Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gradient Field Deviation (GFD) Correction Using a Hybrid-Norm Approach With Wavelet Sub-Band Dependent Regularization: Implementation for Radial MRI at 9.4 T

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), system imperfections and eddy currents can cause gradient field deviation (GFD), leading to various image distortions, such as increased noise, ghosting artifacts, and geometric deformation. These distortions can degrade the clinical value of MR images. Generally, non-Cartesian image sequences, such as radial sampling, produce larger gradient deviations than Cartesian sampling, as a result of stronger eddy current-induced gradient delays and phase errors. In this paper, we developed a GFD encoding method to reduce image noise and artifacts for radial MRI. In the proposed method, a hybrid norm (combination of L2 and L1 norms) optimization problem was formed, which incorporated a wavelet sub-band adaptive regularization mechanism. The new approach seeks a regularized solution not only offering corrected images with reduced artifacts and geometric deformation, but also good preservation of anatomical structural details. The new method was evaluated with simulation and experiment at 9.4 T MRI. The results demonstrated that the proposed method can provide over 50% noise reduction and 15% artifact reduction compared with the traditional regridding method, suggesting substantially reduced GFD-induced distortions and improved image quality.
Mutual Component Convolutional Neural Networks for Heterogeneous Face Recognition

Heterogeneous face recognition (HFR) aims to identify a person from different facial modalities, such as visible and near-infrared images. The main challenges of HFR lie in the large modality discrepancy and insufficient training samples. In this paper, we propose the mutual component convolutional neural network (MC-CNN), a modal-invariant deep learning framework, to tackle these two issues simultaneously. Our MC-CNN incorporates a generative module, i.e., the mutual component analysis (MCA), into modern deep CNNs by viewing MCA as a special fully connected (FC) layer. Based on deep features, this FC layer is designed to extract modal-independent hidden factors and is updated according to maximum likelihood analytic formulation instead of back propagation which prevents overfitting from limited data naturally. In addition, we develop an MCA loss to update the network for modal-invariant feature learning. Extensive experiments show that our MC-CNN outperforms several fine-tuned baseline models significantly. Our methods achieve the state-of-the-art performance on the CASIA NIR-VIS 2.0, CUHK NIR-VIS, and IIIT-D Sketch datasets.
Association between tea consumption and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive system diseases, which is associated with lifestyle and dietary factors. The main mechanism involved in GERD is affected by demographics, lifestyles, and dietary factors. Tea consumption is reported to be associated with GERD, especially in Asian population. However, the effect of tea drinking on GERD risk is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tea consumption and the risk of GERD by meta-analysis. Methods: We searched the published research databases such as PubMed and Embase for studies that were published up to March 2018. The search results were reviewed by 2 authors, and studies that complied with the criteria were selected. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the association between tea consumption and the risk of GERD. Results: Twenty-three articles including 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The result of meta-analysis showed that tea drinking had no significant association with the risk of GERD. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were 1.12 and (0.98–1.27). In subgroup analysis based on geographical region, tea consumption can increase the risk of GERD in East Asia (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.07–1.51), while the risk of GERD was decreased in Middle Asia (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.63–0.95). Besides, in the subgroup of study design, there was a significant association between tea intake and the GERD in cross-sectional study. In no symptom subgroup, the risk of GERD was increased (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.11–1.93). Conclusions: There was no significant relationship between tea consumption and the risk of GERD overall. However, in subgroup analysis, tea drinking may increase the risk of GERD in East Asia and decrease in Middle Asia. To clarify the causality between tea intake and GERD, a more precise study design will be needed.
Dissolvable Polyvinyl-Alcohol Film, a Time-Barrier to Modulate Sample Flow in a 3D-Printed Holder for Capillary Flow Paper Diagnostics

Integrating a dissolvable membrane into a sensor allows the control of sample flow, location and duration in critical areas. These time-barrier films stop the flow of samples until the membrane has dissolved, thus, for example, allowing increased exposure time between immunoreagents for the formation of greater numbers of immuno-complexes, ensuring higher sensitivity, reactivity, and helping to reduce false-positive signals. In this study, dissolvable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films are used in a 3D-printed sensor holder, which enables film integration without the use of glue. PVA is a synthetic hydrophilic linear polymer, its solubility is dependent on its molecular weight and degree of hydrolysis. Three types of PVAs films were tested herein: (1) PVA 1-Mw: 30–70 K, 87–90% hydrolyzed; (2) PVA 2-Mw: 31–50 K, 98–99% hydrolyzed and (3) PVA 3-Mw: 89–98 K, >99% hydrolyzed. The films were exposed to water in (1) the novel 3D-printed holder and (2) directly immersed into a water droplet. After comparing the time taken to dissolve PVA 1–3 films, PVA 1 films of 5–20% (w/v) are found to be most suitable as time barrier films, due to their optimal dissolution times and physical properties for integration into the customized 3D-printed holder.
Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Using S30 Extracts from Escherichia coli RFzero Strains for Efficient Incorporation of Non-Natural Amino Acids into Proteins

