Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of CRH on NO bioavailability, ROS production and antioxidant defense systems in endothelial EAhy926 cells

Abstract Local or ‘Immune’ Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) is secreted in peripheral tissues and plays a direct immunomodulatory role as an endocrine or paracrine mediator of inflammation. The present study was undertaken to determine whether CRH affects the endothelial redox state. Accordingly, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and peroxynitrite levels, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels as well as catalase activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in the presence or absence of selective CRH receptor-1 and CRH receptor-2 inhibitors in endothelial EAhy926 cells exposed in vitro in 10−7 M CRH for 2 h. CRH acting through both receptors induced a significant increase of ROS content (p < 0.001), catalase activity (p < 0.001) and SOD activity (p < 0.001), accompanied by a simultaneous significant decrease of eNOS activity and NO levels (p < 0.001), as well as a significant increase in nitrotyrosine (peroxynitrite) levels (p < 0.05). The data indicate that CRH may act as a regulator of pro-inflammatory mechanisms inducing adaptation of endothelial cell function to local stress.
Musculoskeletal Risk to Physical Therapists during Overground Gait Training

Background : Physical therapists have a disproportionately high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) that may be attributed to the substantial physical support and facilitation they provide during physical rehabilitation. Over the last decade, safety efforts have focused primarily on patients. To decrease the incidence and prevalence of WMSDs, health and safety hazards affecting physical therapists need to be addressed. Method : Two semi-quantitative ergonomic assessment tools, the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), were used to evaluate a physical therapist’s posture during three overground gait training sessions, which included three sit-to-stand transfers. The tools stratified the therapist’s posture into a WMSD risk level and accompanying action level. Results : The REBA stratified the therapist’s posture into the very high risk level, implement change now during the sit-to-stand transfer and high risk level, investigate and implement change soon during overground gait. The RULA stratified the therapist’s posture into action level 4, investigate and implement change immediately for both the sit-to-stand transfer and overground gait. Conclusion : Physical therapists are at high risk for WMSDs while performing sit-to-stand transfers and overground gait training. Urgent implementation of engineering and administrative controls is needed to reduce the risk of injury for physical therapists.
Cathepsin D is one of the major enzymes involved in intracellular degradation of AGE-modified proteins

Abstract Oxidized and cross-linked modified proteins are known to accumulate in ageing. Little is known about whether the accumulation of proteins modified by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is due to an affected intracellular degradation. Therefore, this study was designed to determine whether the intracellular enzymes cathepsin B, cathepsin D and the 20S proteasome are able to degrade AGE-modified proteins in vitro. It shows that AGE-modified albumin is degraded by cathepsin D, while cathepsin B was less effective in the degradation of aldehyde-modified albumin and the 20S proteasome was completely unable to degrade them. Mouse primary embryonic fibroblasts isolated from a cathepsin D knockout animals were found to have an extensive intracellular AGE-accumulation, mainly in lysosomes, and a reduction of AGE-modified protein degradation compared to cells isolated from wild type animals. In summary, it can be assumed that cathepsin D plays a significant role in the removal of AGE-modified proteins.
Risk factors for arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms among office workers: a longitudinal perspective

In this thesis the association was examined between the duration of computer use at work and the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms. A prospective cohort study among 1951 office workers was performed with a follow-up period of 2 years. Outcome was assessed every three months by questionnaire. Cases were identified based on the transition within 3 months of no, irregular or "minor" symptoms to regular or prolonged symptoms accompanied with a pain intensity exceeding 6 on a Von Korff scale 20 for worst symptoms or medication use to control symptoms. The results showed that self-reported exposure data were positively associated with the onset of both neck-shoulder and arm-wrist-hand symptoms. Registered exposure data were not associated with the outcomes. In conclusion, the findings of this prospective cohort study challenges the existence of a causal link between the duration of computer use at work and the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms, based on the absence of an association between the registered duration of computer use at work and the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms. The positive association between the self-reported duration of computer use at work and the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms could not be explained satisfactory.
Completeness and timeliness of vaccination and determinants for low and late uptake among young children in eastern China

