Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 10-Year Follow-Up of Different Intra-Radicular Retainers in Teeth Restored with Zirconia Crowns

Purpose To evaluate the survival rate in restored teeth with three different types of retainers prior to the fixing of crowns with zirconia through this retrospective clinical study. It is unclear how the type of post and core rehabilitation, and type of resin cement affect the longevity of teeth restored with crowns. Methods In a private clinic, a total of 101 retainers installed by the same professional between June 2008 and January 2018, with an average time of 58.2 months (4.8 years), were analyzed regarding the following factors: survival, cement and failure type. Three types of retainers were used according to the indications found in the literature: filling with Z250 light-cured composite resin, 22 elements; fiberglass post with Z250 light-cured composite resin, 45 elements; and cast metallic core in silver-tin alloy, 34 elements. The retainers were cemented with chemically cured cement, U100, U200, or Panavia F. Results Data were subjected to Kaplan-Meier analysis (p=0.495). Although the study presented several limitations, no significant differences were observed in the success rates between the types of intra-radicular retainers and the type of cement. The success rates were as follows: metal core, 97.1%; fiberglass post, 95.6%; and filling, 100%. On average, failures occurred at 48.4 months. Conclusion In view of the results, it is possible to conclude that the different retainers evaluated have similar survival rates.
Recording Electrical Brain Activity with Novel Stretchable Electrodes Based on Supersonic Cluster Beam Implantation Nanotechnology on Conformable Polymers

Background Multielectrodes are implanted in central and peripheral nervous systems for rehabilitation and diagnostic purposes. The physical resistance of intracranial devices to mechanical stress is critical and fractures or electrode displacement may occur. We describe here a new recording device with stretchable properties based on Supersonic Cluster Beam Implantation (SCBI) technology with high mechanical adaptability to displacement and movement. Results The capability of SCBI-based multichannel electrodes to record brain electrical activity was compared to glass/silicon microelectrodes in acute in vitro experiments on the isolated guinea pig brain preparation. Field potentials and power frequency analysis demonstrated equal recording features for SCBI and standard electrodes. Chronic in vivo epidural implantation of the SCBI electrodes confirmed excellent long-term recording properties in comparison to standard EEG metal electrodes. Tissue biocompatibility was demonstrated by neuropathological evaluation of the brain tissue 2 months after the implantation of the devices in the subarachnoid space. Conclusion We confirm the biocompatibility of novel SCBI-based stretchable electrode devices and demonstrate their suitability for recording electrical brain activity in pre-clinical settings.
Yeast can express and assemble bacterial secretins in the mitochondrial outer membrane

Secretins form large multimeric pores in the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria. These pores are part of type II and III secretion systems (T2SS and T3SS, respectively) and are crucial for pathogenicity. Recent structural studies indicate that secretins form a structure rich in β-strands. However, little is known about the mechanism by which secretins assemble into the OM. Based on the conservation of the biogenesis of β-barrel proteins in bacteria and mitochondria, we used yeast cells as a model system to study the assembly process of secretins. To that end, we analyzed the biogenesis of PulD (T2SS), SsaC (T3SS) and InvG (T3SS) in wild type cells or in cells mutated for known mitochondrial import and assembly factors. Our results suggest that secretins can be expressed in yeast cells, where they are enriched in the mitochondrial fraction. Interestingly, deletion of mitochondrial import receptors like Tom20 and Tom70 reduces the mitochondrial association of PulD but does not affect that of InvG. SsaC shows another dependency pattern and its membrane assembly is enhanced by the absence of Tom70 and compromised in cells lacking Tom20 or the topogenesis of outer membrane β-barrel proteins (TOB) complex component, Mas37. Collectively, these findings suggest that various secretins can follow different pathways to assemble into the bacterial OM.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Survival of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Salivary Gland: a Population-Based Study

Background Small cell carcinoma (SmCC) of the salivary gland is rare, and the characteristics and survival are not well defined due to only case reports or case series being reported. The present study aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics and determine the factors associated with survival of this rare cancer. Materials and methods A population-based study was carried out to investigate clinical characteristics and prognosis of SmCC of the salivary gland using prospectively extracted data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 1988 and 2016. Results Totally, 198 patients with SmCC of the salivary gland were identified with an average age of 72.6±12.4 and a male to female ratio of 3.4:1. The lesions of most patients (167/198) were located in the parotid gland. The median overall survival (mOS) of all patients is 25.0 months. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival rate was 65.7%, 40.9%, 33.0% and 22.7%, respectively. Surgery could prolong significantly the mOS by almost 17.0 months (28.0 months vs 11.0 months; P<0.01). Radiotherapy, as well as radiotherapy after surgery, could prolong the mOS (P<0.01 for both). Patients who received chemotherapy had significantly longer overall survival time than those without chemotherapy (28.0 months vs 20 months; P=0.04). The survival analysis demonstrated that old age (>72 years), lymph node (N3) and distant metastases were independent factors for poor survival, whereas radiotherapy was an independent factor for favorable survival. Conclusion Small cell carcinoma of the salivary gland is a rare disease, and old age, lymph node and distant metastases, and radiotherapy were significantly associated with prognosis. In order to understand this disease more thoroughly, more cases with adequate information are required.
Spotlight on Spironolactone Oral Suspension for the Treatment of Heart Failure: Focus on Patient Selection and Perspectives

