Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value Of Preoperative Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers In Patients With Gallbladder Cancer And The Establishment Of A Nomogram

Background and aim Preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers, including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) have been developed to predict patient outcome in several types of carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential prognostic value of NLR, dNLR, PLR, and LMR, and establish a prognostic nomogram in postoperative GBC patients who underwent radical cholecystectomy. Methods 169 GBC patients were retrospectively enrolled in the present study. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of systemic inflammatory biomarkers. The prognostic value of those biomarkers was investigated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. A relevant prognostic nomogram was established. Results Results showed that NLR, dNLR, PLR, and LMR were significantly associated with overall survival (OS); whereas, NLR and LMR were retained as independent indicators. Based on these independent predictors including tumor differentiation, T stage, N stage, CEA, NLR, and LMR, a nomogram was generated with an accuracy of 0.801. Conclusion Based on our findings, the predictive nomogram could accurately predict individualized survival probability of postoperative GBC patients, and might support clinicians in treatment optimization and clinical decision-making.
Poster: Framework for Semi-Private Function Evaluation with Application to Secure Insurance Rate Calculation

Private Function Evaluation (PFE) allows two parties to jointly compute a private function provided by one party on the secret input of the other party. However, in many applications it is not required to hide the whole function, which is called Semi-Private Function Evaluation (SPFE). In this work, we develop a framework for SPFE which allows to split a function into public and private parts. We show the practicability of using SPFE in a real world scenario by developing a car insurance application for computing user-specific tariffs. We evaluate the performance of our SPFE framework on this concrete example which results in a circuit consisting of 377032 AND gates which improves over PFE by a factor of 9x.
Noncontact Heart Rate Measurement Based on an Improved Convolutional Sparse Coding Method Using IR-UWB Radar

Impulse radio ultrawideband radar is a critical remote sensing tool for life detection and noncontact monitoring of vital signals. In noncontact monitoring via radar, the disturbance from respiration and environmental noise is considered critical for the estimation of heart rates. However, the heartbeat signal is generally distorted by breath harmonics and fluctuations in the time domain, and the frequencies of the vital signals are closely situated; thus, it is difficult to employ an ordinary frequency filter for separation. To solve this problem, a novel method was developed to extract heartbeat information. In this study, convolutional sparse coding, which is an unsupervised machine learning algorithm, was first used to model the heartbeat signal in the time domain, given the respiration and relative artifacts. The proposed scheme was then used to decompose the time-domain signals and directly obtain the heartbeat component by exploiting the sparsity of the heartbeat signal in the time domain. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed scheme was improved using a noise-assisted method, and the process was accelerated by learning from the K-singular value decomposition strategy. Finally, by testing the vital sign signals collected from the finite differences time-domain simulation and experiments, the results obtained indicate that the proposed approach is effective for the extraction of low-amplitude heartbeat signals from the respiration signal, and that it significantly improves the accuracy of heart rate evaluation.
Configware In The Computer Science Curriculum

We report on our ongoing process of integrating FPGA design into the undergraduate computer science curriculum at Queens College in New York. We use Celoxica’s Handel-C language, DK development environment, and RC200E prototyping board to teach principles of timing, concurrency, and I/O management. While leveraging software development skills, we clarify the differences between traditional software techniques and FPGA-based “configware” development. We also report on our efforts to extend the Celoxica environment to support inexpensive Altera development boards so the principles of configware development can be introduced earlier in the curriculum.
Evidence on the Health Benefits of Supplemental Propolis

Propolis is a honey-related product with reported health benefits such as improved immunity, lowered blood pressure, treated allergies and skin conditions. A literature review and narrative synthesis were conducted to investigate the evidence on the reported health benefits and future direction of propolis products. Using a predefined search strategy we searched Medline (OvidSP), Embase and Central for quantitative and qualitative studies (1990–2018). Citation, reference, hand searches and expert consultation were also undertaken. Studies of randomised control trials and observational data on humans with health-related outcomes were included. Collected data were entered into NVivo software (Version 12, QRS International) and analysed using a thematic framework and a narrative synthesis of emergent themes. A total of 63 publications were discussed. The majority were cell-based and animal studies, with a few key human trials conducted. There is significant promise for propolis as an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with particular promise in cardiometabolic health.
Review of Recent Advances in Polylactic Acid/TiO2 Composites

