Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Polyphenols Identified in Artemisiae abrotani herba Extract

Artemisia abrotanum L. (“southernwood”) belongs to the Artemisia genus and it is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of illnesses. Scarce data is available on the chemical composition of this medicinal plant, most research being focused on the quantitative and qualitative analyses of its essential oil. Our aim was to investigate the content and profile of polyphenols, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic derivatives present in the Artemisiae abrotani herba extract. We conducted LC/MS analysis and we screened for 19 polyphenols, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic derivatives. We determined the total content of these compounds and we screened for antioxidant activity. Most polyphenol acids, hydroxycinnamic derivatives and flavonoids were identified and quantified for the first time in this study. We found an original polyphenol distribution profile with high concentration of sinapic acid, rutin, quercetol, ferulic acid and patuletin. We measured the antioxidant activity, the ethanolic extract presenting a modest radical scavenging activity. The value of this study consists in its novelty as it adds new data on the chemical composition of A. abrotanum L. and it opens novel perspectives for medical and nutritional applications of this plant.
Prediction of Gestational Age by Transabdominal ReaI-Time lJltrasonographic Measurements in Saanen Goats (Capra hircus)

The main objective of the present study was to predict gestational age of Saanen goats by real-time ultrasonography utilizing measurements of Crown Rump Length (CRL), Bi Parietal Diameter (BPD) and Umbilical Cord Diameter (UCD). Transabdominal ultrasonography was carried out on 38 goats that became pregnant after estrous detection and artificial insemination Measurements were taken between week (5-10), (6-23) and (7 -23) for measuring the CRL, BPD and UCD, respectively. Results clearly demonstrated that CRL, BPD and UCD were significantly correlated with gestational age (p<0.01). The BPD was strongly positively correlated with gestational age (R 2 =0.91) fonowed by the CRL CR ~0.90) and the UCD (R 2 =0.87). In conclusion, Results from the present study revealed that the three biometric parameters BPD and UCD) were reliable indices to predict gestational age in Saanen
Self-Organisation, Thermotropic and Lyotropic Properties of Glycolipids Related to their Biological Implications

Glycolipids are amphiphilic molecules which bear an oligo- or polysaccharide as hydrophilic head group and hydrocarbon chains in varying numbers and lengths as hydrophobic part. They play an important role in life science as well as in material science. Their biological and physiological functions are quite diverse, ranging from mediators of cell-cell recognition processes, constituents of membrane domains or as membrane-forming units. Glycolipids form an exceptional class of liquid-crystal mesophases due to the fact that their self-organisation obeys more complex rules as compared to classical monophilic liquid-crystals. Like other amphiphiles, the supra-molecular structures formed by glycolipids are driven by their chemical structure; however, the details of this process are still hardly understood. Based on the synthesis of specific glycolipids with a clearly defined chemical structure, e.g., type and length of the sugar head group, acyl chain linkage, substitution pattern, hydrocarbon chain lengths and saturation, combined with a profound physico-chemical characterisation of the formed mesophases, the principles of the organisation in different aggregate structures of the glycolipids can be obtained. The importance of the observed and formed phases and their properties are discussed with respect to their biological and physiological relevance. The presented data describe briefly the strategies used for the synthesis of the used glycolipids. The main focus, however, lies on the thermotropic as well as lyotropic characterisation of the self-organised structures and formed phases based on physico-chemical and biophysical methods linked to their potential biological implications and relevance.
Analysis of the Interaction Effects in the Southern Galaxy Pair Tol 1238–364 and ESO 381-G009

In the context of the connection among galaxy-galaxy interaction, starbursts, and nuclear activity, we present and discuss a quantitative morphological analysis based on BVR images and a detailed spectroscopic investigation of two interacting galaxies, the Seyfert 2 Tol 1238-364 (IC 3639) and its companion ESO 381-G009, forming a triple system with ESO 381-G006. Broadband optical photometry is complemented by Hα imaging, which provides information about the distribution of star-forming regions across the galaxies. Long-slit spectroscopic data obtained at different position angles of the slit are employed to determine the physical conditions of circumnuclear and extranuclear regions. A mixture of thermal and nonthermal ionizing radiation is found in the surroundings of the nucleus of Tol 1238-364, and the energy budget supports the presence of a circumnuclear starburst. Several regions in both the galaxies show anomalous line ratios: additional ionization by shock heating and low ionization of some extranuclear H II regions are suggested as possible explanations. An analysis of the emission-line profiles reveals the presence of a broad Hα component in the nuclear region of Tol 1238-364. Independent estimates of the star formation rates (SFRs) were obtained through flux-calibrated Hα images and far-infrared (FIR) emission in the four IRAS bands. Overall, SFR densities have been compared with the SFR densities derived from Hα emission in the individual regions of the galaxies sampled by long-slit spectra. In both the galaxies an enhancement of the star formation activity with respect to isolated galaxies is revealed. The prevalence of starburst or nuclear activity has been examined through FIR color indices. The interaction scenario is discussed on the basis of the observed galaxy properties.
The Protective Effect Of Morus Alba And Calendula Officinalis Plant Extracts On Carbon Tetrachloride- Induced Hepatotoxicity In Isolated Rat Hepatocytes