Abstract Spironolactone, an antagonist of aldosterone, initially used as a potassium-sparing diuretic, was subsequently shown to be a very effective adjunctive agent in the treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, by halting the disease progression, with significant beneficial effects on both morbidity and mortality. Other uses comprise resistant hypertension, edema in patients with cirrhosis, and other on- and off-label uses. Recent data indicate that spironolactone also may offer some symptomatic relief in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. However, a variable percentage of patients, particularly among the aged group, may have difficulty in swallowing or may be unable to swallow tablets and thus are deprived of the benefits of such therapy. In 2017, the FDA approved a liquid suspension formulation of spironolactone, CaroSpir®, which will enable more heart failure and other patients in need of aldosterone inhibition to avail themselves of the protective and beneficial effects of spironolactone. The new drug formulation comes as a banana-flavored oral suspension that contains 25 mg/5 mL of spironolactone, supplied in 4-ounce (118 mL) and 16-ounce (473 mL) bottles. The details of this drug formulation development and the benefits of spironolactone use in patients with heart failure with a focus on patient selection are herein reviewed.
The Negative Emotions Due to Chronic Illness Screening Test (NECIS): Construct Validity in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease in Mainland China

Objective Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are susceptible to the negative emotion and its adverse influence on the disease prognosis. It is of great necessity to have a simple measurement to timely assess negative emotions in patients with CAD. The Negative Emotions due to Chronic Illness Screening Test (NECIS) is a newly developed tool to measure negative emotions. However, the construct validity has not been established yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the construct validity of the NECIS in individuals with CAD in mainland China. Methods The tool was administered in a convenience sample of 376 patients with CAD hospitalized in three general hospitals in Wuhan City, China. Construct validity was evaluated through factorial validity, convergent validity and discriminant validity. Additionally, the assumed relationship between negative emotions with other associated variables (perceived control and perceived social support) was tested to provide additional evidence of the construct validity of the NECIS. Results Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis established and confirmed a two-factorial structure of the NECIS. Convergent validity and discriminant validity of the NECIS were proven to be adequate. Two hypotheses regarding the relationship between negative emotions and associated variables (perceived control and perceived social support) were confirmed, which supported the satisfactory construct validity of the NECIS. Conclusion The NECIS had sound construct validity when applied to patients with CAD in mainland China. This study added new knowledge regarding the construct validity of the NECIS, which supported its psychometric properties for future use.
Genetic Basis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Current Perspectives

Abstract Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common infertility disorder affecting a significant proportion of the global population. It is the main cause of anovulatory infertility in women and is the most common endocrinopathy affecting reproductive-aged women, with a prevalence of 8–13% depending on the criteria used and population studied. The disease is multifactorial and complex and, therefore, often difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms. Multiple etiological factors have been implicated in PCOS. Due to the complex pathophysiology involving multiple pathways and proteins, single genetic diagnostic tests cannot be determined. Progress has been achieved in the management and diagnosis of PCOS; however, not much is known about the molecular players and signaling pathways underlying it. Conclusively PCOS is a polygenic and multifactorial syndromic disorder. Many genes have been associated with PCOS, which affect fertility either directly or indirectly. However, studies conducted on PCOS patients from multiple families failed to find a fully penetrant variant(s). The present study was designed to review the current genetic understanding of the disease. In the present review, we have discussed the clinical spectrum, the genetics, and the variants identified as being associated with PCOS. The mechanisms by which variants in the genes confer risk to PCOS and the nature of the physical and genetic interaction between the genetic elements underlying PCOS remain to be determined. Elucidation of genetic players and cellular pathways underlying PCOS will certainly increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome. The study also discusses the current status of the treatment modalities for PCOS, which is important to find new ways of treatment.
Does p-coumaric acid improve cardiac injury following LPS-induced lung inflammation through miRNA-146a activity?

