Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glossitis mimicking median rhomboid glossitis induced by throat lozenges and refreshment candies

Acute sore throat is a condition of inflammation, characterized by pain, swelling, and burning sensation, which result from inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Throat lozenges and refreshment candy containing the antiseptics and local anesthetics are commonly used to relieve the symptoms of sore throat. Side effects of using throat lozenges and refreshment candy have not been reported. This case report presents the case of glossitis mimicking median rhomboid glossitis induced by throat lozenges and refreshment candy, which is used to relieve the symptoms of sore throat. Management includes anamnesis, clinical examination, and instructions for stopping throat lozenges and refreshment candy consumption.
Influence of Acetylsalicylic Acid Use on Risk and Outcome of Community-Acquired Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Population-Based Study

Abstract Objective To investigate the influence of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use on risk and outcome of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (CA-SAB). Method We used population-based medical databases to identify all patients diagnosed in northern Denmark with first-time CA-SAB and matched population controls from 2000–2011. Categories for ASA users included current users (new or long-term users), former users, and nonusers. The analyses were adjusted for comorbidities, comedication use, and socioeconomic indicators. Results We identified 2638 patients with first-time CA-SAB and 26 379 matched population controls. Compared with nonusers, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for CA-SAB was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–1.13) for current users, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.86–1.16) for former users, 2.04 (95% CI, 1.42–2.94) for new users, and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.84–1.09) for long-term users. Thirty-day cumulative mortality was 28.0% among current users compared with 21.6% among nonusers, yielding an adjusted hazard rate ratio (aHRR) of 1.02 (95% CI, 0.84–1.25). Compared with nonusers, the aHRR was 1.10 (95% CI, 0.87–1.40) for former users, 0.60 (95% CI, 0.29–1.21) for new users, and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.87–1.31) for long-term users. We observed no difference in the risk or outcome of CA-SAB with increasing ASA dose or by presence of diseases commonly treated with ASA. Conclusions Use of ASA did not seem to influence the risk or outcome of CA-SAB. The apparent increased risk among new users may relate to residual confounding from the circumstances underlying ASA treatment initiation. Our finding of no association remained robust with increasing ASA dose and across multiple patient subsets.
Multimodal x-ray and electron microscopy of the Allende meteorite

Multimodal x-ray and electron microscopy are developed to provide structural, elemental and chemical insights into heterogeneous systems. Multimodal microscopy that combines complementary nanoscale imaging techniques is critical for extracting comprehensive chemical, structural, and functional information, particularly for heterogeneous samples. X-ray microscopy can achieve high-resolution imaging of bulk materials with chemical, magnetic, electronic, and bond orientation contrast, while electron microscopy provides atomic-scale spatial resolution with quantitative elemental composition. Here, we combine x-ray ptychography and scanning transmission x-ray spectromicroscopy with three-dimensional energy-dispersive spectroscopy and electron tomography to perform structural and chemical mapping of an Allende meteorite particle with 15-nm spatial resolution. We use textural and quantitative elemental information to infer the mineral composition and discuss potential processes that occurred before or after accretion. We anticipate that correlative x-ray and electron microscopy overcome the limitations of individual imaging modalities and open up a route to future multiscale nondestructive microscopies of complex functional materials and biological systems.
Exploring Silica Stoichiometry on a Large Floodplain Riverscape

Freshwater ecosystems are critical zones of nutrient and carbon (C) processing along the land-sea continuum. Relative to our understanding of C, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycling within the freshwater systems, the controls on silicon (Si) cycling and export are less understood. The amount of Si in relation to N and P exported by rivers to coastal receiving waters can determine phytoplankton species assemblages, which in turn affects C cycling and food web structure. Here we examine the relationships between dissolved Si (DSi), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, and how these relationships relate to basin land cover, lithology, and river hydrogeomorphology (i.e., among different ‘aquatic areas’) in the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) using two datasets (one from the tributaries and one from the mainstem) that span a nine-year period (2010-2018) representing >10,000 unique samples. We found significant declines in DSi concentrations, as well as Si:TP and Si:TN ratios along the north-south gradient of the mainstem UMRS across all six aquatic area types. This signal was driven partially by a corresponding decline in tributary DSi inputs along this latitudinal gradient. Contrary to findings from other regions of North America, basin land cover was not an important predictor of tributary DSi concentrations, especially compared to lithology. However, Si:TN and Si:TP ratios appear to be strongly controlled by basin land cover, likely due to excess N and P loading from row-crop agriculture. Si, and its ratio with N and P (i.e., Si stoichiometry), was similar across most aquatic area types, including run-of-river impoundments and the main channel, suggesting similar processes affecting Si, N, and P concentrations in these reaches. However, backwater lakes had lower DSi and TN concentrations and compared to the other aquatic area types, highlighting the importance of water residence time and nutrient uptake in controlling Si stoichiometry in inland waters. Together, our results show rivers are not simple pipes for Si, but rather the complexity in watershed characteristics, hydrology, and biological uptake results in dynamic Si stoichiometry along the river continuum.
Phylogenetic Analyses of Some Melanoleuca Species (Agaricales, Tricholomataceae) in Northern China, With Descriptions of Two New Species and the Identification of Seven Species as a First Record

