Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro antibacterial activity of some Iranian medicinal plant extracts against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori infection causes lifelong chronic gastritis, which can lead to peptic ulcer, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and gastric cancer. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by the organism demands the search for novel candidates from plant-based sources. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro anti-H. pylori activity of some selected medicinal plants on clinical isolates of H. pylori. Gastric biopsy samples were obtained from patients presenting with gastroduodenal complications. Helicobacter pylori was isolated from the specimens following standard microbiology procedures. The disc-diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of three H. pylori isolates to methanol extracts of 23 Iranian plants. All tests were performed in triplicate. Among them, the extracts of Punica granatum and Juglans regia had remarkable anti-H. pylori activity with mean of inhibition zone diameter of 39 and 16 mm at 100 µg disc−1, respectively. In view of the results obtained with P. granatum (pomegranate), the peel extracts of nine cultivars of pomegranate (Shirin-e-Pust Sefid, Agha Mohammad Ali-e-Shirin, Sefid-e-Shomal, Sefid-e-Torsh, Shirin-e-Malase, Tabestani-e-Torsh, Shirin-e-Saveh Malase, Alak-e-Shirin, Pust Siyah) were further assayed against the clinical isolates of H. pylori. The results revealed that all Iranian pomegranate cultivars, except for Alak-e-Shirin, showed significant in vitro anti-H. pylori activity against the clinical isolates of H. pylori (mean of inhibition zone diameter ranging from 16 to 40 mm at 50 µg disc−1).
Polyphenolics profile and antioxidant properties of Raphanus sativus L.

Raphanus sativus, a common cruciferous vegetable has been attributed to possess a number of pharmacological properties. Antioxidant and radical scavenging activity of R. sativus root extracted with solvents of varying polarity were evaluated using different model systems. Polyphenolic content was estimated to be in the range 13.18–63.54 mg g−1 dry weight, with a considerable amount being obtained with polar solvents. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated the presence of an array of polyphenolics. Catechin was found to be the most abundant phenolic compound in water extract and sinapic acid, the predominant phenolic compound in methanolic, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts. The methanolic extract showed significant ferric reducing ability, moderate metal chelating activity and strong radical scavenging activity. The methanolic extract could be successfully utilised as an ingredient in functional foods. However, water extract could be more pertinent to human nutrition as it contained a significant amount of catechin, which was comparable to traditional sources like green and black tea.
Effect of intermittent hypoxic training on 20 km time trial and 30 s anaerobic performance

This study aimed to verify whether the “live low, train high” approach is beneficial for endurance and/or anaerobic cycling performance. Sixteen well‐trained athletes completed 90 min of endurance training (60–70% of heart rate reserve), followed by two 30‐s all‐out sprints (Wingate test), daily, for 10 consecutive days. Nine subjects [intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) group] trained with an FIO2 set to produce arterial oxygen saturations of ∼88–82%, while seven subjects (placebo group) trained while breathing a normal gas mixture (FIO2=0.21). Four performance tests were conducted at sea level including a familiarization and baseline trial, followed by repeat trials at 2 and 9 days post‐intervention. Relative to the placebo group, the mean power during the 30‐s Wingate test increased by 3.0% (95% confidence limits, CL ± 3.5%) 2 days, and 1.7% (± 3.8%) 9 days post‐IHT. Changes in other performance variables (30 s peak power, 20 km mean power and 20 km oxygen cost) were unclear. During the time trial, the IHT participants' blood lactate concentration, respiratory exchange ratio, and SpO2, relative to the placebo group, was substantially increased at 2 days post‐intervention. The addition of IHT to the normal training program of well‐trained athletes produced worthwhile gains in 30 s sprint performance possibly through enhanced glycolysis.
Ninety‐one Cases of Breast Cancer and Chronic Lymphoproliferative Neoplasm: A Retrospective Review of a Population at High Risk for Multiple Malignancies

