Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Referral pattern to a university-based oral and maxillofacial cone beam CT service

Aim: Despite the rising popularity of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging in the field of dentistry, very few studies have addressed the questions of which dental specialties most frequently request CBCT images and which CBCT indications are most popular. This study attempts to answer both of these questions. Methods and Materials: CBCT request forms spanning a 1-year period were analyzed for data. Collected data included the specialty of the referring dentist and the referral reason. Results: A total of 660 referral forms were analyzed. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons were the discipline to most commonly request CBCT examinations. Pretreatment evaluation of potential dental implant sites was the most common indication for requesting CBCT scans. Conclusions: All dental specialties refer patients for CBCT examinations but at different frequencies and for various reasons that pertain to their respective disciplines. Clinical significance: These findings should be the basis for customizing the availability and scope of imaging services and in developing and modifying educational programmes for dentists and dental specialists.
Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: The HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group

Overt diabetes mellitus during pregnancy carries a significantly increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, but whether this is also true of less severe maternal hyperglycemia, or “gestational diabetes,” remains uncertain. The Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study was planned to clarify the risk, if any, associated with less marked maternal glucose intolerance than is associated with overt diabetes. A standard oral glucose tolerance test using a 75-g dose of glucose was carried out at 24–32 weeks’ gestation (target date: 28 weeks) in 25,505 pregnant women aged 18 and over at 15 centers in nine countries. Patient information remained blinded for 23,316 women whose fasting plasma glucose level did not exceed 105 mg/dL (5.8 mmol/L), and whose 2-hour plasma glucose was 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or less. For women with blinded data, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with a 1-SD (standard deviation) increase in fasting plasma glucose (6.9 mg/dL or 0.4 mmol/L); a 1-SD increase in the 1-hour plasma glucose (30.9 mg/dL or 1.7 mmol/L); and a 1-SD increase in the 2-hour plasma glucose (23.5 mg/dL or 1.3 mmol/L). The respective ORs for birth weight above the 90 percentile were 1.38 (95% confidence interval, 1.32–1.44), 1.46 (1.39–1.53), and 1.38 (1.32–1.44). For a cord-blood serum C-peptide level above the 90 percentile the figures were 1.55 (1.47–1.64), 1.46 (1.38–1.54), and 1.37 (1.30–1.44). The ORs for primary cesarean delivery were 1.11 (1.06–1.15), 1.10 (1.06–1.15), and 1.08 (1.03–1.12); and for neonatal hypoglycemia, 1.08 (0.98–1.19), 1.13 (1.03–1.26), and 1.10 (1.00–1.12). No obvious thresholds were found at which risk levels increased. Nonadjusted analyses disclosed no increase in the risk of perinatal death with increasing glucose levels. Significant associations, although weaker, were found for secondary outcomes including premature delivery, shoulder dystocia or birth injury, the need for intensive neonatal care, hyperbilirubinemia, and preeclampsia. Finding significant associations between increased but not diabetic maternal blood glucose levels and several adverse pregnancy outcomes suggests the need to reconsider currently used criteria for diagnosing and treating hyperglycemia in pregnant women.
Sequential Immunization With Heterologous Viruses Does Not Result in Attrition of the B Cell Memory in Rainbow Trout

Long-term immunity is of great importance for protection against pathogens and has been extensively studied in mammals. Successive heterologous infections can affect the maintenance of immune memory, inducing attrition of T memory cells and diminishing B cell mediated protection. In fish, the basis of immune memory and the mechanisms of immunization to heterologous pathogens remain poorly understood. We sequentially immunized isogenic rainbow trout with two immunologically distinct viruses, VHSV and IPNV, either with one virus only or in combination, and analyzed the antibody responses and repertoires. Neutralizing antibodies and ELISPOT did not reveal an effect of heterologous immunization. Using a consensus read sequencing approach that incorporates unique barcodes to each cDNA molecule, we focused on the diversity expressed by selected responding VH/C combinations. We identified both public and private responses against VHSV and/or IPNV in all groups of fish. In fish immunized with two viruses, we registered no significant reduction in the persistence of the response toward the primary immunization. Similarly, the response to the second immunization was not affected by a prior vaccination to the other virus. Our data suggest that heterologous immunization does not enforce attrition of pre-existing antibody producing cells, which may impair the protection afforded by multiple successive vaccinations. These observations are potentially important to improve vaccination strategies practiced in aquaculture.
Reproductive tract infections in rural India – A population-based study

