Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antipathogenic Potential of a Polyherbal Wound-Care Formulation (Herboheal) against Certain Wound-Infective Gram-Negative Bacteria

This study investigated antipathogenic efficacy of a polyherbal wound-healing formulation Herboheal against three multidrug-resistant strains of gram-negative bacterial pathogens associated with wound infections. Herboheal was evaluated for its quorum-modulatory potential against three different human-pathogenic bacteria, first in vitro through the broth dilution assay and then in vivo in the model host Caenorhabditis elegans. Herboheal at ≥0.1% v/v was able to inhibit (19–55%) in vitro production of quorum sensing-regulated pigments in all these bacteria and seemed to interfere with bacterial quorum sensing by acting as a signal-response inhibitor. This formulation could compromise haemolytic activity of all three bacteria by ∼18–69% and induced their catalase activity by ∼8–21%. Herboheal inhibited P. aeruginosa biofilm formation up to 40%, reduced surface hydrophobicity of P. aeruginosa cells by ∼9%, and also made them (25%) more susceptible to lysis by human serum. Antibiotic susceptibility of all three bacteria was modulated owing to pretreatment with Herboheal. Exposure of these test pathogens to Herboheal (≥0.025% v/v) effectively reduced their virulence towards the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Repeated subculturing of P. aeruginosa on the Herboheal-supplemented growth medium did not induce resistance to Herboheal in this mischievous pathogen, and this polyherbal extract was also found to exert a post-extract effect on P. aeruginosa, wherein virulence of the Herboheal-unexposed daughter cultures, of the Herboheal-exposed parent culture, was also found to be attenuated. Overall, this study indicates Herboheal formulation to be an effective antipathogenic preparation and validates its indicated traditional therapeutic use as a wound-care formulation.
Desolvation Conditions for Production of Sulfasalazine Based Albumin Nanoparticles: Physical Properties

Background: Albumin-based nanoparticles have been used as drug carriers to improve therapeutic effect. This study aimed to produce sulfasalazine (SSZ)-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles by desolvation technique and characterize their physical properties. Drug loading effect was also investigated. Methods: SSZ albumin nanoparticles were batch produced by desolvation technique and lyophilized. Physical characteristics of nanoparticles including size distribution, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency were studied. Results: Nanoparticles were spherical and typically 200–400 nm with low polydispersity (PDI). The zeta potentials of nanoparticles ranged from −21 to −41 mV, which were attributed to BSA and SSZ. The highest actual drug loading was close to 0.5%w/w. The addition of 2% sucrose during lyophilization was essential to avoid cake collapse and the particle sizes increased slightly where their PDI values were low. Although the presence of sucrose led to a slight reduction in zeta potential, it had limited effect on zeta potential of the nanoparticles. The interactions between SSZ and formulation excipients were also confirmed with FTIR and DSC analyses. Conclusion: Desolvation technique produced stable sulfasalazine-loaded nanoparticles that can be administered parenterally.
Heterodimerization of UNC-13/RIM regulates synaptic vesicle release probability but not priming in C. elegans

UNC-13 proteins play an essential role in synaptic transmission by recruiting synaptic vesicles (SVs) to become available for release, which is termed SV priming. Here we show that the C2A domain of UNC-13L, like the corresponding domain in mammalian Munc13-1, displays two conserved binding modes: forming C2A/C2A homodimers, or forming a heterodimer with the zinc finger domain of UNC-10/RIM (C2A/RIM). Functional analysis revealed that UNC-13L’s C2A promotes synaptic transmission by regulating a post-priming process. Stimulus-evoked release but not SV priming, was impaired in unc-10 mutants deficient for C2A/RIM heterodimerization, leading to decreased release probability. Disrupting C2A/C2A homodimerization in UNC-13L-rescued animals had no effect on synaptic transmission, but fully restored the evoked release and the release probability of unc-10/RIM mutants deficient for C2A/RIM heterodimerization. Thus, our results support the model that RIM binding C2A releases UNC-13L from an autoinhibitory homodimeric complex to become fusion-competent by functioning as a switch only.
Current Coverage of the mTOR Pathway by Next-Generation Sequencing Oncology Panels

