Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of implant stability in two different implant systems at baseline and 3–4 months intervals using RFA device (OSSTELL ISQ)

Introduction: Osseointegration as formulated by Alberktson is crucial for implant survival and success. Osseointegration is a measure of implant stability. Measuring implant stability helps to arrive at decisions as to loading of an implant, allows protocol choice on a patient to patient basis and provides enhanced case documentation. The RFA technique provides with clinically relevant information about the state of the implant–bone interface at any stage after implant placement. Aim: Evaluation of primary and secondary stability between implants of two different systems by resonance frequency analysis device. Methodology: This study was conducted among 17 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 10) receiving 20 MIS seven implants and Group 2 (n = 7) received 20 Alphadent active implants. The primary implant stability was measured at the time of implant placement and secondary stability is measured at 3–4 months interval using RFA device OSSTELL ISQ. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t test for intra group and independent sample test for intergroup comparisons. Results: No statistically significant differences in primary and secondary stabilities were found between the implant systems at either time intervals (P > 0.05). A positive correlation was noticed between mesiodistal stability and implant diameter in MIS seven group (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was noticed between mesiodistal, labiolingual stabilities and implant diameter in Alphadent group (P = 0.03). A positive correlation was noticed between mesiodistal, labiolingual stabilities and implant length in Alphadent group (P = 0.03). Conclusion: From the present data, it can be concluded that within the limitations of study, implant systems used and their design features showed no significant correlation to implant stability between the groups. More studies are required to assess the effect of implant designs and surface conditions on implant stability on a long-term basis.
MicroRNA-144 Silencing Protects Against Atherosclerosis in Male, but Not Female Mice

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective: Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death in developed countries. MicroRNAs act as fine-tuners of gene expression and have been shown to have important roles in the pathophysiology and progression of atherosclerosis. We, and others, previously demonstrated that microRNA-144 (miR-144) functions to post-transcriptionally regulate ABCA1 (ATP binding cassette transporter A1) and plasma HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. Here, we explore how miR-144 inhibition may protect against atherosclerosis. Approach and Results: We demonstrate that miR-144 silencing reduced atherosclerosis in male, but not female low-density lipoprotein receptor null (Ldlr−/−) mice. MiR-144 antagonism increased circulating HDL cholesterol levels, remodeled the HDL particle, and enhanced reverse cholesterol transport. Notably, the effects on HDL and reverse cholesterol transport were more pronounced in male mice suggesting sex-specific differences may contribute to the effects of silencing miR-144 on atherosclerosis. As a molecular mechanism, we identify the oxysterol metabolizing enzyme CYP7B1 (cytochrome P450 enzyme 7B1) as a miR-144 regulated gene in male, but not female mice. Consistent with miR-144-dependent changes in CYP7B1 activity, we show decreased levels of 27-hydroxycholesterol, a known proatherogenic sterol and the endogenous substrate for CYP7B1 in male, but not female mice. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate silencing miR-144 has sex-specific effects and that treatment with antisense oligonucleotides to target miR-144 might result in enhancements in reverse cholesterol transport and oxysterol metabolism in patients with cardiovascular disease.
The long non‐coding RNA HCG18 promotes the growth and invasion of colorectal cancer cells through sponging miR‐1271 and upregulating MTDH/Wnt/β‐catenin

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as key regulators of the occurrence and progression of various human cancers, including colorectal cancer. However, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the potential role of lncRNA HCG18 in colorectal cancer. Herein, we found that HCG18 expression was significantly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of HCG18 significantly inhibited the growth and invasion of colorectal cancer cells, while its overexpression had the opposite effect. Moreover, HCG18 was identified as a sponge of miR‐1271. Our results showed that knockdown of HCG18 markedly upregulated miR‐1271 expression in colorectal cancer cells. Notably, HCG18 expression was inversely correlated with miR‐1271 expression in colorectal cancer specimens. Further investigation revealed that HCG18 contributed to the enhancement of MTDH/Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in colorectal cancer cells. The antitumour effect of HCG18 inhibition was significantly reversed by miR‐1271 inhibition or MTDH overexpression. Overall, the results of our study demonstrate that HCG18 exerts a potential oncogenic function in colorectal cancer by enhancing MTDH/Wnt/β‐catenin signalling via sponging of miR‐1271, highlighting the importance of HCG18/miR‐1271/ MTDH/Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in the progression of colorectal cancer.
Histopathologic Influences of Tissue Eosinophilia Among Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients

Background A subset of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients demonstrates tissue eosinophilia on structured histopathology. Prior studies have suggested that these patients are at increased risk for recurrent disease. The goals of this study are to identify histopathologic features of CRS patients with tissue eosinophilia and compare the influence of tissue eosinophilia to the effects of age and revision surgery on histopathology. Methods A structured histopathology report was utilized to analyze sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of age at diagnosis, tissue eosinophil count, and history of revision surgery with histopathology variables. Results A total of 281 CRS patients were included, of which 106 had tissue eosinophilia. Regression analysis demonstrated that tissue eosinophilia was associated with degree of inflammation (odds ratio [OR] 5.744; P < .001), neutrophilic infiltrate (OR 1.882; P = .020), basement membrane thickening (OR 3.561; P < .001), squamous metaplasia (OR 3.315; P < .001), fibrosis (OR 2.246; P = .002), presence of Charcot–Leyden crystals (OR 20.700; P = .004), and eosinophilic aggregates (OR 34.172; P < .001). Age and history of revision surgery were not significant predictors of histopathology variables on multivariate analysis. Conclusion Tissue eosinophilia appears to be the predominant driving factor of histopathologic changes irrespective of previous sinus surgery or age at diagnosis. These findings may have important implications for postsurgical management and prognosis for patients with tissue eosinophilia presenting for revision surgery.
Urinalysis orders and yield among General Medicine patients: a single-centre's experience in New Zealand.

BACKGROUND Urinalysis performed by dipstick testing is an aid to diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTI), and a tool in selecting patients who require urine culture and antibiotic treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated that UTI, especially in the elderly, are over-diagnosed and over-treated. We sought to study the pattern and yield of urinalysis and urine culture at our service in a tertiary institution. METHODS A convenience sampling method was utilised to prospectively collect clinical data, through a pre-designed pro forma, from patients admitted to the General Medicine service at Christchurch Hospital between March and June 2016. RESULTS The study included 395 patients, with a median age of 76 (range 15-100 years). The presence of urinary tract symptoms was documented in 94 patients (24%) and a non-specific syndrome of elevated temperature, confusion or subjective feverishness in 69 (17%). In symptomatic patients, 121 (74%) had a dipstick performed and 104 (86%) urine samples cultured. In the remaining patients, 181 (78%) had a dipstick performed and 81 (35%) had a urine sample sent for culture. CONCLUSIONS We found a large number of urine dipsticks is being ordered unnecessarily in asymptomatic patients. A more useful test is urine microscopy and culture that is done on symptomatic patients only following careful clinical evaluation. Performing 'routine' urinalysis in patients presenting a wide variety of symptoms may lead to unnecessary urine cultures and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Efforts to reduce unnecessary tests and antibiotic treatment are a vital component of diagnostic stewardship programmes.
Distinct interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal cells control cell morphology and collective migration during sponge epithelial to mesenchymal transition

Epithelial and mesenchymal cell types are basic for animal multicellularity and they have complementary functions coordinated by cellular interactions. Sponges are especially important model organisms to address the evolutionary basis of morphogenetic programs for epithelial and mesenchymal organization in animals. Evolutionary studies in sponges can contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that control tissue maintenance and tumor progression in humans. In the present study, sponge mesenchymal and epithelial cells were isolated from the demosponge Hymeniacidon heliophila, and aggregate formation was observed by video microscopy. Epithelial‐mesenchymal interaction, epithelial transition, and cell migration led to sponge cell aggregation after drastic stress. Based on their different morphologies, adhesion specificities, and motilities, we suggest a role for different sponge cell types as well as complementary functions in cell aggregation. Micromanipulation under the microscope and cell tracking were also used to promote specific grafting‐host interaction, to further test the effects of cell type interaction. The loss of cell polarity and flattened shape during the epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition generated small immobile aggregates of round/amoeboid cells. The motility of these transited epithelial‐cell aggregates was observed by cell tracking using fluorescent dye, but only after interaction with streams of migratory mesenchymal cells. Cell motility occurred independently of morphological changes, indicating a progressive step in the transition toward a migratory mesenchymal state. Our data suggest a two‐step signaling process: (a) the lack of interaction between mesenchymal and epithelial cells triggers morphological changes; and (b) migratory mesenchymal cells instruct epithelial cells for directional cell motility. These results could have an impact on the understanding of evolutionary aspects of metastatic cancer cells.
Susceptibility to High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema is Associated with Increased Pulmonary Arterial Stiffness during Exercise.

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a reversible form of capillary leak, is a common consequence of rapid ascension to high-altitude and a major cause of death related to high-altitude exposure. Individuals with a prior history of HAPE are more susceptible to future episodes, but the underlying risk factors remain uncertain. Previous studies have shown that HAPE susceptible subjects have an exaggerated pulmonary vasoreactivity to acute hypoxia, but incomplete data are available regarding their vascular response to exercise. To examine this, seven HAPE susceptible subjects and nine control subjects (HAPE resistant) were studied at rest and during incremental exercise at sea level and at 3,810 m altitude. Studies were conducted in both normoxic (inspired ᵄ3;02 = 148 Torr) and hypoxic (inspired ᵄ3;02 29 = 91 Torr) conditions at each location. Here, we report an expanded analysis of previously published data, including a distensible vessel model that showed that HAPE susceptible subjects had significantly reduced small, distal artery distensibility at sea level compared to HAPE resistant controls (0.011 ± 0.001 v. 0.021 ± 0.002 [1/mmHg]; p<0.001). Moreover, HAPE susceptible subjects demonstrated constant distensibility over all conditions, suggesting distal arteries are maximally distended at rest. Consistent with having increased distal artery stiffness, HAPE susceptible subjects had greater increases in pulmonary artery pulse pressure with exercise, which suggests increased proximal artery stiffness. In summary, HAPE susceptible subjects have exercise-induced increases in proximal artery stiffness and baseline increases in distal artery stiffness, suggesting increased pulsatile load on the right ventricle.
Cross-sectional study of the association between long working hours and pre-diabetes: 2010-2017 Korea national health and nutrition examination survey

Objective Long working hours have been shown to raise the risk of various health outcomes. However, epidemiological evidence has shown inconsistent result in relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the association between long working hours and pre-diabetes among non-diabetic adults remains largely unexplored. We thus aimed to investigate whether long working hours were linked with pre-diabetes as determined by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level. Design Cross-sectional survey. Participants This study included 6324 men and 4001 women without diabetes from the 2010 to 2017 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Primary outcome measures The study outcome of interest was pre-diabetes, defined as HbA1c values 5.7% to 6.4% Results Logistic regression was performed to obtain the ORs for pre-diabetes according to categories of work hour (40 hours/week, 41 to 52 hours/week, >52 hours/week), after adjusting for relevant covariates. Of the 10 325 eligible participants, 2261 (34.4%) men and 1317 (31.0%) women had pre-diabetes. No statistically significant relationship was found for women. In men, extended working hours (>52 hours per week) was associated with an increased likelihood of pre-diabetes, after adjustment for age, educational attainment, monthly household income, lifestyle related factors, perceived stress, family history of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and other covariates (adjusted OR=1.22; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.46). In the subgroup analysis by occupational categories, the association was only apparent among men in blue-collar worker groups. Conclusion Extended working hours were significantly related to pre-diabetes in men, with no statistically significant association observed for women. Further subgroup analysis by occupational categories revealed that the increased odds of pre-diabetes associated with long working hours was only apparent among male workers of blue-collar occupations and shift workers.
Antiviral therapy against chronic hepatitis C is associated with a reduced risk of oral cancer

To identify the risk factors of oral cancer, we investigated the association between chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and oral cancer, and the development of oral cancer after anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy. We conducted a nationwide, population‐based cohort study from 2004 to 2012 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. CHC patients without anti‐HCV therapy were matched with those non‐HCV patients by age, sex and comorbidities. Moreover, CHC patients who underwent pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) anti‐HCV therapy were matched with CHC patients without anti‐HCV therapy. A total of 100,058 patients were included in the HCV cohort and non‐HCV cohorts, respectively. Their mean age was 59 years and 50% of these were male. CHC infection significantly increased the cumulative incidence of lichen planus and oral cancer. After adjustment for confounders and competing mortality, CHC infection significantly increased the risk of oral cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.677, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.392–2.020, p < 0.001). Another 23,735 CHC patients without anti‐HCV therapy were matched with 23,735 CHC patients in the treatment cohort. After adjustment for confounders and competing for mortality, the risk of oral cancer was significantly reduced in CHC patients receiving anti‐HCV therapy (HR: 0.652, 95% CI: 0.479–0.887, p = 0.007). To minimize the inclusion of pre‐existing unidentified oral cancer, we excluded oral cancer developed within the first year of CHC or anti‐HCV therapy and found these associations remained statistically significant. In conclusion, CHC significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. Moreover, PegIFN/RBV antiviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of HCV‐related oral cancer.
Changes in Optical Characteristics and Surface Topography of CAD/CAM Materials After Bleaching Applications: An AFM Evaluation.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of in-office and at-home bleaching agents on color changes (ΔE00 ), translucency (TP00 ), whiteness (WID ), surface roughness (Ra ) and surface topography (Rsk and Rku ) of a resin nano-ceramic and a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network CAD/CAM material. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty specimens (6 × 7 × 1.3 mm) were prepared from Lava Ultimate (LU) and Vita Enamic (VE). The specimens were divided into 6 groups according to the bleaching agents applied (n = 10/group): control, Perfect Bleach Office + (PBO), Opalescence Boost (OB), Perfect Bleach (PB) with 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide and Whiteness Perfect (WP). ΔE00 values were calculated before and after bleaching procedures with a spectrophotometer using the CIEDE2000 formula. ΔTP00 and ΔWID values were calculated for each material. Ra , Rsk and Rku values of the specimens were evaluated with an Atomic Force Microscope. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analyses of the parameters measured after bleaching. For pairwise comparisons, Tukey test was performed. RESULTS For LU, no statistically significant difference among the ΔE00 values of the groups was observed (p = 1.000). For VE, only WP group presented significantly higher values (2.12 ±2.66) than the other groups (p < 0.001). For both materials; ΔTP00 values of at-home bleaching groups were significantly higher than in-office bleaching groups and control group (p < 0.001). For VE, ΔWID values did not demonstrate statistically significant difference (p = 1.000); however, for LU, PBO applied group showed statistically higher ΔWID values (3.00 ±2.38) (p = 0.010) and WP applied group showed lower ΔWID values (0.47 ±0.31) than the other groups (p = 0.030). For both LU and VE, there was no statistically significant difference among the groups regarding Ra (F = 4.544), Rsk (F = 2.369) and Rku values (F = 2.391) (p = 1.000). All of the VE groups presented Ra values higher than 0.2 µm. CONCLUSIONS The optical properties of LU and VE after bleaching applications were affected by the contact time with bleaching agents rather than concentration. Bleaching procedure had no effect on the surface properties of these materials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
New findings on the significance of Jebel Moya in the eastern Sahel

