Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of simvastatin on c-myc, cyclin D1 and p53 expression in DMBA-induced breast cancer in mice

One of the most common invasive cancers diagnosed among women is the breast cancer. It was estimated that 14.9 million new cases of breast cancer were identified in 2012 which are expected to reach up to 22 million within the next two decades (Ghoncheh et al., 2016). Breast cancer must be considered as a multifactorial disease with gene-environment interactions (Martin and Weber, 2000). A better understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in cancers is essential for improving of our knowledge and developing new therapeutic protocols against cancers (Ashrafi et al., 2012). Mutations in the protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are termed as gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations which overall lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation (de Leon, 1994). Abstract Introduction: Recently, the therapeutic and antioxidant effects of simvastatin on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA) induced breast cancer have been studied. To gain further understanding of the molecular mechanisms of simvastatin, this study investigated its effects on the expression of c-myc, cyclin D1 and p53 in normal mammary glands and tumors.
Maternal, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes for women with Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder which affects cardiovascular structure and function. With medical advances, more women with MFS experience pregnancy, which may increase maternal and neonatal risk. Existing research has been limited by small or clinical samples. This study examines the association of MFS and adverse maternal, neonatal, and obstetric outcomes.
Higher‐Order Assessment in Gross Anatomy: A Comparison of Performance on Higher‐ Versus Lower‐Order Anatomy Questions between Undergraduate and First‐Year Medical Students

Gross anatomy is considered by many the backbone of medical education. While learning anatomy has a reputation of requiring mainly rote memorization, modern day anatomy education often involves instruction and assessment at cognitive levels that foster higher‐order thinking. In many instances, these higher‐order anatomical concepts are taught to graduate students in healthcare‐related fields, such as medicine. At this level, students are expected to apply and analyze anatomical information since that is what will ultimately be expected of them as professionals. In contrast, undergraduate anatomy education is typically more introductory in nature and often takes place in the setting of a large‐enrollment course that serves as a prerequisite for many health sciences degree programs. In this study, variables related to the assessment of higher‐order concepts in clinical anatomy were compared between first‐year medical students and undergraduate students enrolled in an upper‐level human gross anatomy course. Results demonstrate that undergraduate students perform lower than medical students overall, but the degree of difference in how they perform on higher‐ versus lower‐order questions is comparable. The most notable exception is on practical examinations, where undergraduate students tend to struggle more with applying and analyzing information. Exploration of additional variables provides insight into how the cognitive level being assessed affects the time it takes to answer a question and how different practical examination question types and formats influence student performance. Findings presented in this study have implications for designing anatomy courses and underscore the importance of blueprinting assessments.
Nanofluids for Performance Improvement of Heavy Machinery Journal Bearings: A Simulation Study

Nanofluids have extensive applications in hydrodynamic journal bearings used in heavy industry machinery. Inorganic fullerene-like tungsten disulfide nanoparticles (IF-WS2 NPs) are the most common additive for lubrication purpose due to their excellent mechanical characteristics along with their effect on reducing friction and wear. In this work, a computational simulation approach with discrete phase modeling (DPM) of suspended nanoparticles was used to evaluate the application of the IF-WS2 nanofluid lubricant on load carrying capacity of high-load journal bearings where the normal loads are high, considering the bearing dimensions. For accurate simulation, nanofluid viscosity was calculated considering the aggregation effect of NPs by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of the nanofluids. A benchmark study was first performed to assess the model accuracy. Hydrodynamic lubrication was simulated under different nanofluid weigh fractions. The simulated pressure distribution was then employed to determine the load capacity of the bearing. The results show an approximately 20% improvement of load carrying capacity at 5% weight fraction of WS2-oil nanofluid.
Isolation and Characterization of Phenylpropanoid and Lignan Compounds from Peperomia pellucida [L.] Kunth with Estrogenic Activities