Objective: In cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory response plays an important role and affects heart function. As a flavonoid compound, p-coumaric acid (pCA), commonly exists in many fruits and vegetables and has a therapeutic effect on inflammatory diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of the present study was to investigate pCA anti-inflammatory effect and the miRNAs (miRs) signaling pathway involved in cardiac inflammation following lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups: control (received saline for 10 days, i.p.), LPS (received saline for 10 days+5 mg/kg LPS on day 8, intratracheally), pCA (received pCA 100 mg/kg for 10 days, ip), and LPS+pCA (received LPS+pCA). The level of IL-1β, IL-18 in heart tissue and IL-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was determined by ELISA kits. Also the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in heart tissue and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in lung tissue were measured, and pCA effect on miR- 146a in heart tissue was analyzed. Results: Data showed that 100 mg/kg of pCA significantly suppressed LDH activity (p<0.05), IL-18 (p<0.05) and IL-1β (p<0.01) level in heart tissue. Also, in BAL, IL-1β and MPO levels were significantly reduced (p<0.001). Finally, pCA modulated activation of miR-146a (p<0.05) in LPS -induced cardiac injury. Conclusion: These findings indicated that LPS causes cardiac dysfunction and pre-treatment with pCA, as an anti-inflammatory agent, improved cardiac inflammation through modulation of miR-146a, and reducing cytokines and LDH activity.
N-induced lattice contraction generally boosts the hydrogen evolution catalysis of P-rich metal phosphides

The HER activities of P-rich transition metal phosphides can be substantially boosted by N-induced lattice contraction. P-rich transition metal phosphides (TMPs) with abundant P sites have been predicted to be more favorable for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis. However, the actual activities of P-rich TMPs do not behave as expected, and the underlying essence especially at the atomic level is also ambiguous. Our structural analysis reveals the inferior activity could stem from the reduced overlap of atomic wave functions between metal and P with the increase in P contents, which consequently results in too strong P-H interaction. To this end, we used N-induced lattice contraction to generally boost the HER catalysis of P-rich TMPs including CoP2, FeP2, NiP2, and MoP2. Refined structural characterization and theoretical analysis indicate the N-P strong interaction could increase the atomic wave function overlap and eventually modulate the H adsorption strength. The concept of lattice engineering offers a new vision for tuning the catalytic activities of P-rich TMPs and beyond.
Food and nutrient intake and adherence to dietary recommendations during pregnancy: a Nordic mother–child population-based cohort

Background A woman’s food intake during pregnancy has important implications not only for herself but also for the future health and well-being of her child. Suboptimal dietary quality has been consistently reported in many high-income countries, reflecting poor adherence to dietary guidelines. Objective This study aimed to explore the intake of food and nutrients in a cohort of pregnant women in Norway and their adherence to Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) and Norwegian food-based guidelines (NFG). Design We investigated the dietary intake in 1,674 pregnant women from the mother–child birth cohort, PreventADALL, recruited at approximately 18-week gestational age. Dietary intake was assessed by an electronic validated food frequency questionnaire (PrevFFQ) in the first half of pregnancy. Results Total fat intake was within the recommended intake (RI) range in most women; however, the contribution of saturated fatty acids to the total energy intake was above RI in the majority (85.2%) of women. Carbohydrate intake was below RI in 43.9% of the women, and 69.5% exceeded the RI of salt. Intakes of fiber, vegetables, and fish were high in a large part of the population. Many women had a high probability of inadequate intakes of the following key micronutrients during pregnancy: folate (54.4%), iron (49.6%), calcium (36.2%), vitamin D (28.7%), iodine (24.4%), and selenium (41.3%). A total of 22.8% women reported an alcohol intake of >1 g/day, and 4.4% reported an alcohol intake of >10 g/day. Women with higher educational levels showed a tendency towards healthier eating habits, except for higher intakes of alcohol and coffee, compared to women with lower educational level. Discussion Excessive saturated fat intake and limited intake of many important micronutrients during pregnancy were common, potentially increasing the risk for adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Conclusions This study highlights the need for improved nutritional guidance to pregnant women across all educational levels.
Growth Indices of Exclusively Breastfed Until 6 Months Age and Formula-Fed Infants in Southwest of Iran

