Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Importance of α-Carotene, β-Carotene, and Other Phytochemicals in the Etiology of Lung Cancer

Of all proposed cancer chemopreven-tive agents, p-carotene seemed the mostpromising (7)—until recently. Numer-ous retrospective and prospective studieshave demonstrated that a reduced risk oflung and other cancers is associatedwith an increased intake of provitaminA carotenoids, the vitamin A precursorsin vegetables and fruits (2-7). Inprospective studies, elevated prediag-nostic blood P-carotene levels havebeen consistently predictive of a re-duced incidence of lung and other can-cers (2-5,7,8). However, in a large,randomized, placebo-controlled trial inFinland (9), male smokers took P-carotene daily for 5-8 years at a dosesubstantially higher than that linked toreduced risk in observational studies,and lung cancer incidence was increased18% (95% confidence interval [CI] -3%-36%), contributing substantially toan 8% excess in total mortality. Interimresults from a second large, randomizedtrial conducted in the United States withmale and female smokers and men ex-posed to asbestos have corroborated thatlung cancer incidence and total mor-tality are increased in subjects taking P-carotene supplements. 'The observational studies of diet andcancer relied on food composition tablesto estimate consumption of total pro-vitamin A carotenoids, which include p-carotene, a-carotene, and chemicallysimilar carotenoids. Recently, adatabase detailing the levels of themajor individual carotenoids in U.S.foods was published (10,11). Conse-quently, we reanalyzed data from thefirst case-control study to evaluate thehypothesis that P-carotene could protectagainst cancer—a population-basedstudy of diet and lung cancer conductedin New Jersey during 1980-1981(12,13). Eligible case subjects were whitemen
Gastroprotective effect of methanolic extract of Gomphrena celosioides on indomethacin induced gastric ulcer in Wistar albino rats

Context: Gastric ulcer is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders. A number of studies have been carried out to determine the efficacy of herbal medicines in the treatment of gastric ulcer. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic activity of methanol extract of Gomphrena celosioides (GC) in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into eight groups, methanol extract of GC was administered orally, for seven consecutive to five groups. On the 7th day, indomethacin was administered to induce gastric ulceration. Gastric secretions were collected and analyzed. Results: Animals pretreated with GC extract showed a significant reduction in ulcer score, ulcer index, gastric volume, and gastric total acidity in indomethacin-induced ulcer models in a dose dependent manner when compared to the ulcerated control group. Conclusion: The study revealed gastroprotective activity of the extract in dose-dependent manner. Methanol extract of the leaves of GC was significantly effective in protecting the gastric mucosa against indomethacin-induced ulcers at all the dose level studied.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of calcium-vitamin D3 chewable tablets: a single-blind, multiple-dose study in postmenopausal women

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a newly developed calcium carbonate-vitamin D3 chewable tablet formulation (600 mg of calcium + 400 IU of vitamin D3) on serum/urine calcium and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) as measures of intestinal calcium absorption compared to a placebo. Methods: This is a subject-blind, sequential study in 24 healthy postmenopausal women. Each subject received two placebo tablets once daily for 3 days (days -3 to -1) immediately followed by two calcium-vitamin D3 tablets (test) during the subsequent 3 days (days 1 – 3). Serial blood sampling and 24-h urine collection took place on days -1 and 3. The subjects fasted until 6 h post-dosing. Total urinary calcium excretion (Ae(0 – 24 h)) and AUC(0 – 6 h) for serum calcium were the primary outcome variables and were compared between treatments using a paired sample t-test. Results: Ae(0 – 24 h) increased by 42% (uncorrected, p = 0.0001) and 30% (creatinine-corrected, p = 0.0001), after intake, compared with the placebo; serum calcium exposure (AUC(0 – 6 h)) was also, statistically, significantly greater. PTH, in serum, decreased by 28% (AUC(0 – 6 h), p = 0.0001) and 14% (AUC(0 – 24 h), p = 0.0009) when compared with the placebo. Conclusion: Daily intake of 1200 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D3, with a new chewable tablet, resulted in increased intestinal calcium absorption compared to the results from the placebo as confirmed by direct and indirect pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic measures.
Saxagliptin plus metformin combination in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment

Introduction: A metformin plus saxagliptin fixed-dose combination is now proposed to clinicians. Furthermore, saxagliptin's license was recently extended to include diabetic patients with moderate or severe renal impairment (RI). However, metformin is still contraindicated in patients with RI. Areas covered: This review analyses the pro and contra of using a combination of saxagliptin and metformin (separately or as a fixed-dose combination) in type 2 diabetic patients with moderate or severe RI. An extensive literature search of all pharmacokinetic data and efficacy/safety profile of metformin and saxagliptin in subjects with RI was performed. Expert opinion: Since both metformin and saxagliptin are excreted via the kidney, dose adjustment is required in case of moderate-to-severe RI (half dose of saxagliptin). However, major discrepancies exist between guidelines (metformin excluded in case of RI because of the risk of lactic acidosis) and real life (metformin widely prescribed in patients with some degree of RI). Physicians should weigh the benefit/risk ratio carefully before deciding to prescribe or withdraw the combination metformin plus saxagliptin in patients with stable RI. A redefinition of contraindications to metformin will enable more physicians to prescribe within guidelines and to administer saxagliptin combined with metformin in more patients who clearly may benefit from this combination.
The scope of teledermatology in India

Telemedicine describes the application of information and communication technologies in the entire range of functions that involve the health sector. Several medical and surgical specialties utilize tele-consultation. Dermatology is the best clinical specialty in the use of communications technology because of its inherently visual nature in both diagnosis and follow-up, which makes it easily applicable to virtual medicine. Teledermatology embraces great potential for revolutionizing the delivery of dermatologic services to remote and distant locations by means of telecommunications and information technology. It encompasses consultations between a patient (and the primary healthcare provider) and a dermatologist for diagnosis and management advice. Teledermatology also covers dermatological education for health professionals and for consumers. Teleconsultations reduce time and increase the chances of access to one or more consultants as the patient or referring doctor desires, irrespective of the distance between the two. Its usefulness in the field of surgery and aesthetic surgery is immeasurable as there are only a few experts in the field of aesthetic surgery available currently in comparison to the dermatology population and the ever growing awareness and demand of the patients towards aesthetics. As the field of teledermatology is advancing in leaps and bounds the day is not far off when an aesthetic surgeon will be able to perform his skill from his own office on a patient in a distant locality with the help of a qualified and trained assistant. By adopting high-tech medical communication, high-performance computers, high-resolution cameras, and fiber-optic equipment's the entire world shrinks!
Nerve damage in leprosy: An electrophysiological evaluation of ulnar and median nerves in patients with clinical neural deficits: A pilot study

Background: Leprosy involves peripheral nerves sooner or later in the course of the disease leading to gross deformities and disabilities. Sadly, by the time it becomes clinically apparent, the nerve damage is already quite advanced. However, if the preclinical damage is detected early in the course of disease, it can be prevented to a large extent. Materials and Methods: We conducted an electrophysiological pilot study on 10 patients with clinically manifest leprosy, in the Dermatology Department of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram. This study was done to assess the nerve conduction velocity, amplitude and latency of ulnar and median nerves. Results and Conclusion: We found reduced conduction velocities besides changes in latency and amplitude in the affected nerves. Changes in sensory nerve conduction were more pronounced. Also, sensory latencies and amplitude changes were more severe than motor latencies and amplitude in those presenting with muscle palsies. However, further studies are going on to identify parameters to detect early nerve damage in leprosy.
Serum Metabolic Parameters in Healthy and Subclinical Mastitis Cows

Subclinical mastitis continues to be the most frequent and expensive disease of dairy cows. It negatively affects the quality of milk and economic effectiveness of farms. The purpose of the study was to identify changes that occure in some serum metabolic parameters (total protein, serum albumin, serum globulin, ALP, ASAT, GGT, CK) in healthy and subclinical mastitis cows. First objective was to diagnose subclinical mastitis using the indicator of mastitis Waikato and determining the number of somatic cells in milk using the MT-04. Following tests carried out on the 84 lactating cows, 10 of them had a positive diagnosis, representing 12% of the total lactating cows. For the 10 cows, positive diagnosis was confirmed by the increased number of somatic cells present in milk. Thus, values obtained were between 500.000 and 1.5 million cells/ml. In healthy cows, somatic cell count has not exceeded the value of 270.000 cells/ml. Total serum protein (9.14±2.74 g/dl) values and serum globulin (5.76 ±1.82 g/dl) from subclinical mastitis cows were higher compared to healthy cows. Increased proteins and globulin in the blood of cows indicate an activation of immune response following infection of the mammary gland. We obtained low values of the two enzymes, ASAT (87.20±30.16 U/l) and GGT (18.80±8.90 U/l), along with a decrease activity of CK (221.80±80.53 U/l). Contrarily, ALP activity (71.80±50.70 U/l) increased in cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis compared with healthy cows enzymes.
An evaluation of sirolimus in renal transplantation

