Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NOTOGINSENOSIDE R1 ATTENUATES RENAL ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY IN RATS

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the kidney is a complex pathophysiological process and a major cause of acute renal failure. It has been shown that I/R injury is related to inflammatory responses and activation of apoptotic pathways. Inhibition of certain elements of inflammatory responses and apoptotic pathway seemed to ameliorate renal I/R injury. As an effective element of Panax notoginseng, NR1 has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and immune-stimulatory activities. Therefore, we speculate that NR1 can attenuate renal I/R injury. Ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by renal pedicle ligation followed by reperfusion along with a contralateral nephrectomy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to four groups: sham group, I/R control group, NR1-1 group (rats treated with NR1, 20 mg·kg−1·d−1) and NR1-2 group (rats treated with NR1, 40 mg·kg−1·d−1). All animals were killed 72 h after I/R induction. Blood and renal tissues were collected. Renal dysfunction was observed by the level of serum creatinine and histological evaluation. Apoptosis and inflammatory response in the tissue of kidney were detected mainly with molecular biological methods. NR1 attenuated I/R-induced renal dysfunction as indicated by the level of serum creatinine and histological evaluation. It prevented the I/R-induced increases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-&agr;, myeloperoxidase activity, phosphorylation of p38, and activation of nuclear factor &kgr;B with cell apoptosis in the kidney and enhanced expression of antiapoptosis cytokine bcl-2. Treatment with NR1 improves renal function after I/R associated with a significant reduction in cell apoptosis and inflammatory responses, which may be related to p38 and nuclear factor &kgr;B inhibition.
Sero-epidemiology of Hepatitis B Surface Antigenaemia among Adult Nigerians with Clinical Features of Liver Diseases Attending a Primary-Care Clinic in a Resource-Constrained Setting of Eastern Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis-B infection is not commonly perceived as a serious medical problem in Nigeria. However, chronic hepatitis-B infection, which is a subject of global concern, may lead to lethal liver diseases. Aim: The study was to determine the sero-epidemiology of hepatitis-B surface antigenaemia among adult Nigerians with clinical features of liver diseases attending a primary-care clinic in a resource-constrained setting of Eastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 140 adult Nigerians with clinical features of liver diseases at the primary-care clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. They made up three groups: 44 patients, 62 patients and 34 patients with clinical features of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. Hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg) was assayed using an immunochromatographic method. Demographic variables were collected. Results: The overall sero-positivity rate was 50.7%. The sero-positivity rates for these patients were 23.9%, 39.5% and 36.6% for hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. The age group 40-60 years (P = 0.048) and artisans (P = 0.019) were significantly infected. Abdominal swelling (86.4%) and ascites (67.1%) were the most common symptoms and signs, respectively. Conclusion: HBsAg prevalence was high and has significant association with age and occupation.
Live‐cell imaging reveals the interplay between transcription factors, nucleosomes, and bursting

Transcription factors show rapid and reversible binding to chromatin in living cells, and transcription occurs in sporadic bursts, but how these phenomena are related is unknown. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo single‐molecule imaging approaches, we directly correlated binding of the Gal4 transcription factor with the transcriptional bursting kinetics of the Gal4 target genes GAL3 and GAL10 in living yeast cells. We find that Gal4 dwell time sets the transcriptional burst size. Gal4 dwell time depends on the affinity of the binding site and is reduced by orders of magnitude by nucleosomes. Using a novel imaging platform called orbital tracking, we simultaneously tracked transcription factor binding and transcription at one locus, revealing the timing and correlation between Gal4 binding and transcription. Collectively, our data support a model in which multiple RNA polymerases initiate transcription during one burst as long as the transcription factor is bound to DNA, and bursts terminate upon transcription factor dissociation.
Skin Carotenoids in Public Health and Nutricosmetics: The Emerging Roles and Applications of the UV Radiation-Absorbing Colourless Carotenoids Phytoene and Phytofluene

In this work, the importance of dietary carotenoids in skin health and appearance is comprehensively reviewed and discussed. References are made to their applications in health-promoting and nutricosmetic products and the important public health implications that can be derived. Attention is focused on the colourless UV radiation (UVR)-absorbing dietary carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene, which are attracting increased interest in food science and technology, nutrition, health and cosmetics. These compounds are major dietary carotenoids, readily bioavailable, and have been shown to be involved in several health-promoting actions, as pinpointed in recent reviews. The growing evidence that these unique UVR-absorbing carotenoids with distinctive structures, properties (light absorption, susceptibility to oxidation, rigidity, tendency to aggregation, or even fluorescence, in the case of phytofluene) and activities can be beneficial in these contexts is highlighted. Additionally, the recommendation that the levels of these carotenoids are considered in properly assessing skin carotenoid status is made.
Single point mutations in ATP synthase compensate for mitochondrial genome loss in trypanosomes

