Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evening Primrose Oil Ameliorates Hyperleptinemia and Reproductive Hormone Disturbances in Obese Female Rats: Impact on Estrus Cyclicity

Obesity is a public health burden disturbing all body functions and reproductive hormones. As obesity increases among females, there will be a rising challenge to physicians in care from fertility problems. Evening primrose oil (EPR oil) contains essential fatty acids including omega-6 linoleic acid with strong anti-inflammatory activity. Since EPR oil has utility in alleviating dysmenorrhea, this study aimed to ascertain its modulatory effect on systemic inflammation, reproductive hormones and estrus cycle irregularity in female obese rats. Thirty-two female rats were distributed to 4 groups: (i) normal, (ii) dietary obese-control female rats, and (iii and iv) dietary obese female rats treated with EPR oil (5 or 10 g/kg). Rats were examined for estrus regularity by taking vaginal smears daily during the last 2 weeks of the experiment. Serum level of insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and inflammatory cytokines was measured. In addition, serum lipid profile, and liver enzyme activities were estimated. Adipose tissues were taken for histopathologic examination as well as determination of gene expression for leptin, leptin receptors, adiponectin, and visfatin. Obese rats exhibited significant weight gain (90.69 ± 8.9), irregular prolonged estrus cycles (83.33%), increased serum levels of insulin, leptin, prolactin and testosterone and decreased gonadotropin levels. EPR oil exhibited a curative effect on obesity-related irregularity in estrus cycle and ovarian pathology. The underlying molecular mechanism may be related to reduction of systemic inflammation, alleviating insulin resistance and modulation of adipokine expression. EPR oil may be considered as a promising therapeutic intervention against obesity-related female hormonal disturbances and estrus irregularity.
Taxonomic Organization of the Family Brucellaceae Based on a Phylogenomic Approach

Deciphering the evolutionary history of pathogenic bacteria and their near neighbors may help to understand the genetic or ecological bases which led to their pathogenic behavior. The Brucellaceae family comprises zoonotic pathogenic species belonging to the genus Brucella as well as the environmental genus Ochrobactrum for which some species are considered as opportunistic pathogens. Here, we used a phylogenomic approach including a set of 145 Brucellaceae genomes representative of the family diversity and more than 40 genomes of the order Rhizobiales to infer the taxonomic relationships between the family’s species. Our results clarified some unresolved phylogenetic ambiguities, conducting to the exclusion of Mycoplana spp. out of the family Brucellaceae and the positioning of all Brucella spp. as a single genomic species within the current Ochrobactrum species diversity. Additional analyses also revealed that Ochrobactrum spp. separate into two clades, one comprising mostly environmental species while the other one includes the species considered as pathogens (Brucella spp.) or opportunistic pathogens (mainly O. anthropi, O. intermedium, and O. pseudintermedium). Finally, we show that O. intermedium is undergoing a beginning of genome reduction suggestive of an ongoing ecological niche specialization, and that some lineages of O. intermedium and O. anthropi may shift toward an adaption to the human host.
Probing the Thermodynamic State of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) Up to 1 AU

Several earlier studies have attempted to estimate some of the thermodynamic properties of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) either very close to the Sun or at 1 AU. In the present study, we attempt to extrapolate the internal thermodynamic properties of 2010 April 3 flux rope CME from near the Sun to 1 AU. For this purpose, we use the flux rope internal state (FRIS) model which is constrained by the kinematics of the CME. The kinematics of the CME is estimated using the STEREO/COR and HI observations in combination with drag based model (DBM) of CME propagation. Using the FRIS model, we focus on estimating the polytropic index of the CME plasma, heating/cooling rate, entropy changing rate, Lorentz force and thermal pressure force acting inside the CME. Our study finds that the polytropic index of the selected CME ranges between 1.7 and 1.9. This implies that the CME is in the heat-releasing state (i.e., entropy loss) throughout its journey from the Sun to Earth. The hindering role of Lorentz force and contributing role of thermal pressure force in governing the expansion of the CME is also identified. On comparing the estimated properties of the CME flux rope from the FRIS model with the in situ observations of the CME taken at 1 AU, we find relevant discrepancies between the results predicted by the model and the observations. We outline the approximations made in our study of probing the internal state of the CME during its heliospheric evolution and discuss the possible causes of the observed discrepancies.
Evaluation of the genomic alterations in the androgen receptor gene during treatment with high-dose testosterone for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer

Introduction: Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has been characterized by a reactivation of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway via alterations in androgen metabolism and AR aberrations. High-dose testosterone (HDT) is emerging as an active treatment in metastatic CRPC, however, biomarkers of response are unknown. We hypothesized that responses to HDT might impact the genomic expression of AR alterations found in circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA). Methods: Retrospective analysis of mCRPC patients treated with HDT (testosterone cypionate q 2–4 weeks) with available clinical and somatic genomic data using a commercially available assay (Guardant360, Redwood City, CA). Clinical outcomes included PSA response (PSA50), time to PSA progression (TPP) and safety. Results: A total of 33 mCRPC patients were treated with ≥2 testosterone cypionate injections. ctDNA testing revealed alterations in AR (39%), TP53 (48%), and DNA repair genes (12%). HDT was given for median of 4.0 months (95% CI, 2.6–5.3) with 24% of PSA50. Twenty patients were re-challenged with abiraterone (n = 2) or enzalutamide (n = 18) with 30% PSA50. Significant (grade ≥3) adverse events were observed in 5% of patients (grade 4 thrombocytopenia and asthenia). Patients with median baseline ctDNA% of ≥1.10 had numerically worse TPP outcomes and all patients with AR alterations exhibited decreased AR expression post-HDT (n = 9), yet no association between clinical outcomes and ctDNA findings was observed. Conclusions: HDT led to a decrease in AR copy number and mutations which was independent from responses to therapy. Further understanding of the genomic alterations as potential predictor of response to HDT is needed.
Efficacy and safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Introduction Calcineurin inhibitors, novel topical immunomodulators, may constitute a superior alternative for glucocorticosteroids in atopic dermatitis (AD) topical treatment. Aim Determination of efficacy and safety of each topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) formulation, 0.3% or 0.1% tacrolimus and 1% pimecrolimus, for the treatment of moderate to severe AD in comparison with glucocorticosteroids. Material and methods Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, GREAT database, trials registers and reference lists were searched up to February 2018. Randomised controlled trials of TCI, compared to corticosteroids (TCS), reporting efficacy or safety outcomes were selected. Quality of trials and evidence of each outcome were evaluated according to Cochrane Collaboration recommendations and tools. The primary outcomes were physician’s global assessment of improvement and occurrence of adverse events (AEs). Results Fourteen trials involving 7376 children and adults with AD were included. Calcineurin inhibitors were significantly more effective than various potency TCS, neither least potent to lower mid-strength nor mid-strength to potent TCS (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.44). The major AEs were skin burning and pruritus, their incidence was higher in TCI treatment (RR = 3.32, 95% CI: 2.90–3.80; RR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.34–1.80). Conclusions Calcineurin inhibitors seem to be more effective and contrarily they elicit more AEs than TCS.
Effectiveness Hand Washing and Hand Rub Method in Reducing Total Bacteria Colony from Nurses in Medan

BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is a major problem for the patient’s health care and may impact the duration of treatment. Hand hygiene is a simple procedure but giving good prevention usually done among nurses at the hospital. AIM: Objective of the study is to determine the effectivity of handwashing method compared to hand rub to eliminate microorganisms on nurse’s hands at Sumatera Utara University Hospital. This is an experimental analytic study using random sampling technique. METHODS: There were 16 nurses enrolled in this study. There were 2 groups involved; the first group using handwashing with soap and the other one using hand rub. The swabs were taken from each hand from both groups before and after washing their hands. Moreover, the swabs directly sent to Microbiology Laboratory of Sumatera Utara University to identify bacteria which colonise the hand. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between using handwashing method compared to hand rub in reducing total bacterial colony on hands (p = 0.088). The average of total colony decreased by using handwashing method is 59.5%, and by using a hand, rub is 47.2%. CONCLUSION: Hand hygiene method using alcohol-based hand rub liquid has been recommended by WHO and can replace hand washing method in a particular situation.
Molecular evidences confirm the taxonomic separation of two sympatric congeneric species (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Neritidae, Neritina)

