Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Race affects the association of obesity measures with insulin sensitivity.

BACKGROUND Race differences in body composition and fat distribution may in part explain the differences in insulin sensitivity and the disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes in African Americans. OBJECTIVE To determine if differences in body composition and fat distribution explain race differences in insulin sensitivity and identify obesity measures that were independently associated with insulin sensitivity. METHODS Participants were 113 lean, overweight, and obese African-American and Caucasian-American adults without diabetes. Skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity was determined using a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (SIClamp, insulin rate:120 mU/m2/min). Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT), intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), and liver fat were measured by MRI; leg fat, total fat, and lean mass were measured by DXA. RESULTS Race-by-adiposity interactions were significant in cross-sectional analyses utilizing multiple linear regression models for SIClamp (P < 0.05); higher BMI, fat mass, SAAT, leg fat, and liver fat were associated with lower SIClamp in Caucasian Americans but not African Americans. Race-by-IAAT interaction was not significant (P = 0.65). A central fat distribution (SAAT adjusted for leg fat) was associated with lower SIClamp in African Americans (β = -0.45, SE = 0.11, P < 0.001) but not Caucasian Americans (β = -0.42, SE = 0.30, P = 0.17). A peripheral fat distribution (leg fat adjusted for IAAT/SAAT) was associated with a higher SIClamp in African Americans (β = 0.11, SE = 0.05, P = 0.02) but lower SIClamp in Caucasian Americans (β = -0.28, SE = 0.14, P = 0.049). Lean mass was inversely associated with SIClamp in African Americans (β = -0.05, SE = 0.03, P = 0.04) but not Caucasian Americans (β = 0.08, SE = 0.05, P = 0.10) in the model for leg fat. CONCLUSIONS Measures of overall adiposity were more strongly associated with SIClamp in Caucasian Americans, whereas body fat distribution and lean mass showed stronger correlations with SIClamp in African Americans. Insulin sensitivity may have a genetic basis in African Americans that is reflected in the pattern of body fat distribution. These findings suggest a race-specific pathophysiology of insulin resistance, which has implications for the prevention of diabetes and related cardiometabolic diseases.
Language-Style Similarity and Social Networks

This research demonstrates that linguistic similarity predicts network-tie formation and that friends exhibit linguistic convergence over time. In Study 1, we analyzed the linguistic styles and the emerging social network of a complete cohort of 285 students. In Study 2, we analyzed a large-scale data set of online reviews. In both studies, we collected data in two waves to examine changes in both social networks and linguistic styles. Using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) framework, we analyzed the text of students’ essays and of 1.7 million reviews by 159,651 Yelp reviewers. Consistent with our theory, results showed that similarity in linguistic style corresponded to a higher likelihood of friendship formation and persistence and that friendship ties, in turn, corresponded to a convergence in linguistic style. We discuss the implications of the coevolution of linguistic styles and social networks, which contribute to the formation of relational echo chambers.
Kisspeptin Injection Improved the Semen Characteristics and Sperm Rheotaxis in Ossimi Ram.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) injection on semen characteristics, testosterone (T) production, and sperm rheotaxis using microfluidic devices in immature ram. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) with controlled flow velocity was used to explore the kinetic parameters of sperm, and positive rheotaxis (PR %). PR % was defined as the number of PR sperms over the number of motile sperms. Healthy Ossimi rams were randomly divided into two groups; a saline-treated control group and Kp10-treated one (5 µg/kg body weight). Treatments were given by intramuscular injection once a week for one month. After one month, the semen was collected, and evaluated weekly for six weeks, while the blood samples were collected every 2 weeks for the next eight weeks. Semen properties were significantly affected by Kp10 injection (p < .01). The Kp10 increased the volume, sperm concentration, and percentages of live sperm compared with those of control. Additionally, sperm trajectories and rheotaxis get improved by the injection of Kp10 with time. Furthermore, kisspeptin improved the secretion of testosterone levels throughout the period of study. In conclusion, injections of the Kp10 had a positive impact on semen characteristics as well as improved sperm rheotaxis of Ossimi rams in subtropics.
Montelukast Nanocrystals for Transdermal Delivery with Improved Chemical Stability

A novel nanocrystal system of montelukast (MTK) was designed to improve the transdermal delivery, while ensuring chemical stability of the labile compound. MTK nanocrystal suspension was fabricated using acid-base neutralization and ultra-sonication technique and was characterized as follows: approximately 100 nm in size, globular shape, and amorphous state. The embedding of MTK nanocrystals into xanthan gum-based hydrogel caused little changes in the size, shape, and crystalline state of the nanocrystal. The in vitro drug release profile from the nanocrystal hydrogel was comparable to that of the conventional hydrogel because of the rapid dissolution pattern of the drug nanocrystals. The drug degradation under visible exposure (400–800 nm, 600,000 lux·h) was markedly reduced in case of nanocrystal hydrogel, yielding only 30% and 50% amount of cis-isomer and sulfoxide as the major degradation products, as compared to those of drug alkaline solution. Moreover, there was no marked pharmacokinetic difference between the nanocrystal and the conventional hydrogels, exhibiting equivalent extent and rate of drug absorption after topical administration in rats. Therefore, this novel nanocrystal system can be a potent tool for transdermal delivery of MTK in the treatment of chronic asthma or seasonal allergies, with better patient compliance, especially in children and elderly.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Cerebellar Disorders