Cell-free protein synthesis is useful for synthesizing difficult targets. The site-specific incorporation of non-natural amino acids into proteins is a powerful protein engineering method. In this study, we optimized the protocol for cell extract preparation from the Escherichia coli strain RFzero-iy, which is engineered to lack release factor 1 (RF-1). The BL21(DE3)-based RFzero-iy strain exhibited quite high cell-free protein productivity, and thus we established the protocols for its cell culture and extract preparation. In the presence of 3-iodo-l-tyrosine (IY), cell-free protein synthesis using the RFzero-iy-based S30 extract translated the UAG codon to IY at various sites with a high translation efficiency of >90%. In the absence of IY, the RFzero-iy-based cell-free system did not translate UAG to any amino acid, leaving UAG unassigned. Actually, UAG was readily reassigned to various non-natural amino acids, by supplementing them with their specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase variants (and their specific tRNAs) into the system. The high incorporation rate of our RFzero-iy-based cell-free system enables the incorporation of a variety of non-natural amino acids into multiple sites of proteins. The present strategy to create the RFzero strain is rapid, and thus promising for RF-1 deletions of various E. coli strains genomically engineered for specific requirements.
Infants' statistical word segmentation in an artificial language is linked to both parental speech input and reported production abilities.

Individual variability in infant's language processing is partly explained by environmental factors, like the quantity of parental speech input, as well as by infant-specific factors, like speech production. Here, we explore how these factors affect infant word segmentation. We used an artificial language to ensure that only statistical regularities (like transitional probabilities between syllables) could cue word boundaries, and then asked how the quantity of parental speech input and infants' babbling repertoire predict infants' abilities to use these statistical cues. We replicated prior reports showing that 8-month-old infants use statistical cues to segment words, with a preference for part-words over words (a novelty effect). Crucially, 8-month-olds with larger novelty effects had received more speech input at 4 months and had greater production abilities at 8 months. These findings establish for the first time that the ability to extract statistical information from speech correlates with individual factors in infancy, like early speech experience and language production. Implications of these findings for understanding individual variability in early language acquisition are discussed.
Alloimmunogenicity of an isolated MHC allele is affected by the context of MHC mismatch in a murine model

Humoral alloimmunization to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) can represent a barrier to solid‐organ transplantation, can lead to a refractory state in patients requiring platelet transfusion, and can also contribute to transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). While exposure to HLA‐mismatched cells/tissues are generally required for HLA alloimmunization, the effect of the extent of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatch between donor and recipient is poorly understood.
Sugar Responses of Human Enterochromaffin Cells Depend on Gut Region, Sex, and Body Mass

Gut-derived serotonin (5-HT) is released from enterochromaffin (EC) cells in response to nutrient cues, and acts to slow gastric emptying and modulate gastric motility. Rodent studies also evidence a role for gut-derived 5-HT in the control of hepatic glucose production, lipolysis and thermogenesis, and in mediating diet-induced obesity. EC cell number and 5-HT content is increased in the small intestine of obese rodents and human, however, it is unknown whether EC cells respond directly to glucose in humans, and whether their capacity to release 5-HT is perturbed in obesity. We therefore investigated 5-HT release from human duodenal and colonic EC cells in response to glucose, sucrose, fructose and α-glucoside (αMG) in relation to body mass index (BMI). EC cells released 5-HT only in response to 100 and 300 mM glucose (duodenum) and 300 mM glucose (colon), independently of osmolarity. Duodenal, but not colonic, EC cells also released 5-HT in response to sucrose and αMG, but did not respond to fructose. 5-HT content was similar in all EC cells in males, and colonic EC cells in females, but 3 to 4-fold higher in duodenal EC cells from overweight females (p < 0.05 compared to lean, obese). Glucose-evoked 5-HT release was 3-fold higher in the duodenum of overweight females (p < 0.05, compared to obese), but absent here in overweight males. Our data demonstrate that primary human EC cells respond directly to dietary glucose cues, with regional differences in selectivity for other sugars. Augmented glucose-evoked 5-HT release from duodenal EC is a feature of overweight females, and may be an early determinant of obesity.
Subjective Assessment of Sleep in Infantile Autism: A Comparative Study

