Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of whole‐body cryotherapy (−110 °C) on proprioception and indices of muscle damage

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of whole‐body cryotherapy (WBC) on proprioceptive function, muscle force recovery following eccentric muscle contractions and tympanic temperature (TTY). Thirty‐six subjects were randomly assigned to a group receiving two 3‐min treatments of −110 ± 3 °C or 15 ± 3 °C. Knee joint position sense (JPS), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors, force proprioception and TTY were recorded before, immediately after the exposure and again 15 min later. A convenience sample of 18 subjects also underwent an eccentric exercise protocol on their contralateral left leg 24 h before exposure. MVIC (left knee), peak power output (PPO) during a repeated sprint on a cycle ergometer and muscles soreness were measured pre‐, 24, 48 and 72 h post‐treatment. WBC reduced TTY, by 0.3 °C, when compared with the control group (P<0.001). However, JPS, MVIC or force proprioception was not affected. Similarly, WBC did not effect MVIC, PPO or muscle soreness following eccentric exercise. WBC, administered 24 h after eccentric exercise, is ineffective in alleviating muscle soreness or enhancing muscle force recovery. The results of this study also indicate no increased risk of proprioceptive‐related injury following WBC.
Volatile compound in cut and un-cut flowers of tetraploid Freesia hybrida

The flower volatile compounds (FVCs) of two tetraploid Freesia hybrida (pink-yellow and yellow) cultivars and their cut flowers were analysed by headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Twelve FVCs were identified in the pink-yellow cultivar, with linalool as the major compound; 30 FVCs were identified in the yellow cultivar, with linalool and terpineol as the two major compounds. The FVCs (>1%) of the two cut flower cultivars were very similar to that of the un-cut flowers, and no significant difference was observed.
In vitro antimycobacterial activity and HPLC–DAD screening of phenolics from Ficus benjamina L. and Ficus luschnathiana (Miq.) Miq. leaves

The total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu) of the leaves of Ficus benjamina and Ficus luschnathiana was evaluated and screened by HPLC–DAD. Ficus luschnathiana crude extract (CE) presented phenolic content higher than that of F. benjamina (149.92 ± 3.65 versus 122.63 ± 2.79 mg of GAE). Kaempferol (1.63 ± 0.16 mg g−1 dry weight of CE) and chlorogenic acid (17.77 ± 0.57 mg g−1 of butanolic fraction) were identified and quantified in F. benjamina, whereas rutin (1.39 ± 0.20 mg g−1), caffeic (1.14 ± 0.13 mg g−1) and chlorogenic (3.73 ± 0.29 mg g−1) acids were quantified in the CE of F. luschnathiana. Additionaly, rutin (15.55 ± 1.92 mg g−1) and quercetin (3.53 ± 0.12 mg g−1) were quantified in ethyl acetate and butanolic fractions, respectively. Antimycobacterial activity of CEs and fractions was evaluated against Mycobacterium smegmatis by broth microdilution method. Ethyl acetate fraction from F. benjamina and n-butanol fraction from F. luschnathiana displayed the highest inhibitory activity (MIC = 312.50 µg mL−1 and 156.25 µg mL−1, respectively). Further studies are required to identify the compounds directly related to antimycobacterial activity.
Phytochemical composition of polar fraction of Stachys germanica L. subsp. salviifolia (Ten.) Gams, a typical plant of Majella National Park

In this study, we report the isolation and identification of several compounds present in the polar fraction of Stachys germanica L. subsp. salviifolia (Ten.) Gams, collected in the protected area of Majella National Park. In particular, we have isolated and identified harpagide, 7 -β-hydroxy-harpagide, ajugol, 5-allosyloxy-aucubin, verbascoside and, for the first time in this genus, arbutin.
Phytochemical analysis of Gymnema sylvestre and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity

Gymnema sylvestre (CS 149), known to be a rich source of saponins and other valuable phytochemicals, has been analysed for antimicrobial activity. The chloroform extracts of aerial and root parts of G. sylvestre exhibited higher antimicrobial activity as compared to diethyl ether and acetone. The root extracts of chloroform have shown competitive minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values in the range of 0.04–1.28 mg mL−1 and 0.08–2.56 mg/mL, respectively, towards the pathogens. The GC-MS analysis of chloroform extracts has shown the presence of compounds like eicosane, oleic acid, stigmasterol and vitamin E.
Innate cellular immunity and xenotransplantation

