Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nephroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Pistacia atlantica Leaf Hydroethanolic Extract Against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

ABSTRACT Gentamicin in overdose can lead to tubular injury and kidney dysfunction. Some antioxidants can protect kidneys against nephrotoxicity. This study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of Pistacia atlantica (P. atlantica) leaf hydroethanolic extract against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Forty rats were divided into five groups: the first group received a daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of normal saline. The second group received gentamicin (120 mg/kg, i.p.). The third, fourth, and fifth groups were orally treated with 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of P. atlantica leaf hydroethanolic extract, respectively, and they also received gentamicin (120 mg/kg, i.p.). After seven days, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine (Cr), urea, uric acid, lipids profile, protein carbonyl (PC), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined. Also, a piece of kidney was used to determine catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, vitamin C, the gene expression of TNF-α, and for subsequent histopathological studies. Treatment with P. atlantica leaf hydroethanolic extract resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in CAT, SOD, vitamin C, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of Cr, urea, uric acid, MDA, PC, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TNF-α protein, and the gene expression of TNF-α compared with the untreated group. Histopathological studies show that in lymphocyte infiltration, remarkable reduction was observed in P. atlantica leaf hydroethanolic extract-treated groups, compared with the untreated group. The present study suggests that P. atlantica leaf hydroethanolic extract has protective effects against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Luteolin induces apoptosis in multidrug resistant cancer cells without affecting the drug transporter function: Involvement of cell line‐specific apoptotic mechanisms

Bioflavonoids are of considerable interest to human health as these serve as antioxidant and anticancer agents. Although epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that luteolin, a natural bioflavonoid, exhibits chemopreventive properties, its effectiveness as an antiproliferative agent against multidrug resistant (MDR) cancers is unclear. Thus, we assessed the antiproliferative effects of luteolin and associated molecular mechanisms using two MDR cancer cell lines that express high levels of P‐glycoprotein and ABCG2. In this article, we demonstrate that luteolin induces apoptosis in P‐glycoprotein‐ and ABCG2‐expressing MDR cancer cells without affecting the transport functions of these drug transporters. Analysis of various proliferative signaling pathways indicated that luteolin‐induced apoptosis involves reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage, activation of ATR → Chk2 → p53 signaling pathway, inhibition of NF‐kB signaling pathway, activation of p38 pathway and depletion of antiapoptotic proteins. Importantly, use of luteolin in these analyses also identified specific molecular characteristics of NCI‐ADR/RES and MCF‐7/MitoR cells that highlight their different tissue origins. These results suggest that luteolin possesses therapeutic potential to control the proliferation of MDR cancers without affecting the physiological function of drug transporters in the body tissues.
Biochemical and Histopathological Evidence on Beneficial Effects of Standardized Extract from Tragopogon graminifolius as a Dietary Supplement in Fatty Liver: Role of Oxidative Stress

ABSTRACT Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD) is a worldwide common liver disorder. Tragopogon graminifolius is used as a dietary supplement for liver disorders. This study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of a standardized preparation from T. graminifolius extract (TGE) in animal model of FLD induced by high-fat diet (HFD). The standardization of TGE based on phenolic compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The HFD induced metabolic and hepatic damages. TGE significantly reduced the elevations of serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and hepatic enzymes (p =.001 for 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of TGE). Histopathological studies also confirmed beneficial effects of TGE in FLD. Activity of total antioxidant power, content of total thiol, myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation were significantly improved (p <.001). Dietary supplementation with TGE results in improvement of biochemical as well as histopathological parameters. Clinical trials are warranted to prove its efficacy and tolerability in patients with FLD.
CDH1‐related hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome: Clinical variations and implications for counseling

