Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil Lead Concentrations in Dareta Village, Zamfara, Nigeria

Background. Acute widespread lead poisoning took place in Zamfara State, Nigeria in 2010. Over 735 children were reported dead and thousands sickened by the neurotoxin. The source was traced to artisanal gold mining and processing in the villages. An immediate medical response protocol was developed to provide oral chelation therapy to the vulnerable population. In order not to compromise the efficacy of the chelation therapy, immediate remediation of the affected villages was carried out. An over 95% reduction in soil lead levels was reported immediately after the remediation exercise. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to perform a general audit of soil lead concentrations, conducted between June and July 2013 in Dareta village (one of the most affected villages), to evaluate the soil pollution status of the village three years after the remediation exercise. Methods. Soil samples were collected from residential compounds, cultivated farmlands and other common areas. Lead contents of the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, model AA-6800, Japan) after wet digestion. Speciation of lead in soil was done following standard analytical methods. Results. Mean soil lead concentrations for residential areas were 1029.42±98.50 mg/kg, 1523.99±201.00 mg/kg, 1404.57±141.00 mg/kg and 6724.68±84.00 mg/kg for residential compounds, market square, old grinding mills and new grinding mills, respectively. The concentrations exceeded both the Dutch target and intervention values and US Environmental Protection Agency limit for soil lead levels in residential areas. Based on the index of geo-accumulation, the ranking of intensity of lead (Pb) pollution of Dareta soils ranged from strongly polluted to extremely polluted, indicating they pose a range of moderate to very high potential ecological risk to the other components of the environment. At the current rate of accumulation, by the year 2025, soil Pb levels of Dareta common areas are expected to exceed the pre-remediation levels associated with several deaths. Conclusions. Findings of this study indicate that the problem of lead poisoning is ongoing in Dareta village. Zamfara State authorities should address the challenge through sustained periodic assessment and cleanup of affected areas. Implementation of safer mining practices should be enforced immediately. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests
Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review

Abstract Minoxidil was first introduced as an antihypertensive medication and the discovery of its common adverse event, hypertrichosis, led to the development of a topical formulation for promoting hair growth. To date, topical minoxidil is the mainstay treatment for androgenetic alopecia and is used as an off-label treatment for other hair loss conditions. Despite its widespread application, the exact mechanism of action of minoxidil is still not fully understood. In this article, we aim to review and update current information on the pharmacology, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and adverse events of topical minoxidil.
The Aging Brain & the Dorsal Basal Ganglia: Implications for Age-Related Limitations of Mobility

The capacity to move is essential for independence and declines with age. Limitations in mobility impact ~35% of adults over 70 and the majority of adults over 85. These limitations are highly associated with disability, dependency, and survival. More than 25-years ago the term “sarcopenia” was coined to highlight the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength with the assumption being that sarcopenia led to limitations in mobility. However, contrary to expectations, recent findings clearly indicate these variables only modestly explain limitations in mobility. One likely reason the current sarcopenia variables of muscle mass and strength do not discriminate, or predict, mobility limitations well is because they are heavily influenced by musculoskeletal mechanisms and do not incorporate measures reflective of the central neural control of mobility. Unfortunately, the precise central neural changes associated with aging that lead to decreased mobility are poorly understood. This knowledge gap has hampered the development of effective interventions for mobility limitations and the subsequent reduction of major functional disability for older adults. Here, we discuss the potential role of the motor control circuit of the dorsal basal ganglia as well as dopaminergic function in age-related reductions in mobility.
The Relationship Between Health-Promoting Lifestyle and Its Related Factors with Self-Efficacy and Well-Being of Students

Objectives Unhealthy lifestyles among young people are seriously related to incapacity and health problems in adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of a health-promoting lifestyle and its association with self-efficacy and well-being. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 500 students from Shahroud University of Medical Sciences (Shahroud, Iran) were randomly selected in 2017. The Persian versions of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, Self-Efficacy Scale, and WHO-5 Well-Being Index were used. Results Among the participants, 34% of students had an abnormal imaginable well-being, and 68% of students had high self-efficacy. The mean score of a health-promoting lifestyle was 127.47 ± 19.78, which is interpreted as moderate, and the mean score of physical activity was 14.10 ± 4.95, which is poor. There was a significant relationship between well-being, and self-efficacy with health-promoting lifestyle. Age, gender, educational level, place of residence, student employment, self-efficacy, and well-being were associated with students’ lifestyles. Conclusion A health-promoting lifestyle of students in this study was moderate and they did not have an acceptable level of physical activity. The direct effect of well-being, and self-efficacy on lifestyle, revising students’ curriculums to improve their health behaviors, and general health indicators, can all lead to the enhancement of health-promoting lifestyles.
Survival Time and Prognostic Factors of Mortality among Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in North-East Peninsular Malaysia

