Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of malvidin on oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory cytokines in LPS‐induced human THP‐1 cells

Malvidin is an anthocyanin which is involved in inhibiting inflammatory‐related mediators in inflammatory diseases; however, its mechanism of action in THP‐1 cells is not yet known. THP‐1 is a human monocytic cell line that is derived from patients with acute monocytic leukemia. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of malvidin on inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced THP‐1 cells. THP‐1 cells were stimulated with LPS (50 ng/ml) to induce inflammation in the presence or absence of malvidin. The anti/proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Total protein levels/phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), P65‐NF‐κB, and IKKα/IKKβ were evaluated by western blot analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total thiol (T‐SH) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured to evaluate the antioxidant activity of malvidin in THP‐1 cells. Treatment of LPS‐stimulated THP‐1 cells with malvidin (100 and 200 μM) led to the significant inhibition of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α, and IL‐1β messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and protein levels as well as a significant increase in the IL‐10 mRNA expression and protein secretion. Moreover, 200 μM malvidin treatment reduced the phosphorylation of JNK, IKKα/IKKβ, and P65‐NF‐κB. These findings showed that malvidin not only decreased the MDA and NO metabolite levels but also increased the FRAP and T‐SH content as well as SOD and GPx activities. The findings of the present study demonstrated the potential role of malvidin in blocking inflammation and oxidative stress induced by LPS in THP‐1 cell line, suggesting that malvidin is likely to be a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.
Is Oxytocin “Nature’s Medicine”?

Oxytocin is a pleiotropic, peptide hormone with broad implications for general health, adaptation, development, reproduction, and social behavior. Endogenous oxytocin and stimulation of the oxytocin receptor support patterns of growth, resilience, and healing. Oxytocin can function as a stress-coping molecule, an anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant, with protective effects especially in the face of adversity or trauma. Oxytocin influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. These properties of oxytocin may help explain the benefits of positive social experiences and have drawn attention to this molecule as a possible therapeutic in a host of disorders. However, as detailed here, the unique chemical properties of oxytocin, including active disulfide bonds, and its capacity to shift chemical forms and bind to other molecules make this molecule difficult to work with and to measure. The effects of oxytocin also are context-dependent, sexually dimorphic, and altered by experience. In part, this is because many of the actions of oxytocin rely on its capacity to interact with the more ancient peptide molecule, vasopressin, and the vasopressin receptors. In addition, oxytocin receptor(s) are epigenetically tuned by experience, especially in early life. Stimulation of G-protein–coupled receptors triggers subcellular cascades allowing these neuropeptides to have multiple functions. The adaptive properties of oxytocin make this ancient molecule of special importance to human evolution as well as modern medicine and health; these same characteristics also present challenges to the use of oxytocin-like molecules as drugs that are only now being recognized. Significance Statement Oxytocin is an ancient molecule with a major role in mammalian behavior and health. Although oxytocin has the capacity to act as a “natural medicine” protecting against stress and illness, the unique characteristics of the oxytocin molecule and its receptors and its relationship to a related hormone, vasopressin, have created challenges for its use as a therapeutic drug.
A radiobiological study of carbon ions of different linear energy transfer in resistant human malignant cell lines

