Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of antimicrobial agents on the oral microflora in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy–An ex vivo comparative analysis

Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Ozonated Olive Oil Gel, Chlorhexidine gel, and Amflor (Fluoridated) mouthwash on reducing the count of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy evaluated at different time intervals. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) based on antimicrobial agents used (Group 1: Ozonated olive oil gel; Group 2: Chlorhexidine gel; Group 3: Fluoridated mouthwash). Elastomeric modules from brackets were collected at T0 (Fresh samples) and T1 (2nd week) and T2 (4th week) for assessment of the microbial growth. These collected modules were cultured and evaluated for the presence of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli and numbers of colonies were counted at each interval. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software (Version 20.0). Level of significance was kept at 5%. Intra-group and inter-group comparison between pretreatment, 2nd week and 4th week was done for each group using Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: There was presence of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli during orthodontic treatment which progressively increased from To to T1 and then declined from T1 to T2. The colony counts were maximum for Fluoridated mouthwash and least for Chlorhexidine and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: All three antimicrobial agents used were effective against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. Chlorhexidine proved to be more efficacious whereas Fluoridated mouthwash proved to be least effective against both Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria.
Effects of fluoridated tooth paste on medically erosive enamel in bonded primary teeth during maxillary arch expansion in cleft palate patient: An in vitro study

AIMS: This study searched the effects of fluoridated toothpaste on the enamel surface of deciduous molars eroded by different pediatric liquid medicaments which were encircled by orthodontic bands by gravimetric analysis method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A suitable orthodontic band was used to band each of the 110 non-carious exfoliated deciduous molars, and stored in artificial saliva. These teeth were divided randomly into fluoridated and non-fluoridated groups (50 teeth each), and 10 teeth were used as negative controls. The enamel surface of the fluoridated group was swabbed with fluoridated toothpaste for 5 minutes twice daily. Each group was subdivided into five clusters of 10 teeth each according to the type of medication used which included paracetamol, Adol, amoxicillin, Medazole (ME), and Viton (VI) according to a specific immersion cycle. The erosion induced in the enamel for all the teeth was evaluated by gravimetric analysis for different intervals. RESULTS: The results showed that the weight loss increased with increasing exposure to liquid medication for all groups, but this increase was smaller in the fluoridated group. The highest mean weight loss after 28 days was in VI, and the lowest was in ME (0.145 [0.005] mg; 0.08 [0.008] mg), respectively. CONCLUSION: The fluoridated toothpaste significantly reduced medically eroded enamel by oral medical syrups. The gravimetric method is valid for the detection of erosion on banded deciduous molars.
Relative frequency of hepatitis B virus, human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex viruses in the semen of fertile and infertile men in Shiraz, Iran: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background About 8-12% of couples on reproductive age suffers from infertility worldwide. Since 1993, the role of genital tract infections by microbes, including viruses that can infect the sperm, in human infertility has been proposed. Objective To investigate the frequency of hepatitis B virus (HBV), human papilloma virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in the semen of fertile and infertile men referred to the Mother and Child Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 350 men including 200 infertile and 150 fertile men were included. All semen samples were allowed to liquefy, followed by the assessment of sperm parameters. DNA was extracted using a DNA extraction kit (CinaGene, Tehran, Iran) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Detection of HBV, HPV, EBV, and HSV1/2 was done by the PCR method. Results The mean age of the participants was 36 ± 7 yr. Molecular results showed that 16 samples (8%) of infertile men and 5 (3.3%) of fertile men were positive for HBV, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.069). Only one sample of the fertile participants was positive for HPV. None of the semen samples of the infertile or fertile groups was positive for the presence of EBV or HSV1/2. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that HBV, HPV, EBV, and HSV might not be involved in men's infertility. Further studies are recommended for clarifying the role of these viruses in infertility.
Association between circulating exhausted CD4+ T cells with poor meningococcal C conjugate vaccine antibody response in HIV-infected children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression levels of surface markers of activation (CD38 and HLA-DR), inhibition (PD-1, TIGIT and CD57) and co-stimulation (CD28 and CD127) on CD4+ T cells of children/adolescents with vertical HIV infection (HI patients) and HIV-uninfected (HU) controls vaccinated with the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MCC). METHODS: HI patients (n=12), aged 8-17 years, were immunized with two MCC injections, while HU controls (n=9), aged 5.3-10.7 years, received a single MCC dose (as per national recommendation at the time of this study, a single MCC vaccine dose should be given for healthy children and youth aged 1-18 years). The HI patients were categorized according to the combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) treatment. Blood samples were obtained before vaccination, after priming, and after the administration of a booster dose of vaccine to determine the serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) titers and the expression levels of surface markers on CD4+ T cells by flow cytometry. The levels of serum cytokines, IL-4 and CXCL-13 were also measured using Luminex kits. RESULTS: The co-expression of the TIGIT-HLA-DR-CD38 molecules increased in the CD4+ T cells of HI patients/no-cART who also showed a lower frequency of CD127+CD28+ CD4+ T cells than HI patients/cART and HU group subjects. There were significant negative correlations between the frequency of exhausted CD4+ T cells and the SBA response. IL-4 levels were higher in HI patients/cART and positively correlated with SBA titers but negatively associated with the expression of exhaustion markers. Moreover, the CXCL-13 levels were positively correlated with the exhausted CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that the co-expression of exhaustion markers and/or loss of co-stimulatory molecules influence the SBA response in HI patients.
Restoration of High Frequency Auditory Perception After Robot-Assisted or Manual Cochlear Implantation in Profoundly Deaf Adults Improves Speech Recognition

