Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Thigh Muscle Mass with Insulin Resistance and Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Japanese Americans

Background Skeletal muscle plays a major role in glucose metabolism. We investigated the association between thigh muscle mass, insulin resistance, and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. In addition, we examined the role of body mass index (BMI) as a potential effect modifier in this association. Methods This prospective study included 399 Japanese Americans without diabetes (mean age 51.6 years) who at baseline had an estimation of thigh muscle mass by computed tomography and at baseline and after 10 years of follow-up a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and determination of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We fit regression models to examine the association between thigh muscle area and incidence of T2DM and change in HOMA-IR, both measured over 10 years. Results Thigh muscle area was inversely associated with future HOMA-IR after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, HOMA-IR, fasting plasma glucose, total abdominal fat area, and thigh subcutaneous fat area at baseline (P=0.033). The 10-year cumulative incidence of T2DM was 22.1%. A statistically significant interaction between thigh muscle area and BMI was observed, i.e., greater thigh muscle area was associated with lower risk of incident T2DM for subjects at lower levels of BMI, but this association diminished at higher BMI levels. Conclusion Thigh muscle mass area was inversely associated with future insulin resistance. Greater thigh muscle area predicts a lower risk of incident T2DM for leaner Japanese Americans.
Conditional Generative Refinement Adversarial Networks for Unbalanced Medical Image Semantic Segmentation

We propose a new generative adversarial architecture to mitigate imbalance data problem in medical image semantic segmentation where the majority of pixels belongs to a healthy region and few belong to lesion or non-health region. A model trained with imbalanced data tends to bias toward healthy data which is not desired in clinical applications and predicted outputs by these networks have high precision and low sensitivity. We propose a new conditional generative refinement network with three components: a generative, a discriminative, and a refinement network to mitigate unbalanced data problem through ensemble learning. The generative network learns to a segment at the pixel level by getting feedback from the discriminative network according to the true positive and true negative maps. On the other hand, the refinement network learns to predict the false positive and the false negative masks produced by the generative network that has significant value, especially in medical application. The final semantic segmentation masks are then composed by the output of the three networks. The proposed architecture shows state-of-the-art results on LiTS-2017 for liver lesion segmentation, and two microscopic cell segmentation datasets MDA231, PhC-HeLa. We have achieved competitive results on BraTS-2017 for brain tumour segmentation.
Composition Analysis by UPLC-PDA-ESI (−)-HRMS and Antioxidant Activity Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model of Herbal Teas and Green Teas from Hainan

Different teas from everywhere are very useful and have been extensively studied. We studied the antioxidant activity of herbal teas and green teas from Hainan, Mallotus oblongifolius Muell. Arg. (MO), Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng (KD), Camellia sinensis var. assamica (J. W. Mast.) Kitam. Hainan Dayezhong (DY), and Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze. (produced from Hainan Baisha (BS)). The total phenol content and total flavonoid content from water extracts, resin extracts and fractions of herbal teas and green teas were compared. Later, eight fractions of herbal teas and green teas were subjected to UPLC-PDA-ESI-(−)-HRMS. We determined 1-diphenyl -2-picryl-hydrazyl radical and hydroxyl free radical scavenging activity by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. We subjected Saccharomyces cerevisiae to hydrogen peroxide, stress and evaluated antioxidant activity of herbal teas and green teas in cellulo. The experiment identified more than 14 potential antioxidant compounds from herbal teas and green teas. The herbal teas and green teas had a clearance rate higher than ferulic acid at the same concentrations. MO best reduced intracellular oxidation levels and increased catalase, glutathione reductase activities, glutathione reduced and glutathione oxidized content. KD had the highest cell survival rate and reduced cell lipid peroxidation. DY best improved superoxide dismutase activity and BS was the most active in the halo test. Therefore, we concluded that MO had stronger antioxidant activity than other herbal teas and green teas from Hainan, especially, which reduce S. cerevisiae oxidative stress under H2O2 stress.
Anaerobic Speed Reserve: A Key Component of Elite Male 800-m Running.

