Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Probiotic Therapy on Atopic Dermatitis in Adults Depends on the C-159T Polymorphism of the CD14 Receptor Gene - A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: The C-159T polymorphism of the CD14 receptor gene can be associated with the development of atopic dermatitis. Probiotics can modulate chronic inflammation through activation of the CD14 receptor. So, the efficacy of probiotic therapy can be dependent on this genetic polymorphism. AIM: The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of adding probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12) to standard treatment (ointment of fluticasone propionate 0.005% and emollient) of atopic dermatitis in adults during 28 days, depending on the stratification of patients on CC or TT genotypes of the CD14 receptor gene. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 37 adult patients with AD. There were identified 19 patients with exogenous (IgE-dependent) and 18 with endogenous (IgE-dependent) AD. To evaluate the efficacy of the probiotics all patients were divided into three groups for both exogenous and endogenous AD. The first group was selected from patients with CC genotype (C-159T) who received standard therapy (ointment of fluticasone propionate 0.005% – 2 times a day, emollients – 2 times a day) and probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12 - 1 capsule 2 times per day) The second group included patients with CC genotype, who received only standard therapy. The third group was presented by patients with TT genotype (C-159T) who received standard therapy and probiotic. The SCORAD and DLQI parameters were evaluated on Day 0, 14 and 28. The level of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, TGF-β cytokines was determined on Day 0 and Day 28. RESULTS: The results of our study found that the addition of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, LA-5 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12) to standard treatment (ointment of fluticasone propionate 0.005%, emollient) significantly increased the effectiveness of treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults with exogenous form and CC genotype (C-159T), confirmed by clinical (a significant decrease of SCORAD and DLQI indices) and immunological criteria (a significant decrease of IL-4 and an increase of TGF-β). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous determination of the exogenous or endogenous form, identification of the C-159T genotypes, evaluation of the serum level of IL-4 and TGF-β can serve as an algorithm for the personalised treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis.
The dynamics of disordered dialogue: Prefrontal, hippocampal and thalamic miscommunication underlying working memory deficits in schizophrenia

The prefrontal cortex is central to the orchestrated brain network communication that gives rise to working memory and other cognitive functions. Accordingly, working memory deficits in schizophrenia are increasingly thought to derive from prefrontal cortex dysfunction coupled with broader network disconnectivity. How the prefrontal cortex dynamically communicates with its distal network partners to support working memory and how this communication is disrupted in individuals with schizophrenia remain unclear. Here we review recent evidence that prefrontal cortex communication with the hippocampus and thalamus is essential for normal spatial working memory, and that miscommunication between these structures underlies spatial working memory deficits in schizophrenia. We focus on studies using normal rodents and rodent models designed to probe schizophrenia-related pathology to assess the dynamics of neural interaction between these brain regions. We also highlight recent preclinical work parsing roles for long-range prefrontal cortex connections with the hippocampus and thalamus in normal and disordered spatial working memory. Finally, we discuss how emerging rodent endophenotypes of hippocampal- and thalamo-prefrontal cortex dynamics in spatial working memory could translate into richer understanding of the neural bases of cognitive function and dysfunction in humans.
GroupICA dual regression analysis of resting state networks in a behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia

Functional MRI studies have revealed changes in default-mode and salience networks in neurodegenerative dementias, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to analyze the whole brain cortex resting state networks (RSNs) in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) by using resting state functional MRI (rfMRI). The group specific RSNs were identified by high model order independent component analysis (ICA) and a dual regression technique was used to detect between-group differences in the RSNs with p < 0.05 threshold corrected for multiple comparisons. A y-concatenation method was used to correct for multiple comparisons for multiple independent components, gray matter differences as well as the voxel level. We found increased connectivity in several networks within patients with bvFTD compared to the control group. The most prominent enhancement was seen in the right frontotemporal area and insula. A significant increase in functional connectivity was also detected in the left dorsal attention network (DAN), in anterior paracingulate—a default mode sub-network as well as in the anterior parts of the frontal pole. Notably the increased patterns of connectivity were seen in areas around atrophic regions. The present results demonstrate abnormal increased connectivity in several important brain networks including the DAN and default-mode network (DMN) in patients with bvFTD. These changes may be associated with decline in executive functions and attention as well as apathy, which are the major cognitive and neuropsychiatric defects in patients with frontotemporal dementia.
Effects of Face-To-Face and Online Training on Self-Care of Middle-Aged and Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: Self-care training is one of the strategies used to control diabetes. There is some ambiguity about the appropriate method for educating middle-aged and older adults about self-care. AIM: This study aimed to compare the effects of face-to-face and online training on self-care levels in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a randomised clinical trial, 84 middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes who had been referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Esfarayen in Iran, were evaluated. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into two groups. Diabetes self-care education (DSCE) was provided using a face-to-face training method in one group and using online training method in the other group. The summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA) questionnaire was completed at baseline and 1 month after training. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of self-care scores before and 1 month after training were 43.16 ± 14.94 and 65.76 ± 10.65 in the face-to-face training group, and 37 ± 10.75 and 56.82 ± 12.06 in the online training group, respectively. The differences in the self-care scores were significant both before and after the intervention in the two groups (p < 0.05). Although the difference was greater in the face-to-face training group than in the online training group, it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both face-to-face and online training had a similar effect on the self-care levels in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, both training methods could be used as effective techniques to meet the needs and educational requirements of middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes.
Association between Malondialdehyde and Glutathione (L-gamma-Glutamyl-Cysteinyl-Glycine/GSH) Levels on Workers Exposed to Benzene in Indonesia

