Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recipient Related Prognostic Factors for Graft Survival after Kidney Transplantation. A Single Center Experience

Background and Aim . Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) severely impairs life expectancy and quality of life in affected patients. Considering its benefits, renal transplantation currently represents the optimal treatment solution for end stage kidney disease patients. Pre-transplant assessment aims to maximize the graft and patient survival by identifying potential factors influencing the post-transplant outcome. The aim of this study has been to analyze recipient related prognostic factors bearing an impact on graft survival. Material and Methods . We analyzed the graft outcomes of 426 renal transplantations performed at the Clinical Institute of Urology and Renal Transplantation of Cluj-Napoca, between January 2004 and December 2008. Variables related to recipient and to potential donor/recipient prognostic factors were studied using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results . Graft survivals at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years were 94.01%, 88.37%, 82.51% and 78.10%, respectively. Chronic rejection (41.11%) and death with a functioning graft (18.88%) were the main causes of graft loss. In uni and multivariate analysis the recipient related variables found to influence the renal graft outcome were: peritoneal dialysis, pre transplant residual diuresis, grade I hypertension, severe iliac vessel atheromatosis, ischemic heart disease, stroke history, dyslipidemia and denutrition. The worst graft outcomes have been found for recipients on peritoneal dialysis, with anuria, hypotension, severe iliac atheromatosis, ischemic heart disease, stroke history, dyslipidemia and a poor nutritional status. Conclusion . The type of dialysis, the pre transplant residual diuresis, recipient arterial blood pressure, iliac vessel atheromatosis, ischemic heart disease, stroke history, dyslipidemia and denutrition significantly influence graft survival.
Análise comparativa das características do trauma entre pacientes idosos e não idosos

OBJECTIVE: Assess the characteristics of trauma in the elderly by comparison to a group of younger trauma patients. METHODS: Trauma protocols from June 10, 2008 to March 9, 2009 were evaluated including all trauma patients above 13 years of age admitted in the emergency room. Data on trauma mechanism, concomitant diseases, vital signs upon admission, diagnosed injuries, trauma indexes, exams and treatment was collected. Patients above 60 years of age. were included in the elderly group (group I). Data was compared between this group and the younger patients (group II), using the Student's t, chi square and Fisher exact tests, considering p 3) in the head were more frequently observed in group I (11.4% vs 7%) (p=0,023). Some injuries were more frequent in group I: subdural hematomas (2.8% vs 0.8%) (p=0.008), subarachnoid hemorrhage (3.8% vs 1.3%) (p=0.005) and cerebral contusions (5.2% vs 2.3%) (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: In comparison to younger trauma patients, the elderly group was characterized by a higher frequency of falls from their own height, , concomitant diseases and severe injuries in the head, mainly subdural hematomas, cerebral contusions and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Gender, Health, Poverty and Non-rent Payers in a Developing Country: The Human Face behind the Economic and Financial Crisis -

Aim: Structural adjustment, increases in world oil and food prices, a proliferation of alternative investment schemes that defrauded people of billions of dollars, double-digit inflation, poverty and banking crises are just some of the issues that have influenced the socioeconomic landscape of Jamaica. The poor, lowly educated, rural residents, non-rent paying and females continue to suffer during the crises. Yet, there has been no study that evaluates the health statuses, health conditions, and characteristics of non-rent paying people. This study is fivefold. It examined 1) health status, 2) health conditions, 3) sociodemographic profile of non-rent paying, 4) factors that explain who non-rent paying people are, and 5) a gender focus. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis which utilizes data from a national probability cross-sectional survey, with a sample of 6,783 respondents. Results: Males were 1.4 times more likely to report good-to-very good health status, and peri-urban dwellers were 1.4 more probable to indicate good-to-very good health status. Non-rent paying respondents were single (68 out of every 100); rural dwellers (53 out of every 100); 46 out of every 100 had particular chronic condition; no formal education (62 out of every 100); no health insurance coverage (80 out of every 100); lower class (42 out of every 100), and 15 out of every 100 self-reported an illness. Seventy-seven percent of those with chronic conditions sought medical care compared to 61% of those with acute conditions. Conclusion: The findings have policy directions, as we continue to monitor health during crises.
Effect of bFGF on invasion of ovarian cancer cells through the regulation of Ets-1 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator

The aim of the study was to explore the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in ovarian cancer progression. This was done by investigating the effects of bFGF on both the secretion of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and the invasion of tumor cells in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 was cultured in vitro. The expression of uPA gene and protein was induced in SKOV3 cells; the impact of bFGF on the expression of uPA gene in SKOV3 cells was studied by RT-PCR, and the impact of bFGF on the expression of uPA protein was tested by ELISA. Ets-1 antisense oligonucleotides were transfected into SKOV3 cells by liposome protocol. The effects of bFGF on Ets-1 expression and the invasion ability of SKOV3 cells were determined both before and after exposure to different concentrations of bFGF for 24 h. The expression of both uPA gene and protein was induced in SKOV3 cells, p < 0.05. The expression of uPA was suppressed by Ets-1 antisense oligonucleotides in SKOV3 cells, p < 0.05. The invasion ability of SKOV3 cells was increased by 2.3-fold, and this effect was also suppressed by Ets-1 antisense oligonucleotides. bFGF can enhance the invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells in vitro by inducing the expression of uPA, and this effect is also regulated by the transcription factor Ets-1.
Community Capacity as an “Inside Job”: Evolution of Perceived Ownership within a University-Aboriginal Community Partnership

Purpose. To assess the evolution of perceived ownership of a university-Aboriginal community partnership across three project stages. Design. Survey administration to project partners during project formalization (1996—T1), mobilization (1999—T2), and maintenance (2004—T3). Setting. Aboriginal community of Kahnawake, outside Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Participants. Partners involved in influencing decision making in the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project (KSDPP). Measure and Analysis. A measure of perceived primary ownership subjected to linear trend analysis. Results. KSDPP staff were perceived as primary owner at T1 and shared ownership with Community Advisory Board (CAB) members at T2 and T3. Trend tests indicated greater perceived ownership between T1 and T3 for CAB (χ21 = 12.3, p < .0001) and declining KSDPP staff (χ21 = 10.5, p < .001) ownership over time. Academic partners were never perceived as primary owners. Conclusion. This project was community driven from the beginning. It was not dependent on an external academic change agent to activate the community and develop the community's capacity to plan and implement a solution. It still took several years for the grassroots CAB to take responsibility from KSDPP staff, thus indicating the need for sustained funding to build grassroots community capacity.
Antianxiety activity of Gelsemium sempervirens

Context: The clinical applications of well-known benzodiazepines as anxiolytic agents are limited because of their side effects. Therefore, the development of new pharmacological agents, from medicinal plants, is well justified. Objective: Among medicinal plants, Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) Aiton. (Loganiaceae) has been recommended for relief of anxiety in traditional folk medicines. Nevertheless, no pharmacological studies have so far evaluated it in this regard. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anxiolytic effects of various extracts of the roots and rhizomes of G. sempervirens. Materials and methods: Petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water extracts of G. sempervirens were prepared by successive extractions using a Soxhlet apparatus, and subsequently evaluated for antianxiety activity using the elevated plus maze model. Diazepam was used as standard drug. Results: Among various extracts, the methanol extract of G. sempervirens exhibited significant increases in open arm entries and mean time spent in open arms at the dosage of 150 mg/kg. A fraction (F9.4) derived from the methanol extract was also observed to exhibit significant anxiolytic activity at the dose level of 10 mg/kg in the elevated plus maze test. Conclusion: The present study clearly demonstrated that the methanol extract exerts an anxiolytic effect on mice, and it could serve as a new approach for the treatment of anxiety.
Examining Physical Activity Levels and Alcohol Consumption: Are People Who Drink More Active?

Objective. Summarize/categorize current scientific literature examining the association between alcohol consumption (AC) and levels of physical activity (PA). Data Source. Electronic databases spanning education, psychology, sociology, medicine, and interdisciplinary reports. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Included studies (n = 17) must be published in a peer-reviewed, English language journal; measure either AC or PA as an independent/dependent variable; and primarily examine the relationship between AC and PA. Data Extraction. Search terms/phrases included alcohol, alcohol consumption, drinking, physical activity, exercise, and physically active. Data Synthesis. The Matrix Method and PRISMA guidelines organized pertinent literature and identified/extracted salient findings. Results. Alcohol consumers of all ages were more physically active than nondrinking peers. Further, several studies suggest a dose-response relationship between AC and PA, indicating that as drinking increases, so does PA level. Conclusion. Reviewed studies support a positive association between AC and PA across all ages. Findings were contrary to the hypothesis of the investigators. Future research should place specific emphasis on identifying why alcohol consumers exercise at higher levels than non–alcohol consumers.
EFFECT OF APPLYING CONTINUOUS CARE MODEL ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS

Introduction: In patients with a chronic disease such as heart failure, function and quality of life is much lower than general population. Living with heart failure is distressful and affects activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to assessment the effectiveness of applying continuous care model on quality of life in heart failure patients. Method: This is a clinical trial study done on 52 patients. Effect of applying continuous care model on quality of life in heart failure patients assessed by Minnesota standard questionnaire. Results: Administrating of continuous care model enhanced quality of life in all physical (p<0.001), emotional (p<0.001) and general (p<0.001) dimensions in case group after 2 and 3 months. Conclusion: According to no exact treat of chronic diseases, applying of effective care models such as continuous care model can positively affects the quality of life in heart failure patients.
Hemodialysis Adequacy: A Comparative Multicenter Study Between OCM and Calculated Kt/V from Two Centers in the Gulf

