Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Obesogenic Food Environments in Edmonton, Canada: The Association between Socioeconomic Factors and Fast-Food Outlet Access

Purpose. To explore the relationship between the placement of fast-food outlets and neighborhood-level socioeconomic variables by determining if indicators of lower socioeconomic status were predictive of exposure to fast food. Design. A descriptive analysis of the fast-food environment in a Canadian urban center, using secondary analysis of census data and Geographic Information Systems technology. Setting. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Measures. Neighborhoods were classified as High, Medium, or Low Access based on the number of fast-food opportunities available to them. Neighborhood-level socioeconomic data (income, education, employment, immigration status, and housing tenure) from the 2001 Statistics Canada federal census were obtained. Analysis. A discriminant function analysis was used to determine if any association existed between neighborhood demographic characteristics and accessibility of fast-food outlets. Results. Significant differences were found between the three levels of fast-food accessibility across the socioeconomic variables, with successively greater percentages of unemployment, low income, and renters in neighborhoods with increasingly greater access to fast-food restaurants. A high score on several of these variables was predictive of greater access to fast-food restaurants. Conclusion. Although a causal inference is not possible, these results suggest that the distribution of fast-food outlets relative to neighborhood-level socioeconomic status requires further attention in the process of explaining the increased rates of obesity observed in relatively deprived populations.
The Efficacy of Some Comestible Natural Products in Treatment of Cancer

Despite the fact that cancer is primarily a preventable disease, recent statistics indicate cancer is the number one killer worldwide. Conventionally, cancer therapy includes surgery, radiation and drugs, separately or in combination. This modality of cancer treatment is still not successful. Therefore, the identification of new cytotoxic drugs with low or none side effects is of great interest worldwide. Since traditional medicines have been used for maintaining health, as well as in the prevention, therapy and remission of cancer, natural products can serve as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent. Here, we describe the efficacy of 3 comestible natural products such as garlic, green tea and cruciferous vegetables in cancer therapy.
Evidence for involvement of the monoaminergic system in antidepressant-like activity of an ethanol extract of Boerhaavia diffusa and its isolated constituent, punarnavine, in mice

Abstract Context: Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Nyctaginaceae) roots possess potent antioxidant, antistress, and anticonvulsant activities. It is used as a medicinal plant in Ayurvedic and natural herbal medicines. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Boerhaavia diffusa root ethanol extract and its active constituent, punarnavine, on depression in Swiss albino mice. Materials and methods: Ethanol extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and punarnavine (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) were separately administered to 22 and 17 groups of mice, respectively, for 14 successive days followed by testing in the tail suspension and forced swim tests (FST). About 2% w/v gum acacia and double distilled water were used as controls for the extract and punarnavine, respectively. Results: Antidepressant-like effect of the lowest dose (50 mg/kg) of the extract and lower dose (20 mg/kg) of punarnavine were found to be comparable to fluoxetine. The ED50 value of the ethanol extract was 26.30 mg/kg (FST) and 33.11 mg/kg (tail suspension test); and of punarnavine was 15.14 mg/kg (FST) and 17.38 mg/kg (tail suspension test). The drugs did not show any significant effect on locomotor activities of mice. Prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (selective D2-receptor antagonist), para-chlorophenylalanine) (p-CPA) (tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor), and baclofen (GABAB agonist) significantly attenuated the extract and punarnavine induced-antidepressant-like effect in the tail suspension test. The extract and punarnavine also significantly reduced mouse brain monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A levels, but there was no significant effect on plasma corticosterone levels. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of Boerhaavia diffusa and punarnavine produced an antidepressant-like effect in mice probably through interaction with monoaminergic and GABAergic systems.
Prevention of coronary heart disease with pravastatin in men with hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND Lowering the blood cholesterol level may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. This double-blind study was designed to determine whether the administration of pravastatin to men with hypercholesterolemia and no history of myocardial infarction reduced the combined incidence of nonfatal myocardial infarction and death from coronary heart disease. METHODS We randomly assigned 6595 men, 45 to 64 years of age, with a mean (+/- SD) plasma cholesterol level of 272 +/- 23 mg per deciliter (7.0 +/- 0.6 mmol per liter) to receive pravastatin (40 mg each evening) or placebo. The average follow-up period was 4.9 years. Medical records, electrocardiographic recordings, and the national death registry were used to determine the clinical end points. RESULTS Pravastatin lowered plasma cholesterol levels by 20 percent and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 26 percent, whereas there was no change with placebo. There were 248 definite coronary events (specified as nonfatal myocardial infarction or death from coronary heart disease) in the placebo group, and 174 in the pravastatin group (relative reduction in risk with pravastatin, 31 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 17 to 43 percent; P < 0.001). There were similar reductions in the risk of definite nonfatal myocardial infarctions (31 percent reduction, P < 0.001), death from coronary heart disease (definite cases alone: 28 percent reduction, P = 0.13; definite plus suspected cases: 33 percent reduction, P = 0.042), and death from all cardiovascular causes (32 percent reduction, P = 0.033). There was no excess of deaths from noncardiovascular causes in the pravastatin group. We observed a 22 percent reduction in the risk of death from any cause in the pravastatin group (95 percent confidence interval, 0 to 40 percent; P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with pravastatin significantly reduced the incidence of myocardial infarction and death from cardiovascular causes without adversely affecting the risk of death from noncardiovascular causes in men with moderate hypercholesterolemia and no history of myocardial infarction.
Effect of Estradiol and Diethylstilbestrol upon the Atrophic Human Buccal Mucosa with a Preliminary Report on the Use of Estrogens in the Management of Senile Gingivitis

