Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BLOCKADE OF β1‐ AND β2‐ADRENOCEPTORS DELAYS WOUND CONTRACTION AND RE‐EPITHELIALIZATION IN RATS

1 The participation of sympathetic efferent fibres in wound healing is not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of b1‐ and b2‐adrenoceptor blockade on rat excisional cutaneous wound healing. 2 Male rats were treated orally with propranolol dissolved in drinking water (50 mg/kg per day), whereas the control group received drinking water without propranolol. Propranolol was administered daily until rats were killed. A full‐thickness excisional lesion was performed. The lesion area was measured to evaluate wound contraction. After rats had been killed, lesion and adjacent normal skin were formol fixed and paraffin embedded. Sections were stained with haematoxylin–eosin, Sirius red or Toluidine blue and immunostained for a‐smooth muscle actin or proliferating cell nuclear antigen. 3 Propranolol‐treated rats presented delayed wound contraction and epidermal healing and decreased hydroxyproline levels, collagen density and neo‐epidermis thickness. Blockade of b1‐ and b2‐adrenoceptors increased epidermal and connective tissue cell proliferation, polymorphonuclear leucocyte migration, myofibroblast density and mast cell migration. The volume density of blood vessels was increased and vessels were more dilated in propranolol‐treated animals. 4 Thus, we conclude that b1‐ and b2‐adrenoceptor blockade impairs cutaneous wound healing. This information should be considered by physicians during the treatment of patients who present with hypertension and problems in the healing process (such as venous ulcers).
Women smokers' experiences of an age-appearance anti-smoking intervention: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES This study was designed to investigate women's experiences of engaging in an age-appearance anti-smoking intervention. METHODS Ten 18- to 34-year-old women gave accounts of their experiences after engaging in an age-appearance facial morphing anti-smoking intervention in interviews (n= 7) and a focus group (n= 3), and 37 women gave their accounts while they were engaged in the intervention. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis broadly informed by the procedures of Grounded Theory. RESULTS Women were very concerned about the impact of ageing on their faces in general, and in particular the additional impact of smoking on their skin. Women were concerned about other people's reactions to them as older smokers with wrinkled skin, and many experienced a physical shock reaction (including reports of nausea) to seeing how they would age if they continued to smoke. They reported that seeing their own face aged on the computer screen increased their perceived risk of skin wrinkling. Women reported being highly motivated to quit smoking as a result of the intervention, and many reported that they would take active steps to quit having seen how they would look if they continued to smoke. This was linked with increased perceived personal responsibility for quitting. CONCLUSIONS Results are discussed in relation to suggestions for anti-smoking interventions aimed at women in the 18- to 34-year-old age group. It is concluded that interventions incorporating age-appearance morphing techniques are likely to be effective in helping women to take active steps to quit smoking.
The Views of Students Completing Continuing Education of Family Health Nursing

Aim: The purpose of the study was to describe the views of post-basic students participating in the continuing education of family health nursing. Background: The research was a part of WHO's family health nursing project, which aimed at deepening the family health nursing skills of registered nurses. In Finland, these studies were realised at two Universities of Applied Sciences in three study groups. Methods: The data was comprised of students' written documents prepared at different stages of the studies. The data was analysed by using content analysis. Findings: Family health nursing was seen as the responsibility of the individual in nursing, the participation of family members in the care, interaction and cooperation with the family and empowering the family. These subcategories were categorised and reviewed in the light of the levels of family health nursing. They were family as a context, as a sum of its parts, as a subsystem and as a client. Students' views changed during the education from one of emphasising the individual to a more expansive view of the family. Conclusion: The continuing education of family health nursing increased students'theoretical knowledge and readiness to encounter the family.
Potential role of statins and PPARs in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease characterized by joint inflammation and subsequent destruction. RA is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There are many possible reasons for this, which include lipid abnormalities, inflammation and possibly insulin resistance, all of which are risk factors for atherosclerosis in the general population. During the last decade, the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, have had a substantial impact on improving cardiovascular outcomes primarily via low-density lipoprotein-lowering, although pleiotropic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties may also be relevant. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, fibrates and thiazolidediones also affect lipid homeostasis, improve insulin resistance and may have anti-inflammatory effects by controlling cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In this review the authors discuss the potential applications of statins and .
Michelangelo, the Sistine Chapel and the “secret” of cancer cachexia

