Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecularly Targeted Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have tremendous utility in many fields, such as clinical diagnosis, medical research and brain science. MRI provides high resolution anatomic images of tissues/organs, and MRS provides functional molecular information related to specific regions of tissues/organs. However, it is often difficult for conventional MRI/MRS to selectively image/probe a specific metabolite molecule other than water and fat. This greatly limits study of the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolism and disease. Herein, we report a novel method for obtaining an exact molecularly targeted MRI and MRS. This method uses the nuclear spin singlet state to select the signals from a specific molecule. Several endogenous molecules in living organism such as N-acetylaspartate and dopamine have been exemplarily imaged and probed as the targeted molecules in the MRI and MRS experiments, demonstrating the unique molecular selectivity of the developed method. Endogenous-molecule-targeted MRI and MRS can be achieved by using the new pulse sequences
LINC00963 Confers Oncogenic Properties in Glioma by Regulating the miR-506/BCAT1 Axis

Background: Glioma is a prevalent disease of the central nervous system with a high incidence and mortality rate. Many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been determined to be critical regulators of glioma oncogenesis. However, the function and mechanism of LINC00963 in glioma have not been fully elucidated. Methods: The expression level of RNAwas determined by qRT-PCR, and the protein level was determined by Western blot analysis. A luciferase activity assay was conducted to verify the interaction between miRNA and lncRNA or the target gene. The proliferation, cell cycle distribution, invasion, and migration were evaluated by MTT, EdU, ﬂ ow cytometry, wound-healing and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. In vivo tumor growth was evaluated in a xenograft nude mouse model. Results: We found that LINC00963 was upregulated in glioma cells and tissues and associated with the poor prognosis of patients with glioma. Ectopic expression of LINC00963 promoted cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, the results of luciferase activity and RNA pulldown assays validated that LINC00963 could act as a molecular sponge of miR-506. Reciprocal repression was found between LINC00963 and miR-506. In addition, BCAT1 was identi ﬁ ed as a target of miR-506, and both the mRNA and protein levels of BCAT1 were reduced by miR-506. In tumor tissues, the expression of BCAT1 was negatively and positively correlated with miR-506 and LINC00963 expression, respectively. The reintroduction of BCAT1 in glioma cells abolished the tumor suppressive function of miR-506 by promoting cell viability and motility. The upregulated LINC00963 and BCAT1 were associated with the aggressive phenotypes of tumors. Conclusion: Our data revealed that LINC00963 confers oncogenic function in the progression of glioma and that the LINC00963/miR-506/BCAT1 axis may be a novel mechanism and therapeutic strategy for this disease. mutation of miR-506 on LINC00963 binding sites.
Potassium Bicarbonate as a Potential Sulphur Substitute in Protected Organic Cropping

Powdery mildew attacks several important crops in greenhouses (e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers). Compared to other airborne pathogens, such as downy mildews (e.g. Pseudoperonospora cubensis or Phytophthora infestans) or Botrytis, the damage is often not very severe. However, an effective control of powdery mildew with organic fungicides gives the possibility to optimize climate conditions to also prevent downy mildews and gray mold. Sulphur, a well established fungicide, is rated as slightly to very harmful to beneficial organisms (Koppert Biological Systems, 2010) and may have a phytotoxic effect on some crops (e.g. melon). Effects of potassium and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) against diseases are well known (Horst et al., 1992). In 2008, the European Commission authorized the use of potassium bicarbonate in organic agriculture (EC, 2008). In this study, the effects of a formulated potassium bicarbonate product, Armicarb® were tested against powdery mildew on tomato, cucumber, melon, rosemary, sage and corn salad. The disease-reducing effect of potassium bicarbonate was comparable to sulfur for most of the tested crops. With protective applications, the efficacy was higher than 90%. However, in melon, where powdery mildew was present before the first spray was applied, efficacy was only 74%. Compared with plant oils or extracts (such as fennel oil, tea tree oil and lecithin), potassium bicarbonate has shown the same or better efficacy. In our experiments, we found no phytotoxicity caused by the potassium bicarbonate product Armicarb®.
Tomographic reconstruction of the ionosphere using generalized singular value decomposition

