Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the level of salivary proinflammatory cytokine in oral lichen planus – A case–control study in cuddalore-based population

Aim: To estimate and compare the proinflammatory cytokine [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] level in the saliva of oral lichen planus (OLP) and controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 OLP cases who were clinically and histopathologically proven (12 male and 10 female patients, with a mean age of 42 years) and 22 controls matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status were enrolled in the study. Salivary TNF-α level was analyzed by immunoassay kits. Statistical Package for Social Science version 21.0 software was used for data analysis. Results: The salivary TNF-α level was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients than in controls. Conclusion: The results suggest that TNF-α may be a good diagnostic biomarker for this potentially malignant disorder.
Assessment of early orthodontic treatment need and its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics among Tanzanian children using index for preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment need

Background: Early orthodontic treatment (EOT) aims at identifying and intervening occlusal conditions in primary and early-mixed dentition. Aim: This study aimed at assessing EOT need and its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics using the index for preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment needs (IPION) among schoolchildren in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Study Setting and Design: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among schoolchildren aged 6 and 9 years. Materials and Methods: Schoolchildren were selected by multistage cluster sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic information; clinical examinations were done to record schoolchildren's IPION scores. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using a computer software, SPSS version 20.0. Chi-square test was used for assessing statistical differences between variables; P value was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 667 schoolchildren were involved (59.5% girls; 52.5% 9-year-olds). In 6-year-olds, 77.9% had caries, and in 9-year-olds, 60% had caries. Lower-second primary molars were the most common prematurely lost teeth. Increased overjet was the most frequently recorded occlusal anomaly. Many 9-year-old boys than girls had caries (67.4% vs. 55.5%, P = 0.032). Six-year-olds with mothers who were homemakers compared to those with employed mothers experienced caries (81.7% vs. 71.0%, P = 0.034). Overall, 67.2% and 41.7% of the participants had EOT need and definite EOT need, respectively. Conclusion: EOT need for malocclusions was high in the involved school children, these will thus benefit from preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment programs.
Corneal wavefront-guided versus aberration-free transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in patients with myopia with high pre-existing corneal higher order aberrations

Objective The aim was to compare the efficacy, safety, and predictability of corneal wavefront-guided (WFG) and aberration-free ablation in single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) in patients with myopia with high pre-existing corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs). Background Corneal WFG and aberration-free treatments have been proposed as methods to achieve better visual, refractive, and optical outcomes. Patients and methods A prospective case series was conducted in El-Hekma Eye-LASIK Center, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, during the period from January 2017 to December 2017. TransPRK was performed for eligible patients with myopia with or without astigmatism with corneal HOAs greater than or equal to 0.35 μm using either aberration-free or corneal WFG patterns provided by ORK-CAM software. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, manifest and cycloplegic refractions, best spectacle corrected distance visual acuity, thorough slit lamp examination, and corneal topography were assessed and repeated 6 months postoperatively. Results Six months postoperatively, 97.6 and 100% of patients achieved manifest refraction spherical equivalent within ±1 D and 76.2 and 66.67% of patients achieved uncorrected distance visual acuity of greater than or equal to 20/20 in aberration-free and corneal WFG groups, respectively. Both groups showed increase in spherical and total corneal HOAs, with no significant difference in corneal WFG (P = 0.08 and 0.28, respectively), though significantly higher postoperatively in aberration-free group (P < 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Coma and trefoil aberrations decreased after corneal WFG technique, yet increased after aberration-free one. Conclusion Both aberration-free and corneal WFG TransPRK were safe, effective, and predictable in treatment of myopia in patients with high pre-existing corneal HOAs with better aberrometric outcomes in corneal WFG group.
Role of digital volumetric tomography in assessing morphological variations in condyle and temporal components of patients with asymptomatic temporomandibular joint

Background: Radiographic features of remodeling are difficult to analyze. This has led to the popularity of using digital volumetric tomography (DVT) for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imaging. To understand variations in normal anatomy and morphology of the condyle and temporal components of the TMJ, it is necessary to differentiate normal variant from pathology. Methods: A total of 160 condyle and temporal components of TMJ in patients with asymptomatic TMJ were assessed by two observers using orthopantomograph (OPG) and compared with DVT using axial, coronal, and sagittal sections for the different condylar and temporal changes separately. Different relationship between variables were evaluated and statistically analyzed. Results: The assessment made by two observers showed agreement between two observers for OPG and DVT (P < 0.05). A significant increase in occurrence of remodeling changes was observed with increase in age in both condyle and temporal components. A significant difference was observed between male and female in condylar and temporal changes also among the right and left sides. Remodeling changes were detected more accurately in DVT compared with OPG. The common bony changes seen were flattening followed by concavity and osteophytes. There is a significant difference in detecting these changes. Conclusion: Knowledge of morphologic variability in the TMJ is of utmost important to differentiate normal variant from pathology which would help in arriving at proper diagnosis. A more accurate and authentic information on condylar and temporal bony changes were obtained by DVT.
Strongyloides stercoralis Infection at Different Altitudes of the Cusco Region in Peru.

