Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Ladinian Nothosauroid (Sauropterygia) from Fuyuan, Yunnan Province, China

ABSTRACT Brevicaudosaurus jiyangshanensis, gen. et sp. nov., a new nothosauroid, is established on the basis of two nearly complete skeletons from the Middle Triassic (Ladinian) of China. Its skull is diagnostic in having a wide and constricted snout, a large supratemporal fossa slightly larger than the orbit, and a parietal table strongly constricted posteriorly. Postcranial specializations include a short trunk with 14 dorsal vertebrae, a short tail shorter than the skull-neck region in length, a stout anterolateral process on the clavicle, an extremely massive and broadened mid-diaphysis of the humerus, a strongly expanded proximal head of the ulna, seven ossified carpals, and a phalangeal reduction in the pes. In addition, the strongly pachyostotic postcranial skeleton may indicate a slow mode of swimming underwater and a benthic carnivorous feeding habit for B. jiyangshanensis. Phylogenetically, it is the sister taxon of the Nothosaurus-Lariosaurus clade within Nothosauroidea. The discovery of this new nothosauroid not only contributes to local faunal diversity and expands the known range of sauropterygian life styles during the late Middle Triassic, but also provides a chance to test the phylogenetic relationships of the Eosauropterygia hypothesized by previous studies.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of wire arc additive manufactured bi-metallic structure

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with better material utilisation efficiency and higher deposition rate was employed to fabricate bi-metallic structure (BMS) of non-stabilised austenitic stainless steel (SS904L), and solid solution strengthened Hastelloy C-276. The micrographs confirmed the existence of directionally elongated, columnar, and equi-axed dendrites in the BMS. Significant grain coarsening was observed in the re-melted layers. The tensile properties of Hastelloy C-276 and SS904L were comparable with wrought counterparts, while the bi-metallic interface sample fractured in the SS904L side. The presence of secondary phases and varying microstructure along the building direction is responsible for the anisotropy in mechanical properties. Microhardness results revealed the steep increase at the bi-metallic interface due to the dilution of elements between two materials.
Unlike LGR4, LGR5 potentiates Wnt–β-catenin signaling without sequestering E3 ligases

LGR5 does not potentiate Wnt signaling by inhibiting the E3 ligases RNF43 and ZNRF3. Mechanistic differences between LGR4 and LGR5 The receptor LGR4 promotes Wnt signaling in response to the binding of R-spondin ligands (RSPOs) both by inhibiting the activities of the E3 ligases RNF43 and ZNRF3 and by directly stimulating the Wnt signalosome through the scaffold protein IQGAP1. It is thought that LGR5 stimulates Wnt signaling similarly to LGR4 although LGR4 and LGR5 are not functionally equivalent in vivo. By analyzing the interactions of LGR4 and LGR5 with RSPOs, components of the Wnt signalosome, and RNF43 and ZNRF3 in cultured cells, Park et al. found that LGR5 did not bind to RNF43 or ZNRF3 regardless of the presence of RSPOs but did promote Wnt signaling through IQGAP1. They also found that LGR4 interacted with RNF43 or ZNRF3 regardless of the presence of RSPOs. These findings demonstrate that LGR4 and LGR5 potentiate Wnt signaling through distinct mechanisms. LGR4 and LGR5 encode two homologous receptors with critical, yet distinct, roles in organ development and adult stem cell survival. Both receptors are coexpressed in intestinal crypt stem cells, bind to R-spondins (RSPOs) with high affinity, and potentiate Wnt–β-catenin signaling, presumably by the same mechanism: forming RSPO-bridged complexes with the E3 ligases RNF43 and ZNRF3 to inhibit ubiquitylation of Wnt receptors. However, direct evidence for RSPO-bound, full-length LGR5 interacting with these E3 ligases in whole cells has not been reported, and only LGR4 is essential for the self-renewal of intestinal stem cells. Here, we examined the mechanisms of action of LGR4 and LGR5 in parallel using coimmunoprecipitation, proximity ligation, competition binding, and time-resolved FRET assays in whole cells. Full-length LGR4 formed a tight complex with ZNRF3 and RNF43 even without RSPO, whereas LGR5 did not interact with either E3 ligase with or without RSPO. Domain-swapping experiments with LGR4 and LGR5 revealed that the seven-transmembrane domain of LGR4 conferred interaction with the E3 ligases. Native LGR4 and LGR5 existed as dimers on the cell surface, and LGR5 interacted with both FZD and LRP6 of the Wnt signalosome to enhance LRP6 phosphorylation and potentiate Wnt–β-catenin signaling. These findings provide a molecular basis for the weaker activity of LGR5 in the potentiation of Wnt signaling that may underlie the distinct roles of LGR4 and LGR5 in organ development, as well as the self-renewal and fitness of adult stem cells.
High-affinity neoantigens correlate with better prognosis and trigger potent antihepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity by activating CD39+CD8+ T cells