The mTOR pathway is in the process of establishing itself as a key access-point of novel oncological drugs and targeted therapies. This is also reflected by the growing number of mTOR pathway genes included in commercially available next-generation sequencing (NGS) oncology panels. This review summarizes the portfolio of medium sized diagnostic, as well as research destined NGS panels and their coverage of the mTOR pathway, including 16 DNA-based panels and the current gene list of Foundation One as a major reference entity. In addition, we give an overview of interesting, mTOR-associated somatic mutations that are not yet incorporated. Especially eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs), a group of mTOR downstream proteins, are on the rise as far as diagnostics and drug targeting in precision medicine are concerned. This review aims to raise awareness for the true coverage of NGS panels, which should be valuable in selecting the ideal platform for diagnostics and research.
Feasibility and Health Effects of a 15-Week Combined Exercise Programme for Sedentary Elderly: A Randomised Controlled Trial

There is strong evidence that considerable health benefits can be achieved even with small amounts of physical activity. However, getting people to exercise regularly is a major challenge not least in the elderly population. This study investigated the feasibility and physiological health effects of a pragmatic 15-week exercise programme for sedentary elderly. In a single-blind randomised controlled trial, 45 sedentary 60-83-year-olds (25 women, 20 men) were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to a training group (TG, n=30) or a control group (CG, n=15). The training in TG consisted of a combination of exercise modalities (i.e., strength, aerobic fitness, stability, and flexibility training) performed once a week as supervised group-based training and a weekly home-based training for 15 weeks. Feasibility outcomes were exercise intensity, adherence, and adverse events. The primary outcome was change in aerobic fitness (VO2max/kg). Adherence was high (81%) for the supervised exercise and low (0%) for the home-based exercise. No acute injuries occurred in TG, but 4 subjects (13%) reported considerable joint pain related to training. Average heart rate (HR) during the supervised training was 104±12 beats/min (69.3±8.0%HRmax), with 3.9±7.3% of training time >90%HRmax. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed no between-group differences for aerobic fitness (P=0.790) or any secondary cardiovascular outcomes at 15-week follow-up (resting HR or blood pressure; P>0.05). Compared to CG, bodyweight (-2.3 kg, 95% CI -4.0 to -7.0; P=0.006), total fat mass (-2.0 kg, 95% CI -3.5 to -0.5; P=0.01), and total fat percentage (-1.6%, 95% CI -2.8 to -0.3; P=0.01) decreased in TG. The group-based supervised training had high adherence and moderate exercise intensity, whereas the home-based training was not feasible in this study population. This exercise programme performed once a week did not improve aerobic fitness. Thus, supervised training with more vigorous intensity control appears advisable. Clinical Study registration number is H-15016951.
The impact of poor glycemic control on lipid profile variables in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its related comorbidities are considered an important health issue. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycemic control on lipid profile variables in children with T1DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 274 children (≤19 years of age) with T1DM who had referred to the outpatient clinics of endocrinology in Emam-Hossein Hospital of Isfahan, Iran. Based on American Diabetes Association criteria, patients were divided into two groups including optimal glycemic control (OGC) and poor glycemic control (PGC). Mean lipid level and frequencies of lipid profile abnormalities between the two studied groups were compared. RESULTS: Mean age of the studied population was 13 ± 5.9 years and 133 (48.5%) were boys. A total of 162 (59.1%) and 112 (40.9%) patients had PGC and OGC, respectively. Hypercholesterolemia was the most common dyslipidemia in both groups (33 [29.1%] of OGC and 63 [39.1%] of PGC patients). The frequency of high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly higher in patients with PGC than those with OCG (P = 0.007). The frequencies of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein were also higher in PGC group, but did not reach the significant threshold. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that glycemic control is in association with lipid profile abnormality in patients with T1DM. High LDL was significantly more frequent in patients with PGC than those with OGC. It is recommended to investigate the role of glycemic control on other cardiometabolic risk factors of T1DM patients. Our findings could be used for planning preventative strategies for reducing T1DM-related cardiovascular disease.
Celebrity Cancer on Twitter: Mapping a Novel Opportunity for Cancer Prevention

