Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
OXYGEN ISOTOPE PROFILES OF UPPERMOST JURASSIC VERTEBRATE TEETH AND OYSTER SHELLS: A RECORD OF PALEOENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES AND ANIMAL HABITATS

ABSTRACT: High resolution oxygen isotopes profiles of well-preserved uppermost Jurassic oyster shells and vertebrate (ichthyosaur and fish) teeth from Central Poland were obtained using a microdrill and an ion microprobe (SHRIMP IIe/MC). Internal variability of δ18O values of oyster shells (-1.7 to 1.3% VPDB) collected from the offshore interval of the studied section is greater than that determined previously from bulk oysters. Relatively high δ18O values of the studied oysters may be linked to a slight increase in the salinity of the mid-Polish basin. Low δ18O values of co-occurring ichthyosaur tooth enamel substantiate endothermy of these reptiles. An observed ontogenetic increase in the ichthyosaur enamel δ18O values (from ∼ 19.4 to ∼ 21.6% VSMOW) may be a result of long distance migrations although the effect of metabolic factors at rising body mass cannot be completely excluded. It is postulated that δ18O values of the latest portion of the ichthyosaur tooth enamel can be used for the calculation of ancient water oxygen isotope composition and verification of oxygen isotope temperatures. High δ18O values of the enameloid of Caturus lungfishes (23.6 to 26.5% VSMOW) collected from an upper part of the studied section, which was deposited in a restricted lagoonal environment after a marine regression, are probably a result of a high evaporation rate. The fishes could have breathed atmospheric air and withstood episodes of water hypoxia. Internal oxygen isotope records of the shells and teeth are promising proxies for studies of the paleoenvironment and activity of animals.
Inflammatory pseudotumors of the liver: Importance of a multimodal approach with the insistance of needle biopsy

Abstract CONTEXT: Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the liver is a rare, tumor-like lesion that is considered to be biologically benign but often mimics malignancy. AIMS: The aim of the study was construe clinicopathological features, imaging findings, differential diagnosis, management, and follow-up of IPT involving the liver. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It is a retrospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cases included were of IPT, diagnosed on histopathology, at our center from June 2009 to December 2016. Details studied were clinical presentation, imaging studies, laboratory investigations, pathological features, treatment, and follow-up of the cases and compared with reports in the literature. RESULTS: A total of cases of IPT included were 17. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 62 years. Common presenting features were intermittent fever, upper abdominal pain, and weight loss. Radiological diagnosis varied from neoplastic (13) to infectious etiologies (4), with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common differential (7/17). Laboratory investigations revealed leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, raised transaminases, and raised serum alkaline phosphatase. Core biopsy of a tumor conceded increased fibrosis along with mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates. Eleven cases were managed conservatively and showed regression or complete recovery. Six patients underwent surgical resection. None of these had any recurrence in median follow-up of 22 months. CONCLUSIONS: IPT of the liver can masquerade as a fatality, either primary or metastatic. It will be well managed with conservative modalities and can avoid redundant hepatectomy, reserved for complicated cases. For this intent, accurate preoperative diagnosis is the requisite, and needle biopsy with or without fine-needle aspiration cytology plays as a significant rescuer in this field.
Stethoscope hygiene and barriers among physicians – A cross-sectional study from National Guard Health Affairs in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the stethoscope hygiene Disinfection practice and barriers among National Guard Health Affairs physicians in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A paper-based cross sectional prospective study was conducted among physicians practicing at the Imam Abdurrahman Al-Faisal Hospital over a period of 3 months from October to December 2018. We assessed the frequency and method of disinfection, perception of contamination, and barriers to disinfection. Results: Ninety-three respondents completed the survey. The results of the study found that Isopropyl alcohol 70% or an alcohol swab was the most common disinfecting agent, reported by 77 (82.8%) of respondents. The majority of the respondents 33 (35.5%) were spend 5-10 seconds to disinfect the stethoscope, 24 (25.8%) were <5 seconds, 12 (12.9%) were never disinfect stethoscope. Half of the respondents 51 (54%) were disinfect stethoscope after every use, 10 (10.8%) were disinfect multiples times per week, while 6 (6.5%) were disinfect stethoscope. The most common reported barriers to cleaning stethoscopes were forgetfulness/laziness 42 (45.2%), lack of time 30 (32.3%), or lack of knowledge regarding the best disinfectant 21 (22.6%). Conclusion: This study found that the vast majority of respondents reported cleaning of stethoscope using a suitable method of their choice. Increasing physicians' access to appropriate disinfectants and providing visual reminders in health care facilities may improve stethoscope disinfection practices.
Evaluation of prognostic utility of Ki-67, P53, and O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase expression in pituitary tumors

