Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-time computer-aided diagnosis of diminutive rectosigmoid polyps using an auto-fluorescence imaging system and novel color intensity analysis software

Abstract Objectives: An endoscopic technique that provides ≥90% negative predictive value (NPV) for differentiating neoplastic polyps is needed for the management of diminutive (≤5 mm) rectosigmoid polyps. This study aimed to assess whether a newly developed software can achieve ≥90% NPV for differentiating rectosigmoid diminutive polyps based on the green-to-red (G/R) ratio, obtained by dividing the green color tone intensity by the red color tone intensity on autofluorescence imaging (AFI). Methods: From December 2017 to May 2018, consecutive patients with known polyps who were scheduled for endoscopic treatment at our institution were prospectively recruited. All colorectal diminutive polyps were differentiated by computer-aided diagnosis using autofluorescence imaging (CAD-AFI) using a novel software-based automatic color intensity analysis; subsequent diagnosis was made by endoscopists based on trimodal imaging endoscopy (TME), which combines AFI, white-light imaging (WLI) and magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) findings. Thereafter, all polyps were removed endoscopically, and the histopathological diagnosis was evaluated. Results: Ninety-five patients with 258 diminutive rectosigmoid polyps and 171 diminutive non-rectosigmoid polyps were enrolled. Regarding diminutive rectosigmoid polyps, the NPV for differentiating neoplastic polyps was 93.4% (184/197) [95% confidence interval (CI), 89.0%–96.4%] with CAD-AFI and 94.9% (185/195) (95% CI, 90.8%–97.5%) with TME. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for differentiating diminutive rectosigmoid neoplastic polyps by CAD-AFI were 91.5%, 80.0%, 95.3% and 85.2%, respectively. Conclusions: Real-time CAD-AFI was effective for differentiating diminutive rectosigmoid polyps. This objective technology, which does not require extensive training or endoscopic expertise, can contribute to the effective management of diminutive rectosigmoid polyps.
Antihyperglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of Foeniculum vulgare in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is associated with high blood glucose levels due to insulin shortcoming (insulinopenia) or defective in insulin action. The objective of the study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Foeniculum vulgare in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. METHODS The effects of the leaves aqueous extract (LAE) of Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) at a dose of 10 mg/kg on blood glucose levels were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were also evaluated in liver in STZ-induced rats. RESULTS Single oral administration of F. vulgare LAE reduced blood glucose levels 6 h after administration in STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001). Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased in both normal (p<0.05) and STZ diabetic rats (p<0.0001) after fifteenth day of treatment. During this test both groups did not show any significant change in their body weight. Moreover, this aqueous extract improved oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats and revealed a positive effect on liver histology. On the other hand, the extract used in this experiment has shown an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 50% of free radicals with a concentration of 43±1.19 µg/ml. While the synthetic antioxidant (BHT) had an IC50 equal to 22.67±2. 17µg /ml. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of the leaves of F. vulgare in normal and diabetic rats.
Synchronized Optical and Acoustic Droplet Vaporization for Effective Sonoporation

Inertial cavitation-based sonoporation has been utilized to enhance treatment delivery efficacy. In our previous study, we demonstrated that tumor therapeutic efficacy can be enhanced through vaporization-assisted sonoporation with gold nanodroplets (AuNDs). Specifically, the AuNDs were vaporized both acoustically (i.e., acoustic droplet vaporization, ADV) and optically (i.e., optical droplet vaporization, ODV). A continuous wave (CW) laser was used for ODV in combination with an ultrasound pulse for ADV. Although effective for vaporization, the use of a CW laser is not energy efficient and may create unwanted heating and concomitant tissue damage. In this study, we propose the use of a pulsed wave (PW) laser to replace the CW laser. In addition, the PW laser was applied at the rarefaction phase of the ultrasound pulse so that the synergistic effects of ADV and ODV can be expected. Therefore, a significantly lower laser average power can be expected to achieve the vaporization threshold. Compared to the CW laser power at 2 W/cm2 from the previous approach, the PW laser power was reduced to only 0.2404 W/cm2. Furthermore, we also demonstrate in vitro that the sonoporation rate was increased when the PW laser was applied at the rarefaction phase. Specifically, the vaporization signal, the inertial cavitation signal, and the sonoporation rate all displayed a 1-µs period, which corresponded to the period of the 1-MHz acoustic wave used for ADV, as a function of the relative laser delay. The increased sonoporation rate indicates that this technique has the potential to enhance sonoporation-directed drug delivery and tumor therapy with a lower laser power while keeping the cell death rate at the minimum. Photoacoustic imaging can also be performed at the same time since a PW laser is used for the ODV.
Biomimetic Lessons Learnt from Nacre

