Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Steroid Compounds from Randia malabarica (Triveng) and their Biological Activity

Two steroidal compounds i.e. , 1-octacosanol ( 1 ) and β -sitosterol ( 2 ) were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Randia malabarica (Triveng). The antitumor activity of the compounds 1 and 2 were observed against A549 and HeLa using MTT assay. The isolated compounds exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on the two cancer cell lines with a significant effect of inhibition. Molecular docking studies have been performed for both the compounds, showed good inhibitory activity, thereby opening its applications to various clinical trials.
14-3-3σ expression as a prognostic marker in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma

In this study, we investigated the expression of 14-3-3sigma tumor suppressor gene in a panel of NPC cell lines, xenografts and primary tumors. Our objective was to determine the correlation between 14-3-3sigma expression and clinical outcome in NPC. We detected reduced 14-3-3sigma expression in 5/6 NPC tumor lines by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. By immunohistochemical staining, significant down-regulation of 14-3-3sigma was also found in 26/72 (36.1%) primary tumors of NPC patients, who were treated with curative radiotherapy. Promoter methylation was confirmed in a subset of primary tumors by methylation-specific PCR analysis. Importantly, we demonstrated that 14-3-3sigma expression is significantly associated with both overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), but not with the clinical staging of NPC patients. The low 14-3-3sigma expression was associated with improved overall (p=0.029) and cancer-specific survival (p=0.042) on univariate analysis. 14-3-3sigma expression and staging were also independent variables to all the prognostic factors under multivariate analysis. In conclusion, low expression of 14-3-3sigma appears to be a valuable marker for better survival in patient with NPC. These results provide the evidence that 14-3-3sigma expression is a significant prognostic factor for NPC patients.
Investigations on densified beech wood for application as a swelling dowel in timber joints

Abstract For robotic fabrication of wooden structures, the simple, quick and tight joining of elements can be solved using swelling hardwood dowels. This topic has been the focus of the present study, and the set-recovery capacity of densified wood (dW) as dowel material was investigated. European beech was compressed in the radial direction at 103°C and 10% moisture content (MC) to a compression ratio of 40%. Multiple swelling and shrinkage cycles were applied to measure swelling behavior, swelling pressure development and combined swelling and creep under compressive loading. It has been demonstrated that dW shows increased swelling and more persisting swelling pressures than native wood (nW). The set-recovery prevents significant contact-stress relaxation over multiple cycles of MC change. Application as a structural joining element for robotic fabrication was studied by shear lap joint tests on round double-dovetail swelling dowels.
Abstract B048: The MHC class II transactivator CIITA inhibits the persistent activation of NF-kB by Human T cell Lymphotropic Virus type-1 Tax-1 oncoprotein

Human T cell Lymphotropic Virus type-1 (HTLV-1) Tax-1 protein, a key mediator of HTLV-1-induced T-cell transformation, deregulates diverse cell-signalling pathways. Among them, the NF-kB pathway is constitutively activated by Tax-1, which binds to NF-kB family members and activates the IkB-kinase (IKK). Upon phosphorylation-dependent degradation of IkB, NF-kB migrates into the nucleus and mediates Tax-1-stimulated gene expression. We show that CIITA, the transcriptional regulator of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II genes, inhibits the activation of the canonical NF-kB pathway by Tax-1 and map the region mediating this effect. CIITA affects the subcellular localization of Tax-1, which is mostly retained in the cytoplasm, and this correlates with an impaired migration of RelA into the nucleus. Cytoplasmic and nuclear CIITA mutants reveal that CIITA exploits different strategies to suppress Tax-1-mediated NF-kB activation in both subcellular compartments. CIITA interacts with Tax-1 without preventing Tax-1 binding to both IKKg and RelA. Nevertheless, CIITA affects Tax-1-induced IKK activity causing the retention of the inactive p50/RelA/IkB complex in the cytoplasm. Nuclear CIITA associates with Tax-1/RelA in nuclear bodies blocking the activation of NF-kB-responsive genes by Tax-1. Thus, CIITA inhibits critical cytoplasmic and nuclear steps of Tax-1-mediated NF-kB activation. These results, together with our previous finding that CIITA acts as a restriction factor inhibiting Tax-1-promoted HTLV-1 gene expression and replication, indicate that CIITA is a versatile molecule that might also counteract Tax-1 transforming activity. Unveiling the molecular basis of CIITA-mediated inhibition of Tax-1 functions may be important in defining new strategies to control HTLV-1 spreading and oncogenic potential. Citation Format: Greta Forlani, Rawan Abdallah, Roberto S. Accolla, Giovanna Tosi. The MHC class II transactivator CIITA inhibits the persistent activation of NF-kB by Human T cell Lymphotropic Virus type-1 Tax-1 oncoprotein. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B048.
Cyclic Voltammetry of Phthalocyanines