Various etiopathologies affect the cerebellum, resulting in the development of cerebellar ataxias (CAs), a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized clinically by movement incoordination, affective dysregulation, and cognitive dysmetria. Recent progress in clinical and basic research has opened the door of the ‘‘era of therapy” of CAs. The therapeutic rationale of cerebellar diseases takes into account the capacity of the cerebellum to compensate for pathology and restoration, which is collectively termed cerebellar reserve. In general, treatments of CAs are classified into two categories: cause-cure treatments, aimed at arresting disease progression, and neuromodulation therapies, aimed at potentiating cerebellar reserve. Both forms of therapies should be introduced as soon as possible, at a time where cerebellar reserve is still preserved. Clinical studies have established evidence-based cause-cure treatments for metabolic and immune-mediated CAs. Elaborate protocols of rehabilitation and non-invasive cerebellar stimulation facilitate cerebellar reserve, leading to recovery in the case of controllable pathologies (metabolic and immune-mediated CAs) and delay of disease progression in the case of uncontrollable pathologies (degenerative CAs). Furthermore, recent advances in molecular biology have encouraged the development of new forms of therapies: the molecular targeting therapy, which manipulates impaired RNA or proteins, and the neurotransplantation therapy, which delays cell degeneration and facilitates compensatory functions. The present review focuses on the therapeutic rationales of these recently developed therapeutic modalities, highlighting the underlying pathogenesis.
miR-206 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Accumulation by Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in Mesangial Cells Treated with High Glucose

Background The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-206 in human glomerular mesangial cells (hMCs) treated by exposure to high glucose (HG) levels, to assess the influence of miR-206 on the proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition of hMCs, and to investigate the potential mechanisms of action. Material/Methods The level of miR-206 was detected by RT-qPCR. MTT assay and colony formation assay were used to assess hMCs cell proliferation ability. Western blotting was carried out to measure the expression of related proteins. Bioinformatics software (http://www.targetscan.org) was used to predict the potential target genes of miR-206, and dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm this prediction. Results Our results suggest that the level of miR-206 was downregulated in HG-treated hMCs. Cell proliferation was promoted in HG-induced hMCs, while this phenomenon was significantly reversed with miR-206 mimics. miR-206 mimics significantly enhanced p21 expression and decreased cyclin D1 and CDK2 expressions, but the opposite was found in HG-induced hMCs. Moreover, the level of ECM proteins was notably increased in hMCs treated with HG, which was also significantly reversed by miR-206 mimics. miR-206 inhibitor had the opposite effects. Furthermore, HIF-1α was found to be a direct target of miR-206, and was negatively regulated by miR-206 in hMCs. miR-206 can target HIF-1α to modulate cell proliferation and ECM accumulation. Conclusions Collectively, our results suggest that miR-206 plays a vital role in HG-treated hMCs through inhibiting cell proliferation and ECM accumulation, partly via targeting HIF-1α.
The role of anti‐complement factor H antibodies in the development of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome: a possible contribution to abnormality of platelet function

Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with complement system abnormality, such as production of complement factor H (CFH) autoantibodies. The growing evidence indicates complement overactivation on platelets is intimately involved in aHUS pathogenesis, besides endothelial injury. We here showed plasma from patients with anti‐CFH antibodies induced aggregation of washed platelets, while purified anti‐CFH antibodies suppressed aggregation. This suggested anti‐CFH antibody itself suppressed thrombosis, while other plasma factor including complement factors could overactivate the platelets, leading to aggregation, which augmented the notion the state of complement activation influenced by anti‐CFH antibodies is important in the aggregation of platelets in aHUS.
Correlation between Gout and Coronary Heart Disease in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adult males. Patients with gout are at a higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to investigate the correlation between gout and CHD. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study that used data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database of Taiwan. The study subjects were 46,140 patients with new-onset gout during 2003-2010. To avoid selection bias, we used propensity score matching. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze differences in the risk of CHD between patients with and without gout after controlling for related variables. Results The patients with gout had a higher risk of CHD than the patients without gout [adjusted hazards ratio (HR) = 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-1.45]. The risk of CHD increased with older age. Other related factors for CHD included gender (female vs. male, adjusted HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.93), hypertension (adjusted HR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.42-1.65), hyperlipidemia (adjusted HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07-1.29), and diabetes mellitus (adjusted HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.13-1.36). Conclusions We found correlations between gout and CHD and other influencing factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. We also found that gender and age were associated with CHD.
Metabolic phenotypes of standard and cold‐stored platelets

