Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unifying structural signature of eukaryotic α-helical host defense peptides

Significance The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is outpacing development of new antibiotics, which remains a slow and empirical process. Although machine-learning–based metrics exist, no principle-based formulae have been applied to define α-helical host defense peptides (αHDPs). Here, knowledge-based annotation of bioinformatic databases was validated with artificial intelligence methods to converge on a common structural framework for eukaryotic αHDPs. This multidimensional structural formula successfully predicted antimicrobial activity in α-helical peptides and domains embedded in larger proteins that had no previously known antimicrobial activity. The α-core signature provides a foundational definition for evolutionary diversity among αHDPs, sheds light on host defense immunology, and may accelerate the process of antiinfective discovery and development. Diversity of α-helical host defense peptides (αHDPs) contributes to immunity against a broad spectrum of pathogens via multiple functions. Thus, resolving common structure–function relationships among αHDPs is inherently difficult, even for artificial-intelligence–based methods that seek multifactorial trends rather than foundational principles. Here, bioinformatic and pattern recognition methods were applied to identify a unifying signature of eukaryotic αHDPs derived from amino acid sequence, biochemical, and three-dimensional properties of known αHDPs. The signature formula contains a helical domain of 12 residues with a mean hydrophobic moment of 0.50 and favoring aliphatic over aromatic hydrophobes in 18-aa windows of peptides or proteins matching its semantic definition. The holistic α-core signature subsumes existing physicochemical properties of αHDPs, and converged strongly with predictions of an independent machine-learning–based classifier recognizing sequences inducing negative Gaussian curvature in target membranes. Queries using the α-core formula identified 93% of all annotated αHDPs in proteomic databases and retrieved all major αHDP families. Synthesis and antimicrobial assays confirmed efficacies of predicted sequences having no previously known antimicrobial activity. The unifying α-core signature establishes a foundational framework for discovering and understanding αHDPs encompassing diverse structural and mechanistic variations, and affords possibilities for deterministic design of antiinfectives.
Glucocorticoid enhancement of recognition memory via basolateral amygdala-driven facilitation of prelimbic cortex interactions

Significance Stress hormones are known to facilitate memory of emotionally arousing experiences, an effect that is mediated by the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and its interaction with other brain regions. Brain activation studies also indicate that emotional arousal activates several functional connections beyond the BLA. However, it is largely unknown whether BLA activity influences these connections. Here, we report that BLA activity enables functional interactions between the prelimbic cortex, anterior insular cortex, and dorsal hippocampus in regulating glucocorticoid hormone effects on recognition memory. These findings increase our understanding of how BLA activity affects emotional memory within large brain networks. Extensive evidence indicates that the basolateral amygdala (BLA) interacts with other brain regions in mediating stress hormone and emotional arousal effects on memory consolidation. Brain activation studies have shown that arousing conditions lead to the activation of large-scale neural networks and several functional connections between brain regions beyond the BLA. Whether such distal interactions on memory consolidation also depend on BLA activity is not as yet known. We investigated, in male Sprague–Dawley rats, whether BLA activity enables prelimbic cortex (PrL) interactions with the anterior insular cortex (aIC) and dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) in regulating glucocorticoid effects on different components of object recognition memory. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist RU 28362 administered into the PrL, but not infralimbic cortex, immediately after object recognition training enhanced 24-hour memory of both the identity and location of the object via functional interactions with the aIC and dHPC, respectively. Importantly, posttraining inactivation of the BLA by the noradrenergic antagonist propranolol abolished the effect of GR agonist administration into the PrL on memory enhancement of both the identity and location of the object. BLA inactivation by propranolol also blocked the effect of GR agonist administration into the PrL on inducing changes in neuronal activity within the aIC and dHPC during the postlearning consolidation period as well as on structural changes in spine morphology assessed 24 hours later. These findings provide evidence that BLA noradrenergic activity enables functional interactions between the PrL and the aIC and dHPC in regulating stress hormone and emotional arousal effects on memory.
Acciones Terapéuticas Actuales en Caries Profunda. Revisión

This review analyzes how to treat deep carious lesions taking into consideration histophysiologic and biomolecular events of the dentinpulp complex in permanent teeth. We focus on clinical resources to assess the degree of lesion progression and to guide the removal of carious lesions. Indirect pulp treatment, Stepwise excavation and Partial caries removal are described by presenting clinical cases, and their follow-ups, led by students of Integrated Clinic II of the School of Dentistry, Universidad de la RepúblicaUruguay. These simple and inexpensive treatments are available to all clinicians and significantly decrease the number of pulp exposures. The success of these therapeutic options depends on the proper selection of cases and on the integrity of the restoration within a comprehensive preventive plan.
Development and implementation of a community-based pole walking program for older adults

