Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metformin Suppresses Pancreatic Tumor Growth With Inhibition of NF&kgr;B/STAT3 Inflammatory Signaling

Objectives To further elucidate the anticancer mechanisms of metformin against pancreatic cancer, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of metformin on pancreatic tumorigenesis in a genetically engineered mouse model and investigated its possible anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenesis effects. Methods Six-week-old LSL-KrasG12D/+;Trp53F2-10 mice (10 per group) were administered once daily intraperitoneally with saline (control) for 1 week or metformin (125 mg/kg) for 1 week (Met_1wk) or 3 weeks (Met_3wk) before tumor initiation. All mice continued with their respective injections for 6 weeks after tumor initiation. Molecular changes were evaluated through quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Results At euthanasia, pancreatic tumor volume in the Met_1wk (median, 181.8 mm3) and Met_3wk (median, 137.9 mm3) groups was significantly lower than those in the control group (median, 481.1 mm3; P = 0.001 and 0.0009, respectively). No significant difference was observed between the Met_1wk and Met_3wk groups (P = 0.51). These results were further confirmed using tumor weight and tumor burden measurements. Furthermore, metformin treatment decreased the phosphorylation of nuclear factor &kgr;B and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 as well as the expression of specificity protein 1 transcription factor and several nuclear factor &kgr;B–regulated genes. Conclusions Metformin may inhibit pancreatic tumorigenesis by modulating multiple molecular targets in inflammatory pathways.
On Arsenic, Diabetes, Creatinine, and Multiple Regression Modeling: A Response to the Commentaries on Our Reanalysis

The original Navas-Acien et al article and their subsequent commentary do not provide valid evidence of an association between low levels of arsenic exposure and diabetes. The reported odds ratios near 2.0–4.0 are inconsistent with those near one we obtained, and result from errors in multiple regression analyses (including inappropriate adjustments for arsenobetaine and creatinine). Arsenobetaine, present in seafood, is considered nontoxic. Since arsenobetaine is part of total arsenic and the 2 are highly correlated, entering both into the same model can cause unstable results and the spuriously high odds ratios reported by Navas-Acien et al The best way to remove the influence of arsenobetaine is to subtract it from total arsenic. In our paper, we showed that such adjustment produced a result close to the null. When we include the more recent NHANES data (2005–2006), this odds ratio becomes 1.07 (0.58–1.98), even closer to the null and with a narrower confidence interval. In their commentary, Navas-Acien et al “control” for nontoxic organic arsenic by restricting their analyses to people with no detectable arsenobetaine. In this analysis, their odds ratio comparing the upper and lower quintiles of total arsenic is 4.26 (0.83–21.8), they use to justify their previous results. This finding depends on a questionable adjustment in their multiple regression modeling. Multiple regression models provide powerful tools for epidemiologists, but like most powerful tools, they are potentially dangerous. A cardinal rule is to examine both unadjusted and adjusted relative risk estimates. If the 2 differ, it is imperative to determine the variables that caused the difference. In this instance, the unadjusted odds ratio is close to 1.0, but changes with adjustment to 4.26. The next step should be to consider the adjustment variables one at a time. Age, sex, ethnicity, and obesity (BMI) are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. As shown in the lower part of the Table (2003–2006 data), the odds ratio estimates remain close to 1.0 when these variables are entered. However, when urinary creatinine is added as a continuous variable, the odds ratio dramatically increases. This change occurs whether or not the NHANES sampling weights are used, or whether cotinine, hypertension medications, or education are entered into the model. Given this large change, one must assess whether adding creatinine to the model is valid. Adjustment for creatinine is done to account for urine dilution, but there is an expanding body of literature demonstrating that such adjustment can cause problems. Many factors other than urinary dilution can affect urinary creatinine concentrations (eg, diabetes, muscle mass, genetics, diet). In NHANES 2003–2006, for example, the range in urine creatinine concentrations was over 100-fold (7–768 mg/dL)—well beyond any
The nutrition profile of the slum dwellers : a comparison with the rural poor

