Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continuous noninvasive monitoring of arterial pressure using the vascular unloading technique in comparison to the invasive gold standard in elderly comorbid patients: A prospective observational study

Elderly patients aged ≥65 years represent a growing population in the perioperative field, particularly orthopedic and vascular surgery. The higher degree of age‐related or comorbid‐dependent vascular alterations renders these patients at risk for hemodynamic complications and likely denote a possible limitation for modern, non‐invasive arterial pressure monitoring devices. The aim was to compare vascular unloading technique‐derived to invasive measurements of systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in elderly perioperative patients.
SSNE: Effective Node Representation for Link Prediction in Sparse Networks

Graph embedding is gaining popularity for link prediction in complex networks. However, few works focus on the effectiveness of graph embedding models on link prediction in sparse networks. This paper proposes a novel graph embedding model, <bold>S</bold>parse <bold>S</bold>tructural <bold>N</bold>etwork <bold>E</bold>mbedding (SSNE), to obtain node representation for link predication in sparse networks. The SSNE first transforms the adjacency matrix into the <bold>S</bold> <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu {\mathrm{ m}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of <bold>N</bold>ormalized <bold>H</bold>-order <bold>A</bold>djacency <bold>M</bold>atrix (SNHAM) and then maps the SNHAM matrix into a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$d$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-dimensional feature matrix for node representation via a neural network model. The mapping operation is proved to be an equivalent variety of singular value decomposition. Finally, we calculate nodal similarities for link prediction based on the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$d$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-dimensional feature matrix. The extensive testing experiments based on artificial and real sparse networks suggest that the SSNE shows the effective node representation for link prediction in sparse networks, supported by the better link prediction performance compared to those of structural similarity indexes, matrix optimization, and other graph embedding models.
MAAC: Novel Alert Correlation Method To Detect Multi-step Attack

With the continuous improvement of attack methods, there are more and more distributed, complex, targeted attacks in which the attackers use combined attack methods to achieve the purpose. Advanced cyber attacks include multiple stages to achieve the ultimate goal. Traditional intrusion detection systems such as endpoint security management tools, firewalls, and other monitoring tools generate a large number of alerts during the attack. These alerts include attack clues, as well as many false positives unrelated to attacks. Security analysts need to analyze a large number of alerts and find useful clues from them and reconstruct attack scenarios. However, most traditional security monitoring tools cannot correlate alerts from different sources, so many multi-step attacks are still completely unnoticed, requiring manual analysis by security analysts like finding a needle in a haystack. We propose MAAC, a multi-step attack alert correlation system, which reduces repeated alerts and combines multi-step attack paths based on alert semantics and attack stages. The evaluation results of the real-world datasets show that MAAC can effectively reduce the alerts by 90% and find attack paths from a large number of alerts.
Somatic mutational landscapes of adherens junctions and their functional consequences in cutaneous melanoma development

Cell-cell interaction in skin homeostasis is tightly controlled by adherens junctions (AJs). Alterations in such regulation lead to melanoma development. However, mutations in AJs and their functional consequences are still largely unknown. Methods: Cadherin mutations in skin cutaneous melanoma were identified using sequencing data from TCGA dataset, followed by cross-validation with data from non-TCGA cohorts. Mutations with significant occurrence were subjected to structural prediction using MODELLER and functional protein simulation using GROMACS software. Neo-antigen prediction was carried out using NetMHCpan tool. Cell-based fluorescence reporter assay was used to validate β-catenin activity in the presence of cadherin mutations. Clinical significance was analyzed using datasets from TCGA and other non-TCGA cohorts. Targeted gene exon sequencing and immunofluorescence staining on melanoma tissues were performed to confirm the in silico findings. Results: Highly frequent mutations in type-II classical cadherins were found in melanoma with one unique recurrent mutation (S524L) in the fifth domain of CDH6, which potentially destabilizes Ca2+-binding and cell-cell contacts. Mutational co-occurrence and physical dynamics analyses placed CDH6 at the center of the top-four mutated cadherins (core CDHs; all type-II), suggesting altered heterophilic interactions in melanoma development. Mutations in the intracellular domains significantly disturbed CDH6/β-catenin complex formation, resulting in β-catenin translocation into cytosol or nucleus and dysregulation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Although mutations in core CDH genes correlated with advanced cancer stages and lymph node invasion, the overall and disease-free survival times in those patients were longer in patients with wild-type. Peptide/MHC-I binding affinity predictions confirmed overall increased neo-antigen potentials of mutated cadherins, which associated with T-lymphocyte infiltration and better clinical outcomes after immunotherapy. Conclusion: Changes in cell-cell communications by somatic mutations in AJ cadherins function as one of mechanisms to trigger melanoma development. Certain mutations in AJs may serve as potential neo-antigens which conversely benefit patients for longer survival times.
Park Algorithm as Predictor of Premature Ventricular Contraction Origin in Three‐Dimensional Mapping Electrophysiological Studies

