Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Albiglutide: a unique GLP-1 receptor agonist

ABSTRACT Introduction: Albiglutide is a long acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) administered by weekly injection. Area covered: The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of albiglutide and its clinical effects are discussed. The review encompassed a search of PubMed and a thorough analysis of the European Union and US Food and Drug Administration approval documents. Expert opinion: Albiglutide has a chemical structure quite distinct from that of other marketed GLP-1 RAs. The agent has less gastrointestinal side effects than other comparable GLP-1 RAs and is safe in patients with renal failure. As a sole treatment for diabetes and used with other hypoglycemic agents, it achieves a lowering of HbA1c of up to 1%, less than several competitor GLP-1 RAs. The benefit on weight reduction is minimal compared to other GLP-1 RAs. There exists concern about an imbalance of pancreatitis cases in the approval program as well as injection site reactions which led to discontinuance of therapy in up to 2% of participants. A large long term study now underway will determine if albiglutide, with its lower level of GI intolerance, has a place in the treatment of patients with increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Practical Considerations for Perforator Flap Thinning Procedures Revisited

Background A thin perforator flap is one of the best methods for covering defects. This study aimed to revisit and further test the rapidly advancing field of flap thinning techniques. Methods We performed two cadaveric studies to test the known flap thinning methods, and then applied these methods to a clinical series. In the first study, five cadavers were used to observe the anatomical relation of the perforator with the subdermal plexuses and the subcutaneous fat layer by injecting a colored latex solution. The second study was done on four cadavers independently from the first study. Last, a clinical series was performed on 15 patients. Results The areolar fat lobules of 10 anterolateral thigh perforator (ALT), seven deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP), and six thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flaps were dissected to reduce the flap thickness guided by the colored vascular pattern. On average, the ALT, DIEAP, and TAP flaps were reduced to 32.76%±9.76%, 37.01%±9.21%, and 35.42%±9.41%, respectively. In the second study, the areolar fat lobules were directly dissected in six ALT, six TAP, and four MSAP flaps, and an average reduction in flap thickness of 53.41%±5.64%, 52.30%±2.88%, and 47.87%±6.41%, respectively, was found. In the clinical series, 13 out of the 15 cases yielded satisfactory outcomes with an average thickness reduction of 37.91%±7.15%. Conclusions These multiple studies showed that the deep fat layer could be safely removed to obtain a thin yet viable perforator flap. This evidence suggests that the macroscopic flap thinning technique can achieve thin flaps. Surgeons should consider this technique before embracing the latest technique of supermicrosurgery.
REDUCING FRICTION LOSSES IN MONOLITIDC AND SEGMENTAL BRIDGE TENDONS

In the construction of post-tensioned bridges, the increased use of precast technology has resulted in somewhat tighter radii of curvature and greater total angle changes. Both factors make friction losses during stressing higher and somewhat less predictable. Various design recommendations have suggested different values. There have not been any reported tests of actual friction losses in segmentally cast girders. Historically, the solution to the friction reduction problem has been use of a lubricant, often an emulsifiable oil applied to the surface of the tendon or stay. The agent is usually flushed immediately before grouting. Particularly in bonded post-tensioned girders, it is essential that any residues of these agents not diminish the bond between the strand and the grout. The tests showed flushing was ineffective and emulsifiable oils are potentially ha.nnful in bonded tendon applications. In a preliminary study, thirteen agents were identified as practical candidates for tendon lubrication and/or temporary corrosion protection. Ten were emulsifiable oils, one was a sodium silicate solution, one was a soap and one was powdered graphite. The powdered graphite was the best lubricating agent but is not a corrosion inhibitor.
Improved Naive Bayes Classifier for Android Malware Classification

According to a recent F-secure report, 97% of mobile malware is designed for the Android platform which has a growing number of consumers. In order to protect consumers from downloading malicious applications, there should be an effective system of malware classification, that can detect previously unseen viruses. In this paper, we present a scalable and highly accurate method for malware classification based on features extracted from Android application package (APK) files. We explored several techniques for tackling independence assumptions in Naive Bayes and proposed Normalized Naive Bayes that resulted in an improved class separation and higher accuracy. We conducted a set of experiments on an up-todate large dataset of APKs provided by F-Secure and achieved 0.1% false malicious rate with overall accuracy of 91%. The results indicate practical applicability of the method, high performance and ability to achieve low false malicious rates. Keywords-Malware Classification; Naive Bayes; Security in Android;
Behavioral Disruption of Memory Reconsolidation: From Bench to Bedside and Back Again