In 1985–86 a nutrition survey covering about one thousand people was performed in 4 selected urban slums of Dhaka city. Each slum had 400 or more households. The study revealed an alarming situation for the urban poor and when compared with the situation of the rural poor as had been determined in 1981–82, the latter were found to have better status. Intake of almost all foods and nutrients was lower among the slum dwellers when compared to those of the rural poor. Consumption of cereals, fish, milk and milk products was found to be very low. Among nutrients, the foremost deficiency was that of energy in which 88% of the slum households did not meet their requirement. In slum areas 80% of families had protein intakes below estimated requirements while in poor rural households the proportion was only 59 percent. Of the micro‐nutrients the severest deficiencies were in respect of riboflavin and vitamin A. The prevalence of malnutrition was generally higher among the children of slum dwellers than it was amo.
Apathy dimensions in Parkinson's disease

Apathy is a prominent and disabling symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is a multidimensional behaviour, but which dimensions are specifically affected is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this preliminary study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS) and explore the multidimensional profile of apathy in PD patients.
Supernumerary Teeth in the Horse

Supernumerary teeth are relatively uncommon occurrences in horses and, when present, usually occur in the permanent incisors or cheek teeth, with supernumerary “wolf” and canine teeth rarely diagnosed. The presence of supernumerary incisors which are usually of normal morphology (ie, termed supplemental supernumerary teeth) can cause displacements of the normal incisors with development of diastemata and periodontal disease. In addition, overgrowths will occur on incisors that are not in occlusal contact. If rostrally (labially) displaced onto the gingiva, supernumerary incisors can be extracted, but when present palatally to the normal incisor arcade, extraction is difficult and should be avoided if possible. Supernumerary cheek teeth may be of normal morphology or may be connated (ie, are large structures composed of a number of vestigial teeth). They most commonly occur at the caudal aspect of the maxillary cheek teeth rows. Their presence may give rise to a variety of clinical problems, such as malocclusion, food pocketing, and deep periodontal disease that may even lead to maxillary sinusitis. Overgrowths can occur on supernumerary cheek teeth and may cause soft tissue trauma to the cheeks and tongue which may render normal mastication difficult and, in some cases, impossible. These teeth may also result in eruption abnormalities from mechanical obstruction. In the presence of periodontal disease, diastemata, or sinusitis, extraction of the supernumerary tooth is indicated. If possible, this is best performed per os. Where significant periodontal disease is not present, reduction of overgrowths on the unopposed supernumerary cheek teeth is indicated.
CSF biomarkers in delirium: a systematic review

In recent years, there has been a blossoming of studies examining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a method of studying the pathophysiology of delirium. We systematically reviewed the literature for CSF studies in delirium and provide here a summary of the implications for our understanding of delirium pathophysiology. We also summarise the methods used for CSF analysis and discuss challenges and implications for future studies.
Aplicação da análise de componentes principais na cinemática da marcha de idosas com osteoartrite de joelho

BACKGROUND: The applicability of gait analysis has been implemented with the introduction of the principal component analysis (PCA), a statistical data reduction technique that allows the comparison of the whole cycle between groups of individuals. OBJECTIVES: Applying PCA, to compare the kinematics of the knee joint during gait, in the frontal and sagittal planes, between a group of elderly women with and without diagnosis in the initial and moderate stages of Osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A total of 38 elderly women (69.6±8.1 years) with knee OA and 40 asymptomatic (70.3±7.7 years) participated on this study. The kinematics was obtained using the Qualisys Pro-reflex system. RESULTS: The OA group showed decreased gait velocity and stride length (p<0.05) and was characterized with higher WOMAC pain score. In the frontal plane, the between-group differences of the components were not significant. In the sagittal plane, three principal components explained 99.7% of the data variance. Discriminant analysis indicated that component 2 and 3 could classify correctly 71.8% of the individuals. However, CP3, which captures the difference in the flexion knee angle magnitude during gait, was the variable with higher discrimination power between groups. CONCLUSIONS: PCA is an effective multivariate statistical technique to analyse the kinematic gait waveform during the gait cycle. The smaller knee flexion angle in the OA group was appointed as a discriminatory factor between groups, therefore, it should be considered in the physical therapy evaluation and treatment of elderly women with knee OA.
Antiprotozoal activity of major constituents from the bioactive fraction of Verbesina encelioides