Social media platforms have the potential to facilitate the dissemination of cancer prevention and control messages following celebrity cancer diagnoses. However, cancer communicators have yet to systematically leverage these naturally occurring interventions on social media as these events are difficult to identify as they are unfolding and little research has analyzed their effect on social media conversations. In this study, we add to the research by analyzing how a celebrity cancer announcement influenced Twitter conversations in terms of the volume of social media messages and the type of content. Over a 9-day period, during which actor Ben Stiller announced that he had been treated for prostate cancer, we collected 1.2 million Twitter messages about cancer. We conducted automated content analyses to identify how often common cancer sites (prostate, breast, colon, or lung) were discussed. Then, we used manual content analysis on a sample of messages to identify cancer continuum content (awareness, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end of life). Chi-square analyses were implemented to evaluate changes in cancer site and cancer continuum content before and after the announcement. We found that messages related to prostate cancer increased significantly more than expected for 2 days following Stiller’s announcement. However, the number of cancer messages that described other cancer locations either did not increase or did not increase by the same magnitude. In terms of message content, results showed larger than expected increases in diagnosis messages. These results suggest opportunities to shape social media conversations following celebrity cancer announcements and increase prevention and early detection messages.
A Simple, Low-Cost and Efficient β-CD/MWCNTs/CP-based Electrochemical Sensor for the Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Methyl Parathion

Based on the β-cyclodextrin/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/carbon paper (β-CD/MWCNTs/CP) composite, a simple, low-cost and efficient electrochemical sensor is first designed in the work for the rapid and sensitive detection of methyl parathion (MP). The characteristic peaks of β-CD and MWCNTs are simultaneously observed in the XRD and FTIR results, and these two materials disperse homogeneously on the surface of CP electrode. The results of electrochemical measurements suggest that the obtained β-CD/MWCNTs/CP composite electrode exhibits remarkable synergetic effect, significantly enhancing the efficiency and sensitivity of electrochemical sensor for the selective adsorption property of β-CD, high electrical conductivity and large surface area of MWCNTs, as well as easy operation of CP electrode. Under the optimal conditions, the β-CD/MWCNTs/CP-based electrochemical sensor exhibits excellent MP determination performance with a low detection limit of 2.4 ng mL -1 (S/N=3) and a wide linear concentration range from 0.01 to 13 μg mL -1 . Given that the CP is not expensive and the construction of CP-based electrochemical sensor can avoid several complex working procedures, this work has a great significance on promoting the more practical electrochemical sensor for the rapid and sensitive detection of MP.
Association of p53 Gene Mutation With Helicobacter pylori Infection in Gastric Cancer Patients and Its Correlation With Clinicopathological and Environmental Factors

