Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial and toxicological evaluation of ethanol leaf extract of Salacia lehmbachii

Abstract The leaves of Salacia lehmbachii are used ethnomedically across Africa for the treatment of different diseases its antimicrobial activity as well as toxicological profile were evaluated. Antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococus aureus, Shigella species, Eschericha coli and Proteus mirabilis were compared with Gentamycin. Toxicological investigation was determined by administering 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the ethanol leaf extract to male Wistar rats for 21 days with distilled water as control. Hematological and biochemical parameters as well as the vital organs were examined. The ethanol extract inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, S. aureus, Shigella species, E. coli and P. mirabilis to varying extents. The LD50 in rats was greater than 5000 mg/kg. Toxicological evaluation of the extract did not produce any significant effect on hematological and biochemical parameters and vital organs in rats. S. lehmbachii ethanol leaf extract did not demonstrate antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. Neither did it show any non-toxic effect on the parameters investigated in rats. Thus the extract can be considered safe when administered orally.
Banded vs. non‐banded Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

We aim to review the available literature on patients with morbid obesity treated with banded (BRYGB) or non‐banded Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (NBRYGB), in order to compare the clinical outcomes and intraoperative parameters of the two methods. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane library and Scopus databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria incorporating 3899 patients. This study reveals similar rates of complications, mortality, remission of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnoea, along with similar % excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. In contrast, according to an analysis of two eligible studies the BRYGB procedure was associated with increased %EWL at 5 years postoperatively. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of statistical arms and randomized controlled studies. However, the present article represents the best available evidence in the field. Well‐designed, randomized controlled studies, comparing BRYGB to NBRYGB, are necessary to further assess their clinical outcomes.
Using Virtual Reality to Create an Observational Assessment of Adolescent Resistance to Antisocial Peer Pressure

Resistance to antisocial peer pressure consistently relates to adolescent adjustment. However, it is typically measured via a mono-method, self-report approach. The current study introduces a virtual reality (VR) protocol to create an observational measure of adolescents’ responses to peer pressure to engage in antisocial activities. Data on the reliability and validity of the assessment procedure are presented. Participants (N = 264, 46% male, M age = 18.17 years, 81% White) provided self-reports of susceptibility to antisocial peer pressure, antisocial behavior, dating violence perpetration, and depressive symptoms. Participants also engaged in 9 VR simulations, 4 of which involved antisocial peer pressure. Participant behavior in the VR simulations was coded for resistance to antisocial peer pressure. Approximately half the sample repeated the VR simulations at a 2-month follow-up. Resistance to antisocial peer pressure in 4 VR simulations evidenced item/simulation-level convergent validity with one another and discriminant validity against scores in 5 VR bystander behavior simulations. When scores from the 4 antisocial peer pressure VR simulations were summed into a total scale score, they demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, 2-month test–retest correlations, convergent validity with self-reports of susceptibility to antisocial peer pressure, and criterion validity with self-reports of antisocial behavior and dating violence perpetration. Associations with antisocial behavior and dating violence perpetration held after accounting for self-reports of susceptibility to antisocial peer pressure and participant gender. Results provide evidence that VR simulations may offer a psychometrically sound addition to self-report measures as a method for assessing responses to antisocial peer pressure.
Co-production of MCR-1 and NDM-5 in Escherichia coli isolated from a colonization case of inpatient

Colistin is increasingly used as an antibiotic of last resort for treating carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has been increasingly reported in Enterobacteriaceae around the world. Of particular concern is the spread of mcr-1 into carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, which results in highly drug-resistant strains that are potentially untreatable. Notably, such mcr-1-carrying isolates harboring carbapenemase genes have been reported in animals and patients with infection. Here, we report an Escherichia coli strain carrying co-transferable mcr-1-harboring IncX4 and blaNDM-5-harboring IncX3 plasmids, which was recovered in the context of fecal colonization.
Identification of Novel Target for Osteosarcoma by Network Analysis