Abstract The bioactive petroleum ether fraction of Verbesina encelioides, previously studied by the authors, was chosen for the isolation of antiprotozoal metabolites. Pseudotaraxasterol-3β-acetate (1), benzyl 2,6-dimethoxy benzoate (2), 16β-hydroxy-pseudotaraxasterol-3β-palmitate (3) and pseudotaraxasterol (4), in addition to β-sitosterol glucoside (5) and β-sitosterol galactoside (6) were isolated and identified based on one-dimensional and two-dimensional spectral analysis. This is the first report describing (3) and (6) in genus Verbesina. The isolated compounds were tested in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on MRC-5 cells. Compound 1 showed moderate to weak activity against L. infantum T. brucei and P. falciparum and was inactive against T. cruzi. Compound 3 showed moderate activity against L. infantum, compound 4 revealed weak activity against T. cruzi, while 5 and 6 were inactive against all tested protozoa. All compounds were non-cytotoxic. The isolated constituents showed less antiprotozoal activity than the crude fraction.
Functional Metabolism: Regulation and Adaptation

Description: In the post–genome era, questions concerning gene products, enzymes, and metabolism are returning to the forefront of life science research. Genetic information on its own does not fully account for an enzyme's kinetic and regulatory properties or for the behavior of the enzymes within its particular cellular milieu. Unanswered questions about the regulation, integration, and adaptation of metabolism have led to a resurgence of interest in protein, enzymological, and metabolic research for understanding biological processes. Functional Metabolism: Regulation and Adaptation provides a comprehensive survey of metabolism. It includes an in–depth examination of the regulation of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, and approaches to the study of enzyme regulation, signal transduction, and control of transcription and translation. The contributors an internationally recognized group of researchers also cover:-The metabolic basis of diabetes, obesity, and blood disorders-Oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses in health and disease-Novel perspectives on biochemical adaptation to environmental stress-Application of metabolic knowledge to developments in organ preservation and understanding the origin of life From the basics of metabolic regulation and adaptation to the latest relevant advances in the genetic, proteomic, and enzymatic basis of how cells regulate their functions, Functional Metabolism: Regulation and Adaptation offers the most exhaustive treatment of the subject currently available. It is an essential text for students and practitioners in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and biomedicine.
Phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity of five Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd provenances and their allelopathic effects on Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Lens culinaris L. seeds

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate some secondary metabolites, antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extracts of five Ziziphus spina-christi provenances (INRGREF, Tozeur, Degueche, Nafta and Kebelli) and their allelopathic effects on Trigonella foenum-graecum and Lens culinaris. Leaves were collected during 2013 and 2014. Total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the Folin ciocalteux, Aluminum trichloride, vanillin and scavenging activity on 22-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical methods, respectively. Total phenols, tannins and flavonoids were present, at levels of 57.41 mg GAE/g DW, 31.98 mg RE/g DW and 14.68 μg CE/g DW, respectively. The high antioxidant activity (0.086 μg/mL) was noted in kebelli provenance (2013). The highest germination, plumule and radicle lengths of tested species were observed in INRGREF provenance. Z. spina-christi leaf extracts may be suggested in foods and pharmaceutical industries. Leaf extracts could also provide a natural herbicide with a positive impact on the environment.
Investigating Association of Three Polymorphisms of Coagulation Factor XIII and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Citation Jeddi‐Tehrani M, Torabi R, Mohammadzadeh A, Arefi S, Keramatipour M, Zeraati H, Zarnani AH, Akhondi MM, Mahmoudian J, Mahmoudi AR, Zarei S. Investigating association of three polymorphisms of coagulation factor XIII and recurrent pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 212–217
Pressure to Lead: What Can We Learn from the Theory?