Background Death resulting from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a worldwide concern. This study is aimed at determining the overall median survival time, and the prognostic factors of mortality among AIDS-infected patients in North-East Peninsular Malaysia. Methods In 2018, a retrospective cohort study stretching from January to April was conducted. This study involved a review of data obtained from the National AIDS Registry. A total of 1,073 AIDS cases diagnosed from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 were selected, and follow-up procedures were conducted until 31 March 2015 (a 3-month follow-up). The Kaplan-Meier plot and Cox’s proportional hazard regression were used for data analyses. Results 564 (52.5%) patients died due to AIDS, while the remaining 509 (47.4%) were censored. The overall median survival time was 11 months. The probability of survival in 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year and 5-year periods were 49.1%, 47.8%, 47.3%, 47.0% and 46.7%, respectively. Multiple Cox regression revealed that the significant prognostic factors were age 30–49 years [adjusted hazard ratio (Adj. HR) 1.57; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.16; P = 0.006], male (Adj. HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.79; P = 0.012), unemployed (Adj. HR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.75; P = 0.003) and HIV-TB co-infection (Adj. HR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.31; P < 0.001). Conclusion The overall median survival time among AIDS patients in North-East Peninsular Malaysia was revealed to be short, in comparison to the other studies. The chances for survival can be improved with more emphasis on early detection (to ensure early treatment) and social support, particularly for HIV-TB co-infected patients, as well as for younger and unemployed patients.
Ileal-anal pouches: A review of its history, indications, and complications

The ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has revolutionised the surgical management of ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Despite refinement in surgical technique(s) and patient selection, IPAA can be associated with significant morbidity. As the IPAA celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018, this review provides a timely outline of its history, indications, and complications. IPAA has undergone significant modification since 1978. For both UC and FAP, IPAA surgery aims to definitively cure disease and prevent malignant degeneration, while providing adequate continence and avoiding a permanent stoma. The majority of patients experience long-term success, but “early” and “late” complications are recognised. Pelvic sepsis is a common early complication with far-reaching consequences of long-term pouch dysfunction, but prompt intervention (either radiological or surgical) reduces the risk of pouch failure. Even in the absence of sepsis, pouch dysfunction is a long-term complication that may have a myriad of causes. Pouchitis is a common cause that remains incompletely understood and difficult to manage at times. 10% of patients succumb to the diagnosis of pouch failure, which is traditionally associated with the need for pouch excision. This review provides a timely outline of the history, indications, and complications associated with IPAA. Patient selection remains key, and contraindications exist for this surgery. A structured management plan is vital to the successful management of complications following pouch surgery.
Brittle cornea syndrome: current perspectives

Abstract Brittle cornea syndrome (BCS) is a rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder characterised by severe corneal thinning, with the major ocular risk being spontaneous ocular perforation due to progressive stromal thinning and ectasia. It is a complex condition with limited treatment options. The purpose of this review is to highlight the difficulties associated with the condition and examine the available published evidence with regards to management.
Comparative Evaluation of the Fracture Strength of Pulpotomized Primary Molars: An In Vitro Study

ABSTRACT Purpose This study evaluates the fracture strength of pulpotomized primary molars restored with amalgam, miracle mix, cermet, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and nanocomposites. Materials and methods Fifty primary first and second molars were collected for this study. All the teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10). Standard pulpotomy cavities were prepared. Teeth were air dried and the canal orifices were capped with a layer of zinc oxide eugenol. A lining of calcium hydroxide was placed over it. Amalgam, miracle mix, cermet, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and nanocomposite were placed in groups I, II, III, IV, and V, respectively. All the samples were then subjected to the fracture strength test using the universal testing machine and the results were statistically analyzed. Results All the groups were compared by the ANOVA one-way test which indicated that there were statistically significant differences among the five groups. Conclusion Nanocomposites can be considered to be the best restorative material in terms of fracture strength among amalgam, miracle mix, cermet, and resin-modified glass ionomer cement. How to cite this article Mohammad N, Pattanaik S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Fracture Strength of Pulpotomized Primary Molars: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(1):5–9.
Incidence and mortality of cervix cancer and their relationship with the human development index in 185 countries in the world: An ecology study in 2018

