Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are Anticholinergic Symptoms a Risk Factor for Falls in Older General Practice Patients With Polypharmacy? Study Protocol for the Development and Validation of a Prognostic Model

Background: Cumulative anticholinergic exposure, also known as anticholinergic burden, is associated with a variety of adverse outcomes. However, studies show that anticholinergic effects tend to be underestimated by prescribers, and anticholinergics are the most frequently prescribed potentially inappropriate medication in older patients. The grading systems and drugs included in existing scales to quantify anticholinergic burden differ considerably and do not adequately account for patients’ susceptibility to medications. Furthermore, their ability to link anticholinergic burden with adverse outcomes such as falls is unclear. This study aims to develop a prognostic model that predicts falls in older general practice patients, to assess the performance of several anticholinergic burden scales, and to quantify the added predictive value of anticholinergic symptoms in this context. Methods: Data from two cluster-randomized controlled trials investigating medication optimization in older general practice patients in Germany will be used. One trial (RIME, n = 1,197) will be used for the model development and the other trial (PRIMUM, n = 502) will be used to externally validate the model. A priori, candidate predictors will be selected based on a literature search, predictor availability, and clinical reasoning. Candidate predictors will include socio-demographics (e.g. age, sex), morbidity (e.g. single conditions), medication (e.g. polypharmacy, anticholinergic burden as defined by scales), and well-being (e.g. quality of life, physical function). A prognostic model including sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors, as well as variables on morbidity, medication, health status, and well-being, will be developed, whereby the prognostic value of extending the model to include additional patient-reported symptoms will be also assessed. Logistic regression will be used for the binary outcome, which will be defined as “no falls” vs. “≥1 fall” within six months of baseline, as reported in patient interviews. Discussion: As the ability of different anticholinergic burden scales to predict falls in older patients is unclear, this study may provide insights into their relative importance as well as into the overall contribution of anticholinergic symptoms and other patient characteristics. The results may support general practitioners in their clinical decision-making and in prescribing fewer medications with anticholinergic properties.
From Salt to Stroke—Evaluation of a Media Campaign for Sodium Reduction in Philadelphia

Excess dietary sodium contributes to the burden of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Media-based health education campaigns are one strategy to raise awareness among populations at greater risk for stroke, including African Americans. During 2014–2015, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health conducted a health education campaign using radio, print news, and transit ads, to promote awareness of the link between dietary sodium, hypertension and stroke, and encourage reduced consumption of high sodium foods. Using a repeated cross-sectional design, street intercept surveys were conducted with ~400 Philadelphia residents representing the campaign's priority audience (African Americans ages 35–55) before and 6–13 weeks after the campaign, to evaluate both process (campaign exposure) and impact (recall of key health messages). Thirty percent of post-campaign respondents reported familiarity with one of the most engaging radio spots, and 17% provided accurate unaided recall of its key content, with greater recall among older respondents and frequent radio listeners. Forty-one percent of post-campaign respondents named stroke as a consequence of excess salt consumption, compared to only 17% of pre-campaign respondents, with greater awareness of the salt-stroke connection among those accurately recalling the radio spot from the campaign. Results suggest that priority populations for sodium reduction can be effectively reached through radio and transit campaigns. From a pragmatic perspective, street intercept surveys may offer one low resource strategy for evaluating public health education campaigns conducted by local health departments, especially among urban populations.
Structure and Stability of Proteins Interacting with Nanoparticles

The behavior and toxicological properties of nanoparticles (NP) in biological medium depends heavily on their interactions with proteins. In return, the structure, stability and biological properties of the proteins that interact with the nanoparticles are strongly affected by this interaction. Unfortunately, the mechanisms of interaction and their structural consequences are very difficult to analyse. Here we show how biophysical techniques used in structural biology can be adapted to study the changes in structure and stability of proteins upon interaction with nanoparticles. By using synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy it is possible to detect changes in the secondary structure and stability of proteins upon interaction with nanoparticles [1]. In some cases it is also possible to identify the proteinnanoparticle interaction domain by using high resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy [2].
The Therapeutic Potential of Regulatory T Cells: Challenges and Opportunities