ABSTRACT Background: To address the problem of physical inactivity among older adults and the desire of community-based groups to have access to innovative physical activity programs, a pole walking program was developed specifically for older adults living at home who visit community organizations. Methods: The Walking with Poles Program (WWPP) is based on a six-stage approach involving: (1) definition, (2) conceptualization, (3) creation and validation, (4) pilot test, (5) generalization, and (6) consolidation. Reach, dose delivered, and dose received of program implementation were documented. Results: To date, the five stages of this co-construction project have been successfully operationalized through the WWPP. The program was implemented by seven community organizations. It reached 76 older adults whose characteristics are typical of this type of community-based group physical activity program. For instructors, implementing the promotional activities was the most difficult part of the WWPP. Overall, the program was well received by the participants, instructors, and the organization managers. Conclusion: This approach ensured the rigor, relevance, and feasibility of the WWPP.
Group-Based Relative Deprivation Explains Endorsement of Extremism Among Western-Born Muslims

Although jihadist threats are regarded as foreign, most Islamist terror attacks in Europe and the United States have been orchestrated by Muslims born and raised in Western societies. In the present research, we explored a link between perceived deprivation of Western Muslims and endorsement of extremism. We suggest that Western-born Muslims are particularly vulnerable to the impact of perceived relative deprivation because comparisons with majority groups’ peers are more salient for them than for individuals born elsewhere. Thus, we hypothesized that Western-born, compared with foreign-born, Muslims would score higher on four predictors of extremism (e.g., violent intentions), and group-based deprivation would explain these differences. Studies 1 to 6 (Ns = 59, 232, 259, 243, 104, and 366, respectively) confirmed that Western-born Muslims scored higher on all examined predictors of extremism. Mediation and meta-analysis showed that group-based relative deprivation accounted for these differences. Study 7 (N = 60) showed that these findings are not generalizable to non-Muslims.
Studying of Kidney, Liver Functions and Some Blood Ions In Toxoplasmosis Patients

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of toxoplasmosis on liver, kidney and some blood ions such as (calcium, potassium & sodium). A total of 100 blood samples were obtained from pregnant women in several health centers in Baghdad city, which consist of (70 seropositive & 30 seronegative/control group), aged between 20 – 47 years old from September 2013 till September 2014. All of these cases were tested to specific antibody to Toxoplasma gondii by using Latex agglutination test and ( IgM & IgG) antibodies using ELIZA technique. The serum samples were examined for liver function (serum asparate aminotransferase[AST/GOT], serum alanine aminotransferase[ALT/GPT] and serum alkaline phosphatase ALP); kidney function (serum creatinine and blood urea), in addition to( calcium, potassium and sodium) ions. The results showed that the mean levels of ALT, AST and ALP in addition to urea and creatinine were highly significant increased in the seropositive pregnant women compared with control group. On the other hand, decreased calcium level and increased of potassium level was observed, while no significant effects on the level of sodium. We conclude from this study, the toxoplasmosis affects liver, kidney and some blood ions due to the changes on many biochemical parameters in patients group. ةصلاخلا
Polyphenols Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Taraxacum officinale Extracts Prepared through the Micelle-Mediated Extraction Method

This experiment was conducted with extracts prepared from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg) leaves and flowers, using the micelle-mediated extraction method, with the surface active compound Triton X-100 and water–acetone as the extraction solvents. Extracts were, first, examined for the content of total phenols and the antioxidant capacity. All extracts showed good anti-radical properties, especially for leaves, in comparison to the flower samples. Flavonoids (mainly luteolin derivatives) and phenolic acids, predominated among the determined polyphenols. Quantitative analyses indicated acetone extract to be the richest in phenols (up to 0.535 mg/mL), in the case of dandelion leaves, and Triton X-100 extract in the case of flowers (0.385 mg/mL). Extracts were also evaluated for cytotoxicity to the model cell line (epithelial rabbit kidney cells RK13), using the colorimetric 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and the real-time cell analysis method ((RTCA); xCELLigence system). The obtained results indicated that surfactants, especially non-ionic ones, can be effectively used as modifiers in the aqueous extraction of phenolic compounds from plant materials. An advantage over the traditional organic solvents is their non-flammability. Furthermore, surfactants might also be used at low concentrations. Studies on cell lines, however, indicated the cytotoxic effect of this type of compound, even in the trace amounts present in the extracts.
Can Lycopene Impact the Androgen Axis in Prostate Cancer?: A Systematic Review of Cell Culture and Animal Studies

