Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of TRPM7 in cardiac fibrosis: A potential therapeutic target (Review)

Cardiac fibrosis is a hallmark of cardiac remodeling associated with nearly all forms of heart disease. Clinically, no effective therapeutic drugs aim to inhibit cardiac fibrosis, owing to the complex etiological heterogeneity and pathogenesis of this disease. A two-in-one protein structure, a ubiquitous expression profile and unique biophysical characteristics enable the involvement of transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) in the pathogenesis and development of fibrosis-related cardiac diseases, such as heart failure (HF), cardiomyopathies, arrhythmia and hyperaldosteronism. In response to a variety of stimuli, multiple bioactive molecules can activate TRPM7 and related signaling pathways, leading to fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and extracellular matrix production in cardiac fibroblasts. TRPM7-mediated Ca2+ signaling and TGF-β1 signaling pathways are critical for the formation of fibrosis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that TRPM7 is a potential pharmacological target for halting the development of fibrotic cardiac diseases. Reliable drug-like molecules for further development of high-affinity in vivo drugs targeting TRPM7 are urgently needed. The present review discusses the widespread and significant role of TRPM7 in cardiac fibrosis and focuses on its potential as a therapeutic target for alleviating heart fibrogenesis.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the snow petrel, Pagodroma nivea

Abstract The snow petrel, Pagodroma nivea is a small sea bird endemic to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Herein, we assembled a complete mitochondrial genome of the snow petrel as a first revealed genetic resource in Pagodroma family. The mitogenome is 17,279 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. Base composition is 31.3% A, 25.3% T, 30.1% C, and 13.2% G with CG content of 43.4%. These results will provide a useful basis for further genetic and phylogenetic studies of this species.
Evaluation of the Effect of Probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 on Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli Levels in Saliva and Plaque: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Children

Background Probiotic organisms are known to reduce caries causing microorganisms mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Aim of the Study. To evaluate the effect of probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels in saliva and plaque in children. Introduction Dental caries or tooth decay is because of the demineralization of the tooth enamel leading to the breakdown of the enamel causing cavities to be formed. Demineralization of the tooth happens because of the acid secreted by bacteria like mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. It is now suggested that probiotic usage prevents the overgrowth of these pathogenic microbes, thereby reducing caries activity. Methodology. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 48 children with ages ranging from 5 to 15 years were divided into two groups, the probiotic and placebo groups. Chewable tablets with and without probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 were administered for two weeks. Stimulated saliva samples and plaque were collected at baseline and at the end of 14 days to measure the pH, mutans streptococci, and lactobacilli count of saliva and plaque using chairside kits. Results A statistically significant reduction in mutans streptococci and lactobacilli counts of both saliva and plaque samples was observed in the B. coagulans Unique IS2 treated group after 14 days of administration compared to the baseline and placebo group (using paired t-test). Conclusion Probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 (2 billion cfu) chewable tablet is effective in reduction and inhibition of caries causing mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels in saliva and plaque in children.
Charge transfer in the bonding of GaAs

