Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intracrinology and menopause: the science describing the cell-specific intracellular formation of estrogens and androgens from DHEA and their strictly local action and inactivation in peripheral tissues

Abstract The secretion of estrogens by the ovaries stops at menopause. Afterward, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) becomes the only source of both estrogens and androgens during all the postmenopausal years. To maintain very low and biologically inactive concentrations of estrogens and androgens in the circulation, DHEA is transformed intracellularly into cell-specific small amounts of estrogens and androgens (except in the endometrium) which then act and are inactivated locally in the same cells, thus avoiding biologically significant systemic exposure to active sex steroids. The secretion of DHEA, however, mainly of adrenal origin, has already decreased by an average of 60% at the time of menopause and it continues to decrease thereafter with a parallel lowering in available intracellular estrogens and androgens. Consequently, after the arrest of estrogen secretion by the ovaries, the loss of DHEA becomes practically responsible for the symptoms and signs of menopause. Replacing what is missing, namely DHEA, at the right place, at the right time, and in the right amount, seems to be the logical and physiological approach for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and signs, as recently demonstrated for pain at sexual activity (dyspareunia), the most bothersome symptom of vulvovaginal atrophy due to menopause.
An Innovative Framework for Combining Set Similarity Join Algorithms and Clustering

Centered around the data cleaning and integration research area, in this paper we propose SjClust, a framework to integrate similarity join and clustering into a single operation. The basic idea of our proposal consists in introducing a variety of cluster representations that are smoothly merged during the set similarity task, carried out by the join algorithm. An optimization task is further applied on top of such framework. The framework exposes a wide number of application scenarios where it can be used effectively and efficiently.
Registration of ultrasound echography for intraoperative use: a newly developed multiproperty method

Nowadays, several studies on 3D medical image registration are being investigated. The main purpose of these studies is to integrate complimentary information provided by different modalities. This paper describes a newly developed registration method of ultrasound echography to 3D medical image. The registration process consists of two stages. In the first stage, a registration process of the ultrasound echography to the pre- operative 3D images is performed using a position sensor. This is a rigid transformation, which can't provide a perfect match because the intra-operative organ is deformed or moved. The second step is a local matching process, where the current position of the ultrasound echography is approximated with a search-based surface matching algorithm. We used the 3D chamfer matching for this approximation. In this method, a goodness-of- match function, i.e., generalized distance, that rates the geometrical transformation is computed and minimized. In a preliminary experiment, the search-based matching process was examined. The algorithm and its accuracy were evaluated with an artificial transformed set of coordinates given as the initial guess. We also performed a clinical application and results confirmed the suitability of this method to clinical use.
IRIS NELSONII (IRIDACEAE): ORIGIN AND GENETIC COMPOSITION OF A HOMOPLOID HYBRID SPECIES.

Nuclear and chloroplast DNA variation was assayed for two populations of Louisiana irises (Bayou Teche and Young's Coulee) that demonstrated extreme morphological variation and for a sample of the putative hybrid species, Iris nelsonii. The genetic markers examined in this analysis were diagnostic for either Iris fulva. Iris hexagona, or Iris brevicaulis. These data demonstrated that the two morphologically variable populations were hybrid associations involving all three of these species and that all three of these species were involved in the origin of I. nelsonii. The distribution of genetic variation in I. nelsonii was significantly different from that present in either of the two hybrid populations. I. nelsonii demonstrated significantly fewer foreign markers than the two hybrid populations. This finding is in accord with the prediction that I. nelsonii is a hybrid species that has undergone stabilization with regard to genetic recombination and segregation. Although the genotypic makeup of I. nelsonii was significantly different from other parental and hybrid populations, individual plants from this species cannot be unequivocally differentiated from either I. fulva or certain hybrid genotypes. This reflects the paradoxical nature of genotypic variation in hybrid species. Thus, a hybrid species may include genotypes that overlap with both parental and contemporary hybrid populations. In the case of I. nelsonii it is necessary to utilize additional information (morphological, chromosomal, ecological) to identify plants belonging to this taxon. One hybrid population (Young's Coulee) is suggested as a paradigm for the progenitor population that gave rise to I. nelsonii.
The Role of Depression and Social Support on Readmission Rates Within One Year of Traumatic Injury

