Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MiR-125b Functions as a Tumor Suppressor and Enhances Chemosensitivity to Cisplatin in Osteosarcoma

MicroRNAs are highly conserved noncoding RNA that negatively modulate protein expression at a posttranscriptional and/or translational level and are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of several types of cancers. To date, the potential microRNAs regulating the growth and progression of osteosarcoma are not fully identified yet. Previous reports have shown differentially expressed miR-125b in osteosarcoma. However, the role of miR-125b in human osteosarcoma has not been totally illuminated. In this study, we have shown that miR-125b was downregulated in human osteosarcoma tissues compared to the adjacent tissues and effects as a tumor suppressor in vitro. We found that stable overexpression of miR-125b in osteosarcoma cell lines U2OS and MG-63 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our data also verified that Bcl-2 is the target of miR-125b. Meanwhile, we showed that Bcl-2 was inversely correlated with miR-125b in osteosarcoma tissues. More importantly, we proved that miR-125b increased the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cell lines to cisplatin by targeting Bcl-2. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that miR-125b is a tumor suppressor and support its potential application for the treatment of osteosarcoma in the future.
Improved Inclusion-Exclusion Identities and Bonferroni Inequalities with Reliability Applications

This paper establishes a connection between the theory of convex geometries, the principle of inclusion-exclusion, and the topological concept of an abstract tube. In particular, it is shown that convex geometries give rise to improved inclusion-exclusion identities and improved Bonferroni inequalities. In this way, several known results from the literature are rediscovered in a concise and unified way. The results are applied in identifying a new class of hypergraphs for which the reliability covering problem can be solved in polynomial time.
Motorsports Involvement Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Childhood ADHD

Although children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk for impulsive, health-endangering behavior, few studies have examined nonsubstance, use-related risk-taking behaviors. This study examined whether adolescents and young adults with ADHD histories were more likely than those without ADHD histories to report frequent engagement in motorsports, a collection of risky driving-related activities associated with elevated rates of physical injury. Path analyses tested whether persistent impulsivity, comorbid conduct disorder or antisocial personality disorder (CD/ASP), and heavy alcohol use mediated this association. Analyses also explored whether frequent motorsporting was associated with unsafe and alcohol-influenced driving. Two hundred twenty-one adolescent and young adult males (16–25 years old) diagnosed with ADHD in childhood and 139 demographically similar males without ADHD histories reported their motorsports involvement. Persistent impulsivity, CD/ASP, heavy drinking, and hazardous driving were also measured in adolescence/young adulthood. Adolescents and young adults with ADHD histories were more likely to report frequent motorsports involvement than those without childhood ADHD. Impulsivity, CD/ASP, and heavy drinking partially mediated this association, such that individuals with ADHD histories, who had persistent impulsivity or CD/ASP diagnoses, were more likely to engage in heavy drinking, which was positively associated with frequent motorsporting. Motorsports involvement was associated with more unsafe and alcohol-influenced driving, and this association was more often found among those with, than without, ADHD histories. Adolescents and young adults with ADHD histories, especially those with persisting impulsivity, comorbid CD/ASP and heavy drinking tendencies, are more likely to engage in motorsports, which may heighten risk of injury.
Mycotoxin contamination of foods in Southern Africa: A 10-year review (2007–2016)

ABSTRACT Major staple foods in Southern Africa are prone to mycotoxin contamination, posing health risks to consumers and consequent economic losses. Regional climatic zones favor the growth of one or more main mycotoxin producing fungi, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium. Aflatoxin contamination is mainly reported in maize, peanuts and their products, fumonisin contamination in maize and maize products and patulin in apple juice. Lack of awareness of occurrence and risks of mycotoxins, poor agricultural practices and undiversified diets predispose populations to dietary mycotoxin exposure. Due to a scarcity of reports in Southern Africa, reviews on mycotoxin contamination of foods in Africa have mainly focused on Central, Eastern and Western Africa. However, over the last decade, a substantial number of reports of dietary mycotoxins in South Africa have been documented, with fewer reports documented in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Despite the reported high dietary levels of mycotoxins, legislation for their control is absent in most countries in the region. This review presents an up-to-date documentation of the epidemiology of mycotoxins in agricultural food commodities and discusses the implications on public health, current and recommended mitigation strategies, legislation, and challenges of mycotoxin research in Southern Africa.
The effects of environmental heterogeneity on root growth and root/shoot partitioning.

