Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time Series Analysis of Monthly Suicide Rates in West of Iran, 2006–2013

Introduction: Iran's western provinces have higher suicide rate compared to the other provinces of the country. Although suicide rates fluctuate over time, suitable statistical models can describe their underlying stochastic dynamics. Methods: This study was conducted to explore the fluctuations of the monthly suicide rates in the most populated western province of Iran using exponential smoothing state space model to compute the forecasts. For this reason, the monthly frequencies of completed suicides were converted to rates per 100,000 and a state-space approach was identified and fitted to the monthly suicide rates. Diagnostic checks were performed to determine the adequacy of the fitted model. Results: A significant seasonal variation was detected in completed suicide with a peak in August. Diagnostic checks and the time series graph of the observed monthly suicide rates against predicted values from the fitted model showed that in the study period (from March 2006 to September 2013), the observed and predicted values were in agreement. Thus, the model was used to obtain the short-term forecasts of the monthly suicide rates. Conclusions: In this study, we had no significant trend but seasonal variations in the suicide rates that were identified. However, additional data from other parts of the country with longer duration are needed to visualize the reliable trend of suicide and identify seasonality of suicide across the country.
Molecular subtyping of carcinoma of the female breast in a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern Nigeria

Background: Cancer of the breast is globally the most common female cancer including in Nigeria. Newer treatment modalities are based on tumor immunophenotyping, thus the need to characterize these tumors among women with the disease in Northern Nigeria. Aims: This study aims to classify carcinomas of the breast diagnosed in the pathology laboratory of a teaching hospital based on their expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu (HER2/neu) overexpression. Methodology: The histology slides of 478 carcinomas of the breast as well as the ER, PR, and HER2 immunohistochemistry records of 118 stained cases were retrieved and reviewed. Results: Age range of cases was from 20 to 80 years (mean = 46.9 ± 13). The most common histomorphologic entity was invasive carcinoma (NST) which accounted for 73.2% of cases. These were followed in frequency by invasive lobular carcinoma accounting for 6.8% of cases and invasive papillary carcinoma representing 6.5% of cases. Overall, 169 cases (37.6%) were Grade III tumors while Grades II and I tumors accounted for 35.1% and 27.3% of cases, respectively. Triple-negative tumors were the most common molecular subtype and comprised 46.6% of all cases. Luminal B (LUMB) was the least common and accounted for 8% of all cases. HER2 overexpression and LUMA were seen in 17.9% and 28.8% of cases, respectively. Conclusion: Carcinoma of the breast in the population studied occurs at a younger age than among Caucasians. The tumors are characterized by preponderance of invasive carcinoma (NST), high histological grade, and triple-negative phenotype.
Assessing the possible risk factors of male infertility

Background: Male infertility encompasses up to 50% of all infertility cases and can be due to a variety of causes. Besides cytogenetic abnormalities, hormonal and environmental factors such as trauma, heat, toxins, radiation and nutritional deficiency have been shown to affect spermatogenesis. This study aims to look for the possible risk factors that impair the normal sperm production, which is reflected in semen analysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 601 men underwent semen analysis at Infertility Centre in this prospective case–control study. After undergoing semen analysis, those with azoospermia (AZ), oligozoospermia (OL) and asthenozoospermia (AS) were selected as cases of the study, whereas those with normal semen analysis results were selected as controls. All participants were interviewed with a standardised questionnaire to assess for the known & possible risk factors of infertility & data was analysed. Results: Mean & standard deviation (SD) age of the participants was 33.38 ± 5.63 years. History of varicocele was found to be significantly associated with AZ/OL [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 5.4] and AS (ORadj 6.9). Similarly, men with a history of mumps orchitis had a significant association with both AS (ORadj 2.13) and OL/AZ (ORadj 2.62). Men who chewed tobacco had about twice more chances of having OL/AZ. Activities related to scrotal heat exposure except hot water bath were not associated with sperm quality [AS (ORadj 0.68) and OL/AZ (ORadj 0.59)]. Motorcycle riders were found to have decreased association with low semen quality AS (ORadj 0.53) and OL/AZ (ORadj 0.50). Conclusion: Varicocele, mumps orchitis and tobacco chewing are significant risk factors that have shown to decrease semen quality and can contribute to male infertility.
Relevance and interrelationship of progesterone receptor, Ki67, and p53 in meningiomas: An immunohistochemical analysis in 273 cases

