Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of cleft lip-palate during nuchal translucency screening – case report and review of the literature

Abstract Orofacial clefts are the most common group of craniofacial anomalies. The detection rate of cleft lip during the mid-trimester, using two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound screening, has improved over the last three decades. However, the detection rates of defects involving the hard palate or isolated cleft palate have remained poor. Over the last decade, many investigators have studied the use of 3D ultrasound to improve the detection rates of these defects. With the increasing use and acceptance of first-trimester aneuploidy screening in the US, there is growing interest in performing first-trimester fetal anatomy surveys. Reports of first-trimester diagnosis of cleft lip and palate are rare, and this aspect of prenatal sonographic diagnosis remains underexplored. We report a case of unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate diagnosed during a routine first-trimester screening at 12 weeks’ gestation and review the pertinent literature on first-trimester diagnosis of cleft lip/palate.
Medium‐term response characterisation and risk factor analysis of botulinum toxin type A in the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy

We prospectively studied the medium‐term effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) treatment in 197 children with cerebral palsy. Between one and four target muscles were selected according to functional goals and biomechanical assessments, and were injected at multiple sites with BTX‐A (BOTOX®). The mean total dose administered was 10.5 U BOTOX®/Vkg body weight. In 37% of treatment episodes, children were safely treated with high doses, 12–16 Ukg body weight. Significant improvements were seen in the Modified Ashworth and Tardieu scales at 3 and 12 weeks post‐injection, and in muscle length, as determined by joint range of motion, at 3,12 and 24 weeks post‐treatment. Significant improvements in gait were noted using the Modified Physicians' Rating Scale, and joint kinematics and kinetics. Forty‐five per cent of children were subsequently managed by repeated BTX‐A injections, 17% proceeded to single‐level soft tissue surgery and 38% proceeded to multi‐level surgery after mean intervals of 12.8, 16.4 and 173 months, respectively. Side effects were noted in 10 children (6.2% of total treatment occasions) and included local pain (1.2%), bruising (0.7%), temporary generalised weakness (0.3%), temporary incontinence (1.2%) and pneumonia (1.2%). In summary, BTX‐A was safe and effective in the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Side effects were infrequent, usually minor and self‐limiting.
TiO2 Transparent Thin Film for Eliminating Toluene

TiO2 nanoparticles undergo a single-phase transition: from amorphous to anatase when calcined at 450°C. It can be noticed from the XRD and AFM results that the particle size of TiO2 is below 30 nm. Results from viscometer and UV-Vis analysis showed that the film thickness is closely related to the viscosity of dip-coating solutions. It was found that the contact angle for water decreased after being illuminated with UV light at certain periods of time. This indicates that these films exhibit hydrophilic properties that can be used on self-cleaning surfaces and antifogging mirrors. Heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation allows the oxidation of airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into carbon dioxide and water in the presence of a semiconductor catalyst and UV light source. Titanium dioxide, due to its chemical stability, nontoxicity, and low cost, represents one of the most efficient photocatalysts. Photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 thin films was evaluated by using toluene and results showed that this film is successful in decomposing toluene.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate if Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Improves Neurocognition in Ugandan Children with HIV.

OBJECTIVES Clinically stable children with HIV can have neuromotor, attention, memory, visual-spatial, and executive function impairments. We evaluated neuropsychological and behavioral benefits of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training (CCRT) in Ugandan HIV children. DESIGN One hundred fifty-nine rural Ugandan children with WHO Stage I or II HIV disease (6 to 12 years; 77 boys, 82 girls; M = 8.9, SD = 1.86 years) were randomized to one of three treatment arms over a 2-month period. METHODS The CCRT arm received 24 one-hour sessions over 2 months, using Captain's Log (BrainTrain Corporation) programmed for games targeting working memory, attention, and visual-spatial analysis. These games progressed in difficulty as the child's performance improved. The second arm was a "limited CCRT" with the same games rotated randomly from simple to moderate levels of training. The third arm was a passive control group receiving no training. All children were assessed at enrollment, 2 months (immediately following CCRT), and 3 months after CCRT completion. RESULTS The CCRT group had significantly greater gains through 3 months of follow-up compared to passive controls on overall Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-second edition (KABC-II) mental processing index (p < .01), planning (p = .04), and knowledge (p = .03). The limited CCRT group performed better than controls on learning (p = .05). Both CCRT arms had significant improvements on CogState Groton maze learning (p < .01); although not on CogState attention/memory, TOVA/impulsivity, or behavior rating inventory for executive function and child behavior checklist (psychiatric behavior/symptom problems) ratings by caregiver. CONCLUSIONS CCRT intervention can be effective for neurocognitive rehabilitation in children with HIV in low-resource settings, especially in children who are clinically stable on ARV treatment.
Analysis of clinical features and pathology of serum HBsAg positive glomerulonephritis