Abstract Purpose Analysis of elimination of four human radioresistant malignant cell lines to mono-energetic and non mono-energetic incoming carbon ion beams, characterized by different linear energy transfer (LET) qualities is performed. Comparisons with protons from the middle of the therapeutic spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) and reference γ-rays are also included. Materials and methods HTB140 cells were irradiated at five positions, with different LET, along the 62 MeV carbon pristine Bragg peak. To provide reliable reproducibility of irradiations at INFN-LNS, as the carbon Bragg peak is very narrow, precise positioning of samples for desired LET value is complicated. The peak was slightly widened using two ripple filters. After defining irradiation position and LET at the peak itself where cell killing is almost the highest, irradiation position with the same LET value was found within somewhat broadened peak. HTB140, MCF-7, HTB177 and CRL5876 cells were irradiated at the two described positions. Additionally, irradiations in the middle of 62 MeV proton SOBP and reference γ-rays were performed. Doses ranged from 0.5 to 16 Gy. Cell survival and corresponding radiobiological parameters were assessed seven days after irradiations. Results When moving irradiation position along the carbon Bragg curve, LET rises from 85 to 747 keV/µm, while surviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF2) for HTB140 cells, falls from 0.72 to 0.57 further rising to 0.73 on the distal fall-off part of the curve. Improved cell radiosensitivity is seen for the doses below 4 Gy. Relative biological effectiveness (RBE) increases from 4.56 to 7.69 and drops to 4.23. Almost the highest cell killing LET, being ∼200 keV/µm, is used to irradiate HTB140, MCF-7, HTB177 and CRL5876 cells within the pristine and slightly broadened Bragg peak. After irradiations with protons of the mid SOBP, carbon ions of the pristine and slightly widened Bragg peak RBE ranges for HTB140 cells from 2.08, 4.81 to 7.06, for MCF-7 from 1.70, 3.28 to 4.17, for HTB177 from 1.98, 4.18 to 5.08 and for CRL5876 from 1.33, 2.57 to 3.51. Conclusions Significant elimination of HTB140 cells is observed along the carbon Bragg curve. The highest one is achieved by LET that is at the level of already reported. For the same LET, mono-energetic carbon ions provide higher cell elimination than the non mono-energetic. For all cell lines, both carbon ion beams, more the monoenergetic one, express stronger killing rate than protons and especially γ-rays.
Association between blood lead level and risk of stroke in Korean adults: a cross-sectional study in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2013

Objectives Although lead is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, research on this association in the Korean population remains limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between lead level and stroke in Korean adults. Design A population-based cross-sectional study. Setting The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2013, which enrolled a representative sample of the Korean population. Participants We excluded participants younger than 20 years, missing weight data, pregnant or lactating, and missing blood lead and stroke data. A total of 11 510 participants were included in this analysis. Primary and secondary outcome measurement The participants were classified by blood lead concentration into the low-level (≤2.189 µg/dL, n=5756) and high-level (>2.189 µg/dL, n=5754) groups. The main outcome, stroke, was assessed by information from physician diagnosis, prevalence of stroke or treatment for stroke. The ORs and 95% CIs were calculated to evaluate the association between blood lead level and stroke using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Although blood lead level was not significantly associated with stroke (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.66–2.58) in the multivariate-adjusted model, in individuals with hypertension, the high-level group was 2.36-fold higher odds of stroke (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.02–5.44) compared to that in the low-level group. No association was observed in individuals with normotension (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.13–1.38, p for interaction=0.007). Conclusion The association between blood lead concentration and stroke may be influenced by hypertension status. Our findings suggest the need for closer attention to lead exposure in patients with hypertension.
The paradox of HIV prevention: did biomedical prevention trials show how effective behavioral prevention can be?

