Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of lipoic acid on acrylamide-induced neuropathy in rats with reference to biochemical, hematological, and behavioral alterations

Abstract Context: Acrylamide (ACR) is a well-known neurotoxicant and carcinogenic agent which poses a greater risk for human and animal health. Objective: The present study evaluates the beneficial effects of α-lipoic acid (LA) on ACR-induced neuropathy. Materials and methods: A total of 40 male rats were divided into four groups: a placebo group; LA-treated group, administered orally 1% (w/w) LA mixed with diet; ACR-treated group, given 0.05% (w/v) ACR dissolved in drinking water; and LA + ACR-treated group, given LA 1% 7 d before and along with ACR 0.05% for 21 d. After 28 d, blood samples were collected, the rats were decapitated, and the tissues were excised for the measurement of brain biomarkers, antioxidant status, and hematological analysis. Also, the gait score of rats was evaluated. Results: ACR-exposed rats exhibited abnormal gait deficits with significant (p < 0.05) decline in acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and creatine kinase in serum and brain tissues, respectively. However, the lactate dehydrogenase activity was increased in serum by 123%, although it decreased in brain tissues by −74%. ACR significantly (p < 0.05) increased the malondialdehyde level by 273% with subsequent depletion of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and reduced the glutathione (GSH) level in brain tissue. Interestingly, LA significantly (p < 0.05) improved brain enzymatic biomarkers, attenuated lipid peroxidation (LPO), and increased antioxidant activities compared with the ACR-treated group. Discussion and conclusion: These results suggested that LA may have a role in the management of ACR-induced oxidative stress in brain tissues through its antioxidant activity, attenuation of LPO, and improvement of brain biomarkers.
Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antilipid peroxidative activities of Dracocephalum polychaetum shoot extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: In vivo and in vitro studies

Abstract Context: Dracocephalum polychaetum Bornm. (Lamiaceae) is used in folk medicine and contains antioxidant agents. Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antilipid peroxidative properties of methanol extract of D. polychaetum aerial parts. Materials and methods: The effect of extract (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, b.w.) on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was investigated. Also, extract (300 mg/kg) administered orally in diabetic rats for 14 d then, serum levels of some biochemical factors were evaluated. Pancreas samples were used for the determination of malondealdehyde (MDA) level, glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzyme activities. Red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma were used for MDA estimation. Pancreatic α-amylase inhibition, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays were done. The total flavonoid content of the extract was determined by spectrophotometry. Results: Extract (300 mg/kg) decreased serum glucose level (27.1%) significantly at 120 min in OGTT. Serum levels of creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine amino transferase and MDA levels in plasma, RBCs, and pancreas significantly decreased in treated (300 mg/kg) diabetic rats, while pancreatic GSH content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymatic activities increased (p < 0.05). The IC50 values for the extract and butyl hydroxyanisole were 5.6 and 1.15 mg/mL in DPPH and 0.155 and 0.062 mg/mL in the FRAP methods, respectively. The extract had no inhibitory effect on α-amylase activity. The total amount of flavonoids of the extract was estimated to be 1.8% (g/g) on the basis of quercetin content. Conclusion: Dracocephalum polychaetum shoot extract has antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and antilipid peroxidative properties.
Preclinical antitoxic properties of Spirulina (Arthrospira)

Abstract Context: Spirulina (Arthrospira) exerts a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities which are mainly attributed to its antioxidant effect. However, Spirulina has also been reported (both in preclinical and in clinical scenarios) to exhibit other bioactive effects, including an antitoxic potential. Objective: We performed a systematic review of the literature, conducted in TOXNET, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Science Direct-Scopus; all available years were included. Searching criteria included the effects of Spirulina on experimental poisonings from arsenic, cadmium, carbon tetrachloride, deltamethrin, fluoride, hexachlorocyclohexane, iron, lead, lindane, and mercury. Results: In all cases, it was established that the blue-green alga, and its isolated compounds, effectively counteracted these pollutants toxic effects on the exposed organisms. Some molecular mechanisms are proposed, although they have not been fully elucidated yet. Conclusion: Spirulina could be a useful coadjuvant agent within clinical practice for treatment of these or other pollutants poisonings.
Phenolic content and anti-hyperglycemic activity of pecan cultivars from Egypt