Purpose of reviewThis review assesses the recent progress in xenograft rejection by innate immune responses, with a focus on innate cellular xenoreactivity. Recent findingsCurrent literature was reviewed for new insights into the role of innate cellular immunity in xenograft rejection. Increasing evidence confirms that vigorous innate immune cell activation is accounted for by a combination of xenoantigen recognition by activating receptors, and incompatibility in inhibitory receptor–ligand interactions. Although both innate humoral and cellular xenoimmune responses are predominantly elicited by preformed and induced xenoreactive antibodies in nonhuman primates following porcine xenotransplantation, innate immune cells can also be activated by xenografts in the absence of antibodies. The latter antibody-independent response will likely persist in recipients even when adaptive xenoimmune responses are suppressed. In addition to xenograft rejection by recipient innate immune cells, phagocytic cells within liver xenografts are also deleterious to recipients by causing thrombocytopenia. SummaryStrategies of overcoming innate immune responses are required for successful clinical xenotransplantation. In addition to developing better immunosuppressive and tolerance induction protocols, endeavors towards further genetic modifications of porcine source animals are ultimately important for successful clinical xenotransplantation.
RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous quantitation of boeravinone E and boeravinone B in Boerhaavia diffusa extract and its formulation

A high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of two major rotenoids, boeravinone E and boeravinone B, in Boerhaavia diffusa extract and its formulation. Chromatographic separation was carried out on an Inertsil ODS-3 column by using gradient mobile phase containing 0.1% v/v orthophosphoric acid in water and acetonitrile. The detection was carried out at 276 nm. The method was validated for specificity, precision, accuracy and robustness. The linearity (r 2 = 0.9989 and 0.9991) was found to be in the range of 7.26–35.75 µg mL−1 and 2.20–11.00 µg mL−1 for boeravinone E and B, respectively. The percent recovery observed from the extract sample was 95.22–95.83.
Functional and muscle morphometric effects of ACL reconstruction. A prospective CT study with 1 year follow‐up

Computed tomography (CT) was used to explore if changes in muscle cross‐sectional area and quality after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction would be related to knee function. Fourteen females and 23 males (16–54 years) underwent clinical tests, subjective questionnaires, and CT 1 week before and 1 year after ACL surgery with semitendinosus‐gracilis (STG) graft and rehabilitation. Postoperatively, knee laxity was decreased and functional knee measures and subjective patient scores improved. The most obvious remaining deficit was the quadriceps atrophy, which was significantly larger if the right leg was injured. Right‐leg injury also tended to cause larger compensatory hypertrophy of the combined knee flexor and tibial internal rotator muscles (preoperatively). The quadriceps atrophy was significantly correlated with the scores and functional tests, the latter also being related to the remaining size of the gracilis muscle. Biceps femoris hypertrophy and, in males only, semimembranosus hypertrophy was observed following the ACL reconstruction. The lack of semimembranosus hypertrophy in the women could, via tibial internal rotation torque deficit, contribute to the less favorable functional and subjective outcome recorded for the women. The results indicate that the quadriceps, the combined knee flexor/tibial internal rotator muscles, side of ACL injury, and sex are important to consider in rehabilitation after STG graft.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome Induced by Methotrexate: A Case Report

Received: December 26, 2010 Accepted: March 4, 2011 Correspondence: Maarten Moen, M.D. Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584CX Utrecht, Netherlands. Tel: 0031-88-7555496 e-mail: m.moen@umcutrecht.nl ©2011 Turkish League Against Rheumatism. All rights reserved. Normalde, medial tibial stres sendromunun nedeni, atletlerde ve acemi askerlerde sık şekilde görüldüğü gibi, tibiaya aşırı yüklenilmesidir. Bu olgu sunumunda medial tibial stres sendromuyla ilişkili klasik semptomlar yaşayan ve psoriyatik artriti bulunan 49 yaşındaki fiziksel olarak inaktif bir erkek hasta tarif edilmektedir. Semptomlar metotreksattan kaynaklanmıştır ve dozajın azaltılmasıyla birlikte sona ermiştir. Anahtar sözcükler: Medial tibial stres sendromu; metotreksat; osteopati; bacak atelleri. Normally, the cause of medial tibial stress syndrome is the overloading of the tibia as seen frequently in athletes and military recruits. This case report describes a physically inactive 49-year-old male patient suffering from psoriatic arthritis with the classic symptoms associated with medial tibial stress syndrome. The symptoms were due to the use of methotrexate and ceased by lowering the dosage.
Local administration of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) stimulates tendon collagen synthesis in humans