Liver is prone to xenobiotic-induced injury because of its central role in xenobiotics metabolism, its portal location within the circulation, and its anatomic and physiologic structure (Jones, 1996). Herbal medicine is the most widely used form of medicine in the world today where the medicinal plants contain curative bioactive ingredients such as alkaloids, coumarins, saponins and flavonoids (Halberstein, 2005). The present work was planned to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective effects of morus alba and calendula officinalis extracts against cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) in isolated primary rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were isolated by collagenase perfusion two steps technique. Cytotoxicity was determined by assessing cell viability and leakage of cytosolic enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Oxidative stress was assessed by determining reduced glutathione (GSH) level and lipid peroxidation as indicated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production. Exposure of isolated rat hepatocytes to CCl4 caused cytotoxicity and oxidative injury, manifested by loss of cell viability and significant increase in ALT, AST and LDH leakages. As well as, CCl4 caused progressive depletion of intracellular GSH content and significant enhancement of TBARS accumulation. Pre- incubation of hepatocytes with either morus alba and calendula officinalis extracts ameliorated the hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by CCl4, as indicated by significant improvement in cell viability and enzymes leakages (ALT, AST and LDH). Also, significant improvement of GSH content and significant decrease in TBARS formation as compared to CCl4 treated cells. The present study indicate the morus alba and calendula officinalis extracts possess a highly promising hepatoprotective effects against CCl4 - induced hepatotoxicity. (Journal of American Science 2010;6(10):762-773). (ISSN: 1545- 1003).
Occupational Stress Management and Burnout Interventions in Nursing and Their Implications for Healthy Work Environments

This article reports on a literature review of workplace interventions (i.e., creating healthy work environments and improving nurses’ quality of work life [QWL]) aimed at managing occupational stress and burnout for nurses. A literature search was conducted using the keywords nursing, nurses, stress, distress, stress management, burnout, and intervention. All the intervention studies included in this review reported on workplace intervention strategies, mainly individual stress management and burnout interventions. Recommendations are provided to improve nurses’ QWL in health care organizations through workplace health promotion programs so that nurses can be recruited and retained in rural and northern regions of Ontario. These regions have unique human resources needs due to the shortage of nurses working in primary care.
Individualisation of drug treatments for patients with long-term conditions: a review of concepts

Objectives Patients and policy makers advocate that drug treatments should be individualised. However, the term is used in a variety of ways. We set out to identify the range of related terminology and concepts in the general field of individualisation, map out the relationships between these concepts and explore how patients’ perspectives are considered. Design We consulted members of an established patient and public involvement group about their experience of medicine taking for long-term conditions and their ideas about individualisation. We then conducted a scoping review of the literature to explore how terms surrounding individualisation of drug treatment are used and defined in the literature, and to explore the extent to which patients’ perspectives are represented, with a view to informing future recommendations as to how individualisation can be operationalised. Methods We identified relevant literature using a range of search strategies. Two researchers independently extracted definitions of terms using a template. Inductive and deductive methods were used to explore the data. Results Definitions were categorised according to the following themes: medical management; pharmacogenetics, the patient's perspective; interactions between the healthcare provider and patient and management of long-term conditions. Conclusions Within the literature reviewed, the involvement of patients in the ongoing management of drug treatment was largely absent. We propose the use of a new term ‘mutually agreed tailoring’ (MAT). This describes the ongoing pharmacological management of conditions that incorporates patients’ specific needs, experiences and existing strategies for using their medications, and the professionals’ clinical judgement. This usually includes patients monitoring their symptoms and, with the support of the professional, making appropriate product, dose or timing adjustments as necessary. Our previous work suggests that many patients and doctors are successfully practising MAT, so we suggest that a formal description may facilitate wider utilisation of strategies that will improve patient outcomes.
Chemical and Photometric Evolution of the Local Group Galaxy NGC 6822 in a Cosmological Context

