Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Status of the brain antioxidant system at different growing periods after prenatal stress and N -acetyl cysteine administration.

Prenatal stress-induced neurobehavioral deficits observed in offspring are multifactorial, including oxidative stress in the developing brain. The time by which the developing brain acquires self-defense against oxidative stress is not clear. Hence in the present study we aimed to evaluate the brain antioxidant status during different developing periods. Further the study also evaluates the role of the glutathione precursor, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on the brain antioxidant status. Pregnant rats were subjected to restraint stress during an early or late gestational period. Another set of rats received NAC during the entire gestational period along with early or late gestational stress. The study parameters included several antioxidant studies directly from rat brain homogenate on postnatal day 24 or 48. Early or late gestational stress has caused severe oxidative stress in the developing brain on postnatal day 24 in all the parameters studied. However, brain reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant activity (TAO) were not affected by either early or late gestational stress on postnatal day 48, but the brain malondialdehyde (MDA) level remained high and brain glutathione reductase (GSS-Rd) level remained low on postnatal day 48. Prenatal NAC treatment has reversed the oxidative damage in all the parameters on postnatal day 24 and also the brain MDA level and GSS-Rd level on postnatal day 48. This study confirms that the growing brain acquires antioxidant capacity over time but during early postnatal development it is vulnerable to oxidative stress and related neurological consequences. N-acetyl cysteine treatment during the prenatal period as an antioxidant supplement exerted a beneficiary effect in this study. Hence glutathione supplement in the nutritional source would be an idealistic approach to prenatal stress-induced neurological comorbidities in children.
Estimating Angstrom-Prescott Coefficients for India and Developing a Correlation between Sunshine Hours and Global Solar Radiation for India

The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth in one hour is sufficient to supply the world's energy needs for one year. Harvesting this energy efficiently is a huge challenge. In most countries including India, the number of observing stations is inadequate. Therefore, it is essential that some reliable mathematical models be developed to estimate the solar radiation for places where measurements are not carried out and for places where measurement records are not available. In this paper, Angstrom-Prescott model parameters are estimated for seven different sites in India, and a correlation is developed for India, which is found to be a good fit. Also a correlation is developed for predicting the solar radiation using only sunshine hour data.
Importance of viral pathogens in children with acute gastroenteritis in the south of Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Different types of viruses are the leading cause of acute diarrhea among infants and young children worldwide. Epidemiological surveillance of viral agents is critical for the development of effective preventive measures, including vaccines. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the four major enteropathogenic viruses—rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus and astrovirus—in children over 7 years of age. DESIGN AND SETTING A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on stool specimens of children with acute gastroenteritis admitted to the Pediatrics Unit of 17 Shahrivar Hospital in Borazjan, Iran from October 2008 to September 2010. PATIENTS AND METHODS Acute gastroenteritis was defined as ≥3 loose watery stools per 24 hours. A total of 375 stool samples were collected from hospitalized children aged <7 years old with acute gastroenteritis. All samples were investigated by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the presence of viral antigens. RESULTS Rotavirus was detected in 91 (24.3%) of the patients whereas the prevalence of norovirus, adenovirus and astrovirus was 12.5%, 5.1% and 2.4%, respectively. On average, 75.9% of children with viral diarrhea were younger than 2 years old (P=.023). All the strains of viral gastroenteritis studied peaked in the autumn, except for adenovirus which peaked in spring (P=.015). The most common clinical symptoms included diarrhea (92.2%), vomiting (68.7%), abdominal cramp (60.8%) and moderate dehydration (57.2%). CONCLUSION Since nearly half of gastroenteritis cases (44.3%) were due to viral agents, testing for the viral antigens may guide the clinical approach to those patients with acute diarrhea particularly in the case of children less than 2 years old, and during cold seasons.
Effect of cell-seeding density on the proliferation and gene expression profile of human umbilical vein endothelial cells within ex vivo culture.

