Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study on isolation of Candida species in various clinical samples in a tertiary health care unit

Introduction: Candida, the causative agents of candidiasis, reported as the seventh most common nosocomial pathogens. With this, current study is planned with an aim to identify Candida species in various clinical samples. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted in the department of Microbiology, GSL Medical College, Andhra Pradesh from Jan 2019 to March 2019. Various clinical samples were collected from the patients, inoculated on SDA and Brain heart Infusion broth. After incubation, growth was identified using colony morphology, Gram staining, and urea hydrolysis test. Germ tube test and Chlamydopsore formation were used for species identification. Results: During the study period, total 53 Candida species were isolated; 64% were identified as Candida albicans and 35% were non albicans Candida. The male female ratio was 1:2 and more strains were isolated among the individuals aged 20 – 40 years age; statistically there was no significant difference (P <0.005). Conclusion: Candida albicans is common pathogenic. Gender wise, the rate of isolation was more among males and more stains were isolated in 30 – 40 years age group. © 2019 Published by Innovative Publication.
Skin prick test in allergic rhinitis

Objective: To identify the responsible allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis using skin prick test and further to help create the chart showing allergen distribution in Duzce region of Turkey. Methods: This retrospective case series included 192 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis between June 2014 and June 2016 in the private office of the author. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was based on patient history and physical examination findings. Allergopharma allergen extracts were used for skin prick testing. Twenty-eight allergens including histamine as the positive control, saline as the negative control and twenty-six allergens were drilled on the volar surface of the forearm. The results were evaluated after 15 minutes. The negative (-), positive (+), (+++) and (++++) results were assessed
Incorporation of Soybean Biomass that was treated by Bradyrhizobium and Phosphorus in Soil Improved Sugarcane Yield and Juice Attributes under Intercropping System

This study was initiated to investigate the effect of intercropped soybean biomass incorporation on sugar yield at Metahara Sugar Estate. The treatment consisted of combined application of four P rates and three levels of inoculation and was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Results showed that incorporation soybean biomass treated with P and Bradyrhizobium increased the OM and available P. Sole sugarcane produced higher millable stalk when compared than sugarcane planted in intercropping. However, sole sugarcane produced inferior stalk diameter and juice purity. It was also found that significantly higher cane and sugar yields were recorded in plots amended with soybean biomass and sole sugarcane cultivation. Intercropping improved land equivalent ratio and net return compared with the sole cropping of soybean/sugarcane. Hence, these results recommend that soybean-sugarcane intercropping and the need of inoculation and P application to increase the profitability of the suggested cropping system.
AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF JASMINUM SAMBAC - A REVIEW

: The phytochemical analysis of Jasminum sambac revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, coumarins, glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, steroids, fats, essential oils, fixed oils, terpines, resin, and salicylic acid. The pharmacological studies revealed that the plant extracts possessed antimicrobial, insecticidal, analgesic, antipyretic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, dermatological, anticancer, CNS and peripheral NS, cardiovascular, lipid peroxidation inhibition and anti-obesity and gastroprotective effects. This review will highlight the chemical constituents, pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Jasminum sambac .
Propranolol Suppresses the T-Helper Cell Depletion-Related Immune Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Mice

Bacterial translocation (BT) and splenomegaly contribute to cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID) including T cell depletion, infection, and chronic inflammation. β-blockers have been reported to decrease BT and improve splenomegaly. This study explores the modulation of β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors (ADRB1/ADRB2) by propranolol treatment on the peripheral and splenic immune dysfunction of cirrhotic mice. In vivo experiments were performed in bile duct ligation (BDL)- and thioacetamide (TAA)-cirrhotic mice receiving two weeks of propranolol treatment. Acute effects of propranolol were evaluated in T-helper (Th) cells isolated from spleen of cirrhotic mice. Over-expression of β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors (ADRB1/ADRB2) in spleen and T lymphocytes was associated with high peripheral/splenic lipopolysaccharide binding protein levels. Moreover, a decrease in Th cells percentage, increase in Treg subset, and cytokines were accompanied by increased apoptosis, proliferation, and reduced white pulp hyperplasia in cirrhotic mice, which were counteracted by propranolol treatment. The Th-cell depletion, systemic inflammation, BT, and infection were improved by chronic propranolol treatment. Acute propranolol treatment inhibited apoptosis, Treg-conditioned differentiation, and promoted Th2-conditioned differentiation through ADRB-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signals in cirrhotic mice. In conclusion, suppression of ADRB1 and ADRB2 expressions in spleen and splenic T lymphocytes by acute and chronic propranolol treatment ameliorate systemic and splenic immune dysfunction in cirrhosis.
Deep Brain Stimulation forTourette Syndrome

