Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colocynth Extracts Prevent Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Stemness of Breast Cancer Cells

Modern treatment strategies provide better overall survival in cancer patients, primarily by controlling tumor growth. However, off-target and systemic toxicity, tumor recurrence, and resistance to therapy are still inadvertent hurdles in current treatment regimens. Similarly, metastasis is another deadly threat to patients suffering from cancer. This has created an urgent demand to come up with new drugs having anti-metastatic potential and minimum side effects. Thus, this study was aimed at exploring the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic potential of colocynth medicinal plant. Results from MTT assay, morphological visualization of cells and scratch assay indicated a role of ethanol and acetone extracts of fruit pulp of the colocynth plant in inhibiting cell viability, enhancing cell cytotoxicity and preventing cell migration in various cancer cell types, including breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, and cervical cancer cell line SiHa, subsequently having a low cytotoxic effect on mononuclear PBMC and macrophage J774A cells. Our study in metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells showed that both ethanol and acetone pulp extracts decreased transcript levels of the anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and BCLXL, and a reverse effect was observed for the pro-apoptotic genes BAX and caspase 3. Additionally, enhanced caspase 3 activity and downregulated BCL2 protein were seen, indicating a role of these extracts in inducing apoptotic activity. Moreover, MDA-MB-231 cells treated with both these extracts demonstrated up-regulation of the epithelial gene keratin 19 and down-regulation of the mesenchymal genes, vimentin, N-cadherin, Zeb1 and Zeb2 compared to control, suggesting a suppressive impact of these extracts in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, these extracts inhibited colony and sphere formation with simultaneous reduction in the transcript level of the stemness associated genes, BMI-1 and CD44. It was also found that both the plant extracts exhibited synergistic potential with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin to inhibit cancer viability. Furthermore, GC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of certain novel compounds in both the extracts that are responsible for the anti-cancer role of the extracts. Overall, the results of this report suggest, for the first time, that colocynth fruit pulp extracts may block the proliferative as well as metastatic activity of breast cancer cells.
Gender as a Roadmap to Dermatological Diseases

Sarah Brenner† & Yonit Wohl †Author for correspondence Tel Aviv University, Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel Tel. : +972 3697 3356; Fax: +972 3697 4810; E-mail: derma@ tasmc.health. gov.il ‘The coining of the term ‘gender dermatology’ heralds a shift in focus from research directed mainly at women’s health to a more comprehensive approach to the biological features of health and illness in each gender. ’
THE SECOND-GENERATION z (REDSHIFT) AND EARLY UNIVERSE SPECTROMETER. I. FIRST-LIGHT OBSERVATION OF A HIGHLY LENSED LOCAL-ULIRG ANALOG AT HIGH-z

We recently commissioned our new spectrometer, the second-generation z(Redshift) and Early Universe Spectrometer (ZEUS-2) on the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment telescope. ZEUS-2 is a submillimeter grating spectrometer optimized for detecting the faint and broad lines from distant galaxies that are redshifted into the telluric windows from 200 to 850 μm. It uses a focal plane array of transition-edge sensed bolometers, the first use of these arrays for astrophysical spectroscopy. ZEUS-2 promises to be an important tool for studying galaxies in the years to come because of its synergy with Atacama Large Millimeter Array and its capabilities in the short submillimeter windows that are unique in the post-Herschel era. Here, we report on our first detection of the [C ii] 158 μm line with ZEUS-2. We detect the line at z ∼ 1.8 from H-ATLAS J091043.1−000322 with a line flux of (6.44 ± 0.42) × 10−18 W m−2. Combined with its far-IR luminosity and a new Herschel–PACS detection of the [O i] 63 μm line, we model the line emission as coming from a photo-dissociation region with far-ultraviolet radiation field, G ∼ 2 × 104 G0, gas density, n ∼ 1 × 103 cm−3 and size between ∼0.4 and 1 kpc. On the basis of this model, we conclude that H-ATLAS J091043.1−000322 is a high-redshift analog of a local ultra-luminous IR galaxy; i.e., it is likely the site of a compact starburst caused by a major merger. Further identification of these merging systems is important for constraining galaxy formation and evolution models.
Myeloid Sarcoma: Clinical and Morphologic Criteria Useful for Diagnosis