Nacre, the inner iridescent layer of molluscan shells has been investigated for many decades due to its exceptional mechanical properties, tremendous structural redundancy and complex hierarchical structure that spans nanometer to millimeter length scale. This chapter gives an overview of past and current literature on advancements in evolution of understanding of the hierarchical microstructure of nacre, the molecular makeup of mineral and organic components, as well as recent efforts on biomimicking this structure for a variety of applications. In addition, we will also describe multiscale modeling efforts in simulating the mechanical response of this material. Modeling efforts in literature include fracture mechanics based continuum theories to molecular dynamics studies on mineralprotein interactions in nacre. The goal of this chapter would be to give the reader an in depth understanding of the existing knowledge on architecture of nacre and the structure property relationships therein. Lessons from nature to accomplish optimized mechanical response, structural redundancy and fracture toughness will be illustrated for this important material system. Also described are efforts in literature on mimicking the structure of nacre.
Den Habitat Characteristics of Tibetan Foxes (Vulpes ferrilata) in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province, China

The Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrilata), an endemic canid living on the Tibetan Plateau above 3000 m, is listed by the IUCN as having insufficient data, with only limited information available on its ecology. It is also an important definitive wild host of a lethal zoonotic, alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis. Understanding the habitat ecology of Tibetan foxes will benefit the conservation of the species and provide greater understanding of the transmission mechanisms of AE. Shiqu County is a typical plateau pasture area, located in western Sichuan Province, on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. It is a high human AE endemic area where Tibetan foxes are abundant. Thus, we studied the Tibetan fox's den habitat characteristics during 2001 to 2003 here, documenting 153 dens. We hypothesized that (1) the Tibetan fox should den on slopes with an open landscape and near rivers, and (2) fox dens should be located in areas where extreme temperature conditions are moderated, and den entrance azimuths should avoid the prevailing direction of strong winds to ensure a moderate microclimate in this cold, dry, and unpredictable steppe climate. All dens were found to be located on slopes and significantly more dens were distributed in areas with an open landscape. Den entrance obliquities and slope gradients were significantly related (z = -0.303, p = 0.762). Entrance azimuths and slope aspects were concentrated in a westerly direction. Distances from dens to a river (814 ± 317 m) did not violate a random distribution (z = -0.487, p = 0.626). Significantly more pika burrows were found around abandoned fox dens than around active dens. We concluded that Tibetan fox dens are distributed on slopes, avoid a direct southern slope aspect, and are located in open habitats. River distances and entrance exposure directions were not statistically significant factors in Tibetan fox den habitat selection.
Environmental Exposure to Mercury in Gold Mining: Health Impact Assessment in Guainía, Colombia

