Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of methylene blue and erythrosine dyes employed in photodynamic therapy for inactivation of planktonic and biofilm-cultivated Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

AIM The proposal of this work was to test the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) by using methylene blue (MB) and erythrosine (ERY) to inactivate Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), the main pathogen in aggressive periodontitis. METHODS A. actinomycetemcomitans was cultivated in planktonic cultures and biofilm by using Tryptic Soy Broth medium. The sensibility (dark toxicity) to MB and ERY was determined, and its ideal concentration for PDT protocols was established. An odontologic resin photopolymerizer was used as the light source. The bacterial viability was determined by CFU (planktonic cultures) and microscopic observation (biofilms). RESULTS The results show that ERY is more efficient at killing bacterial cells of A. actinomycetemcomitans in planktonic (75%) and biofilm (77%) culture compared with MB (50% and 54%, respectively). CONCLUSION PDT using MB or ERY as a photosensitizing agent and odontologic resin photopolymerizer as a light source could be an efficient option for pocket decontamination in aggressive periodontal disease.
Development of a brief ataxia rating scale (BARS) based on a modified form of the ICARS

To develop a brief ataxia rating scale (BARS) for use by movement disorder specialists and general neurologists. Current ataxia rating scales are cumbersome and not designed for clinical practice. We first modified the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) by adding seven ataxia tests (modified ICARS, or MICARS), and observed only minimally increased scores. We then used the statistics package R to find a five‐test subset in MICARS that would correlate best with the total MICARS score. This was accomplished first without constraints and then with the clinical constraint requiring one test each of Gait, Kinetic Function‐Arm, Kinetic Function‐Leg, Speech, and Eye Movements. We validated these clinical constraints by factor analysis. We then validated the results in a second cohort of patients; evaluated inter‐rater reliability in a third cohort; and used the same data set to compare BARS with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Correlation of ICARS with the seven additional tests that when added to ICARS form MICARS was 0.88. There were 31,481 five‐test subtests (48% of possible combinations) that had a correlation with total MICARS score of ≥0.90. The strongest correlation of an unconstrained five‐test subset was 0.963. The clinically constrained subtest validated by factor analysis, BARS, had a correlation with MICARS‐minus‐BARS of 0.952. Cronbach alpha for BARS and SARA was 0.90 and 0.92 respectively; and inter‐rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) was 0.91 and 0.93 respectively. BARS is valid, reliable, and sufficiently fast and accurate for clinical purposes. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
GCH1 in early‐onset Parkinson's disease

Mutations in GTP‐cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1) cause autosomal dominant dopa‐responsive dystonia (DRD), characterized by childhood‐onset foot dystonia that later generalizes. DRD patients frequently present with associated Parkinsonism. Conversely, early‐onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) patients commonly display dystonia. Herein, we investigated the frequency of GCH1 mutations in a series of 53 familial EOPD patients (21 with dystonia) and screened them for mutations in PRKN, PINK1, and DJ‐1. In addition, we examined a matched EOPD patient–control series for association of common variability at the GCH1 locus and EOPD susceptibility. No GCH1 coding change or copy‐number abnormality was identified in familial EOPD patients. A novel 18‐bp deletion was found in the proximal promoter (two patients, one control), which is expected to knock out two regulatory elements previously shown to regulate GCH1 transcription. No association was found between GCH1 variability and risk of EOPD. Fourteen (26.4%) familial EOPD patients had homozygous or compound heterozygous PRKN mutations. PRKN‐positive patients were 10 years younger than PRKN‐negative patients and had a twofold higher prevalence of dystonia. This study does not support a significant role for genetic variation at the GCH1 locus in EOPD. However, our results further highlight the relevance of PRKN screening in familial EOPD. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
The first thousand days – intestinal microbiology of early life: establishing a symbiosis