Background Gastric cancer is also a leading cancer in Bangladesh like that of the global incidences. It is speculated that environmental, bacterial infection and molecular factors might have been carrying the key role of rising trend of the disease. This study was aimed to investigate the association of mutated p53 gene with of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, clinicopathological and some environmental factors of the gastric cancer patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2015 to December 2016 in a specialized cancer hospital of Bangladesh. Patients were selected randomly who were admitted for surgical intervention after diagnosis as adenocarcinoma of the stomach and physically fit for surgery. After admission proper evaluation of the patients was done. Tissue sample from the gastrectomy specimen along with the blood sample was sent to the related laboratories. After DNA extraction for p53, exons 5 and 6, they were adjusted for proper primer designing. Appropriate sequencing analysis of the result was done. Status of p53 was investigated to see their association with the result of the H. pylori, age and sex, tumor status, smoking and extra salt intake of the patients. Result of the study was calculated and analyzed by Chi-square and binomial logistic regression to find the association amongst them. Results Among the 71 patients, mean age was 52.96 years old, male: female ratio were 48:23, age group above 41 years were 53 (74.6%), proliferative and ulceroproliferative group of the tumor dominated (87.3%). There were 52 cases with (73.2%) p53 mutation. Among the 51 H. pylori positive cases, 41 (80%) had p53 mutation (P = 0.033). Tumor size and lymph node status were found to be associated with the gene mutation (P = 0.05). Age also had strong correlation with the mutation (P = 0.015). Gene mutation was found mostly among the younger (≤ 40 years) group of patients (94.4%). Patient with extra salt intake was also found related with the mutation (P = 0.03). Conclusions Environmental and genetic factors seem to be risk factors for gastric cancer in Bangladesh. Nationwide anti H. pylori drive and further molecular research could elicit the other risk factors which might help to reduce the gastric cancer incidences in the country after taking appropriate measures.
Comparison of postoperative pain intensity after using reciprocating and continuous rotary glide path systems: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain intensity after root canal treatment with One G (OG) vs. R-Pilot (RP) files used for glide path preparation. Materials and Methods Ninety-three single-canaled mandibular premolar teeth with asymptomatic non-vital pulp were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 31): OG, RP, or without glide path (WGP). After creating the glide path, the root canals were prepared using sequential Mtwo rotary files to size 30/0.05. One endodontic specialist carried out single-visit endodontic treatment. The patients were asked to rate the severity of postoperative pain on a visual analogue scale at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the visit. They were also asked to record their intake of prescribed analgesics taken. The data were analyzed using the χ2, Friedman, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results In all 3 groups, postoperative pain decreased significantly at each time interval (p < 0.05). At 24 hours, the OG group had less postoperative pain than the WGP group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the RP group and the others. No statistically significant difference was found among the WGP, OG, and RP groups in postoperative pain intensity at 48 or 72 hours or in analgesic tablet intake at the 3 assessed time intervals. Conclusions The OG group had less postoperative pain than the WGP group in the first 24 hours. The OG and RP systems were similar regarding postoperative pain intensity and analgesic intake.
Oxalate induces type II epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in inner medullary collecting duct cells (IMCD) in vitro and stimulate the expression of osteogenic and fibrotic markers in kidney medulla in vivo

EMT occurs in response to a number of stresses conditions as mechanical stretch, cancer, hypoxia, oxidative stress (ROS), among others. EMT describes a phenotypical change induced in epithelial cells. It is characterized by increases in motility, extracellular matrix synthesis, proliferation, and invasiveness. The present study analyzed if oxalate ions (Ox) could induce EMT in IMCD cells. Ox (0.5 mM) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1 20 ng/mL) exposition during 48 hours increased migration and invasiveness, increased mesenchymal marker expression (Vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin: α-SMA, TGF-β1) and decreased epithelial marker expression (E-cadherin). IMCD stimulated with Ox and TGF-β1 and then exposed to the osteogenic medium during 15 days significantly increased early osteogenic markers (RUNX-2 and Alkaline Phosphatase) expression. Hyperoxaluric mice fed with trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (HPL) presented calcium oxalate crystal excretion, increased in TGF-β1 expression and collagen fibers deposition and increased early osteogenic markers (RUNX-2 and Alkaline Phosphatase) at 60 days. Our in vitro and in vivo results suggest that oxalate induces EMT in inner medulla collecting duct cells and it may be involved in fibrotic tissue development, osteogenic differentiation and calcium crystal production both implicated in nephrolithiasis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Halocella sp. Strain SP3-1, an Extremely Halophilic, Glycoside Hydrolase- and Bacteriocin-Producing Bacterium Isolated from a Salt Evaporation Pond