Phthalocyanines and their related compounds possess similar structures as porphyrins. They have been used as green to blue dyes and pigments since their discovery. In this decade, they are known to be utilized in important functional colorants for many fields such as catalyst, laser light absorbers in data storage systems, electrocharge carriers in photocopies, photo-antenna device in photosynthesis, photovoltaic cells and photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and photodynamic therapy of cancer (PDT). The functions are attributed to high electron transfer abilities of phthalocyanines. Cyclic voltammograms were carried out for phthalocyanines in order to estimate their electron transfer abilities and electrochemical mechanism.
Polymorphisms of androgens‐related genes and idiopathic male infertility in Turkish men

Androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are endocrine regulators of spermatogenesis and act via androgen receptor (AR). The aim of this study was to investigate the association(s) of AR (CAG repeat length), SRD5A2 (rs523349, V89L) and TNF‐α (rs1800629, ‐308G/A) polymorphisms with idiopathic male infertility in Turkish men. This case‐control study consisted of 312 men with idiopathic infertility and 113 fertile men. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) or PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism methods were used for genotyping. The mean AR CAG repeat length was significantly longer in infertile men than in fertile men (p = 0.015). However, there was no significant association between the SRD5A2 genotypes (VV, VL and LL) and the risk of infertility (p = 0.516). The genotype frequency and allele distribution of TNF‐α ‐308G/A polymorphism (GG, GA, AA genotypes and G, A alleles) were not associated with male infertility (p = 0.779 and p = 0.743 respectively). AR CAG repeat expansion might be one of the risk factors for idiopathic male infertility in Turkish men. Further studies investigating the association of male infertility with AR CAG, V89L and ‐308G/A polymorphisms are warranted to understand the possible associations among them.
A meta-analysis and systematic review of the therapeutic effects of arthroscopy combined with intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) causes joint pain and dysfunction that severely affects the patient's ability to walk. Arthroscopy combined with intraarticular injection of sodium hyaluronate can slow the development of knee osteoarthritis, but there is a lack of rigorous evidence-based medicine evaluation, and it has not been recognized by some scholars at home and abroad. This paper analyzed the clinical efficacy of arthroscopy combined with intraarticular injection of sodium hyaluronate in slowing knee osteoarthritis based on Lysholm score. METHODS Randomized control trials of arthroscopy combined with intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of KOA on Chinese and English databases were retrieved using the following search terms: "knee osteoarthritis", "arthroscopic debridement of the joint", "articular cavity", and "sodium hyaluronate". The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Rev Man 5.3 software. RESULTS Twelve literatures were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) score, of the 12 literatures, 7 literatures (58.33%) scored 6-9 points, 3 literatures (25%) scored 3-5 points, and 2 literatures (16.67%) scored 0-2 points. With a random effects model used for analysis, the Lysholm score after 1 month of combined treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment [mean difference (MD) =30.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 19.44, 41.86, P<0.01]. Further, after 3 months of combination treatment, the Lysholm score was significantly higher than that before treatment (MD =24.04, 95% CI: 13.75, 34.32, P<0.01), and the same trend was also observed after 6 months (MD =20.41, 95% CI: 14.43, 26.40, P<0.01) and after 12 months (MD =20.86, 95% CI: 8.99, 32.72, P<0.01) of combination treatment. Overall, the combined treatment achieved significantly better clinical therapeutic effects than the single treatments in the control group [odds ratio (OR) =7.51, 95% CI: 4.84, 11.65, P<0.01]. DISCUSSION This meta-analysis has confirmed that arthroscopy combined with intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate demonstrates significant clinical therapeutic effects in the treatment of KOA. This combination treatment can significantly improve knee joint function, relieve clinical symptoms, and improve patients' quality of life.
Clinical Clues to Avoid Missing Melanoma When Morphology is Not Enough

1. Melanoma can be missed not only when the lesion is lacking specific morphologic clues, but also when the lesion is localized on covered areas and the patient is not undressed by the clinician. 2. When morphologic criteria to diagnose melanoma are lacking, there are 5 particularly relevant clinical clues to be considered, in order to avoid the risk of leaving a melanoma untreated. 3. Once the lesion is excised, melanoma could still be missed if a careful clinico-pathologic correlation is not carried out.
Renal cell markers: lighthouses for managing renal diseases.