Abstract Context: Pecans are commonly used nuts with important health benefits such as anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. Objective: A comparative investigation of the antihyperglycemic and total phenolic content of the leaves and shells of four pecan cultivars growing in Egypt was carried out. The selected cultivars (cv.) were Carya illinoinensis Wangneh. K. Koch. cv. Wichita, cv. WesternSchely, cv. Cherokee, and cv. Sioux family Juglandaceae. Materials and methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the leaves and shells of pecan cultivars were carried out using Folin–Ciocalteu’s and aluminum chloride assays, respectively. Moreover, HPLC profiling of phenolic and flavonoid contents was carried out using RP-HPLC-UV. In addition, in vivo anti-hyperglycemic activity of the ethanolic extracts (125 mg/kg bw, p.o.) of C. illinoinensis cultivars was carried out using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in Sprague–Dawley rats for 4 weeks. Results and discussion: Phenolic contents were higher in shells than leaves in all studied cultivars, while flavonoids were higher in leaves. Leaves and shells of cv. Sioux showed the highest phenolics (251.7 µg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), and flavonoid contents (103.27 µg rutin equivalent (RE)/g and 210.67 µg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g), respectively. The HPLC profiling of C. illinoinensis cultivars resulted in the identification of eight flavonoids (five of these compounds are identified for the first time from pecan), and 15 phenolic acids (six are identified for the first time from pecan). Leaves of cv. Sioux revealed the most potent decrease in blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%) (194.9 mg/dl and 6.52%, respectively), among other tested cultivars. Moreover, leaves of cv. Sioux significantly elevated serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (0.33 mMol/l and 30.68 mg/dl, respectively), and significantly suppressed the markers of both lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) and protein oxidation (protein carbonyl, PC) (14.25 µmol/ml and 3.18 nmol/mg protein, respectively). Conclusion: Different pecan cultivars showed significant variation in its phenolic and flavonoid contents and consequently their antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic effects.
Methanol extracts from Cystoseira tamariscifolia and Cystoseira nodicaulis are able to inhibit cholinesterases and protect a human dopaminergic cell line from hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity

Abstract Context Marine macroalgae contain several bioactive molecules that may be developed as functional foods, but information about their neuroprotective potential is scarce. Objective The objective of this study is to determine the in vitro antioxidant and neuroprotective features of marine algae from the southern coast of Portugal and to assess the total content of different types of bioactives. Materials and methods Methanol extracts from 21 macroalgal species from the southern Portugal were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Active extracts were further evaluated for inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and tyrosinase (TYRO), and for their ability to attenuate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. The total contents of different phenolic groups were determined for the most active extracts. Results Cystoseira tamariscifolia (Hudson) Papenfuss (Sargassaceae) had the highest antiradical activity (92%, 1 mg/mL). Cystoseira nodicaulis (Withering) M. Roberts (Sargassaceae) (75%) and Cystoseira humilis Schousboe ex Kützing (Sargassaceae) (70%) had the highest iron-chelating activity at 10 mg/mL. Cystoseira baccata (S.G. Gmelin) P.C. Silva (Sargassaceae) was more active towards copper (66%, 10 mg/mL). Cystoseira tamariscifolia had the highest AChE inhibitory capacity (85%, 10 mg/mL). Cystoseira tamariscifolia and C. nodicaulis were also active against BuChE and TYRO, and were able to protect SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress induced by H2O2. Cystoseira tamariscifolia had the highest content of all the groups of phenolics, and was particularly enriched in hydroxycinnamic acids (106 mg CAE/g DW). Discussion and conclusion Results indicate that C. tamariscifolia and C. nodicaulis are important sources of nutraceutical compounds and may be considered functional foods that could improve cognitive functions.
Preliminary validation of the ICUM tool: a tool for assessing memory of the intensive care experience

