Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant activities and molecular mechanisms of the ethanol extracts of Baccharis propolis and Eucalyptus propolis in RAW64.7 cells

Abstract Context Numerous studies have reported that propolis possesses strong antioxidant activities. However, their antioxidant molecular mechanisms are unclear. Objective We utilize ethanol extracts of Chinese propolis (EECP) as a reference to compare ethanol extracts of Eucalyptus propolis (EEEP) with ethanol extracts of Baccharis propolis (EEBGP) based on their antioxidant capacities and underlying molecular mechanisms. Materials and methods HPLC and chemical analysis are utilized to evaluate compositions and antioxidant activities. ROS-eliminating effects of EEBGP (20–75 μg/mL), EEEP (1.25–3.75 μg/mL) and EECP (1.25–5 μg/mL) are also determined by flow cytometry analysis. Moreover, we compared antioxidant capacities by determining their effects on expressions of antioxidant genes in RAW264.7 cells with qRT-PCR, western blot and confocal microscopy analysis. Results EEBGP mainly contains chlorogenic acid (8.98 ± 0.86 mg/g), kaempferide (11.18 ± 8.31 mg/g) and artepillin C (107.70 ± 10.86 mg/g), but EEEP contains 10 compositions, whereas EECP contains 17 compositions. Meantime, although EEEP shows DPPH (IC50 19.55 ± 1.28), ABTS (IC50 20.0 ± 0.31) and reducing power (2.70 ± 0.08 mmol TE/g) better than EEBGP’s DPPH (IC50 43.85 ± 0.54), ABTS (IC50 38.2 ± 0.33) and reducing power (1.53 ± 0.05 mmol TE/g), EEBGP exerts much higher ROS inhibition rate (40%) than EEEP (under 20%). Moreover, EEBGP strengthen antioxidant system by activating p38/p-p38 and Erk/p-Erk kinase via accelerating nucleus translocation of Nrf2. EEEP and EECP improve antioxidant gene expression only via Erk/p-Erk kinase-Nrf2 signalling pathway. Discussion and conclusion EEBGP and EEEP exert antioxidant activities via different molecular mechanisms, which may depend on chemical compositions.
The superior mineral content of some American Indian foods in comparison to federally donated counterpart commodities

In pre‐Columbian times, Indian diets were markedly different from patterns that have developed after forced introduction of refined modern foods. The nutritional outcomes of this change have been inferred but not documented. To this end, samples of traditional Hopi and Papago Indian foods and federal commodity foods donated in 1971–72 were analyzed for nitrogen and 15 other elements. Native foods produced in the Arizona reservation areas were consistently higher in essential minerals than were the substituted commodity foods. The Hopi culinary practice of adding ashes of green plants (usually ash of chamisa or spent bean pods and vines) to various corn foods raised still further the already superior content of most minerals, notably calcium and iron. Some uncultivated plant foods were found to be rich sources of minerals, especially Papago dried cholla cactus buds which contained 2.8 percent of calcium. These tribes appear to have had a better probability of meeting mineral needs from locally grown and tr.
Small calibre biosynthetic bacterial cellulose blood vessels: 13-months patency in a sheep model

Abstract Objectives. Many patients in need of bypass surgery lack graft material and current synthetic alternatives have poor performance. A 4 mm vascular graft composed of bacterial cellulose (BC) was developed and tested in pilot study in a large animal model. Design. BC is a biopolymer made by the bacteria acetobacter xylinum. BC grafts (n = 16) with 4 cm length and 4 mm internal diameter were implanted bilaterally in the carotid arteries of eight sheep. No long-term antithrombotic therapy was administered. Patency was assessed with ultrasound. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy were performed after explantation. Results. Fifty percent of the grafts occluded within two weeks. One animal died with patent grafts after 14 days. In the three remaining animals 5/6 grafts were patent after nine months. Two animals were followed 13 months after implantation with 3/4 grafts patent at explantation. All patent grafts had confluent endothelial-like cells. Conclusions. Biosynthetic small calibre vascular grafts made from BC can be patent for up to 13 months in sheep carotid arteries. BC is a potential material for small calibre grafts but patency in animal models needs to be improved before clinical studies can be planned.
IGF-I and IGFBP2 in peripheral artery disease: results of a prospective study

