Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuro-Sjögren: Peripheral Neuropathy With Limb Weakness in Sjögren's Syndrome

Objective: Sjögren's syndrome is a heterogeneous inflammatory disorder frequently involving peripheral nerves with a wide spectrum of sensory modalities and distribution patterns. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine characteristics of Sjögren's syndrome as a cause for severe neuropathy with limb weakness. Methods: One hundred and eighty four patients with polyneuropathy associated with limb weakness underwent routine diagnostics including investigations for Sjögren's syndrome. Forty-four patients with Sjögren's syndrome (ACR-EULAR classification criteria) and severe neuropathy were identified. Results: Sjögren's syndrome was found at a median age of 63 years and the gender distribution showed a balanced female-male ratio of 1:1. Anti-SSA(Ro) antibodies were detected in 48% while seronegative patients were diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome based on sialadenitis on minor salivary gland biopsy with a focus score ≥1. The majority of patients (93%) were diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome after neurological symptoms appeared. Limbs were symmetrically involved in 84% of patients (57% tetraparesis, 27% paraparesis). Sensory function was not affected in 11% of patients indicating that Sjögren's syndrome associated neuropathy can present as a pure motor syndrome. Electrophysiological measurements did not reveal pathognomonic findings (23% demyelinating pattern, 36% axonal pattern, 41% both demyelinating and axonal damage signs). More than half of our patients fulfilled the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) diagnostic criteria for CIDP indicating that distinction between Neuro-Sjögren and other causes of neuropathy such as CIDP is challenging. Interpretation: Our findings show that severe neuropathy with limb weakness is often associated with Sjögren's syndrome. This is of great importance in identifying and understanding the causes of immune mediated polyneuropathy.
Nasal Placode Development, GnRH Neuronal Migration and Kallmann Syndrome

The development of Gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH) neurons is important for a functional reproduction system in vertebrates. Disruption of GnRH results in hypogonadism and if accompanied by anosmia is termed Kallmann Syndrome (KS). From their origin in the nasal placode, GnRH neurons migrate along the olfactory-derived vomeronasal axons to the nasal forebrain junction and then turn caudally into the developing forebrain. Although research on the origin of GnRH neurons, their migration and genes associated with KS has identified multiple factors that influence development of this system, several aspects still remain unclear. This review discusses development of the olfactory system, factors that regulate GnRH neuron formation and development of the olfactory system, migration of the GnRH neurons from the nose into the brain, and mutations in humans with KS that result from disruption of normal GnRH/olfactory systems development.
Gut Microbiota Differs Between Parkinson’s Disease Patients and Healthy Controls in Northeast China

Background: There is accumulating evidence suggesting a connection between the gut and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Gut microbiota may play an important role in the intestinal lesions in PD patients. Objective: This study aims to determine whether gut microbiota differs between PD patients and healthy controls in Northeast of China, and to identify the factors that influence the changes in the gut microbiota. Methods: We enrolled 51 PD patients and 48 healthy controls in this study. Microbial species in stool samples were determined through 16S-rRNA gene sequencing. Dietary intakes were collected from a subset of 42 patients and 23 controls using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Gut microbiota species richness, diversity, differential abundance of individual taxa between PD patients and controls, and the relationship between the gut microbiota abundance and the dietary and clinical factors were analyzed. Results: PD patients showed decreased species richness, phylogenetic diversity, β- diversity, and altered relative abundance in several taxa compared to the controls. PD- associated clinical scores appeared to be the most influential factors that correlated with the abundance of a variety of taxa. The most consistent findings suggested by multiple analyses used in this study were the increase of Akkermansia and the decrease of Lactobacillus in PD patients in Northeast China. Conclusion: Gut microbiota significantly differed between a group of PD patients and healthy controls in Northeast China, with decreased species richness, phylogenetic diversity, β-diversity, and altered relative abundance in several taxa compared to the controls.
Activation of Mirror Neuron Regions Is Altered in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)–Neurophysiological Evidence Using an Action Observation Paradigm