Sleep disturbances are very common in children with autism; it is for this reason that instruments that facilitate their evaluation are necessary. Objectives: Perform sleep assessment from a subjective perspective in a group of children with primary autism and compare them with a control group, using the Sleep Habits in Children Survey (CSHQ), with the purpose of determining sleep disturbances according to the subscales used. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of 21 patients with primary autism. For the evaluation of sleep disturbances, we chose the CSHQ survey. The differences between the independent groups were calculated by applying a Mann–Whitney U test. Results: In the group of children with autism, higher values of the total scale were observed in comparison with the control group (p = 0.00) which It is congruent with a large sleep dysfunction. Significant differences were observed for all subscales (p = 0.00), with the exception of the subscale number 7. Conclusions: A high presence of sleep disturbances was observed in children with primary autism, with the exception of sleep breathing disorders, which did not show significant differences between the groups.
Local Structure of Ca2+ Alginate Hydrogels Gelled via Competitive Ligand Exchange and Measured by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering

Alginates, being linear anionic co-polymers of 1,4-linked residues β-d-ManA (M) and α-l-GulA (G), are widely applied as hydrogel biomaterials due to their favourable in vivo biocompatibility and convenient ionic crosslinking. The “egg-box” model is the prevailing description of the local structure of junction zones that form between the alginate chains and divalent cations, such as Ca2+, when ionic gelation occurs. In the present study we address to what extent signatures of lateral dimerization and further lateral association of junction zones also represent a valid model for the gelation of alginate using the recently reported method of competitive ligand exchange of chelated Ca2+ ions as a method for introducing gelling ions at constant pH. Small angle X-ray scattering with a q range from 0.1 to 3.3 nm−1 was employed to determine local structure in the hydrogel, using a custom-made fluid sample cell inserted in the X-ray beam. The scattering volume was intended to be localized to the contact zone between the two injected aqueous alginate solutions, and data was captured to resolve the kinetics of the structure formation at three different conditions of pH. The data show evolution of the local structure for the Ca2+ induced formation of junction zones in an alginate with 68% G residues, characterized by cross-sectional radii that could be accounted for by a two-component, broken rod like model. The evolution of the two component weight fractions apparently underpinned the connectivity, as reflected in the rheological data.
The Efficacy and Safety of Vertebral Augmentation: A Second ASBMR Task Force Report

Vertebral augmentation is among the current standards of care to reduce pain in patients with vertebral fractures (VF), yet a lack of consensus regarding efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty raises questions on what basis clinicians should choose one therapy over another. Given the lack of consensus in the field, the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) leadership charged this Task Force to address key questions on the efficacy and safety of vertebral augmentation and other nonpharmacological approaches for the treatment of pain after VF. This report details the findings and recommendations of this Task Force. For patients with acutely painful VF, percutaneous vertebroplasty provides no demonstrable clinically significant benefit over placebo. Results did not differ according to duration of pain. There is also insufficient evidence to support kyphoplasty over nonsurgical management, percutaneous vertebroplasty, vertebral body stenting, or KIVA®. There is limited evidence to determine the risk of incident VF or serious adverse effects (AE) related to either percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. No recommendation can be made about harms, but they cannot be excluded. For patients with painful VF, it is unclear whether spinal bracing improves physical function, disability, or quality of life. Exercise may improve mobility and may reduce pain and fear of falling but does not reduce falls or fractures in individuals with VF. General and intervention‐specific research recommendations stress the need to reduce study bias and address methodological flaws in study design and data collection. This includes the need for larger sample sizes, inclusion of a placebo control, more data on serious AE, and more research on nonpharmacologic interventions. Routine use of vertebral augmentation is not supported by current evidence. When it is offered, patients should be fully informed about the evidence. Anti‐osteoporotic medications reduce the risk of subsequent vertebral fractures by 40–70%. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
CD4+ T cells promote humoral immunity and viral control during Zika virus infection

Several Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccines designed to elicit protective antibody (Ab) responses are currently under rapid development, but the underlying mechanisms that control the magnitude and quality of the Ab response remain unclear. Here, we investigated the CD4+ T cell response to primary intravenous and intravaginal infection with ZIKV. Using the LysMCre+Ifnar1fl/fl (myeloid type I IFN receptor-deficient) C57BL/6 mouse models, we identified six I-Ab-restricted ZIKV epitopes that stimulated CD4+ T cells with a predominantly cytotoxic Th1 phenotype in mice primed with ZIKV. Intravenous and intravaginal infection with ZIKV effectively induced follicular helper and regulatory CD4+ T cells. Treatment of mice with a CD4+ T cell-depleting Ab reduced the plasma cell, germinal center B cell, and IgG responses to ZIKV without affecting the CD8+ T cell response. CD4+ T cells were required to protect mice from a lethal dose of ZIKV after infection intravaginally, but not intravenously. However, adoptive transfer and peptide immunization experiments showed a role for memory CD4+ T cells in ZIKV clearance in mice challenged intravenously. These results demonstrate that CD4+ T cells are required mainly for the generation of a ZIKV-specific humoral response but not for an efficient CD8+ T cell response. Thus, CD4+ T cells could be important mediators of protection against ZIKV, depending on the infection or vaccination context.
B-cell depleting immunotherapies: therapeutic opportunities and toxicities

