Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals the Altered Gene Expression of Patients with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Using Liuweidihuang Pills Treatment

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), as well as its associated increased risk for fragility fracture, is one of the most disabling consequences of aging in women. This present study aimed to identify candidate genes that involve pathogenesis of PMOP and the therapeutic mechanism of Liuweidihuang (LWDH) pills on PMOP. We integrated microarray datasets of PMOP derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PMOP and normal controls as well as patients with PMOP and patients after treatment of LWDH pills. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis for DEGs were performed. The shared DEGs, associated with both the pathogenesis of PMOP and the therapeutic mechanism of LWDH, were further analyzed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify the DEGs obtained by our integrated analysis. Compared with normal controls, 1732 DEGs in PMOP were obtained with p<0.05. According to the qRT-PCR results, expression of ATF2, FBXW7, RDX, and RBBP4 was consistent with that in our integrated analysis, generally. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that those DEGs were significantly enriched in regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent, cytoplasm, protein binding, and MAPK signaling pathway. A total of 58 shared DEGs in PMOP versus normal control and in patients with PMOP versus patients after LWDH treatment were identified, which had opposite expression trend in these two comparisons. In the PPI network, CSNK2A1, ATF2, and FBXW7 were three hub proteins. Three genes including ATF2, FBXW7, and RDX were speculated to be therapeutic targets of LWDH for PMOP based on BATMAN-TCM database. We speculated that three genes of ATF2, FBXW7, and RDX may play crucial roles in both pathogenesis of PMOP and therapeutic mechanism of LWDH on PMOP. Our results may provide clues for the molecular pathogenesis of PMOP and offer new possibilities for treatment of PMOP.
The ecological roots of human susceptibility to social influence: a pre-registered study investigating the impact of early-life adversity

There is considerable variability in the degree to which individuals rely on their peers to make decisions. Although theoretical models predict that environmental risks shift the cost–benefit trade-off associated with social information use, this idea has received little empirical support. Here we aim to test the effect of childhood environmental adversity on humans' susceptibility to follow others’ opinion in the context of a standard face evaluation task. Results collected in a pilot study involving 121 adult participants tested online showed that susceptibility to social influence and childhood environmental adversity are positively associated. Computational analyses further confirmed that this effect is not explained by the fact that participants exposed to early adversity produce noisier decisions overall but that they are indeed more likely to follow the group's opinion. To test the robustness of these findings, a pre-registered direct replication using an optimal sample size was run. The results obtained from 262 participants in the pre-registered study did not reveal a significant association between childhood adversity and task performance but the meta-analysis ran on both the pilot and the pre-registered study replicated the initial finding. This work provides experimental evidence for an association between individuals' past ecology and their susceptibility to social influence.
Threading of Unconcatenated Ring Polymers at High Concentrations: Double-Folded vs Time-Equilibrated Structures

Unconcatenated ring polymers in concentrated solutions and melt are remarkably well described as double-folded conformations on randomly branched primitive trees. This picture though contrasts recent evidence for extensive intermingling between close-by rings in the form of long-lived topological constraints or threadings. Here, we employ the concept of ring minimal surface to quantify the extent of threadings in polymer solutions of the double-folded rings vs rings in equilibrated molecular dynamics computer simulations. Our results show that the double-folded ring polymers are significantly less threaded compared to their counterparts at equilibrium. Second, threadings form through a slow process whose characteristic time-scale is of the same order of magnitude as that of the diffusion of the rings in solution. These findings are robust, being based on universal (model-independent) observables as the average fraction of threaded length or the total penetrations between close-by rings and the corresponding distribution functions.
Genes that improved fitness also cost modern humans: evidence for genes with antagonistic effects on longevity and disease

Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; and Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus *Corresponding author. Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. E-mail: sean.byars@unimelb.edu. au (S.B.) and Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus. E-mail: kvoskar@ucy.ac. cy (K.V.) Received 28 November 2018; revised version accepted 14 January 2018
Mitochondria-Responsive Drug Release along with Heat Shock Mediated by Multifunctional Glycolipid Micelles for Precise Cancer Chemo-Phototherapy