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have difficulty performing and learning motor skills. Automatic activation of the mirror neuron system (MNS) during action observation and its coupling to the motor output system are important neurophysiological processes that underpin observational motor learning. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that MNS function is disrupted in children with DCD by using sensitive electroencephalography (EEG)-based measures of MNS activation during action observation. Specifically, we predicted reduced mu-suppression and coherence in DCD compared with typically developing children. Neural activation of the motor network was measured by EEG, specifically event-related desynchronization (ERD) of mu rhythms and fronto-parietal coherence. Children (15 DCD/15 controls) were tested under two task conditions: observational learning (imitation of an observed action) and detection (report a deviant movement after observation). EEG-metrics were compared between groups using linear mixed-effects models. As predicted, children with DCD showed lower levels of mu suppression and reduced modulation of coherence during the observational learning task compared with their non-DCD peers. Notably, mu suppression was reduced in DCD over the entire imitation task (repetitions, and both observation and pause intervals). Action observation can be used for the acquisition of new motor skills. This form of learning entails the transposition of the observed action to the existing internal representations of the observer’s own motor system. The present neurophysiological results suggest that this process of learning is impaired in children with DCD. The results are discussed in relation to current hypotheses on mechanisms of DCD.
Structural Relaxation in Polyanionic Sodium Fluorophosphate Glasses

Structural heterogeneity is a common feature of all glasses, however, little is known about the underlying contributions of chemical fluctuations and modulations in free volume in concrete glass forming systems. In this investigation, we relate the dynamics of structural relaxation of (100-x)NaPO3–xAlF3 glasses to their heterogeneous structure as determined from multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis. For this, we evaluate differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data using the integral isoconversional method to determine the variation in activation energy, Ea, of the glass transition as a function of temperature and conversion progress. Specific heat measurements from DSC allow for the determination of the effective size of the cooperatively rearranging region (CRR). From 31P, 19F and 27Al NMR, we observe that the introduction of AlF3 into the NaPO3 network increases the average connectivity (i.e., the number of heteronuclear Al—O—P bonds), rationalizing the higher Ea determined from the DSC measurements. We find highly constrained regions of Al(OP)4F2 with Al—F—Al cross-linking (high Ea) and, simultaneously, more flexible regions of phosphate chains containing P—F··(Na+)n bonds (low Ea); this results in a topologically and dynamically heterogeneous structure as evidenced by the increased variability in Ea with higher AlF3 content. The decreasing size of the CRR reflects the increased heterogeneity: at low AlF3 the CRR is large, while at high AlF3 (high heterogeneity), the CRR is significantly smaller (by a factor of 103). Finally, we relate the heterogeneity to other macroscopic properties, such as Tg and mechanical properties.
Innovative cost-effective method to repair lacrimal cannaliculi laceration – finding proximal end and stent

Purpose: To explore a new technique to find out the proximal end of lacerated canaliculi and a new material for the stent. Methods: Surgery was performed on 9 eyes of 9 patients using a 5/0 prolene suture needle as a modified probe. Prolene suture was inserted as a stent and left in place for two months. All the data were analyzed. Results: The surgery was successful in all cases and the prolene were removed after two months. The mean follow-up time after the tube removal was 3.8 months (range 3–6 months). No other complications associated with the prolene sutures were noticed except for epiphora and corneal irritation in three cases. All the tubes were removed successfully without any difficulty. No iatrogenic injuries occurred during prolene removal. Conclusions: The reported surgical technique is a very cost-effective option for lacrimal canalicular laceration repair.
Role of Endometrial Autophagy in Physiological and Pathophysiological Processes

Endometrium is the mucosal lining of the uterus which expressed a cyclic process of proliferation, secretion and scaling under the control of hormones secreted by the ovary, and it also plays an indispensable role in the embryo implantation, the constitution of fetal-maternal interface, and the maintaining of pregnancy. In pathophysiological conditions, the abnormality or disorder of endometrium may lead to endometrium-related diseases, such as endometriosis, endometrium hyperplasia and even endometrial carcinoma. In recent years, more and more evidence revealed that autophagy exists in both the endometrium stroma cells and epithelial cells, and the activity of autophagy is changed in the different phases of menstruation, as well as in the endometrium-related diseases. Here, we aim to review the activity level, the regulatory factors and the function of autophagy in physiological and pathophysiological endometria, and to discuss the potential value of autophagy as a target for therapies of endometrium-related diseases.
Redescription of the Dikraneurini leafhopper Dikrellamella Ruppel & DeLong, 1952 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) with a synoptic checklist of leafhoppers on avocado trees in Mexico

Abstract Among leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), only Typhlocybinae are known in Mexico to inhabit avocado, an important horticultural crop. In this paper, a potential avocado pest, Dikrellamella Ruppel & DeLong, 1952, is redescribed and illustrated. Additionally, a detailed checklist and a key for all known species of Typhlocybinae associated with avocado trees in Mexico are provided.
Pseudoflow with OCT Angiography in Eyes with Hard Exudates and Macular Drusen

