Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of Artemisia vulgaris L. “hairy” roots

Abstract We investigated the effect of Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation on antioxidant activity of Artemisia vulgaris “hairy” roots. It appeared that transformation may increase flavonoid content as well as DPPH-scavenging activity and ability to reduce Fe3+ as compared to the non-transformed plants. Some “hairy” roots accumulated flavonoids up to 73.1 ± 10.6 mg RE/g DW (while the amount of flavonoids in the leaves of non-transformed plants was up to 49.4 ± 5.0 mg RE/g DW). DPPH-scavenging activity of some “hairy” root lines was 3–3.8 times higher than such one of the roots of the control plants. The Fe3+-reducing power of most transgenic root extracts exceeded such power of the extracts of the roots of the control plants. The decrease in SOD activity was found in the most “hairy” root lines compared to the control roots. The increase of flavonoid content correlated with the increase of ability of extracts to scavenge DPPH*- radical and Fe3+ - reducing power. No correlation between SOD activity of extracts and concentration of flavonoids was found (p ≥ 0.2). Thus, transformation has led to the alteration in flavonoid accumulation and antioxidant activity in A. vulgaris “hairy” roots. Transgenic roots with high-antioxidant properties can be selected after A. rhizogenes-mediated transformation.
Comparative dissolution, uptake, and toxicity of zinc oxide particles in individual aquatic species and mixed populations

Potential differences in species susceptibility to nanoparticle (NP) contaminants make the use of multispecies community toxicity testing strategies beneficial in understanding NP risk to aquatic environments. Because of the limited knowledge of zinc oxide (ZnO) NP fate and toxicity, we conducted multispecies exposures and compared the responses of individual species to the same species in a community comprised of algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), bacteria (Escherichia coli), crustaceans (Daphnia magna), and zebrafish (Danio rerio). Different‐sized ZnO particles and ionic Zn were compared to investigate the contribution of particulate and dissolved Zn to aquatic organism toxicity. Each organism and community was exposed to Zn sources at 0.08, 0.8, and 8 mg Zn/L. The present results indicate that all 3 types of Zn elicited differential toxicity among test organisms, with stronger adverse outcomes observed in single species than within a community. The community assay (nanocosm) we developed increased resilience to all Zn exposures by 5 to 10% compared to individual exposures at equivalent concentrations. In addition, the uptake and toxicity of ZnO particles to aquatic communities appear to be driven by rapid dissolution and the concomitant impacts of zinc ion toxicity, and the size of the ZnO particles had little impact on uptake or toxicity. The nanocosm assay could be a useful screening tool for rapidly assessing the potential impacts of nanomaterials to aquatic species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:591–602. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Looking at antiretroviral adherence through a disability lens: a cross-sectional analysis of the intersection of disability, adherence, and health status

Abstract Background: Antiretroviral adherence is vital to the successful long-term rollout of the antiretroviral therapy program in South Africa. At present, there are no studies that look at the effects of disability on antiretroviral adherence. Methods: Drawing on the baseline data from an existing cohort of 1042 people on antiretrovirals in a public healthcare setting in KwaZulu-Natal, the paper investigated a variety of existing covariates relating to antiretroviral adherence, together with functional limitations, depressive symptoms, and health symptoms. Disability was defined according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework and measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. Results: In a proportional odds logistic regression functional limitations, depressive symptoms, health symptoms and gender emerged as significant associated with decreased adherence to antiretrovirals (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.86 [1.31, 2.66], 1.61 [1.02, 2.55], 2.33 [1.47, 3.69], and 1.65 [1.16, 2.35], respectively). This was found for both severe and milder forms of functional limitations/disability. Conclusion: The paper highlights the need to better understand the role of these limitations in achieving adequate adherence to antiretrovirals and viral suppression. It also calls for investigations into integrated mitigating services such as integrating rehabilitation into routine human immunodeficiency virus care. Implications for Rehabilitation This study provides a starting point to understand the association between functional limitations and challenges in maintaining adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Addressing functional limitations is currently a neglected factor in efforts targeting HIV-treatment adherence and retention. Rehabilitation is a key intervention that could address this gap. Even mild forms of disability can have profound effects on adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which highlights the need for better screening, early identification, and referrals to rehabilitative support and treatment
Cell and tissue responses at the interface with a chitosan hydrogel intended for vascular applications: in vitro and in vivo exploration