IT HAD BEEN noted by one of us (A. R. A) that many climacteric patients complain of a dryness or burning sensation in the mouth. Following therapy with estradiol or diethylstilbestrol, these symptoms would disappear. An investigation of the literature disclosed that the reports on this subject were few. Nathanson and Weisberger (1) clearly described the associated gross lesions before and after treatment with estradiol, but they made no report of a microscopic study. In the castrated female monkey, Ziskin described stimulation and growth of the gingival mucosa following treatment with estrone and estradiol (2). In the human female, on the basis of a single biopsy specimen from each of 3 patients receiving estradiol, Ziskin concluded that estrogen stimulates growth and keratinization of the gingival mucosa (3). These studies were made in view of the incomplete reports on mucosal response to estrogens in human beings. Estradiol and diethylstilbestrol were used in order to determine if there was any differen.
Protective effects of caffeoylxanthiazonoside isolated from fruits of Xanthium strumarium on sepsis mice

Abstract Context: The fruit of Xanthium strumarium L. (Asteraceae) has been used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. Objective: This study investigates the protective effect of caffeoylxanthiazonoside (CYXD) isolated from fruits of X. strumarium on sepsis mice in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods: Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) operation was used to establish the sepsis mice model, and sham mice were also performed. CYXD was administered by intraperitoneal injection (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/d), then the survival rate was measured in 96 h. Additionally, sepsis mice were induced by injection LPS (2 mg/kg); CYXD was administered by intraperitoneal injection (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/d), then mice were sacrificed, and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were determined by ELISA assay. Furthermore, the ability of CYXD to neutralize LPS was measured by using the LAL test, and expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 were determined by using real-time fluorogenic PCR. Results: Results indicated that CYXD significantly elevated survival rates of sepsis mice induced by CLP (p < 0.05) with survival rates of 35%, 45%, and 65%. Furthermore, the LPS level was decreased obviously by CYXD (1, 2, and 4 mg/L) (p < 0.05). Additionally, CYXD (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) can not only significantly decrease TNF-α and IL-6 levels induced by LPS in mice's serum (p < 0.05), but also inhibit mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells at doses of 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that CYXD has significant protective effects on sepsis mice.
Protective effect of Terminalia muelleri against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepato and nephro-toxicity in mice and characterization of its bioactive constituents

Abstract Context: Terminalia is used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the hepatonephro protective activity of a polyphenol-rich fraction (TMEF) obtained from Terminalia muelleri Benth. (Combretaceae) against CCl4-induced toxicity in mice. Materials and methods: TMEF was administered (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/d) for 5 d. CCl4 was administered at the end of the experiment. Hepatic and renal biomarkers were measured in the serum. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in the liver and kidney tissues. The active constituents of TMEF were identified by HPLC–PDA–ESI/MS/MS. Results: TMEF is rich in ellagitannins, galloyl esters, phenolic acids, and flavone-C-glucosides. TMEF pretreatment significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the CCl4-induced increase in ALT (17, 43, and 53%), AST (20, 46, and 58%), ALP (20, 48, and 56%), LDH (21, 47, and 58%), hepatic MDA (23, 49, and 54%), renal MDA (22, 35, and 52%), creatinine (48, 66, and 91%), uric acid (16, 34, and 59%), urea (22, 39, and 59%), and cholesterol (20, 27, and 46%). Furthermore, TMEF administration significantly (p < 0.001) increased hepatic GSH (15, 51, and 79%), renal GSH (23, 45, and 73%), hepatic SOD (9, 52, and 95%), renal SOD (39, 66, and 85%) and protein levels (17, 24, and 29%) at the tested doses of TMEF, respectively. Pretreatment with TMEF preserved the hepatic architecture and protected from ballooning degeneration, liver necrosis, renal inflammation, and degeneration of the kidney tubules. Conclusion: TMEF has a marked hepato-nephro protective effect.
Neuroprotective effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis against kainic acid-neuronal death