BACKGROUND AIMS Characterization of endothelial cell-biomaterial interaction is crucial for the development of blood-contacting biomedical devices and implants. However, a crucial parameter that has largely been overlooked is the cell-seeding density. METHODS This study investigated how varying cell-seeding density influences human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation on three different substrata: gelatin, tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA). RESULTS The fastest proliferation was seen on gelatin, followed by TCPS and PLLA, regardless of seeding density. On both TCPS and gelatin, maximal proliferation was attained at an initial seeding density of 1000 cells/cm(2). At seeding densities above and below 1000 cells/cm(2), the proliferation rate decreased sharply. On PLLA, there was a decrease in cell numbers over 7 days of culture, below a certain threshold seeding density (c. 2500-3000 cells/cm(2)), which meant that some of the cells were dying off rather than proliferating. Above this threshold seeding density, HUVEC displayed slow proliferation. Subsequently, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of eight gene markers associated with adhesion and endothelial functionality (VEGF-A, integrin-α5, VWF, ICAM1, ICAM2, VE-cadherin, endoglin and PECAM1) was carried out on HUVEC seeded at varying densities on the three substrata. A significant downregulation of gene expression was observed at an ultralow cell-seeding density of 100 cells/cm(2). This was accompanied by an extremely slow proliferation rate, probably because of an acute lack of intercellular contacts and paracrine signaling. CONCLUSION Hence, this study demonstrates that seeding density has a profound effect on the proliferation and gene expression profile of endothelial cells seeded on different biomaterial surfaces.
Neuronal plasticity of human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stromal cells to the dopaminergic cell type compared with human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

BACKGROUND AIMS Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) derived from Wharton's jelly (WJ) of the umbilical cord are increasingly gaining prominence as substitutes for bone marrow (BM) MSC. While MSC isolated from different tissue sources may share common mesenchymal properties, the difference in their plasticity to individual lineages is ill-defined. Thus the focus of this study was to estimate the neuronal plasticity of WJ MSC to the dopaminergic (DA) cell type in comparison with BM MSC. METHODS For neuronal differentiation, MSC were exposed to developmentally relevant cues for midbrain DA neurons: sonic hedgehog (SHH) and fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8), along with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). RESULTS Naive MSC from both sources constitutively expressed neuronal markers. Flow cytometry data revealed that the control WJ MSC shared a signature similar to BM MSC for early neuronal markers (nestin, musashi12 and A2B5) and DA-specific markers [tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Nuclear Receptor related protein 1 (Nurr1) but differed for mature neuronal proteins [β-tubulin III and microtubule-associated protein 2 (Map2ab)]. Similar populations of cells in both sources of MSC were positive for the SHH receptors [patched (PTCH) and smoothened (SMO)]. In induced BM and WJ MSC, real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed similar levels of DA-related transcription factors Nurr1 and Engrailed (En) 1. Immunocytochemical and flow cytometry analysis showed an increase in mature neuronal marker Map2ab. Kv4.2, a K(+) channel marker, was observed only in the induced MSC. Induced MSC also expressed several DA-specific markers, TH, dopamine and cyclic AMP regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP) 32, paired-like homeodomain transcription factor (PitX) 3 and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) 2, in comparable levels between the two sources. The efficiency (c. 65%) of transdifferentiation of WJ MSC to TH-positive cells was similar to that of induced BM MSC. Constitutive and inducible release of dopamine was found to be similar between induced BM and WJ MSC, as measured by dopamine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interestingly, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-stimulated change in intracellular Ca(2+) was observed in both control and induced MSC, but only the induced MSC was capable of releasing dopamine. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that MSC from the two different sources respond similarly to inductive cues to differentiate terminally to a DA cell type, and the neuronal plasticity of human WJ MSC is comparable with that of BM MSC.
The Health Impact of Living with a Cognitively Impaired Elderly Spouse

The purpose of this study was to identify the health consequences of living with a cognitively impaired spouse in a sample of 318 spouse pairs, drawn from a representative sample of noninstitutionalized elderly individuals. Our principal findings were that (a) cognitive impairment in wives was significantly (p < .05) associated with elevated systolic blood pressure in husbands, whereas cognitive impairment in husbands was not associated with systolic blood pressure in wives; (b) cognitive impairment in wives was significantly (p < .05) associated with perceived declines in health status in husbands, but cognitive impairment in husbands was not related to perceived declines in health status in wives; (c) the relationships between wives' cognitive impairment and husbands' blood pressure and perceived health status were not mediated through limitations in activities of daily living in wives, chronic conditions in wives, or perceived inadequacy of emotional or instrumental support; and (d) cognitive functioning in one spouse was not related to health behaviors in the partner. Taken together, our results suggest that spouses of community-dwelling impaired individuals are not so severely affected that they cannot function normally. However, they suffer from health problems that can have serious consequences.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids confer cryoresistance on megakaryocytes generated from cord blood and also enhance megakaryocyte production from cryopreserved cord blood cells.