Abstract The clinical journey of chronic diseases, including cancer, renal failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is frequently characterised by the progressive deterioration of nutritional status, leading to increased morbidity and mortality, and impinges upon quality of life. Disease-associated malnutrition is characterised by anorexia and reduced food intake, but nutritional depletion cannot be accounted for by insufficient energy intake only. Indeed, wasting of muscles and adipose tissue also occurs, which is not suppressed by the provision of nutrients. Disease-associated malnutrition is defined as the anorexia-cachexia syndrome, to differentiate this clinical condition from malnutrition resulting from simple starvation, which responds to nutritional support. The pathogenesis of the anorexia-cachexia syndrome is multifactorial, but moderate yet persistent inflammation plays a prominent role in mediating the observed changes of eating behavior and of the metabolism of peripheral tissues. Peripheral tissue wasting and disease-associated anorexia have been classically considered as involving different molecular pathways, the former being mediated by increased muscle proteolysis and adipose tissue lipolysis, the latter being induced by neurochemical alterations. However, recent data seem to support the concept that disease-associated anorexia and wasting represent the clinical phenotypes of common pathogenic mechanisms, involving brain areas controlling energy homeostasis. In this regard, the different clinical pictures of disease-associated malnutrition, characterised by a variety of combinations of anorexia and wasting, reflect the different interactions occurring between the genotypes of the host and the underlying disease. Therefore, it has been proposed that the anorexia-cachexia syndrome is better defined as cachexia, which now encompasses the countless clinical expressions of the host’s response to a chronic insult. Surprisingly, such a unifying concept was already left by Michelangelo as a hidden message on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel 500 years ago.
Effects of microcystins on fish

Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxic heptapeptides released into water during or on senescence of cyanobacterial blooms. This review details the different effects of the MCs on fish and discusses their potential consequences in aquatic food webs. In early life stages, exposure to MCs causes, in a dose‐dependent manner, perturbations to embryonic hatching, decrease in survival and growth rate, as well as histopathological effects (enlarged and opaque yolk sac, small head, curved body and tail, hepatobiliary abnormalities, ultrastructural alterations in hepatocytes, heart rate perturbations). In adults and juveniles, field and experimental studies demonstrated that after ingestion MCs accumulate mainly in liver but can also be found in muscle and viscera. Microcystin exposure has been shown to affect growth rate and osmoregulation, increase liver enzyme activities in the serum and heart rate, modify behavior, and exert histopathological effects in the liver, intestine, kidneys, heart, spleen, or gills, but the degree to which these effects were seen depends on the exposure route. The detoxication pathway of MCs in fish begins with a conjugation reaction to glutathione catalyzed by glutathione S‐transferases, and this is comparable to the reaction demonstrated in other organisms, from plants to mammals. It appears that MC concentrations found in nature can potently affect several trophic levels in the aquatic ecosystems, in particular by inducing failure of sensitive stages (e.g., fish fry) to develop and accumulating in the food chains. The need of further quantitative studies on the sublethal effects, accumulation, and fate of MCs in aquatic food chains still remains.
RIESGOS PSICOSOCIALES EN EL TRABAJO Y SALUD OCUPACIONAL

The changes on work processes and job design in recent decades are focused in the demographic, economic, political, and technological aspects. These changes have created new psychosocial risks at work that affect the health and quality of workplace, increasing stress levels among workers. The aim of this study is to present such risks, their consequences, and some recommendations to promote health at the workplace as a strategy to improve public health of the population. The study is divided into five points in which: (1) introduces the concept of risk factors and psychosocial work, (2) describes the main emerging psychosocial risks labor, (3) provides some information on the prevalence of psychosocial risks at work in Europe and its consequences, (4) recommendations for health promotion in the workplace, and (5) describes the objective of Occupational Health Psychology and concludes with the recommendations to promote psychosocial health in the workplace as a strategy to improve public health of the population.
High molecular weight petroleum hydrocarbons differentially affect freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages

High–molecular weight petroleum hydrocarbons (HMWPHs) are a common pollutant in urban freshwater sediments. A previous study found that HMWPHs derived from synthetic oils are detrimental to aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates at concentrations greater than 840 mg/kg, but it is unclear what effect hydrocarbons derived from other sources have on these organisms. A field‐based microcosm experiment was conducted to determine whether natural and other types of HMWPHs produce similar effects on indigenous benthic macroinvertebrates as was induced by synthetic motor oils. Ordinations and comparisons of sensitive species indicated that HMWPHs from different anthropogenic sources negatively affected macroinvertebrates, whereas naturally occurring hydrocarbons above the threshold of 840 mg/kg had no detrimental effect. This result suggests that total petroleum hydrocarbon content, which is often used to identify hydrocarbon pollutants, is a good conservative indicator of HMWPH concentrations affecting the biota.
Association of Claudin-1 with E-Cadherin/Catenin Complex, Microvessel Density (MVD)-Related Markers, and Clinicopathological Features in Colorectal Carcinoma -

