Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Dose Rituximab and Early Remission in PLA2R1-Related Membranous Nephropathy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Different rituximab protocols are used to treat membranous nephropathy. We compared two rituximab protocols in patients with membranous nephropathy. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Twenty-eight participants from the NICE cohort received two infusions of 1-g rituximab at two-week intervals, whereas 27 participants from the Prospective Randomized Multicentric Open Label Study to Evaluate Rituximab Treatment for Membranous Nephropathy (GEMRITUX) cohort received two infusions of 375 mg/m2 at one-week interval. We measured serum rituximab levels and compared remission at month six and before any treatment modification and analyzed factors associated with remission and relapses. RESULTS Remissions occurred in 18 (64%) versus eight (30%) from the NICE and GEMRITUX cohort (P=0.02) at month six, respectively, and in 24 (86%) versus 18 (67%) participants (P=0.12) before treatment modification, respectively. Median time to remission was 3 [interquartile range (IQR), 3-9] and 9 [IQR, 6-12] months for NICE and GEMRITUX cohorts respectively (P=0.01). Participants from the NICE cohort had higher circulating level of rituximab and lower CD19 counts (3.3 µg/L [IQR, 0.0-10.8] versus 0.0 [IQR, 0.0-0.0] P<0.001 and 0.0 [IQR, 0.0-2.0] versus 16.5 [IQR, 2.5-31.0] P<0.001) at month three, lower level of anti-PLA2R1 antibodies at month six (0.0 [IQR, 0.0-8.0] versus 8.3 [IQR, 0.0-73.5] P=0.03). In the combined study population, lower epitope spreading at diagnosis and higher rituximab levels at month three were associated with remissions at month six (13/26 (50%) versus 22/29 (76%) P=0.05 and 2.2 µg/ml [IQR, 0.0-10.9] versus 0.0 µg/ml [IQR, 0.0-0.0] P<0.001 respectively). All non-spreaders entered into remission whatever the protocol. Eight of the 41 participants who reached remission had relapses. Epitope spreading at diagnosis (8/8 (100%) versus 16/33 (48%) P=0.01) and incomplete depletion of anti-PLA2R1 antibodies at month six (4/8 (50%) versus 5/33 (9%) P=0.05) were associated with relapses. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests that higher dose rituximab protocol is more effective on depletion of B-cells and lack of epitope spreading is associated with remission of membranous nephropathy.
Wheat Allergy in Children: A Comprehensive Update

Gluten-related disorders are very common in pediatric patients. Wheat allergy is triggered by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent mechanism; its prevalence varies according to the age and region, and in Europe has been estimated to be lower than 1%. Many studies investigated the potential role of several external factors that can influence the risk to developing wheat allergy, but results are still inconclusive. It can be responsible for several clinical manifestations depending on the route of allergen exposure: food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA), occupational rhinitis or asthma (also known as baker’s asthma), and contact urticaria. The prognosis of IgE-mediated wheat allergy in children is generally favorable, with the majority of children becoming tolerant by school age. Patients who experienced an anaphylactic reaction prior to 3 years of age and patients with higher level of wheat- or ω-5 gliadin-specific IgE antibodies seem to be at higher risk of persistent wheat allergy. The current management of patients is dietary avoidance. Nowadays, oral immunotherapy has been proposed for wheat allergy with promising results, even if further studies are necessary to establish the best protocol in order to promote tolerance in wheat-allergic children.
Electronic Structure and Lithium Diffusion in LiAl2(OH)6Cl Studied by First Principle Calculations

First-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) were carried out to study the atomic structure and electronic structure of LiAl2(OH)6Cl, the only material in the layered double hydroxide family in which delithiation was found to occur. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations were used to explore the evolution of the structure of LiAl2(OH)6Cl during a thermally induced delithiation process. The simulations show that this process occurs due to the drastic dynamics of Li+ at temperatures higher than ~450 K, in which the [Al2(OH)6] host layers remain stable up to 1100 K. The calculated large value of the Li+ diffusion coefficient D, ~3.13×10−5cm2/s, at 500 K and the high stability of the [Al2(OH)6] framework suggest a potential technical application of the partially-delithiated Li1-xAl2(OH)6Cl1-x (0 < x < 1) as a superionic conductor at high temperatures.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Recent research indicates that microplastic (<5mm) ingestion may impact the immune function of marine and aquatic organisms at the tissue and cellular levels; however, their susceptibility to disease following exposure has not been directly investigated. The objective of the present study was to directly evaluate the impact of microplastic ingestion on the susceptibility of the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio to bacterial infection with Vibrio campbellii. Grass shrimp were exposed to one of several particle treatments (natural sediment, polyethylene spheres, polypropylene fragments, tire fragments, and polyester fibers) or particle‐free water for 96 h at a nominal concentration of 50 000 particles/L prior to a bacterial challenge with V. campbellii. No significant mortality was observed among any of the particle types during the 96‐h particle exposure. The survival of grass shrimp following V. campbellii challenge did not vary significantly among shrimp exposed to particle‐free water, sediment, polyethylene spheres, polypropylene fragments, tire fragments, and polyester fibers. Grass shrimp cleared the majority of ingested particles and all the ventilated particles within 48 h. The present study shows that microplastic ingestion did not alter the susceptibility of grass shrimp to bacterial infection, and also provides depuration rates for a variety of microplastic shapes and polymer types that were previously lacking. This information increases our understanding of the size‐ and shape‐dependent effects of microplastic ingestion. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2233–2242. © 2019 SETAC
Triple-negative breast cancer-derived microvesicles transfer microRNA221 to the recipient cells and thereby promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

