Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing consequences of untreated dental caries using pufa/PUFA index among 6–12 years old schoolchildren in a rural population of Kerala

Context: Dental caries is the most common dental disease of childhood. India with a population of more than 135 crores accounts for a high proportion of dental morbidity. Poor oral health has a significant impact on quality of life, especially in rural areas. The consequences of untreated dental caries include pain, abscess, and space infections which may lead to loss of function and school hours. These consequences are of utmost important while planning a community dental care program. Aims: To assess the prevalence of dental caries, caries experience, and severity of dental caries among 6–12 years old schoolchildren in the rural areas of Kollam District, Kerala State. Settings and Design: A community school-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study in the rural areas of Kollam District. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried among 2194 schoolchildren in the rural areas of Kollam District in the age group of 6–12 years. Children from eight randomly selected schools were examined for pufa/PUFA and dmf/DMF indices. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 17.0, Mann-Whitney, t-test, KruskalWallis test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results and Conclusions: Overall caries prevalence among the total population was found to be 74%. The prevalence of caries in the deciduous dentition was 61% and a mean decayed, missing, filled teeth value of 2.74 ± 3.200 and for the permanent dentition the caries prevalence of 26.8% and a mean Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth of 0.66 ± 1.360 were observed. The prevalence of untreated dental caries (pufa/PUFA) was 40.8%. The pufa prevalence in deciduous dentition was 38.3% with a mean pufa of 0.99 ± 1.679. Moreover, the PUFA prevalence in permanent dentition was 4.1% with a mean PUFA of 0.06 ± 0.349. The highest prevalence of untreated dental caries (pufa/PUFA) was found in the 7 years' age group (52%) and the lowest in 12 years' age group (22.4%).
PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY AFTER COVID-19: MULTIMODAL EVALUATION

Paracentral acute middle maculopathy is a spectral domain optical coherence tomography finding characterized by macular band-like hyperreflective lesions that affect the middle layers of the retina, above the outer plexiform layer. COVID-19 may induce different ophthalmological manifestations, including retinal vascular changes. We report a case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Purpose: To report the case and multimodal imaging findings of a healthy young woman who developed paracentral acute middle maculopathy 9 weeks after COVID-19. Methods: Case report. Ultra-widefield fundus photography, macular spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography angiography were performed. Results: A 36-year-old woman went to the emergency department with sudden, painless, left eye vision loss. The only relevant medical history was COVID-19 9 weeks before. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/200, a left eye relative afferent pupillary defect was present, and superficial hemorrhages throughout the macular area and peripheral retina were found. Nearly 4 hours after admission, the left eye best-corrected visual acuity recovered to 20/20 without relative afferent pupillary defect. Five days after presentation in the emergency department, the patient returned with recurrent left eye vision loss, with spontaneous recovery within 12 hours. Macular spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed hyperreflectivity of the inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers, and the diagnosis of paracentral acute middle maculopathy was established. The patient started oral acetylsalicylic acid and oral prednisolone. The patient did not report any new episodes of vision loss, and there was a progressive resolution of abnormal fundus findings. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the risk of vascular thrombotic events with possible involvement of the retinal circulation, and paracentral acute middle maculopathy may present as a possible complication. Ophthalmologists should be able to recognize it promptly through multimodal imaging findings.
Cell membrane-camouflaged PLGA biomimetic system for diverse biomedical application

Abstract The emerging cell membrane (CM)-camouflaged poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) (CM@PLGA NPs) have witnessed tremendous developments since coming to the limelight. Donning a novel membrane coat on traditional PLGA carriers enables combining the strengths of PLGA with cell-like behavior, including inherently interacting with the surrounding environment. Thereby, the in vivo defects of PLGA (such as drug leakage and poor specific distribution) can be overcome, its therapeutic potential can be amplified, and additional novel functions beyond drug delivery can be conferred. To elucidate the development and promote the clinical transformation of CM@PLGA NPs, the commonly used anucleate and eukaryotic CMs have been described first. Then, CM engineering strategies, such as genetic and nongenetic engineering methods and hybrid membrane technology, have been discussed. The reviewed CM engineering technologies are expected to enrich the functions of CM@PLGA for diverse therapeutic purposes. Third, this article highlights the therapeutic and diagnostic applications and action mechanisms of PLGA biomimetic systems for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, virus infection, and eye diseases. Finally, future expectations and challenges are spotlighted in the concept of translational medicine.
Steady-state responses to concurrent melodies: source distribution, top-down, and bottom-up attention

