Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects of methanolic leaf extract of Rhazya stricta decne

Background: In this research, we investigated the antioxidant phytochemicals, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of methanolic leaf extract from Rhazya stricta.Methods: The main components of R. stricta were confirmed through HPLC techniques. The antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract was examined by DPPD, ABTS, SOD and Glutathione peroxidase assays.Results: The results showed that the methanolic extract of R. stricta showed better free radical scavenging properties with the IC50 value 74.2 mg/ml by DPPH assay. And the tested extract showed high SOD and peroxidase activities. The HPLC analysis of leaf extract reveal the presence of rutin. Antibacterial results revealed that methanolic leaf extract of R. stricta had higher anti-bacterial activity against multi drug resistant microbes namely, Bacillus subtilis (3.51 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (1.29 mm), Escherichia coli (3.39 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.03 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.73 mm). In addition, the leaf extract showed strong antibiofilm potential against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 100 µg/ml.Conclusions: Overall, the methanolic leaf extract of R. stricta showed significant antioxidant capacity and highly inhibit the bacterial pathogens.
Isolation of Bacterial and Fungal Microbiota Associated with Hermetia illucens Larvae Reveals Novel Insights into Entomopathogenicity

Larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens are polyphagous feeders and show tremendous bioconversion capabilities of organic matter into high-quality insect biomass. However, the digestion of lignocellulose-rich palm oil side streams such as palm kernel meal (PKM) is a particular challenge, as these compounds are exceptionally stable and are mainly degraded by microbes. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of BSF larvae as bioconversion agents of PKM. Since the intestinal microbiota is considered to play a key role in dietary breakdown and in increasing digestibility, the bacterial and fungal communities of BSF larvae were characterized in a culture-dependent approach and screened for their putative entomopathogenicity. The lethality of six putative candidates was investigated using intracoelomal injection. In total, 93 isolates were obtained with a bacterial share of 74% that were assigned to the four phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Members of the genera Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Sphingobacterium are part of the core microbiome, as they were frequently described in the gut of Hermetia larvae regardless of diet, nutritional composition, or rearing conditions. With 75%, a majority of the fungal isolates belonged to the phylum Ascomycota. We identified several taxa already published to be able to degrade lignocelluloses, including Enterococcus, Cellulomonas, Pichia yeasts, or filamentous Fusarium species. The injection assays revealed pronounced differences in pathogenicity against the larvae. While Alcaligenes faecalis caused no, Diutina rugosa weak (23.3%), Microbacterium thalassium moderate (53.3%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae high (≥80%) lethality, Fusarium solani injection resulted in 100% lethality.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Better Metabolic Features in Youths with Type 1 Diabetes

Our aim was to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in relation to metabolic control. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) questionnaire and physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescent (IPAQ-A) on 65 subjects (32 males, 9–18 years) with T1D. Clinical and metabolic evaluation was performed (standardized body mass index (BMI-SDS), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), continuous glucose monitoring metrics when present, blood pressure, lipid profile). Parental characteristics (age, body mass index (BMI), socio-economic status) were reported. The adherence to the MedDiet was poor in 12.3%, average in 58.6%, and high in 29.1% of the subjects. Furthermore, 23.4% of patients were overweight/obese. The most impacting factors on BMI-SDS were skipping breakfast and their father’s BMI. HbA1c and time in range % were positively associated with sweets and fish intake, respectively. Additionally, the father’s socio-economic status (SES) and mother’s age were associated with glucose control. Blood pressure was associated with travelling to school in vehicles, extra-virgin olive oil intake and milk/dairy consumption at breakfast. The promotion of the MedDiet, mainly having a healthy breakfast, is a good strategy to include in the management of T1D to improve glucose and metabolic control. This research is valuable for parents to obtain the best results for their children with T1D.
Role of Microorganisms and Supplement Additives during Sugarcane Straw Composting Process