Artisanal gold mining is an ancient practice that remains used in present times. Occupational exposure to mercury has been investigated in several studies, but effects related to its use in gold mining have been less addressed. Several studies are found in the literature, specially related to the gold rush in South America, and the impact of the practice along the Amazon rivers. Due to the informal characteristics of the practice, gold mining with mercury has not been well registered; thus, exposure assessment of riverine populations involved in this practice and its health effects (especially at the nervous system level) are of public health concern. An approximate health risk assessment is performed, using mercury concentrations in 65 blood samples taken from a riverine population in the Guainia region of Colombia. Concentration of mercury is used to estimate body burden of mercury and correlate it to percentage cases of paraesthesia in the population sample. An existing dose-response relationship from an Iraqi outbreak is taken here to extrapolate data previously analyzed in the literature. A 24.5% excess risk of paraesthesia among the miners and a 24.3% excess risk of paraesthesia in non-miners, (both attributable to methyl mercury exposure) is found among the study sample of the Guainia Region in Colombia. Although results are based in several assumptions and extrapolations from other studies, they reveal an important health impact of actual gold mining processes in this region of Colombia. Results here must drive the attention of public health practitioners to undergo further studies and promote reme
Deletion of calcineurin promotes a pro-tumorigenic fibroblast phenotype.

Fibroblast activation is a crucial step in tumor growth and metastatic progression. Activated fibroblasts remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) in primary tumor and metastatic microenvironments, exerting both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. However, the intrinsic mechanisms that regulate the activation of fibroblasts are not well-defined. The signaling axis comprising the calcium-activated Ser/Thr phosphatase calcineurin (CN), and its downstream target nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), has been implicated in endothelial (EC) and immune cell activation, but its role in fibroblasts is not known. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of CN in fibroblasts in vitro altered fibroblast morphology and function consistent with an activated phenotype relative to wild-type fibroblasts. CN-null fibroblasts had a greater migratory capacity, increased collagen secretion and remodeling, and promoted more robust EC activation in vitro. ECM generated by CN-null fibroblasts contained more collagen with greater alignment of fibrillar collagen compared to wild-type fibroblast-derived matrix. These differences in matrix composition and organization imposed distinct changes in morphology and cytoskeletal architecture of both fibroblasts and tumor cells. Consistent with this in vitro phenotype, mice with stromal CN deletion had a greater incidence and larger lung metastases. Our data suggest that CN signaling contributes to the maintenance of fibroblast homeostasis, and that loss of CN is sufficient to promote fibroblast activation.
Anti-photoaging effect of fermented agricultural by-products on ultraviolet B-irradiated hairless mouse skin

Processed products from agricultural produce generate a large number of agricultural by-products that contain a number of functional substances. These are often discarded owing to the lack of suitable processing methods. The present study investigated the anti-photoaging properties of fermented rice bran (FRB), soybean cake (FSB) and sesame seed cake (FSC) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated hairless mouse skin. Results indicated that the oral administration of FRB, FSB and FSC effectively inhibited the UVB irradiation-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, MMP-3 and MMP-13. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction results also demonstrated that FRB, FSB and FSC significantly inhibited the UVB-induced expression of the genes encoding tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β when compared with the UVB-vehicle group (P<0.05). Additionally, collagen degradation and mast cell infiltration were reduced in hairless mouse skin. Furthermore, UVB-induced wrinkle formation was also significantly reduced in mouse skin compared with the UVB-vehicle group (P<0.05). These results reveal that fermented agricultural by-products may serve as potential functional materials with anti-photoaging activities.
The Market Potential of Grape Waste Alternatives

During wine production, approximately 25% of the grape weight results in by-product/waste (termed ‘pomace’ which is comprised of skins and seeds). Currently, most pomace is being composted to be reintroduced into the vineyards to complete the carbon cycle. Due to the increasing consumer demand for the use of natural over synthetic compounds, and because of increased attention to sustainability of agricultural practices (Fontana, Antoniolli, & Bottini, 2013), there is a vast array of applications for grape pomacebioactives including: functional foods (dietary fiber + polyphenols), food processing (biosurfactants), cosmetics (grapeseed oil + antioxidants), pharmaceutical/biomedical (pullulan) and supplements (grape pomace powder). To date, there has been no assessment as to the market potential for value-added usage of grape pomace. This paper seeks to address this gap. The annual production of grape pomace along with its multitude of applications, create an opportunity to discover an unexploited market with great commercial potential.
OPTIMISATION OF HYDROPOWER IN A MULTI-OBJECTIVE CONTEXT