First-line therapy for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) involves the removal of tumor-promoting androgens by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), resulting in transient tumor regression. Recurrent disease is attributed to tumor adaptation to survive, despite lower circulating androgen concentrations, making the blockage of downstream androgen signaling a chemotherapeutic goal for PCa. Dietary intake of tomato and its predominant carotenoid, lycopene, reduce the risk for PCa, and preclinical studies have shown promising results that tomato and lycopene can inhibit androgen signaling in normal prostate tissue. The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate whether mechanistic evidence exists to support the hypothesis that tomato or lycopene interact with the androgen axis in PCa. Eighteen studies (n = 5 in vivo; n = 13 in vitro) were included in the final review. A formal meta-analysis was not feasible due to variability of the data; however, the overall estimated directions of effect for the compared studies were visually represented by albatross plots. All studies demonstrated either null or, more commonly, inhibitory effects of tomato or lycopene treatment on androgen-related outcomes. Strong mechanistic evidence was unable to be ascertained, but tomato and lycopene treatment appears to down-regulate androgen metabolism and signaling in PCa.
Evaluation of Public School Health and Its Accordance with School Health National Regulations: A Case Study in Kermanshah, Iran

Background: Providing a favorable health status is of high importance for educational buildings and in particular schools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the school health and its accordance with national school health regulations in Kermanshah city, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, the researchers randomized 200 schools and gathered data using a checklist comprising 87 questions, 74 of them on environmental health status and 14 of them on safety status of schools. This checklist designed based on the school health guidelines (developed by the health and work environment center of the Ministry of health, treatment and medical education). In this study, the researchers used only the former and filled out the checklist through visiting schools and interviewing with their staff. The collected data were transferred to the statistics software SPSS version 16.0 and Excel version 2010 and the outputs were presented in tables. Results: Out of the 200 schools surveyed, 66.5% were old(structural dating of more than 10 years), and only 33.5% (67 schools) were new (structural dating of less than 10 years). Among these schools, 99.5% (199 schools) provide healthy tap water places, 98.5% (197 schools) healthy hand washing facilities and 100% (200 schools) healthy toilets. The average level of school buffets health was observed58.5%. The health and optimization status of the studied schools was 92-100% in accordance with article 13 of the regulation. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, there were some problems that include the health status of school buffets, classrooms and toilets, as well as the safety status of theinvestigated schools, so that attention to the health of schools should be among the priorities of the government and the authorities.
Notch Signaling Controls Transcription via the Recruitment of RUNX1 and MYB to Enhancers during T Cell Development

KEY POINTS Notch favors RUNX1 and MYB recruitment to activate enhancer-dependent transcription. These results decipher the mechanism for Tcrd and Tcrg silencing during β-selection. Tcrd and Tcrg display identical developmental programs that depend on the activity of the enhancers Eδ and Eγ being “on” in pre–β-selection thymocytes to activate transcription and V(D)J recombination of the unrearranged genes and “off” in post–β-selection CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes to inhibit transcription of the rearranged genes and avoid the expression of TCR δ- and TCR γ-chains in αβ T lymphocytes. Eδ and Eγ activity depends on transcription factor binding to essential Runx and Myb sites and parallels that of Notch signaling. We performed Notch gain- and loss-of-function experiments and found that Notch signaling activates Tcrd and Tcrg transcription by favoring the recruitment of RUNX1 and MYB to the enhancers. Our results suggest that the dissociation of RUNX1 and MYB from Eδ and Eγ chromatin in double-positive thymocytes, which results in enhancer inactivation, is caused by decreased Notch signaling triggered by pre-TCR signaling, thereby deciphering the molecular mechanism of Tcrd and Tcrg silencing during β-selection. These findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism for gene regulation via Notch signaling through the recruitment of RUNX1 and MYB to enhancer chromatin during thymocyte development. Visual Abstract
Organisms isolated from endotracheal aspirate and their sensitivity pattern in patients suspected of ventilator associated pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia in critically ill patients are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Patients who are mechanically ventilated are at high risk of acquiring respiratory infections due to complex interplay between the endotracheal tube, host immunity and virulence of invading bacteria. To start empiric antimicrobial therapy knowledge of local antimicrobial resistance patterns are essential. Objectives of our study was to study antimicrobial sensitivity among organisms isolated from endotracheal aspirates of patients with VAP. Methods: This is a prospective observational study, done in 100 patients who were mechanically ventilated for various reasons in ICU of our hospital over a period of one year. Clinical parameters, investigation, microbiological profile and sensitive characteristics of endotracheal aspirate was recorded and analyzed. Results: Endotracheal aspirate culture and sensitivity was done in 100 patients.70 samples showed significant growth. Acinetobacter were isolated in 30 samples, Pseudomonas in 24, Klebsiella in 8, Enterobacter in 1, Citrobacter in 1 and Staphylococcus in 6 samples. Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella were highly sensitive to colistin and polymyxin B, intermittently sensitive to meropenem and showed resistance to most of commonly used antibiotics. Conclusions: The commonest organism isolated endo-tracheal aspirate cultures were Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas which was highly sensitive to colistin and polymyxin B. A local antibiogram for each hospital, based on bacteriological patterns and susceptibilities is essential not only to initiate empiric therapy but also to prevent poor outcomes and help in framing the appropriate institutional antibiotic policy.
Factors that influence decision-making for out-of-home placement of Alzheimer's disease patients by caregiver wives

