Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial efficacy of herbal extracts combined with zinc oxide eugenol as an obturating material in primary teeth – An in vitro study

Background and Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of synthetic obturating material (Zinc oxide eugenol) individually and combined with medicinal plant extracts (Triphala, Aloevera, Tulsi) against four bacterial strains (Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli). Methods: The herbal extracts were independently mixed in different ratios with zinc oxide powder, followed by mixing with eugenol to know the effective concentration using antibacterial assay. Initially different concentrations of each test material were placed into Agar diffusion wells and zones of inhibition were measured against the selected bacteria. The concentration with maximum zone of inhibition for each test material was assessed and grouped as Group I- Triphala and zinc oxide eugenol (80:20), Group II- Aloevera and zinc oxide eugenol (80:20), Group III- Tulsi and zinc oxide eugenol (50:50) and Group IV- Plain zinc oxide eugenol. Results: All the groups exhibited varied antimicrobial activity against test microorganisms which were statistically significant. Highest antimicrobial efficacy was noticed in the group I followed by group II, III and the least with group IV samples. Conclusion: The formulations obtained by incorporating Triphala, Aloevera, Tulsi in Zinc oxide exhibited substantial antimicrobial activity when compared to Zinc oxide eugenol alone. Even though, the tested materials showed good antibacterial activity in this in vitro study, clinical trials need to be conducted before recommending them as obturating materials in primary teeth.
“A study on association of epstein barr virus in oral squamous cell carcinoma using polymerase chain reaction technique.”

Background and Aims: Head and neck cancer is the most common type of cancer in word wide and Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 90% of oral cancers and it represents the sixth most frequent malignant tumour world wide. The main etiological factor causing oral squamous cell carcinoma is tobacco consumption in the form of chewing or smoking, there are few virus such as Human Papilloma virus, Herpes simplex virus and Epistein barr virus are also contributory factor for causing oral squamous cell carcinoma. Among these viruses, Epstein Barr virus shown that increased risk of oral cancer. The present study was conducted to see association between Epstein Barr virus and oral squamous cell carcinoma using polymerase chain reaction technique. Methods: A total of 20 archival tissue blocks which are histopathologically confirmed OSCC and twenty cases of healthy mucosal tissue from retro molar area of the oral cavity. For all these cases DNA extraction was done and subjected to polymerase chain reaction. The results were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Among twenty cases of OSCC twelve were males and eight were females. The mean age ranges from 51.25 ± 2 years in OSCC cases. Out of 20 cases of OSCC, 4 cases (20%) were positive and 16 cases (80%) were negative for EBV. Whereas the mean age ranges from 30.9 ± 2 years, and 11 were males and 9 were females in control group. Among 20 controls, 10 controls (50%) were positive and 10 controls (50%) were negative for EBV. Conclusion: The prevalence of EBV was significantly high in controls than OSCC cases. These observations suggest that location such retro molar area is one of the important factors for considering prevalence of EBV. Further studies with large sample size required to draw the role of location, habits in pathogenesis of EBV causing OSCC.
Cutaneous malignant melanoma in Eastern Taiwan: Clinicopathologic analysis of 56 cases

Background: The incidence, histological subtypes, and tumor behaviors of cutaneous malignant melanoma are quite different in Asian and Western countries. Objectives: Our purpose was to define the epidemiology, tumor behaviors, and possible prognostic predictors of cutaneous melanomas based on an Eastern Taiwanese population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to collect cases of cutaneous melanoma at Buddhist Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, from May 1, 2003, to August 31, 2017. We analyzed mean age at onset, gender, primary tumor locations, histological subtypes, Breslow's thickness, Clark's level, ulceration, lymph nodes, and distant metastatic status. Univariate and multivariate analyses for survival were performed by means of Cox proportional hazard model. Survival curves were plotted by Kaplan–Meier method. Results: A total of 56 cases of cutaneous melanoma were recorded. The male-to-female ratio was 3.67:1. The median survival was 2.82 years (0.63–5.00 years). Acral melanoma (AM) accounts for 69.6% of cases, and feet are the most common location (62.5%). Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is the most common histological type (44.6%), followed by nodular melanoma (33.9%). Poor prognostic factors include older age (≧65 years), male gender, Breslow's thickness >4 mm, distant metastasis, and head-and-neck location. Conclusion: AM is the most common location, and ALM is the most common histological type of cutaneous melanoma in Eastern Taiwan. Melanoma in Eastern Taiwan tends to be delay diagnosed with advanced stage and thicker tumors than Western Taiwan. Prudent palm and sole examinations, improved medical accessibility, and more public educational programs may help encourage the early detection of melanoma.
Momentousness of the Mental Loop: A Comparative Study