Abstract: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical course of 91 patients who developed both breast cancer and a chronic lymphoproliferative neoplasm and were seen at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between January 1, 1970 and December 30, 1991. The sample included 24 individuals who developed lymphoproliferative neoplasm first (Group A), 22 individuals with concurrent diagnosis of both malignancies (Group B), and 45 individuals who developed breast cancer first (Group C). The median time to diagnosis of secondary breast cancer and lymphoproliferative neoplasm was 66 months (range, 7–459) and 65 months (range, 0–334), respectively. A higher proportion of Group B lymphomas were low‐grade (77% vs. 47% [Group A] vs. 37% [Group C] p = 0.009). Prior occurrence of either one of these malignancies did not affect the disease‐specific survival from the second malignancy. However, continuing mortality from the first malignancy appeared to contribute to a poor overall survival following second malignancy. Group A included 8 patients who developed breast cancer following radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease after a mean interval of 18 (± 4.3) years. Three of these individuals had coexisting ductal and lobular histology (vs. none of the individuals in Groups B and C, p = 0.02). Another interesting finding was the high incidence of multiple additional malignancies in this patient population. A total of 29 additional neoplasms occurred in 21 (23%) of the 91 study subjects. These malignancies involved a wide variety of organ sites and could not be attributed to the therapy for either the breast cancer or the lymphoma in most cases. The data suggest that individuals who develop both breast cancer and a lymphoproliferative neoplasm are at a high risk for multiple malignancies. Close surveillance of such individuals for additional malignancies and further studies to understand the molecular basis of this predisposition are warranted.
Evaluation of antileishmanial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of essential oils extracted from plants issued from the leishmaniasis-endemic region of Sned (Tunisia)

In this study, we tested 10 essential oils (EOs) extracted from 10 plants issued from Sned region (Tunisia) to evaluate both their leishmanicidal effects against Leishmania major and L. infantum, and their cytotoxicity against murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 (ATCC, TIB-71). The antioxidant activity was also monitored by the DDPH method, while the chemical composition of active EO was assessed by GC–MS analysis. The results showed that the EOs obtained from Thymus hirtus sp. algeriensis (rich on monoterpenoids, especially linalool at 17.62% and camphor at 13.82%) is significantly active against both L. major and L. infantum, whereas Ruta chalepensis EO (rich on 2-undecanone at 84.28%) is only active against L. infantum. Both oil extracts showed low cytotoxicity towards murine macrophages. The characteristic ratios (IC80 Raw264.7 cells/IC50 L. infantum and IC80 Raw264.7 cells/IC50 L. major) were, respectively, 2.7 and 1.57 for T. hirtus sp. algeriensis, and 1.34 and 0.19 for R. chalepensis. However, when measuring the antioxidant effects (DDPH method), the two latter EOs presented a moderate 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging effects compared to EOs from Eucaliptus globulus, Pinus halepensis, Pituranthos tortuosus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Tetraclinis articulata or to BHT.
Current technical approaches to brain energy metabolism

Neuroscience is a technology‐driven discipline and brain energy metabolism is no exception. Once satisfied with mapping metabolic pathways at organ level, we are now looking to learn what it is exactly that metabolic enzymes and transporters do and when, where do they reside, how are they regulated, and how do they relate to the specific functions of neurons, glial cells, and their subcellular domains and organelles, in different areas of the brain. Moreover, we aim to quantify the fluxes of metabolites within and between cells. Energy metabolism is not just a necessity for proper cell function and viability but plays specific roles in higher brain functions such as memory processing and behavior, whose mechanisms need to be understood at all hierarchical levels, from isolated proteins to whole subjects, in both health and disease. To this aim, the field takes advantage of diverse disciplines including anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, bioenergetics, cellular biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, neurology, and mathematical modeling. This article presents a well‐referenced synopsis of the technical side of brain energy metabolism research. Detail and jargon are avoided whenever possible and emphasis is given to comparative strengths, limitations, and weaknesses, information that is often not available in regular articles.
The KörperkoordinationsTest für Kinder: reference values and suitability for 6–12‐year‐old children in Flanders