Extramedullary accumulation of myeloblasts or immature myeloid cells form tumors called myeloid sarcoma in the WHO classification. Such tumors develop in lymphoid organs, bone (skull, orbit, etc.), skin, soft tissue, various mucosae and organs, and the CNS. They may precede or occur concurrently with acute myeloid leukemia, or reveal blastic transformation of chronic myeloproliferative disorders or myelodysplastic syndromes. They may also reveal relapses in treated patients. They are constituted by a diffuse infiltrate made up of medium-to-large cells. The cells are difficult to identify. Imprints are very useful. Immunohistochemistry can help diagnose and distinguish four variants: granulocytic myeloperoxidase (MPO+, CD 68+ [KP1, PGM1-] lysozyme+, CD 34), monoblastic (MPO-, CD 68+, [KPI+, PGMI+] lysozyme+, CD 34-), myelomonoblastic (MPO-, CD 68+, [KPI+, PGM1+] lysozyme+, CD 34-), or megakaryoblastic (positivity for factor VIII, CD 61, CD 31). Immunohistochemistry sometimes demonstrates expression of CD 43, CD 7, CD 79a, and CD 56 (particularly the monoblastic variant with t[8;2 1]). Recently the demonstration of CD 99 and CD 1 7, which can now be done on paraffin sections, may be useful to identify blasts of granulocytic origin. The diagnosis is missed in about 50% of cases when immunohistochemistry is not used. Patients with myeloid sarcomas should be treated in the same way as patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia. Disease progression and prognosis are similar for the two conditions.
Asthma and respiratory symptoms in hospital workers related to dampness and biological contaminants.

UNLABELLED The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health investigated respiratory symptoms and asthma in relation to damp indoor environments in employees of two hospitals. A cluster of six work-related asthma cases from one hospital department, whose symptoms arose during a time of significant water incursions, led us to conduct a survey of respiratory health in 1171/1834 employees working in the sentinel cases hospital and a nearby hospital without known indoor environmental concerns. We carried out observational assessment of dampness, air, chair, and floor dust sampling for biological contaminants, and investigation of exposure-response associations for about 500 participants. Many participants with post-hire onset asthma reported diagnosis dates in a period of water incursions and renovations. Post-hire asthma and work-related lower respiratory symptoms were positively associated with the dampness score. Work-related lower respiratory symptoms showed monotonically increasing odds ratios with ergosterol, a marker of fungal biomass. Other fungal and bacterial indices, particle counts, cat allergen and latex allergen were associated with respiratory symptoms. Our data imply new-onset of asthma in relation to water damage, and indicate that work-related respiratory symptoms in hospital workers may be associated with diverse biological contaminants. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS In healthcare facilities with indoor dampness and microbial contamination, possible associations between such conditions and respiratory health effects should be considered. Good building maintenance and housekeeping procedures should lead to improvements in employee respiratory health.
Diurnal variation of human corneal curvature in young adults.

PURPOSE To elucidate the diurnal variation of human corneal curvature with regard to gender and menstrual cycle. METHODS Changes in corneal curvature and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured over 24 hours in 14 young adults using corneal topography and a non-contact tonometer. In study 1, seven males and seven females (after menses) were measured. In study 2, four females out of the seven volunteers who participated in study 1 were measured again during menses. RESULTS The females after menses showed a remarkable diurnal variation throughout 24 hours. A significant difference between the light-wake periods and dark-sleep periods of 0.83 +/- 0.15 D was found (P < .01). Corneal curvature was significantly flatter during menses than after menses in the light-wake period (P < .05). In the males, no significant diurnal change (0.21 +/- 0.12 D) was measured in corneal curvature. CONCLUSIONS Diurnal variation of corneal curvature was significant, approximately 0.83 D in young females after menses, and corneal curvature became flatter during menses in young females. Diurnal variation of corneal curvature is an important parameter for planning refractive surgery and contact lens wear.
Etude du signal AMP cyclique déclenché par la chimiokine CX3CL1 en aval de son récepteur CX3CR1

