Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ensembling Convolutional Neural Networks for Ischemic Stroke Lesion Segmentation Based on CT Images

The problem of segmentation of lesion tissue in acute stroke based on CT images is critically important for clinicians. In this paper we describe a method of solving this problem exploiting state-of-art convolutional neural networks, which are now widely used to segment medical images. The ﬁnal prediction is obtained as a result of averaging the predictions of 3 diﬀerent U-Net-based models. The method was developed within the framework of the ISLES-18 challenge and showed quite good results on challenge’s dataset.
Comprehensive Care of the Epilepsy Patient—Control, Comorbidity, and Cost

Summary: Traditionally, control of seizures in patients with epilepsy is viewed as the most important clinical outcome. Yet, current antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) do not always achieve this. Around 30–40% of patients remain uncontrolled despite pharmacological intervention. Poor tolerability of AEDs is a large part of the problem and contributes as much to the overall effectiveness of therapy as efficacy. Comorbid conditions are present in many patients, and appropriate management of these can further improve seizure control and quality of life. Patients with epilepsy often experience—among other disorders—neuropsychological effects, migraines, and psychological problems (especially anxiety and depression). Sleep disturbances are also common and have been shown to contribute to the intractability of seizures in some patients. Many anticonvulsant treatments have the potential to improve—or in some cases worsen—these concurrent conditions, and these properties should therefore be considered in the total care of the patient. Finally, the costs of uncontrolled epilepsy are measured not only in terms of direct healthcare‐related costs, but also in terms of lost productivity and opportunity. The indirect costs of epilepsy are substantial and account for 70–85% of total disease‐related costs. Patients with uncontrolled seizures contribute disproportionately to healthcare costs, reinforcing the need for the development of newer AEDs with improved profiles of efficacy and tolerability, but with minimal adverse effects on behavior, cognition, and sleep.
VARIATION IN PLEIOTROPY AND THE MUTATIONAL UNDERPINNINGS OF THE G‐MATRIX

Abstract The pattern and extent of pleiotropic gene action can contribute substantially to the internal structure and shape of the additive genetic variance‐covariance matrix (G)–a key determinant of evolutionary trajectories. We use data from our study (Estes et al. 2004) on the univariate effects of mutation in a mismatch‐repair‐defective strain, msh‐2, of Caenorhabditis elegans to address the impact of increasing levels of selection on the magnitude and pattern of genetic covariance due to new mutations. Mutational covariances between three life‐history traits are shown to exhibit a weak pattern of decline with increasing population size (increasing selection), while the orientation of mutational matrices remains reasonably constant. This suggests that mutations with smaller effects on fitness may tend to be slightly more confined in their influence than large‐effect mutations (i.e., small‐effect mutations reduce the magnitude of covariation between characters), but do not change the direction of this covariation.
Virulence Factors of Bacteria Related to Ocular Infections in Non Immunocompromised Patients: Review Article