Abstract BACKGROUND OR CONTEXT: Pituitary adenoma (PA) is the most common pathology of the pituitary gland. Pituitary tumors were historically considered benign, however, from recent advances in pathological and molecular analyses, numerous prognostic markers have been identified, allowing a better characterization of tumor behavior and prediction of response to treatment and recurrences. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the epidemiological occurrence of pituitary tumors in our center and prediction of the benign, aggressive, or malignant nature of the tumor with the help of immunohistochemical markers (IHC) Ki-67, P53, and O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) along with radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was done in 33 cases. Patients with clinically suspected pituitary tumors and related symptoms and signs are referred from the endocrine outpatient department and subsequently operated at the neurosurgery department were selected. We have studied the clinical features, radiology, histopathology, and IHC with the help of Ki-67, P53, and MGMT of PA over 2 years. RESULTS: We have 94% (31/33) cases of PA among them 94% (29/31) cases are macroadenoma. The IHC was conducted on 30 cases (excluding 1 case of pituitary apoplexy) where Ki-67, p53, and MGMT have been used for IHC in order to analyze the prognosis of the PA, irrespective of the immunological subtype of the PA. In our study, only 13% (4 patients) had MGMT score 0 and 2 patients, among these 4 patients having above cutoff level of Ki-67 and p53 value, considered as aggressive (in case of Ki-67 >3% and >50% in case of p53). When comparing MGMT expression with recurrence, a high degree of significance was found (Mann–Whitney U-test, P = 0.0038). Most of the recurrent tumors (6/9) had MGMT score 1 or below and most of the nonrecurring tumor had MGMT score 2 or above. When comparing MGMT expression with aggressiveness, a high degree of significance was found (Mann–Whitney U-test, P < 0.0001). Finally, combining the radiological Ki-67, p53, and MGMT values, two cases of aggressive adenoma have been seen in our study, the remaining being benign adenomas (WHO classification 2004). We did not encounter any case of pituitary carcinoma. MGMT did not show any significant correlation with radiological grading and histology. CONCLUSION: The benign, aggressive, or malignant nature of PA can be effectively predicted with the help of IHC, such as Ki-67, p53, and MGMT. This helps in better patient management and predicts recurrences and prognosis.
Endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory biomarkers as a response factor of concurrent coenzyme Q10 add-on metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of metformin alone or in combination with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on inflammatory changes and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total numbers of 54 patients with T2DM compared to 30 healthy subjects were divided into three groups: Group A (n = 30): healthy subjects without any medications; Group B (n = 24): T2DM patients treated with metformin 1 g/day; and Group C (n = 30): T2DM patients treated with metformin 1 g/day plus CoQ10, 300 mg/day. The duration of the study was 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, blood pressure variables, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin were measured before and after therapy. RESULTS: Metformin and/or CoQ10 therapy illustrated an insignificant effect on the fody mass index. This combination produced a significant improvement of metabolic changes in patients with T2DM (P < 0.01). sVCAM-1 serum level was decreased significantly after the initiation of metformin and/or CoQ10 therapy compared to the baseline P < 0.05. E-selectin was declined significantly following metformin monotherapy and after metformin plus CoQ10 therapy (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: CoQ10 add-on metformin therapy improves endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory changes in patients with T2DM alongside with amelioration of metabolic profile.
A Study to estimate forensic age by kreitner and kellingaus main stages method from epiphyseal ossification of the iliac crest by digital radiography

Objectives: The objective of this study is to establish the study of radiographs of the iliac crest epiphysis as a possible criterion for forensic age estimation, using Kreitner and Kellingaus main stages and substages method. Methodology: We scanned 157 participants, comprising 92 males and 65 females in the age bracket of 10 and 25, using X-ray in the Indian Bengali population. Results: Minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation were defined. Ossification appeared within the age bracket of 14–17 years, and complete bony fusion took place at the 20th year of life. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were determined by calculating the kappa coefficients. Conclusion: This study can be used for forensic age diagnosis, but its accuracy is limited when the medicolegally significant age of 18 years has to be determined.
Sex determination using maxillary arch width of pediatric population of Namakkal district, India: A forensic study