BACKGROUND AIMS Previous data have shown that the addition of docosahexanoic acid (DHA)/arachidonic acid (AA) has a beneficial effect on cytokine-mediated in vitro generation of megakaryocytes (MK) from umbilical cord blood (UCB). Cryopreservation forms an inherent part of UCB banking and MK progenitors are known to be very sensitive to the stresses of freezing. It is therefore imperative to generate functional cells from cryopreserved cells, and the generated cells need to be cryopreserved until used. In the present study, cryopreservation of ex vivo-expanded MK as well as MK generation from cryopreserved UCB samples was investigated. METHODS MK generated with or without DHA/AA were cryopreserved in freezing medium containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Freezing efficacy was tested by quantitating MK after revival. Cryopreserved CD34(+) cells were cultured with stem cell factor (SCF) and thrombopoietin (TPO), in the presence and absence of DHA/AA for 10 days, and then quantitated for MK. Results. We observed a 1.5-3-fold increase in MK numbers, their progenitor content and their expression of phenotypic markers and MK-related transcription factors. DHA/AA sets showed a 2-5-fold improved engraftment in NOD/SCID mice. These data showed that the beneficial effect of DHA/AA obtained during MK expansion was not altered after freezing stress. The enhancement in MK generation obtained from fresh cord blood (CB) cells was reproduced with comparable efficiency when we used cryopreserved CB samples. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data suggest that in vitro-generated DHA/AA MK survive cryoinjuries in a functionally better state. DHA/AA support a more efficient generation of MK from cryopreserved UCB.
Evaluation of congenital heart diseases and thyroid abnormalities in children with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Congenital heart disease (CHD) associated with thyroid disease has been reported in Down syndrome (DS). The purpose of this work was to assess abnormalities of the thyroid in relation to the frequency and type of CHD on admission among children with DS. METHODS This retrospective study included 187 children with DS between August 1993- December 2005. Karyotype analysis, thyroid function tests and echocardiographic studies were performed in all children with DS. If necessary, hemodynamic study by catheterization was carried out. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test was performed in having elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square, "t" test for independent samples or Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS It was found that 136 (72.73%) patients with DS had CHD. The age difference at the time of admission was statistically significant for these two groups (p=0.001) in children with /without CHD. There were 12 (11.88%) patients with congenital hypothyroidism and DS, of whom 11 had CHD. There were statistically significant differences in the levels of TSH and total thyroxine (tT4) between congenital and subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid groups (p=0.001 for TSH and p= 0.001 for tT4). But, there was no significant relationship between having any kind of CHD and levels of TSH and tT4. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that all patients with DS should be evaluated with careful physical and echocardiographic examination on admission. In addition, congenital or subclinical hypothyroidism should also be kept in mind in children with DS and monitored accordingly.
Effects of acute carbon monoxide poisoning on the P-wave and QT interval dispersions.

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to investigate atrial conduction and ventricular repolarization inhomogeneities using P-wave dispersion (Pwd) and QT dispersion (QTd) analyses in acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. METHODS Sixty patients were retrospectively included in this case-controlled study. Thirty acute CO poisoning patients were assigned to the Group with acute CO poisoning (ACOP). Patients who did not have acute CO poisoning were assigned to the control group (Group C, n=30). Anthropometric measurement, body mass index, electrocardiogram (ECG) and serum electrolyte levels were recorded in all patients. Also, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were recorded in Group ACOP. Pwd, QT interval and QTd durations were measured. Corrected QT (QTc) and QTc dispersion (QTcd) intervals were determined with the Bazett formula. Independent samples t and Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found between the age, gender distribution, anthropometric measurement, serum electrolytes, PR and QT durations between the groups. The Pwd (56.33 ± 17.11 msec vs 28.33 ± 11.16 msec, p=0.001) and QTd (63.33 ± 26.69 msec vs 42.16 ± 7.84 msec, p=0.001) were significantly longer in Group ACOP than in Group C. In addition, QTc and QTcd durations of Group ACOP were also found to be significantly longer than in Group C (p=0.001). CONCLUSION In our study, we found in ECG analyses of patients with acute CO poisoning that the Pwd, QTc and QTcd durations were significantly prolonged when compared with control group. For this reason, patients with acute CO poisoning need close attention because of arrhythmias, which can be related to increased QTcd and Pwd durations.
Differential effects of some antibiotics on paraoxonase enzyme activity on human hepatoma cells (HepG2) in vitro