Background: We studied completeness and timeliness of vaccination and determinants for low and delayed uptake in children born between 2008 and 2009 in Zhejiang province in eastern China. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional cluster survey conducted in 2011, which included 1146 children born from 1 Jan 2008 to 31 Dec 2009. Various vaccination history, social-demographic factors, attitude and satisfaction toward immunization from caregivers were collected by a standard questionnaire. We restricted to the third dose of HepB, PV, and DPT (HepB3, PV3, and DPT3) as outcome variables for completeness of vaccination and restricted to the first dose of HepB, PV, DPT, and MCV(HepB1, PV1, DPT1, and MCV1) as outcome variables for timeliness of vaccination. The χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were applied to identify the determinants of completeness and timeliness of vaccination. Survival analysis by the Kaplan–Meier method was performed to present the timeliness vaccination. Results: Coverage for HepB1, HepB3, PV1, PV3, DPT1, DPT3, and MCV1 was 93.22%, 90.15%, 96.42%, 91.63%, 95.80%, 90.16%, and 92.70%, respectively. Timely vaccination occurred in 501/1146(43.72%) children for HepB1, 520/1146(45.38%) for PV1, 511/1146(44.59%) for DPT1, and 679/1146(59.25%) for MCV1. Completeness of specific vaccines was associated with mother’ age, immigration status, birth place of child, maternal education level, maternal occupation status, socio-economic development level of surveyed areas, satisfaction toward immunization service and distance of the house to immunization clinic. Timeliness of vaccination for specific vaccines was associated with mother’ age, maternal education level, immigration status, siblings, birth place, and distance of the house to immunization clinic. Conclusion: Despite reasonably high vaccination coverage, we observed substantial vaccination delays. We found specific factors associated with low and/or delayed vaccine uptake. These findings can help to improve strategies such as Reaching Every District (RED), out-reach vaccination services and health education to reach children who remain inadequately protected.
Comparative study of the immunogenicity in mice and monkeys of an inactivated CA16 vaccine made from a human diploid cell line

The coxsackie A16 virus (CA16), along with enterovirus 71 (EV71), is a primary pathogen that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). To control HFMD, CA16, and EV71 vaccines are needed. In this study, an experimental inactivated CA16 vaccine was prepared using human diploid cells, and the vaccine’s immunogenicity was analyzed in mice and rhesus monkeys. The results showed that the neutralizing antibody was developed in a dose-dependent manner, and was sustained for 70 days with an average GMT (geometric mean titer) level of 80 to 90 in immunized mouse and for 56 days with GMT of higher than 300 in monkeys. The neutralizing antibody had a cross-neutralizing activity against different viral strains (genotype A and B), and the specific IFN-γ-secreting cell response was activated by these virus strains in an ELISPOT assay. This study provides evidence for the potential use of inactivated CA16 as a candidate for use in vaccines.
Telmisartan attenuates oxidative stress and renal fibrosis in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice with the alteration of angiotensin-(1–7) mas receptor expression associated with its PPAR-γ agonist action

Abstract The beneficial effects of telmisartan on Angiotensin (Ang)-II mediated oxidative stress and renal fibrosis in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) were studied. Thirty mice were divided into normal (NG), STZ-induced diabetic (DG) and telmisartan-treated diabetic (TG) groups. Compared with NG mice, DG mice showed significant up-regulations of AT-1R, TGF-β1, p-p38MAPK, p-MAPKAPK-2, p-Akt, p47phox, p67phox, gp91phox protein and collagen-III and all of these were significantly reversed in TG mice. The down-regulated protein expression of Ang-(1–7) mas receptor, ACE-2, PPAR-γ and PGC-1α were observed in DG mice and a significant up-regulation effect of telmisartan has been seen in the TG mice. Furthermore, TG mice showed reduced expression of fibronectin, production of superoxide radical as well as renal hypertrophy and fibrosis when compared with DG mice. These findings suggest that Ang-II plays a significant role in DN and telmisartan would be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress and fibrosis in STZ-induced DN.
Influenza vaccine hesitancy in a low-income community in central New York State

