Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of micronuclei in exfoliated oral epithelial cells in potentially malignant disorders and malignant lesions using special stains

Introduction: Micronuclei (MNs) are extranuclear cytoplasmic DNA bodies which are induced in cells by numerous genotoxic agents that damage chromosome. The MN assay in exfoliated buccal cells is a useful and minimally invasive method for monitoring genetic damage. Aim: The aim of present study was to detect and assess MNs in oral exfoliated cells in patients diagnosed with leukoplakia with dysplasia, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using special stains and to determine the most appropriate staining technique for the evaluation of MNs along with a comparative evaluation of MNs with histological grading Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, CDCRI, Rajnandgaon, and a total of 45 subjects were included in the study who were subsequently divided into three groups (15 each). Four smears were obtained from each subject which were taken from the lesional tissue and stained simultaneously. Analysis: The results were analyzed via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 23.0 (SPSS). Results: The results confirmed the association of MNs with genotoxic agents and showed an elevated number in OSCC followed by OSMF and leukoplakia. The frequency also increased with the severity of the lesion. Besides this, Papanicolaou (PAP) stain was found to be the most suitable stain for detection of MNs. Conclusion: Based on the above pretext, we can conclude that PAP stain was the most suitable stain for valuation of MNs and that the MN assay holds promise as a specific biomarker of genotoxicity, for screening of oral cancer and can be used as a prognostic indicator.
Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in the Female Reproductive Tract of the Rat: Influence of Progesterone on Infectivity and Immune Response

ABSTRACT As the most common cause of sexually transmitted disease in women, chlamydial infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. To better understand the role played by sex hormones in modulating the immune response of the genital tract to microbial infections, we have developed a rat model to studyChlamydia trachomatis infection. Inbred female Lewis rats were primed with progesterone and inoculated by intrauterine instillation of C. trachomatis (mouse pneumonitis strain MoPn) into each uterine horn. When infected animals were examined for the presence of chlamydial antigens 14 days postinfection, both the uterus and vagina were found to be positive compared to those of saline-treated animals, which did not show specific staining. The involvement of local and systemic immune systems following chlamydial infection was determined by analyzing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression in the reproductive tract and lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogenic and chlamydia-specific stimulation of cells from the spleen and lymph nodes (LN) draining the reproductive tract. Enhanced proliferation was observed in LN following mitogenic but not antigenic (MOMP [major outer membrane protein]) stimulation. In contrast, spleen cell proliferation was lower in chlamydia-infected rats than in saline-treated controls. MHC class II expression, an indicator of inflammatory responses, was upregulated in the uterus, on glandular epithelial cells, and adjacent to glands in response to chlamydial infection. In other experiments, when rats were infected at estrus and diestrus without prior progesterone priming, chlamydial inclusions were not detected in either the uterus or vagina. However, enhanced lymphocyte proliferation was observed in response to mitogenic and MOMP stimulation in the reproductive tract-draining LN from estrous and diestrous animals. These findings indicate that under appropriate endocrine conditions, the rat uterus is susceptible to C. trachomatisinfection and that immune responses to this pathogen can be detected locally and systemically. Further, they suggest that clearance of the infection from the reproductive tract involves immune cells from the LN draining the reproductive tract.
Prognostic efficiency of clinicopathologic scoring to predict cervical lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The extent of involvement of cervical lymph nodes is known to be the most important prognosticator in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that significantly affects the survival rate of patients. The clinical, radiological and pathological factors that can predict cervical lymph node metastasis are yet to be ascertained clearly, which poses a challenge for the surgeon to determine the extent of neck dissection. Aim: This study aims to identify the clinical and histopathologic predictors of lymph node metastasis among patients with oral SCC and to devise a scoring system based on those predictors to aid in better clinical decision-making regarding the extent of neck dissection. Setting: Malabar Cancer Centre, a specialized tertiary cancer care center in Kerala, India. Methods: A retrospective review of 160 patient records and biopsy slides collected and preserved between June 2014 and May 2016. Conclusion: The clinicopathologic parameters such as site of cancer (P = 0.03), histologic differentiation (P = 0.03), shape of rete pegs (P = 0.002), pattern of invasion (P = 0.0001) and depth of invasion >3 mm (P = 0.016) were significantly associated with the risk of lymph node metastasis. The risk score devised based on these predictors serves as an efficient tool in aiding clinical decision-making regarding the extent of neck dissection.
Influence of Motivation on Academic Performance among Dental College Students