Deep Brain Stimulation for Tourette Syndrome Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by motor and vocal tics. Tics often present early in childhood at 6-8 years old, commonly following a waxing and waning course before reaching a peak in severity at around 12 years of age. Although symptoms can subside by early adulthood, a significant number of patients continue to experience severe tics across the lifespan. It has been shown that tics often affect health-related quality of life and require active treatment intervention. First line recommended treatment includes both pharmacotherapy, usually in the form of neuroleptics or atypical antipsychotics, and behavioural interventions, such as habit reversal therapy and exposure with response prevention.
Identification of gingival pigmentation patterns and its correlation with skin color, gender and gingival phenotype in an Indian population

Objectives: Esthetics and smile-enhancing treatments have become an integral part of the dentistry; people always consult with periodontist for obtaining acceptable gingival esthetics. In smile designing esthetics, the color of gingiva has a major role. Although there is no any gold standard technique for managing melanin hyperpigmentation, esthetic concerns have lead increasing awareness about different depigmentation procedures. The aim of this study is to identify gingival melanin pigmentation patterns and to investigate its relationship based on clinical analysis with skin color, gender and gingival phenotype for various treatment modalities. Methods: In total, 200 subjects without any systemic disease (100 males and 100 females with mean age 26.5 years) screened by a single person and categorized them by skin color as fair, wheatish, brown, and dark to identify the different distribution patterns of gingival melanin pigmentation anatomically. Along with this severity of melanin pigmentation and gingival phenotypes were assessed. By using a Chi-square test correlations of variables were checked. Results: A positive statistical correlation was noticed between severity of gingival pigmentation and skin color. Dark-skinned subjects had heavy gingival pigmentation. The majority of population had pigmentation in attached gingiva and interdental papillae. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, the majority of population showed a positive correlation with their skin color and the severity of melanin pigmentation.
Kidney Function Surveillance in the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE Chronic kidney disease affects 25-50% of patients with spina bifida. Guidelines recommend kidney function surveillance in these patients, but practice patterns are unknown. Variations in kidney function surveillance were assessed across patients with spina bifida, with the hypothesis that the treating clinic and spina bifida type would be associated with kidney function surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2013-2018 within the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry in the United States. Follow-up was anchored at the 2013 visit. Participants with either an outcome event within 2 years of follow-up or >2 years of follow-up without an outcome event were included. Primary outcome was kidney function surveillance, defined as at least one renal ultrasound and serum creatinine within 2 years of follow-up. Primary exposures were clinic and spina bifida type, which were analyzed with covariates including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in logistic regression models for their association with the outcome. Sensitivity analyses were performed using different kidney function surveillance definitions. RESULTS Of 8351 total patients, 5445 were included, with median 3.0 years' follow-up. Across 23 treating clinics, kidney function surveillance rates averaged 62% (range 6-100%). In multivariable models, kidney function surveillance was associated with clinic, younger age, functional lesion level, non-ambulatory status, and prior bladder augmentation. Treating clinic remained a significant predictor of kidney function surveillance in all sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Within the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry, wide variation exists in practice of kidney function surveillance across treating clinics, despite adjustment for key patient characteristics.
Co-Administration of the Traditional Medicines Hachimi-Jio-Gan and Hochu-Ekki-To Can Reverse Busulfan-Induced Aspermatogenesis

Busulfan is used as a chemotherapeutic drug to treat childhood and adult chronic myelogenous leukemia, and as an immunosuppressive agent before bone marrow transplantation. A key side effect of busulfan is the alteration of male reproductive function. Infertility caused by anti-cancer treatments has become a significant concern, but there are currently limited treatments for this condition. Recently, we demonstrated that Gosha-jinki-gan, a traditional Japanese medicine, completely reversed the spermatogenesis defects caused by cancer treatment in mice. Hochu-ekki-to and Hachimi-jio-gan are commonly used to treat male infertility, and Hachimi-jio-gan shares herbal ingredients with Gosha-jinki-gan. Therefore, in the present study, we administered Hachimi-jio-gan and Hochu-ekki-to alone or in combination to mice with severe aspermatogenesis caused by busulfan treatment. We performed testis weight measurements, quantitative histological assessments of the testes and the epididymis, and evaluated sperm counts and morphology. We also assessed the expression of immune mediators and macrophage markers. Treatment with a combination of both the medicines significantly reduced busulfan-induced testicular toxicity when compared to the lone treatment with either medicine. We demonstrated that treatment efficacy was related to a differential impact on testicular inflammation, and that the synergistic effect of co-administration completely reversed the busulfan-induced damage to the reproductive functions.
Differential Correlation of Serum BDNF and microRNA Content in Rats with Rapid or Late Onset of Heavy Alcohol Use

