Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural Basis of the Interaction between Chemokine Stromal Cell-derived Factor-1/CXCL12 and Its G-protein-coupled Receptor CXCR4*

The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) and its G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) CXCR4 play fundamental roles in many physiological processes, and CXCR4 is a drug target for various diseases such as cancer metastasis and human immunodeficiency virus, type 1, infection. However, almost no structural information about the SDF-1-CXCR4 interaction is available, mainly because of the difficulties in expression, purification, and crystallization of CXCR4. In this study, an extensive investigation of the preparation of CXCR4 and optimization of the experimental conditions enables NMR analyses of the interaction between the full-length CXCR4 and SDF-1. We demonstrated that the binding of an extended surface on the SDF-1 β-sheet, 50-s loop, and N-loop to the CXCR4 extracellular region and that of the SDF-1 N terminus to the CXCR4 transmembrane region, which is critical for G-protein signaling, take place independently by methyl-utilizing transferred cross-saturation experiments along with the usage of the CXCR4-selective antagonist AMD3100. Furthermore, based upon the data, we conclude that the highly dynamic SDF-1 N terminus in the 1st step bound state plays a crucial role in efficiently searching the deeply buried binding pocket in the CXCR4 transmembrane region by the “fly-casting” mechanism. This is the first structural analyses of the interaction between a full-length GPCR and its chemokine, and our methodology would be applicable to other GPCR-ligand systems, for which the structural studies are still challenging.
Doppler sonography for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the value of Doppler sonography for evaluation of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). Methods: A total of 102 patients with a clinical suspicion of UNE and 50 healthy controls were examined by Doppler and gray‐scale sonography. Results: Intraneural vascularization was found in 31 (46.3%) of 67 patients with confirmed UNE and in 3 (6.0%) of 50 healthy controls. Combining gray‐scale sonography measurement of nerve size and the presence of intraneural vascularization increased sensitivity by 3%, but decreased the specificity. Patients with intraneural vascularization had more severe disease than those without intraneural vascularization (P < 0.05). The variables obtained by Doppler sonography were associated with the severity of UNE (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Doppler sonography is not helpful for diagnosing UNE but can be used to assess the severity of UNE. Muscle Nerve 54: 258–263, 2016
Mutant p53 protein overexpression is associated with poor outcome in patients with well or moderately differentiated ovarian carcinoma

Background. It has been shown that the p53 gene is mutated in 30‐80% of ovarian carcinomas and that the genetic alterations most often manifest as an accumulation of mutant p53 protein in tumor tissue. The prognostic significance of these findings for patients with ovarian cancer, however, must be established clearly.
Lovastatin-induced apoptosis in human melanoma cell lines

The cholesterol-lowering medications, statins, inhibit cellular proliferation and induce apoptosis in an array of cancer cell lines, including melanoma. We investigated the apoptotic mechanism of lovastatin on human melanoma cell lines in vitro. The cytotoxicity of statins on multiple cell lines was examined by Cell Titer 96™ Aqueous One solution cell proliferation assay (MTS assay). Apoptosis was assayed by ethidium bromide and acridine orange morphologic assays, an Annexin V apoptosis detection kit and active caspase 3 assays. Farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate add-back experiments were performed to better define the molecular mechanisms mediating lovastatin cytotoxicity. Lovastatin caused cytotoxicity in human and murine melanoma cells, but did not induce toxicity in an epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431. For human melanoma cells, lovastatin precipitated cell rounding, increased the percentage of apoptotic cells detected by ethidium bromide and acridine orange staining and by the Annexin V apoptosis detection kit, and resulted in a 50-fold increase in active caspase 3, corroborating that lovastatin induced apoptosis. Adding back geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, but not farnesyl pyrophosphate, reversed the effects of lovastatin in A375 cells. Of the five statins tested, pravastatin was least effective in killing melanoma cells. Lovastatin induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in multiple melanoma cell lines via a geranylation-specific mechanism. This study supports a possible role of lovastatin as a therapeutic, adjuvant or chemopreventative agent for melanoma.
Effects of Regional GABAergic Blockade of the Striatum on Memory Consolidation

