Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sitagliptin recuperates oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine expression in ovary of PCOS rats

Abstract Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine, reproductive and metabolic disorder and a major cause of infertility in women. Testosterone propionate (TP) is used to induce PCOS in rats. High calorie diet causes metabolic changes, oxidative stress and PCOS. Sitagliptin (STG) is an inhibitor of dipeptide peptidase (DPP) 4 enzyme used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of high fat, high fructose diet (HFFD) on TP induced PCOS rats and the role of STG on oxidative stress and inflammation in PCOS. Materials and methods: PCOS was induced by administration of TP to normal pellet and HFFD fed rats for 43 days. STG (i.p.) was given for the last 15 days to both groups of rats. Vaginal smear, parameters of oxidative stress, antioxidants and inflammation (TNF-α and IL-6) in ovary were analyzed. Results: Vaginal smear from TP rats consisted of persistent leucocytes, a characteristic of PCOS. All the TP administered rats registered significanty elevated levels of glucose, lipids, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and reduced levels of antioxidants compared to CON rats. STG treatment to PCOS rats reduced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation and improved estrus cycle. Conclusion: High energy diet aggravated TP-induced changes in oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in ovary. STG recuperated the changes induced by TP, suggesting that STG holds potential for PCOS management.
Effective feature reduction for link prediction in location-based social networks

In this study, we investigated feature-based approaches for improving the link prediction performance for location-based social networks (LBSNs) and analysed their performances. We developed new features based on time, common friend detail and place category information of check-in data in order to make use of information in the data which cannot be utilised by the existing features from the literature. We proposed a feature selection method to determine a feature subset that enhances the prediction performance with the removal of redundant features by clustering them. After clustering features, a genetic algorithm is used to determine the ones to select from each cluster. A non-monotonic and feasible feature selection is ensured by the proposed genetic algorithm. Results depict that both new features and the proposed feature selection method improved link prediction performance for LBSNs.
LATERAL CONTROL OF AN A-DOUBLE COMBINATION VEHICLE CONSIDERING DIFFERENT MEASUREMENT SIGNALS AND DOLLY STEERING CONFIGURATIONS

The objective of this paper is to compare and study the performance of different steering configuration of an active dolly which is employed in an A-double combination vehicle (tractor-semitrailer-dolly-semitrailer) to enhance high speed stability and performance of the vehicle. Three dolly steering configurations are considered to be investigated; the front axle steering (FAS), rear axle steering (RAS) and double axle steering (DAS). A static output feedback control synthesis is used based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) and H1 control. The simulation results show significant effects of the active dolly steering on improving lateral stability and performance at high speeds. The effectiveness of approaches are demonstrated using a high-fidelity vehicle model. The simulation results indicate that the FAS and DAS configurations are preferable compared to the RAS configuration at high speeds.
Xpert® MTB/RIF assay on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues in the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis

Background Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis continues to be a challenge due to the complexity of the causative organism and the wide array of pathologic features seen in this infection. Xpert MTB/RIF can be used on fresh or frozen tissue specimens for diagnosis of tuberculosis with good results. However, there is little data on its use with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Objectives The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential utility of Xpert MTB/RIF and to compare its performance to Ziehl-Neelsen staining for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from FFPE tissues using histological features from haematoxylin and eosin staining as the gold standard. Methods Eighty randomly selected archival FFPE tissues exhibiting histological features of tuberculosis were included in the study. After deparaffinisation and lysis, all the tissue specimens were subjected to the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay. The outcome measures were proportions of positively identified cases by each test. Results Using histology as the gold standard, the sensitivity of Ziehl-Neelsen staining was 20.3% (95% confidence interval: 12% – 30.8%), and the sensitivity of the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay was 53.2% (95% confidence interval: 41.6% – 64.9%); the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). None of the cases tested positive for rifampicin resistance. Conclusion With prior deparaffinisation and lysis, FFPE tissues are amenable to testing by Xpert® MTB/RIF assay. A validation study to determine the clinical utility, analytical optimisation and cost implications of this assay for FFPE tissues is recommended.
Inhibition of miRNA-34a promotes triple negative cancer cell proliferation by promoting glucose uptake