Objective: Hospital readmission rates have become a quality metric—particularly in trauma and acute care, where up to one third of individuals with traumatic injury return to the hospital. Thus, identifying predictors of readmission is a priority in an effort to reduce readmissions. Based on previous theoretical work, this study tests the utility of social support and depression in predicting readmissions up to one year after initial injury. Method: Data from 180 injured individuals admitted to a large, urban Level 1 trauma center were matched to a regional readmissions database. Logistic regression was used to assess whether social support levels or positive depression screens during initial trauma visit predicted unplanned (a) readmissions or (b) emergency/urgent outpatient visits. Results: Within the sample, there were 32 total readmissions and 50 total emergency outpatient encounters following initial injury. Depression continued to be a risk factor for emergency outpatient visits only (OR = 2.75). Patients with greater social integration (OR = 0.78), more guidance (advice or information; OR = 0.72) and more reliable alliance (OR = 0.72) as forms of social support were less likely to readmit. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the utility of screening for depression and social support in predicting readmission within one year after traumatic injury. Future efforts should continue emphasizing the impact of initial depression and the need for patients to have trusted individuals in their lives to whom they can turn during recovery; doing so may lower the probability that patients return to hospital.
Dynamics between Disturbances and Motivations in Educational Mobile Games

<p class="0abstractCxSpFirst"><span lang="EN-US">Understanding engagement in games provides great opportunities for developing motivating educational games. However, even good games may induce disturbances on the learner. Therefore, we go further than presenting only results and discussion related to the motivation aspects and disturbance factors of the playing experience in UFractions (Ubiquitous fractions) storytelling mobile game. Namely, we define the dynamics between these two important game features. Sample of the case study was 305 middle school pupils in South Africa, Finland, and Mozambique. </span></p><p class="0abstractCxSpLast"><span lang="EN-US">Guidelines for game developers, users and educators were derived from the interplay of disturbance factors and motivations. Furthermore, we defined six different learning zones deriving from disturbances the player is facing and the player’s motivation level. </span></p>
Findings from a large Asian chronic hepatitis C real‐life study

There is a paucity of information on chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients treated with direct antiviral agents (DAAs) in Asia. We invited Asia‐Pacific physicians to collate databases of patients enrolled for CHC treatment, recording baseline clinical, virologic and biochemical characteristics, sustained virologic response at week 12 (SVR12) and virologic failure. SVR12 outcome was based on intention to treat (ITT). Multivariate analysis was used to assess independent risk factors for SVR12 using SPSS version 20. A total of 2171 patients from India (n = 977), Myanmar (n = 552), Pakistan (n = 406), Thailand (n = 139), Singapore (n = 72) and Malaysia (n = 25) were collected. At baseline, mean age was 49 years, 50.2% were males, and 41.8% had cirrhosis. Overall, SVR12 was 89.5% and by genotype (GT) based on ITT and treatment completion, respectively, was 91% and 92% for GT1, 100% and 100% for GT2, 91% and 97% for GT3, 64% and 95% for GT4, 87% and 87% for GT6 and 79% and 91% for GT untested. Patients with cirrhosis had SVR12 of 85% vs 93% for noncirrhosis (P < 0.001) (RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4‐3.1, P = 0.0002). Patients with GT1 and GT3 treated with sofosbuvir/ribavirin (SR) had 88% and 89% SVR12, respectively, but those GT6 treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SL) had only 77.6% SVR12. Multivariate analysis showed absence of cirrhosis was associated with higher SVR12 (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3‐3.1, P = 0.002).
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with heart failure - review

Research conducted in the last two decades suggests that neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the lower limb muscles (NMES) may be a „bridge” to conventional exercise or an alternative for patients with advanced chronic heart failure (CHF), non-compliant or non-responsive to physical training. Through stimulating the work of the skeletal muscles, NMES increases the functional capacity, muscle mass and endurance in patients with CHF. A beneficial effect of NMES on functional capacity, vascular endothelial function, quality of life and aerobic enzymes activity has been shown. A significant benefit of this novel therapy in heart failure is the fact that the procedure can be home-based, after prior guidance of the patient.
High-Resolution Genetic Map and QTL Analysis of Growth-Related Traits of Hevea brasiliensis Cultivated Under Suboptimal Temperature and Humidity Conditions