Collagen is the predominant structural protein in tendons and ligaments, and can be controlled by hormonal changes. In animals, injections of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) has been shown to increase collagen synthesis in tendons and ligaments and to improve structural tissue healing, but the effect of local IGF‐I administration on tendon collagen synthesis in human has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to study whether local injections of IGF‐I would have a stimulating effect on tendon collagen synthesis. Twelve healthy nonsmoking men [age 62 ± 1 years (mean ± SEM), BMI 27 ± 1] participated. Two injections of either human recombinant IGF‐I (0.1 mL Increlex©) or saline (control) into each patellar tendon were performed 24‐h apart, respectively. Tendon collagen fractional synthesis rate (FSR) was measured by stable isotope technique in the hours after the second injection. Simultaneously, interstitial peritendinous (IGF‐I) and [procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide (PINP)], as a marker for type I collagen synthesis, were determined by microdialysis technique. Tendon collagen FSR and PINP were significantly higher in the IGF‐I leg compared with the control leg (P < 0.05). In conclusion, local IGF‐I administration can directly enhance tendon collagen synthesis both within and around the human tendon tissue.
Comparação do perfil epidemiológico das hepatites B e C em um serviço público de São Paulo

CONTEXT: Viral hepatitis is a disease of compulsory notification and is very important due to its high prevalence. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological profiles of hepatitis B and C, reported through surveillance at the "Hospital do Servidor Publico Estadual", Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil, from January 2004 to April 2007. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study revealed 112 confirmed cases of hepatitis B and 651 of hepatitis C. Male gender predominated among hepatitis B while female gender predominated among hepatitis C, statistically significant. Hepatitis B occurred mainly among patients from 30 to 39 years old (P<0.01), and hepatitis C was more frequent among patients from 40 to 49 years old (P = 0.49). Asthenia was the most frequent symptom. The main risk factors were: sexually transmitted diseases (hepatitis B; P<0.01), previous surgery and blood transfusion (hepatitis C; P<0,01). Cases were mostly confirmed through laboratory tests. Chronic hepatitis occurred in 54.5% and 81.7% cases of hepatitis B and C, respectively (P<0,01). Virus B was mostly transmitted by sexual contact (P<0,01); virus C was transmitted mainly by blood transfusion (P<0,01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings were similar to national and international data available. Epidemiologic surveillance plays an important role in determining the viral hepatitis profile in order to provide adequate screening and prevention.
Block periodization of high‐intensity aerobic intervals provides superior training effects in trained cyclists

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two different methods of organizing endurance training in trained cyclists. One group of cyclists performed block periodization, wherein the first week constituted five sessions of high‐intensity aerobic training (HIT), followed by 3 weeks of one weekly HIT session and focus on low‐intensity training (LIT) (BP; n = 10, VO2max = 62 ± 2 mL/kg/min). Another group of cyclists performed a more traditional organization, with 4 weeks of two weekly HIT sessions interspersed with LIT (TRAD; n = 9, VO2max = 63 ± 2 mL/kg/min). Similar volumes of both HIT and LIT was performed in the two groups. While BP increased VO2max, peak power output (Wmax) and power output at 2 mmol/L [la−] by 4.6 ± 3.7%, 2.1 ± 2.8%, and 10 ± 12%, respectively (P < 0.05), no changes occurred in TRAD. BP showed relative improvements in VO2max compared with TRAD (P < 0.05). Mean effect size (ES) of the relative improvement in VO2max, Wmax, and power output at 2 mmol/L [la−] revealed large to moderate effects of BP training compared with TRAD training (ES = 1.34, ES = 0.85, and ES = 0.71, respectively). The present study suggests that block periodization of training provides superior adaptations to traditional organization during a 4‐week endurance training period, despite similar training volume and intensity.
The effect of 3 moisturisers on skin surface hydration: Electrical conductance (Skicon-200), capacitance (Corneometer CM420), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

