Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Boosting Based Personalized Glucose Monitoring System (PGMS) for Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Prediction with Improved Accuracy

In this paper, we present an architecture of a personalized glucose monitoring system (PGMS). PGMS consists of both invasive and non-invasive sensors on a single device. Initially, blood glucose is measured invasively and non-invasively, to train the machine learning models. Then, paired data and corresponding errors are divided scientifically into six different clusters based on blood glucose ranges as per the patient’s diabetic conditions. Each cluster is trained to build the unique error prediction model using an adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) algorithm. Later, these error prediction models undergo personalized calibration based on the patient’s characteristics. Once, the errors in predicted non-invasive values are within the acceptable error range, the device gets personalized for a patient to measure the blood glucose non-invasively. We verify PGMS on two different datasets. Performance analysis shows that the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) is reduced exceptionally to 7.3% and 7.1% for predicted values as compared to 25.4% and 18.4% for measured non-invasive glucose values. The Clarke error grid analysis (CEGA) plot for non-invasive predicted values shows 97% data in Zone A and 3% data in Zone B for dataset 1. Moreover, for dataset 2 results echoed with 98% and 2% in Zones A and B, respectively.
Potential Natural Fiber Polymeric Nanobiocomposites: A Review

Composite materials reinforced with biofibers and nanomaterials are becoming considerably popular, especially for their light weight, strength, exceptional stiffness, flexural rigidity, damping property, longevity, corrosion, biodegradability, antibacterial, and fire-resistant properties. Beside the traditional thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, nanoparticles are also receiving attention in terms of their potential to improve the functionality and mechanical performances of biocomposites. These remarkable characteristics have made nanobiocomposite materials convenient to apply in aerospace, mechanical, construction, automotive, marine, medical, packaging, and furniture industries, through providing environmental sustainability. Nanoparticles (TiO2, carbon nanotube, rGO, ZnO, and SiO2) are easily compatible with other ingredients (matrix polymer and biofibers) and can thus form nanobiocomposites. Nanobiocomposites are exhibiting a higher market volume with the expansion of new technology and green approaches for utilizing biofibers. The performances of nanobiocomposites depend on the manufacturing processes, types of biofibers used, and the matrix polymer (resin). An overview of different natural fibers (vegetable/plants), nanomaterials, biocomposites, nanobiocomposites, and manufacturing methods are discussed in the context of potential application in this review.
Coloured Rice Phenolic Extracts Increase Expression of Genes Associated with Insulin Secretion in Rat Pancreatic Insulinoma β-cells

Glucose-induced oxidative stress is associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may dysregulate the expression of genes controlling insulin secretion leading to β-cell dysfunction, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the impact of coloured rice phenolic extracts (CRPEs) on the expression of key genes associated with β-cell function in pancreatic β-cells (INS-1E). These genes included glucose transporter 2 (Glut2), silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Sirt1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), pancreatic/duodenal homeobox protein 1 (Pdx-1) and insulin 1 (Ins1). INS-1E cells were cultured in high glucose (25 mM) to induce glucotoxic stress conditions (HGSC) and in normal glucose conditions (NGC-11.1 mM) to represent normal β-cell function. Cells were treated with CRPEs derived from two coloured rice cultivars, Purple and Yunlu29-red varieties at concentrations ranged from 50 to 250 µg/mL. CRPEs upregulated the expression of Glut2, Sirt1 and Pdx-1 significantly at 250 µg/mL under HGSC. CRPEs from both cultivars also upregulated Glut2, Sirt1, Tfam, Pdx-1 and Ins1 markedly at 250 µg/mL under NGC with Yunlu29 having the greatest effect. These data suggest that CRPEs may reduce β-cell dysfunction in T2DM by upregulating the expression of genes involved in insulin secretion pathways.
Gingival phenotype modification therapies on natural teeth: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND The periodontal phenotype consists of the bone morphotype, the keratinized tissue (KT) and gingival thickness (GT). The latter two components, overlying the bone, constitute the gingival phenotype (GP). Several techniques have been proposed for enhancing or augmenting KT or GT. However, how phenotype modification therapy (PMT) affects periodontal health and whether the obtained outcomes are maintained over time have not been elucidated. AIM The aim of the present review was to summarize the available evidence in regard to the utilized approaches for gingival PMT and assess their comparative efficacy in augmenting KT, GT and in improving periodontal health using autogenous, allogeneic and xenogenic grafting approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS A detailed systematic search was performed to identify eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting on the changes in GT and KT (primary outcomes). The selected articles were segregated into the type of approach based on having performed a root coverage, or non-root coverage procedure. A network meta-analysis was conducted for each approach to assess and compare the outcomes among different treatment arms for the primary outcomes. RESULTS A total of 105 eligible RCTs were included. 95 pertaining to root coverage (3,539 treated gingival recessions), and 10 for non-root coverage procedures (699 total treated sites). The analysis on root coverage procedures showed that all investigated techniques (the acellular dermal matrix (ADM), collagen matrix (CM), connective tissue graft (CTG)) are able to significantly increase the GT, compared to treatment with flap alone. However, KT was only significantly increased with the use of CTG or ADM. Early post-treatment GT was found to inversely predict future gingival recession. For non-root coverage procedures, only the changes in KT could be analyzed; all investigated treatment groups (ADM, CM, free gingival graft (FGG), living cellular constructs (LCC), in combination with an apically positioned flap (APF)), resulted in significantly more KT than treatment with APF alone. Additionally, the augmented GT was shown to be sustained, and KT displayed an incremental increase overtime. CONCLUSIONS Within its limitations, it was observed that any graft material was able to significantly enhance GT, while KT in root coverage procedures was significantly enhanced with CTG and ADM, and in non-root coverage procedures, with ADM, CM, FGG and LCC compared to APF alone. The autogenous soft tissue graft (CTG/FGG) proved to be superior in all comparisons for both outcomes of GT and KT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
With chlorophyll pigments from prolamellar bodies to light‐harvesting complexes

