Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Risk Factors and Perinatal Outcomes of Preterm Birth in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Comprehensive Analysis

Background Preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation is a global public health challenge, particularly in India, where the prevalence varies regionally. Understanding risk factors, such as maternal age and complications like hypertensive disorders, is vital. India's diverse healthcare landscape and regional disparities further complicate this issue. Preterm infants face increased mortality and morbidity risks like respiratory distress and intraventricular hemorrhage. This study in a tertiary care hospital aimed to analyze risk factors, assess perinatal outcomes, and contribute to the understanding of preterm birth in this complex context, providing valuable insights for maternal and child health strategies. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Science, Rajabpur, over one year, extracting data from electronic health records. The study aimed to analyze risk factors associated with preterm delivery and assess perinatal outcomes. The study included diverse pregnancies, both singleton and multiple gestations, and employed sample size calculations to ensure statistical validity. Trained medical personnel collected extensive data on maternal characteristics, obstetric history, antenatal care, perinatal outcomes, and mode of delivery. Statistical analysis, utilizing SPSS (IBM, Chicago, USA), involved descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariate logistic regression models. Findings with a p-value <0.05 were considered significant. Results The study included 2042 deliveries, with a preterm birth prevalence of 14.2%. Multiparous women had higher preterm birth rates than primigravida (72.92% vs. 27.08%). Maternal age, history of preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, inadequate antenatal care compliance, previous cesarean section, multiple gestations, antepartum hemorrhage (APH), polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) were significantly associated with preterm birth. Apgar scores at one minute and five minutes, neonatal complications, and mortality rates were notably worse among preterm births. Vaginal delivery rates were significantly lower in the preterm group (36.3%) compared to full-term deliveries (48.8%), with a higher rate of emergency cesarean sections (19.7% vs. 10.8%). Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the risk factors and perinatal outcomes of preterm delivery at a tertiary care hospital, with precise values illustrating the extent of associations. The findings such as history of preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and inadequate antenatal care compliance as the most commonly associated conditions with preterm birth and management of such associated conditions may help reduce the rate of premature birth.
To Analyze the Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma in Contrast to Platelet-rich Fibrin along with Synthetic Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium Phosphate Bone Graft in Regeneration of Bony Defects in Children

Abstract Aim To analyze the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in contrast to platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) along with synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bone graft in the regeneration of bone defects in children. Materials and methods A total of 20 children in whom bone defect was present were selected and divided into two groups of 10. In group I, the bone defect was filled with PRP + nanocrystalline HA with β-TCP and group II, with PRF + nanocrystalline HA with β-TCP. Radiographs using VistaScan with a mesh grid were taken to analyze the bone density and bone regeneration. Clinical evaluation with respect to the color of overlying mucosa, sinus formation, pus discharge, and seepage of bone graft was done. The parameters used to analyze the radiographs included gray scale analysis, residual bone defect calculation in pixels both performed in CorelDraw version 13 software, and radiopaque scoring scale. Results The mean bone defect density measured using gray scale was higher in the PRF than PRP group. The percentage of bone formation analyzed using residual bone defect calculation and mean radiopaque score revealed that the PRF group showed better outcomes compared to the PRP group. Conclusion Both PRP and PRF are equally effective in promoting bone regeneration with PRF showing slight superiority over PRP. How to cite this article Koksi Sangma Shadap NM, Yadav G, Saha S, et al. To Analyze the Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma in Contrast to Platelet-rich Fibrin along with Synthetic Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium Phosphate Bone Graft in Regeneration of Bony Defects in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):842–849.
Calcium Channel Inhibitory Effect of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.): Its Medicinal Use in Diarrhea and Gut Hyperactivity.

