Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of autologous tooth-derived graft material in the post-extraction dental socket. Pilot study

Background The objectives of the present pilot study are to compare via CBCT the alveolar contraction suffered both vertically and horizontally between the control group and the group using autologous dental material (ADM), as well as to study the densitometric differences between both post-extraction sockets. Material and Methods A split-mouth study was performed in n = 9 patients who required two extraction of single-rooted teeth deemed suitable for deferred rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants. Two groups were formed — a control group, in which the post-extraction socket was not filled, and an ADM group, in which the alveolar defect was filled with freshly processed autogenous dental material. Both dimensional and densitometric analyses of the alveoli were performed in both groups immediately after surgery (baseline), as well as 8 weeks and 16 weeks later. Results The mean height of alveolar bone loss was: VL (Control 1.77 mm, loss of 16.87% of initial alveolar height; ADM 0.42 mm, loss of 4.2% of initial alveolar height), HL-BCB (Control 2.22 mm, ADM 0.16 mm, p= 0.067 at 16 weeks). The mean bone loss of the vestibular width (VL-BCB) was much higher in the control group (1.91 mm at 1 mm, 1.3 mm at 3 mm, and 0.89 mm at 5 mm) than in the ADM group (0.46 mm at 1 mm, 0.21 mm at 3 mm, 0.01 at 5 mm, p=0.098 at 16 weeks). At 16 weeks, densitometric analysis of the coronal alveolar area revealed a bone density of 564.35 ± 288.73 HU in the control group and 922.68 ± 250.82 HU in the ADM group (p=0.045 ). Conclusions In light of these preliminary results, autologous dentine may be considered a promising material for use in socket preservation techniques. Key words:Ridge preservation, dimensional height and width changes, post-extraction socket, tooth extraction, autogenous particulate dentine graft.
Relationship between endothelial dysfunction, videocapillaroscopy and circulating CD3+CD31+CXCR4+ lymphocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus without cardiovascular risk factors

Objective The objective of this paper is to analyse whether digital capillary morphology, analysed by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), and the number of circulating CD3 + CD31 + CXCR4 + lymphocytes (angiogenic T cells) could be markers of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CV risk factors. Methods Nineteen consecutive SLE patients, according to Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification Criteria, with a disease duration less than five years, low disease activity, without CVD and CV risk factors (diabetes, chronic renal disease, uncontrolled systemic arterial hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, obesity), statin or beta-blocker use were enrolled. Each patient and sex- and age-matched healthy control (HC) underwent Doppler echocardiogram, an endothelial function study by peripheral arterial tonometry technique, NVC and peripheral blood immunophenotyping. Results SLE ED+ more frequently showed NVC abnormalities compared with HCs (p < 0.0001) in terms of minor alterations (p = 0.017), lower capillary numbers (p = 0.0035) and major alterations. SLE ED + showed a higher rate of CD3 + CD31 + CXCR4 + lymphocytes compared with SLE ED– and with HCs. NVC + SLE showed a significantly reduced rate of total CD3 + cells, but a higher rate and absolute number of CD3 + CD31 + CXCR4 + , compared with NVC– SLE. Conclusion NVC alterations are frequent in SLE without any CV risk factors and CVD. They are associated with ED and increased circulating CD3 + CD31 + CXCR4 + lymphocytes. These findings demonstrate a clear microvascular perturbation in patients with short disease duration, low disease activity and no CV risk factors.
Epidemiology, characterization, and diagnosis of neuropsychiatric events in systemic lupus erythematosus

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is characterized by a heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. The absence of diagnostic criteria and the lack of clinical trials is a challenge in clinical practice. Areas covered: A literature review was performed to describe epidemiology, characterization (clinical, immunological, and imaging), diagnosis and treatment of NPSLE. Classification criteria have been the first step towards a uniform definition. More recently, different attribution models have been developed to help to determine if the NP event is due to SLE. Disease activity is a major risk factor for NP events. Cytokines and autoantibodies are associated with NP events, however, only a few studies have identified risk factors for individual NP events. Expert opinion: Further research needs to search for and validate biomarkers for NPSLE and individual NP events, including neuroimaging findings, attribution models, and serologic markers. This will be a fundamental step in planning randomized control trials in the treatment of NPSLE to improve outcome.
The associations of daylight and melatonin receptor 1B gene rs10830963 variant with glycemic traits: the prospective PPP-Botnia study