Kidneys, one of the vital organs in our body, are responsible for maintaining whole-body homeostasis. The complexity of renal function (e.g., filtration, reabsorption, fluid and electrolyte regulation, urine production) demands diversity not only at the level of cell types but also in their overall distribution and structural framework within the kidney. To gain an in-depth molecular-level understanding of the renal system, it is imperative to discern the components of kidney and the types of cells residing in each of the sub-regions. Recent developments in labeling, tracing, and imaging techniques enabled us to mark, monitor and identify these cells in vivo with high efficiency in a minimally invasive manner. In this review, we have summarized different cell types, specific markers that are uniquely associated with those cell types, and their distribution in kidney, which altogether make kidneys so special and different. Cellular sorting based on the presence of certain proteins on the cell surface allowed for assignment of multiple markers for each cell type. However, different studies using different techniques have found contradictions in the cell-type specific markers. Thus, the term "cell marker" might be imprecise and sub-optimal, leading to uncertainty when interpreting the data. Therefore, we strongly believe that there is an unmet need to define the best cell markers for a cell type. Although, the compendium of renal-selective marker proteins presented in this review is a resource that may be useful to the researchers, we acknowledge that the list may not be necessarily exhaustive.
Relationship among melatonin, postoperative delirium, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

BACKGROUND Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are the most common central nervous system dysfunctions during the perioperative period. Melatonin protects nerve cells and impacts cognitive functioning in patients after surgery. METHODS A total of 120 patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery were evaluated with the confusion assessment method (CAM) for diagnosis of POD on the day before and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th day after surgery. Also, a neuropsychological test for the diagnosis of POCD was performed on the day before and 1 week after surgery. Patients' urine was collected to examine the concentration of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SMT), the metabolite of melatonin, with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Meanwhile, urine creatinine values were examined to calculate the 6-SMT/creatinine ratio (M/C). RESULTS The incidence rates of POD and POCD were 7% and 44%, respectively. There were no statistically differences for the M/C on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th day after surgery between the POD and the non-POD groups (P>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in the rates of M/C change [(preoperative value-postoperative value)/(postoperative value) ×100%] on the 1st and 7th day after surgery between both groups. Patients were divided into Group I1 (≥100%) and Group II1 (<100%) based on the M/C rate changes on the 1st day, Group I7 (≥200%) and Group II7 (<200%) based on the M/C rate changes on the 7th day, and Group Iw (≥100%) and Group IIw (<100%) based on the M/C rate changes during the 1st week after surgery. The incidence rates of POD for Group I1 and Group II1 were 21.1% and 3.7%, respectively; for Group I7 and Group II7 were 50% and 1.1%, respectively; for Group Iw and Group IIw were 17.2% and 2.8%, respectively. For 7 patients with POD had POCD, the occurrence of POCD was related to POD (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Increased melatonin after surgery may be a risk factor for POD. There may be no correlation between melatonin and POCD. POD may be a risk factor of POCD.
Natural History of Scaphoid Nonunion

Scaphoid fracture is the most common fracture of the carpus. The excessive extension force with axial loading in the wrist can fracture the scaphoid or in the slightly flexion position with excessive axial loading, such as in a punching machine. Once the scaphoid is fractured, gradually, the distal fragment flexes, due to the force from the flexor carpi radialis, and the proximal fragment extends, as the extension force passes through the scapholunate ligament from the triquetrum. This motion inside the proximal row indicates the dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) deformity after scaphoid fracture/nonunion.1 Sometimes, scaphoid fracture patients were claimless and easily neglected or misdiagnosed in the initial period of trauma. Watson2 described degenerative arthritis with chronic scapholunate dissociation as scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist. Similar behavior had occurred in scaphoid nonunion as SLAC wrist, and it was termed as scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrist, in which stage 1 showed degenerative condition around the radial styloid process; stage 2 showed degenerative changes between distal fragment of the scaphoid and scaphoid fossa of the radius; and stage 3 indicated degenerative changes in the midcarpal joint, resulting in the capitate proximal migration collapse. That is why we, as clinicians, usually attempted to reconstruct the scaphoid nonunion, even in cases with more than 10 years history from initial injury. However, in daily clinical practice, sometimes we observed normal alignment of the proximal carpal row in chronic scaphoid nonunion with long-term neglect. This issue includes the “Special Review” of “Revisiting the natural history of chronic Scaphoid Nonunions: a retrospective studyof 20cases”describedbyDr. Jerome.He reviewed20cases of scaphoid nonunion without any surgery and with history of scaphoid nonunion from 10 to 62 years. He mentioned that clinical outcomes of these 20 cases were relatively acceptable and raised six clinical questions, including “Does anyone with long duration of scaphoid nonunion need treatment? ” We, however, do not know all the answers in relation to scaphoid nonunion. Interesting wrist papers pertaining to de Quervain tenosynovitis, ulnar styloid fractures, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and meta-analysis of distal radius fracture, anatomy papers discussing the accessory ossicles of the wrist, and interesting case reports are also included. Do not miss it.
Screening of Antibacterial Activity of Moringa oleifera Against Pathogenic Clostridium spp.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of edible parts of Moringa oleifera against spore-forming bacteria associated with diarrhea such us Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens . Ethanolic, methanolic, aqueous and acetone extracts in several presentations of M. oleifera (fresh leaf, leaf powder, whole seed powder and seed husk powder) were obtained. Broth microdilution method was used to analyze the activity and to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs). A two-fold serial dilution of each extract was tested against C. difficile and C. perfringens during 48 h under anaerobic conditions. The broth microdilution analyzes revealed that red-stemmed leaf showed the lowest MICs (ranging from 3.9 to125 &mug/mL), followed by whole seed (MICs 29.29-1875 &mug/mL), green-stemmed leaf (MICs 39-2500 &mug/mL) and seed husk (MICs 390.6-1562.5 &mug/mL). The MBCs values were 1000-2000 &mug/mL for red-stemmed leaf fresh, 1250-10000 &mug/mL for green-stemmed leaf fresh, 6250-12500 &mug/mL for red-stemmed leaf powder, 2500-25000 &mug/mL for whole seed and 25000 &mug/mL for seed husk. The study revealed that leaves and seeds in different concentrations, irrespective of their presentation, inhibited the growth of the tested strains to varying degrees depending on the solvent employed in extraction. Therefore, it may be concluded that M. oleifera may be a potential source for antimicrobial molecule (s) against pathogenic Clostridium spp.
A qualitative study of motivations for non-suicidal self-injury in a sample of psychiatric outpatients in Singapore