Purpose In the past few years, premature ventricular contraction (PVC) has attracted immense attention, both in patients with or without structural heart disease. Despite the technological advancement, no guiding tools are currently available to assist in the prediction of origin of PVC using a 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) before electrophysiology and ablation procedures. Park and co‐workers compiled the existing algorithms for the morphology of ECG from the literature and generated a single algorithm based on specific features of ECG for the prediction of PVC origin. The Park algorithm is limited to idiopathic PVC and has not been evaluated clinically. In the present study, the Park algorithm was used to predict PVC origin in patients with or without structural heart disease and compared with the gold standard examination based on three-dimensional electrophysiological mapping studies. Patients and Methods A cross‐sectional study employing ECG data and electrophysiology study (EPS) reports from patients’ medical records at Integrated Heart Center Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia was conducted. The study was performed from April 2018 to June 2019 with a total of 31 samples; however, four samples were excluded during the EPS. Results In the present study, the incidence of structural heart disease was 45.2%. The suitability of the Park algorithm for electrophysiological evaluation was 85.2%, both in the case of PVC with and/or without structural heart disease. The prediction of the origin of PVC in the right or left heart using the Park algorithm showed a sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 87.5%, and accuracy of 96%. Conclusion The findings of the study suggest significant accuracy of the Park algorithm in the prediction of location of origin of PVC. High sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the Park algorithm highlight its suitability to be used for determining the location of PVC origin in the right or left heart.
Higher Circulating miR-199a-5p Indicates Poor Aerobic Exercise Capacity and Associates With Cardiovascular Dysfunction During Chronic Exposure to High Altitude

Background Hypoxia-induced decline in exercise capacity is ubiquitous among lowlanders who immigrated to high altitudes, which severely reduces their work efficiency and quality of life. Although studies have revealed that hypoxia-induced cardiovascular dysfunction limits exercise capacity at high altitudes, the mechanisms have not been well explored at the molecular level. miR-199a-5p is hypoxia-sensitive and serves as an important regulator in cardiovascular pathophysiology. However, whether miR-199a-5p is involved in cardiovascular dysfunction at high altitudes and contributes to subsequent reductions in exercise capacity remains unknown. Thus, this study aimed at exploring these relationships in a high altitude population. Methods A total of 175 lowlanders who had immigrated to an altitude of 3,800 m 2 years previously participated in the present study. The level of plasma miR-199a-5p and the concentration of serum myocardial enzymes were detected by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Indices of cardiovascular function were examined by echocardiography. The exercise capacity was evaluated by Cooper’s 12-min run test and the Harvard Step Test. Furthermore, we explored the biological functions of miR-199a-5p with silico analysis and a biochemical test. Results The level of miR-199a-5p was significantly higher in individuals with poor exercise capacity at 3,800 m, compared with those with good exercise capacity (p < 0.001). miR-199a-5p accurately identified individuals with poor exercise capacity (AUC = 0.752, p < 0.001). The level of miR-199a-5p was positively correlated with cardiovascular dysfunction indices (all, p < 0.001). Furthermore, miR-199a-5p was involved in the oxidative stress process. Conclusion In this study, we reported for the first time that the level of circulating miR-199a-5p was positively associated with exercise capacity during chronic hypoxia at high altitudes. Moreover, higher miR-199a-5p was involved in hypoxia-induced cardiovascular dysfunctions, thus contributing to poorer exercise endurance at high altitudes.
Expression Profiling of Long Noncoding RNA and Messenger RNA in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Colon Injury Mouse Model