Polylactic acid/titanium oxide (PLA/TiO2) composites as multifunctional materials have been studied extensively by couple of research groups owing to their outstanding mechanical, thermal, photocatalytic, and antimicrobial properties. This review describes the experimental approaches used to improve the compatibility of PLA/TiO2 composites. The mechanical, thermal, photocatalytic, and antimicrobial properties of PLA/TiO2 composites are discussed. The potential applications arising from the structural and functional properties of PLA/TiO2 composites were also reviewed. Finally, it is concluded that a deep understanding of the impacts of TiO2 filler with available improvement approaches in the dispersibility of this filler in the PLA matrix would be the key for the effective usage of PLA/TiO2 composites and to expand their suitability with worldwide application requirements.
Evaluation of the Porosity of Biomaterials with Micro-CT

Introduction Porous biomaterials are useful for bone growth and osteoblast adhesion; and therefore, can support the primary stability of the implant (1). The porosity level of a material can influence the bioactivity of the material because of the structure’s permeability (2). Therefore, it is very important to understand the behavior of the scaffold and the changes in porosity for preclinical studies. Using a micro-CT system is extremely helpful to widen the knowledge on materials and bone response.
The Synergistic Behavior of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds Obtained from Winemaking Waste’s Valorization, Increased the Efficacy of a Sunscreen System

Grape pomace retains polyphenols in the peels and in the seeds after winemaking, which is indicative of the high valorization potential of this industrial waste. There is strong evidence that phenolics are robust antioxidants and confer photoprotection; thus, it is rational to apply these active compounds from winemaking waste to sunscreens, in order to increase UV protection. Despite the importance of this class of cosmetics to public health, more efficacious strategies are still needed to overcome the problems caused by the photoinstability of some UV filters. The hydroethanolic extract of Vitis vinifera L. grapes was obtained by percolation and then lyophilized. Six formulations were developed: Type I—cosmetic base and UV filters; Type II—cosmetic base and extract; and Type III—cosmetic base, extract and UV filters. Each formulation was prepared in the pHs 5 and 7. The antioxidant activities of the samples were measured by DPPH• and expressed in Trolox® equivalents (TE), and their photostability and in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) were analyzed by diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry. The anti-radical efficiencies observed in the formulations with grape extract were: (II) 590.12 ± 0.01 μmol TE g−1 at pH 5 and 424.51 ± 0.32 μmol TE g−1 at pH 7; (III) 550.88 ± 0.00 μmol TE g−1 at pH 5 and 429.66 ± 0.10 μmol TE g−1, at pH 7, demonstrating that the UV filters, butylmethoxydibenzoyl methane, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and ethylhexyl dimethyl 4-aminobenzoic acid had no influence on this effect. The photoprotective efficacy and the photostability of formulation III containing the extract and UV filters at pH 5 suggested that a synergism between the active molecules provided an 81% increase in SPF. Additionally, this was the only sample that maintained a broad spectrum of protection after irradiation. These results confirmed that the grape pomace extract has multifunctional potential for cosmetic use, mainly in sunscreens, granting them superior performance.
Teledrone: Shared Outdoor Exploration Using Telepresence Drones

Outdoor activities are an important way for friends, family, and couples to spend time with one another and share exploration activities. Yet when people become separated by distance it can be difficult if not impossible to participate in outdoor activities together. We propose a design called Teledrone that uses a drone with video conferencing display to create feelings of social presence during shared outdoor activities over distance. With Teledrone, users connect into the video call display and can maneuver the drone to follow a friend or family member during an outdoor activity such as hiking. In this way, Teledrone provides an embodiment for a remote user and can help support spatial awareness.
A conserved miRNA-183 cluster regulates the innate antiviral response