Responsive drug release in tumor mitochondria is a pre-requisite for mitochondria-targeted drug delivery systems to improve the efficacy of this promising therapeutic modality. To this end, a photothermal stimulation strategy for mitochondria-responsive drug release along with heat shock is developed to maximize the antitumor effects with minimal side effects. Methods: This strategy relies on mitochondrial-targeted delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) through a photothermal and lipophilic agent IR-780 iodide (IR780)-modified glycolipid conjugates (CSOSA), which can synergistically triggers high-level reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill tumor cells. Results: Specifically, upon laser irradiation, the photothermal conversion by IR780-CSOSA can not only weaken the hydrophobic interaction between the core of micelles and DOX and trigger unexpected micelle swelling to release DOX in mitochondria for the amplification of ROS, but also induce mitochondria-specific heat shock to promote the fast evolution of ROS at the same locus to eradicate cancer cells in a more effective way. Furthermore, IR780-CSOSA micelles may independently realize the real-time diagnosis and imaging on multiple tumor models. Deep penetration into tumors by IR780-CSOSA/DOX micelles can be manipulated under laser irradiation. Conclusion: Such multifunctional IR780-CSOSA/DOX micelles with integration of mitochondria-responsive drug release and heat shock are demonstrated to be superior to the non-mitochondria-responsive therapy. This study opens up new avenues for the future cancer diagnosis and treatment.
An integrated safety analysis of combined acetaminophen and ibuprofen (Maxigesic®/Combogesic®) in adults

Introduction Acetaminophen (APAP) and ibuprofen (IBP) are two analgesic compounds with a long history of use. Both are considered safe at recommended over-the-counter daily doses. Chronic use, high doses, or concomitant medication can produce safety risks for both drugs. APAP is associated with increased risk of hepatic injury, while IBP can produce gastric bleeding and thromboembolic events. Using a combination of APAP and IBP provides superior analgesia without transgressing daily dose limits of each individual drug. Methods The present study aimed to determine if treatment with a fixed-dose combination (FDC) containing APAP and IBP results in any unexpected adverse events (AEs) and/or changes in the safety profiles of its two ingredients compared to monotherapy. The analysis will examine clinical safety data obtained from either single dose trials, multiple dose trials, a long-term exposure trial, and post-marketing surveillance data of APAP/IBP FDC tablets (Maxigesic®/Combogesic®, AFT Pharmaceuticals Ltd). The largest dataset was obtained by pooling the four randomized-controlled, multiple-dose clinical studies with either APAP 325 mg + IBP 97.5 mg (FDC 325/97.5, three tablets per dose) or APAP 500 mg + IBP 150 mg (FDC 500/150, two tablets per dose). At maximum doses, the two FDCs are bioequivalent, permitting the pooling of data for the analysis of safety. Results A safety population of 922 patients who received full doses of either FDC, APAP alone, IBP alone, or placebo was compiled from the four studies. A total of 521 AEs were experienced with the incidence of FDC AEs similar to or below either monotherapy group or placebo. The FDC did not alter the incidence and percentage of the most common AEs, including gastrointestinal events and postoperative bleeding. Conclusion Overall, the FDC is well tolerated and has a strong safety profile at single and multiple doses with improved efficacy over monotherapy.
Sinosanal undifferentiated carcinoma with liver metastasis: surgical management

Abstract Background Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare tumor with poor prognosis and high incidence of distant metastasis, even when a good loco-regional control is achieved. Case We report the case of a 43-year-old female with SNUC diagnosis. Craniofacial resection with orbital exenteration and radiotherapy in tumor bed and lymph node chain was performed. After 10 months, SNUC hepatic relapse (sIII and sVIII) is diagnosed. We administered chemotherapy and then, surgical resection was carried out. After surgery, two new relapses were diagnosed, at 9 and 21 months where surgical management was performed in both cases. 56 months after SNUC diagnosis, the patient has no evidence of recurrence. Discussion Recommended oncological clinical guidelines for distant metastases in SNUC are chemotherapy. Surgical management in oligometastatic disease in SNUC should be considered.
Glycated Hemoglobin as a Predictor of the Length of Hospital Stay in Patients Following Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery in the Saudi Population

Objective The diabetic population has a high prevalence of coronary artery disease, and frequently patients with diabetes undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetics is shown to be associated with morbidity and mortality, but the association of HbA1c with postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) has conflicting results. In this study, we aim to identify if elevated HbA1c levels are associated with prolonged LOS after CABG surgery. Methods A retrospective chart review study was performed, using a total of 305 patients who were referred for CABG surgery. HbA1c levels were measured before the day of surgery. Patients were classified into two groups according to HbA1c levels: <7% and ≥7%. A LOS of more than 14 days was proposed as an extended LOS. HbA1c and the LOS relationship were assessed using appropriate statistical methods. Results Patients who had diabetes mellitus comprised 81.6% of our studied population. Sixty-four percent had HbA1c levels ≥ 7%. There was no significant difference in the total LOS in HbA1c <7% compared to HbA1c ≥7% patients (P=0.367). Conclusion Our study results rejected the proposed hypothesis that elevated HbA1c levels ≥7% would be associated with prolonged hospital stay following CABG surgery in a Saudi population.
Cross-Cultural Care Training for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellows

Introduction Physicians are entrusted with the medical care of culturally and socially diverse patient populations. In addition, pediatric hematologists/oncologists are faced with the challenge of taking care of children with life-threatening and complex conditions. We implemented a cross-cultural care training curriculum for our pediatric hematology/oncology fellows with the goal of preparing them to handle complex clinical situations while navigating different social and cultural belief systems. Methods The curriculum includes a precourse self-reflection; a learning module with a review of published literature; faculty-facilitated small-group role-play simulations; interactive sessions with language interpreters and physicians from different cultural, ethnic, and religious belief systems; and a postcourse reflection. Results Fellows who participated in the curriculum strongly agreed that the module was helpful, indicating that it enhanced their communication skills, improved delivery of cross-cultural care, and had a sustained impact on their interaction with medical language interpreters. Discussion Cross-cultural care training should be integrated into any pediatric hematology/oncology training curriculum. Sessions directed at addressing the perceived gaps between physician awareness and the patient's belief systems can increase awareness of personal biases in practice and improve interview techniques. Likewise, self-reflection can help physicians apply their medical knowledge and skills in the appropriate cultural and social context, thereby improving patient satisfaction, partnerships, and health care outcomes.
The Wound Healing Potential of Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams (Asteraceae)

Wounds remain one of the major causes of death worldwide. Over the years medicinal plants and natural compounds have played an integral role in wound treatment. Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams which is classified among substances with low toxicity has been used for generations in African traditional medicine to treat wounds, including stopping bleeding even from severed arteries. This review examined the potential of the extracts and phytochemicals from A. africana, a common herbaceous flowering plant which is native to Africa in wound healing. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided strong pharmacological evidences for wound healing effects of A. africana-derived extracts and phytochemicals. Singly or in synergy, the different bioactive phytochemicals including alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, α-pinene, carene, phytol, and linolenic acid in A. africana have been observed to exhibit a very strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities which are important processes in wound healing. Indeed, A. africana wound healing ability is furthermore due to the fact that it can effectively reduce wound bleeding, hasten wound contraction, increase the concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) and platelet derived growth factor, and stimulate the haematological parameters, including white and red blood cells, all of which are vital components for the wound healing process. Therefore, these facts may justify why A. africana is used to treat wounds in ethnomedicine.
Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in North Africa: a review

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is distributed worldwide and can affect all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. The present review aimed to collect, compile and summarize the data on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in humans and animals in the five North African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt). Published data from national and international databases were used. Distribution patterns and risk factors for T. gondii infection are discussed, focusing on biotic and abiotic factors. This review is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of T. gondii infection in North Africa and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. It can also be used to propose or enhance appropriate national toxoplasmosis control programs.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Oleaginous Yeast Saitozyma podzolica (syn. Cryptococcus podzolicus) DSM 27192

We report here the draft genome of Saitozyma podzolica DSM 27192 sequenced based on PacBio chemistry. This yeast isolate produces large amounts of single-cell oil (SCO) and gluconic acid (GA). ABSTRACT We report here the draft genome of Saitozyma podzolica DSM 27192 sequenced based on PacBio chemistry. This yeast isolate produces large amounts of single-cell oil (SCO) and gluconic acid (GA). Information from the genome sequence will provide additional insight into the genetic mechanism of SCO and GA metabolism in this organism.
Exploring Racism and Health: An Intensive Interactive Session for Medical Students