Introduction: Sirolimus is a powerful antiproliferative immunosuppressive drug approved for the prevention of kidney allograft rejection. By its unique mechanism of action, sirolimus provides a multitude of clinical potential and has been used effectively in different drug combinations. Extensive experience has been gained regarding the best timing of its application, side effect profile and potential benefits and limitations compared with other immunosuppressive drugs. Areas covered: The authors evaluate the recent experience with sirolimus in kidney transplantation. Pivotal randomized controlled trials were used to provide an overview with special attention to pharmacokinetic and dynamic aspects of sirolimus, its current clinical use as well as perspectives for its future role. Expert opinion: Sirolimus enriches the possibilities of immunosuppressive therapies after renal transplantation. Beneficial effects toward kidney function by allowing CNI sparing, lower incidence of malignancies and less viral infections have been suggested. Sirolimus should be used cautiously in de novo patients for reasons of wound healing. An early conversion to a sirolimus-based CNI-free regimen has shown promising results, whereas late conversion is more challenging. Finally, sirolimus-associated side effects are causing tolerability concerns and frequent discontinuations. Future research should aim to better define the therapeutic window and those patients most likely to benefit.
EFFECT OF BALANCE TRAINING ON DYNAMIC STABILITY AND FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE IN VISUALLY DISABLED CHILDREN – A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract Aim and Objective: Visual disability is the one of the prevalent type of handicap worldwide and motor ability is affected due to poor balance. Important components of motor performance are dynamic stability and functional independence, studies on which are lacking in visually disabled children. However effect of balance training on motor performance in visually impaired children has not been studied enough. Hence the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of balance training on dynamic stability and functional independence in children with visual disability. Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 40 subjects with visual disability in the age group of 6- 16 years, allocated into control group (A) n = 20 and experimental group (B) n = 20. Balance training was given for 4 weeks, thrice a week. Before and after training the subjects were evaluated using modified Berg Balance Scale and Wee FIM and the scores were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in Wee FIM scores within and between groups. Comparison of Wee FIM scores was found not to be significant. Comparison of within group m BBS scores was found to be highly significant with a p
Service delivery through public health care system to control sexually transmitted infections in Himachal pradesh

Introduction: The National AIDS Control Organization has designed multiple synergistic interventions to identify and control curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Objective: To assess the impact of services offered at designated STI clinics in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India and the profile of the attending clients. Materials and Methods: This was a two-year prospective study, conducted from April 2011 to March 2013. Training on delivering STI/RTI services was imparted to the staff of 16 designated STI clinics including recording of data. The staff in each STI clinic comprises of one doctor, one counselor, one nurse, and one laboratory technician. The clients attending these designated clinics were offered counseling, syndromic case management (SCM), and diagnostic services wherever possible. Monthly data of STI clinic attendees was collected, compiled, and analyzed. Results: A total of 65,760 clinic visits were reported, of which 32,385 (49%) visits were for index STI/RTI complaint(s). The ratio of male to female attendees was 1:2. The commonest age group accessing the STI clinics was 25-44 years (n = 38,966; 59.3%). According to SCM, 52.9% clients were managed. The commonest presenting syndrome was urethral discharge (n = 4,500; 41%) in males, and vaginal discharge (n = 13,305; 56%) in females. Genital ulcer disease was treated in 2099 cases. Laboratory tests were performed only in 6466 patients, and 39,597 antenatal mothers were screened for syphilis. Counseling services were provided to 51,298 (f = 34,804; 68%: m = 16,494; 32%) clients and of these, 48% (n = 25,056) of the clients were referred to integrated counseling and testing centers. Forty-three clients (m = 24: f = 19) were detected positive for HIV infection. Conclusion: Uniform and standardized services delivered to clients attending public health clinics can gather reliable data to monitor trends of STI infection.
Considering CYP1A2 phenotype and genotype for optimizing the dose of olanzapine in the management of schizophrenia

Introduction: Schizophrenia, a mental disorder, is a debilitating condition which typically strikes young people in their early 20's. Antipsychotic medications are widely prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia however a balancing act is necessary to provide the correct dose to each patient. It is suggested that a large number of patients discontinue antipsychotic pharmacotherapy because the treatments provided do not always reduce the positive symptoms of the disease, while many have adverse effects on the patients. This implies that neither the incorrect drug nor the optimal dosage for that patient is achieved. Areas covered: The current review investigates variability in response to olanzapine with a specific focus on the common intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence both olanzapine and CYP1A2 activity. Furthermore, the authors discuss the utilization of phenotyping and genotyping of CYP1A2 and their potential utility in clinical practice for olanzapine dosing regimens. The authors also consider the potential of pharmacometrics compared to pharmacogenomics as a tool to personalize medicine. Expert opinion: Careful consideration must be given to the impact of a genetic variant on the disposition of a drug prior to implementing genetic ‘tests' to determine response. CYP1A2 phenotypic assessment can yield important information regarding the disposition of olanzapine; however, it relies on the accuracy of the metric and the minimal impact of other metabolic pathways. The application of pharmacometrics provides an effective method to establish covariates that significantly influence olanzapine disposition which can incorporate phenotype and/or genotype.
Increased prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus in Indian vitiligo patients: A case-control study