The development of the intestinal microbiota in the first years of life is a dynamic process significantly influenced by early‐life nutrition. Pioneer bacteria colonizing the infant intestinal tract and the gradual diversification to a stable climax ecosystem plays a crucial role in establishing host–microbe interactions essential for optimal symbiosis. This colonization process and establishment of symbiosis may profoundly influence health throughout life. Recent developments in microbiologic cultivation‐independent methods allow a detailed view of the key players and factors involved in this process and may further elucidate their roles in a healthy gut and immune maturation. Aberrant patterns may lead to identifying key microbial signatures involved in developing immunologic diseases into adulthood, such as asthma and atopic diseases. The central role of early‐life nutrition in the developmental human microbiota, immunity, and metabolism offers promising strategies for prevention and treatment of such diseases. This review provides an overview of the development of the intestinal microbiota, its bidirectional relationship with the immune system, and its role in impacting health and disease, with emphasis on allergy, in early life.
Association Between Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Gastric Cancer Incidence: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported to reduce the risk of gastric cancer among asymptomatic individuals in high-risk areas. The magnitude of benefit of H pylori eradication in populations with different levels of gastric cancer risk and in different clinical scenarios is unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies to investigate the effects of H pylori eradication on the incidence of gastric cancer. METHODS We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov, reviewing titles and abstracts of studies of the effects of eradication of H pylori infection on risk of gastric cancer, through May 2015. We also searched bibliographies of included studies, related reviews, and abstracts presented at Digestive Disease Week. Twenty-four eligible studies (22 research manuscripts and 2 abstracts) were included in our meta-analysis (715 incident gastric cancers among a total of 48,064 individuals/340,255 person-years). We assessed the effects, as well as their modification by baseline gastric cancer incidence, study design (randomized trial vs observational study), clinical scenario (asymptomatic infected individuals vs individuals after endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer), demographic characteristics of patients (age and sex), and duration of follow-up. RESULTS After adjustment for baseline gastric cancer incidence, individuals with eradication of H pylori infection had a lower incidence of gastric cancer than those who did not receive eradication therapy (pooled incidence rate ratio = 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.44-0.64). There was little heterogeneity among studies. Baseline gastric cancer incidence modified the benefit of H pylori eradication (P = .037 for interaction); the incidence rate ratio of gastric cancer decreased in a nonlinear fashion with increasing baseline incidence of gastric cancer (P = .018, in comparison with the linear model). The benefit also modestly increased with age (P = .023 for interaction), but this might be due to correlation between age and baseline gastric cancer incidence. Eradication provided significant benefit for asymptomatic infected individuals (pooled incidence rate ratio, 0.62; 95% CI: 0.49-0.79) and individuals after endoscopic resection of gastric cancers (pooled incidence rate ratio, 0.46; 95% CI: 0.35-0.60). The benefits of H pylori eradication did not differ with study design, sex, or follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we associated eradication of H pylori infection with a reduced incidence of gastric cancer. The benefits of eradication vary with baseline gastric cancer incidence, but apply to all levels of baseline risk.
How effective are minimally trained/experienced volunteer mental health counsellors? Evaluation of CORE outcome data

Abstract Background: Existing research findings indicate that minimally trained/experienced paraprofessional counsellors can be as effective as professionally trained and experienced counsellors. More research into the effectiveness of paraprofessionals with specific client populations is required to determine the conditions under which they can be most effective. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a group of 12 minimally trained/experienced volunteer mental health counsellors. Method: Data were collected over a one year period on 118 clients referred to a voluntary sector counselling agency. The CORE-OM was used to measure clients' levels of distress on a session-by-session basis. Clients and counsellors also completed a range of additional self-report measures. A benchmarking strategy was used to evaluate the outcomes achieved by participants in this study against three benchmark studies selected from published literature. Results: Paraprofessionals in this study were less effective than their profe.
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease: Two cases of dopa‐responsive juvenile parkinsonism with drug‐induced dyskinesia

There are very few conditions that present with dopa‐responsive juvenile parkinsonism. We present two such children with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) who had an initial good levodopa response that was soon complicated by disabling dopa‐induced dyskinesia. One child was diagnosed by rectal biopsy in life, and the other diagnosis was confirmed at postmortem. In this patient, dopamine transporter imaging showed severely decreased binding of the radiotracer in the striatum on both sides. Bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation in this patient produced initial improvement, but this was not sustained. Both patients died within 10 years of symptom onset. As well as levodopa responsiveness with rapid onset of dyskinesia, clues to the diagnosis of NIID in patients presenting with parkinsonism include the presence of gaze‐evoked nystagmus, early onset dysarthria and dysphagia and oculogyric crises. Differential diagnosis of clinical symptoms and neuropathological findings are discussed including the approach to rectal biopsy for early diagnosis. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Photophobia in essential blepharospasm—A positron emission tomographic study