Aims. The need for small caliber vessels to treat cardiovascular diseases has grown. However, synthetic polymers perform poorly in small-diameter applications. Chitosan hydrogels can provide a novel biological scaffold for vascular engineering. The goal of this study was to explore host cell and tissue behavior at the interface with chitosan-based scaffolds in vitro and in vivo. Methods and results. in vitro, we assessed the ability of endothelial cells lining chitosan hydrogels to produce tissue factor (TF), thrombomodulin (TM) and nitric oxide. We showed that endothelial cells behave as a native endothelium since under stimulation, TF and TM expression increased and decreased, respectively. Endothelial cells seeded on chitosan produced nitric oxide, but no change was observed under stimulation. After in vivo subcutaneous implantation of chitosan hydrogels in rats, macrophage activation phenotypes, playing a crucial role in biomaterial/tissue, were explored by immunohistochemistry. Our results suggested a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory signals since we observed an inflammatory response in favor of macrophage M2 phenotype. Conclusion. in vitro exploration of endothelial cell response at the interface with chitosan hydrogel showed a functional endothelium and in vivo exploration of tissue response revealed a biointegration of chitosan hydrogels.
Amphotericin B loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carrier (NLCs): physicochemical and solid-solution state characterizations

Abstract Amphotericin B (AmB) is one of the most effective systemic antifungal agents, but its use is circumscribed by the dose-limiting toxicity of the conventional micellar dispersion formulation, Fungizone®. Significantly lesser toxicity is obtained when AmB incorporated into the aqueous dispersion of lipid nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize AmB loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). NLC differed from SLN by the presence of liquid lipid, glyceryl tri(caprylate/caprate) in the lipid matrix. Various surfactants i.e. tween 20, cremophor RH40, poloxamer 407 (P407) and Myrj 52 were used to stabilize SLN and NLC. The effect of phospholipid incorporated in those lipid dispersions was also determined. Among surfactants tested, only P407 could stabilize AmB lipid dispersions. There was no chemical reaction occurred between AmB and other components that confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot-stage microscopy (HSM), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD) data showed that AmB was molecularly dispersed or in amorphous form in the lipid matrix. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) results showed that in the presence of phospholipid oil clusters within the lipid matrix are formed. These results indicate that SLN and NLC stabilized by P407 and/or phospholipid as the colloidal carrier for AmB were successfully developed.
Unpacking the Pathogen Box—An Open Source Tool for Fighting Neglected Tropical Disease

The Pathogen Box is a 400‐strong collection of drug‐like compounds, selected for their potential against several of the world's most important neglected tropical diseases, including trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, filariasis, schistosomiasis, dengue virus and trichuriasis, in addition to malaria and tuberculosis. This library represents an ensemble of numerous successful drug discovery programmes from around the globe, aimed at providing a powerful resource to stimulate open source drug discovery for diseases threatening the most vulnerable communities in the world. This review seeks to provide an in‐depth analysis of the literature pertaining to the compounds in the Pathogen Box, including structure–activity relationship highlights, mechanisms of action, related compounds with reported activity against different diseases, and, where appropriate, discussion on the known and putative targets of compounds, thereby providing context and increasing the accessibility of the Pathogen Box to the drug discovery community.
Antimicrobial activity of intracanal medications against both Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans biofilm

Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans have been associated with cases of secondary and persistent root canal infections, been resistant to calcium hydroxide. So, the evaluation of the susceptibility of these microorganisms biofilms to new drugs is an important practice for establishing the best drug and consequently success of treatment. For this, in vitro biofilm formation of E. faecalis and C. albicans was induced separately on blocks obtained from bovine teeth. After the period of specimen incubation for biofilm maturation, the samples were immersed in the pastes: 1 – calcium hydroxide (CH), 2 – chlorhexidine (C), 3 – ciprofloxacin (CP), 4 – metronidazole (MT), 5 – ketoconazole (KE), 6 – double antibiotic (DB), 7 – triple antibiotic (TA), 8 – ciprofloxacin + ketoconazole (CPKE); 9 – ciprofloxacin + metronidazole + ketoconazole (CPMTKE), 10 – metronidazole + ketoconazole (MTKE), and 11 – control (CO) for 7 days. Next, the specimens were live/dead stained for analysis by confocal microscopy. By means of the Bioimage program, the biovolume and percentage of live cells were measured. The data were statistically compared (p = .05). For the C. albicans biofilm, the best antimicrobial action was found for MTKE, CPKE, and MT groups. Whereas for E. faecalis biofilm, the lowest percentage of live bacteria was found in TA, DB, and CP groups; however, KE, CPKE, CPMTKE, and MTKE groups shown to be effective. The authors concluded calcium hydroxide paste and chlorhexidine was not effective for both biofilms. The MTKE and CPKE pastes presented effectiveness for both biofilms. TA and DB pastes were effective just in the E. faecalis biofilms.
Pleiotropy Modulates the Efficacy of Selection in Drosophila melanogaster

Pleiotropy is the well-established idea that a single mutation affects multiple phenotypes. If a mutation has opposite effects on fitness when expressed in different contexts, then genetic conflict arises. Pleiotropic conflict is expected to reduce the efficacy of selection by limiting the fixation of beneficial mutations through adaptation, and the removal of deleterious mutations through purifying selection. Although this has been widely discussed, in particular in the context of a putative "gender load," it has yet to be systematically quantified. In this work, we empirically estimate to which extent different pleiotropic regimes impede the efficacy of selection in Drosophila melanogaster. We use whole-genome polymorphism data from a single African population and divergence data from D. simulans to estimate the fraction of adaptive fixations (α), the rate of adaptation (ωA), and the direction of selection (DoS). After controlling for confounding covariates, we find that the different pleiotropic regimes have a relatively small, but significant, effect on selection efficacy. Specifically, our results suggest that pleiotropic sexual antagonism may restrict the efficacy of selection, but that this conflict can be resolved by limiting the expression of genes to the sex where they are beneficial. Intermediate levels of pleiotropy across tissues and life stages can also lead to maladaptation in D. melanogaster, due to inefficient purifying selection combined with low frequency of mutations that confer a selective advantage. Thus, our study highlights the need to consider the efficacy of selection in the context of antagonistic pleiotropy, and of genetic conflict in general.
A retrospective analysis of viral gastroenteritis in Asia

Abstract Acute gastroenteritis is still a health burden in developed and developing countries. Acute gastroenteritis consistently ranks as one of the top causes of all deaths. The mortality among children due to acute gastroenteritis is greater in developing than in developed countries. Globally, while deaths from childhood diarrhea have decreased during the past two decades, the proportion of hospitalizations due to diarrheal diseases may have increased. In developing countries, gastroenteritis is a common cause of death in children < 5 years of age. In developed countries, while deaths from diarrhea are less common, these illnesses lead to hospitalization or doctor visits. The viruses which cause gastroenteritis are primarily from four distinct families – group A rotaviruses, caliciviruses, enteric adenoviruses and astroviruses. Other viruses, such as picobirnaviruses and picornavirus (the Aichi virus) may also play a role. Viral gastroenteritis is still a burden of disease in most Asian countries. In many Asian countries, the most prevalent causative agent of viral gastroenteritis is rotavirus followed by norovirus, sapovirus, adenovirus, human astrovirus and aichi virus. The G1P[8] rotavirus and GII/4 norovirus are the most common genotypes responsible for acute gastroenteritis among Asian pediatric populations. The other interesting feature of this review article is the high prevalence of diarrheal viruses in developing countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Vietnam, China) than in developed countries (Japan, South Korea). The molecular characterization of many of these gastroenteritis viruses has led to advances both in understanding of the pathogens themselves and in development of a new generation of diagnostics. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the molecular epidemiology of these viruses for controlling diarrheal diseases. The information in this review article should be useful for knowledge of diarrheal viruses, virus control, and viral vaccine design and provide clues to a strategy for developing vaccines against diarrheal viruses.
The Design of Low-Power 16-Band Nonuniform Filter Bank for Hearing Aids

