Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of oral health approaches among industrial employees of Bhopal City, India

Background: Urbanization shows the way of the development of plentiful industries in a large and small scale and provides the main source of employment worldwide. Apart from providing employment, industrialization also improves the standard of living but makes the life hectic. Thus, time is a constraint for employees to implement healthy performances and overlook their oral health. Aim: This study aims to estimate oral health approaches among industrial employees of Bhopal city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 448 industrial employees of the General Engineering Industry from 4th to 10th December 2016 to estimate oral health approaches in the form of their comprehensive awareness, stance, and practices. The data collection was done with a predesigned close-ended and pretested questionnaire encompassed with 16 questions. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS Version 20; Chicago Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The results of this study showed that 48.7% of employees said, oral health is good for general health (P = 0.001). About 90.6% of employees used a toothbrush for cleaning their teeth (P = 0.37), 74.1% brushed once a day (P = 0.001), 36.6% changed their brushes in every 4–6 months (P = 0.001). Conclusion: This study concluded industrial employees had adequate knowledge about their oral health. Oral hygiene practices to acclimatize toothbrush and toothpaste are quite satisfactory. Nevertheless, attitude regarding oral health is not very good; might because of the difference in socioeconomic status.
Influence of intellectual disabilities on oral health among children attending special schools in Goa:A cross-sectional study

Background: The severity of oral health problems in intellectually disabled population is worse than in general population, and they tend to have more untreated dental problems. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of intellectual disability on oral health among 127 children. Materials and Methods: A self-administered parental questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and oral health behavior variables. Type III clinical examination was done using Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT)/decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index, plaque index, and gingival index. Data collected were statistically analyzed using SPSS (version 19.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Mann–Whitney test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 11.71 ± 2.03 years. The mean DMFT and dmft of study participants were 2.55 ± 2.99 and 1.54 ± 2.66, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in DMFT scores between mild, moderate, and severe disability levels (P = 0.28). The mean plaque score and gingival score were 11.71 ± 2.03 and 0.78 ± 0.56, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference in plaque scores (P = 0.11) and gingival scores (P = 0.10) between mild, moderate, and severe disability levels. Conclusion: Children with intellectual disabilities presented with poor oral health conditions. There was a trend of increase in DMFT and plaque scores with the level of the disability although there was no statistically significant difference.
Assessment of linear measurements with intra oral grid on intra oral periapical image – A comparison of digital and conventional film images using bisecting angle and paralleling techniques

Background: The success of various treatments protocols depends on pre-operative diagnostic aids such as radiographic assessment with linear measurements, in such scenario radiographic grid with its unique design aids like a scale for image analysis on intraoral periapical radiograph. Hence, the intra oral grid is a simple and accurate way of measuring objects, and another advantage is to overcome various magnification errors associated with measurements. So, the present study was designed to know its accuracy in assessing the linear measurements. Materials and Method: The study sample comprised a total of 40 subjects, which were categorized into four groups. A total of 240 exposures were taken, where each patient was subjected to six radiographs, of which two are conventional intraoral periapical radiographs without grid, and two are conventional intraoral periapical radiographs with grid by bisecting and paralleling technique and another two radiographs are taken by digital CMOS sensor with intraoral periapical grid in all four groups. The measurements were performed on the radiographs using scale and divider and in case of radiograph with the grid by counting the grid lines from specific points. Results: The results of the study revealed on comparison of conventional and digital radiographs with and without a grid in both bisecting and paralleling technique in all the four groups, there was a statistically significant difference noticed with digital radiography compared to the conventional method in assessing the measurements with the grid with P value <0.005. Similarly, paralleling technique showed a significant difference in its mean measurement values in all the four groups compared to bisecting angle technique in both conventional and digital methods in case of usage of grid. Conclusion: Intraoral grid was used as a scale in the instances where the exact size of various anatomical structures and pathologies cannot be determined visually in radiograph and even in cases of distortion; this can be used for standardization.
Clinical and microbiological evaluation of the synergistic effects of diode laser with nonsurgical periodontal therapy: A randomized clinical trial

Context: Nonsurgical and surgical therapies along with local and systemic antibiotic regimens have been advocated in the treatment of periodontitis. Due to increasing risk of developing antibiotic resistance and inability of nonsurgical periodontal therapy to completely eradicate the pathogenic microorganisms, lasers have been used as an adjunct to conventional therapy. Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of diode lasers as adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) compared to SRP alone on various clinical and microbiologic parameters in chronic periodontitis patients. Settings and Design: Patients were taken from the department of periodontology and implantology, who were having chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of forty patients participated in the study and they were divided into Group I – the test group (SRP + diode laser) and Group II – the control group (SRP alone). The following clinical parameters were assessed: oral hygiene index simplified; clinical attachment level (CAL); probing pocket depth (PPD); bleeding on probing (BOP) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after the treatment; and colony-forming units (CFUs) 1 week postoperatively. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test, unpaired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Mann–Whitney test. Results: There was reduction in BOP, PPD, and gain in CAL from baseline to 3 months and also a reduction in CFU 1 week postoperatively. Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in clinical parameters in test group (SRP + laser) as compared to the control group (SRP alone).
Efficacy of alum in recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Aphthous ulcers are the most common lesions encountered in the oral cavity. The mild recurrent apthous stomatitis (RAS), is an extremely painful condition. Various treatment modalities are tried for RAS. Alum is also tried and found to be successful. Alum is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of oral ulcers without significant side effect. Aim: To assess the efficacy of alum for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Settings and Design: Longitudinal study was carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology under institution setting. Methods and Materials: This study was conducted on 50 patients with RAS, aged between 15 and 40 years. The diagnosis of RAS was made based on its clinical appearance and the history provided by the patient. Application of alum on aphthous ulcers was done. Statistical Analysis Used: The data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: In 50 patients reporting to the Department of Oral Medicine with RAS, 70% were female and 30% were male. Majority of cases found in the range of 21–30 years. The majority of patients gave VAS 0 on the second day of application. The rest of the patients gave a VAS 0 on the third day of application. Complete healing of the ulcer was seen in 85% of the patients on third day and the rest of the patients showed healing on fourth day. Conclusions: The results showed that alum significantly reduces the severity of pain and duration of healing without any side effects.
Analysis of the utility of direct immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of common immune mediated dermatological conditions

Background: Accurate diagnosis of immune-mediated dermatological diseases requires an evaluation of clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescence findings. Immunofluorescence detects antibodies bound to antigens in tissue and in circulating body fluids. It acts as a valuable adjunct to clinical and histopathological diagnosis in patients of autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs), connective tissue diseases (CTD), and vasculitis. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the utility of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) in the diagnosis of common immune-mediated dermatological diseases by its correlation with clinical features and histopathology. Methodology: This is an observational retrospective study. Medical records of 205 clinically suspected patients of AIBD, CTD, and vasculitis were retrieved for analysis where both histopathology and DIF had been carried out for patients treated at the dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital between November 2015 and November 2018. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.0. Results: A total of 187 out of 205 patients were accurately diagnosed based on histopathology and DIF studies. Histopathology was positive in 177/187 (95.7%) patients and DIF was positive in 153 (81.8%) patients. Clinical, histopathological, and DIF discordance was seen in the remaining 18 out of 205 patients. The sensitivity of DIF in AIBD, lupus erythematosus (LE), and vasculitis was calculated to be 89%, 82.6%, and 60%, respectively. The overall sensitivity of DIF was 80.8%. The sensitivity of DIF was 100% in pemphigus foliaceous, acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis. Out of 118 clinically suspected AIBD patients, nine were diagnosed on the basis of DIF alone. Conclusion: DIF is an indispensable tool in the accurate diagnosis of autoimmune dermatological conditions, especially in cases where clinical and/or histopathological features are inconclusive. It is invaluable in confirming the diagnosis of IgA vasculitis.
An Overview of Peripheral Artery Disease in the Elderly: A Study in a Tertiary Hospital Southern Nigeria

Background: The incidence of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), one of the manifestations of atherosclerosis, is increasing worldwide with significant effects on the quality of life. The disease is a strong prognostic marker for future cardiovascular events in people over 60 years, but relatively little is known about the condition among the elderly in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of peripheral artery disease in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out among elderly patients aged 60 years and above attending the Geriatric Clinic of the Department of Family Medicine of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria, from September to November 2017. Using systematic random sampling technique, 370 respondents were recruited from a sampling frame of 2160 respondents and a sampling fraction of 6. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle variable, and medical history. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe-brachial index (TBI) were used to assess for PAD. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean age was 69.3 ± 7 years comprising 76.5% females, 50% of the respondents were married, while 47% were widowed. The ABI showed 35.4% prevalence of PAD, while TBI for respondents with elevated ABI was 45.0%. Conclusion: The study showed a point prevalence of PAD to be 37.8%. From the total respondents, 45.7% had mild, while 2.9% had severe PAD. Routine screening for PAD is recommended for the early detection and management.
Early and accurate detection of bacterial isolates from dental plaque in subjects with primary, mixed, and permanent dentition by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique

Background: Bacterial colonization of dentition in different age groups can impact prognosis in different dental diseases. Latest diagnostic technique such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) is increasingly being used for accurate identification of bacteria. This study was undertaken to evaluate the MALDI-TOF MS technique to identify bacterial pathogens from dental plaques in subjects with primary, mixed, and permanent dentition. Materials and Methods: The study included 150 subjects of different age groups and were divided into three groups - Group A: Subjects with primary dentition (n = 50), Group B: Subjects with mixed dentition (n = 50), and Group C: Subjects with permanent dentition (n = 50). Subgingival dental plaque samples were collected from buccal and lingual surfaces of premolar and molar teeth. Clinical parameters such as gingival index were recorded. Samples were cultured in routine aerobic and anaerobic medium. Bacterial growths were assessed by semiquantitative methods. Bacterial isolates were confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS technique. Results: MALDI-TOF MS detected all the culture-grown bacteria. In primary dentition group, purple and yellow complex bacteria predominated. Streptococcus spp. was the predominant bacteria (51%) followed by Escherichia coli (19%) and Veillonella spp. (19%). In mixed dentition and permanent group also, Streptococcus spp. was predominant (46%) followed by Veillonella spp. (24%) and E. coli(19%). However, in both groups, orange complex bacteria (bridge complex) such as Prevotella nigrescens and red complex bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, 3%) were seen. For majority of bacteria, the load increased with age. Conclusions: The bacterial isolates showed a distinct age-specific colonization. The use of advanced technique such as MALDI-TOF MS is helpful in the detection of periodontal pathogens, and the effective oral health programs can be implemented to minimize the risk of periodontal diseases.
Relationships Between Immune Landscapes, Genetic Subtypes and Responses to Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly heterogeneous at the genetic and molecular level, which has major repercussions on the efficacy of immunotherapy. A small subset of CRCs exhibit microsatellite instability (MSI), a molecular indicator of defective DNA mismatch repair (MMR), but the majority are microsatellite-stable (MSS). The high tumor mutational burden (TMB) and neoantigen load in MSI tumors favors the infiltration of immune effector cells, and antitumor immune responses within these tumors are strong relative to their MSS counterparts. MSI has emerged as a major predictive marker for the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade over the last few years and nivolumab or pembrolizumab targeting PD-1 has been approved for patients with MSI refractory or metastatic CRC. However, some MSS tumors show DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) mutations that also confer a very high TMB and may also be heavily infiltrated by immune cells making them amenable to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In this review we discuss the role of the different immune landscapes in CRC and their relationships with defined CRC genetic subtypes. We discuss potential reasons why immune checkpoint blockade has met with limited success for the majority of CRC patients, despite the finding that immune cell infiltration of primary non-metastatic tumors is a strong predictive, and prognostic factor for relapse and survival. We then consider in which ways CRC cells develop mechanisms to resist ICI. Finally, we address the latest advances in CRC vaccination and how a personalized neoantigen vaccine strategy might overcome the resistance of MSI and MSS tumors in patients for whom immune checkpoint blockade is not a treatment option.
Severe Phenotype of APECED (APS1) Increases Risk for Structural Bone Alterations

Objective: Immunological abnormalities, the resulting endocrinopathies and their treatments may impact bone health in patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED, APS1). The aim of the present study was to describe skeletal characteristics in patients with APECED and the prevalence and risk factors of compromised bone health. Patients and methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on 44 patients (27 females) with APECED and 82 age-, gender- and ethnicity-matched control subjects (54 females). We determined the prevalence of osteoporosis by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and skeletal characteristics by peripheral quantitative computed tomography at radius and tibia. Results: Patients were examined at the median age of 37.8 years (range, 7.0–70.1). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry indicated osteoporosis in four adult patients (9%); radiographs showed vertebral fractures in three patients. The prevalence of multiple non-spinal fractures was higher in patients than in controls. On peripheral quantitative computed tomography, bone characteristics at distal and proximal radius did not differ between the groups. At distal tibia, patients had lower total (p = 0.009) and trabecular (p = 0.033) volumetric bone mineral density. At the proximal tibia, patients had lower cortical thickness (p < 0.001) than controls. Severity of APECED phenotype influenced both radial and tibial characteristics: cortical thickness and total and trabecular volumetric bone mineral density were lower in patients with ≥7 disease manifestations as compared with more mildly affected patients, whose values were similar to controls. Conclusions: APECED associated with bone structural alterations, especially in patients with a high number of disease manifestations. This may increase the risk of fractures with aging, but symptomatic osteoporosis was rare.
Contribution of Epithelial Apoptosis and Subepithelial Immune Responses in Campylobacter jejuni-Induced Barrier Disruption

Campylobacter jejuni is a widespread zoonotic pathogen and the leading bacterial cause of foodborne gastroenteritis in humans. Previous infection studies showed disruption of intercellular contacts, induction of epithelial apoptosis, and immune activation, all three contributing to intestinal barrier dysfunction leading to diarrhea. The present study aims to determine the impact of subepithelial immune cells on intestinal barrier dysfunction during Campylobacter jejuni infection and the underlying pathological mechanisms. Infection was performed in a co-culture of confluent monolayers of the human colon cell line HT-29/B6-GR/MR and THP-1 immune cells. Twenty-two hours after infection, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) was decreased by 58 ± 6% compared to controls. The infection resulted in an increase in permeability for fluorescein (332 Da; 4.5-fold) and for FITC-dextran (4 kDa; 3.5-fold), respectively. In contrast, incubation of the co-culture with the pan-caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh during the infection resulted in a complete recovery of the decrease in TER and a normalization of flux values. Fluorescence microscopy showed apoptotic fragmentation in infected cell monolayers resulting in a 5-fold increase of the apoptotic ratio, accompanied by an increased caspase-3 cleavage and caspase-3/7 activity, which both were not present after Q-VD-OPh treatment. Western blot analysis revealed increased claudin-1 and claudin-2 protein expression. Inhibition of apoptosis induction did not normalize these tight junction changes. TNFα concentration was increased during the infection in the co-culture. In conclusion, Campylobacter jejuni infection and the consequent subepithelial immune activation cause intestinal barrier dysfunction mainly through caspase-3-dependent epithelial apoptosis. Concomitant tight junction changes were caspase-independent. Anti-apoptotic and immune-modulatory substances appear to be promising agents for treatment of campylobacteriosis.
Expressive Brand Relationship, Brand Love, and Brand Loyalty for Tablet PCs: Building a Sustainable Brand

This study was conducted from the strategic marketing perspective to test the impact of brand relationship types on brand loyalty. We also test three path effects of brand love and brand trust. Data were collected from three metropolitan customers who use tablet PCs. We obtained 383 valid samples, giving a valid response rate of 89%. Data analysis was performed with SmartPLS2.0 and SPSS 23.0 to test the proposed model. The results indicate that an expressive brand relationship significantly predicts brand trust and brand loyalty. In turn, brand trust has a positive influence on brand love, while brand awareness and brand love influence attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. Expressive brand relationship has two indirect mediating affects via brand trust and brand love, which influence brand loyalty. Finally, we suggest managerial implications and directions for future research.
Control Effects of Chelonus munakatae Against Chilo suppressalis and Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Paddy Fields

Field and pot experiments were conducted to investigate the control effects of parasitoid wasps (Chelonus munakatae Munakata) on striped rice stem borers and their impacts on N2O and CH4 emissions from paddy fields. Three treatments including no insect (NI), striped stem borer (CS) and parasitoid wasp + striped stem borer (CS+CM) were implemented. The abundance of GHG-related microorganisms in soils was determined by absolute real-time qPCR. Compared with NI, CS and CS+CM significantly increased the ratio of dead tillers, inhibited the growth and vitality of rice roots, and decreased the rice grain yield, while they significantly reduced the seasonal cumulative emissions of N2O and CH4 by 17.7–24.6 and 13.6–35.1%, and decreased the total seasonal global warming potential (GWP) by 13.6–34.7%, respectively. Moreover, compared with CS, CS+CM significantly enhanced the growth and vitality of rice roots, decreased the ratio of dead tillers, improved the rice grain yield, as well as increased the seasonal cumulative CH4 emissions and the total seasonal GWP. Principal component analysis indicated that the morphological features of rice roots play a more important role in regulating GHG emissions than GHG-related microorganisms. The results suggested that C. munakatae can effectively control the outbreak of C. suppressalis and alleviate crop damage with acceptably higher GHG emissions. It is concluded that it can be recommended as an effective, environment-friendly and sustainable approach to prevent and control C. suppressalis.