Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Hedyotis diffusa Willd. (Rubiaceae): A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Quality Control and Pharmacokinetics

Hedyotis diffusa Willd (H. diffusa) is a well-known Chinese medicine with a variety of activities, especially its anti-cancer effect in the clinic. Up to now, 171 compounds have been reported from H. diffusa, including 32 iridoids, 26 flavonoids, 24 anthraquinones, 26 phenolics and their derivatives, 50 volatile oils and 13 miscellaneous compounds. In vitro and in vivo studies show these phytochemicals and plant extracts to exhibit a range of pharmacological activities of anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibroblast, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. Although a series of methods have been established for the quality control of H. diffusa, a feasible and reliable approach is still needed in consideration of its botanical origin, collecting time and bioactive effects. Meanwhile, more pharmacokinetics researches are needed to illustrate the characteristics of H. diffusa in vivo. The present review aims to provide up-to-date and comprehensive information on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and pharmacokinetic characteristics of H. diffusa for its clinical use and further development.
Biomedical information extraction for matching patients to clinical trials

Digital Medical information had an astonishing growth on the last decades, driven by an unprecedented number of medical writers, which lead to a complete revolution in what and how much information is available to the health professionals. The problem with this wave of information is that performing a precise selection of the information retrieved by medical information repositories is very exhaustive and time consuming for physicians. This is one of the biggest challenges for physicians with the new digital era: how to reduce the time spent finding the perfect matching document for a patient (e.g. intervention articles, clinical trial, prescriptions). Precision Medicine (PM) 2017 is the track by the Text REtrieval Conference (TREC), that is focused on this type of challenges exclusively for oncology. Using a dataset with a large amount of clinical trials, this track is a good real life example on how information retrieval solutions can be used to solve this types of problems. This track can be a very good starting point for applying information extraction and retrieval methods, in a very complex domain. The purpose of this thesis is to improve a system designed by the NovaSearch team for TREC PM 2017 Clinical Trials task, which got ranked on the top-5 systems of 2017. The NovaSearch team also participated on the 2018 track and got a 15% increase on precision compared to the 2017 one. It was used multiple IR techniques for information extraction and processing of data, including rank fusion, query expansion (e.g. Pseudo relevance feedback, Mesh terms expansion) and experiments with Learning to Rank (LETOR) algorithms. Our goal is to retrieve the best possible set of trials for a given patient, using precise documents filters to exclude the unwanted clinical trials. This work can open doors in what can be done for searching and perceiving the criteria to exclude or include the trials, helping physicians even on the more complex and difficult information retrieval tasks.
A GENERALIZATION OF REDUCED RINGS

For a ring derivation δ, we introduce and investigate a generalization of reduced rings and Armendariz rings which we call a δ-Armendariz ring. Various classes of δ-Armendariz rings is provided and a number of properties of this generalization are established. Radicals and minimal prime ideals of the differential polynomial ring R[x; δ], in terms of those of a δ-Armendariz R, is determined. We prove that several properties transfer between R and the differential polynomial ring R[x; δ], in case R is δ-Armendariz.
Spectrally Selective Ultrathin Photodetectors Using Strong Interference in Nanocavity Design

Thinning the active layer’s thickness of the semiconductor down to a level comparable with the carriers’ diffusion length while keeping its absorption high is an ultimate goal to boost the performance of optoelectronic devices. Strong interference in multilayer structures is one of the promising and practical solutions owing to their simple and large-scale compatible fabrication route. These nanocavity designs not only provide near unity absorption, but they can also be designed in a way that a spectrally selective absorption response can be achieved. In this letter, we will demonstrate the functionality of a metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) cavity to obtain spectrally selective ultrathin photodetectors. To prove our theoretical and numerical findings, a 4-nm-thick amorphous silicon (a-Si)-based MIS cavity is designed, fabricated, and characterized. The experimental results show that the optimized cavity design can act as an efficient visible blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetector. The proposed design shows the responsivity values of 120 and 2.5 mA/W in the UV (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda =\textsf {350}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> nm) and visible (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda =\textsf {500}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> nm) regions, respectively.
A Description and Evaluation of U.S. Climate Reference Network Standardized Soil Moisture Dataset