During the postretrieval reconsolidation “window”, memories can be disrupted, strengthened, or updated using various pharmacological and behavioral manipulations. Behavioral manipulations are more ecologically valid, thus allowing better understating of memory modification under natural conditions, but they can also be less potent compared to pharmacological interventions. In this review we present the current human and animal literature, aiming to understand the modulatory factors (i.e., task relevance, complexity, intensity) that promote reconsolidation disruption in purely behavioral means. The reviewed studies have suggested that both very simple tasks and more complex learning paradigms can be used to disrupt or update memory reconsolidation, even of stronger emotional memories. Stress exposure is a possible interference task, yet the conflicting results leave many open questions regarding its required timing and intensity. Going from bench to bedside and back again, we point to the need for more research in clinical populations to establish the therapeutic potential of reconsolidation-based treatments. Several findings from outside the laboratory offer promising leads for future research.
A 12 mV start-up converter using piezoelectric transformer for energy harvesting applications

This paper presents a novel topology of start-up converter for sub 100 mV thermal energy harvesting based on an Armstrong oscillator topology using a piezoelectric transformer (PT) and a normally-on MOSFET. Based on a Rosen-type PT and off-the-shelf components, the proposed startup topology begins to oscillate at 12 mV input voltage corresponding to a temperature gradient of 2°C and achieves 1 V output voltage with only 18 mV input voltage applied to the harvester.
Problem of Impurity of Salts of Alkali Metals in Cement Raw Materials

In this work the problem of impurity of salts of alkali metals in the cement raw materials, possessing tendency to accumulate in the oven unit as a result of sublimation (evaporation) and therefore causing technological violations is considered. The comparative analysis of ability of chlorides, sulfates and carbonates to transform into a gas phase from a burned material is carried out at high temperatures and also extent their influence on processes of mineral formation and quality of cement. The main importance of chlorides in formation of outgrowths (sows) in flues of the cyclonic heat exchanger is demonstrated by their indirect impact on hydration activity of clinker.
Prediction of Anti-VEGF Treatment Requirements in Neovascular AMD Using a Machine Learning Approach.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to predict low and high anti-VEGF injection requirements during a pro re nata (PRN) treatment, based on sets of optical coherence tomography (OCT) images acquired during the initiation phase in neovascular AMD. Methods Two-year clinical trial data of subjects receiving PRN ranibizumab according to protocol specified criteria in the HARBOR study after three initial monthly injections were included. OCT images were analyzed at baseline, month 1, and month 2. Quantitative spatio-temporal features computed from automated segmentation of retinal layers and fluid-filled regions were used to describe the macular microstructure. In addition, best-corrected visual acuity and demographic characteristics were included. Patients were grouped into low and high treatment categories based on first and third quartile, respectively. Random forest classification was used to learn and predict treatment categories and was evaluated with cross-validation. Results Of 317 evaluable subjects, 71 patients presented low (≤5), 176 medium, and 70 high (≥16) injection requirements during the PRN maintenance phase from month 3 to month 23. Classification of low and high treatment requirement subgroups demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.7 and 0.77, respectively. The most relevant feature for prediction was subretinal fluid volume in the central 3 mm, with the highest predictive values at month 2. Conclusions We proposed and evaluated a machine learning methodology to predict anti-VEGF treatment needs from OCT scans taken during treatment initiation. The results of this pilot study are an important step toward image-guided prediction of treatment intervals in the management of neovascular AMD.
Studying possibility of smelting refined ferromanganese grades using silicon aluminum reducer

A. Issagulov, G. , D. Issagulova, Karaganda State Technical University, N. Ospanov, A. Baisanov, Ye. Makhambetov Zh. Abishev ChemicalMetallurgical Institute, Karaganda, Republic of Kazakhstan In the given article there are presented the results of smelting refined grades of ferromanganese using silicon aluminum reducer. There is established the possibility of smelting medium-carbon ferromanganese of the FeMn80C20LP grade (ISO 5446-80). The extent of extraction and effective use of basic elements reaches 51,1 – 51,2 % of manganese, 54,5 59,8 % of silicon and 82,5 – 89,5 % of aluminum.
Sarcopenia and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A meta-analysis

Background/Aim: The association between sarcopenia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been suggested by recent epidemiological studies, although the results have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize all available data and estimate the risk of NAFLD among patients with sarcopenia. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through November 2016 to identify all studies that compared the risk of NAFLD among patients with sarcopenia versus those without sarcopenia. Effect estimates from each study were extracted and combined using the random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Results: Five cross-sectional studies with 27,804 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of NAFLD in patients with sarcopenia was significantly higher than those without sarcopenia with the pooled odds ratio of 1.54 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.26). The statistical heterogeneity was high with an I2of 83%. Conclusions: A significantly increased risk of NAFLD among patients with sarcopenia was observed in this study.
A Unified Framework for Line-Like Skeleton Extraction in 2D/3D Sensor Networks