Halocella sp. strain SP3-1, a cellulose-degrading bacterium, was isolated from a hypersaline evaporation pond in Thailand. ABSTRACT Halocella sp. strain SP3-1, a cellulose-degrading bacterium, was isolated from a hypersaline evaporation pond in Thailand. Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of strain SP3-1. This species has a genome size of 4,035,760 bases, and the genome contains several genes encoding cellulose, hemicellulose, starch-degrading enzymes, and bacteriocins.
Intuitive human interface to a scanning tunnelling microscope: observation of parity oscillations for a single atomic chain

A new way to control individual molecules and monoatomic chains is devised by preparing a human–machine augmented system in which the operator and the machine are connected by a real-time simulation. Here, a 3D motion control system is integrated with an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). Moreover, we coupled a real-time molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to the motion control system that provides a continuous visual feedback to the operator during atomic manipulation. This allows the operator to become a part of the experiment and to make any adaptable tip trajectory that could be useful for atomic manipulation in three dimensions. The strength of this system is demonstrated by preparing and lifting a monoatomic chain of gold atoms from a Au(111) surface in a well-controlled manner. We have demonstrated the existence of Fabry–Pérot-type electronic oscillations in such a monoatomic chain of gold atoms and determined its phase, which was difficult to ascertain previously. We also show here a new geometric procedure to infer the adatom positions and therefore information about the substrate atoms, which are not easily visible on clean metallic surfaces such as gold. This method enables a new controlled atom manipulation technique, which we will refer to as point contact pushing (PCP) technique.
Distribution and status of living colonies of Acropora spp. in the reef crests of a protected marine area of the Caribbean (Jardines de la Reina National Park, Cuba)

The reef crests of the Jardines de la Reina National Park (JRNP) are largely formed by Acropora palmata, but colonies of A. cervicornis and the hybrid A. prolifera are also present. This study shows spatial distribution of colonies, thickets and live fragments of these species in the fore reefs. Snorkeling was used to perform the direct observations. The maximum diameter of 4,399 colonies of A. palmata was measured and the health of 3,546 colonies was evaluated. The same was done to 168 colonies of A. cervicornis and 104 colonies of A. prolifera. The influence of the location and marine currents on a number of living colonies of A. palmata was analyzed. For such purpose, reef crests were divided into segments of 500 m. The marine park was divided into two sectors: East and West. The Caballones Channel was used as the reference dividing line. The park was also divided into five reserve zones. We counted 7,276 live colonies of Acropora spp. 1.4% was A. prolifera, 3.5% A. cervicornis and 95.1% A. palmata. There were 104 thickets of A. palmata, ranging from eight to 12 colonies, and 3,495 fragments; 0.6% was A. cervicornis and the rest A. palmata (99.4%). In the East sector, 263 colonies (3.8% of the total), six thickets (5.8%) and 32 fragments (1%) of A. palmate were recorded. In the same sector, there were 11 fragments (50%) of A.cervicornis and two (2%) colonies of A. prolifera. Health of A. palmata was evaluated as good and not so good in the study area. Health of A. cervicornis was critical and health of A. prolifera was good in all five reserve zones. There was a significant increase in the number of colonies from east to west (Χ2 = 11.5, gl = 3.0, p = 0.009). This corroborates the existence of an important abundance differences between the eastern and the western region of the JRNP. A negative relationship was observed between the number of colonies and the distance from the channel (Χ2 = 65.0, df = 3.0, p < 0.001). The influence of the channel, for the live colonies of A. palmata is greater within the first 2,000 m. It then decreases until approximately 6,000 m, and no significant increase beyond. The orientation of the reef crests significantly influenced the abundance of the colonies (Χ2 = 15.5, df = 2.9, p = 0.001). The results presented here provide a baseline for future research on the status of the populations of Acropora spp. , considering that there has been a certain recovery of the species A. palmata during the last 10–16 years. Given the current status of the populations of Acropora spp. , conservation actions focusing A. cervicornis should be prioritized.