Heavy alcohol use reduces the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex of rodents through the upregulation of microRNAs targeting BDNF mRNA. In humans, an inverse correlation exists between circulating blood levels of BDNF and the severity of psychiatric disorders including alcohol abuse. Here, we set out to determine whether a history of heavy alcohol use produces comparable alterations in the blood of rats. We used an intermittent access to 20% alcohol using the 2-bottle choice paradigm (IA20%2BC), and measured circulating levels of BDNF protein and microRNAs in the serum of Long-Evans rats before and after 8-weeks of excessive alcohol intake. We observed that the drinking profile of heavy alcohol users is not unified; Whereas 70% of the rats gradually escalate their alcohol intake (Late Onset), 30% of alcohol users exhibit a very Rapid Onset of drinking (Rapid Onset). We found that serum BDNF levels are negatively correlated with alcohol intake in both Rapid Onset and Late Onset rats. In contrast, increased expression of the microRNAs (miRs) targeting BDNF, miR30a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR191-5p and miR206-3p, was detected only in the Rapid Onset rats. Finally, we report that the alcohol-dependent molecular changes are not due to alterations in platelet number. Our data suggest that rats exhibit both Late and Rapid Onset of alcohol intake. We further show that heavy alcohol use produces comparable changes in BDNF protein levels in both groups. However, circulating microRNAs are responsive to alcohol only in the Rapid Onset rats.
Alterations to Dental Implant Surfaces Produced by Different Methods of Mechanical Debridement. In Vitro Scanning Electron Microscope Study

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare the alterations to dental implant surfaces caused by classic methods of mechanical debridement compared with the recently introduced rotating titanium brush. Methods: Four mechanical debridement methods were evaluated: stainless steel curettes (SSCs), conventional ultrasonic scaler (CUS), teflon ultrasonic scaler (TUS), and rotating titanium brush using a total of 16 titanium grade IV Straumann® soft tissue level implants with SLA® surface. Each implant was treated for one minute on one side and three minutes on the opposite side to compare the effects of treatment duration. Samples were prepared for analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Mechanical debridement with the rotating titanium brush produced the least alteration to the implant surface, followed by teflon ultrasonic scaler, stainless steel curettes, and conventional ultrasonic scaler, with statistically significant differences between the instruments (p < 0.005). Surface damage was shown to not be affected by the duration of treatment (p = 0.476) with the exception of SSCs, which shows statistical significant differences (p = 0.04) between 1 minute and 3 minutes of treatment. Conclusions: Rotating titanium brush would appear to be gentler on the implant surface than all the others systems with statistically significant difference. Further clinical studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of rotating titanium brush for removing plaque and calculus from implant surfaces.
The Effect of Steel Slag Coarse Aggregate on the Mechanical and Durability Performances of Concrete

This work performs experimental investigations on concrete made with difference replacement percentage of first-class burnt clay brick aggregate (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 100%) by steel slag (SS) aggregate. The aim is to evaluate the mechanical properties as well as durability performances, additionally, water absorption porosity test is performed to investigate the influence of steel slag aggregate on the durability of tested concrete. The experimental results have shown that the compressive strength was improved significantly due to the replacement of brick aggregate by steel slag aggregate. The crushing strength of concrete made with 100% steel slag aggregate has gained up to 70% more than the control concrete (100% brick aggregate). However, the porosity of concrete was reduced with the adding percentage of brick aggregate by steel slag aggregate which is consistent with the compressive strength results. Further, a quite good agreement between compressive strength and porosity was observed as well.
Near Field Measurements of an Axisymmetric Turbulent Jet at Low Reynolds Numbers: A PIV and CTA Comparison

This paper presents a comparison between two commonly used velocity measurement techniques applied in experimental fluid dynamics: Constant Temperature Anemometry (CTA) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Previous studies have applied these techniques to the self-similar region of an axisymmetric jet which resides in the far-field. However, there is a lack of CTA to PIV comparison data in the near-field region of the jet where the flow field contains large scale turbulent structures. The following comparison is performed in the near-field region of an axisymmetric circular turbulent jet at five Reynolds numbers based on diameter between 5,000 to 25,000. The Reynolds numbers were selected in order to cover the critical Reynolds number range, 10,000 to 20,000, where the characteristics of the flow transition to a fully developed turbulent mixing layer. A comparison between these two measurement techniques was performed in order to determine the differences between an intrusive (CTA) and non-intrusive (PIV) method when applied to a practical application. The axial mean velocity and urms level show qualitative agreement between these two measurement techniques for all 5 Reynolds numbers; however, there is a quantitative discrepancy of up to 18% in the mean velocity and over 40% in the turbulent velocity.
Superonasal Transconjunctival Optic Nerve Sheath Decompression: A Simplified Technique for Safe and Efficient Decompression.