Microorganisms and supplement additives such as Poultry Manure (PM) - Cow Manure (CM) - Ammonium nitrate (NH3) also have an essential role in enriching and accelerating the sugar cane straw (ScS) residues biodegradation to produce organic fertilizer (compost). Supplement additives may affect physical and chemical changes inside ScS heaps, such as (pH - internal temperature - humidity ratio). These changes also affect the activity of microorganisms in the decomposition of ScS residues. So the main objectives of this investigation are to find out convenient solutions to abate the environmental impact by focused on ScS and their microbiological studies, for production of compost. Microorganisms effect of the ScS decomposition, periods of decomposition and decomposition efficiency. The self-heating temperature increased after two weeks (66.5oC to 72.7oC) was attained. After one month, Self-heating temperature decreased gradually up to the finish of the experiment. PH values recorded after two weeks were ranged of 7.2 to 8.3 throughout the composting operation. Counts of all microorganisms increased during composting process as compared with their initial counts. The total counts of thermophilic bacteria and actinomycetes were present throughout the composting process 85.5 x 105 and 56.8 x 104 CFU/g, respectively. C/N ratio decreased by composting reaching about 8.9:1, acute microbiological activities likely be due to reduce C/N ratio and Organic Matter (OM) mineralization. The supplement additives from alternatives substances enhanced the biodegradation of composting mixtures. Generally, ScS compost can be used as a substitute for other organic manures for amending soils.
Regenerating the Mammalian Heart: Potential Roles for Cardiomyocyte Proliferation, Cardiac Stem Cells, and Fibroblasts

Stony Brook University Libraries. SBU Graduate School in Biomedical Engineering. Lawrence Martin (Dean of Graduate School), Ira S. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., Dissertation Advisor Leading Professor, Department of Physiology and Biophysics Stony Brook University, Emilia Entcheva, Ph.D., Chairperson of Defense Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering Stony Brook University, Peter R. Brink, Ph.D. Professor and Chairman, Department of Physiology and Biophysics Stony Brook University, Glenn R. Gaudette, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Study of seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-COV-2 among the healthy blood donors of Jammu region

Background: SARS‑CoV‑2 emerged in China and spread throughout the world due to its rapid transmission. The exposure rate in the healthy population is unknown, mainly in resource‑limited countries. Herein, we estimated the seroprevalence of anti‑SARS‑CoV‑2 antibodies and risk factors among blood donors at our blood bank and to describe some characteristics of those that test positive. The objective of the study was to measure the levels of IgG antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV2 during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Jammu State, India to know the magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, the prevalence of herd immunity in the population.Methods: This is prospective observational study of COVID-19 seroprevalence among blood donors that complied with blood donation protocol. Participation in study was voluntary after taking proper consent on the consent form.Results: A total of 750 random blood donors who voluntarily participated, were enrolled in this study after obtaining their proper consent on the consent form. Out of 750 donors, 287 (38.2%) were positive for IgG antibodies and 463 (61.7%) were negative for IgG antibodies. In our study, male donors (745) outnumbered the female donors but on the other hand female donors showed a higher prevalence of covid antibodies i.e., 60% as compared to male donors i.e., 38% which is a statistically significant difference (p<0.005). Conclusions: A high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was detected among blood donors which indicated a high level of exposure to the virus within the population and development of innate immunity against the virus. This could help us to introduce a protocol of antibody testing in the screening of blood donors to enhance the number of plasma donation cases for the treatment of serious COVID patients.
The Role of Company Characteristics in the Quality of Financial Reporting in Indonesian

This study aimed to explain the role of company characteristics in shaping the quality of financial reporting in Indonesia, either simultaneously or partially, analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. This study found that simultaneously structural characteristics, monitoring characteristics, and performance characteristics had a significant influence on the quality of financial reporting. While partially the characteristics of the structure and characteristics of monitoring had a significant influence on the quality of financial reporting. Meanwhile, performance characteristics did not influence the quality of financial reporting. It can be concluded that quality financial reporting can form good company characteristics and increase company performance, and can increase market response or market confidence in the current pandemic situation. The paper provides insight for the company to more concentrate on monitoring, structural, and performance to gain a good quality of financial reporting.
Bcl-2-like protein-10 increases aggressive features of melanoma cells