Background Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly complicated bone cancer involving imbalance of signaling transduction networks in cells. Development of new anti-osteosarcoma drugs is very challenging, mainly due to lack of known key targets. Material/Method In this study, we attempted to reveal more promising targets for drug design by “Target-Pathway” network analysis, providing the new therapeutic strategy of osteosarcoma. The potential targets used for the treatment of OS were selected from 4 different sources: DrugBank, TCRD database, dbDEMC database, and recent scientific literature papers. Cytoscape was used for the establishment of the “Target-Pathway” network. Results The obtained results suggest that tankyrase 2 (TNKS2) might be a very good potential protein target for the treatment of osteosarcoma. An in vitro MTT assay proved that it is an available option against OS by targeting the TNKS2 protein. Subsequently, cell cycle and apoptosis assay by flow cytometry showed the TNKS2 inhibitor can obviously induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and mitotic cell death. Conclusions Tankyrase 2 (TNKS2), a member of the multifunctional poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), could be a very useful protein target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Mutational Profile of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in an Endemic Goiter Region of North India

Introduction: Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is regularly altered in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Serine/threonine-protein kinase B-Raf (BRAF) V600E mutations were observed very frequently in PTC along with less frequent rat sarcoma (RAS) and rearranged during transfection (RET) gene, also known as RET/PTC translocation. The present study aimed to analyze the mutational profile of PTCs from an endemic Goiter area of North India. Methodology: Tissues from 109 PTC patients were used to isolate DNA and RNA. BRAF V600E was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RAS mutations were screened by using Sanger's sequencing method. RET/PTC rearrangements were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 51.38% (56/109) of PTCs, whereas RAS mutations were less frequent. No RET/PTC rearrangements were observed. BRAF V600E was found to be associated with the aggressive clinicopathological features such as lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, higher tumor-node-metastasis stages, and high-risk groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of BRAF V600E is high in patients from Indian Subcontinent and found to be associated with aggressive features of PTC. Concomitant mutations of BRAF V600E and RAS mutations impart more aggressiveness to PTCs.
Residual smear layer after root canal instrumentation by using Niti, M-Wire and CM-Wire instruments: A scanning electron microscopy analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of residual smear layer after root canal instrumentation by using Ni-Ti, M-Wire, and CM-Wire instruments. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two mandibular incisors were randomly divided into six groups according to the system used: WaveOne (WO), Reciproc (RP), Unicone (UC), ProTaper Next (PN), Mtwo (MT), and HyFlex (HF). Afterward, the specimens were cleaved in the mesiodistal and buccolingual direction for analysis by scanning electron microscopy. Results: Considering both directions and root canal thirds, there was no difference between HF, MT, and PN. RP, UC, and WO presented a significant difference between the directions, and the cervical third showed a significantly smaller quantity of residual smear layer compared with the apical third. When the systems were compared among them, there was a significant difference only between RP and WO. Conclusions: Residual smear layer observed after instrumentation with the different systems was similar, except for quantities between the reciprocating systems.
Exploring Spatial Trends and Influencing Factors for Gastric Cancer Based on Bayesian Statistics: A Case Study of Shanxi, China

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. To detect the spatial trends of GC risk based on hospital-diagnosed patients, this study presented a selection probability model and integrated it into the Bayesian spatial statistical model. Then, the spatial pattern of GC risk in Shanxi Province in north central China was estimated. In addition, factors influencing GC were investigated mainly using the Bayesian Lasso model. The spatial variability of GC risk in Shanxi has the conspicuous feature of being ‘high in the south and low in the north’. The highest GC relative risk was 1.291 (95% highest posterior density: 0.789–4.002). The univariable analysis and Bayesian Lasso regression results showed that a diverse dietary structure and increased consumption of beef and cow milk were significantly (p ≤ 0.08) and in high probability (greater than 68%) negatively associated with GC risk. Pork production per capita has a positive correlation with GC risk. Moreover, four geographic factors, namely, temperature, terrain, vegetation cover, and precipitation, showed significant (p < 0.05) associations with GC risk based on univariable analysis, and associated with GC risks in high probability (greater than 60%) inferred from Bayesian Lasso regression model.
Warming springs and habitat alteration interact to impact timing of breeding and population dynamics in a migratory bird

In seasonal environments, increasing spring temperatures lead many taxa to advance the timing of reproduction. Species that do not may suffer lower fitness. We investigated why black‐tailed godwits (Limosa limosa limosa), a ground‐breeding agricultural grassland shorebird, have not advanced timing of reproduction during the last three decades in the face of climate change and human‐induced habitat degradation. We used data from an 11‐year field study to parameterize an Integral Projection Model to predict how spring temperature and habitat quality simultaneously influence the timing of reproduction and population dynamics. We found apparent selection for earlier laying, but not a correlation between the laying dates of parents and their offspring. Nevertheless, in warmer springs, laying dates of adults show a stronger positive correlation with laying date in previous springs than in cooler ones, and this leads us to predict a slight advance in the timing of reproduction if spring temperatures continue to increase. We also show that only in landscapes with low agricultural activity, the population can continue to act as a source. This study shows how climate change and declining habitat quality may enhance extinction risk.
Acupuncture for postherpetic neuralgia