AIM: This study aimed to assess the influence of motivation on academic performance among dental undergraduate students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among a sample of 187 undergraduate dental students from the main dental colleges in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia using an electronic questionnaire. Students’ academic performance was measured by their current grade point average (GPA). Motivation was assessed using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), which is a self-report instrument designed to assess students’ motivational orientations and learning strategies in college, including goals and value beliefs for the studied program (intrinsic, extrinsic goals orientation and task value), beliefs about their skills to succeed in their studies (control of learning beliefs, self-efficacy for learning and performance), and their anxiety about program tests. RESULTS: The results showed positive correlations between GPA and the motivation scale (r = 0.2296, p = 0.0019) and most of its subscales, including self-efficacy for learning performance (r = 0.2997, p = 0.0001), control of learning beliefs (r = 0.2305, p = 0.0021) and task value (r = 0. 2243, p = 0.0021). Test anxiety showed negative correlation with GPA (r = -0.1943, p = 0.0100). Compared to their counterparts, male students, students perceived to be from middle class families and students living with their families were consistently showing significant correlations between GPA and most of the motivation subscales. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that motivation for learning can influence the academic performance of dental students. This influence can be affected by factors such as sex, socioeconomic factors and family support of the students.
Severe osteomyelitis due to the zygomycete Apophysomyces elegans

We describe a previously healthy 69-year-old man presenting with osteomyelitis of the humerus due to the zygomycete Apophysomyces elegans. The infection was acquired in Aruba, The Netherlands Antilles. The skin provided the most likely portal of entry, although there was no history of a traumatic inoculation. The patient had no history of diabetes, and no underlying immune defects were found. Despite treatment with 7.9 g of amphotericin B, an interthoracoscapular amputation proved necessary to curtail the rapid spread of the fungus in this immunocompetent host.
Descriptive Study of Foodborne Disease Using Case Monitoring Data in Shandong Province, China, 2016–2017

Background: In order to generate data on the burden of foodborne diseases in Shandong Province, we aimed to use the case monitoring data of foodborne diseases from 2016 to 2017 to estimate. Methods: Data were obtained from the foodborne disease surveillance reporting system with dates of onset from Jan 1, 2016, to Dec 31, 2017, in Shandong, China. Results: The places of food exposure were categorized by settings as follows: private home, catering facility, collective canteens, retail markets, rural banquets and other. Exposed food is divided into 23 categories. Overall incidence rate and proportions by exposure categories, age, and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and sex proportions compared. Approximately 75.00% of cases who had at least one exposure settings were in private homes. The most frequently reported exposed food was a variety of food (meaning more than two kinds of food). The two-year average incidence rate was 75.78/100,000, sex-specific incidence rate was much higher for females compared to males (78.23 vs. 74.69 cases per 100,000 population). An age-specific trend was observed in the cases reported (Chi-Square for linear trend, χ2=4.39, P=0.036<0.05). Conclusion: A preliminary estimate of 14 million cases of foodborne diseases in Shandong province each year. Future studies should focus on cross-sectional and cohort studies to facilitate the assessment of the distribution and burden of foodborne disease of the population in Shandong. Considering strengthening the burden of foodborne diseases in foodborne disease surveillance is also a feasible way.
A retrospective study of clinicopathological features of oral squamous cell carcinoma with and without oral submucous fibrosis

Context: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is strongly associated with areca nut usage; the existence of OSF in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an indicator of areca nut-induced carcinogenesis. As areca nut follows a discrete molecular path for oral carcinogenesis, this could be the basis why OSCC patients with OSF are different and are currently projected to constitute a distinct clinicopathologic entity. Aim: This study aims to analyze and compare the demographics, risk factors and clinicopathologic features of OSCC patients with and without OSF. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of OSCC cases treated in the institution from 2008 to 2013 was done. Sixty OSCC of buccal mucosa were selected, of which 30 were with concomitant OSF and 30 without OSF. Demographics, risk factors and clinicopathological features were studied. The data were analyzed by SPSS-20 software, using the Pearson Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Mann–Whitney U-tests. Results: OSCC cases with OSF were younger (mean age 40.5 vs. 54 years) compared to those without OSF (P < 0.05). Risk factors and other clinicopathological parameters did not differ between the two groups. There was significant difference in the two groups with regard to tumor differentiation (P = 0.000). Tumors in OSCC with OSF were more likely to be well differentiated. Conclusion: Although majority of OSCC patients with OSF were young with a better grade of tumor differentiation, other clinicopathologic features having prognostic significance did not differ significantly between the two groups. Therefore, OSCC arising in background OSF as a distinct entity is uncertain.
Optical Enhancement of Fingerprint Deposits on Brass Using Digital Color Mapping