Older people are major users of health and social services and, in the United Kingdom, the proportion of the population over 65 years is set to rise in the coming decades (Audit Commission 2000) with growing numbers of long-term conditions. In response, the National Health Service (NHS) must also change if it is to meet the needs of the nation. Whether in the public or the private sector, organisations must have leaders with the skills necessary to implement change if the organisation is to be successful (Landrum et al 2000). In the health care environment, leaders with the capacity to influence, shape and deliver services will enable the NHS to realise its organisational vision (Scottish Executive 2006). Partnership for Care (Scottish Executive 2003) provides direction to achieve this goal by devolving power to frontline staff and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in the NHS. Occupational therapists form part of the frontline power responsible for implementing change and are in an ideal position to do so (Grady 1991). The author describes four theories of leadership — trait theory, motivational theories, transformational leadership and emotional intelligence — and reflects on their strengths and weaknesses and their relevance to occupational therapists currently working in the NHS.
International Comparison of Biotech Firms between Japan and the United States

米国と比較して日本のバイオベンチャーの活動は遅れているといわれている。 本稿ではこの点について日米のバイオベンチャーに関する企業レベルデータ（日本については443社（うち上場企業12社），米国については1,446社（うち上場企業431社）の2004年時点データ）を用いて定量的な分析を行った。 分析結果によると，まず日本におけるバイオベンチャーは設立からの年月や技術分野をコントロールしても米国企業より相当程度規模が小さいことがわかった。 また，日本のバイオベンチャーは時間とともに企業が大きくなっているのに対して，米国企業は設立年によって規模は大きく変わらない。 これは日本のバイオベンチャーは米国と比べて比較的新しい企業が多いことから規模が小さいのではなく，そもそも事業モデルが違うことを示唆している。 更に，米国のベンチャー企業はリスクが比較的高いといわれている「医療・健康」分野において飛びぬけて多額の研究資金を投じているのに対して，日本においては総じて研究開発費の額が小さく，技術分野による違いがみられなかった。 つまり，日本のベンチャー企業はリスクの高い研究プロジェクトに多額の研究資金を投じるのではなく，低リスク分野で研究サービスなどの「日銭」を稼ぎながら事業を行っているということである。 このような日米のバイオベンチャーの違いの背景にはベンチャーキャピタルなど資金環境が異なることの影響が大きいのではないかと考えられる。
Acclimatization study of Tagetes lucida L. in Egypt and the chemical characterization of its essential oils

Abstract Seeds of Tagetes lucida were imported to Egypt from Canada and propagated under greenhouse conditions in peat moss media. Soil was sandy in texture and the irrigation system was dripping irrigation. The growth parameters were determined at five successive plant ages, fresh and dry weights of herb were determined at three successive plant ages. The yield of aerial parts after 175 days, was about 7.5 Mg/ha. The essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydro-distillation for three hours with a yield of about 0.5% (w/v). The EO of each sample was subjected to gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses to study the chemical composition. The main component of the EO was identified as methyl chavicol which matched over 90% of the whole composition. Chlorophyll a and carotenes increased with increasing plant age in both sites and seasons. Flavonoids decreased with the development of plant age, while the opposite was true with coumarines content.
Development of herbal disinfectants formulation for mopping households and its antibacterial activity

Abstract There are many household products like detergents, disinfectants, stain removers and cosmetics releasing chemicals that may be harmful to human health as well as cause hazardous effect on environment. Global world is now focusing on use of herbal products. They are eco-friendly and more suitable to household applications than chemicals. The present study focused on preparation of three plant-based formulations for household cleaning applications. Result showed antibacterial activity against most commonly available microbes viz. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This is the first report of Terminalia chebula for preparation of herbal cleaners.
Bioactive phenylpropanoid analogues from Piper betle L. var. birkoli leaves

Abstract Phytochemical analyses of the chloroform extract of Piper betle L. var. birkoli, Piperaceae, leaves led to the isolation of two new phenylpropanoid analogues: bis-chavicol dodecanoyl ester (2) and bis-hydroxychavicol dodecanoyl ester (3), along with one known compound: allyl-3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzene (1) on the basis of spectroscopic data 1D (1H and 13C) and 2D (1H–1H COSY and HMBC) NMR, as well as ESI-MS, FT-IR, HR-ESI-MS and LC-ESI-MS. Compound 2 and 3 exhibited excellent antioxidant DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 12.67 μg/mL and 1.08 μg/mL compared to ascorbic acid as a standard antioxidant drug with IC50 value of 6.60 μg/mL. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity against two human oral cancer cell lines (AW13516 and AW8507) showed significant effect with GI50 values of 19.61 and 23.01 μg/mL for compound 2 and 10.25 and 13.12 μg/mL for compound 3, compared to Doxorubicin® as a standard cytotoxic drug with GI50 value of < 10 μg/mL.
Chemical compositions of essential oils of five introduced conifers in Corsica