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas are among the most common of central nervous system neoplasms. These are classified into meningiomas with low risk of recurrence and aggressive behavior (World Health Organization [WHO] Grade I) and meningiomas with greater likelihood of recurrence and aggressive behavior (WHO Grade II and Grade III) according to the WHO 2016 criteria. A host of markers are implicated in the genesis, progression, and recurrence of meningiomas. This study was undertaken with the aim to analyze the sociodemographic profile of various grades of meningiomas and to assess the relevance and correlation between progesterone receptor (PR), Ki67, and p53 among these. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed for 273 cases of intracranial and intraspinal meningiomas. All intracranial and intraspinal meningiomas were graded according to the WHO 2016 criteria. Immunohistochemistry was performed using PR, Ki67, and p53 in 273 cases. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: According to the WHO 2016 grading system, 254 were Grade I (93.04%), 14 were Grade II (5.13%), and 5 were Grade III (1.83%) meningiomas. According to the histological type, among Grade I, 207 meningiomas were transitional (75.82%), 11 meningothelial (4.03%), 11 angiomatous (4.03%), 8 psammomatous (2.93%), 6 fibroblastic (2.19%), 5 microcystic (1.83%), 4 metaplastic (1.47%), and 2 secretory (0.73%). Among Grade II, there were 13 cases of atypical meningiomas (4.76%) and 1 case of clear-cell meningioma (0.37%). Among Grade III, 3 meningiomas were rhabdoid variant (1.09%) and 2 cases were anaplastic meningiomas (0.37%). In all the cases, correlation with PR, p53, and Ki67 was assessed. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical evaluation of PR status, p53 expression, and Ki67 labeling index do add information to the routine histopathological evaluation of meningiomas. In addition, these markers do help in assessing the biological behavior of meningiomas.
Effect of probiotics in the treatment of acute noninflammatory diarrhea in hospitalized children aged 2–10 years

Objective: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotics in the treatment of acute noninflammatory diarrhea in children aged 2–10 years in the Pediatric Ward of Hajar Hospital in Shahrekord. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 184 children with diarrhea. Eighty-six children were randomly assigned to the KidiLact probiotic group and 87 ones to the control group. Patients' demographic information, symptoms, and other variables were recorded in a checklist. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 (Chicago, IL) using Chi-square and independent t-test. Results: The mean frequency of diarrhea in the 2nd and 4th days (P < 0.001), duration of fever (P = 0.01), duration of diarrhea (P < 0.001), and duration of hospital stay (P = 0.001) were significantly lower in the probiotic group than those in the control group. The frequency of recovery in the 2nd (P = 0.013) and 4th (P < 0.001) days was significantly higher in the probiotic group than that in the control group. There was no significant difference in the frequency of dyspepsia between the patients of the two groups (P = 0.331). Conclusion: Probiotics are effective in the treatment of acute noninflammatory diarrhea in children aged 2–10 years and can be used as a safe treatment alongside the standard treatment.
The Effect of Silver Nano Particles on Candida Albicans and Streptococcus Mutans in Denture Acrylic Resins