Background and Purpose: Robot-assisted cochlear implantation has recently been implemented in clinical practice; however, its effect on hearing outcomes is unknown. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate hearing performance 1 year post-implantation whether the electrode array was inserted manually or assisted by a robot. Methods: Forty-two profoundly deaf adults were implanted either manually (n = 21) or assisted by a robot (RobOtol®, Collin, Bagneux, France) with three different electrode array types. Participants were paired by age, and electrode array type. The scalar position of the electrode array in the cochlea was assessed by 3D reconstruction from the pre- and post-implantation computed tomography. Pure-tone audiometry and speech perception in silence (percentage of disyllabic words at 60 dB) were tested on the implanted ear 1 year post-implantation in free-field conditions. The pure-tone average was calculated at 250–500–750 Hz, 500–1,000–2,000–3,000 Hz, and 3,000–4,000–8,000 Hz for low, mid, and high frequencies, respectively. Results: One year after cochlear implantation, restoration of the high-frequency thresholds was associated with better speech perception in silence, but not with low or mid frequencies (p < 0.0001; Adjusted R2 = 0.64, polynomial non-linear regression). Although array translocation was similar using either technique, the number of translocated electrodes was lower when the electrode arrays had been inserted with the assistance of the robot compared with manual insertion (p = 0.018; Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: The restoration of high-frequency thresholds (3,000–4,000–8,000 Hz) by cochlear implantation was associated with good speech perception in silence. The numbers of translocated electrodes were reduced after a robot-assisted insertion.
Edible Oil Parameters during Deterioration Processes

With the continuous increase in research on lipids, technologies and the development of chemical-analytical methods associated with the characterization and monitoring of different processes that involve modifications in edible fats are increasing. The beneficial effect of lipids, especially those essential for the health of the population, is widely known. However, degradation compounds are also produced that eventually have negative effects. In this dual context, the monitoring of the changes suffered by nutritional compounds can be obtained thanks to the development of technologies and analytical methods applied to the study of lipids. The modifications that lipids undergo can be followed by a wide variety of methods, ranging from the basic ones associated with simple chemical titrations to the more complex ones associated with sophisticated laboratory equipment. These determinations involve chemical and/or physical quantification of lipids to know an initial condition on the major and minor components. In addition to technologies that allow monitoring during more complex processes such as thermal deterioration, in multiple conditions depending on the objective of the study, this review could benefit a comprehensive understanding of lipid deterioration for future developments and research in the study of fats and oils for human consumption.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the non-biting midge Chironomus yoshimatsui (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Abstract A non-biting midge Chironomus yoshimatsui has been widely used in ecotoxicology and chemical risk assessments. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequence of C. yoshimatsui was determined using short-read next-generation sequencing technologies. The mitogenome was 15,734 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and 22 transfer RNAs. The A + T content was 77.8%. The gene order was identical to the pattern conserved across Diptera. The mitocgenome sequence obtained in this study provides a useful resource for further evolutionary and ecological studies.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmic specialist training in Poland