Objective: The absence of a tool for assessing memory after being treated on the intensive care unit (ICU) has inhibited research. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and validate a tool known as the ICU Memory Tool (ICUMT) for assessing memory forintensive care during the recovery period. Validity was assessed through internal consistency, construct validity and test-retest reliability. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Single intensive care unit in a district general hospital. Subjects and measurements: Forty-five patients recovering from critical illness. The ICUMT consists of 14 items administered by clinical interview. Main results: The ICU Memory Tool was internally consistent (alpha coefficient 0.86). Some evidence for the tool's construct validity was found as a predicted relationship between infection and memory loss was confirmed (p < 0.04). Good test-retest reliability was found over a 4-month period for factual memories (r = 0.84, p < 0.0001) and delusion memor.
Speaking a foreign language and its effect on F0

Abstract This study investigated whether speaking a foreign language affects the fundamental frequency (F0) of speech in 16 native Finnish and 14 native English subjects reading a text in Finnish and in English. The speech samples were analyzed for the mean and range of F0. Speaking a foreign language caused a change in F0 for the Finnish subjects, while the result was not as unambiguous for the English subjects. The change in F0 may be a result of adaptation to a certain pitch level in the foreign environment. Experience in using the foreign language did not show significant correlation to the change in F0, which suggests either individual differences in sensitivity to adaptation or difficulty in quantifying the amount of experience.
Diagnostic role of capsule endoscopy in patients of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after negative CT enterography

Abstract Background and Objectives: Computed tomographic enterography (CT-EG) has emerged a useful tool for the evaluation of small bowel in patients of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, CT-EG may be negative in about 50-60% of patients. We aimed to see the efficacy of capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients of OGIB, who had initial negative CT-EG. Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients of OGIB after initial hemodynamic stabilization were subjected to CT-EG. Those having negative CT-EG were further evaluated with CE. Results: Fifty-five patients of OGIB with mean standard deviation age, 52.7 (19.0), range 18-75 years, women 31/55 (56.4%) were subjected to CT-EG. Nine (17.6%) patients had positive findings on CT-EG, which included mass lesions in six, thickened wall of distal ileal loops, narrowing, and wall enhancement in two and jejunal wall thickening with wall hyperenhancement in one patient. Forty-two patients had negative CT-EG of which 25 underwent CE for further evaluation. CE detected positive findings in 11 of 25 (48%) patients which included vascular malformations in three, ulcers in seven, and fresh blood without identifiable source in one. The diagnostic yield of CE in overt OGIB was more compared to occult OGIB ((7/14, 50%) vs (4/11, 36.4%) P = 0.2) and was higher if performed within 2 weeks of active gastrointestinal (GI) bleed (P = 0.08). Conclusions: In conclusion, CE is an additional tool in the evaluation of obscure GI bleed, especially mucosal lesions which can be missed by CT-EG.
Relative survival after CABG surgery is poorer in women and in patients younger than 70 years at surgery

Abstract Objective. The difference in survival between genders after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) have been studied with varying results. We wanted to investigate gender and age specific relative survival in the CABG population. Risk factors increasing hazard of death in female patients were isolated. Design. Retrospectively, 6699 primary isolated CABG procedures were investigated. Long-term survival compared to expected survival in the background population was described through Kaplan-Meier plots. Two subgroups of female patients were described through baseline characteristics, t-tests, odds ratio and multivariate analysis to investigate risk factors for death within one year after surgery. Results. Women had significantly decreased relative long-term survival compared to men in this study. Relative survival was lower in patients below 70 years of age at surgery with about the same gender difference. Low ejection fraction, left main stem stenosis and reduced renal function were found to increase risk of death within one year after CABG in women, while body size quantified by body surface area (BSA) did not. Conclusion. Relative long-term survival after CABG was poorer in female compared to male patients. This tendency was kept or strengthened when only those less than 70 years of age at surgery were investigated. Lower female survival was most likely due to more comorbidity in female patients. Relative survival was lower in patients <70 years.
A cross sectional study to determine the tobacco use pattern among school children in central India