Objective It remains controversial whether tumour mutational burden (TMB) or neoantigens are prognostic markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to define the function of TMB or neoantigens in antitumour immunotherapy. Design Neoantigens of patients (n=56) were analysed by pVAC tools with major histocompatibility complex-1 (MHC-I) algorithms based on whole exome sequencing and neoantigens with mutant type IC50 <50 nM were defined as high-affinity neoantigens (HANs). Patients were segregated into HAN-high/low groups by median of HAN value, and overall survival (OS) was analysed. Autologous organoid killing model was developed to clarify the antitumour activity of HANs. Results The value of HAN showed a better correlation with OS (p=0.0199) than TMB (p=0.7505) or neoantigens (p=0.2297) in patients with HCC and positively correlated with the frequency of CD39+CD8+ tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Furthermore, HAN-specific CD8+ T cells were identified in CD39+CD8+ TILs, which showed better antitumour activity in HAN-high versus HAN-low group. In addition, more effective HAN peptides were identified in HAN-high versus HAN-low group. Besides, flow cytometry data showed that in fresh tumour, CD39+PD-1intCD8+ TILs displayed an effector phenotype and stronger antitumour activity in HAN-high versus HAN-low group. More importantly, patients in HAN-high versus HAN-low group showed a better prognosis after anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusions Our study first demonstrates that HAN value positively correlates with better OS in patients with HCC. HANs trigger antitumour activity by activating tumour-reactive CD39+CD8+ T cells, and patients in HAN-high group benefited more from anti-PD-1 therapy than HAN-low group. These findings may provide a novel strategy for personalised antitumour therapies for HCC.
Randomised controlled trial of tailored support to increase physical activity and reduce smoking in smokers not immediately ready to quit: protocol for the Trial of physical Activity-assisted Reduction of Smoking (TARS) Study

Introduction Smoking reduction can lead to increased success in quitting. This study aims to determine if a client-focused motivational support package for smoking reduction (and quitting) and increasing (or otherwise using) physical activity (PA) can help smokers who do not wish to quit immediately to reduce the amount they smoke, and ultimately quit. This paper reports the study design and methods. Methods and analysis A pragmatic, multicentred, parallel, two group, randomised controlled superiority clinical trial, with embedded process evaluation and economics evaluation. Participants who wished to reduce smoking with no immediate plans to quit were randomised 1:1 to receive either (1) tailored individual health trainer face-to-face and/or telephone support to reduce smoking and increase PA as an aid to smoking reduction (intervention) or (2) brief written/electronic advice to reduce or quit smoking (control). Participants in both arms of the trial were also signposted to usual local support for smoking reduction and quitting. The primary outcome measure is 6-month carbon monoxide-confirmed floating prolonged abstinence following participant self-reported quitting on a mailed questionnaire at 3 and 9 months post-baseline. Participants confirmed as abstinent at 9 months will be followed up at 15 months. Ethics and dissemination Approved by SW Bristol National Health Service Research Committee (17/SW/0223). Dissemination will include publication of findings for the stated outcomes, parallel process evaluation and economic evaluation in peer-reviewed journals. Results will be disseminated to trial participants and healthcare providers. Trial registration number ISRCTN47776579; Pre-results.
Relationship of FIB-4 index with transient elastography in chronic hepatitis C patients having APRI ≥ 0.5 - ≤2 in a resource-limited setting in Pakistan

