Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dexmedetomidine with propofol versus fentanyl with propofol for insertion of Proseal laryngeal mask airway: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial

Background and Aims: Successful insertion of the proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) requires much greater doses of propofol as compared to classic laryngeal mask (CLMA). Dexmedetomidine and fentanyl are equally effective adjuvants for CLMA insertion. We designed this study to compare the efficacy of these two drugs as sole adjuvant in PLMA insertion. Material and Methods: Seventy four American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II patients were randomly allocated to receive either dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg [Group PD] or fentanyl 1 μg/kg [Group PF]. Study drugs were diluted in 10 ml NS and administered over 10 min prior to induction of anesthesia with 2.5 mg/kg propofol. PLMA insertion condition was measured according to the Muzi scoring system. Score ≤2 was considered optimal for PLMA insertion. Patient's cardio-respiratory parameters, emergence time, and postoperative pain were also recorded. Results: In our study 83.8% patients in the group PF and 91.9% in the group PD achieved optimal insertion condition (not significant). Hemodynamic stability was maintained in both the groups but the incidence of apnea was significantly higher in the PF group (P = 0.011). We also observed that emergence time was prolonged but postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the PD group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that both dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in a dose of 1 μg/kg when used before induction with propofol provide comparable conditions for successful PLMA insertion. Dexmedetomidine has additional advantage of preserving spontaneous respiration and providing better analgesia.
Suicide Prevention Strategies for General Hospital and Psychiatric Inpatients: A Narrative Review

Background: In-patient (IP) suicides contribute a small but significant proportion of overall suicides. Despite this, suicide prevention strategies focusing on the general hospital IP population remain relatively underresearched. This paper is intended to provide an overview of various proposed suicide prevention approaches in the general hospital, including psychiatric IP, settings, and their evidence base. Methodology: Electronic searches of MEDLINE through PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were performed to identify potentially relevant articles from inception till January 2019. The generated abstracts were systematically screened for their eligibility to be included in the review. Included articles were grouped under five broad themes: environmental modification, staff education, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation. Data extraction was done using a structured proforma. Results: Environmental modifications and educating the health care professionals appear to be the most promising strategies to reduce suicide-related mortality among IPs. Among pharmacological methods, ketamine has shown initial promise in reducing suicidal ideations. Follow-up data are lacking for most of the described methods. Limited but positive evidence exists for cognitive therapies focusing on the immediate postadmission period and brain stimulation techniques, and it warrants further replication. Conclusion: There is a striking paucity of original research on IP suicide prevention. Given the ethical and methodological issues in carrying out studies with IP suicide as the primary outcome, there is a need to focus on intermediate suicide outcome measures, such as knowledge, attitude, and skills among staff handlers of suicidal patients.
Sponge amnion potential in post tooth extraction wound healing by interleukin-6 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 expression analysis: An animal study

Background: Wound tooth extraction is a mechanical injury that traumatizes adjacent tissue. Sponge amnion contains growth factors that can promote postextraction wound healing. Amnion membranes can be transformed into sponge form rendering it easier to use. The aim of this study is to analyze interleukin-6 (IL-6) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression in postextraction wound healing on the 1st and 7th day after sponge amnion application. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar rats were used in this experimental descriptive analytical study. Fourteen animals' first right anterior mandible tooth was extracted; then, the socket applied by sponge amnion and sutured (treatment group), while 14 others only sutured (as control group). The alveolar bone tissue of animal was observed 1st and 7th days after extraction and then was analyzed using immunohistostaining to identify the expression of IL-6 and BMP-2. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with the level of significance (P < 0.05). Results: IL-6 expression in the treatment group was significantly lower than the control group on the 1st and 7th days (P = 0.000). BMP-2 expression in the treatment group was significantly higher than the control group on the 1st and 7th days (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Sponge amnion can promote the healing process by increasing the expression of BMP-2 and decreasing IL-6 expression.
Role of Integrated and Multidisciplinary Approach in Combating Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Severe Mental Illness

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a constellation of cardio-metabolic risk factors such as increased waist circumference, hyperglycemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, associated with significant morbidity as well as mortality. The prevalence of MS in the general population globally was found to range 20–25%, whereas the pooled prevalence of MS in patients with severe mental illnesses (SMI) was found to be 32.6%. Hence, the presence of MS in patients with SMI could lead to greater disability, considering both MS and SMI being significant contributors to the global burden of disease.
Comparison of King Vision video laryngoscope (channeled blade) with Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation using armored endotracheal tubes

