Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A morphometric study of the sella turcica: race, age, and gender effect.

BACKGROUND This study aims to evaluate the morphological appearance, bridging incidence, and linear dimensions of sella turcica (ST) in Chinese and Nepalese individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study examined digital standardized lateral cephalometric of 360 Chinese and Nepalese subjects, which consisted of 116 females and 64 males with an age range of 8-28 years. The sella morphology, bridging, and size were assessed on the lateral cephalometric radiographs, and the data were correlated with race, gender, and age. RESULTS ST presented a normal morphology in most Nepalese (90%) subjects, whereas flat-shaped morphology was highly prevalent among Chinese subjects (36.7%). The frequency of full bridging was 2.8% and 11.7% for Chinese and Nepalese subjects, respectively. When the race was compared with sella size, a statistically significant difference was detected in length (p ˂ 0.05) and diameter (p ˂ 0.001) of ST. A significant correlation was found between the length and diameter of the ST and age in Chinese and Nepalese subjects. No significant association was observed between the size of ST and gender of Chinese and Nepalese subjects. The only parameter significantly associated with race, age, and gender was the diameter of ST. CONCLUSIONS These findings assist orthodontists, neurosurgeons, and forensic medical investigators to focus on the diameter of ST during orthodontic treatment planning, diagnosis of pathology of the pituitary gland, and age determination.
Potential Vaccines for Treating Crohn's Disease

CD is an inflammatory disease of the GIT and can affect several parts of the digestive system. There is a relationship between impaired mucosal barrier in the GIT of IBD patients and the role of bacteria such as MAP in CD. Apart from different therapeutic approaches for treating CD, development of a vaccine is a novel modality. In the present article, most available therapeutic opportunities in the last decade, especially the possibility of vaccines against CD, are reviewed. According to the search, availability of a new generation of vaccines against CD is expected specially tolerogenic ex vivo-derived DC-based vaccines. Regarding different locations of the challenge and the variety of clinical manifests of CD and also the type of resident antigen-presenting cells and their traffic in different parts of GIT, the results of immunotherapy with DC-based vaccines may vary case by case.
Body mass index and clinical outcomes in patients after ischaemic stroke in South Korea: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives Although obesity is a risk factor for stroke, its impact on mortality in patients with stroke remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality due to ischaemic stroke among adults aged 20 years and above in Korea. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting A tertiary-hospital-based stroke registry linked to the death records. Participants 3599 patients admitted for ischaemic stroke from January 2007 to June 2013. Outcome measures The HRs for all-cause and stroke-related mortality were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. Progression from stroke-related mortality was assessed using the Fine-Grey competing risk model, treating other-cause mortality as a competing risk. Adjustments were made for age, gender, smoking status, Charlson comorbidity index, cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular comorbidities, stroke severity, severity related to other medical conditions, complications and enrolment year. We repeated the analysis with stratification based on age groups (less than 65 vs 65 years and above). Results For stroke-related mortality, there was no significant difference among the four BMI groups. The risk of all-cause mortality was 36% higher in the underweight group than in the normal weight group (long-term HR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.79), whereas the mortality risk of the obese group was significantly lower (HR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.81). Although this relationship was not estimated in the younger group, it was found that obesity had a protective effect on the all-cause mortality in the elderly (long-term HR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.83). Conclusions Obesity is more likely to reduce mortality risk than normal weight, especially in elderly patients.
Efficacy of oregano and rosemary essential oils to affect morphology and membrane functions of noncultivable sessile cells of Salmonella Enteritidis 86 in biofilms formed on stainless steel

This study evaluated the efficacy of essential oil from Origanum vulgare L. (oregano; OVEO) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary; ROEO) to inactivate sessile cells of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis 86 (SE86) in young and mature biofilms formed on stainless steel.
Cross‐reacting inhibitors against recombinant porcine factor VIII in acquired hemophilia A: Data from the GTH‐AH 01/2010 Study

