Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sauromatum guttatum extract promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration in a burn mouse model via up-regulation of growth factors

Abstract Contexts: Sauromatum guttatum (Wall.) Schott (Araceae) has been traditionally used for the treatment of wounds. Objectives: This study evaluates the healing and tissue regeneration potential of S. guttatum extract in burn wounds. Materials and methods: S. guttatum extract was analysed using various chemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, the extract was tested against burn associated bacteria and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also calculated. Wound healing and tissue regeneration potential was assessed using a thermally induced burn BALBc mouse model. S. guttatum extract (2% w/w) prepared in petroleum jelly, vehicle and positive control [silver sulfadiazine (SD)] groups was applied three times a day. The treatment was continued for 15 d and wound closure was measured and photographed on day 5, 10 and 15. The burnt tissues excised from wounds were subjected to histological and comparative gene expression analysis. Results: The results of the chemical tests indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, phytosterols, tannins, and flavonoids, while TLC and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of various compounds. The extract showed excellent activity against the tested pathogens. The lowest MIC (125 µg/mL) was observed against Staphylococcus aureus. A considerable decrease in wound area (72%) was observed in extract-treated group. Histological examination of extract-treated group showed good signs of wound healing with complete re-epithelialization and better tissue regeneration. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed the up-regulation of wound healing related PDGF, EGF and FGF genes. Conclusions: S. guttatum extract may be used to isolate bioactive constituents for the treatment of burn wounds.
The ST2/Interleukin-33 Axis in Hematologic Malignancies: The IL-33 Paradox

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a chromatin-related nuclear interleukin that is a component of IL-1 family. IL-33 production augments the course of inflammation after cell damage or death. It is discharged into the extracellular space. IL-33 is regarded as an “alarmin” able to stimulate several effectors of the immune system, regulating numerous immune responses comprising cancer immune reactions. IL-33 has been demonstrated to influence tumorigenesis. However, as far as this cytokine is concerned, we are faced with what has sometimes been defined as the IL-33 paradox. Several studies have demonstrated a relevant role of IL-33 to numerous malignancies, where it may have pro- and—less frequently—antitumorigenic actions. In the field of hematological malignancies, the role of IL-33 seems even more complex. Although we can affirm the existence of a negative role of IL-33 in Chronic myelogenos leukemia (CML) and in lymphoproliferative diseases and a positive role in pathologies such as Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the action of IL-33 seems to be multiple and sometimes contradictory within the same pathology. In the future, we will have to learn to govern the negative aspects of activating the IL-33/ST2 axis and exploit the positive ones.
Neurological Immune Related Adverse Events Associated with Nivolumab, Ipilimumab, and Pembrolizumab Therapy—Review of the Literature and Future Outlook

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the management of various cancers with previously poor prognosis. Despite its great efficacy, the therapy is associated with a wide spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAE) including neurological symptoms which can affect all parts of the central and peripheral nervous system. Even though these events are rare, they are of high relevance as the rate of residual symptoms or even fatal outcomes is remarkable. To provide a detailed overview of neurological adverse events associated with immune checkpoint-inhibitor therapy we conducted a literature search. While focusing on ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab therapy, all available case reports as well as larger case series and clinical trials have been considered. Eighty-two case reports about checkpoint-inhibitor therapy induced symptoms of the peripheral nervous system have been published, while only 43 case reports addressed central nervous system abnormalities. The frequency of immune checkpoint-inhibitor therapy inducing neurological adverse events is about 1% in larger studies. Especially neuromuscular adverse events exhibit distinct clinical and diagnostic characteristics. Additionally, several affected patients presented with overlap-syndromes, which means that symptoms and diagnostic findings indicating myositis, myasthenia gravis, and neuropathy were present in one individual patient at the same time. Thus, neurological and particularly neuromuscular adverse events of immune checkpoint-inhibitor therapy may constitute a new disease entity.
Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Prevalent Prostate Cancer in the South Korea

Background: Prostate cancer prevalence recently has increased among male adults in South Korea. But, few study has evaluated the reason. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status and prevalent prostate cancer. Methods: This study enrolled 16,215 males aged 40 years and over who took part in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016. In addition, we obtained the 2000-2016 age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized mortality rate of prostate cancer from the Korean Statistical Information Service. Results: After adjusting for other covariates, prevalent prostate cancer was significantly associated with monthly household income (OR 3.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–9.30, for highest vs. lowest) and significantly associated with education level (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.54–8.70, for ≥ 13 vs. ≤ 6). In the analysis of the age-standardized incidence rate and the age-standardized mortality rate, the age-standardized incidence rate has soared from 2000 to 2011 and then decreased gradually, but the age-standardized mortality rate did not change. Conclusion: In our results, prevalent prostate cancer increased significantly with socioeconomic status and the increase in prevalent prostate cancer may be attributable to earlier detection rather than to a real increase in prevalence.
Role of IL-15 Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Rhesus Macaques