Context: Reproductive tract infections (RTI) occupy the second position among public health problems. Aims: To find out the prevalence of RTI and its associated conditions among ever married women in the reproductive age group (15–49 years). Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 women in a rural area of Poonamallee block at Thiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu from August 2013 to January 2014. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the selection of participants was done through cluster sampling and data on symptoms by questionnaires. Statistical Analysis Used: For descriptive prevalence, statistics was used. Using Chi-Square, categorical data were analyzed and using the odds ratio P value associations were assessed. Results: About 21% had anyone symptom of RTI. Occupation of women (OR2.0), occupation of spouse (OR1.9), anemia (OR 2.0), dysuria (OR51.5), burning micturition (OR15.9), frequency (OR3.3)/the urgency of urination (OR2.7), and incomplete urination (OR5.4)/defecation (OR3.6) were significantly associated with RTI. The prevalence rate of abnormal vaginal discharge was more (12%) than any other symptoms (each < 4%) of RTIs. Conclusions: The prevalence of RTI was high. Moreover, women with dysuria, burning micturition, incomplete urination/defecation, frequency/the urgency of urination, and anemia are at a higher risk of developing RTI.
Speech-in-Noise Perception in Children With Cochlear Implants, Hearing Aids, Developmental Language Disorder and Typical Development: The Effects of Linguistic and Cognitive Abilities

Children with hearing loss, and those with language disorders, can have excellent speech recognition in quiet, but still experience unique challenges when listening to speech in noisy environments. However, little is known about how speech-in-noise (SiN) perception relates to individual differences in cognitive and linguistic abilities in these children. The present study used the Norwegian version of the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) to investigate SiN perception in 175 children aged 5.5–12.9 years, including children with cochlear implants (CI, n = 64), hearing aids (HA, n = 37), developmental language disorder (DLD, n = 16) and typical development (TD, n = 58). Further, the study examined whether general language ability, verbal memory span, non-verbal IQ and speech perception of monosyllables and sentences in quiet were predictors of performance on the HINT. To allow comparisons across ages, scores derived from age-based norms were used for the HINT and the tests of language and cognition. There were significant differences in SiN perception between all the groups except between the HA and DLD groups, with the CI group requiring the highest signal-to-noise ratios (i.e., poorest performance) and the TD group requiring the lowest signal-to-noise ratios. For the full sample, language ability explained significant variance in HINT performance beyond speech perception in quiet. Follow-up analyses for the separate groups revealed that language ability was a significant predictor of HINT performance for children with CI, HA, and DLD, but not for children with TD. Memory span and IQ did not predict variance in SiN perception when language ability and speech perception in quiet were taken into account. The finding of a robust relation between SiN perception and general language skills in all three clinical groups call for further investigation into the mechanisms that underlie this association.
Monitoring Cardiovascular Risk by Video Processing and Fuzzy Rules

To measure vital parameters, traditional devices are equipped with sensors that need to be used through contact with the subject’s skin. In recent years photoplethysmography has been developed as a contactless method to monitor vital signs. Thanks to this method, difficulties concerning the detection of parameters through contact devices can be overcome, especially in elderly subjects. In this work we use remote photoplethysmography to estimate cardiovascular parameters through the use of a contactless device equipped with a reflective mirror and a webcam that captures video frames of people’s faces. Besides, we use the clustering technique to automatically estimate the lips colour. Finally, the measured parameters are used as input to fuzzy inference rules integrated into our system, in order to predict cardiovascular risk.
Development of Information Models for Increasing the Evaluation Efficiency of Wireless Channel Parameters of 802.11 Standard

Abstract The objective of the research is to develop information models in order to improve the efficiency of evaluating the parameters of the wireless channels in 802.11 standard. A feature of the information model of the wireless channel of 802.11 standard is an opportunity to evaluate the efficiency of transferring the information block taking into account the complete packet and frame transmission cycle in the event of errors in frames. In addition, the model accounts for the existence of other subscribers in the network and the mechanism of competition for the physical resource of the frequency channel. It has been established that channel efficiency is mostly affected by the presence of destabilizing factors in the channel, which lead to an increase in the number of service information and an increase in the transmission cycle due to the creation of reciprocal queries.
Dental Health of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Hong Kong

