Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporomandibular Joint in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus : Literature Review

The aim of this study is to analyze the literature on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This literature review includes articles from 2003 to 2018 describing clinical studies or clinical cases of TMJ diseases in SLE. Publications not related to the study topic and those that did not have enough data were excluded from the survey. The investigation initially involved 35 articles, four of which were selected. The articles included studies on the pediatric and adult populations. In all the studies, except for one, a clinical examination was carried out, and in three of the studies additional radiographic methods were used. The information also included an overview of drug therapy. At present, there is limited information on the TMJ disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus and further research is required to properly diagnose the disease in dental appointments. Review (J Int Dent Med Res 2019; 12(2): 727-732)
Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates carbon tetrachloride induced acute liver injury and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in rats

Oxidative stress plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of chemically induced liver injury. In this study, the efficacy of hydrogen-rich saline as an antioxidant to protect against acute hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats was investigated. CCl4 administration led to liver injury in rats as shown by pathological observation, hepatic enzyme activities, and bilirubin determination, while hydrogen-rich saline markedly ameliorated liver injury caused by CCl4 toxicity. The hepato-protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline was also verified by survival analysis in CCl4-intoxicated rats. In addition, hydrogen-rich saline alleviated the hepatic apoptosis, as manifested by TUNEL analysis and caspase-3 activity measurement. Furthermore, hydrogen-rich saline attenuated the elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl and also the reduction of glutathione caused by CCl4. Moreover, hydrogen-rich saline diminished the increase of TNF-α and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) caused by CCl4. In conclusion, hydrogen-rich saline attenuates CCl4 induced liver injury in rats through anti-oxidative, antiinflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways, which might be mediated by inhibition of JNK activation.
Spatial Dependence of the Site Index of Pinus taeda L. Production Forests, in the Southern Central Region of the State of Paraná, Brazil

A spatial analysis of the site index used for the classification of Pinus taeda production forests was performed using dominant height data from 402 continuous inventory plots. The data were examined with simple descriptive statistics and fit with four semivariogram models by the GS + program. The best model was then used to predict the site index in unsampled areas by ordinary kriging in ArcView. All models showed that site index values exhibited spatial dependence, with the degree of spatial dependence ranging from strong to moderate. The spherical model was used for kriging. In this model, the degree of spatial dependence was 29% and the range was 5,330 m, with a residual sum of squares (RSS) of 3.00 and coefficient of determination (r²) of 0.776. Measured and predicted values were compared by cross-validation, which produced a linear regression of observed versus predicted value with a slope coefficient of 1.068, slope standard error of 0.070, and intercept coefficient of -1.45. The site classification map generated by kriging divided the studied forests into five classes. Before kriging, all of the forest stands had one global average value for the site index, but after kriging this was changed to there being two or three values of the site index for many stands. Ordinary kriging proved to be an optimal method for interpolating the site index of unsampled areas to permit their classification, as is the case for young plantations for which inventory samples have not yet been taken.
Intrusion Detection System In IoT

Intrusion detection detects misbehaving nodes in a network. In Internet of Things(IoT), IPv6 Routing for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is the standard routing protocol. In IoT, devices commonly have low energy, storage and memory, which is why the implemented intrusion algorithm in this thesis will try to minimize the usage of these resources. IDS for RPL-networks have been implemented before, but the use of resources or the number of packets sent was too high to be successful when finding malicious nodes. In this thesis, Trust-based Intrusion Detection System (TIDS), a trust based intrusion detection system was implemented. Each node in the network should observe and evaluate its neighbors based on whether or not they were acting according to the RPL protocol. These observation were sent to a centralized node where these observations were analyzed. The trust values used are based on Subjective Logic; values for belief, disbelief and uncertainty are used to analyze the observations received from the normal nodes. The number of detected nodes, false positives, false negatives, energy usage, memory and number of nodes were measured. An attack’s detection time is also measured. Seven different experiments were conducted based on this IDS. They were chosen to investigate the different number of nodes and attackers in the network, when the observations should be sent to the border router and whether the border router is always in listening mode. This showed that the implemented IDS captures between 50-100% of the attackers based on what type of experiment was executed and it also introduces between 2 and 15 false positives. Concerning the resource usage, the IDS uses between 5000-6400 bytes of storage and 700-1000 bytes of memory. The energy consumption in the border router increases with 488 mW when the IDS is implemented, while the normal nodes does not see an increase in the energy consumption. The results of the thesis are promising, but needs more work to be extended to the RPL protocol. Regarding energy consumption, the border router with IDS is using more energy than without. The normal nodes however, do not have an increased energy consumption because of the IDS. The proposed IDS detects every attacker, but does also introduce false positives. The number of false positives can be reduced by improving the way sinkhole attack is captured.
Genotype distributions of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 in southern Thais and their association with warfarin maintenance dose in patients with cardiac surgery

