Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mutans streptococci in subgingival plaque of treated and untreated patients with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND The etiology of root caries is thought to be identical to coronal caries, though root caries seem to be more complicated because of the higher susceptibility of exposed roots (dentin) by periodontal therapy to demineralization than intact enamel. This implies that mutans streptococci are the most likely pathogens in the development of root caries. Although it is known that both the numbers of mutans streptococci and the frequency of isolation in root caries lesions are negatively correlated with the distance from the gingival margin, the subgingival sulcus has not been considered a possible habitat for mutans streptococci. However, subgingival occurrence of mutans streptococci in both untreated and treated periodontal patients has not been documented well in the literature. OBJECTIVE To investigate the presence and levels of mutans streptococci in the subgingival plaque of patients (n=154) in different stages of periodontal therapy. The subgingival sulcus may be a possible habitat for mutans streptococci. This localisation of mutans streptococci may be of importance in the development of root caries after periodontal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, subgingival plaque samples from 154 consecutive adult periodontitis patients were tested for presence and levels of mutans streptococci and putative periodontal pathogens by anaerobic cultures. These patients were divided into 4 groups based on their stage of periodontal treatment: (1) untreated patients; (2) patients after initial periodontal therapy only; (3) patients in the maintenance phase who not underwent periodontal surgery; (4) patients after periodontal surgery. RESULTS The prevalence of mutans streptococci in the 4 study groups varied from 82% in untreated patients to 94% in maintenance patients. The mean proportion of mutans streptococci was 6.65% in maintenance patients versus 1.86% in untreated patients (p=0.005) and 2.51% in patients after scaling and root planing (p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS The subgingival area is a microbial habitat for mutans streptococci that may be of importance in the development of root caries in periodontitis patients.
Increased Anxiety After Stimulation of the Right Inferior Parietal Lobe and the Left Orbitofrontal Cortex

Sustained anxiety is a key symptom of anxiety disorders and may be associated with neural activation in the right inferior parietal lobe (rIPL), particularly under unpredictable threat. This finding suggests a moderating role of the rIPL in sustained anxiety, which we tested in the current study. We applied cathodal or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the rIPL as a symptom provocation method in 22 healthy participants in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, prior to two recordings of cerebral blood flow (CBF). In between, we applied a threat-of-shock paradigm with three conditions: unpredictable (U), predictable (P), or no electric shocks (N). We hypothesized increased anxiety under U, but not under P or N. Furthermore, we expected reduced CBF in the rIPL after tDCS compared to sham. As predicted, anxiety was higher in the U than the P and N conditions, and active tDCS augmented this effect. While tDCS did not alter CBF in the rIPL, it did attenuate the observed increase in brain regions that typically increase activation as a response to anxiety. These findings suggest that the rIPL moderates sustained anxiety as a gateway to brain regions crucial in anxiety. Alternatively, anodal tDCS over the left orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) may have increased anxiety through disruption of OFC-amygdala interactions.
Complexity-based speciation and genotype representation for neuroevolution

This paper introduces a speciation principle for neuroevolution where evolving networks are grouped into species based on the number of hidden neurons, which is indicative of the complexity of the search space. This speciation principle is indivisibly coupled with a novel genotype representation which is characterised by zero genome redundancy, high resilience to bloat, explicit marking of recurrent connections, as well as an efficient and reproducible stack-based evaluation procedure for networks with arbitrary topology. Furthermore, the proposed speciation principle is employed in several techniques designed to promote and preserve diversity within species and in the ecosystem as a whole. The competitive performance of the proposed framework, named Cortex, is demonstrated through experiments. A highly customisable software platform which implements the concepts proposed in this study is also introduced in the hope that it will serve as a useful and reliable tool for experimentation in the field of neuroevolution.
Antisperm antibodies associated with infertility: properties and encoding genes of target antigens.