The biosynthetic chain leading from 5-aminolevulinic acid to chlorophyll is localised to the plastid. Many of the enzymes are nuclear-encoded. NADPH-protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (EC 1.3.1.33) is one such enzyme which is encoded by two different genes and can exist in an A and a B form. Its import into the plastid seems to be facilitated when protochlorophyllide is present in the chloroplast envelope. Within the plastid the reductase is assembled to thylakoids or prolamellar bodies. The specific properties of the reductase together with the specific properties of the lipids present in the etioplast inner membranes promote the formation of the three-dimensional regular network of the prolamellar bodies. The reductase forms a ternary complex with protochlorophyllide and NADPH that gives rise to different spectral forms of protochlorophyllide. Light transforms protochlorophyllide into chlorophyllide and this photoreaction induces a conformational change in the reductase protein which leads to a process of disaggregation of enzyme, pigment aggregates and membranes, which can be followed spectroscopically and with electron microscopy. The newly formed chlorophyllide is esterified by a membrane-bound nuclear-encoded chlorophyll synthase and the chlorophyll molecule is then associated with proteins into active pigment protein complexes in the photosynthetic machinery.
Nutrient mobilization and yield of soybean genotypes

Abstract Mobilization of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from leaf and carpel tissue during seed growth was estimated for 18 diverse, field‐grown soybean lines and cultivars during two years. The objective was to determine whether lines differed in nutrient mobilization and, if so, whether such differences were related to yielding ability. Lines differed in nutrient concentration and tissue mass and in nutrient content, both at beginning of seed growth and at plant maturity. Mobilization from leaves and carpels potentially supplied up to 47, 23, and 29% of seed N, P, and K. Leaves were three to four times more important than carpels as sources of seed N and K and nearly twice as important as sources of P. Only mobilized leaf N exhibited a relationship with seed yield (r = 0.73∗∗ in 1978 and 0.43∗ in 1979). Leaf N mobilization was not heritable (correlation between years for line means was 0.09) in our environment, but might be more so under N‐stress conditions. The major determinant of mobilizable N w.
Comprehensive characterization of ExacTrac stereoscopic image guidance system using Monte Carlo and Spektr simulations

The purpose of this work is to develop accurate computational methods to comprehensively characterize and model the clinical ExacTrac imaging system, which is used as an image guidance system for stereotactic treatment applications. The Spektr toolkit was utilized to simulate the spectral and imaging characterization of the system. Since Spektr only simulates the primary beam (ignoring scatter), a full model of ExacTrac was also developed in Monte Carlo (MC) to characterize the imaging system. To ensure proper performance of both simulation models, Spektr and MC data were compared to the measured spectral and half value layers (HVLs) values. To validate the simulation results, x-ray spectra of the ExacTrac system were measured for various tube potentials using a CdTe spectrometer with multiple added narrow collimators. The raw spectra were calibrated using a 57Co source and corrected for the escape peaks and detector efficiency. HVLs in mm of Al for various energies were measured using a calibrated RaySafe detector. Spektr and MC HVLs were calculated and compared to the measured values. The patient surface dose was calculated for different clinical imaging protocols from the measured air kerma and HVL values following the TG-61 methodology. The x-ray focal spot was measured by slanted edge technique using gafchromic films. ExacTrac imaging system beam profiles were simulated for various energies by MC simulation and the results were benchmarked by experimentally acquired beam profiles using gafchromic films. The effect of 6D IGRT treatment couch on beam hardening, dynamic range of the flat panel detector and scatter effect were determined using both Spektr simulation and experimental measurements. The measured and simulated spectra (of both MC and Spektr) for various kVps were compared and agreed within acceptable error. As another validation, the measured HVLs agreed with the Spektr and MC simulated HVLs on average within 1.0% for all kVps. The maximum and minimum patient surface doses were found to be 1.06 mGy for shoulder (high) and 0.051 mGy for cranial (low) imaging protocols, respectively. The MC simulated beam profiles were well matched with experimental results and replicated the penumbral slopes, the heel effect, and out-of-field regions. Dynamic range of detector (in terms of air kerma at detector surface) was found to be in the range of [6.1 × 10−6, 5.3 × 10−3] mGy. Accurate MC and Spektr models of the ExacTrac image guidance system were successfully developed and benchmarked via experimental validation. While patient surface dose for available imaging protocols were reported in this study, the established MC model may be used to obtain 3D imaging dose distribution for real patient geometries.
The Comparison of Nailfold Capillaroscopy between Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Healthy Controls: Correlation with Laboratory and Clinical Parameters