An adequate coordination level in children is important for their general development, but also for health, psychosocial, academic and well‐being‐related reasons. In this study, the suitability of the KörperkoordinationsTest für Kinder (KTK) as an assessment instrument for the gross motor coordination was evaluated in 2470 children from 26 elementary schools for general education spread over the Flemish and Brussels‐capital region. All children performed four subtests: walking backwards (WB), moving sideways (MS), hopping for height (HH) and jumping sideways (JS). Age and gender‐specific values were established for the Flemish children anno 2008. Overall, the current sample scored significantly worse than their 1974 German counterparts (P<0.001). Score distribution showed 21% of the children being placed in the problematic range of gross motor coordination level. A decline in coordination was observed especially in those tasks relying primarily on coordinative capacities (WB and MS), while improvements or status quo in those tasks relying on strength and speed (JS and HH) were explained by secular trends. We suggest that the KTK is a valuable instrument for the assessment of the gross motor coordination of Flemish children and efforts should be made in order to face the decline in coordination.
Regional oligodendrocytopathy and astrocytopathy precede myelin loss and blood–brain barrier disruption in a murine model of osmotic demyelination syndrome

The osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a non‐primary inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system myelin that is often associated with a precipitous rise of serum sodium concentration. To investigate the physiopathology of ODS in vivo, we generated a novel murine model based on the abrupt correction of chronic hyponatremia. Accordingly, ODS mice developed impairments in brainstem auditory evoked potentials and in grip strength. At 24 hr post‐correction, oligodendrocyte markers (APC and Cx47) were downregulated, prior to any detectable demyelination. Oligodendrocytopathy was temporally and spatially correlated with the loss of astrocyte markers (ALDH1L1 and Cx43), and both with the brain areas that will develop demyelination. Oligodendrocytopathy and astrocytopathy were confirmed at the ultrastructural level and culminated with necroptotic cell death, as demonstrated by pMLKL immunoreactivity. At 48 hr post‐correction, ODS brains contained pathognomonic demyelinating lesions in the pons, mesencephalon, thalamus and cortical regions. These damages were accompanied by blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakages. Expression levels of IL‐1β, FasL, TNFRSF6 and LIF factors were significantly upregulated in the ODS lesions. Quiescent microglial cells type A acquired an activated type B morphology within 24 hr post‐correction, and reached type D at 48 hr. In conclusion, this murine model of ODS reproduces the CNS demyelination observed in human pathology and indicates ambiguous causes that is regional vulnerability of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, while it discards BBB disruption as a primary cause of demyelination. This study also raises new queries about the glial heterogeneity in susceptible brain regions as well as about the early microglial activation associated with ODS.
Effect of whole‐body vibration on neuromuscular performance and body composition for females 65 years and older: a randomized‐controlled trial

We examined whether the effect of multipurpose exercise can be enhanced by whole‐body vibration (WBV). One hundred and fifty‐one post‐menopausal women (68.5±3.1 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) a training group (TG); (2) training including vibration (VTG); and (3) a wellness control group (CG). TG and VTG performed the same training program twice weekly (60 min), consisting of aerobic and strength exercises, with the only difference that leg strength exercises (15 min) were performed with (VTG) or without (TG) vibration. CG performed a low‐intensity “wellness” program. At baseline and after 18 months, body composition was determined using dual‐X‐ray‐absorptiometry. Maximum isometric strength was determined for the legs and the trunk region. Leg power was measured by countermovement jumps using a force‐measuring plate. In the TG lean body mass, total body fat, and abdominal fat were favorably affected, but no additive effects were generated by the vibration stimulus. However, concerning muscle strength and power, there was a tendency in favor of the VTG. Only vibration training resulted in a significant increase of leg and trunk flexion strength compared with CG. In summary, WBV embedded in a multipurpose exercise program showed minor additive effects on body composition and neuromuscular performance.
Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Assessment of Prognosis and Initial Management in the Intensive Care Unit