Introduction: Denture stomatitis is a common complication in patients wearing dentures and preventing the proliferation of related microorganisms and their induced infections is noteworthy. The aim of the present study was to assess the antimicrobial effect of acrylic resins containing various concentrations of silver nanoparticles, on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, the effect of four different concentrations of silver nanoparticles in 160 acrylic samples (10mm *4mm) on standard and hospital isolated strains of two different microorganisms were investigated. The samples were soaked (containing silver nanoparticles and control) in bacterial suspension and the antimicrobial tests were performed after 0, 1, 6 and 24 hours. Mean and standard deviation were used to describe the data and one-way variance analysis test was performed to compare groups. Results: Results have shown that in concentration of 2.5% the highest mean difference for standard S. mutans, after 24h of exposure was 540.0±14.4 (P<0.001), while in 5% ,this value for standard C.albicans after 6h of exposure was 953.0±87.0 (P<0.001). However in concentration of 10% the highest mean difference of 1000.0±24.9 in standard C.albicans after an exposure period of 24h (p<0.001) was observed, which was indicative of the significant effect of the highest concentration of silver nanoparticles. Conclusion: 1. in acrylic resins, increase in silver nanoparticle concentration leads to a greater antimicrobial effect. 2. Acrylic resins containing silver nanoparticles have a stronger antimicrobial property on standard C.albicans and generally less effect on hospital isolated strains. 3. The longer time elapsed after exposure of bacterial suspension with acrylic resins containing silver nanoparticles, the less the residual antimicrobial effect.
Assessment of some biomarkers of inflammation in breast cancer patients in Benin City, Nigeria

Introduction: Inflammation has been shown to play a major role in the pathogenesis of most malignancies including breast cancer. The inflammatory basis of breast cancer has not been evaluated in our environment. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the level of some biomarkers of systemic inflammation in patients with breast cancer compared to those of apparently healthy subjects without the disease in Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: This is a case control study conducted in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Breast cancer patients from Central hospital, Benin City and controls from the general population had their venous blood sampled and analyzed for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Proteins (CRP) levels using standardized laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 17). Results: Results showed a statistical significant increase (P < 0.05) in both ESR and CRP levels of patients with breast cancer compared to the control. There is also a significant positive correlation (P < 0.001) between ESR and CRP in the study population. Conclusion: These findings support the fact that inflammation is a risk factor for the development of breast cancer and this association might be of clinical significance as these inflammation markers might be of prognostic value.
Resveratrol attenuates malathion-induced renal damage by declining oxidative stress in rats

Background: Malathion is the most organophosphates which are capable to produce free radicals and induce disturbance in body antioxidant. Resveratrol is an herbal polyphenol and it has been beneficial antioxidant effects during short-term administration. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol against damage induced by malathion to the kidneys of rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight Wistar rats divided randomly into eight groups (n = 6): sham (saline) and malathion control treated groups (27 mg/kg); resveratrol groups (2, 8, and 20 mg/kg); and resveratrol + malathion-treated groups (2, 8, and 20 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally and gavage daily for 45 days. Parameters related to the function and the histology of the kidneys were evaluated and statistically analyzed from kidney and blood serum samples in respect of the groups. Results: Malathion administration increased significantly Bowman's space, qualitative histopathology indices, kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) level, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and nitrite oxide levels and decreased significantly total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level and diameter and number of renal corpuscles compared to the Sham group (P < 0.001). The resveratrol and resveratrol + malathion treatments in a dose-dependent manner reduced significantly Bowman's space, qualitative histopathology indices, kidney MDA level, BUN, creatinine, and nitrite oxide levels and increased significantly TAC level and diameter and number of renal corpuscles compared to the malathion control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that resveratrol administration in a dose-dependent manner improved kidney injury induced by malathion in rats.
Treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation using different techniques

The study aimed at comparing the scalpel, laser, and abrasion techniques used in the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation. Scalpel, laser, and abrasion techniques were used for gingival depigmentation in three adults with gingival hyperpigmentation. using scalpel technique in the removal of the hyperpigmented gingival epithelium, along with a layer of the underlying connective tissue, under adequate local anesthesia has an advantage when compared with other techniques used of being effective and requires minimum time and effort besides the least rate of recurrence. Gingival depigmentation using scalpel technique is superior when compared to abrasion and laser techniques.
Optimization and New Structure of Superjunction With Isolator Layer