Background and Aims: During direct laryngoscopy (DL), intubation using armored endotracheal tubes (ETTs) requires help of bougies, stylets, or Magill's forceps, which leads to unnecessary prolongation in the intubation times. The channeled blade of King Vision (KV) video laryngoscope is likely to obviate the need of these equipments for a successful intubation using armored tubes. Material and Methods: After approval from Institutional Ethics Committee and informed consent, 100 patients were randomized to receive endotracheal intubation using armored ETTs either with KV video laryngoscope (VL) channeled blade or with Macintosh laryngoscope. Time to intubation, success rate, time for best glottis view, number of attempts, optimization maneuvers, or complications if any were recorded. Ease of device use was also assessed in terms of insertion, glottis visualization, and intubation. Continuous variables were tested using unpaired t-test and categorical variables with Pearson's Chi-square test. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Result: First attempt success rate was 92% in group KV and 74% in group DL (P = 0.017). Time for successful intubation was less in group KV as compared with group DL (P < 0.0001). Optimization maneuvers such as “BURP” was needed in three patients of group KV and 11 patients of group DL (P = 0.0218). Bougie was needed in 13 patients of group DL and none from group KV (P = <0.001). Ease of device use was similar in the two groups. Conclusion: KVVL offers faster intubating conditions for tracheal intubation requiring armored ETTs in comparison to DL using Macintosh blade.
Stigma and its Correlates among Caregivers of Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Background: Stigma associated with mental illness is multifaceted, and it extends to even those who take care of the afflicted persons. Research shows that stigma has maximal impact on patients who have schizophrenia and their caregivers, but information pertaining to caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder is minimal. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate stigma and its correlates among caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder. Methodology: This cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital purposively enrolled 103 caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder-I. The caregivers were assessed on the stigma scale for caregivers of people with mental illness (CPMI) and the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) stigma scale. Results: The majority of caregivers attributed the illness of the patient to stress (54.4%), chemical imbalance (48.5%), or heredity (29.1%), while nearly one-fourth believed it to be the will of God. The mean weighted scores on various domains of CPMI were comparable [affective domain = 2.24 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.51); cognitive domain = 2.25 (SD = 0.54) and behavioral domain = 2.23 (SD = 0.55)]. The mean score on EMIC was 28.00 (SD = 14.57). Caregivers with low income reported higher stigma in affective and cognitive domains. Also, lesser time spent with the patient correlated with higher stigma in the affective domain. Furthermore, poor functioning of the patient was associated with high caregiver stigma in cognitive and behavioral domains. Conclusion: Caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder experience significant affiliate and courtesy stigma, and higher stigma is associated with lower income of the caregivers and lesser time spent in caregiving.
A Cross-sectional Study to Analyze the Social, Sexual, and Reproductive Challenges among Serodiscordant Couples

Introduction: The term “serodiscordant couples” refers to an intimate partnership in which one partner is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and the other HIV negative. They form a special population which are constantly at risk of acquiring infection, require safer sexual and reproductive options, and are in constant psychological and emotional distress. Aims: To describe the social, sexual, and reproductive issues and their impact on serodiscordant couples. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on HIV-serodiscordant couples, admitted or attending our outpatient department, where the couples had not separated. A detailed interview of the partners on social, sexual, and reproductive issues was conducted and the data were endorsed in the pro forma. Results: Sixty-four serodiscordant couples were included in the study. Sixty-two (96.8%) males were seropositive compared to 2 (3.1%) females. Sixty-one (95.3%) patients were married and 3 (4.6%) were unmarried. Thirty-six (56.2%) patients were between the age group of 21 and 35 years, 21 (32.8%) between 36 and 55 years, and 7 (10.9%) between 56 and 70 years. Sixty-two (96.8%) patients had a heterosexual orientation compared to 2 (3.1%) patients who were homosexual. Twenty-one (32.8%) patients had a history of sexual encounter outside the relation while 27 (42.1%) were not aware of the source of infection. Fifty-one (79.6%) patients were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared to 13 (20.3%) patients who were not on ART. Thirty-one (48.4%) patients admitted to have a constant strain in relation while 16 (25%) were practicing safe sex. Thirty-nine (60.9%) patients had fear of disease transmission while 26 (40.6%) had fear of pregnancy. Forty-nine (76.5%) patients had children at the time of detection while 15 (23.4%) had no issue. Forty-one (64%) patients expressed desire to have children as compared to 23 (35.9%). Conclusion: The unique requirements of serodiscordant couples in terms of providing them safer sexual and reproductive options to prevent the transmission of HIV to the seronegative partner or the child during pregnancy need to be addressed for better patient management.
Measures of Entropy to Characterize Fatigue Damage in Metallic Materials