The triple-negative phenotype is the most prevalent form of human breast cancer worldwide and is characterized by poor survival, high aggressiveness, and recurrence. Microvesicles (MV) are shredded plasma membrane components and critically mediate cell–cell communication, but can also induce cancer proliferation and metastasis. Previous studies have revealed that protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) contributes significantly to human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression by releasing nano-size MV and promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. MV isolated from highly aggressive human TNBC cells impart metastatic potential to nonmetastatic cells. Over-expression of microRNA221 (miR221) has also been reported to enhance the metastatic potential of human TNBC, but miR221's relationship to PAR2-induced MV is unclear. Here, using isolated MV, immunoblotting, quantitative RT-PCR, FACS analysis, and enzymatic assays, we show that miR221 is translocated via human TNBC-derived MV, which upon fusion with recipient cells, enhance their proliferation, survival, and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo by inducing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Administration of anti-miR221 significantly impaired MV-induced expression of the mesenchymal markers Snail, Slug, N-cadherin, and vimentin in the recipient cells, whereas restoring expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. We also demonstrate that MV-associated miR221 targets phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in the recipient cells, followed by AKT Ser/Thr kinase (AKT)/NF-κB activation, which promotes EMT. Moreover, elevated miR221 levels in MV derived from human TNBC patients' blood could induce cell proliferation and metastasis in recipient cells. In summary, miR221 transfer from TNBC cells via PAR2-derived MV induces EMT and enhances the malignant potential of recipient cells.
Predictive Validity of the CRAFFT for Substance Use Disorder

CRAFFT is used to identify patients in the PED with current problematic substance use and SUDs; it has value in predicting SUDs but with limited sensitivity. BACKGROUND The utility of CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble) in identifying current and future problematic substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) in pediatric emergency department (PED) patients is unknown. We conducted a secondary analysis of a study in 16 PEDs to determine the concurrent and predictive validity of CRAFFT with respect to SUD. METHODS: At baseline, 4753 participants aged 12 to 17 years completed an assessment battery (CRAFFT and other measures of alcohol, drug use, and risk behaviors). A subsample was readministered the battery at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up to investigate future SUDs. RESULTS: Of 2175 participants assigned to follow-up, 1493 (68.6%) completed 1-year, 1451 (66.7%) completed 2-year, and 1265 (58.1%) completed the 3-year follow-up. A baseline CRAFFT value of ≥2 was significantly associated with problematic substance use or mild or moderate to severe SUD diagnosis on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children at baseline (P < .001). The results persisted after 1, 2, and 3 years (P < .001). The best combined sensitivity and specificity was achieved with a baseline CRAFFT value of ≥1 as a cutoff for predicting problematic substance use and a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnosis of mild SUD at 1, 2, and 3 years. The baseline CRAFFT score that best predicted a moderate to severe SUD at 1 year was ≥2; but at 2 and 3 years, the cutoff score was ≥1. CONCLUSIONS: CRAFFT has good concurrent validity for problematic substance use and SUD in PED patients and is useful in predicting SUDs at up to 3 years follow-up but with limited sensitivity.
The Competition-Day Preparation Strategies of Strongman Athletes.