Two new species (Melanoleuca galerina and M. subgrammopodia) and seven new recorded species from northern China are described here using morphological and molecular methods. Melanoleuca galerina is mainly characterized by its hygrophanous pileus, decurrent lamellae, fibrous stipe and spores with round warts. Key characteristics of M. subgrammopodia include its discolored pileus, fibrous stipe and urticiform cystidia. The divergence time of Melanoleuca fungi as well as the phylogenetic relationships within this genus were analyzed using DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the nuclear large subunit rDNA (nrLSU) gene fragments. Analyses revealed that morphological identifications and phylogenetic relationships were consistent with the results of divergence time, thereby confirming that M. galerina and M. subgrammopodia are new species.
The Inter-Regional Connectivity Within the Default Mode Network During the Attentional Processes of Internal Focus and External Focus: An fMRI Study of Continuous Finger Force Feedback

Sustained attention involves two distinct processes, i.e., external focus and internal focus. Some recent neuroimaging studies employed the instruction of experimenters or the self-report from participants to generate the two attentional processes, and observed that the default mode network (DMN) was also responding to the external focus. These observations challenged the general view that the DMN accounts for the internally directed cognition, e.g., unfocused mind wandering, task independent-thoughts and internally focused events. Notably, the instruction or self-report may not effectively ensure the participants engage in the external focus/internal focus, and thus, the functional significance of the DMN for the externally focused process remains to be verified. In the present study, a new task paradigm, i.e., real/sham continuous feedback of finger force, was employed to generate the attentional process of external focus/internal focus, and the functional connectivity among the node regions of the DMN was further investigated in the two processes respectively. We found that two regions of the DMN, posterior cingulate cortex and left inferior parietal cortex/angular gyrus showed stronger inter-regional connectivity in the externally focused process than it in the internally focused process. Intriguingly, this functional connectivity was closely related to the behavioral performance in the process of external focus. These findings implicated that the functional significance of the DMN in sustained attention was more than responding to the internally directed cognition, and the task paradigm of continuous finger force feedback could benefit for the future studies on the externally focused/internally focused process of sustained attention.
DeepCount: In-Field Automatic Quantification of Wheat Spikes Using Simple Linear Iterative Clustering and Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

Crop yield is an essential measure for breeders, researchers, and farmers and is composed of and may be calculated by the number of ears per square meter, grains per ear, and thousand grain weight. Manual wheat ear counting, required in breeding programs to evaluate crop yield potential, is labor-intensive and expensive; thus, the development of a real-time wheat head counting system would be a significant advancement. In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient system called DeepCount to automatically identify and count the number of wheat spikes in digital images taken under natural field conditions. The proposed method tackles wheat spike quantification by segmenting an image into superpixels using simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC), deriving canopy relevant features, and then constructing a rational feature model fed into the deep convolutional neural network (CNN) classification for semantic segmentation of wheat spikes. As the method is based on a deep learning model, it replaces hand-engineered features required for traditional machine learning methods with more efficient algorithms. The method is tested on digital images taken directly in the field at different stages of ear emergence/maturity (using visually different wheat varieties), with different canopy complexities (achieved through varying nitrogen inputs) and different heights above the canopy under varying environmental conditions. In addition, the proposed technique is compared with a wheat ear counting method based on a previously developed edge detection technique and morphological analysis. The proposed approach is validated with image-based ear counting and ground-based measurements. The results demonstrate that the DeepCount technique has a high level of robustness regardless of variables, such as growth stage and weather conditions, hence demonstrating the feasibility of the approach in real scenarios. The system is a leap toward a portable and smartphone-assisted wheat ear counting systems, results in reducing the labor involved, and is suitable for high-throughput analysis. It may also be adapted to work on Red; Green; Blue (RGB) images acquired from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs).
Kinematics of Maximal Speed Sprinting With Different Running Speed, Leg Length, and Step Characteristics