The total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere, being the line integral of the electron density encou ntered by a transionospheric wave along its path of propagation, does not convey any information about the structures within the ionosphere. In recent years, computer-aided ionospheric tomography (CIT) has been increasingly used for the investigation of ele ctron density distribution in the low and mid-latitude ionosphere. A number of CIT algorithms have been proposed, but they have their individual shortcomings. In this communication, we present a new algorithm based on generalized singular value decomposition technique (GSVD). The algorithm was tested with TEC data generated using the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-1995) model for the Indian low latitudes and measured by the Global Positioning System satellites along a chain of European mid-latitude stations. The reconstructed images using the GSVD technique have been found to match well with the model and the measured data. THE ionospheric total electron content (TEC) has been measured for many years now using the Faraday rotation and differential Doppler techniques. These measurements provide information about the temporal and spatial vari ation of TEC. Multistation TEC data have been used to study the horizontal (latitudinal as well as longitud inal) variation of ionospheric structure. However, since TEC represents the integral of the electron density along the path, the information about the spatial variation of ele ctron density along the path caused by the irregular stru ctures cannot be recover ed using conventional techniques. Austen et al. 1 demonstrated the feasibility of u sing the computerized tomography technique to successfully reconstruct ionospheric structures from TEC data. Computerized tomographic (CT) technique can be used when the line integral of the parameter to be determined (e.g. ele ctron density) is the measured data through the region of interest. CT tec hnique has had a revolutionary impact in the field of medical diagnostic imaging and is now ro utinely used to produce high quali ty images of a section of the human body. The technique has also been applied to the study of ocean structures
Toxicity Profile of Karuho Poison on the Brain of Wistar Albino Rats

Various forms of Karuho poisoning are a common traditional mystery and a public health challenge in Goma city, North Kivu in DRC practiced by unscrupulous people. Its signs and symptoms are commonly mistaken by local communities and medical world with those of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and typhoid fever; with neurological and psychological symptoms. Study investigated sub-acute toxicity of Karuho poison on brain of Wistar albino rats. Laboratory based experimental study was conducted at Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences. A total of 4 Karuho poisons (OMGKRP, DLNKRP, CHKRP and BHKRP) were screened for acute and sub-acute toxicity. Fifty animals, 10 in each group were daily dosed for 28 days with 1 mg, 5 mg, 20 mg and 5000 mg/kg bwt of OMGKRP (most active following screening) and normal saline for control group using OECD 407 and NIH 2011 guidelines. Behavioral changes were noted. Histopathological changes in brain regions were analyzed. Treated rats by OMGKRP, most active Karuho poison, were associated with sign of depression, piloerection and shortness of breath. Histopathological changes revealed moderate diffuse congestion and mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltration (plasma cells, lymphocytes and macrophage) in cerebral region with severe inflammation observed in meninges of cerebellum. OMGKRP poison induced inflammation of meninges of cerebellar region of brain.
In vitro neuroprotective effect of charantin from Momordica charantia against neurotoxin and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells

Aim: The study deals with the evaluation of neuroprotective effect of charantin. Charantin was isolated from Momordica charantia (MC) L. (Bitter gourd) and characterized by performing infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). As it was earlier proved that amyloid beta deposition and cognition are inter-related, neuroblastoma cell lines SH-SY5Y were utilized in this study to prove the effectiveness of charantin on the against neurotoxin and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced cell death. Materials and Methods: Charantin was isolated from MC and characterized using IR, NMR spectroscopy studies. The cell viability analysis and IC50 determination for charantin in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line were performed by MTT assay and neuronal red uptake assay. The neuroprotective effect in SH-SY5Y cells against the MPP+ and ER stress damage was evaluated. The cell viability assays were performed at various concentration ranges from 0.5 to 1 mg/ml. Charantin was added at 0 h, 8 h, and 16 h post the neurotoxin treatment. Brine shrimp lethality assay and MTT assay were also performed to observe the cytotoxicity of charantin at different doses. Results and Discussion: Charantin was found to have a significant IC50 value in SH-SY5Y cells. IN case of MPP+ treatment 0.5 mg, 1 mg/ml concentration of charantin showed significant neuroprotection and improvement in cell viability. In tunicamycin-induced damage, the protection was seen at 0 h and not at 8 h and 16 h post-treatment. At the same time, it has less/no toxicity at therapeutic doses; very high doses may pronounce cytotoxicity. Conclusion: The present investigation shows the neuroprotective effect of MC and charantin obtained from the plant can be employed as a memory enhancer in Alzheimer’s related dementias; further to be evaluated clinically by formulating charantin.
In vitro micropropagation of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) through direct somatic embryogenesis and callus culture.

Efficient and simple protocol for plant regeneration through direct embryogenesis and callus induction is devised here. MS basal medium supplemented with B5 vitamins, 0.8% agar, 30 g/L sucrose, 2, 4-D and picloram were used individually for direct embryogenesis. Picloram showed best results at the concentration of 19 mg/L. Callus induction was achieved by the induction of embryogenic callus from the cotyledonary explants. MS basal medium supplemented with B5 vitamins, 0.7% agar, 30 g/L sucrose and auxins (2, 4-D, NAA) were tested individually for the callus induction. Highest frequency of 87% was observed for embryogenic callus induction at the concentration of 3 mg/L 2, 4-D and in this concentration highly desirable creamy white friable callus formation was observed. MS media supplemented with B5 vitamins, BAP (0.15 mg/L) and IAA (0.20 mg/L) showed best response for regeneration. Total of 81% of plant regeneration was observed from the somatic embryos and 78% from callus. Regenerated plants showed 100% survival and fruit set in green house. © 2011 Friends Science Publishers
In vitro biocontrol activity of Methylobacterium extorquens against fungal pathogens.