Background: Despite increasing awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco, the use of tobacco in various forms continues to be significant health risk factors amongst children and youth. Objective: 1. To assess the prevalence of tobacco usage among school children of rural area. 2. To study the patterns & various determinants of tobacco use in school children. Methods: Out of 11 schools, 5 were selected randomly from the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre. A Cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 school children from class VI to class X using a pre-designed & Pre-tested questionnaire to study the factors associated with tobacco use. In the end a health education session was conducted to make all the students aware of health hazards of tobacco. Results: Prevalence of tobacco use among school children was found to be 13.89%. Among the tobacco users smoking was found in 23 (40.3%) and tobacco chewing in the form of gutkha, pan, naaksa, khaini was found in 29 (51%) and mixed use was seen in 5(8.7%). Peer pressure (47%) and Curiosity about products (30%) were cited as the most common reasons for initiation of tobacco use.65. 2% children had observed the warning on the gutkha pouch. Conclusion: Prevalence of tobacco use among school children was found to be 13.89%. Mandatory health education sessions against tobacco should be held regularly for all school children. Keywords: Tobacco Use, School Students, Rural, Smoking
Assessment of fatigue in a large series of 1492 Brazilian patients with Spondyloarthritis

Abstract Background. The aim of the present study was to analyze the score of fatigue in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with SpA, comparing different disease patterns and its association with demographic and disease-specific variables. Methods. A common protocol of investigation was prospectively applied to 1492 Brazilian patients classified as SpA according to the European Spondyloarthropathies Study Group (ESSG) criteria, attended at 29 reference centers. Clinical and demographic variables were recorded. Fatigue was evaluated using the first item of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) questionnaire. Results. The mean BASDAI fatigue score was 4.20 ± 2.99. There was no significant difference in the fatigue score between the different SpA. Fatigue was higher in female patients (p < 0.001), with mixed (axial + peripheral) involvement (p < 0.001) and in those who did not practice exercises (p < 0.001). Higher scores of fatigue were significantly associated with inflammatory low back pain (p = 0.013), alternating buttock pain (p = 0.001), cervical pain (p = 0.001), and hip involvement (p = 0.005). Fatigue presented a moderate positive statistical correlation with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) (0.469; p < 0.001) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (0.462; p < 0.001). Conclusion. In this large series of Brazilian SpA patients, higher fatigue scores were associated with female gender, sedentary, worse functionality, and quality of life.
The Relationship of Maternal Anaemia and Folate Deficiency to Uterine Haemorrhage during Pregnancy and Fetal Malformation

Summary: Haematological observations were made on 381 women at their first attendance at the antenatal clinic: 42 subsequently had uterine haemorrhage (abortion, antepartum or postpartum haemorrhage) and 8 gave birth to congenitally malformed infants. These 42 patients (prospective study) and 166 other patients seen for the first time after uterine haemorrhage (retrospective study) have been compared with 331 pregnant controls.
Comparison of Remifentanil and Fentanyl in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy for Supratentorial Space‐occupying Lesions