Contrairement aux autres chimiokine, CX3CL1 a la particularite d'exister sous deux formes proteiques fonctionnelles : une forme soluble chimio-attractante impliquee dans le recrutement leucocytaire comme toutes les chimiokines et une forme membranaire qui confere au couple CX3CL1/CX3CR1, une propriete surprenante de molecule d'adhesion participant a l'arret et a la transmigration des leucocytes circulants. Le CX3CR1 appartient a la famille des Recepteurs Couples aux Proteines Gi, c'est-a-dire qu'il inhibe l'enzyme de synthese de l'AMP cyclique (AMPc), l'adenylate cyclase. L'etude de la cinetique et du role du signal AMPc declenche en aval du CX3CR1, active par la forme soluble ou membranaire du CX3CL1 font l'objet de ce travail de these. La reponse a la forme membranaire est de meme amplitude que celle induite par la forme soluble, mais presente une cinetique considerablement ralentie. Ce ralentissement correle avec une moindre internalisation du CX3CR1, qui semble etre retenu en surface par le ligand membranaire. Un recrutement plus lent des ? arrestines sur le CX3CR1 active par le CX3CL1 membranaire renforce cette hypothese d'une internalisation plus tardive du CX3CR1 compare a une activation par la forme soluble. Le role physiologique de l'AMPc a ete egalement explore sur les deux fonctions principales du couple CX3CL1/CX3CR1 : le chimiotactisme et l'adhesion. Le role inhibiteur de l'AMPc sur ces deux fonctions, confirme une action immunosuppressive de ce messager secondaire. Ces resultats indiqueraient que, grâce a leurs reponses AMPc inhibitrices, les cellules activees par les chimiokines seraient selectionnees pour une reponse efficace en milieu inflammatoire.
Guide to major clinical trials of antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

In this AIDS Commentary, Drs. Tavel, Miller, and Masur of the National Institutes of Health present this compilation of clinical trials of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients, which complements two similar reviews published as AIDS Commentaries in Clinical Infectious Diseases (1995;20:1145-51 and 1996;23:15-27). Whereas the previous compilations focused on trials of nucleoside analogues, this review is based on published articles and abstracts of clinical trials of protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors in HIV-infected patients. The intent is to present a thorough, but not necessarily exhaustive, review of studies that have shaped our principles of antiretroviral therapy. Preference is given to clinical endpoint trials, proof-of-concept trials that have influenced the standard of care for HIV treatment, double-blind, randomized trials, and large trials with long-term patient follow-up. Smaller trials that address important questions are also included.
The vector homology problem in diagnostic nucleic acid hybridization of clinical specimens

Nucleic acid hybridization techniques using cloned probes are finding application in assays of clinical specimens in research and diagnostic laboratories. The probes that we and others have used are recombinant plasmids composed of viral inserts and bacterial plasmid vectors such as pBR322. We suspected that there was material homologous to pBR322 present in many clinical samples. because hybridization occurred in samples which lacked evidence of virus by other techniques. If the presence of this vector-homologous material was unrecognized, hybridization in the test sample might erroneously be interpreted as indicating the presence of viral sequences. In this paper we demonstrate specific hybridization of labeled pBR322 DNA with DNA from various clinical samples. Evidence is presented that nonspecific probe trapping could not account for this phenomenon. In mixing experiments, it is shown that contamination of clinical samples with bacteria would explain such a result. Approaches tested to circumvent this problem included the use of isolated insert probes, alternate cloning vectors, and cold competitor pBR322 DNA in prehybridization and hybridization mixes. None proved entirely satisfactory. We therefore emphasize that it is essential that all hybridization detection systems use a control probe of the vector alone in order to demonstrate the absence of material with vector homology in the specimen tested.
Planning Promotes goal Striving