The interpretation of in situ or remotely sensed soil moisture data for drought monitoring is challenged by the sensitivity of these observations to local soil characteristics and seasonal precipitation patterns. These challenges can be overcome by standardizing soil moisture observations. Traditional approaches require a lengthy record (usually 30 years) that most soil monitoring networks lack. Sampling techniques that combine hourly measurements over a temporal window have been used in the literature to generate historical references (i.e., climatology) from shorter-term datasets. This sampling approach was validated on select U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) stations using a Monte Carlo analysis, which revealed that shorter-term (5+ years) hourly climatologies were similar to longer-term (10+ year) hourly means. The sampling approach was then applied to soil moisture observations from the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN). The sampling method was used to generate multiple measures of soil moisture (mean and median anomalies, standardized median anomaly by interquantile range, and volumetric) that were converted to percentiles using empirical cumulative distribution functions. Overall, time series of soil moisture percentile were very similar among the differing measures; however, there were times of year at individual stations when soil moisture percentiles could have substantial deviations. The use of soil moisture percentiles and counts of threshold exceedance provided more consistent measures of hydrological conditions than observed soil moisture. These results suggest that hourly soil moisture observations can be reasonably standardized and can provide consistent measures of hydrological conditions across spatial and temporal scales.
Synergistic binding of the Vibrio fischeri LuxR transcriptional activator domain and RNA polymerase to the lux promoter region

LuxR, the Vibrio fischeri luminescence gene (lux) activator, is the best-studied member of a family of bacterial transcription factors required for cell density-dependent expression of specific genes involved in associations with eukaryotic hosts. Neither LuxR nor any other LuxR homolog has been shown to bind DNA directly. We have purified the LuxR C-terminal transcriptional activator domain from extracts of recombinant Escherichia coli in which this polypeptide was expressed. The purified polypeptide by itself binds to lux regulatory DNA upstream of the lux box, a 20-bp palindrome that is required for LuxR activity in vivo, but it does not bind to the lux box. However, the LuxR C-terminal domain together with RNA polymerase protects a region including the lux box and the lux operon promoter from DNase I cleavage. There is very little protection of the lux operon promoter region from DNase I digestion in the presence of RNA polymerase alone. Apparently, there is a synergistic binding of the LuxR C-terminal domain and RNA polymerase to the promoter region. The upstream binding region for the purified polypeptide encompasses a binding site for cAMP receptor protein (CRP). Under some conditions, CRP binding can block the binding of the LuxR C-terminal domain to the upstream binding region, and it can also block the synergistic binding of the LuxR C-terminal domain and RNA polymerase to the lux box and luminescence gene promoter region. This description of DNA binding by the LuxR C-terminal domain should lead to an understanding of the molecular interactions of the LuxR family of transcriptional activators with regulatory DNA.
Renal safety of tenofovir in HIV treatment-experienced patients

The safety of tenovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) was assessed in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Furthermore, we retrospectively collected 19 cases of TDF-associated tubular dysfunction. The incidence of renal events was similar among the active TDF groups and the placebo group in the two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Proximal tubulopathy was diagnosed 6.89 +/- 5.51 months after TDF therapy started. All abnormalities normalized within 4.7 +/- 2.94 weeks after drug discontinuation.
Differential Allelic Expression in Leukoblast from Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Suggests Genetic Regulation of CDA, DCK, NT5C2, NT5C3, and TP53

mRNA expression levels of certain genes have shown predictive value for the outcome of cytarabine-treated AML-patients. We hypothesized that genetic variants play a role in the regulation of the transcription of these genes. We studied leukoblasts from 82 patients with acute myeloid leukemia and observed various extent and frequency of differential allelic expression in the CDA, DCK, NT5C2, NT5C3, and TP53 genes. Our attempts to identify the causative regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms by a bioinformatics approach did not succeed. However, our results indicate that genetic variations are at least in part responsible for the differences in overall expression levels of these genes.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of three SGLT-2 inhibitors sergliflozin, remogliflozin and ertugliflozin: an overview

Abstract 1. Several sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are in clinical use for the management of type 2 diabetes. The objectives of the current review were: (a) to provide a comparative pharmacokinetics including absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretory (ADME) profiles of three SGLT-2 inhibitors namely: sergliflozin, remogliflozin and ertugliflozin; (b) to provide some perspectives on possible developmental issues. 2. Based on the half-life (t1/2) values observed in humans, the rank order of the three SGLT-2 inhibitors was ertugliflozin (16 h) > remogliflozin (2–4 h) > sergliflozin (1–1.5 h). Therefore, while once a day dosing of ertugliflozin is possible, the other two drugs need to be dosed more frequently. Perhaps, the short t1/2 of sergliflozin may have contributed for its discontinuation. 3. Although there was paucity of published data on the metabolism, transporter related and excretory aspects for sergliflozin, the other two drugs provided a differentiating profile. However, the compiled data suggested that there may be a minimal or no risk of pharmacokinetic drug interaction issues associated with any of the reviewed drugs. 4. Because of the crowded development pipeline and approved SGLT-2 inhibitors, the safety and efficacy of sergliflozin, remogliflozin and ertugliflozin appear to be a key from differentiation perspective.
The small molecule ISRIB reverses the effects of eIF2α phosphorylation on translation and stress granule assembly