CDH1 mutation carriers have a strongly increased risk of developing gastric cancer (GC) and lobular breast cancer (LBC). Clinical data of GC cases and surgical and histological data of prophylactic gastrectomies and mastectomies of all 10 Dutch CDH1 mutation families were collected. In vitro functional assays were performed to analyze the nature of the newly found missense mutation c.1748T>G (p.Leu583Arg). Ten different CDH1 mutations were found. Functional assays gave strong arguments for the pathogenic nature of the p.Leu583Arg mutation. The pedigrees comprised 36 GC cases (mean age 40 years, range 20–72 years) and one LBC case. Twenty‐nine/37 carriers alive, aged 18–61 years, underwent prophylactic gastrectomy. Invasive GC‐foci and premalignant abnormalities were detected in 2 and 25 patients, respectively. In four patients GC/signetring cell (SRC) foci were diagnosed at preoperative gastroscopy. Long‐standing presence of SRCs without progression to invasive carcinoma was shown in two others. Multifocal LBC/LCIS was found in the two prophylactic mastectomy specimens. Clefts of lip and/or palate (CL/P) were reported in seven individuals from three families. The age at onset and aggressiveness of GC is highly variable, which has to be included in counseling on planning prophylactic gastrectomies. The incidence of LBC is expected to increase and prophylactic mastectomy needs to be considered. The relationship between CL/P and CDH1 needs further study to inform future parents from hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) families adequately.
Public Health Climate Change Adaptation Planning Using Stakeholder Feedback.

CONTEXT Public health climate change adaptation planning is an urgent priority requiring stakeholder feedback. The 10 Essential Public Health Services can be applied to adaptation activities. OBJECTIVE To develop a state health department climate and health adaptation plan as informed by stakeholder feedback. DESIGN With Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) implemented a 2010-2013 climate and health planning process, including 7 surveys on perceptions and adaptation priorities. PARTICIPANTS New York State Department of Health program managers participated in initial (n = 41, denominator unknown) and follow-up (72.2%) needs assessments. Surveillance system information was collected from 98.1% of surveillance system managers. For adaptation prioritization surveys, participants included 75.4% of NYSDOH leaders; 60.3% of local health departments (LHDs); and 53.7% of other stakeholders representing environmental, governmental, health, community, policy, academic, and business organizations. Interviews were also completed with 38.9% of other stakeholders. RESULTS In 2011 surveys, 34.1% of state health program directors believed that climate change would impact their program priorities. However, 84.6% of state health surveillance system managers provided ideas for using databases for climate and health monitoring/surveillance. In 2012 surveys, 46.5% of state health leaders agreed they had sufficient information about climate and health compared to 17.1% of LHDs (P = .0046) and 40.9% of other stakeholders (nonsignificant difference). Significantly fewer (P < .0001) LHDs (22.9%) were incorporating or considering incorporating climate and health into planning compared to state health leaders (55.8%) and other stakeholders (68.2%). Stakeholder groups agreed on the 4 highest priority adaptation categories including core public health activities such as surveillance, coordination/collaboration, education, and policy development. CONCLUSIONS Feedback from diverse stakeholders was utilized by NYSDOH to develop its Climate and Health Strategic Map in 2013. The CDC Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) framework and funding provides a collaborative model for state climate and health adaptation planning.
Plasma hydroxyproline, MMP‐7 and collagen I as novel predictive risk markers of hepatobiliary disease‐associated cholangiocarcinoma