Background and Purpose: To assess the anterior (aAL) and caudal (cAL) extensions of Anterior loop (AL) of Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) using Digital Panoramic (DP) and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for its presence and dimensions in various age groups, genders, right and left sides of the mandible and between dentulous and edentulous patients. Methods: A 1-year retrospective comparative study between DP and CBCT to assess the extensions of AL of IAN was conducted on individuals referred to a private imaging center located in Bengaluru, South India. 360 mandibular sites were examined using DP and CBCT to assess the presence and dimensions of AL. Results: Results showed higher frequency of AL in CBCT compared to DP. Also there was a decreasing frequency of AL with increasing age and an insignificant difference in frequency between males and females. Bilateral looping was most common, aAL was more frequent on the left side and cAL on the right of the mandible. Statistically higher frequency in dentate group compared to edentulous. A decreasing mean value with increasing age and higher mean values in CBCT than DP. No significant difference in mean values among males and females or between the dentulous and edentulous groups. Higher mean values in CBCT compared to DP on the left side of the mandible compared to the right. Conclusion: Choosing mental foramen as reference for termination of IAN could result in injury to AL; low sensitivity and specificity of DP compared to CBCT in assessing frequency and extent of AL underlines its inadequacy, while CBCT can be performed with comparable resolution, to accurately analyze AL.
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Prescribing Practices, Appropriateness of Use, and Cost Incurred in a Tertiary Care, Public, Teaching Hospital in New Delhi, India

Aims and Objectives: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used drugs in healthcare systems. Their inappropriate use has been reported in several studies. This study was undertaken to assess the prescribing practices, appropriateness of use, and cost incurred on PPI in a tertiary care, public, teaching hospital in India. Methods: A total of 500 inpatients’ records and 600 outpatients’ prescriptions were analyzed. Extent of prescribing, dosing information given, and cost incurred on the use of PPI in both inpatients and outpatients was assessed. The appropriateness of PPI prescribed was analyzed only among inpatients. Results: PPIs were prescribed to 62.2% inpatients and 27% outpatients. Extent of use of PPI was maximum in medicine department in both inpatients (78.5%) and outpatients (44.5%). Complete dosing information was seen in 9.9% (inpatients) and 30.2% (outpatients) prescriptions. In all the prescriptions of outpatients, tablets/capsules were prescribed whereas in inpatients, 79.74% PPI were prescribed as injections. All PPIs were prescribed by branded generic names except three prescriptions in inpatients of the medicine department. Most common PPI prescribed was pantoprazole by the name of PANTOP in both inpatients and outpatients. The use of PPI was appropriate in 7.4% cases, inappropriate in 91% of the cases, and probable in 1.6% cases. Total cost incurred on the prescriptions of inpatients and outpatients was Rs. 10,04,102. Of this cost, Rs. 1,20,085 (11.95%) was spent on PPI. Cost incurred on PPIs in inpatients was Rs. 1,12,621 (11.65%) and in outpatients was Rs. 7463.67 (19.93%). Maximum cost was incurred on pantoprazole in both inpatients and outpatients. Conclusions: PPIs are being prescribed inappropriately to many patients resulting in a waste of economic resources. Lack of regular audits and feedback to prescribers could be the contributing factors. Educational interventions in rational prescription of PPIs are required to encourage their proper utilization for patients.
Hybrid Ameloblastoma of Anterior Maxilla: A Rare and Puzzling Pathologic entity – Case Report with Systematic Review

Hybrid ameloblastoma has a variable clinical, radiological, and histopathological presentation. They contain two or more different histologic types and their biologic comportment is still arguable. We herein present a case of a hybrid variant of desmoplastic ameloblastoma which is the first of its kind to have ever been reported due to its unusual location in the maxillary anterior region, along with systematic review of clinicopathologic features of reported cases immunohistochemical markers may act as an adjunct in the accurate diagnosis of these lesions.
Rapid maxillary expansion in a pseudo Class III malocclusion with blocked out maxillary canines

A major factor determining if early correction of an anterior crossbite will be stable is the achievement of a positive overbite. A clinician should avoid extracting maxillary teeth in Class III cases to contain the forward growth of the mandible. This article presents a case report of a pseudo Class III patient with anterior crossbite and maxillary blocked out canines, based on the best available evidence. We hereby propose a combination of rapid maxillary expansion with 2 × 4 appliance to provide a predictable and effective approach to managing pseudo Class III treatment with blocked out canines (moderate crowding) that were once considered implausible. A clinician should avoid extracting maxillary teeth in Class III cases to contain the forward growth of the mandible.
Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 infection in patients undergoing hemodialysis using nested-PCR

Objective: To study the prevalence of HHV-8 infection in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: In this study, blood samples of 89 patients undergoing hemodialysis were collected. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and HHV-8 DNA was evaluated by nested-PCR. Results: Of total 89 patients, 51 (57.3%) were males and 38 (42.7%) were females. The patients’ age ranged from 24 to 90 years and the mean age was (57.5±1.4) years. HHV-8 DNA was found in 9 of 89 (10.1%) peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples, 8/51 (15.7%) in males and 1/38 (2.6%) in females (P=0.07). All patients who were positive for HHV8-DNA were more than 50 years old. Conclusions: This study shows high prevalence of HHV-8. Since hemodialysis patients are candidates for kidney transplantation and due to the possibility of HHV8-reactivation and its serious complications in immunocompromised patients, routine screening for detection of the virus should be implemented for all hemodialysis patients.
Efficacy of Removal of Calcium Hydroxide Medicament from Root Canals by Endoactivator and Endovac Irrigation Techniques: A Systematic Review of In vitro Studies

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review was to systematically evaluate and summarize the outcomes of in vitro studies comparing Endoactivator irrigation and Endovac irrigation techniques for removing calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) medicament from the root canals. Materials and Methods: The research question was developed according to the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome strategy. A computerized literature search was conducted in Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase. A hand search of the reference lists of identified articles was performed to separate relevant articles. Two reviewers critically assessed the studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and processed. Evaluation of the risk of bias of the studies was performed independently by the two reviewers. Results: After study selection, 61 were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Since significant heterogeneity was found in the methodologies, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis. Conclusions: On the basis of available evidence, we determined that Endoactivator irrigation technique showed better performance in removing Ca(OH)2intracanal medicaments from middle third and coronal third area of the root canals and Endovac irrigation technique showed better performance from the apical third area of the root canals. Due to the limitations, small sample sizes, and low number of included studies, further research is needed to confirm our results.
Parkinson's Symptoms and Caregiver Burden and Mental Health: A Cross-Cultural Mediational Model

Informal caregivers are critical in the care of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and spend substantial time providing care, which may be associated with negative caregiver outcomes such as burden and mental health issues. Although research in the United States and Europe has generally supported these relations, there is very limited research on PD caregiving in Latin America. The current study examined the following connections in a sample of PD caregivers from the United States (N = 105) and Mexico (N = 148): (a) PD-related impairments (motor and nonmotor symptoms) and caregiver burden, (b) caregiver burden and caregiver mental health, and (c) PD-related impairments and mental health through caregiver burden. Study results uncovered significant relations among PD-related impairments, caregiver burden, and caregiver mental health. Further, caregiver burden fully mediated the relation between PD-related impairments and caregiver mental health at both study sites. Findings highlight a number of important intervention targets for caregivers and families, including caregiver burden and mental health.
Differential Effects of Silibinin A on Mitochondrial Function in Neuronal PC12 and HepG2 Liver Cells

The Mediterranean plant Silybum marianum L. , commonly known as milk thistle, has been used for centuries to treat liver disorders. The flavonolignan silibinin represents a natural antioxidant and the main bioactive ingredient of silymarin (silybin), a standard extract of its seeds. Mitochondrial dysfunction and the associated generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) are involved in the development of chronic liver and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Silibinin A (SIL A) is one of two diastereomers found in silymarin and was used to evaluate the effects of silymarin on mitochondrial parameters including mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production with and without sodium nitroprusside- (SNP-) induced nitrosative stress, oxidative phosphorylation, and citrate synthase activity in HepG2 and PC12 cells. Both cell lines were influenced by SIL A, but at different concentrations. SIL A significantly weakened nitrosative stress in both cell lines. Low concentrations not only maintained protective properties but also increased basal mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. However, these effects could not be associated with oxidative phosphorylation. On the other side, high concentrations of SIL A significantly decreased MMP and ATP levels. Although SIL A did not provide a general improvement of the mitochondrial function, our findings show that SIL A protects against SNP-induced nitrosative stress at the level of mitochondria making it potentially beneficial against neurological disorders.
Strain Distribution Evaluation of Rat Tibia under Axial Compressive Load by Combining Strain Gauge Measurement and Finite Element Analysis