Charge transfer in GaAs is analysed utilising our earlier precise and extensive X-ray diffraction data. The h + k + l = 4n + 2 structure factors are weak, quasi-forbidden with the constituent atoms of nearly equal but opposite scattering. The measured structure factors are all systematically larger than their calculated values over the entire range of sin θ/λ up to about 10 nm -1 . Moreover. they exhibit non-equivalence of inverse reflections with non-zero indices which can arise only from bonding distortion or anharmonicity. A model calculation for the charge transfer in bonding from the III to the V atom, described by a single parameter x, valid over the entire reciprocal space. is proposed and found to yield a precise estimate for x, namely 0.52(0.12) for GaAs (in electron units). This result is in good agreement with the earlier models, and indicates an appreciable core contribution to the charge transfer.
Adverse Effects of Ramadan Fasting in a Girl with Salt-Losing Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Objective Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency in pediatrics. Chronic glucocorticoid replacement is the mainstay of treatment in the classic forms of CAH, and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy is mandatory in the salt-wasting form. Fasting is a mild stressor, which can expose to dehydration, hypotension, hypoglycemia, and acute adrenal crisis in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Case We report the case of an adolescent affected by the classic form with salt-losing CAH, who observed Ramadan for 30 days, without individualized therapeutic management plan. After Ramadan, a dramatic increase of ACTH level (1081 pg/ml, n.v. 6–57), reduced cortisolemia, tendency to hypotension, and weight loss were recorded. She experienced insomnia, intense thirst, asthenia, and headache. The symptoms disappeared restarting the previous therapy schedule and increasing the total hydrocortisone daily dose with progressive restoring of hormonal control. Conclusion Our case confirms that patients with CAH are vulnerable, especially during fasting in Ramadan, with a higher risk of acute adrenal crisis. CAH patients should reform and individualize their treatment plan and be submitted to careful monitoring.
Rapid and substrate-independent layer-by-layer fabrication of antireflection- and antifogging-integrated coatings

The antireflection- and antifogging-integrated coatings are widely useful in daily life because they can effectively enhance the transmission of light and meanwhile considerably prevent water condensation. Herein, we present a rapid, straightforward and substrate-independent method for the fabrication of antireflection- and antifogging-integrated coatings by layer-by-layer deposition of mesoporous silica (MSiO2) nanoparticles and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). Quartz substrates covered with (MSiO2/PDDA)*3 coatings exhibit both antireflection and antifogging properties because the highly porous MSiO2 nanoparticles and their loose stacking in MSiO2/PDDA coatings enable the fabrication of superhydrophilic porous coatings with a low refractive index. A maximum transmittance of 99.9% in the visible spectral range is achieved for the (MSiO2/PDDA)*3 coatings deposited on quartz substrates. The antireflection and antifogging coatings can be conveniently deposited on daily used plastic substrates such as polycarbonate and Columbia resin CR-39. The rapid fabrication of the antireflection and antifogging (MSiO2/PDDA)*3 coatings is benefited from the large dimension and the fast adsorption kinetics of MSiO2 nanoparticles.
Quality of Life Assessment in Diabetic Patients Using a Validated Tool in a Patient Population Visiting a Tertiary Care Center in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Odisha has 4.2 million diabetic patients against the country's 70 million with an urban prevalence of nearly 15.4%. Diabetes is affecting younger age groups, thus having a crucial impact on quality of life of the affected. A qualitative endeavour was attempted at the diabetic clinic of a tertiary care set up in the capital city of Bhubaneswar to create a diabetic surveillance data assembly, wherein subjects above 18 years of age and newly diagnosed or on follow-up, after obtaining informed consent, were made to respond to a quality of life (QOLID) validated tool. The pretested tool has 8-domain role limitation due to physical health, physical endurance, general health, treatment satisfaction, symptom botherness, financial worries, emotional/mental health, and diet advice tolerance. The validated tool had 34 items (questions) that were selected to represent these domains on the basis of extraction communality, factor loading, and interitem and item-total correlations. The final questionnaire had an overall Cronbach's alpha value of 0.894 (subscale: 0.55 to 0.85), showing high internal consistency in the current study population. A score for each domain was calculated by simple addition of items scores. Each individual domain score was then standardized by dividing by maximum possible domain score and multiplying by 100. All individual standardized domain scores were then added and divided by 8 (number of domain) to obtain an overall score. The data collection was done for 400 patients as an interim analysis. Univariate and subsequently multivariate analysis was performed to decide the predictors that affected quality of life. Age over 50 years (OR = 1.81, CI 1.12–2.93; p=0.014), female gender (OR = 2.05, CI 1.26–3.35; p=0.004), having foot complications (OR = 2.81, CI 1.73–4.55; p < 0.001), and having depression (OR = 1.88, CI 1.15–3.06, p=0.011) emerged as predictors of poor QOLID scores. The tool can be made a subtle part of chronic case management of diabetes to ensure patient's participation in the treatment of the disease and to create a database that can redefine diabetic care in India to suit the diverse regional settings in the country.
Pharmacological Network Reveals the Active Mechanism of Qi-Replenishing, Spleen-Strengthening, Phlegm-Dispelling, and Blood-Nourishing Fufang on Coronary Heart Disease

