Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polymatin A from Smallanthus macroscyphus leaves: A safe and promising antidiabetic compound

Smallanthus macroscyphus is an herb native to South America whose leaves are a source of antidiabetic compounds, although complete information about their safe use is not available yet. This study was developed to evaluate the toxicity profile of both 10% decoction and the sesquiterpene lactone polymatin A from S. macroscyphus leaves through in vitro cytotoxicity assays and in vivo subchronic oral toxicity. Cell viability of Hep‐G2, COS1, CHO‐K1 and Vero cell lines decreased in a concentration‐dependent manner when cells were incubated with 0.4–200 μg ml–1 of dry extract or 0.12–60 μg ml–1 of polymatin A. In subchronic studies, decoction was orally administered to Wistar rats for 90 days at daily doses of 70, 140 and 280 mg kg–1 of dry extract, whereas polymatin A was administered in the same way at doses of 7, 14 and 28 mg kg–1. No toxicity signs or deaths were observed. There were no changes in the behavior, body or organ weights, hematological, biochemical or urine parameters of the rats. No histopathological lesions were observed in the examined organs. The results indicate that the 10% decoction and polymatin A from S. macroscyphus leaves may be considered as non‐toxic substances at a wide range of doses, including the effective hypoglycemic dose. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teleaudiology : professional-patient communication in hearing aid programming and fitting via teleconsultation

Purpose: To evaluate if teleconsultation affects professional-patient communication as well as patient satisfaction with the care for the hearing aid programming and fitting compared to the face to face consultation. Methods: Forty hearing aid candidates aged over 18 years with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss ,from mild to severe degrees, were randomly divided into two groups: control (face to face) and experimental (synchronous teleconsultation assisted by a facilitator). Consultations were filmed, timed and their contents were analyzed according to the “Davis Observation Code” (DOC). The “Patient Experience Questionnaire” (PEQ) was also administered in order to assess the satisfaction with the consultation. Results: When compared to face to face consultations, explanations given by the professionals on the consultation structure and the performance of procedures were more frequent and participant’ spontaneous expressions on his condition were less observed in teleconsultations. There was no difference between groups regarding the following dimensions of the PEQ: “Outcomes of the Visit”, “Communication Barriers”, and “Communication Experience”. Significantly higher scores were obtained for teleconsultation in the dimension “Emotions after Consultation”. The experimental group had a positive experience with the presence of the facilitator. Conclusion: The performance of the hearing aid programming and fitting via teleconsultation impacted some aspects of professional-patient communication; however, patient satisfaction regarding the care provided was not affected.
Mood stabilizers and teratogenicity–prescribing practice and awareness amongst practising psychiatrists

Background: Valproate, carbamazepine and lithium are widely used in psychiatry but are teratogenic and require special caution when prescribed for women of child-bearing age. Aims: To evaluate the knowledge and stated practice of consultant psychiatrists with respect to the prescribing of these drugs to women of child-bearing age. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 52 consultant psychiatrists. Results: Most prescribers (79–96%, depending on the drug) used these drugs and most (81–86%) were more cautious when prescribing to women of child-bearing age. Fewer (17–28%) demonstrated good, specific awareness of the estimated teratogenic potential of the individual drugs. Reported practice was characterized by reluctance to discuss contraception with patients, failure to prescribe prophylactic folate and uncertainty about who was clinically responsible for these issues. Conclusions: The consultant psychiatrists in this survey had gaps in their knowledge of how to prescribe these drugs in ways that minimized the risk of teratogenicity. If actual practice mirrors reported practice, some women are being put at risk. Declarations of interest: DT has received a research grant and speaker honoraria from Sanofi-Synthelabo. CP has acted as a consultant for Eli Lilly. TREB has acted as a consultant for Servier, Johnson and Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb, and received a grant from Sanofi-Synthelabo.
Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder in Canada

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a global health issue, with prevalence rates ranging from 1.3% to 37.4%. As there is little current data on PTSD in Canada, an epidemiological study was conducted examining PTSD and related comorbid conditions. Modified versions of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) PTSD module, the depression, alcohol and substance abuse sections of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), as well as portions of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) were combined, and administered via telephone interview in English or French. Random digit dialing was used to obtain a nationally representative sample of 2991, aged 18 years and above from across Canada. The prevalence rate of lifetime PTSD in Canada was estimated to be 9.2%, with a rate of current (1‐month) PTSD of 2.4%. Traumatic exposure to at least one event sufficient to cause PTSD was reported by 76.1% of respondents. The most common forms of trauma resulting in PTSD included unexpected death of a loved one, sexual assault, and seeing someone badly injured or killed. In respondents meeting criteria for PTSD, the symptoms were chronic in nature, and associated with significant impairment and high rates of comorbidity. PTSD is a common psychiatric disorder in Canada. The results are surprising, given the comparably low rates of violent crime, a small military and few natural disasters. Potential implications of these findings are discussed.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Depressive Symptoms