Objective: We aimed to study the extent of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients with indeterminate APRI score of ≥ 0.5 - ≤2 (between higher and lower cut off value) and correlate it to transient elastography (TE) and FIB 4 index. Method: A cross-sectional study, 80 patients with CHC mono infection, APRI score ≥ 0.5 - ≤2 were interviewed from the cohort visiting the CHC program clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using STATA 14.0 and R 3.5. 2 and SPSS 24.0 software according to their capabilities. Result: Of 80 patients, 50 (62.5%) were females and 30 (37.5%) were males with mean (±SD) ages of 41.73 (±11.5) years and 41.16 (±9.24) years respectively. The FIB 4 value among indeterminate APRI was reported as 1.47 (IQR 1.05-2.43). TE categories was reported: F0-F1 (n = 29; 36%), F1-F2 (n = 10; 12.5%), F2 (n = 9; 11.2%) F3 (n = 13; 16.2%), F3-F4 (n = 1; 1.2%) F4 (n = 18; 22.5%). FIB4 had a moderate positive correlation with TE while a weak positive correlation was found between APRI and TE (0.488, P < 0.0001 and 0.289, P < 0.001, respectively). TE was taken as a gold standard and compared with FIB4. The model constructed reported FIB4 as a good prediction for liver fibrosis with diagnostic accuracy 72%. Conclusion: The combination of two serum markers proves to be a low-cost noninvasive testing strategy for CHC patients having an indeterminate APRI score. By being readily accessible both biochemical scores can simplify liver assessment in lower middle-income countries (LMIC) and help family physicians to take appropriate decisions about treatment initiation with minimum delays.
A cross-sectional study of psychological distress and fear of COVID-19 in the general population of India during lockdown

Context: With relatively high transmission rate and fatal potential, the COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for widespread fear and psychological distress all over the world, including India. Aim: Assessment of these problems in the general population is the first step to address this problem. Settings and Design: We did an online survey using snowball sampling strategy through various social media communication platforms. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured format was used to collect sociodemographic data and COVID-19-related information. The Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale were used for assessment psychological distress and fear, respectively. Results: A total of 530 study respondents had adequate participation from all socioeconomic strata, diverse educational and professional backgrounds, and from all parts of the country. Majority of the participants were from red zone districts of lockdown (72.8%) and considered the imposed lockdown as essential (98.7%), although many of them reported negative impact on their psychological state (38.9%). A substantial number (38%) of people reported psychological distress significantly (P < 0.05) associated with females, unmarried, students, lower socioeconomic status (SES), caretakers of COVID-19 patients, poor perceived physical health, and higher score on the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Female participants and those belonging to lower SES and a red zone district also reported significantly (P < 0.05) higher degree of fear of COVID-19. Despite this, only about 10.9% of the respondents sought help through telephonic or online counseling and most (91.4%) of them found it helpful. Conclusions: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on psychological health is catastrophic. Planned measures at local as well as national level are essential to avert this crisis.
Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Rifampicin-Resistant Gene among Hemodialysis Patients in Khartoum, Sudan: Using GeneXpert Assay