The ocular surface is constantly exposed to pathogenic bacteria. Many Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria have been implicated in ocular infections, in non immunocompromised patients, causing severe vision impairment. These microorganisms have in their quiver a variety of arrows to cause infection. The aim of this study is to list the virulence factors of the main ocular pathogens. Data were extracted from PubMed and Google Scholar. S. aureus and Streptococci, Bacillus cereus and Corynebacterium (non-diphtheriae) are the main culprits as far as Gram positive bacteria are concerned. S. aureus causes infections of the lacrimal apparatus, cornea and eyelids, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus and Streptococcus viridians are isolated from post injection endophthalmitis cases. S. pneumoniae is most involved in keratitis, conjunctivitis, and endophthalmitis. Streptococcus pyogenes is most involved in blepharitis and hospital acquired conjunctivitis in neonates in the intensive care unit. Enterococcus faecalis is implicated in postoperative endophthalmitis cases. Corynebacterium (non-diphtheriae) species are involved mainly in infections complicating cataract surgery, keratoplasty, and vitrectomy. Bacillus species provoke conjunctivitis, keratitis and post-traumatic endophthalmitis. Bacillus cereus can cause rapidly destructive endophthalmitis. Among Gram negative bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Bartonella species are major ocular pathogens, responsible for severe ocular damage. Gonococcal conjunctivitis (GC) is still a cause of blindness in some developing countries. When it occurs in neonates, it is called gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. P. aeruginosa is related to contact lens-associated keratitis. Chlamydia trachomatis is the culprit of trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis. Bartonella henselae causes bartonellosis or cat scratch disease, or cat scratch fever. Eye infection includes optic neuropathy and neuroretinitis. When the eye is the primary site of inoculation, the patients are diagnosed with Parinaud oculo-glandular syndrome (infection of the conjunctiva, eyelid and adjacent skin with regional lymphadenopathy). Chronic Bartonella infection provokes blurred vision, photophobia and eye irritation. Comprehension of the mechanism of infection, caused by these pathogens, is crucial in diagnosis and treatment.
A microbial fuel cell type lactate biosensor using a metal-reducing bacterium, Shewanella putrefaciens

A fuel cell type biosensor for lactate was developed using a metal-reducing bacterium, Shewanella putrefaciens IR-1. Under the operational conditions, the bacterial cell suspension generated the current without an electrochemical mediator in the presence of lactate. The current was proportional to the lactate concentration up to 30 mM.
A2A adenosine receptor stimulation enhances arginase I expression in macrophages resulting in a phenotypically unique macrophage

Background. Macrophages traditionally are grouped into two distinct categories, classically (exposed to LPS or Th1 cytokines) or alternatively (exposed to Th2 cytokines) activated macrophages. Adenosine may also modulate macrophage function through G‐protein‐coupled receptors A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. Methods. To understand the effects of adenosine on macrophage function, LPS stimulated macrophages were treated with an agonist for the A2A receptor (ATL 313). Real time PCR, enzymatic assays, and ELISAs were performed. Results. ATL 313 treatment of LPS stimulated macrophages resulted in a dramatic increase in arginase I expression and enzymatic activity, hallmarks of an alternatively activated macrophage. Expression of other markers of alternatively activated macrophages (Fizz‐1 and YM) were absent in ATL 313 treated cells. In addition, LPS induced expression and activity of iNOS in macrophages were not affected by ATL 313. Conclusion. We propose stimulation of the A2A receptor increases arginase activity, thus altering arginine metabolism resulting in increased production of polyamines and proline. This stimulation results in a unique macrophage phenotype that may promote cellular proliferation and wound healing and inhibit T lymphocyte responses. Supported by NIH AI070491.
Role of LAT-1 in trophoblast migration and embryo implantation

Objectives: LAT-1 (L-type amino acid transporter 1) is a system L, Na+independent amino acid transporter responsible for transport of large neutral amino acids. Dysregulated expression of LAT-1 is characteristic of many primary human cancers and is related to tumor invasion. Primary rat hepatocytes in culture increase LAT-1 mRNA in response to amino acid depletion. Transformed hepatic cell lines demonstrate constitutive expression of LAT-1. These observations suggest that LAT-1 expression confers a growth and survival advantage under limited amino acid availability. LAT-1 is highly expressed in the placenta. It has been shown previously that amino acids are fundamental regulators of cell function and energy metabolism in pre-implantation embryos. Our objectives were to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively LAT-1 expression in pre-implantation stages of mouse embryo development and to identify cell types expressing LAT-1 in post implantation stages. Methods: LAT-1 was quantified by real-time qPCR. Localization of expression was by laser capture microdissection, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Results: Our results show increasing mRNA levels of LAT-1 as the embryo develops from zygote to blastocyst with highest levels at hatching blastocyst. Expression studies of LAT-1 on microdissected samples from developing mouse placenta show highest levels of LAT-1 mRNA in trophoblast giant cells (TGC’s) at E7.5, followed by maternal decidua, ectoplacental cone and epiblast. At later stages of development (E9.5 and E11.5) no differential expression of LAT-1 was observed. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry also showed differential
Corrigendum