Background: Acupuncture is widely used for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in China but its effect is unclear. We aim to evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture for PHN. Methods: The Cochrane Skin Group Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the gray literature were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture alone versus no treatment/another active therapy/sham acupuncture, or comparing acupuncture with another active therapy versus the same active therapy were included. Results: Seven RCTs comparing acupuncture versus pharmacologic therapy were included. Meta-analysis was conducted for acupuncture's effect on PHN evaluating by pain intensity. Results from 2 RCTs showed that compared with pharmacologic therapy, acupuncture was better in decreasing the pain intensity measured by visual analog scale score (mean difference: 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.72–1.87; P < .001). The limitations of the study are as follows: only trials comparing acupuncture versus pharmacologic therapy were included and all of the included trials were performed in China. Conclusion: There was not enough evidence to suggest that acupuncture was superior to pharmacologic therapy in improving global impression or life quality. No adverse effects about acupuncture were reported. In all, acupuncture is safe and might be effective in pain relieving for patients with PHN. Given the low quality of included studies, the results are not conclusive and more large-scale RCTs with high quality are needed.
Collateral Damage: What Effect Does Anti-CD4 and Anti-CD8α Antibody–Mediated Depletion Have on Leukocyte Populations?

Anti-CD4 or anti-CD8α Ab–mediated depletion strategies are widely used to determine the role of T cell subsets. However, surface expression of CD4 and CD8α is not limited to T cells and occurs on other leukocyte populations as well. Using both unbiased t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding of flow cytometry data and conventional gating strategies, we assessed the impact of anti-CD4 and anti-CD8α Ab–mediated depletion on non–T cell populations in mice. Our results show that anti-CD4 and anti-CD8α Ab injections not only resulted in depletion of T cells but also led to depletion of specific dendritic cell subsets in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, the extent of this effect varied between mock- and virus-infected mice. We also demonstrate the importance of using a second, noncompeting Ab (clone CT-CD8α) to detect CD8α+ cells following depletion with anti-CD8α Ab clone 2.43. Our study provides a necessary caution to carefully consider the effects on nontarget cells when using Ab injections for leukocyte depletion in all experimental conditions.
Big Data Analytics Technologies and Platforms: A Brief Review

A plethora of Big Data Analytics technologies and platforms have been proposed in the last years. However, in 2017, only 53% of companies are adopting such tools. It seems that the industry is not convinced about Big Data promises or maybe choosing the right technology/platform requires in-depth knowledge about the capabilities of all these tools. Before deciding the right technology or platform to choose from, the organizations have to investigate the application/algorithm needs and the advantages and drawbacks of each technology/platform. In this paper, we aim at helping organizations in the selection of technologies/platforms more appropriate to their analytic processes by offering a short-review according to some categories of Big Data problems as processing (streaming and batch), storage, data integration, analytics, data governance, and monitoring.
Acute renal toxicity of sodium chlorate: Redox imbalance, enhanced DNA damage, metabolic alterations and inhibition of brush border membrane enzymes in rats

Sodium chlorate (NaClO3) is widely used in paper and pulp industries and as a non‐selective herbicide. Humans can be exposed to NaClO3 through contaminated drinking water due to its improper and unchecked usage in industries and as herbicide. NaClO3 is also present as a major stable by‐product in drinking water that has been disinfected with chlorine dioxide. In this study, we have investigated the effect of a single acute oral dose of NaClO3 on rat kidney. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into one control and four NaClO3 treated groups that were orally given different doses of NaClO3 and euthanized 24 hr after the treatment. Oral administration of NaClO3 resulted in increased hydrogen peroxide levels, lipid, and protein oxidation while thiol and glutathione content and activities of brush border membrane enzymes were decreased in kidney in a NaClO3 dose‐dependent manner. Significant alterations in the activities of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant defense were also observed. Administration of NaClO3 induced DNA fragmentation and increased DNA–protein cross‐linking. Histological studies showed marked damage in kidney from NaClO3 treated animals. These results strongly suggest that NaClO3 induces nephrotoxicity via redox imbalance that results in DNA and membrane damage, metabolic alterations and brush border membrane enzyme dysfunction.
An exploratory study of libraries and their managers: Management education for leaders of non-traditional businesses