The prediction was made that blocking the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in different regions of the striatum, through local injection of picrotoxin, would produce differential amnestic effects. Rats were trained in an inhibitory avoidance task, and a retention test was carried out 24 h later. Posttraining injection of picrotoxin (1 microgram/1 microliter) into posteroventral and lateral regions produced strong amnesia; an intermediate degree of impairment was found when delivered at dorsomedial regions; and no retention deficit was found when given to the ventromedial aspect of the anterior striatum. In sum, the retention impairments were consistently higher in posterior and lateral striatal regions than in the anterior and medial regions. The present findings support the concept that striatal GABAergic activity is involved in memory functions and also provide further evidence of neurochemical heterogeneity within the striatum regarding memory consolidation.
Response to Letter to the Editor, “Tooth Loss in Aggressive Periodontitis: A Systematic Review”

t o the Editor, In a comment to our systematic review on tooth loss in aggressive periodontitis (AgP) (Nibali et al., 2013), S. Ramachandra highlighted the importance of early diagnosis in AgP (Ramachandra, 2013). Since the time of disease onset is hardly ever detectable in retrospect, disease severity appears the only measurable ‘disease staging’ index. We reported that more teeth initially deemed ‘hopeless’ had to be extracted during supportive periodontal therapy compared with teeth with secure or questionable prognosis in one of the reviewed AgP longitudinal studies (Graetz et al., 2011). The effect of tooth prognostic factors on tooth survival in periodontitis cases has been previously documented, although subject factors probably play an even more important prognostic role (McGuire and Nunn, 1996; Matuliene et al., 2010). Unfortunately, although average clinical and radiographic parameters are usually reported in AgP studies, rarely are categorical variables indicating severity or ‘diagnosis staging’ reported and analyzed in relation to tooth loss. In fact, the article by Graetz and co-workers was the only reviewed article (Nibali et al., 2013) to associate measures of diagnosis staging, expressed as severity of initial bone loss, with tooth loss (Graetz et al., 2011). Therefore, meta-analysis for this variable was not feasible. It does not help that, for AgP, there are no mildmoderate-severe criteria as for chronic periodontitis, perhaps in the assumption that all cases are ‘severe’ by definition (Lang et al., 1999). Therefore, initial tooth prognosis (McGuire, 1991) or, more objectively, radiographic bone loss (Graetz et al., 2011) could be used and reported in future studies on AgP as a criterion for diagnosis staging.
Comparison of microbial communities in swine manure at various temperatures and storage times

Objective This study was designed to investigate the effects of temperature and storage time on the evolution of bacterial communities in swine manure. Methods Manure was stored at −20°C, 4°C, 20°C, or 37°C and sampled at 7-day intervals over 28 days of storage, for a total of 5 time points. To assess the bacterial species present, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences were analyzed using pyrosequencing. Results After normalization, 113,934 sequence reads were obtained, with an average length of 466.6±4.4 bp. The diversity indices of the communities reduced as temperature and storage time increased, and the slopes of rarefaction curves decreased from the second week in samples stored at −20°C and 4°C. These results indicate that the richness of the bacterial community in the manure reduced as temperature and storage time increased. Firmicutes were the dominant phylum in all samples examined, ranging from 89.3% to 98.8% of total reads, followed by Actinobacteria, which accounted for 0.6% to 7.9%. A change in community composition was observed in samples stored at 37°C during the first 7 days, indicating that temperature plays an important role in determining the microbiota of swine manure. Clostridium, Turicibacter, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillus within Firmicutes, and Corynebacterium within Actinobacteria were the most dominant genera in fresh manure and all stored samples. Conclusion Based on our findings, we propose Clostridium as an indicator genus of swine manure decomposition in an anaerobic environment. The proportions of dominant genera changed in samples stored at 20°C and 37°C during the fourth week. Based on these results, it was concluded that the microbial communities of swine manure change rapidly as storage time and temperature increase.
The Lived Experience of Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease: A Qualitative Study