The authors of the Letter published online on 15 May 2008 [1], would like to correct an error that appeared in Table 1. The headings of the first two columns should be transposed. The data reported in the first column of the table refer to control subjects and not de novo PD patients as stated in the original table. Similarly, the heading for the second column should read De novo PD patients and not Control subjects . A correct version of the table is published below.
Comparative effects of inbreeding and outbreeding on the ontogeny of Heliconius erato phyllis (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Inbreeding depression has been reported in various groups of organisms, including insects. Estimates of inbreeding consequences were obtained by comparing 12 life‐history and morphological traits among nine inbred families (F = 0.25) and 16 outbred families (F = 0) of the Neotropical butterfly Heliconius erato phyllis. A Student's t‐test showed statistically significant differences for pupal weight and right forewing area, both in males and in females, between inbred and outbred families. Survival during development, from egg hatching to adulthood, also differed significantly between inbred and outbred families. The average number of haploid lethal equivalents was 0.17 for pupal weight, 0.15 for forewing area and 0.71 for survival from hatching to adulthood. The results of this study confirm that the consequences of inbreeding are more deleterious to life history traits than to morphological ones.
2017-07 Coordination via Redistribution

Can prior voluntary redistribution improve coordination? We theoretically show that distributive preferences, forward induction and signalling all imply that it can. We then experimentally test our predictions by allowing subjects to redistribute part of their endowment before playing a battle of the sexes game. To identify whether the redistribution option increases coordination, and why, we also run experiments with no redistribution and forced redistribution. Our results show that the redistribution option does indeed significantly increase coordination. Disentangling the reasons why, we find that behaviour is most consistent with distributive preferences and one-step of forward induction (rather than signalling or two-steps of forward induction).
A GENERAL FIXED POINT THEOREM FOR WEAKLY SUBSEQUENTIALLY CONTINUOUS MAPPINGS

In this paper a general fixed point theorem for two pairs of subsequentially mappings compatible of type E is proved, which generalize the results by [2]-[4], [6] and other results. As applications, new results for mappings satisfying contractive conditions of integral type, φ-contractive conditions and weak contractive conditions are obtained.
(t, n) Threshold d-level QSS based on QFT

Quantum secret sharing (QSS) is an important branch of secure multiparty quantum computation. Several schemes for (n, n) threshold QSS based on quantum Fourier transformation (QFT) have been proposed. Inspired by the flexibility of (t, n) threshold schemes, Song {\it et al.} (Scientific Reports, 2017) have proposed a (t, n) threshold QSS utilizing QFT. Later, Kao and Hwang (arXiv:1803.00216) have identified a {loophole} in the scheme but have not suggested any remedy. In this present study, we have proposed a (t, n)threshold QSS scheme to share a d dimensional classical secret. This scheme can be implemented using local operations (such as QFT, generalized Pauli operators and local measurement) and classical communication. Security of the proposed scheme is described against outsider and participants' eavesdropping.
Invasive fungal infections in a pediatric hematology-oncology department: A 16-year retrospective study

