Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is obesity a contraindication for simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty? A prospective case–control study

Aim: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) for decades has been an effective treatment modality for chronic arthritis of the knee. However, there is scarcity of literature comparing the functional outcomes of simultaneous bilateral TKA in obese patients with non-obese Indian population. We conducted this study to evaluate the functional outcomes and complication rates of simultaneous bilateral TKA in obese patients matched control with non-obese patients. Materials and methods: We divided the patients into two study groups based on their body mass index (BMI). Patients with a BMI of less than 30 were classified as non-obese and those with a BMI of more than 30 were classified as obese. All the patients underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA by a single surgeon using the same implant and technique. Patients were followed up regularly and functional outcomes in terms of Oxford knee score were noted at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year. Post-operative complications and time to recovery was also compared. Results: Mean follow-up in obese group was 18 months (12–25 months) and in non-obese group was 17 months (12–24 months). Both the groups were matched with control in terms of pre-operative parameters. Post-operative hemoglobin drop, ICU requirement, length of hospital stay, mean walking time, and mean time to climbing stairs were similar in both the groups. Oxford knee score was significantly better in non-obese group at 6 weeks, but was similar in both the groups at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and last follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference seen in the complication rate in both the groups. There was no implant loosening or radiolucency seen. Conclusion: We conclude in our study that simultaneous bilateral TKA gives comparable mid-term results in obese patients in comparison to the non-obese patients.
Malignant tumors of the eyelid in India: A multicenter, multizone study on clinicopathologic features and outcomes

Purpose: To analyze data on eyelid malignancy in India, clinical and pathologic features, and outcomes. Methods: A multicentre study, from oculoplastic practices in four geographic zones in India. The centers perform similar documentation and protocol-based management for eyelid tumors. Clinical features, pathology, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) class, management, and the outcomes were analyzed. Results: The study included 129 patients, with slight female preponderance and mean age 62.7 years. The median delay to the consultation was 9 months. Rural patients traveled a mean distance of 115.2 km; there was no difference between the city and outstation patients in the delay to consultation or follow up. Pathology included 55/129 (42.6%) sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC), 47/129 (36.4%) basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 15 (11.6%), and 12 (9.3%) other tumors. Commonest AJCC class was T2b/T3a in 80/111 (72%), invasion of the orbit was present in 16 (12.4%). Surgery with margin clearance was performed in 103. With a mean follow-up of 21.44 months, local recurrence and/or metastasis were seen in 12%. The diagnosis of SGC was strongly associated with adverse outcomes (odds ratio: 7.36). On multiple logistic regression analysis, diagnosis of SGC (P = 0.011) was significant in having adverse outcomes. Conclusion: The multicenter Indian data shows the highest prevalence of SGC, with the commonest AJCC class T2b. Most tumors were locally resectable at presentation. The histopathologic diagnosis of SGC is the factor strongly associated with adverse outcomes.
Using visual feedback to tune the second vocal tract resonance for singing in the high soprano range

Abstract Purpose Over a range roughly C5–C6, sopranos usually tune their first vocal tract resonance (R1) to the fundamental frequency (f o) of the note sung: R1:f o tuning. Those who sing well above C6 usually adjust their second vocal tract resonance (R2) and use R2:f o tuning. This study investigated these questions: Can singers quickly learn R2:f o tuning when given suitable feedback? Can they subsequently use this tuning without feedback? And finally, if so, does this assist their singing in the high range? Methods New computer software for the technique of resonance estimation by broadband excitation at the lips was used to provide real-time visual feedback on f o and vocal tract resonances. Eight sopranos participated. In a one-hour session, they practised adjusting R2 whilst miming (i.e. without phonating), and then during singing. Results Six sopranos learned to tune R2 over a range of several semi-tones, when feedback was present. This achievement did not immediately extend their singing range. When the feedback was removed, two sopranos spontaneously used R2:f o tuning at the top of their range above C6. Conclusions With only one hour of training, singers can learn to adjust their vocal tract shape for R2:f o tuning when provided with visual feedback. One additional participant who spent considerable time with the software, acquired greater skill at R2:f o tuning and was able to extend her singing range. A simple version of the hardware used can be assembled using basic equipment and the software is available online.
The Influence of Different Classes of Amino Acids on Calcium Phosphates Seeded Growth