Objective: Influenza vaccine (IV) coverage rates remain suboptimal among US adults. Socioeconomic disparities exist in IV coverage. We describe influenza vaccine attitudes among a low-income community in central New York. Methods: Adults attending a Salvation Army function during December 2012 were surveyed regarding IV including their intention to be immunized. On-site IV was offered to eligible participants. Results: The 1041 participants included Whites (non-Hispanics), African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and multi-racial ethnicities. At time of enrollment, 386 (37%) participants had already received 2012–13 IV. Of the 655 unimmunized participants, 299 (46%) stated intent to receive IV, evenly distributed by age, gender, and ethnicity. Of the 312 participants who declined IV, 46% did so because of IV misperceptions. Of the 299 participants who intended to receive vaccine but had not yet done so, 284 (95%) stated the reason for delay was difficult access to vaccine. Intent to receive vaccine was strongly associated with the belief that IV is safe and/or effective (P < 0.05). Conclusion: IV misperceptions regarding IV efficacy and safety result in suboptimal vaccine uptake in this low-income community, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
Problem Drinking Participants in Programs for the Elderly: Programmatic Considerations

Little is known about how programs and services for the elderly identify, perceive, and deal with problem drinking participants. A survey was undertaken of 50 nutrition, day care, and multiservice programs for the elderly in one area of West Central Florida. It was learned that there was an inability to identify older problem drinkers and even when identified, seldom were the necessary referrals made to alcoholism agencies in the area. Implications are discussed related to agency policies toward problem drinkers, staff training, and formal linkages between programs for the elderly and alcoholism agencies.
Fruit and vegetable and fried food consumption and 3-(2-deoxy-β-D-erythro-pentafuranosyl)pyrimido[1,2-α] purin-10(3H)-one deoxyguanosine adduct formation

Diet has been shown to modulate M1dG adduct, a biomarker of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Thus, we analysed the association between diet and M1dG in 120 controls and 67 Map Ta Phut industrial estate workers in Rayong, Thailand, to evaluate the influence of fruit and vegetables, and fried and charcoal-grilled/barbecued food consumption on M1dG. M1dG was decreased in controls reporting to consume 14–17 servings/week of fruit and vegetables (mean ratio [MR]= 0.35, CI 0.18–0.69, p< 0.05). Conversely, a non-statistically significant M1dG increment was detected in controls consuming 9–18 servings/week of fried food (MR = 1.33, CI 0.88–2.00, p = 0.168). No effect of charcoal-grilled/barbecued food was found. No effect of diet was observed in workers. An association with smoking was observed in controls (MR = 1.88, CI 1.14–3.10, p < 0.05), but not in workers. M1dG can induce mutations and/or methylation changes within the promoter regions of cancer-related genes, thus promotion of healthy eating practices should be recommended.
TNF-α ENHANCED ALLERGIC SENSITIZATION TO HOUSE DUST MITE IN BROWN NORWAY RATS

We have recently demonstrated that pulmonary exposure to residual oil fly ash (ROFA) resulted in enhanced sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) and augmented the development of allergic lung disease after allergen challenge. This effect was associated with increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α) ,a macrophage- and epithelial cell-derived cytokine that promotes granulocyte migration to the lung. The present study examined whether exogenous administration of TNF- α enhances sensitization to HDM. One day prior to pulmonary sensitization with 10 μ gHDM(5 μ g each on days 1 and 3),female Brown Norway rats were instilled via the trachea with either 2.0 μ g recombinant rat TNF- α, 2.0 μ g bovine serum albumin (BSA),or 1000 μ g ROFA, and were challenged with 10 μ g HDM 14 days later. Antigen-induced immediate bronchoconstriction responses, antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) titers, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokines (TNF- α and interleukin [IL]-13), and eosinophils were elevated in rats treated with ROFAo.
Age estimation from eruption of temporary teeth

Teeth are very important indicators in medico-legal cases as they help in identification and age estimation in the living as well as in the dead because they resist putrefaction and are constant in their appearance. 126 children up to the age of 33 months were studied for the time of eruption of their teeth. It was studied in correlation with age, sex, socio-economic status, nutritional status and halves. From the findings it was concluded that there was a delayed pattern of eruption and teeth appeared earlier in the females and in the lower jaw.
H. pylori vaccines

Helicobacter pylori was appreciated as the major cause of peptic ulcers about 30 years ago and the most significant etiological agent in gastric cancer in the mid-1990s. Since that time, progress in the development of a preventive or therapeutic H. pylori vaccine has been relatively slow. The impediments to rapid advances in the field include a luke-warm enthusiasm among clinicians, research scientists, and public health authorities concerning the need for a vaccine, rudimentary understanding of the correlates of gastric immunity to H. pylori and of gastric mucosal immunology in general, the geographical heterogeneity of the H. pylori genome and insufficient pharmaceutical industry support. Recent enhancements in our understanding of the gastric immune response together with advances in H. pylori genomics now provide the potential to accelerate progress in H. pylori vaccine development. Whether an H. pylori vaccine becomes a reality will likely depend upon our ability to appropriately target the populations at highest risk of the adverse sequelae of infection.
Rural parents' vaccination-related attitudes and intention to vaccinate middle and high school children against influenza following educational influenza vaccination intervention

Objective: This study examined changes in parental influenza vaccination attitudes and intentions after participating in school-based educational influenza vaccination intervention. Methods: Participants were drawn from three counties participating in a school-based influenza vaccination intervention in rural Georgia (baseline N=324; follow-up N=327). Data were collected pre- and post-intervention from phone surveys with parents’ with children attending middle- and high-school. Attitudes, beliefs, vaccination history, and intention to vaccinate were assessed. Results: Parents who participated in the intervention conditions reported significantly higher influenza vaccination rates in their adolescents, relative to a control group, as well as increased vaccination rates post-intervention participation relative to their baseline rates. Intervention participants reported greater intention to have their adolescent vaccinated in the coming year compared to control parents. Significant differences were observed post intervention in perceived barriers and benefits of vaccination. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a school-delivered educational influenza vaccination intervention targeting parents and teens may influence influenza vaccination in rural communities. Future influenza vaccination efforts geared toward the parents of rural middle- and high-school students may benefit from addressing barriers and benefits of influenza vaccination.
Suppression of follicular rupture with meloxicam, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor: Potential for emergency contraception