Abstract Context Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis (SP) is a cyanobacterium which has attracted attention because of its nutritional value and pharmacological properties. It was previously reported that SP reduces oxidative stress in the hippocampus and protects against damaging neurobehavioural effects of systemic kainic acid (KA). It is widely known that the systemic administration of KA induces neuronal damage, specifically in the CA3 hippocampal region. Objective The present study determines if the SP sub-chronic treatment has neuroprotective properties against KA. Materials and methods Male SW mice were treated with SP during 24 d, at doses of 0, 200, and 800 mg/kg, once daily, and with KA (35 mg/kg, ip) as a single dose on day 14. After the treatment, a histological analysis was performed and the number of atrophic neuronal cells in CA3 hippocampal region was quantified. Results Pretreatment with SP does not protect against seizures induced by KA. However, mortality in the SP 200 and the SP 800 groups was of 20%, while for the KA group, it was of 60%. A single KA ip administration produced a considerable neuronal damage, whereas both doses of SP sub-chronic treatment reduced the number of atrophic neurons in CA3 hippocampal region with respect to the KA group. Discussion The SP neurobehaviour improvement after KA systemic administration correlates with the capacity of SP to reduce KA-neuronal death in CA3 hippocampal cells. This neuroprotection may be related to the antioxidant properties of SP. Conclusion SP reduces KA-neuronal death in CA3 hippocampal cells.
Aceite de Oliva, Sistema Inmune e Infección

Polyunsaturated fatty acids contribute to the suppression of immune system functions. For this reason, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been applied in the resolution of inflammatory disorders. Although the inhibition of several immune functions promotes beneficial effects on the human health, this state may lead to a significant reduction of immune protection against infectious microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites). Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to the action of olive oil in immunonutrition. Olive oil, a main constituent of the Mediterranean diet, is capable of modulating several immune functions, but it does not reduce host immune resistance to infectious microorganisms. Based on these criteria, we corroborate that olive oil administration may exert beneficial effects on the human health and especially on immune system, because it contributes to the reduction of typical inflammatory activity observed in patients suffering from autoimmune disorders, but without exacerbating the susceptibility to pathogen agents. The administration of olive oil in lipid emulsions may exert beneficial effects on the health and particularly on the immune system of immunocompromised patients. Therefore, this fact acquires a crucial importance in clinical nutrition. This review contributes to clarify the interaction between the administration of diets containing olive oil and immune system, as well as to determine the effect promoted by this essential component of Mediterranean diet in the immunomodulation against an infectious agent.
Atrial function in heart transplant recipients operated with the bicaval technique

Abstract Objectives: In heart transplantation (HTx) with the bicaval technique the whole right atrium (RA) is donor tissue while the left atrium (LA) consists of both donor and recipient tissue. The aims of the study were to describe atrial function in comparison with healthy controls and to identify determinants of dysfunction. Design: Forty-three patients and 30 controls were retrospectively included. Echocardiography was performed within 24 h of right heart catheterization (RHC) (HTx recipients). Results: The peak longitudinal atrial systolic strain (ɛ) described the atrial reservoir function. The LA and RA reservoir function were reduced versus controls (LA-ɛ 18 ± 8 versus 44 ± 10%; RA-ɛ 22 ± 10 versus 69 ± 17%, p < 0.001). There were moderate relationships between atrial-ɛ and ventricular filling pressure (r = −0.64 for LA-ɛ; r = −0.57 for RA-ɛ). In a multiple regression analysis the LA-ɛ was determined by pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and LA minimum volume index (r = −0.71) while RA-ɛ was dependent on the right ventricular ɛ (r = −0.77). Conclusions: Atrial reservoir function is markedly reduced in HTx recipients related to elevated PCWP and LA-enlargement in the LA and in the RA impaired longitudinal right ventricular function.
Outcome of shortened extra-small ulnar component in linked total elbow arthroplasty for patients with rheumatoid arthritis*