Previously, we identified ISRIB as a potent inhibitor of the integrated stress response (ISR) and showed that ISRIB makes cells resistant to the effects of eIF2α phosphorylation and enhances long-term memory in rodents (Sidrauski et al., 2013). Here, we show by genome-wide in vivo ribosome profiling that translation of a restricted subset of mRNAs is induced upon ISR activation. ISRIB substantially reversed the translational effects elicited by phosphorylation of eIF2α and induced no major changes in translation or mRNA levels in unstressed cells. eIF2α phosphorylation-induced stress granule (SG) formation was blocked by ISRIB. Strikingly, ISRIB addition to stressed cells with pre-formed SGs induced their rapid disassembly, liberating mRNAs into the actively translating pool. Restoration of mRNA translation and modulation of SG dynamics may be an effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by eIF2α phosphorylation, SG formation, and cognitive loss. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.05033. 001
Assessment of sclerocorneal incision architecture after phacoemulsification using AS-OCT

Introduction The construction of the main incision is crucial for the outcome of cataract surgery. There are many considerations including: wound preparation and stability, surgically induced astigmatism, stability of anterior chamber, and wound closure stability with rising intraocular pressure (IOP). Irrespective of modality, the main goal is to achieve stable watertight self-sealing wound in order to avoid possible intra- and postoperative complications. Therefore, evaluating the architecture and healing of the surgical wound would be of benefit, as the integrity of incisions may decrease the risk of endophthalmitis or other problems. Anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) provides the opportunity to visualize anterior chamber structures and cornea in particular. In the interest of the current study this was used to examine the anatomy of the main incision in vivo and evaluate its changes over time. Aim The aim of this article is to examine the architecture of the main incision in vivo and evaluate its changes over time, using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Materials and Methods Patients diagnosed with senile cataract, scheduled for surgery, were enrolled in this prospective study. All underwent uneventful cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, performed by the same experienced surgeon. A standardized technique of cataract extraction, under local anesthesia, was used. Patients with previous ocular surgery or trauma, and other ocular pathology, as well as cases with complications were not included in the study. Wound anatomy was visualized using AS-OCT (Topcon 3D SD OCT 2000) at three postoperative visits: day 1, day 7, and day 30. The following features were examined and analyzed: external gaping, endothelial (internal) alignment and gaping, localized DMD, loss of coaptation, wound retraction, and other changes on the external or the internal side of the wound. Results Sixty eyes of 51 patients were examined, of whom 23 were men and 28 women, aged between 53 and 87 years (mean 72 years). The scleral tunnel incisions had a three-plane architecture and all of them were watertight with no leakage at any time. Several architectural features were assessed, including epithelial gaping, endothelial gaping and misalignment, local Descemet’s membrane detachment (DMD). Conclusion AS-OCT is a risk-free, quick, high-informative method for visualization of the morphological characteristics of cataract surgical incisions and their evolution over time. Hence, this technology is indispensable in evaluating the integrity of the wound, and the information obtained could be used to develop a consistent technique to create self-sealing incisions and decrease the risk of endophthalmitis.
Profiling of RNA Degradation for Estimation of Post Morterm Interval

An estimation of the post mortem interval (PMI) is frequently touted as the Holy Grail of forensic pathology. During the first hours after death, PMI estimation is dependent on the rate of physical observable modifications including algor, rigor and livor mortis. However, these assessment methods are still largely unreliable and inaccurate. Alternatively, RNA has been put forward as a valuable tool in forensic pathology, namely to identify body fluids, estimate the age of biological stains and to study the mechanism of death. Nevertheless, the attempts to find correlation between RNA degradation and PMI have been unsuccessful. The aim of this study was to characterize the RNA degradation in different post mortem tissues in order to develop a mathematical model that can be used as coadjuvant method for a more accurate PMI determination. For this purpose, we performed an eleven-hour kinetic analysis of total extracted RNA from murine's visceral and muscle tissues. The degradation profile of total RNA and the expression levels of several reference genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. A quantitative analysis of normalized transcript levels on the former tissues allowed the identification of four quadriceps muscle genes (Actb, Gapdh, Ppia and Srp72) that were found to significantly correlate with PMI. These results allowed us to develop a mathematical model with predictive value for estimation of the PMI (confidence interval of ±51 minutes at 95%) that can become an important complementary tool for traditional methods.
Clinical significance of early diastolic notch depth: uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in the third trimester.