PURPOSE In recent years (2011-2016), men's 800-m championship running performances have required greater speed than previous eras (2000-2009). The "anaerobic speed reserve" (ASR) may be a key differentiator of this performance, but profiles of elite 800-m runners and their relationship to performance time have yet to be determined. METHODS The ASR-determined as the difference between maximal sprint speed (MSS) and predicted maximal aerobic speed (MAS)-of 19 elite 800- and 1500-m runners was assessed using 50-m sprint and 1500-m race performance times. Profiles of 3 athlete subgroups were examined using cluster analysis and the speed reserve ratio (SRR), defined as MSS/MAS. RESULTS For the same MAS, MSS and ASR showed very large negative (both r = -.74 ± .30, ±90% confidence limits; very likely) relationships with 800-m performance time. In contrast, for the same MSS, ASR and MAS had small negative relationships (both r = -.16 ± .54; possibly) with 800-m performance. ASR, 800-m personal best, and SRR best defined the 3 subgroups along a continuum of 800-m runners, with SRR values as follows: 400-800 m ≥ 1.58, 800 m ≤ 1.57 to ≥ 1.48, and 800-1500 m ≤ 1.47 to ≥ 1.36. CONCLUSION MSS had the strongest relationship with 800-m performance, whereby for the same MSS, MAS and ASR showed only small relationships to differences in 800-m time. Furthermore, the findings support the coaching observation of three 800-m subgroups, with the SRR potentially representing a useful and practical tool for identifying an athlete's 800-m profile. Future investigations should consider the SRR framework and its application for individualized training approaches in this event.
The Recovery Strengths Questionnaire for alcohol and drug use disorders

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The Recovery Strengths Questionnaire (RSQ) is a 15-item self-report questionnaire that assesses an addicted individual's recovery strengths. This study aimed to validate the RSQ as a measure of recovery capital. DESIGN AND METHODS As part of a larger study, 151 participants in addiction recovery groups from across the UK completed the RSQ. Participants also completed the Assessment of Recovery Capital questionnaire and provided some demographic information. RESULTS The RSQ was found to be psychometrically sound, with high internal consistency and concurrent validity with the Assessment of Recovery Capital. RSQ scores were positively correlated with length of time in recovery and length of membership in recovery groups, and the scores could be used to discriminate between those in early and late recovery. Principal components analysis revealed a two-factor structure of recovery capital. These two factors were named 'within-group recovery strengths' and 'externally generated recovery strengths', and it was found that only the within-group factor scale (i.e. resources developed within recovery groups) predicted length of time in recovery and recovery groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the important role that recovery groups can play in an individual's recovery, and they provide an alternative factor structure to the one-factor structure of the Assessment of Recovery Capital.
MiR‐216b inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting Forkhead Box M1

Osteosarcoma (OS) is considered the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor, which has a high rate of mortality in children and adolescents. However, the current treatment methods for OS are ineffective. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to identify the critical targets. This study aimed to identify the roles and significance of microRNA‐216b (miR‐216b) in OS. To explore the cellular and molecular functions of miR‐216b and Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1) in OS, the expression of miR‐216b and FoxM1 at the transcriptional level was measured using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Wound healing assay, 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) assay, flow cytometry, and transwell invasion assay were conducted to study the function of miR‐216b and FoxM1 in OS cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the relationships between miR‐216b and FoxM1. qRT‐PCR results revealed that miR‐216b expression was significantly downregulated, and FoxM1 was observed to be significantly upregulated in human OS cell lines (MG‐63) and tissues. MTT data showed that upregulation of miR‐216b expression led to cell growth inhibition in MG‐63 cells. The results of the invasion assay and wound healing assay illustrated that miR‐216b upregulation or FoxM1 downregulation could inhibit the invasion and migration in MG‐63 cells. In vivo, the tumor volume was significantly decreased by miR‐194 mimic treatment compared with the control group. Furthermore, the results of the luciferase assay indicated that FoxM1 is a direct target of miR‐216b. These findings may provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of miR‐216b and FoxM1 in the progression of OS, and suggested that miR‐216b may serve as a potential tumor inhibitor of OS by targeting FoxM1.
Exploring Morphine-Triggered PKC-Targets and Their Interaction with Signaling Pathways Leading to Pain via TrkA