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an immunosuppressive subgroup of CD4+ T cells which are identified by the expression of forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3). The modulation capacity of these immune cells holds an important role in both transplantation and the development of autoimmune diseases. These cells are the main mediators of self-tolerance and are essential for avoiding excessive immune reactions. Tregs play a key role in the induction of peripheral tolerance that can prevent autoimmunity, by protecting self-reactive lymphocytes from the immune reaction. In contrast to autoimmune responses, tumor cells exploit Tregs in order to prevent immune cell recognition and anti-tumor immune response during the carcinogenesis process. Recently, numerous studies have focused on unraveling the biological functions and principles of Tregs and their primary suppressive mechanisms. Due to the promising and outstanding results, Tregs have been widely investigated as an alternative tool in preventing graft rejection and treating autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, targeting Tregs for the purpose of improving cancer immunotherapy is being intensively evaluated as a desirable and effective method. The purpose of this review is to point out the characteristic function and therapeutic potential of Tregs in regulatory immune mechanisms in transplantation tolerance, autoimmune diseases, cancer therapy, and also to discuss that how the manipulation of these mechanisms may increase the therapeutic options.
Proteomic Analysis of Auricularia auricula-judae Under Freezing Treatment Revealed Proteins and Pathways Associated With Melanin Reduction

Auricularia auricula-judae is an edible nutrient-rich mushroom, which is a traditional medicinal resource in China. It is known that environment stimuli will affect the production of melanin by A. auricula-judae, but the mechanism of the effects of freezing treatment on melanin accumulation remains unknown. In the present study, the synthesis of melanin in A. auricula-judae was analyzed by physiological assays and a proteomics approach. Our findings showed that a longer freezing treatment causes a lighter color of A. auricula-judae fruiting bodies. The proteomic analysis showed that proteins involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tyrosine metabolism, ribosome, and arginine biosynthesis might contribute to the color differences in the A. auricula-judae after freezing treatment. This work will be expected to provide valuable information on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of freezing treatment on the color quality of A. auricula-judae.
Circ0083429 Regulates Osteoarthritis Progression via the Mir-346/SMAD3 Axis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. Currently, apart from symptomatic treatment or joint replacement, no other effective treatments for OA exist. The mechanisms underlying OA remain elusive and require further research. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are known to be involved in many diseases; however, their function in OA is not yet fully understood. Here, we identified a novel circRNA, Circ0083429. The role of Circ0083429 in OA was confirmed via western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence (IF) through knockdown and overexpression experiments. The binding of Circ0083429 to downstream miR-346 and its target gene SMAD3 was predicted via bioinformatics analysis and verified using a luciferase reporter assay and RNA pulldown experiments. Finally, the function of Circ0083429 was evaluated in mouse OA models. In our study, we found that Circ0083429 regulates the homeostasis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in human chondrocytes. Mechanistically, Circ0083429 affects OA by regulating the mRNA level of SMAD3 through the sponging of microRNA (miRNA)-346. Injecting adeno-associated virus Circ0083429 into the intra-junction of the mouse knee alleviated OA. In conclusion, Circ0083429 regulates the ECM via the regulation of the downstream miRNA-346/SMAD3 in human chondrocytes, which provides a new therapeutic strategy for OA.
Correlations between the electronic spectra of alternant hydrocarbon molecules and their mono- and di-valent ions

A comparison is made between the π-electron transitions in the benzene molecule and its mono- and di-valent ions following the a.s. m.o. -treatment of Pariser and Parr. Starting from this theoretical treatment the experimental spectra of the molecules and negative ions of coronene and triphenylene have been interpreted. The locations of the absorption bands are in good agreement with the theoretical expectations; the intensity rules, however, are strongly violated. This divergence between theory and experiment is probably due to a Jahn-Teller distortion.
Evaluation of the Immunochromatographic NG-Test Carba 5, RESIST-5 O.O.K.N.V., and IMP K-SeT for Rapid Detection of KPC-, NDM-, IMP-, VIM-type, and OXA-48-like Carbapenemase Among Enterobacterales

Background Enterobacterales are the most common pathogens for nosocomial infections. The emergence and spread of KPC, NDM, and OXA-48-like carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales with their extensively drug-resistant characteristics have posed great threats to public health. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of NG-test Carba 5, RESIST-5 O.O. K.N. V. , and IMP K-SeT for rapid detection of five carbapenemases (KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA-48-like) among Enterobacterales. Methods A total of 186 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales clinical isolates and 29 reference strains were used in this study. Carbapenemase genes were confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. The sensitivities and specificities of these assays were calculated utilizing the VassarStats software. Results For clinical isolates, the NG-test Carba 5 detected KPC, NDM, OXA-48-like, IMP, and VIM in less than 15 min with the sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100%, respectively. The RESIST-5 O.O. K.N. V. detected KPC, NDM, OXA-48-like, and VIM with the sensitivity and specificity of 99.4 and 100%. The IMP K-SeT detected all of the IMP producers (6/6). For reference strains, the sensitivity and specificity of NG-test Carba 5, RESIST-5 O.O. K.N. V. , and IMP K-SeT were all 100 and 100%, respectively. Conclusion As efficient, rapid, and convenient diagnostic methods, NG-test Carba 5, RESIST-5 O.O. K.N. V. , and IMP K-SeT could help to simplify the complex routine workflow for detecting carbapenemases. Rapid and accurate identification of carbapenemase is of significance for both epidemiological and infection control purposes.
Fast oxygen ion conductors—from dopedto ordered systems