Key Points Anti–IL-15 depletes NK cells and disrupts TEM homeostasis in SIV-infected RM. IL-15 inhibition does not alter SIV replication dynamics or CD4+ T cell depletion. IL-15 inhibition does accelerate reactivation of an oncogenic γ-herpesvirus. Although IL-15 has been implicated in the pathogenic hyperimmune activation that drives progressive HIV and SIV infection, as well as in the generation of HIV/SIV target cells, it also supports NK and T cell homeostasis and effector activity, potentially benefiting the host. To understand the role of IL-15 in SIV infection and pathogenesis, we treated two cohorts of SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaques (RM; Macaca mulatta), one with chronic infection, the other with primary infection, with a rhesusized, IL-15–neutralizing mAb (versus an IgG isotype control) for up to 10 wk (n = 7–9 RM per group). In both cohorts, anti–IL-15 was highly efficient at blocking IL-15 signaling in vivo, causing 1) profound depletion of NK cells in blood and tissues throughout the treatment period; 2) substantial, albeit transient, depletion of CD8+ effector memory T cells (TEM) (but not the naive and central memory subsets); and 3) CD4+ and CD8+ TEM hyperproliferation. In primary infection, reduced frequencies of SIV-specific effector T cells in an extralymphoid tissue site were also observed. Despite these effects, the kinetics and extent of SIV replication, CD4+ T cell depletion, and the onset of AIDS were comparable between anti–IL-15– and control-treated groups in both cohorts. However, RM treated with anti–IL-15 during primary infection manifested accelerated reactivation of RM rhadinovirus. Thus, IL-15 support of NK cell and TEM homeostasis does not play a demonstrable, nonredundant role in SIV replication or CD4+ T cell deletion dynamics but may contribute to immune control of oncogenic γ-herpesviruses.
Systematic Physical Exercise and Spirulina maxima Supplementation Improve Body Composition, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Blood Lipid Profile: Correlations of a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Cardiovascular diseases are part of the highly preventable chronic diseases associated with changes in lifestyle. Within them, physical activity, low-fat and high-fiber diets are distinguished as the main support for prevention, even when supplementation with nutraceuticals has become a very common practice. Fifty-two young sedentary men with excess body weight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg·m−2) were enrolled in a randomized-crossover controlled trial [six weeks of a systematic physical exercise with Spirulina maxima or placebo supplementation (4.5 g·day−1)]. Body composition, blood lipid profile, and maximal oxygen uptake were determined pre/post intervention. Pairwise comparisons showed a significant improvement (p < 0.01) on blood lipid profile in the group of exercise plus Spirulina maxima. Moreover, correlations of absolute changes of BMI, body fat percentage, blood lipids and maximal oxygen uptake were statistically significant (p < 0.01). These results indicate that the Spirulina maxima supplementation could be acting in a synergistic way with exercise due to the enhanced effects on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood lipid profile. This phenomenon should be considered to reduce risk of cardiovascular disorders. Trial registration: Clinical Trials, NCT02837666 (July 19, 2016).
Clinical Challenges and Consequences of Measurable Residual Disease in Non-APL Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The ability to detect residual levels of leukemic blasts (measurable residual disease, MRD) has already been integrated in the daily routine for treatment of patients with chronic myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a variety of mostly retrospective studies have shown that individuals in AML remission who tested positive for MRD at specific time-points or had increasing MRD levels are at significantly higher risk of relapse and death compared to MRD-negative patients. However, these studies differ with respect to the “MRD-target”, time-point of MRD determination, material analyzed, and method applied. How this probably very valuable MRD information in individual patients may be adapted in the daily clinical routine, e.g., to separate patients who need more aggressive therapies from those who may be spared additional—potentially toxic—therapies is still a work-in-progress. With the exception of MRD assessment in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the lack of randomized, prospective trials renders MRD-based decisions and clinical implications in AML a difficult task. As of today, we still do not have proof that early intervention in MRD-positive AML patients would improve outcomes, although this is very likely. In this article, we review the current knowledge on non-APL AML MRD assessment and possible clinical consequences.
Prevalence of endocrine disorders in obese patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE The increasing prevalence of obesity is expected to promote the demand for endocrine testing. To facilitate evidence guided testing, we aimed to assess the prevalence of endocrine disorders in patients with obesity. The review was carried out as part of the Endocrine Work-up of Obesity Guideline of the European Society of Endocrinology. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. METHODS A search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and COCHRANE Library for original articles assessing the prevalence of hypothyroidism, hypercortisolism, hypogonadism (males) or hyperandrogenism (females) in patients with obesity. Data were pooled in a random-effects logistic regression model and reported with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). RESULTS 68 studies were included, concerning a total of 19.996 patients with obesity. The pooled prevalence of overt (newly diagnosed or already treated) and subclinical hypothyroidism was 14.0% (95% CI 9.7-18.9) and 14.6% (95% CI 9.2-20.9), respectively. Pooled prevalence of hypercortisolism was 0.9% (95% CI 0.3-1.6). Pooled prevalence of hypogonadism when measuring total testosterone or free testosterone was 42.8% (95% CI 37.6-48.0) and 32.7% (95% CI 23.1-43.0), respectively. Heterogeneity was high for all analyses. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of endocrine disorders in patients with obesity is considerable, although the underlying mechanisms are complex. Given the cross-sectional design of the studies included, no formal distinction between endocrine causes and consequences of obesity could be made.
Oxidative/Antioxidative Status in Patients after Myocardial Infarction and in Those without Cardiovascular Event Depending on Anthropometric Factors Defining Body Weight