Abstract A reliable taxonomy, together with more accurate knowledge of the geographical distribution of species, is a fundamental element for the study of biodiversity. Multiple studies on the gastropod family Neritidae record three species of the genus Neritina in the Brazilian Province: Neritina zebra (Bruguière, 1792), Neritina virginea (Linnaeus, 1758), and Neritina meleagris Lamarck, 1822. While N. zebra has a well-established taxonomic status and geographical distribution, the same cannot be said regarding its congeners. A widely cited reference for the group in Brazil considers N. meleagris a junior synonym of N. virginea. Using a molecular approach (phylogenetic, species delimitation, and statistical parsimony network analyses), based on two mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S), this study investigated if N. virginea and N. meleagris are distinct species. The molecular results confirmed the existence of two strongly supported distinct taxonomic entities in the Brazilian Province, which is consistent with the morphological descriptions previously proposed for N. virginea and N. meleagris. These species occur in sympatry in the intertidal sandstone formations of Northeastern Brazil. Despite the great variation in the colour patterns of the shells, the present study reinforced previous observations that allowed the differentiation of these two species based on these patterns. It also emphasized the importance of the separation of these two clades in future studies, especially those conducted in the Brazilian Province, since these species may cohabit.
Development and Characterization of Anti-Inflammatory Coatings for Implanted Neural Probes

Si-multi-electrode arrays implanted into brain tissue for long-term recording lose electrical connectivity due to the post-implantation inflammatory reaction. This inflammatory reaction creates a physical and electrical gap between the electrode site and the surrounding neurons. In this study, novel nitrocellulose-based coatings were developed for the sustained delivery of the anti-inflammatory neuropeptide α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). α-MSH was incorporated in micron-scale nitrocellulose coatings and slow, sustained release over 21 days was attained in vitro. The α-MSH released on day 21 was still bioactive, and successfully inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production by lipopolysacchride (LPS) stimulated microglia. The amount of initial drug loading directly affected the release rate, with higher initial loading increasing the mass released but not the percent of drug released. The surface morphology and thickness of the coatings was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometry. In 1 Zhong Y. , Bellamkonda R.V. , 2005. Controlled release of anti-inflammatory agent alpha-MSH from neural implants. J Control Release. 106(3), 309-318.
Neurotoxicities associated with checkpoint inhibitors: Two case reports and a review of the literature

We report a case of nivolumab‐induced delayed‐onset aseptic meningitis and a case of limbic encephalitis and peripheral nerve palsy with toxicity relapse 6 months after initial presentation. The atypical presentations contribute to our knowledge of these rare events and reinforce the necessity for vigilant monitoring and a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Possible use of organic compounds on shelf life and quality properties of peeled pomegranate

Abstract Pomegranate cultivar (“Ardestani”) peeled and packed in polyethylene containers and treated with different natural products. Two concentrations of Aloe vera gel (10 and 15%), two different levels of saffron petal extracts (10 and 20% V/V) and two concentrations of saffron style extract (0.1 and 1% V/V) and control in one storage condition (7°C and 85% RH) were the treatments that applied by a full factorial randomized method. We examined natural substances for their possible application in extending the shelf life of fresh‐cut horticultural products to find a new approach for packaging and exporting pomegranates. About 13.8% mass loss in the 12th day of storage occurred because of higher enzymatic activity and lower membrane resistance. Our results show that all treatments significantly reduced mass loss, and Aloe vera gel treatments combined with saffron petal extract were the best. Although all treatments decreased ion leakage, Aloe vera gel and saffron petal extract reduced it significantly. Ion leakage incidence of arils at day 12 was lower in Aloe vera gel and saffron petal extract treatment compare to control. Application of both saffron extracts on arils reduced decay incidence and chilling injury from 86.67% to 6.67% and 60% to 26.67%, respectively. Total acidity, soluble solids content, total phenol content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity of arils changed differently in different treatments, and saffron petal extract significantly was the best one and increased anthocyanin content, total phenol content, and antioxidant capacity in arils. The microbial contamination increased in more extended storage, although both saffron extracts were successfully suppressed mold and bacteria growth below acceptable limits in 14 days at 7°C.
Health lipid indices and physicochemical properties of dual fortified yogurt with extruded flaxseed omega fatty acids and fibers for hypercholesterolemic subjects