Abstract The aim of this survey was to determine the chemical composition of essential oils (EO) of five conifers acclimated in Corsica by GC(RI), GC–MS and 13C NMR. L. decidua needle and wood EOs contained as majors components: α- and β-pinenes, germacrene D (needles) and bornyl acetate (wood). The EOs of needles, wood and cones of P. menziesii were characterised by β- and α-pinenes, terpinen-4-ol, sabinene, terpinolene (needles and wood), Δ-3-carene (wood) and limonene (cones). Needles and wood EOs of P. ponderosa contained as major components: β- and α-pinenes, Δ-3-carene (wood) and estragole (needles). S. giganteum EOs of foliage and wood were rather similar and dominated by α-pinene, and safrole. The EOs of leaf, wood and cones from C. japonica were very similar, and exhibited α-pinene, sabinene, β-elemol and kaurene as major constituents. It appeared that EO compositions of some species were different from reported literature data.
Isolation of Hofbauer Cells from Human Term Placentas with High Yield and Purity

Citation Tang Z, Tadesse S, Norwitz E, Mor G, Abrahams VM. , Guller S. Isolation of Hofbauer cells from human term placentas with high yield and purity. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 336–348
"Right to Try" Laws: The Gap between Experts and Advocates.

The year 2014 brought a new development in the bioethics “laboratory of the states. ” Five states adopted “right to try” laws intended to promote terminally ill patients' access to investigational drugs. Many more state legislatures are now considering such laws. The campaign for right to try laws is the latest move in an ongoing effort to give seriously ill patients access to drugs whose safety and effectiveness remain largely unknown. Although scientists and policy-makers oppose the right to try approach, it has proven quite popular among state legislators and the public.
Antioxidant, phenolic and antifungal profiles of Acanthus mollis (Acanthaceae).

Abstract Acanthus mollis is used as ornamental and medicinal plant. The ethnopharmacology reports indicate that extracts have anti-inflammatory activity. Phytoconstituents profile was evaluated by estimating the content of anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenols. In addition, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using four methods: Hydrogen atoms transfer (TRAP, ORAC and DPPH assays), and single electron transfer (FRAP assay). Finally, antifungal activity was determined by the M27-A2 test. The results shown that ethanol extracts have the highest concentration of phenols, anthraquinones and flavonoids. Total antioxidant capacity, extracts of ethyl acetate and ethanol are those with the highest activity, which correlates strongly with the presence of phenols. The antifungal activity measured in various strains of Candida is concentrated in ethyl acetate extracts of flower and leaf ethanol, a phenomenon may be related to antioxidant activity.
Polyol monoterpenes isolated from Chenopodium ambrosioides

Abstract Phytochemical study on the 95% ethyl alcohol extract of stems of Chenopodium ambrosioides resulted in the isolation of two new polyol monoterpenes, 4-hydroxy-4(α or β)-isopropyl-2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (1) and 1-methyl-4β- isopropyl-1-cyclohexene-4α,5α,6α-triol (2), together with five known compounds, (1S,2S,3R,4S)-1-methyl-4-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexane-1,2,3,4-tetrol (3), (1R,2S,3S,4S)- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxy-p-menthane (4), (1R,2S)-3-p-menthen-1,2-diol (5), (1R,4S)-p- menth-2-en-1-ol (6) and 1,4-dihydroxy-p-menth-2-ene (7). The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic evidence including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Compounds 1–7 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity, and compound 1 showed moderate ability to inhibit NO production of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 16.83 μM.
Bisamides and rhamnosides from mangrove actinomycete Streptomyces sp. SZ-A15

Abstract Four new bisamides 1–4, and two new rhamnosides (5, 6), along with four known compounds 7–10, were isolated from a scale culture of the mangrove-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. SZ-A15. All structures were determined through analysis of the UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra as well as by comparison with literature data. BRD4 inhibition of all isolated compounds was evaluated. As for the ability to inhibit protein BRD4, compound 9 exhibited moderate activity with the value of 78.4 ± 2.2% at 10 μM.