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is asso ciated with high morbidity and mortality. Primary con servative or preoperative management in the intensive care unit aims at prevention, early detection, and treat ment of complications. In this article we review the literature on the value of initial clinical and laboratory findings in predicting complications and outcome after SAH. Current conservative management of SAH is briefly discussed.
Frontotemporal dementia: a clinically complex diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE To compare the time taken to establish a clinical diagnosis of Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) relative to a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's dementia (AD). METHODS The data came from 89 patients under the age of 65 years, 52 of whom met the Manchester-Lund criteria for Frontotemporal dementia; 20 of these came from Lund University Hospital in Sweden. The other 32 patients with FTD along with 37 subjects who fulfilled the ICD-10 criteria for early onset Alzheimer's disease were recruited from four memory clinics and two neurology departments in Norway. RESULTS For FTD patients in Norway it took 59.2 months (SD 36.1) from the onset of illness until a clinical FTD diagnosis was made. The corresponding time period for FTD patients in Sweden is 49.5 months (SD 24.5) and for AD patients in Norway 39.1 months (SD 19.9). The time from the first visit to a medical doctor until a diagnosis was made for the FTD patients in Norway was 34.5 months (SD 22.6), for the Swedish FTD patients 23.1 months (SD 22.4) and for the AD patients 25.9 months (SD 13.1). In all, 71% of FTD patients and 30% of AD patients initially received a non-dementia diagnosis. CONCLUSION More knowledge about early presenting cognitive and behavioural signs of FTD is needed in both primary and secondary health care to reduce the time period needed to establish a clinical diagnosis of FTD.
Anti-HIV-1 and cytotoxicity of the alkaloids of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. growing in Sudan

Erythrina abyssinica Lam. is an important medicinal plant growing in Sudan; its seeds were investigated for the first time for their alkaloidal constituents and biological activity. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the crude alkaloidal fraction (CAF) against the cell lines HeLa, Hep-G2, HEP-2, HCT116, MCF-7 and HFB4 showed promising activity, with IC50 values of 13.8, 10.1, 8.16, 13.9, 11.4 and 12.2 µg mL−1, respectively. Doxorubicin (positive control) showed in vitro cytotoxic activity with IC50 values 3.64, 4.57, 4.89, 3.74, 2.97 and 3.96 µg mL−1, respectively. Bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation of the CAF led to the isolation of five Erythrina alkaloids, identified as erythraline, erysodine, erysotrine, 8-oxoerythraline and 11-methoxyerysodine. These were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against Hep-G2 which resulted in IC50 values 17.60, 11.80, 15.80, 3.89 and 11.40 µg mL−1, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxic activity against HEP-2 was evaluated, which resulted in IC50 values 15.90, 19.90, 21.60, 18.50 and 11.50 µg mL−1, respectively. The CAF caused a reduction in the viability of mock-infected MT-4 cells with a CC50 of 53 µM and a 50% protection of MT-4 cells against HIV-1 induced cytopathogeneticy with a EC50 of >53 µM, compared with EFV as a positive control, which had a CC50 of 45 µM and an EC50 of 0.003 µM. We concluded that the isolated alkaloids were responsible for the carcinogenic actions of the plant extract previously reported in the literature.
Comparative studies of volatile oil composition of Rhododendron anthopogon by hydrodistillation, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and head space analysis