Background and Purpose: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence of IFIs in pediatric patients with underlying hematologic malignancies and determine the patient characteristics, predisposing factors, diagnosis, treatment efficacy, and outcome of IFIs. Materials and Methods: For the purpose of the study, a retrospective analysis was performed on cases with proven and probable fungal infections from January 2001 to December 2016 (16 years) Results: During this period, 297 children with hematologic malignancies were admitted to the 2nd Pediatric Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and 24 cases of IFIs were registered. The most common underlying diseases were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; n=19,79%), followed by acute myeloid leukemia (AML; n=4, 17%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; n=1,4%). The crude incidence rates of IFIs in ALL, AML, and NHL were 10.5%, 18.2%, and 2.8% respectively. Based on the results, 25% (n=6) and 75% (n=18) of the patients were diagnosed as proven and probable IFI cases, respectively. The lung was the most common site of involvement in 16 (66.7%) cases. Furthermore, Aspergillus and Candida species represented 58.3% and 29.1% of the identified species, respectively. Regarding antifungal treatment, liposomal amphotericin B was the most commonly prescribed therapeutic agent (n=21), followed by voriconazole (n=9), caspofungin (n=3), posaconazole (n=3), micafungin (n=1), and fluconazole (n=1). In addition, 12 children received combined antifungal treatment. The crude mortality rate was obtained as 33.3%. Conclusion: As the findings of the present study indicated, despite the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IFIs with the use of new antifungal agents, the mortality rate of these infections still remains high.
Reproductive Ecology and Population Structure of the Plains Minnow, Hybognathus placitus (Pisces: Cyprinidae), in Central Oklahoma

-We described the reproductive biology and population structure of the plains minnow (Hybognathus placitus) during 2 yr in the Cimarron River, Oklahoma. Monthly changes in gonadal weights and mean ovum diameters revealed that the spawning season of H. placitus was prolonged, beginning in spring and ending in late summer. Two peaks in reproductive activity, one in May and the second during midsummer, occurred both years. Spawning in both years coincided with high or receding flows. Most male and female H. placitus began to mature sexually at 45-50 mm SL. The sex ratio did not differ meaningfully from 1:1; males and females were similarly sized. Numbers of mature ova were correlated with standard length and weight ranging from 417 to 4134 for females 51 to 87 mm SL. Length-frequency distributions revealed that H. placitus was short-lived, with most individuals reproducing and dying in their second summer.
Clinical Epilepsy: All Ages

1 Rafael Aguilar‐Estrada, 2 Marco T. Medina, 1 Sofia Dubon, 1 Arnold Thompson, 2 Allan Alvarez, 3 Lizandro Martinez, and 2 Reyna M. Duron ( 1 School of Medical Sciences, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras ; 2 Neurology Training Program, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras ; and 3 Sanitary Region 15, Secretary of Health, Olancho, Honduras )
Changes in Umbilical and Cerebral Blood Flow in Pregnancies Diagnosed with Clinical Chorioamnionitis. Is Chorioamnionitis Predictable?

Objective: To evaluate the predictability of clinical chorioamnionitis by Doppler changes in fetal middle cerebral and umbilical arteries, at hospitalized patients due to preterm premature rupture of membranes. Study Design: Patients who were admitted and hospitalized due to preterm premature rupture of membranes between 24 weeks and 33 weeks and 6 days pregnancies are included in the study. Demographic data of patients, gestational age at referring to hospitalization, fetal presentation at admission, delivery time, delivery indications and total follow-up time until delivery of each case were recorded. Results: A total of 108 patients were evaluated retrospectively. The rate of clinical chorioamnionitis was 5.55% (6/108). There was no significant difference between pregnancies terminated with the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis and pregnancies terminated with other indications in terms of the maximum systolic velocity at middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery pulsatility indices. Conclusion: Clinical chorioamnionitis is a serious complication and is more common in patients being followed up after preterm premature rupture of membranes. Although it is crucial to be predicted due to neonatal worse prognosis, it cannot be predicted by middle cerebral and umbilical artery Doppler evaluation.
Screening potential reference genes for reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction normalization in Atrijuglans hetaohei (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea)

Atrijuglans hetaohei Yang (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea), is one of the major pests that seriously damage the walnut fruits. Although the morphology and physiology of A. hetaohei have been widely studied, suitable reference genes for normalizing target gene expression have not been identified. In this study, the expressions of eight candidate reference genes including GAPDH, β‐Tubulin, TATA‐binding protein (TBP), Histone, Ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9), arginine kinase (AK), 28S and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1α) in different developmental stages and various larval tissues of A. hetaohei were determined using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the expression stability of the selected reference genes was evaluated by ΔCt method, BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm and ReFinder, a comprehensive software platform. These results demonstrated that the best reference genes were GAPDH and 28S at different developmental stages of A. hetaohei; and the optimum references in various larval tissues of A. hetaohei were 28S, Histone and TBP. Our study should be useful to analyze the expression profiles of target genes and form a solid foundation for future research on the understanding of the genes' biological functions in A. hetaohei.
PRESENT BIODIVERSITY STATUS OF LOACHES IN THE SELECTED HILL-STREAMS OF BANGLADESH