AIMS The purpose of this Botanical Briefing is to stimulate reappraisal of root growth, root/shoot partitioning, and analysis of other aspects of plant growth under heterogeneous conditions. SCOPE Until recently, most knowledge of plant growth was based upon experimental studies carried out under homogeneous conditions. Natural environments are heterogeneous at scales relevant to plants and in forms to which they can respond. Responses to environmental heterogeneity are often localized rather than plant-wide, and not always predictable from traditional optimization arguments or from knowledge of the ontogenetic trends of plants growing under homogeneous conditions. These responses can have substantial impacts, both locally and plant-wide, on patterns of resource allocation, and significant effects on whole-plant growth. Results from recent studies are presented to illustrate responses of plants, plant populations and plant communities to nutritionally heterogeneous conditions. CONCLUSIONS Environmental heterogeneity is a constant presence in the natural world that significantly influences plant behaviour at a variety of levels of complexity. Failure to understand its effects on plants prevents us from fully exploiting aspects of plant behaviour that are only revealed under patchy conditions. More effort should be invested into analysis of the behaviour of plants under heterogeneous conditions.
Megapixel Size Image Creation using Generative Adversarial Networks

Since its appearance, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have received a lot of interest in the AI community. In image generation several projects showed how GANs are able to generate photorealistic images but the results so far did not look adequate for the quality standard of visual media production industry. We present an optimized image generation process based on a Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks (DCGANs), in order to create photorealistic high-resolution images (up to 1024x1024 pixels). Furthermore, the system was fed with a limited dataset of images, less than two thousand images. All these results give more clue about future exploitation of GANs in Computer Graphics and Visual Effects.
An Overview on Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcosis is a systemic disease caused by the yeast Cryptococcus spp. Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii are the etiological agents of fungal meningoencephalitis. Chronic meningitis is the most common clinical presentation of cryptococcosis. In contrast with the acute meningitis, patients with chronic meningitis develop an indolent course of symptoms for at least four weeks like headache, nausea, decreased memory and comprehension. Cerebral cryptococcomas can also cause significant neurological morbidity, and these mass lesions require relief of increased intracranial pressure and prolonged antifungal therapy. Although cryptococcosis is considered one opportunistic infection of the central nervous system and lungs, extra neural and non-pulmonary forms may be found. The disease is almost always associated with impaired immunity, and occurs in patients with lymph proliferative disorders, steroid therapy and organ transplantation. Before the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) the cases with cryptococcosis were sporadic. Despite of the highly active antiretroviral therapy-HAART, acute mortality due to HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remains unacceptably high (Lortholary et al., 2006), and consequently, this disease remains a leading cause of death in Africa, Asia, and Brazil (French et al., 2002; Vidal et al., 2008; Pappalardo et al., 2009).
Performance Evaluation of CDMA-DMT for 1-mm SI-POF Short-Range Transmission Links

In this letter, the code division multiple access discrete multitone (CDMA-DMT) modulation scheme is experimentally investigated for transmission over an intensity modulation direct-detection link of 100 m of 1-mm polymethyl methacrylate step-index plastic optical fibers. CDMA-DMT is a multicarrier modulation scheme combining the merits of both CDMA and DMT and in which CDMA is utilized to perform a spreading operation of the data symbols in the frequency domain using orthogonal spreading codes. It is experimentally shown that CDMA-DMT performs better than conventional DMT in terms of achieved bit-error rate, for transmission rates in the range of 1 Gbps and over the same experimental configuration.
Fetal RHD Genotyping in Maternal Plasma at 11–13 Weeks of Gestation

Objective: To examine the feasibility of fetal RHD genotyping at 11–13 weeks’ gestation from analysis of circulating cell-free fetal DNA (ccffDNA) in the plasma of RhD negative pregnant women using a high-throughput robotic technique. Methods: Stored plasma (0.5 ml) from 591 RhD negative women was used for extraction of ccffDNA by a robotic technique. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with probes for exons 5 and 7 of the RHD gene was then used to determine the fetal RHD genotype, which was compared to the neonatal RhD phenotype. Results: In total there were 502 (85.7%) cases with a conclusive result and 84 (14.3%) with an inconclusive result. The prenatal test predicted that the fetus was RhD positive in 332 cases and in all of these the prediction was correct, giving a positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI 96.8–100). The test predicted that the fetus was RhD negative in 170 cases and in 164 of these the prediction was correct, giving a negative predictive value for RhD positive fetuses of 96.5% (95% CI 93.7–99.2). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping at 11–13 weeks with a high-throughput technique.
STABILISATION OF CURCUMIN WITH γ-CYCLODEXTRIN : PHASE SOLUBILITY STUDY AND ITS CHARACTERISATION