Introduction: Adequate delivered dose of solute removal (as assessed by urea reduction and calculation of Kt/V) is an important determinant of clinical outcome in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients. This requires both prescription of an adequate dose of HD and regular assessment that the delivered treatments are also adequate. On line conductivity monitoring Kt/V OCM online clearance measurement (OCM) (OCM) -using sodium flux as a surrogate for urea- allows the repeated non-invasive measurement of Kt/V on each HD treatment. Methods: We prospectively studied 131 (63 males, 68 females) established chronic HD patients over 8 weeks period (1048 treatments). A pre and post dialyzer measurement of the conductivity is performed by two mutually independent temperature-compensated conductivity cells equipped with Fresenius 4008 S ® dialysis machines. Urea reduction was measured (once a week) by a single pool calculation using immediate post treatment sampling. No changes were made to any of the dialysis prescriptions over the study period. Values of calculated Kt/V (conventional method with Daugirdas’ formula) Kt/V Dau and simultaneously obtained online Kt/V OCM were compared. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between calculated Kt/V DAU and Kt/V OCM over the study period. The mean calculated Kt/V DAU was 1.459 ± 0.31, and mean OCM was 1.139 ± 0.14 (p = 0.000), yet there was moderate correlation between calculated Kt/V DAU and Kt/V OCM (r 2
Cytotoxicity, antiviral and antimicrobial activities of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids

Objective: Some natural products consisting of the alkaloids yohimbine and vincamine (indole-type), scopolamine and atropine (tropane-type), colchicine (tropolone-type), allantoin (imidazolidine-type), trigonelline (pyridine-type) as well as octopamine, synephrine, and capsaicin (exocyclic amine-type); the flavonoid derivatives quercetin, apigenin, genistein, naringin, silymarin, and silibinin; and the phenolic acids namely gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quinic acid, were tested for their in vitro antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activities and cytotoxicity. Materials and methods: Antiviral activity of the compounds was tested against DNA virus herpes simplex type 1 and RNA virus parainfluenza (type-3). Cytotoxicity of the compounds was determined using Madin-Darby bovine kidney and Vero cell lines, and their cytopathogenic effects were expressed as maximum non-toxic concentration. Antibacterial activity was assayed against following bacteria and their isolated strains: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus subtilis, although they were screened by microdilution method against two fungi: Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Results: Atropine and gallic acid showed potent antiviral effect at the therapeutic range of 0.8–0.05 µg ml−1, whilst all of the compounds exerted robust antibacterial effect. Conclusion: Antiviral and antimicrobial effects of the compounds tested herein may constitute a preliminary step for further relevant studies to identify the mechanism of action.
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of the ethanol extract from Desmodium caudatum

Context: In folk medicine in China, Desmodium caudatum (Thunb.) DC (Leguminosae) has been used to treat febrile diseases, rheumatic arthritis, and bacillary dysentery; nevertheless, there have been no reports on the analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects of this plant in animals. Objective: To investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of D. caudatum extract (DCE) in animals. Materials and methods: The analgesic effect of DCE was measured in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot-plate test. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model and the dimethylbenzene-induced mouse inflammation model. The antipyretic effect was estimated using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat fever model. In addition, the acute oral toxicity of DCE was studied. Results: DCE significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the writhing responses in mice, increased reaction time in mice in the hot-plate test, reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and the dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice, and attenuated LPS-induced fever in rats. Furthermore, no death was observed when mice were orally administered DCE up to 40 g/kg. Discussion and conclusion: DCE possesses evident analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities, and has a favorable safety, which supports the use of D. caudatum as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug in folk medicine.
Hypolipidemic effects of different angiocarp parts of Alpinia zerumbet

Context: In utilization of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt and Smith (Zingiberaceae) (AZ), usually the angiocarps are discarded without further use. Objective: We speculate whether the angiocarps could show hypolipidemic effect. Methods and methods: Several diets were prepared: Alpinia seed powder (ASP); Alpinia seed powder/husk (ASH): 40/60; and Alpinia seed essential oil (ASO): 0.01–0.10%. Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 11 groups were fed these diets for 8 weeks and tested for the hypolipidemic bioactivity. Results: The fecal neutral cholesterol excretion was increased, and the serum total triglyceride (TG) was significantly reduced from 153.7 mg/dL in the high-fat group (H) to 114.3–119.8 mg/dL by ASO; to 116.3–147.9 mg/dL by ASP; and to 116.2–145.3 mg/dL by ASH. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were almost unaffected. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were mostly raised by ASO to 180.3–200.8 mg/dL. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were mostly reduced to 66.8–82.6 mg/dL by ASH. The level of arachidonic acid was mostly raised to 0.50–0.60% by ASO, compared with 0.37% of group H. More importantly, the significant reduction in hepatic TG and total cholesterol (TC) implicated a crucial liver protective effect. Discussion and conclusion: ASP and ASH consisted of high crude-fiber content, while ASO consisted of seed essential oil. Both the seed essential oil and the whole powder of AZ previously had been reported to possess potent hypolipidemic bioactivity. Conclusively, the hypolipidemic effect can be attributed to the combined effect of the essential oil and the crude fiber.
Antioxidant activity of seagrasses of the Mandapam coast, India