ABSTRACT Introduction: The last few years have witnessed what can certainly be defined as a ‘period of renaissance’ for immunotherapy in the field of hematological malignancies. In particular, antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immunotherapy have significantly changed the treatment approach of patients with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. These therapies, initially employed in patients with refractory/relapsed disease, are now integrated in the treatment of newly diagnosed patients. Together with the therapeutic success, we have also learnt that these innovative therapies can induce relevant, sometimes life-threatening or even fatal, side effects. Areas covered: In this review article, we analyzed the applicative therapeutic scenario and the peculiar toxicities associated with approaches of immunotherapy, paying particular attention to the new emerging side effects, substantially unknown before the introduction of these therapies. Expert commentary: Both monoclonal antibodies and cell therapy with lymphocytes genetically modified to be redirected against leukemia targets through the transduction with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have obtained unprecedented success in rescuing patients with resistant B-cell malignancies. Complications, such as neurotoxicity, cytokine release syndrome or persistent B-cell lymphopenia, must always be taken into consideration and diagnosed in a timely manner in patients with B-cell neoplasms to guarantee optimal management, thus avoiding they blunting the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Conformational flexibility and inhibitor binding to unphosphorylated interleukin-1 receptor–associated kinase 4 (IRAK4)

Interleukin-1 receptor–associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is a key player in innate immune and inflammatory responses, performing a critical role in signal transduction downstream of Toll-like receptors and interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptors. Upon ligand binding and via its N-terminal death domain, IRAK4 is recruited to an oligomeric receptor that is proximal to the Myddosome signaling complex, inducing IRAK4 kinase domain dimerization, autophosphorylation, and activation. To date, all known IRAK4 structures are in the active conformation, precluding a good understanding of IRAK4's conformational dynamics. To address this issue, here we first solved three crystal structures of the IRAK4 kinase domain (at ≤2.6 Å resolution), in its unphosphorylated, inactive state bound to either the ATP analog AMP-PNP or to one of the two small-molecule inhibitors JH-I-25 and JH-I-17. The structures disclosed that although the structure in complex with AMP-PNP is in an “αC-out” inactive conformation, those in complex with type I inhibitors assume an active “Asp–Phe–Gly (DFG)-in” and “αC-in” conformation. The ability of unphosphorylated IRAK4 to take on variable conformations prompted us to screen for small-molecule inhibitors that bind preferentially to unphosphorylated IRAK4, leading to the identification of ponatinib and HG-12-6. Solving the structures of unphosphorylated IRAK4 in complex with these two inhibitors, we found that they both bind as type II inhibitors with IRAK4 in a “DFG-out” conformation. Collectively, these structures reveal conformational flexibility of unphosphorylated IRAK4 and provide unexpected insights into the potential use of small molecules to modulate IRAK4 activity in cancer, autoimmunity, and inflammation.
Efficacy of iguratimod vs. salazosulfapyridine as the first-line csDMARD for rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Objectives: We retrospectively evaluated the retention rate and clinical responses following treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with iguratimod (IGU) vs. salazosulfapyridine (SASP) as the first-line conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD). Methods: We analyzed 197 RA patients who were treated with IGU or SASP as the initial treatment in the 3-year study period. The retention rate, clinical response, the dosage and percent user of prednisolone (PSL), and safety profiles were evaluated. Results: At month 36, the retention rates of the IGU and SASP groups were 52.4 vs. 32.1%. The rate of responders (good or moderate response) at month 36 was 85.8 vs. 65.2% in the IGU and SASP groups, respectively. At month 36 for the IGU and SASP groups, the percentages of PSL users were 16.7 vs. 46.7%, and the PSL dosage was 0.3 mg/d vs. 2.0 mg/d, respectively. The cumulative rates of any adverse event (AE) at month 36 were 19.8 vs. 29.2% in the IGU and SASP groups, respectively. Conclusion: IGU is a useful first-line csDMARD treatment for RA patients, showing a high retention rate and good efficacy without an increased risk of serious AEs, including serious infections. Our findings also indicate a PSL dose-sparing effect of IGU treatment.