In the past decade, behavioral HIV prevention has labored under the presumption that it is not very effective. This presumption may be justified, but at best only partly so. Our team, with support from the National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH090173), has spent a decade summarizing evidence of the effectiveness of behavioral HIV prevention interventions [1–19]. Clearly the various interventions for HIV prevention do not have the effectiveness expected of a vaccine – the still-elusive single, one-time intervention to prevent HIV – but the presumption that they have no or limited effectiveness is not justified. Undoubtedly these interventions have contributed to the decline of HIV over the past two decades [20]. On the other hand, the promise of biomedical interventions for HIV – whether treatment or prevention – imagined in many randomized controlled trials is rarely fully realized in real-life application. Common thinking about HIV prevention through behavior change may be characterized by unfounded pessimism, while biomedical interventions may be rewarded by unreal optimism.
Physical Activity, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Stress among the Chinese Adult Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat to global public health due to home confinement policies impacting on physical activity engagement and overall health. This study aimed to explore physical activity participation, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and levels of perceived stress among Chinese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted between 25 February and 15 March 2020. A total of 645 surveys were completed. Participants reported increased sedentary time from pre-COVID-19 period to the COVID-19 pandemic period (p < 0.05). Over 80% of the sample engaged in either low or moderate intensity physical activity. Participants’ average physical component summary score (PCS) and mental component summary score (MCS) for HRQoL were 75.3 (SD = 16.6) and 66.6 (SD = 19.3), respectively. More than half of participants (53.0%) reported moderate levels of stress. Significant correlations between physical activity participation, HRQoL, and levels of perceived stress were observed (p < 0.05). Prolonged sitting time was also found to have a negative effect on HRQoL (p < 0.05). During such periods of home confinement, public health strategies aimed at educating Chinese adults to enhance home-based physical activity may be necessary to maintain health on a population level.
A Scoping Review on Cue Reactivity in Methamphetamine Use Disorder

The experience of craving via exposure to drug-related cues often leads to relapse in drug users. This study consolidated existing empirical evidences of cue reactivity to methamphetamine to provide an overview of current literature and to inform the directions for future research. The best practice methodological framework for conducting scoping review by Arkey and O’Malley was adopted. Studies that have used a cue paradigm or reported on cue reactivity in persons with a history of methamphetamine use were included. Databases such as Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched using key terms, in addition to citation check and hand search. The search resulted in a total of 32 original research articles published between 2006 to 2020. Three main themes with regard to cue reactivity were identified and synthesized: (1) effects of cue exposure, (2) individual factors associated with cue reactivity, and (3) strategies that modulate craving or reactivity to cues. Exposure to methamphetamine-associated cues elicits significant craving and other autonomic reactivity. Evidence suggests that drug cue reactivity is strongly associated with indices of drug use and other individual-specific factors. Future studies should focus on high quality studies to support evidence-based interventions for reducing cue reactivity and to examine cue reactivity as an outcome measure.
Formation of Bifunctional Octasilsesquioxanes via Silylative Coupling and Cross-Metathesis Reaction †

Bifunctional silsesquioxanes create an attractive group of compounds with a wide range of potential applications, and recently they have gained much interest. They are known to be obtained mainly via hydrosilylation, but we disclose novel synthetic protocols based on different but complementary reactions, i.e., cross-metathesis (CM) and silylative coupling (SC). A series of cubic T8 type silsesquioxane derivatives with a broad scope of styryl substituents were synthesized in a one-pot procedure and characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods. All of the new compounds can be obtained in a one-pot manner, which has an attractive impact on the synthetic procedure, as it is economic in terms of the isolation of intermediate products. Additionally, the methodology disclosed here enables the (E)-stereoselective introduction of styrenes derivative to the cubic T8 type core. The presented compounds can be interesting precursors for a further functionalization that may significantly increase the possibility of their application in the design and synthesis of new functional materials.
Anterior lens capsule: biomechanical properties and biomedical engineering perspectives

Anterior lens capsule, as the thickest basement membrane in the body, has its unique physiology characteristics. In ophthalmology, many attempts have been made to culture different kinds of cells including iris pigment epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, corneal epithelium and endothelium cells, trabecular meshwork cells etc and anterior lens capsule has been confirmed to be served as an excellent scaffold for the growth and expansion of different ocular cells. Furthermore, anterior lens capsule also has unique potential in gestation evaluation and the treatment of various ocular diseases, including corneal ulcer, glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration and macular hole, etc. Here, we provide an overview of the biomechanical properties and biomedical engineering perspectives of anterior lens capsule.
Attitudes and Approaches to Use of Meal Replacement Products among Healthcare Professionals in Management of Excess Weight