Abstract Background and objectives. The search for novel risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has provided valuable clinical data concerning underlying mechanism of disease. Increasing evidence indicates a possible involvement of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) in the pathogenesis of CVD disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-2 with all-cause and CVD mortality in a prospective study of patients with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods and material. Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-2 levels were obtained in 440 patients (257 males) with symptomatic PAD. Patients were followed for a median of 6.1 (IQ 5.1–7.2) years. The relationship between times to lethal outcome and baseline serum IGF-I and IFGBP-2 levels were examined by Cox proportional hazard analysis. The role of IFGBP-2 for prognosis of CVD death was assessed with c-statistic. Results. During follow-up 115 (26%) patients (48 females and 67 males) died, and 53 (12%) died from CVD-related causes. Cox regression analysis revealed that an increase of 100 μg/l of baseline IFGBP-2 were significantly associated with an increased risk for CVD mortality [crude hazard ratio (HR) 1.14 (95% CI (1.05–1.23)), and adjusted HR 1.12 (95% CI (1.01–1.24))]. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded area under curve of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.51–0.67, p = 0.022). However, the model including IFGBP-2 did not show a significant improvement in accuracy of CVD death prediction [the area under ROC curve 0.73 (0.66–0.80) vs. 0.75 (0.69–0.82), p = 0.696], and net reclassification improvement was 10.3% (p = 0.23). Conclusions. Increased IFGBP-2 concentration was significantly and independently associated with long-term CVD mortality in patients with lower-extremity PAD. However, risk prediction of CVD mortality did not improve by adding IFGBP-2 to a model containing conventional CVD risk factors.
Validity of different dental age estimation methods in Pakistani orthodontic patients

This research aims to evaluate the validity of Demirjian’s (1973), Nolla’s (1960) and Willem’s (2001) methods of dental age (DA) estimation in Pakistani orthodontic patients (8–16.9 years). It also addresses the validity of these methods in determining dental maturity across the gender and compares the difference between original Demirjian tables (based on French-Canadian standards) and Pakistani tables formulated by Sukhia et al. (2012). Orthopantomograms of 403 subjects (males = 176, females = 227) were examined for DA assessment by different methods. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-ranked tests were used to determine significant differences between mean dental and chronological age among different age groups. Correlation between DA and CA were assessed by the Spearman’s correlation (p = ≤0.05). Nolla’s method under-estimated the DA by 1.00 ± 1.54 in males and over-estimated by 0.21 ± 1.64 in females. DA was significantly advanced using Pakistani tables (males = 0.32 ± 1.17, females = 0.38 ± 1.33 years) and Willem’s method (males = 0.31 ± 1.09, females = 0.29 ± 0.48 years). DA correlated better with CA using Pakistani tables compared with the French-Canadian standards. Earlier dental maturation was reported in females compared with males using Demirjian’s and Nolla’s methods. Strong correlations were found between CA and DA according to all methods (p < 0.001). Overall, Willem’s method was identified as the most valid method for DA estimation in the Pakistani sample.
Experiences and nursing support of relatives of persons with severe mental illness

Hensikten med avhandlingen er a belyse erfaringer med a vaere parorende til personer med alvorlig psykisk lidelse, og deres behov for stotte fra helsevesenet. Videre a belyse stotte fra sykepleiere til parorende til personer med alvorlig psykisk lidelse.
Current pharmacological management of amyotropic lateral sclerosis and a role for rational polypharmacy

Amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative condition of motor neurons that is ultimately fatal. Even though scientific discovery over the past few decades has led to a greater understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS, effective pharmacotherapy intended to slow, arrest or reverse the disease progression remains difficult to obtain. Riluzole, a drug that has only modest benefit in extending survival, is still the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of ALS. However, a number of pharmacological agents are currently being investigated as potential therapy for ALS. This paper will review the pathophysiology of ALS and current pharmacological management of the disease and recent directions in research and clinical trials. Based on the available data, it is our opinion that combination drug therapies should be considered for future clinical trials.
Compilation of a local profile of immigration using GP registration data

As part of an initial needs assessment for a community development project to improve access to health and social care services for new migrants, a local epidemiological profile of new migrants was produced for Walsall in the West Midlands. Data were compiled from Office for National Statistics estimates of international migration, National Insurance Number applications from overseas nationals, ‘Flag 4’ GP registrations by new immigrants, United Kingdom Border Agency asylum bulletins, and Citizens Advice Bureau immigration queries. It is estimated that there has been a steady influx of between 800 and 1,400 new migrants per year into Walsall. The majority are young adults from Asia and Eastern Europe, and are living in the southern part of the borough. This information needs to be updated regularly, shared with relevant partners and used to inform commissioning decisions.
Inequality of Opportunity in Access to Basic Services Among Egyptian Children

This paper estimates inequality of opportunities among Egyptian children over time between the years 2000 and 2008 using Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys. The Human Opportunity Index (HOI) is calculated across four categories of access to services, including health utilization, nutrition, basic infrastructure services and school enrolment. Over these years, Egypt implemented several policies in the health and education sectors that improved the access of children to services through the nation-wide Family Health Model (FHM), as well as through a social marketing campaign to promote iodized salt. This paper finds improvements in the Human Opportunity Index linked to such policies, with HOI increasing from 38.8 to 67.7 for instance for the probability of blood sample being taken from mother during pregnancy, and from 37.6 to 63.4 for births taking place in public or private health facilities. Increases in overall coverage of health services were responsible for improvements in the HOI. However, in terms of malnutrition, indicators have deteriorated during this time period, with HOI for not being stunted decreasing from 78.2 to 74. The decomposition of the HOI finds that the probability of malnutrition among Egyptian children is not closely linked to family circumstances, contrary to what one might expect, calling for more supply-side (and less targeted) efforts to reduce malnutrition for all Egyptian children.
Radiographic progression of large joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs

Abstract Objectives: Radiographic progression of damage to the small joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well known; however, it has not been studied fully in the large joints. In this study, we looked at the prevalence of radiographic progression of large joint damage in patients with RA treated with biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Methods: A total of 273 large joints in the upper and lower extremities of 67 patients with RA treated with bDMARDs were investigated. Radiographs for tender and/or swollen large joints were taken at least twice during the study period (mean 18.6 months), and the progression of damage was evaluated. Results: Progressive damage was found in 20.9% of patients and 6.2% of joints. A multivariate analysis revealed that the Larsen grade (LG) alone was a risk factor for progressive damage. The LG cutoff value was determined to be 2.5 (sensitivity: 0.529, specificity: 0.805). Conclusions: The only factor to predict progressive damage was the LG of the joints with symptoms, and the damage must be stopped within LG II. Regular radiographic examinations for large joints should be performed in addition to routine examinations for small joints, such as the hand and foot.
Factors associated with subfertility among women attending an antenatal clinic in Hull