Upon immune recognition of viruses, the mammalian innate immune response activates a complex signal transduction network to combat infection. This activation requires phosphorylation of key transcription factors regulating IFN production and signaling, including IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and STAT1. The mechanisms regulating these STAT1 and IRF3 phosphorylation events remain unclear. Here, using human and mouse cell lines along with gene microarrays, quantitative RT-PCR, viral infection and plaque assays, and reporter gene assays, we demonstrate that a microRNA cluster conserved among bilaterian animals, encoding miR-96, miR-182, and miR-183, regulates IFN signaling. In particular, we observed that the miR-183 cluster promotes IFN production and signaling, mediated by enhancing IRF3 and STAT1 phosphorylation. We also found that the miR-183 cluster activates the IFN pathway and inhibits vesicular stomatitis virus infection by directly targeting several negative regulators of IRF3 and STAT1 activities, including protein phosphatase 2A (PPP2CA) and tripartite motif–containing 27 (TRIM27). Overall, our work reveals an important role of the evolutionarily conserved miR-183 cluster in the regulation of mammalian innate immunity.
Neuroadaptive Control Design for Pure-Feedback Nonlinear Systems: A One-Step Design Approach

In this article, we propose a one-step control design approach for pure-feedback nonlinear systems in the presence of unmatched and nonvanishing external disturbances. Different from the commonly utilized backstepping design, the proposed method, integrated with the dynamic surface control (DSC) technique, only involves one-step design with one single Lyapunov function in the whole control synthesis, which derives the actual control and the intermediate controls simultaneously in a collective way, avoiding the repetitive design procedures and multiple Lyapunov functions, yet circumventing the issue of “explosion of complexity. ” Furthermore, with this method, the increase in system order does not increase the design and analysis complexity. Numerical simulation examples confirm and validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Toxicity Mechanism of Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles and Gadolinium Ions in Human Breast Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND Due to the potential advantages of Gadolinium Nanoparticles (NPs) over gadolinium elements, gadolinium based NPs are currently being explored in the field of MRI. Either in elemental form or nanoparticulate form, gadolinium toxicity is believed to occur due to deposition of gadolinium ion (designated as Gd3+ ion or simply G ion). OBJECTIVE There is a serious lack of literature on the mechanisms of toxicity caused by either gadolinium-based NPs or ions. Breast cancer tumors are often subjected to MRIs, therefore, human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells could serve as an appropriate in vitro model for the study of Gadolinium Oxide (GO) NP and G ion. METHODS Cytotoxicity and oxidative damage was determined by quantifying cell viability, cell membrane damage, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Intracellular Glutathione (GSH) was measured along with cellular Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). Autophagy was determined by using Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) and Lysotracker Red (LTR) dyes in tandem. Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) was measured by JC-1 fluorescence. Physicochemical properties of GO NPs were characterized by field emission transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectrum. RESULTS A time- and concentration-dependent toxicity and oxidative damage was observed due to GO NPs and G ions. Bax/Bcl2 ratios, FITC-7AAD double staining, and cell membrane blebbing in phase-contrast images all suggested different modes of cell death induced by NPs and ions. CONCLUSION In summary, cell death induced by GO NPs with high aspect ratio favored apoptosis-independent cell death, whereas G ions favored apoptosis-dependent cell death.
Communication versus waterproofing: the physics of insect cuticular hydrocarbons