Abstract Background Pharmacodynamics of warfarin are influenced by genetic polymorphisms of its metabolic enzymes. Objectives To determine CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes in a population in southern Thailand, and their association with warfarin maintenance doses. Methods We genotyped CYP2C9*2 (rs1799853), CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910), VKORC1 (rs9923231 and rs9934438) from the blood DNA of 210 healthy controls, and determined the association of 2 polymorphic markers (CYP2C9*3 and rs9923231) in 154 patients with aortic valve protheses, with warfarin maintenance dose and coagulopathy. Results CYP2C9*3 was detected in 17/210 controls; all were heterozygous variants (-*1*3). No CYP2C9*2 polymorphisms were detected. The 2 VKORC1 polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium. The genotype distribution of VKORC1 (rs9923231) was 118:72:20 for AA:AG:GG. The warfarin maintenance dose in patients with CYP2C9*1*3 (20.7 mg/week) was significantly less than in patients with CYP2C9*1*1 (31.7 mg/week; P < 0.01). In VKORC1 patients, the warfarin maintenance dose increased significantly with minor variants (AA:AG:GG; 23.8:35.3:47.3 mg/week). The incidence of prolonged prothrombin time (INR > 5) was significantly higher in the VKORC1-AA group (45/76) than the AG (22/64) or GG (3/16) groups. The median time to achieve a stable INR was highest for patients with a GG genotype (342 days) compared with 20 days for those with AA, and 160 days for those with AG. Other factors associated with warfarin maintenance dose were body surface area, age (>45 years), and concomitant drug use. Conclusion Polymorphisms of CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 are present in southern Thais. We recommend pharmacogenetic studies of these markers as a component of warfarin therapy.
Gesture-based customer interactions: deaf and hearing Mumbaikars’ multimodal and metrolingual practices

ABSTRACT The article furthers the study of urban multilingual (i.e. metrolingual) practices, in particular the study of customer interactions, by a focus on the use of gestures in these practices. The article focuses on fluent deaf signers and hearing non-signers in Mumbai who use gestures to communicate with each other, often combined with mouthing, speaking and/or writing in different languages. The data were gathered through linguistic ethnography in markets, shops, food joints and public transport in Mumbai. Within gesture-based interactions, people with sensorial asymmetries (i.e. deaf vs. hearing) combined the visual-gestural modality and certain features of the auditory-oral modality, and/or switched between modalities. Interlocutors thus orient towards the ongoing interaction and negotiate the constraints and possibilities imposed not only by different modalities but also by different sensorial access to these modalities.
Indian guidelines on imaging of the small intestine in Crohn's disease: A joint Indian Society of Gastroenterology and Indian Radiology and Imaging Association consensus statement

Abstract The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) Task Force on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) developed combined ISG-IRIA evidence-based best-practice guidelines for imaging of the small intestine in patients suspected to have or having Crohn’s disease. The 29 consensus statements, developed through a modified Delphi process, are intended to serve as reference for teaching, clinical practice, and research.
CORRELATION OF PERITUMORAL BRAIN EDEMA WITH MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND KI67 PROLIFERATIVE INDEX IN RESECTED INTRACRANIAL MENINGIOMAS

SUMMARY The aim of the study was to analyze correlation between morphological characteristics of intracranial meningiomas and Ki67 labeling index (Ki67 LI), and their influence on peritumoral brain edema (PTBE). There were 41 consecutive patients with intracranial meningiomas surgically treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Zenica Cantonal Hospital, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, during the period from January 2010 to December 2015. We reviewed clinical data including patient age, gender, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of the tumor and peritumoral edema, tumor margins, intraoperative characteristics, histopathologic grade and Ki67 LI. In all cases, follow up MRI was obtained at about three months after resection and PTBE was analyzed. Our research showed the tumor volume, tumor margins, and intraoperative signs of arachnoidal and pial invasion to be associated with PTBE in intracranial meningiomas. Ki67 LI expression correlated with PTBE. This study showed the resolution of PTBE to depend on invasive behavior of meningioma and KI67 LI. PTBE, pial/cortical and arachnoidal invasion significantly influence the extent of surgical resection.
Correlation between sonographic follow-up of follicular growth, serum and salivary estradiol in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (IVF/ICSI)

