Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of paeonol on cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus involves modulation of PI3K /Akt-GSK-3β signalling, regulation of protease-activated receptor-1 expressions and down-regulation of inflammatory mediators

The present study was taken as an effort to assess the effects of paeonol on diabetic cardiomyopathy. Diabetes was induced in separate groups of Sprague-Dawley rats using streptozotocin. Treatment group animals received paeonol (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight/day; orally) 5 weeks after streptozotocin induction for 6 weeks. Paeonol strikingly reduced myocardial apoptosis and improved cardiac function and myocardial architecture. Serum levels of glucose, reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were significantly reduced with decreased accumulation of collagen in the cardiac tissue. Paeonol modulated p-Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β and glycogen synthase, while significantly down-regulated protease-activated receptor-1, caspase-3, TNF-α, NF-κB p65, and p-Iκ-Bα expressions. Paeonol effectively suppressed diabetic cardiomyopathy by improving myocardial function, regulating the inflammatory responses and Akt signalling.
Application of Doppler ultrasound to the study of intimal hyperplasia development

Modern ultrasound techniques enable the realtime measurement of velocity profiles in vivo. Thus, it is becoming possible to correlate reliably endothelium modifications with local haemodynamics alterations. In the present paper, the importance of the wall shear rate (mean value and oscillation) on the development of intima hyperplasia is emphasized using the Moncada model for atherosclerosis as the in vivo experimental theatre.
Effect of Two Methods of Training, Small Sided Game (SSG) and Resistance- Plyometric, on Plasma Level of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Youth Soccer Players

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of two concurrent resistance-plyometric and small sided game methods on pro-inflammatory in youth soccer players. Methods: 30 youth soccer players with a range of 14 to 17 years of age were divided randomly in three groups, SSG (n=8), resistance-plyometric (n=11) and control (n=11). Height, weight, BMI and VO2max of the subjects were measured. The next day, blood samples from the anterior brachial vein of subjects were taken. The experimental groups participated in their exercise program (8 week, 2 sessions per week plus three current sessions). All variables were measured again after 8 weeks. In order to compare data within groups' Dependent t-test was used and for comparison between groups Independent t-test was used by SPSS 17. Results: The findings showed that after 8 weeks of SSG training plasma level of IL-6 and TNF-α increased significantly. The results in other groups did not show significant change (P≥0.05). Conclusion: SSG training can induce a catabolic environment in youth soccer players' body.
Biologic agents in the treatment of colorectal cancer: an update

SUMMARY Biologic agents are drugs that are made by living organisms. A number of these agents are now routinely used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. These biologic agents block aspects of specific signaling pathways. They are commonly presumed to have a more selective and targeted action in comparison to cytotoxic chemotherapy, although this assumption is not always borne out by data. These agents were developed with the goal of reducing the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy and thereby reducing the associated toxicities, however they are most commonly used concurrently with cytotoxics, and so the older toxicities often remain. This paper will provide a critical overview of the biologic agents that are currently used in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer, focusing on VEGF and the EGF receptor inhibitors. The rationale behind the use of these biologic agents, including the clinical trials incorporating these agents, will be discussed, and the toxicities associated with these agen.
Current status: heart rate as a treatable risk factor

Resting heart is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. In patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction, the morBidity-mortality EvAlUaTion of the If inhibitor ivabradine in patients with coronary disease and left ventricULar dysfunction (BEAUTIFUL) trial showed that a heart rate of 70 b.p.m. or greater is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. In patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure, the SHIFT (Systolic Heart failure treatment with the If inhibitor Trial) showed also that heart rate was a predictor of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalisation. Heart rate plays an important role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. The BEAUTIFUL trial and SHIFT provide evidence for the benefits of heart rate reduction using the new heart rate-lowering agent ivabradine, even in patients on beta-blockers. The BEAUTIFUL trial showed that in patients with a heart rate of 70 b.p.m. or more, ivabradine significantly reduced hospitalisation for fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction or hospitalisation for heart failure and coronary revascularisation. In the SHIFT, heart rate reduction with ivabradine improved clinical outcomes. Therefore, high heart rate represents an important risk factor the effects of which can be reversed by ivabradine in patients with coronary artery disease or heart failure with or without background beta-blocker therapy.
Guías de diagnóstico y tratamiento del estreñimiento en México. A) Epidemiología (meta-análisis de la prevalencia), fisiopatología y clasificación