Objective: To evaluate the association between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and depression. Tobacco smoking and depression are strongly associated, but the possible effects of SHS have not been evaluated. Methods: The 2005 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a cross-sectional sample of the noninstitutionalized civilian U.S. population. SHS exposure was measured in adults aged ≥20 years by serum cotinine and depressive symptoms by the Patient Health Questionnaire. Zero-inflated Poisson regression analyses were completed with adjustment for survey design and potential confounders. Results: Serum cotinine-documented SHS exposure was positively associated with depressive symptoms in never-smokers, even after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, gender, education, alcohol consumption, and medical comorbidities. The association between SHS exposure and depressive symptoms did not vary by gender, nor was there any association between SHS smoke exposure and depressive symptoms in former smokers. Conclusions: Findings from the present study suggest that SHS exposure is positively associated with depressive symptoms in never-smokers and highlight the need for further research to establish the mechanisms of association. NHANES = National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; SHS = secondhand smoke; CDC = Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; OR = odds ratio; GABA = γ-aminobutyric acid.
A review on acridinylthioureas and its derivatives: biological and cytotoxic activity

Acridines possess two characteristics that have led many researchers to consider the agents interesting targets for future development as potential farmacophores: the planar acridine skeleton, which is able to intercalate into DNA, and the intense fluorescence of the agents. This review offers a study of the multifunctional character of acridines and the synthesis of novel acridine derivatives, with particular focus being placed on isothiocyanates and their congeners, e.g. thioureas, isothioureas, quaternary ammonium salts and platinum/gold conjugates. The review provides an overview of the structure, spectral properties, DNA binding and biological activity of acridinylthiourea congeners. These acridinylthiourea derivatives display significant cytotoxic activities against different types of cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ataques de Nervios and Somatic Complaints Among Island and Mainland Puerto Rican Children

Previous research has documented the association between the Latino cultural idiom of distress, ataques de nervios (i.e., “attacks of nerves”), and unexplained neurological symptoms among adults. However, the associations between ataques and somatic complaints in children have not been sufficiently explored. Aims: In this study, we assessed the relation between this anxiety‐related experience, henceforth ataques, and somatic complaints in a probability sample of Puerto Rican youth, ages 5–13 years, living in San Juan, Puerto Rico (N = 1353) and in the South Bronx, New York (N = 1138). When both sites were combined, children with ataques were significantly more likely to have either a lifetime prevalence of asthma or headaches, and tended to have more stomach aches and a history of epilepsy or seizure than children without ataques. Further within site analyses showed a similar patterning of complaints for the South Bronx sample as for the combined sample. However, children in San Juan with ataques were only slightly more likely to experience headaches, and at risk for injury, than those without ataques. In addition, comparisons between ataque sufferers across sites indicated that children in San Juan with ataques were at elevated risk for serious illness or injury in comparison to those in the South Bronx with ataques. Ataques are significantly associated with a wide range of physical complaints in Puerto Rican youth. However, their pattern of associations differs by context.
Effects of Exogenous Agents on Brain Development: Stress, Abuse and Therapeutic Compounds

The range of exogenous agents likely to affect, generally detrimentally, the normal development of the brain and central nervous system defies estimation although the amount of accumulated evidence is enormous. The present review is limited to certain types of chemotherapeutic and “use‐and‐abuse” compounds and environmental agents, exemplified by anesthetic, antiepileptic, sleep‐inducing and anxiolytic compounds, nicotine and alcohol, and stress as well as agents of infection; each of these agents have been investigated quite extensively and have been shown to contribute to the etiopathogenesis of serious neuropsychiatric disorders. To greater or lesser extent, all of the exogenous agents discussed in the present treatise have been investigated for their influence upon neurodevelopmental processes during the period of the brain growth spurt and during other phases uptill adulthood, thereby maintaining the notion of critical phases for the outcome of treatment whether prenatal, postnatal, or adolescent. Several of these agents have contributed to the developmental disruptions underlying structural and functional brain abnormalities that are observed in the symptom and biomarker profiles of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders and the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. In each case, the effects of the exogenous agents upon the status of the affected brain, within defined parameters and conditions, is generally permanent and irreversible.
Versatile laser‐based cell manipulator