d etermining the factors that promote successful goal striving is one of the fundamental questions studied by selfregulation and motivation researchers (Bargh, Gollwitzer, & Oettingen, 2010; Gollwitzer & Moskowitz, 1996; Oettingen & Gollwitzer, 2001). A number of theories, and supporting empirical data, suggest that the type of goal chosen and the commitment to that goal are important determinants in whether an individual carries out the behaviors necessary for goal attainment (e.g., Ajzen, 1985; Bandura, 1997; Carver & Scheier, 1998; Elliot, 2008; Locke & Latham, 2006; Molden & Dweck, 2006; Oettingen, Pak, & Schnetter, 2001). Within these models, choosing or accepting a goal or standard is the central act of will in the pursuit of goals. We agree with this contention but argue in this chapter that further acts of will should facilitate goal attainment, in particular, when goal striving is confronted with implemental problems (e.g., difficulties getting started because of failure to use opportunities to do so; sticking to ongoing goal striving in the face of distractions, temptations, and competing goals). Such acts of will can take the form of making plans that specify when, where, and how an instrumental goaldirected response is to be enacted. More specifically, the person may take control over (i.e., selfregulate) goal striving by making if–then plans (i.e., form implementation intentions) that specify an anticipated critical situation and link it to an instrumental goaldirected response.
REFLEXÕES SOBRE O ETANOL E O BIODIESEL NA MATRIZ ENERGÉTICA BRASILEIRA

A importância dada mundialmente para as fontes renovaveis de energia se resulta das instabilidades relacionadas ao fornecimento de petroleo, ao cumprimento de tratados internacionais de reducao de gases de efeito estufa, as exigencias legais e a obrigacao moral de promocao do Desenvolvimento Sustentavel. No caso brasileiro, tambem se adota uma politica voltada para a substituicao de combustiveis de origem fossil por combustiveis renovaveis, dentre essas fontes tem recebido grande atencao a producao do etanol e do biodiesel. A proposta deste trabalho e discutir o cenario geral dessa nova aposta de producao de energia no pais, elencando sutilmente algumas de suas condicoes, como as especulacoes financeiras e interesses particulares de alguns dos setores que incentivam a producao dos biocombustiveis . Em alguns casos, tais incentivos sao baseados no discurso da viabilidade economica, da sustentabilidade ambiental e da qualidade social, sendo esse, muitas vezes, interpretado de forma tendenciosa a apaziguar os impactos na cadeia produtiva de alimentos, no meio ambiente, na economia do pais e para a sua populacao. Assim, antes mesmo do Brasil assumir o trabalho de produzir os combustiveis de que urgem as necessidades do mundo, no ritmo que o consumo e a acumulacao do capital tanto impoem, e vital que se reflita para qual modelo de desenvolvimento se estara caminhando.
Cognition in the Emergency Department as a Predictor of Recovery after Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Cognitive abilities can be acutely disrupted in children and adolescents who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with the potential that these disruptions may be predictive of recovery. The objective of this study was to determine if cognitive abilities in the emergency department (ED) can differentiate and predict poor symptom recovery following a pediatric mTBI. Participants included 77 male and female youth with a mTBI (mean age=13.6; SD=2.6). All participants completed computerized cognitive testing (four subtests from the CNS Vital Signs) when they presented to the ED. Symptom measurement occurred in the ED (for pre-injury), at 7–10 days, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months post-mTBI using the post-concussion symptom inventory (PCSI). Recovery was determined using reliable change scores for symptom ratings from 28 orthopedic injury controls (mean age=13.9 years; SD=2.1). Significantly worse Reaction Time scores (i.e., rapid information processing) in the ED were found in those who remained symptomatic at 1 month. Performances on the Reaction Time and Cognitive Flexibility domain scores were predictive of symptom outcome at 1 month for youth (above and beyond sex and baseline symptom burden). Youth with low scores on Reaction Time and/or Cognitive Flexibility were nearly 15 times (95%CI=1.8–323.5) more likely to remain symptomatic at 1 month post-mTBI. No significant group differences were found at 7–10 days, 2 months, or 3 months post-injury. Rapid computerized cognitive testing in the ED following a mTBI may help clinicians predict which youth may or may not remain symptomatic at follow-up. (JINS, 2016, 22, 379–387)
DeepRain: ConvLSTM Network for Precipitation Prediction using Multichannel Radar Data