Infertility among couples of reproductive age is a perplexing condition when the cause is indeterminate. These cases are classified as unexplained infertility. In a subset of subjects, antisperm antibodies with sperm agglutinating and/or immobilizing activities have been detected in the blood or fluids of the reproductive tract. These cases are designated as immunologic infertility although a cause and effect relationship of the antibodies to infertility has not been established. In this review, seven target sperm antigens to antibodies associated with infertility and their encoding genes are described. The antisperm antibodies (ASAs) examined were obtained from infertile women or were monoclonal antibodies (mAb) raised against human sperm proteins. All the ASAs studied possessed potent sperm agglutinating and/or immobilizing activities. The target antigens were isolated from human and other mammalian sperm, and the encoding genes identified. The seven antigens are YWK-II, BE-20, rSMP-B, BS-63 (nucleoporin-related), BS-17 (calpastatin), HED-2 (zyxin), and 75- kDa. Each antigen is a distinct and separate entity and is produced by different cells of the reproductive tract, (e.g., germ cells, epididymal epithelial cells, and Sertoli cells). No single predominant target component has been found to interact with the ASAs. It is proposed that immunologic infertility is the consequence of the combined actions of multiple ASAs in immobilizing and/or agglutinating spermatozoa, blocking spermegg interaction, preventing implantation, and/or arresting embryo development.
Contrasting effects of oral versus transdermal estrogen on serum amyloid A (SAA) and high-density lipoprotein-SAA in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES Previous studies indicated that oral estrogen increased C-reactive protein by a first-pass hepatic effect. In this study, we determine whether the route of estrogen administration influences serum amyloid A (SAA), another acute-phase protein produced by the liver, and the SAA content of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL-SAA) in postmenopausal women. METHODS AND RESULTS In 29 postmenopausal women without coronary heart disease, we conducted a randomized crossover placebo-controlled study to compare effects of transdermal versus oral estrogen on SAA and HDL-SAA. SAA, apolipoprotein A-I, HDL, and HDL-SAA were measured before and after 8 weeks of transdermal estradiol (100 microg per day), oral-conjugated estrogens (0.625 mg per day), or placebo. We found that oral estrogen significantly increased levels of SAA, HDL, and HDL-SAA, whereas transdermal estrogen reduced both SAA and HDL-SAA but had no effect on HDL in the same women. CONCLUSIONS Oral estrogen increased SAA and altered HDL composition to contain a higher level of SAA by a first-pass hepatic mechanism. Because elevated SAA levels predict adverse prognosis in healthy postmenopausal women, and elevated HDL-SAA levels have been shown to interfere with HDL function, the route of administration may be an important consideration in minimizing side effects of estrogen replacement therapy on cardiovascular outcomes.
You Are What You Eat, Microplastics in Porbeagle Sharks From the North East Atlantic: Method Development and Analysis in Spiral Valve Content and Tissue

Researchers worldwide are studying the environmental distribution and impacts of manufactured or environmentally fragmented small pieces of plastics, so called microplastics (<5 mm). These microplastics eventually build up in the marine environment, threatening marine ecosystems. The magnitude, fate and effects of these microplastics across the food web are largely unknown. Here, we measured digested microplastics in a top predator and critically endangered species, the North-East Atlantic Porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus), and compared this with general health conditions. A method for quantifying microplastics in spiral valves of porbeagle sharks was developed. Microplastics were detected in all spiral valves, up to 10.4 particles per g wet weight (w.w.) content and 9.5 particles per g w.w. tissue. This equates to individual microplastics loads as high as 3850 particles per spiral valve, most likely a result of trophic transfer. No statistically significant correlations were found between the average number of plastic particles in spiral valve content and tissue and the Condition and Hepatosomatic Index of porbeagle sharks. The results of this research show that North-East Atlantic porbeagle sharks ingest and digest microplastics and that there is a potential for microplastic biomonitoring using this species. More research is needed to detect possible health effects of microplastic contamination in these apex predators.
Childhood leprosy: a retrospective descriptive study from Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

OBJECTIVE To assess the profile and describe the clinical presentations and complications of childhood leprosy in a tertiary care hospital in North Kerala, South India during 2003-2012 and to analyse any change in the age-sex profile and the clinical pattern of leprosy in children below the age of 15 years over the 10-year study period. DESIGN A retrospective descriptive study of children less than 15 years of age diagnosed with leprosy and registered for treatment in a tertiary care institution from 2003 to 2012. Demographic, clinical, investigative and treatment data were collected using a pre-set proforma. RESULTS 138 (12.1%) of the total 1143 leprosy cases registered for treatment during the 10-year period were below 15 years of age. The 10-year study period witnessed a statistically insignificant decrease in the new childhood leprosy cases registered for treatment in our tertiary care institution. The majority of cases belonged to the 6-12 year age group (61.6%) with a male predominance. Borderline tuberculoid (BT) was the commonest clinical type (65.9%) followed by indeterminate leprosy (18.8%); 101 patients required paucibacillary (PB) and 37 needed multibacillary (MB) treatment. The number of patients requiring MB treatment showed a statistically significant increase and there was a significant decline in number of cases requiring PB treatment. During the entire study period no Type 2 lepra reaction was documented in patients below Hema 15 years and only two patients manifested Type 1 reaction. Ten (7.2%) out of the 138 patients were cases of relapse. There was a clear female predilection among relapse cases with the majority belonging to the adolescent age. CONCLUSIONS Childhood leprosy still contributes to a significant proportion of the total case load denoting the continuing active horizontal transmission of leprosy. The rise in number of patients with more extensive disease in the background of declining disease prevalence is suggestive of the delay in diagnosis and treatment. A high relapse rate noted in the present study may be due to incorrect classification and treatment of MB as PB leprosy which in turn might have resulted in treatment failure due to inadequate treatment.
Community perceptions of human excreta as fertilizer in peri-urban agriculture in Ghana