miRNA-34a is a tumor suppressor that is expressed in a variety of different types of cancer. The current study aimed to determine the involvement of miRNA-34a in triple negative breast cancer. miRNA-34a expression was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR in the breast tissue and serum of patients with triple negative breast cancer and of healthy controls. The diagnostic value of miRNA-34a in triple negative breast cancer was analyzed using receiver operating curve analysis. A miRNA-34a inhibitor was transfected into triple negative breast cancer cells and the effects on cell proliferation, glucose uptake and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression were detected using a cell counting kit-8 assay, glucose uptake assay and western blot analysis, respectively. The results demonstrated that miRNA-34a was downregulated in patients with triple negative breast cancer compared with healthy controls and the downregulation of miRNA-34a effectively distinguished patients with triple negative breast cancer from healthy controls. miRNA-34a inhibition promoted cancer cell proliferation, accelerated glucose uptake and upregulated GLUT1. The current study concluded that the inhibition of miR-34a may promote triple negative cancer cell proliferation by promoting glucose uptake.
PROSPECTIVE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE COMPOUNDS AMONG 7-SUBSTITUTED OF 3-BENZYL-8-PROPYLXANTHINES FOR TREATMENT OF METABOLIC SYNDROME PATHOLOGIES

Aim – the search for biologically active compounds with diuretic and hypoglycemic action among 7-substituted of 3-benzyl-8-propylxanthines, which can be used for the treatment of pathologies of “metabolic syndrome”. Materials and methods. 30 new chemical compounds among derivatives of 7-substituted of 3-benzyl-8-propylxanthines by PASS prediction filter were chosen for diuretic and hypoglycemic activity researches. Diuretic, hypoglycemic activity and for the most active compounds – the acute toxicity were studied in vivo. The molecular docking, which is based on EADock DSS mechanism of the modulation displayed the interaction between some of functional groups inside discovered xanthine ligands and known receptors and enzymes presented in Ligand-protein Database of Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. Results. It has been shown that synthesized compounds displayed strong diuretic and medium hypoglycemic activities. The molecular docking modulation (SwissDock) of interaction of xanthine derivatives hits with proposed receptors and enzymes revealed prospective of using 7-substituted of 3-benzyl-8-propylxanthines as potential drugs for treatment of metabolic syndrome pathologies. Conclusion. The diuretic activity of the new 23 compounds of 7-substituted of 3-benzyl-8-propylxanthines and hypoglycemic activity of the new 7 derivatives of 7-substituted of 3-benzyl-8-propylxanthines was studied. Results of performed investigation illustrate that 7-substituted of 3-benzyl-8-propylxanthines demonstrate biological activity comparable to standard drugs. We also proposed probable molecular targets for the most active compounds by molecular docking method. It was shown that derivatives of 7-substituted of 3-benzyl-8-propylxanthines can be used for metabolic syndrome disorders prevention.
Is a low Functional Movement Screen score (≤14/21) associated with injuries in sport? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To assess whether Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score is associated with subsequent injuries in healthy sportspeople. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources The following electronic databases were searched to December 2017: Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Embase, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Eligibility criteria included (1) prospective cohort studies that examined the association between FMS score (≤14/21) and subsequent injuries, (2) a sample of healthy and active participants without restrictions in gender or age, and (3) the OR was the effect size and the main outcome. Results Thirteen studies met the criteria for the systematic review and 12 were included in the meta-analysis. In 5 of the 12 studies, and among female athletes in 1 study, FMS score ≤14 out of 21 points was associated with subsequent injuries. The overall OR of the selected studies in the meta-analysis was 1.86 (95% CI 1.32 to 2.61) and showed substantial heterogeneity (I2=70%). Summary/Conclusion Whether or not a low FMS score ≤14 out of 21 points is associated with increased risk of injury is unclear. The heterogeneity of the study populations (type of athletes, age and sport exposure) and the definition of injury used in the studies make it difficult to synthesise the evidence and draw definitive conclusions. Trial registration number CRD42015015579.
Reconstruction of nasal defects using subcutaneous axial pedicled forehead flaps

DOI: 10.4328/ACAM.6186 Received: 25.01. 2019 Accepted: 25.02. 2019 Published Online: 01.03. 2019 Printed: 01.03. 2020 Ann Clin Anal Med 2020;11(2):138-141 Corresponding Author: Asım Uslu, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey. T. : +9
Observed results on optimal sample support in space time adaptive processing in radar system

: Space Time Adaptive processing (STAP) has been proposed to suppress the clutter in the airborne radar. In STAP covariance matrix of the received signal is employed to carry out the processing. This is often estimated by making use of returns from neighboring range bins of interest. In many simulation results, independent and identically distributed (IID) samples are assumed for the clutter. It is said that the more samples we consider in sample covariance matrix, the better signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is achieved in STAP. However, we have found the optimum sample size to achieve maximum SINR in real circumstance. In this paper, we discuss the violation of IID assumption resulting in degradation of SINR using real sea clutter data observed by S-band side-looking airborne radar. The existence of the optimum samples is shown here.
Effect of ritonavir on pharmacokinetics of antimalarial drug combinations in rats