To analyze the relationship between the factors related to the occurrence of HBV‐GN and serum HBsAg‐positive glomerulonephritis. A total of 56 patients were enrolled in the present study. All enrolled cases were divided into two groups according to whether HBsAg and/or HBcAg was present in renal kidney tissue: patients with Hepatitis B virus‐associated nephritis (HBV‐GN group, 30 cases) and patients with hepatitis B virus‐combined nephritis (HBV‐CG group, 26 cases). We sought to analyze the differences in clinical features and pathological characteristics in both groups. The rate of HBeAg positivity in the HBV‐GN group was considerably increased in the HBV‐CG group (P < 0.05), and the number of patients with HBsAg+HBeAg+HBcAb+ in the HBV‐GN group was considerably increased in the HBV‐CG group (21 cases vs 10 cases) (P < 0.05). Moreover, the number of MCD patients diagnosed by renal biopsy in the HBV‐GN group was reduced compared with the HBV‐CG group (1 case vs 7 cases) (P < 0.05). HBV infection and high‐virus proliferation status were closely related with HBV‐GN.
Acute viral infections of the central nervous system, 2014‐2016, Greece

In order to investigate the viral etiology of acute infections of central nervous system (CNS), multiplex and single PCRs combined with serology for arboviruses were applied on samples from 132 hospitalized patients in Greece during May 2014‐December 2016. A viral pathogen was detected in 52 of 132 (39.4%) cases with acute CNS infection. Enteroviruses predominated (15/52, 28.8%), followed by West Nile virus (9/52, 17.3%). Phleboviruses, varicella‐zoster virus, and Epstein‐Barr virus accounted for 15.4%, 13.5%, and 11.5% of the cases, respectively. The study gives an insight into the etiology of viral CNS infections in a Mediterranean country, where arboviruses should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute CNS infections.
Arterial spin-labeled perfusion MRI in basic and clinical neuroscience

Purpose of reviewArterial spin labeling (ASL) provides an endogenous and completely noninvasive tracer for the quantification of regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the measurement of CBF has obvious utility in cerebrovascular disorders, because CBF is closely coupled to neural metabolism, ASL perfusion MRI has a broad range of potential applications as a biomarker of regional brain function in basic and clinical neuroscience. Recent findingsOver the past few years, ASL technology has improved considerably and the utility of ASL perfusion MRI as a diagnostic and research tool has been demonstrated. This review briefly covers ASL methodologies and clinical applications, while expanding on the use of ASL in human neuroscience research to elucidate patterns of resting brain function that correlate with genotype or phenotype (trait effects), or in response to exogenous manipulations of brain function with pharmacological agents or psychological tasks (state effects). SummaryASL perfusion MRI provides a versatile biomarker of regional brain function that can be acquired as part of a multimodal MRI examination. Because ASL quantifies a physiological parameter, it should be useful for multisite or longitudinal studies.
Laminin-5 gamma 2 chain expression is associated with intensity of tumor budding and density of stromal myofibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Laminin-5 gamma 2 chain (laminin-5 γ2) is a protein associated to a migratory phenotype in epithelial neoplastic cells. Stromal myofibroblasts also play a significant role in tumor invasion, due to its ability to modify the extracellular matrix. Tumor budding is a morphologic marker of tumor invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of laminin-5 γ2 in OSCC and its association with intensity of tumor budding and density of stromal myofibroblasts. METHODS Paraffin-embedded archival samples of 57 OSCC patients were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect laminin-5 γ2, alpha smooth muscle actin (marker of stromal myofibroblasts), and multicytokeratin (to identify OSCC cells in tumor budding evaluation). Laminin-5 γ2 expression and its association with intensity of tumor budding and density of stromal myofibroblasts were analyzed. Association among intensity of tumor budding and density of stromal myofibroblasts was also evaluated. RESULTS Higher laminin-5 γ2 expression was associated with high-intensity tumor budding (P < 0.05) and with higher density of stromal myofibroblasts (P < 0.05). Moreover, high-intensity tumor budding was associated with higher density of stromal myofibroblasts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In OSCC, higher laminin-5 γ2 expression is associated with high-intensity tumor budding and with higher density of stromal myofibroblasts, suggesting that this expression is related to the establishment of an invasive phenotype of neoplastic cells and a permissive environment for tumor invasion in this neoplasia.
Low basal salivary flow and burning mouth syndrome: new evidence in this enigmatic pathology.