Abstract Background: Seasonal variation in glucose metabolism might be driven by changes in daylight. Melatonin entrains circadian regulation and is directly associated with daylight. The relationship between melatonin receptor 1B gene variants with glycemic traits and type 2 diabetes is well established. We studied if daylight length was associated with glycemic traits and if it modified the relationship between melatonin receptor 1B gene rs10830963 variant and glycemic traits. Materials: A population-based sample of 3422 18–78-year-old individuals without diabetes underwent an oral glucose tolerance test twice, an average 6.8 years (SD = 0.9) apart and were genotyped for rs10830963. Daylight data was obtained from the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Results: Cross-sectionally, more daylight was associated with lower fasting glucose, but worse insulin sensitivity and secretion at follow-up. Longitudinally, individuals studied on lighter days at follow-up than at baseline showed higher glucose values during the oral glucose tolerance test and lower Corrected Insulin Response at follow-up. GG genotype carriers in the rs10830963 became more insulin resistant during follow-up if daylight length was shorter at follow-up than at baseline. Conclusions: Our study shows that individual glycemic profiles may vary according to daylight, MTNR1B genotype and their interaction. Future studies may consider taking daylight length into account. Key messages In Western Finland, the amount daylight follows an extensive annual variation ranging from 4 h 44 min to 20 h 17 min, making it ideal to study the associations between daylight and glycemic traits. Moreover, this allows researchers to explore if the relationship between the melatonin receptor 1B gene rs10830963 variant and glycemic traits is modified by the amount of daylight both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. This study shows that individuals, who participated in the study on lighter days at the follow-up than at the baseline, displayed to a greater extent worse glycemic profiles across the follow-up. Novel findings from the current study show that in the longitudinal analyses, each addition of the minor G allele of the melatonin receptor 1B gene rs10830963 was associated with worsening of fasting glucose values and insulin secretion across the 6.8-year follow-up. Importantly, this study shows that in those with the rs10830963 GG genotype, insulin sensitivity deteriorated the most significantly across the 6.8-year follow-up if the daylight length on the oral glucose tolerance testing date at the follow-up was shorter than at the baseline. Taken together, the current findings suggest that the amount of daylight may affect glycemic traits, especially fasting glucose and insulin secretion even though the effect size is small. The association can very according to the rs10830963 risk variant. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these associations.
Obstetric anal sphincter injury: a clinical audit

Sir, We studied with interest the article by Hirayama et al. on ‘Prevalence and risk factors for thirdand fourth-degree perineal lacerations during vaginal delivery: a multi-country study’. We tried to compare our data collected for a clinical audit on obstetric anal sphincter injuries with those of Hirayama et al. The period of study was for 1 year from 1 January to 31 December 2010. The hospital database and labour ward records were reviewed for total number of deliveries, mode of delivery, parity, use of forceps/vacuum, birthweight, episiotomy use and perineal injuries. The total number of deliveries in the study period was 13 816, of which vaginal deliveries were 78.94% (n = 10 907) and caesarean section rate was 21% (n = 2909). Of the 8992 deliveries analysed; (primipara: n = 3976; multipara: n = 5016), 7.1% (n = 641) had perineal tears (first to fourth degree). Of these, 0.18% (n = 17) women sustained thirdand fourth-degree perineal tears; this is much less than the reported incidence of 0.5–2.5%. Primigravidas had a high incidence of thirdand fourth-degree tears when compared with multigravidas (58.8% versus 41.1%), as reported in the paper by Hirayama et al. Similar findings have been quoted by other authors. In our hospital, right mediolateral episiotomy is frequently used, as seen in 43.2% (n = 3884) of women. This we believe protects against thirdand fourth-degree perineal tears. However, in the study by Hirayama et al., episiotomy was cited as a risk factor but the type of episiotomy was not mentioned. A recent study from Finland found that episiotomy use results in decreased sphincter injury, which is in concordance with our findings. In our institution only outlet forceps are used and the risk for anal sphincter injury was similar to other studies, 3.7% versus 2.4–4%. Forceps was applied in 0.9% (n = 81) and vacuum in 1.1% (n = 101). Vacuum was also found to be a risk factor for obstetric anal sphincter injury but no fourth-degree tear was documented. Mean birthweight in our study was 2.92 ± 0.25 kg for women with injuries versus 2.41 ± 0.41 kg for those without perineal injuries. Hence we believe that major degree perineal injuries in our hospital were fewer probably because of low birthweights and frequent use of medio-lateral episiotomies. We do not subscribe to the statement that ‘misdiagnosis of thirdand fourth-degree lacerations in developing countries may be common’, although under-reporting is a problem. j
Levonorgestrel emergency contraception and bodyweight

Abstract Objectives: Emergency contraception (EC) provides an opportunity to avoid an unwanted pregnancy following unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI), failure of a regular contraceptive method, or after sexual assault. Two main methods are currently available: oral pills or the copper-T intrauterine device. In recent years there has been some debate regarding the efficacy of oral therapy in obese women. In this brief commentary we review new evidence, published after the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) referral of 2014, relating to the effect of obesity on the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of levonorgestrel EC in light of some of the concerns that have been raised. Methods: A PubMed literature search (“levonorgestrel” and “emergency contraception”) was conducted between 1 January 2005 to 31 March 2018; results from the main clinical trials are discussed. Additional literature known to the authors and identified from the reference lists of cited publications was included. Results: Overall, it should be noted that, in studies which determined pregnancy rates across different weight or BMI categories, the overall pregnancy rate was low (1–2%) and there was no direct evidence that lower levonorgestrel plasma levels contributed to an increased pregnancy rate in obese women. This conclusion was reached by the EMA referral in 2014 and they concluded that emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) could be taken regardless of body weight or BMI, as soon as possible after UPSI. Since the EMA review, additional evidence has been published regarding this topic. This includes PK data (which can neither support, nor deny the previously submitted meta-analyses during the Article 31 Referral procedure), or re-analyses of the previously submitted data. Conclusions: Evidence published since the EMA referral in 2014 does not change the original conclusions of the agency, which recommended that ECPs could be taken regardless of body weight or BMI, as soon as possible after UPSI.
Dietary exposure to acrylamide in a group of Japanese adults based on 24-hour duplicate diet samples

ABSTRACT Acrylamide is a probable human carcinogen and known human neurotoxin that can be generated in food through heating. Using a mathematical modelling approach, our previous study estimated long-term average dietary exposure to acrylamide in the Japanese people; however, the validity of these estimates remained unknown. Here, we aimed to obtain a more accurate estimate of acrylamide exposure that would reflect the usual practice of heat processing and consumption of foods in the population. We collected duplicate diet samples and dietary records during 24 h from a group of Japanese adults. A total of 110 duplicate diet samples were analysed for acrylamide by LC-MS/MS. Data from individual dietary records were used to examine the association between dietary acrylamide exposure and consumption of selected food groups (e.g., coffee, tea, confectioneries, and vegetables prepared at high temperature [deep-frying, stir-frying, sautéing, and baking]). Of the 110 homogenised diet samples, 108 contained detectable levels of acrylamide. Dietary exposure to acrylamide ranged from 8 to 1582 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day, with the mean value of 215 ng/kg-bw/day and median value of 143 ng/kg-bw/day. This mean value was higher than the value we previously estimated for Japanese adults using a mathematical approach. Multiple linear regression analysis showed log dietary acrylamide exposure was significantly associated with consumption of coffee and vegetables prepared at high temperature during 24-hr of sampling (adj. R2 = 0.250, p < 0.001). We revealed significant difference in dietary acrylamide exposure between participants who had coffee and vegetables prepared at high temperature (median, 169 ng/kg-bw/day; range, 35–1224 ng/kg-bw/day, n = 42) and those who had none of them (median, 75 ng/kg-bw/day; range, 8–311 ng/kg-bw/day, n = 15) (Steel-Dwass test, p < 0.05).
Development and evaluation of molecular tools for detecting and differentiating intestinal amoebae in healthy individuals

Abstract Amoebae are single-celled parasites frequently colonizing human gut. However, few molecular tools are available for accurate identification. Here, we evaluated a panel of polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) targeting Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba polecki, Endolimax nana and Iodamoeba bütschlii. Thirty-six faecal samples (18 containing at least one amoeba species by microscopy and 18 microscopy negative for amoebae) were tested. Real-time PCRs were used for detection and differentiation of E. histolytica and E. dispar. Conventional PCR with Sanger sequencing were applied for detection and differentiation of E. coli, E. hartmanni, E. polecki, E. nana and I. bütschlii. All microscopy results were confirmed by DNA-based methods. However, more samples were positive for single and mixed amoebic species by DNA-based assays than by microscopy (22 vs 18 and 7 vs 1, respectively). DNA sequencing allowed identification of E. coli subtypes (ST1 and ST2), showed low intra-specific variation within E. hartmanni, identified two phylogenetically distinct groups within E. nana, and identified Iodamoeba at the ribosomal lineage level. Taking into account the high intra-genetic diversity within some of the species at the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene level, amplification of SSU rRNA genes with subsequent sequencing represents a useful method for detecting, differentiating and subtyping intestinal amoebae.
Different Effects of Vascular Aging on Ischemic Predisposition in Healthy Men and Women

Invasive studies of the twentieth century showed the value of aortic pressure-time integrals as markers of myocardial oxygen demand and supply. More recent studies have used these concepts to evaluate the mechanisms of ischemic predisposition using noninvasive arterial tonometry in cardiology outpatients. We sought to evaluate the spectrum of myocardial oxygen demand and supply in a large cross-sectional community sample of healthy volunteers and identify the roles of age, sex, and wave reflection. Arterial tonometry was performed in 3682 healthy volunteers. Measures of systolic and diastolic pressure-time integrals and their ratio in addition to cardiac ejection duration were determined and analyzed by age and sex. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the mechanisms underlying observations, while controlling for confounders (heart rate, height, weight, and mean pressure). In a healthy cohort, older women more than men (P<0.001) had unfavorable myocardial oxygen supply:demand ratios because of differing effects of vascular aging.
GM-CSF Administration Improves Defects in Innate Immunity and Sepsis Survival in Obese Diabetic Mice

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in the intensive care unit with an overall mortality rate of 20%. Individuals who are obese and have type 2 diabetes have increased recurrent, chronic, nosocomial infections that worsen the long-term morbidity and mortality from sepsis. Additionally, animal models of sepsis have shown that obese, diabetic mice have lower survival rates compared with nondiabetic mice. Neutrophils are essential for eradication of bacteria, prevention of infectious complications, and sepsis survival. In diabetic states, there is a reduction in neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; however, few studies have investigated the extent to which these deficits compromise infection eradication and mortality. Using a cecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis in lean and in diet-induced obese mice, we demonstrate that obese diabetic mice have decreased “emergency hematopoiesis” after an acute infection. Additionally, both neutrophils and monocytes in obese, diabetic mice have functional defects, with decreased phagocytic ability and a decreased capacity to generate ROS. Neutrophils isolated from obese diabetic mice have decreased transcripts of Axl and Mertk, which partially explains the phagocytic dysfunction. Furthermore, we found that exogenous GM-CSF administration improves sepsis survival through enhanced neutrophil and monocytes phagocytosis and ROS generation abilities in obese, diabetic mice with sepsis.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study on Morphologic Characteristics of the Posterior Region in Hard Palate

Background: The goal of this study is to evaluate the morphologic characteristics of the posterior palatine region among the Chinese population, more specifically, the greater palatine grooves, crests, bridges, and torus palatinus structures and make comparisons between different ethnic groups and minorities. Methods: A total of 323 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were collected for analysis on the presence of grooves, crests, bridges, or torus palatinus (TP). Data were collected through recognizing the grooves, crests, bridges, and TPs and calculating the number of those anatomy structures. The statistics index, including average, standard deviation, were adopted to describe the subjects and Wilcoxon test, Mann–Whitney test, and Chi-squared test were all carried out by SPSS. Results: Three different morphologic manifestations of the greater palatine groove (GPG) found in the upper 1st and 2nd molar regions are as follows: no groove, 1 groove, and 2 grooves. The number of crests ranged from 0 to 3. And the incidence of torus palatines was 29%. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the presence of crests/GPGs and age in the 2nd molar region. Conclusion: The results in this study reveal that GPGs in the upper 1st and 2nd molar regions have 3 different morphologic manifestations among Chinese people and the number of crests can vary from 0 to 3 crests. Although the proportion of GPG or crest and the incidence of TP are different from the proportions of other studies, this may be due to the fact that different ethnic groups and sample sizes were used in the course of this study. Information about the anatomy structures of the posterior region in hard palate directly contributed to a decrease in potential complications during palatal implant surgery and periodontal surgery.
The Effect of Block Versus Daily Undulating Periodization on Strength and Performance in Adolescent Football Players.

Purpose: Muscle mass, strength, and power are important factors for performance. To improve these characteristics, periodized resistance training is used. However, there is no consensus regarding the most effective periodization model. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of block (BLOCK) vs daily undulating periodization (DUP) on body composition, hypertrophy, strength, performance, and power in adolescent American football players. Methods: A total of 47 subjects participated in this study (mean [SD] age = 17 [0.8] y, strength training experience = 0.93 [0.99] y). Premeasurements and postmeasurements consisted of body mass (BM); fat mass; relative fat mass; fat-free mass (FFM); muscle mass (MM); muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and triceps brachii (TB); 1-repetition-maximum back squat (BS) and bench press (BP); countermovement jump (CMJ); estimated peak power (Wpeak) from vertical jump performance; medicine-ball put (MBP); and 40-yd sprint. Subjects were randomly assigned in either the BLOCK or DUP group prior to the 12-wk intervention period consisting of 3 full-body sessions per week. Results: Both groups displayed significantly higher BM (P < .001), FFM (P < .001), MM (P < .001), RF (P < .001), VL (P < .001), TB (P < .001), BS (P < .001), BP (P < .001), CMJ (P < .001), Wpeak (P < .001), and MBP (P < .001) and significantly lower sprint times (P < .001) after 12 wk of resistance training, with no difference between groups. Conclusions: Resistance training was effective to increase muscle mass, strength, power, and performance in adolescent athletes. BLOCK and DUP affect anthropometric measures and physical performance equally.
Protective Effect Of Vitamin C On Monosodium Glutamate Induced Changes In The Oviduct Of Rats.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Vitamin C on Monosodium Glutamate induced histopathological changes in oviduct of adult female Sprague Dawley rats. The duration of study was 6 months. It was an analytical experimental randomized control trial. METHODS In this experimental study, 45 female adult Sprague Dawley rats of 10-14 weeks were used and divided into 3 groups. Each group contains 15 rats. Control group (C) received standard laboratory diet. Experimental group A, was given Monosodium Glutamate (0.08 mg/kg body weight/ day) whereas experimental group B, was served on both MSG and Vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight/day). All groups received diet for a period of 4 weeks. After 4 weeks all rats were sacrificed and oviducts were obtained. For the study of tissue under light microscopy, tissue processing was done by using Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and 5micrometer thick sections were taken from the ampullary part of oviduct. RESULTS After administration of MSG, group A showed vacuolization of epithelial cells, infiltration of RBCs in lumen with substantial decrease in the diameter of oviduct in group A. Protective effects were seen in vitamin C supplemented group B, with decrease in epithelial vacuolization and RBCs infiltrate along with increase in diameter of oviduct. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin C has protective effect on Monosodium Glutamate induced histological changes in oviduct of rats.