Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of efficacy of 0.2% sodium hypochlorite (Hi Wash) mouthwash with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on plaque-induced gingivitis: A clinical trial

Background: Bleeding gums are one of the common complaints to visit a dentist. Mechanical removal of plaque alone is not sufficient for the reduction of gingival inflammation associated with plaque. Mouthwashes are supplemented to it as a homecare product. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 0.2% sodium hypochlorite mouthwash on plaque and gingival inflammation and to assess the clinical parameters of gingivitis patients from baseline to 21 days with the use of 0.2% sodium hypochlorite and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study included 60 patients with gingival inflammation evaluated using clinical parameters such as bleeding on probing index, plaque index, and gingival index at baseline and 21 days. Group A patients were given Hi Wash mouthwash and Group B 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash with 30 patients in each group. Results: The scores for clinical parameters were significantly reduced after 21 days in Group A and Group B patients, and there was a reduction in plaque-associated gingival inflammation without scaling and root planning. Conclusions: 0.2% sodium hypochlorite mouthwash is as effective as 0.2% chlorhexidine for the treatment of gingivitis as it is an adjunct to mechanical plaque removal in terms of safety, less side effects, less staining and can be used as a routine mouthwash.
Outcomes and limitations in EUS-guided gallbladder drainage

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is gaining popularity as an option for drainage of the gallbladder in patients suffering from acute cholecystitis but at high risk for cholecystectomy. It allows internal drainage of the gallbladder and avoidance of the external tube as used in percutaneous cholecystostomy (PT-GBD). It may also provide additional benefits, including reduced re-admissions and re-interventions. In this chapter, we review the indications and outcomes of EUS-GBD. Furthermore, the follow-up management of patients that received EUS-GBD would be outlined.
Comparative evaluation of fluoro calcium phosphosilicate, calcium sodium phosphosilicate, and strontium chloride hexahydrate containing dentifrice for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized single-blind study

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of dentifrices containing fluoro calcium phosphosilicate, calcium sodium phosphosilicate, and strontium chloride hexahydrate for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) when applied twice daily. Materials and Methods: Participants with a history of DH and with visual analog scale (VAS) score of ≥5 to a painful test stimuli response (dental explorer) in at least one tooth at the qualifying baseline visit were enrolled in this four-week randomized study. Participants (n = 93) were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: Group 1––fluoro calcium phosphosilicate (BioMin™), Group 2––calcium sodium phosphosilicate (NovaMin®), and Group 3––strontium chloride hexahydrate. Clinical effectiveness (VAS), perceived sensation score (verbal rating scale [VRS]), participants’ subjective assessment (four-item questionnaire) and oral health-related quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 [OHIP-14]) questionnaire) were assessed. Results: A significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in symptoms over a period of four weeks (from baseline) was noted in all groups; however, the intergroup difference was not statistically significant. At week 2, the percentage reductions in VAS (Group 1: 58.19%; Group 2: 49.18%; Group 3: 52.69%) and VRS (Group 1: 58.19%; Group 2: 47.16%; Group 3: 49.05%) scores were higher in Group 1 as compared with other groups. Subjective assessment results and oral health-related quality of life were comparable in all the three groups at the end of four weeks. Conclusion: Fluoro calcium phosphosilicate bioactive glass containing desensitizing dentifrice treatment may provide better treatment response for the treatment of DH because of its early onset of action in relieving hypersensitivity symptoms as compared with other dentifrices (CTRI/2018/04/013481).
Knowledge and awareness of periodontal diseases among Jordanian University students: A cross-sectional study

Background: Oral health plays an important role to maintain the general health. Therefore, controlling periodontal diseases may have a profound health effect. The importance of oral health is still a neglected and ignored social issue because most of the people are unaware of the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of periodontal diseases among Jordan University of science and technology students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing self-administered structured questionnaires to 906 university students between the ages of 18–30 years after obtaining their verbal consents. Results: A total of 906 students completed the questionnaire. Majority of students reported that they brush their teeth regularly while only 5.1% of students admitted that they never clean their teeth. Roughly one-quarter of students could define dental plaque correctly. A high “percentage” of females and medical students were more aware concerning gum inflammation signs and symptoms than males and students from faculties of engineering and science. Students of medical specialties and females were more aware of the relationship between smoking, diabetes mellitus, and heart diseases on the one hand and periodontal diseases on the other hand compared to opposite comparative groups. A low proportion of students were aware that proper scaling was not harmful to the teeth. Conclusions: In general, our study demonstrated that university students had poor knowledge regarding the etiology of periodontal diseases as well as the role of conventional treatment in maintaining good oral health by preventing the inflammatory process.
Mechanism Underlying Selective Albuminuria in Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome

As water and solutes are filtered through the slit membrane, it is an a priori concept that a slit membrane is an essential filtration barrier for proteins, including albumin. However, in cases of minimal change nephrotic syndrome, the number of slit membranes is reduced by the foot process effacement and tight junction-like cell adhesion. Furthermore, albumin endocytosis is enhanced in the podocytes under condition of minimal change disease, and albumin is selectively transported by the albumin receptor FcRn. Suppressing the endocytosis of albumin with anti-FcRn antibody decreases the urinary protein level. The expression of motor molecules, such as cytoplasmic dynein 1 and myosin IX, is increased in the podocytes under conditions of minimal change nephrotic syndrome, suggesting the enhanced transport of vesicles containing albumin. Podocyte vesicle transport may play an important role in the pathology of selective albuminuria in cases of nephrotic syndrome.
Exploring the Biomarkers of Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy (SAE): Metabolomics Evidence from Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Background Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a transient and reversible brain dysfunction, that occurs when the source of sepsis is located outside of the central nervous system; SAE affects nearly 30% of septic patients at admission and is a risk factor for mortality. In our study, we sought to determine whether metabolite changes in plasma could be a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis and/or the prediction of the prognosis of sepsis. Method A total of 31 SAE patients and 28 healthy controls matched by age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) participated in our study. SAE patients were divided into four groups according to the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). Plasma samples were collected and used to detect metabolism changes by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Analysis of variance was used to determine which metabolites significantly differed between the control and SAE groups. Results We identified a total of 63 metabolites that showed significant differences among the SAE and control groups. In particular, the 4 common metabolites in the four groups were 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid; carbostyril, 3-ethyl-4,7-dimethoxy (35.8%); malic acid peak 1; and oxalic acid. The concentration of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in sepsis patients decreased with a decrease of the GCS. Conclusions According to recent research on SAE, metabolic disturbances in tissue and cells may be the main pathophysiology of this condition. In our study, we found a correlation between the concentration of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and the severity of consciousness disorders. We suggest that 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid may be a potential biomarker for SAE and useful in predicting patient prognosis.
Stepwise Adipogenesis of Decellularized Cellular Extracellular Matrix Regulates Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Migration and Differentiation

Microenvironmental factors can modulate the cellular status of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs). In response to microenvironmental changes, cells can remodel extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which play an important role in regulating cell behaviors. During adipogenic differentiation, ECM components secreted from ASCs remodel dramatically. To evaluate the role of stepwise adipogenesis-induced cellular secretion of ECM on the behavior of ASCs, we cultured ASCs in growth and adipogenic media, and ECM secreted from cells was characterized and decellularized. The ASCs were then reseeded on decellularized ECM (d-ECM) to determine the regulatory effects of ECM on cellular behaviors. During adipogenesis, cell-secreted ECM underwent remodeling characterized by conversion from fibronectin-rich ECM to laminin-rich ECM. The cellular status of ASCs was tested after reseeding on decellularized ECM. When reseeded on growth d-ECM, ASCs exhibited greater migration ability. In contrast, ASCs seeded on adipogenic d-ECM underwent adipogenic differentiation. In addition, integrin subunit αv and integrins α6 and α7 were detected at significantly greater levels in ASCs cultured on growth and adipogenic d-ECM, respectively, suggesting that integrins play an important role in ASC migration and adipogenesis. This study demonstrated that stepwise adipogenesis-induced ECM production plays an important role in ASC migration and differentiation. In addition, this study provided a strategy to achieve precise regulation of stem cell function in adipose tissue engineering.
Radiation-Induced Normal Tissue Damage: Oxidative Stress and Epigenetic Mechanisms

