Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dexmedetomidine protects against burn-induced intestinal barrier injury via the MLCK/p-MLC signalling pathway.

BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that sedative dexmedetomidine can prevent intestinal dysfunction. However, the specific mechanisms of its protective effects against burn-induced intestinal barrier injury remain unclear. We aimed to explore the possible positive effects of dexmedetomidine on burn-induced intestinal barrier injury and the effects the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)/phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC) signalling pathway in an experimental model of burn injury. METHODS In this study, the plasma concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled dextran (FITC-dextran) was measured. Histological changes were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Tight junction proteins were evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence analyses to assess the structural integrity of intestinal tight junctions. The level of inflammation was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The results shows that the increase in intestinal permeability caused by burn injury is accompanied by histological damage to the intestine, decreases in the expression of the tight junction proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, increases in inflammatory cytokine levels and elevation of both MLCK protein expression and MLC phosphorylation. After dexmedetomidine treatment, the burn-induced changes were ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, dexmedetomidine exerted an anti-inflammatory effect and protected tight junction complexes against burn‑induced intestinal barrier damage by inhibiting the MLCK/p-MLC signalling pathways.
Robsons Ten Group Classification of Cesarean Section at a Tertiary Center in Nepal.

BACKGROUND Increasing trend in Ceasarean birth is the issue of both demand and supply side. One of the recommended tools to characterize every pregnancy admitted for childbirth is Robson ten-group classification system that may evaluate obstetric practice. The aim of the study was to assess the cesarean section pattern based on Robson's classification in a central referral hospital. METHODS A retrospective census of childbirths at Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital in Kathmandu performed from September 2018 to February 2019 based on obstetric record. Robson ten-group classification system was the research tool to collect data and Robson Classification Report Table was used to evaluate the data. RESULTS There were 10500 births with 34% (32-35%) overall cesarean section rate. Excluding spontaneous and induced labor the supposedly total prelabor CS is 14.5%. Group 1+2+3 size is 81% and 21% CS; 5+10 had 11.3% and 23.3% respectively. Prelabor CS (2b+4b) is 3.54% and additional 11% from malpresentation and preterm. Group CS rate from Class 5 onwards, and ratio of 1 and 2 are as recommended by Robson; 67% of CS were not picked up by Robson class due to indications evolved as the labor progresses and the attributes not pre-classified. CONCLUSIONS The assessed quality of data and the type of obstetric population by Robson reference values prove this study as a representative research. But the indications of cesarean sections can be predicted for only one-third of pregnancy attributes classified by Robson class. To supplement this tool to reduce rising cesarean birth requires audit of indications at decision making level.
Effects of loading and prophylactic dressings on the sacral and heel skin: An exploratory cross‐over trial

Pressure ulcers/injuries are caused by sustained loading and deformation of skin and underlying soft tissues. Prophylactic dressings are recommended as an adjunct to other preventive measures such as repositioning and offloading. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prophylactic soft silicone multi‐layered foam dressings on the skin structure and function of the two most common pressure areas, sacrum and heel, with and without loading. An exploratory randomised cross‐over trial using intra‐individual comparisons was conducted. Eight healthy volunteers (mean age 27.5 years) were assigned to three groups and either spent 2.5 hours on a standard hospital mattress lying in supine position with and without dressings or spent 2.5 hours with dressings applied but without loading. Skin temperature, stratum corneum, and epidermal hydration increased in all groups irrespective of wearing a dressing and/or loading. Mean roughness decreased at the heels. Reactive hyperaemia and the release of interleukin 1 alpha were associated with loading only. Results suggest that the occlusive effects of dressings are similar or only slightly greater than those observed with non‐loading or loading without dressings. Thus, a dressing does not cause additional irritation or skin changes during loading but it may reduce the inflammatory response.