In sensor networks, skeleton extraction has emerged as an appealing approach to support many applications such as load-balanced routing and location-free segmentation. While significant advances have been made for 2D cases, so far skeleton extraction for 3D sensor networks has not been thoroughly studied. In this paper, we conduct the first work of a unified framework providing a connectivity-based and distributed solution for line-like skeleton extraction in both 2D and 3D sensor networks. We highlight its practice as: 1) it has linear time/message complexity; 2) it provides reasonable skeleton results when the network has low node density; 3) the obtained skeletons are robust to shape variations, node densities, boundary noise and communication radio model. In addition, to confirm the effectiveness of the line-like skeleton, a 3D routing scheme is derived based on the extracted skeleton, which achieves balanced traffic load, guaranteed delivery, as well as low stretch factor.
A robust neuromuscular system protects rat and human skeletal muscle from sarcopenia

Declining muscle mass and function is one of the main drivers of loss of independence in the elderly. Sarcopenia is associated with numerous cellular and endocrine perturbations, and it remains challenging to identify those changes that play a causal role and could serve as targets for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we uncovered a remarkable differential susceptibility of certain muscles to age-related decline. Aging rats specifically lose muscle mass and function in the hindlimbs, but not in the forelimbs. By performing a comprehensive comparative analysis of these muscles, we demonstrate that regional susceptibility to sarcopenia is dependent on neuromuscular junction fragmentation, loss of motoneuron innervation, and reduced excitability. Remarkably, muscle loss in elderly humans also differs in vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior muscles in direct relation to neuromuscular dysfunction. By comparing gene expression in susceptible and non-susceptible muscles, we identified a specific transcriptomic signature of neuromuscular impairment. Importantly, differential molecular profiling of the associated peripheral nerves revealed fundamental changes in cholesterol biosynthetic pathways. Altogether our results provide compelling evidence that susceptibility to sarcopenia is tightly linked to neuromuscular decline in rats and humans, and identify dysregulation of sterol metabolism in the peripheral nervous system as an early event in this process.
Who is prone to high levels of distress after prophylactic mastectomy and/or salpingo-ovariectomy?

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to assess predictors of distress after 'prophylactic mastectomy (PM) and salpingo-ovariectomy (PSO), in order to enable the early identification of patients who could benefit from psychological support. PATIENTS AND METHODS General distress and cancer-related distress were assessed in 82 women at increased risk of hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer undergoing PM and/or PSO, before and 6 and 12 months after prophylactic surgery. Neurotic lability and coping were assessed before surgery. RESULTS Cancer-related distress and general distress at both follow-up moments were best explained by the level of cancer-related and general distress at baseline. Being a mutation carrier was predictive of increased cancer-related distress at 6-month follow-up (but not at 12 months), and of lower general distress 12 months after prophylactic surgery. Also, coping by having comforting thoughts was predictive of less cancer-related distress at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Genetically predisposed women who are at risk of post-surgical distress can be identified using one or more of the predictors found in this study. Exploration of and/or attention to cancer-related distress and coping style before prophylactic surgery may help physicians and psychosocial workers to identify women who might benefit from additional post-surgical support.
Preparation and Activities of Visible-Light-Driven BiVO4 by Doping Zn2+ via Solid State Method

Using Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, Bi(NO3)3·5H2O and NH4VO3 as raw materials, Ni-doped BiVO4 photocatalysts with monoclinic scheelite were prepared by a low- temperature grinding method. The physical and optical properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and the chemical bond of the samples was analyzed by Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The Methyl Orange (MO) was simulated as the sewage under the condition of visible light for studying the influence of the amount of photocatalyst and the illumination time. The results showed that the visible- light absorption scope of BiVO4 was broadened by doping Ni and the catalytic effect was enhanced comparing with the pure BiVO4. The degradation rate of as-prepared samples was up to 90% with 10mg and 20mg Ni and photocatalytic time of 90 min.
Metabolic shift from glycogen to trehalose promotes lifespan and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Significance Increased added sugar is contributing to a rise in aging-related diseases. Here, we use the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, which store sugar as both glycogen and trehalose. We demonstrate that by modifying sugar storage, we can prevent the harmful effects of a high-sugar diet. Our data show that a metabolic shift increasing the glucose disaccharide trehalose, and decreasing the glucose polysaccharide glycogen, extends lifespan and promotes healthy aging. The positive effects of trehalose require the DAF-16 transcription factor and the process of autophagy. Our data reveal the benefits of trehalose for prolonged health in the face of our high-sugar environment. As Western diets continue to include an ever-increasing amount of sugar, there has been a rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes. To avoid metabolic diseases, the body must maintain proper metabolism, even on a high-sugar diet. In both humans and Caenorhabditis elegans, excess sugar (glucose) is stored as glycogen. Here, we find that animals increased stored glycogen as they aged, whereas even young adult animals had increased stored glycogen on a high-sugar diet. Decreasing the amount of glycogen storage by modulating the C. elegans glycogen synthase, gsy-1, a key enzyme in glycogen synthesis, can extend lifespan, prolong healthspan, and limit the detrimental effects of a high-sugar diet. Importantly, limiting glycogen storage leads to a metabolic shift whereby glucose is now stored as trehalose. Two additional means to increase trehalose show similar longevity extension. Increased trehalose is entirely dependent on a functional FOXO transcription factor DAF-16 and autophagy to promote lifespan and healthspan extension. Our results reveal that when glucose is stored as glycogen, it is detrimental, whereas, when stored as trehalose, animals live a longer, healthier life if DAF-16 is functional. Taken together, these results demonstrate that trehalose modulation may be an avenue for combatting high-sugar-diet pathology.
Systematic analysis of ATG13 domain requirements for autophagy induction