Background Emerging evidence reveals that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of sepsis. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs or whether certain lncRNA could serve as a biomarker in the septic colon remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the septic colon through whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing and to reveal the associated regulatory mechanism. Method and Result We established a mouse model of sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Colon samples were collected upon CLP or sham surgery after 24 h. Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing was performed to profile the relative expressions of lncRNAs and mRNAs. 808 lncRNAs and 1509 mRNAs were differentially found in the septic group compared with the sham group. Bioinformatics analysis including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis (KEGG) was performed to predict the potential functions of these RNAs. GO analysis showed that the altered lncRNAs were enriched and involved in multiple immune responses, which may be a response to sepsis stress. KEGG analysis indicated that upregulated lncRNAs were significantly enriched in the p53 signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Downregulated lncRNAs were mostly found to be involved in tight junction, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. Conclusion Our results indicate that these altered lncRNAs and mRNAs may have crucial roles in the pathogenesis of sepsis. This study could contribute to extending the understanding of the function of lncRNAs in sepsis, which may help in searching for new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets to treat sepsis.
Defensive Effect of Quercetin against Tumor Necrosis Factor α-induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Hepatic Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells

In order to examine the hypothesis that the treatment of TNF-α can impose inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in hepatic cells, and that quercetin has a defensive effect against TNF-α-induced ER stress and insulin resistance, we evaluated the effect of quercetin (3 µg/mL and 5 µg/mL) in the TNF-α-induced HepG2 cells. The TNF-α-stimulated control group caused a marked increase in the activation of inflammation and ER stress response. Quercetin, however, caused the interruption of TNF-α-induced inflammation and ER stress. In addition, the treatment of quercetin resulted in significant decreases in serine phosphorylation of IRS-1, phosphorylation of JNK, and the expression of gluconeogenic genes compared with the TNF-α-stimulated control group. In conclusion, we suggest that quercetin can protect hepatic insulin resistance by exerting a protective effect against the ER stress and inflammation induced by TNF-α.
Is Lutikizumab, an Anti–Interleukin-1α/β Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin, efficacious for Osteoarthritis? Results from a bayesian network meta-analysis

Objective Most guidelines recommend the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), duloxetine, and tramadol for the nonoperative treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), but the use of them is limited by the tolerability and safety concerns. Lutikizumab is a novel anti–IL-1α/β dual variable domain immunoglobulin that can simultaneously bind and inhibit IL-1α and IL-1β to relieve the pain and dysfunction symptoms. We conducted this network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the clinical efficacy and safety of lutikizumab with other drugs recommended by guidelines. Methods We conducted a Bayesian network and conventional meta-analyses to compare the efficacy and safety of lutikizumab with other traditional drugs. All eligible randomized clinical trials, in PubMed, CNKI, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, from January 2000 to January 2020, were included. The Cochrane risk of the bias assessment tool was used for quality assessment. Pain relief, function improvement, and risk of adverse effects (AEs) were compared in this study. Results 24 articles with 11858 patients were included. Duloxetine (DUL) had the largest effect for pain relief (4.76, 95% CI [2.35 to 7.17]), and selective cox-2 inhibitors (SCI) were the most efficacious treatment for physical function improvement (SMD 3.94, 95% CI [2.48 to 5.40]). Lutikizumab showed no benefit compared with placebo for both pain relief (SMD 1.11, 95% CI [-2.29 to 4.52]) and function improvement (SMD 0.992, 95% CI [-0.433 to 4.25]). Lutikizumab and all other drugs are of favorable tolerance for patients in the treatment of OA compared with placebo. Conclusions Lutikizumab, the new anti–Interleukin-1α/β dual variable domain immunoglobulin, showed no improvement in pain or function when compared with placebo. Selective cox-2 inhibitors and duloxetine remain the most effective and safest treatment for OA. More high-quality trials are still needed to reconfirm the findings of this study.
RISING OF BINDER TO THE SURFACE OF AN OPEN-GRADED BITUMINOUS MIX