An optimization theory is developed for the balanced symmetric superjunction with the interface isolator layer (I-SJ) in this paper. The theory includes two parts: the electric field calculation by the Taylor series method; the design formulas by the minimum specific onresistance RON,min optimization. Based on the theory, a new I-SJ structure with a single cell is proposed, which shows the minimum RON among the superjunction (SJ) devices with the 1 μm shallow depths. RON of the new device is reduced by 53.5% compared with that of the conventional SJ lateral double diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (LDMOS) and 67.6% with the conventional LDMOS under the same breakdown voltage VB of 658 V.
Clinical profile and cardiovascular autonomic function tests in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Background: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an autonomic disorder characterized by the clinical symptoms of orthostatic intolerance such as light-headedness, fatigue, sweating, tremor, anxiety, palpitation, exercise intolerance, and near syncope on standing in the absence of orthostatic hypotension. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical profile and autonomic parameters in patients with POTS. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 patients with POTS underwent cardiovascular autonomic function tests, i.e., heart rate (HR) response to deep breathing, heart rate and blood pressure (BP) changes in Valsalva maneuver and tilt study in the autonomic laboratory of the Department of Neurology from January 2014 to February 2016 using WR Medical Works, USA. Results: Mean age of cohort was 28.07 ± 10.64 years, and there were 36 (51%) women. Light-headedness 59 (84.3%) was the most common orthostatic symptom, followed by dizziness 56 (80%), palpitation 41 (58.57%), anxiety 26 (37.14%), loss of consciousness 21 (30%), disequilibrium 19 (27.14%), visual symptoms 12 (17.14%), weakness 8 (11.43%), and shortness of breath 2 (2.86%). The average heart rate response to deep breathing was 24.79 ± 7.20 bpm. Average Valsalva ratio was 1.78 ± 0.30. During the tilt, average maximum HR increase was 43.47 ± 11.19 bpm. Conclusion: POTS is an underrecognized disorder and majority of them present with vague orthostatic symptoms ways, hence clinicians should be made aware of the symptomatology. The tilt table test with beat-to-beat monitoring of HR and BP is the standard test for diagnosis.
Toothbrush bristles, a harbor of microbes and the risk of infection

Microbes survive in a wide variety of environments, including toothbrush bristles regardless where they are kept once they are unsterilized. Toothbrush bristles serve unintentionally a great source of favorable condition for the growth and survival of microorganisms. Conducting a literature review of previous studies, we explored the microbial contamination of toothbrush bristles occurrence, and the risks this poses for disease infections in susceptible individuals in this review article.
Percutaneous CAPD catheter insertion by a nephrologist versus surgical placement: A comparative study

Peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is inserted into the abdominal cavity either by a surgeon, interventional radiologist or nephrologist. Various innovations have been made in the methodology adopted in the placement of the PDC. We compared the percutaneous approach for PDC insertion with the open surgical technique. From January 2006 to May 2007, 25 of the 46 catheters were successfully inserted using the percutaneous Seldinger technique. The incision size (2.6 ± 0.7 vs 7.3 ± 0.6 cm) and the length of hospital stay (11.9 ± 5.9 vs 17.3 ± 6.8 d) were considerably less in the percutaneously placed group compared to the surgically placed group. Early initiation of exchanges and reduction in the expenses were other important advantages of this method.
IDENTIFYING NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AMONG ASYMPTOMATIC OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE INDIVIDUALS BY CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of liver steatosis among asymptomatic individuals attending an out-patient clinic for a problem of overweight, and to define the discriminatory value of several characteristics for predicting liver steatosis among them. Design and participants: Consecutive patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m2 who consented to undergo liver ultrasound and blood tests were recruited for inclusion. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and statistical indices of diagnostic performance and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether a combination of characteristics could improve diagnostic accuracy. Results: We enrolled sixty-eight subjects (mean BMI, 37.5 kg/m2), of whom 39 (57.4%) had liver steatosis on ultrasound. Logistic regression analyses indicated that only 3 variables were significantly and independently correlated with liver steatosis: female gender, low adiponectin levels, and high insulin resistance index. A composite index for predicting liver steatosis was calculated by summing the risk factors of female gender, low adiponectin, and insulin resistance index (FAIR score). The accuracy of this score was determined by ROC analysis to be 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74-0.96; P < 0.001). The presence of two or more risk factors (FAIR score > 2) had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 77%, 91%, 92%, and 74%, respectively. The likelihood ratio for a positive result was 8.43. Conclusions: Among asymptomatic overweight individuals attending an out-patient clinic, the prevalence of liver steatosis on ultrasound is 57%. Female gender, the insulin resistance index, and low adiponectin are significant and independent predictors of liver steatosis. A combination of these three factors allows sensitivity and specificity for non alcoholic fatty liver of 77 % and 91 %, respectively.
Assessment of orthodontic brackets for the shear bond strength bonded with and without primer: In vitro study