Introduction: The popular notion that the need for attention drives non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) serves to stigmatise rather than understand this warning sign of underlying psychological/psychiatric disorder. Despite the pervasiveness of NSSI in clinical and community settings, effective treatments for this behaviour are lacking. This qualitative research aims to understand the motivations of NSSI in adolescents/young adults in a mental health facility in Singapore. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 outpatients (6 males, 14 females) of the Institute of Mental Health aged 17–29 years who had reported NSSI as part of an earlier survey. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The main themes and sub-themes were identified and described. Results: A preponderance of motivations served intrapersonal emotion-regulating purposes, which were categorised as to: (a) release bottled-up feelings; (b) self-punish; (c) turn aggression inwards; (d) sensitise oneself; and (e) attain a sense of control and mastery. By contrast, a small subset of motivations served the interpersonal motivation of signaling one's distress, especially when the capacity for verbal expression was limited or attempts to verbalise distress were futile. Conclusion: Committing NSSI solely for attention-seeking is a myth that perpetuates the stigma and hinders those in need of psychological care from seeking appropriate treatment. NSSIs may be warning signs that indicate not only intrapersonal conflicts but external environments that are perceived unsafe to deal with these intrapersonal conflicts. An understanding of the underlying motives will facilitate better treatment of individuals presenting with NSSI.
Intraocular Pressure Control Following Phacoemulsification in Eyes With Pre-existing Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant

Purpose: The aim was to investigate intraocular pressure (IOP) control after phacoemulsification in adult glaucomatous eyes with a functioning nonvalved Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI) compared with eyes that did not have cataract extraction post-AADI. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed records of 47 patients (47 eyes) who had a clear corneal phacoemulsification after AADI placement with a minimum of 2 years of follow up. The control group included 89 patients (89 eyes) who had a functional AADI at 1 year, minimum of 3 years of follow up post-AADI implantation, and no cataract extraction. The main outcome measure was failure (IOP >21 mm Hg or increased by >20% from prephacoemulsification level requiring at least 1 additional glaucoma medication, IOP ≤5 mm Hg, reoperation for glaucoma, or loss of light perception vision). Results: The median interval between AADI and phacoemulsification was 11.5 months (range: 4 to 68 mo), and the mean follow-up time after phacoemulsification was 35.6±6.4 months. The cumulative probability of failure was 14% (95% confidence interval=6%-31%) in the phaco group and 6% (95% confidence interval=3%-13%) in the control group at 2 years (P=0.11). Mean IOP was reduced from 16.5±4.5 mm Hg preoperatively to 15.4±4.7 mm Hg at 2 years after phacoemulsification (P=0.10). Mean LogMAR visual acuity improved from 1.1±0.6 preoperatively to 0.6±0.7 at 2 years after phacoemulsification (P<0.001). Conclusions: In eyes with a pre-existing AADI, phacoemulsification resulted in visual improvement without a significant rise in IOP or increased risk of AADI failure after 2 years follow up.