Winwood, PW, Pritchard, HJ, Wilson, D, Dudson, M, and Keogh, JWL. The competition-day preparation strategies of strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-This study provides the first empirical evidence of the competition-day preparation strategies used by strongman athletes. Strongman athletes (n = 132) (mean ± SD: 33.7 ± 8.1 years, 178.2 ± 11.1 cm, 107.0 ± 28.6 kg, 12.8 ± 8.0 years general resistance training, 5.9 ± 4.8 years strongman implement training) completed a self-reported 4-page internet survey on their usual competition-day preparation strategies. Analysis of the overall group and by sex, age, body mass, and competitive standard was conducted. Ninety-four percent of strongman athletes used warm-ups in competition, which were generally self-directed. The typical warm-up length was 16.0 ± 8.9 minutes, and 8.5 ± 4.3 minutes was the perceived optimal rest time before the start of an event. The main reasons for warming up were injury prevention, to increase activation, and increase blood flow/circulation, temperature, and heart rate. Athletes generally stated that competition warm-ups were practiced in training. Dynamic stretching, foam rolling, and myofascial release work were performed during warm-ups. Warm-up intensity was monitored using the rate of perceived exertion, perceived speed of movement, and training load (as a percentage of 1 repetition maximum). Cognitive strategies were used to improve competition performance, and psychological arousal levels needed to increase or be maintained in competition. Electrolyte drinks, caffeine, and preworkout supplements were the commonly used supplements. These data will provide strongman athletes and coaches some insight into common competition-day preparation strategies, which may enhance competition performances. Future research could compare different competition-day preparation strategies in an attempt to further improve strongman competition performance and injury prevention.
Curve Similarity Model for Real-Time Gait Phase Detection Based on Ground Contact Forces

This paper proposed a new novel method to adaptively detect gait patterns in real time through the ground contact forces (GCFs) measured by load cell. The curve similarity model (CSM) is used to identify the division of off-ground and on-ground statuses, and differentiate gait patterns based on the detection rules. Traditionally, published threshold-based methods detect gait patterns by means of setting a fixed threshold to divide the GCFs into on-ground and off-ground statuses. However, the threshold-based methods in the literature are neither an adaptive nor a real-time approach. In this paper, the curve is composed of a series of continuous or discrete ordered GCF data points, and the CSM is built offline to obtain a training template. Then, the testing curve is compared with the training template to figure out the degree of similarity. If the computed degree of similarity is less than a given threshold, they are considered to be similar, which would lead to the division of off-ground and on-ground statuses. Finally, gait patterns could be differentiated according to the status division based on the detection rules. In order to test the detection error rate of the proposed method, a method in the literature is introduced as the reference method to obtain comparative results. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method could be used for real-time gait pattern detection, detect the gait patterns adaptively, and obtain a low error rate compared with the reference method.
Increased Immune Activation by Pathologic α‐Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease

Excessive inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) and the periphery can result in neurodegeneration and parkinsonism. Recent evidence suggests that immune responses in Parkinson disease patients are dysregulated, leading to an increased inflammatory reaction to unspecific triggers. Although α‐synuclein pathology is the hallmark of Parkinson disease, it has not been investigated whether pathologic α‐synuclein is a specific trigger for excessive inflammatory responses in Parkinson disease.
Extraction of Inherent Frequency Components of Multiway EEG Data Using Two-Stage Neural Canonical Correlation Analysis

This paper presents an algorithm for extracting underlying frequency components of massive Electroencephalogram (EEG) data. Frequency components of these data play a vital role to realize brain-body condition. Usually, a huge amount of time and specially built computers are essential to process these EEG data having different subjects. It also restricts to visualize inherent frequency of EEG for a general practitioner. An algorithm is developed using two-stage cascaded architecture of canonical correlation analysis with neural network named multiway neural canonical correlation analysis (MNCCA) to address three major challenges for extracting frequency components from EEG data, such as: (a) It processes multiway data which are feed sequentially into neural network, rather than feeding whole data at a time, (b) It uses the conventional personal computer instead of special computer built for such application, (c) It spends very short time for a moderate data set consisting of several ways (time, trials and channels). The experimental results are obtained with three different kinds of networks having linear, nonlinear and nonlinear feedback structures. The inherent dominant frequency of 1 Hz having a quite resemblance with EEG landscape has been found. This provides a great opportunity in analyzing brain-body function.
Feeding Systems And Feed Evaluation Models

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“An indelible mark” the response to participation in euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide among doctors: A review of research findings