Meal replacement product-based diets are an effective weight loss intervention used in the management of obesity. Historically, these diets have been underutilised by HealthCare Professionals (HCPs). An online survey of mixed methods design was distributed to HCPs to capture current perceptions and prescribing patterns of meal replacement products (MRPs) in the management of overweight and obesity. A total of 303 HCPs working in weight management across Australia began the survey and 197 (65%) completed it. While over 70% of HCPs have prescribed MRP currently or in the past, MRPs are only prescribed to a median 7% of patients seeking weight management treatment. Qualitative analysis identified potential barriers to MRP prescription, which include experience with patient non-compliance, perceived poor long-term weight loss durability and safety concerns regarding the product and its use as a total meal replacement program. Safety concerns are centred on the perceived risk of weight cycling and its potential negative psychological impact. MRP prescription is 66% more likely to occur if HCPs had formal training in the use of MRPs relative to those who did not, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.7 (95% CI 1.4, 2.0). This study highlights the potential barriers to the prescription of MRPs, which are centred around safety concerns. This also indicates that formal training may enhance the likelihood of prescribing MRPs, suggesting that once HCPs have a comprehensive understanding of the products and the evidence behind their use, their prescription is likely to be increased.
The Synthesis of [14C]Starch From [14C]Sucrose in Isolated Wheat Grains Is Dependent Upon the Activity of Soluble Starch Synthase

Soluble starch synthase activity decreased in isolated wheat grains heated in vials at temperatures between 31 and 40oC; a decrease of more than 50% occurred at 35oC within 30 min. Sucrose synthase activity was not significantly affected by heating and ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase decreased to a lesser extent and more slowly than soluble starch synthase. Wheat grains which were heated for 1 h at 35oC and allowed to recover at 20oC exhibited partial recovery of soluble starch synthase activity within 4 h. These responses in isolated grains to heating resembled effects reported elsewhere in intact ears. Isolated grains were exposed to a range of temperatures for 1 h prior to incubation in [14C]sucrose at 20oC. Within the range 20-40oC, the effect of pretreatment temperature on the activity of soluble starch synthase was highly correlated with the incorporation of 14C into starch. Control coefficients close to unity indicated that the activity of soluble starch synthase imposed a high degree of control on the rate of starch synthesis in this system. These results with isolated grains support a previous suggestion that the activity of soluble starch synthase at elevated temperature in wheat is an important factor limiting the accumulation of dry matter through effects on the synthesis of starch.
Palynological investigation of selected species of family asteraceae using light and scanning electron microscopic techniques

Palynological study on 11 species of family asteraceae, that is, Sonchus asper L. , Gazania rigens L. , Helianthus annus L. , Dahlia pinnata Cav. , Zinnia peruviana L. , Tagetes erectus L. , Glebionis coronaria L. , Calendula officinale L. , Osteospermum ecklonis L. , Centaurea cyanus L. and Cosmos sulphureus Cav. was carried out in Islamia College University Campus. The light microscopy showed that pollens were oblate‐sheroidal (C. cyanus), oblate (Z. peruviana), prolate‐spheroidal (H. annuus, T. erectus, G. coronaria, C. officinale, O. ecklonis, C. sulphureus) and spheroidal (S. asper, G. rigens, D. pinnata) in shape. The pollen was trizonocolporate, tricolporate and echinolophate type, all pollens had echinate ornamentation except G. regins which had reticulate ornamentation under SEM. Maximum Pollens were isopolar and asymmetrical while some were apolar and radially symmetric. The P/E ratio was larger in G. rigens (45/47 μm), T. erectus (45/40 μm) and C. officinale (40/45 μm) while others had smaller P/E diameter. C. sulphureus had 6 μm thick exine when compared to other taxa. The larger number of spines/echini were found on the exine surface of H. annuus and S. asper and the distance between adjacent echini were 4–5 μm in C. cyanus and G. rigens than others which had distance equal to 1–3 μm, while pores were visible on pollen surface of C. cyanus, O. ecklonis, Z. peruviana, H. annuus and G. rigens under light microscope and were invisible on other pollen surfaces. The pollen of family asteraceae members was of stenopalynous type.
Nesting behavior of male and female Undulated Antshrikes (Frederickena unduliger)