ON THE SURFACE OF A 0/40 OPEN-GRADED BITUMINOUS MIX APPLIED IN 1963, SPOTS OF FLUID BINDER GRADUALLY APPEARED, JUST AS THOUGH PURE BITUMEN HAD BEEN POURED ON TO THE PAVEMENT. THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE PHENOMENA OBSERVED, IN PARTICULAR THE APPEARANCE OF BUBBLES ON THE SURFACE OF THESE SPOTS OF BINDER UNDER THE EFFECT OF HOT SUNSHINE FOLLOWING A RAINY PERIOD. THE AUTHORS PROPOSE THE FOLLOWING EXPLANATION: COLD RAINWATER CARRIES HARMFUL FINES INTO THE OPEN-GRADED MIX AND INITIATES A STRIPPING OF THE MATERIAL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE COURSE. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OF THE COURSE RISES, THE SATURATED VAPOUR PRESSURE OF THIS WATER, WHICH IS UNABLE TO RUN AWAY RISES INSIDE THE MIX AND FORCES THE BITUMEN TO THE SURFACE. THIS EXPLAINS THE STRIPPING OF THE MIX AND THE CONCENTRATION OF THE BINDER ON THE SURFACE. THE IRREVERSIBLE PHENOMENENON OCCURS WHENEVER RAIN ALTERNATES WITH SUNSHINE. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THIS ARTICLE (SEEKING THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE WATER TO RUN OFF AT THE LEVEL OF THE SURFACE, AND APPLICATION OF A GENERAL SEALING COURSE). /BLLR/
Comparison of Supervised and Unsupervised Deep Learning Methods for Medical Image Synthesis between Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Images

Cross-modality medical image synthesis between magnetic resonance (MR) images and computed tomography (CT) images has attracted increasing attention in many medical imaging area. Many deep learning methods have been used to generate pseudo-MR/CT images from counterpart modality images. In this study, we used U-Net and Cycle-Consistent Adversarial Networks (CycleGAN), which were typical networks of supervised and unsupervised deep learning methods, respectively, to transform MR/CT images to their counterpart modality. Experimental results show that synthetic images predicted by the proposed U-Net method got lower mean absolute error (MAE), higher structural similarity index (SSIM), and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) in both directions of CT/MR synthesis, especially in synthetic CT image generation. Though synthetic images by the U-Net method has less contrast information than those by the CycleGAN method, the pixel value profile tendency of the synthetic images by the U-Net method is closer to the ground truth images. This work demonstrated that supervised deep learning method outperforms unsupervised deep learning method in accuracy for medical tasks of MR/CT synthesis.
Antibacterial Property of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook on Clinical and Typed Isolates of Escherichia coli