A year-long survey was conducted to study the biodiversity status of freshwater loaches of Bangladesh. Data and sample collection were carried out in the hill-streams of Bangladesh in the three districts namely Sylhet, Netrokona and Dinajpur. Fish samples were also collected from Mymensingh district. The study was based on fish landing centre and fish market visit, on the spot data collection, interview of the fishermen and the fish traders, sample collection and secondary data collection. During the study, 12 loaches under 2 families were found. Among the collected loaches 8 are exclusively used as food fish and the rest 4 species can be considered as both food fish and ornamental fish. Among the total number of species found during the study, 2 loaches were threatened based on IUCN Red List. Among the loaches recorded in the survey, 2 are endangered (EN), 3 data deficient (DD) and 7 not threatened (NO). Among the collected loaches Botia dario, Botia lohachata and Lepidocephalichthys annandalei were very rare. The non-availability and less availability of some of the species indicate the alarming decline of the biodiversity of loaches in the surveyed area and in the country as a whole. Res. Agric. , Livest. Fish.2(2): 329-334, August 2015
Compatibility Factors of Fascioloides magna miracidia and Four Sympatric Snail Species: Miracidial Behavior and Snail Response

Miracidia exhibit observable host-finding behaviors, and the ir sym patric snai ls have attributes that either permit or prohibit infection. This study was designed to assess the factors invo lved in inte rmediate host finding a nd host-parasite com patibi lity in the deer l iver fl uke (Fascio/oides magna). The main a im was to determine the extent to which the parasite a nd/or the intermediate host a re invo lved in host-pa rasite compatib i l ity. A secondary goa l was to dete rmine what facto rs may lead to miracidial transformation. The study used a pa ne l of fou r sym patric snai ls (Lymnaea caperata, Lymnaea palustris, Lymnaea exilis, a nd Physa sp. ) that display a ra nge of susceptibil ity to the trematode from L. caperata which is the natura l \ I i ntermediate host, to experimenta l ly susceptib le L. palustris, to resistant L. exilis a nd Physa sp. Miracidia l host finding behaviors were examined to determine the extent of the ro le of the mlracidium in initiating infection. This was tested by observing s ingle miracidium infect ions for 30 minute t ime periods to record number of contacts, attachment time, infect ion success, a nd w�ether the r'niracidium was ha rmed. Miracidia attached to susceptible L. caperata more often (x 2 = 6.6561, p = 0.0359) and for longer periods ohime (x 2 = 8.5290, p = 0.0141) than to resistant L. exilis or Physa sp. Miracidia exposed to a physid sna i l were ha rmed more often than those exposed to the lym naeids (x 2 = 5.4000, p = 0.0251). To assess the role of primary ba rriers of sna i l immunity in host-pa rasite compatibility, miracidia were exposed to sna i l m ucus in vitro to assess snail toxicity. Fo l lowing the pattern seen with intact snai ls, m ucus from Physa sp. was 100% cytotoxic to miracidia at 1:3 a nd 1 :30 dil utions. M ucus from L. caperata, L. palustris, and L. exilis showed no difference from control for up to 4 hours. This demonstrated a n overa l l species effect (F3,32 = 23.59; p<0.0001). M ucus did not significa ntly stim u late transformation in a ny species at a ny dil ution. To assess the ro le of interna l snail products on com patib i l ity a nd mi racidia l tra nsformation, m i racidia were exposed to tissue homogenate from L. caperata, L.