It is well accepted that treatment of chronic pain with morphine leads to μ opioid receptor (MOR) desensitization and the development of morphine tolerance. MOR activation by the selective peptide agonist, D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin(DAMGO), leads to robust G protein receptor kinase activation, β-arrestin recruitment, and subsequent receptor endocytosis, which does not occur in an activation by morphine. However, MOR activation by morphine induces receptor desensitization, in a Protein kinase C (PKC) dependent manner. PKC inhibitors have been reported to decrease receptor desensitization, reduce opiate tolerance, and increase analgesia. However, the exact role of PKC in these processes is not clearly delineated. The difficulties in establishing a particular role for PKC have been, in part, due to the lack of reagents that allow the selective identification of PKC targets. Recently, we generated a conformation state-specific anti-PKC antibody that preferentially recognizes the active state of this kinase. Using this antibody to selectively isolate PKC substrates and a proteomics strategy to establish the identity of the proteins, we examined the effect of morphine treatment on the PKC targets. We found an enhanced interaction of a number of proteins with active PKC, in the presence of morphine. In this article, we discuss the role of these proteins in PKC-mediated MOR desensitization and analgesia. In addition, we posit a role for some of these proteins in mediating pain by TrKA activation, via the activation of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). Finally, we discuss how these new PKC interacting proteins and pathways could be targeted for the treatment of pain.
Activity-dependent bulk endocytosis proteome reveals a key presynaptic role for the monomeric GTPase Rab11

Significance The maintenance of neurotransmission by synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling is critical to brain function. The dominant SV recycling mode during intense activity is activity-dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE), suggesting it will perform a pivotal role in neurotransmission. However, the role of ADBE is still undetermined, due to the absence of identified molecules specific for this process. The determination of the bulk endosome proteome (a key ADBE organelle) revealed that it has a unique molecular signature and identified a role for Rab11 in presynaptic function. This work provides the molecular inventory of ADBE, a resource that will be of significant value to researchers wishing to modulate neurotransmission during intense neuronal activity in both health and disease. Activity-dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE) is the dominant mode of synaptic vesicle endocytosis during high-frequency stimulation, suggesting it should play key roles in neurotransmission during periods of intense neuronal activity. However, efforts in elucidating the physiological role of ADBE have been hampered by the lack of identified molecules which are unique to this endocytosis mode. To address this, we performed proteomic analysis on purified bulk endosomes, which are a key organelle in ADBE. Bulk endosomes were enriched via two independent approaches, a classical subcellular fractionation method and isolation via magnetic nanoparticles. There was a 77% overlap in proteins identified via the two protocols, and these molecules formed the ADBE core proteome. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a strong enrichment in cell adhesion and cytoskeletal and signaling molecules, in addition to expected synaptic and trafficking proteins. Network analysis identified Rab GTPases as a central hub within the ADBE proteome. Subsequent investigation of a subset of these Rabs revealed that Rab11 both facilitated ADBE and accelerated clathrin-mediated endocytosis. These findings suggest that the ADBE proteome will provide a rich resource for the future study of presynaptic function, and identify Rab11 as a regulator of presynaptic function.
Adiponectin profile at baseline is correlated to progression and severity of multiple sclerosis

Adiponectin is a cytokine linking energy metabolism and immune system. After being assembled, adiponectin circulates as oligomers of different molecular weight, i.e. low, medium and high (HMW) molecular weight. These have the most potent biological effects. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the human central nervous system. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression levels of both total adiponectin and its oligomerization state in the serum from 99 patients with MS at baseline (i.e. not influenced by therapies). We also investigated the potential relationships between adiponectin and disease progression and severity.
Comparative Study on the Extraction of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites from Pomelo and Pineapple Peels Extract

In this study, a phytochemical analysis and in vitro analysis of antioxidant assay conducted for two different types of fruit peels extract which are pomelo peel (PP) and pineapple peel (PIP). For phytochemical analysis, total phenols content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and total tannins content (TTC) and for antioxidant assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) were determined using spectrophotometric methods. From the analysis, it was found that PP extract rich in TPC, TFC, TTC, DPPH antioxidant scavenging activity and FRAP assay compared to PIP with the values 6.3133 mg GAE/g of extract, 4.6675 mg QAE/g of extract and 0.1593 mg GAE/g of extract respectively. For antioxidant assays, PP extract showed higher percentage of antioxidant scavenging activity compared to PIP extract with 54.95% and also the increase in FRAP when the concentration of extract increased. Thus, PP was chosen to be conducted in a green synthesis of nanoparticles which can be applied in either pharmaceutical or environmental fields.
Effects of exercise on the physical fitness level of adults with intellectual disability: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose: To systematically review the existing scientific evidence regarding the effects of physical exercise on the fitness level of people with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Following the checklist of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, the PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus databases were searched using specific keywords up to January 2018. The methodological quality of the studies found was rated by the means of specific scales according to their specific design. Results: A total of 44 studies were selected. The majority of the included studies were randomized controlled trials (n = 17), followed by non-controlled studies (n = 11), non-randomized controlled trials (n = 10), and comparative studies (n = 6). Aerobic, strengthening, and combined exercise programs were the most frequently proposed interventions. Exercise showed to have significant effects on the cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness. Not all the selected studies reported improvements in parameters related to body composition. Conclusions: There is sufficient scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of exercise on the cardiovascular and muscular fitness of adults with mild/moderate ID. There is a need for more studies focused on the impact of physical exercise on the body composition of this population, and those that aim at identifying the impact of alternative interventions. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION There is a need for basic guidelines that can help rehabilitation professionals to prescribe exercise for maintaining and improving physical fitness in the adults with intellectual disabilities. In adults with intellectual disabilities, aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on cardiovascular and muscular fitness, flexibility, and range of motion. No firm conclusion can be made regarding the effects of aerobic, muscular, and combined training programs on the body composition of adults with intellectual disabilities. Rehabilitation professionals should be aware that scientific evidence regarding the prescription of alternative exercise protocols in adults with intellectual disabilities (i.e. dancing, water-based exercise, animal therapy, etc) is scarce.
Selective Distillation of Weakly Annotated GTD for Vision-Based Slab Identification System