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to evaluate the usefulness of early diastolic notch depth in predicting adverse perinatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry is widely applied in predicting pregnancy outcomes. Recent studies of uterine artery early diastolic notch have demonstrated its usefulness as a marker for fetal well-being. The early diastolic notch represents the reflected blood flow of uteroplacental circulation. This study was carried out under the hypothesis that when early diastolic notch is present evaluating its depth plays a significant role in predicting poor pregnancy outcomes. Its ability to predict adverse perinatal outcomes was evaluated in 198 pregnant women with early diastolic notch after 28 weeks' gestation. RESULTS The incidence of adverse perinatal outcome (5-minute Apgar score <7, cesarean delivery because of fetal distress, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, fetal growth restriction, or perinatal death) was 90.5% when the notch index was </=0.70. When the notch index range was 0.70 to 0.79, 0.80 to 0.89, and >/=0.90, the respective incidences were 72.3%, 46. 9%, and 28.1%. CONCLUSION This study suggests that evaluating notch depth in the presence of early diastolic notch on uterine artery velocimetry during the third trimester would be a useful method for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes.
Self-Serving Judgments About Winning the Lottery

Although myths and stereotypes about lottery winners tend to be negative (e.g., winners become extravagant), people continue to spend billions of dollars buying lottery tickets in the hope of winning. The authors applied findings from the self-enhancement literature to understand this paradox. Eighty college students received class credit for their participation, in which they read a scenario that asked them to imagine that they, or a target other, had won a lottery. Participants' responses to a 34-item questionnaire displayed a self-serving bias, such that changes to the self were expected to be more positive than changes to the other. For several items, this effect was moderated by the participant's gender. The present research indicates that the pervasive tendency to display self-serving biases can apply to future-oriented processing, an under-researched topic.
What is Agile, Which Practices are Used, and Which Skills are Necessary according to Brazilian Professionals: Findings of an Initial Survey

According to changes in the concept of quality of software products in recent years and in the profiles of professionals and customers, more and more companies prioritize agility and quality of their deliveries in order to meet their demands. A new way to guide the development of projects, which is adapted to this recent reality, is becoming increasingly popular in the IT market around the world: Agile methods. To maximize the benefits of adopting agile methods, professionals need to well understand their concepts. The goal of this study is to identify the understanding that IT professionals located in some influential IT capital in Brazil have about such methods, how and which agile practices are being used in practice, and, finally, what are the main skills professionals need to work with such methods. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted and results show that: there is a strong evidence that professionals have a good understanding of the fundamental values of agile methods, Scrum and XP are the most popular methods, and behavioral and cultural factors have higher influence over the difficulty of adopting agile than technical factors.
Serca1 Truncated Proteins Unable to Pump Calcium Reduce the Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Concentration and Induce Apoptosis

By pumping calcium from the cytosol to the ER, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases (SERCAs) play a major role in the control of calcium signaling. We describe two SERCA1 splice variants (S1Ts) characterized by exon 4 and/or exon 11 splicing, encoding COOH terminally truncated proteins, having only one of the seven calcium-binding residues, and thus unable to pump calcium. As shown by semiquantitative RT-PCR, S1T transcripts are differentially expressed in several adult and fetal human tissues, but not in skeletal muscle and heart. S1T proteins expression was detected by Western blot in nontransfected cell lines. In transiently transfected cells, S1T homodimers were revealed by Western blot using mildly denaturing conditions. S1T proteins were shown, by confocal scanning microscopy, to colocalize with endogenous SERCA2b into the ER membrane. Using ER-targeted aequorin (erAEQ), we have found that S1T proteins reduce ER calcium and reverse elevation of ER calcium loading induced by SERCA1 and SERCA2b. Our results also show that SERCA1 variants increase ER calcium leakage and are consistent with the hypothesis of a cation channel formed by S1T homodimers. Finally, when overexpressed in liver-derived cells, S1T proteins significantly induce apoptosis. These data reveal a further mechanism modulating Ca2+ accumulation into the ER of nonmuscle cells and highlight the relevance of S1T proteins to the control of apoptosis.