Based on the photometric properties of NGC 6822, we derive a robust star formation history. Adopting this history, we compute 15 models of galactic chemical evolution. All of them match present-day photometric properties. The dark halo mass in all models evolves according to the mass assembly history predicted by a ΛCDM cosmology. We model the evolution of the baryonic mass aggregation history in this cosmological context assuming that part of the gas available for accretion never falls into the system due to two different physical processes. For seven models we assume that during accretion the universal baryon fraction is reduced by reionization only. The best model of this first group, a complex model with an early outflow, fits the observed gaseous mass and the O/H, C/O, and Fe/O present-day values. This model requires a lower upper mass limit for the IMF than that of the solar vicinity, in agreement with recent results by other authors. We have also computed eight models where, in addition to reionization, the accreted baryon fraction is reduced by large-scale shock heating. The best model of this series, which also requires an early outflow and a lower upper mass limit for the IMF, can marginally fit the gaseous mass and the O/H and C/O observed values.
Anomaly in the rainfall-runoff behaviour of the Meuse catchment. Climate, land-use, or land-use management?

OA-Fund TU Delft The objective of this paper is to investigate the time variability of catchment characteristics in the Meuse basin through its effect on catchment response. The approach uses a conceptual model to represent rainfall-runoff behaviour of this catchment, and evaluates possible time-dependence of model parameters. The main hypothesis is that conceptual model parameters, although not measurable quantities, are representative of specific catchment attributes (e.g. geology, land-use, land management, topography). Hence, we assume that eventual trends in model parameters are representative of catchment attributes that may have changed over time. The available hydrological record involves ninety years of data, starting in 1911. During this period the Meuse catchment has undergone significant modifications. The catchment structural modifications, although documented, are not available as "hard-data". Hence, our results should be considered as "plausible hypotheses". The main motivation of this work is the "anomaly" found in the rainfall runoff behaviour of the Meuse basin, where ninety years of rainfall-runoff simulations show a consistent overestimation of the runoff in the period between 1930 and 1965. Different authors have debated possible causes for the "anomaly", including climatic variability, land-use change and data errors. None of the authors considered the way in which the land is used by for instance agricultural and forestry practises. This aspect influenced the model design, which has been configured to account for different evaporation demand of growing forest. As a result of our analysis, we conclude that the lag time of the catchment has decreased significantly over time, which we attribute to more intensive drainage and river training works. Furthermore, we hypothesise that forest rotation has had a significant impact on the evaporation of the catchment. These results contrast with previous studies, where the effect of land-use change on the hydrological behaviour of the Meuse catchment was considered negligible, mainly because there was not sufficient change in land cover to account for it. Here we hypothesise that in the Meuse it was not the change of land cover that was responsible for hydrological change, but rather the way the land was managed.
Biology of insulin-like growth factors in development.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) provide essential signals for the control of embryonic and postnatal development in vertebrate species. In mammals, IGFs act through and are regulated by a system of receptors, binding proteins, and related proteases. In each of the many tissues dependent on this family of growth factors, this system generates a complex interaction specific to the tissue concerned. Studies carried out over the last decade, mostly with transgenic and gene knockout mouse models, have demonstrated considerable variety in the cell type-specific and developmental stage-specific functions of IGF signals. Brain, muscle, bone, cartilage, pancreas, ovary, skin, and fat tissue have been identified as major in vivo targets for IGFs. Concentrating on several of these organ systems, we review here phenotypic analyses of mice with genetically modified IGF systems. Much progress has also been made in understanding the specific intracellular signaling cascades initiated by the binding of circulating IGFs to their cognate receptor. We also summarize the most relevant aspects of this research. Considerable efforts are currently focused on deciphering the functional specificities of intracellular pathways, particularly the molecular mechanisms by which cells distinguish growth-stimulating insulin-like signals from metabolic insulin signals. Finally, there is a growing body of evidence implicating IGF signaling in lifespan control, and it has recently been shown that this function has been conserved throughout evolution. Very rapid progress in this domain seems to indicate that longevity may be subject to IGF-dependent neuroendocrine regulation and that certain periods of the life cycle may be particularly important in the determination of individual lifespan.
Antiepileptic Treatment in Paediatric Oncology - An Interdisciplinary Challenge