To localize regional alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism in essential blepharospasm (EB) patients with photophobia. We have studied 22 EB patients by performing positron emission tomography and [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose analysis. The patients were classified into two subgroups, namely, EB with photophobia (P group) and EB without photophobia (NP group), and compared with a healthy control group (n = 44). There were no significant differences between the two patient groups with respect to the severity of motor symptoms or the duration for which the condition persisted. The FDG‐PET images were analyzed using the statistical parametric mapping software. As compared to the control group, the P group exhibited significant hypermetabolism in the thalamus (P = 0.002), while the NP group exhibited significant hypometabolism in the dorsal midbrain, especially, in the superior colliculus (P = 0.005). The P group exhibited significant hypermetabolism in the thalamus and the dorsal midbrain as compared to the NP group (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that photophobia in EB patients may be associated with abnormal hyperactivity in the thalamus. Either hyperactivity of the thalamus or hypoactivity of the superior colliculus, or both may be associated with excessive blinking in these patients. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Therapeutic effects of low-level laser therapy after premolar extraction in adolescents: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound healing process and pain levels after premolar extraction in adolescents. BACKGROUND DATA The advantage of using LLLT in oral surgeries is the reduction of inflammation and postoperative discomfort; however, the optimal dosing parameters and treatment effects in surgical procedures are inconclusive. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 14 patients who were to undergo surgical removal of premolars. Patients were randomly allocated to the LLLT (test) group and placebo (control) group. Patients in the test group received 5.1 J (60 J/cm(2)) of energy density of a gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser (wavelength, 830 nm; output power, 0.1 W) at three different points intraorally, 1 cm from the target tissue immediately and at 48 and 72 h after the surgical procedure. For patients in the placebo group, the laser device was applied to the same points without activating the hand piece. The wound healing process was evaluated by an independent examiner by visual inspection with the support of digital photographs at baseline and 2, 7, and 15 days postoperatively. Patients recorded the degree of pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS Compared with the placebo group, the test group showed a lower intensity of pain, but this difference was not statistically significant at any time point. The wound healing process was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this study, the LLLT parameters used neither increased the wound healing process nor significantly decreased pain intensity after premolar extraction in adolescents.
297. The comparison of intratechal isobaric ropivacaine and isobaric ropivacaine-clonidine for caesarean delivery

Aim: We investigated the effects of intrathecal isobaric 0.5% ropivacaine and isobaric 0.5% ropivacaine-clonidine combination in women undergoing caesarean deliveries. Methods: Twenty-five parturients received 17.5 mg ropivacaine (group R) and twenty five parturients received 15 mg ropivacaine and 30 μg clonidine (group RC) for spinal anaesthesia. Sensory and motor block properties; haemodynamics, postoperative analgesia, foetal outcomes and side effects were evaluated. Unpaired and paired-t-tests and chi-square and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used where appropriate (p<0.05). Results: Intrathecal ropivacaine and ropivacaine-clonidine provided effective sensory anaesthesia and motor block. S2 dermatome regression time was longer in ropivacaine-clonidine combination. First minute APGAR was lower in group RC (mean 8.8±0.7) than group R (mean 9.3±1.0). Umbilical venous pH and fifth minute APGAR scores were similar between the groups. Postoperative analgesia was prolonged by clonidine. Although intraoperative ephedrine requirements (mg) were higher in ropivacaine-clonidine group, the number of patients requiring ephedrine and the number of hypotension episodes were similar. Dry mouth was observed more with clonidine. Conclusion: We concluded that, intrathecal 17.5 mg 0.5% isobaric ropivacaine provides efficient and safe anaesthesia for caesarean section delivery. The addition of 30 g clonidine to 15 mg 0.5% isobaric ropivacaine results in longer complete and effective analgesia with similar block properties. In both groups, hypotension was easily treated with ephedrine and did not affect maternal and neonatal outcome.
Er,Cr:YSGG laser dentine conditioning improves adhesion of a glass ionomer cement.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength (BS) of different surface treatments, including laser irradiation, between conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) and dentine. METHODS Eighty-five human third molars were divided into five groups with one of the following treatments: G1- control group, had no treatment; G2, G3, and G4 were treated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at 0.5 W, 20 Hz, 25 mJ, 9 J/cm(2) (G2); 1.0 W, 20 Hz, 50 mJ, 18 J/cm(2)(G3); and 1.5 W, 20 Hz, 75 mJ, 27 J/cm(2) (G4); and G5 was treated with GIC liquid, which contains polyacrylic acid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation (n=2) and micro-shear bond strength test (n=15) using the GIC bonded to dentine were performed after 24 h of water immersion. The data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), according to irradiation protocol (p<0.001). RESULTS G2 specimens presented the highest BS results (in MPa) (10.50±0.84), followed by G1 (4.77±0.59) and G5 (4.26±1.02), which were statistically similar. G3 (3.32±0.39) and G4 (2.94±0.50) demonstrated the lowest BS values, and the difference between these groups was not statistically significant (p>0.001). SEM analysis of G1 revealed that the smear layer covered the entire dentine surface, whereas in G2, G3, and G4, irregular dentine was detected with open dentinal tubules and protruded peritubular dentine. Laser pulses could easily be distinguished in G2 but not in G3 and G4. G5 revealed a thin smear layer with dentinal tubule apertures clearly detectable. CONCLUSIONS Dentine treatment with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at a power of 0.5 W increased the BS of conventional GIC.
Ethnic differences in prevalence of cashew nut, pistachio nut and almond allergy