Viability of the tsetse fly-transmitted African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei depends on maintenance and expression of its kinetoplast (kDNA), the mitochondrial genome of this parasite and a putative target for veterinary and human antitrypanosomatid drugs. However, the closely related animal pathogens T. evansi and T. equiperdum are transmitted independently of tsetse flies and survive without a functional kinetoplast for reasons that have remained unclear. Here, we provide definitive evidence that single amino acid changes in the nuclearly encoded F1FO–ATPase subunit γ can compensate for complete physical loss of kDNA in these parasites. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanism of compensation for kDNA loss by showing FO-independent generation of the mitochondrial membrane potential with increased dependence on the ADP/ATP carrier. Our findings also suggest that, in the pathogenic bloodstream stage of T. brucei, the huge and energetically demanding apparatus required for kDNA maintenance and expression serves the production of a single F1FO–ATPase subunit. These results have important implications for drug discovery and our understanding of the evolution of these parasites.
Studies on Pitting Corrosion of Al-Cu-Li Alloys Part I: Effect of Li Addition by Microstructural, Electrochemical, In-situ, and Pit Depth Analysis

To analyze the effect of lithium and microstructure on the pitting corrosion behavior of aluminum alloys, three types of aluminum alloys were studied via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electrochemical polarization, and by immersion tests coupled with in-situ observation of pitting and statistical analysis of pit depths measured by surface profilometry. It was found that, with increasing lithium content, the resistance to pitting corrosion was enhanced and the passive range was enlarged. In-situ observation revealed that the development of pitting corrosion exhibited three stages, including an initial slow nucleation stage (Stage I), a fast development stage (Stage II), and a stabilized growth stage (Stage III). Higher lithium content contributed to shorter time periods of Stages I and II, resulting in faster pitting evolution and a higher number of pits. However, the pits were generally shallower for the specimen with the highest lithium content, which is in agreement with the results of the electrochemical analysis.
Shoulder Problems in High Level Swimmers - Impingement, Anterior Instability, Muscular Imbalance?

The objective was to study prevalence and underlying pathology of "swimmer's shoulder". Twenty-two competitive swimmers of national "D-Kader" (elite development swimmers) were evaluated by means of questionnaire, clinical examination and isokinetic testing of external rotation and internal rotation. At the examination current interfering pain necessitating a cessation or reduction of practice was found in 5 (23%) athletes. At isokinetic testing 8 (36%) athletes complained of shoulder pain. Any history of pain was seen in 14 (64%) swimmers. A positive impingement sign was noted in 11 (50%) athletes. Apprehension sign which is indicative of anterior instability was found in 11 (50%) swimmers. Clinical equivalents of dysfunction of scapulothoracic muscles such as scapular winging (5 athletes) and shoulder protraction (12 athletes) were noted. For comparison of results of isokinetic testing a control group of non-swimmers was selected matching the group of swimmers exactly in terms of age, sex and dominant side. External rotation/internal rotation ratio of peak torque and total work at 60 deg/sec and 180 deg/sec was significantly lower in swimmers than in controls. The ratio was independent of sex, dominant side, history of pain and pain at examination. During internal rotation competitive swimmers produced significantly higher peak torques and total work than controls. There was no significant difference in external rotation. In conclusion there are several different abnormalities of function contributing to the pathology of "swimmer's shoulder":--Laxity of anterior-inferior capsuloligamentous structures with atruamatic anterior instability due to repetitive overload. --Impingement with rotator cuff tendinitis. --Muscular imbalance of the rotator cuff muscles and scapulothoracic dysfunction.
Immediate loading of 'All-on-4' maxillary prostheses using trans-sinus tilted implants without sinus bone grafting: a retrospective study reporting the 3-year outcome.