The preferred treatment for emergency contraception at present is the synthetic progestogen levonorgestrel. Although this drug is widely available, women in some countries have little access to it due to restrictions imposed by conservative groups. Recent evidence has shown that levonorgestrel may have no contraceptive effect when taken after the ovulatory process has been triggered; this suggests that contraceptive failures with this drug may result from delayed administration. A number of studies have provided evidence that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and specifically, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, can prevent or delay follicular rupture. In a recent placebo controlled, double-blind, crossover study, daily administration of a partially selective COX-2 inhibitor, meloxicam, for 5 days at the onset of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge significantly delayed follicular rupture. One advantage of using a COX-2 inhibitor to prevent or delay follicular rupture and inhibit the LH surge in comparison with using levonorgestrel is that COX-2 inhibition does not suppress the luteal phase. Accordingly, meloxicam should maintain the normal oscillations of ovarian steroids and preserve normal menstrual cycles. Other benefits of using COX-2 inhibitors include their accessibility over-the-counter in many countries and low cost as well as their improved safety profile with short-term treatment in women of reproductive age compared with steroid hormones. This single center, randomized, Phase I, double-blind, crossover study assessed the efficacy of meloxicam administered during the late follicular phase to prevent or delay follicular rupture when given very close to or after the LH started. The study subjects—27 healthy surgically sterilized volunteers (18―40 years old) with regular menstrual cycles—received oral doses of meloxicam 15 or 30 mg/d for 5 consecutive days starting when the leading follicle had reached 18 mm diameter. The participants underwent 3 cycles—first a drug-treatment cycle, a resting cycle, and then a second drug-treatment cycle. The primary study outcomes were the occurrence of follicular rupture, serum levels of LH, progesterone and estradiol, and the incidence of adverse events. Of the 27 volunteers, 22 completed the study. Dysfunctional ovulation occurred in 50% (11/22) of the cycles in women treated with the 15 mg/d dose and in 91 % of the cycles in women receiving the 30 mg/d dose (P = 0.0068). All women had normal progesterone levels during luteal phase; the mean maximal value was 42 ± 4.1 nmol/L for the 15 mg/d group and 46.8 ± 2.6 nmol/L for the 30 mg/d group. No changes were found in menstrual cycle length or in LH and estradiol levels. Serious adverse events were not observed. The findings of this pilot study suggest that the administration of meloxicam 30 mg/d for 5 consecutive days during the late follicular phase is effective, safe, and may be an alternative to levonorgestrel for emergency contraception.
Hepatitis B Vaccine in national immunization schedule: A preventive step in India

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBV is transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids, unprotected sexual intercourse and the perinatal route but not through casual contact. About two billion people worldwide have been infected with the virus, an estimated 360 million live with chronic infection, and at least 600,000 people die annually from acute or chronic consequences of Hepatitis B, such that Hepatitis B is a major public health problem worldwide. HBV is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV. It has been estimated that, of the 25 million infants born every year in India, over one million run the lifetime risk of developing chronic HBV infection. Every year over 100,000 Indians die due to illnesses related to HBV infection. Following the launch of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) to intensify National Immunization Programs (NIPs) in developing countries worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that Hepatitis B vaccine should be given to all infants. Several cost-effectiveness analyses of inclusion of Hepatitis B vaccine in India’s NIP have been performed. These indicate that universal childhood Hepatitis B immunization in India will be highly cost-effective. The Government of India is also supporting planned state programs for introducing new vaccines as part of routine immunization. The current immunization schedule for hepatitis B vaccine includes a dose given as early as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours for all institutional deliveries because the birth dose of Hepatitis B vaccine is effective in preventing perinatal transmission of Hepatitis B. Irrespective of the birth dose, 3 doses are to be given at 6, 10, 14 weeks at the same time as DPT and OPV.
Persistence of immune response to HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted cervical cancer vaccine in women aged 15-55 years

The HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine (Cervarix®, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) has been shown to induce a robust immune response in women aged 15-55 years (103514/NCT00196937). This follow-up study is the first report of persistence of immune response and safety profile through 48 months after vaccination in women aged 15-55 years. In this open-label, age-stratified Phase III study in Germany and Poland (105882/NCT00196937), healthy women aged 15-55 years received 3 doses of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months. Anti-HPV-16/18 seropositivity rates and geometric mean antibody titers (GMTs) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in women aged 15-25 (n=168), 26-45 (n=186) and 46-55 years (n=177) from the time of first vaccination through 48 months. At Month 48, all subjects were seropositive for anti-HPV-16 antibodies and 99.4% were seropositive for anti-HPV-18. Antibody kinetics were as previously reported, with peak response at Month 7 followed by a gradual decline tending towards a plateau in all age groups. Anti-HPV-16/18 GMTs were sustained at Month 48 in all age groups, including women aged 46-55 years in whom GMTs were respectively 11-fold and 5-fold higher than natural infection levels. The vaccine exhibited a clinically acceptable safety profile in all age groups. In summary, the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine induces high and sustained immune responses in women aged 15-55 years, with antibody levels remaining several-fold higher than natural infection levels for at least 4 years after the first vaccine dose.