Abstract Humans can direct attentional resources to a single sound occurring simultaneously among others to extract the most behaviourally relevant information present. To investigate this cognitive phenomenon in a precise manner, we used frequency-tagging to separate neural auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) that can be traced back to each auditory stimulus, from the neural mix elicited by multiple simultaneous sounds. Using a mixture of 2 frequency-tagged melody streams, we instructed participants to selectively attend to one stream or the other while following the development of the pitch contour. Bottom-up attention towards either stream was also manipulated with salient changes in pitch. Distributed source analyses of magnetoencephalography measurements showed that the effect of ASSR enhancement from top-down driven attention was strongest at the left frontal cortex, while that of bottom-up driven attention was dominant at the right temporal cortex. Furthermore, the degree of ASSR suppression from simultaneous stimuli varied across cortical lobes and hemisphere. The ASSR source distribution changes from temporal-dominance during single-stream perception, to proportionally more activity in the frontal and centro-parietal cortical regions when listening to simultaneous streams. These findings are a step forward to studying cognition in more complex and naturalistic soundscapes using frequency-tagging.
INTENSIVE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION FOR FACILITATING RETURN-TO-WORK AFTER ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Objective Return-to-work is often the most important objective of working-age patients with acquired brain injury, but is often difficult to achieve. There is a lack of evidence for effective treatment. This study aimed to assess the benefit of a multi-disciplinary neurorehabilitation in a daytime hospital on return-to-work after an acquired brain injury. Design Retrospective case-control study. Patients Acquired brain injury patients between 18 and 65 years of age. Methods Two periods, before (n = 82 patients) and after (n = 89 patients) the implementation of a daytime hospital in our neuro-rehabilitation unit were compared. Patients followed in the daytime hospital received intensive, interdisciplinary, coordinated, individual and group-level physical, cognitive, and vocational rehabilitation. During the control period, patients received outpatient neurorehabilitation with less intensive treatment without interdisciplinary coordination. The main outcome was the proportion of patients returning to > 50% of their premorbid work activity. Results Fifty-five percent of patients were able to resume more than 50% of their premorbid work level in the daytime hospital period vs 41% in the control period (p = 0.076). Conclusion Intensive and coordinated outpatient neurorehabilitation may facilitate return-to-work after an acquired brain injury. LAY ABSTRACT Acquired brain injury is a common health issue, most frequently caused by head trauma or stroke. Acquired brain injury patients of working age often have difficulties in returning to work, which greatly impairs their quality of life. They often receive insufficient rehabilitation care, partly also because of a lack of evidence regarding intensive rehabilitation in this patient group. This study aimed to assess the benefit of multi-disciplinary neurorehabilitation in a daytime hospital on return-to-work after acquired brain injury. The study compared the rate of return-to-work during the first 2 years after implementation of a daytime hospital to a control period of 2 years before. The daytime hospital provided intensive, interdisciplinary, coordinated, individual and group-level physical, cognitive, and vocational rehabilitation. During the control period, patients received outpatient neurorehabilitation with less intensive treatment without interdisciplinary coordination. The results show that more patients were able to resume work, at more than 50% of their premorbid work level, since the introduction of the daytime hospital.
Examining the role of systemic chronic inflammation in diet and sleep relationship

Background: It is well known that systemic chronic inflammation (SCI), which can be modulated by diet, is associated with poor sleep outcomes. However, the role of SCI in diet health and sleep quality relationship has not been well established. Methods: Here, by using the UK Biobank data set, we assessed the association between markers of SCI (leukocyte, platelet, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and basophil counts; C-reactive protein levels and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR)), habitual intake of food groups, diet health and sleep quality in 449,084 participants. We also formally tested the possibility that SCI might mediate the relationship between diet health and sleep quality. Results: Our results revealed (i) negative associations between SCI and food groups that are abundant in healthy diets (fruit, vegetable and oily and non-oily fish) and (ii) positive associations between SCI and food groups that are abundant in unhealthy diets (processed meat). Sleep quality was also negatively associated with platelet counts, CRP levels and NLR. Crucially, however, while platelet and neutrophil counts, CRP levels and NLR fully mediated the association between diet health and sleep quality, leukocyte, lymphocyte and basophil counts partially mediated the associations between diet health and sleep quality. Conclusion: Reducing SCI via dietary interventions could be an effective primary and/or complementary strategy to increase sleep quality. Further interventional trials are warranted to (i) establish the strength of associations, preferably by using validated diet and sleep measures and (ii) examine longer term effects of anti-inflammatory diets on sleep-, diet- and inflammation-related health outcomes.
Thrombosis in multiple myeloma: risk stratification, antithrombotic prophylaxis, and management of acute events. A consensus-based position paper from an ad hoc expert panel

