Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of In Vivo Antidiarrheal Activities of Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Dodonaea viscosa L.(Sapindaceae) in Swiss Albino Mice

Traditionally people used Dodonaea viscosa for the treatment of various ailments, including diarrhea. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity of the 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa against castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice models. Different doses of 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were evaluated for their antidiarrheal activities using castor oil–induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal transit, and enteropooling models in Swiss albino mice. At all test doses, the plant extract showed significant (P < .05) inhibition in the frequency of defecation of wet feces and total fecal output as compared to the control group. Similarly, at all dose ranges used the plant extract demonstrated significant (P < .05) reduction in an intraluminal fluid accumulation as compared to the untreated group. Besides, at higher doses, the plant extract also indicated significant (P < .05) antimotility activity in comparison with the control. In conclusion, these findings illustrated that the 80% methanolic leaf extract of D viscosa supported the traditional claim of antidiarrheal activity of the plant though further investigations are warranted.
Protective effects of glycycoumarin on liver diseases

Licorice, an edible and medicinal plant, has long been used to treat various diseases, including liver diseases. Glycycoumarin (GCM) is a representative coumarin compound in licorice with favorable bioavailability feature. Recent studies by us demonstrated that GCM is highly effective against alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity, and liver cancer through mechanisms involved in activation of Nrf2 antioxidant system, stimulation of AMPK‐mediated energy homeostasis, induction of autophagy degradation process, and inhibiting oncogenic kinase T‐lymphokine–activated killer cell‐originated protein kinase activity. In this review, we summarize the findings on the hepatoprotective effect of GCM, discuss the signaling pathways underlying GCM‐induced protective effect on liver diseases, and propose the issues that need to be addressed to promote further development of GCM as a clinically useful hepatoprotective agent.
TAFRO Syndrome Presenting with Retroperitoneal Panniculitis-like Computed Tomography Findings at Disease Onset

TAFRO syndrome is rare, and its pathophysiology remains unclear. We herein report the case of a 66-year-old man who presented at our emergency department with epigastric pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed high-density retroperitoneal panniculus with contrast enhancement. He was treated initially with a protease inhibitor and hydration, to little effect. Anasarca, thrombocytopenia, and renal dysfunction developed gradually, and TAFRO syndrome was diagnosed. He was treated successfully with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, and subsequent CT findings showed improvement. Abnormal CT findings of the retroperitoneum may indicate the early stages of TAFRO syndrome before the presentation of typical ascites.
Root O2 consumption, CO2 production and tissue concentration profiles in chickpea, as influenced by environmental hypoxia.

Roots in flooded soils experience hypoxia, with least O2 in the vascular cylinder. Gradients in CO2 across roots had not previously been measured. The respiratory quotient (RQ; CO2 produced: O2 consumed) is expected to increase as O2 availability declines. A new CO2 microsensor, and an O2 microsensor, were used to measure profiles across roots of chickpea seedlings in aerated or hypoxic conditions. Simultaneous, non-destructive flux measurements of O2 consumption, CO2 production, and thus RQ, were taken for roots with declining O2 . Radial profiling revealed severe hypoxia and ≈0.8 kPa CO2 within the root vascular cylinder. The distance that O2 penetrated into the roots was shorter at lower O2 . The gradient in CO2 was in the opposite direction to that of O2 , across the roots and diffusive boundary layer. RQ increased as external O2 was lowered. For chickpea roots in solution at air-equilibrium, O2 was very low and CO2 was elevated within the vascular cylinder; the extent of the severely hypoxic core increased as external O2 was reduced. The increased RQ in roots in response to declining external O2 highlighted the shift from respiration to ethanolic fermentation as the severely hypoxic/anoxic core became a progressively greater proportion of the root tissues.
Functionally navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation to evoke lingual pressure in stroke survivors with dysphagia and healthy adults: a proof of concept trial

ABSTRACT Background: Post-stroke dysphagia is characterized by reduced corticolingual excitability and lingual pressure; however, it remains unknown if transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) directly facilitates lingual pressure generation. Objectives: To explore optimal procedures for single pulse TMS using neuronavigation to evoke lingual pressure in intact and disrupted neural networks. Methods: Using co-registered functional magnetic resonance imaging, stimulation sites were determined for five healthy adults (Mage = 67) and four stroke survivors with dysphagia and reduced tongue strength (Mage = 66). Evoked lingual pressures were sampled across 45-65% of maximum stimulator output. Healthy participants repeated TMS with a bite block to isolate lingual pressure from off-target stimulation of mandibular elevators. Results: Only one functionally-guided stimulation site fell within previously reported optimal lateral (8-11cm) and anterior (2–4.25cm) coordinates. Lingual pressure was stable prior to pulse and increased linearly with intensity for both groups (p = .005). Post-stroke active motor thresholds were elevated compared to healthy adults (p = .025). Lingual pressure latency remained stable across intensities (p > .05). Jaw stabilization via bite block reduced the mean magnitude of evoked lingual pressure by approximately 16%. Conclusions: Single pulse TMS directly evokes higher lingual pressure and can define motor thresholds in intact and disordered corticolingual pathways. Stimulation sites using neuronavigation in healthy adults and stroke survivors largely differed from external coordinates in the literature that were predominantly established in young adults. Procedures to investigate motor thresholds for lingual pressure generation are proposed. The therapeutic role of TMS to address post-stroke deficits in lingual pressure and corticolingual excitability warrants continued investigation.
Murine maternal dietary restriction affects neural Humanin expression and cellular profile

To understand the cellular basis for the neurodevelopmental effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), we examined the global and regional expression of various cell types within murine (Mus musculus) fetal brain. Our model employed maternal calorie restriction to 50% daily food intake from gestation day 10–19, producing IUGR offspring. Offspring had smaller head sizes with larger head:body ratios indicating a head sparing IUGR effect. IUGR fetuses at embryonic day 19 (E19) had reduced nestin (progenitors), β‐III tubulin (immature neurons), Glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytes), and O4 (oligodendrocytes) cell lineages via immunofluorescence quantification and a 30% reduction in cortical thickness. No difference was found in Bcl‐2 or Bax (apoptosis) between controls and IUGR, though qualitatively, immunoreactivity of doublecortin (migration) and Ki67 (proliferation) was decreased. In the interest of examining a potential therapeutic peptide, we next investigated a novel pro‐survival peptide, mouse Humanin (mHN). Ontogeny examination revealed highest mHN expression at E19, diminishing by postnatal day 15 (P15), and nearly absent in adult (3 months). Subanalysis by sex at E19 yielded higher mHN expression among males during fetal life, without significant difference between sexes postnatally. Furthermore, female IUGR mice at E19 had a greater increase in cortical mHN versus the male fetus over their respective controls. We conclude that maternal dietary restriction‐associated IUGR interferes with neural progenitors differentiating into the various cellular components populating the cerebral cortex, and reduces cerebral cortical size. mHN expression is developmental stage and sex specific, with IUGR, particularly in the females, adaptively increasing its expression toward mediating a pro‐survival approach against nutritional adversity.
Microbial carbon limitation: The need for integrating microorganisms into our understanding of ecosystem carbon cycling

Numerous studies have demonstrated that fertilization with nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increases plant productivity in both natural and managed ecosystems, demonstrating that primary productivity is nutrient limited in most terrestrial ecosystems. In contrast, it has been demonstrated that heterotrophic microbial communities in soil are primarily limited by organic carbon or energy. While this concept of contrasting limitations, that is, microbial carbon and plant nutrient limitation, is based on strong evidence that we review in this paper, it is often ignored in discussions of ecosystem response to global environment changes. The plant‐centric perspective has equated plant nutrient limitations with those of whole ecosystems, thereby ignoring the important role of the heterotrophs responsible for soil decomposition in driving ecosystem carbon storage. To truly integrate carbon and nutrient cycles in ecosystem science, we must account for the fact that while plant productivity may be nutrient limited, the secondary productivity by heterotrophic communities is inherently carbon limited. Ecosystem carbon cycling integrates the independent physiological responses of its individual components, as well as tightly coupled exchanges between autotrophs and heterotrophs. To the extent that the interacting autotrophic and heterotrophic processes are controlled by organisms that are limited by nutrient versus carbon accessibility, respectively, we propose that ecosystems by definition cannot be ‘limited’ by nutrients or carbon alone. Here, we outline how models aimed at predicting non‐steady state ecosystem responses over time can benefit from dissecting ecosystems into the organismal components and their inherent limitations to better represent plant–microbe interactions in coupled carbon and nutrient models.
Perceived stressors of oral hygiene students in the dental environment