Recombinant porcine factor VIII (rpFVIII, OBI‐1, susoctocog alfa) is used for the treatment of acute bleeds in patients with acquired hemophilia A (AHA). Inhibitors in AHA can sometimes cross‐react with rpFVIII.
Upcoming Role of Ceramides as Potential Biomarker in Cardiovascular Disease Prediction

DOI: 10.21276/sjm.2018. 3.5. 3 Abstract: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is currently one major cause of death in the world [1, 2]. CAD is mainly caused by atherosclerosis, which is considered as a chronic inflammation in response to cholesterol accumulation in the arterial wall [3]. Therefore, biomarkers that can predict the presence for early atherosclerotic process and CAD are desirable. Lipidomics is playing vital role in development of atherosclerosis and in cardiovascular disease. Various inflammatory markers and lipid biomarkers are playing role in diagnosis of CAD. Inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP, cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)], soluble CD40 ligand, serum amyloid A (SAA), selectins (E-selectin, P-selectin), myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cellular adhesion molecules [intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)], placental growth factor (PlGF) and A2 phospholipases may have a potential role for the prediction of risk for developing CAD and may correlate with severity of CAD.Dyslipidemia is major cause of Cardiovascular disease. Ceramide a lipid biomarker is playing a emerging role in diagnosis of CAD, In this review we tried to focus role of Ceramide in diagnosis of CAD and to further risk stratify patients who may otherwise not receive treatment but would remain at high risk for a serious cardiac event. These are patients who could benefit from more intensive treatment, for example: a higher-dose statin, a nutritionist consult or formal exercise therapy. Cardiologists at Mayo Clinic are already routinely checking Ceramides using the new test.
Correlation between traffic flows and noise reduction in HUSH project strategic actions

H.U.S.H. “Harmonization of Urban Noise reduction Strategies for Homogeneous action plans” is a project co-funded by European Community’s Life+ Program and it has the general goal to contribute to the harmonization of the national and European legislations, regarding the noise management tools, introduced by the END Directive 49/2002, starting from the realization of interventions in two areas of the city of Florence, identified by the Noise Abatement Plan and the Strategic Action Plan as critical areas, considered as pilot cases. Concerning the largest area considered, Peretola-Brozzi, characterized by the presence of many and different noise sources (air, rail and road transport), the attention has been focused on the critical situation analysis resulting from vehicular traffic scenarios. Tools regarding design and traffic management have been used for analysis and evaluation, as well as a computational model for traffic management (Traffic Management Model TMM) validated with measured data, in order to analyze the current situation and to provide estimates on projected changes, in terms of traffic flows. The results of simulations carried out on traffic flows, related to the different scenarios considered, have been used as input data for the acoustic model, leading to the definition of relationships existing between changing traffic flows and the reducing environmental noise.
The Cognitive Status of Older Adults: Do Reduced Time Constraints Enhance Sequence Learning?

Abstract Research has indicated that older adults perform movement sequences more slowly than young adults. The purpose of the present experiment was to compare movement sequence learning in young and older adults when the time to perform the sequence was extended, and how the elderly’s cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) interacted with sequence learning. The task was to minimize the difference between a target sequence pattern and the sequence produced by elbow extension-flexion movements. On Day 1, participants (28 young adults; 28 older adults) practiced the sequence under two time windows: 1300 ms or 2000 ms. On Day 2, retention performance and the cognitive status were assessed. The results demonstrated that young adults performed superior compared to older adults. Additional time to perform the sequence did not improve retention performance for the older adults. The correlation between the error score and the MoCA score of r = –. 38 (p < .05) in older adults indicated that a better cognitive status was associated with performance advantages in sequence learning.
Exploring the relationship between parent–child communication about epilepsy and psychosocial well-being