This study aimed to provide multiple regression equations taking into account differences in running speed, leg length, and step characteristics to predict kinematics of maximal speed sprinting. Seventy-nine male sprinters performed a maximal effort 60-m sprint, during which they were videoed through the section from the 40- to 50-m mark. From the video images, leg kinematic variables were obtained and used as dependent variables for multiple linear regression equation with predictors of running speed, leg length, step frequency, and swing/support ratio. Multiple regression equations to predict leg kinematics of maximal speed sprinting were successfully obtained. For swing leg kinematics, a significant regression model was obtained to predict thigh angle at the contralateral foot strike, maximal knee flexion and thigh lift angular velocities, and maximal leg backward swing velocity (adjusted R2 = 0.194–0.378, medium to large effect). For support leg kinematics, a significant regression model was obtained to predict knee flexion and extension angular displacements, maximal knee extension velocity, maximal leg backward swing angular velocity, and the other 13 kinematic variables (adjusted R2 = 0.134–0.757, medium to large effect). Based on the results, at a given leg length, faster maximal speed sprinting will be accompanied with greater thigh angle at the contralateral foot strike, greater maximal leg backward swing velocity during the swing phase, and smaller knee extension range during the support phase. Longer-legged sprinters will accomplish the same running speed with a greater thigh angle at contralateral foot strike, greater knee flexion range, and smaller maximal leg backward swing velocity during the support phase. At a given running speed and leg length, higher step frequencies will be achieved with a greater thigh angle at contralateral foot strike and smaller knee flexion and extension ranges during the support phase. At a given running speed, leg length and step frequency, a greater swing/support ratio will be accompanied with a greater thigh angle at contralateral foot strike and smaller knee extension angular displacement and velocity during the support phase. The regression equations obtained in this study will be useful for sprinters when trying to improve their maximal speed sprinting motion.
A Systematic Review of Laboratory Evidence for the Abuse Potential of Tramadol in Humans

Background: Tramadol is an opioid-analgesic that has shown epidemiological evidence of abuse. This review evaluates the evidence for tramadol abuse potential in humans. Methods: A systematic literature search for human abuse liability examinations of tramadol was conducted in September 2018 and yielded 13 total studies. Studies were all within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled human laboratory comparisons of tramadol to opioid comparators. Results are organized based upon the route of tramadol administration (oral, parenteral) and the participant population (persons with and without current opioid physical dependence). Outcomes were categorized into self-report ratings of positive and negative effects, observer-ratings of effects, time course of effects, likelihood tramadol was identified as an opioid, and tramadol self-administration. Results: Results indicated the relative abuse potential of tramadol was lower than the opioids to which it was compared. Tramadol produced highest positive effect ratings when administered orally to persons with no opioid physical dependence. Relative to other opioids, it produced substantial negative ratings, generally demonstrated a slower onset of effects, and was less likely to be identified by participants as an opioid, though it did produce a higher rate of self-administration relative to other opioids in the one study reporting that outcome. Results suggest that the abuse potential of tramadol is highest when it is administered orally to non-dependent individuals, and that it likely decreases as the dose increased and when it was administered parentally or to persons with opioid physical dependence. Conclusion: Taken together, individuals may be less likely than with other opioids to escalate tramadol doses, transition from oral to parenteral routes of administration, or continue using tramadol once opioid physical dependence develops. In that way, the human abuse potential of tramadol appears to be different from and lower than other opioid analgesic medications.
Clinical Research: Auditory Stimulation in the Disorders of Consciousness

Due to the complex situation of disorder of consciousness (DOC) patients, the assessment of conscious states of these patients has become a huge challenge for a long time (Laureys et al., 2010). At present, the main clinical diagnostic method to assess the conscious state of a DOC patient is the use of a relevant behavior scale like the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). In this article, we will focus on auditory stimulation and select some representative auditory stimulus, like calling names and music stimulation, to discuss the function and application of the auditory stimulus in patients with DOC and provide guidance for future research.
Cyclophilin Inhibitor NV556 Reduces Fibrosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Mice With Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third major cause of cancer mortality, can result from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Due to limited efficacy of drugs approved for HCC and no drug available yet for NASH, identification of new effective treatments is crucial. Here, we investigated whether NV556, a cyclophilin inhibitor derived from sanglifehrins, would decrease the development of NASH and HCC in a preclinical mouse model. For our experiment, male mice were administered streptozotocin to disrupt pancreatic cells and nourished with high-fat diet since 3 weeks of age. Afterward, NV556 or vehicle was orally administered daily for 6 weeks before the 14-week-old time point for the development of NASH, or 10 weeks before the 30-week-old time point for the establishment of HCC. Body weight, blood glucose level, and liver weight were recorded. Moreover, for NASH, livers were histologically examined for inflammation and steatosis. Collagen was measured by Sirius Red staining of hepatic tissues. Systemic cytokine levels in serum were detected by multiplex assays. For HCC, nodules of livers were measured and scored according to a developed system with number and size of nodules as criteria. NV556 significantly decreased collagen deposition (p = 0.0281), but did not alter inflammation, steatosis, body and liver weight, and systemic cytokine production compared to control mice with NASH symptoms. For HCC, NV556 statistically reduced the number (p = 0.0091) and diameter of tumorous nodules (p = 0.0264), along with liver weight (p = 0.0026) of mice.Our study suggests NV556 as a promising candidate for treatment of NASH-derived fibrosis and HCC.
Rubella virus seroprevalence and associated factors in pregnant women with and without previous spontaneous abortion