Aim of the study Investigation of the correlation between serum estradiol (E2), salivary E2 and sonographic measurements of follicles in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for IVF/ICSI. Methods This is a prospective study performed at the Department of Reproductive Medicine of Ghent University Hospital (Belgium) between November 2016 and January 2017 over a total of 40 patients. During routine COS, two-dimensional measurements of the follicles were performed using transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and E2 was measured in saliva and serum. A linear Mixed-Effects model (MIXED) was built, using SPSS Statistics 24. Results Statistical analysis shows a strong linear correlation between serum and salivary E2. For every single unit increase in serum E2 (+ 1 ng/L) the estimated saliva E2 concentration is expected to increase with 0.011 pg/mL (95% CI [0.009 - 0.01]). Strong linear correlations between both saliva and serum E2 and follicular dimensions were also found. For every millimetre increase in follicle diameter the estimated serum E2 concentration is expected to increase with 8.32 ng/L (95% CI [7, 10-9, 54]). For every millimetre increase in follicle diameter the estimated saliva level of E2 is expected to increase with 0.11 pg/mL (95% CI [0.09 - 0.13]). Conclusions A strong correlation between serum and salivary E2 concentrations was found. In addition, both are strongly correlated with the product of the number of follicles and their average diameter, measured by TVUS. More investigation needs to be done to find out if salivary E2 is an effective tool for monitoring IVF cycles.
Absence of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 Protects Against Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

Deciphering the molecular and cellular processes involved in foam cell formation is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) was first identified as a transcriptional regulator of type-I interferons (IFNs) and IFN inducible genes. Our study aims to explore the role of IRF1 in atherosclerotic foam cell formation and understand the functional diversity of IRF1 in various cell types contributing to atherosclerosis. Methods: We induced experimental atherosclerosis in ApoE-/-IRF1-/- mice and evaluated the effect of IRF1 on disease progression and foam cell formation. Results: IRF1 expression was increased in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions. IRF1 deficiency inhibited modified lipoprotein uptake and promoted cholesterol efflux, along with altered expression of genes implicated in lipid metabolism. Gene expression analysis identified scavenger receptor (SR)-AI as a regulated target of IRF1, and SR-AI silencing completely abrogated the increased uptake of modified lipoprotein induced by IRF1. Our data also explain a mechanism underlying endotoxemia-complicated atherogenesis as follows: two likely pro-inflammatory agents, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), exert cooperative effects on foam cell formation, which is partly attributable to a shift of IRF1-Ubc9 complex to IRF1- myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (Myd88) complex and subsequent IRF1 nuclear translocation. Additionally, it seems that improved function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) also accounts for the diminished and more stable atherosclerotic plaques observed in ApoE-/-IRF1-/- mice. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate an unanticipated role of IRF1 in the regulation of gene expression implicated in foam cell formation and identify IRF1 activation as a new risk factor in the development, progression and instability of atherosclerotic lesions.
Home-based tuberculosis contact investigation in Uganda: a household randomised trial

Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends household tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation in low-income countries, but most contacts do not complete a full clinical and laboratory evaluation. Methods We performed a randomised trial of home-based, SMS-facilitated, household TB contact investigation in Kampala, Uganda. Community health workers (CHWs) visited homes of index patients with pulmonary TB to screen household contacts for TB. Entire households were randomly allocated to clinic (standard-of-care) or home (intervention) evaluation. In the intervention arm, CHWs offered HIV testing to adults; collected sputum from symptomatic contacts and persons living with HIV (PLWHs) if ≥5 years; and transported sputum for microbiologic testing. CHWs referred PLWHs, children <5 years, and anyone unable to complete sputum testing to clinic. Sputum testing results and/or follow-up instructions were returned by automated SMS texts. The primary outcome was completion of a full TB evaluation within 14 days; secondary outcomes were TB and HIV diagnoses and treatments among screened contacts. Results There were 471 contacts of 190 index patients allocated to the intervention and 448 contacts of 182 index patients allocated to the standard-of-care. CHWs identified 190/471 (40%) intervention and 213/448 (48%) standard-of-care contacts requiring TB evaluation. In the intervention arm, CHWs obtained sputum from 35/91 (39%) of sputum-eligible contacts and SMSs were sent to 95/190 (50%). Completion of TB evaluation in the intervention and standard-of-care arms at 14 days (14% versus 15%; difference −1%, 95% CI −9% to 7%, p=0.81) and yields of confirmed TB (1.5% versus 1.1%, p=0.62) and new HIV (2.0% versus 1.8%, p=0.90) diagnoses were similar. Conclusions Home-based, SMS-facilitated evaluation did not improve completion or yield of household TB contact investigation, likely due to challenges delivering the intervention components. In a household randomised trial in Kampala, Uganda, home-based, SMS-facilitated evaluation did not improve completion or yield of household TB contact investigation. Future studies will evaluate user-centred design to improve intervention delivery. http://bit.ly/2xwLpDu
Genetic delimitation of Pristimantisorestes (Lynch, 1979) and P.saturninoi Brito et al., 2017 and description of two new terrestrial frogs from the Pristimantisorestes species group (Anura, Strabomantidae)

