate detection. A complete text that first explains how one prevents and detects fraud regardless of technology and then shows how by automating such procedures, the examiners' powers become superhuman. " -Richard B. Lanza, President, Cash Recovery Partners, LLC"Computer-Aided Fraud Prevention and Detection: A Step-by-Step Guide helps management and auditors answer T. S. Eliot's timeless question, 'Where is the knowledge lost in information? ' Data analysis provides a means to mine the knowledge hidden in our information. Dave Coderre has long been a leader in educating auditors and others about Computer Assisted Audit Techniques. The book combines practical approaches with unique data analysis case examples that compel the readers to try the techniques themselves. " -Courtenay Thompson Jr. Consultant, Courtenay Thompson & Associates