Abstract The aim of the present study was to prepare designer yogurt for the hypercholesterolemic subject. The yogurts were prepared from sheep and cow milk by fortifying omega fatty acids and dietary fibers of extruded flaxseed powder (EFSP). The EFSP, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii sub sp bulgaricus at 2% were added for yogurt formation. The water retention capacity, fat adsorption capacity, swelling, and solubility of EFSP were 14.38 ± 3.16 g/g, 5.31 ± 0.93 g oil/g, 25.57 ± 1.35 ml/g, and 30.53 ± 8.5%, respectively. The proximate value of protein content increased significantly from 4.12% to 5.12%. Total fat content increased from 3.50% to 4.28%. Total dietary fibers increased from 0% to 24.14%. Significant increase was observed in C18:1n9 and C18:2n6 fatty acid contents. The omega‐3 (18:3n3) was significantly increased higher as compared to other omega fatty acids in fortified yogurts. Atherogenicity index (IA: 2.23 ± 0.41 to 1.42 ± 0.23) and thrombogenicity index (IT: 1.68 ± 0.95 to 0.65 ± 0.01) were significantly decreased while the ratio of hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesteremic fatty acids (HH: 0.82 ± 0.05 to 1.29 ± 0.46) increased significantly in sheep milk yogurt. IA (2.74 ± 0.31 to 1.48 ± 0.08) and IT (1.84 ± 0.28 to 0.39 ± 0.04) were also decreased significantly while HH (0.54 ± 0.05to 1.12 ± 0.02) increased significantly in cow milk yogurt. Δ9‐desaturase (18) index was found highest (75.67 ± 8.04) in EFSP‐fortified sheep milk yogurt and lowest (62.27 ± 8.65) in cow milk yogurt while Δ9‐desaturase (16) index was maximum (6.21 ± 1.25) in cow milk yogurt and minimum (3.93 ± 1.38) in EFSP‐fortified sheep milk yogurt. Significant effect on consistency, firmness, viscosity index, and cohesiveness was also noticed in fortified yogurts. EFSP has also significant impact on colony formation of stains culture. The fortified product got good flavor and textural acceptance score. Thus; EFSP improved the health lipids quality and physicochemical characteristics. It can act as a good stabilizer and texturizer in yogurt formation and a healthy alternative for hazardous adulterants used in yogurt formation.
First report of Meloidogyne javanica (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae) infecting Scoparia dulcis, a medicinal plant in Brazil

Abstract Medicinal plants Scoparia dulcis showing symptoms caused by root-knot nematodes were detected in the municipality of Cachoeira do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Based on the morphological, esterase phenotypes, and molecular analyses of the mitochondrial DNA region between the cytochome oxidase subunit II and 16S rRNA genes (mtDNA) and species-specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR), the causal agent of the observed symptoms was identified as Meloidogyne javanica. Pathogenicity was confirmed by fulfilling a modified version of Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. javanica infecting S. dulcis in Brazil.
Pathogenic mutations and overall survival in 3,084 patients with cancer: the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group Precision Medicine Initiative