Epileptic seizures are a common and clinically relevant problem in paediatric oncology. Attributable to the heterogeneity of this group of patients and a number of possible comorbidities antiepileptic treatment in paediatric oncology poses a number of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This requires a close interdisciplinary approach to the seizing child or adolescent. A prompt and detailed diagnostic work-up is needed in every case in order to establish the diagnosis and, equally important, to detect secondary aetiological factors, e. g. epileptogenic drugs or any acute underlying pathology, such as metabolic or toxic encephalopathies, CNS-infections or cerebrovascular events. This might offer the opportunity for a specific causative treatment and thus prevent unnecessary long-term antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. If AED treatment is initiated several aspects have to be taken into account. Most importantly, AEDs and chemotherapeutic drugs (CTDs) may interact. Depending on the comedication this may result in reduced tumour or seizure control or unexpected toxicity of AEDs or CTDs. Understanding these interactions will allow to anticipate clinically relevant adverse effects. AED may be further complicated by side-effects, some of them of particular concern for children or adolescents, such as cognitive effects, myelotoxicity, serious rashes, endocrinological disturbances, and many more. Beside critically questioning the need for AED treatment it is therefore important to prefer AED with a good safety-profile in this population. Enzyme-inducing and inhibiting AED should be avoided if possible. Preliminary studies indicate that gabapentin and levetiracetam may provide good options in terms of efficacy and safety. However, more properly designed clinical studies are warranted to raise the level of evidence for robust clinical recommendations. Until that time, clinicians will need to continue to question current policies and adapt their daily practice to evolving scientific data.
DR3 Regulates Negative Selection during Thymocyte Development

ABSTRACT DR3 (Ws1, Apo3, LARD, TRAMP, TNFSFR12) is a member of the death domain-containing tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, members of which mediate a variety of developmental events including the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We have investigated the in vivo role(s) of DR3 by generating mice congenitally deficient in the expression of the DR3 gene. We show that negative selection and anti-CD3-induced apoptosis are significantly impaired in DR3-null mice. In contrast, both superantigen-induced negative selection and positive selection are normal. The pre-T-cell receptor-mediated checkpoint, which is dependent on TNFR signaling, is also unaffected in DR3-deficient mice. These data reveal a nonredundant in vivo role for this TNF receptor family member in the removal of self-reactive T cells in the thymus.
Why Are You More Engaged? Predicting Social Engagement from Word Use

We present a study to analyze how word use can predict social engagement behaviors such as replies and retweets in Twitter. We compute psycholinguistic category scores from word usage, and investigate how people with different scores exhibited different reply and retweet behaviors on Twitter. We also found psycholinguistic categories that show significant correlations with such social engagement behaviors. In addition, we have built predictive models of replies and retweets from such psycholinguistic category based features. Our experiments using a real world dataset collected from Twitter validates that such predictions can be done with reasonable accuracy. Author Keywords
Natural Course of Tympanic Membrane Pathology Related to Otitis Media and Ventilation Tubes Between Ages 8 and 18 Years

Objective: To present the course of tympanic membrane pathology in childhood and young adulthood after otitis media (OM) in early life. Study Design: Prospective follow-up study. Setting: Community study of a birth cohort. Patients: Three hundred fifty-eight subjects with a positive and negative history of OM (OM+ or OM−) or ventilation tube insertion (VT+ or VT−) derived from a birth cohort that had been followed-up from preschool to adult age. Methods: Standardized otomicroscopic examination performed at ages 8 and 18 years. Main Outcome Measures: Tympanic membrane abnormalities (i.e., tympanosclerosis, atrophy, atelectasis and retraction pockets of the pars tensa, and retraction of the pars flaccida). Results: At the age of 8 years, tympanic membrane pathology was highly prevalent in the both OM+ subcohorts (OM+VT+, 92% and OM+VT−, 46%), whereas in the OM− ears (11%), tympanic membrane abnormalities were rare. In the subsequent 10-year period, many tympanic membrane abnormalities disappeared spontaneously, although the prevalence of tympanosclerosis remained substantial in the OM+VT+ cohort. Conclusion: The natural course of most tympanic membrane pathology associated with OM in early life is favorable over time, suggesting an intrinsic repair capacity of the tympanic membrane. Tympanosclerosis, the most prevalent sequelae of OM and treatment with VT, however, shows little tendency of resolution.