BACKGROUND Chemicals that enter the body, especially benzene, will undergo a detoxification process. Unfortunately, at the detoxification process, sometimes benzene can produce free radicals. Free radical oxidation of lipids produces MDA compounds (malondialdehyde). To overcome these free radicals, the body will adapt to produce Glutathione (GSH) enzymes. AIM The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between benzene concentration, MDA levels and glutathione enzymes in Shoe-Maker Home Industry workers exposed to benzene for more than 10 years. METHODS Measurement of benzene concentration using a gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). MDA levels used a modified spectrophotometric and GSH method of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test. RESULT The results showed that the majority of respondents had benzene concentrations still below the TLV value, mean of MDA levels were 6.94 mg/ml, while GSH was 4.54 mg/ml. Benzene concentration did not have a significant correlation with MDA and glutathione levels, whereas MDA levels had a strong correlation with glutathione levels (p = 0.000; r = -0.947). CONCLUSION Workers should always use PPE and always eat foods that contain lots of glutathione enzymes such as spinach or broccoli to reduce the impact of free radicals from benzene inhalation.
Observability don't care sets and Boolean relations

An algorithm is presented that computes exact or approximate observability don't care (ODC) sets for a multiple-level combinatorial network. The proposed algorithms are efficient because they use only local information. A method for deriving the equivalence classes of a Boolean relation from the ODC sets is then proposed. Experimental results on computing ODC sets are reported. <<ETX>>
Arthroscopic Assisted Reduction and Internal Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures

BACKGROUND: Tibial plateau fractures present an important entity in orthopaedic fractures. Arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation is a good alternative to ORIF as it has the advantage of direct visualisation of the articular surface of the plateau, direct assessment of the reduction of the articular surface, and managing any associated intra-articular pathology. AIM: Our study aim is to determine the results of arthroscopic assisted reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: This study involved 25 patients with tibial plateau fractures presenting to the emergency department of Cairo University Hospitals between the periods of November 2016 and May 2017. The patients were followed up for an average of 14 months (11-18 months). According to Schatzker’s classification, five patients had type I, eleven had type II, and nine patients had type III fractures. RESULTS: The average time to full union in Schatzker type I was 9.1 weeks, in type II was 10.2 weeks, and in type III it was 9.4. The mean clinical Rasmussen score among the 25 patients was 26 (range, 24-30). A group of 19 patients (76%) had excellent results, (4 type I, 8 types II, and 7 types III) 6 patients (24 %) had good results (1 type I, 3 types II, 2 types III). Radiologic results were excellent in (14 cases) 56.0% and good results (11 cases) 44%. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic assisted reduction and fixation of tibial plateau fractures have the advantages of checking the adequacy of reduction, avoiding the need for detachment of the meniscus, and allowing for accurate diagnosis and management of associated knee injuries. Therefore, we recommend that arthroscopic assisted reduction and fixation of tibial plateau fractures should be used more often.
Chest Ultrasound in Predication of Weaning Failure

AIM: Failure of weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV) is a common problem that faces the intensivist despite having some prediction indices. Application of chest ultrasonography (US) may help in weaning and prediction of its outcome. METHODS: 100 patients on invasive MV fulfilling criteria of weaning shifted to spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) (using PSV 8 cm H2O) for 1 hour. Weaning failure was defined as; Failed SBT, reintubation and/or ventilation or death within 48 hours. Echocardiography was used to get Ejection fraction, E/A ratio, Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) &, lung ultrasound (LUS) was used to assess LUS score, diaphragm ultrasound was used to assess diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF). RESULTS: Mean age 57.1 ± 14.5, 62% were males. Weaning was successful in 80% of patients. LUS score was significantly higher in the failed weaning group: (10.8 ± 4.2) vs (16.5 ± 4.2 cm), (p: 0.001). (DTF) Was significantly higher in the successful weaning group: (43.0 ± 10.7) vs (28.9 ± 2.8 cm), (p: 0.001). DTF can predict successful weaning using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with the cutoff value: ≥ 29.5 with sensitivity 88.0% and specificity 80.0% with a p-value < 0.001. LUS score can predict weaning failure by using a ROC curve with cutoff value: ≥ 15.5 with sensitivity 70.0% and specificity 82.5 % with a p-value < 0.001. ) CONCLUSION: The use of bedside chest US (to assess lung and diaphragm) of great benefit throughout the weaning process.
A light-driven burst of hydroxyl radicals dominates oxidation chemistry in newly activated cloud droplets