Negative Scanty 1+ 2+ 3+ Positive: Very low (28< Ct <38) 12 (92.3) 1 0 0 0 13 (18.1) Positive: Low (22< Ct <28) 11 (50.0) 2 (9.1) 8 (36.4) 0 1 22 (30.5) Positive: Medium (16< Ct <22) 2 3 9 (30.0) 7 (23.3) 9 (30.0) 30 (41.7) Positive: High (Ct ≤16) 0 0 2 1 (14.3) 4 (57.1) 7 (9.7) Negative 212 0 0 0 0 212 (74.6) Total 237 (83.4) 6 (2.1) 19 (6.7) 8 (2.8) 14 (5.0) 284 The Xpert MTB/RIF grading was found to have strong correlation with AFB smear grading (correlation coefficient 0.73, P<0.001). AFB: Acid-fast bacilli
The effect of social media usage on the mental well-being of medical college students in Bangalore, Karnataka

Background and Objectives: Social media offers a platform for its users to share information and spread awareness regarding various issues including mental health problems. In some previous studies it was found that people suffering from mental health issues benefited from social media. However, the use of social media is also significantly associated with increased depression, mood and anxiety disorders in adolescents. Furthermore, it was found that the prevalence of poor mental health was high in medical students. With this background, this study was taken up to contribute to the scarce literature about the impact social media has on the mental well-being of medical students. Methods: The setting was a medical college and research centre, situated in the metropolitan city of Bengaluru in Karnataka. A pretested and predesigned questionnaire was self-administered anonymously by 318 students. The data was analyzed using appropriate statistics. Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between the amount of time spent on social media and the mental well-being score, according to the Sell and Nagpal scale, of students. In participants with scores of < 90.8, (30.2%) of them used social media for 4 hrs or more, as opposed to those with scores ≥ to 90.8, (35.6%) of them spent between 1 and 2 hrs a day on social media, 90.8 being the mean well-being score in India. Conclusions: Students need to monitor their screen time. There is a need to go back to old times of establishing human connections and, families and friendships should be nurtured.
Survival of kurdish patients with lung cancer and some related factors

Context: Lung cancer is the most leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Despite being the leading cause of cancer death, there are a few studies that have characterized survival in the geographical area in Kermanshah, Iran. Aims: The current investigation was conducted to identify factors associated with survival after lung cancer in Iranian patients with lung cancer. Settings and Design: The study has designed a retrospective study of 73 patients with lung cancer in the clinic of oncology and hematology. Subjects and Methods: The data were analyzed using SPSS package software version 16. The log-rank test was performed to determine the relationship between different variables and the survival of patients. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for overall mortality. Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze the survival rate at different times after diagnoses and HRs, respectively. Results: The average age of patients was 59.49 ± 11.12. Patients with non-small cell adenocarcinoma had more prevalence (65.8%), and 68.5% of them were in Stage IV. 1-, 2-, and more than 2-year survival rates for patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma are 28%, 23%, and 17%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between survival and maintenance treatment (P = 0.003). Conclusion: The most obvious finding to emerge from this study is that the survival time in patients received maintenance therapy is higher than other patients. Further studies with large sample size are required with a focus on factors such as the risk of lung cancer and lung cancer incidence patterns.
High-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction study of the pyrochlores: Ho2Ti2O7, Y2Ti2O7 and Tb2Ti2O7

Synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction was used to study the phase diagrams and determine the compressibilities of the pyrochlore rare-earth titanates Ho2Ti2O7, Y2Ti2O7 and Tb2Ti2O7 to ∼50 GPa. The bulk moduli of the cubic phase of these materials were calculated to be 213±2, 204±3 and 199±1 GPa, respectively. The onset of a structural phase change from cubic to monoclinic was observed near 37, 42 and 39 GPa, respectively. The bulk modulus for the high pressure monoclinic phase of Y2Ti2O7 has been determined to be 185±3 GPa.
Navigation-assisted extraforaminal lumbar disc microdiscectomy: Technical note