This study addressed the question What influences the decision-making process for out-of-home placement of Alzheimer's diseased (AD) husbands by their caregiver wives? " The sample included 20 caregiver wives of AD patients who were from the Desert Valley Medical Group in Victorville. A perspective was used in which burden was viewed as the mediating force between the AD patient and the impact on the caregiver. Sixty-minute interviews were conducted with the participants. The interview followed the format of a questionnaire which applied the concept of subjective burden and objective burden. The subjective questions regarding the patient were interpreted by the caregiver and included cognitive incapacity, disruptive behavior, and lack of sociability. Impact variables of the caregiver included relationship changes. Included in the. questionnaire was a cost of care index, and utilization of community resources. The findings indicated ten areas which approached significance. Further research is needed on impact of the couple's relationship.
One-Step Low Temperature Hydrothermal Synthesis of Flexible TiO2/PVDF@MoS2 Core-Shell Heterostructured Fibers for Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysis and Self-Cleaning

Novel flexible and recyclable core-shell heterostructured fibers based on cauliflower-like MoS2 and TiO2/PVDF fibers have been designed through one-step hydrothermal treatment based on electrospun tetrabutyl orthotitanate (TBOT)/PVDF fibers. The low hydrothermal temperature avoids the high temperature process and keeps the flexibility of the as-synthesized materials. The formation mechanism of the resultant product is discussed in detail. The composite of MoS2 not only expands the light harvesting window to include visible light, but also increases the separation efficiency of photo-generated electrons and holes. The as-prepared product has proven to possess excellent and stable photocatalytic activity in the degradation of Rhodamine B and levofloxacin hydrochloride under visible light irradiation. In addition, the TiO2/PVDF@MoS2 core-shell heterostructured fibers exhibit self-cleaning property to dye droplets under visible light irradiation. Meanwhile, due to its hydrophobicity, the resultant product can automatically remove dust on its surface under the rolling condition of droplets. Hence, the as-prepared product cannot only degrade the contaminated compounds on the surface of the material, but also reduce the maintenance cost of the material due to its self-cleaning performance. Therefore, the as-prepared product possesses potential applications in degradation of organic pollutants and water treatment, which makes it a prospective material in the field of environmental treatment.
Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Iran’s Under Five-Year-Old Children and the Related Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Children’s health is one of the priorities in most societies. Nevertheless, the highest prevalence rate of malnutrition occurs among under five-year-old children worldwide. Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of malnutrition in Iranian children through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Also we tried to identify the most prevalent factors causing malnutrition. Data Sources: The required data were collected by searching the keywords of nutrition, malnutrition, under-nutrition, prevalence, epidemiology, etiology, occurrence and Iran in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Index Copernicus, DOAJ, EBSCO-CINAHL, SID, Magiran and Iranmedex. Results: Twenty studies were selected for the final analysis stage, dating from 1999 to 2014. Number of children investigated for wasting, stunting and underweight was 53612, 54312 and 55012 respectively. The results showed that the prevalence of each type of malnutrition, in terms of wasting, stunting and underweight were 7.8% (95% CI: 4.8% 12.6%), 12.4% (95% CI: 8.3% 18.5%) and 10.5% (95% CI: 7.1% 15.4%), respectively. Parents’ educational level, in particular mothers’, gender, birth weight, the place of residence, and mother’s occupation were mentioned as important factors causing malnutrition. Conclusion: The rate of malnutrition in Iran’s under five-year-old children is lower than the average of that in world and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Breastfeeding, the proper use of complementary feeding, and the principled spacing between births and improving the quality of maternal care have important role in prevention of malnutrition.
Outcome of paraquat poisoning - a five year study

Paraquat poisoning, characterized by multi organ failure and pulmonary fibrosis with respiratory failure, is widely reported worldwide. However, the data from our country is scanty. The present study includes 17 patients of paraquat poisoning over 5 years period. Thirteen patients (76.5%) developed acute renal failure. Eight patients needed dialysis (5 received HD and 3 CVVHD). Respiratory failure (53%), digestive tract lesions (53%), hepatic involvement (47%), multi organ failure (47%) and circulatory failure (30%) were the other morbid events. The overall mortality was 35%. Late referral, multi organ failure, respiratory failure and circulatory failure were correlated to the mortality.