A computationally efficient, low-power (107.6 <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>W@1.1 V), small core area (2.82 <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{mm}^2$</tex-math></inline-formula>@0.35 <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ \mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>m), 16-band nonuniformly spaced digital filter bank with stop-band attenuation of more than 60 dB is designed and implemented for hearing aid applications using a 0.35 <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$ \mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>m CMOS process. The low computational complexity of the filter bank is achieved using a frequency response masking technique with multiple band-edge shaping filters. The proposed filter bank yields significant improvements in both power consumption and group delay. By coefficient sharing scheme, the implementation of such a filter bank requires only three multipliers.
The conserved XPF:ERCC1-like Zip2:Spo16 complex controls meiotic crossover formation through structure-specific DNA binding

Abstract In eukaryotic meiosis, generation of haploid gametes depends on the formation of inter-homolog crossovers, which enable the pairing, physical linkage, and eventual segregation of homologs in the meiosis I division. A class of conserved meiosis-specific proteins, collectively termed ZMMs, are required for formation and spatial control of crossovers throughout eukaryotes. Here, we show that three Saccharomyces cerevisiae ZMM proteins—Zip2, Zip4 and Spo16—interact with one another and form a DNA-binding complex critical for crossover formation and control. We determined the crystal structure of a Zip2:Spo16 subcomplex, revealing a heterodimer structurally related to the XPF:ERCC1 endonuclease complex. Zip2:Spo16 lacks an endonuclease active site, but binds specific DNA structures found in early meiotic recombination intermediates. Mutations in multiple DNA-binding surfaces on Zip2:Spo16 severely compromise DNA binding, supporting a model in which the complex's central and HhH domains cooperate to bind DNA. Overall, our data support a model in which the Zip2:Zip4:Spo16 complex binds and stabilizes early meiotic recombination intermediates, then coordinates additional factors to promote crossover formation and license downstream events including synaptonemal complex assembly.
STRATEGI KEPALA SEKOLAH DALAM MENINGKATKAN PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER DISIPLIN DI SD MUHAMMADIYAH 15 SURABAYA

Kepala Sekolah mempunyai peran penting dalam meningkatkan pendidikan karakter disiplin siswa. Maka dari itu Kepala Sekolah harus membuat strategi yang bertujuan meningkatkan pendidikan karakter siswa. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mendiskripsikan dan menganalisis; 1) Implementasi Pendidikan karakter disiplin di SD Muhammadiyah 15 Surabaya; 2) Strategi Kepala Sekolah dalam meningkatkan pendidikan karakter disiplin di SD Muhammadiyah 15 Surabaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif dan rancangan yang digunakan adalah penelitian studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan kondensasi data, penyajian data, dan verifikasi data. Dan pengecekan keabsahan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan uji kredibilitas, transferabilitas, dependabilitas, dan konfirmabilitas. Hasil dari penelitian di SD Muhammadiyah 15 Surabaya menunjukkan (1) implementasi pendidikan karakter disiplin dilaksanakan melalui penerapan program doktrin yang diimplementasikan dalam pembiasaan, yakni melalui pagi ceria, sholat dhuha berjamaah, tadarus al-quran, literasi, dan hafalan doktrin limas; (2) strategi Kepala Sekolah dalam meningkatkan pendidikan karakter disiplin yakni melalui (a) peneguran langsung yang dilakukan saat itu juga apabila siswa melakukan kesalahan dengan teknik melalui guru kelas, guru BK, dan kepala sekolah; (b) keteladanan, yang menjadi kunci dari keteladanan adalah para ustadz dan ustadzah dengan memberikan contoh langsung agar mudah untuk ditiru peserta didik antara lain salam, kedisiplinan, cara berpakaian, dan datang tepat waktu; (c) penguatan lingkungan, pihak sekolah dan pihak keluarga harus bekerjasama dengan memegang prinsip NIPKK (Niat, Ikhlas, Percaya, Kerjasama, dan Koordinasi), buku penghubung, aplikasi whatsapp, dan pemasangan poster-poster di area sekolah. Ketiga strategi tersebut merupakan upaya yang dilakukan Kepala Sekolah untuk meningkatkan pendidikan karakter disiplin siswa. Kata kunci: Strategi kepala sekolah, Pendidikan karakter, Disiplin
SSU‐rRNA Gene Sequencing Survey of Benthic Microbial Eukaryotes from Guaymas Basin Hydrothermal Vent