Gennaro D’Amato; Carolina Vitale; Mauro Mormile; Alessandro Vatrella & Maria D’Amato Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases High Speciality, A.Cardarelli Hospital, Napoli; Medical School of Respiratory Diseases, University ‘Federico II’, Naples; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno; First Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital ‘V. Monaldi’ and University ‘Federico II’ Medical School Naples, Naples, Italy E-mail: gdamatomail@gmail.com DOI:10.1111/pai.12581
Effects of Eradicating Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients With Cirrhosis Differ With Stage of Portal Hypertension.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) via antiviral treatment changes the course of liver disease. We evaluated the benefit of sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with HCV and cirrhosis without (stage 1) and with (stage 2) esophageal varices (EV). METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study of 444 patients with HCV and compensated cirrhosis (218 with stage 1 and 226 with stage 2 disease) treated with peg-interferon and ribavirin from June 2001 through December 2009 at the University of Palermo, Italy and followed for a median of 7.6 years (range, 1-12.6 years). We used Cox regression analysis to identify variables associated with appearance or progression of EVs, development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver decompensation, and overall survival. RESULTS In the intention-to-treat analysis, 67 patients with stage 1 disease (30.7%) and 41 patients with stage 2 disease (18.1%) achieved an SVR (P = .003). Patients with stage 1 disease and an SVR were less likely to develop EVs than stage 1 patients without an SVR (hazard ratio [HR], 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.48; P < .001). However, SVR did not affect whether patients with stage 2 disease developed further EVs (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.33-1.03; P = .07, by log-rank test). An SVR was associated with lower risk for HCC (HR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.55; P < .001). Patients with stage 2 disease, regardless of SVR, were at greater risk than patients with stage 1 disease for liver decompensation (HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.73-4.59; P < .001) or death (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.12-2.80; P = .015). A lower proportion of patients with stage 1 disease and an SVR died from HCC (2.9%), compared with those without an SVR (11.9%) (P = .03) or developed liver decompensation (none vs 7.1% without an SVR; P = .009). A lower proportion of patients with stage 2 disease and an SVR died from causes secondary to HCC (2.0%) compared with those without an SVR (18.4%) (P = .003). Death from causes secondary to liver decompensation did not differ significantly between patients with stage 2 disease with or without an SVR (12.1% vs 25.4%; P = .15). CONCLUSIONS In a prospective study of 444 patients with HCV and compensated cirrhosis, HCV eradication reduced risk for liver decompensation, HCC, and death, regardless of whether the patients had EVs.
Low-level laser therapy with 810 nm wavelength improves skin wound healing in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

OBJECTIVE The aim of present study was to evaluate whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can reverse the impaired wound healing process in diabetic rats. BACKGROUND DATA Impaired wound healing in diabetic patients represents a major health problem. Recent studies have indicated that LLLT may improve wound healing in diabetic rats, but the optimal treatment parameters are still unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=21) were randomly divided into three groups: a healthy control group, a diabetic sham-treated group, and a diabetic LLLT-treated group. Diabetes mellitus was then induced by streptozotocin administration to the two diabetic groups. One 4 cm long full thickness skin incision and one full thickness circular excision (diameter=4 mm) were performed on the back of each rat. An infrared 810 nm laser with an output of 30 mW, a power density of 30 mW/cm(2), and a spot size of 1 cm(2) was used to irradiate each wound for 30 sec (daily dose of 0.9 J/cm(2)/wound/day). RESULTS In diabetic rats, the histology of LLLT-treated excisions revealed a similar healing response to that in nondiabetic controls, with significantly more mature granulation tissue than in the sham-treated diabetic control group. LLLT reduced the loss of tensile strength, and increased the incision wound stiffness significantly compared with sham-irradiated rats, but this did not achieve the same level as in the nondiabetic controls. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that infrared LLLT can improve wound healing in diabetic rats. Nevertheless, further research needs to be performed to evaluate the exact underlying mechanism and to further optimize LLLT parameters for clinical use.
Indoor fungal diversity in primary schools may differently influence allergic sensitization and asthma in children

Childhood exposure to microbiologic agents may influence the development of allergic and respiratory diseases. Apart from home, children spend most of their time at school, which represents an environment of significant exposure to indoor air microbes. Therefore, we aimed to assess how the prevalence of allergic sensitization and asthma in schoolchildren is affected by microbiologic exposure within classrooms.