Chronic opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini infection is characterized by advanced periductal fibrosis leading to hepatobiliary diseases (HBD), including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). We aimed to determine fibrotic markers to differentiate HBD status including opisthorchiasis, benign biliary disease (BBD) and CCA. Candidate fibrotic markers in plasma of healthy individuals (n = 14) and patients with opisthorchiasis (n = 32, pre‐ and post‐treatment with praziquantel), BBD (n = 31), CCA (n = 37) and other types of tumors (n = 14) were measured by ELISA and zymography. Plasma levels of hydroxyproline (HYP), collagen I, MMP‐7 and TIMP2 in opisthorchiasis patients were significantly higher than those in healthy individuals, and MMP9/TIMP2 balance may be associated with tissue resorption after praziquantel treatment. HYP and TIMP‐2 levels were significantly correlated with periductal fibrosis status evaluated by ultrasonography. Plasma HYP level of CCA patients was the highest among HBD patients (p < 0.05). ROC curves revealed HYP, MMP‐7 and collagen I levels significantly distinguished opisthorchiasis, BBD and CCA (p < 0.001). Odd ratio (OR) analysis demonstrated these markers in opisthorchiasis were predictable for BBD risk (p < 0.05; OR = 28.50, 10.12 and 4.63 for collagen I, MMP‐7 and HYP, respectively), and the risk was reduced by praziquantel treatment. Interestingly, only plasma HYP level in BBD was predictable for CCA risk (OR = 3.69; p = 0.020). In conclusion, plasma HYP, collagen I and MMP‐7 may be useful as novel predictive markers of opisthorchiasis‐related BBD, and HYP may be used as a diagnostic marker for CCA.
Thimerosal-containing vaccines: evidence versus public apprehension

Despite convincing evidence to the contrary, many parents continue to be concerned that vaccines that contain thimerosal may cause autism and other developmental disabilities. Thimerosal is an ethylmercury-based preservative that has been used in vaccines and other biological products since the 1930s. Concerns about the safety of thimerosal-containing vaccines arose as the result of an FDA review of biological products that contain mercury. As safety limits for ethylmercury were not available, FDA based its review of thimerosal on guidelines for methlymercury and determined that by age 6 months some infants could have received cumulative exposure to ethylmercury from vaccines exceeding the guidance level for methylmercury exposure established by the Environmental Protection Agency [1] . Even though the risks were theoretical and there was no direct evidence of harm, the US Public Health Service (USPHS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a statement in July 1999 recommending that thimerosal be removed from infant vaccines as soon as practical [2] . Although the USPHS and AAP statement underscored the lack of evidence that thimerosalcontaining vaccines were not safe, the recommendation to eliminate the use of thimerosal as a preservative in most routine infant vaccines raised understandable concerns among some parents and other members of the public. It was not long afterward that theories were proposed suggesting that thimerosal-containing vaccines caused autism and were responsible for the ‘epidemic’ of autism that is said to have begun in the 1990s.
The CD133 expression levels and its role as potential cancer stem cells marker in gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Dear Editor, We read with interest the article entitled ‘‘Expression profiling of GIST: CD133 is associated with KIT exon 11 mutations, gastric location and poor prognosis’’ by Arne et al., who used a tissue macro arrays (TMAs)-based approach to demonstrate that the expression of CD133 in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) segregates with c-kit exon 11 deletion and poor prognosis, and suggested that over-expressing CD133 cells might be GIST cancer stem cells (CSCs). The results of our own flow cytometry (FC) analysis of the expression of CD133 in naive and imatinib-treated GISTs were partially different and led us to different conclusions. Like Arne et al., we observed a trend toward higher CD133 expression in naive GISTs carrying c-kit exon 11 mutations in aggregate in a gastric location than in those with an intestinal location but, because of the small number of c-kit deleted cases (n 1⁄4 4), we can neither confirm nor deny the association between high CD133 levels and the c-kit exon 11 deletions. However, unlike Arne et al. (who found CD133 expression in only 28% of their cases), we observed CD133 expression in all our (untreated and treated) samples, even though with
Aflatoxin M1 in buffalo and cow milk in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

Potential hazardous human exposure to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) via consumption of milk and milk products has been demonstrated by many researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of this mycotoxin in buffalo and cow milk samples in the city of Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. For this purpose, 126 buffalo and 124 cow milk samples were collected from dairy farms in Afyonkarahisar province. AFM1 levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection. Although AFM1 was not detected in cow milk samples, AFM1 was found above the limit of detection (<0.008–0.032 µg/L) in 27% (34 out of 126) of the buffalo milk samples. The results of this study indicated the importance of continuous surveillance of commonly consumed milk or milk product samples for AFM1 contamination in Turkey.
Treatment for chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in mice using parathyroid hormone agonists and antagonists linked to a collagen binding domain