Radiotherapy (RT) is currently one of the leading treatments for various cancers; however, it may cause damage to healthy tissue, with both short-term and long-term side effects. Severe radiation-induced normal tissue damage (RINTD) frequently has a significant influence on the progress of RT and the survival and prognosis of patients. The redox system has been shown to play an important role in the early and late effects of RINTD. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are the main sources of RINTD. The free radicals produced by irradiation can upregulate several enzymes including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase), lipoxygenases (LOXs), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and cyclooxygenases (COXs). These enzymes are expressed in distinct ways in various cells, tissues, and organs and participate in the RINTD process through different regulatory mechanisms. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated that epigenetic modulators play an important role in the RINTD process. Epigenetic modifications primarily contain noncoding RNA regulation, histone modifications, and DNA methylation. In this article, we will review the role of oxidative stress and epigenetic mechanisms in radiation damage, and explore possible prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for RINTD.
Prognostic Value of the Systemic Inflammation Response Index in Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Oesophagogastric Junction: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Systemic inflammation is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumours. Based on preoperative neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts, a new systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) was established, and the predictive ability of the SIRI for the survival of patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction (AEG) was evaluated by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. A total of 302 AEG patients undergoing radical surgery were studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the predictive capabilities of the SIRI. PSM was implemented to balance the baseline characteristics. The results showed that the SIRI, PLR, NLR, and MLR were associated with overall survival (OS) in AEG patients based on the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the SIRI was an independent prognostic factor. The AUC for the SIRI was significantly greater than that for the NLR, PLR, and MLR in predicting the 3- and 5-year OS of AEG patients. In PSM analysis, the SIRI remained an independent prognostic indicator of OS in AEG patients. The SIRI is a novel, simple, and inexpensive prognostic predictor for AEG. The prognostic value of the SIRI is superior to that of the PLR, NLR, and MLR. The SIRI can be used to distinguish the prognosis of AEG patients with different TNM stages and can be an important supplement to TNM staging.
Naringin Reverses High-Cholesterol Diet-Induced Vascular Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Rats via Regulating LOX-1 and NADPH Oxidase Subunit Expression

Hypercholesterolaemia is associated with oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction and leads to the development of atherosclerosis. Naringin exhibits cardiovascular protective and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of naringin administration on vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolaemic rats and to elucidate its underlying mechanism. Sprague Dawley rats were fed a diet with 1.5% cholesterol (HCD) for 8 weeks to induce hypercholesterolaemia. Naringin (100 mg/kg body weight) was orally administrated to rats during the last 4 weeks of the diet treatment. After 8 weeks, the thoracic aorta was isolated to determine vascular function and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The aortic superoxide anion (O2−) level was detected using dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining. Protein expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as oxidative damage markers, was also evaluated in aortae. Naringin treatment of hypercholesterolaemic rats enhanced aortic NO levels, restored endothelium-dependent responses to acetylcholine (ACh), and reduced aortic O2− levels. Furthermore, naringin treatment decreased LOX-1, NADPH oxidase subunits (p47phox, Nox2, and Nox4), and iNOS as well as oxidative damage markers (3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)) expression in aortic tissues from hypercholesterolaemic rats. These results demonstrate that naringin treatment improves endothelium dysfunction in hypercholesterolaemic rats, at least partially by decreasing oxidative stress via downregulation of LOX-1 and NADPH oxidase.
The Link between Type III Reg and STAT3-Associated Cytokines in Inflamed Colonic Tissues

Reg (regenerating gene) family proteins are known to be overexpressed in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues under conditions of inflammation. However, the pathophysiological significance of Reg family protein overexpression and its regulation is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the profile of Reg family gene expression in a colitis model and focused on the regulation of Reg IIIβ and IIIγ, which are overexpressed in inflamed colonic mucosa. C57BL/6 mice were administered 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for five days, and their colonic tissues were investigated histopathologically at interval for up to 12 weeks. Gene expression of the Reg family and cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22) was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR, and Reg IIIβ/γ expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. The effects of cytokines on STAT3 phosphorylation and HIP/PAP (type III REG) expression in Caco2 and HCT116 cells were examined by Western blot analysis. Among Reg family genes, Reg IIIβ and IIIγ were alternatively overexpressed in the colonic tissues of mice with DSS-induced colitis. The expression of STAT3-associated cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22) was also significantly increased in those tissues, being significantly correlated with that of Reg IIIβ/γ. STAT3 phosphorylation and HIP/PAP expression were significantly enhanced in Caco2 cells upon stimulation with IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22. In HCT116 cells, those enhancements were also observed by IL-6 and IL-22 stimulations but not IL-17. The link between type III Reg and STAT3-associated cytokines appears to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of DSS-induced colitis.
Implant-Supported Rehabilitation Using GBR Combined with Bone Graft on a Reconstructed Maxilla with the Fibula Free Flap