Background: Formula milk is prepared as a nutritional substitution for human breast milk, but because of biologic and constituent differences, it might cause obesity and growth disorders in infants. In this study, we compared the growth pattern of formula-fed and breastfed infants living in Yasuj, southwest of Iran. Methods: Infants 7–14 months of age in southwest of Iran were classified as exclusively breastfed (n = 200) and formula-fed (n = 200) in their first 6 months of life. Growth velocity and Z-scores of weight for age, length for age, weight for length, and head circumference were estimated using WHO Anthro Plus software (2010) and SPSS Version 19 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) using World Health Organization reference for growth data. Results: The study showed that Z-score of length for age and head circumference for age at the birth were significantly lower in formula-fed group than exclusively breastfed group (P < 0.05), but the Z-score of weight for length did not differ significantly. At the sixth month of age, Z-score of weight for length was significantly higher in formula-fed group (P < 0.05), but Z-score of length for age had no significant difference and Z-score of head circumference was higher in exclusively breastfed group yet (P < 0.05). Growth velocity, prevalence of obesity, wasting, underweight, and stunting did not differ between two groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that formula feeding can lead to greater weight gain and may help the catch up of length, but evidences are not convincing enough to suggest the formula as an obesogenic feeding in the studied area. To make a conclusion, we suggest comparing the privileged and unprivileged areas and controlling for confounding variables including family hygiene and infant feeding practices between formula-fed and breastfed infants.
A Novel Prognostic Scoring Model Based on Albumin and γ-Glutamyltransferase for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis

Aim To investigate the predictive value of albumin (ALB) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing curative resection. We sought to establish a new scoring model for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients undergoing curative resection. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 303 HCC patients who underwent curative resection. Preoperative risk factors for survival were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. On the basis of significant factors, a prognostic scoring model was established. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between different groups. Results Multivariate Cox regression showed that preoperative decreased ALB levels and elevated GGT levels were significantly associated with poor OS and RFS. Multivariate analysis showed that ALB level, GGT level, portal vein tumor thrombus, and tumor number were independent prognostic factors for both OS and RFS. Thereafter, we established a preoperative prognostic scoring model combining the four risk factors. The results revealed that higher risk scores might mean worse OS and RFS. Conclusion Preoperative ALB and GGT levels are potentially useful biomarkers for predicting the prognostic outcomes in HCC patients undergoing curative resection. Our new prognostic scoring model qualifies as a novel prognostic predictor for HCC patients after curative resection.
Over-the-scope clip vs epinephrine with clip for first-line hemostasis in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a propensity score match analysis

Abstract Background and study aims The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) is a novel tool used to improve the maintenance of hemostasis for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB); however, studies on the comparison with “conventional” techniques are lacking. In this study, we aimed to compare first-line endoscopic hemostasis achieved using conventional techniques with that achieved using OTSC placement for NVUGIB. Patients and methods From January 2007 to March 2018, 793 consecutive patients underwent upper endoscopy with the hemostasis procedure. Among them, 327 patients were eligible for inclusion (112 patients had OTSC placement and 215 underwent conventional hemostasis). After propensity score matching and adjustment for confounding factors, 84 patients were stratified into the “conventional” group and 84 into the OTSC group. Patient characteristics and outcomes (rebleeding rate, mortality rate within 30 days, and adverse events) were compared between the two groups. Results In the unmatched cohort, hemostasis with OTSC was more frequent in cases of duodenal ulcers with Forrest Ia to IIa and in patients with a higher Rockall score compared with the “conventional group”. In the matched cohort, 93 % of the patients in the “conventional group” underwent hemostasis with epinephrine + through-the-scope clip. Rebleeding events were significantly less frequent in the OTSC group (8 % vs 20 %, 95 %CI 3 – 16 vs 12 – 30; P = 0.02); however, the mortality rate in the two groups was not significantly different (6 % vs 2 %, 95 %CI 1 – 8 vs 2 – 13; P = 0.4). Conclusions OTSC is a safe and effective tool for achieving hemostasis, and we recommend its use as the first-line therapy for lesions with a high risk of rebleeding and in patients with a high risk Rockall score.
Modeling total electron content derived from radio occultation measurements by COSMIC satellites over the African region

Abstract. This study developed a model of total electron content (TEC) over the African region. The TEC data were obtained from radio occultation measurements done by the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellites. Data during geomagnetically quiet time (Kp < 3 and Dst > −20 nT) for the years 2008–2011 and 2013–2017 were binned according to local time, seasons, solar flux level, and geographic longitude and latitude. B splines were fitted to the binned data to obtain model coefficients. The model was validated using actual COSMIC TEC data of the years 2012 and 2018. The validation exercise revealed that approximation of observed TEC data by our model produces a root mean square error of 5.02 TECU (total electron content unit). Moreover, the modeled TEC data correlated highly with the observed TEC data (r=0.93). Due to the extensive input data and the applied modeling technique, we were able to reproduce well-known TEC features such as local time, seasonal, solar activity cycle, and spatial variations over the African region. Further validation of our model using TEC measured by ionosonde stations over South Africa at Hermanus, Grahamstown, and Louisville revealed r values > 0.92 and root mean square error (RMSE) < 5.56 TECU. These validation results imply that our model can estimate TEC fairly well that would be measured by ionosondes over locations which do not have the instrument. Another element of the significance of this study is the fact that it has shown the potential of using basis spline functions for modeling ionospheric parameters such as TEC over the entire African region.