Obesity is one of the factors leading to the development of atherosclerosis. This metabolic disorder is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species, which affect the oxidative stress levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative/antioxidative status and to investigate the correlation between redox markers and anthropometric parameters and body composition in adult patients after myocardial infarction and in individuals without a cardiovascular event in the past. Descriptive data on socio-demographic, clinical, and anthropometric features and blood samples were collected and categorized into two equal groups: after myocardial infarction (study group (SG), n = 80) and without a cardiovascular event (control group (CG), n = 80). The oxidative/antioxidative status was assessed in plasma on the basis of total oxidative/capacitive status (PerOx), total antioxidative status/capacity (ImAnOx), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The oxLDL was significantly higher in the CG group compared to the SG group (p = 0.02). No significant differences were found with regard to PerOx and ImAnOx values between the groups studied. A significant positive correlation between PerOx and percentage of adipose tissue (FM%) and body adiposity index (BAI) was found in the two studied groups. ImAnOx significantly positively correlated with visceral adiposity indexes(VAIs) in SG and FM% in CG. OxLDL negatively correlated with body mass index and waist to hip circumference ratio in CG. The total oxidative/antioxidative status is related to the amount of adipose tissue and the BAIs of the subjects. It was observed that it correlates more frequently with the visceral distribution of body fat.
Antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activity of Heliopsis longipes roots and affinin/spilanthol against Aspergillus parasiticus by downregulating the expression of alfD and aflR genes of the aflatoxins biosynthetic pathway

Abstract In the present study, ethanolic extract from Heliopsis longipes roots and affinin/spilanthol against Aspergillus parasiticus growth and aflatoxins production were studied in relation to the expression of aflD and aflR, two key genes of aflatoxins biosynthetic pathway. Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract by GC-EIMS identified affinin/spilanthol (7.84 ± 0.27 mg g−1) as the most abundant compounds in H. longipes roots. The antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic assays showed that affinin/spilanthol at 300 µg mL−1 produced the higher inhibition of radial growth (95%), as well as, the higher aflatoxins production inhibition (61%) in comparison to H. longipes roots (87% and 48%, respectively). qRT-PCR revealed that the expression of aflD and aflR genes showed a higher downregulation in affinin/spilanthol at 300 µg mL−1. The expression ratio of alfD was suppressed by affinin/spilanthol in 79% and aflR in 84%, while, a lower expression ratio suppressed by H. longipes was obtained, alfD (55%) and aflR (59%). Affinin/spilanthol possesses higher antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activity against A. parasiticus rather than H. longipes roots, and this anti-aflaxotigenic activity occurring via downregulation of the aflD and aflR genes. Thus, H. longipes roots and affinin/spilanthol can be considered potent antifungal agents against aflatoxigenic fungus, especially, affinin/spilanthol.
Cytotoxic Potential of Petroleum ether, Ethyl Acetate, Chloroform, and Ethanol Extracts of Lavandula Coronopifolia Against Human Breast Carcinoma Cell line (MDA-MB-321)