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD), the last stage of chronic kidney disease, is the point at which the kidneys are no longer able to support the body’s needs. Thus, ESRD significantly impacts the day-to-day life of patients. To improve bodily functions and prolong life, patients with ESRD require renal replacement therapy in the form of either hemodialysis (HD) or kidney transplantation. Research has documented the impact of ESRD and HD on quality of life. There is a lack of qualitative studies that describe how ESRD sufferers in Thailand cope with daily life. Purpose: This study aimed to better understand the daily life experiences of Thai patients with ESRD who are on HD. Methods: This study used a phenomenological approach and a semistructured interview guide. Thai men and women with ESRD and on HD were purposively recruited from an HD unit at one hospital in Thailand between February and May 2013. Inclusion criteria included (a) currently being treated for HD, (b) ability to communicate in Thai, and (c) age of over 18 years. Participants were asked to describe their problems, feelings, thoughts, and attitudes as well as how they experienced their lives. Data saturation was reached after the completion of 26 interviews. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The following themes emerged from the data: (a) facing life’s limitations, (b) living with uncertainty, and (c) dependence on medical technology. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The authors hope that the findings increase the understanding of healthcare providers about the lived experience of Thai patients with ESRD on HD. Greater understanding is critical in helping healthcare providers identify the changes in practice that will be necessary to better care for and integrate the best holistic practices into standardized care for this population.
Large Scale Screening of Southern African Plant Extracts for the Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Microtitre-Plate Method

The preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) involves a variety of chemical and physical methods. These methods use toxic and environmentally harmful chemicals. Consequently, the synthesis of AuNPs using green chemistry has been under investigation to develop eco-friendly nanoparticles. One approach to achieve this is the use of plant-derived phytochemicals that are capable of reducing gold ions to produce AuNPs. The aim of this study was to implement a facile microtitre-plate method to screen a large number of aqueous plant extracts to determine the optimum concentration (OC) for the bio-synthesis of the AuNPs. Several AuNPs of different sizes and shapes were successfully synthesized and characterized from 17 South African plants. The characterization was done using Ultra Violet-Visible Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. We also studied the effects of temperature on the synthesis of the AuNPs and showed that changes in temperatures affect the size and dispersity of the generated AuNPs. We also evaluated the stability of the synthesized AuNPs and showed that some of them are stable in biological buffer solutions.
Survival from 9 months of age among HIV-infected and uninfected Zambian children prior to the availability of antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND Few prospective studies have measured survival rates among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children in sub-Saharan Africa prior to the availability of antiretroviral therapy. METHODS In the context of an observational study of the immunogenicity of measles vaccine in Zambia, we prospectively followed up children from approximately 9 months of age and assessed survival rates, risk factors for mortality, and circumstances at the time of death according to HIV-infection or HIV-exposure status. RESULTS There were 56 deaths among 492 study children during follow-up to 3 years of age. Thirty-nine percent of the 105 children with HIV infection died during the study period, compared with 5.0% of the 260 HIV-seropositive but uninfected children and 1.6% of the 127 HIV-seronegative children. Estimated survival probabilities from 9 through 36 months of age were 52% among HIV-infected children, 95% among initially HIV-seropositive but uninfected children, and 98% among HIV-seronegative children. In multivariable analyses, history of a clinic visit within the 4 weeks prior to study entry (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-13.5), hemoglobin level <8 g/dL at study entry (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-12.6), and CD4(+) T lymphocyte percentage <15% at study entry (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-9.5) were associated with mortality among HIV-infected children. CONCLUSIONS Only approximately one-half of HIV-infected Zambian children who were alive at 9 months of age survived to 3 years of age, supporting the urgent need for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection in children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Autonomic Neuropathy and Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction There is little information on the gastrointestinal motility abnormalities and autonomic neuropathy of children with gastrointestinal symptoms and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods The authors studied 33 consecutive patients (mean age, 15.3 years; 13 males) with T1DM (median duration, 7.7 years) attending the outpatient clinic because of chronic dyspepsia (CD; n = 14), or chronic constipation (CC; n = 19), and 48 consecutive non-T1DM patients (mean age, 13.7 years; 18 males), who presented with similar symptoms (18 with CD; 30 with CC). Fasting serum motilin concentrations and cardiovascular autonomic function tests (CAFT) were assessed and compared with those of age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. Gastric emptying half time (GE t1/2) of a solid meal and mouth-to-anus transit time (MATT) were measured in patients with CD and CC, respectively. Results CAFT was comparable between patients with T1DM and healthy control subjects. GE t1/2 and MATT were not different between T1DM patients and non-T1DM patients with CD and CC, respectively. However, a marginally significant positive correlation was found in the patients with T1DM between GE t1/2 and blood glucose concentrations (R = 0.54; P = 0.08). In addition, serum motilin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with T1DM compared with healthy control subjects (P < 0.0005), and in patients with T1DM and higher serum glucose concentrations compared with those with lower serum glucose concentrations (P = 0.03). Conclusion Autonomic neuropathy is not an etiological factor of gastrointestinal symptoms in children and adolescents with diabetes. Mild or moderate hyperglycemia does not affect gastrointestinal motility.
Factors Associated With Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening in Korea