Accepted : February, 2009 Biological control is an environmentalfriendly strategy to reduce crop damage caused by plant pathogens. Increasing concerns about pesticide use by the general public and governmental agencies are severely limiting the availability and use of many important pesticides. Fungicides that have been used as standards in many disease control programme have been increasingly regulated. Research efforts with pathogens have indicated that most of the biocontrol organisms either did not control the pathogen or they did not perform as well as selected fungicides. Pink pigmented facultative methylotroph (PPFM) belonging to the genus Methylobacterium are a physiologically interesting group of bacteria that preferentially utilize methanol and other reduced one carbon compounds such as formate and formaldehyde as sole source of carbon and energy via serine pathway (Green, 1992). These are ubiquitous in nature and are thus found in a variety of habitats (Green and Bousifield, 1983), including soil, dust, fresh water, leaf surfaces and nodules. PPFMs isolated from the liverwort stimulated growth and development of the liverwort (Scapania nemorosa) and Streptocarpus prolixus (flowering plant) in tissue cultures, a positive commensal interaction was proposed (Corpe and Basile, 1982). The growth enhancing effects of PPFM on plants in a tissue culture system
Medical Treatment of Osteoporosis/Prevention of Falls

Financial support: None. Conflict of interests: None. The prevention and treatment of fragility fractures is evolving continuously. Adequate fracture care should involve treating the fracture itself as well as the underlying bone disease. Although effective treatments of osteoporosis are available, a large proportion of patients with fragility fractures are not prescribed anti-osteoporotic medications after their injury. Recent advances in diagnostic tools and medications allow for a more effective and comprehensive treatment of fragility fractures.
A Case of Unilateral Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, self-limited disease, characterized by squamous maculopapular lesions on the trunk and proximal extremities [1]. Although viral agents, autoimmunity, drugs and psychogenic status have been proposed as possible etiological factors, the exact cause is uncertain [2]. Recent studies have determined causal role for systemic active Human Herpes Vırus-6 (HHV-6) and Human Herpes Vırus-7 (HHV-7) infection in the pathogenesis of PR. These studies have detected HHV-6 and HHV-7 DNA in plasma, HHV-6 and HHV7 mRNA expression and specific antigens in skin lesions of patients with PR [3-5]. Herpes virus virions have also detected by electron microscopy in skin lesions in patients with PR [6].
Transcriptional responses and AMP transcript diversity in M. galloprovincialis

The present dissertation contains the work done during my PhD in Biotechnology (2009-2011) and, through three published articles, shows how the research group which I worked in has contributed to the development of functional genomics in the mollusc bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis. Using different approaches, we aimed to better understand the peculiarities of a transcriptome only partially investigated, focusing our attention on molecules possibly explaining the mussel innate immunity, defense system that allows the survival of this organism in potentially lethal habitats. Starting from a publicly available collection of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) generated from various tissues of native mussels or from mussels subjected to various stress conditions, we have analyzed and described relevant transcript groups and singletons involved in the mussel immune responses. A selection of these sequences has been used to design a new DNA-microarray platform (Immunochip 1.0), a new tool for the experimental validation of the many gene transcripts possibly playing a role in the sensing, signaling and effector functions of the mussel innate immunity (Venier et al., 2011). DNA microarray platforms are widely used to investigate the expression of thousands of transcripts and, in general, they provide reliable and dynamic measures of transcriptional trends. As far as the genus Mytilus, species-specific platforms and also platforms including probes of evolutionary close species are available (Domeneghetti et al., 2011). Using an advanced sequencing approach, we have finally explored and mapped the transcriptional diversity of nine typical antimicrobial peptides expressed in mussels (defensins, mytilins, myticins and mytimycin): although different one from the other, a high frequency of single nucleotide changes was globally evident (Rosani et al., 2011). These results pave the way to study genetic and epigenetic mechanisms able to explain the observed transcript diversity, yet undetermined in mussel, and to characterize, from a functional point of view, sequence variants expressed in response to different antigenic stimuli
The McMaster Model of Family Functioning.