Transdiagnostic Predictors of Impaired Recognition of Facial Emotion Expression in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of executive dysfunction and social adaptation in performance in facial emotion recognition. The sample consisted of 31 adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The variables that maintain significant correlations with emotional perception were taken as independent variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of the facial stimuli perception in population with ASD. The results demonstrated a relationship between social maturity and emotional perception. Better scores in communication, socialization and daily life skills predict better performance in the perception of facial stimuli, both emotional and non-emotional.
Pulse Wave Calibration and Implications for Blood Pressure Measurement: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Central aortic systolic pressure (CASP) can be estimated via filtering of the peripheral pulse wave (PPW) following calibration to brachial blood pressure. Recent studies suggest PPW calibration to mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic BP (DBP) provides more accurate CASP estimates (CASPMD) versus conventional calibration to systolic BP (SBP) and DBP (CASPSD). However, the peak of the MAP-DBP calibrated PPW, that is, SBPMD, is rarely reported or used for BP amplification calculations, despite CASPMD being derived from it. We aimed to calculate the unreported SBPMD from studies using MAP-DBP calibration for estimation of CASPMD and compared it with oscillometric brachial SBP (brSBP). Medline database was searched to March 18, 2020. Meta-analysis includes studies reporting noninvasive CASPSD, CASPMD, brSBP, and brachial DBP. SBPMD was calculated using linear function equations. Data from 21 studies used 8 different BP monitors (13 460 participants, mean age: 54±10 years, 57% female, brachial blood pressure: 130±14/79±9 mm Hg). Weighted mean difference between SBPMD and brSBP was 10 mm Hg (range, −2 to 17 mm Hg) and appeared device specific. Calibration of brachial versus radial PPWs to brachial blood pressure showed a greater disparity between SBPMD and brSBP (14 versus 2 mm Hg). BP amplification was similar comparing SBP-DBP versus MAP-DBP calibrations (brSBP-CASPSD versus SBPMD-CASPMD: 9 versus 11 mm Hg), with no instances of reverse BP amplification. PPWs calibrated to MAP-DBP to derive CASPMD generates SBPMD that differs markedly from brSBP with some oscillometric BP monitors. These findings have important implications for BP monitor accuracy, BP amplification, PPW calibration recommendations, and studies of associations between CASP versus SBP and outcomes.
Endothelial IGF‐1 receptor mediates crosstalk with the gut wall to regulate microbiota in obesity

Changes in composition of the intestinal microbiota are linked to the development of obesity and can lead to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. It is unknown whether EC can directly influence the microbiota. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and its receptor (IGF‐1R) are critical for coupling nutritional status and cellular growth; IGF‐1R is expressed in multiple cell types including EC. The role of ECIGF‐1R in the response to nutritional obesity is unexplored. To examine this, we use gene‐modified mice with EC‐specific overexpression of human IGF‐1R (hIGFREO) and their wild‐type littermates. After high‐fat feeding, hIGFREO weigh less, have reduced adiposity and have improved glucose tolerance. hIGFREO show an altered gene expression and altered microbial diversity in the gut, including a relative increase in the beneficial genus Akkermansia. The depletion of gut microbiota with broad‐spectrum antibiotics induces a loss of the favourable metabolic differences seen in hIGFREO mice. We show that IGF‐1R facilitates crosstalk between the EC and the gut wall; this crosstalk protects against diet‐induced obesity, as a result of an altered gut microbiota.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial of Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Childhood Constipation

OBJECTIVES: Management of constipation is still challenging in childhood. The pharmacological effect of XiaojiDaozhi Decoction, a prescription of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), has been well described for the treatment of food and Qi stagnation which account for childhood constipation. However, the efficacy and safety of XiaojiDaozhi Decoction in childhood constipation remains unclear. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XiaojiDaozhi Decoction in childhood constipation. Two hundred children were recruited and randomly allocated to the CHM or placebo group to receive their respective interventions. The duration of treatment was 8 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up. Main outcome measures were complete spontaneous bowel movements and satisfaction with bowel function. Safety and adverse effects were evaluated by blood laboratory measurements. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, the response rates of CHM and placebo were 62% and 31%, respectively (χ2 = 19.315, P < 0.01). At the end of treatment, recurrence was found in 7 cases (10.14%) in CHM and 11 cases (26.19%) in placebo (χ2 = 4.947, P < 0.05). In the main outcome measures, 56 patients (56%) in the CHM group and 25 patients (25%) in the placebo group were satisfied with their bowel movements (χ2 = 19.940, P < 0.05). Increased complete spontaneous bowel movements ≥3 per week from baseline were found in 40 patients (40%) who received CHM and 19 patients (19%) who received placebo (χ2 = 10.602, P < 0.05). No serious adverse effects were found in any of the recruited cases. DISCUSSION: CHM XiaojiDaozhi Decoction is a safe and effective method for the treatment of childhood constipation.