Introduction Growing recognition of the deleterious effects of racism on health has led to calls for increased education on racism for health care professionals. As part of a larger curriculum on health equity and social justice, we developed a new educational session on racism for first-year medical students consisting of a lecture followed by a case-based small-group discussion. Methods Over the academic years of 2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019, a total of 536 first-year medical students participated in this mandatory session. The course materials were developed as a collaboration between faculty and students. The lecture was delivered in a large-group format; the small-group case-based discussion consisted of 10–12 students with one upper-level student facilitator. Results The majority of respondents for the course evaluation felt that the course had met its stated objectives, and many commented that they had an increased awareness of the role of racism in shaping health. Students felt that the small-group activity was especially powerful for learning about racism. Discussion Active student involvement in curriculum development and small-group facilitation was critical for successful buy-in from students. Additional content on bias, stereotyping, and health care disparities will be the focus of faculty development programs and will also be integrated into the clerkships to build on these important topics as students are immersed in clinical care.
Clinical Significance of Cys-C and hs-CRP in Coronary Heart Disease Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of serum cystatin C (Cys-C) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods One hundred and twenty-eight CHD patients were divided into drug treatment (56 cases) and PCI treatment (72 cases) groups, receiving conventional drug treatment and PCI plus conventional drug treatment, respectively. At admission time and 4 weeks after treatment, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter, and left ventricular end systolic diameter were measured. At admission time and 24h, 72h, 1 week, and 4 weeks after treatment, the serum levels of Cys-C and hs-CRP were determined. Results After 4 weeks of treatment, LVEF in the PCI treatment group was significantly higher than that before treatment (P<0.01) and it was significantly higher than in the drug treatment group at the same time (P<0.01). Cys-C and hs-CRP level in the PCI treatment group were significantly higher than in the drug treatment group 72h and 1 week after treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01), respectively, but they were significantly lower than in the drug treatment group 4 weeks after treatment (P<0.01). There were obvious interaction effects between grouping factor and time factor in Cys-C (F=3.62, P<0.05) and hs-CRP (F=17.85, P<0.01). Conclusion Serum levels of Cys-C and hs-CRP are closely related to the heart function in CHD patients undergoing PCI, and they may be used for predicting the outcome of PCI.
Hydrofluoric acid treatment of titanium surfaces enhances the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts

The attachment of implants relies on bone and soft tissue biocompatibility. The aim of this article is to investigate the effect of fluoride-modified metallic titanium (Ti) surfaces (Ti-F) on proliferation and differentiation of human gingival fibroblasts. Human gingival fibroblast cells were exposed to hydrofluoric acid–modified Ti coins (Ti-F) for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days, and untreated coins were used as controls. A five- to six-fold increase in the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts on Ti-F compared to Ti surfaces was observed. Enhanced gene expression of interleukin-6 and osteoprotegerin was found at 7 days. Increased levels of sclerostin, interleukin-6 and osteoprotegerin in the media from human gingival fibroblasts cultured on Ti-F coins were found compared to controls. Our results confirm that hydrofluoric acid–modified surface may indirectly enhance the firm attachment of implant surface to junction epithelium, soft tissue epithelium, which would give protection for underlying osseous structures making osseointegration of the dental implant possible.
Extracellular carbonic anhydrase: Method development and its application to natural seawater

We developed an effective fluorometric technique to quantify extracellular carbonic anhydrase (eCA) present in natural seawater samples. The technique includes the separation of eCA from cells to achieve low detection limits through high signal : noise ratios. eCA was efficiently extracted from cell membranes by treatment with 0.1 M phosphate buffer containing 2.5 M NaCl. The free eCA specifically forms a fluorescent complex with dansylamide, and the detection limit of the complex is below 0.1 nM. We applied the technique to samples from different culture solutions and natural seawater collected from the Baltic Sea. We observed eCA concentrations to be in the range of 0.10–0.67 nM in natural seawater. The data indicated that this technique is very sensitive, accurate, and feasible for routine and shipboard measurement of eCA from natural seawater. It is therefore an effective and rapid tool to investigate the carbon acquisition of phytoplankton both in mono culture as well natural communities.
Integrative taxonomy refutes a species hypothesis: The asymmetric hybrid origin of Arsapnia arapahoe (Plecoptera, Capniidae)

Abstract Molecular tools are commonly directed at refining taxonomies and the species that constitute their fundamental units. This has been especially insightful for groups for which species hypotheses are ambiguous and have largely been based on morphological differences between certain life stages or sexes, and has added importance when taxa are a focus of conservation efforts. Here, we examine the taxonomic status of Arsapnia arapahoe, a winter stonefly in the family Capniidae that is a species of conservation concern because of its limited abundance and restricted range in northern Colorado, USA. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes of this and other capniid stoneflies from this region and elsewhere in western North America indicated extensive haplotype sharing, limited genetic differences, and a lack of reciprocal monophyly between A. arapahoe and the sympatric A. decepta, despite distinctive and consistent morphological differences in the sexual apparatus of males of both species. Analyses of autosomal and sex‐linked single nucleotide polymorphisms detected using genotyping by sequencing indicated that all individuals of A. arapahoe consisted of F1 hybrids between female A. decepta and males of another sympatric stonefly, Capnia gracilaria. Rather than constitute a self‐sustaining evolutionary lineage, A. arapahoe appears to represent the product of nonintrogressive hybridization in the limited area of syntopy between two widely distributed taxa. This offers a cautionary tale for taxonomists and conservation biologists working on the less‐studied components of the global fauna.