Abstract: The reflection of visible light from α‐phase brass subject to surface oxidation in air at elevated temperatures is investigated. X‐ray photoelectron and auger electron spectroscopy confirm that covered areas of brass (not exposed to air) display dezincification but an absence of significant surface oxidation, confirming a differential oxidation mechanism. Visualization of differential oxidation is shown to be enhanced by selective digital mapping of colors reflected from the surface of the brass using Adobe® Photoshop®. Enhancement is optimal when the brass is heated to ∼250°C with areas of oxidation having a mirror‐like appearance. The use of this enhancement method to produce a faithful image of fingerprint ridge characteristics is demonstrated on brass shell casings where fingerprints were deposited prefiring.
Homer‐1a/Vesl‐1S enhances hippocampal synaptic transmission

Homer/Vesl proteins are involved in regulating metabotropic glutamate receptors, synaptogenesis, dendritic spine development and axonal pathfinding. We investigated the potential modulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission by the immediate early gene product Homer‐1a/Vesl‐1S and by the constitutively expressed long‐form Homer‐1c/Vesl‐1L in CA1 pyramidal cells from cultured rat hippocampal slices. Semliki Forest virus vector‐mediated overexpression of Homer‐1a enhanced alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor function, but did not detectably affect N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor function and presynaptic glutamate release. Overexpression of Homer‐1c, by contrast, did not alter synaptic transmission. To corroborate our electrophysiological results obtained in slice cultures, we performed quantitative immunocytochemistry in cultures of dissociated hippocampal neurons. Homer‐1a also increased synaptic clustering of AMPA but not NMDA receptors, whereas Homer‐1c had no detectable effect. Our results show that Homer‐1a potentiates synaptic AMPA receptor function, supporting a critical role for Homer‐1a in hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
No Evidence of Systemic Inflammation in Symptomatic Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain and represents a major cause of early osteoarthritis. The role of systemic inflammation in pre‐arthritic hip conditions remains largely unknown and uninvestigated. Serum‐free light chains (sFLCs) are inflammatory markers produced by B cells. This study aimed to determine whether there was evidence of systemic inflammation in patients with FAI, defined by sFLCs, and whether this correlated with markers of disease severity. Participants for this study were recruited from a single center (Nuffield Orthopedic Center, Oxford) and were taking part in the Femoroacetabular Impingement Trial. The cohort comprised 115 individuals (38 male, 77 female, mean age 37 years): 57 individuals received surgical intervention and 58 received physiotherapy. All individuals provided patient‐reported outcome measures and serum samples at baseline and follow‐up 8 months post‐randomization. sFLC concentrations were measured in serum samples by immunoturbidimetry. At baseline, for all individuals, mean polyclonal sFLC concentrations were 30.36 mg/l (standard deviation [SD] 9.23). At follow‐up, the mean polyclonal sFLC concentrations were 31.68 mg/l (SD 9.61) in the surgical intervention cohort, and 29.48 mg/l (SD 7.85) in the physiotherapy intervention cohort. There was no significant correlation between sFLC concentrations and any of the patient reported outcome measures, or radiographic measures: average or maximum alpha angle, or center edge angle. In conclusion, in patients with symptomatic FAI there was no systemic inflammation, as defined by sFLC concentrations, and no correlation between sFLC concentrations and measures of disease severity. The lack of inflammation suggests FAI is a mechanical phenomenon. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2189–2196, 2019
Effect of a Recombinant Human Soluble Thrombomodulin on Mortality in Patients With Sepsis-Associated Coagulopathy: The SCARLET Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Previous research suggested that soluble human recombinant thrombomodulin may reduce mortality among patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy. Objective To determine the effect of human recombinant thrombomodulin vs placebo on 28-day all-cause mortality among patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy. Design, Setting, and Participants The SCARLET trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational, multicenter phase 3 study conducted in intensive care units at 159 sites in 26 countries. All adult patients admitted to one of the participating intensive care units between October 2012 and March 2018 with sepsis-associated coagulopathy and concomitant cardiovascular and/or respiratory failure, defined as an international normalized ratio greater than 1.40 without other known etiology and a platelet count in the range of 30 to 150 × 109/L or a greater than 30% decrease in platelet count within 24 hours, were considered for inclusion. The final date of follow-up was February 28, 2019. Interventions Patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy were randomized and treated with an intravenous bolus or a 15-minute infusion of thrombomodulin (0.06 mg/kg/d [maximum, 6 mg/d]; n = 395) or matching placebo (n = 405) once daily for 6 days. Main Outcome and Measures The primary end point was 28-day all-cause mortality. Results Among 816 randomized patients, 800 (mean age, 60.7 years; 437 [54.6%] men) completed the study and were included in the full analysis set. In these patients, the 28-day all-cause mortality rate was not statistically significantly different between the thrombomodulin group and the placebo group (106 of 395 patients [26.8%] vs 119 of 405 patients [29.4%], respectively; P = .32). The absolute risk difference was 2.55% (95% CI, -3.68% to 8.77%). The incidence of serious major bleeding adverse events (defined as any intracranial hemorrhage; life-threatening bleeding; or bleeding event classified as serious by the investigator, with administration of at least 1440 mL [typically 6 units] of packed red blood cells over 2 consecutive days) was 23 of 396 patients (5.8%) in the thrombomodulin group and 16 of 404 (4.0%) in the placebo group. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy, administration of a human recombinant thrombomodulin, compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce 28-day all-cause mortality. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01598831.
Variability in ozone-induced pulmonary injury and inflammation in healthy and cardiovascular-compromised rat models