Microbial eukaryotes have important roles in marine food webs, but their diversity and activities in hydrothermal vent ecosystems are poorly characterized. In this study, we analyzed microbial eukaryotic communities associated with bacterial (Beggiatoa) mats in the 2,000 m deep‐sea Guaymas Basin hydrothermal vent system using 18S rRNA gene high‐throughput sequencing of the V4 region. We detected 6,954 distinct Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) across various mat systems. Of the sequences that aligned with known protistan phylotypes, most were affiliated with alveolates (especially dinoflagellates and ciliates) and cercozoans. OTU richness and community structure differed among sediment habitats (e.g. different mat types and cold sediments away from mats). Additionally, full‐length 18S rRNA genes amplified and cloned from single cells revealed the identities of some of the most commonly encountered, active ciliates in this hydrothermal vent ecosystem. Observations and experiments were also conducted to demonstrate that ciliates were trophically active and ingesting fluorescent bacteria or Beggiatoa trichomes. Our work suggests that the active and diverse protistan community at the Guaymas Basin hydrothermal vent ecosystem likely consumes substantial amounts of bacterial biomass, and that the different habitats, often defined by distances of just a few 10s of cm, select for particular assemblages and levels of diversity.
Preliminary evidence is promising, but challenges remain in providing service dogs to veterans: Commentary on preliminary efficacy of service dogs as a complementary treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in military members and veterans (O'Haire & Rodriguez, 2018).

OBJECTIVE Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are interested in service dogs to manage or reduce symptoms. Until recently, evidence was anecdotal with few research studies documenting the feasibility or benefits of service dogs for veterans. In the past year, new studies have presented preliminary evidence on the benefits of service dogs. METHOD Comment on O'Haire and Rodriguez (2018). RESULTS Positive findings presented in O'Haire and Rodriguez (2018) and Yarborough et al. (2017) included reduced self-reported PTSD symptoms, decreased depression symptoms, improvements in relationships, and increased activity levels. In addition to the benefits, Yarborough, Stumbo, Yarborough, Owen-Smith, and Green (2018) described challenges that veterans had not expected, including the demands of long, intensive training sessions required to receive a service animal, and an increase in unwanted public attention. In light of this preliminary evidence, a critical appraisal and identification of next steps for future research are in order. In this commentary we argue that rigorous randomized controlled trials comparing veterans who receive service dogs with those who do not are due. Such trials should account for self-selection bias and some veterans' overly optimistic expectations for service dogs, both of which have not previously been controlled for in non-randomized studies to date and may present a challenge to trial validity. We also argue that future research needs an adequate long-term follow-up evaluation period and should investigate the specific mechanisms of action at work (i.e. how do service dogs improve PTSD symptoms and quality of life). CONCLUSIONS Additional trials are needed to establish the efficacy of service dogs for veterans with PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).