Extracts of Peperomia pellucida [L. ] Kunth have previously been demonstrated to have in vivo estrogenic-like effects, thereby functioning as an anti-osteoporotic agent. However, the compounds responsible for these effects have not yet been determined. Therefore, the aim of this study is to isolate and elucidate potential compounds with estrogenic activity. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified using 1D 1H and 13C-NMR and confirmed by 2D FT-NMR. The estrogenic activity was evaluated using the E-SCREEN assay, and a molecular docking study was performed to predict the binding affinity of the isolated compounds to estrogen receptors. In this experiment, we successfully isolated three phenylpropanoids and two lignan derivatives, namely, 6-allyl-5-methoxy-1,3-benzodioxol-4-ol (1), pachypostaudin B (2), pellucidin A (3), dillapiole (4), and apiol (5). Among these compounds, the isolation of 1 and 2 from P. pellucida is reported for the first time in this study. Activity assays clearly showed that the ethyl acetate extract and its fractions, subfractions, and isolated compounds exerted estrogenic activity. Methanol fraction of the ethyl acetate extract produced the highest estrogenic activity, while 1 and 2 had partial agonist activity. Some compounds (derivates of dillapiole and pellucidin A) also had, in addition, anti-estrogenic activity. In the docking study, the estrogenic activities of 1–5 appeared to be mediated by a classical ligand-dependent mechanism as suggested by the binding interaction between the compounds and estrogen receptors; binding occurred on Arg 394 and His 524 of the alpha receptor and Arg 346 and His 475 of the beta receptor. In summary, we reveal that P. pellucida is a promising anti-osteoporotic agent due to its estrogenic activity, and the compounds responsible for this activity were found to be lignan and phenylpropanoid derivatives. The presence of other compounds in either the extract or fraction may contribute to a synergistic effect, as suggested by the higher estrogenic activity of the methanol fraction. Hence, we suggest further research on the osteoporotic activity and safety of the identified compounds, especially regarding their effects on estrogen-responsive organs.
Genetic structure is stronger across human-impacted habitats than among islands in the coral Porites lobata

We examined genetic structure in the lobe coral Porites lobata among pairs of highly variable and high-stress nearshore sites and adjacent less variable and less impacted offshore sites on the islands of Oʻahu and Maui, Hawai‘i. Using an analysis of molecular variance framework, we tested whether populations were more structured by geographic distance or environmental extremes. The genetic patterns we observed followed isolation by environment, where nearshore and adjacent offshore populations showed significant genetic structure at both locations (AMOVA FST = 0.04 ∼ 0.19, P < 0.001), but no significant isolation by distance between islands. In contrast, a third site with a less impacted nearshore site showed no significant structure. Strikingly, corals from the two impacted nearshore sites on different islands over 100km apart with similar environmentally stressful conditions were genetically closer (FST∼ 0, P = 0.733) than those within a single location less than 2 km apart (FST= 0.041∼0.079, P < 0.01). Our results suggest that ecological boundaries appear to play a strong role in forming genetic structure in the coastal environment, and that genetic divergence in the absence of geographical barriers to gene flow may be explained by disruptive selection across contrasting habitats.
Anti-Sclerostin Antibodies in Osteoporosis and Other Bone Diseases

The Wnt pathway is a key element of bone remodeling; its activation stimulates bone formation and inhibits bone resorption. The discovery of sclerostin, a natural antagonist of the Wnt pathway, promoted the development of romosozumab, a human monoclonal antibody directed against sclerostin, as well as other anti-sclerostin antibodies. Phase 3 studies have shown the efficacy of romosozumab in the prevention of fractures in postmenopausal women, against placebo but also against alendronate or teriparatide and this treatment also allows bone mineral density (BMD) increase in men. Romosozumab induces the uncoupling of bone remodeling, leading to both an increase in bone formation and a decrease in bone resorption during the first months of treatment. The effect is attenuated over time and reversible when stopped but transition with anti-resorbing agents allows the maintenance or reinforcement of BMD improvements. Some concerns were raised about cardiovascular events. Therefore, romosozumab was recently approved in several countries for the treatment of severe osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with high fracture risk and without a history of heart attack, myocardial infarction or stroke. This review aims to outline the role of sclerostin, the efficacy and safety of anti-sclerostin therapies and in particular romosozumab and their place in therapeutic strategies against osteoporosis or other bone diseases.
Parasite viability is a superior measure of anti-malarial drug activity in humans.

BACKGROUND Artemisinin derivatives are the leading class of antimalarial drugs due to their rapid onset of action and rapid clearance of circulating parasites. The parasite clearance (PC) half-life measures the rate of loss of parasites from blood after treatment, and this is currently used to assess antimalarial activity of novel agents and to monitor resistance. However, a number of recent studies have challenged the use of PC to measure drug activity, arguing that many circulating parasites may be non-viable. METHODS Plasmodium falciparum infected subjects (n=10) in a malaria volunteer infection study were administered a single dose of artesunate (2 mg/kg). Circulating parasite concentration was assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Parasite viability after artesunate administration was estimated by mathematical modelling of the ex vivo growth of parasites collected from subjects. RESULTS We showed that in artemisinin-sensitive infection, viable parasites declined to <0.1% of baseline within 8 h after artesunate administration, while the total number of circulating parasites measured by qPCR remained unchanged. In artemisinin-resistant infections over the same interval, viable parasites declined to 51.4% (SEM: 4.6%) of baseline. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that in vivo drug activity of artesunate is faster than is indicated by the PC half-life.
Experimental investigation of various pellet geometries to reduce strains in zirconium alloy cladding