Background: We evaluated the association between pathogenic mutations and overall survival (OS) in patients with cancer referred to Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group–affiliated Departments. Patients and methods: Patients referred from 12/1980 to 1/2017 had molecular testing (for research) of archival tumor tissue collected at the time of first diagnosis (non-metastatic, 81%; metastatic, 19%). Tumor-specific gene panels (16-101 genes) were used to identify pathogenic mutations in clinically relevant genes. NGS genotyping was performed at the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Annotation of mutations was performed at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Results: We analyzed 3,084 patients (median age, 57 years; men, 22%) with sequencing data. Overall, 1,775 (58% of 3,084) patients had pathogenic mutations. The median follow-up was 7.52 years (95% CI, 7.39-7.61). In patients with non-metastatic tumors, after stratification by tumor type, increasing age, higher grade, and histology other than adenocarcinoma were associated with shorter OS. OS was also shorter in patients with pathogenic TP53 (HR=1.36; p<0.001), MLL3 (HR=1.64; p=0.005), and BRCA1 (HR=1.46; p=0.047) mutations compared to wild-type genes. In multivariate analyses, independent prognostic factors predicting shorter OS were pathogenic mutations in TP53 (HR=1.37, p=0.002) and MLL3 (HR=1.50, p=0.027); increasing age (HR=1.02, p<0.001); and increasing grade (HR=1.46, p<0.001). In patients with metastatic cancer, older age and higher grade were associated with shorter OS and maintained their independent prognostic significance (increasing age, HR=1.03, p<0.001 and higher grade, HR=1.73, p<0.001). Conclusions: Analysis of molecular data reveals prognostic biomarkers, regardless of tissue or organ of origin to improve patient management.
Validation of revisited self-directed learning readiness scale for nursing education among Iranian nursing and midwifery students

BACKGROUND: Self-directed learning readiness scale for nursing education (SDLRSNE) was first edited in Fisher and King Learning, which was an alternative for self-directed learning readiness. OBJECTIVES: The present research aims at reinvestigating the subscale factor structure of this tool and present evidence regarding its validity and reliability. METHODS: In this cross-psychometric study, 379 students completed SDLRSNE, with 29 items and three subscales that were selected by conducting simple random sampling method, from among 1135 nursing and midwifery students at Islamic Azad University of Isfahan (Khorasgan), in 2015–2016 academic years. The data were analyzed using SPSS20 and Lisrel8.5 Software. The mentioned data were studied by utilizing descriptive standards and inferential tests such as Cronbach's alpha coefficients, Spearman–Brown, Gutmann, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). RESULTS: According to the proper fitness indicators, CFA of 29 items clearly distinguishes self-directing into three elements, including self-management, desire for learning, and self-control. Results demonstrated that all three scale elements have high internal consistency coefficients. CONCLUSION: Results exhibit that short-form scale for self-directed readiness in Fisher and King learning is a valid and reliable tool for identifying the capabilities of the nursing and midwifery student's self-learning.
New Antibacterial Paper Made of Silver Phosphate Cellulose Fibers: A Preliminary Study on the Elimination of Staphylococcus aureus Involved in Diabetic Foot Ulceration

Aim To evaluate in vitro the antibacterial effect of a paper made of silver phosphate cellulose fibers (SPCF) on Staphylococcus aureus, the most common diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) pathogen when compared with other common commercial products. Methods The antibacterial activity of SPCF samples was evaluated through time with cell counting on agar plates. SPCF samples were then compared with commercial wound care products currently in use in DFU treatments (Silvercel™, Acticoat 7, and Aquacel Ag ExtraTM) through time on agar plates (growth inhibition zones). Results After 6 hours, there was no viable bacterial cell detected on either plate (p < 0.05). There was a net growth inhibition zone for SPCF samples but no significant difference between the two silver concentrations. Compared with common commercial products, SPCF paper provides results equal to Acticoat 7 (p < 0.05) and superior to Aquacel AG ExtraTM and Silvercel™ at lower silver concentrations (p < 0.001). Conclusions These results have shown the efficiency of SPCF paper to eliminate Staphylococcus aureus in these conditions. SPCF papers are effective when compared with other common commercial products and could have an industrial potential in wound care. Infected DFU could benefit from the antibacterial effectiveness of SPCF, but more relevant experimentations related to foot ulcers are needed.