Background: Rubella virus infection is associate with various pregnancy outcomes. Usually, such infection is more prevalent among women with low positivity for protective immunoglobulin G (IgG). Several factors are known to influence the seroprevalence of this virus. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of anti-rubella IgG and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies and associated factors among pregnant women with and without a history of abortion. Materials and Methods: A total of 91 pregnant women (79 women with a history of previous abortion and 12 women without such history) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Sera were collected from each woman, and the levels of rubella IgG and IgM were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Demographic and reproductive data for the women were also collected. Univariate logistic regression was used to find the association of factor with serostatus of the virus. Results: The overall seropositivity for IgG and IgM was 95.6%, (95% confidence interval [CI] = 91.3–99.9) 9.89%, (95% CI = 9.68–10.1), while six women (6.59%) were positive for both types of Igs. Two factors showed a significant association with rubella IgG seropositivity: A history of previous abortion (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.45.0.99, P < 0.001). Moreover, urban residence (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.0–1.19, P = 0.048). On the other hand, younger age (≤28 years) (OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.01–0.82) and previous abortion (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03–0.61) were significantly associated with IgM positivity. Conclusions: Most women are protected from rubella virus infection through possessing a high level of IgG; however, there is a considerable proportion with evidence of acute infection which indicate that the virus is endemic in the study area.
Preparation of Platelet-rich Fibrin Membrane over Scaffold of Collagen Sheet, its Advantages over Compression Method: A Novel and Simple Technique

Introduction: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is compressed by using various tools to make platelet-rich fibrin membrane (PRFM). Preservation of platelets and plasma content of PRFM depends on the compression method used. To overcome limitations of compression method, we prepared PRFM over scaffold of collagen sheet without using any compression device. Aims and Objective: To prepare PRFM without using any compression device over a scaffold of collagen sheet and to evaluate its efficacy in chronic nonhealing ulcer. Materials and Methods: PRFM was prepared, with minor modification in Choukron’s protocol, over a collagen sheet without using compression device. To study its efficacy and reproducibility, total 15 patients over 18 years of age with chronic, nonhealing ulcers of more than 3 months of various causes were included and patients with active wound infection were excluded. Results: We were able to prepare and reproduce PRFM by our technique. It overcomes the limitations of compression method with comparable efficacy to compression method. Results obtained on comparison at week 0, 3, and 6, by paired t-test, were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Preparation of PRFM with the method described is easy and reproducible. Use of collagen sheet synergistically improved wound healing.
Response of supraventricular tachycardia patients to modified Valsalva Maneuver in Rozhalat emergency hospital/Erbil City – Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is one of the common presentations in accident and emergency department. Objective: The aim of the study was to measure out the number of the SVT patients that will respond to modified Valsalva maneuver (MVM). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among done for 60 patients presented with SVT to Rozhalat Emergency Hospital in Erbil between June 15, 2018, and January 15, 2019, a questionnaire form designed to collect data and use MVM properly as the first line of treatment with care to keep the information private. Results: The study results revealed that majority of our sample are middle-aged (40–65 years) and female by 50% and 65%, respectively. Male gender patients were a better responder to modified Valsalva comparing to female gender 53.3% and 46.7%, respectively (though it is statistically not significant). As early patient presented with onset of symptoms, is better responded to modified Valsalva, those patients are divided into patients who come within 1st h (53.3%), within 1–3 h (46.7%), and after 3 h (0%). This was statistically significant. In general, modified Valsalva technique was successful to invert 25% of patients to sinus rhythm nonpharmacologically, and 8.33% of total patients that responded to modified Valsalva needed more than one trial. Conclusions: We can conclude from the study that males are better responders to modified Valsalva than females, As long as patients come early to the emergency room, the better they respond to modified Valsalva. We can also conclude that modified Valsalva was a very good technique for treating SVT patients.