Use of medical cannabis by patients with fibromyalgia in Canada after cannabis legalisation: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES Medications have only small to moderate effects on symptoms in fibromyalgia (FM). Cannabinoids, including medical cannabis (MC) may have potential to fill this gap. Since recreational legalisation of cannabis in Canada, patients have easier access and may be self-medicating with cannabis. We have examined the prevalence and characteristics of MC use in FM patients. METHODS During a two-month period (June-August 2019), consecutive attending rheumatology patients participated in an onsite survey comprising 2 questionnaires: 1) demographic and disease information completed by the rheumatologist, 2) patient anonymous questionnaire of health status, cannabis use (recreational and/or medicinal) and characteristics of use. RESULTS In a cohort of 1000 rheumatology attendees, 117 (11.7%) were diagnosed with FM. Ever use of MC was reported by 28 (23.9%; 95%CI: 16.5%-32.7%) FM patients compared to 98 (11.1%; 95%CI: 9.1%-13.4%) non-FM patients. Among FM ever users, 17 (61%) patients continued use of MC. FM ever users vs. FM nonusers tended to be younger, 53 vs. 58 years (p=0.072), were more likely unemployed or disabled 39% vs. 17% (p=0.019) and used more medication types (p=0.013) but did not differ in symptom severity parameters. Cigarette smoking and recreational cannabis were more common in ever users. Global symptom relief on a VAS (1-10) was 7.0±2.3. CONCLUSIONS FM patients have commonly used MC, with more than half continuing use. Reported symptom relief was substantial. Cigarette smoking and recreational cannabis use may play a facilitatory role in MC use in FM. Adjunctive MC may be a treatment consideration for some FM patients.
Cost-effectiveness and drug wastage of immunotherapeutic agents for hematologic malignancies: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Novel immunotherapeutic agents (e.g. monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engagers) as treatment options for hematologic malignancies continue to emerge. These agents have been used as the standard of care in specific disease states and are associated with high costs. Value assessment of these therapies is of critical importance for coverage and reimbursement decision-making. Areas covered: We identified 15 immunotherapeutic agents through the U.S. FDA approvals for hematologic malignancies until 2018 and systematically reviewed related cost-effectiveness studies. Additionally, we examined whether drug wastage was accounted for in these studies. Expert opinion: We reviewed 51 studies for 14 identified immunotherapeutic agents that met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Three studies were observational-based, one study was model-based and incorporated observational data. The remaining studies were model-based with the majority of the model parameters extracted from randomized control trials (RCTs). Among 43 model-based economic evaluations, 13 studies accounted for drug wastage. Most of the studies showed favorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of immunotherapeutic agents-containing regimens when compared with no immunotherapeutic agents-containing regimens. Alemtuzumab, brentuximab vedotin, and daratumumab were not considered cost-effective across all the studies. Further investigations are warranted to establish the value of recent immunotherapeutic agents for hematologic malignancies.