This study examined the relationship between parent–child communication and psychosocial well-being of 47 children living with epilepsy and 72 parents of children living with epilepsy. Open communication was associated with positive illness attitude, positive self-perception and greater health-related quality of life for children living with epilepsy; positive response to illness for parents; and more perceived social support and less need for epilepsy-related support for children living with epilepsy and parents. By contrast, closed communication was associated with poorer psychosocial well-being in children living with epilepsy and parents. Healthcare professionals should provide guidance for families living with childhood epilepsy on the importance of open communication in promoting greater psychosocial well-being.
Examining differences in school hour and school day dietary quality among Canadian children between 2004 and 2015

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to: (i) evaluate changes in Canadian children’s dietary quality during school hours and on school days between 2004 and 2015; and (ii) explore whether changes in dietary quality over time were moderated by sociodemographic characteristics. Design: Nationally representative 24 h dietary recall data were obtained from the 2004 (n 4827) and 2015 (n 2447) Canadian Community Health Surveys. Dietary quality was measured using the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI) which evaluates respondents’ compliance with 2007 national dietary recommendations, and the school-HEI which assesses respondents’ dietary quality during school hours. Multivariable regression models compared differences in dietary quality between 2004 and 2015. Interaction effects were used to test whether changes over time were moderated by sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age group, ethnicity, residential location, province of residence, parental education, food security status). Setting: Canada. Participants: Children aged 6–17 years. Results: Mean school-HEI score rose from 51.3 to 58.0 points (maximum = 100) from 2004 to 2015 (P < 0.001). School-HEI sub-scores for total vegetables and fruit, whole fruit, dark green and orange vegetables, milk and alternatives, and meat and alternatives improved over time, but remained well below recommendations. Decreased energy from minimally nutritious foods accounted for 39 % of the improvement in mean school-HEI scores. Mean whole day C-HEI scores also improved (60.8 to 66.4 points, P < 0.001). There was no evidence of a moderating effect for any of the sociodemographic variables examined. Conclusions: Mean dietary quality of Canadian children during school hours and on school days improved modestly for all age and sex groups but remained below 2007 national dietary recommendations.
Incorporation of biochemical factors for survival analysis of transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common gastrointestinal cancer that occurs worldwide, and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) is one of the first treatment choices for advanced HCC. However, biochemical factors and comorbidity have seldom been reported in the long-term outcomes. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 444 HCC patients who underwent cTACE-based therapy in 2010 to 2012. Survival outcomes were analyzed using a Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression analysis. Results The mean age was 62.1 ± 12.5 years, and 74.3% were men. Analysis of the mean biochemical values indicated that the presence of portal vein thrombosis, α-fetoprotein (AFP) >200 ng/mL, AJCC 7th stage III, diabetes, albumin <3 g/dL, and hemoglobin were significantly and independently associated with poorer long-term outcomes. Discussion The presence of venous thrombus and elevation of AFP levels are the most important factors in cTACE treatment. The host factors, including metabolic status and liver damage, should be evaluated in these patients.
External contamination of antineoplastic drug containers from a Canadian wholesaler