The introduction of new therapeutic agents for multiple myeloma (MM), including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies, has improved the outcomes of patients but, in parallel, has changed the frequency and epidemiology of thrombotic events. Thrombosis is now a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in MM patients, and optimal thromboprophylaxis is far from being reached. Moving from the recognition that the above issue represents an unmet clinical need, an expert panel assessed the scientific literature and composed a framework of recommendations for improving thrombosis control in patients who are candidates for active treatment for MM. The panel generated key clinical questions using the criterion of clinical relevance through a Delphi process. It explored four domains, i.e., thrombotic risk factors and risk stratification, primary thromboprophylaxis, management of acute thrombotic events, and secondary thromboprophylaxis. The recommendations issued may assist hematologists in minimizing the risk of thrombosis and guarantee adherence to treatment in patients with MM who are candidates for active treatment.
Safety and tolerability of spesolimab in patients with ulcerative colitis

ABSTRACT Background Interleukin (IL)-36 signaling has been shown to be increased in ulcerative colitis (UC). Spesolimab, a novel humanized monoclonal antibody, targets the IL-36 pathway. Research Design and Methods We report safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy data of intravenous (IV) spesolimab in UC. Study 1: phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (300 mg single dose; 450 mg every 4 weeks [q4w]; or 1,200 mg q4w, three doses). Study 2: phase IIa, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (1,200 mg q4w). Study 3: phase IIa, open-label, single-arm trial (1,200 mg q4w). Studies lasted 12 weeks, with a 12-, 24-, and 16-week safety follow-up, respectively. Results Adver+se event (AE) rates were similar for spesolimab and placebo in Studies 1 (N = 98; 64.9%; 65.2%) and 2 (N = 22; 86.7%; 71.4%); all patients in Study 3 (N = 8) experienced AEs. The most frequent investigator-assessed drug-related (spesolimab; placebo) AEs were skin rash (5.4%; 0%) and nasopharyngitis (4.1%; 0%) in Study 1; acne (13.3%; 0%) in Study 2; one patient reported skin rash, nasopharyngitis, headache, and acne in Study 3. Efficacy endpoints were not met. Conclusions Spesolimab was generally well tolerated, with no unexpected safety concerns. The safety data are consistent with studies in other inflammatory diseases. Graphical abstract
Progesterone-induced blocking factor 1 and cytokine profile of follicular fluid of infertile women qualified to in vitro fertilization: The influence on fetus development and pregnancy outcome

Introduction: Progesterone is essential for both the initiation and the maintenance of pregnancy. The immunological effects of progesterone are mediated by the progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF), which is an immunomodulatory factor with anti-abortive properties. The aim of the research was to establish the cytokine profile and PIBF1 concentration in follicular fluid (FF) of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Seventy-eight patients who qualified for IVF underwent a detailed medical interview, including the course of fertility treatment and physical, gynecological, and cytological examinations. The concentration of PIBF1, IL-18, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-15 in FF during ovarian puncture was measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Results: IL-1 beta concentration was lower in the FF of patients with successful IVF. IL-8 concentration in FF correlated with the number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC-1), metaphase II (MII), and top-quality embryos. PIBF1 concentration had a positive correlation with the number of MII and top-quality embryos. IL-2 and IL-6 concentrations were positively correlated with the number of COC-1 and MII. An important parameter in assessing the chances of successful IVF is the number of top-quality embryos achieved. Conclusion: Higher PIBF1 concentration in FF may indicate a greater possibility of successful IVF due to the higher number of top-quality embryos. IL-1 beta concentration was found to be lower in the FF of patients with successful IVF. Therefore, PIBF1 and IL-1 beta in FF could be candidates for a marker of successful IVF.
A description of virtual skills workshops for supporters of loved ones with eating disorders: Indicators of benefit and acceptability, clinical reflections and consideration of neurodiversity

Abstract Objective Providing information and support to those supporting a loved one with an eating disorder is a key part of evidence‐based service provision. We report on how we took our workshops for supporters online during the Covid‐19 Pandemic when country‐side physical distancing restrictions meant we were unable to work face to face. Methods We outline the structure of an eight‐session 2‐h workshop series delivered fortnightly facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers and experts by experience. We use a repeated‐measures design to understand the possible benefits of the workshops on supporter skills (n = 76). Results Measured using the Caregiver Skills Scale, we observed small‐sized improvements in the overall skills (D = 0.43) of n = 17 supporters who provided data at the end of the intervention. Supporters gave largely positive feedback on the virtual format. They particularly liked the opportunity to interact with other supporters. As facilitators, we overcome our initial anxiety around workshop delivery using a new platform and reflected that having more time to cover key information and for skills practice over a period of 16 weeks offered opportunities to develop and reflect on new skill together as a group. We were also able to work with larger groups of supporters, as several barriers to access were removed. Conclusions As the workshops reached a larger number of supporters than through face to face delivery and were of benefit to those who reported on their skills, we plan to continue offering workshops to supporters online in future.
ATAC-STARR-seq reveals transcription factor–bound activators and silencers within chromatin-accessible regions of the human genome

Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) test the capacity of putative gene regulatory elements to drive transcription on a genome-wide scale. Most gene regulatory activity occurs within accessible chromatin, and recently described methods have combined assays that capture these regions—such as assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq)—with self-transcribing active regulatory region sequencing (STARR-seq) to selectively assay the regulatory potential of accessible DNA (ATAC-STARR-seq). Here, we report an integrated approach that quantifies activating and silencing regulatory activity, chromatin accessibility, and transcription factor (TF) occupancy with one assay using ATAC-STARR-seq. Our strategy, including important updates to the ATAC-STARR-seq assay and workflow, enabled high-resolution testing of ∼50 million unique DNA fragments tiling ∼101,000 accessible chromatin regions in human lymphoblastoid cells. We discovered that 30% of all accessible regions contain an activator, a silencer, or both. Although few MPRA studies have explored silencing activity, we demonstrate that silencers occur at similar frequencies to activators, and they represent a distinct functional group enriched for unique TF motifs and repressive histone modifications. We further show that Tn5 cut-site frequencies are retained in the ATAC-STARR plasmid library compared to standard ATAC-seq, enabling TF occupancy to be ascertained from ATAC-STARR data. With this approach, we found that activators and silencers cluster by distinct TF footprint combinations, and these groups of activity represent different gene regulatory networks of immune cell function. Altogether, these data highlight the multilayered capabilities of ATAC-STARR-seq to comprehensively investigate the regulatory landscape of the human genome all from a single DNA fragment source.
Landscape use and co-occurrence pattern of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and its prey species in the fragile ecosystem of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the high mountain ecosystem by regulating prey populations and maintaining plant community structure. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the role of the snow leopard and its interaction with prey species. Further, elucidating landscape use and co-occurrence of snow leopard and its prey species can be used to assess the differential use of habitat, allowing them to coexist. We used camera trapping and sign survey to study the interactions of snow leopard and its prey species (Siberian Ibex- Capra sibrica and Blue sheep-Pseudois nayaur) in the Spiti valley Himachal Pradesh. Using the occupancy modelling, we examined whether these prey and predator species occur together more or less frequently than would be expected by chance. To understand this, we have used ten covariates considering the ecology of the studied species. Our results suggest habitat covariates, such as LULC16 (barren area), LULC10 (grassland), ASP (aspect), SLP (slope) and DW (distance to water), are important drivers of habitat use for the snow leopard as well as its prey species. Furthermore, we found that the snow leopard detection probability was high if the site was used by its prey species, i.e., ibex and blue sheep. Whereas, in the case of the prey species, the probability of detection was low when the predator (snow leopard) was present and detected. Besides this, our results suggested that both species were less likely to detect together than expected if they were independent (Snow leopard—Ibex, Delta = 0.29, and snow leopard—blue sheep, Delta = 0.28, both the values are <1, i.e., avoidance). Moreover, despite the predation pressure, the differential anti-predation habitat selection and restriction of temporal activities by the prey species when snow leopard is present allows them to co-exist. Therefore, considering the strong link between the habitat use by the snow leopard and its prey species, it is imperative to generate quantitative long-term data on predator-prey densities and the population dynamics of its prey species in the landscape.
The association of sun exposure, ultraviolet radiation effects and other risk factors for pterygium (the SURE RISK for pterygium study) in geographically diverse adult (≥40 years) rural populations of India -3rd report of the ICMR-EYE SEE study group

Purpose To determine the prevalence and risk factors for pterygium in geographically diverse regions of India. Methods A population-based, cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted in adults aged ≥40 years in plains, hilly and coastal regions of India. All participants underwent a detailed questionnaire-based assessment for sun exposure, usage of sun protective measures, exposure to indoor smoke, and smoking. Detailed ocular and systemic examinations were performed. Pterygium was diagnosed and graded clinically by slit-lamp examination. Association of pterygium with sociodemographic, ophthalmological, and systemic parameters was assessed. Physical environmental parameters for the study period were estimated. Results Of the 12,021 eligible subjects, 9735 (81% response rate) participated in the study. The prevalence of pterygium in any eye was 13.2% (95% CI: 12.5%-13.9%), and bilateral pterygium was 6.7% (95% CI: 6.2–7.2). The prevalence increased with age (<0.001) irrespective of sex and was highest in those aged 60–69 years (15.8%). The prevalence was highest in coastal (20.3%), followed by plains (11.2%) and hilly regions (9.1%). On multi-logistic regression, pterygium was positively associated with coastal location (P<0.001), illiteracy (P = 0.037), increasing lifetime sun exposure (P<0.001), and negatively associated with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (P = 0.009). Conclusion Pterygium prevalence is high in the rural Indian population. The association of pterygium with several potentially modifiable risk factors reflects its multifactorial etiology and provides targets for preventive measures.