Background. University students are exposed to a multitude of stressors that may impact on their performance. The nature of health sciences education generally involves early engagement with patients and communities, which may add to the stressors inherent to university life. There is sparse information on stressors in the oral hygiene educational environment. Objective. To determine perceived stressors and the level of burnout among oral hygiene students at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. Method. A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. The study sample included all students in the Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) degree during 2012 (N=89). A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data. Three parameters were measured, i.e. (i) demographic characteristics; (ii) perceived sources of stress, using a modified Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire; and (iii) burnout, using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results. Respondents were mostly female (74%) and primarily in the 18 - 25-year age group (92%). First- and 2nd-year students identified fear of failing and study load as major stressors. Stressors related to a lack of basic needs were identified as major stressors by 25% of 1st-year students. Third-year students identified clinical quotas, supervision and patients being late as major stressors. MBI scores indicated that students were not at risk for burnout; however, most students (66.2%) scored high on emotional exhaustion (EE). Conclusion. Oral hygiene students identified stressors in their learning environment. There was a progressive increase in EE across academic years. The results suggest that interventions should be tailored for specific academic year groups.
Besnoitia besnoiti bradyzoite stages induce suicidal- and rapid vital-NETosis

Abstract Besnoitia besnoiti is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite, which causes bovine besnoitiosis. Recently increased emergence within Europe was responsible for significant economic losses in the cattle industry due to the significant reduction of productivity. However, still limited knowledge exists on interactions between B. besnoiti and host innate immune system. Here, B. besnoiti bradyzoites were successfully isolated from tissue cysts located in skin biopsies of a naturally infected animal, and we aimed to investigate for the first time reactions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) exposed to these vital bradyzoites. Freshly isolated bovine PMN were confronted to B. besnoiti bradyzoites. Scanning electron microscopy (s.e.m.)- and immunofluorescence microscopy-analyses demonstrated fine extracellular networks released by exposed bovine PMN resembling suicidal NETosis. Classical NETosis components were confirmed via co-localization of extracellular DNA decorated with histone 3 (H3) and neutrophil elastase (NE). Live cell imaging by 3D holotomographic microscopy (Nanolive®) unveiled rapid vital NETosis against this parasite. A significant increase of autophagosomes visualized by specific-LC3B antibodies and confocal microscopy was observed in B. besnoiti-stimulated bovine PMN when compared to non-stimulated group. As such, a significant positive correlation (r = 0.37; P = 0.042) was found between B. besnoiti-triggered suicidal NETosis and autophagy. These findings suggest that vital- as well as suicidal-NETosis might play a role in early innate host defence mechanisms against released B. besnoiti bradyzoites from tissue cysts, and possibly hampering further parasitic replication. Our data generate first hints on autophagy being associated with B. besnoiti bradyzoite-induced suicidal NETosis and highlighting for first time occurrence of parasite-mediated vital NETosis.
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cognitive decline in non-demented adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFAs) are widely considered as nootropic agents that may be beneficial in reversing cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE The present systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted to determine the changes in cognitive function after intervention with LCn-3PUFA supplementation in non-demented adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment. DATA SOURCES Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) were searched systematically along with reference lists of selected articles. STUDY SELECTION Studies were eligible for inclusion if they measured the effect of LCn-3PUFA supplementation on cognition in non-demented adults. DATA EXTRACTION A total of 787 records were screened, of which 25 studies were eligible for inclusion. Treatment effects were summarized as global cognitive function for primary outcome and measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination and individual cognitive domains for secondary outcome. The pooled effect sizes were estimated using Hedge's g and random-effects modeling. DATA ANALYSIS Results from randomized controlled trials indicate that LCn-3PUFAs have no effect on global cognitive function (Hedge's g = 0.02; 95% confidence interval, -0.12 to 0.154), and among the specific cognitive domains, only memory function showed a mild benefit (Hedge's g = 0.31; P = 0.003; z = 2.945). CONCLUSION The existing literature suggests that LCn-3PUFA supplementation could provide a mild benefit in improving memory function in non-demented older adults. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42017078664.
Cognitive demand modulates connectivity patterns of rostral inferior parietal cortex in cognitive control of language

ABSTRACT The inferior parietal cortex (IPC) is involved in different cognitive functions including language. In line with the correlated transmitter receptor-based organization of the IPC, this part of the brain is parcellated into the rostral, the middle and the caudal clusters; however, the tripartite organization of the IPC has not been addressed in studies with a focus on cognitive control of language. Using multiband EPI, in this study we investigated how the rostral IPC contributes to this executive function in bilinguals. In doing so, we focused on the functional connectivity patterns of this part of the cortex with other brain areas in a context characterized with language engagement and disengagement that recruits the neural mechanisms of cognitive control. We found that in switching to L2, which was cognitively less demanding, the right rostral IPC had positive functional connectivity with the anterior division of the cingulate gyrus and the precentral gyrus. However, in switching to L1, which was cognitively more demanding, the right IPC rostral cluster had negative functional coupling with the postcentral gyrus and the precuneus cortex and positive connectivity with the posterior lobe of the cerebellum. In this condition, the left IPC rostral cluster had negative functional coupling with the superior frontal gyrus and the precuneus cortex. Thus, the connectivity patterns of the rostral IPC was influenced by the cognitive demand in an asymmetrical and lateral manner during cognitive control of language.
Challenges in early identification of causes and treatment of cholestasis in patients with hyperthyroidism: a case report and literature review