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to compute a new formula for sex determination using maxillary arch width of a pediatric population of Namakkal district. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 146 females and 218 males of South Indian origin aged between 4 and 6 years. Alginate impressions of the upper and lower dental arch were made, and casts were poured immediately. A digital vernier caliper was used to obtain measurements. Arch width at canine, first molar and second molar for both maxilla and mandible were considered for measurement. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 20.0 software. Results: The Student's t-test was used to find out the significance between male and female among the different predictor variables at P < 0.05. Significant sexual dimorphism was found in maxillary intercanine width and maxillary first and second intermolar width with conical discriminant function coefficient of 0.732, −0.177 and −0.244, respectively. Conclusion: The formula derived from the present study could be of great value in sex determination of pediatric populations of Namakkal district.
Nutritional status of pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Introduction: Undernutrition among tuberculosis (TB) patients is associated with adverse treatment outcomes and increases risk of mortality. The nutritional status of pulmonary TB patients attending Outpatient Department of Combined Hospital, Thakurganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: Two hundred recently diagnosed patients and those who were on intensive phase therapy were selected prospectively. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, lifestyle, health, and dietary information of the selected TB patients. Clinical information was collected from medical records. Nutritional status was measured as body mass index (BMI) (weight and height) using standard techniques. Results: Nutritional status measured as BMI was categorized as underweight (<18.5) and normal (BMI >18.5) was the primary outcome of the study. Ninety-eight (49%) TB patients were very severely undernourished (BMI <16) and 159 (79.5%) patients had BMI <18.5. Only 44.5% patients reported receiving diet counselling during hospital visit. The adjusted analysis showed higher odds of underweight among patients who had breathing difficulty (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.85; confidence interval [CI] = 1.19–6.85; P= 0.01). Patients with diabetes had significantly lower odds of underweight (AOR = 0.12; CI = 0.02–0.95; P= 0.04). Higher odds of low BMI were also found among patients consumed tobacco (AOR = 2.4; CI = 0.95–6.28; P= 0.05), using open defecation (AOR = 3.77; CI = 0.91–15.64; P= 0.06), but findings were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated high proportion of severe undernutrition among pulmonary TB patients. There is an urgent need for the provision of proper nutrition management and counseling of TB hospitals at the hospitals as per the national nutrition guidelines for TB patients.
Role of chemical peels in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a comprehensive review

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired hypermelanosis arising after inflammation or injury to the skin and can develop in all skin types especially in Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III to VI. In higher skin phototypes, chances of PIH following procedures using laser and other light sources are high. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to manage this unforeseen condition. Wide variety of treatment options are available for PIH, but there is limited literature regarding efficacy and safety of chemical peels in PIH. Hence, a thorough systematic review was performed by searching Pubmed, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane databases in English language involving studies on PIH. Thus, this article is an attempt to bring together all the possible ways of using chemical peels (alone, in combination with other peels or topical agents) for the management of PIH.
Immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67, p53, and CD10 in phyllodes tumor and their correlation with its histological grade

Abstract CONTEXT: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are the fibroepithelial neoplasms of the breast. Histologically, PTs are divided into three subgroups according to their clinicopathological behavior: benign, borderline, and malignant. It is at times difficult to ascertain the grade of PT on morphological criteria alone, especially borderline PT may be at times difficult to distinguish from its benign or malignant counterparts. AIMS: This study was undertaken to evaluate an immunohistochemical panel of Ki-67, p53, and CD10 in PT and to determine their expression in PT in correlation with its grade. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included six malignant, six borderline, and twelve benign PT. Expressions of Ki-67, p53, and CD10 were evaluated on all the 12 cases and compared in these three categories. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test was applied, and P < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: Stromal expression of Ki-67 and p53 between the benign and borderline/malignant group showed a statistically significant difference. Neither CD10 expression nor epithelial expressions of Ki-67 and p53 were found significant. Periepithelial accentuation of Ki-67 and p53 immunostaining was noted in all positive cases. CONCLUSIONS: Ki-67 labeling index and p53 immunostaining can be a useful adjunct to determine the grade in difficult cases. However, no single immunomarker can reliably distinguish between benign and borderline phyllodes in all cases.
Spectrum of respiratory viral infections in liver disease patients with cirrhosis admitted in critical care unit

Abstract BACKGROUND: Clinical significance of respiratory viruses (RVs) as an etiology of pneumonia in liver disease patients with cirrhosis is usually underestimated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of RVs in cirrhotic patients with pneumonia admitted in critical care units (CCUs) and its impact on the clinical outcome of cirrhotic patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care CCU, and consecutive cirrhotic patients with pneumonia were included. Bronchoalveolar lavage or throat swab/nasal swab was collected in viral transport medium for analysis of RVs by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. A total of 135 cirrhotic patients were included, viral and bacterial etiology of pneumonia was identified, and analysis was done with the clinical outcome. RESULTS: Overall, RVs were detected in 30 (22.2%) cirrhotic patients and viral–bacterial coinfection in 16 (11.8%) cirrhotic patients. The most common virus detected was rhinovirus in 9 (30%) patients. Mortality in cirrhotic patients with RV infection was significantly higher in comparison to cirrhotic patients with no RV infection (25 [83.3%] and 11 [12.3%], respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Respiratory viruses in cirrhotic patients with pneumonia are associated with poor clinical outcome.
Evolution of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes in India