Background Remifentanil hydrochloride is an ultra‐short‐acting, esterase‐metabolized micro‐opioid receptor agonist. This study compared the use of remifentanil or fentanyl during elective supratentorial craniotomy for space‐occupying lesions. Methods Sixty‐three adults gave written informed consent for this prospective, randomized, double‐blind, multiple‐center trial. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental, pancuronium, nitrous oxide/oxygen, and fentanyl (n = 32; 2 micro gram [center dot] kg [center dot] sup ‐1 min sup ‐1) or remifentanil (n = 31; 1 micro [center dot] kg sup ‐1 [center dot] min sup ‐1). After tracheal intubation, infusion rates were reduced to 0.03 micro gram [center dot] kg sup ‐1 [center dot] min sup ‐1 (fentanyl) or 0.2 micro gram [center dot] kg sup ‐1 [center dot] min sup ‐1 (remifentanil) and then adjusted to maintain anesthesia and stable hemodynamics. Isoflurane was given only after specified infusion rate increases had occurred. At the time of the first burr hole, intracranial pressure was measured in a subset of patients. At bone flap replacement either saline (fentanyl group) or remifentanil ([nearly equal] 0.2 micro gram [center dot] kg sup ‐1 [center dot] min sup ‐1) were infused until dressing completion. Hemodynamics and time to recovery were monitored for 60 min. Analgesic requirements and nausea and vomiting were observed for 24 h. Neurological examinations were performed before operation and on postoperative days 1 and 7. Results Induction hemodynamics were similar. Systolic blood pressure was greater in the patients receiving fentanyl after tracheal intubation (fentanyl = 127 +/‐ 18 mmHg; remifentanil = 113 +/‐ 18 mmHg; P = 0.004). Intracranial pressure (fentanyl = 14 +/‐ 13 mmHg; remifentanil = 13 +/‐ 10 mmHg) and cerebral perfusion pressure (fentanyl = 76 +/‐ 19 mmHg; remifentanil = 78 +/‐ 14 mmHg) were similar. Isoflurane use was greater in the patients who received fentanyl. Median time to tracheal extubation was similar (fentanyl = 4 min: range = ‐1 to 40 min; remifentanil = 5 min: range = 1 to 15 min). Seven patients receiving fentanyl and none receiving remifentanil required naloxone. Postoperative systolic blood pressure was greater (fentanyl = 134 +/‐ 16 mmHg; remifentanil = 147 +/‐ 15 mmHg; P = 0.001) and analgesics were required earlier in patients receiving remifentanil. Incidences of nausea and vomiting were similar. Conclusion Remifentanil appears to be a reasonable alternative to fentanyl during elective supratentorial craniotomy.
The usefulness of a new triple combination treatment utilizing methotrexate, salazosulfapyridine, and bucillamine in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives. Combination treatment with methotrexate, salazosulfapyridine and bucillamine as an alternative to treatment with TNF-inhibiting biologics in rheumatoid arthritis was investigated. Methods. Twenty-six facilities allied with the Japan Association of Rheumatologists in Private Practice participated in this study. One hundred and twelve patients enrolled in this study, all of whom were within 3 years of diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis for whom treatment with one DMARD or a combination of two DMARDs had failed (DAS28 > 3.2). Patients chose their own treatment. The triple DMARDs combination group was comprised of 72 patients; the TNF-inhibiting biologics treatment group was comprised of 40 patients. Results. DAS28 scores for the triple DMARDs combination group and the TNF-inhibiting biologics treatment groups were 4.84 ± 0.96 and 5.23 ± 1.26, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. From the 6th month, average disease activities of both groups were reduced, and there was no difference between the two groups at 12 months (DAS28, 3.39 ± 1.43 and 3.05 ± 1.43, p = 0.39). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the degree of bone destruction between the two groups at 12 months. Conclusions. The triple DMARD combination therapy provided a new treatment option for those patients for whom treatment with biologics is difficult.
Estimation of the symptoms for GERD by GerdQ in the patients with rheumatic diseases

Abstract Objective: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common comorbidity in many diseases, but the frequency in rheumatic disease has not been well understood. Methods: We investigated the prevalence of GERD by GerdQ in 530 rheumatic patients [systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE; n = 120), rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 117), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR; n = 40), dermatomyositis and polymyositis (PM/DM; n = 38), systemic scleroderma (SSc; n = 37), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD; n = 18), Behçet disease (BD; n = 17), adult onset still disease (AOSD; n = 14), and other rheumatic diseases (n = 129)]. Results: The mean GerdQ scores of patients was 6.2 ± 1.8, respectively, and no significant differences were observed between all patients. However, the GERD prevalence in SSc and BD was increased compared to that in SLE, RA, PMR, PM/DM, MCTD, and AOSD. In no medication of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a significant increase in the risk of GERD symptoms was 2.5 times compared with that in the medication of PPIs in all patients by multivariable regression analysis. On the other hand, there were no increased risks of GERD symptoms with corticosteroids. Conclusion: In rheumatic diseases, GerdQ would be the useful tool of diagnosis GERD, regardless whether the patients complain or not about gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.