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivation is the main source of natural rubber worldwide and has been extended to areas with suboptimal climates and lengthy drought periods; this transition affects growth and latex production. High-density genetic maps with reliable markers support precise mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), which can help reveal the complex genome of the species, provide tools to enhance molecular breeding, and shorten the breeding cycle. In this study, QTL mapping of the stem diameter, tree height, and number of whorls was performed for a full-sibling population derived from a GT1 and RRIM701 cross. A total of 225 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 186 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to construct a base map with 18 linkage groups and to anchor 671 SNPs from genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to produce a very dense linkage map with small intervals between loci. The final map was composed of 1,079 markers, spanned 3,779.7 cM with an average marker density of 3.5 cM, and showed collinearity between markers from previous studies. Significant variation in phenotypic characteristics was found over a 59-month evaluation period with a total of 38 QTLs being identified through a composite interval mapping method. Linkage group 4 showed the greatest number of QTLs (7), with phenotypic explained values varying from 7.67% to 14.07%. Additionally, we estimated segregation patterns, dominance, and additive effects for each QTL. A total of 53 significant effects for stem diameter were observed, and these effects were mostly related to additivity in the GT1 clone. Associating accurate genome assemblies and genetic maps represents a promising strategy for identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic traits in rubber trees. Then, further research can benefit from the QTLs identified herein, providing a better understanding of the key determinant genes associated with growth of Hevea brasiliensis under limiting water conditions.
Deep neural network processing of DEER data

Deep neural networks successfully solve Fredholm equations and extract molecular-scale distance distributions from EPR data. The established model-free methods for the processing of two-electron dipolar spectroscopy data [DEER (double electron-electron resonance), PELDOR (pulsed electron double resonance), DQ-EPR (double-quantum electron paramagnetic resonance), RIDME (relaxation-induced dipolar modulation enhancement), etc.] use regularized fitting. In this communication, we describe an attempt to process DEER data using artificial neural networks trained on large databases of simulated data. Accuracy and reliability of neural network outputs from real experimental data were found to be unexpectedly high. The networks are also able to reject exchange interactions and to return a measure of uncertainty in the resulting distance distributions. This paper describes the design of the training databases, discusses the training process, and rationalizes the observed performance. Neural networks produced in this work are incorporated as options into Spinach and DeerAnalysis packages.
Smart Care Beds for Elderly Patients with Impaired Mobility

Most accidents occurring at medical institutions treating elderly patients with mobility impairment are bedsores and fall accidents. One of the reasons for this high rate of accidents is the lack of nursing personnel. In order to aid caregivers in nursing elderly patients who are not able to move about freely, in this paper, we propose a design and implementation of a smart bed. In this bed, several pressure sensors are deployed underneath the mattress cover to consider both peoples’ standard physical characteristics and the specific body parts where bedsores commonly occur. To manage the pressure ulcer area and to prevent falls, the body area is divided into three vertical areas and three horizontal areas. Each microcontroller unit manages pressure-sensing information in one of the body regions divided horizontally. In this study, a real-time pressure-sensing algorithm is presented that is capable of deciding on the possibilities of bedsores and falling accidents by considering both the intensity and the duration of pressure of specific body parts. Our experimental results demonstrate that a prototype smart bed works well for several human models of various heights and weights.
Loss of α-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (αCGRP) Reduces Otolith Activation Timing Dynamics and Impairs Balance

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuroactive peptide that is thought to play a role at efferent synapses in hair cell organs including the cochlea, lateral line, and semicircular canal. The deletion of CGRP in transgenic mice is associated with a significant reduction in suprathreshold cochlear nerve activity and vestibulo–ocular reflex (VOR) gain efficacy when compared to littermate controls. Here we asked whether the loss of CGRP also influences otolithic end organ function and contributes to balance impairments. Immunostaining for CGRP was absent in the otolithic end organs of αCGRP null (-/-) mice while choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunolabeling appeared unchanged suggesting the overall gross development of efferent innervation in otolithic organs was unaltered. Otolithic function was assessed by quantifying the thresholds, suprathreshold amplitudes, and latencies of vestibular sensory-evoked potentials (VsEPs) while general balance function was assessed using a modified rotarod assay. The loss of αCGRP in null (-/-) mice was associated with: (1) shorter VsEP latencies without a concomitant change in amplitude or thresholds, and (2) deficits in the rotarod balance assay. Our findings show that CGRP loss results in faster otolith afferent activation timing, suggesting that the CGRP component of the efferent vestibular system (EVS) also plays a role in otolithic organ dynamics, which when coupled with reduced VOR gain efficacy, impairs balance.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with b3a3 (e14a3) Fusion: A Rare BCR/ABL Rearrangement Presenting with Thrombocytosis - Does MTHFR Polymorphism Matter

Fusion of b2a2 is the most common BCR/ABL rearrangement in CML; however, absent a2 exons are very rare. We describe a case with Philadelphia-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with a very rare b3a3 (e14a3) BCR/ABL junction. To our knowledge, only 15 such cases of CML have previously been reported. These uncommon transcripts may be under-reported, since RT-PCR-based assays may fail to detect these fusions due to the location of the primers and probes used. We are reporting this case for the first time which presented with MTHFR mutation and significant thrombocytosis. There is very limited information on how this genotype expresses and responds to treatment, especially to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as compared to classic CML. Also, the relationship between MTHFR mutation and CML is not clear, although studies have been done.
w-Bit Shifting Non-Adjacent Form Conversion