ABSTRACT Understanding the evolution of complex traits is among the major challenges in biology. One such trait is the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) layer in insects. It protects against desiccation and provides communication signals, especially in social insects. CHC composition is highly diverse within and across species. To understand the adaptive value of this chemical diversity, we must understand how it affects biological functionality. So far, CHCs have received ample research attention, but their physical properties were little studied. We argue that these properties determine their biological functionality, and are vital to understanding how CHC composition affects their adaptive value. We investigated melting behaviour and viscosity of CHCs from 11 ant species using differential scanning calorimetry and a novel microrheological technique. CHCs began melting below −45°C, and often were entirely liquid only above 30°C. Thus, they formed a solid–liquid mixture under ambient conditions, which contrasts to previous assumptions of entirely solid layers in many species. This may be adaptive as only biphasic CHC layers ensure uniform coating of the insect body, which is necessary for waterproofing. CHC viscosity was mostly between 0.1 and 0.2 Pa s−1, thus similar to motor oils. Surprisingly, chemically different CHC profiles had similar viscosities, suggesting that a certain viscosity level is adaptive and ensures that communication signals can be perceived. With this study, we draw attention to the importance of studying the physics of CHC layers. Only by understanding how chemical and physical mechanisms enable CHC functionality can we understand the causes and consequences of CHC diversification. Summary: Cuticular hydrocarbons protect insects from desiccation and allow chemical communication, and contain both liquid and solid parts. This complex phase behaviour appears vital to ensure biological functioning.
Recent Development of Computational Predicting Bioluminescent Proteins.

Bioluminescent proteins (BLPs) are widely distributed in many living organisms that act as a key role of light emission in the bioluminescence. Bioluminescence serves various functions in finding food and protecting themselves of lives of creatures. With the routinely biotechnological application of bioluminescence, it is recognized to be essential for many medical, commercial and other general technological advances. Therefore, the prediction and characterization of BLPs is significant and eager in that it could help to explore more secrets about bioluminescence and promote the development of application of bioluminescence. Since the experimental methods are money and time-consuming for BLPs identification, bioinformatics tools have played important parts for fast and accurately predicting BLPs by combining their sequences information with machine learning methods. In this review, we summarized and compared the application of machine learning methods in the prediction of BLPs from different aspects. We wish that this review will provide insights and inspirations for the researches on BLPs.
Calculation of organ doses from radiotherapy of breast cancer using Monte Carlo methodology

Poster: "ECR 2011 / C-0122 / Calculation of organ doses from radiotherapy of breast cancer using Monte Carlo methodology" by: "T. Berris1, M. Mazonakis2, J. Stratakis2, A. Tzedakis1, A. Fasoulaki1, J. Damilakis2; 1Heraklion/GR, 2Iraklion/GR"
Paradoxical sleep deprivation induces differential biological response in rat masticatory muscles: inflammation, autophagy and myogenesis.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate if sleep deprivation (SD) induces inflammation, autophagy and myogenesis in the following masticatory muscles: masseter and temporal. METHODS In this study, 18 animals were randomly distributed into three groups: Control group (CTL, n=6), SD for 96 hours (SD96, n=6) and SD for 96 hours and more 96 hours of sleep recovery (SD96+R, n=6). RESULTS In the histopathological analysis, SD 96 was able to induce inflammation in masseter and temporal. Nevertheless, the lack of inflammatory process was evidenced to the masseter in the group SD96 + R. Up-regulation of TNF-alpha production was detected in the SD96 group, while SD96 +R decreased TNF-immunoexpression for both skeletal muscles evaluated. MyoD and myogenin increased in rats submitted to SD96. By contrast, the levels of MyoD decreased in the group SD96 + R. Myogenin pointed out high immunoexpresssion in SD96 + R groups. In temporal, pAkt decreased in animals submitted to SD96, but it increased in the group SD96 + R. The levels of LC3 protein increased in both skeletal muscles studied, and masseter decreased LC3 protein expression in the SD96 + R. CONCLUSION In summary, our results demonstrate that SD is able to induce inflammation, atrophy and myogenesis in rat masticatory muscles, being more intense in temporal when compared to masseter.
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs as Potential Disease‐Modifying Medications in Axial Spondyloarthritis