BACKGROUND Severe, permanent vision loss is a feared sequela of untreated or refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). For patients with progressive vision loss despite maximally tolerated medical treatment, optic nerve sheath decompression (ONSD) remains a viable and effective option to protect vision. Our objective is to introduce a modified transconjunctival technique for ONSD and determine its safety, efficacy, and efficiency in patients with IIH. METHODS We performed analyses for a retrospective case series of consecutive patients with IIH by modified dandy criteria who underwent isolated superonasal transconjunctival optic nerve sheath decompression (stOND) at single eye institute in a large academic center from January 2013 to February 2017. Sixty-six patients were identified who met these criteria with at least 6 weeks of follow-up data. Primary outcome measures were visual field mean deviation, grading of papilledema by the modified Frisen scale, and best-corrected visual acuity. Secondary outcome measures were presence of postoperative diplopia and operative time. RESULTS One hundred thirty-two eyes of 66 patients were identified; 58 were female (88%), and 8 were male (12%). The mean age was 30 years (range 13-55) with an average lumbar puncture opening pressure of 38 cm H2O. Participants mean body mass index was 36 (range 20-59) with Grade 3 papilledema on average by the modified Frisen scale. No patients experienced operative complications, postoperative diplopia, or worse visual acuity at 1 week after surgery. Average operative time was 50 minutes (range: 25-89). The median decrease in papilledema grading was 3 grades on the Frisen scale (95% confidence interval [CI], 2-3, P < 0.0001). Snellen visual acuity changes did not meet statistical significance. The average Humphrey Visual Field mean deviation change was +1.91 (95% CI, 0.58-3.24, P = 0.0052). Despite successful bilateral decompressions, 4 patients (6.1%) progressed in their visual loss. CONCLUSIONS The superonasal transconjunctival approach to ONSD is a safe, efficient and effective surgical treatment for patients with deteriorating visual function due to IIH. Although additional study is required to further clarify the best timing and indications for ONSD among other treatment options for refractory IIH, providers should be aware of the reduced complication rates and efficacy of the stOND technique.
Efficacy and Safety of a Combination of Olanzapine and Samidorphan in Adult Patients With an Acute Exacerbation of Schizophrenia: Outcomes From the Randomized, Phase 3 ENLIGHTEN-1 Study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the antipsychotic efficacy and safety of a combination of olanzapine and samidorphan (OLZ/SAM). METHODS This 4-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and olanzapine-controlled study was conducted from December 2015 to June 2017 in adults with schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria who were experiencing an acute exacerbation. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to OLZ/SAM, olanzapine monotherapy, or placebo. The primary and key secondary efficacy endpoint assessed was the change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness Scale (CGI-S) score between baseline and week 4, respectively, for OLZ/SAM versus placebo. Safety monitoring occurred throughout. RESULTS 401 patients received ≥ 1 dose of study drug; 352 completed treatment. Treatment with OLZ/SAM resulted in significant improvements versus placebo in PANSS total and CGI-S scores from baseline to week 4 (least squares [LS] mean ± SE: -6.4 ± 1.8 [P < .001] and -0.38 ± 0.12 [P = .002], respectively). Olanzapine treatment resulted in similar improvements (PANSS and CGI-S LS mean ± SE of -5.3 ± 1.84 [P = .004] and -0.44 ± 0.12 [P < .001], respectively). Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 54.5%, 54.9%, and 44.8% of patients on OLZ/SAM, olanzapine, and placebo, respectively. Weight gain, somnolence, dry mouth, anxiety, and headache were the most common AEs (ie, ≥ 5%) with active treatment. CONCLUSIONS OLZ/SAM treatment resulted in statistically and clinically significant efficacy improvements over 4 weeks versus placebo in adults with acutely exacerbated schizophrenia. Improvements were similar to those observed with olanzapine. OLZ/SAM was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of olanzapine. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02634346; EudraCT number: 2015-003373-15​​.
Alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder symptomatology in adolescents is associated with dysfunction in neural processing of future events

Two of the most commonly used substances by adolescents in the United States are cannabis and alcohol. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are associated with impairments in decision‐making processes. One mechanism for impaired decision‐making in these individuals is thought to be an inability to adequately represent future events during decision‐making. In the current study involving 112 adolescents, we used a comparative optimism task to examine the relationship between relative severity of CUD/AUD (as indexed by the CUD/AUD Identification Tests [CUDIT/AUDIT]) and atypical function within neural systems underlying affect‐based neural represenation future events. Greater CUDIT scores were negatively related to responses within subgenual anterior and posterior cingulate cortex when processing high‐intensity potential future positive and negative events. There was also a particularly marked negative relationship between CUD symptoms and blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) responses within visual and premotor cortices to high‐intensity, negatively valenced potential future events. However, AUD symptom severity was not associated with dysfunction within these brain regions. These data indicate that relative risk/severity of CUD is associated with reduced responsiveness to future high‐intensity events. This may impair decision‐making where future significant consequences should guide response choice.