Alveolar ridge augmentation procedures allow restoring jaw defects due to teeth extractions, periodontal diseases, trauma, or outcomes from a previous surgery. This case report describes a patient suffering from Fibrous Dysplasia of the right upper maxilla surgically reconstructed by fibula free flap. In 2003, four dental implants were placed in the 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.6 areas. Twelve years later, the onset of peri-implantitis led to the failure of osseointegration with consequent thinning of the fibula flap. To avoid the risk of fracture and to restore the bone volumes necessary for a new implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, we used heterologous biomaterials in combination with a non-reabsorbable membrane, according to the Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) technique. GBR was performed using the Equimatrix® natural bone mineral matrix, Cytoplast™ Ti-150, a non-reabsorbable titanium-reinforced membrane, and four fastening screws to pin the membrane. After six months, the membrane was removed and two Zimmer® implants 3.7 × 13 mm were placed in the 1.1 and 1.2 areas. A fixed implant-supported prosthesis with a custom-milled titanium bar screwed to the implants was made. Computed tomography (CT) six months after GBR showed a good bone regeneration of 1.5 cm mesiodistal (MD), 1.8 cm buccopalatal (BP), and 2.8 cm in height. The main difficulty of this clinical case concerns the low predictability of success of GBR on a maxillary reconstructed area with a free fibula flap: there is no previous evidence in the literature. Clinical and radiographic exams nowadays show that there is no macroscopic bone reabsorption; however, further research is needed to obtain more information.
Immunological Aspects of Graves' Ophthalmopathy

The body's autoimmune process is involved in the development of Graves' disease (GD), which is manifested by an overactive thyroid gland. In some patients, autoreactive inflammatory reactions contribute to the development of symptoms such as thyroid ophthalmopathy, and the subsequent signs and symptoms are derived from the expansion of orbital adipose tissue and edema of extraocular muscles within the orbit. The autoimmune process, production of antibodies against self-antigens such as TSH receptor (TSHR) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), inflammatory infiltration, and accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) lead to edematous-infiltrative changes in periocular tissues. As a consequence, edema exophthalmos develops. Orbital fibroblasts seem to play a crucial role in orbital inflammation, tissue expansion, remodeling, and fibrosis because of their proliferative activity as well as their capacity to differentiate into adipocytes and myofibroblasts and production of GAG. In this paper, based on the available medical literature, the immunological mechanism of GO pathogenesis has been summarized. Particular attention was paid to the role of orbital fibroblasts and putative autoantigens. A deeper understanding of the pathomechanism of the disease and the involvement of immunological processes may give rise to the introduction of new, effective, and safe methods of treatment or monitoring of the disease activity.
Shoulder Subluxation in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Effective Physiotherapy Treatment with Kinesio Taping - A Case Report.

Cervical myelopathy is a disorder most commonly seen in the elderly population due to spondylosis with resultant cord compression. There is a growing trend towards successful conservative (nonsurgical) treatment for shoulder subluxation. There is a limited amount of literature describing kinesio taping as an effective treatment option. A participant with shoulder subluxation was included in this single case design which was conducted in a neurological physiotherapy outpatient department. The aim of this study was thus to document that kinesio taping can be effective in the treatment of shoulder subluxation in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. This case study describes the initial assessment, treatment progression leading to positive outcomes of a patient with CSM. A combination of kinesio taping and conventional therapy was used effectively to treat the patient. There was also a large emphasis on patient education and rehabilitation. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) & Sulcus sign were taken pre and post intervention and analysed. The patient had marked reduction in pain complaints and had good recovery in outcomes and there was significant change in scores of NPRS and Sulcus sign following 5 weeks of intervention. This case study concluded that kinesio taping and conventional therapy was effective in the shoulder management of this patient’s subluxed shoulder.
Proteome Profiling of Membrane-Free Stem Cell Components by Nano-LS/MS Analysis and Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The use of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration is progressively being accepted. Proteomic profiling of cultured ADSCs by mass spectrometry (MS) is a valuable tool to determine the identity of the proteins involved in multiple pathways, which make these ADSCs unique. In the current study, Nano-LC-MS/MS analysis was implemented on the membrane-free stem cell component (MFSCC), and the MS analysis revealed the presence of 252 proteins, that are involved in several biological functions, like metabolic process, biological regulation, developmental process, cell proliferation, and many more. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses of the identified proteins in MFSCC found them to be involved in versatile pathways, like integrin pathway and wound healing response-related pathways. In addition, we also investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of MFSCC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated mouse macrophage (RAW264.7) cells. The cell cytotoxicity of MFSCC was measured using MTT and LDH assays, the production of nitric oxide (NO) was measured by the Griess assay, and the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) were examined by western blot analysis. The results showed that MFSCC concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 3 μg/mL did not show any significant cytotoxicity in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Treatment with MFSCC of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells significantly suppressed the production of NO and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins related to inflammation. The present findings lead to a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of MFSCC and strongly promote it for the future clinical development of novel non-cell-based stem cell therapeutics.