Here we describe a two‐photon microscope and laser ablation setup combined with optical tweezers. We tested the setup on the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a commonly used model organism. We show that long‐term imaging can be achieved without significant photo‐bleaching or damage of the sample. The setup can precisely ablate sub‐micrometer structures, such as microtubules and mitotic spindles, inside living cells, which remain viable after the manipulation. Longer exposure times lead to ablation, while shorter exposures lead to photo‐bleaching of the target structure. We used optical tweezers to trap intracellular particles and to displace the cell nucleus. Two‐photon fluorescence imaging of the manipulated cell can be performed simultaneously with trapping. The combination of techniques described here may help to solve a variety of problems in cell biology, such as positioning of organelles and the forces exerted by the cytoskeleton. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Depression and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Activation: A Quantitative Summary of Four Decades of Research

Objectives: To summarize quantitatively the literature comparing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function between depressed and nondepressed individuals and to describe the important sources of variability in this literature. These sources include methodological differences between studies, as well as demographic or clinical differences between depressed samples. Methods: The current study used meta-analytic techniques to compare 671 effect sizes (cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, or corticotropin-releasing hormone) across 361 studies, including 18,454 individuals. Results: Although depressed individuals tended to display increased cortisol (d = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.66) and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels (d = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.16-0.41), they did not display elevations in corticotropin-releasing hormone (d = 0.02; 95% CI, −0.47-0.51). The magnitude of the cortisol effect was reduced by almost half (d = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.21-0.45) when analyses were limited to studies that met minimal methodological standards. Gender did not significantly modify any HPA outcome. Studies that included older hospitalized individuals reported significantly greater cortisol differences between depressed and nondepressed groups compared with studies with younger outpatient samples. Important cortisol differences also emerged for atypical, endogenous, melancholic, and psychotic forms of depression. Conclusions: The current study suggests that the degree of HPA hyperactivity can vary considerably across patient groups. Results are consistent with HPA hyperactivity as a link between depression and increased risk for conditions, such as diabetes, dementia, coronary heart disease, and osteoporosis. Such a link is strongest among older inpatients who display melancholic or psychotic features of depression. HPA = hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal; ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone; CRH = corticotropin-releasing hormone; dex = dexamethasone; CI = confidence interval.
Pressure pain thresholds in adolescent patients with chronic tension-type headache

AbstractThe pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic tension-type headache are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate tenderness of pericranial muscles by examining pressure pain thresholds in adolescents suffering from chronic tension-type headache. A group of 35 patients with chronic tension-type headache was compared to 70 healthy controls in terms of pressure pain thresholds. A conventional hand-held algometer was used to measure the pressure pain thresholds in the upper trapezius, suboccipitalis, and frontalis muscles. Pressure pain thresholds were significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls. Pressure pain threshold values of bilateral trapezius muscles were significantly negatively correlated with the pain intensity. There was no correlation between the pressure pain threshold values and duration, or frequency of headache. Along with results obtained previously, the present data support the hypothesis that muscular factors may be an important factor for t.
The effect of age and season of the year on testicular function in the dog, as determined by histological examination of the seminiferous tubules and the estimation of peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations

The diameter and area of the seminiferous tubules and the thickness of the germinal epithelium was measured in testes removed from clinically normal dogs of different breeds and mixed ages over a 24 month period which were presented for elective castration or euthanasia. Peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations were determined at the same time. There was no effect of the season of the year on the tubular diameter, thickness of germinal epithelium or tubular area. There was evidence of an effect of age upon tubular diameter and thickness of the germinal epithelium. Peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly higher in summer and autumn than in winter and spring, but age appeared to have no effect.
An assessment of the preparedness of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) students for use of information and communication technology in professional practice

The increasing need for Chartered Accountants to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for professional work makes it especially important for Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) students to be well versed in ICT before they qualify as Chartered Accountants. This paper reported on a study carried out to assess the state of preparedness of students at different stages of the ICAN qualifying examinations in major tuition centres in Ibadan, Nigeria using ICT in professional practice. The results showed that though ICAN students generally had favourable attitudes towards ICT use, most felt that their current ICAN training was not adequately preparing them for ICT use in professional practice. A major barrier observed was the lack of appropriate ICT equipment at the tuition centres. ICAN students needed to appreciate and learn how to use ICT as working tools before going into professional practice. The current ICAN Syllabus is deficient in preparing students for using ICT in professional practice. It is recommended that practical ICT examinations be integrated into the ICAN curriculum so as to ensure that tuition centres make ICT facilities available for practical training of students. The Information Technologist Vol. 5 (1) 2008: pp. 19-41
Intima-Media Thickness in Women With Borderline Personality Disorder