Application of optimisation techniques to reservoir operation has become a major focus of water resources planning and management. Traditionally, reservoir operation has been based on heuristic procedures, embracing rule curves and, to a certain extent, subjective judgements by the operator. More efficient solutions, however, can be obtained by coupling a simulation model with an optimisation algorithm for optimising reservoir operation in a multi-objective context. The focus of the present study is the operation of the Hoa Binh reservoir in Vietnam, considering hydropower production and downstream flood control including the protection of the capital Hanoi. Using the hydrodynamic simulation model MIKE 11, the existing operation rules were incorporated in the model, and the reservoir performance evaluated in comparison with alternative operation strategies suggesting a scope for improvement of both hydropower production and downstream flood control. Subsequently, the Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE) algorithm was coupled with MIKE 11, and through Pareto optimisation it was shown that choosing a balanced optimum would result in an increase of the hydropower production without compromising the downstream flood protection. Finally, the possibility of using real-time information on forecasted reservoir inflows to improve short-term operation was addressed, and it was indicated that flexible, real-time optimisation procedures can further improve the performance of the reservoir operation in comparison to a strict application of the optimised rule curves.
Heroin delay discounting and impulsivity: Modulation by DRD1 genetic variation

Dopamine D1 receptors (encoded by DRD1) are implicated in drug addiction and high‐risk behaviors. Delay discounting (DD) procedures measure decisional balance between choosing smaller/sooner rewards vs larger/later rewards. Individuals with higher DD (rapid discounting) are prone to maladaptive behaviors that provide immediate reinforcement (eg, substance use). DRD1 variants have been linked with increased DD (in healthy volunteers) and opioid abuse. This study determined whether four dopaminergic functional variants modulated heroin DD and impulsivity.
Using Microwave Energy for the Removal of Ammonia From Municipal Wastewater: Continuous Flow Lab-Scale System

This work was initiated to investigate the possibility of using a continuous flow Micro Wave (MW) radiation system with heat exchanging for ammonia nitrogen removal from municipal wastewater after the success of using the system as a batch reactor in our previous work. The effects of initial ammonia concentration, detention time, and initial temperature were investigated. The optimum detention time and initial temperature were determined using synthetic wastewater and found to be 8.5 minutes and 62 oC, respectively. These optimum conditions are valid within the range of 60 to 120 mg NH3-N/L. The residual concentrations under optimum conditions were 3.5 ± 0.4, 4.4 ± 0.4, 5.1 ± 0.2, and 6.9 ± 0.5 mg NH3-N/L for initial concentrations of 60, 70, 80, 100, and 120 mg NH3-N/L, respectively. These concentrations meet the 5 mg NH3-N/L standard for recharging wastewater to groundwater in many countries such as Jordan . Similar results were obtained using real wastewater samples (3.1 ± 0.2, 4.0 ± 0.1 and 4.9 ± 0.3 mg NH3-N/L for initial concentrations of 65.7, 73.8, and 94.6 mg NH3-N/L, respectively). The developed system proved to be practical in the continuous flow mode that mimics the actual operations in wastewater treatment plants. It was concluded that MW energy could be one of the most effective methods for large scale removal of ammonia nitrogen from municipal wastewater.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mesosutterella multiformis JCM 32464T, a Member of the Family Sutterellaceae, Isolated from Human Feces

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Mesosutterella multiformis JCM 32464T, a new member of the family Sutterellaceae that was isolated from human feces. The genome assembly comprised 2,621,983 bp, with a G+C content of 56.9%. This genomic analysis will be useful for understanding the metabolic activities of this asaccharolytic bacterium. ABSTRACT Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Mesosutterella multiformis JCM 32464T, a new member of the family Sutterellaceae that was isolated from human feces. The genome assembly comprised 2,621,983 bp, with a G+C content of 56.9%. This genomic analysis will be useful for understanding the metabolic activities of this asaccharolytic bacterium.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus anginosus Strain CALM001, Isolated from the Gut of an Elderly Dane

Here, we present a 1.89-Mbp draft genome sequence of Streptococcus anginosus strain CALM001, a Gram-positive bacterium that was isolated from a fecal sample donated by a 70-year-old Dane enrolled in the Counteracting Age-Related Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass (CALM) intervention study. ABSTRACT Here, we present a 1.89-Mbp draft genome sequence of Streptococcus anginosus strain CALM001, a Gram-positive bacterium that was isolated from a fecal sample donated by a 70-year-old Dane enrolled in the Counteracting Age-Related Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass (CALM) intervention study.
Development, analysis and control of a spherical aerial vehicle

With the ability to provide close surveillance in narrow space or urban areas, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been of great interest to many scholars and researchers. The spherical aerial vehicle offers substantial design advantages over the conventional small aerial vehicles. As a new kind of small aerial vehicles, spherical aerial vehicle is presented in this paper. Firstly, the unique structure of spherical aerial vehicle is presented in detail. And then the dynamics theory based on this vehicle’s structure is analyzed, and the equations of force and moment acting on the aircraft were deduced. Based on the above, the dynamics model of spherical aerial vehicle is derived and the nonlinear state equation is established. The control system of the spherical aerial vehicle’s flight motion, including the hardware and software parts, is presented concretely. The backstepping control method is used in the state equation to get the stability of the spherical aerial vehicle’s motion. At last, the experimental results and simulation analysis are provided to confirm the feasibility of the spherical aerial vehicle’s flight movement in the air.
MicroRNA in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex set of disorders that predominantly includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The pathogenesis of IBD is multifactorial including genetic, infectious, and immunologic factors. MicroRNAs belong to a class of noncoding small RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression, and they are an emerging class of genetic modifiers of IBD. Here, we focus on the use of unique microRNA expression patterns as biomarkers to classify and prognosticate disease severity in both mucosal tissue and serum from patients with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, we discuss specific micro‐ RNAs with respect to their roles in IBD pathogenesis and fibrosis. We also discuss the role of microRNAs in IBD‐associated carcinogenesis, including their role as biomarkers, tumor suppressors, and oncogenes. Finally, we discuss the emerging therapeutic applications of microRNA manipulation to lessen the effect of IBD and its sequelae. Recent discoveries of the diverse roles of microRNAs in IBD pathogenesis have the potential to provide new targeted therapeutics for personalized medicine.
Talent in the Cold? Creative Capital and the Economic Future of the Canadian North

The concept of the creative economy provides an alternative perspective on regional development in the Canadian North. Most studies in the economic geography of talent and creativity have focused on large metropolitan centres, but from the path-creation perspective, the creative class is no less important in the northern frontier area, where it acts as the agent of economic transformation and revitalization. I used both traditional and newly developed creative class metrics based on the four-sector model of the creative class to analyze creative capital in northern towns. Although the creative class is weak in the Canadian North, I identify a group of six leading communities that constitute the creative core of the North (Yellowknife, NT; Whitehorse, YT; Inuvik, NT; Fort Smith, NT; Smithers, BC; and Iqaluit, NU). These communities have high levels of creative capital and can compete nationally in terms of quality of place to attract the creative labor force. A dozen others could be considered lesser centres of creativity. Not surprisingly, single-industry towns in the Canadian North have the weakest creative class and therefore much less potential for regional reinvention. Some characteristics of the creative class observed in northern communities are similar to those found in metropolitan areas, but others are distinctive. In the periphery, entrepreneurship and leadership appear to be more important elements than formal education. Creativity is found to be positively associated with the aboriginality of the population. Northern communities should consider adopting policies that will stimulate the growth of creative capital by developing the education and business skills, leadership ability, entrepreneurial competency, and artistic talent of their residents.