Strongyloides stercoralis affects 30-100 million people worldwide. The burden is underestimated because of the paucity of studies, limited geographical areas surveyed, and poor quality of diagnostic tests. This study aimed at determining the epidemiology of strongyloidiasis using sensitive microscopy testing in rural populations living at different altitudes in Cusco, Peru. Data were collected from subjects aged > 3 years living in Quellouno (elevation 2,600 ft) and Limatambo (elevation 8,379 ft) districts. Subjects provided one fresh stool sample and answer a standardized questionnaire. Fresh stool was tested on site using the Baermann's test and agar plate culture. Formalin-preserved stool was tested by rapid sedimentation. Eighty percent (585/715) of eligible subjects consented to participate; after excluding subjects with missing data, 65% (462/715) were included. Fifty-five percentage were female; the median age was 33 years (interquartile range 13-52), and 72% had government health insurance. Half had intestinal parasites, and strongyloides was the most common (24.5%) followed by Giardia spp. (15.5%), blastocystis (14.9%), and hookworm (11.5%). The agar plate culture detected more cases of Strongyloides than Baermann's or sedimentation tests. Strongyloides infection was more common at low altitude (26.4%) than at high altitude (18.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Older age, walking barefoot, bathing in rivers/streams, and using municipal sewage were associated with strongyloidiasis. Strongyloides was the most prevalent parasite in the areas studied and was associated with demographic, socioeconomic, and sanitary factors.
Prevalence of frailty in a tertiary hospital: A point prevalence observational study

Introduction Frailty is an important concept in modern healthcare due to its association with adverse outcomes. Its prevalence varies in the literature and there is a paucity of literature looking at the prevalence of frailty in an inpatient setting. Its significance lies on its impact on resource utilisation and costs. Aim To determine the prevalence of frailty in the adult population in a tertiary New Zealand hospital. Methods Eligible patients aged 18 years and over were invited to participate, and frailty assessment was performed using the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale. A score of 8 or more was considered frail. Factors associated with frailty were assessed. Results Of 640 occupied inpatient beds, 420 patients were assessed. 220 patients were excluded, of which 89 were absent from their bed-space, 73 declined and 41 were critically unwell. The overall prevalence of frailty across assessed patients was 48.8%. The prevalence of frailty increased significantly with age; patients aged 85 and over were significantly more likely to be frail compared to those aged under 65 (OR 6.25, 95% CI 3.17–12.7). Maori patients were significantly more likely to be frail (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.45–11.9). When compared to those patients admitted to a medical specialty, patients admitted to surgical specialty were less likely to be frail (OR 0.52 95% CI 0.31–0.86) and those admitted for rehabilitation were more likely to be frail (OR 1.86 95% CI 1.03–3.41). Frail patients were more likely to come from a rest home (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.38–6.14) or hospital level care (OR 9.62, 95% CI 2.68–61.6). Conclusion Frailty is highly prevalent in the hospital setting with 48.8% of all inpatients classified as frail. This high number of frail patients has significant resource implications and an increased understanding of the burden of frailty in this population may aid targeting of interventions towards this vulnerable population.
Detection of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected in the suburban area of Monte Romano, Lazio Region, Central Italy.

BACKGROUND A study on tick species characterization and tick borne pathogens detection was performed by a survey conducted during 2012 and 2013 in the Viterbo province (Lazio Region, Central Italy). Seven sites were selected for the study investigation, including two farms and a military zone. METHODS A total of 255 ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (n = 215), Rhipicephalus bursa (n = 28), and Hyalomma marginatum (n = 12) were screened individually by molecular methods for the tick borne bacterial agents: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, Bartonella spp. , Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia spp. , Francisella spp. , and Rickettsia spp. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Overall, 182 ticks (71%) were infected with at least one pathogen; among these co-infections were found in 94 ticks. Tick borne pathogens identified were C. burnetii, B. burgdorferi s.l. , Bartonella spp. , Rickettsia spp. , Francisella spp. , and Ehrlichia spp. In R. bursa and H. marginatum, the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. was positively correlated with that of C. burnetii, Rickettsia spp. , and Bartonella spp. and their coinfection probabilities were 29.8%, 22.7% and 11.7%, respectively; the probability of coinfection for Francisella spp. and Rickettsia spp. and for Francisella spp. and Bartonella spp. was 14.9% and 17.9%, respectively. In R. (Boophilus) annulatus, the probability of coinfection between C. burnetii and B. burgdorferi s.l. was 11.3%, while those between C. burnetii and Bartonella spp. and between B. burgdorferi s.l. and Bartonella spp. were 0.8%. Further studies are needed in order to assess the risk associated with these unusual tick-borne pathogens in Central Italy.
Patterns and Predictors of Recovery from Poor Health Status Measured with the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assessment Test in Patients with Stable COPD: A Longitudinal Study