PURPOSE To report the outcome of trans-sinus tilted implants for the rehabilitation of the complete edentulous atrophic maxilla using the All-on-4 concept with immediate loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective clinical study included 70 patients treated with 280 implants (Nobel Biocare), 83 of which were trans-sinus implants supporting 70 prostheses. The inclusion criteria were need of maxillary complete edentulous rehabilitation without enough bone height posterior to the canines to anchor the implants. The trans-sinus implant head was anchored on the bone available just posterior to the anterior sinus wall and inferior to the sinus floor. The trans-sinus implant body was inside the sinus, and its apex anchored in the bone between the anterior sinus wall and the nasal cortical. The nasal cortical was used, if necessary, to achieve a double bicortical anchorage. Implants were immediately loaded with cross-arch fixed prostheses. Follow-up examinations were performed after 10 days, 2, 4 and 6 months, and 1, 2 and 3 years. Radiographic evaluations were performed after 1 and 3 years of function. Outcome measures were success of the prostheses, success of the implants, complications, peri-implant marginal bone levels, and aesthetic and functional complaints. Survival was calculated at implant level and using the patient as the unit of analysis (first implant failure in any given patient) using life-table analysis. RESULTS Seven patients dropped out of the study. Three trans-sinus tilted implants were lost in 3 patients, giving a cumulative survival rate of 95.7% and 96.4% at patient and implant level, respectively. One conventional tilted implant was lost in 1 patient (one of the patients that lost a trans-sinus tilted implant), giving a cumulative survival rate of 98.1%. One straight implant was lost in one patient (a second patient that lost a trans-sinus implant), giving a cumulative survival rate of 98.6% and 99.3% at patient and implant level, respectively. The survival rate of prostheses was 100%. Sinusitis occurred in 2 patients (2.9%). The marginal bone resorption was on average (standard deviation) 0.96 mm (0.62 mm) and 1.14 mm (0.74 mm) for the trans-sinus tilted implants, 0.89 mm (0.54 mm) and 1.06 mm (0.71 mm) for the conventional tilted implants, and 0.62 mm (0.35 mm) and 1.15 mm (0.51 mm) for the straight implants after 1 and 3 years of follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The high survival rate registered at patient and implant level indicates that the outcome of immediately loaded trans-sinus implants for the rehabilitation of edentulous atrophic maxillae to avoid sinus lift procedures is a viable treatment in the short and medium term. Future studies should focus on the long-term outcome of this rehabilitation modality.
Observations on the persistence and vertical transmission of Salmonella enterica serovars Pullorum and Gallinarum in chickens: Effect of bacterial and host genetic background

Commercial laying hens inoculated with a strain of Salmonella enterica ser. Pullorum when they were 4 days old showed no morbidity, but harboured infection until they came into lay, and then produced S. Pullorum-contaminated eggs and infected progeny. There was limited evidence of transmission of maternal immunity to the progeny. Attempts were made to set up similar infections in hens with Salmonella Gallinarum, but without success. Infection either resulted in clinical disease or elimination of the pathogen. Infection of birds when in lay produced a similar result. The possibility of eggs becoming contaminated with S. Gallinarum after they were laid in the nest box was evaluated but there was no evidence for this. In-bred chicken lines with a SalI-susceptible phenotype showed greater localization of S. Pullorum in the reproductive tract than did a SalI-resistant line. In addition, in-bred birds, which were SalI resistant but showed greater susceptibility to intestinal colonization by Salmonella, infected with S. Gallinarum when they were 1 week old, showed longer term persistence in the liver and spleen than did a resistant line.
Clinician Report of Oral Oncolytic Symptoms and Adherence Obtained via a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM).

PURPOSE Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for symptom monitoring during cancer therapy have been shown to have a positive impact on outcomes. These findings have primarily been shown for patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy. In addition, there is known discordance between physician reporting of symptoms and patient self-report. This initiative sought to describe patient-reported symptom burden and medication adherence and to indicate the degree of PROM results being discussed with the provider as indicated by documentation in the medical record for patients taking oral oncolytic therapy. METHODS The Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium (MOQC) PROM, which included symptom ratings, medication adherence, and patient confidence in self-management, was completed during outpatient visits and compared with corresponding data documented in the electronic medical record (EMR). RESULTS There were 82 completed PROMs. Approximately half included at least one symptom rated as severe (46%). Sixty-five percent of reported severe symptoms were documented in the EMR. Patient-reported moderate-to-severe pain was most likely to be documented in the EMR (100%), whereas patient-reported moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety were least likely to be documented (21%). Of the total symptoms documented, grading of symptom severity matched that of the patients' own report for 11% of severe symptoms. Adherence to oral oncolytics was excellent for 63% of patients, and patient adherence was documented in 7% of provider notes. CONCLUSION Patients frequently reported moderate-to-severe symptoms, and approximately 40% of patients reported nonadherence. Clinician report (documented in the EMR) of the patient symptom burden, symptom severity, and adherence to oral oncolytic therapy was not consistent with the patients' self-report. Use of a PROM for patients taking oral oncolytics has the opportunity to improve symptom management and medication adherence.
Perceived Historical Drinking Norms and Current Drinking Behavior: Using the Theory of Normative Social Behavior as a Framework for Assessment