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on ophthalmology residency training in Poland. An anonymous self-administered online survey involving polish ophthalmology residents was conducted between February 15 and 28, 2021. Of the 126 residents who completed the survey, 88.9% (n = 112) and 89.7% (n = 113) felt that the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted their surgical training and overall training programs, respectively. Trainees providing care to patients with COVID-19 and female trainees indicated a greater negative impact of the pandemic on the implementation of the specialization program (p = 0.008 and p = 0.015, respectively) and on the acquisition of practical skills (p = 0.014 and p = 0.021, respectively). Approximately 94% (n = 118) of the residents surveyed participated in virtual training during the pandemic, and 99.2% (n = 124) positively assessed the content and usefulness of online teaching in everyday clinical practice. The most common platforms used for online meetings were Zoom (62.7%, n = 79) and Microsoft Teams (50.8%, n = 64). Approximately 79% (n = 99) of residents believed that, after the pandemic is over, at least some of the training courses and conferences should be conducted online. In addition, 13.5% (n = 17) of residents reported that they would like to undergo training and specialization courses in virtual form only after the pandemic is over. In summary, the present findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the implementation of the ophthalmology specialization program in Poland, with the greatest impact on surgical training. Trainees providing care to patients with COVID-19 are more likely to negatively assess the impact of the pandemic on the training process. Replacing traditional training with virtual methods was positively received by residents and considered very useful, and most residents reported a desire to maintain virtual training in ophthalmology in the future.
Barriers and facilitators in implementing population based common cancer screening through community health workers

Population based cancer screening was initiated in India in 2016 owing to an increased burden of cancers. A feasibility health system study was done by utilising community health workers (CHWs) to conduct the cancer screening. The current study is a qualitative study to elicit the barriers and facilitators in implementing population based cancer screening through CHWs. The study was conducted at three subcentres of Dholai block of Cachar district, Assam, India and Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Silchar. The participants of the study were CHWs, master trainer nurses and women from community. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) and one in-depth interview (IDI) were conducted at the provider level and seven IDIs of women from the community. The FGDs and IDIs were audio recorded after taking verbal consent from the participants. The verbatims were prepared following translation and transcription and data analysis using ATLAS ti ver 8. The major barrier faced by the community was a lack of motivation to get screened which stemmed from various factors such as personal beliefs, attitudes and fear. The major facilitators were accessibility of tests, family support and CHWs as screening service providers. The major barriers for CHWs were difficulty in motivating the community, lack of support from supervisors and lack of motivation to work. The major facilitators were convenience of screening during home visits, empowerment, skill enhancement and teamwork. Population based cancer screening was a new concept for the community under study. Cancer screening by CHWs was well accepted by the community. Awareness generation among the community was a major factor in improving screening coverage. The study highlights that training and motivation of CHWs can improve the uptake of cancer screening services. CHWs felt empowered with the new skills imparted and were able to carry out screening.
Prediction of Clinical Outcome for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Uterine Leiomyomas Using Multiparametric MRI Radiomics-Based Machine Leaning Model

Objectives This study sought to develop a multiparametric MRI radiomics-based machine learning model for the preoperative prediction of clinical success for high-intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of uterine leiomyomas. Methods One hundred and thirty patients who received HIFU ablation therapy for uterine leiomyomas were enrolled in this retrospective study. Radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted (T2WI) image and ADC map derived from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Three feature selection algorithms including least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), recursive feature elimination (RFE), and ReliefF algorithm were used to select radiomics features, respectively, which were fed into four machine learning classifiers including k-nearest neighbors (KNN), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) for the construction of outcome prediction models before HIFU treatment. The performance, predication ability, and clinical usefulness of these models were verified and evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC), calibration, and decision curve analyses. Results The radiomics analysis provided an effective preoperative prediction for HIFU ablation of uterine leiomyomas. Using SVM with ReliefF algorithm, the multiparametric MRI radiomics model showed the favorable performance with average accuracy of 0.849, sensitivity of 0.814, specificity of 0.896, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.903, negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.823, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.887 (95% CI = 0.848–0.939) in fivefold cross-validation, followed by RF with ReliefF. Calibration and decision curve analyses confirmed the potential of model in predication ability and clinical usefulness. Conclusions The radiomics-based machine learning model can predict preoperatively HIFU ablation response for the patients with uterine leiomyomas and contribute to determining individual treatment strategies.
Impact of COVID-19 on utilization of maternal, newborn and child health services in Nigeria: protocol for a country-level mixed-methods study