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first‐line pharmacotherapy for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). In recent years, treatment options have expanded with the availability of biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and interleukin‐17 inhibitors. However, a treatment strategy that clearly prevents syndesmophyte formation has not been established. Observational studies of patients with ankylosing spondylitis indicated potential disease‐modifying effects of NSAIDs, but two randomized trials came to different conclusions. More broadly, whether any of the currently available medications for axial SpA have an effect on spine radiographic progression, beyond symptom control, remains inconclusive. In this article, we will review clinical studies of the disease modification effects of NSAIDs and biologics in axial SpA; examine genetic, animal, and clinical evidence of the effects of NSAIDs on bone formation; and discuss how future studies may investigate the question of disease modification in axial SpA.
The Epidemic Of The Metabolic Syndrome Among The Palestinians In The Gaza Strip

Background The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health and clinical challenge worldwide. However, limited data are available in the Gaza strip. This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its association with atherosclerotic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases among Gazan adults’ community. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017, among all adults ≥25 years of age. Participants were selected by stratified cluster sampling method, in five governorates (urban, camps and rural) of Gaza strip. Questionnaires on socioeconomic status, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors were completed for 2107 participants. The cardiovascular diseases included clinical history of coronary artery disease (CAD), Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD diagnosed as ankle brachial index < 0.90) and history of stroke. MetS was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria (IDF). Results Among participants, 864 (41%) fulfilled the definition of MetS higher in females than males (50% vs 39%). In both genders, MetS prevalence increased significantly with age (p<0.001). Subjects with MetS were more obese (73.0% vs 29.4%), hypertensive (49.9% vs 13.0%), diabetic (36.8% vs 5.8%) and had more often low physical activity (58.1% vs 41.3%). Additionally, lipids profiles disorders were more prevalent in cases with MetS. We found MetS significantly associated with all cardiovascular conditions with odd-ratio (95% CI) respectively at 2.4 (95% CI 1.8–3.4) for CAD, 1.5 (95% CI1.1–1.9) for LEAD and 2.1 (95% CI 1.3–3.5) for stroke. Conclusion The MetS is highly prevalent in the Palestinian population, particularly among women. Subjects with MetS are at significantly elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases.
The microenvironmental niche in classic Hodgkin lymphoma is enriched for CTLA-4- positive T-cells that are PD-1-negative.

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a tumor comprised of rare atypical germinal center-derived B-cells (Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg [HRS] cells) embedded within a robust but ineffective inflammatory milieu. The cHL tumor microenvironment (TME) is compartmentalized into "niches" rich in PD-L1-positive HRS cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which associate with PD-1-positive T-cells to suppress anti-tumor immunity via PD-L1/PD-1 signaling. Despite the exquisite sensitivity of cHL to PD-1 checkpoint blockade, most patients eventually relapse and need therapeutic alternatives. Using multiplex immunofluorescence microscopy, with digital image analysis, we find that cHL is highly enriched for non-T-regulatory, CTLA-4-positive T-cells, as compared to reactive lymphoid tissues, that outnumber PD-1- and LAG-3-positive T-cells. In addition, T-cells touching HRS cells are more frequently positive for CTLA-4 than for PD-1 or LAG-3. We further find that HRS cells, and a subset of TAMs, are positive for the CTLA-4 ligand CD86, and that the fractions of T-cells and TAMs that are CTLA-4-positive and CD86-positive, respectively, are greater within a 75um HRS cell niche relative to areas outside this region (CTLA4: 38% vs. 18%, p=0.0001; TAMs: 38% vs. 24%, p=0.0007). Importantly, CTLA-4-positive cells are present, and focally contact HRS cells, in recurrent cHL tumors following a variety of therapies, including PD-1 blockade. These results implicate CTLA-4:CD86 interactions as a component of the immunologically-privileged niche surrounding HRS cells, and raise the possibility that patients with cHL refractory to PD-1 blockade may benefit from CTLA-4-blockade.