Introduction: Invasive cervix cancer is one of the most common causes of female genital cancer and accounts for 30% of cancers in developing countries and 5% in developed countries. Economic, social and sexual differences are associated with an increased risk of the cancer in women. Methods: This is a descriptive–analytic study based on incidence and mortality data extracted from the World Cancer Bank. The incidence and mortality rates and cervix uteri cancer distribution maps were drawn for world countries. To analyse data, correlation test and regression tests were used to evaluate the correlation between the incidence and mortality with Human Development Index (HDI). The statistical analysis was carried out by Stata-14, and the significance level was estimated at the level of 0.05. Results: The results showed a significant negative correlation between cervix cancer incidence rate (r = −0.570,P < 0.001) and mortality (r = −0.699,P < 0.001) with the HDI index. Negative and significant correlation was found between the incidence rate with the gross national income (GNI) (r = −0.37,P < 0.0001), Mean years of schooling (MYS) (r = −42,P < 0.0001), Life expectancy at birth (LEB) (r = −0.64,P < 0.0001) and Expected years of schooling (EYS) (r = −0.41,P < 0.0001). There was a significant negative correlation between the mortality rate and GNI (r = −0.42,P < 0.0001), MYS (r = −0.57,P < 0.0001), LEB (r = −0.73,P < 0.0001) and EYS (r = −0.56,P < 0.0001). The linear regression model showed that the increase of HDI (B = 91.8, confidence interval [CI] 95%: [−146.6, −37]) and LEB (B = −0.86, CI 95% [−1.3, −0.3]) decreased and increased MYS (B = 1.31, CI 95% [0.05, 2.5]) and EYS (B = 2.9, CI 95% [1.5.4.4]) significantly increased the incidence of cervix uteri (P < 0.05). Linear regression model showed that the increase of HDI [B = 91.8, CI95%: (-146.6, -37)] and LEB [B = -0.86, CI95% (-1.3, -0.3)] decreased the incidence and increase of MYS [B = 1.31, CI95% (0.05, 2.5)] and EYS [B = 2.9, CI95% (1.5.4.4)] significantly increased the incidence of cervical uteri (P <0.05). And increased HDI [B = 89.3, CI95% (-124.9, -53.8)] and [B = -0.3, CI95% (-0.6, -0.04)] reduced mortality and increased GNI [B = 0.009, CI95% ( 0.001, 0.1)], MYS [B = 0.8, CI95% (1.1.2.9)] and EYS [B = 2.04, CI95% (1.1.4.9)] significantly increased mortality of cervical cancer (P <0.05). Conclusion: Women in moderate to low HDI societies face poor socioeconomic conditions and should be considered as target groups for the prevention of cervix cancer. Moreover, prevention interventions should be focused on this group to ultimately bring about a positive change in the level of morbidity and mortality caused by cervix cancer.
Effect of addition of hyaluronidase as an adjuvant to local anesthetics in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Background This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronidase as an adjuvant to the mixture of local anesthetics in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Patients and methods Ninety patients received ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block through supraclavicular approach. They were then randomly divided into three groups: group C, group H1, and group H2. Group C patients received 2% (15 ml) lignocaine and 0.5% (15 ml) bupivacaine, making a total volume of 30 ml, by triple-injection technique. Group H1 patients received 2% (10 ml) lignocaine and 0.5% (10 ml) bupivacaine plus 0.9% (10 ml) normal saline containing 900 IU (90 IU/ml) hyaluronidase, making a total volume of 30 ml, by triple-injection technique. Group H2 patients received 2% (10 ml) lignocaine and 0.5% (10 ml) bupivacaine plus 0.9% (10 ml) normal saline containing 900 IU (90 IU/ml) hyaluronidase, making a total volume of 30 ml, by single-injection technique. Parameters such as needling time, onset of sensory block, onset of motor block, total dose of intraoperative rescue analgesics, rate of success of the block, duration of sensory block, duration of motor block, and possible side effects were measured. Results Time needed to perform the block was significantly shorter in the H2 group compared with the C and H1 groups. Onset of sensory block was statistically significantly lower in the two groups in which hyaluronidase was used compared with that in group C. Onset of motor block was statistically significantly lower in H1 and H2 groups compared with that in group C. The mean total intraoperative fentanyl administration was found to be nonsignificantly higher in group C compared with groups H1 and H2. The success of the ultrasound-guided block was 90% in group C versus 96.6% in groups H1 and H2. As regards the duration of sensory and motor block there were no statistically significant differences between the three studied groups. Comparison between the three groups revealed nonsignificant differences as regards the time of first analgesic dose. The total dose of morphine given during the first 24 h postoperatively was significantly lower in the control group compared with that in groups H1 and H2. Conclusion The use of hyaluronidase as an adjuvant to the local anesthetic reduces the time to reach complete sensory block of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks and therefore shortens the total anesthetic time before operation. Although it also reduces the block duration, hyaluronidase had only a little effect on the total analgesic duration and on the consumption of postoperative analgesics. Also single-injection technique is sufficient for performing a successful block.
Magnetic resonance urography in the evaluation of obstructive uropathy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to study the utility of magnetic resonance urography (MRU) in the evaluation of obstructive urological diseases in comparison to intravenous urography (IVU). Materials and Methods: The study was carried out over a period of 2 years. A total of 55 patients were included in this study with ages between 14 and 70 years (average age 37 years). The patients were selected on the basis of ultrasonographic findings of hydronephrosis. The patients were subjected to IVU followed by static and dynamic MRU. The results obtained were compared and the inferences drawn thereof. Results and Conclusions: MRU has high sensitivity in the diagnosis of urinary tract obstruction, detecting the level of obstruction and acts as an aid in the diagnosis of obstructive uropathy, thus showing promising results. MRU is safer than IVU due to avoidance of iodinated contrast material and could also be done without using contrast material so having less contrast related events.
Local application of tranexamic acid to reduce upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis

Background There has been a growing interest in the topical use of tranexamic acid (TXA) for the prevention of bleeding during different surgeries. Patients with liver cirrhosis may develop upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding, which arises because of portal hypertension, which includes gastroesophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the local application of TXA in reducing blood loss, transfusion requirements, and shortening the time for emergency endoscopy in cirrhotic patients presenting with UGI bleeding. Patients and methods A total of 100 patients with end-stage chronic liver disease presenting with UGI bleeding were randomly assigned to two groups to receive a standard protocol for UGI bleeding management, in addition to nasogastric lavage with either normal saline only (group S) or normal saline with TXA (group S+TXA). The lavage was repeated till its measured hematocrit (Hct) was less than 1%. The duration to reach this Hct was recorded. The volume of washes and transfusion requirements for each group were also recorded. Results Hemodynamic stability was observed in group S+TXA with less bleeding. The volumes of washes were significantly lower in group S+TXA. Time to reach Hct less than 1% in washed fluid was significantly shorter in group S+TXA (81.5±20.7 min) compared with group S (230.1±29.9 min). Transfusion requirements were significantly low in group S+TXA (765±184 ml) compared with group S (1345±278 ml). Duration to perform emergency upper endoscopy was shorter in group S+TXA (667±198 min) compared with group S (1094±163 min). Conclusion Local application of TXA during nasogastric lavage was efficient in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements and in shortening the time for emergency endoscopy in cirrhotic patients presenting with UGI bleeding.
Alcohol-Related Trauma Reinjury Prevention with Hospital-Based Screening in Adult Populations: an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Evidence-Based Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND Unaddressed alcohol use among injured patients may result in recurrent injury or death. Many trauma centers incorporate alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for injured patients with alcohol use disorders, but systematic reviews evaluating the impact of these interventions are lacking. METHODS An evidence-based systematic review was performed to answer the following population, intervention, comparator, outcomes (PICO) question: Among adult patients presenting for acute injury, should emergency department (ED), trauma center, or hospital-based alcohol screening with brief intervention and/or referral to treatment be instituted compared with usual care to prevent or decrease reinjury, hospital readmission, alcohol-related offenses, and/or alcohol consumption? A librarian-initiated query of PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library was performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess the quality of the evidence and create recommendations. The study was registered with PROSPERO (Registration number CRD42019122333). RESULTS Eleven studies met criteria for inclusion, with a total of 1,897 patients who underwent hospital-based alcohol screening, brief intervention, and/or referral to treatment for appropriate patients. There was a relative paucity of data, and studies varied considerably in terms of design, interventions, and outcomes of interest. Overall evidence was assessed as low quality, but a large effect size of intervention was present. CONCLUSIONS In adult trauma patients, we conditionally recommend ED, trauma center, or hospital-based alcohol screening with brief intervention and referral to treatment for appropriate patients in order to reduce alcohol-related reinjury. TYPE OF STUDY Systematic review LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence.