Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epiphyseal Cartilage Formation Involves Differential Dynamics of Various Cellular Populations During Embryogenesis

A joint connects two or more bones together to form a functional unit that allows different types of bending and movement. Little is known about how the opposing ends of the connected bones are developed. Here, applying various lineage tracing strategies we demonstrate that progenies of Gdf5-, Col2-, Prrx1-, and Gli1-positive cells contribute to the growing epiphyseal cartilage in a spatially asymmetrical manner. In addition, we reveal that cells in the cartilaginous anlagen are likely to be the major sources for epiphyseal cartilage. Moreover, Gli1-positive cells are found to proliferate along the skeletal edges toward the periarticular region of epiphyseal surface. Finally, a switch in the mechanism of growth from cell division to cell influx likely occurs in the epiphyseal cartilage when joint cavitation has completed. Altogether, our findings reveal an asymmetrical mechanism of growth that drives the formation of epiphyseal cartilage ends, which might implicate on how the articular surface of these skeletal elements acquires their unique and sophisticated shape during embryonic development.
Haloterrigena sp. Strain SGH1, a Bacterioruberin-Rich, Perchlorate-Tolerant Halophilic Archaeon Isolated From Halite Microbial Communities, Atacama Desert, Chile

An extreme halophilic archaeon, strain SGH1, is a novel microorganism isolated from endolithic microbial communities colonizing halites at Salar Grande, Atacama Desert, in northern Chile. Our study provides structural, biochemical, genomic, and physiological information on this new isolate living at the edge of the physical and chemical extremes at the Atacama Desert. SGH1 is a Gram-negative, red-pigmented, non-motile unicellular coccoid organism. Under the transmission electron microscope, strain SGH1 showed an abundant electro-dense material surrounding electron-lucent globular structures resembling gas vacuoles. Strain SGH1 showed a 16S rRNA gene sequence with a close phylogenetic relationship to the extreme halophilic archaea Haloterrigena turkmenica and Haloterrigena salina and has been denominated Haloterrigena sp. strain SGH1. Strain SGH1 grew at 20–40°C (optimum 37°C), at salinities between 15 and 30% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 25%) and growth was improved by addition of 50 mM KCl and 0.5% w/v casamino acids. Growth was severely restricted at salinities below 15% NaCl and cell lysis is avoided at a minimal 10% NaCl. Maximal concentrations of magnesium chloride and sodium or magnesium perchlorates that supported SGH1 growth were 0.5 and 0.15M, respectively. Haloterrigena sp. strain SGH1 accumulates bacterioruberin (BR), a C50 xanthophyll, as the major carotenoid. Total carotenoids in strain SGH1 amounted to nearly 400 μg BR per gram of dry biomass. Nearly 80% of total carotenoids accumulated as geometric isomers of BR: all-trans-BR (50%), 5-cis-BR (15%), 9-cis-BR (10%), 13-cis-BR (4%); other carotenoids were dehydrated derivatives of BR. Carotenogenesis in SGH1 was a reversible and salt-dependent process; transferring BR-rich cells grown in 25% (w/v) NaCl to 15% (w/v) NaCl medium resulted in depigmentation, and BR content was recovered after transference and growth of unpigmented cells to high salinity medium. Methanol extracts and purified BR isomers showed an 8–9-fold higher antioxidant activity than Trolox or β-carotene. Both, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential measurements under acute 18-h assays showed that purified BR isomers were non-toxic to cultured human THP-1 cells.
Prevalence of oral premalignant lesions and conditions among the population of Kanpur City, India: A cross-sectional study

Background: The habit of smoking and chewing tobacco is associated with various types of oral mucosal lesions and conditions, many of which pose a potential threat to cancer growth. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of potentially malignant lesions (PML) and oral cancer in North India and to identify the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology Rama Dental College Hospital and research center Kanpur over a period of 5 years with1,10,625 patients. Participants were divided into study group with a positive history of the chewing habit as well as oral lesions and control group who had a positive history of habits with no oral lesions. Detailed case history and clinical examination were carried out under visible light by trained professionals to assess any oral mucosal changes. Results: The study group consisted of 76.31% males and 23.69% females. In total, 84.34% participants in the study group were literate. However, 57.56% subjects were having oral submucous fibrosis, 23.7% were having leukoplakia, 13.12% were having Lichen planus, and 5.62% were having oral cancer. Conclusion: Results from the present study indicate that tobacco smoking, chewing of betel quid with and/or without tobacco chewing are the major risk factors for PML and oral cancer.
Interdisciplinary Treatment of Breast Cancer After Mastectomy With Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using Abdominal Free Flaps in a University Teaching Hospital—A Standardized and Safe Procedure

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. The interdisciplinary treatment is based on the histological tumor type, the TNM classification, and the patient's wishes. Following tumor resection and (neo-) adjuvant therapy strategies, breast reconstruction represents the final step in the individual interdisciplinary treatment plan. Although manifold flaps have been described, abdominal free flaps, such as the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) or the muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (ms-TRAM) flap, are the current gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. This retrospective study focuses on the safety of autologous breast reconstruction upon mastectomy using abdominal free flaps. Methods: From April 2012 until December 2018, 193 women received 217 abdominal free flaps for autologous breast reconstruction at the University Hospital of Erlangen. For perforator mapping, we performed computed tomography angiography (CTA). Venous anastomosis was standardized using a ring pin coupler system, and flap perfusion was assessed with fluorescence angiography. A retrospective analysis was performed based on medical records, the surgery report, and follow-up of outpatient course. Results: In most cases, autologous breast reconstruction was performed as a secondary reconstructive procedure after mastectomy and radiotherapy. In total, 132 ms1-TRAM, 23 ms2-TRAM, and 62 DIEP flaps were performed with 21 major complications (10%) during hospital stay including five free flap losses (2.3%). In all cases of free flap loss, we found an arterial thrombosis as the main cause. In 24 patients a bilateral breast reconstruction was performed without free flap loss. The majority of free flaps (96.7%) did not need additional supercharging or turbocharging to improve venous outflow. Median venous coupler size was 2.5 mm (range, 1.5–3.5 mm). Conclusion: Using CTA, intraoperative fluorescence angiography, titanized hernia meshes for rectus sheath reconstruction, and venous coupler systems, autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP or ms-TRAM free flaps is a safe and standardized procedure in high-volume microsurgery centers.
Patient Outcomes Following Obliteration of Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula and the Role of Indocyanine Green Angiography Videoangiography (ICG‑VA) During Surgery

Background: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is a known cause of progressive myelopathy which can be treated either by surgery or embolization. Indocyanine green angiography videoangiography (ICG-VA) during surgery can locate the exact location of AV shunting. Objective: To determine the clinical outcome following obliteration of the fistula and to study the role of ICG in identifying the presence and location of SDAVF; to add a comparative study of patients treated by embolization. Materials and Methods: Patients treated for SDAVF in our centre from 2005 to 2015 were studied for clinical and radiological features, and outcome following obliteration of fistula. Results: Of the total 33 patients (27 males, six females), 19 patients were operated without the use of ICG, nine were operated with the use of ICG and successful embolization was done in five. Acute presentation was seen in five. Single feeder was seen in 20 patients, multiple in 13. Mean follow-up was 58 months. All patients in ICG group improved. Three out of 19 patients in the non-ICG group (15.78%) required re-operation. With the use of ICG, the improvement in Aminoff Logue score was significantly better (P < 0.005). Embolization was tried in 13 cases, but successful in five (38%). Conclusions: Surgery with intraoperative ICG shows the exact location of AVF. This decreases the chance of postoperative clinical deterioration and improves patient outcome.
Do women justify the violence they face? Intimate partner violence among married women

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem with harmful consequences for affected individuals. We report the prevalence of physical and sexual violence and justification of this violence by ever-married women. Methodology: We conducted this cross-sectional study on 500 women in an urban area of a metropolitan city of North India. We used a validated questionnaire to estimate the prevalence and forms of IPV and proportion of women who justify the violence they face. We used logistic regression to determine the association of violence with certain sociodemographic factors. We also studied the association of justification of violence with these sociodemographic factors. Results: Ninety-one (18.2%) women had “ever” experienced physical violence. Alcohol consumption by the husband, initial place of residence, and controlling behavior by the husband were significantly associated with physical violence. Fifty two (10.4%) had “ever” experienced sexual violence. Higher education status of the women, justification of violence by the women, controlling behaviour and alcohol consumption by the husbands was significantly associated with sexual violence. Women who had faced any one form of violence (physical or sexual) were at higher risk of facing the other form as well. One hundred and eight two women (36.2%) justified violence by husbands. Women who faced controlling behavior, experienced sexual violence, were poorly educated, or were married for more than 10 years were more likely to justify any form of IPV they faced. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption, controlling behavior, and justification of violence are important behavioral predictors for physical or sexual violence. We recommend behavioral change communication strategies targeted at male partners and also the families to curb the menace of IPV.
Susceptibility pattern of oral antimicrobials in uncomplicated UTI: Does fosfomycin still stand effective?