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) agonists and antagonists have been shown to improve hair growth after chemotherapy; however, rapid clearance and systemic side‐effects complicate their usage. To facilitate delivery and retention to skin, we fused PTH agonists and antagonists to the collagen binding domain (CBD) of Clostridium histolyticum collagenase. in‐vitro studies showed that the agonist fusion protein, PTH‐CBD, bound collagen and activated the PTH/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide receptor in SaOS‐2 cells. The antagonist fusion proteins, PTH(7–33)‐CBD and PTH([‐1]‐33)‐CBD, also bound collagen and antagonized PTH(1–34) effect in SaOS‐2 cells; however, PTH(7–33)‐CBD had lower intrinsic activity. Distribution studies confirmed uptake of PTH‐CBD to the skin at 1 and 12 hr after subcutaneous injection. We assessed in vivo efficacy of PTH‐CBD and PTH(7–33)‐CBD in C57BL/6J mice. Animals were depilated to synchronize the hair follicles; treated on Day 7 with agonist, antagonist, or vehicle; treated on Day 9 with cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle; and sacrificed on Day 39. Normal mice (no chemo and no treatment) showed rapid regrowth of hair and normal histology. Chemo + Vehicle mice showed reduced hair regrowth and decreased pigmentation; histology revealed reduced number and dystrophic anagen/catagen follicles. Chemo + Antagonist mice were grossly and histologically indistinguishable from Chemo + Vehicle mice. Chemo + Agonist mice showed more rapid regrowth and repigmentation of hair; histologically, there was a normal number of hair follicles, most of which were in the anagen phase. Overall, the agonist PTH‐CBD had prominent effects in reducing chemotherapy‐induced damage of hair follicles and may show promise as a therapy for chemotherapy‐induced alopecia.
Cadmium, lead and total mercury in Tilapia sp. in Sri Lankan reservoirs

In 2010, samples of muscles, liver and gills of Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) were collected from eighteen reservoirs of four districts in Sri Lanka: Anuradapuraya, Polonnaruwa (North Central Province), Hambantota (Southern Province) and Ampara (Eastern Province). Cd, Pb and Hg were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations in muscle were 0.03 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg and 0.26 mg/kg, respectively, while gills contained 0.02 mg/kg, 0.44 mg/kg and 0.36 mg/kg, respectively, on a dry weight basis. The amounts of the three metals in liver were 0.30 mg/kg, 2.07 mg/kg and 0.52 mg/kg on a dry weight basis. The results revealed that the level of heavy metal concentration in Tilapia does not exceed the maximum limit for human consumption according to the European Union and Sri Lankan guidelines.
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in food and feed in Latvia in 2009–2011

During 2009–2011 a monitoring programme for 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) was conducted in the Latvian food and feed market. Using ISO 17025-accredited analytical methodology, investigation of 121 food (milk, dairy products, meat, eggs, fish, fish products) and 66 feed samples (fish meal and oil, compound and mineral feed, vegetable and animal fats) was performed. Most samples showed contamination below the European Commission (EC) Regulation No. 1881/2006 and Commission Directive 2006/13/EC limits. Average total toxicological equivalent (total-TEQ(1998)) concentrations within the food sample groups, except fish and fish products, ranged between 0.41 and 15.1 pg total-TEQ(1998) g−1 fat. Fish and fish products showed contamination levels from 0.18 to 46.0 pg total-TEQ(1998) g−1 fresh weight (f.w.). Fifty-seven per cent of cod liver samples were non-compliant. The most contaminated feed samples were fish meal and fish oil. A comparison with WHO-TEF(2005) data is given.
Plant protection product residues in red grapes and Teran PTP wine