Background Constipation is a common problem in the general population and its prevalence is based on the diagnostic criteria, the study population and the research methodology for collecting the data. Objectives and methods To establish the clinical gudelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation in Mexico we have reviewed the epidemiological factors of constipation and have conducted meta-analysis according to the 3 available community-based studies from our country. In addition, evidence-based recommendations have been provided. Results The estimated prevalence of functional constipation in Mexico is 14.4% (95% CI: 12.6-16.6%) according to Rome II and Rome III criteria. Although constipation is present in both genders and all age groups, it is more common among young women with a female to male ratio of 3:1. In our population, 43.6% report using laxatives, teas for stimulating bowel movements or fiber supplements, but only 18.0% did so because they considered themselves as constipated. Also, data from a tertiary referral center in Mexico City suggests that patients with prolonged colonic transit time have lower scores in the physical component of the SF-36 compared to those with chronic constipation and a normal colonic transit time. Conclusions Functional constipation is a very common problem in Mexico affecting mainly young women. Laxatives and other related agents are frequently used and this disorder seems to have a negative impact on quality of life.
Genome-wide association for smoking cessation success: participants in the Patch in Practice trial of nicotine replacement.

AIMS To confirm and extend to primary care settings prior genome-wide association results that distinguish smokers who successfully quit from individuals who were not able to quit smoking in clinical trials. MATERIALS & METHODS Affymetrix 6.0 Arrays were used to study DNA from successful quitters and matched individuals who did not quit from the Patch in Practice study of 925 smokers in 26 UK general practices who were provided with 15 mg/16 h nicotine-replacement therapy and varying degrees of behavioral support. RESULTS Only a few SNPs provided results near 'genome-wide' levels of significance. Nominally significant (p < 0.01) SNP results identify the same chromosomal regions identified by prior genome-wide association studies to a much greater extent than expected by chance. CONCLUSION Ability to change smoking behavior in a general practice setting appears to share substantial underlying genetics with the ability to change this behavior in clinical trials, though the modest sample sizes available for these studies provides some caution to these conclusions.
Maternal Autonomy as a Protective Factor in Child Nutritional Outcome in Tanzania

2010 ii ABSTRACT Child Malnutrition is a problem in all countries and centers in poorer communities. Biological and socioeconomic factors alike contribute to malnutrition with recent studies focusing on aspects of maternal autonomy as an influencing factor. In this study, maternal autonomy is defined as the independence in her actions and control over resources a mother has within her household and is made up of several factors, including decision-making power, opinion of domestic abuse, and financial independence. Child nutritional outcomes were operationalized using the anthropometric measures height-forage (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and weight-forage (WAZ). For this study, the 2004-2005 Tanzanian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) dataset was examined using weighted logistic regression in SPSS version 17. After controlling for sociodemographic covariates, the only maternal autonomy variable which was statistically associated with child nutritional outcome (associated with height-forage) was if the mother had final say in decisions regarding her own healthcare (OR=0.857, 95% CI=0.749-0.980). Sociodemographic variables which were statistically associated with child nutritional outcome were child age (older children had higher odds ratios for stunting and lower odds ratios for wasting), child gender (being female was a protective factor against stunting and underweight), duration of breastfeeding (intervals longer than 24 months had higher odds ratios for stunting, wasting, and underweight), and family's position in the wealth index (being in the richer and richest quintiles were protective factors against stunting and underweight). While further research is needed to examine other influencing factors such as sanitation, diet, and disease prevalence, decision-making power regarding a mother's own healthcare is an important factor that may influence her ability to meet the nutritional needs of her children. This implies that public health professionals may want to look into avenues by which maternal autonomy may be enhanced for possible interventions to improve child nutritional status in Tanzania.
La erradicación de la Tuberculosis: ¿Mito o realidad?

Summary The possibility to eradicate the TB, probably the illness that more damage has caused to the human species, it has been the man's legitimate dream along all its history. This article wants to analyze the complexity of the battle between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the human species, trying to carry out a review of all the knowledge regarding this disease and of the most important things of what can happen in the future. Of all the topics exposed in this article we can conclude that, although the human species has enough knowledge to win the battle to M. tuberculosis, important conditions, mainly social (poverty, immigration, HIV, MDR), are favouring the war side of the bacillus. And that, even applying adequately all the good acquired knowledge for the control of the TB (detection and cure of cases, chemoprophylaxis, vaccination BCG, etc), it would take a long time, even several centuries, in being able to get the eradication of the TB. Only the possibility to discover a vaccine 100 effective%, or the discovery of new antimicrobial associations that can cure the TB in a term non superior to 15 days, could accelerate this rhythm toward the eradication. But, unfortunately, basis that allow to dream don't exist with which anyone of these two possibilities can be turned in next 10-20 years. Therefore, the dream of eradicating the TB is a very old dream, but, unfortunately, even very remote to be achieved.
Thrombotische Mikroangiopathie nach Stammzelltransplantation