BACKGROUND The leaves of Origanum majorana (O. majorana) are traditionally renowned for treating diarrhea and gut spasms. This study was therefore planned to evaluate its methanolic extract. METHODS Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the phytochemicals, and Swiss albino mice were used for an in vivo antidiarrheal assay. Isolated rat ileum was used as an ex vivo assay model to study the possible antispasmodic effect and its mechanism(s). RESULTS The GC-MS analysis of O. majorana detected the presence of 21 compounds, of which alpha-terpineol was a major constituent. In the antidiarrheal experiment, O. majorana showed a substantial inhibitory effect on diarrheal episodes in mice at an oral dosage of 200 mg/kg, resulting in 40% protection. Furthermore, an oral dosage of 400 mg/kg provided even greater protection, with 80% effectiveness. Similarly, loperamide showed 100% protection at oral doses of 10 mg/kg. O. majorana caused complete inhibition of carbachol (CCh, 1 µM) and high K+ (80 mM)-evoked spasms in isolated ileal tissues by expressing significantly higher potency (p < 0.05) against high K+ compared to CCh, similar to verapamil, a Ca++ antagonist. The verapamil-like predominant Ca++ ion inhibitory action of O. majorana was further confirmed in the ileal tissues that were made Ca++-free by incubating the tissues in a physiological salt solution having ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a chelating agent. The preincubation of O. majorana at increasing concentrations (0.3 and 1 mg/mL) shifted towards the right of the CaCl2-mediated concentration-response curves (CRCs) with suppression of the maximum contraction. Similarly, verapamil also caused non-specific suppression of Ca++ CRCs towards the right, as expected. CONCLUSIONS Thus, this study conducted an analysis to determine the chemical constituents of the leaf extract of O. majorana and provided a detailed mechanistic basis for the medicinal use of O. majorana in hyperactive gut motility disorders.
Effects of Delayed Radar Information on Distance Estimation

Data-linked radar images can be delayed and more than 14 minutes old by the time they reach the cockpit for use by pilots (Elgin & Thomas, 2004; Novacek et al., 2001; Yuchnovicz et al., 2001). Unfortunately, pilots may not be fully aware of the delay (Yuchnovicz etc., 2001) and that it may adversely affect their decision-making and cause fatal accidents (Chamberlain and Latorella, 2001; NTSB, 2011). This study evaluated the effects of the amount of time delay (short, medium or long), movement speed of storm cells (slow, medium, of fast), and display format (animation or static) on the pilot’s distance estimation accuracy. 31 student pilots and pilots completed the task of current proximity estimation to the storm cells. As expected, delayed radar information affected the pilots’ proximity estimation and deteriorated their weather situation awareness. The participants routinely underestimated the current distance. When the time delay was long or the storm movement was fast, the proximity estimation was more accurate. Interaction effects existed between the amount of delay and display types. This could be due to use of perceptual cues on the display to support proximity estimation. Pilots were observed to take a conservative approach in face of uncertainty caused by delay.
Gyrfalcon Diet During the Brood Rearing Period on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, in the Context of a Changing World

ix PREFACE . xi LIST OF TABLES . xv LIST OF FIGURES . xvii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN TUNDRA SYSTEMS. 1 References . 5 CHAPTER TWO: GYRFALCON DIETARY PLASTICITY DURING THE BROOD REARING PERIOD . 10 Abstract . 10. 10 Introduction . 11 Methods. 14 Study Area . 14 Nest Treatment . 15 Data Analysis . 16 Statistical Analysis . 18 Results . 19 Overall Diet Composition . 19 Change in Prey Use Across Brood Rearing . 19
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Informal Mechanisms by Disaster Victims in Cameroon.

The rapid global upsurge in natural disasters in the last three decades arguably accounts for its recent repositioning in the global discourse, as visible in the Sustainable Development Goals. While it is globally accepted that natural disasters will increase in the future mainly due to climate change, their effects will differ between developing and developed countries. Currently, not enough empirical evidence exists on the factors influencing the decisions of disaster affected households especially in developing countries, to adopt specific risk management mechanisms aiming at preventing, mitigating, coping or resisting the aftermaths
Spike ripples localize the epileptogenic zone best: an international intracranial study.