This study is aimed at providing an effective method for determining strain-load relationship and at quantifying the strain distribution within the whole tibia under axial compressive load on rats. Rat tibial models with axial compressive load were designed. Strains in three directions (0°, 45°, and 90°) at the proximal shaft of the tibia were measured by using a strain gauge rosette, which was used to calculate the maximum and minimum principal strains. Moreover, the strain at the midshaft of the tibia was measured by a single-element strain gauge. The slopes of the strain-load curves with different peak loads were calculated to assess the stability of the strain gauge measurement. Mechanical environment in the whole tibia by the axial compressive load was quantified using finite element analysis (FEA) based on microcomputed tomography images. The von Mises elastic strain distributions of the whole tibiae were evaluated. Slopes of the strain-load curves showed no significant differences among different peak loads (ANOVA; P > 0.05), indicating that the strain-load relationship obtained from the strain gauge measurement was reasonable and stable. The FEA results corresponded to the experimental results with an error smaller than 15% (paired Student's t-test, P > 0.05), signifying that the FEA can simulate the experiment reasonably. FEA results showed that the von Mises elastic strain was the lowest in the middle and gradually increased to both sides along the lateral direction, with the maximal von Mises elastic strain being observed on the posterior side under the distal tibiofibular synostosis. The method of strain gauge measurements and FEA used in this study can provide a feasible way to obtain the mechanical environment of the tibiae under axial compressive load on the rats and serve as a reference for further exploring the mechanical response of the bone by axial compressive load.
Phellinus linteus Grown on Germinated Brown Rice Inhibits IgE-Mediated Allergic Activity through the Suppression of FcεRI-Dependent Signaling Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo

Phellinus linteus (PL) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine owing to its immune regulatory activity. Previous studies reported that PL grown on germinated brown rice (PBR) exerted immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, role of PBR on type I hypersensitive reactions has not been studied yet. We found that PBR contained more polyphenolic compounds than PL extract. Among fractions, PBR butanol fraction (PBR-BuOH) significantly contained the most amounts of total polyphenolic contents compared with all extracts or fractions. In this study, anti-allergic activity of PBR-BuOH was examined using in vitro and in vivo models of immunoglobulin E/antigen- (IgE/Ag-) stimulated allergy. The inhibitory activity of degranulation was higher in PBR-BuOH (IC50 41.31 ± 0.14 μg/mL) than in PL-BuOH (IC50 108.07 ± 8.98 μg/mL). We observed that PBR-BuOH suppressed calcium influx and the level of TNF-α and IL-4 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. The phosphorylation of Fyn, Gab2, PI3K, Syk, and IκB protein is reduced by PBR-BuOH. Oral administration of PBR-BuOH inhibited allergic reactions including the extravasation of Evans blue dye, ear swelling, and infiltration of immune cells in mice with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). These findings suggest that PBR-BuOH might be used as a functional food, a health supplement, or a drug for preventing type I hypersensitive allergic disease.
Thyroidectomy in a Surgical Volunteerism Mission: Analysis of 464 Consecutive Cases

Although surgical volunteer missions (SVMs) have become a popular approach for reducing the burden of surgical disease worldwide, the outcomes of specific procedures in the context of a mission are underreported. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes and efficiency of thyroid surgery within a surgical mission. This was a retrospective analysis of medical records of all patients who underwent thyroid surgery within a SVM from 2006 to 2019. Postoperative complication rate was the safety endpoint, whereas length of hospital stay (LOS) was the efficiency endpoint. Serious complications were defined as Clavien–Dindo class 3–5 complications. Expected safety and efficiency outcomes were calculated using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) surgical risk calculator and compared to their observed counterparts. A total of 464 thyroidectomies were performed during the study period. Mean age of the patients was 40.3 ± 10.8 years, and male-to-female ratio was 72 : 392. Expected overall (p=0.127) and serious complication rates (p=0.738) were not significantly different from their observed counterparts. Expected LOS was found to be significantly shorter as compared to its observed counterpart (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 2.5 ± 1.0 days; p < 0.001). This study found thyroid surgery performed within a surgical mission to be safe. NSQIP surgical risk calculator underestimates the LOS following thyroidectomy in surgical missions.
Patterns of Raised Blood Pressure in Vietnam: Findings from the WHO STEPS Survey 2015

This study aims to describe the prevalence of raised blood pressure and the situation of management for raised blood pressure among the adult population in Vietnam. It also aims to examine the association between diversified socioeconomic and behavioral factors of raised blood pressure and awareness of raised blood pressure. Data were obtained from the STEPS survey conducted in Vietnam in 2015. Survey sample was nationally representative with a total of 3,856 people aged 18–69 years old. The study outcomes included raised blood pressure and awareness of and control of raised blood pressure. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association of socioeconomic and behavior risk factors with the outcome variables. The overall prevalence of raised blood pressure in Vietnam in 2015 was 18.9% (95% CI: 17.4%–20.6%). The prevalence of raised blood pressure was higher among men. Significantly correlated factors with raised blood pressure were age, sex, body mass index, and diabetes status. Levels of awareness of raised blood pressure were higher among the older age group and overweight people and lower among ethnic minority groups. Raised blood pressure in Vietnam is a serious problem due to its magnitude and the unacceptably high unawareness rate in the population. Public health actions dealing with the problems of raised blood pressure are urgent, while taking into account its relationship with sex and socioeconomic status. It is clear that the interventions should address all people in society, with a focus on disadvantaged groups which are the rural and ethnic minority peoples.