Amino acids (AAs) attract attention for elucidating the role of proteins in biomineralization and the preparation of functionalized biomaterials. The influence that AAs exert on calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralization is still not completely understood, as contradictory results have been reported. In this paper, the influence of the addition of different classes of AAs, charged (L-aspartic acid, Asp; L-lysine, Lys), polar (L-asparagine, Asn; L-serine, Ser; L-tyrosine, Tyr), and non-polar (L-phenylalanine, Phe), on CaP growth in the presence of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate (DCPD) seeds was investigated. In control systems (without AAs), a calcium-deficient apatite (CaDHA) layer was formed on the surface of OCP, while a mixture of CaDHA and OCP in the form of spherical aggregates was formed on the surface of DCPD crystals. Charged and non-polar promoted, while polar AAs inhibited CaDHA formation on the OCP seeds. In the case of DCPD, Lys, Asp, and Phe promoted CaP formation, while the influence of other AAs was negligible. The most efficient promotor of precipitation in both cases was non-polar Phe. No significant influence of AAs on the composition and morphology of precipitates was observed. The obtained results are of interest for understanding biomineralization processes and additive controlled material synthesis.
Investigation of Potential Biological Control of Fusarium Oxysporum f.sp. Lycopersici by Plant Extracts, Antagonistic sp. and Chemical Elicitors In Vitro

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is the most popular vegetable in the world. These fruits carry heavy spore loads when they leave the field. As a result of poor packaging and improper management, the fruits arrive at their destination bruised and squeezed and different types of rots set in under favourable conditions. Fusarium rot is one of the most devastating diseases of ripe tomatoes. The pathogen was isolated from the infected material and it was identified as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. Diseases caused by fungal pathogens have been a major challenge to agriculture, health as well as national economy. The resistance of this pathogen to the wide variety of chemicals has stimulated the search of new alternatives for control measures. Use of plants extract is one of the most promising, effective, safer and eco-friendly method to eradicate the pathogen from ripe tomato. The present paper aims at the study on the potential for the control of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici by nine plant extracts (Calotropi sprocera, Curcuma domestica, Moringa oleifera, Tricosanthes dioica, Nigella sativa, Wedelia calendulacea, Andrographis paniculata, Trigonell afoenum-graceum and Momordi cacharantia), three fungicides (Sulcox, Indofil M 45 and Ridomil MZ 68) and three antagonistic fungi. It was found that almost all plant extracts at 25% concentration were effective in reducing the mycelium growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. The highest inhibition (87%) of mycelium growth of this pathogen was observed when treated after the plant extract of Calotropis proceraon 12 DAI at 25% concentration and lowest inhibition (27%) of this pathogen was observed when treated after the plant extract of Momordi cacharantia on 12 DAI at 5% concentration. Antagonistic effect of Trichoderma sp. , Sclerotium sp. and Aspergillus sp. shows that the highest percent inhibition radial growth (82%) was of Trichoderma sp. and the lowest (68.95%) was of Aspergillus sp. against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici. Chemical treatment with Sulcox was proved that the most effective fungicides against this pathogen.
Prey and predators perceive orb-web spider conspicuousness differently: evaluating alternative hypotheses for color polymorphism evolution

Abstract Color polymorphisms have been traditionally attributed to apostatic selection. The perception of color depends on the visual system of the observer. Theoretical models predict that differently perceived degrees of conspicuousness by two predator and prey species may cause the evolution of polymorphisms in the presence of anti-apostatic and apostatic selection. The spider Gasteracantha cancriformis (Araneidae) possesses several conspicuous color morphs. In orb-web spiders, the prey attraction hypothesis states that conspicuous colors are prey lures that increase spider foraging success via flower mimicry. Therefore, polymorphism could be maintained if each morph attracted a different prey species (multiple prey hypothesis) and each spider mimicked a different flower color (flower mimicry hypothesis). Conspicuous colors could be a warning signal to predators because of the spider’s hard abdomen and spines. Multiple predators could perceive morphs differently and exert different degrees of selective pressures (multiple predator hypothesis). We explored these 3 hypotheses using reflectance data and color vision modeling to estimate the chromatic and achromatic contrast of G. cancriformis morphs as perceived by several potential prey and predator taxa. Our results revealed that individual taxa perceive the conspicuousness of morphs differently. Therefore, the multiple prey hypothesis and, in part, the multiple predator hypothesis may explain the evolution of color polymorphism in G. cancriformis, even in the presence of anti-apostatic selection. The flower mimicry hypothesis received support by color metrics, but not by color vision models. Other parameters not evaluated by color vision models could also affect the perception of morphs and influence morph survival and polymorphism stability.
Kinetic profile of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines in saliva and serum after oral administration of ayahuasca in a religious context.

Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi plus Psychotria viridis. Banisteriopsis caapi contains the β-carbolines harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine that are monoamine oxidase inhibitors and P. viridis contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) that is responsible for the visionary effects of the beverage. Ayahuasca use is becoming a global phenomenon and the recreational use of DMT and similar alkaloids has also increased in recent years; such uncontrolled use can lead to severe intoxications. In this investigation, LC-MS/MS was used to study the kinetics of alkaloids over a 24 h period in saliva and serum of 14 volunteers who consumed ayahuasca twice a month in a religious context. We compared the area under the curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax ), time to reach Cmax (Tmax ), mean residence time (MRT) and half-life (t1/2 ), as well as the serum/saliva ratios of these parameters. DMT and β-carboline concentrations (Cmax ) and AUC were higher in saliva than in serum and the MRT was 1.5-3.0 times higher in serum. A Generalized Estimation Equations (GEE) model suggested that serum concentrations could be predicted by saliva concentrations, despite large individual variability in the saliva and serum alkaloid concentrations. The possibility of using saliva as a biological matrix to detect DMT, β-carbolines and their derivatives is very interesting since it allows fast non-invasive sample collection and could be useful for detecting similar alkaloids used recreationally that have considerable potential for intoxication.
Sero-prevalence of transfusion transmittable infections: HIV, Hepatitis B, C and Treponema pallidum and associated factors among blood donors in Ethiopia: A retrospective study

Background Blood transfusion is a therapeutic procedure that has proven to be effective in saving millions of lives. However, its safety is still a crucial issue that needs due attention. Unsafe blood transfusion is one of the sources of transmission for infectious agents. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the sero-prevalence of Transfusion Transmittable Infections (TTIs) such as Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Treponema pallidum, and associated factors among blood donors in Ethiopia. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to measure the prevalence of transfusion transmittable infections using data collected from 2014 to 2019 in fourteen blood bank facilities in Ethiopia. Screening of HIV, HBV and HCV was done by using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Presence of Treponema pallidum infection was assessed using rapid plasma reagin (RPR). Records of blood donors were collected using a checklist from Central Blood Bank Laboratory (BBL) electronic database and reviewed. Data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with cumulative TTIs positivity, and for each of the transfusion transmittable infection. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result A total of 554,954 blood donors in the fourteen blood bank facilities from 2014–2019 was included in the study. The overall sero-prevalence of HBV, Treponema pallidum, HIV and HCV, was 2.4%, 0.9%, 0.4% and 0.4% respectively. The prevalence of TTIs was comparatively higher in 2014, 5.70% and lowest in 2019, 3.40%. The odds of screening HBV in blood donors in age group of 35–39 and 40–44 were 1.2 [1.1, 1.3] and 1.3 [1.1, 1.5] respectively. The odds of screening HCV in blood donors in the age group of 25–34, 35–44 and 45–54 were 1.3 [1.1, 1.5], 1.3 [1.1, 1.7] and 1.7 [1.2, 2.2] respectively. The likelihood of having at least one infection among blood donors was 1.2 [1.1, 1.3] times in male blood donors compared to female. The odds of getting at least one TTI and Treponema pallidum in unemployed blood donors were 2.4 [2.0, 2.8] and 8.1 [6.1, 10.7] respectively. The probability of getting those who have at least one TTIs, HBV and Treponema pallidum were higher in blood donors those who live in Semi Urban and Rural parts of the country than those who live in Urban areas. The odds of having at least one TTI, HBV and HCV in blood donors with mobile mode of blood donation were 1.4 [1.3, 1.6], 1.6 [1.4, 1.8], and 1.6 [1.1, 2.2]. Conclusion The current magnitudes of TTIs are lower when compared to other previous studies conducted in Ethiopia. Older age, male, occupation, donations from mobile sites, residents of semi urban and rural settings were found to be strongly associated with sero-positivity of TTIs. Hence, strict donor screening and testing particularly taking the above factors into consideration is strongly recommended.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-Based Optimization of Injection Process during Endoscopic Mucosal Therapy