Introduction: The elementary function of primer is to boost the efficiency of the final bond. Secondarily, they are also pronounced to protect the enamel from the consequent demineralization by the acid etching and to reduce marginal leakage. The use of primer adds a step in the bonding procedure, which necessitates increased chair time risk of moisture contamination and an increased procedural cost. Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted premolars were procured and divided into two groups, that is, a conventional adhesive system with and without primer. Later, acrylic blocks were made and the teeth were bonded and then the shear bond strength (SBS) was measured using a universal testing machine. Results: Group I (with primer) has the bond strength value of 10.22±2.4MPa and Group II (without primer) has the bond strength value of 9.11±1.596MPa. Conclusion: A conventional adhesive system with and without primer showed SBS in the range satisfactory for clinical usage.
Assessment of clinical applicability of pneumonia scores to determine patients with community-acquired pneumonia who will need hospital admission

Introduction Evaluation of the severity is a main factor in dealing with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Pneumonia severity index (PSI) or the CURB-65 (acronym for C: confusion, U: urea, R: respiratory rate, B: blood pressure, and 65: age ≥65 years) can precisely recognize patients with a low threat of mortality. Different new scores were built to expect patients who will require admission in the ICU. Aim Our objective was to assess the clinical applicability of pneumonia scores to determine CAP patients who will be hospital admitted. Patients and methods One hundred CAP patients were subjected to routine investigations, general and local chest examination, radiological evaluation, culture and sensitivity from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and different pneumonia assessment scores such as PSI, CURB-65, SMRT-CO (S: systolic blood pressure, M: multilobar chest radiography involvement, R: respiratory rate, T: tachycardia, C: confusion, and O: oxygenation), and SMART-COP (acronym for S: systolic blood pressure, M: multilobar infiltrates, A: albumin, R: respiratory rate, T: tachycardia, C: confusion, O: oxygen, and P: pH). Results Sensitivities for predicting the need for mechanical ventilation with the PSI and the CURB-65 were 50 and 60%, respectively, while sensitivity for SMART-COP and SMRT-CO was 50 and 85%, respectively, with the highest specificity of 88.67% was for the SMART-COP. Sensitivities for predicting the need for intensive respiratory or vasopressor support (IRVS) with the PSI and the CURB-65 were 53.85 and 65.38%, respectively, while sensitivity for SMART-COP and SMRT-CO was 53.85 and 88.46%, respectively, with the highest specificity of 100% was for the SMART-COP. Conclusion PSI and CURB-65 are less sensitive in predicting the requirement of CAP patients to be admitted in the ICU and receive IRVS. The new scores SMART-COP and SMRT-CO are more specific in predicting the requirement of those patients for admission in the ICU and the necessity for IRVS. Using different risk assessment scores should not substitute doctors’ clinical judgment.