BACKGROUND/AIMS The hydrating properties of three moisturising preparations, commonly recommended for the treatment of dry skin, were compared by utilising non-invasive measuring methods. METHODS The preparations were Decubal®/Abitima® cream, Dumex Ltd; pH5-Eucerin® ointment, Beiersdorf; and Essex® cream, Schering Plough. Skicon-200® and a Corneometer CM 420® were used for assessment of skin hydration. Readings of the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin temperature were also taken. The study was conducted in 2 parts, each with 12 women. The preparations were applied to a designated area on the forearms 2× a day for 7 days; the 4th, untreated, area served as control. Readings were taken before the start of treatment and every morning during the treatment period and the following week. RESULTS Both electrical measuring methods showed that hydration of the stratum corneum increased after a few days of treatment, especially after the application of Decubal®/Abitima®. TEWL was not affected by any of the treatments. CONCLUSIONS The two electrical methods ranked the products consistently, i.e. Decubal®/Abitima® >pH5-Eucerin® >Essex®. Conductance (Skicon-200) was more discriminative than capacitance (Corneometer CM420). However, these methods are not water specific. TEWL was not affected by the treatments.
Two new pregnane glycoside diesters from Caralluma russeliana

Two new pregnane glycoside diesters, 1 and 2, in addition to two triterpenoids, 3 and 4, and two sterols, 5 and 6 were isolated and identified from Caralluma russeliana (family Asclepiadaceae). The new pregnane glycosides, 14β-benzoyloxy-15β-isovaleroyloxy-16α-hydroxypregn-20-on-3-O-[β-D-3-O-methyl-6-deoxyoleandrosopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside] (1) and 14β-isovaleroyloxy-15β-benzoyloxy-16α-hydroxypregn-20-on-3-O-[β-D-3-O-methyl-6-deoxyoleandrosopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside] (2), are different from those isolated previously from the same species in the sugar moiety, in being diester, in being 20-one and in being 5,6 saturated by hydrogen. The isolated compounds were identified on the basis of spectral data.
The relationship of neuropsychological function to instrumental activities of daily living in mild cognitive impairment

While activities of daily living are by definition preserved in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), there is evidence of poorer instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) functioning in MCI compared to normal ageing. The aims of the present study were to examine differences in IADL between individuals with MCI and cognitively normal elderly, and to examine the relationships of IADL with cognitive functions.
Dispositional optimism and loneliness in older men

Dispositional optimism, defined as a generalized tendency to positive outcome expectancies, is associated with well‐being and successful aging. However, it remains unclear whether optimism is also correlated to less feelings of loneliness over time. We aimed to determine whether dispositional optimism is prospectively associated with less feelings of loneliness, independently of potential confounders inherent to the aging process.
Two novel amphomycin analogues from Streptomyces canus strain FIM-0916

Three lipopeptides, the known compound amphomycin, together with two novel compounds named aspartocin D (1) and aspartocin E (2) were obtained from the fermentation broth extraction of Streptomyces canus strain FIM0916 by using various column chromatography techniques. Their structures were elucidated by using spectroscopic methods, mainly by an extensive NMR analysis. It was demonstrated that compounds 1 and 2 are novel analogues of amphomycin, whose structures are similar to aspartocins. Compounds 1 and 2 share the same cyclic decapeptide core of cyclo (Dab2-Pip3-MeAsp4-Asp5-Gly6-Asp7-Gly8-Dab9-Val10-Pro11-), differing only in the side-chain moiety corresponding to Asp1-△3-isohendecenoic acid and Asp1-△3-isododecenoic acid, for aspartocin D and aspartocin E. In bioassays, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria in the presence of Ca2+ (1.25 mM); particularly, the activities were enhanced with higher concentrations of calcium.
Genetic and environmental factors in late onset dementia: possible role for early parental death