This study investigated factors associated with breast and cervical cancer screening using data from a nationwide community survey. A nationwide cross-sectional study was performed in all 253 administrative districts of Korea. The breast and cervical cancer screening rate was negatively associated with the obesity (β = −2.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −4.73 to −1.03; β = −1.93, 95% CI = −3.43 to −0.43), positively associated with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions scale (β =2.53, 95% CI = 0.24 to 4.81; β = 2.51, 95% CI = 0.68 to 4.34). Moreover, higher alcohol consumption rate was negatively related to screening rates for breast cancer, while areas with higher proportion of diabetes were found to have higher screening rates. Area with higher rate of osteoarthritis had a lower screening rate for cervical cancer. This study showed breast and cervical cancer screening was associated with particular area characteristics. This ecological approach is thought to be a major complement to measures of health attributes.
Fluktuasi Harga, Transmisi Harga, dan Marjin Pemasaran Sayuran dan Buah

Fluktuasi harga sayuran pada umumnya lebih tinggi dibanding buah, padi dan palawija dengan kata lain ketidakseimbangan antara volume pasokan dan kebutuhan konsumen lebih sering terjadi pada sayuran. Marjin pemasaran sayuran juga relatif tinggi. Sebaliknya harga yang diterima petani dan transmisi harga dari daerah konsumen ke daerah produsen rendah. Kondisi tersebut tidak kondusif bagi upaya pengembangan agribisnis dan peningkatan daya saing agribisnis sayuran yang dicirikan oleh kemampuan merespon dinamika pasar secara efektif dan efisien. Dalam kaitan tersebut maka diperlukan beberapa upaya yaitu : (a) mengembangkan sinkronisasi produksi sayuran secara lintas daerah produsen, (b) mengembangkan daerah sentra produksi sayuran yang lebih tersebar secara regional, (c) mengembangkan teknologi penyimpanan yang sederhana dan efisien serta memfasilitasi petani untuk menerapkan teknologi tersebut, dan (d) memfasilitasi petani untuk lebih akses ke lembaga modal.
The complications of ovariohysterectomy in the bitch.

The paper describes in detail the operative hazards and post–operative complications of ovariohysterectomy and indicates how they may be treated and possibly avoided. Resume. La communication decrit en detail les risques operatoires et les complications postoperatoires d'ovariotomie et d'hysterectomie, et indique comment on peut les traiter et probablement les eviter. Zusammenfassung. Ein Bericht der in Einzelheit die operativen Gefahren und postopera-tiven Komplikationen von einer Overiohysterektomie beschreibt und hinweist wie man sie behandelt und moglicherweise vermeidet.
A retrospective study of multimodal analgesic treatment after laparoscopic appendectomy in children

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common emergency pediatric surgery procedure accompanied by substantial pain (pain scores >4 for >60% of the time) in 33% of these patients. We introduced a bundle of pain management interventions including local anesthetic infiltration at the incision site, intravenous (IV) opioids by patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA), and scheduled doses of IV ketorolac and oral acetaminophen/hydrocodone.
Psychotropic Medication from an Object Relations Theory Perspective: An Analysis of Vignettes from Group Psychotherapy