Creation of a submucosal plane to separate the lesion from the deeper muscle layer in gastrointestinal tract is an integral and essential part of endoscopic resection therapies such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Thereby, an optimized submucosal injection technique is required to ensure a successful process. In this study, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique is employed as a foundational step towards the development of a framework that can provide useful directions to optimize the injection process. Three different lifting agents, including Glycerol, Eleview®, and ORISE® gel have been used for this study. The role of different injection angles, injection dynamics, and effect of temperature are studied to understand the lifting characteristic of each agent. The study shows that Eleview® provides the highest lifting effect, including the initial injection period. To evaluate the impact of the injection process, two cases are simulated, termed static injection and dynamic injection. Under static injection, the injection angle is investigated from lower to higher angles of injection. In the dynamic injection, two cases are modulated, where a continuous change of injection angle from lower to higher degrees (denoted as clockwise) and vice-versa in the anti-clockwise direction are investigated. Increased lifting characteristics are observed at decreasing/lower angle of injection. Further, the correlation between temperature of the lifting agents and their lifting characteristics is investigated.
Dual Biologic and Small Molecule Therapy for the Treatment of Refractory Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND Nontraditional combination of existing therapies is often the only option to avoid surgery in refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of concomitant use of 2 biologic therapies or combination of biologic and tofacitinib in a refractory pediatric IBD cohort. METHODS As part of an ongoing single-center observational cohort study of therapeutic outcomes in pediatric IBD patients (younger than 18 years), data were collected for patients receiving dual therapy. Primary outcome was 6 months of steroid-free remission. Secondary outcomes included time to steroid-free remission, change in serum biomarkers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and albumin between baseline and 6 months, and adverse events. RESULTS Sixteen children (9 ulcerative colitis/IBD-unspecified, 7 Crohn's disease), with a disease duration of 3 (2.1-5.0) years, initiated dual therapy at an age of 15.9 (13.5-16.8) years after failing ≥2 biologic therapies. Nine (56%) were treated with vedolizumab/tofacitinib, 4 (25%) with ustekinumab/vedolizumab, and 3 (19%) with ustekinumab/tofacitinib. Twelve (75%; 7 ulcerative colitis/IBD-unspecified, 5 Crohn's disease ) achieved steroid-free remission at 6 months. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein decreased (P = 0.021 and P = 0.015, respectively) and albumin increased (P = 0.003) between baseline and 6 months. One patient on 30 mg of vedolizumab/tofacitinib and prednisone daily developed septic arthritis and a deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that dual therapy may be an option for patients with limited therapeutic options remaining. Safety concerns should always be at the forefront of decision-making, and larger studies are needed to help confirm the preliminary safety data observed.
Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion With a Single Oblique PEEK Cage and Posterior Supplemental Fixation

ABSTRACT Background: To demonstrate the feasibility of an endoscopically assisted minimally invasive surgery transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and to study clinical outcomes with the use of a static oblique bullet-shaped cannulated poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) lumbar interbody fusion cage in conjunction with platelet enriched plasma infused allograft cancellous chips and posterior supplemental fixation. Methods: In this retrospective study of 43 patients who underwent endoscopically assisted MIS-TLIF for spondylolisthesis (53.5%) and stenosis (46.3%), the Oswestry Disability Index, the visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and the modified Macnab criteria were used as primary clinical outcome measures. Clinical outcomes were cross-tabulated against fusion grade using the Bridwell classification of interbody fusion. Results: The majority of patients (90.7%) had excellent (8/43; 18.6%) and good (31/43; 72.1%) Macnab outcomes. There were significant VAS back score reductions from an average preoperative values of 8.9070 to a postoperative VAS score of 3.8605, and a score of 2.7674 at final follow-up (P < .0001). The reductions in the VAS leg scores were also significant from preoperative score of 5.58 to a postoperative value of 2.16, and a final follow-up score of 1.67 (P < .0001); the Oswestry Disability Index score went from a preoperative value of 54.4 to 23.3 postoperatively and 18.5 at the final follow-up (P < .0001). The vast majority of patients (92.9%) with Bridwell grade I fusion had excellent and good Macnab outcomes (P = .027). Conclusions: The authors recommend the use of an endoscope as an adjunct to MIS-TLIF, a minimally invasive spinal surgery technique in which many surgeons may be well versed and have a great deal of experience. Clinical outcomes with the endoscopic interbody fusion procedure with a static PEEK cage in conjunction with platelet-enriched bone allograft were favorable. Level of Evidence: 3. Clinical Relevance: Feasibility study.
Impact of Local Drug Delivery of Minocycline on the Subgingival Microbiota during Supportive Periodontal Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of adjunct local minocycline administration on the microbiological parameters of subgingival plaque samples in the residual periodontal pockets. Ten chronic periodontitis patients under a supportive periodontal therapy regimen were recruited. After subgingival debridement, either 2% minocycline gel, Periocline™, (Test Group) or a placebo (Control Group) was administered to the selected sites once a week for three weeks. Subgingival plaque was collected at baseline, and at four weeks and eight weeks. The microbiological composition was analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. In the Test Group, α-diversity (evenness) decreased compared to the baseline (p = 0.005) and was lower compared to the control group at four weeks (p = 0.003). The microbial community composition between the two groups was significantly different at four weeks (p = 0.029). These changes were attributable to a decrease in the bacteria associated with periodontitis and an increase in the bacteria associated with periodontal health. Additionally, the improvement in bleeding on probing continued at eight weeks; however, there were little microbial effects of 2% minocycline gel observed at eight weeks. The control group demonstrated no change throughout the eight-week experimental period. Thus, local minocycline administration can change the subgingival microbial community of residual periodontal pockets.