Objectives: Intercellular adhesion mediated by claudin and cadherin/catenin complex is a prerequisite of epithelial integrity and differentiation and has been suggested to be frequently disturbed in cancers. Endoglin (CD105) has been shown to be a more useful marker to identify proliferating endothelium involved in angiogenesis than pan-endothelial markers such as CD31. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between these markers and clinicopathological features of colorectal carcinomas. Materials and Methods: Surgical specimens from 69 patients with colorectal cancer were immunostained for claudin-1, E-cadherin, β-catenin, endoglin and CD31. Results: Forty-six (66.7%), 67 (97.1%), and 67 (97.1%) of the tumors, expressed immunostaining for claudin-1, E-cadherin and β-catenin, respectively. A significant association was seen between claudin-1 and E-cadherin expression (p=0.002), as well with β-catenin (p=0.009). High β-catenin expression appeared to reduce the risk of poor outcome. Endoglin vessel expression was correlated significantly with vessel invasion (p
Effects of particle composition and species on toxicity of metallic nanomaterials in aquatic organisms

Metallic nanoparticles are among the most widely used types of engineered nanomaterials; however, little is known about their environmental fate and effects. To assess potential environmental effects of engineered nanometals, it is important to determine which species are sensitive to adverse effects of various nanomaterials. In the present study, zebrafish, daphnids, and an algal species were used as models of various trophic levels and feeding strategies. To understand whether observed effects are caused by dissolution, particles were characterized before testing, and particle concentration and dissolution were determined during exposures. Organisms were exposed to silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, and cobalt as both nanoparticles and soluble salts as well as to titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Our results indicate that nanosilver and nanocopper cause toxicity in all organisms tested, with 48‐h median lethal concentrations as low as 40 and 60 μg/L, respectively, in Daphnia pulex adults, whereas titanium dioxide did not cause toxicity in any of the tests. Susceptibility to nanometal toxicity differed among species, with filter‐feeding invertebrates being markedly more susceptible to nanometal exposure compared with larger organisms (i.e., zebrafish). The role of dissolution in observed toxicity also varied, being minor for silver and copper but, apparently, accounting for most of the toxicity with nickel. Nanoparticulate forms of metals were less toxic than soluble forms based on mass added, but other dose metrics should be developed to accurately assess concentration–response relationships for nanoparticle exposures.
Epoxiconazole causes changes in testicular histology and sperm production in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The fungicide epoxiconazole (Epox), a triazole, belongs to the group of azole compounds that are extensively used as fungicides in various fruit crops. The frequent use of agricultural lands for wintering by migrating birds can be the source of their increased dietary intake of agricultural pesticides. We investigated whether exposure to Epox causes effects on avian fertility and reproduction, using the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) as a model species for the assessment of reproductive effects of pesticides in wild birds. Epox was administered to adult Japanese quail for three weeks at dietary levels of 10, 50, and 500 ppm, and possible effects on reproduction were investigated. Epox administration resulted in a significantly decreased number of spermatids in the 50‐ and 500‐ppm dose groups. Histopathology showed a reduced number of testicular canaliculi with visible germ cells and a reduction in spermatid number. However, testis weight was not affected up to the highest dose level. No impact was observed on hormone levels, fertility, and reproductive outcome, as laying rate and percentage of fertile eggs were not altered. Likewise, treatment had no influence on the egg or chick parameters evaluated. A time‐ and dose‐related transfer of Epox into the eggs was determined in all treatment groups. We conclude that dietary treatment of Japanese quail with 50 and 500 ppm of the triazole fungicide Epox resulted in a clear impact on the testis. The evaluation of the additional endpoints spermatid count and testicular histology have proven useful and are recommended for future studies on avian reproduction.
Enantioselective estrogenicity of o,p'‐dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in the MCF‐7 human breast carcinoma cell line

Research increasingly suggests that selectivity between enantiomers may exist in acute and chronic toxicological effects of chiral contaminants. In this study, we used the human breast carcinoma MCF‐7 cell line to evaluate enantioselectivity of o,p'‐dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p'‐DDT). Baseline separation of o,p'‐DDT enantiomers was achieved on the Chiralcel® OJ chiral column by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the absolute configuration and optical rotation of the resolved enantiomers were further identified. Significant differences in estrogenic potential were observed between the two enantiomers of o,p'‐DDT in the MCF‐7 cell proliferation assay (i.e., the E‐Screen assay) and the real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the E‐Screen assay, the relative proliferative effect ratios of R‐(—)‐o,p'‐DDT and S‐(+)‐o,p'‐DDT were 89.4 and 27.9%, respectively, and the relative proliferative potency ratios were 0.1 and 0.001%, respectively. Compared to the solvent control, R‐(—)‐o,p'‐DDT induced the maximal increase of 2.31‐fold at a concentration of 10−6 mol/L, while S‐(+)‐o,p'‐DDT at 10−5 mol/L induced the maximal increase of 1.65‐fold in estrogenic biomarker pS2 mRNA level. The maximal down‐regulation of the transcription levels of estrogen receptor a (ERα) and ERβ by R‐(—)‐o,p'‐DDT were 49 and 40% at the concentration of 10−6 mol/L, while those by S‐(+)‐o,p'‐DDT were 24 and 26% at the concentration of 10−5 mol/L. The cell proliferation, the up‐regulation of pS2, and the down‐regulation of ERα and ERβ gene expressions induced by the racemate and enantiomers of o,p'‐DDT were all reversed by cotreatment with 10−6 mol/L ICI 182,780. Therefore, the enantioselective estrogenicity of o,p'‐DDT was likely through the ERα and ERβ signaling pathways. Results from this study suggest the need for considering enantioselectivity of chiral contaminants in chronic ecological toxicities.
Value of Testing at 30°C for the Identification of Cold Alloantibodies in the Presence of Cold Autoantibodies

Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to hemolytic anti-Lea is a rare phenomenon. We present here a case report of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, and demonstrated that an additional procedure of incubation at 30˚C facilitated the identification of a hemolytic anti- Lea in this diagnostic challenged case. A 46 year old man with a history of AIDS and dementia presented with symptomatic anemia. During transfusion of the 2nd unit of packed RBCs, the patient experienced high fever, back pain and dark brown urine. The blood bank and laboratory workup revealed evidence of a quickly resolved acute intravascular hemolysis. Other causes of intravascular hemolysis were ruled out with various laboratory tests. Initial blood bank antibody workup revealed a cold auto-anti-I, and a cold allo-antibody of undetermined specificity. Tests at 30˚C were described by Lawrance Petz and George Garratty for workup of cold autoantibodies at 30˚C. We extrapolated their method to clearly identify a hemolytic anti-Lea with broad thermal amplitude. Phenotyping and crossmatching at 30˚C revealed that the 1st unit was implicated in the acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. This is the first report to successfully identify a hemolytic antiLea using the method at 30˚C for cold allo-antibody workup. [N A J Med Sci. 2012;5(2):131-134. ]
Mercury‐induced reproductive impairment in fish

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and increasing levels have led to concern for human and wildlife health in many regions of the world. During the past three decades, studies in fish have examined the effects of sublethal mercury exposure on a range of endpoints within the reproductive axis. Mercury studies have varied from highly concentrated aqueous exposures to ecologically relevant dietary exposures using levels comparable to those currently found in the environment. This review summarizes data from both laboratory and field studies supporting the hypothesis that mercury in the aquatic environment impacts the reproductive health of fish. The evidence presented suggests that the inhibitory effects of mercury on reproduction occur at multiple sites within the reproductive axis, including the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads. Accumulation of mercury in the fish brain has resulted in reduced neurosecretory material, hypothalamic neuron degeneration, and alterations in parameters of monoaminergic neurotransmission. At the level of the pituitary, mercury exposure has reduced and/or inactivated gonadotropin‐secreting cells. Finally, studies have examined the effects of mercury on the reproductive organs and demonstrated a range of effects, including reductions in gonad size, circulating reproductive steroids, gamete production, and spawning success. Despite some variation between studies, there appears to be sufficient evidence from laboratory studies to link exposure to mercury with reproductive impairment in many fish species. Currently, the mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown; however, several physiological and cellular mechanisms are proposed within this review.
Antihyperglycemic effect and phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of Passiflora foetida (Linn.) on normal Wistar rat model

Passiflora foetida L. belonging to family Passifloraceae is used in Sri Lanka as a traditional medicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to examine the antihyperglycemic activity of the aqueous leaf extract of P. foetida in normoglycemic Wistar rats. The extract at a dose of 433 mg/kg (calculated on the basis of the traditional raw salad intake per meal) had a effect not significantly different (p<0.05) for glipizide at a dose of 10 mg/kg, 90 min after the glucose load. Preliminary phytochemical sceening indicated the presence of flavonoids, steroids and saponins as major constituents. Key words: Passiflora foetida, anti-hyperglycaemic effect, glipizide.
Evaluating Teachers’ Preparedness to Work With Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing With Disabilities

a national survey was conducted to determine the needs of teachers and service providers working with students who are deaf and hard of hearing with disabilities (DWD). Quantitative and qualitative questions were asked regarding knowledge of, training with, and strategies used with students who are DWD. Responses from 264 professionals working with this population are reported. Results are reviewed and tied to previous research before and after the 2008 revalidation of the Council on Education of the Deaf standards for teachers of the deaf. Final recommendations are made for (a) virtual learning opportunities, (b) hands-on field experiences and course work in teacher preparation programs, and (c) empirically based research. By understanding the needs of professionals who are currently working with students who are DWD, researchers can help improve teacher preparation programs as well as improve the educational systems currently in place for these learners.