This study aimed to investigate the potential targets and pathways of qi-replenishing, spleen-strengthening, phlegm-dispelling, and blood-nourishing Fufang in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). The composition of Fufang was identified, followed by screening of the active components using ADME. The targets of active components were predicted and screened based on the TCMSP and BATMAN databases and were cross-validated using the CTD database and DisGeNET. A functional enrichment analysis was performed using the ClueGO + CluePedia plugins and clusterProfiler in the R package. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape. Finally, a pharmacological network was constructed. A total of 27 overlapping targets were obtained after cross-validation. ALB, IL-6, and TNF were the hub genes in the PPI network. The pharmacological network included 59 nodes and 189 relation pairs. Among the 59 nodes, there were 2 herbal medicine nodes (Salvia miltiorrhiza and Astragalus mongholicus), 8 chemical component nodes (magnesium lithospermate B, neocryptotanshinone II, heteratisine, daphneolone, tanshinone IIA, tanshinone IIB, soyasapogenol B, and astragaloside II), 27 target protein nodes (such as ALB, TNF, IL-6, NFKB1, APOA1, APOA2, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2), and 22 pathway nodes (such as the toll-like receptor signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway). Therefore, we found that the genes TNF, IL-6, NFKB1, ALB, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, APOA1, and APOA2 might be important targets of the key active compounds neocryptotanshinone II and astragaloside II. These genes targeted by the key active compounds might regulate inflammation-related pathways and the level of albumin and cholesterol in CHD.
Molybdenum cluster chalcogenides Mo6X8: intercalation of lithium via electron/ion transfer

The electrochemical intercalation of lithium at 300 K into the rhombohedral molybdenum cluster chalcogenides Mo6X8 (X = S, Se) under formation of ternary phases Li/sub x/Mo6X8 has been investigated with respect to the changes of composition, structure, and bonding. Complete XLi NMR phase diagrams have been established, and thermodynamic data are given. Diffusion coefficients and NMR dipolar lie width demonstrate a rather high lithium ionic mobility; the reactions are fully reversible. Results are closely similar for the sulfide and selenide system. Four distinct rhombohedral phases with x = 1, 3, 3.8, and 4 could be identified. The transition from x = 1 to x = 3 is correlated with a significant increase in unit cell volume and an unusually strong decrease in NMR line shift. The latter has been interpreted in terms of a partial charge transfer with formation of triangular (Li3)S clusters, i.e. (Li3)S (Mo6S8)S . For Li4Mo6S8 the NMR shift changes again abruptly in the inverse sense to values indicating normal Li ions. This is attributed to the loss in symmetry of the lithium clusters as well as the tendency for quantitative saturation of the Mo6 clusters with 24 electrons (metal/semiconductor transition).
Brain, lung, and heart oxidative stress assessment of an over-the- counter pyrethroid insecticide product in Nigeria

