Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Phyllanthus niruri Aqueous Extract on the Activation of Murine Lymphocytes and Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages

Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae) is acclaimed world-wide for its versatile ethnomedicinal uses. It features in recipes used by some herbalists to manage different diseases, including claims of efficacy against many life-threatening infections, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. In order to understand the mechanisms and the involvement of the immune system in mediating these activities, the effects of the aqueous extract of P. niruri on the activation of murine lymphocytes and macrophages were investigated. The study showed that the extract of P. niruri is a potent murine lymphocytes mitogen, inducing significant (p < 0.01) increases in the expression of surface activation maker (CD69) and proliferation of B and T lymphocytes. The production of interferon-γ (IFN- γ) and interleukine-4 (IL-4) by P. niruri extract-stimulated naïve splenocytes cultures was also significantly (p < 0.05) increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Various indices of activation and functions murine bone marrow-derived macrophages were significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced by pre-treatment with the extract, including phagocytosis, lysosomal enzymes activity, and TNF-α release. Phyllanthus niruri extract was also shown to modulate nitric oxide release by macrophages. These activities suggest that stimulation of the immune system by the extracts of P. niruri could be partly responsible for the ethnomedicinal applications in the management of infectious diseases.
Computer-assisted assessment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in young people: a preliminary evaluation of the Development and Well-Being Assessment.

BACKGROUND Paediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often goes undetected, delaying access to evidence-based treatment. This study aimed to assess the utility of a computerised diagnostic tool, the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA), in detecting OCD and comorbidity in youth. METHOD A total of 51 young people referred to a specialist OCD service between September 2007 and July 2008 completed the DAWBA prior to clinical assessment. Computer-rated and clinician-rated DAWBA diagnoses were compared with those assigned by the specialist clinic. RESULTS The computer-rated and clinician-rated DAWBA correctly classified OCD in 71% and 77% of cases respectively. Compared to consensus diagnoses, the computer-rated DAWBA tended to over-diagnose comorbidity, while the clinician-rated DAWBA diagnoses of comorbidity corresponded well with the consensus. CONCLUSIONS The DAWBA has potential value in detecting OCD as well as comorbid disorders, and could be a cost-effective method for diagnosing OCD and related problems.
Host Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase: Contribution to Systemic Acquired Tumor Tolerance

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a natural mechanism of creating acquired tolerance in a variety of physiological settings. This endogenous tolerogenic pathway has important functions in regulating the magnitude of immune responses in settings of infection, pregnancy, tissue transplantation, mucosal interfaces and others. Whether for angiogenesis, stromal formation or immunologic tolerance, tumors often rely on recruiting host mechanisms. IDO is one such potent endogenous mechanism that appears to be frequently hijacked by tumors to establish systemic immune tolerance to tumor antigens. IDO can be expressed by tumors themselves, but, in addition, its natural site of expression is the host immune cells recruited by the tumor (particularly dendritic cells and macrophages). Therapeutic strategies that target the IDO pathway have been shown to synergize with standard chemotherapy and experimental immunotherapies to break tumor-induced tolerance. When such strategies target IDO expressed in host cells, they may be able to disrupt tolerance without creating intrinsic tumor cell drug resistance.
Double Negative (DN) [CD3(+)CD4(−)CD8(−)] T cells correlate with disease progression during HIV infection

Although double negative T (DNT) cells (CD3+CD4-CD8-) share some characteristics with T regulatory cells, the relationship between DNT cells and disease progression in HIV infection is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between DNT cells and disease progression during the first 2 years of HIV infection. We found that DNT cell numbers tended to decrease with disease progression. There was a positive correlation between DNT cells and CD4 counts. The DNT cell numbers were significantly lower in the high viral load group compared with the low viral load group. Therefore, we conclude that DNT cells correlated with disease progression in HIV infection. These data provide valuable information for further understanding of the role of DNT cells during HIV infection.
CD4 count evaluation in HIV-TB co infection before and after anti-tubercular treatment -

Background: The global impact of Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection is one of the major public health challenge. India has a very high burden of TB according to the WHO. A decrease in CD4 counts in HIV-TB co-infection leads to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Methods: Information regarding the duration of HIV, type of TB, CD4 counts before and after ATT and any associated Opportunistic Infections (OIs) were collected from the records of 100 patients with HIV-TB co-infection who attended ART centre for a period of one year. The collected data was statistically analyzed. Results: In the study group, 35 had Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and 65 had Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB), 40 had OIs. Mean CD4 count prior to ATT in PTB was 197 (7-940), EPTB 192 (13-683) and with OIs 129 (7-288). After completion in PTB was 300, EPTB 302 and 252 in OIs. Least CD4 count of 121 was observed in patients above 50yrs and after completion it was 133. Incidence of both EPTB and PTB was higher in males 66.2% and 62.9%, and in the age group of 31-50 yrs 50.8% and 60% (Cell counts expressed in cells/µl.). Conclusion: In our study, we found that there was significant recovery of CD4 cells following ATT. Difference in CD4 counts among patients with PTB and EPTB was not significant. There was remarkable reduction of CD4 counts in patients who had other OIs and the recovery after ATT was also marginal.
Retinoic acid receptor modulators: a perspective on recent advances and promises