Abstract In this article we explore the content and dynamics of patients’ verbalizations within a “living with medications” group. Patients’ perceptions of their psychotropic medications are interpreted and classified within the framework of object relations theory. One’s perception of the role of medication in one’s life can serve as a gateway to one’s inner world and the way that he or she perceives authority figures, peers, and oneself. We suggest that working through patients’ relationships with their medications can help them to achieve better integration of internal object relations. Discussing patients’ views about medications should therefore be seen as an important part of psychotherapy with many individuals. Such a discussion may enhance and improve efficacy of both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. It is of particular importance in group therapy, within milieu environments and with individuals reluctant to explicitly discuss interpersonal matters. Vignettes from the group sessions illustrate the way in which discussing medication advances group process.
Adams–Oliver syndrome: Report of a sporadic case with limited cutaneous expression

Adams Oliver syndrome (AOS) is a rare autosomal dominant congenital disorder characterized by absence of skin and or underlying structure over scalp along with transverse limb defect. It was first described by Adam and Oliver in 1945. We report a rare case of adams oliver syndrome with limited expression involving scalp, transverse limb defects along with unreported truncal involvement.
Pengaruh Edukasi Pencegahan dan Penanganan Anemia Terhadap Pengetahuan dan Sikap Ibu Hamil

Anemia menjadi penyebab utama terjadinya perdarahan dan infeksi yang merupakan faktor utama penyebab kematian ibu. Pada tahun 2016 Angka kejadian anemia pada ibu hamil di Indonesia masih tinggi yaitu 37,1%, di Kabupaten Garut pada tahun 2017 sebesar 24.52% dan di Puskesmas Hauranggung 25,64%. Tujuan dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh edukasi pencegahan dan penanganan anemia terhadap pengetahuan dan sikap ibu hamil di Puskesmas Haurpanggung. Desain penelitian menggunakan metode Pre Eksperiment Design One Group dengan jenis Pre Test and Post Test Group. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah ibu hamil yang berjumlah 37 orang. Analisa data berupa analisa univariat dan untuk analisa bivariat menggunakan uji t dependen/ paired t-test dengan derajat kesalahan 5% (P-value < 0,05). Hasil penelitian didapatkan rata-rata pengetahuan sebelum edukasi 51,97 sedangkan sesudah edukasi rata-rata 64,03 dan terdapat perbedaan pengetahuan sebelum dan sesudah edukasi sebesar 8,06 dengan P-Value 0,000. rata-rata sikap sebelum edukasi 50,54 dan sesudah edukasi rata-rata sikap 69,73 serta terdapat perbedaan sikap sebelum dan sesudah edukasi sebesar 19,19 dengan P-Value 0,000. Edukasi pencegahan dan penanganan anemia pada ibu hamil merupakan upaya untuk menyampaikan informasi tentang pentingnya melakukan pencegahan dan penanganan anemia dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan dan sikap sehingga memudahkan ibu hamil untuk berperilaku sehat sehingga anemia dapat dicegah sedini mungkin dan jika sudah terjadi anemia dapat segera tertangani. Ada pengaruh edukasi tentang pencegahan dan penanganan anemia pada ibu hamil dengan pengetahuan dan sikap ibu hamil. Diharapkan petugas kesehatan secara intensif dapat memberikan edukasi kepada ibu hamil dalam upaya pencegahan dan penanganan anemia pada ibu hamil.
A Model for Apoptotic-Cell-Mediated Adaptive Immune Evasion via CD80–CTLA-4 Signaling

Apoptotic cells carry a plethora of self-antigens but they suppress eliciting of innate and adaptive immune responses to them. How apoptotic cells evade and subvert adaptive immune responses has been elusive. Here, we propose a novel model to understand how apoptotic cells regulate T cell activation in different contexts, leading mostly to tolerogenic responses, mainly via taking control of the CD80–CTLA-4 coinhibitory signal delivered to T cells. This model may facilitate understanding of the molecular mechanisms of autoimmune diseases associated with dysregulation of apoptosis or apoptotic cell clearance, and it highlights potential therapeutic targets or strategies for treatment of multiple immunological disorders.