Objective. We compared the clinical and radiological results of the 3-inch shortened ulnar stem of the extra-small component of Coonrad–Morrey prosthesis with those of the other ulnar components for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. A total of 33 Coonrad–Morrey total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) procedures were performed. Of these, 27 elbows of 25 patients with RA underwent primary TEA. The results of the clinical and radiological findings were compared between groups of patients receiving the shortened ulnar stem of extra-small components (shortened group) and of those receiving the components of the other sizes (control group). Results. The mean follow-up was 6.2 ± 2.8 years in the shortened group and 7.2 ± 2.5 years in the control group. The Mayo elbow performance score and range of motion results were substantially improved after the operation for both groups. We encountered several peri- and postoperative complications, but no significant differences in clinical results were found between the groups. The control group had three cases of osteolysis around the implant, while the shortened group did not. Conclusions. TEA with a shortened ulnar implant of the extra-small size of the Coonrad–Morrey prosthesis gave satisfactory mid-term results among patients with RA.
An effective medical partnership in Nagasaki, Japan for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Objectives: A clear division of the roles of inpatient facilities and outpatient clinics treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is needed. To address this, we created a medical partnership between a university hospital and 43 community clinics in Nagasaki, Japan. Methods: We recruited the clinic physicians and compiled a list of the RA medications used (i.e. methotrexate [MTX], other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs], and biologics). When a patient’s low disease activity or remission was confirmed at the university hospital, the hospital/clinic partnership provided double follow-up/medical care with semiannual meetings between the hospital and clinic physicians. Results: We enrolled 149 patients who maintained clinical remission at 43 clinics over a 54-month period, without rare serious events. Among the nine patients who returned to the university hospital due to relapse, 66.7% had exacerbated RA within 18 months. An average 8.8–9.6 mg/week (max. 14 mg/week) MTX dose was prescribed at the clinics. The biologic usage rate was 22.1%, with a yearly increase. Among the patients treated with biologics, the DAS28ESR at enrollment was 2.65, with 58% treated with an MTX/biologic combination. A significant reduced number of patients with RA per rheumatologist were observed. Conclusions: Maintenance of DAS remission without major adverse events was attained in the medical partnership.
Update on surgical sperm recovery – The European view

Surgical sperm recovery has become a well-established procedure to obtain spermatozoa for intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Although a tendency exists to treat all azoospermic patients by ICSI using surgically retrieved sperm, vasovasostomy remains the gold standard for post-vasectomy azoospermia. In men with obstructive azoospermia in whom vasovasostomy is not indicated, sperm can be easily obtained by either aspiration from epididymis or testis, or a testicular biopsy. In about half of men with non-obstructive azoospermia, sperm may be obtained by testicular biopsy but unfortunately no accurate tests are currently available to predict successful recovery. In these patients, not only recovery rates are limited but also the chance to establish an ongoing pregnancy is decreased compared to men with normal spermatogenesis. When no spermatozoa are recovered after testicular sperm extraction (TESE), the use of donor sperm or adoption is indicated. Given the extremely low pregnancy rates, ICSI using round spermatids is not an option and remains unlawful in some countries.
Genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 and XRCC1: prediction of clinical outcome of platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

PRINCIPLES Platinum agents cause DNA cross-linking and oxidative damage. Genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 and XRCC1 involved in glutathione metabolic and DNA repair pathways may explain inter individual differences in chemosensitivity and clinical outcome in NSCLC patients treated with platinum-based regimens. METHODS We used DNA sequencing methods to evaluate genetic polymorphisms of the GSTP1A313G and XRCC1G28152A in 111 patients with stage IV NSCLC treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Clinical response was evaluated according to RECIST criteria after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy and time to progression (TTP) was calculated from the time of initial treatment to disease progression. RESULTS GSTP1A313G and XRCC1G28152A polymorphisms, both alone and in combination, were significantly associated with response to treatment and clinical outcome (p <0.05) in NSCLC patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. These polymorphisms independently predicted clinical outcome even after taking into account age, gender, tumour histology, tumour differentiation and chemotherapy regimens. CONCLUSION Genetic polymorphisms of GSTP1 and XRCC1 may be important predictive factors in platinum-treated patients with advanced NSCLC. Assessment of genetic variations of GSTP1 and XRCC1 could facilitate therapeutic decisions for individualised therapy in advanced NSCLC.
Reproductive technology and the life course: Current debates and research in social egg freezing

Abstract While there are currently few confirmed births from previously frozen eggs in the UK, the improved outcomes of new technologies of vitrification and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have led to the marketing of egg freezing for non-medical reasons, whereby women are offered the possibility of preserving their eggs until such time as they wish to have a child. Non-academic commentary on this phenomenon has commonly constructed it within a neo-liberal discourse of ‘choice’, whereby women are positioned as choosing to ‘delay motherhood,’ often for reasons relating to their careers. However, there have been relatively few research studies which explore either women's awareness and understandings of social egg freezing or the reasons why women consider or undertake egg freezing. This paper summarises the current academic discussion surrounding social egg freezing and outlines the limited body of empirical literature identified from a systematic search of relevant databases. The potential benefits and harms of social egg freezing and the ethical issues it raises are well rehearsed in existing literature, but there is limited empirical evidence about who is accessing social egg freezing, why they are taking this option and what their experiences and future intentions are.