In the quest to reduce cladding strain from power ramps and thereby reduce the incidence of defects, various aspects of pellet geometry have been examined. The influence of pellet end squareness was investigated in steady-power irradiation of UO/sub 2/ with end tapers well in excess of the currently allowable deviation from end squareness, and no increase in postirradiation cladding strains was noticeable. Five ramp tests were performed to examine the effects of pellet length-to-diameter ratio, the width of the load-bearing annulus (shoulder) at the dished end, and the effect of adding a small 45/sup 0/ edge chamfer. Although cladding strains were significantly reduced by changes in pellet geometry, there appears little incentive to do so from the viewpoint of preventing Zircaloy cracking, since defects occurred in rods that had lower overall strains than those that survived.
The Response of Common Bean to Sulphur and Molybdenum Fertilization

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of sulphur and molybdenum fertilization on the yield and chemical composition of common bean seeds. A field experiment was conducted in southeastern Poland in 2012–2014. The scheme of the study included the following treatments: O-control, Mo-molybdenum (100 g·ha−1), SBS-sulphur before sowing (50 kg·ha−1), SFA-sulphur foliar application (50 kg·ha−1), Mo + SBS-molybdenum (100 g·ha−1) and sulphur before sowing (50 kg·ha−1), and Mo + SFA-molybdenum (100 g·ha−1) and sulphur foliar application (50 kg·ha−1). After harvesting, the following determinations were made in bean seeds: content of nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, methionine, and cysteine. Application of Mo increased seed yield and protein and methionine content, as well as the content and uptake of P, Mg, and Ca in common bean seeds. Sulphur application had a positive effect on seed yield (13.6% increase) and protein content. Moreover, sulphur improved the biological value of protein by increasing the content of methionine, cysteine, and some macroelements. The most beneficial effects were obtained when both molybdenum and sulphur were used in fertilization. Considering the yield-producing effect and the impact on the biological quality of protein, sulphur fertilization should be included in the crop management for the common bean.
Life History of the Endemic Saddleback Crayfish, Faxonius medius (Faxon, 1884), (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Missouri, USA

The saddleback crayfish, Faxonius medius (Faxon, 1884), is endemic to a single drainage in eastern Missouri, USA, that is affected by heavy metals mining, and adjacent to a rapidly-expanding urban area. We studied populations of F. medius in two small streams for 18 months to describe the annual reproductive cycle and gather information about fecundity, sex ratio, size at maturity, and size-class structure. We also obtained information about the speciesâ€™ density at supplemental sites. The species, though rare in a geographic context, is locally abundant; we captured a monthly average of more than 75 F. medius from each of the two study populations. Densities of F. medius were high relative to several sympatric species of Faxonius Cope, 1872 and Cambarus Erichson, 1846. The species exhibited traits of an r-strategist life history; it was relatively short-lived and early to maturity. Its fecundity and egg size were comparable to Ozark congeners. Breeding season occurred in autumn, perhaps extending into early winter. Egg brooding occurred primarily in April. Young-of-year first appeared in samples in June. We estimated that these populations contained 2 to 3 size-classes, and most individuals became sexually mature in their first year of life. Life history information presented herein will be important for future conservation efforts.
Desenvolvimento de nanocápsulas de poli(ácido lático) contendo óleo essencial de capim-limão e avaliação contra fungos fitopatogênico

A producao agricola brasileira atingiu 226,5 milhoes de toneladas em 2018, sendo Mato Grosso, Parana e Rio Grande do Sul os estados responsaveis pela maior parte da producao do pais. Dentre os desafios da producao agricola esta o controle de doencas causadas por fitopatogenos como, por exemplo, o Colletotrichum gloeosporioides e o Colletotrichum acutatum. Esses fungos sao os causadores das doencas conhecidas como podridao da uva madura e antracnose, as quais sao geralmente controladas com fungicidas contendo piraclostrobin, metiram e tetraconazol. No entanto, alimentos livres de agroquimicos sao uma demanda crescente da sociedade mundial. Isso passa a exigir, principalmente da comunidade cientifica, acoes para um controle eficiente e seguro das fitopatologias. Os oleos essenciais, os quais sao produtos do metabolismo secundario de plantas, apresentam propriedades antifungicas e sao vistos como uma alternativa aos fungicidas comerciais. Porem, os oleos essenciais sao altamente volateis e fotodegradaveis, o que inibe a sua acao a longo prazo. Assim, esse trabalho objetivou o desenvolvimento de nanocapsulas de PLA contendo oleo essencial de capim-limao (NCs-PLA-OECL), com o proposito de liberacao gradual do oleo. O oleo essencial foi caracterizado por cromatografia a gas acoplada a espectrometria de massas (GC-MS) e indice de refracao antes do desenvolvimento das nanocapsulas, empregando a tecnica de nanoprecipitacao de polimero pre-formado. Os efeitos da concentracao de surfactantes (Tween 80 e Span 60) e do oleo essencial foram avaliados utilizando um planejamento fatorial 23, sendo o diâmetro medio (MD), o potencial zeta (ZP) e a eficiencia de encapsulacao (EE) os fatores de resposta. Apos determinar a melhor condicao de sintese, as nanocapsulas foram adicionalmente caracterizadas por microscopia eletronica de varredura, analise termogravimetrica e infravermelho com transformada de Fourier. A acao fungicida das nanocapsulas foi avaliada frente a ensaio de germinacao dos conidios dos fungos C. gloeosporioides e C. acutatum e, na modalidade in vivo, em macas na presenca de C. gloeosporioides. A metodologia otimizada levou a EE de 99,8%, com MD de 96,4 nm e ZP de -25,2 mV. A concentracao inibitoria minima (MIC) para as duas especies avaliadas na presenca de oleo essencial encapsulado foi de 0,1% v/v. O ensaio pos-colheita com macas mostrou que o oleo essencial encapsulado apresentava diâmetros de lesao ate tres vezes menores do que as macas tratadas com oleo essencial nao-encapsulado e do controle (inoculado).
Islands of Tuberculosis Elimination: An Evaluation of Community-Based Active Case Finding in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Community-based active case finding (ACF) is needed to reach key/vulnerable populations with limited access to tuberculosis (TB) care. Published reports of ACF interventions in Indonesia are scarce. We conducted an evaluation of a multicomponent community-based ACF intervention as it scaled from one district to nine in Nias and mainland North Sumatra. Community and health system support measures including laboratory strengthening, political advocacy, sputum transport, and community awareness were instituted. ACF was conducted in three phases: pilot (18 months, 1 district), intervention (12 months, 4 districts) and scale-up (9 months, 9 districts). The pilot phase identified 215 individuals with bacteriologically positive (B+) TB, representing 42% of B+ TB notifications. The intervention phase yielded 509, representing 54% of B+ notifications and the scale-up phase identified 1345 individuals with B+ TB (56% of notifications). We observed large increases in B+ notifications on Nias, but no overall change on the mainland despite district variation. Overall, community health workers screened 377,304 individuals of whom 1547 tested positive, and 95% were initiated on treatment. Our evaluation shows that multicomponent community-based ACF can reduce the number of people missed by TB programs. Community-based organizations are best placed for accessing and engaging hard to reach populations and providing integrated support which can have a large positive effect on TB notifications.
Self-indulgence and purchasing behavior toward fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) during the inflation time

Inflation is no longer a new thing to Vietnam. Vietnam was in the top ten countries in the world which had the highest inflation rate in 2011 and the threat of inflation always exists till now. Vietnamese consumers, as a result, prepared themselves to cope with the tough economic time. This study’s aim is to study the attitude and behavior of Vietnamese consumers when buying FMCG categories during the inflation time. The research classifies whether Vietnamese consumers have any change in purchase behavior during inflation versus a normal economic situation and their future purchase intention in correlation with their perception towards future macro economics’ context. The study includes the research on several aspects such as the consumers’ attitude towards economy status, needs of self-indulgence, and the change in consumers’ FMCG spending during inflation time as well as their concerns about their future FMCG purchase.
Effect of Hydrated Lime on Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus of Asphalt Concrete Produced in Half-Warm Mix Technology

Half-warm mix asphalt (HWMA) mixtures can be produced at temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 130 °C, depending on the production methods used. The lowest mixing temperature can be achieved by using water-foamed bitumen. The mixture should be characterized by a long service life, defined by the resistance to permanent deformation and high stiffness modulus at temperatures above zero. It is therefore important to ensure the adequately high quality of the bitumen binder. Bitumen 50/70 was provided with appropriate quality foaming characteristics (expansion ratio, ER, half-life, t1/2) by adding a surface-active agent (SAA) at 0.6 wt % before foaming. Then asphalt concrete (AC) 8 S was designed and produced with the recommended water-foamed binder. Hydrated lime, an additive substantially affecting asphalt concrete mechanical parameters, was used at 0, 15, 30, and 45 wt % as a partial replacement for the limestone filler. The influence of the amount of hydrated lime on the content of voids, indirect tensile stiffness modulus at −10 °C, 0 °C, +10 °C, +20 °C, and +30 °C, and the resistance to permanent deformation was investigated. Statistical analysis of the test results showed the quantity of 30% to be the optimum hydrated lime content. The AC 8 S resistance to permanent deformation was determined at the optimum hydrated lime content. The comprehensive evaluation revealed a synergistic effect between bitumen 50/70, modified before foaming with 0.6 wt % SAA and 30 wt % hydrated lime as the limestone filler replacement, and the half warm mixture AC 8 S, in terms of the standard requirements and durability of the HWMA concrete in pavement applications.