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a leading cause of morbidity amongst all age groups and most patients with uncomplicated UTI who visit the OPD are treated with empirical antibiotics without doing any culture analysis. Of all the oral antibiotics used in UTI, fosfomycin is well excreted in the urine and is being used for the treatment of UTIs with a single oral dose. Methodology: The current study was planned to determine the resistance amongst uropathogens to various oral antibiotics including fosfomycin isolated over a 4-year period (April 2015 to March 2019). Results: A total of 22,546 urine samples were received from OPD patients over 4 years and of these, 7,295 isolates were obtained from patients with uncomplicated UTI. About 82% of the isolates were gram-negative bacilli (GNBs). The most common isolate was E. coli 1023 (67.2%) followed by Klebsiella spp 254 (16.7%), and Pseudomonas spp 63 (4.1%). Of all the antibiotics tested, maximum sensitivity in the year 2018 was found to fosfomycin followed by nitrofurantoin for all the isolates tested. There was a statistically significant increase in the resistance pattern for almost all antibiotics tested in gram-negative bacteria (both Enterobacteriaceae and nil fermenters) whereas the increase in the resistance was not statistically significant in gram-positive cocci. Conclusion: It can be easily seen that the level of antibiotic resistance has been increasing even in the community with the rampant injudicious use of antibiotics in humans as well as livestock. As the level of resistance to fosfomycin is still low in the community, it can play a promising role in the treatment of infection in patients with uncomplicated UTI.
Association between tooth loss and hypertension: A cross-sectional study

Context: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of premature deaths among noncommunicable disease. Hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular events. In addition to well-known risk factors for hypertension like obesity, lack of physical activity, studies have shown independent association between tooth loss and increased blood pressure and stroke. However, the relevant literature is not conclusive. Aims: Aim of our study was to investigate the association between tooth loss and increased blood pressure among adult patients. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study among 270 adults aged 20–59 years was conducted. The dependent variables were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The main exploratory variable was the number of self-reported natural teeth for each dental arch. They were recorded as 10 or more natural teeth, less than 10 natural teeth, and no natural teeth. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Mean SBP was 125.3 mmHg and DBP was 78.9 mmHg. Moreover, 29.3% of participants had hypertension, 8.9% were edentulous, 22.8% had lost more than 10 teeth, and 68.3% had lost less than 10 teeth. Increased SBP was seen with increased tooth loss among participants. After adjusting for all covariates, no significant association between tooth loss and SBP and DBP was seen. Conclusions: The mean SBP was higher among the participants who were edentulous than partially edentulous. However, there was no significant association between tooth loss and SBP and DBP after adjusting for confounding factors.
Benign cementoblastoma associated with primary mandibular second molar: A rare case report

Cementoblastoma is a rare benign odontogenic neoplasm of the jaws commonly occurring in the young age group. Here, we present a case of swelling associated with mandibular primary second molar. A provisional diagnosis of cementoblastoma was made based on the clinical and radiographic features. The lesion was surgically removed along with the associated primary mandibular second molar. Histopathological examination confirmed it as benign cementoblastoma. One-year follow-up was done, the healing was satisfactory and no signs of recurrence were observed.
Tobacco consumption and environmental exposure among healthcare students in King Saud University in Riyadh

Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco smoking in healthcare students at a university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, along with environmental exposure and potential influential factors. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at King Saud University from January-April 2019. It included 1,273 randomly selected male and female first- to fifth-year undergraduate healthcare students from all health colleges at the university. The study used a self-administrated questionnaire and descriptive data analysis. Associations between variables were tested using a Chi-square test with the statistical significance set at P value < 0.05. Results: Among the 1,273 respondents, the prevalence of tobacco product smoking was 13.7%. The prevalence was highest in the College of Applied Science (34.5%) and lowest in the College of Pharmacy (10.9%). Among those 18- to 21-year-olds, the prevalence was 43.1%, while it was 51.1% for the 22–25 age group and only 5.8% for those 26 or older. Common reasons for smoking cigarettes included having fun or passing time (45.2%) and relieving stress (33.3%). Among those who smoked a water-pipe (12.5%), the most common reason was to enjoy its flavors (42.1%). The prevalence of secondhand smoking at home was 31.7%, and environmental exposure was 42.5%. Conclusion: Tobacco consumption is a common problem among healthcare students including cigarette as well as the increasing consumption of water-pipe in addition to secondhand smoking. Along with proven strategies to promote smoking cessation, including smoke-free laws, improved access to effective quitting treatments and media campaigns are needed to reduce tobacco consumption.
Resveratrol corrects aberrant splicing of RYR1 pre-mRNA and Ca2+ signal in myotonic dystrophy type 1 myotubes