We evaluated whether spike ripples, the combination of epileptiform spikes and ripples, provide a reliable and improved biomarker for the epileptogenic zone (EZ) compared to other leading interictal biomarkers in a multicenter, international study. We first validated an automated spike ripple detector on intracranial EEG recordings. We then applied this detector to subjects from four centers who subsequently underwent surgical resection with known 1-year outcomes. We evaluated the spike ripple rate in subjects cured after resection (ILAE 1 outcome) and those with persistent seizures (ILAE 2-6) across sites and recording types. We also evaluated available interictal biomarkers: spike, spike-gamma, wideband high frequency oscillation (HFO, 80-500 Hz), ripple (80-250 Hz), and fast ripple (250-500 Hz) rates using previously validated automated detectors. The proportion of resected events was computed and compared across subject outcomes and biomarkers. 109 subjects were included. Most spike ripples were removed in subjects with ILAE 1 outcome (P < 0.001), and this was qualitatively observed across all sites and for depth and subdural electrodes (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Among ILAE 1 subjects, the mean spike ripple rate was higher in the RV (0.66/min) than in the non-removed tissue (0.08/min, P < 0.001). A higher proportion of spike ripples were removed in subjects with ILAE 1 outcomes compared to ILAE 2-6 outcomes (P = 0.06). Among ILAE 1 subjects, the proportion of spike ripples removed was higher than the proportion of spikes (P < 0.001), spike-gamma (P < 0.001), wideband HFOs (P < 0.001), ripples (P = 0.009) and fast ripples (P = 0.009) removed. At the individual level, more subjects with ILAE 1 outcomes had the majority of spike ripples removed (79%, 38/48) than spikes (69%, P = 0.12), spike-gamma (69%, P = 0.12), wideband HFOs (63%, P = 0.03), ripples (45%, P = 0.01), or fast ripples (36%, P < 0.001) removed. Thus, in this large, multicenter cohort, when surgical resection was successful, the majority of spike ripples were removed. Further, automatically detected spike ripples have improved specificity for epileptogenic tissue compared to spikes, spike-gamma, wideband HFOs, ripples, and fast ripples.
Effects of the Three-Direction Movement Control Focus Complex Pain Program and Neurodynamic Focus Complex Pain Program on Pain, Mechanosensitivity, and Body Function in Taekwondo Athletes with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study

We aimed to determine the effects of three-direction movement control focus complex pain program (3D-MCE) and neurodynamic focus complex pain program (NDT) on pain, mechanosensitivity, and body function in Taekwondo athletes with non-specific low back pain. This study used a two-group pretest–posttest design and was conducted at a university physiotherapy lab and training center. It included 21 Taekwondo athletes with non-specific low back pain from a Taekwondo studio and a University in Busan. Participants were divided into a 3D-MCE group (n = 10) and an NDT group (n = 10). The numerical rating pain scale (NRPS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), movement analysis, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were measured before and after the intervention. The intervention was performed for 45 min twice a week for 4 weeks. Each group performed movement control exercises and neurodynamic techniques. The NRPS, motion analysis, and ODI were significantly changed after the intervention in the 3-DMCE group. The NRPS, PPT, and ODI changed significantly after the intervention in the NDT group. Moreover, the PPT and motion analysis showed significant differences between the two groups. For Taekwondo athletes with non-specific low back pain, 3D-MCE improved the stability control ability of the lumbar spine. It was confirmed that neurodynamic techniques reduce muscle and nerve mechanosensitivity.
Longitudinal Measurements of Blood Biomarkers in Patients with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis Treated with Infliximab: Only the Latest Values in the Induction Period Predict Treatment Failure