Between 2011 and 2013, a total of 73 grape and 82 wine samples from winegrowing district Kras (Karst) were analysed for plant protection product (PPP) residues. The samples were analysed for the presence of 215 different active compounds using two multiresidual analytical methods: gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Residues were found in 91.8% of all grape samples and in 67.1% of all wine samples. In all grape samples, residues were below maximum residue levels (MRLs) and 58.9% of all grape samples contained active substances at a level of less then 10% of the MRL. Nearly 33% of all Teran PTP wines did not contain PPP residues at all. Residues diminish during processing of grapes to wine, so their content in wine was low. Therefore, it could be concluded that grapes and wine in the winegrowing district Kras are safe for consumers.
Ochratoxin A reduction in meat sausages using processing methods practiced in households

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibilities of ochratoxin A (OTA) reduction in home-made meat products. Meat sausages (n = 50) produced from raw materials coming from pigs exposed to OTA-contaminated feed, were subject to common heat processes practiced in households (cooking, frying and baking). Concentrations of OTA in pre- and post-processed products were quantified using a validated immunoassay method, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and confirmed using a high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. In line with the differences in recipes used and the degree of OTA accumulation in raw materials, OTA concentrations established in Mediterranean and roast sausages were lower than those found in liver and blood sausages. Baking of contaminated sausages at the temperatures of 190–220°C (for 60 min) resulted in significant reduction of OTA levels (75.8%), while 30-min cooking (at 100°C) and frying (at 170°C) proved to be significantly less effective (e.g. yielding OTA reductions of 7.4% and 12.6%, respectively). The results pointed out that despite high OTA stability, heat processes are capable of reducing its concentration in home-made meat products, depending on the processing modality used.
Effect of annatto seed and coriander leaves as natural antioxidants in fish meatballs during frozen storage.

UNLABELLED The effects of annatto (0.1 g/100g) and coriander (0.5 g/100g) were assessed against lipid oxidation in white hake meatballs cooked in boiling water (95 ± 1 °C) for 30 min and stored at -18 °C for 120 d. The fatty acids (FA) and the nutritional quality, cholesterol, cholesterol oxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values, and conjugated dienes were analyzed to follow the course of oxidation. Annatto and coriander were efficient in the control of lipid oxidation, also preserving the essential FA. At 120 d of storage, the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentration decreased respectively by 43%, 32%, 12%, and 9% in the control, coriander, annatto, and annatto + coriander patties. For docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), these concentrations decreased, respectively, 44%, 30%, 11%, and 7%, revealing a probable synergistic effect among the antioxidant compounds present in both spices. On the other hand, annatto and coriander were not able to act protecting the meatballs against lipid oxidation when they were cooked, also not exerted any effect in the cholesterol oxidation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Spices, especially coriander and annatto, can be an alternative to substitute synthetic additives with antioxidants to prevent loss of important unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in fish meatballs during frozen storage for 120 d. The maximum effect was observed when 0.5% coriander and 0.1% annatto were used in combination. Cooking did not induce the formation of cholesterol oxides, compounds that can cause more health damages than cholesterol itself; however, during storage the cholesterol oxides levels presented a little increase regardless of spice addition.
Acid resistance and verocytotoxin productivity of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 exposed to microwave.

We examined the acid resistance and verocytotoxin (VT) productivity of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 irradiated by microwave with a domestic microwave oven and a commercial microwave radiator equipped with a thermo-regulator. When the cell suspension (5 mL) chilled at 0 °C was treated with a domestic microwave oven at weak power (2.45 GHz, 100 W) for 60 s, the living cell number was reduced by 2 orders (final temperature, about 65 °C). The surviving cells showed lower acid resistance and VT productivity than nonirradiated cells. To examine the nonthermal effect of microwave on acid resistance and VT productivity, the cells in Luria-Bertani medium were intermittently irradiated to keep the culture temperature at 37 °C with the microwave radiator (2.45 GHz, 0.6 W/mL). The intermittent radiation slightly reduced the acid resistance, but clearly suppressed the VT productivity. Microwave oven is probably useful for reducing not only the living cell number but also the acid resistance and VT productivity of EHEC O157:H7.