Objectives. To identify lifestyle factors associated with subfertility (time to pregnancy >12 months) among women attending an antenatal clinic, and to determine whether this changed from 2001 to 2007. Methods. Waiting-room surveys administered in 2001 and 2007. Results. There were significant changes in lifestyle factors between 2001 and 2007, including such factors as previous contraceptive use and obesity, smoking, alcohol and caffeine intake of both partners. All changes were in the direction favourable to health and fertility. However, despite these health improvements, there was no overall decrease in the prevalence of subfertility in the antenatal population. Mathematical modelling showed that even if the entire population had improved their lifestyle this would have made little difference to the proportion of subfertile couples. Conclusions. A modest improvement in lifestyle over a period of 6 years in couples trying to conceive a pregnancy did not lead to any reduction in the incidence of subfertility and even substantial changes would not have made a significant difference.
Calcium intervention ameliorates experimental model of multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory disease of the CNS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used model for MS. In the present research, our aim was to test the therapeutic efficacy of Calcium (Ca) in an experimental model of MS. METHODS In this study the experiment was done on C57BL/6 mice. EAE was induced using 200 μg of the MOG35-55 peptide emulsified in CFA and injected subcutaneously on day 0 over two flank areas. In addition, 250 ng of pertussis toxin was injected on days 0 and 2. In the treatment group, 30 mg/kg Ca was administered intraperitoneally four times at regular 48 hour intervals. The mice were sacrificed 21 days after EAE induction and blood samples were taken from their hearts. The brains of mice were removed for histological analysis and their isolated splenocytes were cultured. RESULTS Our results showed that treatment with Ca caused a significant reduction in the severity of the EAE. Histological analysis indicated that there was no plaque in brain sections of Ca treated group of mice whereas 4 ± 1 plaques were detected in brain sections of controls. The density of mononuclear infiltration in the CNS of Ca treated mice was lower than in controls. The serum level of Nitric Oxide in the treatment group was lower than in the control group but was not significant. Moreover, the levels of IFN-γ in cell culture supernatant of splenocytes in treated mice were significantly lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION The data indicates that Ca intervention can effectively attenuate EAE progression.
Auto-transplanted mesenchymal stromal cell fate in periodontal tissue of beagle dogs.

BACKGROUND AIMS Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) possess multilineage differentiation potential and characteristics of self-renewal. It has been reported that MSC can acquire characteristics of cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) in vitro. Moreover, the transplantation of MSC has been shown to be a promising strategy for treating periodontal defects. However, little is known about the fate of MSC in periodontal tissue in vivo. The aim of this study was to trace the paths of MSC after transplantation into periodontal tissues in vivo. METHODS MSC labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were transplanted into periodontal defects of beagle dogs. Six weeks after surgery, the animals were killed and decalcified specimens were prepared. Migration and differentiation of MSC were detected by single/double immunohistochemistry and a combination of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS BrdU-labeled MSC were observed distributing into periodontal tissue that included alveolar bone, PDL, cementum and blood vessels and expressing surface markers typical of osteoblasts and fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Cumulatively, our data suggest that MSC migrate throughout periodontal tissue and differentiate into osteoblasts and fibroblasts after transplantation into periodontal defects at 6 weeks in vivo, and have the potential to regenerate periodontal tissue.
Non-multipotent stroma inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND AIMS The ability to expand and maintain bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in vitro is an important aspect of their therapeutic potential. Despite this, the exact composition of stromal cell types within these cultures and the potential effects of non-stem cells on the maintenance of MSC are poorly understood. METHODS C57BL/6J BM stroma was investigated as a model to determine the relationship between MSC and non-multipotent cells in vitro. Whole BM and single-cell derived cultures were characterized using flow cytometry and cell sorting combined with multipotent differentiation. Proliferation of individual stromal populations was evaluated using BrdU. RESULTS At a single-cell level, MSC were distinguished from committed progenitors, and cells lacking differentiation ability, by the expression of CD105 (CD105+). A 3-fold reduction in the percentage of CD105+ cells was detected after prolonged culture and correlated with loss of MSC. Depletion of CD105+ cells coincided with a 10-20% increase in the frequency of proliferating CD105(-) cells. Removal of CD105(-) stroma caused increased proliferation in CD105+ cells, which could be diminished by conditioned media from parent cultures. Comparison of the multipotent differentiation potential in purified and non-purified CD105+ cells determined that MSC were detectable for at least 3 weeks longer when cultured in the absence of CD105(-) cells. CONCLUSIONS This work identifies a simple model for characterizing the different cellular components present in BM stromal cultures and demonstrates that stromal cells lacking multipotent differentiating capacity greatly reduce the longevity of MSC.
Topology Map Analysis for Effective Choice of Network Attack Scenario