Freshly formed cloud droplets produce a burst of highly reactive radicals, which increases their importance in the climate system. Aerosol particles and their interactions with clouds are one of the most uncertain aspects of the climate system. Aerosol processing by clouds contributes to this uncertainty, altering size distributions, chemical composition, and radiative properties. Many changes are limited by the availability of hydroxyl radicals in the droplets. We suggest an unrecognized potentially substantial source of OH formation in cloud droplets. During the first few minutes following cloud droplet formation, the material in aerosols produces a near-UV light–dependent burst of hydroxyl radicals, resulting in concentrations of 0.1 to 3.5 micromolar aqueous OH ([OH]aq). The source of this burst is previously unrecognized chemistry between iron(II) and peracids. The contribution of the “OH burst” to total OH in droplets varies widely, but it ranges up to a factor of 5 larger than previously known sources. Thus, this new process will substantially enhance the impact of clouds on aerosol properties.
Dissociation between Cerebellar and Cerebral Neural Activities in Humans with Long-Term Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abnormal neural activity in the cerebellum has been implicated in hearing impairments, but the effects of long-term hearing loss on cerebellar function are poorly understood. To further explore the role of long-term bilateral sensorineural hearing loss on cerebellar function, we investigated hearing loss-induced changes among neural networks within cerebellar subregions and the changes in cerebellar-cerebral connectivity patterns using resting-state functional MRI. Twenty-one subjects with long-term bilateral moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss and 21 matched controls with clinically normal hearing underwent MRI scanning and a series of neuropsychological tests targeting cognition and emotion. Voxel-wise functional connectivity (FC) analysis demonstrated decreased couplings between the cerebellum and other cerebral areas, including the temporal pole (TP), insula, supramarginal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), medial frontal gyrus, and thalamus, in long-term bilateral sensorineural hearing loss patients. An ROI-wise FC analysis found weakened interregional connections within cerebellar subdivisions. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between anxiety and FC between the left cerebellar lobe VI and left insula. Hearing ability and anxiety scores were also correlated with FC between the left cerebellar lobe VI and left TP, as well as the right cerebellar lobule VI and left IFG. Our results suggest that sensorineural hearing loss disrupts cerebellar-cerebral circuits, some potentially linked to anxiety, and interregional cerebellar connectivity. The findings contribute to a growing body showing that auditory deprivation caused by cochlear hearing loss disrupts not only activity with the classical auditory pathway but also portions of the cerebellum that communicates with other cortical networks.
Effect of Exercises on Quality of Life in Patients with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis – Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterised by a low bone density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to decrease of its strength and increased risk of fracture. Drug therapy decreases the risk of fracture, thus influencing on the mechanism of bone remodelling. Non-pharmacological interventions include specific exercises for osteoporosis that improve muscle strength and balance, decrease pain and improve quality of life. AIM: To compare the quality of life in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis who practice exercises with those who do not practice on the beginning and after a year. MATERIJAL AND METHODS: A randomised Single-blind randomised controlled prospective trial study, which included 92 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis diagnosed and treated at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: the first group of patients with exercises and physical modalities (gr. I), the second group with exercises (gr. II), and the third control group of patients who did not practice exercises (gr. III). Exercises were practised 3 times a week; each exercise was repeated for 5-8 times. Patients regularly took bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D. The follow-up period lasted for one year. Quality of life was determined with a specific questionnaire Qualeffo-41. RESULTS: The results showed, significant statistical difference in terms of pain, physical activity, social life, the perception of own health were shown between the groups (p < 0.0001), only in term of mental function were no significant (p < 0.3). CONCLUSION: Patients who practice exercises for osteoporosis have a significantly better quality of life than patients who do not perform exercises.
Nano DCPA-Whisker Composites with High Strength and Ca and PO4 Release