Volatile oil composition of the leaves of Rhododendron anthopogon (Ericaceae) growing wild in alpine Western Himalaya was studied using different extraction techniques including SC-CO2 extraction and hydrodistillation (HD). Results from different extraction methodologies were compared with headspace analysis (HS) and evaluated for the effectiveness of techniques in characterisation of various terpene categories and to assess their influence on the yield and composition of volatiles. Variability in constituents and in quantitative yields was observed. The results varied with different extraction methods. A total of 27 constituents in SC-CO2 extraction, 31 in HD and 17 in HS analysis were identified. Constituents in SC-CO2 and HD oils were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. SC-CO2 extraction was carried out at 40°C and 140 bar pressure and the oil represented by major constituents as β-caryophyllene (5.96%), α-humulene (4.06%) and p-menthadiene-2,9-diol (7.28%); in HD, oil limonene (11.26%), β-caryophyllene (11.62%), α-humulene (7.22%), and E-nerolidol (5.83%) dominated the oil and in HS analysis, limonene (24.14%), γ-terpinene (40.73%), α-terpinene (4.92%), β-phellandrene (3.44%) and β-ocimene (7.15%) were present as major constituents.
A new sesquiterpene from endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp.

A fungal strain named YLF-14 was isolated from the leaf of Altingia yunnunensis. Based on the sequence at the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the strain was identified as an Aspergillus sp. A new sesquiterpene 5β,8aβ-dimethyl-3,4,4aβ,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalene-1,2,5α-trimethanol (1) and a known compound 12-N-methylcyclo-(L-tryptophyl-L-phenylalanyl) (2) were isolated from the culture of this strain. Bioassay experiments showed that the two compounds had no obvious effect on the growth of tested bacteria and nematodes.
The (re)emergence of B cells in organ transplantation

Purpose of reviewTo outline recent advances in our understanding of the role of B cells in transplantation. Recent findingsWhile T-cell-mediated alloimmunity has been largely controlled using immunosuppression, the role of B cells in transplantation is just beginning to be understood. Recent studies have outlined some of the important clinical issues involving antibody including early acute humoral rejection and late transplant glomerulopathy. In addition, recent studies have identified bone-marrow-derived long-lived plasma cells that appear to be a major source of donor-specific alloantibody in sensitized renal transplant recipients. New agents are being tested that deplete these cells in vitro and in vivo. Memory B cells appear to be important in early acute humoral rejection, but few basic studies have been performed. Finally, recent studies involving patients undergoing tolerogenic regimens suggest that T-cell tolerance does not always convey tolerance in naive B cells. SummarySeveral B cell types have clear and specific roles in transplant recipients. Although our understanding of B cells in transplantation has improved, important gaps remain.
Measuring soccer skill performance: a review

The ability to execute skilled movement patterns efficiently and effectively is the most important aspect of soccer performance and players must apply cognitive, perceptual and motor skills to rapidly changing situations. There have been attempts to measure these parameters for talent identification (or development) purposes and skill acquisition and intervention research; the aim of this review is to examine the strengths and limitations of these tests. High levels of perceptual and cognitive skill are characteristics of those players who are able look in the right places for information and process this information efficiently before deciding on a suitable course of action. The motor skills required to successfully control, pass, dribble and shoot the ball at goal are fundamental skills of the soccer player and a variety of methods have been used to measure these aspects. The tests mentioned in this review vary in their complexity and the type of skill(s) they purport to measure. The assessment of choice must come down to a number of factors including cost, available time and space, number of athletes in the cohort and experience of researchers. Furthermore, consideration must be given to the aim(s) of the research/assessment and issues relating to validity and reliability.
Multiple Self-Healing Epithelioma: Electron Microscopy and Viral Studies in Two Cases; Nonspecificity of a Nuclear Particle in Keratoacanthoma

Two cases of multiple self-healing epithelioma (Ferguson Smith) are reported. Examination of tumor nuclei with the electron microscope revealed intranuclear particles seemingly identical to those which have been described in solitary keratoacanthoma. However, this particle has now been shown by us and others to occur in entirely different cells and circumstances, and therefore cannot be considered justification to support (1) the possible identity of the lesions of multiple self healing epithelioma and those of solitary keratoacanthoma or (2) the possible viral etiology of keratoacanthoma. Our attempts to culture a virus from lesions of these two patients failed. The nature of the particle and the etiology of the disease remain uncertain.