Aim: B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-like protein-10 (Bcl2L10) is the less studied member of Bcl-2 family proteins, with the controversial role in different cancer histotypes. Very recently, Bcl2L10 expression in melanoma tumor specimens and its role in melanoma response to therapy have been demonstrated. Here, the involvement of Bcl2L10 on the in vitro and in vivo properties associated with melanoma aggressive features has been investigated. Methods: Endogenous Bcl2L10 protein expression was detected by western blotting analysis in a panel of patient-derived and commercially available human melanoma cells. In vitro assays to evaluate clonogenicity, cell proliferation, cell migration, cell invasion, and in vitro capillary-like structure formation [vasculogenic mimicry (VM)] have been performed by using human melanoma cells stably overexpressing Bcl2L10 or transiently transfected for loss/gain function of Bcl2L10, grown under two- or three-dimensional (3D) conditions Xenograft melanoma model was employed to evaluate in vivo tumor growth and angiogenesis. Results: Results demonstrated that Bcl2L10 acts as an inducer of in vitro cell migration, invasion, and VM, while in vitro cell proliferation, in vivo tumor growth, as well as colony formation properties were not affected. Dissecting different signaling pathways, it was found that Bcl2L10 positively affects the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the expression of markers of cell invasion, such as urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Of note, Bcl2L10-dependent in vitro migration, invasion, and VM are linked to uPAR. Bcl2L10 also negatively regulates the intracellular calcium level. Finally, reduced invasion capability in 3D spheroid invasion assay of melanoma cells transiently overexpressing Bcl2L10 was observed after treatment with inhibitors of MMPs and uPAR. Conclusions: Overall, data reported in this paper provide evidence supporting a positive role of Bcl2L10 in melanoma aggressive features.
Bioinformatic Analysis of the Effect of the Sirtuin Family on Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

A growing body of experimental evidence suggests that sirtuins (SIRTs) are associated with tumorigenesis in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Nevertheless, the involvement of SIRTs in the pathogenesis of DTC and their clinical value remain ill-defined and should be thoroughly examined. We explored the transcription of SIRTs and survival data of patients with DTC by the systematic utilization of bioinformatics to analyze data of publicly accessible databases including Oncomine, cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Protein Atlas, LinkedOmics, and GSCALite. The examination of gene expression profiles showed that SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT5, and SIRT6 were downregulated in DTC tissues compared with the normal thyroid tissues. The decreased expression levels of SIRT2, SIRT4, and SIRT5 were correlated with advanced tumor stages. The survival results showed that the increased SIRT4 mRNA expression level was associated with improved overall survival (OS) in the DTC patients. In addition, patients with DTC with high SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5 mRNA levels had higher disease-free survival (DFS). These results showed that SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT5, and SIRT6 are potential targets for precise treatment of DTC patients and that SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5 are novel potential biomarkers for the prognosis of DTC.
Absence of TFE3 Immunoexpression in a Spectrum of Cutaneous Mixed Tumors: A Retrospective Pilot Study