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were reported to have higher rates of unmet dental needs and behavioural problems that leading to dental care or oral hygiene problems. With the lack of dental services for preschool children in Hong Kong, the severity of dental problems in this group of children has not been documented locally. The aim of this study is to evaluate how well the preschool aged children with autism spectrum disorder comply with the recommendations from the dental profession, namely of tooth brushing habits, dental visits and rate of dental caries. Seventy percent of the 196 recruited children diagnosed with ASD with a mean age of 5.36 years from thirteen rehabilitation centres had established a twice daily tooth brushing habit at a mean age of 2.5 years. Eight-three of the children reported to have behavioural problems during toothbrushing. Thirty-six percent of these behavioural problems were unrelated to the toothbrushing procedure, including crying, screaming and other aggressive behaviour. Twenty-six percent suffered from dental caries of which 60% were reported as severe. Only 48% of them had visited dental services, the majority of these attending for dental checkups. Dental caries was significant higher in mother with low educational level and low-income families with children of ASD. Dental problems in this group of children are not a minor issue. A primary screening dental checkup service for preschool children with ASD especially in low-income families should be deeply considered in Hong Kong.
Preservation of Residual Beta Cell Function with Vitamin D Supplementation in Type 1 Diabetes

Preservation of residual β-cell function (RBCF) at diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is important for major benefits in short and long term outcomes as endogenous insulin secretion is associated with better glycemic control, reduced risk of diabetes related complications and positive effects on physical development in children. Several immunotherapeutic interventions including nonspecific immunosuppression, epitope or antigen specific immunomodulation, cellular and β-cell trophic therapies have been tried for preservation of RBCF in T1D.Immunological interventions targeting the T cells that include therapies resulting in partial depletion or modulation of effector T cells (Teffs) and preservation or augmentation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) have shown the best potential. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D is an effective agent for increasing the numbers as well as promoting the functions of Tregs in patients with T1D. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that vitamin D may prevent pancreatic β-cell destruction through its immunomodulatory effects when the blood concentrations are in the optimal ranges. However, clinical trials on patients with T1D have shown variable results. The authors conducted a case control interventional study on 30 children with T1D. After an oral cholecalciferol dose of 2000 IU per day for 6 months, a trend towards lesser decline of RBCF was seen. The percent decrease in stimulated C-peptide was also lower in the intervention group as compared to the control group. Three (20%) patients progressed to undetectable stimulated C-peptide over the study period as compared to 1 (6%) in the intervention group. The results were similar to the recently conducted similar studies but the effect size was lower. A number of limitations in the authors’ work as well as in the previous studies will need to be addressed in the future studies of vitamin D supplementation for preserving RBCF. These issues are related to dosage and type of vitamin D, C-peptide concentration at inclusion, glycemic control during supplementation, duration of supplementation, sunexposure quantification and assessment of epitope specific T cell frequencies. Depending upon the results of subsequent larger studies, vitamin D supplementation may emerge as an important arm of the combination therapies for preservation of RBCF.
Institutional Quality, Economic Misery and Crime Rate in Nigeria

Abstract This study examines the effect of institutional quality and misery index on crime rate in Nigeria. Data sourced for the period of 1986–2016 from the Nigerian Police Force, National Bureau of Statistics, International Country Risk Guide (ICRG) and World Bank Development Indicators are employed. The study applies the ARDL approach to co-integration in estimating the model built for the study. The results show that there is a long-run relationship among the variables. It further reveals that institutional quality reduces crime rate significantly in the short run while economic misery increases the level of crime in Nigeria. These results imply that gradual improvements in institutional arrangements within democratic administrations would further provide a more effective and efficient peaceful means for settling disputes and re-alignments of socio-economic inequalities, which seem to be the main causes of criminal activities in Nigeria.
Incredible Spices of India: from Traditions to Cuisine

A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or vegetative material used in nutritionally insignificant amount as a food supplement for the reason of flavoring. Spices are defined as "a strongly flavored or aromatic substance of vegetable origin, obtained from tropical plants, commonly used as a condiment". In ancient times, spices were as valuable as metal gold; and as noteworthy as medicines and perfumes. No country in the world cultivates as a lot of kinds of spices as India with quality spices come from Kerala, an Indian state. Because of the varying climates in India-from tropical to sub-tropical, temperate-almost all spices are grown in this country. In almost all of the 28 states and seven union territories of India, at least one spice is grown in profusion. Spices and herbs are good not only for our taste buds but also for our health. They supply calcium, iron, vitamin B, vitamin C, carotene and other antioxidants. Besides herbs and spices have very low fat, so you can eat them to your hearts pleased. Rajasthan, a state of India is an important producer of spices including seed spices such as fenugreek, cumin and coriander among others. The Rajasthani chilly varieties, especially from the State's Jodhpur regions are popular not only in the country but also appeal to the taste buds of the Indian Diaspora abroad. The special quality and special flavour of Rajasthani spices are usually accredited to the favourable climatic conditions and natural methods being used here for ages. Rajasthan has the distinction of producing 17 of the total 60 varieties of Indian spices which are being regularly utilized for special desert cuisines most common of them is panchkuta.
Fatal Attraction: HIV/AIDS and Family Formation in Southern Africa