Serum paraoxonase (aryldialkylphosphatase, EC 3.1.8.1., PON1) is an esterase protein synthesised by the liver and released into the serum, where it is associated with HDL lipoproteins. In this study, we have determined the in vitro effects of the following antibiotics: sodium ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, Rifamycin SV and clindamiycin phosphate, on human hepatoma (HepG2) cells (liver hPON1). All the antibiotics caused a dose-dependent and time-dependent decrease in the paraoxonase activity while Rifamycin SV was the most effective antibiotic due to its low 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) value. Liver hPON1 activity was determined using paraoxon as a substrate. The IC50 values of the drugs were calculated from graphs of hydratase activity (%) by plotting concentration of the drugs that showed an inhibition effect.
Susceptibilities of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaeceae To Ertapenem, Meropenem and Piperacillin-Tazobactam -

Objectives: The susceptibilities of ESBL-producing E.coli and K. pneumoniae to ertapenem, meropenem and piperacillin-tazobactam.53 strains of E.coli and K. pneumoniae were studied. Methods: They were originally resistant to ceftazidine. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the strains towards ertapenem, meropenem and piperacillin-tazobactam were determined by Vitek-2 compact system. Results: The MICs of all ertapenem and meropenem for all isolates were
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids administration does not reduce the recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation and inflammation after electrical cardioversion: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present prospective randomized study was to evaluate the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) and inflammation after electrical cardioversion. METHODS Calculation of the number of patients needed was based on the assumption of 20% and 65% chance of maintaining sinus rhythm with amiodarone and with polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. To observe a significant difference with an alpha level of 0.05 and a power of 0.80 it was necessary to include 22 patients in each group. A total of 47 patients were randomized to amiodarone (n=24) and amiodarone plus n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n=23) groups before scheduled electrical cardioversion. The end-point was the recurrence of AF during 12-month follow-up. Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on inflammation was evaluated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein level measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired Student' t, Mann Whitney U and Chi-square tests. We analyzed the recurrence of AF using the Cox proportional hazards regression model to control for potentially confounding factors. RESULTS Nine patients in the amiodarone group (37.5%), and 9 patients in the amiodarone plus n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids group (39.1%) had recurrence of AF during follow-up (p=1). With the Cox proportional model, risk factors for the recurrence of AF were previous electrical cardioversion (HR 10.33, 95% CI 1.74 to 61.10, p=0.01) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.38, p=0.007). High sensitivity C-reactive protein levels at baseline, at day 15 and during AF recurrence were similar between two groups (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids administration does not reduce the recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation and inflammation.
[Evaluation of factors affecting healthy life style behaviors and quality of life in patients with heart disease].

OBJECTIVE The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine sociodemographic and disease related factors affecting the quality of life and life style behavior in patients with heart disease. METHODS Data are collected via information form, Healthy Life Style Behaviors Scale, and short form-36 life quality scale to 325 people with heart disease. T test for independent samples, one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analyzes are used in statistical evaluation of the data. RESULTS It has been determined that average age was 56.98±11.89 years, 58.2% were male, 48.6% were graduated from primary school, 30.2% were haven't got any additional diseases of the patients in this study. Point average of healthy life style behaviors of people with heart disease obtained as 127.45±20.51 and physical main dimension mean score was 51.95±22.21, mental main dimension mean score was 52.71±19.48. It has been understood that, in general, that male patients in 49-60 age group and married, having bachelor and master degrees, in good socio-economic status, working, without any additional disease and took training related to their disease, received high point from healthy life style behavior scale, but patients with cardiac failure had lower points (p<0.05). There was a positive relation between life qualities and healthy life style behaviors of the patients (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Increasing of life quality of the patients especially with cardiac failure will be ensured by executing studies on development of healthy life style behaviors for people with heart disease and arranging training programs to them related to their disease.
Can You Be Healthy on the Street?: Exploring the Health Experiences of Halifax Street Youth

This pilot study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and offers an examination of the experiences and perceptions of street youth vis-a-vis their health status. The rough in-depth interviews and a short quantitative survey with 15 street-involved youth in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this paper explores healthy and not-so healthy practices of young people living on the street. Qualitative interviews with ten health care and social service providers complement the analysis. More specifically, the investigation uncovered how street youth understand health and wellness, how they define good and bad health, and their experiences in accessing diverse health services.