Social norms are sustained and disseminated, both implicitly and explicitly, through the act of communication. As a result, communication researchers have sought to classify and target normative perceptions to enact social change. In line with this research, the current study investigated whether perceptions of past normative behavior, referred to here as historical norms, were significantly related to current behavior. Using the theory of normative behavior as a guiding framework, two studies were conducted to assess whether college student drinking behavior was related to one of two perceived historical drinking norms measures: historical consumption norms (i.e., the perceived percentage of students who drank over time) and historical tradition norms (i.e., the perception of drinking as a university tradition). Study 1 revealed that although historical consumption norms was not directly related to drinking behavior, it moderated the effect of descriptive norms on drinking behavior (p = .03). A full assessment of the theory of normative social behavior was conducted in study 2 to determine whether perceived historical drinking norms influenced behavior above and beyond both descriptive and injunctive norms. Findings demonstrated that historical tradition norms were significantly related to drinking behavior (p = .001), and marginally moderated the relationship between descriptive norms and drinking behavior (p = .09). These findings offer preliminary evidence in support of measuring perceived historical drinking norms in future campaigns and interventions designed to reduce drinking behavior.
Study on the Product Characteristics of Pyrolysis Lignin with Calcium Salt Additives

This study investigated and compared the product characteristics of pyrolysis lignin under different catalytic effects resulting from various calcium salts. The pyrolysis of lignin was conducted in a fixed-bed reactor with calcium salt additives, which included CaCl2, Ca(OH)2, and Ca(HCOO)2. The compositions of gas and bio-oil were detected using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The characterizations of chars were examined using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that all three types of calcium salts helped to promote bio-oil yield and inhibit gas and char from forming. Regarding the composition of gas products, calcium salt additives increased the concentrations of H2 and CH4 while decreasing the concentration of CO. In addition, calcium salt additives facilitated the formation of phenol and alkyl-phenols in bio-oil, but reduced the yields of guaiacol and vanillin, in the order CaCl2 < Ca(OH)2 < Ca(HCOO)2. Furthermore, when compared with the addition of CaCl2, the chars prepared by the addition of Ca(OH)2 and Ca(HCOO)2 had relatively higher BET surface areas. In conclusion, Ca(HCOO)2 had the greatest positive influence in regard to the product quality of lignin pyrolysis whilst also elevating the yield of value-added chemicals in bio-oils.
Single-Cell Profiles and Clinically Useful Properties of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Adipose and Bone Marrow Origin

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from various tissues and can present themselves as a promising cell source for cell-based therapies. Although adipose- and bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells have already been used in a considerable number of clinical trials for osteoarthritis treatment, systematic analyses from single- to bulk-cell resolution as well as clinical outcomes of these 2 MSCs are still insufficient. Purpose: To explore the characteristics and differences of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) at single- and bulk-cell levels, to study the clinical outcomes of these 2 cells on the treatment of osteoarthritis, and to provide potential guidance on the more precise clinical application of these MSCs. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study and meta-analysis. Methods: Same donor–derived ADSCs and BMSCs were isolated and cultured. Single- and bulk-cell assays were used to identify the characteristics of these 2 cells. Meta-analysis of clinical trials was done to compare the clinical therapeutic effects in osteoarthritis treatment with ADSCs and BMSCs. Results: Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that the population of ADSCs showed lower transcriptomic heterogeneity when compared with BMSCs. Additionally, as compared with BMSCs, ADSCs were less dependent on mitochondrial respiration for energy production. Furthermore, ADSCs had a lower expression level of human leukocyte antigen class I antigen and higher immunosuppression capacity when compared with the BMSC population. Meta-analysis of current clinical trials of osteoarthritis treatment with MSCs consistently showed that ADSCs are more stable than BMSCs in their therapeutic effect. Conclusion: These results provide basic biological insights into human ADSCs and BMSCs at the single-cell resolution. Findings indicated that ADSCs may be a more controllable stem cell source, may be more adaptable to surviving in the hypoxic articular cavity niche, and may exhibit superiority in regulating inflammation. Based on the meta-analysis results of the different characteristics of ADSCs and BMSCs, ADSCs were implicated as being a better cell source for osteoarthritis treatment. Clinical Relevance: These results guide a more precise clinical application of adipose and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
Motivational Profiles of High School Physical Education Students: The Role of Controlling Teacher Behavior

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to identify distinct motivational profiles in high school Physical Education students. These motivational profiles were examined in relation to controlling teacher behaviors, as well as to various psychological correlates including the perceived importance of physical activity to the student, student intentions to be physically active, psychological need satisfaction and current physical activity levels. (2) Methods: 416 high school Physical Education students comprised the sample. (3) Results: Cluster analysis and additional multivariate analyses revealed two motivational profiles, Wilk’s Λ = 0.56, F (7, 431) = 45.50, p < 0.01. The “Self-Determined” profile was characterized by high levels of self-determined motivation; high levels of competence, autonomy and relatedness; importance of physical activity; stronger intentions to engage in physical activity; and greater current actual physical activity involvement. The “Less Self-Determined” profile was associated with the perception of controlling teacher behaviors, and with greater external regulation and amotivation. (4) Conclusions: These findings help to provide new insights into the explanation of student motivation in Physical Education and the design of intervention programs.