The model of family functioning being presented is the product of over twenty years of research in clinical work with family units. A method of family therapy has been developed based upon this model and will be described in a future issue. The model utilizes a general systems theory approach in an attempt to describe the structure, organization, and transactional patterns of the family unit. It allows examination of families along the total spectrum ranging from healthy to severely pathological in their functioning. It is based upon a Judaeo-Christian value set, and allows attention to be paid to cultural differences and other issues of cultural relativity.
Route of inoculation and mosquito vector exposure modulate dengue virus replication kinetics and immune responses in rhesus macaques

Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes during blood-feeding via saliva containing biologically-active proteins. Here, we examined the effect of varying DENV infection modality in rhesus macaques in order to improve the DENV nonhuman primate (NHP) challenge model. NHPs were exposed to DENV-1 via subcutaneous or intradermal inoculation of virus only, intradermal inoculation of virus and salivary gland extract, or infectious mosquito feeding. The infectious mosquito feeding group exhibited delayed onset of viremia, greater viral loads, and altered clinical and immune responses compared to other groups. After 15 months, NHPs in the subcutaneous and infectious mosquito feeding groups were re-exposed to either DENV-1 or DENV-2. Viral replication and neutralizing antibody following homologous challenge were suggestive of sterilizing immunity, whereas heterologous challenge resulted in productive, yet reduced, DENV-2 replication and boosted neutralizing antibody. These results show that a more transmission-relevant exposure modality resulted in viral replication closer to that observed in humans.
An Alternative Mesofemoral Shunt for Uncontrolled Variceal Bleeding

Citation: Yi-Ju W, Chih-Che L, Yu-Hung L, Chao-Long C, Huang W, et al. (2018) An Alternative Mesofemoral Shunt for Uncontrolled Variceal Bleeding. Int J Surg Res Pract 5:086. doi.org/10.23937/23783397/1410086 Accepted: September 05, 2018 ; Published: September 07, 2018 Copyright: © 2018 Yi-Ju W, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. International Journal of Surgery Research and Practice Open Access ISSN: 2378-3397
The Science and Technology of Cancer Theranostic Nanomedicines: a primer for Clinicians and Pharmacists

The term “theranostics” refers to simultaneous diagnostic imaging and treatment and “nanotheranostics” refers to the simultaneous diagnostic imaging and treatment that makes use of nanomaterials for selective delivery of an imaging agent and a chemotherapeutic agent to a target organ. Nanocarriers have special properties that make them suitable for design of the theranostic platform. These include enhanced permeation and retention (the EPR effect), the provision for active targeting by attachment of suitable ligands to their surface, and unique optical and magnetic properties. Advanced theranostic systems are multifunctional in that the nanocarrier contains a homing device or targeting agent that directs the carrier to the cancer tissue, an agent for imaging the cancer tissue, and a chemotherapeutic agent to be delivered selectively to the tumor. The core nanomaterial is often surface-modified to facilitate incorporation of the various functionalities. Several types of nanoparticles (NPs) have been employed as imaging and drug delivery agents, including both solid inorganic materials (Fe3O4 NPs, Gadolinium NPs, Gold NPs, carbon nanotubes, semiconductor quantum dots) and organic-based NPs, including liposomes, micelles, dendrimers and polymers. The nanotheranostic platform is capable of simultaneous imaging and therapy, as seen in the case of gold nanoparticles. Gold NPs can generate heat when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, which can kill tumor cells due to hyperthermia. The high atomic number of gold and its X-ray absorption allows simultaneous tumor imaging via the fluorescence quenching effect or by computed tomography. Other methods of imaging such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), fluorescence and ultrasound may also be employed depending on the properties of the nanomaterial, while the tumor killing agent (drug, genes or hyperthermia) is being delivered selectively to the tumor. Molecular imaging can identify the location of the tumor cell within the body as well as provide information about the expression profile and stage of the disease. It can also reveal early tumor response to therapy that will facilitate determination of treatment regimens. Therefore, the incorporation of both diagnostic and therapeutic modalities onto the same nanomaterial is a promising strategy to improving the efficiency and safety of drug delivery systems. This review will focus on the basic science and technology involved in the design and development of Nano platforms capable of simultaneous delivery of diagnostic imaging agents and cancer therapeutic agents.
Barriers to safe-sex behavior change in Zambia: Perspectives from HIV/AIDS psychosocial counselors

Abstract Despite being one of the Sub-Saharan African countries most affected by HIV/AIDS, few studies address the mismatch between continued practices of high-risk sexual behaviors considering increased HIV/AIDS knowledge in Zambia. This article reports findings from an exploratory qualitative study that addressed the research question, “What are the attitudinal, cultural, interpersonal, and contextual barriers to safer sexual behavior change among the Zambian population? ” The study involved semistructured interviews with eight psychosocial counselors from two Zambian cities who provide HIV testing and counseling services. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Findings indicated individual level barriers including gendered differences, adolescent specific barriers, and issues related to illiteracy. Lack of communication and perceived meaning of condom use emerged as factors influencing unsafe sex at partner levels. Community level factors included high rates of poverty, substance abuse, availability of antiretroviral therapy, inconsistent condom supplies, cultural beliefs, unemployment, and limited recreational activities.