Importance of the field: Retinoids are currently used in the clinic for the treatment of skin diseases and acute promielocytic leukemia and are known to contribute to early development and organogenesis in embryo and throughout life. Most of these activities are primarily due to the binding of the retinoid to the retinoic acid receptors (RARs, subtypes α, β and γ). Ligand modulates, via allosteric conformational changes, the ability of RARs to interact with different sets of co-regulators. Structure-based insights on the ligand-binding domain of the ligand-bound RARs have clearly linked retinoid function to co-activator (CoA) recruitment for agonists, CoA dissociation for antagonists and corepressor stabilization for inverse agonists. Areas covered in this review: To help understand ligand-modulated RAR action as a consequence of its interaction with different sets of co-regulators, we present the chemical engineering of subsets of retinoid chemotypes (rexinoids, i.e., the ligands of the retinoid X receptors, α, β and γ, with impact in the treatment of cancer and metabolic diseases, are not covered) that display the whole range of ligand functions, including subtype- and isotype-selectivities. What the reader will gain: An understanding of the correlation of retinoid ligand structure and function. Structural insights into ligand action and retinoid chemotypes. Potential for clinical application of retinoid receptor modulators. Take home message: Potential pharmacological/therapeutic applications of these chemical tools extend beyond cancer prevention and therapy to the treatment of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.
Lack of Association between the IL-13 C-1112T, G2044A Polymorphisms and Graves’ Disease Risk: Evidence from a Meta-analysis

Background: Previous studies have provided conflicting evidence implicating the IL-13 C-1112T and G2044A polymorphisms in Graves’ disease (GD) risk. We undertook a meta-analysis to address this issue. Methods: The Medline, Pubmed and Web of Science databases were searched for published case-control studies investigating the relation of the IL-13 C-1112T and G2044A polymorphisms with GD risk. Data were extracted using standardized forms and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Available data did not suggest an association between any of the two IL-13 polymorphisms and GD risk. For the C-1112T polymorphism, the combined OR was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.77–1.19) for dominant model (TT + CT vs CC), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.69–1.38) for recessive model (TT vs CT + CC), and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.68–1.39) for homozygote model (TT vs CC). ORs for the G2044A polymorphism were similar. In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, we also did not find associations between these two variants and GD risk in Asians or Caucasians. Sensitivity analyses by excluding each of the involved study in turn did not change the pooled results. Conclusion: The IL-13 C-1112T and G2044A polymorphisms are not associated with GD risk.
IgG Subclasses and Isotypes of VH4-34 Encoded Antibodies

VH4-34 gene encoded autoantibodies are elevated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in other diseases associated with B-cell hyperproliferation/dysfunction. One of the autoantigens recognized by VH4-34-encoded antibodies are branched/linear poly N-acetyl lactosamine chains. Since the anti-carbohydrate response in humans is dominated by the IgG2 subclass, here we tested whether VH4-34 encoded IgG showed similar subclass segregation. Serum samples from SLE, infectious mononucleosis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and hepatitis-C were analyzed. Levels of VH4-34-encoded IgM and IgA isotypes were also tested. VH4-34-IgM and IgA were elevated in all four clinical conditions. VH4-34-IgG was detected in the IgG1 and IgG3 subclass but not in the IgG2 and IgG4 subclass. Interestingly, VH4-34-IgG3 was also detected in serum samples of normal healthy adults. These observations are discussed in context of the VH4-34 gene regulation. VH4-34 repertoire development is of interest since it is the only human VH gene profoundly overrepresented in the naïve repertoire but counter-selected for antibody secretion. VH4-34 B-cell could thus become a unique tool to inspect germinal center independent/dependent pathways of subclass and isotype-specific antibody secretion.
Detection of Cadmium (Cd) Residue in Kidney and Liver of Slaughtered Cattle in Sokoto Central Abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria -

The prevalence of Cadmium in kidney and liver samples of cattle was determined at cattle slaughter section of Sokoto Central abattoir Sokoto Nigeria. A total of 100 samples each of liver and kidney were collected and processed for Cadmium using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. All the samples (liver and kidney) were positive for Cadmium. The highest concentration of Cadmium in liver was found among the age groups of ≥9 years and the least among the age groups of 0-2 years, likewise the concentration of Cadmium in the kidney was also higher among the age group of ≥9 years and least among the age group of 0-2years. There was a significant difference (P< 0.05) in the concentration of Cadmium in kidney and liver samples of the different age groups of the slaughtered cattle. The concentration of Cadmium in the kidney and liver among different age groups is below the permissible level of 1mg/kg and 0.5mg/kg in kidney and liver respectively as recommended by FAO/WHO 2000. It is therefore obvious that the liver and kidney of cattle slaughtered at Sokoto Abattoir contain Cadmium at low level. This study was carried out to determine the levels of Cadmium in kidneys and liver of beef cattle obtained from Sokoto Central abattoir Sokoto State, Nigeria.
Knee Failure Mechanisms After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty is a highly successful procedure, with the percentage of patients requiring revision relatively small. However, when considering the large number of these procedures performed annually, this small percentage of failures constitutes a significant number of patients. Failure of total knee arthroplasty is devastating to the patient, frustrating for the surgeon, and comes at a significant cost to the healthcare system. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the mechanisms of failure in knee arthroplasty. The leading causes include polyethylene wear, loosening, instability, and infection. It is important to recognize each mode of failure not only to appropriately diagnose and treat patients, but also to improve the future success of total knee arthroplasty.
Balance and Proprioceptive Training for Rehabilitation of the Lower Extremity

Recently there has been emphasis on including balance and proprioceptive training in the rehabilitation of sports-related lower extremity injuries. It is believed that injury to joint and musculotendinous structures results in altered somatosensory information that adversely affects motor control. This may result in increased risk for recurrent injury, decreased performance, or both. Balance and proprioceptive training have been advocated to restore motor control to the lower extremity. This paper will review the current scientific rationale for use of balance and proprioceptive training in the rehabilitation of sports-related lower extremity injuries. Additionally, guidelines for training to improve balance and proprioception will be discussed.
Investigational treatments and therapeutic targets in Becker muscular dystrophy

Introduction: Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a progressive X-linked muscle-wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is also caused by such mutations but shows rapidly progressive muscle wasting. Therefore, studies aimed at establishing treatments have been focused on DMD. Fortunately, most DMD treatments can also be applied as BMD treatments because of the common pathophysiology. Although the natural history of BMD is very heterogeneous, this is a debilitating disease with progressive muscle weakness. Thus, treatments for BMD are urgently needed. Areas covered: Treatments for BMD are described by reviewing treatments for DMD, as BMD and DMD share a common pathophysiology caused by dystrophin abnormalities. Additionally, the characteristics of BMD patients aged over 60 years are summarized. Expert opinion: Until now, many efforts have been made to establish treatments for DMD, while efforts toward BMD treatments have not been prominent. It is now time to make more effort to establish BMD treatments, especially with regard to modulation of splicing in BMD-specific mutations. Although most DMD treatments can be applied as BMD treatments, it must be remembered that some BMD patients are able to live a near-normal life even with a mutation in the dystrophin gene.
Anterior Segment Imaging in Glaucoma

Abstract Anterior segment imaging allows objective assessment of the anterior segment of the eye, particularly the anterior chamber angle. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses are possible and aid in detecting and managing closed-angle and open-angle mechanisms in various forms of glaucoma. This review focuses primarily on anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy, with emphasis on principles of technology, commercially available devices, and clinical applications in glaucoma with potential advantages and disadvantages of each technology.
Tratamiento domiciliario de la trombosis venosa profunda: Comparación de costes con la hospitalización convencional

Aims: To compare the home-care management of deep vein thromboses (DVT) by a Home Care Unit (HCU) respect to conventional inpatient treatment. Methods: Twenty-one patients with a doppler-ecography diagnosis of DVT were managed by the HCU during 2002. In 7 out 13 a concomitant diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) was made by lung scan. Median age was 81 years, 52% were women and all, except one case, showed severe medical concomitant conditions. All patients received low-weight molecular heparin, followed by oral anticoagulants in 3 patients. No patients died and only one was hopitalized briefly due to a poor thrombosis-related pain control. Costs of this patient were added to those of HCU. A comparison was made between ambulatory and hospitalary costs for EP and DVT. Pharmacological treatment costs were calculated for a 10-days period. Results: The length of inhospital stay was I day for HCU vs. 8 days (DVT) and 13 days (EP). There was a estimated cost-saving of J680 per patient. Conclusions: The management of DVT in patients with serious conditions, can be accomplished safely and in a cost-saving manner by a Home Care Unit.
Toll-like receptor agonists: a patent review (2011 – 2013)