Where do library directors, and the librarians who perform various management functions as part of their work, receive their management training? A review of the curricula of 48 library school programs accredited by the American Library Association revealed that, for the most part, library managers need to be trained on the job. This paper presents the results of an exploratory study focused on the research question: Do ALA accredited library education programs properly prepare library students to enter management level positions within the library profession? Of the programs reviewed, 43.8% did not require a management-related course within its degree requirements. And 81.3% of the programs did not require an internship. A review of program syllabi revealed that only 58.3% of the management courses included human resource management and only 54.2% included strategy, planning and process. The results offered evidence that the library profession has not yet agreed upon the requirements for preparing future librarians for managerial positions. It is suggested that the accreditation requirements be revised in order to better prepare library school students for the role of manager
The data do not seem to support the effect of stretch training on increasing muscle thickness

Scand J Med Sci Sports 27(12):1597-1604, 2017 describes the efficacy of stretch training on increasing gastrocnemii muscle thickness. However, the reported data does not seem to support the author's conclusions, based on the presented results. This letter discusses the issues with the paper. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Phytopathogenic Bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum Cryptic Plasmids Distribution.

Information on the extrachromosomal elements occurrence in phytopathogenic bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum is insuffciently presented in modern scientifc literature. Data on the pectobacteria plasmid content are random. Aim The aim was to study the Pectobacterium carotovorum plasmids spectra, cryptic plasmids distribution and general characteristics. Materials and Methods Plasmid spectra of 54 strains of different origins were studied. Standard hot alkaline Kado and Liu method was used to isolate plasmids DNA [Kado C.J., Liu S. -T. Rapid procedure for detection and isolation of large and small plasmids. J. Bacteriol. 1981; 145 (3): 1365–1373]. Results It was found that 16 strains contained plasmids of various sizes. Isolated plasmids belonged to four discrete size classes: 2.5 – 6.8, 9.8 – 16.7, 47.7 – 64.5 and 129 kb. Approximately 50 % of the isolated P. carotovorum plasmids belonged to the second discrete size class with a size of 8.7 – 10.4 kb. Four large 129 kb P. carotovorum plasmids had unique primary DNA sequence according to results of restriction analysis. Conclusions Pectobacteria plasmids isolation results correlate with data obtained earlier that 30 % of strains contained plasmids [Tovkach FI. [Isolation and preliminary characterization of cryptic plasmids from Erwinia carotovora]. Microbiology. 2001; 70 (6): 804–810. Russian]. Strains` plasmid maintenance was associated with environmental and ecological niches where bacteria persisted. These extrachromosomal DNAs may present silent "selfsh", and probably prophage, replicons.
Podocyte-Specific Induction of Krüppel-Like Factor 15 Restores Differentiation Markers and Attenuates Kidney Injury in Proteinuric Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND Podocyte injury is the hallmark of proteinuric kidney diseases, such as FSGS and minimal change disease, and destabilization of the podocyte's actin cytoskeleton contributes to podocyte dysfunction in many of these conditions. Although agents, such as glucocorticoids and cyclosporin, stabilize the actin cytoskeleton, systemic toxicity hinders chronic use. We previously showed that loss of the kidney-enriched zinc finger transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) increases susceptibility to proteinuric kidney disease and attenuates the salutary effects of retinoic acid and glucocorticoids in the podocyte. METHODS We induced podocyte-specific KLF15 in two proteinuric murine models, HIV-1 transgenic (Tg26) mice and adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy, and used RNA sequencing of isolated glomeruli and subsequent enrichment analysis to investigate pathways mediated by podocyte-specific KLF15 in Tg26 mice. We also explored in cultured human podocytes the potential mediating role of Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1), a transcription factor critical for podocyte differentiation. RESULTS In Tg26 mice, inducing podocyte-specific KLF15 attenuated podocyte injury, glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and inflammation, while improving renal function and overall survival; it also attenuated podocyte injury in ADR-treated mice. Enrichment analysis of RNA sequencing from the Tg26 mouse model shows that KLF15 induction activates pathways involved in stabilization of actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, and podocyte differentiation. Transcription factor enrichment analysis, with further experimental validation, suggests that KLF15 activity is in part mediated by WT1. CONCLUSIONS Inducing podocyte-specific KLF15 attenuates kidney injury by directly and indirectly upregulating genes critical for podocyte differentiation, suggesting that KLF15 induction might be a potential strategy for treating proteinuric kidney disease.