Curcumin (C21H20O6) is a yellow polyphenol molecule extracted from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa). However, curcumin are not stable during storage and have very low water solubility which limits its application to food system. Gamma cyclodextrin has been investigated to increase the solubility and stability of curcumin. Increase in solubility was noticed with the addition of gamma cyclodextrin until it reached its solubility limit at 7mM gamma cyclodextrin. The phase solubility diagram obtained was characterised as BS. Based on phase solubility study, the molar ratio obtained was 1:3 (gamma cyclodextrin:curcumin) for complexation. Inclusion complex of curcumin was prepared using coprecipitation (CP) and kneading method (KM) and compared with physical mixture (PM). The complexes formed were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). A strong C-O band at wavelength of 1027 cm in co-precipitation and kneading methods in FTIR spectrum indicates that this bond has been strengthen and used for complexation. The DSC thermogram showed that the melting point of curcumin was at 176.52C. The intensity of the peak has been reduced in coprecipitation and kneading methods. The results obtained from FTIR and DSC indicates that kneading and co-precipitation methods able to produce inclusion complex. However, FESEM images revealed that inclusion complex obtained using coprecipitation has smaller in crystal sizes and appeared as different morphology compared to pure compound. Therefore, co-precipitation was the chosen method for formation of inclusion complex between curcumin and γ-cyclodextrin.
Antiviral and pharmacokinetic properties of C2 symmetric inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease

Specific processing of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gag and gag-pol polyprotein gene products by the HIV protease is essential for the production of mature, infections progeny virions. Inhibitors of HIV protease block this maturation and thus prohibit the spread of HIV in vitro. Previously, we reported a series of novel, symmetric inhibitors of HIV protease designed to match the C2 symmetric structure of the active site of the enzyme. In response to the poor aqueous solubility of those lead compounds, we designed a series of analogs with substantially improved (greater than 10(4) fold) solubility. These inhibitors showed anti-HIV activity in H9 and MT4 cells at 0.05 to 10 microM, and in most cases, they were noncytotoxic at concentrations in excess of 100 microM. Further examination of one inhibitor (A-77003) revealed broad-spectrum activity against both HIV types 1 and 2, including azidothymidine-resistant HIV, in a variety of transformed and primary human cell lines. After administration of the inhibitors to rats, short half-lives and, with two notable exceptions, moderate oral bioavailability were observed. Additional pharmacokinetic studies in dogs and monkeys revealed the potential utility of A-77003 as an intravenous anti-HIV agent.
Intestinal fibrosis is reduced by early elimination of inflammation in a mouse model of IBD: Impact of a “Top‐Down” approach to intestinal fibrosis in mice

Background: The natural history of Crohn's disease follows a path of progression from an inflammatory to a fibrostenosing disease, with most patients requiring surgical resection of fibrotic strictures. Potent antiinflammatory therapies reduce inflammation but do not appear to alter the natural history of intestinal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between intestinal inflammation and fibrogenesis and the impact of a very early “top‐down” interventional approach on fibrosis in vivo. Methods: In this study we removed the inflammatory stimulus from the Salmonella typhimurium mouse model of intestinal fibrosis by eradicating the S. typhimurium infection with levofloxacin at sequential timepoints during the infection. We evaluated the effect of this elimination of the inflammatory stimulus on the natural history of inflammation and fibrosis as determined by gross pathology, histopathology, mRNA expression, and protein expression. Results: Fibrogenesis is preceded by inflammation. Delayed eradication of the inflammatory stimulus by antibiotic treatment represses inflammation without preventing fibrosis. Early intervention significantly ameliorates but does not completely prevent subsequent fibrosis. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that intestinal fibrosis develops despite removal of an inflammatory stimulus and elimination of inflammation. Early intervention ameliorates but does not abolish subsequent fibrosis, suggesting that fibrosis, once initiated, is self‐propagating, suggesting that a very early top‐down interventional approach may have the most impact on fibrostenosing disease. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
More Than a Leak Sealant. The Mechanical Properties of Callose in Pollen Tubes1

While callose is a well-known permeability barrier and leak sealant in plant cells, it is largely unknown whether this cell wall polymer can also serve as a load-bearing structure. Since callose occurs in exceptionally large amounts in pollen, we assessed its role for resisting tension and compression stress in this cell. The effect of callose digestion in Solanum chacoense and Lilium orientalis pollen grains demonstrated that, depending on the species, this cell wall polymer represents a major stress-bearing structure at the aperture area of germinating grains. In the pollen tube, it is involved in cell wall resistance to circumferential tension stress, and despite its absence at the growing apex, callose is indirectly involved in the establishment of tension stress resistance in this area. To investigate whether or not callose is able to provide mechanical resistance against compression stress, we subjected pollen tubes to local deformation by microindentation. The data revealed that lowering the amount of callose resulted in reduced cellular stiffness and increased viscoelasticity, thus indicating clearly that callose is able to resist compression stress. Whether this function is relevant for pollen tube mechanics, however, is unclear, as stiffened growth medium caused a decrease in callose deposition. Together, our data provide clear evidence for the capacity of cell wall callose to resist tension and compression stress, thus demonstrating that this amorphous cell wall substance can have a mechanical role in growing plant cells.
GEMSe: Visualization‐Guided Exploration of Multi‐channel Segmentation Algorithms