Background: Though it is well-known that vitiligo is associated with other autoimmune disorders, few Indian studies have focused on the relation between vitiligo, autoimmune thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 150 new cases of vitiligo and 100 age and sex-matched controls. A complete history and thorough dermatological examination was done. Serum samples from both patients and controls were collected and assayed for triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, anti-thyroid antibodies—anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin and fasting plasma glucose. Results: Thyroid hormonal profile revealed autoimmune thyroid dysfunction manifesting as hypothyroidism in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients and two controls (2%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 24 (16%) vitiligo patients and five controls. Seven (4.7%) patients had both hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: There is a clear association between vitiligo, autoimmune hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. It would be very useful to screen for thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus in all patients with vitiligo.
Pentoxifylline and its applications in dermatology

Pentoxifylline is a methyl-xanthine derivative with many anti inflammatory effects. Pentoxifylline has been found to be effective for many dermatological as well as non-dermatological conditions. It has been used both as primary drug as well as adjuvant and is a safe and relatively cost-effective alternative drug. In this article, we review the literature and highlight various important aspects of pentoxifylline.
Measuring the Impact of Student Background Checks on Reducing Crime in Higher Education

There is general agreement in the literature that student-on-student crime accounts for the overwhelming majority of crimes committed on campus in the United States (Dickerson, 2008). Background checks on students as a requirement of admission is one tool that may prove effective in reducing crime on campus. So far only one state, North Carolina, has enacted a modified version of such a requirement for admission to their public institutions of higher education. Specifically, North Carolina state schools have implemented background checks on students who first self-disclose to either criminal or disciplinary violations as part of the application process. The actual size of this opt-in group is not known, but the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the first state-wide initiative to background check students at the point of admission is the motivation for this study. This preliminary study uses the data gathered under the reporting requirements of the Clery Act to assess the impact of student background checks on the reported level of crime in the state schools in North Carolina. The results preliminarily suggest that the implementation of a modified student background check policy, requiring prior self-disclosure to a criminal or disciplinary violation, as a requirement to run a background check, has not contributed to a reduction in the total number of criminal activities on those campuses as reported in the Clery data. Given the limited number of schools assessed, the lack of information about how many students opted in to the disclosure and the lack of a comprehensive application of the background check policy on all admitted students, much more research needs to be done in this area before a strong causal argument can be made that student background check practices do not contribute to observed reductions in campus crime as measured by the number of Clery Act reports for the universities included in this research.
Sexually transmitted infections in women: A correlation of clinical and laboratory diagnosis in cases of vaginal discharge syndrome

Aims: This study compares the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of vaginal discharge syndrome. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the gynaecology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India. Material and Methods: Total of 180 females diagnosed as vaginal discharge or cervicitis based on syndromic approach and were recruited for the study. Their clinical profile was noted and they were investigated for bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection. Results: Lower abdominal pain (35%) followed by burning micturition (23.9%) were the common associated complaints. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common clinical diagnosis, while trichomoniasis was least common. Upon laboratory investigation, 35.6% of cases of vaginal discharge and 12% of cases of cervicitis tested positive. Percentage of cases confirmed by laboratory investigation was 50, 27.8 and 41.7 for bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and candidiasis respectively. Conclusion: Among all the females diagnosed as vaginal discharge syndrome, a very small percentage actually turned out to be positive upon laboratory testing.
Clinical implications of irregular ADMET properties with levodopa and other antiparkinson's drugs

Introduction: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons. Besides the improvement of the dopaminergic loss, the treatment focuses on non-dopaminergic medication targeting motor and non-motor symptoms, and on the development of neuroprotective medication. A good knowledge of the properties of the compounds used is essential not only for those involved in pharmacological research but also for those who treat Parkinson's disease patients, facing their still many unmet needs. Areas covered: The review discusses the pharmacokinetic properties of levodopa (LD) and factors influencing them, the pharmacodynamics of LD and approaches with the aim of improving this, covering some of the other antiparkinson medications available. Among the non-dopaminergic agents, it focuses on research on kynurenines. A literature search was made in PubMed for Parkinson's disease treatment, LD, LD absorption, LD pharmacokinetics, continuous dopaminergic stimulation, LD-carbidopa intraintestinal gel therapy, dopamine agonists and monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors. Expert opinion: Various factors can cause irregularities in the pharmacokinetics of LD, with interconnected consequences on its therapeutic effect. Its long-term use is associated with the development of motor complications; this is explained mostly by pharmacodynamic and also by pharmacokinetic properties, the latter gaining importance in the advanced stages of the disease.