As a unique form of signed-digit representation, non-adjacent form (NAF) minimizes Hamming weight by removing a stream of non-zero bits from the binary representation of positive integer. Thanks to this strong point, NAF has been used in various applications such as cryptography, packet filtering and so on. In this paper, to improve the NAF conversion speed of the 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑤𝑤 algorithm, we propose a new NAF conversion algorithm, called 𝑤𝑤 -bit Shifting Non-Adjacent Form( 𝑆𝑆𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑤𝑤 ), where 𝑤𝑤 is width of scanning window. By skipping some unnecessary bit comparisons, the proposed algorithm improves the NAF conversion speed of the 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑤𝑤 algorithm. To verify the excellence of the 𝑆𝑆𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑤𝑤 algorithm, the 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑤𝑤 algorithm and the 𝑆𝑆𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑤𝑤 algorithm are implemented in the 8-bit microprocessor ATmega128. By measuring CPU cycle counter for the NAF conversion under various input patterns, we show that the 𝑆𝑆𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 2 algorithm not only increases the NAF conversion speed by 24% on average but also reduces deviation in the NAF conversion time for each input pattern by 36%, compared to the 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 2 algorithm. In addition, we show that 𝑆𝑆𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑤𝑤 algorithm is always faster than 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑤𝑤 algorithm, regardless of the size of 𝑤𝑤 .
Querying RDF Data Cubes through Natural Language

In this discussion paper we present QA, a question answering (QA) system over RDF cubes. The system first tags chunks of text with elements of the knowledge base (KB), and then leverages the welldefined structure of data cubes to create the SPARQL query from the tags. For each class of questions with the same structure a SPARQL template is defined. The correct template is chosen by using a set of regex-like patterns, based on both syntactical and semantic features of the tokens extracted from the question. Preliminary results are encouraging and suggest a number of improvements. Over the 50 questions of the QALD-6 challenge, QA can process 44 questions, with 0.59 precision and and 0.62 recall, remarkably improving the state of the art in natural language question answering over data cubes.
The role of genomics in transfusion medicine

Purpose of review To summarize recent advances in red blood cell (RBC) blood group genotyping, with an emphasis on advances in the use of NGS next generation sequencing (NGS) to detect clinically relevant blood group gene variation. Recent findings Genetic information is useful in predicting RBC blood group antigen expression in several clinical contexts, particularly, for patients at high-risk for allosensitization, such as multiple transfused patients. Blood group antigen expression is directed by DNA variants affecting multiply genes. With over 300 known antigens, NGS offers the attractive prospect of comprehensive blood group genotyping. Recent studies from several groups show that NGS reliably detects blood group gene single nucleotide variants (SNVs) with good correlation with other genetic methods and serology. Additionally, new custom NGS methods accurately detect complex DNA variants, including hybrid RH alleles. Thus, recent work shows that NGS detects known and novel blood group gene variants in patients, solves challenging clinical cases, and detects relevant blood group variation in donors. Summary New work shows that NGS is particularly robust in identifying SNVs in blood group genes, whereas custom genomic tools can be used to identify known and novel complex structural variants, including in the RH system.
Social Constraints and Fear of Recurrence in Couples Coping With Early Stage Breast Cancer

Objective: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a top concern of breast cancer (BC) survivors and their spouses. FCR often occurs within an interpersonal context, yet there has been little research on relationship processes that may influence FCR in patients and spouses. It was hypothesized that the inhibition of disclosure of cancer-related concerns, thoughts, and feelings because of perceived partner disinterest or avoidance (termed social constraints) would predict greater FCR in BC patients and their spouses both globally and in the context of everyday life. Method: Two studies, 1 cross-sectional (N = 46 couples) and 1 daily diary (21 days; N = 72 couples), were conducted to examine the between-person and within-person associations between social constraints and FCR in early stage BC patients and their spouses. Assessments were conducted about 6 months after BC surgery. Results: Global social constraints predicted greater global FCR in patients and spouses at the cross-sectional level, controlling for anxiety symptoms, relationship quality, and patient age, physical impairment, and BC stage. At the within-person level, results indicated that on days when more social constraints were reported, both partners were more likely to report greater FCR, controlling for momentary negative affect and relationship quality. Conclusions: This study is the first to examine the within-person association between social constraints and FCR. These findings suggest relationship processes, particularly inhibition of disclosure, can uniquely influence the experience of FCR for both BC patients and their spouses, pointing to an important consideration for future research and possible intervention development.