Background: Cutaneous mixed tumors (CMTs) include benign, atypical, and malignant chondroid syringomas. This spectrum of entities is known to be a part of myoepithelial neoplasms, which display considerable genetic heterogeneity. In a previous report, a malignant chondroid syringoma (MCS) demonstrated PHF1-TFE3 gene fusion and strong TFE3 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The authors suggested that the MCS is genetically related to tumors with TFE3 rearrangements such as renal cell carcinoma and might have genetic heterogeneity. In this study, we aim to investigate potential TFE3 gene fusions with TFE3 IHC stain in a spectrum of CMTs. Materials: Eleven benign chondroid syringoma (BCS), one atypical chondroid syringoma (ACS), and one malignant chondroid syringoma cases were identified, stained with TFE3 IHC stain, and interpreted based on preset criteria. Results: ACS and MCS cases did not show any staining. In 7 of 11 BCS cases, weak (1+) staining was observed in less than 20% of the tumor cells and were considered negative. Additionally, in one BCS case, weak (1+) and (2+) staining was shown in approximately 15% and less than 1% of the tumor cells, respectively. Based on our positivity criteria, this case was also interpreted as negative. Conclusions: Our study failed to reveal possible TFE3 gene fusion by IHC staining in benign, atypical, and malignant chondroid syringomas. Although the negative staining in MCS suggests a genetic heterogeneity in this entity, further studies with larger case groups are needed for a more definitive conclusion.
A case of Madura foot

Madura foot is a chronic infection caused by bacteria actinomycetes or by fungi eumycetes and is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas. The cases have been reported from the other areas as well. Foot is the primary involved organ. A 50-year-old male presented with multiple small swellings over right foot who was already diagnosed as Madura foot for which the patient was on the medications from several years with no effect. The infection tends to recur after the medications were stopped. He took penicillin injections till it was banned few years ago without any benefit. He visited the surgical outpatient department (OPD) and managed by below knee amputation from tibial tuberosity preserving 15 cm of proximal leg as stump. There was no complication post-operatively and patient was discharged in a stable condition with clean wound. The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges along with the epidemiological data emphasize the need of raising the awareness of physicians to this devastating condition.
Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in Non-Traumatic Cardiac Arrest: A Narrative Review of Known and Potential Physiological Effects

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is widely used in acute trauma care worldwide and has recently been proposed as an adjunct to standard treatments during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with non-traumatic cardiac arrest (NTCA). Several case series have been published highlighting promising results, and further trials are starting. REBOA during CPR increases cerebral and coronary perfusion pressure by increasing the afterload of the left ventricle, thus improving the chances of ROSC and decreasing hypoperfusion to the brain. In addition, it may facilitate the termination of malignant arrhythmias by stimulating baroreceptor reflex. Aortic occlusion could mitigate the detrimental neurological effects of adrenaline, not only by increasing cerebral perfusion but also reducing the blood dilution of the drug, allowing the use of lower doses. Finally, the use of a catheter could allow more precise hemodynamic monitoring during CPR and a faster transition to ECPR. In conclusion, REBOA in NTCA is a feasible technique also in the prehospital setting, and its use deserves further studies, especially in terms of survival and good neurological outcome, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Jet Impingement Cooling Enhanced with Nano-Encapsulated PCM

In the present study, the laminar flow and heat transfer of water jet impingement enhanced with nano-encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM) slurry on a hot plate is analytically investigated for the first time. A similarity solution approach is applied to momentum and energy equations in order to determine the flow velocity and heat transfer fields. The effect of different physical parameters such as jet velocity, Reynolds number, jet inlet temperature, and the NEPCM concentration on the cooling performance of the impinging jet are investigated. The volume fraction of NEPCM particles plays an essential role in the flow and heat transfer fields. The results show that NEPCM slurry can significantly enhance the cooling performance of the system as it improves the latent heat storage capacity of the liquid jet. However, the maximum cooling performance of the system is achieved under an optimum NEPCM concentration (15%). A further increase in NEPCM volume fraction has an unfavorable effect due to increasing the viscosity and reducing the conductivity simultaneously. The effect of adding nano-metal particles on the heat transfer performance is also investigated and compared with NEPCM slurry. NEPCM slurry shows a better result in its maximum performance. Compared with the water jet, adding nano and NEPCM particles would overall enhance the system’s thermal performance by 16% and 7%, respectively.
Long-Term Outcome in a Phase II Study of Regional Hyperthermia Added to Preoperative Radiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced and Recurrent Rectal Adenocarcinomas