Abstract Introduction The debate regarding euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (E/PAS) raises key issues about the role of the doctor, and the professional, ethical, and clinical dimensions of the doctor-patient relationship. This review aimed to examine the published evidence regarding the response of doctors who have participated in E/PAS. Methods Original research papers were identified reporting either qualitative or qualitative data published in peer-reviewed literature between 1980 and March 2018, with a specific focus on the impact on, or response from, physicians to their participation in E/PAS. PRISMA and CASP guidelines were followed. Results Nine relevant papers met selection criteria. Given the limited published data, a descriptive synthesis of quantitative and qualitative findings was performed. Quantitative surveys were limited in scope but identified a mixed set of responses. Where studies measured psychological impact, 30–50% of doctors described emotional burden or discomfort about participation, while findings also identified a comfort or satisfaction in believing the request of the patient was met. Significant, ongoing adverse personal impact was reported between 15% to 20%. A minority of doctors sought personal support, generally from family or friends, rather than colleagues. The themes identified from the qualitative studies were summarized as: 1) coping with a request; 2) understanding the patient; 3) the doctor's role and agency in the death of a patient; 4) the personal impact on the doctor; and 5) professional guidance and support. Significance of results Participation in E/PAS can have a significant emotional impact on participating clinicians. For some doctors, participation can contrast with perception of professional roles, responsibilities, and personal expectations. Despite the importance of this issue to medical practice, this is a largely neglected area of empirical research. The limited studies to date highlight the need to address the responses and impact on clinicians, and the support for clinicians as they navigate this challenging area.
Past, present, and future of circRNAs

Exonic circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules generated by a process named back‐splicing. circRNAs are highly abundant in eukaryotes, and many of them are evolutionary conserved. In metazoans, circular RNAs are expressed in a tissue‐specific manner, are highly stable, and accumulate with age in neural tissues. circRNA biogenesis can regulate the production of the linear RNA counterpart in cis as back‐splicing competes with linear splicing. Recent reports also demonstrate functions for some circRNAs in trans: Certain circRNAs interact with microRNAs, some are translated, and circRNAs have been shown to regulate immune responses and behavior. Here, we review current knowledge about animal circRNAs and summarize new insights into potential circRNA functions, concepts of their origin, and possible future directions in the field.
A Web-Based Exercise System (e-CuidateChemo) to Counter the Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Breast cancer patients have to face a high-risk state during chemotherapy, which involves deterioration of their health including extensive physical deterioration. Face-to-face physical exercise programs have presented low adherence rates during medical treatment, and telehealth systems could improve these adherence rates. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based exercise program (e-CuidateChemo) to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy on the physical being, anthropometric aspects, and body composition. Methods A total of 68 patients diagnosed with breast cancer, who were undergoing chemotherapy, were enrolled. The patients were categorized into two groups: e-CuidateChemo (n=34) and controls (n=34). The e-CuidateChemo group participated in an adapted 8-week tailored exercise program through a Web-based system. A blinded, trained researcher assessed functional capacity, strength, anthropometric parameters, and body composition. The intervention effects were tested using analysis of covariance and Cohen d tests. Results Functional capacity improved significantly in the e-CuidateChemo group compared to the control group (6-minute walk test: 62.07 [SD 130.09] m versus –26.34 [SD 82.21] m; 6-minute walk test % distance predicted: 10.81% [SD 22.69%] m versus –4.60% [SD 14.58%]; between-group effect: P=.015 for both). The intervention group also showed significantly improved secondary outcomes such as between-group effects for abdominal (24.93 [SD 26.83] s vs –18.59 [SD 38.69] s), back (12.45 [SD 10.20] kg vs 1.39 [10.72] kg), and lower body (–2.82 [SD 3.75] s vs 1.26 [SD 2.84] s) strength; all P<. 001 compared to the control group. Conclusions This paper showed that a Web-based exercise program was effective in reversing the detriment in functional capacity and strength due to chemotherapy. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02350582; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02350582
Parser-independent Semantic Tree Alignment

We describe an approach for training a semantic role labeler through cross-lingual projection between different types of parse trees, with the purpose of enhancing tree alignment on the level of syntactic translation divergences. After applying an existing semantic role labeler to parse trees in a resource-rich language (English), we partially project the semantic information to the parse trees of the corresponding target sentences (specifically in Dutch), based on word alignment. After this precision-oriented projection, we apply a method for training a semantic role labeler which consists in determining a large set of features describing target predicates and predicate-role connections, independently from the type of tree annotation (phrase structure or dependencies). These features describe tree paths starting at or connecting nodes. The semantic role labeling method does not require any knowledge of the parser nor manual intervention. We evaluated the performance of the cross-lingual projection and semantic role labeling using an English parser assigning PropBank labels and Dutch manually annotated parses, and are currently studying ways to use the predicted semantic information for enhancing tree alignment.
A Technique for Hardware Implementation of Neural Networks using FPGA

It has been constantly studied to implement the McCulloch-Pitts type neuron model as an digital circuit. However, the neuron model is based on the computation of inner products of input vectors by weight vectors. Therefore it needs large scale hardware resources for implementation. In this paper, we proposed a novel hardware implementation method of a neuron model which is based on a pulsed neuron model. In the pulsed neuron model, pulses are regarded as the input and output signals, and there is no multiplier. We also showed a hardware implementation for the learning system of the neuron model. key words Pulsed Neuron,Degital Circuit,FPGA,Learning Rule