Recent recommendations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suggest that evaluation and management should focus on patient health status. Despite the frequency of poor health status and its negative impact on patients with COPD, little is known about how poor or non-poor health status persists and/or remits over time or what factors might predict recovery from a poor health status. The aim was to determine the likelihood of transitioning between poor and non-poor health status in patients with stable COPD followed for 2 years and to investigate factors that might predict recovery from poor health status. We prospectively included 137 patients with stable COPD (mean age, 66.9 years ± 8.3). Health status was measured at baseline and after 1 and 2 years with the COPD assessment test (CAT). Higher scores indicated worse health status, and 10 was the cut-off score for discriminating between non-poor and poor health status. The likelihoods of annual transitions to new episodes and recovery were calculated. We evaluated demographic, non-respiratory, and respiratory variables as potential predictors with generalized estimating equations. At baseline, 37 patients (27%) reported non-poor health status. Within the group of patients displaying poor health status at the beginning of the year, 176 annual transitions were identified during the study period: 15.9% were transitions to recovery from poor health status. In contrast, of the 70 transitions from a starting non-poor health status, 32.4% worsened. Predictors of transitions to recovery were: current non-smoker status (odds ratio (OR) = 3.88; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–5.54) and handgrip strength (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00–1.16). This study suggests that self-reported health status, measured with the CAT, has a dynamic nature in patients with COPD. Annual transitions towards recovery from poor health status are most likely among current non-smoking patients and those with high handgrip strength.
PROFIP: A Portuguese early intervention programme for first‐episode psychosis in Lisbon

There is currently no national plan for early intervention in first‐episode psychosis in Portugal. Consequently, there is some heterogeneity in the evaluation and treatment of first‐episode psychosis across the country. The aim of this article is to provide a complete description of the early intervention programme Programa de Intervenção nas Fases Iniciais da Psicose (PROFIP) in Lisbon, a pioneering team in Portugal for treating first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients. We also describe the baseline socio‐demographic and clinical data obtained from new patients over a 1‐year period. PROFIP programme accepts all cases of FEP, taking a transdiagnostic approach.
Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Normal Renal Function, Renal Dysfunction and Renal Transplant Recipients, Focusing on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist: A Review Based upon Current Evidence

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of both Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD). After 2008, there has been much evidence presented, and recently the guidelines for sugar control have changed to focus on being more disease orientated. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1R) and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are suggested as the first line towards fighting all DM, CVD and ESRD. However, the benefits of GLP-1R in organ transplantation recipients remain very limited. No clinical trials have been designed for this particular population. GLP-1R, a gastrointestinal hormone of the incretin family, possesses antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and immunomodulatory actions. There are few drug–drug interactions, with delayed gastric emptying being the major concern. The trough level of tacrolimus may not be significant but should still be closely monitored. There are some reasons which support GLP-1R in recipients seeking glycemic control. Post-transplant DM is due to an impaired β-cell function and glucose-induced glucagon suppression during hyperglycemia, which can be reversed by GLP-1R. GLP-1R infusion tends to relieve immunosuppressant related toxicity. Until now, in some cases, glycemic control and body weight reduction can be anticipated with GLP-1R. Additional renal benefits have also been reported. Side effects of hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal discomfort were rarely reported. In conclusion, GLP-1R could be implemented for recipients while closely monitoring their tacrolimus levels and any potential side effects. Any added benefits, in addition to sugar level control, still require more well-designed studies to prove their existence.
Nitrogen Dioxide at Ambient Concentrations Induces Nitration and Degradation of PYR/PYL/RCAR Receptors to Stimulate Plant Growth: A Hypothetical Model