We evaluated the brain, lung, and heart oxidative stress in rats exposed to aerosol of an over-thecounter pyrethroid insecticide product in Nigeria. The experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control) was not exposed to the insecticide aerosol, while groups II, III, and IV were exposed to 6.0 mL m -3 , 12.0 mL m -3 , and 18 mL m -3 of insecticide aerosol respectively. Exposures were carried out in wooden-glass chambers one hour daily for six weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations, as well as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were determined. The brain, lung, and heart showed no significant difference in their weights and relative weights compared with the control. A significant increase in brain lipid peroxidation (LPO) was seen in groups III and IV, while there was no significant increase in lung and heart LPO compared with control. Significant decrease in the brain and lung GSH were observed in all the treatment groups when compared with the control, but only group IV showed significant reduction in heart GSH. Also, activities of lung GST and SOD were decreased compared with control, while the activity of GPx in the lung was significantly increased in group III. Lastly, nonsignificant increase in lung CAT activity was recorded in groups II and III, but decreased in group IV compared with control. Prolonged and incessant exposure to the insecticide aerosol over a long period of time may lead to tissue oxidative stress. These findings suggest that the use of insecticide aerosol for domestic purposes should be regulated. Keywords : Insecticide aerosol, pyrethroid, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, rats.
Preventing Recurrence in Clean and Contaminated Hernias Using Biologic Versus Synthetic Mesh in Ventral Hernia Repair: The PRICE Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate which mesh type yields lower recurrence and complication rates after ventral hernia repair. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA More than 400,000 ventral hernia repairs are performed annually in the United States. Although the most effective method for repairing ventral hernias involves using mesh, whether to use biologic mesh versus synthetic mesh is controversial. METHODS Single-blind, randomized, controlled, pragmatic clinical trial conducted from March 2014 through October 2018; 165 patients enrolled with an average follow up of 26 months. Patients were randomized 1:1 to have their ventral hernias repaired using either a biologic (porcine) or synthetic (polypropylene) mesh. The primary study outcome measure was hernia recurrence at 2 years. RESULTS A total of 165 patients (68 men), mean age 55 years, were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 26 months. An intention-to-treat analysis noted that hernias recurred in 25 patients (39.7%) assigned to biologic mesh and in 14 patients (21.9%) assigned to synthetic mesh (P = 0.035) at 2 years. Subgroup analysis identified an increased rate of hernia recurrence in the biologic versus the synthetic mesh group under contaminated wound conditions (50.0% vs 5.9%; P for interaction = 0.041). Postoperative complication rates were similar for the 2 mesh types. CONCLUSIONS The risk of hernia recurrence was significantly higher for patients undergoing ventral hernia repair with biologic mesh compared to synthetic mesh, with similar rates of postoperative complications. These data indicate that the use of synthetic mesh over biologic mesh to repair ventral hernias is effective and can be endorsed, including under contaminated wound conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02041494.
The Neuronal Actions of Leptin and the Implications for Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

It is widely accepted that the endocrine hormone leptin controls food intake and energy homeostasis via activation of leptin receptors expressed on hypothalamic arcuate neurons. The hippocampal formation also displays raised levels of leptin receptor expression and accumulating evidence indicates that leptin has a significant impact on hippocampal synaptic function. Thus, cellular and behavioural studies support a cognitive enhancing role for leptin as excitatory synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity and glutamate receptor trafficking at hippocampal Schaffer collateral (SC)-CA1 synapses are regulated by leptin, and treatment with leptin enhances performance in hippocampus-dependent memory tasks. Recent studies indicate that hippocampal temporoammonic (TA)-CA1 synapses are also a key target for leptin. The ability of leptin to regulate TA-CA1 synapses has important functional consequences as TA-CA1 synapses are implicated in spatial and episodic memory processes. Moreover, degeneration is initiated in the TA pathway at very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and recent clinical evidence has revealed links between plasma leptin levels and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additionally, accumulating evidence indicates that leptin has neuroprotective actions in various AD models, whereas dysfunctions in the leptin system accelerate AD pathogenesis. Here, we review the data implicating the leptin system as a potential novel target for AD, and the evidence that boosting the hippocampal actions of leptin may be beneficial.
Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Part LXXXIV

Abstract An important approach to improve the reliability of healthcare organizations is the use of patient safety culture surveys to identify areas that need improvement. Commonly found areas that need development include having more superior leadership regarding safety, improving communications such as with the Ticket to Ride Program and WalkRounds, enhancing teamwork, and using certain collections of “reliability-enhancing work practices. ”
Effect of fumonisin B1 on oxidative stress and gene expression alteration of nutrient transporters in porcine intestinal cells