Although human excreta contain the necessary nutrients for plant growth, local authorities in Ghana spend huge sums of money to dispose them as waste. Reusing excreta for agricultural purposes saves expenditure for chemical fertilizers, improves soil fertility, reduces poverty and ensures food security. People’s attitudes and perceptions about excreta vary between cultures and even within specific cultures. This study aimed to explore attitudes and perceptions among a peri-urban agricultural community towards sanitized human excreta and its use. The study adopted an exploratory design and collected data from 154 randomly selected households using questionnaires and focus group discussions. It was found that there is a general negative attitude to fresh excreta and the handling of it. However, the residents accept that excreta can be used as fertilizer, but they are not willing to use it on their own crops or consume crops fertilized with excreta. The study recommends open discussions in the community for a successful implementation of ecological sanitation.
The effects of heparin, protamine, and heparinase 1 on platelets in vitro using whole blood flow cytometry.

UNLABELLED The effects of heparinization and the reversal of heparin activity on platelet function after cardiopulmonary bypass have not been well defined. Flow cytometry has become a convenient and powerful technique for characterizing platelets. We examined the expression of a secretion marker (P-selectin) and an aggregation marker (activated fibrinogen receptor GP IIb-IIIa) on normal platelets in response to heparin, heparinase 1, and protamine in vitro using whole blood flow cytometry. Unfractionated heparin increased adenosine diphosphate-induced expression of P-selectin and GP IIb-IIIa in a dose-dependent manner. Heparinase 1 alone decreased both markers of platelet activation. Protamine alone increased P-selectin expression but had no effect on GP IIb-IIIa expression. Heparinase 1 antagonized the stimulatory effect of heparin on both markers. In contrast, protamine antagonized the effect of heparin on GP IIb-IIIa expression but potentiated the effect of heparin on P-selectin expression. These in vitro observations suggest that 1) both heparin and its reversal agents affect platelet secretion and aggregation, and 2) heparinase 1 reverses heparin-induced platelet preactivation more effectively than protamine. IMPLICATIONS This experimental in vitro study demonstrates that heparin and its reversal agents affect platelet secretion and aggregation.
Recirculation and Residency of T Cells and Tregs: Lessons Learnt in Anacapri

“Location, location, and location”: according to this mantra, the place where living beings settle has a key impact on the success of their activities; in turn, the living beings can, in many ways, modify their environment. This idea has now become more and more true for T cells. The ability of T cells to recirculate throughout blood or lymph, or to stably reside in certain tissues, turned out to determine immunity to pathogens, and tumors. If location matters also for human beings, the inspiring environment of Capri Island has contributed to the success of the EFIS-EJI Ruggero Ceppellini Advanced School of Immunology focused on “T cell memory,” held in Anacapri from October 12, 2018 to October 15, 2018. In this minireview, we would like to highlight some novel concepts about T cell migration and residency and discuss their implications in relation to recent advances in the field, including the mechanisms regulating compartmentalization and cell cycle entry of T cells during activation, the role of mitochondrial metabolism in T cell movement, and the residency of regulatory T cells.
Practices employed by South African healthcare providers to obtain consent for treatment from children

Background: The ability to consent promotes children’s access to health services. Healthcare providers should assess and arrive at a clinical judgement about the child’s maturity and mental capacity to obtain valid consent. Research objective: The objective of the study was to determine practices employed by South African healthcare providers to obtain consent for treatment from children. Research design: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive research design was used and the study was contextual. Participants and research context: In all, 24 healthcare providers (professional nurses and medical practitioners) were purposively sampled from a hospital and primary health clinics. Semi-structured interviews were used. Ethical consideration: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and gatekeepers. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. Findings: Healthcare providers’ current practices in obtaining consent from children revealed inconsistency in implementation as well as the yardstick used to determine children’s mental capacity. Building trust with children, sharing information and assessment were interlinked in obtaining consent. Discussion: The inconsistent practice has implications for children’s access to healthcare services. Conclusion: Inconsistent practices in the implementation of consent laws have the potential to violate children’s rights to bodily and psychological integrity, access to health services and having their opinions heard and be taken into consideration. Through uncovering the current perceptions and practices and a literature review, guidelines intended for use by the Department of Health could be developed.
The prevalence and risk factors of human papillomavirus in female sex workers.

OBJECTIVE Human papillomavirus virus (HPV) is the major causative factor for cervical cancer, and sex workers are at high risk for HPV infection. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of HPV infection among female sex workers (FSWs). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 239 brothel-based FSWs who work in Izmir, Turkey. A self-administered questionnaire for risk factors was completed, and cervical brush samples were taken for HPV detection and typing. HPV detection and typing were performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse hybridization methods. The risk factors related to HPV infection were determined by multivariate analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of HPV among FSWs was 20.1%. HPV18 was the most common type (40%), followed by HPV16 (17%) and HPV50 (15%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being less than 30 years of age, having a high frequency of sexual contacts, smoking, and lack of condom use were significantly associated with HPV infection. CONCLUSION FSWs have a high prevalence of HPV infection and are at increased risk for cervical cancer. As they are a priority group for active follow-up, national strategies for reducing HPV among FSWs and regular cervical cancer screening programs should be implemented for this population.
Health Care and Patient-Reported Outcomes

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of patients’ self-reported well-being, self-management, and diabetes control with factors related to the patient’s health care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a cross-sectional survey of national samples of patients with diabetes (n = 5,104) from the multinational study of Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN). Patients from 13 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America reported their level of well-being, self-management, and diabetes control. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis (blocks are countries, respondent characteristics, and health care features) was used to examine predictors of diabetes-related distress and general well-being, adherence to lifestyle and medical treatment recommendations, and perceived diabetes control and hyperglycemic symptoms. RESULTS—Country, respondent demographic and disease characteristics, and health care features were all associated with patient-reported outcomes. Better patient-provider collaboration was associated with more favorable ratings on all outcomes, and better access to the provider and availability of team care were associated with some positive outcomes. Country differences were only partly accounted for by patient and health care factors. Relationships between health care factors and outcomes varied across countries. CONCLUSIONS—Patients’ reports of well-being, self-management, and diabetes control were related to the countries in which they live, their demographic and disease characteristics, and features of their health care. Opportunities to enhance patient-provider collaboration, access to care, and availability of team care should be pursued.
Growth and carcass characteristics of cull cows after different times-on-feed.

Cull cows (N = 48) of similar age from Angus and Hereford breed types were assigned to one of four feeding periods (0, 28, 56 or 84 d) and subdivided into two groups, one implanted with Synovex-H and a non-implanted control. Cows were fed a high energy diet and slaughtered at the end of each feeding period. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were evaluated on each animal during the trial. The following carcass traits were evaluated: USDA yield and quality grade characteristics, boning yield, muscle weights, bone weights, pH and Warner-Bratzler shear force of the longissimus muscle. The left side of each carcass was boned and proximate analysis was determined. No significant implant effects were encountered for any of the traits evaluated; therefore, data were pooled and evaluated by feeding period only. Carcass weight and boneless forequarter and hindquarter tissue weights increased significantly between each feeding period; percent kidney, pelvic and heart fat (KPH) and yield grade did not differ (P greater than .05) until d 56 and 84, respectively. Quality grade and marbling scores improved (P less than .05) between 28 and 56 d of feeding. Biceps femoris weight changed during the 84-d experiment from 4.1 kg on d 0 to 5.3 kg on d 84 (P less than .05). Proximate analysis of the boneless tissue indicated an increase (P less than .05) in extractable fat of approximately 6% for each feeding period (6.3% fat on d 0 to 25.4% on d 84). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Validation of Persian Version of PedsQL™ 4.0™ Generic Core Scales in Toddlers and Children

Introduction: To evaluate the reliability, validity and feasibility of the Persian version of the Pediatric Quality of Life inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0™ 4.0) Generic Core Scales in Iranian healthy students ages 7-15 and chronically ill children ages 2-18. Methods: We followed the translation methodology proposed by developer to validate Persian version of PedsQL™ 4.0™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales for children. Six hundred and sixty children and adolescents and their parents were enrolled. Sample of 160 healthy students were chosen by random cluster method between 4 regions of Isfahan education offices and 60 chronically ill children were recruited from St. Alzahra hospital private clinics. The questionnaires were fulfilled by the participants. Results: The Persian version of PedsQL™ 4.0™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales discriminated between healthy and chronically ill children (healthy students mean score was 12.3 better than chronically ill children, P<0.001). Cronbachs’ alpha internal consistency values exceeded 0.7 for children self reports and proxy reports of children 5-7 years old and 13-18 years old. Reliability of proxy reports for 2-4 years old was much lower than 0.7. Although, proxy reports for chronically ill children 8-12 years old was more than 0.7, these reports for healthy children with same age group was slightly lower than 0.7. Constructive, criterion face and content validity were acceptable. In addition, the Persian version of PedsQL™ 4.0™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales was feasible and easy to complete. Conclusion: Results showed that Persian version of PedsQL™ 4.0™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales is valid and acceptable for pediatric health researches. It is necessary to alternate scoring for 2-4 years old questionnaire and to find a way to increase reliability for healthy children aged 8-12 years especially, according to Iranian culture.