Context: In the search for new sources of safe and inexpensive antioxidants, the leaves of eight species of seagrasses were screened for antioxidant properties. Objective: Most of the seagrasses were evaluated for the first time for their antioxidant activities. Materials and methods: Total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity using, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrozyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and FRAP assay. Results: The leaves of Halophila stipulacea (Forssk.) Aschers showed high levels of phenols (1.398 ± 0.055 mg GAE/g) and high reducing power (46.289 ± 1.002) in terms of mg GAE/g. Similarly, H. pinifolia exhibited high total antioxidant activity (132.38, 75.027 mg AscAE/g) and a high percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity (68.14%). The TAA and FRAP assays showed positive and significantly high correlation (R2 = 0.646). The total phenolic content in the seagrass extracts showed a better correlation with reducing power (R2 = 0.597) than the DPPH radical-scavenging activity (R2 = 0.495). Discussion and conclusions: The antioxidant capacities of the seagrasses showed potential rich sources of natural antioxidants. Further studies are necessary for isolation and characterization of the active antioxidant compounds, which can be used to treat various oxidative stress-related diseases.
Association of Concurrent Healthy Eating and Regular Physical Activity with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in U.S. Youth

Purpose. Examine whether concurrently consuming a healthy diet and regularly being physically active among U.S. youth is more favorably associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) biomarkers than other physical activity and dietary patterns. Design. Cross-sectional. Setting. United States (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 2003–2006. Subjects. Two thousand six hundred twenty-nine youth (6–17 years). Measures. Healthy Eating Index (HEI), accelerometer-determined physical activity, biomarkers, and anthropometry. Four categories were created: consuming a healthy diet (top 40% of HEI) and active (sufficient to meet guidelines); unhealthy diet and active; healthy diet and inactive; and unhealthy diet and inactive. Analysis. Multivariable regression. Results. Children consuming a healthy diet and who were active had significantly lower waist circumference (β = −5.5, p < .006), C-reactive protein (CRP) (β = –.2, p < .006), and triglycerides (β = −27.9, p < .006) than children consuming an unhealthy diet and who were inactive. Children engaging in both healthy behaviors had significantly lower CRP (β = –.11, p < .001) and total cholesterol levels (β = −7.8, p = .004) than those only engaging in sufficient activity; there were no significant differences in biomarker levels among children engaging in both healthy behaviors and those only consuming a healthy diet. No associations were significant for adolescents. Conclusion. Concurrent healthy eating and regular physical activity among children is favorably associated with CVD biomarkers when compared with unhealthy diet and inactivity.
Which Type of Antismoking Advertisement Is Perceived as More Effective? An Experimental Study With a Sample of Australian Socially Disadvantaged Welfare Recipients

Purpose. Evaluate the perceived effectiveness of key antismoking messages among highly disadvantaged smokers and assess the impact of nicotine dependence and cessation cognitions on message processing. Design. The experimental crossover trial, undertaken between March and December 2012, randomly exposed participants to two of three antismoking advertisements delivered via touchscreen computer. Setting. Welfare recipients were recruited from a community service organization in New South Wales, Australia. Subjects. Subjects were 354 smokers (79% response rate). Participants resided in government rental housing (52%), earned less than AUD$400/wk (72%), and received their primary income from government welfare (95%). Intervention. Three 30-second antismoking television advertisements representing common campaign themes: why to quit (graphic imagery), why to quit (personal testimonial), or how to quit. Measures. An 11-item scale assessed perceived effectiveness and message acceptance. An eight-item cessation cognitions index assessed motivations and readiness to quit, and the heaviness of smoking index was used to classify nicotine dependence. Analysis. Descriptive statistics, generalized linear mixed models, and multiple linear regression analyses are reported. Results. Why-to-quit advertisements were perceived as significantly more effective than the how-to-quit advertisement (all p < .0001). Smokers with positive cessation cognitions were more likely to accept antismoking messages (p = .0003) and perceive them as effective (p < .0001). Nicotine dependence level did not influence message acceptance (p = .7322) or effectiveness (p = .8872). Conclusion. Highly emotive advertisements providing good reasons to quit may be the most effective in promoting the antismoking message among groups with high smoking rates.