In general, network attack should be prohibited and information security technology should contribute to improve the trust of network communication. Almost network communication is based on IP packet that is standardized by the international organization. So, network attack does not work without following the standardized protocols and data format. Therefore, network attack also leaks information concerning adversaries by their IP packets. In this paper, we propose an effective choice for network attack scenario which counter-attacks adversary. We collect and analyze IP packets from the adversary, and derive network topology map of the adversary. The characteristics of topology map can be evaluated by the Eigen value of topology matrix. We observe the changes of characteristics of topology map by the influence of attack scenario. Then we can choose the most effective or suitable network counter-attack strategy. In this paper, we assume two kinds of attack scenarios and three types of tactics. And we show an example choice of attack using actual data of adversary which were observed by our dark-net monitoring.
The Association of Neurocognitive Decline and Other Variables With Return to Work, Hobbies, and Activities of Daily Living After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

ABSTRACT Purpose: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is an integral method of palliative treatment for coronary artery disease. Despite many advances in surgical techniques, some patients continue to have neurocognitive deficits after surgery. The impact of these deficits on the patient's ability to return to work (RTW), daily activities of life, and hobbies has not been evaluated fully. The goal of this research project is to describe variables associated with the patients’ ability to RTW and necessary and essential activities. Methods: Sixty-three subjects who had CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and who participated in neurocognitive testing preoperatively and postoperatively were interviewed by telephone 7–8 years after CABG surgery. Information was obtained on functional status measured by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), symptoms of depression measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, RTW status, and ability to participate in hobbies and activities of daily living (ADL) after CABG surgery. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to describe the relationship of neurocognitive, clinical, and social variables to RTW, hobbies, and ADL. Results: The ability to return to hobbies and ADL did not vary between individuals who experienced neurocognitive decline and those who did not (p = 0.755). Age and presence of angina were significantly associated with difficulty in returning to work (p = 0.009, p = 0.042). Higher scores on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale after surgery were significantly associated with higher NHP scores (p = 0.000) and presence of shortness of breath (p = 0.000). Presence of angina (p = 0.035) was significantly associated with higher scores on the NHP. Conclusions: The relationship of neurocognitive decline after CABG surgery with RTW and activities remains unclear. Studies with larger sample size will further elucidate these relationships.
Evaluación de las técnicas de detección del VPH en los programas de cribado para cáncer de cuello uterino

Objective: Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus types (HPV) infection is an important tool in the screening of cervical cancer and triage of cytological abnormalities. The different techniques for detection of this cancer need to be contrasted and validated for use in population screening. Material and Methods: Cervical cell samples were collected from 166 women attending a dermatology clinic in Oviedo (Spain). We evaluated the performance of three different assays for VPH detection. The methods utilized were 1) In-house PCR-EIA using L1 consensus primers MY09/ MY11, 2) A PCR-reverse line blot hybridization (PCR-LBH) that uses L1 consensus PGMY primers. 3) Hybrid Capture 2. All assays were performed blinded. The kappa statistic was used to test for global agreement between assay pairs. Results: HPV DNA was detected in 24,7%, 25,3% and 29,5% of the women, respective to the assay. The overall agreement between the in-house PCR, PCR-LBH and HC2 was (73.5%) with all kappa values between assay pairs exceeding 0.56 (p<0.001). Conclusion: The three HPV assays were equally accurate in estimating high-risk HPV prevalence and HPV-related lesions. The method for HPV detection must be decided depending on the goals of the search (screening, follow-up or molecular studies).