The current treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients coinfected with malaria involves the coadministration of antimalarial and antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based therapy for malaria that usually consists of artemether, artesunate or dihydroartemisinin with non-artemisinin derivatives such as amodiaquine, lumefantrine and mefloquine. Protease inhibitors (PI) such as ritonavir contribute to the improved health of HIV-positive individuals, and the inclusion of ritonavir in antiretroviral regimens is common in clinical practice. Ritonavir is a potent inhibitor of human CYP3A4, which is the primary enzyme involved in the metabolism of many of artemisinin-based drugs, as well as amodiaquine and proguanil. Upon co-administration, ritonavir can potentially influence the metabolism and thus increase the systemic exposure of these drugs. In order to understand this pharmacokinetic (PK) drug interaction, the current work evaluated the effect of ritonavir (50 mg/kg orally) on the PK of antimalarial drug combinations in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. When co-administered with ritonavir, the exposure (AUC) of the antimalarial drugs artemether, artesunate and proguanil was increased by approximately 3.5-fold. Correspondingly, peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of these drugs increased as well. There was no apparent influence of ritonavir on the PK of lumefantrine, amodiaquine and atovaquone. This study demonstrates the potential influence of ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of at least some anti-malarial drugs, likely a result of inhibition of CYP3A. Further evaluation of clinically relevant drug interaction in humans may be warranted to ensure safe and effective use of anti-malarial and anti-HIV drugs concomitantly.
CORRELATION OF SERUM SEMAPHORIN 3A WITH DISEASE ACTIVITY IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PATIENTS

Objective: To assess the serum level of Semaphorin 3A in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and to assess its correlation with disease activity. Subjects and Methods: The study was carried on 40 subjects, 20 AS patients (12 males and 8 females) fulfilled the 1984 Modified New York criteria for diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, and 20 healthy subjects, taken as control group (12 females and 8 males). A consent was taken from all subjects to share in the study. Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) was calculated for AS patients and functional assessment was done using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Results: Serum levels of Semaphorin 3A were significantly higher(P<0.05) in AS patients more than controls as it ranged between 0.22-31.48 years with a median of 2.93 in AS patients and (0.04-3.91) with the median of 1.83in controls. Also, there was a significant difference(P<0.05) of Serum Semaphorin 3A level in ankylosing spondylitis patients regarding ASDAS-CRP score being higher in active AS (ASDAS-CRP ≥1.3) and ranged between (2.17-31.48) vs (0.22- 2.23) in the active vs the inactive AS patients respectively. Serum Semaphorin 3A level (ng/ml) in ankylosing spondylitis patients were significantly correlated with ASDAS- CRP (r=0.82), ASDAS-ESR (r=0.76) as p<0.05. Conclusion: Serum levels of Semaphorin 3A were increased in patients with ankylosing sponndylitis and correlated with disease activity. So, Semaphorin 3A can be used as a biomarker for AS disease activity.
Review on MRI Brain Tumor Segmentation Approaches

---Brain tumor segmentation is a significant area in medical applications. Early on analysis of brain tumors plays a significant part in increasing handling potential and improves the survival rate of the patients. Segmentation methods based on the manual of the brain tumors designed for cancer analysis, from huge number of MRI images created in clinical routine, is a complicated and time consumption task. There is a required designed for automatic brain tumor image segmentation. Presently amount of conventional methods are used for MRI-based brain tumor image segmentation. In this review paper, many segmentation techniques have been introduced such as Dual-force Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), kernel sparse coding, Local Independent Projection-based Classification (LIPC), Ensemble based Support Vector Machine (SVM), K means Integrated with Fuzzy C means (KIFCM) , global threshold segmentation and Rough-Fuzzy C-Means (RFCM). These methods are used and studied for segmentation with their merits and demerits.
Cyber Security Framework for Vehicular Network Based on a Hierarchical Game