Abstract In the genus Pristimantis, species are often combined into taxonomic units called species groups. The taxonomy of these groups is frequently inaccurate due to the absence of genetic data from type series and repeated misidentifications generated by high morphological resemblance between taxa. Here, we focus on the P.orestes species group, providing the first genetic assessment of P.orestes sensu stricto from individuals collected from the type locality, with a reviewed diagnosis and description of advertisement calls. We find that two lineages previously named P.orestes are genetically distinct and should be separated into two different species. Based on genetic and morphological data, we name one of these species P.cajanumasp. nov. This new species is morphologically distinct from other members of the group by having shagreen dorsal skin, evident dorsolateral folds, broader discs on toes and fingers and pale gray ventral coloration. Additionally, P.saturninoi is placed within the P.orestes species group based on genetic data from its type series. However, we find that one of its paratypes is genetically distinct and belongs to a clade containing a new species we name P.quintanaisp. nov. This new species is morphologically distinguished by lacking a tympanic membrane and vocal sacs in males, and by having expanded discs on toes and fingers, finely tuberculated dorsal skin and irregular white or cream spots in the groin and concealed surfaces of thighs. Our findings highlight the importance of providing genetic characterization and placement from the type series in taxonomic challenging groups, such as Pristimantis. We also suggest that the diversity of species within the P.orestes group will increase as more sampling is achieved in the southern Andes of Ecuador.
Arthroscopy Association of Canada Position Statement on Intra-articular Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

The Arthroscopy Association of Canada (AAC) recently published guidelines pertaining to arthroscopic surgery as a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. This was in response to recent public interest surrounding the utility and cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery in this setting. As part of these guidelines, the AAC recommends a 6to 9-month trial of “appropriate and comprehensive nonoperative treatment. ” A key component of nonoperative strategies are intra-articular injections. The injections available in Canada include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and cellular-based therapies, including bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). In light of emerging evidence, the AAC endeavored to synthesize the most relevant and up-to-date data pertaining to the use of these agents in the treatment of knee OA. Based on the highest quality available evidence as well as the expert opinion of experienced clinicians, recommendations to help guide clinical practice are proposed. The grading of recommendations is categorized according to the scale developed by Wright et al and subsequently expanded by Stevens et al (Table 1). It is understood that the ultimate decision-making process will involve the treating clinician as well as the patient and will take into consideration all associated risks and benefits. CORTICOSTEROIDS
Purine nucleoside use as surrogate markers of cerebral ischaemia during local and general anaesthetic carotid endarterectomy

Objectives: In periods of cerebral ischaemia, adenosine triphosphate is metabolised, leading to accumulation of adenosine inosine and hypoxanthine. These can be measured in real time using peripheral blood samples intraoperatively. The primary aim of this study was to describe changes in purine concentrations in a cohort of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under general anaesthetic, and to evaluate correlation between changes in values with major perioperative steps. The secondary aim was to compare changes in concentrations with a previous cohort of patients who had undergone carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthetic. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Purine concentrations were determined from arterial line samples and measured via an amperometric biosensor at specific time points during carotid endarterectomy. Mean arterial pressure was manipulated to maintain steady cerebral perfusion pressure throughout the procedure. These results were analysed against data from a cohort of patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy under local anaesthetic in previously published work. Results: Valid results were obtained for 37 patients. Purine concentrations at baseline were 3.02 ± 1.11 µM and 3.16 ± 1.85 µM for the unshunted and shunted cohorts, respectively. There was no significant change after 30 min of carotid clamping at 2.07 ± 0.89 and 2.4 ± 3.09 µM, respectively (both p > 0.05). Peak purine during the clamp phase in the loco-regional anaesthetic cohort was 6.70 ± 3.4 µM, which was significantly raised compared to both general anaesthetic cohorts (p = 0.004). There were no perioperative neurological events in either cohort. Conclusion: This small study does not demonstrate conclusive evidence that purine nucleosides can be used as a marker of cerebral ischaemia; the comparisons to the loco-regional anaesthetic data offer information about differences in the cerebral adenosine triphosphate metabolism between general anaesthetic and loco-regional anaesthetic. We hypothesise that the lack of a rise in purine nucleosides under general anaesthetic may be caused by a decrease in the cerebral metabolic rate and loss of metabolic rate-blood flow coupling caused by general anaesthetic agents.