This paper proposes an algorithm for recognizing slab identification numbers in factory scenes. In the development of a deep-learning-based system, manual labeling to make ground-truth data (GTD) is an important but expensive task. Furthermore, the quality of GTD is closely related to the performance of a supervised learning algorithm. To reduce manual work in the labeling process, we generated weakly annotated GTD by marking only character centroids. Whereas bounding-boxes for characters require at least a drag-and-drop operation or two clicks to annotate a character location, the weakly annotated GTD require a single click to record a character location. The main contribution of this paper is on selective distillation to improve the quality of the weakly annotated GTD. Because manual GTD are usually generated by many people, it may contain personal bias or human error. To address this problem, the information in manual GTD is integrated and refined by selective distillation. In the process of selective distillation, a fully convolutional network is trained using the weakly annotated GTD, and its prediction maps are selectively used to revise locations and boundaries of semantic regions of characters in the initial GTD. The modified GTD are used in the main training stage, and post-processing is conducted to retrieve text information. The experiments were thoroughly conducted on actual industry data collected at a steelmaking factory to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Electrochemical Measurements of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes under Different Plasma Treatments

In the present work, we described the post-treatment effects of applying different plasma atmosphere conditions on the electrochemical performances of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). For the study, a composite of MWCNTs/Co/Ti was successfully grown on the silicon substrate and then pre-treated with ammonia, oxygen and hydrogen plasma. The composite was characterized by making use of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) for the surface morphology and Raman spectroscopy for the functionalization. Further, the electrochemical measurements were performed with the use of the cyclic voltammetry (CV) applied in the 0.01 M potassium ferricyanide in 0.1 M KCl solution. On testing, the results indicated that the NH3-treated MWCNTs have the highest efficiency as compared to the other pretreatments and control. This increased performance of NH3 treated sample can be linked to the enhanced surface area of the composite, thereby improved adsorption and associated interaction with that of the analyte molecules at the electrodes. Further comparison of the electrode with that of commercial Dropsens electrodes provided the confirmation for the efficiency of the NH3/MWCNTs, thereby suggesting for the potentiality of applying the NH3 modified electrode towards electrochemical applications.
Acute Kidney Injury Due to Inferior Vena Cava Stenosis After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report About the Importance of Hepatic Vein Doppler Ultrasound and Clinical Assessment

Rationale: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication after liver transplantation. In some patients, prompt intervention targeted at a specific etiology is of paramount importance. Presenting concerns of the patients: A 25 years old man with advanced liver cirrhosis caused by sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. One month after surgery, severe AKI developed in conjunction with recurrent ascites and lower extremity edema. Notable clinical findings included a persistently low urinary sodium excretion, a bland urinary sediment, and an abnormally monophasic hepatic vein waveform on Doppler ultrasound. Diagnoses: Inferior vena cava stenosis. Interventions: Angioplasty with stent installation. Outcomes: Rapid improvement of renal function after stent installation. Lessons learned: The following case illustrates the importance of integrating clinical cues, ultrasound features, and laboratory findings. The combination of AKI associated with lower extremity edema, abnormal monophasic hepatic vein flow on Doppler ultrasound, and a low urinary sodium excretion after liver transplantation should evoke the possibility of inferior vena cava stenosis as the etiologic factor.