The main challenges facing composite restorations are secondary caries and bulk fracture. The objective of this study was to develop nano DCPA (dicalcium phosphate anhydrous)-whisker composites with high strength and Ca and PO4 ion release to combat caries. Flexural strength for the nano DCPA-whisker composites at a nano DCPA:whisker mass ratio of 1:2 ranged from (148 ± 9) MPa to (167 ± 23) MPa, significantly higher than the (103 ± 32) MPa of an inlay/onlay commercial control composite without Ca-PO4 release. The nano DCPA-whisker composite released PO4 to a concentration of (1.95 ± 0.13) mmol/L and Ca of (0.68 ± 0.05) mmol/L. Compared with previous conventional Ca- and PO4-releasing composites, the nano DCPA-whisker composites had strengths two-fold higher, and released comparable or higher levels of Ca and PO4. In conclusion, combining nano-DCPA with whiskers yielded novel composites that released high levels of Ca and PO4 requisite for remineralization. These high-strength composites may provide a unique combination of stress-bearing and caries-inhibiting capabilities.
Behavioral and epigenetic consequences of oxytocin treatment at birth

Maternally administered oxytocin leads to changes in offspring social behavior and neurobiology. Oxytocin is used in approximately half of all births in the United States during labor induction and/or augmentation. However, the effects of maternal oxytocin administration on offspring development have not been fully characterized. Here, we used the socially monogamous prairie vole to examine the hypothesis that oxytocin exposure at birth can have long-term developmental consequences. Maternally administered oxytocin increased methylation of the oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) in the fetal brain. As adults, oxytocin-exposed voles were more gregarious, with increased alloparental caregiving toward pups and increased close social contact with other adults. Cross-fostering indicated that these effects were the result of direct action on the offspring, rather than indirect effects via postnatal changes in maternal behavior. Male oxytocin-exposed offspring had increased oxytocin receptor density and expression in the brain as adults. These results show that long-term effects of perinatal oxytocin may be mediated by an epigenetic mechanism.
The Assessment of Drug Utilization Study of Anticancer Drugs Using WHO Prescribing Indicators in a Government Tertiary Care Hospital of the Hyderabad - Karnataka Region of India

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a major burden and threat to global society. A wide range of chemotherapeutic agents is extensively used to treat cancer at different stages. Inappropriate drug use may also lead to the raised cost of medical care, adverse drug effects, and patient mortality. Hence, in recent years, drug utilisation studies have become a potential tool to be used in the evaluation of different health care systems including cancer. AIMS: The objectives of the study were to identify the various types of cancer, the commonly prescribed drugs, rational use of anticancer drugs, and analyse the prescribing indicators in a tertiary care government hospital of India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Newly diagnosed cancer and/or known case of carcinoma of either sex which required treatment/on treatment with chemotherapy aged > 18 yrs admitted in Radiotherapy Department from April 2016 to September 2016 were included in the study and analysed for prescribing indicators. RESULTS: The head & neck cancers were the prevalent cancers observed with more preponderance among males. Most of the patients were prescribed with a single anticancer drug. Cisplatin was the most commonly used cytotoxic drug followed by carboplatin, and antimetabolites. The most commonly used adjuvant drugs in our study were anti-emetics and anti-peptic ulcer drugs. Over 82% of anticancer agents were taken from the essential drug list and were prescribed in generic names, indicating rational use. CONCLUSION: Over 82% of anticancer agents were taken from the essential drug list and were prescribed in generic names, indicating rational use.
Role of Type 1 Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate Receptors in Mammalian Oocytes

ABSTRACT The ability of oocytes to undergo normal fertilization and embryo development is acquired during oocyte maturation which is transition from the germinal vesicle stage (GV), germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) to metaphase of meiosis II (MII). Part of this process includes redistribution of inositol 1,4, 5-triphosphate receptor (IP3R), a predominant Ca2+ channel on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Type 1 IP3R (IP3R1) is expressed in mouse oocytes dominantly. At GV stage, IP3R1 are arranged as a network throughout the cytoplasm with minute accumulation around the nucleus. At MII stage, IP3R1 diffuses to the entire cytoplasm in a more reticular manner, and obvious clusters of IP3R1 are observed at the cortex of the egg. This structural reorganization provides acquisition of [Ca2+]i oscillatory activity during fertilization. In this review, general properties of IP3R1 in somatic cells and mammalian oocyte are introduced.
Practical solutions to the problem of diagonal dominance in kernel document clustering

In supervised kernel methods, it has been observed that the performance of the SVM classifier is poor in cases where the diagonal entries of the Gram matrix are large relative to the off-diagonal entries. This problem, referred to as diagonal dominance, often occurs when certain kernel functions are applied to sparse high-dimensional data, such as text corpora. In this paper we investigate the implications of diagonal dominance for unsupervised kernel methods, specifically in the task of document clustering. We propose a selection of strategies for addressing this issue, and evaluate their effectiveness in producing more accurate and stable clusterings.