Exposing Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) seedlings fed with soil nitrogen to 10–50 ppb nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for several weeks stimulated the uptake of major elements, photosynthesis, and cellular metabolisms to more than double the biomass of shoot, total leaf area and contents of N, C P, K, S, Ca and Mg per shoot relative to non-exposed control seedlings. The 15N/14N ratio analysis by mass spectrometry revealed that N derived from NO2 (NO2-N) comprised < 5% of the total plant N, showing that the contribution of NO2-N as N source was minor. Moreover, histological analysis showed that leaf size and biomass were increased upon NO2 treatment, and that these increases were attributable to leaf age-dependent enhancement of cell proliferation and enlargement. Thus, NO2 may act as a plant growth signal rather than an N source. Exposure of Arabidopsis leaves to 40 ppm NO2 induced virtually exclusive nitration of PsbO and PsbP proteins (a high concentration of NO2 was used). The PMF analysis identified the ninth tyrosine residue of PsbO1 (9Tyr) as a nitration site. 9Tyr of PsbO1 was exclusively nitrated after incubation of the thylakoid membranes with a buffer containing NO2 and NO2− or a buffer containing NO2− alone. Nitration was catalyzed by illumination and repressed by photosystem II (PSII) electron transport inhibitors, and decreased oxygen evolution. Thus, protein tyrosine nitration altered (downregulated) the physiological function of cellular proteins of Arabidopsis leaves. This indicates that NO2-induced protein tyrosine nitration may stimulate plant growth. We hypothesized that atmospheric NO2 at ambient concentrations may induce tyrosine nitration of PYR/PYL/RCAR receptors in Arabidopsis leaves, followed by degradation of PYR/PYL/RCAR, upregulation of target of rapamycin (TOR) regulatory complexes, and stimulation of plant growth.
Patient versus Physician Perceptions of Frailty: A Comparison of Clinical Frailty Scale Scores of Older Adults in the Emergency Department.

Frailty is a state of vulnerability to impairments in mobility, balance, muscle strength, motor processing, physical function, disability, cognition, nutrition, endurance, and physical activity. Prevalence estimates vary widely from 4.0 to 59.1% (weighted estimate 10.9%), with prevalence increasing with age. The risk of adverse outcomes for frail older adults including falls, delirium, disability and death is increased compared to similarly aged individuals without frailty, and may be a more important predictor of death than age for older adults. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Risk to Nonparticipants in HIV Remission Studies With Treatment Interruption: A Symposium

Abstract Ethical guidelines and recommendations for human subjects research typically focus on protecting the individuals who directly participate in that research. However, additional people, including sex partners of research participants, can also face harms and burdens from medical studies. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure–related research, a persistent ethical and practical challenge surrounds the use of analytical antiretroviral treatment interruptions. The challenge is usually discussed in relation to risks to study participants, but serious dangers accrue to nonparticipants, including sex partners of study participants. This multidisciplinary supplement relays the risks for nonparticipating sex partners in HIV cure–related studies and addresses the ethical dilemmas raised by these studies, with recommendations for researchers, advocates, sponsors, and oversight bodies.
Influence of Alcohol Consumption on Body Mass Gain and Liver Antioxidant Defense in Adolescent Growing Male Rats

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that alcohol consumption is a serious problem in adolescents. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the time of exposure of various alcoholic beverages on body mass as well as on select parameters of liver antioxidant defense in adolescent Wistar rats. Thirty-day-old animals were divided into 12 groups (six animals in each): control and groups receiving various beverages containing 10% of alcohol (ethanol, red wine, beer), observed for two, four, and six weeks. The body weight gain and energy supply were analyzed for body mass assessment. The catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, transferase (GST), reductase activities, total antioxidant status, and glutathione level (GSH) were analyzed, for a liver antioxidant defense assessment. Group receiving red wine was characterized by the highest alcohol intake, lowest dietary intake, and highest total energy supply (p < 0.05). However, this did not influence body weight gain (p > 0.05). Reduced diet intake in groups receiving alcohol was counterbalanced by its energy value. Therefore, the energy supply was not lower than for the control (p > 0.05). Alcohol consumption and the experiment duration influenced CAT, SOD, and GST activities and GSH level. Alcohol consumption may influence hepatic antioxidant defense in adolescent male rats, but without influence on body weight gain.
Sex Differences in Cognitive Flexibility and Resting Brain Networks in Middle-Aged Marmosets

Abstract Sex differences in human cognitive performance are well characterized. However, the neural correlates of these differences remain elusive. This issue may be clarified using nonhuman primates, for which sociocultural influences are minimized. We used the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to investigate sex differences in two aspects of executive function: reversal learning and intradimensional/extradimensional (ID/ED) set shifting. Stress reactivity and motor function were also assessed. In agreement with human literature, females needed more trials than males to acquire the reversals. No sex differences in ED set shifting or motivational measures were observed. The findings suggest enhanced habit formation in females, perhaps due to striatal estrogenic effects. Both sexes showed increased urinary cortisol during social separation stressor, but females showed an earlier increase in cortisol and a greater increase in agitated locomotion, possibly indicating enhanced stress reactivity. Independent of sex, basal cortisol predicted cognitive performance. No sex differences were found in motor performance. Associations between brain networks and reversal learning performance were investigated using resting state fMRI. Resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) analyses revealed sex differences in cognitive networks, with differences in overall neural network metrics and specific regions, including the prefrontal cortex, caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens. Correlations between cognitive flexibility and neural connectivity indicate that sex differences in cognitive flexibility are related to sex-dependent patterns of resting brain networks. Overall, our findings reveal sex differences in reversal learning, brain networks, and their relationship in the marmoset, positioning this species as an excellent model to investigate the biological basis of cognitive sex differences.