Simple Summary Regional hyperthermia added to standard preoperative chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer gives a high complete response rate and an improved long-term recurrence free survival. Abstract Hyperthermia was added to standard preoperative chemoradiation for rectal adenocarcinomas in a phase II study. Patients with T3-4 N0-2 M0 rectal cancer or local recurrences were included. Radiation dose was 54 Gy combined with capecitabine 825 mg/m2 × 2 daily and once weekly oxaliplatin 55 mg/m2. Regional hyperthermia aimed at 41.5–42.5 °C for 60 min combined with oxaliplatin infusion. Radical surgery with total or extended TME technique, was scheduled at 6–8 weeks after radiation. From April 2003 to April 2008, a total of 49 eligible patients were recruited. Median number of hyperthermia sessions were 5.4. A total of 47 out of 49 patients (96%) had the scheduled surgery, which was clinically radical in 44 patients. Complete tumour regression occurred in 29.8% of the patients who also exhibited statistically significantly better RFS and CSS. Rate of local recurrence alone at 10 years was 9.1%, distant metastases alone occurred in 25.6%, including local recurrences 40.4%. RFS for all patients was 54.8% after 5 years and CSS was 73.5%. Patients with T50 temperatures in tumours above median 39.9 °C had better RFS, 66.7% vs. 31.3%, p = 0.047, indicating a role of hyperthermia. Toxicity was acceptable.
Surgical anatomy of cervical sympathetic trunk: a cadaveric study

Background: Cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) is at risk of injury during surgical procedures of cervical spine and may result in Horner’s syndrome. The purpose of present study was to clearly describe the surgical anatomy of CST with respect to the surrounding structures and to analyse the anatomical variations.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 cervical sympathetic chains were studied by bilateral neck dissections of 25 formalin fixed human cadavers from the Department of Anatomy, Government medical college Thrissur.Results: Cervical sympathetic chain was found inside the carotid sheath in 1 (2%) side of neck. Superior cervical ganglion (SCG) was consistently seen in all sympathetic chains. Middle cervical ganglion (MCG) was present in 27 (54%) chains studied; vertebral ganglion (VG) was present in 33 (66%) chains. Inferior cervical ganglion (ICG) was present in 38 (76%) CSTs. In case of stellate ganglion (SG), it was present in 12 (24%) chains. The most common type of CST was type 1 consisting of SCG, VG and ICG (17, 34%). Out of 25 cadavers studied, sympathetic chain appeared similar on right and left sides in 14 cadavers.Conclusions: This study concludes that variations occur in cervical sympathetic chain with regard to occurrence and measurements of its ganglia. Our study also emphasizes the need for awareness of the CST’s anatomy during cervical surgical procedures to prevent inadvertent injury to it.
Circadian Volume Changes in Hippocampal Glia Studied by Label-Free Interferometric Imaging

Complex brain functions, including learning and memory, arise in part from the modulatory role of astrocytes on neuronal circuits. Functionally, the dentate gyrus (DG) exhibits differences in the acquisition of long-term potentiation (LTP) between day and night. We hypothesize that the dynamic nature of astrocyte morphology plays an important role in the functional circuitry of hippocampal learning and memory, specifically in the DG. Standard microscopy techniques, such as differential interference contrast (DIC), present insufficient contrast for detecting changes in astrocyte structure and function and are unable to inform on the intrinsic structure of the sample in a quantitative manner. Recently, gradient light interference microscopy (GLIM) has been developed to upgrade a DIC microscope with quantitative capabilities such as single-cell dry mass and volume characterization. Here, we present a methodology for combining GLIM and electrophysiology to quantify the astrocyte morphological behavior over the day-night cycle. Colocalized measurements of GLIM and fluorescence allowed us to quantify the dry masses and volumes of hundreds of astrocytes. Our results indicate that, on average, there is a 25% cell volume reduction during the nocturnal cycle. Remarkably, this cell volume change takes place at constant dry mass, which suggests that the volume regulation occurs primarily through aqueous medium exchange with the environment.