Evaluation of Antifungal and Antibacterial Activity and Analysis of Bioactive Phytochemical Compounds of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon Bark) using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds often referred to as secondary metabolites. Thirty nine bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in the methanolic extract of Cinnamon bark. The identification of phytochemical compounds is based on the peak area, retention time molecular weight and molecular formula. GC-MS analysis of Cinnamomum zeylanicum revealed the existence of the 6 -Oxa-bicyclo[3.1. 0]hexan-3-one, Benzaldehyde, Cyclohexene,4isopropenyl-1-methoxymethoxymethyl, Benzoic acid- methyl ester, Benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal, Benzenepropanal, Benzylidenemalonaldehyde, 3-Phenylpropanol, Cinnamaldehyde, (E), 2-Propen- 1- ol,3-phenyl, 9-Methoxybicyclo[6.1. 0]nona – 2,4,6- triene , 1,3-Bis(cinnamoyloxymethyl) adamantine, Alfa. – Copaene, Naphthalene , 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-1,8a-dimethyl-7-(1-methyl), Cis – 2-Methoxycinnamic acid, Bicyclo[3.1. 1]hept-2-ene,2,6- dimethyl-6-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl), Trans-2-Hydroxycinnamic acid , methyl ester, y-Muurolene, s-Guaiene, Cadala-1(10),3,8-triene, Isolongifolene,4,5,9,10-dehydro, Cubenol, Tau-Muurolol, A-Cadinol , Spiro[tricyclo[4.4. 0.0(5.9)] decane-10.2oxirane],1-methyl-4-isoprol, 6-Isopropenyl-4,8q-dimethyl-1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8aoctahydronaphthalen, Ethyl9,9-difomylnona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoate, Trans-13-Octadecenoic acid, Tributyl acetylcitrate, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid ,2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, 9-Octadecenamide, 17.alfa. -21s-28,30-Bisnorhopane, 17.alfa. -21s-28,30-Bisnorhopane, Androstan-3-one,cyclic 1,2ethanediyl mercaptole , (5a), (4H)4a,5,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydrobenzopyran-5-one-3-carboxamide,2, 4H-Cyclopropa[5´,6´]benz [1´,2´,7,8]azuleno[5,6]oxiren-4-one,8,8a, (22S)-21-Acetoxy-6a,11sdihydroxy-16a,17a-propylmethylenediox, (+)-a-Tocopherol,O-methyl and Stigmasterol. Cinnamomum zeylanicum contain chemical constitutions which may be useful for various herbal formulation as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, cardiac tonic and antiasthamatic. Cinnamomum zeylanicum was highly active against Aspergillus flavus (6.16±0.42). Methanolic extract of bioactive compounds of Cinnamomum zeylanicum was assayed for in vitro antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aerogenosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia by using the diffusion method in agar. The zone of inhibition were compared with different standard antibiotics. The diameters of inhibition zones ranged from 6.12±0.52 to 0.39±0.17 mm for all treatments.
Comparison of cooling methods on denture base adaptation of rapid heat-cured acrylic using a three-dimensional superimposition technique

Aim: To investigate the effect of different cooling methods on denture base adaptation of rapid heat-cured acrylic resin using 3D superimposition technique. Setting and Design: In vitro - Comparative study. Materials and Methods: Denture base adaptation of two different rapid heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate acrylic resins using five different cooling methods were compared. Forty maxillary edentulous stone cast were prepared to produce the denture bases with standardized thickness. The specimens were divided into five groups (n = 8) according to type of materials and cooling methods. The master stone cast and all forty denture bases were scanned with 3Shape E1 laboratory scanner. The scanned images of each of the denture bases were superimposed over the scanned image of the master cast using Materialize 3-matic software. Three dimensional differences between the two surfaces were calculated and color surface maps were generated for visual qualitative assessment. Statistical Analysis Used: Generalized Linear Model Test, Bonferroni Post Hoc Analysis. Results: All bench-cooled specimens showed wide green-colored area in the overall palatal surface, while the rapid cooled specimens presented with increased red color areas especially at the palate and post dam area. Generalized Linear Model test followed by Bonferroni post hoc analysis showed significant difference in the root mean square values among the specimen groups. Conclusion: Samples that were bench cooled, demonstrated better overall accuracy compared to the rapid cooling groups. Regardless of need for shorter denture processing time, bench cooling of rapid heat-cured PMMA is essential for acceptable denture base adaptation.