BACKGROUND Burning mouth syndrome remains a puzzling condition. One symptom commonly associated with the burning sensation is xerostomia. The current study measured basal and stimulated salivary flow in a group of burning mouth syndrome patients. METHODS Three groups of patients were recruited: 44 burning mouth syndrome patients, 27 oral lichen planus patients and 40 healthy patients. We chose to measure basal salivary flow and stimulated salivary flow in the three groups of patients using the 'spitting' method. Thus, the patients were asked to spit every minute for 5 min. Afterwards, they were asked to repeat the procedure a second time, but a drop of citric acid was positioned on their tongue every minute to stimulate salivary secretion. After 14 days, the same procedure was repeated for 15 min. RESULTS Although there was no significant difference between the burning mouth syndrome group and the other two groups regarding the stimulated volumes, an important difference was found in the basal volumes, with the burning mouth syndrome patients showing lower values. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of our research demonstrate the presence of very low basal salivary flow in burning mouth syndrome patients compared with the other two groups, but the stimulated salivary flow was equal, if not higher, in the burning mouth syndrome patients. This study contributes new topics for further investigation of a solution to the very mysterious pathology represented by burning mouth syndrome.
HIV Infection and Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

HERE IS EVIDENCE AVAILABLE T indicating that the HIV-I virus gains access to the central nervous system early in the course of the disease. Following infection a number of subjects suffer a bout of meningoencephalitis in which CSF changes can he found, significant mental disorder may be present, and neurological symptoms and signs occur including seizures in some instances. Post mortem studies further support the presence of HIV in the brain in over 90% of cases. For most subjec*ts infected with the HIV-I virus or the rather less aggressive HIV-11 virus there is. following the primary infection, an asymptomatic phase. This may well last several pears prior to the development of cmnstitutional syniptonis or secondary opportunistic disorders and the major state of immune suppression referred to as AIDS. In the latter stages of the disease, associated with a number of the opportunistic infections. there will be cognitive impairment. With the emergence of il1DS. patients will become vulneraltle to the development of the HlV related clenwntia, AIDS Dementia Coniplex (.ADC). Of c.onsitlerable interest, and the topic of intense debate, is the issue of whether otherwise asynptoniatic HIV positive subjects will show evidence of cognitive impairment prior to the development of opportunistic infections or AIDS dementia. A large numbc~ of studies have heen conducted over the last eight years with the honours split almost equally in favour of, or against. subtle neuropsychologicd deficits being present. Contaniinating influences include the age of thc. population tieing tested, the past educational history, a history of alcohol or substanre ahuse and a history of anxiety or depression. All these factors will affect the indivitlualk performance on neuropsychological testing. Further proldrms relate to the selection and inclusion criteria for a number of studies, the exclusion of othctr HIV related causes of impairnirnt, the naturt’ of the statistical analysis anci interpretation. the extent and nature of the rieuropsyc.hologic,al testing, antl the inclusion of supplementary data including neurological exanhation, latioratory finclings and thr results of neuroimaging. The definition of ‘alinornial’ varies hetween studies with some using 1 standard deviation helow the norm and others L)r John ti. Llo)+vdiiain. c/P,ld I H I i w . Tiit. I{iyal MvlI iwmw R
Developmental regulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 splice variants in olfactory bulb mitral cells

Alternative splicing of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) receptor gene generates two major receptor isoforms, mGluR1a and mGluR1b, differing in intracellular function and distribution. However, little is known on the expression profiles of these variants during development. We examined the mRNA expression profile of mGluR1a/b in microdissected layers and acutely isolated mitral cells in the developing mouse olfactory bulb. This analysis showed that the two mGluR1 variants are differentially regulated within each bulb layer. During the first postnatal week, the mGluR1a isoform replaces GluR1b in the microdissected mitral cell layer (MCL) and in isolated identified mitral cells, coinciding with a developmental epoch of mitral cell dendritic reorganization. Although mGluR1a mRNA is expressed at high levels in both the adult external plexiform layer (EPL) and MCL, Western blotting analysis reveals a marked reduction of the mGluR1a protein in the MCL, where mitral cell bodies are located, and strong labeling in the EPL, which contains mitral cell dendrites. This suggests that there is increased dendritic trafficking efficiency of the receptor in adult. The temporal and spatial shift in mGluR1b/a expression suggests distinct roles of the mGluR1 isoforms, with mGluR1b potentially involved in the early mitral cell maturation and mGluR1a in dendritic and synapse function. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential alteration of hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission by cannabinoid ligands