Purpose To analyze “pseudoflow,” a false positive flow-artifact observed with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of stationary hyperreflective structures corresponding to hard exudates and macular drusen. Methods Retrospective case series of patients with hard exudates (due to diabetic macular edema [DME] or retinal vein occlusion [RVO]) or macular drusen (due to nonneovascular, or dry, age-related macular degeneration [AMD]) studied with OCTA by using volume-based projection artifact removal (3D PAR). Results OCTA of 20 eyes (10 DME/10 RVO) with hard exudates were analyzed. All eyes exhibited pseudoflow corresponding to hard exudates. Seven eyes concurrently demonstrated hard exudates without pseudoflow that were noted in areas lacking vascular flow in the overlying retina. Eight eyes exhibited suspended scattering particles in motion. In 26 of 30 eyes with nonneovascular AMD, pseudoflow associated with macular drusen of any type was noted. Two of 11 eyes with small drusen, 16 of 17 eyes with medium or large drusen, 5 of 5 eyes with drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment, 12 of 16 eyes with ribbon-like subretinal drusenoid deposits, and 13 of 17 eyes with dot-like SDD exhibited pseudoflow. Conclusions Pseudoflow due to projection artifact is common in eyes with hard exudates or macular drusen. 3D PAR reduces but does not eliminate pseudoflow, and pseudoflow may be detected within the foveal avascular zone, indicating that other factors, such as Z-axis micromotion, may also contribute to pseudoflow. Translational Relevance This study provides insight into the etiology of pseudoflow noted on OCTA and will guide more accurate clinical interpretation and investigation of OCTA images.
Illustrated State‐of‐the‐Art Capsules of the ISTH 2019 Congress in Melbourne, Australia

The 27th Congress of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) is an international conference held July 6‐10, 2019, in Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, Australia. The ISTH congress has previously been held every other year, with the Scientific and Standardization Committee (SSC) meeting held annually, until 2019 when it became one combined annual meeting of the ISTH and SSC. The conference covers clinical and basic aspects of hemostasis and thrombosis, and this year includes 5 Plenary lectures and >50 State of Art (SOA) lectures, presented by internationally recognized speakers, as well as numerous oral session and poster presentations selected from submitted abstracts, including many early career and reach the world support recipients. This SOA review article in RPTH contains concise Illustrated Review Articles or ‘Capsules’ consisting of short text, three references and a figure, with topics including stroke, cancer‐associated thrombosis, hemophilia, coagulation, the interface between infection and inflammation, and in the experimental and discovery areas, megakaryocyte biology and platelet production, structure‐function of key receptors and coagulation factors, and emerging new roles for thrombotic/hemostatic factors. Together, these articles highlight novel findings which will advance knowledge and with the potential to change clinical practice and improve outcomes. It is hoped that conference attendees and followers will enjoy utilizing the images for ongoing education and during the conference for live tweeting during sessions, to assist in the broadcasting and promotion of the science to those unable to attend, or who have chosen to attend a concurrent session. Use #IllustratedReview and #ISTH2019 on social media.
Immunopotentiator Aikejia improves the therapeutic efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 immunosuppressive pathway in CT26.WT cancer cell

Tumors can escape immunosurveillance through immunocheckpoint such as the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Aikejia comes from Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton and can increase the number of inflammatory factors and immune cells. In this work, we showed that the levels of PD-L1 increase in CT26.WT xenograft after subcutaneous injection of Aikejia in mice, but Aikejia did not induce the expression of PD-L1 in vitro. When we treated the mice with Aikejia and blocked PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in vivo at the same time, the CT26.WT xenografts were significantly inhibited or eliminated, which was better than single treatment alone. Our results suggested that Aikejia may be an effective adjuvant for PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
Driving Style: How Should an Automated Vehicle Behave?