Accurate rainfall forecasting is critical because it has a great impact on people's social and economic activities. Recent trends on various literatures show that Deep Learning (Neural Network) is a promising methodology to tackle many challenging tasks. In this study, we introduce a brand-new data-driven precipitation prediction model called DeepRain. This model predicts the amount of rainfall from weather radar data, which is three-dimensional and four-channel data, using convolutional LSTM (ConvLSTM). ConvLSTM is a variant of LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) containing a convolution operation inside the LSTM cell. For the experiment, we used radar reflectivity data for a two-year period whose input is in a time series format in units of 6 min divided into 15 records. The output is the predicted rainfall information for the input data. Experimental results show that two-stacked ConvLSTM reduced RMSE by 23.0% compared to linear regression.
Aerobic Capacity, Strength, Flexibility, and Activity Level in Unimpaired Extremely Low Birth Weight (≤800 g) Survivors at 17 Years of Age Compared With Term-Born Control Subjects

Objectives. To compare aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, and activity level in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) adolescents at 17 years of age with term-born control subjects. Methods. Fifty-three ELBW teens of birth weight ≤800 g were assessed at 17.3 years (16.3–19.7 years; birth weight: 720 g [520–800 g]; gestation: 26 weeks [23–29 weeks]) along with term-born control subjects (n = 31) at age 17.8 years (16.5–19.0 years; birth weight: 3506 g [3068–4196 g]; gestation: weeks 40 [39–42 weeks]). ELBW and control teens were assessed by a pediatric physiotherapist and completed components of the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal and a self-assessment fitness and activity questionnaire. Continuous data were analyzed using MANOVA (group, gender) followed by t tests; categorical data were analyzed using the χ2 test. Results. ELBW teens had lower aerobic capacity, grip strength, leg power, and vertical jump; could do fewer push-ups; had less abdominal strength as measured by curl-ups; had less lower back flexibility; and had tighter hamstrings. ELBW teens reported less previous and current sports participation, lower physical activity level, and poorer coordination compared with term-born control subjects. ELBW teens were also found to have more difficulty with maintenance of rhythm and cadence. Although ELBW teens rated themselves lower on all measures of sporting activity, they were as happy with their level of fitness as the control subjects. Conclusions. Compared with term-born control subjects, there are significant differences in motor performance in unimpaired ELBW survivors in late adolescence, reflected in aerobic capacity, strength, endurance, flexibility, and activity level. We conclude that these differences in fitness and physical activity are related to the interaction of effects of premature birth on the motor system together with a more inactive lifestyle. These findings have potential implications for later adult health problems.
Essential Role of a GXXXG Motif for Membrane Channel Formation by Helicobacter pylori Vacuolating Toxin*

Helicobacter pylori secretes a toxin, VacA, that can form anion-selective membrane channels. Within a unique amino-terminal hydrophobic region of VacA, there are three tandem GXXXG motifs (defined by glycines at positions 14, 18, 22, and 26), which are characteristic of transmembrane dimerization sequences. The goals of the current study were to investigate whether these GXXXG motifs are required for membrane channel formation and cytotoxicity and to clarify the role of membrane channel formation in the biological activity of VacA. Six different alanine substitution mutations (P9A, G13A, G14A, G18A, G22A, and G26A) were introduced into the unique hydrophobic region located near the amino terminus of VacA. The effects of these mutations were first analyzed using the TOXCAT system, which permits the study of transmembrane oligomerization of proteins in a natural membrane environment. None of the mutations altered the capacity of ToxR-VacA-maltose-binding protein fusion proteins to insert into a membrane, but G14A and G18A mutations markedly diminished the capacity of the fusion proteins to oligomerize. We then introduced the six alanine substitution mutations into the vacA chromosomal gene of H. pylori and analyzed the properties of purified mutant VacA proteins. VacA-G13A, VacA-G22A, and VacA-G26A induced vacuolation of HeLa cells, whereas VacA-P9A, VacA-G14A, and VacA-G18A did not. Subsequent experiments examined the capacity of each mutant toxin to form membrane channels. In a planar lipid bilayer assay, VacA proteins containing G13A, G22A, and G26A mutations formed anion-selective membrane channels, whereas VacA proteins containing P9A, G14A, and G18A mutations did not. Similarly, VacA-G13A, VacA-G22A, and VacA-G26A induced depolarization of HeLa cells, whereas VacA-P9A, VacA-G14A, and VacA-G18A did not. These data indicate that an intact proline residue and an intact G14 XXXG18 motif within the amino-terminal hydrophobic region of VacA are essential for membrane channel formation, and they also provide strong evidence that membrane channel formation is essential for VacA cytotoxicity.