ABSTRACT Macroautophagy/autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process whose induction is regulated by the ULK1 protein kinase complex. The subunit ATG13 functions as an adaptor protein by recruiting ULK1, RB1CC1 and ATG101 to a core ULK1 complex. Furthermore, ATG13 directly binds both phospholipids and members of the Atg8 family. The central involvement of ATG13 in complex formation makes it an attractive target for autophagy regulation. Here, we analyzed known interactions of ATG13 with proteins and lipids for their potential modulation of ULK1 complex formation and autophagy induction. Targeting the ATG101-ATG13 interaction showed the strongest autophagy-inhibitory effect, whereas the inhibition of binding to ULK1 or RB1CC1 had only minor effects, emphasizing that mutations interfering with ULK1 complex assembly do not necessarily result in a blockade of autophagy. Furthermore, inhibition of ATG13 binding to phospholipids or Atg8 proteins had only mild effects on autophagy. Generally, the observed phenotypes were more severe when autophagy was induced by MTORC1/2 inhibition compared to amino acid starvation. Collectively, these data establish the interaction between ATG13 and ATG101 as a promising target in disease-settings where the inhibition of autophagy is desired.
Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of talimogene laherparepvec for the treatment of advanced melanoma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Current treatment of advanced melanoma is rapidly changing with the introduction of new and effective therapies including systemic as well as locoregional therapies. An example of one such locoregional therapy is intralesional injection with talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC). Areas covered: T-VEC has been shown in a number of studies to be an effective treatment for patients with stage IIIB, IIIC and IVM1a melanoma. In this article the effectiveness, pharmacokinetics and safety profile of T-VEC is reviewed. Additionally, new research looking at combinations of T-VEC and systemic immunotherapies is reviewed. Expert opinion: Overall, T-VEC is an easily administered, safe, well tolerated and effective oncolytic viral therapy for the treatment of stage IIIB, IIIC, IVM1a unresectable and injectable metastatic melanoma. Recently published studies are showing promising results when T-VEC is combined with systemic therapy and this may be the way of the not too distant future in how we treat metastatic melanoma. Continued work regarding the use of T-VEC with other systemic agents will provide new and more effective treatment strategies for advanced melanoma.
Attacking 22 entries in rugby union: running demands and differences between successful and unsuccessful entries

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is commonly utilized in team sports, including rugby union. It has been used to describe the average running demands of rugby union. This has afforded an enhanced understanding of the physical fitness requirements for players. However, research in team sports has suggested that training players relative to average demands may underprepare them for certain scenarios within the game. To date, no research has investigated the running demands of attacking 22 entries in rugby union. Additionally, no research has been undertaken to determine whether differences exist in the running intensity of successful and unsuccessful attacking 22 entries in rugby union. The first aim of this study was to describe the running intensity of attacking 22 entries. The second aim of this study was to investigate whether differences exist in the running intensity of successful and unsuccessful attacking 22 entries. Running intensity was measured using meters per minute (m min−1) for (a) total distance, (b) running distance, (c) high‐speed running distance, and (d) very high‐speed running distance. This study provides normative data for the running intensity of attacking 22 entries in rugby union. Forwards achieved greater high‐speed running intensity in successful (3.6 m min−1) compared to unsuccessful (1.8 m min−1) attacking 22 entries. Forwards should try and achieve greater high‐speed running intensity in attacking 22 entries to increase the likelihood of successful outcomes during this period of gameplay.