Correlation between Radiological Outcome and Health Related Quality of Life after Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND Posterior spinal surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is aimed at correcting deformity and stopping deformity progression to improve the health related quality of life. The correlation between radiological outcome and health related quality of life is yet unclear. This study aimed to assess the correlation between radiological outcome and health related quality of life. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study of 31 cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal surgery at our center from July 2013 to August 2019, was done. Radiological outcomes were measured by the Cobb's angle before and after surgery in standing whole spine X-ray and compared by paired t-test. Health related quality of life was measured by Scoliosis Research Society-30 questionnaire. Correlation between radiological outcomes and Scoliosis Research Society-30 and its domains were assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS There were 18 females (58.06%) and 13 males (41.93%) with a mean age of 14.81 years (range 12-18 years). Average post-operative follow-up was 37 months (range 6-82 months). The mean amount of deformity correction post-operatively was 460 (range 300-740). The mean of total SRS-30 score was 137.64±7.84. The post-operative Cobb angle correlated significantly with the mean total Scoliosis Research Society-30 score (p=0.046). Self-image/appearance and satisfaction with management correlated significantly with residual deformity and amount of deformity correction. Self-image/appearance and pain correlated significantly with satisfaction with management. Self-image/appearance had a significant positive correlation with mental health (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Posterior spinal surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis provided better radiological outcomes, and a positive correlation with health related quality of life. There was significant improvement of self-image/appearance and satisfaction after surgery, which in turn, improved mental health.
Perceived quality of life among oral health therapy and dental students: A cross-cultural comparison.

OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study examined the perceived quality of life (QOL) of Oral Health Therapy (OHT) students and compared the domain differences between Dental students, gender, and year-of-study. METHODS OHT students from a local polytechnic were invited to participate (IRB no. (SHS-2019-001). Perceived QOL was assessed with the multidimensional World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL)-BREF instrument. Demographic information and WHOQOL-BREF responses were collected electronically. Raw scores were converted to transformed scores and related to data of Dental students from other countries. Statistical analyses were performed with T-test, one-way ANOVA/post-hoc Tukey's test, and Pearson's correlation (p<0.05). RESULTS Of the total cohort of 66 students, 65 consented to participation (98.5% response rate). The study sample (mean age 19.2±2.9 years) comprised of 83.1% females (54/65). Mean domain scores were as follows: Physical health - 54.90±9.78; psychological - 50.98±17.36; social relationships - 60.69±16.47; and environment - 66.80±13.66. The psychological domain was rated the lowest as with most other studies on Dental students. Mean scores for the overall perception of QOL and "satisfaction with health" (SWH) were 3.46±0.83 and 3.35±0.89 respectively. No significant difference in domain and overall QOL/SWH scores were observed between genders. Psychological and environmental domains scores were significantly different between the first and third-year students (p≤0.02). Correlations coefficients between the QOL domains ranged from rs =0.18-0.66. CONCLUSION Aside from the USA and Saudi Arabia, the perceived QOL of Asian OHT students was generally comparable to those of Dental students from other countries. Overall perceived QOL and satisfaction with health were moderately favorable.
A perovskite-type cage compound as a temperature-triggered dielectric switchable material

The perovskite-type cage compound [C3H6NH2]2[KCoIII(CN)6] shows a temperature-triggered dielectric switch. The switchable properties around 199 K were revealed by crystal structure studies between low and high dielectric states. They are derived from an order–disorder phase transition of a system, by changing the motions of the polar azetidine cation guests.