Introduction Contamination of hospitals’ surfaces with antineoplastic drugs is documented despite safe handling practices. The exterior of commercial containers is often contaminated during the manufacturing process and can cross-contaminate hospitals’ surfaces. The aim was to investigate the contamination of the exterior of antineoplastic drug vials available in Canada in 2018. Methods Cross-sectional study. All available antineoplastic drugs vials from a single wholesaler were targeted. Containers were sampled upon their receipt by the pharmacy staff, before they were cleaned. One wipe was used to sample the external surface of five vials from a single batch from the same manufacturer. Nine antineoplastic drugs were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometer: cyclophosphamide, docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, ifosfamide, irinotecan, methotrexate, paclitaxel, vinorelbine. Results Twenty-one samplings were done (105 containers from nine different manufacturers): cyclophosphamide = 2, docetaxel = 1, gemcitabine = 2, 5-fluorouracil = 2, ifosfamide = 2, irinotecan = 3, methotrexate = 6, paclitaxel = 2, vinorelbine = 1. One of these samplings was done on blister packaging, the remainder were done on glass vials. A total of 15/21 samples (71%) were positive to at least one drug (docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil, ifosfamide, and vinorelbine). A maximum of 272 ng/vial was quantified (gemcitabine). Cross contamination with other antineoplastic drugs was detected on 16/21 (76%) samples. Conclusion The majority of samples were positive to at least one antineoplastic drug, confirming that the exterior of antineoplastic drugs containers is still an important source of contamination. Manufacturers should reduce this contamination. Vials should be washed upon receipt, before they are stored in pharmacy. Gloves must be worn at all times to avoid occupational exposure.
A Comparison of Product Price Targeting and Other Monetary Anchor Options for Commodity Exporters in Latin America

Seven possible nominal variables are considered as candidates to be the anchor or target for monetary policy. The context is countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which tend to be price takers on world markets, to produce commodity exports subject to volatile terms of trade, and to experience procyclical international finance. Three anchor candidates are exchange rate pegs: to the dollar, euro and SDR. One candidate is orthodox Inflation Targeting. Three candidates represent proposals for a new sort of inflation targeting that differs from the usual focus on the CPI, in that prices of export commodities are given substantial weight and prices of imports are not: PEP (Peg the Export Price), PEPI (Peg an Export Price Index), and PPT (Product Price Targeting). The selling point of these production-based price indices is that each could serve as a nominal anchor while yet accommodating terms of trade shocks, in comparison to a CPI target. CPI-targeters such as Brazil, Chile, and Peru are observed to respond to increases in world prices of imported oil with monetary policy that is sufficiently tight to appreciate their currencies, an undesirable property, which is the opposite of accommodating the terms of trade. As hypothesized, a product price target generally does a better job of stabilizing the real domestic prices of tradable goods than does a CPI target. Bottom line: A Product Price Targeter would appreciate in response to an increase in world prices of its commodity exports, not in response to an increase in world prices of its imports. CPI targeting gets this backwards. JEL classifications: E5, F4.
Ecosystem services provided by armadillos

Awareness of the natural ecological processes provided by organisms that benefit human well‐being has significantly progressed towards the goal of making conservation a mainstream value. Identifying different services and the species that provide them is a vital first step for the management and maintenance of these so‐called ecosystem services. Herein, we specifically address the armadillos, which play key functional roles in terrestrial ecosystems, including as ecosystem engineers, predators, and vectors of invertebrates and nutrients, although these roles have often been overlooked. Armadillos can control pests, disperse seeds, and be effective sentinels of potential disease outbreaks or bioindicators of environmental contaminants. They also supply important material (meat, medicines) and non‐material (learning, inspiration) contributions all over the Americas. We identify key gaps in the understanding of ecosystem services provided by armadillos and areas for future research required to clarify their functional role in terrestrial ecosystems and the services they supply. Such information will produce powerful arguments for armadillo conservation.
IMPACT OF PHOSPHORUS LEVELS AND SEED RATES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF LATE SOWN MAIZE ON HIGH ELEVATION IN SWAT , PAKISTAN