Undulated Antshrikes ( Frederickena unduliger ) inhabit dense lowland humid forest understory and, as with other species of antbirds, many aspects of their behavior and ecology are poorly known, especially their breeding biology. We provide the first detailed information about their breeding biology based on three nests monitored in the buffer zone of the Manu National Park, Madre de Dios, Peru, from August to December in 2012 and 2013. Nests ( N = 3) were large cups woven to the crossing of two horizontal branches. Eggs were white with purplish hairlines and spots, and all three clutches consisted of two eggs. Both males and females incubated eggs and fed nestlings, but only females incubated eggs at night. Provisioning rates and time spent brooding nestlings did not differ between the sexes. Most aspects of the nesting behavior of Undulated Antshrikes in our study were similar to those reported for other species of antbirds, including placement and composition nest, clutch size, and provisioning rate. However, incubating behavior and nestling period of antbirds appear to be influenced by body mass, with larger species like Undulated Antshrikes having higher nest attentiveness and longer nestling period compare with smaller species. Additional studies of other species of antbirds are needed to better understand factors that might contribute to similarities and differences in the nesting behavior of thamnophilids. biología reproductiva. Nosotros proveemos la primera información detallada acerca de su biología reproductiva, basados en tres nidos monitoreados entre Agosto a Diciembre durante los años 2012 y 2013, dentro de la zona de amortiguación del Parque nacional Manu, Madre de Dios, Perú. Los nidos ( N = 3) fueron copas grandes entretejidas entre dos ramas horizontales. Los huevos eran blancos con líneas y manchas color purpura, y el tamaño de nidada en los tres nidos fue dos huevos. Tanto la hembra como el macho participaron en la incubación, calentamiento y alimentación de los polluelos, pero únicamente la hembra incubó los huevos durante la noche. La tasa de alimentación y el tiempo destinado al calentamiento de los polluelos no varió entre sexos. La mayoría de los aspectos del comportamiento de anidamiento en el Batará Undulado fueron similares a los reportados para otras especies de hormigueros, incluyendo ubicación y composición de los nidos, tamaño de nidada, y tasa de alimentación de polluelos. Sin embargo, probablemente en los hormigueros, el comportamiento de incubación y el periodo de polluelos están influenciados por la masa corporal, en donde las especies grandes como el Batará Undulado presentan un porcentaje de atención al nido y un periodo de polluelos mayor comparada con las especie pequeñas. Aunque, es necesario estudios adicionales en otras especies para mejorar el entendimiento de los factores que influyen el comportamiento de anidamiento en los thamnophilidos.
Egg Production Traits as Correlated Responses to the Selection for Immune Responses in Chickens

Egg production traits such as egg production, egg weight, egg shell thickness, albumen height and Haugh unit were compared between high responder (HR) and low responder (LR) lines of chickens which were selected for immune responses to rabbit serum albumin over five generations. These traits were also compared between B9/B9 and B11/B11 genotypes of the major histocompatibility B complex in HR line, since B9 and B11 alleles were segregated in the line, but B11 allele was fixed in LR line. From observations on egg production over 173 days, B11/B11 chickens produced significantly more eggs than B9/B9 chickens, whereas difference between the lines within B11/B11 genotype was small and not significant. Egg weight of LR line was a little heavier than that of HR line. Albumen height of HR line was a little higher than that of LR line. Egg shell thickness of LR line was larger than that of HR line. Haugh unit of LR line was larger than those of HR line. Associations of all the traits except egg production with B genotypes were not observed. (Jpn. Poult. Sci., 29: 296-300, 1992)