Zusammenfassung Die Stammzelltransplantation-assoziierte thrombotische Mikroangiopathie (TA-TMA) tritt bei ca. 7% aller Transplantationen auf. Während sie alle Zeichen der idiopathischen TTP oder des HUS aufweist, zeigt die Plasmatherapie kaum Erfolg. Insgesamt versterben mehr als 80% der TA-TMA-Patienten. Der Vergleich von Fallberichten konnte Risikofaktoren für die Entwicklung einer TA-TMA aufdecken und unterschiedliche Varianten der Erkrankung anhand klinischer und labordiagnostischer Parameter sowie der therapeutischen Beeinflussbarkeit definieren. Es wird eine multifaktorielle Ätiologie angenommen, deren zentrale Gemeinsamkeit die Endothelschädigung ist. Das Gerinnungssystem wird durch intensive chemo- und strahlentherapeutische Konditionierungsbehandlung, Infektionen und Graft-versus-host-Reaktion in Verbindung mit der immunsuppressiven Therapie (v. a. Cyclosporin A) in Richtung prokoagulanter Status verschoben. Die bisherigen von der idiopathischen TTP übernommenen Therapieansätze verliefen enttäuschend. Das Absetzen von Cyclosporin ist der einzige Konsens in diesem Zusammenhang. Zukünftige Behandlungsansätze zielen auf Minimierung des Endothelschadens.
The potential of reflective practice to develop individual orthopaedic nurse practitioners and their practice

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOMES On completion of the article, the reader should be able to: Describe the importance of reflective practice in everyday orthopaedic nursing practice Begin to identify and challenge the various types of knowledge used in everyday orthopaedic nursing practice Use a simple model of structured reflection to begin to validate ones' own practice and of the potential for engaging in more formalized reflective practice. UKCC CATEGORIES This article will enable the reader to address PREP categories: Patient, client and colleague support Care enhancement Practice development Education development. Examples of how this may be achieved and possible evidence for the reader's professional profile are given throughout the article. Other ways to demonstrate your continuing professional development may be to: Use this article as a discussion item in a ward meeting From the available literature, select a reflective framework to assist in your on-going compilation of a reflective section in your Professional Portfolio Approach a colleague or other significant person outside your clinical area to regularly reflect on practice with, ensuring that you also brief your manager to legitimise your intentions to begin to formally reflect on your practice. Keep a copy of this article together with the notes you make as evidence of completing the reflection items in the text.
Human genetic variation of CYP450 superfamily: analysis of functional diversity in worldwide populations.

AIM The present study aimed to investigate the human genetic diversity of the CYP450 superfamily in order to identify functional interethnic differences and analyze the role of CYP450 enzymes in human adaptation. MATERIALS & METHODS A computational analysis of genetic and functional differences of the 57 CYP450 genes was performed using the Human Genome Diversity Project and HapMap data; comprising approximately 1694 individuals belonging to 62 human populations. RESULTS Twenty-six CYP450 SNPs with F-statistics significantly different than the general distribution were identified. Some showed high differentiation among human populations, suggesting that functional interethnic differences may be present. Indeed, some of these are significantly associated with drug response or disease risk. Furthermore, our data highlighted that TBXAS1 and genes in CYP3A cluster may have a role in some processes of human adaptation. CONCLUSION Our study provided an analysis of genetic diversity of CYP450 superfamily, identifying functional differences among ethnic groups and their related clinical phenotypes.
Editors’ Overview of the Conference on Preventing Childhood Obesity