The emergence of antibiotic resistance bacteria, necessitated the discovery and development of alternative therapy to bacterial infections. This work assessed the inhibitory property of ethanolic leaf extract of Eucalyptus citriodora against clinical isolate and E. coli ATCC 35218. Agar well diffusion test was used to determine the antibacterial activity of the extract on both isolates of E. coli. For both isolates, no zone of inhibition was observed at concentrations of the extract between 50-150 mg/ml, but at 200-500 mg/ml, there were significant (P>0.05) zones of inhibitions that ranged between 4.2 – 13.7 and 4.7 – 15.4 mm for clinical isolate and E. coli ATCC 35218 respectively. The susceptibility of both isolates to conventional antibiotics revealed ciprofloxacin (10 ug) having the highest inhibitions against both isolates (17.3 mm and 13.9 mm) respectively, followed by gentamycin (14.4 mm and 10.8 mm). The clinical isolate was resistant to amoxicillin (30 ug), while E. coli ATCC 35218 was susceptible (4.3 mm). The MIC of the extract for both isolates was 200 mg/ml while the MBCs were 300 and 350 mg/ml respectively. The inhibitory activities of the extract (15.4 mm and 13.7mm) at 500 mg/ml concentration is comparable with ciprofloxacin (17.3 mm and 13.9 mm) at a concentration of 10 µg, while that of Gentamycin at 30 µg (14.4 mm and 10.8 mm) is comparable with concentration of the extract at 450 mg/ml (13.7 mm and 11.3 mm). The zones of inhibitions produced by the extract increased with increasing concentrations. This study revealed the potency of E. citriodora ethanolic leaf extract as a future herbal candidate to treat infection caused by E. coli at high concentrations of the extract.
Synthesis of polymer-polymer hybrids by miniemulsion polymerisation and characterisation of hybrid latex

The objectives of work presented in this thesis are to understand droplet and particle formulation processes in order to make useful polymer-polymer hybrids in aqueous dispersions and use our fundamental understanding of these processes to: 1. Improve monomer conversion as much as possible. 2. Understand impact of these processes on hybrid film properties. Specific case studies of interest under commercially feasible conditions (i.e. solids content of 50wt %) were done based on two systems namely alkyd-acrylic and polyurethane-acrylic. Miniemulsification, miniemulsion polymerisation and characterisation of hybrid latex, chemical incorporation of alkyd and polyurethane to acrylic monomers were studied in detail. We have been able to successfully synthesise and characterise hybrid latex of about 100nm in particle diameter and high solids content (50wt %) to be used in coating and adhesive applications
You are What You Think Your Social Network Eats: Public Housing, Social Networks, and Fast-Food Consumption

Abstract:High-sodium diets (e.g., fast-food intake, FF) may contribute to increased hyper-tension risk among low-income populations. We examined the association between FF intake and perceived social-network member FF intake among Baltimore public housing residents. We analyzed 2014–2015 cross-sectional data. Our dependent variable was FF intake (eating FF weekly versus not), and our independent variable was perceiving one or more network member eating FF weekly. We used multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance, adjusted for individual and network covariates. The 266 public housing residents had mean age 44.5 years: 86.1% women, 95.5% African American, 56.8% hypertension, and 42.8% who ate FF weekly. Residents were significantly more likely to eat FF weekly if they perceived that their network contained one or more members who consumed FF weekly (relative risk 1.50, 95%CI 1.05–2.14, p=.02). Given the association between personal and social network consumption of FF weekly, further investigation may be warranted of novel social network interventions for dietary behavior change.
Streptococcus mutans Growth and Resultant Material Surface Roughness on Modified Glass Ionomers

The present study investigate the optical density of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) at 450 nm (OD450 nm) as well as the change in surface roughness of three commercially available chitosan- and nanodiamond-modified glass ionomers. The results indicated that the optical density of S. mutans OD450 nm decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) from 0 h through 2–4 h for each of the control materials. The lowest S. mutans OD450 nm was noted for Fuji IX followed by Ketac Universal. Riva Self Cure had the largest increase in the S. mutans OD450 nm. The control materials and their chitosan/nanodiamond modifications showed significant growth at 6 h compare to the preceding time periods of 2 and 4 h. The materials Fuji IX, Fuji IX modified with 5% Nanodiamonds, Fuji IX modified with 10% Chitosan and Ketac Universal modified with 10% Chitosan performed the best with regard to the bacterial reduction. Only the chitosan modifications showed an increase in the surface roughness after 24 h of exposure to the S. mutans. The chitosan and the nanodiamond modifications provided the best disruption of the S. mutans biofilm formation.