Fatal Attraction: HIV/AIDS and Family Formation in Southern Africa Cara Margherio Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Samuel Clark Sociology Stewart Tolnay Sociology This dissertation examines the complex relationships between HIV/AIDS in southern Africa and family formation processes, specifically the transition to first marriage, contraceptive usage, abortion, and first births, focusing on the experience of women. A quantitative analysis using DHS data looks at the potential mechanisms linking relatively early age at first marriage to elevated risk of HIV infection, while the qualitative analysis examines how an HIV epidemic impacts the decision-making and norms surrounding marriage and childbearing.
Highly Concentrated Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticle Fabrication through Green Reduction of Silver Ions in Terms of Mechanics and Therapeutic Potentials.

BACKGROUND Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is limited to produce AgNPs with only relatively low concentrations, which is unsuitable for large-scale productions. The use of Myrtus communis (MC) leaf methanolic extract (rich in hydrolyzable tannins) has been recommended to resolve the issues related to aggregation of the nanoparticles at high concentrations of silver ions with added facet of antioxidant properties. METHODS The produced highly concentrated MC-AgNPs were characterized by using imaging and spectroscopic methods. Subsequently, antioxidant, anticancer and antifungal activities of the nanoparticles were evaluated. RESULTS The thermogravimetric analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopy quantitative results suggested that the nanoparticles are biphasic in nature (bio-molecule + Ag0) and layered in structure, suggesting the formation of nanoparticles through a different mechanism than what was described in the literature. MC-AgNPs showed greater scavenging activity of nitric oxide and iron (II) chelating ability than the extract. It also showed good reducing power activity compared to the standard antioxidant. Remarkable anticancer activity of MC-AgNPs (IC50 = 5.99μg/mL) was found against HCT-116 (human colon carcinoma) cell lines after 24h exposure with a therapeutic index value 2-fold higher than the standard doxorubicin therapeutic index. Furthermore, distinct antifungal activity (MIC = 4 μg/mL) was found against Candida krusei. CONCLUSION The current method outperforms the existing methods because it produces a large amount of multifunctional nanoscale hybrid materials more efficiently by fewer times using natural sources; thus, it may be used for diverse biomedical applications.
On the F -Norm of a Finite Group

— Let G be a ﬁnite group, and let F be a nonempty formation. Then the intersection of the normalizers of the F -residuals of all subgroups of G is called the F -norm of G and is denoted by N F ( G ). A group G is called F -critical if G (cid:2)∈ F , but U ∈ F for any proper subgroup U of G . We say that a ﬁnite group G is generalized F -critical if G contains a normal subgroup N such that N ≤ Φ( G ) and the quotient group G/N is F -critical. In this publication, we prove the following result: If G does not belong to the nonempty hereditary formation F , then the F -norm N F ( G ) of G coincides with the intersection of the normalizers of the F -residuals of all generalized F -critical subgroups of G . In particular , the norm N ( G ) of G coincides with the intersection of the normalizers of all cyclic subgroups of G of prime power order.
Tafamidis: A First-in-Class Transthyretin Stabilizer for Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy

Objective: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of the selective transthyretin inhibitor tafamidis for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Data Sources: A PubMed (1966 to October 2019) and ClinicalTrials. gov search was conducted using the keywords tafamidis, Fx-1006A, Vyndaqel, and Vyndamax. Additional articles were identified from references. Study Selection and Data Extraction: We included English-language clinical studies evaluating the pharmacology, efficacy, or safety of tafamidis in humans for ATTR-CM. Data Synthesis: Tafamidis binds to the thyroxine-binding sites of the transthyretin tetramer and inhibits its dissociation into monomers, which is the rate-limiting step in the amyloidogenic process. Treatment with tafamidis was significantly associated with a significant reduction in mortality, lowered cardiovascular-related hospitalizations, less functional decline, and improved transthyretin stabilization compared with placebo. Additionally, tafamidis was found to have fewer adverse events, with no difference found compared with placebo. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Historically, symptomatic management for ATTR-CM was the only option, and the treatment of the underlying disease was limited to liver or heart transplantation. Tafamidis is the first medication approved for the treatment of ATTR-CM and the only medication that showed a reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations in patients with amyloidosis. However, the role of tafamidis in patients with the New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure or mutated transthyretin remains unclear. Conclusion: Tafamidis is an effective and safe oral medication for the treatment of the cardiomyopathy of transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis in adults to reduce cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalization.