Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined microbiological and clinical outcomes of short-term inhaled colistin adjunctive therapy in ventilator-associated pneumonia

© 2018 The Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tu Purpose Aerosolized antibiotics have potential lower risks of toxicity. Colistin has an excellent bactericidal activity against most gram-negative bacilli. We aimed to define both microbiological and clinical target outcomes after a 5-day treatment period in the treatment of patients with gram-negative ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Patients and methods We recruited all patients with gram-negative bacteria culture and sensitivity taken from endotracheal tube aspirates after greater than or equal to 48 h of mechanical ventilation and clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) greater than or equal to 6. Patients were randomized to enter either the study group of inhaled colistin (3 million IU/day, for 5 days) as an adjunctive therapy to intravenous antibiotic treatment of VAP or enter the control group of intravenous antibiotics only. In both arms, intravenous antibiotics were started from the day of clinical suspicion according to American Thoracic Society/Infectious Disease Society of America guidelines. Interpretations on day 6 included microbiological outcome (endotracheal tube aspirate culture and sensitivity) and CPIS. Favorable outcome was defined if there was a microbiological clearance and CPIS less than 6. Patients were monitored for bronchospasm, daily serum creatinine, days of mechanical ventilation, and 30-day mortality. Results A total of 102 patients were recruited. Colistin group included 52 patients and the control group included 50 patients. Favorable outcome was higher [41 (78.8%) vs. 27 (54%), P=0.02] in colistin versus control group, respectively. Prolonged mechanical ventilation for more than 15 days was lower [23 (44.2%) vs. 44 (88%), P=0.01] and a 30-day hospital mortality was lower [21/52 (40.3%) vs. 35/50 (70%), P=0.008] in colistin versus control group, respectively. Conclusion Five days of adjunctive inhaled colistin in patients with gram-negative VAP showed a higher combined clearance and clinical improvement, including multidrug resistant groups, decreased duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU mortality when compared with conventional intravenous therapy alone.
Evaluation of peri-implant condition in periodontally compromised patients

Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the profile of peri-implant tissues in periodontally compromised patients. Settings and Design: In vivo – cross sectional study design. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight implants were evaluated, clinically and radiographically, installed in seven individuals treated by the same team of professionals, during the years 1997 and 2005 in a private dental clinic in Vitória, ES, Brazil; that time of data collection, all implants were at least 10 years of functional loading. The variables related to the dental implants evaluated were: visible Plaque Index, Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and bone level, to relate them to the classification of dental implants. Statistical Analysis Used: The Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis test were adopted. Results: The total of 58 implants were classified: 11 (18.9%) as healthy and 12 (20.7%) as clinically stable. The other 35 implants (60.4%) had some type of peri-implant inflammation, 20 of them (34.5%) were diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis and 15 (25.9%) with peri-implantitis. Among the variables studied, the results showed statistically significant differences for implant location (P = 0.001) and GBI (P = 0.03). Most of the maxillary implants (85.7%) were classified for some type of peri-implant disease. For the implants which resulted in Score 1 for GBI, most of them (75.0%) were also classified for some type of peri-implant disease. Conclusions: Dental implants placed in periodontally compromised patients may have high long-term survival rates. However, most implants were classified with some type of peri-implant inflammation.
A comparative evaluation of the effect of liners on the shear bond strength of veneered zirconia block: An in vitro study

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of lithium disilicate glass–ceramic liner, silicon dioxide based liner, and glass–ceramic interlayer on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a commercially available veneered zirconia block and to study fractographic behavior of the samples using universal testing machine, scanning electron microscope (SEM). Setting and Design: In vivo – comparative study. Materials and Methods: 60 samples were fabricated from VITA (vita zahnfabrik. Bad sackingen, Germany) zirconia discs. Samples were divided into 4 groups with 15 samples each. First is the control group, second is lithium disilicate glass–ceramic liner group, third is silicon dioxide based liner, and fourth is glass–ceramic interlayer group. SBS of samples was recorded using universal testing machine. Samples were further analyzed for fractographic behavior using SEM. Statistical Analysis Used: One Way ANOVA test, and Chi-Square test. Results: The intergroup comparison of mean SBS (Mpa) was done using the post hoc Bonferroni test. The mean SBS (Mpa) was significantly more among lithium disilicate and glass–ceramic interlayer groups in comparison to silicon dioxide-based liner group. Fractographic analysis was done using the Chi-square test. Conclusion: It was concluded that maximum SBS was obtained for lithium disilicate liner. Maximum adhesive failures were found with lithium disilicate liner, and silicon dioxide-based liner group showed cohesive failures.
Ghrelin and male reproduction

Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide hormone, conventionally known to be secreted by the stomach. The synthesis of ghrelin by the reproductive organs signifies its autocrine and/or paracrine actions upon the gonads. Expression of the functional ghrelin receptor is observed in different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, suggesting its action on hypothalamic secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the pulsatile secretion of pituitary gonadotropins. It mainly acts to inhibit the secretion of the luteinizing hormone and thereby may also hinder proper testicular functions. This review article aims to provide a concise concept on (a) the characteristics, secretion and mode of actions of ghrelin, and (b) the role of ghrelin as a potential regulator of male reproductive functions. It may act upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis as well as directly regulate key testicular functions such as testosterone secretion, Leydig cell proliferation and expressions of prime functional proteins in the seminiferous tubule. These actions of ghrelin on testicular functions appear to be species-specific. Ghrelin and its versatile biological functions bring to a consensus that further research on ghrelin may establish one of the associations between body energy status with alterations in male reproductive functions.
The Immunological Properties of Recombinant Multi-Cystatin-Like Domain Protein From Trichinella Britovi Produced in Yeast

Trichinellosis is a globally-distributed zoonotic parasitic disease caused by nematode worms of the genus Trichinella. One of the most common species of Trichinella known to affect human health is T. britovi; however, it is relatively poorly investigated. A thorough knowledge of the proteins expressed by Trichinella is important when developing immunological detection methods and vaccines and studying its interactions with the host. The present study uses the Pichia pastoris expression system to produce a soluble TbCLP antigen which induces strong antibody responses in the host during natural infection. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of TbCLP antigen production in yeasts, which are able to carry out post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and disulfide bond formation; they also indicate that the glycosylated TbCLP antigen had immunogenic effects in the tested mice and induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response, and was associated with a reduced larval burden after challenge with T. britovi. Subsequent in vitro stimulation of mice splenocytes revealed that TbCLP most likely possesses immunomodulatory properties and may play a significant role in the early phase of infection, affecting host immunological responses.
Complete denture fracture – A proposed classification system and its incidence in National Capital Region population: A survey

Aim: The complete denture fracture of denture may ruin the routine life of an edentulous patient. The aim of the present study was to propose and evaluate a new classification system for denture fractures. Settings and Design: Cross sectional -Survey. Materials and Methods: Ten dental laboratories in Delhi and the National Capital Region participated in the study for 2 years. The accurate assessment of fractured dentures received in the laboratories for repairs was done. A questionnaire with complete information along with photographs was used to classify the denture fracture. Statistical Analysis Used: Percentage (proportion) statistical test. Results: Out of 620 dentures, 164 (94 maxillary and 70 mandibular) were found with previous repair, soft liners, metal frame, or wire reinforcements which were excluded from the study. In the present study, 456 dentures were considered (256 maxillary and 200 mandibular). Class I fracture (midline) was the most common in both maxillary and mandibular dentures (46.87% in maxillary and 61% in mandibular) with high significance (P < 0.001). Class II and Class V were the second most common pattern of fracture in mandibular and maxillary dentures, respectively. There was no single case of Class III fracture for the mandibular dentures, and Class IV was the least common among the maxillary dentures. Conclusions: This study encourages further clinical studies for validation and reliability evaluation of proposed new classification system.
Ocular Dominance Plasticity of Areas 17 and 21a in the Cat

The visual system is organized in a parallel and hierarchical architecture. However, the plasticity in hierarchical neural networks is controversial across different response features and at different levels. In this study, we recorded areas 17 and 21a, earlier and intermediate stages of the visual cortex in the cat, respectively, by single-unit recording and intrinsic-signal optical imaging. We found that ocular dominance (OD) plasticity evoked by monocular deprivation (MD) was stronger in area 21a than in area 17 in the critical period (CP), and this plasticity became weaker but still persisted in area 21a while it disappeared in area 17 beyond the CP. These results suggest a diversified functional plasticity along the visual information processing pathways in a hierarchical neural network.
The Epidemiology and Susceptibility of Candidemia in Jerusalem, Israel

Objectives: Invasive Candida infections pose a major public health problem worldwide and is a major cause of nosocomial bloodstream infection. Our aim was to assess dynamics in incidence, species distribution and antifungal susceptibility of candidemia episodes in Jerusalem, to better understand the epidemiology of invasive isolates and to better direct therapy. Methods: We analyzed the incidence dynamics, species distribution and susceptibility pattern of 899 candidemia episodes during 2005–2016 in Jerusalem. Results: The overall incidence of candidemia was relatively low of 0.62 per 1,000 admissions. Candida albicans was the leading pathogen (39.4%); however, there was a shift toward non-albicans species, with Candida glabrata predominating among them (40%). As expected, more than one-third of candidemias occurred in intensive care units. However, the distribution between species varied and Candida tropicalis was the leading pathogen in hematology-oncology patients. The susceptibility of isolates to antifungals remained stable throughout the years. Only a minority of Candida albicans isolates were non-susceptible to fluconazole (3.3%), however, an unexpectedly high resistance rate (37.8%) was observed in Candida parapsilosis isolates. We found an alarming rate of caspofungin resistance in Candida glabrata (33.6%) and Candida krusei (67%); this may reflect misclassification of resistance by the E-test method. Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive candidemia analysis in the Jerusalem area that should serve as a basis for decision-making regarding appropriate antifungal treatment in the hospital setting. The exceptional high resistance rate amongst Candida parapsilosis emphasizes the importance of antifungal susceptibility monitoring in medical centers serving large urban areas to better direct appropriate treatment.
Retinal nerve fiber layer and visual field changes in patients undergoing trabeculectomy at Sub-Himalayan Region

Introduction: Glaucoma constitutes a group of multifactorial optic neuropathies with changes in intrapapillary and parapapillary regions of optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of peripapillary RNFL thickness may be the best among the currently available digital imaging instruments for detecting and tracking optic nerve damage in glaucoma. Objective: Analyzing changes in RNFL and visual field (VF) before and after trabeculectomy. Materials and Methods: The RNFL measurement using Topcon 3D OCT and VF assessment with Octopus 900 perimeter of 27 patients undergoing trabeculectomy were done at 1 week preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Results: All the four RNFL quadrants showed improvement in thickness which was either numerically or statistically significant. In the VF analysis, the mean sensitivity (MS) was 8.73 ± 4.5493 at 1 week preoperatively. The mean value for MS at 3rd month was 9.859 ± 5.5606 (P = 0.043). Statistically significant improvement was observed at 3rd month postoperatively. The mean deviation observed within 1 week preoperative period was 19.044 ± 4.6111. The mean value was 18.26 ± 5.164 (P = 0.003) at 1 month. The mean value came equal to 17.926 ± 5.4928 (P = 0.012) at 3rd month. Statistically significant improvement was observed postoperative follow-up period. Conclusion: The vision in patients of primary open angle glaucoma can be restored through early detection of glaucoma by OCT and perimetry. As there is improvement in RNFL thickness and global indices of VF in patients undergoing trabeculectomy, further visual deterioration can be avoided.
Hand-and-finger-awareness for mobile touch Interaction using deep learning

Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have replaced desktop computers for a wide range of everyday tasks. Virtually every smartphone incorporates a touchscreen which enables an intuitive interaction through a combination of input and output in a single interface. Due to the success of touch input, a wide range of applications became available for mobile devices which were previously exclusive to desktop computers. This transition increased the mobility of computing devices and enables users to access important applications even while on the move. Despite the success of touchscreens, traditional input devices such as keyboard and mouse are still superior due to their rich input capabilities. For instance, computer mice offer multiple buttons for different functions at the same cursor position while hardware keyboards provide modifier keys which augment the functionality of every other key. In contrast, touch input is limited to the two-dimensional location of touches sensed on the display. The limited input capabilities slow down the interaction and pose a number of challenges which affect the usability. Among others, shortcuts can merely be provided which affects experienced users and contradicts Shneiderman’s golden rules for interface design. Moreover, the use of mostly one finger for input slows down the interaction while further challenges such as the fat-finger problem and limited reachability add additional inconveniences. Although the input capabilities are sufficient for simple applications, more complex everyday tasks which require intensive input, such
Software Intrusion Detection Evaluation System: A Cost-Based Evaluation of Intrusion Detection Capability

In this paper, we consider a cost-based extension of intrusion detection capability (CID). An objective metric motivated by information theory is presented and based on this formulation; a package for computing the intrusion detection capability of intrusion detection system (IDS), given certain input parameters is developed using Java. In order to determine the expected cost at each IDS operating point, the decision tree method of analysis is employed, and plots of expected cost and intrusion detection capability against false positive rate were generated. The point of intersection between the maximum intrusion detection capability and the expected cost is selected as the optimal operating point. Considering an IDS in the context of its intrinsic ability to detect intrusions at the least expected cost, findings revealed that the optimal operating point is the most suitable for the given IDS. The cost-based extension is used to select optimal operating point, calculate expected cost, and compare two actual intrusion detectors. The proposed cost-based extension of intrusion detection capability will be very useful to information technology (IT), telecommunication firms, and financial institutions, for making proper decisions in evaluating the suitability of an IDS for a specific operational environment.
Grazing disturbance promotes exotic annual grasses by degrading soil biocrust communities.

Exotic invasive plants threaten ecosystem integrity, and their success depends on a combination of abiotic factors, disturbances, and interactions with existing communities. In dryland ecosystems, soil biocrusts (communities of lichens, bryophytes and microorganisms) can limit favorable microsites needed for invasive species establishment, but the relative importance of biocrusts for landscape-scale invasion patterns remains poorly understood. We examine effects of livestock grazing in habitats at high risk for invasion to test the hypothesis that disturbance indirectly favors exotic annual grasses by reducing biocrust cover. We present some of the first evidence that biocrusts increase site resistance to invasion at a landscape scale and mediate the effects of disturbance. Biocrust species richness, which is reduced by livestock grazing, also appears to promote native perennial grasses. Short mosses, as a functional group, appeared to be particularly valuable for preventing invasion by exotic annual grasses. Our study suggests that maintaining biocrust communities with high cover, species richness, and cover of short mosses can increase resistance to invasion. These results highlight the potential of soil surface communities to mediate invasion dynamics and suggest promising avenues for restoration in dryland ecosystems.
miR-371a-3p, miR-373-3p and miR-367-3p as Serum Biomarkers in Metastatic Testicular Germ Cell Cancers Before, During and After Chemotherapy

Background: LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) and β-HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) are used in diagnosis and follow-up of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) patients. Our aim was to investigate the association between levels of miR-371a-3p, miR-373-3p and miR-367-3p and clinical features in metastatic TGCC. Methods: relative levels of miR-371a-3p, miR-373-3p and miR-367-3p were evaluated in serum of metastatic TGCC patients. A prospectively included and a retrospectively selected cohort were studied (total patient number = 109). Blood samples were drawn at start of chemotherapy and during follow-up. Serum microRNA (miR) levels were determined using the ampTSmiR test. Results: at start of chemotherapy, miR-371a-3p, miR-373-3p and miR-367-3p levels were positively correlated to LDH. The median level of these miRs was higher in patients who developed a relapse after complete biochemical remission (n = 34) than in those who had complete durable remission (n = 60). Higher levels of miR-367-3p were found in patients with refractory disease (n = 15) compared to those who had complete response. miR levels decreased during the first week of chemotherapy in patients with complete response and stayed below threshold after one year of treatment. Conclusion: high miR levels at start of chemotherapy are associated with worse clinical outcome and can assist in early diagnosing of relapses.
The Effect of the Yingyangbao Complementary Food Supplement on the Nutritional Status of Infants and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Yingyangbao (YYB) is a nutrient-dense complementary food supplement for infants and young children in China. There has been considerable interest and research on the potential effects of YYB on hematological and anthropometric outcomes in China, but limited effort has been made to consolidate and synthesize the evidence to inform the research and policy agendas. Eight English databases and three Chinese databases were searched from January 2001 to June 2019 to identify YYB intervention studies. A total of 32 quasi-experimental, post-only, concurrent-control studies or pre-post studies were identified, and 26 were included in the meta-analyses. A pooled analysis of post-only studies with concurrent-control determined that YYB was associated with an increase of 4.43 g/L (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55, 7.30) hemoglobin concentration, 2.46 cm (CI 0.96, 3.97) in height, and 0.79 kg (CI 0.25, 1.32) weight in infants and young children. YYB was also associated with reductions in the prevalence of anemia (risk ratio (RR) = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.67), stunting (RR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.81), and underweight (RR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.65). Overall, YYB was found to be associated with improved hematological and anthropometric indicators among infants and young children in China; however, randomized trials are needed to causally assess the efficacy of YYB due to the inherent risk of bias in existing quasi-experimental studies; rigorous implementation and cost-effectiveness evaluations are also needed.
The epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease: East meets west

The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in East has risen over the past decade to become a global disease. The increasing number of studies on the incidence and course of IBD in East has enabled us to explore East versus West differences in the epidemiology of IBD which could enhance our understanding of the heterogeneity of the disease and eventually assist in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and design of preventive strategies.