The growth of electronic devices in connected vehicles and their connections to the untrusted network, present unprecedented exposure to attacks. Therefore, a reliable and efficient cyber security framework is mandatory to protect vehicular networks against the cyber attackers. Thereby, we propose a cyber defense framework based on a hierarchical cooperative game to secure legitimate vehicles from attacks. In the proposed hierarchical game, there are two kinds of players, the head agent and secondary agents that cooperate between each other to detect, predict and react efficiently against suspected attacks. The Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Intrusion Prediction System (IPS), and Intrusion Reaction System (IRS) represent the secondary players, where their strategies are to carry out the detection, prediction and reaction actions, respectively. The Intrusion Decision Agent (IDA) is the head player and is responsible for making decisions in launching the strategies of IDS, IPS and IRS players. The secondary and head agents are to collaborate in order to decrease the false positive and false negative rates, while minimizing the processing delay and overhead. Numerical results show that, our cyber defense game requires low communications overhead and low delay to achieve low false positive and false negative rates as compared to the current intrusion detection and prediction frameworks.
Modified Book Binding Technique (MBBT) for Intracorporeal Gastroduodenostomy in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: Initial Experience

Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) frequently involves the use of delta shaped gastroduodenostomy (DSG) for intracorporeal anastomosis. However, DSG has some drawbacks, and the book binding technique (BBT) was developed as a new technique to overcome these drawbacks. Subsequently, this technique was further improved with the development of modified book binding technique (MBBT). This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of MBBT in patients undergoing TLDG. Thirty-three patients who underwent TLDG with MBBT were retrospectively evaluated. The mean operation time was 277.6±37.1 minutes, including 51.9±15.7 minutes for reconstruction. Two patients had anastomosis-related complications, one patient with stricture after leakage and 1 patient with stenosis. The former patient was treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation, and the latter was managed conservatively; neither required re-operation. MBBT is a safe and feasible technique, with acceptable surgical outcomes. It may be a good alternative option for the treatment of intracorporeal anastomosis in patients undergoing TLDG.
The Impact of Different Antiemetics on the Nausea in Early Postoperative Period After Laparoscopic Holecystectomy

Abstract Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a patient-important outcome; patients often rate PONV as worse than postoperative pain. This clinical study was aimed to asses the efficiency of standard aniemetics administration separately or in combination in prevention of PONV in patients who underwent to the same surgical procedure - laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Also, this article could provide a novel information about the best choice for prevention and treatment of PONV. This study included 87 patients divided into four groups according to the postoperative phramacological treatment: First group was control group without treatment, Second group was group of patients with ondasetron treatment in postoperative period, Third group was group of patients with ondasetron+dexamethasone treatment, and fourth group was group of patients with dexamethasone treatment in postoperative period for nausea. PONV was distributed in Ondansetron+Dexamethasone group in the lowest percent (4.5%), which means that this conbination of antiemetics was very effective. Than, Dexamethasone group was in relation with low incidence of PONV (14.3%), and after that were Ondansetron and Control groups. Also smokers and males has lower incidence of PONV, especially in combination with Ondansetron+Dexamethasone treatment. The incidence of PONV is lower in male smokers patients who were underwent to combination of two antiemetics, ondansetron and dexamethasone compared to monotherapy and female non-smokers. Preventive strategies for PONV must include risk stratification followed by prophylactic approach and also testing the newer antiemetics. Because of the high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting as a patient-important outcome, the preventive strategies should be considered as serious condition which requires multimodal approach.
Character n-gram Embeddings to Improve RNN Language Models

This paper proposes a novel Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) language model that takes advantage of character information. We focus on character n-grams based on research in the field of word embedding construction (Wieting et al. 2016). Our proposed method constructs word embeddings from character ngram embeddings and combines them with ordinary word embeddings. We demonstrate that the proposed method achieves the best perplexities on the language modeling datasets: Penn Treebank, WikiText-2, and WikiText-103. Moreover, we conduct experiments on application tasks: machine translation and headline generation. The experimental results indicate that our proposed method also positively affects these tasks
Computer Games and English as a Foreign Language: Results of a Pilot Study.

The study presents the results of a pilot project in which computer games were used for teaching English as a foreign language to primary school students. The target group was sixty fifth-grade primary school students, divided into three groups. The first group was taught conventionally using the textbook. In the second, a contemporary teaching method was used, but the instruction was not technologically enhanced. The third group of students used the computer games without the teacher’s intervention. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire and evaluation sheets. The data analysis revealed that the learning outcomes from the use of games were – more or less – the same as in the other methods. Also, the attitude of students towards games was very positive. The results can be attributed to students’ enjoyment, motivation, and positive attitude towards the use of games as well as to the teaching method. The results also lead to the need to examine ways that would allow digital games to be even more effective in the teaching of English as a foreign language.