Objective: Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease caused by altered endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters. Increased intima-media thickness (IMT) is considered an early marker of atherosclerosis and is associated with most cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: The mean IMT of the common carotid arteries was assessed by B-mode ultrasound in 47 women with BPD and 28 age-matched healthy women. Mean (standard deviation) age for BPD participants was 31.2 (10.4) years and 31.9 (11.0) years for the comparison group. In addition, Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome and markers of inflammation were measured. The patients were characterized by applying DSM-IV criteria and obtaining self-reports of adverse childhood experiences. Results: Women with BPD had a significantly higher IMT than healthy women (mean [standard deviation] = 0.41 [0.11] versus 0.34 [0.11] mm, p =.02). In linear regression analysis, IMT was significantly associated with BPD even when adjusting for body mass index (&bgr; = 0.27, p =.04) and physical activity (&bgr; = 0.29, p =.02). Conclusions: The data suggest that women with BPD are at increased risk of developing subsequent cardiovascular disease.ACEs = adverse childhood experiences; BDI = Beck Depression Inventory; BMI = body mass index; BPD = borderline personality disorder; CG = comparison group; IMT = intima-media thickness; MDD = major depressive disorder; SCID = Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV
PPARγ Agonist Pioglitazone Reverses Memory Impairment and Biochemical Changes in a Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Aims: Pioglitazone, known as a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist, is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM has been associated with reduced performance on numerous domains of cognitive function. Here, we investigated the effects of pioglitazone on memory impairment in a mouse model with defects in insulin sensitivity and secretion, namely high‐fat diet (HFD) streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice. Methods: ICR mice were fed with HFD for 4 weeks and then injected with a single low dose of STZ followed by continued HFD feeding for an additional 4 weeks. Pioglitazone (18 mg/kg, 9 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered for 6 weeks once daily. Y‐maze test and Morris water maze test (MWM) were employed for testing learning and memory. Serum glucose, serum insulin, serum triglyceride, brain β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ), brain β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1), brain nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), and brain receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were also tested. Results: The STZ/HFD diabetic mice, characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia and hypoinsulinemia, performed poorly on Y‐maze and MWM hence reflecting impairment of learning and memory behavior with increases of Aβ40/Aβ42, BACE1, NF‐κB, and RAGE in brain. Treatment of PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone (18 or 9 mg/kg body weight), significantly reversed diabetes‐induced impairment of learning and memory behavior, which is involved in decreases of Aβ40/Aβ42 via inhibition of NF‐κB, BACE1 and RAGE in brain as well as attenuation of hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, and hypoinsulinemia. Conclusions: It is concluded that PPARγ agonist pioglitazone may be considered as potential pharmacological agents for the management of cognitive dysfunction in T2DM.
High resolution mapping of mast cell membranes reveals primary and secondary domains of FcεRI and LAT

In mast cells, cross-linking the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) initiates the Lyn-mediated phosphorylation of receptor ITAMs, forming phospho-ITAM binding sites for Syk. Previous immunogold labeling of membrane sheets showed that resting FcεRI colocalize loosely with Lyn, whereas cross-linked FcεRI redistribute into specialized domains (osmiophilic patches) that exclude Lyn, accumulate Syk, and are often bordered by coated pits. Here, the distribution of FcεRI β is mapped relative to linker for activation of T cells (LAT), Grb2-binding protein 2 (Gab2), two PLCγ isoforms, and the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), all implicated in the remodeling of membrane inositol phospholipids. Before activation, PLCγ1 and Gab2 are not strongly membrane associated, LAT occurs in small membrane clusters separate from receptor, and PLCγ2, that coprecipitates with LAT, occurs in clusters and along cytoskeletal cables. After activation, PLCγ2, Gab2, and a portion of p85 colocalize with FcεRI β in osmiophilic patches. LAT clusters enlarge within 30 s of receptor activation, forming elongated complexes that can intersect osmiophilic patches without mixing. PLCγ1 and another portion of p85 associate preferentially with activated LAT. Supporting multiple distributions of PI3-kinase, FcεRI cross-linking increases PI3-kinase activity in anti-LAT, anti-FcεRIβ, and anti-Gab2 immune complexes. We propose that activated mast cells propagate signals from primary domains organized around FcεRIβ and from secondary domains, including one organized around LAT.