This paper presents the entropic damage indicators for metallic material fatigue processes obtained from three associated energy dissipation sources. Since its inception, reliability engineering has employed statistical and probabilistic models to assess the reliability and integrity of components and systems. To supplement the traditional techniques, an empirically-based approach, called physics of failure (PoF), has recently become popular. The prerequisite for a PoF analysis is an understanding of the mechanics of the failure process. Entropy, the measure of disorder and uncertainty, introduced from the second law of thermodynamics, has emerged as a fundamental and promising metric to characterize all mechanistic degradation phenomena and their interactions. Entropy has already been used as a fundamental and scale-independent metric to predict damage and failure. In this paper, three entropic-based metrics are examined and demonstrated for application to fatigue damage. We collected experimental data on energy dissipations associated with fatigue damage, in the forms of mechanical, thermal, and acoustic emission (AE) energies, and estimated and correlated the corresponding entropy generations with the observed fatigue damages in metallic materials. Three entropic theorems—thermodynamics, information, and statistical mechanics—support approaches used to estimate the entropic-based fatigue damage. Classical thermodynamic entropy provided a reasonably constant level of entropic endurance to fatigue failure. Jeffreys divergence in statistical mechanics and AE information entropy also correlated well with fatigue damage. Finally, an extension of the relationship between thermodynamic entropy and Jeffreys divergence from molecular-scale to macro-scale applications in fatigue failure resulted in an empirically-based pseudo-Boltzmann constant equivalent to the Boltzmann constant.
Evaluating Signalization and Channelization Selections at Intersections Based on an Entropy Method

Direct left turns (DLTs) could cause traffic slowdown, delay, stops, and even accidents on intersections, especially on no-median roads. Channelization and signalization can significantly diminish negative impact of DLTs. In China, a total of 56 large and medium-sized cities, including 17 provincial capitals, have adopted vehicle restriction policies due to traffic congestion, vehicle energy conservation and emission reduction, which cause travel inconvenience for citizens. This paper mainly studies signalization and channelization selections at intersections based on an entropy method. Based on the commonly used three evaluation indexes, the number of vehicles, CO emissions and fuel consumption have been added. The entropy evaluation method (EEM) method is innovatively used to objectively calculate the weight of the six indexes, which carry out the optimal traffic volume combinations for intersections of present situation, channelization and signalization. A VISSIM simulation is also used to evaluate the operating status of three conditions. The results show that EEM could help enormously in choosing different methods at a certain intersection. With the EEM, six indexes decrease by 20–70% at most.
Entropy-Based Clustering Algorithm for Fingerprint Singular Point Detection

Fingerprints have long been used in automated fingerprint identification or verification systems. Singular points (SPs), namely the core and delta point, are the basic features widely used for fingerprint registration, orientation field estimation, and fingerprint classification. In this study, we propose an adaptive method to detect SPs in a fingerprint image. The algorithm consists of three stages. First, an innovative enhancement method based on singular value decomposition is applied to remove the background of the fingerprint image. Second, a blurring detection and boundary segmentation algorithm based on the innovative image enhancement is proposed to detect the region of impression. Finally, an adaptive method based on wavelet extrema and the Henry system for core point detection is proposed. Experiments conducted using the FVC2002 DB1 and DB2 databases prove that our method can detect SPs reliably.
Detecting sentences types in the standard arabic language

The standard Arabic language, like many other languages, contains a prosodic feature, which is hidden in the speech signal. The studies related to this field are still in the preliminary stages. This fact results in restraining the performance of the communication tools. The prosodic study allows people having all the communication tools needed in their native language. Therefore, we propose, in this paper, a prosodic study between the various types of sentences in the standard Arabic language. The sentences are recognized according to three modalities as the following: declarative, interrogative and exclamatory sentences. The results of this study will be used to synthesize the different types of pronunciation that can be exploited in several domains namely the man-machine communication. To this end, we developed a specific dataset, consisting of the three types of sentences. Then, we tested two sets of features: prosodic features (Fundamental Frequency, Energy and Duration) and spectrum features (Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients and Linear Predictive Coding) as well their combination. We adopted the Multi-Class Support Vector Machine (MC-SVM) as classifier. The experimental results are very encouraging.
A new lanthanum coordination polymer built from a semi-rigid tripodal carboxylic acid ligand: synthesis, crystal structure and properties.