ABSTRACT This paper presents new excavation data and new radiometric dates for Jebel Moya, south-central Sudan. These data suggest revisions to previous chronological understandings of the site. New excavations, initiated in 2017, show a longer, more continuous occupation of the site than has been previously recognised. Archaeozoological and archaeobotanical analyses provide evidence for domesticated taxa. Archaeobotanical evidence is dominated by domesticated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), radiocarbon dated to c. 2550–2210 BC. Faunal remains include cattle and goat/sheep. A late third-millennium BC date on the human skeleton excavated in the 2017 season also shows that mortuary activity began early in the site’s history, contemporary with domesticated faunal and botanical remains. These initial results indicate the long-term association of the site with pastoralism and agriculture and with environmental change. Jebel Moya’s continued potential to serve as a chronological and cultural reference point for future studies in south-central Sudan and the eastern Sahel is reinforced.
Women's Experience with Stress Urinary Incontinence: Insights from Social Media Analytics.

OBJECTIVE To capture the complete patient experience, knowledge and perceptions among women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by conducting a large-scale digital ethnographic analysis of anonymous online posts. METHODS Online posts were identified through data mining. First, 200 randomized posts were analyzed using grounded theory qualitative methods. To ensure full thematic discovery, we also applied a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) probabilistic topic modeling approach to the entire dataset of identified posts. LDA topics are represented as a distribution of words, similar to a "word cloud" which were manually reviewed to identify themes. RESULTS 985 online posts by 762 unique users were extracted from 98 websites. There was significant overlap between the grounded theory and LDA identified themes. Our analysis suggests that these online communities help women manage the quality-of-life impact of their SUI, navigate specialty care, and reach a decision regarding surgical versus non-surgical management. Additionally, we identified risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment recommendations discussed online. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrated patient values that may influence decision making when seeking care for SUI and choosing a treatment. Social media interactions provide insight into patient behaviors that are important to improve patient-centered care and decision making.
Transcriptome landscape of Rafflesia cantleyi floral buds reveals insights into the roles of transcription factors and phytohormones in flower development

Rafflesia possesses unique biological features and known primarily for producing the world’s largest and existing as a single flower. However, to date, little is known about key regulators participating in Rafflesia flower development. In order to further understand the molecular mechanism that regulates Rafflesia cantleyi flower development, RNA-seq data from three developmental stages of floral bud, representing the floral organ primordia initiation, floral organ differentiation, and floral bud outgrowth, were analysed. A total of 89,890 transcripts were assembled of which up to 35% could be annotated based on homology search. Advanced transcriptome analysis using K-mean clustering on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was able to identify 12 expression clusters that reflect major trends and key transitional states, which correlate to specific developmental stages. Through this, comparative gene expression analysis of different floral bud stages identified various transcription factors related to flower development. The members of WRKY, NAC, bHLH, and MYB families are the most represented among the DEGs, suggesting their important function in flower development. Furthermore, pathway enrichment analysis also revealed DEGs that are involved in various phytohormone signal transduction events such as auxin and auxin transport, cytokinin and gibberellin biosynthesis. Results of this study imply that transcription factors and phytohormone signalling pathways play major role in Rafflesia floral bud development. This study provides an invaluable resource for molecular studies of the flower development process in Rafflesia and other plant species.