Abstract The molecular bases for variability in air pollutant-induced pulmonary injury due to underlying cardiovascular (CVD) and/or metabolic diseases are unknown. We hypothesized that healthy and genetic CVD-prone rat models will exhibit exacerbated response to acute ozone exposure dependent on the type and severity of disease. Healthy male 12–14-week-old Wistar Kyoto (WKY), Wistar (WS) and Sprague Dawley (SD); and CVD-compromised spontaneously hypertensive (SH), Fawn-Hooded hypertensive (FHH), stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHSP), obese spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) and obese JCR (JCR) rats were exposed to 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 ppm ozone for 4 h; pulmonary injury and inflammation were analyzed immediately following (0-h) or 20-h later. Baseline bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein was higher in CVD strains except for FHH when compared to healthy. Ozone-induced increases in protein and inflammation were concentration-dependent within each strain but the degree of response varied from strain to strain and with time. Among healthy rats, SD were least affected. Among CVD strains, lean rats were more susceptible to protein leakage from ozone than obese rats. Ozone caused least neutrophilic inflammation in SH and SHHF while SHSP and FHH were most affected. BALF neutrophils and protein were poorly correlated when considering the entire dataset (r = 0.55). The baseline and ozone-induced increases in cytokine mRNA varied markedly between strains and did not correlate with inflammation. These data illustrate that the degree of ozone-induced lung injury/inflammation response is likely influenced by both genetic and physiological factors that govern the nature of cardiovascular compromise in CVD models.
The psychological mechanism linking employee work engagement and turnover intention: A moderated mediation study.

BACKGROUND In the global economy, motivating people to engage and stay in their work is a challenge for organizations. Researchers are increasingly recognizing the need for promoting strong employee engagement in the workplace. OBJECTIVE This paper examines the effect of employee work engagement on turnover intention. The study focuses on the mediating role of trust that underpins the relationship between employee work engagement and turnover intention, and the moderating role of job embeddedness in influencing the effect of trust. METHOD Survey data were collected from 418 employees from private media organizations. Hierarchical regression analysis and moderated mediation analysis were employed to test the hypotheses. RESULTS The results indicate that trust mediates the relationship between employee work engagement and turnover intention. Job embeddedness moderates the strength of the mediated relationship between employee work engagement and turnover intention via trust, such that the mediated relationship is weaker under high job embeddedness than under low job embeddedness. CONCLUSION This paper described the relationships among the concepts of work engagement, job embeddedness, trust, and turnover intention from a novel direction. Theoretical and practical consequences of these findings are discussed.
Gender identification from speech signal by examining the speech production characteristics

The term gender identification deals with finding out the gender of a person from his or her voice. Gender identification has been implemented in several Automatic Speaker Recognition (ASR) systems and has proved to be of great significance. The use of gender identification in today's technology makes it easier for user authentication and identification in high security systems. In this paper, we have discussed about the gender identification process for speech signals using three different features namely Pitch using autocorrelation, Signal energy and Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs). A linear Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier was used for classification of features extracted from the speech signal using signal processing methods. Two sets of experiments were performed - in the first experiment, one speech file was tested against one training file as a one-on-one experiment. In the second experiment, one speech file was tested against three training files. The average accuracy of the second experiment was slightly higher than the first experiment. Performance evaluation results are encouraging. The approach can be used in wide range of applications.