By employing the semi-rigid multidentate carboxylic acid ligand 4,4',4''-{[(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(methylene)]tris(oxy)}tribenzoic acid (denoted H3L), a new lanthanum coordination polymer, namely poly[[bis(dimethylformamide)(μ6-4,4',4''-{[(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(methylene)]tris(oxy)}tribenzoato)lanthanum(III)] dimethylformamide tetrasolvate 0.25-hydrate], {[La(C33H27O9)(C3H7NO)2]·4C3H7NO·0.25H2O}n or {[La(L)(DMF)2]·4(DMF)·0.25(H2O)}n (DMF is dimethylformamide) (1), was prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, IR spectroscopy and photoluminescence studies. The asymmetric unit contains one LaIII cation, one anionic L3- ligand, two coordinated DMF molecules, four free DMF molecules and one-quarter of a free water molecule. Compound 1 possesses (3,6)-connected two-dimensional kgd topology sheets consisting of secondary building units of La2 clusters and L3- ligands, which further stack into three-dimensional supramolecular networks through π-π interactions. Compound 1 exhibits a photoluminescence emission at room temperature, with a peak at 410 nm, owing to a ligand-centred excited state.
Diffuse Tract Damage in CADASIL Is Correlated with Global Cognitive Impairment

Introduction: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common familial cerebral small vessel disease caused by notch homolog protein 3 gene mutations and is strongly associated with ischemic stroke and dementia. Patients are characterized by cognitive impairment and widespread white matter (WM) lesions. However, the relationship between WM lesions and cognitive impairment is not very clear. The aim of this study was to investigate WM microstructural abnormalities by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and the relationship between WM alterations and cognitive impairment in patients with CADASIL. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated WM degeneration in 18 patients with CADASIL and 18 controls by fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and mean diffusivity (MD) based on DTI. Results: Compared with healthy controls, patients with CADASIL showed extensive and significant reductions in FA and increased RD, AD, and MD. These alterations were distributed throughout the entire brain (mainly the inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, corpus callosum, internal capsule, external capsule, corona radiata, thalamic radiation, and cingulum). Furthermore, these WM microstructural alterations were significantly correlated with cognitive scores and stroke scale scores. Conclusion: Patients with CADASIL showed widespread WM abnormalities, and WM microstructural integrity and cognitive impairment were significantly correlated. Our results indicated that damage to WM tracts plays an important role in cognitive impairment in CADASIL.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from the Aerial Parts of Pinus eldarica Grown in Northwestern Iran

Pinus eldarica (Pinaceae), an evergreen plant, is distributed across the warm and dry climates of western Asia, including Asia Minor, the Middle East, and land surrounding the Caspian Sea. Essential oils (EOs) from different aerial parts of this tree have been used in traditional medicine. We aimed to investigate the chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of the EO from P. eldarica grown in northwestern Iran. EO from the needles, bark, and pollen were extracted with boiling water using a Clevenger apparatus at yield of 0.7–1.2 cm3/100 g of dry plant material. The main chemical components of the EO from the needles were D-germacrene (18.17%), caryophyllene (15.42%), γ-terpinene (12.96%), and β-pinene (10.62%); those from the bark were limonene (16.99%), caryophyllene oxide (13.22%), and drimenol (13.2%); and those from the pollen were α-pinene (25.64%) and limonene (19.94%). In total, 83 constituents were characterized in the EOs, using gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis; mainly, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in needle EO and monoterpene hydrocarbons in pollen and bark EOs. β-Pinene, β-myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene were identified in the EOs from all three plant parts. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the EOs were examined: pollen EO exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli; bark EO inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus; and the needle EO inhibited the growth of S. aureus. Thus, the EOs from aerial parts of P. eldarica can benefit the EO industry and antibiotic development.
Miconazole alleviates peripheral nerve crush injury by mediating a macrophage phenotype change through the NF‐κB pathway

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) causes motor and sensory defects, has strong impact on life quality and still has no effective therapy. Miconazole is one of the most widely used antifungal drugs; the aims of the study were to investigate the effects of miconazole during sciatic nerve regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve crush injury.
Strength and Adaptation of Stereolithography-Fabricated Zirconia Dental Crowns: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE To evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of zirconia ceramic manufactured with stereolithography and to quantitatively analyze the internal and marginal adaptation of the zirconia ceramic dental crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS A resin-based zirconia suspension with a solid content of 45 vol% was prepared. Zirconia dental crowns (n = 5) for the maxillary right first molar were designed and manufactured. Physical and mechanical properties-including density, sintering shrinkage, flexural strength, Weibull parameters, phase composition, and microstructure-of the stereolithography-manufactured zirconia crowns were evaluated. A three-dimensional subtractive analysis technique was used to evaluate the internal and marginal adaptation. RESULTS The stereolithography-manufactured zirconia (n = 22) achieved a flexural strength of 812 ± 128 MPa and a Weibull modulus of 7.44. Quantitative analysis of the fabricated zirconia crowns showed a cement space of 63.40 ± 6.54 μm in the occlusal area, 135.08 ± 10.55 μm in the axial area, and 169.58 ± 18.13 μm in the marginal area. CONCLUSION Within the limits of this study, the strength of the stereolithography-manufactured zirconia was adequate for fabricating dental crowns. However, internal and marginal adaptation are not yet ideal for clinical application.