Background Nailfold capillaroscopy is a noninvasive technique to recognize peripheral microangiopathy, which is an important feature in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) changes in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), find out patterns of these changes, and correlate findings with clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods Forty-nine patients with SLE, all meeting the 1997 revised ACR criteria for SLE classification, and 30 healthy controls were included. A digital video camera was used to capture nailfold capillary images. Computerized image processing was used for analysis. Results Different abnormal NFC changes were observed with abnormal morphology, the increased diameter and abnormal loop densities in 55.1%, 93.9%, and 26.5% of the patients, respectively. No statistically significant differences were depicted between capillaroscopy with age, gender, autoantibodies (APLs, anti-ds DNA), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, thrombotic angiopathy, renal function tests (Bun, Cr), and abnormal urine analysis. However, a significant correlation was found between the branched pattern and the CNS involvement group (P value <0.03). Conclusions Different abnormal NFC changes are quite common among patients with SLE, and nailfold capillaroscopy is an effective method to monitor such changes. Treatment strategies may change in the branched pattern of nailfold capillaroscopy due to CNS involvement.
The effect of insecticide treatment on the establishment and growth of Italian ryegrass under different sowing conditions.

Italian ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. , cv. RvP. , was broadcast in spring on to fine and coarse seedbeds at seed rates of either 2 or 20 kg ha-1. Each of the four combinations of sowing condition was either left untreated or treated with fungicide or insecticide. The establishment of the sown species and of weeds under each regime was measured and their relative contribution to dry matter assessed in four cuts during the sowing year. Seed rate affected weed invasion and yield more than seedbed condition. Insecticide treatment increased the establishment and yield of ryegrass and its contribution to total herbage yield under all four sowing conditions. The fungicide treatment had no effect. The improvements caused by insecticide treatment were associated with a reduction in the level of infestation by shoot flies, Oscinella spp. (Diptera: Chloropidae): the effect of a single treatment in April was still detectable in October.
THE PAS/ACCUMULATION BODIES IN PROROCENTRUM LIMA AND PROROCENTRUM MACULOSUM (DINOPHYCEAE) ARE DINOFLAGELLATE LYSOSOMES 1

Numerous spherical bodies containing electron‐dense material, fibrous material, and membranous material are present in the cytoplasm of two dinoflagellate species, Prorocentrum lima (Ehr.) Dodge and Prorocentrum maculosum Faust. Similar bodies have been observed in other dinoflagellates and have been termed accumulation bodies or PAS bodies. In both Prorocentrum species, these bodies autofluoresce under blue light excitation and increase in size with cell culture age. They possess acid phosphatase activity, react positively with the periodic acid/Schiff reagent, and stain with acridine orange. All these properties are characteristic of eukaryotic lysosomes; thus, we propose that dinoflagellate accumulation bodies and PAS bodies are identical organelles and are, in fact, dinoflagellate lysosomes.
Species of Ascarophis van Beneden, 1870 (Nematoda: Cystidicolidae) in North Atlantic fishes

Ascarophis arctica Poljansky, 1952, A. filiformis Poljansky, 1952 and Ascarophis extalicola sp.nov. are described from cod, Gadus morhua L. (Gadidae), collected in the northwestern Atlantic. All th.
GCN5 modulates salicylic acid homeostasis by regulating H3K14ac levels at the 5′ and 3′ ends of its target genes

Abstract The modification of histones by acetyl groups has a key role in the regulation of chromatin structure and transcription. The Arabidopsis thaliana histone acetyltransferase GCN5 regulates histone modifications as part of the Spt-Ada-Gcn5 Acetyltransferase (SAGA) transcriptional coactivator complex. GCN5 was previously shown to acetylate lysine 14 of histone 3 (H3K14ac) in the promoter regions of its target genes even though GCN5 binding did not systematically correlate with gene activation. Here, we explored the mechanism through which GCN5 controls transcription. First, we fine-mapped its GCN5 binding sites genome-wide and then used several global methodologies (ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq) to assess the effect of GCN5 loss-of-function on the expression and epigenetic regulation of its target genes. These analyses provided evidence that GCN5 has a dual role in the regulation of H3K14ac levels in their 5′ and 3′ ends of its target genes. While the gcn5 mutation led to a genome-wide decrease of H3K14ac in the 5′ end of the GCN5 down-regulated targets, it also led to an increase of H3K14ac in the 3′ ends of GCN5 up-regulated targets. Furthermore, genome-wide changes in H3K14ac levels in the gcn5 mutant correlated with changes in H3K9ac at both 5′ and 3′ ends, providing evidence for a molecular link between the depositions of these two histone modifications. To understand the biological relevance of these regulations, we showed that GCN5 participates in the responses to biotic stress by repressing salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and SA-mediated immunity, highlighting the role of this protein in the regulation of the crosstalk between diverse developmental and stress-responsive physiological programs. Hence, our results demonstrate that GCN5, through the modulation of H3K14ac levels on its targets, controls the balance between biotic and abiotic stress responses and is a master regulator of plant-environmental interactions.
Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor promotes the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in hypoxic environments

Previous research found that cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) has a protective effect on brain dopaminergic neurons, and CDNF is regarded as a promising therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the effects of CDNF on the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of neural stem cells (NSCs), which are very sensitive to hypoxic environments, remain unknown. In this study, NSCs were extracted from the hippocampi of fetal rats and cultured with different concentrations of CDNF. The results showed that 200 nM CDNF was the optimal concentration for significantly increasing the viability of NSCs under non-hypoxic environmental conditions. Then, the cells were cultured with 200 nM CDNF under the hypoxic conditions of 90% N2, 5% CO2, and 5% air for 6 hours. The results showed that CDNF significantly improved the viability of hypoxic NSCs and reduced apoptosis among hypoxic NSCs. The detection of markers showed that CDNF increased the differentiation of hypoxic NSCs into neurons and astrocytes. CDNF also reduced the expression level of Lin28 protein and increased the expression of Let-7 mRNA in NSCs, under hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, we determined that CDNF was able to reverse the adverse proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis effects that normally affect NSCs in a hypoxic environment. Furthermore, the Lin28/Let-7 pathway may be involved in this regulated function of CDNF. The present study was approved by the Laboratory Animal Centre of Southeast University, China (approval No. 20180924006) on September 24, 2018.
Immunotherapy in Bladder Cancer: Current Methods and Future Perspectives

Bladder cancer is one of the most significant genitourinary cancer, causing high morbidity and mortality in a great number of patients. Over the years, various treatment methods for this type of cancer have been developed. The most common is the highly efficient method using Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, giving a successful effect in a high percentage of patients. However, due to the genetic instability of bladder cancer, together with individual needs of patients, the search for different therapy methods is ongoing. Immune checkpoints are cell surface molecules influencing the immune response and decreasing the strength of the immune response. Among those checkpoints, the PD-1 (programmed cell death protein-1)/PD-L1 (programmed cell death protein ligand 1) inhibitors aim at blocking those molecules, which results in T cell activation, and in bladder cancer the use of Atezolizumab, Avelumab, Durvalumab, Nivolumab, and Pembrolizumab has been described. The inhibition of another pivotal immune checkpoint, CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T cell antigen), may result in the mobilization of the immune system against bladder cancer and, among anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, the use of Ipilimumab and Tremelimumab has been discussed. Moreover, several different approaches to successful bladder cancer treatment exists, such as the use of ganciclovir and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) kinase inhibitors, IL-12 (interleukin-12) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). The use of gene therapies and the disruption of different signaling pathways are currently being investigated. Research suggests that the combination of several methods increases treatment efficiency and the positive outcome in individual.
The Role of the Intestine in the Pathogenesis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Evidence and Therapeutic Implications

The pathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a progressive biliary tract disease without approved medical therapy, is not well understood. The relationship between PSC and inflammatory bowel disease has inspired theories that intestinal factors may contribute to the development and progression of hepatobiliary fibrosis in PSC. There is evidence from both fecal and mucosa‐associated microbial studies that patients with PSC harbor an abnormal enteric microbiome. These organisms are thought to produce toxic byproducts that stimulate immune‐mediated damage of hepatocytes and the biliary tree. The link between these mechanisms may be related to altered intestinal permeability leading to migration of bacteria or associated toxins to the liver through the portal circulation. In support of these concepts, early trials have demonstrated improved biochemical parameters and symptoms of PSC with oral antibiotics, ostensibly through manipulation of the enteric microbiota. This article reviews the published literature for evidence as well as gaps in knowledge regarding these mechanisms by which intestinal aberrations might drive the development of PSC. We also identify areas of future research that are needed to link and verify these pathways to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.