Cannabinoid compounds affect synaptic activity and plasticity in numerous brain areas by activating CB1 receptors (CB1). In hippocampus, varying results have been obtained on the extent and site of cannabinoid actions on excitatory transmission, ranging from no effect to complete obliteration of synaptic responses. Here we used the rat hippocampal slice preparation to study and compare the effect of various synthetic and endogenous CB1 ligands on excitatory synaptic transmission. The full CB1 agonist WIN55212‐2 (WIN2) greatly decreased excitatory synaptic transmission by 62%. The effect of WIN‐2 was concentration dependent (EC50 of 200 nM) and completely prevented by CB1 antagonists. The nondegradable partial CB1 agonist R1‐methanandamide (mAEA) decreased transmission by 25% and the endocannabinoids 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG) and anandamide (AEA) had no significant effect. The action of AEA was improved by inhibiting its degradation but not its transport. The effect of 2‐AG was enhanced upon inhibition of COX‐2 but remained unchanged with blockade of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). The observed effects were prevented by CB1 antagonists regardless of the ligand used, and paired‐pulse paradigms pointed to presynaptic mechanisms of cannabinoid action. Our results show that cannabinoid effects on neuronal activity differ widely according to the CB1 ligand used. We observed large differences between full (synthetic) and partial (endogenous) CB1 agonists in altering synaptic transmission, notably because of the involvement of active degradation mechanisms. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between number of bacteria and their probiotic effects

The effects of probiotics on human health are positive and well defined in diarrhoea treatment. There are no clinical results regarding the relationship with dose or duration of treatment. The results from clinical studies have not been conclusive in that the effects of probiotic are dependent on strains, acute or chronic gastrointestinal infection and immunological or inflammatory disease and different dose and duration of treatment. The concentration of probiotics needed to obtain a clinical effect is often quoted as≥106 cfu/ml in the small bowel and≥108 cfu/g in the colon. The dose for treatment of an acute illness by a particular probiotic agent may be lower or higher, in the order of 10-fold or 100-fold or more in terms of colony forming units (cfu). In acute infectious diarrhoea it seems that higher doses of probiotics given for short courses are more effective than lower doses. In chronic or immunological diseases (allergic, inflammatory and/or immune diseases) the effects depend also on the interaction with gut immune system and duration of treatment. To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics it may be essential to identify specific target groups of individuals with more specific higher susceptibilities to the potential effects of probiotics.
Progressive decrease in the level of YAPdeltaCs, prosurvival isoforms of YAP, in the spinal cord of transgenic mouse carrying a mutant SOD1 gene

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal disease caused by the selective death of motor neurons. Between 5% and 10% of ALS patients have a genetically inherited form of the disease known as familial ALS (FALS), and approximately 20% of FALS patients have mutations in the SOD1 gene. Although the mechanism underlying motor neuron death has not yet been fully clarified, it is supposed to be not completely consistent with apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagic cell death. Recently, it was found that general transcriptional repression induces slowly progressive atypical cell death associated with the shift of balance between YAPdeltaCs as prosurvival factors and activated p73 promoting apoptosis. This type of neuronal death was named transcriptional repression–induced atypical death (TRIAD). Therefore, to investigate possible relationships between the mechanism of motor neuron death in ALS and TRIAD, G93ASOD1 transgenic mice (Tg) were examined as an ALS model. The levels of YAPdeltaCs in the spinal cords of Tg mice decreased with disease progression, even during the presymptomatic stage, whereas FL‐YAP, a p73 cofactor that promotes apoptosis, was preserved until the late symptomatic stage. Although the expression of total p73 also decreased with age in Tg mice, the ratio of phosphorylated p73 to total p73 increased during the late symptomatic stage in Tg mice. These results suggest that the progressive decrease in the levels of YAPdeltaCs and the relative increase in phosphorylation of p73 over the time course are correlated with disease progression in ALS model animals. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knowledge and Previous Contraceptive Use by Pregnant Teenagers in Ilorin, Nigeria

Context : Teenage pregnancy is a major health and social problem the world over and its incidence is on the increase. One important contributory factor to the increase is non-use of contraception. Objective : To determine knowledge of and previous contraceptive use by pregnant teenagers in Ilorin, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods : Between 1st January and 30th June, 1999, 326 consecutive pregnant teenagers that booked for antenatal care at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria were interviewed with the aid of a pre-tested questionnaire administered by resident doctors. Information obtained included demographic characteristics, knowledge of and previous use of contraception. Results : Respondents displayed a high level of contraceptive knowledge, as 277 (91.7%) were aware of it. The condom and the combined oral pill were the two contraceptive methods most commonly known, by 254 (85.5%) and 225 (78.8%) of the respondents respectively. Only 53 (16.3%) had previously used any contraceptive method. The combined oral pill was the commonest method ever used by the respondents 29 (54.7%). Friends were the most common source of information about contraception in 135 (45.5%). None of the respondents used any contraceptive method prior to or during their first sexual experience. Fear of side effects was the commonest reason for non-use of contraception. Conclusion : Pregnant teenagers are quite knowledgeable about contraceptive method but are poor users. Family life education, including contraception should be provided for teenagers and incorporated into the curricula of schools and colleges. Clinics where comprehensive reproductive health services are provided for teenagers should also be established. (Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: 2001, 18(2): 73-77)