We present GEMSe, an interactive tool for exploring and analyzing the parameter space of multi‐channel segmentation algorithms. Our targeted user group are domain experts who are not necessarily segmentation specialists. GEMSe allows the exploration of the space of possible parameter combinations for a segmentation framework and its ensemble of results. Users start with sampling the parameter space and computing the corresponding segmentations. A hierarchically clustered image tree provides an overview of variations in the resulting space of label images. Details are provided through exemplary images from the selected cluster and histograms visualizing the parameters and the derived output in the selected cluster. The correlation between parameters and derived output as well as the effect of parameter changes can be explored through interactive filtering and scatter plots. We evaluate the usefulness of GEMSe through expert reviews and case studies based on three different kinds of datasets: A synthetic dataset emulating the combination of 3D X‐ray computed tomography with data from K‐Edge spectroscopy, a three‐channel scan of a rock crystal acquired by a Talbot‐Lau grating interferometer X‐ray computed tomography device, as well as a hyperspectral image.
Underuse of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Workers With Coronary Artery Disease　- Claims Database Survey in Japan.

BACKGROUND Workers with coronary artery disease (CAD) require evidence-based care in order to return to work safely. We assessed the use of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among workers with CAD, and identified the factors associated with CR use.Methods and Results:A retrospective cohort study based on data from a health insurance claims database was conducted. We identified workers aged ≥18 years who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 2006 and 2013, and reviewed the utilization of inpatient or outpatient CR. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with CR use. A total of 1,699 patients were included. The frequency of inpatient and outpatient CR use was 23.7% (n=402) and 4.2% (n=72), respectively. Patients diagnosed with ST-elevated myocardial infarction were most likely to receive inpatient CR, and patients undergoing CABG were more likely to receive inpatient CR than those undergoing PCI. Moreover, inpatient CR use was associated with longer hospitalization duration, catecholamine use, and no history of chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, both unstable and stable angina were negatively correlated with outpatient CR use. CONCLUSIONS Most of the Japanese workers with CAD in this study did not undergo CR. The type of CAD was strongly associated with inpatient and outpatient CR use. Thus, a strong evidence-practice gap exists in secondary preventative care within this group of patients.
Validation of a clinical algorithm to diagnose stress urinary incontinence for large studies.

PURPOSE We assessed the accuracy with which a clinical diagnostic algorithm for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) based on symptoms and signs without including urodynamics predicted the observation of urodynamic SUI and the condition of SUI. Such an algorithm would have applicability to ensure that the majority of women entering large SUI clinical trials would have urodynamic SUI and/or the condition of SUI without performing urodynamic testing in all subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1455 women with urinary incontinence at least 3 months in duration were enrolled in 3 randomized clinical trials (1 phase 2 and 2 phase 3 trials) of duloxetine vs placebo for the treatment of SUI in Europe and North America. Subjects were identified as having SUI based on a clinical algorithm that required a predominant symptom of SUI with a weekly incontinence episode frequency of 4 or greater (phase 2 study), or 7 or greater (phase 3 studies), absent predominant urge symptoms, normal diurnal and nocturnal frequency, a bladder capacity of 400 ml or greater, and a positive cough stress (sign of SUI) and stress pad test. Multichannel urodynamic studies were performed in a subset of 184 women at 23 study sites. Of these urodynamic tracings 173 (94%) were of adequate quality to make an assessment of the filling phase and assign a diagnosis of urodynamic SUI, detrusor overactivity or a normal filling phase. Two-sided 95% exact CIs for the proportions were calculated. RESULTS The clinical algorithm had a positive predictive value of 90.2% for urodynamic SUI with or without detrusor overactivity and 76.9% for urodynamic SUI only (pure urodynamic SUI). The positive predictive value for the condition of pure SUI was 85.0%, while for the condition of SUI in pure and mixed forms the positive predictive value was 98.3%. Patient age, previous continence surgery or the severity of incontinence did not influence algorithm accuracy. CONCLUSIONS The algorithm is suitably feasible and sufficiently predictive to be used in large clinical trials designed to evaluate conservative treatment for women with SUI. It ensures that the overwhelming majority of the study population would have urodynamic SUI and the condition of SUI.