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a common environmental mycotoxin produced by molds such as Fusarium verticillioides. The toxin poses health risks to domestic animals, including pigs, through FB1‐contaminanted feed. However, the cytotoxicity of FB1 to porcine intestines has not been fully analyzed. In the present study, the effects of FB1 on oxidative stress and nutrient transporter‐associated genes of the porcine intestinal IPEC‐J2 cells were explored. FB1 decreased IPEC‐J2 proliferation but did not trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. Meanwhile, FB1 reduced the expression levels of the transporters l‐type amino acid transporter‐1 (y+LAT1), solute carrier family 7 member 1 (SLC7A1), solute carrier family 1 member 5 (ASCT2), and excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1); in addition, FB1 reduced the levels of the fatty acid transporters long‐chain fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) and long‐chain fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) as well as glucose transporters Na+/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2). FB1 stimulation increased the expression levels of peptide transporter peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and metal ion transport‐related gene zinc transporter 1 (ZNT1). Moreover, metal ion transporter divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) expression was depressed by a higher dosage of FB1. The data indicate that FB1 results in aberrant expression of nutrient transporters in IPEC‐J2 cells, thereby exerting its toxicity even though it fails to exert ROS‐dependent oxidative stress.
Evaluating Alzheimer Disease With Flortaucipir and Florbetapir PET: A Clinical Case Series.

ABSTRACT Early, accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) is essential but remains challenging. Neuropathological hallmarks of AD are β-amyloid neuritic plaques and tau protein neurofibrillary tangles. 18F-Florbetapir is one of several available PET tracers for imaging cortical fibrillary β-amyloid plaques. 18F-Flortaucipir PET was recently approved for evaluating the distribution and density of aggregated neurofibrillary tangles. We present cases of mild cognitive impairment or suspected AD to depict the nuances of flortaucipir distribution and scan interpretation as well as how combined information from amyloid and tau PET may help with differential diagnosis and prognosis.
Iontosomes: Electroresponsive Liposomes for Topical Iontophoretic Delivery of Chemotherapeutics to the Buccal Mucosa

The targeted local delivery of anticancer therapeutics offers an alternative to systemic chemotherapy for oral cancers not amenable to surgical excision. However, epithelial barrier function can pose a challenge to their passive topical delivery. The charged, deformable liposomes—“iontosomes”—described here are able to overcome the buccal mucosal barrier via a combination of the electrical potential gradient imposed by iontophoresis and their shape-deforming characteristics. Two chemotherapeutic agents with very different physicochemical properties, cisplatin (CDDP) and docetaxel (DTX), were co-encapsulated in cationic iontosomes comprising 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) and Lipoid-S75. The entrapment of CDDP was improved by formulating it in anionic reverse micelles of dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-glycerol sodium (DPPG) prior to loading in the iontosomes. Cryo-TEM imaging clearly demonstrated the iontosomes’ electroresponsive shape-deformable properties. The in vitro transport study using porcine mucosa indicated that iontosomes did not enter the mucosa without an external driving force. However, anodal iontophoresis resulted in significant amounts of co-encapsulated CDDP and DTX being deposited in the buccal mucosa; e.g., after current application for 10 min, the deposition of CDDP and DTX was 13.54 ± 1.78 and 10.75 ± 1.75 μg/cm2 cf. 0.20 ± 0.07 and 0.19 ± 0.09 μg/cm2 for the passive controls—i.e., 67.7- and 56.6-fold increases—without any noticeable increase in their transmucosal permeation. Confocal microscopy confirmed that the iontosomes penetrated the mucosa through the intercellular spaces and that the penetration depth could be controlled by varying the duration of current application. Overall, the results suggest that the combination of topical iontophoresis with a suitable nanocarrier system can be used to deliver multiple “physicochemically incompatible” chemotherapeutics selectively to oral cancers while decreasing the extent of systemic absorption and the associated risk of side effects.