Background: Few studies have incorporated longitudinal assessments or used combinations of blood biomarkers as predictors of loss of response to biologic therapy for patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: This is a population-based cohort study comprising Danish patients with CD or UC from 2008 to 2018. We used logistic regression to analyze whether levels and changes in levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin, and hemoglobin, routinely measured during a 14-week infliximab induction period, predicted a change to another biologic medication or cessation of biologic therapy. Results: During the induction period, 2883 (1626 CD, 1257 UC) patients had 12,730, 12,040, and 13,538 specimens with CRP, serum albumin, and hemoglobin, respectively. In all, 284 patients (9.9%) switched to another biologic medication, and 139 (4.8%) ceased biologic therapy in the follow-up period. Only the most recent CRP and hemoglobin levels predicted the efficacy of infliximab treatment at approximately 14 weeks, a time point when the clinician often determines whether to continue treatment. Conclusion: Measurement of blood biomarkers prior to the clinical assessment does not predict the effectiveness of infliximab.
Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa High-Risk Clone ST309 Serotype O11 Featuring blaPER-1 and qnrVC6

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. Biofilm production, antibiotic resistance, and a wide range of virulence factors contribute to their persistence in nosocomial environments. We describe an outbreak caused by a multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strain in an ICU. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined and blaPER-1 and qnrVC were amplified via PCR. Clonality was determined using PFGE and biofilm formation was studied with a static model. A combination of antibiotics was assessed on both planktonic cells and biofilms. WGS was performed on five isolates. All isolates were clonally related, resistant to ceftazidime, cefepime, amikacin, and ceftolozane-tazobactam, and harbored blaPER-1; 11/19 possessed qnrVC. Meropenem and ciprofloxacin reduced the biofilm biomass; however, the response to antibiotic combinations with rifampicin was different between planktonic cells and biofilms. WGS revealed that the isolates belonged to ST309 and serotype O11. blaPER-1 and qnrVC6 were associated with a tandem of ISCR1 as part of a complex class one integron, with aac(6′)-Il and ltrA as gene cassettes. The structure was associated upstream and downstream with Tn4662 and flanked by direct repeats, suggesting its horizontal mobilization capability as a composite transposon. ST309 is considered an emerging high-risk clone that should be monitored in the Americas.
Bacterial Endophytes from Legumes Native to Arid Environments Are Promising Tools to Improve Mesorhizobium–Chickpea Symbiosis under Salinity

Simple Summary Soil salinity is increasing worldwide and is a major environmental issue that affects soil fertility and agricultural productivity. In this study, we show that the early events of the Mesorhizobium-chickpea symbiosis are negatively affected by salinity due to substantial changes in the composition of phenolic compounds of chickpea root exudates, which in turn affect the perception and response of its microsymbiont. In addition, the use of non-rhizobial nodule endophytes from legumes native to arid regions proved to be a promising strategy to improve legume growth and to enhance Mesorhizobium-chickpea symbiosis under salinity. In conclusion, this study helps to extend our knowledge on the detrimental effects of salinity on legume-rhizobium symbiosis and highlights the potential use of beneficial nodule bacteria as biological tools to maintain a healthier rhizobium–legume symbiosis, thus enhancing the growth of salt-sensitive legumes under salinity conditions. Abstract Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is a major contributor of N in agricultural ecosystems, but the establishment of legume–rhizobium symbiosis is highly affected by soil salinity. Our interest is focused on the use of non-rhizobial endophytes to assist the symbiosis between chickpea and its microsymbiont under salinity to avoid loss of production and fertility. Our aims were (1) to investigate the impact of salinity on both symbiotic partners; including on early events of the Mesorhizobium-chickpea symbiosis, and (2) to evaluate the potential of four non-rhizobial endophytes isolated from legumes native to arid regions (Phyllobacterium salinisoli, P. ifriqiyense, Xanthomonas translucens, and Cupriavidus respiraculi) to promote chickpea growth and nodulation under salinity. Our results show a significant reduction in chickpea seed germination rate and in the microsymbiont Mesorhizobium ciceri LMS-1 growth under different levels of salinity. The composition of phenolic compounds in chickpea root exudates significantly changed when the plants were subjected to salinity, which in turn affected the nod genes expression in LMS-1. Furthermore, the LMS-1 response to root exudate stimuli was suppressed by the presence of salinity (250 mM NaCl). On the contrary, a significant upregulation of exoY and otsA genes, which are involved in exopolysaccharide and trehalose biosynthesis, respectively, was registered in salt-stressed LMS-1 cells. In addition, chickpea co-inoculation with LMS-1 along with the consortium containing two non-rhizobial bacterial endophytes, P. salinisoli and X. translucens, resulted in significant improvement of the chickpea growth and the symbiotic performance of LMS-1 under salinity. These results indicate that this non-rhizobial endophytic consortium may be an appropriate ecological and safe tool to improve chickpea growth and its adaptation to salt-degraded soils.
Development of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Membranes Based on Functionalized and Crosslinked Chitosan for Tissue Regeneration