This overview is intended to provide an integrated and interpretive view of the material presented at the conference on Preventing Childhood Obesity. It also expresses the editors’ viewpoints and their recommendations and caveats. The overview was developed after examination and comparison of all of the speakers’ presentations and materials and consideration of comments made during the question-and-answer periods that followed each session. Material from the literature that addressed some unresolved issues raised during the conference is included. The overview follows a chronological sequence from intrauterine life to adult life and integrates, within each section, material from any of the presentations that touched on that topic. Research needs, public health messages, and caveats that were suggested to the editors by the conference presentations and discussions are also included. Several speakers presented data showing the rapid increases in the rates of obesity and overweight that have occurred in the past few decades in the United States, as well as other countries. Obesity and overweight are increasingly prevalent among adults, but similar problems are affecting progressively younger children. Overweight among children 6 to 11 years of age in the United States increased from ∼4% in the early 1970s to 15% in 1999–2000. The speakers explored changes that have occurred in the past few decades that are likely to have contributed to the increasing rates of obesity. The prenatal period, infancy, and early childhood may be stages of particular vulnerability to obesity development, because they are unique periods for cellular differentiation and development. This unique vulnerability might make it possible for actions taken at these stages to determine the future course of adiposity. Two speakers focused on whether in utero factors might affect later obesity development. The evidence presented by Dr Gillman indicated that infants with low birth weight might be especially vulnerable to …
Therapie und Prognose der septischen Peritonitis

Zusammenfassung Die septische Peritonitis ist eine Entzündung des Peritoneums, die klinisch sehr unterschiedlich verlaufen kann. In einem vorherigen Artikel wurden Ätiologie, Pathophysiologie und Diagnose dieser Erkrankung beim Kleintier dargestellt. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die Behandlungsmöglichkeiten und die Prognose der septischen Peritonitis.
Overview of the International Consensus Conference on Physical Activity Guidelines for Adolescents

Regular physical activity is recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service for children and adolescents as a part of an overall approach to lifetime health promotion (1). These recommendations for youth are primarily based on studies of the effects of physical activity on adults. To date, no scientific consensus has emerged about the amount and types of physical activity necessary for health maintenance during the childhood and adolescent years. The absence of a consensus constrains clinicians who may be interested in counseling their pediatric patients about physical activity. The International Consensus Conference on Physical Activity Guidelines for Adolescents was designed to develop empirically based guidelines that can be used by clinicians in their counseling, as well as by policy makers with responsibility for youth health promotion. The following set of papers describes the scientific background for the physical activity guidelines for adolescents, as well as the consensus statement itself. These physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents are based on a systematic review of the scientific pediatric literature. Because of the extremely limited nature of this research in younger children, the present set of papers focuses on physical activity guidelines for adolescents. To be consistent with the Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (2), adolescence was defined as ages 1 1 through 21 years. The steering committee, with the assistance of an advisory group of eminent scientists, commissioned a set of nine review papers that served as the scientific background for empirically based physical activity guidelines for adolescents. Seven papers were designed to summarize the evidence related to the amount of physical activity needed to affect selected health variables in adolescents. Where possible, these papers examined the dose-response relation between physical activity and health variables and identified a level or amount of physical activity that reliably improved health outcomes in adolescents. It was determined
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Office Workers

departments as well as central organization and library. We use descriptive statistic, t test and chi-square test for data analysis. Results: The mean and standard deviation of participants’ age was 35.4 ± 6.7 years and their work experience was 9.7 ± 6.65 years, respectively. Most signs (51%) were in back region, which forced 18.9% of individuals to withdraw from daily activities. Statistical analysis also showed 36.7% neck disorders in office workers, which demonstrated significant association with age and work experience (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant association of work experience and age with musculoskeletal disorders shows that individual’s education and knowledge improvements with regard to ergonomics risk factors and correction of work postures are very important and ought to follow management and technical practices in the organization.
Impact of mild versus moderate intensity aerobic exercise training on leptin and selected innate immune system response in obese asthmatic patients.

Asthma is a significant global problem, estimated to affect over 300 million people worldwide. Obesity has adverse consequences on immune system, causing immunosuppression and thus, obese individuals have higher incidence of infections and certain types of cancer. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare changes in leptin and selected innate immune system response after mild and moderate intensity aerobic exercise training in obese asthmatic patients. Material and Methods: Forty obese asthmatic male subjects, their age ranged between 25 to 43 years old. The subjects were included into 2 equal groups; group received moderate intensity aerobic exercise training. The second group (B) received mild intensity aerobic exercise training for 3 months. Results: The mean values of C3, C4, BMI and Leptin were significantly decreased in group (A) and group (B). Also; there was a significant difference between both groups after treatment. Conclusion: Moderate intensity aerobic exercise training on treadmill is appropriate to improve innate immune system response asthmatic obese male patients. Key Words: Aerobic exercise; Innate Immune System; Leptin; Asthma and Obesity.