Background: Extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation (ELDH) amounts of 7%–12% of all lumbar disc herniations. Although they have already been widely described, an optimal treatment is still under discussion in the literature. Objective: We describe a novel application of navigation using 2D/3D imaging system to plan an adequate surgical trajectory and performing a neuronavigated microdiscectomy in ELDH that has not been previously described. Methods: This is a retrospective study in a single institution. Between February 2017 and July 2020, a total of 12 patients (7 males and 5 females), with a mean age of 56 years (range 49–71 years), have been treated because of ELDH through a far lateral microdiscectomy using 2D/3D imaging system-assisted neuronavigation (O-arm). Results: No intraoperative and/or postoperative complications were recorded. Patients presented a mean preoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 7.83 ± 0.83 (range 7–9). At the day of discharge, leg pain VAS score effectively improved, decreasing to a mean value of 1.83 ± 0.83 (range 1–3). Further, low back and radicular pain improvement was recorded at 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up, respectively. Conclusion: We described a novel use of 2D/3D imaging system navigation in the microsurgical treatment of ELDH that has not previously reported. This technique is safe and effective and provides more intraoperative details compared to fluoroscopy, which can be crucial for the success of the procedure and to reduce complications and particularly indicated in complex cases with altered anatomy.
Abutment screw loosening in implants: A literature review

This review was intended on major factors contributing to abutment screw loosening. A search of Pubmed and Google Scholar, as well as a manual search, was conducted. Publications and articles accepted for publication up to February 2020 were included. Out of 150 studies retrieved, a total of 57 were selected for this review. Dental implants are associated with a complexity of abutment screw loosening. Implantologists and prosthodontists should be aware of factors that contribute to this problem. In this review previously identified factors were collected, the consideration of which can help to reduce the frequency of abutment screw loosening.
Relationship between SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction frequency

Background: Previous studies have shown the relationship between respiratory viruses with acute coronary syndromes. However, its relationship with a new virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is not clear yet. Aim: Our aim is to investigate the frequency of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs) presenting to catheterization laboratories during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: As a pilot study, the number of patients with a primary diagnosis of STEMI admitted to the catheterization laboratory with the purpose of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between March 15 and April 15, 2020, also known as the 1st month of the pandemic, was determined. This number then has been compared to the same period of 2019 (March 15, 2019, to April 15, 2019). Results: During the pandemic period (March 15, 2020, to April 15, 2020), eight cases were admitted to the catheterization laboratory for primary PCI, due to STEMI. It was determined that 32 patients were admitted to the catheterization laboratory in the same period of 2019 (March 15, 2019, to April 15, 2019). When primary PCI numbers were compared, it was found that there was a 75% decrease in the number of cases. In 2019, the monthly average of STEMI cases was 25 ± 8. Compared to 2019, there was a 65% reduction. Conclusion: We found that, there was a substantial decrease in STEMI cases during pandemic period, at least in the initial phase.
Different Regenerative Responses of Two Platelet Concentrates in the Treatment of Human Periodontal Infrabony Defects: A Clinico-Radiographic Study

Background: Platelet concentrates usage in the treatment of intrabony defects has been improved due to advancement of research. Many generation of platelet concentrates were used, but research regarding advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) regarding periodontal treatment is scanty. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare PRF and A-PRF in the treatment of human periodontal infrabony defects (IBDs) both clinically and radiographically. Materials and Methods: Twenty- eight patients having IBDs were divided into Group A (PRF) and Group B (A-PRF). Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months and radiographic examination at baseline and 6 months were also recorded to evaluate defect fill, resolution, and change in the alveolar crest height. Then, all the data were tabulated in a Microsoft Excel sheet and subjected to statistical analysis. Mean and standard deviations of the clinical and radiographic parameters were calculated, and unpaired t-test was performed to assess intergroup comparison at different time intervals. Results: Intragroup comparison showed statistically significant improvement in PPD and CAL at 3 and 6 months while statistically significant improvement was observed in mean defect fill and resolution in Group B. Conclusion: Individually, both the materials have shown promising results. However, statistically, PRF group (Group A) showed better treatment outcome in terms of bone fill and A-PRF group (Group B) in terms of soft tissue healing.