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a spliceopathy related to the mis-splicing of several genes caused by sequestration of nuclear transcriptional RNA-binding factors from non-coding CUG repeats of DMPK pre-mRNAs. Dysregulation of ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1), sarcoplasmatic/endoplasmatic Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) and α1S subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (Cav1.1) is related to Ca2+ homeostasis and excitation-contraction coupling impairment. Though no pharmacological treatment for DM1 exists, aberrant splicing correction represents one major therapeutic target for this disease. Resveratrol (RES, 3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a promising pharmacological tools for DM1 treatment for its ability to directly bind the DNA and RNA influencing gene expression and alternative splicing. Herein, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of RES in DM1 myotubes in a pilot study including cultured myotubes from two DM1 patients and two healthy controls. Our results indicated that RES treatment corrected the aberrant splicing of RYR1, and this event appeared associated with restoring of depolarization-induced Ca2+ release from RYR1 dependent on the electro-mechanical coupling between RYR1 and Cav1.1. Interestingly, immunoblotting studies showed that RES treatment was associated with a reduction in the levels of CUGBP Elav-like family member 1, while RYR1, Cav1.1 and SERCA1 protein levels were unchanged. Finally, RES treatment did not induce any major changes either in the amount of ribonuclear foci or sequestration of muscleblind-like splicing regulator 1. Overall, the results of this pilot study would support RES as an attractive compound for future clinical trials in DM1. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy (rs9879/14) on May 20, 2014.
Discriminant function analysis of craniometric traits for sexual dimorphism and its implication in forensic anthropology

Introduction: Determination of sex from bony elements is the fundamental step to human virtue. Scholars agree highly accurate sex identification can be done from adult skulls. Direct assessment of the bones is not always the most appropriate or practical. Medical advances have provided cross-sectional slices of scanned individuals in the form of computed tomography (CT). The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability of cranial measurements for sex differences in CT head scan records of adult live subjects to the highest possible percentage in South Indians and to develop discriminant function equations. Material and Methods: Seventy head CT records were taken and 16 parameters were measured using RadiAnt DICOM viewer software. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, and discriminant function analysis. Results: The classification accuracy obtained by multivariate analysis of all 16 variables was 97.1%, multivariate analysis of nine most significant variables was 91.4% and by stepwise was 92.9% and that by univariate analysis for bizygomatic breadth, orbital breadth, basion-bregma height, and inter-orbital breadth was 81.4%, 74.3%, 72.9%, and 70%, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: Multivariate analysis gave the highest classification accuracy and bizygomatic breadth, orbital breadth, basion-bregma height, and inter-orbital breadth were the most dimorphic variables in the study population and several other populations, and thereby should always be considered in the sex determination of humans. The study derived specific discriminant functions for sex determination in the South Indian population, providing a population-specific data for sex determination using craniometric parameters in the South Indian population and for future studies on skeletalized remains.
Examination of the sedative and analgesic effects of gabapentin and dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: At present, laparoscopic surgery is a very common method, especially for the removal of the gallbladder, because pain and anxiety following surgery is a major problem in surgical operations. Various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of gabapentin and dexmedetomidine in reducing pain intensity after surgery. The present study is aimed at examining the sedative and analgesic effects of gabapentin and dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This was a double-blinded clinical trial involving 40 patients who were candidates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were randomly allotted in two groups of dexmedetomidine (n = 20) and gabapentin (n = 20). Then, pain intensity based on the visual analog scale (VAS) and sedation level based on the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) were measured at the curtained times. As the data were not normally distributed, the Mann–Whitney U test was used to analyze the data, and the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Across the follow-up points, more reduction in pain intensity was observed in the dexmedetomidine group as compared with the gabapentin group. The available dissimilarities between these two groups in pain decrement at the recovery room and 3 h after being discharged from the recovery room were not significant (P ≥ 0.414). In addition, across all the time points, there was considerable growth in sedation in the dexmedetomidine group in comparison with the gabapentin group (P < 0.024). This finding indicated that dexmedetomidine was more effective than gabapentin in creating sedation. Conclusion: Compared with gabapentin, dexmedetomidine leads to more pain reduction after surgery and better sedation during and after surgery.