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cause of deaths in women. The search for traditionally used medicinal plants which can serve as non-toxic and affordable anticancer drugs is the need of the hour. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of extracts of L. coronopifolia against human breast carcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-321). Methods: The MDA-MB-231 cells were plated in 96 well plates and exposed to 10-1,000 µg/ml of L. coronopifolia for 24 h. The cytotoxic response of different extracts was measured by MTT assay, neutral red uptake (NRU) assay and cellular morphological alterations under the microscope. Results: A concentration-dependent decrease in the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 cells was observed after the exposure of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and ethanol extracts of L. coronopifolia. The cell viability was found to be 82%, 89% and 98% at 1000, 500 and 250 µg/ml, respectively in petroleum ether, 37%, 75% and 88% at 1,000, 500 and 250 µg/ml, respectively in ethyl acetate extract, 30%, 35% and 64% at 1,000, 500 and 250 µg/ml, respectively in chloroform extract and 44%, 65% and 82% at 1000, 500 and 250 µg/ml, respectively in ethanolic extract of L. coronopifolia exposed MDA-MB-231 cells. The results also exhibited morphological alterations in MDA-MB-231 cells exposed to various extracts. The cells treated with 250- 1000 µg/ml lost their original morphology and cell linkage as compared to control cells. Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest the promising anticancer potential of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and ethanol extracts of L. coronopifolia against MDA-MB-321 cells. Further studies are required to know the mechanism(s) involved in the cell death.
Screening for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

From Pall Medical, East Hills (all authors), and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx (J.S.C.), NY. Address reprint requests to Joseph S. Cervia, MD, FACP, FAAP, FIDSA, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Medical Director, Pall Medical, 2200 Northern Boulevard, East Hills, NY 11548 (joe_cervia@pall.com). Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2009; 30:925-927 © 2009 by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. All rights reserved. 0899-823X72009/3009-0023$ 15.00. DOI: 10.1086/605643
Validation of the Hong Kong Chinese version of the Support Person’s Unmet Needs Survey—Short Form

This study describes the psychometric properties of a Hong Kong Chinese version of the short form of the Support Person’s Unmet Needs Survey (SPUNS-SF) for caregivers of patients with cancer. A convenience sample of 280 patient-caregiver dyads was recruited between April and June 2018. A subsample of 70 caregivers completed the survey again, two weeks later. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined the instrument’s factorial structure, ordinal alpha coefficients evaluated the internal consistency, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) assessed the test-retest reliability. Convergence validity was evaluated by the correlations with sleep disturbance and caregiver burden in caregivers. The Hong Kong Chinese version of the SPUNS-SF (SPUNS-SFHKC) had a high completion rate of 96.8% (271/280) among caregivers. The original five-factor model provided an acceptable fit with the data in the CFA. The ordinal alpha coefficients were 0.866–0.945, and the two-week test-retest reliabilities were 0.524–0.678. The correlations of the five domains of the SPUNS-SFHKC with caregiver burden were 0.257–0.446, and for sleep disturbance were 0.075–0.464. The SPUNS-SFHKC has a suitable factor structure and psychometric properties for use in assessing unmet supportive needs among Chinese caregivers of patients with cancer. The applicability of the instrument for long-term use still needs to be studied.
Influence of the First Chromophore-Forming Residue on Photobleaching and Oxidative Photoconversion of EGFP and EYFP

Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)—one of the most widely applied genetically encoded fluorescent probes—carries the threonine-tyrosine-glycine (TYG) chromophore. EGFP efficiently undergoes green-to-red oxidative photoconversion (“redding”) with electron acceptors. Enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP), a close EGFP homologue (five amino acid substitutions), has a glycine-tyrosine-glycine (GYG) chromophore and is much less susceptible to redding, requiring halide ions in addition to the oxidants. In this contribution we aim to clarify the role of the first chromophore-forming amino acid in photoinduced behavior of these fluorescent proteins. To that end, we compared photobleaching and redding kinetics of EGFP, EYFP, and their mutants with reciprocally substituted chromophore residues, EGFP-T65G and EYFP-G65T. Measurements showed that T65G mutation significantly increases EGFP photostability and inhibits its excited-state oxidation efficiency. Remarkably, while EYFP-G65T demonstrated highly increased spectral sensitivity to chloride, it is also able to undergo redding chloride-independently. Atomistic calculations reveal that the GYG chromophore has an increased flexibility, which facilitates radiationless relaxation leading to the reduced fluorescence quantum yield in the T65G mutant. The GYG chromophore also has larger oscillator strength as compared to TYG, which leads to a shorter radiative lifetime (i.e., a faster rate of fluorescence). The faster fluorescence rate partially compensates for the loss of quantum efficiency due to radiationless relaxation. The shorter excited-state lifetime of the GYG chromophore is responsible for its increased photostability and resistance to redding. In EYFP and EYFP-G65T, the chromophore is stabilized by π-stacking with Tyr203, which suppresses its twisting motions relative to EGFP.