We aimed to investigate three reports of a possible role of early parental death in late onset dementia. We tested a multivariate model of risk factors for late onset dementia that included established (female sex, a family history of dementia, APOE ε4) and putative influences (vascular risk factors, years of full‐time education, parental ages at death, and childhood IQ) on dementia risk.
New cytotoxic cycloartane triterpene from Cassia italica aerial parts

Phytochemical study of the aerial parts of Cassiaitalica Mill. (family: Fabaceae) growing in Saudi Arabia afforded one new cycloartane triterpene, named (22E)-3-β-hydroxycycloart-22-en-24-one (2), together with eight known compounds: β-sitosterol (1), uvaol (3), daucosterol (4), methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (5), emodin (6), 4-hydroxypheny-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), aloin (8) and rutin (9). The structure of the isolated compounds was determined by physical, chemical and spectral data (UV, IR, MS, 1D (1H, 13C and DEPT) and 2D (1H–1H COSY, HSQC and HMBC) NMR), as well as by comparing with authentic samples. Compounds 3–5 and 7–9 were isolated for the first time from the plant. Compound 2 was evaluated for its cytotoxic activity against the L5178Y and PC12 cell lines. The total methanolic extract and compounds 5–9 exhibited free radical-scavenging activity using DPPH assay.
Docking is not a Prerequisite but a Temporal Constraint for Fusion of Secretory Granules

We examined secretory granule dynamics using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in normal pancreatic β cells and their mutants devoid of Rab27a and/or its effector, granuphilin, which play critical roles in the docking and recruitment of insulin granules to the plasma membrane. In the early phase of glucose stimulation in wild‐type cells, we observed marked fusion of granules recruited from a relatively distant area, in parallel with that from granules located underneath the plasma membrane. Furthermore, despite a lack of granules directly attached to the plasma membrane, both spontaneous and evoked fusion was increased in granuphilin‐null cells. In addition to these granuphilin‐null phenotypes, Rab27a/granuphilin doubly deficient cells showed the decreases in granules located next to the docked area and in fusion from granules near the plasma membrane in the early phase of glucose‐stimulated secretion, similar to Rab27a‐mutated cells. Thus, the two proteins play nonoverlapping roles in insulin exocytosis: granuphilin acts on the granules underneath the plasma membrane, whereas Rab27a acts on those in a more distal area. These findings demonstrate that, in contrast to our conventional understanding, stable attachment of secretory granules to the plasma membrane is not prerequisite but temporally inhibitory for both spontaneous and evoked fusion.
Nuclear Translocation of β‐Dystroglycan Reveals a Distinctive Trafficking Pattern of Autoproteolyzed Mucins

Dystroglycan (DG) is an extracellular matrix receptor implicated in muscular dystrophies and cancers. DG belongs to the membrane‐tethered mucin family and is composed of extracellular (α‐DG) and transmembrane (β‐DG) subunits stably coupled at the cell surface. These two subunits are generated by autoproteolysis of a monomeric precursor within a distinctive protein motif called sea urchin–enterokinase–agrin (SEA) domain, yet the purpose of this cleavage and heterodimer creation is uncertain. In this study, we identify a functional nuclear localization signal within β‐DG and show that, in addition to associating with α‐DG at the cell surface, the full‐length and glycosylated β‐DG autonomously traffics to the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm in a process that occurs independent of α‐DG ligand binding. The trafficking pattern of β‐DG mirrors that of MUC1‐C, the transmembrane subunit of the related MUC1 oncoprotein, also a heterodimeric membrane‐tethered mucin created by SEA autoproteolysis. We show that the transmembrane subunits of both MUC1 and DG transit the secretory pathway prior to nuclear targeting and that their monomeric precursors maintain the capacity for nuclear trafficking. A screen of breast carcinoma cell lines of distinct pathophysiological origins revealed considerable variability in the nuclear partitioning of β‐DG, indicating that nuclear localization of β‐DG is regulated, albeit independent of extracellular ligand binding. These findings point to novel intracellular functions for β‐DG, with possible disease implications. They also reveal an evolutionarily conserved role for SEA autoproteolysis, serving to enable independent functions of mucin transmembrane subunits, enacted by a shared and poorly understood pathway of segregated subunit trafficking.