Introduction: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a crucial part of the innate immunity and present the first line of defense against pathogens. In humans, there are ten TLRs, with TLR3, 7, 8 and 9 located in intracellular vesicles and the remaining expressed on the cell surface. These transmembrane protein receptors recognize a wide range of pathogen components. A large number of TLR agonists, either derived from pathogen components or modified synthetic molecules, were developed and investigated for their ability to stimulate an immune response. Areas covered: This review includes an updated summary (2011 – 2013) of TLR agonists that have been published in patent applications and/or progressed to clinical studies, with an emphasis on their chemical structure, immune response, prophylactic and therapeutic outcomes. Expert opinion: A number of factors have contributed to the design and development of TLR agonists such as solving the crystal structures of TLR bound to their ligands, improvements in our understanding of the signaling pathway activated after TLR stimulation and the identification of the native ligands of all human TLRs. Some of the TLR agonists have been approved for human use by the FDA while others have reached clinical studies in Phases I, II and III. Generally, immunotherapy based on TLR agonists is very promising for the prevention and/or treatment of several disorders including cancer, allergy and microbial infections. However, many TLR agonists were withdrawn from further studies as they either lacked efficacy or caused serious side effects.
Russian and British Children's Physical Self-Perceptions and Physical Activity Participation

This study examined cross-cultural differences between Russian and British children’s physical self-perceptions and physical activity levels. The relationship between physical self-perceptions and physical activity behavior was also investigated. Two hundred and fifty-two Russian children (118 boys, 134 girls) and 240 British children (113 boys, 127 girls) aged 13 to 14 years completed Whitehead and Corbin’s (32) Physical Self-Perception Profile for Children (PSPP-C) and the leisure time exercise questionnaire (11). Results showed that boys from both nationalities were significantly more active than their female counterparts, and Russian boys participated in more moderate intensity activity than British girls. Multisample confirmatory factor analyses revealed that Russian and British children appraised the PSPP-C subdomains in similar ways, but the fit of the data to the hypothesized model was unsatisfactory. Russian children exhibited gender differences on all of the PSPP-C subdomains, but there was only.
Aurora kinase inhibitor patents and agents in clinical testing: an update (2011 – 2013)

Introduction: Aurora kinase A, B and C, members of serine/threonine kinase family, are key regulators of mitosis. As Aurora kinases are overexpressed in many of the human cancers, small-molecule inhibitors of Aurora kinase have emerged as a possible treatment option for cancer. Areas covered: In 2009 and 2011, the literature pertaining to Aurora kinase inhibitors and their patents was reviewed. Here, the aim is to update the information for Aurora kinase inhibitors in clinical trials and the patents filed between the years 2011 and 2013. Pubmed, Scopus®, Scifinder®, USPTO, EPO and www.clinicaltrials. gov databases were used for searching the literature and patents for Aurora kinase inhibitors. Expert opinion: Even though both Aurora sub-type selective as well as pan-selective inhibitors show preclinical and clinical efficacy, so far no Aurora kinase inhibitor has been approved for clinical use. Particularly, dose-limiting toxicity (neutropenia) is a key issue that needs to be addressed. Preliminary evidence suggests that the use of selective Aurora A inhibitors could avoid Aurora B-mediated neutropenia in clinical settings. Also, use of adjunctive agents such as granulocyte stimulating factor to overcome neutropenia associated with Aurora B inhibition could be an answer to overcome the toxicity and bring Aurora inhibitors to market in the future.
Retracted article: Natural product-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer stem cells: a patent review (2010 - 2013)

INTRODUCTION Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that possess self-renewal and tumor initiation capacity and the ability to give rise to the heterogenous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the tumor. CSCs possess numerous intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, novel tumor-targeted drugs and radiation therapy, allowing them to survive current cancer therapies and to initiate tumor recurrence and metastasis. This review presents the up-to-date natural product-based therapeutics for the treatment of CSCs. AREAS COVERED This review gives an account of the recent therapeutic patent literature (2010 - 2013) describing the applications of natural products on CSCs. In this review, many of the therapeutic applications of natural products reported in international patents have been discussed. In addition to selected biological data, some of pharmaceutical applications are also summarized. Because of the large number of patents registered in this period relative to natural products the attention was focused, in this first part of the review, on inhibitors of six cancers. EXPERT OPINION This patent review aims to highlight the use of natural products to treat cancer by targeting CSCs. Most of the described products are shown to have beneficial therapeutic effects and their uses for developing new formulations.