Background: Battling with COVID-19 and providing essential services along the continuum of care could be challenging. This study will evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on utilization of maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services in Nigeria and explore the barriers being experienced by women and their families in getting access to MNCH services, as well as other contextual factors that may have shaped the utilization of MNCH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and analysis: The study will adopt an observational mixed-methods study design involving 18 health care facilities delivering MNCH services in six selected states across six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. We will retrieve longitudinal data on MNCH services from all selected hospitals six months before and after the first recorded case of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Qualitative data will be collected using in-depth interviews conducted via mobile phones or ZOOM meeting platforms among stakeholder participants (users of MNCH services, health workers and policymakers) to ascertain their perceptions on how COVID-19 has shaped the utilization of MNCH services. We will triangulate quantitative and qualitative data to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the utilization of MNCH services in Nigeria. Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approvals have been obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the tertiary hospitals involved in the study. Our findings will provide the first evidence from an African setting on the impact of COVID-19 on the utilization of MNCH services using a mixed-methods study design for policy formulation towards sustained MNCH service delivery.
Aspergillus fumigatus cerebral abscess and sphenoid sinus osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient following previous nasopharyngeal carcinoma and radiotherapy

Abstract Cerebral mycosis is extremely rare in immunocompetent patients. A 61-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of worsening left-sided headaches and 3-week history of left-sided upper lip paraesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing lesion in the left temporal lobe. Histopathology of this lesion revealed what initially resembled a zygomycete but additional cultures obtained on further surgical debridement revealed the infection to be Aspergillus fumigatus with associated sphenoid sinus osteomyelitis. We postulate that the presentation was related to the patient’s previous radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only report of such a case.
Fungal Infections among Psoriatic Patients: Etiologic Agents, Comorbidities, and Vulnerable Population

Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin and joint, affecting nearly 2-3% of the general population. It is assumed that imbalance between the types of natural microflora can accelerate the onset of the disease. Some fungi can play the role of superantigens and prolong chronic inflammation in the skin of psoriatic patients. The aim of the present investigation was to identify fungal species isolated from patients with psoriasis. Methods From March 2016 to May 2019, 289 patients with prior diagnosis of psoriasis were included in this survey. Direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide (KOH 10%), culture, urea hydrolysis, hair perforation test, and growth on rice grains were used to identify clinical isolates, phenotypically. For molecular identification of Candida species and Malassezia species, PCR-RFLP and PCR-sequencing were used, respectively. Results Forty-six out of 289 psoriatic patients had fungal infections (15.9%). Dermatophytes (54.3%), Candida spp. (19.5%), Malassezia spp. (15.2%), Aspergillus spp. (6.5%), and Fusarium spp. (4.3%) were the causative agents of fungal infections. Among Malassezia and Candida species, M. restricta (10.8%) and C. glabrata (8.7%) were the most prevalent species, respectively. Conclusion Our findings suggested that fungal pathogens, particularly dermatophytes, may play an important role in the pathogenicity of psoriasis. Also, due to the high rate of yeast colonization in the clinical samples of psoriatic patients, concomitant use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antifungals may represent an effective therapeutic approach for better management of chronic lesions among these patients. Mycological tests should be applied to indicate the incidence of fungal diseases in psoriatic patients.
Differentiation and Grouping Practices as a Response to Heterogeneity – Teachers’ Implementation of Inclusive Teaching Approaches in Regular, Inclusive and Special Classrooms

Addressing students’ individual needs is a crucial component of inclusive teaching. However, empirical evidence comparing practices such as differentiation and grouping strategies within inclusive, regular and special classes is still lacking. The present study contrasts these settings using data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS). Data from 1034 teachers (755 regular, 89 inclusive, 190 special teachers) teaching the subject German in secondary school (grade 5 to grade 8) were used. Results show the highest use of differentiation in special school classes. Teachers’ use the majority of grouping practices to a similar extent when comparing the three educational settings. Class size and the number of students with migration background were predictors for teachers’ use of differentiation, whereas patterns of grouping strategies were predicted by students’ gender and teachers’ experience.