Conventional platelet (PLT) storage at room temperature under continuous agitation results in a limited shelf life (5 days) and an increased risk of bacterial contamination. However, both of these aspects can be ameliorated by cold storage. Preliminary work has suggested that PLTs can be cold stored for up to 3 weeks, while preserving their metabolic activity longer than in PLTs stored at room temperature. As such, in the present study, we hypothesized that the metabolic phenotypes of PLTs stored at 4°C for 3 weeks could be comparable to that of room temperature–stored PLTs at 22°C for 5 days.
Habitat-Specific Clock Variation and Its Consequence on Reproductive Fitness

The circadian clock controls daily activities at the cellular and organismic level, allowing an organism to anticipate incoming stresses and to use resources accordingly. The circadian clock has therefore been considered a fitness trait in multiple organisms. However, the mechanism of how circadian clock variation influences organismal reproductive fitness is still not well understood. Here we describe habitat-specific clock variation (HSCV) of asexual reproduction in Neurospora discreta, a species that is adapted to 2 different habitats, under or above tree bark. African (AF) N. discreta strains, whose habitat is above the tree bark in light-dark (LD) conditions, display a higher rhythmicity index compared with North American (NA) strains, whose habitat is under the tree bark in constant dark (DD). Although AF-type strains demonstrated an overall fitness advantage under LD and DD conditions, NA-type strains exhibit a habitat-specific fitness advantage in DD over the LD condition. In addition, we show that allelic variation of the clock-controlled gene, Ubiquinol cytochrome c oxidoreductase (NEUDI_158280), plays a role in HSCV by modulating cellular reactive oxygen species levels. Our results demonstrate a mechanism by which local adaptation involving circadian clock regulation influences reproductive fitness.
Assesment of accessory branches of canalis sinuosus on CBCT images

Background The aim of this study is to describe the presence, to reveal the frequency and characteristics of accessory canals (ACs) of the canalis sinuosus (CS) by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods A total of 326 CBCT examinations were scanned retrospectively. The anatomical views were evaluated on sagittal, axial, coronal and cross sectional imaging. The following parameters were recorded: age, sex, presence or absence of ACs, location in relation to the adjacent teeth and distance to the nasal cavity floor (NCF), alveolar ridge crest (ARC) and buccal cortical bone (BCB), and incisive canal. All the collected data were statistically analyzed. Results 113 patients (34,7%); presented ACs in total 214 foramina of the sample. There were no statistically significant changes in the presence of ACs regarding age groups excluding 80-89 years. But there is a statistically significant difference regarding the frequency of ACs and the gender. The prevalence for male patients was higher than female patients. Curved-shape configuration of CS prevalence is found as 69,15%. The prevalence of vertical tracing is 26,16% and Y-shape configuration of CS prevalence is 4,67%. Diameter of the foramens of the CS branches was 1.30 mm. The mean distance of the AC to the NCF, BCB, and ARC were found 13,83 mm, 6,60 mm and 5,32 mm, respectively. Conclusions In the anterior palatal region, ACs are mostly related to CS’s branches. So; knowing the course of CS branches in surgical planning and radiographic evaluations in this region is extremely important for preventing complications and avoiding misdiagnosis. Key words:Anterior superior alveolar nerve, canalis sinuosus, maxilla.
Identification of Appropriate Reference Genes for Normalizing miRNA Expression in Citrus Infected by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is one of the most common methods used for quantification of miRNA expression, and the levels of expression are normalized by comparing with reference genes. Thus, the selection of reference genes is critically important for accurate quantification. The present study was intended to identify appropriate miRNA reference genes for normalizing the level of miRNA expression in Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck and Citrus reticulata Blanco infected by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, which caused citrus canker disease. Five algorithms (Delta Ct, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder) were used for screening reference genes, and two quantification approaches, poly(A) extension RT-qPCR and stem-loop RT-qPCR, were used to determine the most appropriate method for detecting expression patterns of miRNA. An overall comprehensive ranking output derived from the multi-algorithms showed that poly(A)-tailed miR162-3p/miR472 were the best reference gene combination for miRNA RT-qPCR normalization in citrus canker research. Candidate reference gene expression profiles determined by poly(A) RT-qPCR were more consistent in the two citrus species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic comparison of two miRNA quantification methods for evaluating reference genes. These results highlight the importance of rigorously assessing candidate reference genes and clarify some contradictory results in miRNA research on citrus.
Maximum likelihood activity and attenuation estimation using both emission and transmission data with application to utilization of Lu-176 background radiation in TOF PET.