This article reports on a study to investigate how the driving behaviour of autonomous vehicles influences trust and acceptance. Two different designs were presented to two groups of participants (n = 22/21), using actual autonomously driving vehicles. The first was a vehicle programmed to drive similarly to a human, “peeking” when approaching road junctions as if it was looking before proceeding. The second design had a vehicle programmed to convey the impression that it was communicating with other vehicles and infrastructure and “knew” if the junction was clear so could proceed without ever stopping or slowing down. Results showed non-significant differences in trust between the two vehicle behaviours. However, there were significant increases in trust scores overall for both designs as the trials progressed. Post-interaction interviews indicated that there were pros and cons for both driving styles, and participants suggested which aspects of the driving styles could be improved. This paper presents user information recommendations for the design and programming of driving systems for autonomous vehicles, with the aim of improving their users’ trust and acceptance.
A Ground Experiment System of a Free-Floating Robot for Fine Manipulation

Robotic systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in future space activities with the development of space technology. One broad area of application is in the servicing, construction and maintenance of satellites and large space structures in orbit. Fine manipulation technology is very important for space robots to be able to perform these tasks, since it must ensure safe and reliable interaction with objects or the environment. In order to assure the task is accomplished successfully, ground experimentations are required in order to verify key planning and control algorithms before the space robot is launched. In this paper, based on the concept of a hybrid approach combining the mathematical model with the physical model, a ground experiment system is set up, which is composed of two industrial robots, global and hand-eye visual equipment, six-axis force/torquesensors, guide rail and four computers. Many control approaches of fine manipulation, such as compliance control, impedance control, hybrid force/position control, intelligent control and so on, can be verified using this system. As an example, a contour curves tracking experiment based on the compliance control strategy is performed. Experiment results show that the ground system is very useful for verifying the dexterous manipulation technology of space robots.
A Survey on Existing Extractive Text Summarization Techniques

This paper presents a survey on different extractive techniques of text summarization. Text Summarization is a challenging problem these days. The rapid development of emerging technologies poses new challenges to this research field. A summary can give an overview of the original document in a shorter period of time. Readers may decide whether or not to read the complete document after going through the summary. Internet is a great advancement in the field of technology. Nowadays, people can search on Internet for everything. Internet provides large amount of information in the form of web pages. Thus, it is impossible for a person to read web pages completely and make the selection of required web pages. So, the need of producing summaries has become more and more widespread. Summarization offers the possibility of finding main points of text and so the user will spend less time on reading the whole document. Different types of summary might be useful in various applications and summarization can be classified based on these types. Summarization is a very useful task that gives support to many other tasks as well as, it takes advantage of the techniques developed for related Natural Language Processing tasks. Keywords— Text Summarization, Natural Language Processing, Centroid, Cluster
Using Cloud Computing in Higher Education: A Strategy to Improve Agility in the Current Financial Crisis

In the current financial crisis and being challenged by growing needs, universities are facing problems in providing necessary information technology (IT) support for educational, research and development activities. The objective of this paper is to find alternatives to the use of IT, while leading universities to improve agility and obtain savings. The research methodology consisted in a rigorous analysis of the latest research on Cloud Computing as an alternative to IT provision, management and security. It also took into account the best practices for Cloud Computing usage within universities, plus the authors’ experience in IT and higher education. The article begins with a brief introduction to Cloud Computing in universities, referring to the most important results obtained so far. Further, a starting point for universities to use Cloud Computing is provided, by proposing an adoption strategy. The strategy includes five stages, with emphasis on the evaluation of data and processes/functions/applications from several major universities based on some key criteria, while creating a correspondence between these aspects and the models/services/applications that exist on the Cloud market. The results obtained are encouraging and support the use of Cloud solutions in universities by improving knowledge in this field and providing a practical guide adaptable to the university’s structure. In order to be applicable in practice, the proposed model takes into account the university’s architecture and criteria such as mission, availability and importance of applications and also the data’s mission, sensitivity, confidentiality, integrity and availability.
Technological, institutional and situational influences on student persistence

Understanding plausible variables affecting persistence in open distance learning (ODL) outlooks were explored. It was aimed at exposing associated factors and their attributes, how and in what routines they were interrelated remarked by Universitas Terbuka overseas students. The study was accomplished using exploratory-design. It was qualitatively identified first six variables involved: persistence; epistemological and technological; situational, institutional and dispositional factors. They were quantitatively categorised as the dependent, intervening and independent variables, respectively. Instruments in unified list of queries for review and focus-group discussion (for qualitative) and questionnaires related to the six variables involved (for quantitative) were developed. The ultimate of qualitative approach was aimed at establishing frameworks and hypotheses. Data were processed using structural equation model (SEM) to validate 12 hypotheses; ten were statistically validated. The results confirmed the prominent influence on persistence was technological factor followed by institutional and situational. Variably, persistence was insignificantly affected by epistemological and dispositional.