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that develops new methods to enhance the regeneration of damaged tissues, including those of wounds. Polymer systems containing bioactive molecules can play an important role in accelerating tissue regeneration, mitigating inflammation process, and fighting bacterial infection. Chitosan (CS) has attracted much attention regarding its use in wound healing system fabrication thanks to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the presence of functional groups in its structure. In this work, bioactive chitosan-based membranes were obtained by both chemical and physical modifications of the polymer with glycidyl methacrylate and glycerol (GLY), respectively. The most suitable GLY concentration to obtain wound healing systems with good elongation at break, a good water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and good wettability values was 20% (w/w). Afterwards, the membranes were crosslinked with different concentrations of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). By using a concentration of 0.05 mM EGDMA, membranes with a contact angle and WVTR values suitable for the application were obtained. To make the system bioactive, 3,4-dihydrocinnamic acid (HCAF) was introduced into the membranes, either by imbibition or chemical reaction, using laccase as a catalyst. Thermal and mechanical analyses confirmed the formation of a cohesive network, which limited the plasticizing effect of GLY, particularly when HCAF was chemically bound. The HCAF-imbibed membrane showed a good antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, highlighting the potential of this system for the treatment of wound healing.
Progradation of a Beach Ridge Plain between 5000 and 4000 Years BP Inferred from Luminescence Dating, Coquimbo Bay, Chile

ABSTRACT Hart, E.A. ; Stapor, F.W. ; Enrique Novoa Jerez, J., and Sutherland, C.J., 2017. Progradation of a beach ridge plain between 5000 and 4000 years BP inferred from luminescence dating, Coquimbo Bay, Chile. Luminescence dating was carried out to determine the depositional history of a 2-km-wide, shore-parallel, beach ridge sequence at Coquimbo Bay, Chile, for which no direct dating had previously been done. The beach ridge plain at Coquimbo Bay represents one of the most extensive Holocene depositional features preserved along the Pacific Coast of South America. Both optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dates indicate a rapid period of beach ridge progradation lasting approximately 1000 years at an average rate of 2 m y−1. However, based on previously reported luminescence deficiencies of geologically “young” quartz, it is proposed that IRSL dates are more representative of the actual depositional age of the beach ridges. These IRSL ages indicate that the beach ridge plain at Coquimbo Bay was formed between ca. 5000 and 4000 years BP, after the hiatus of eustatic sea-level rise in the mid-Holocene, and that a relatively stable shoreline location has likely prevailed over the last 4000 yrs. The height of beach ridges 8 to 10 m above modern sea level is difficult to interpret but is likely the result of several factors, including the build-up of an eolian cap on each beach ridge at the time of its formation, the height of wave runup, and tectonic uplift. Although uncertain, the cumulative effect of all three of these factors appears to be insufficient to account for all of the present beach ridge elevation, and thus a fall in sea level after the mid-Holocene at this location cannot be ruled out. Archaeological and geomorphic evidence support the idea of a mid-Holocene sea-level high stand and a 1 to 2 m mid-Holocene high stand is well established at many other circum-Pacific, far-field locations.