Abstract CONTEXT: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is the leading cause of infectious diarrhea in developing countries. On the basis of virulence and phenotypic characteristics, the DEC is categorized into multiple pathotypes. Each pathotype has different pathogenesis and geographical distribution. Thus, the proper management of disease relies on rapid and accurate identification of DEC pathotypes. AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of DEC pathotypes in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2008 and December 2012 at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Center, Belgaum (Karnataka), India. A total of 300 stool samples were collected from diarrhea patients with age >3 months. The DEC was identified by both conventional and molecular methods. RESULTS: Of 300 samples, E. coli were detected in 198 (66%) and 170 (56.6%) samples by culture and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Among DEC (n = 198) isolates, eae gene (59.5%) was the most prevalent followed by stx (27.7%), east (27.2%), elt (12.6%), est (10.6%), ipaH (5.5%), and eagg (1.5%) genes. On the basis of virulence genes, enteropathogenic E. coli (33.8%) was the most common pathotype followed by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC, 23.2%), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC, 13.6%), enteroinvasive E. coli (5.5%), enteroaggregative heat-stable enterotoxin 1-harboring E. coli (EAST1EC, 4.5%), STEC/ETEC (3.5%), STEC/enteroaggregative E. coli (STEC/EAEC, 1.0%), and EAEC (0.05%). CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid DEC is potentially more virulent than basic pathotypes. The pathotyping should be included in clinical settings for the proper management of DEC-associated diarrhea.
Von Meyenburg complex clinically presenting as metastatic liver nodule: A rare finding in an elderly male

Abstract Von Meyenburg complex is a benign biliary hamartoma observed in approximately 3% of the autopsies conducted. These hamartomas are small, multiple and can be seen anywhere in the liver. There is usually no abnormality in liver function tests, and the patient is mostly asymptomatic. They serve as a diagnostic dilemma, particularly during metastatic workup in suspected cancer patients. Imaging studies are usually noncontributory, and biopsy is necessary for a definite diagnosis. We present here a middle-aged North Indian male who underwent liver biopsy to rule out metastasis.
Particle and organic vapor emissions from children’s 3-D pen and 3-D printer toys

Abstract Objective: Fused filament fabrication “3-dimensional (3-D)” printing has expanded beyond the workplace to 3-D printers and pens for use by children as toys to create objects. Materials and methods: Emissions from two brands of toy 3-D pens and one brand of toy 3-D printer were characterized in a 0.6 m3 chamber (particle number, size, elemental composition; concentrations of individual and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)). The effects of print parameters on these emission metrics were evaluated using mixed-effects models. Emissions data were used to model particle lung deposition and TVOC exposure potential. Results: Geometric mean particle yields (106–1010 particles/g printed) and sizes (30–300 nm) and TVOC yields (<detectable to 590 µg TVOC/g printed) for the toys were similar to those from 3-D printers used in workplaces. Metal emissions included manganese (1.6–92.3 ng/g printed) and lead (0.13–1.2 ng/g printed). Among toys, extruder nozzle conditions (diameter, temperature) and filament (type, color, and extrusion speed) significantly influenced particle and TVOC emissions. Dose modeling indicated that emitted particles would deposit in the lung alveoli of children. Exposure modeling indicated that TVOC concentration from use of a single toy would be 1–31 µg/m3 in a classroom and 3–154 µg/m3 in a residential living room. Discussion: Potential exists for inhalation of organic vapors and metal-containing particles during use of these toys. Conclusions: If deemed appropriate, e.g. where multiple toys are used in a poorly ventilated area or a toy is positioned near a child’s breathing zone, control technologies should be implemented to reduce emissions and exposure risk.
Trans-generational effects on diapause and life-history-traits of an aphid parasitoid

Transgenerational effects act on a wide range of insects’ life-history traits and can be involved in the control of developmental plasticity, such as diapause expression. Decrease in or total loss of winter diapause expression recently observed in some species could arise from inhibiting maternal effects. In this study, we explored transgenerational effects on diapause expression and traits in one industrial and one wild strain of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi. These strains were reared under short photoperiod (8:16 h LD) and low temperature (14 °C) conditions over two generations. Diapause levels, developmental times, physiological and morphological traits were measured. Diapause levels increased after one generation in the wild but not in the industrial strain. For both strains, the second generation took longer to develop than the first one. Tibia length and wing surface decreased over generations while fat content increased. A crossed-generations experiment focusing on the industrial parasitoid strain showed that offspring from mothers reared at 14 °C took longer to develop, were heavier, taller with wider wings and with more fat reserves than those from mothers reared at 20 °C (8:16 h LD). No effect of the mother rearing conditions was shown on diapause expression. Additionally to direct plasticity of the offspring, results suggest transgenerational plasticity effects on diapause expression, development time, and on the values of life-history traits. We demonstrated that populations showing low diapause levels may recover higher levels through transgenerational plasticity in response to diapause-induction cues, provided that environmental conditions are reaching the induction-thresholds specific to each population. Transgenerational plasticity is thus important to consider when evaluating how insects adapt to changing environments.