After nitrogen, phosphorus (P) is required by the plants relatively in large quantity and is the second most important crop nutrient that increases productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). An experiment on effect of different P O levels and seed rates on growth and yield of late sown maize cv. 2 5 Baber on high elevation during kharif season, was conducted at Farmer Field School, Swat, Pakistan during summer 2012. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design having three replications. Sowing was done one month late (July 15) than the optimum time of sowing. Optimum time of sowing on high elevation in Swat, Pakistan starts from May 15 to June 15. Four -1 -1 levels of P O (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha ) and four seed rates (10, 20, 30 and 40 kg ha ) 2 5 were used. A subplot size of 3m x 4.5m was used. Each subplot was consisted of six rows having 75 cm row-to-row distance with row length of 3 m. Sowing of 40 kg -1 -1 seed ha treated with 75kg P O ha gave optimum cob length (19 cm), plant height 2 5 -1 (179.19 cm), 1000 grain weight (192.83 g) and grain yield (2712 kg ha ). While -1 -1 maximum grain cob (375 ) was given by 30 kg seed ha treated with 75 kg P O . On 2 5 -1 the basis of the above results, among the tested seed rate 40 kg ha treated with 75 kg P O is recommended for late sowing on high elevation under the agro2 5 ecological conditions of Swat valley.
Falls in Synucleinopathies

ABSTRACT: Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, namely dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), are common degenerative neurological disorders that share synuclein pathology. Although certain cardinal features of parkinsonism, including bradykinesia and rigidity, respond well to levodopa, axial features, such as gait and balance impairment, are less reliably responsive to dopaminergic therapy and surgical interventions. Consequently, falls are common in PD and other synucleinopathies and are a major contributor toward injury and loss of independence. This underscores the need for appropriate fall risk assessment and implementation of preventative measures in all patients with parkinsonism. The aim of this review is therefore to explore modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for falls in synucleinopathies. We next review and evaluate the evidence for pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and surgical approaches for fall prevention, and emphasize individualized and multifaceted approaches. RÉSUMÉ: Les risques de chute dans le cas des synucléinopathies. La maladie de Parkinson (MP), de même que d’autres synucléinopathies comme la démence à corps de Lewy (DCL) et l’atrophie multi-systématisée (AMS), sont des troubles neurologiques dégénératifs courants qui ont en commun l’accumulation anormale de protéine synucléine. Bien que certains des principaux symptômes caractéristiques de la MP, par exemple la bradykinésie et la rigidité, répondent bien à la lévodopa, d’autres signes axiaux, par exemple une altération de l’équilibre et de la démarche, vont répondre de façon moins efficace à un traitement dopaminergique et à des interventions chirurgicales. Il s’ensuit que les chutes de patients atteints de la MP et d’autres synucléinopathies contribuent grandement à leur perte d’autonomie, et ce, en raison de blessures. Cette situation met en évidence la nécessité de procéder à une évaluation appropriée des risques de chute chez ces patients et de mettre en œuvre des mesures préventives destinées à tous les patients souffrant de parkinsonisme. L’objectif de cette étude consiste donc, dans le cas des synucléinopathies, à examiner les facteurs de risque modifiables et non-modifiables liés aux chutes. Nous passerons ainsi en revue et évaluerons les approches pharmacologiques, non-pharmacologiques et chirurgicales dans la prévention des chutes pour ensuite mettre en relief des approches individuelles et multidimensionnelles.
CHANGES IN BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIRTY-SIX IRANIAN WHEAT LANDRACES IN RESPONSE TO DROUGHT STRESS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION USING MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS

Drought stress is one of the most important factors limiting crop production in dry regions. In order to study the effects of drought stress on antioxidant enzymes and physiological characteristics, thirty six bread wheat genotypes were evaluated at the research station, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran during 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 growing seasons. The experiment was conducted as a split-plot design with irrigation treatments (well-irrigation and non-irrigation) as main plots in three replications and genotypes as sub-plots. Water stress was applied when 50% of ears emerged. Two weeks after applying stress, the youngest leaves were collected to extract enzymes. Results showed that the activity of all enzymes increased under stress, with APX and proline showing the highest increase. Therefore, these factors were considered suitable to screen drought tolerant genotypes. The genotypes KC4856, KC4848, KC4512, KC3893, KC3892 and KC4929 had high anti-oxidant activity and high yields but showed a low decrease in MSI and hence were classified as tolerant. These results suggest that oxidative stress tolerance is closely associated with increase in antioxidant enzymes and proline and decrease of MSI.