PURPOSE We present a new method for joint reconstruction of activity and attenuation images using both emission and transmission data and demonstrate its advantage over the standard maximum likelihood activity and attenuation (MLAA) reconstruction using emission data alone. METHODS We define a joint likelihood function including both TOF emission data and transmission data. The latter can be obtained from an external source or from Lu-176 background radiation. Activity and attenuation images are estimated jointly by maximizing the likelihood function. The proposed method solves the undermined scale problem in the conventional MLAA. A monotonically convergent algorithm was derived to optimize the objective function. Furthermore, we present a theoretical analysis of the noise propagation in the joint reconstruction. Simulations and experiment were conducted to validate the feasibility of the proposed method. RESULTS Quantitatively correct and less noisy images were reconstructed with the proposed method. Artifacts in the attenuation map reconstructed from the standard MLAA were removed by incorporating transmission data. Noise analysis was validated with different transmission sources and transmission count levels. The theoretical prediction indicated that noise of activity map would not change in a large range of transmission count level and a very low transmission count level could result in good estimation. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining quantitatively correct images in time of flight PET by using both emission and (weak) transmission data. The noise analysis also provides guidance for choosing a proper transmission source configuration to reduce noise propagation.
Increased incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in multiple sclerosis

AbstractPast studies have shown inconsistent results on whether there is an association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis. To investigate the possible relationship between the 2 autoimmune diseases, we performed a nationwide cohort study utilizing the National Health Insurance Research Database and the Registry of Catastrophic Illness.A total of 1456 newly diagnosed patients with MS and 10,362 control patients were matched for age, sex, and initial diagnosis date. Patients with MS had a higher incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (age-adjusted standardized incidence ratio: 1.72; 95% confidence interval = 1.01–2.91). There was a positive correlation in being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in patients previously diagnosed with MS when stratified by sex and age. The strength of this association remained statistically significant after adjusting for sex, age, and smoking history (hazard ratio: 1.78, 95% confidence interval = 1.24–2.56, P = 0.002). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that a diagnosis of MS increased the likelihood of a subsequent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in patients, independent of sex, age, and smoking history.
Development of state diagram of bovine gelatine by measuring thermal characteristics using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Gelatin is a biopolymer that has very broad applications in foods. Components of state diagram of bovine gelatin was developed by measuring and modeling the freezing curve, glass transition, unfolding, solidsmelting lines, and ultimate maximum-freeze-concentration conditions. The freezing point decreased with the increase of solids; whereas glass transition, unfolding, and solids-melting decreased with the decrease of solids up to solids content 0.84 g/g gelatin and then remained constant. The freezing point, glass transition and solids-melting were modeled by Chen’s model based on the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, modified Gordon-Taylor model, and Flory’s equation, respectively. The ultimate maximum-freeze-concentration conditions were found as (Tm′)u equal to -11.9 C and (Tg′′′)u equal to -14.9 C, and the characteristic solids content, Xs′ as 0.80 g/g sample (i.e. un-freezable water, Xw′=0.20), respectively. Similarly the value of Tg (i.e. intersection of vertical line passing thru Tm′ and glass transition line) was estimated as 34 C. The main advantage of drawing a map as state diagram is to help in understanding the complex physical and chemical changes when gelatin’s water content and temperature are changed.
Assessment of the New Trade/Entrepreneurship Education in Senior Secondary Schools: Evidence from Rural and Urban Areas of Oyo State, Nigeria

The paper examines the recent entrepreneurship education in senior secondary schools in Oyo State, Nigeria. This is to ascertain the level of compliance with the curriculum’s contents, teachers’ competence and the extent to which it has empowered students for self-employment. The study builds on primary data collected in 2014 from the respondents. The samples were made up of 17 schools, 37 teachers and 317 students from rural areas, while there were 44 schools, 114 teachers and 913 students from the urban areas. These were drawn across the three senatorial districts of the state. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative techniques in data collection and analysis with questionnaires and observation as main instruments of collection. Data were collected on schools’, teachers’ and students’ characteristics and were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics. The analysis reveals that only about 10% (11.8 rural and 9.1 urban) of sampled schools commenced the programme in 2011, while more than 70% selected between only one and two trade subjects for their students. The average age of teachers in the rural communities was 38 years while it stood at 39 years for their urban counterparts. While 76% of the teachers in the rural areas are degree holders, only 68% of those in the urban centres possess the minimum teaching requirement in secondary schools. Rural students were exposed to 10, while urban students were exposed to 11 out of the 34 entrepreneurial subjects. Students had learnt significant self-employable entrepreneurial skills in two subjects out of 10 in rural areas and six out of 11 selected subjects in urban areas. The study recommends adequate circulation of the curriculum, provision of equipment and relevant facilities, training and re-training of teachers and adequate funding among others.