Early identification of the causes of cholestasis is important for appropriate management of patients with hyperthyroidism. We report a patient who had hyperthyroidism and severe cholestasis after methimazole (MMI) treatment. The patient was diagnosed as having MMI-induced cholestatic hepatitis. Treatment with MMI was stopped at admission to hospital. However, his serum total bilirubin (TBil) level rose from 410.5 µmol/L to 519.9 µmol/L and prothrombin time activity (PTA) dropped from 81.0% to 52.2% in 10 days. To prevent further deterioration of his liver function, plasma exchange was performed three times, and dexamethasone (10 mg, intravenously) was used each time. His PTA rose to 101% and his TBil continued to increase to 669.8 µmol/L after plasma exchange. He was subsequently diagnosed as having thyrotoxicosis-induced cholestasis and treated with radioactive iodine (380 MBq) 2 weeks after admission. His hyperthyroidism was significantly relieved, but the TBil level further increased to 776.8 µmol/L. Three weeks after admission, oral prednisone (30 mg/day) was used in this patient. Subsequently, his TBil levels gradually decreased and his liver function almost normalized within 3 months. We discuss the literature on cholestasis in the context of hyperthyroidism.
Exploring the reproductive ecology of the tropical semifossorial snake Ninia atrata

Based on histological analyses and field studies, this research describes the reproductive ecology of a population of Ninia atrata snakes inhabiting an oil palm plantation. Furthermore, through a multivariate approach, we explored the main drivers of reproductive output in N. atrata. Results showed that prey abundance and food intake were crucial variables contributing to reproductive output. Multiple linear regression models showed that neonates had high sensitivity (R2=55.29%) to extreme changes in climate, which was strongly related to slug and snail abundance variability and microhabitat quality. Reproductive cycles were markedly different between the sexes, being continuous in males and cyclical in females. Despite this variation, reproductive cycles at the population level were seasonal semi-synchronous. Constant recruitment of neonates all year, multiple clutches, high mating frequency, and continuous sperm production characterized the reproductive phenology of N. atrata. In addition, a significant number of previtellogenic females presented oviductal sperm as well as uterine scars, suggesting a high precocity in the species. The main drivers of reproductive output also differed between the sexes. In females, clutch size and secondary follicle variability were highly related to stomach bolus volume, fat body area, and body mass. In males, height of piles of palm leaves and body mass, rather than intrinsic reproductive traits, were the main drivers of sperm production. Nevertheless, in both cases, the relationship between body mass, prey abundance, and food intake suggests that N. atrata follows the income breeding strategy to compensate for reproductive costs and to maximize fitness.
Comorbidity medications are dispensed to more people receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV compared with the general population in Australia.

OBJECTIVES Medical comorbidities occur in more persons with HIV than without HIV. We used a nationally representative 10% sample of 2016 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dispensing data to compare the proportions of antiretroviral therapy (ART)-purchasing and non-ART purchasing patients who also purchased prescriptions for medical comorbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS Each patient who purchased ART was compared with two gender- and age group-matched patients who did not purchase ART in the same year. We calculated the proportions of patients who also purchased co-prescriptions used for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, cancer, low bone mineral density, and mental health, defined using PBS medication coding categories, and the resulting odds ratios. RESULTS A total of 1,973 ART-purchasing patients in our sample were matched to 3,946 non-ART purchasing patients. Compared to non-ART purchasing patients, a greater proportion of ART-purchasing patients also purchased medications for dyslipidaemia (19.8% vs. 16.6%; p-value=0.003), low bone mineral density (1.5% vs. 0.8%; p-value=0.02), and mental health (29.1% vs. 15.3%; p-value<0.0001); a lower proportion purchased diabetes medications (4.8% vs. 6.5%; p-value=0.009). These differences remained when our analysis was restricted to persons>55 years of age. Rates of multimorbidity (dispensed ≥2 medications for chronic conditions) were also higher among ART-purchasing patients (19.0% vs. 15.9%; p-value=0.003). DISCUSSION Using a nationally representative sample of prescription dispensing data, we found that higher proportions of ART-purchasing patients purchased co-prescriptions for common comorbidities compared with non-ART purchasing patients. Our finding that ART-purchasing patients purchased fewer diabetes medications is surprising, but may reflect differences in population characteristics between our two groups.