This contribution briefly introduces the traditional acceptor doping of oxides, charge compensated by oxygen vacancies to bring about the oxygen ion conduction utilised in solid oxide electrolytes. It is next shown how a simple defect–chemical approach to defect–defect interactions is a useful first-approximation tool in the interpretation of data and design of improved materials, e.g. by optimising dopants. Moreover, it is shown how the trapping of vacancies at acceptor defects can be avoided altogether if the cation sublattice can be made to order completely. This is realised in a few known systems and we illustrate the principle using the oxygen deficient complex perovskite Sr4(Sr2Nb2)O11 as an example, in which the Sr and Nb on the B-site sublattice can be perfectly ordered into a NaCl-structure-type arrangement, leaving all oxygen ion sites equivalent, without trapping sites. The design of new materials should thus aim at cation order, and the possibility of achieving this is discussed also for pyrochlore type oxides. A Kroger–Vink type notation for an inherently deficient sublattice without defects in the other sublattices is proposed.
Approximate Analytical Solution of One-Dimensional Beam Equations by Using Time-Fractional Reduced Differential Transform Method

In this paper, a recent and reliable method, named the fractional reduced differential transform method (FRDTM) is employed to solve one-dimensional time-fractional Beam equation subject to the appropriate initial conditions. This method provides the solutions very accurately and efficiently in convergent series form with easily computable coefficients. The efficacy and accuracy of this method are verified by means of three illustrative examples which indicate that the present method is very effective, simple, and easy to implement. Finally, it is observed that the FRDTM is the prevailing and convergent method for the solutions of linear and nonlinear fractional-order partial differential equations.
Event-Based Control Enters the Real-Time World: Perspectives and Pitfalls

In the last years, event-based control techniques have been gaining a steadily increasing importance owing to the advantages they bring, such as reduced network traﬃc, low actuator wear, reduced energy consumption of the involved devices. Applying the event-based paradigm in the context of real-time control opens up new opportunities, but introduces new challenges as well. In this paper we provide an overview of both opportunities and challenges, outlining the major problems to be tackled and as a consequence future research directions
Novel Modified Graphite as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

A novel surface modification approach for graphite anode of lithium-ion batteries was developed in this study. Ionic conductive copolymer poly{[oligo(oxyethylene)methylacrylate]-co-(methylacruylic acid lithium)} [poly(MEO 8 -MALi)] was in situ encapsulated on the surface of natural graphite particles by means of radiation-initiated polymerization. After the encapsulation, the cointercalation of solvated Li + in propylene carbonate-based electrolyte during the first cycle was depressed successfully and cyclability was improved. The stability of the solid electrolyte interface film formed on the encapsulated graphite electrode was enhanced during the cycling, which was demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope.
Cemento-osseous dysplasia: Clinicopathological spectrum of 10 cases analyzed in a tertiary dental institute

Background: Cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) is a distinct entity, which is confined to the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws or edentulous alveolar processes. Aims: This study analyzes the demographic, clinical, radiographic and histopathological features of COD. Materials and Methods: Archival data from 2013 to 2017 present in the Department of Oral Pathology were retrieved. Clinicopathological and radiological features of all the cases which had been previously diagnosed as COD were analyzed in detail. Results: In the present study, 10 cases of COD were analyzed (1 periapical, 6 florid and 3 focal). Equal sex predilection was observed. The mean age in females and males was 42.6 years (22–64 years) and 28.6 years (17–36 years), respectively. Bony expansion was seen frequently, but pain was not a common feature. Mandible was affected almost twice as frequently as maxilla and posterior region was affected more than anterior region. Most cases showed mixed radiopaque and radiolucent lesion (5/10) and peripheral radiolucent rim (9/10) on radiographic examination. Histopathological features included the presence of curvilinear trabeculae (4/10), sheets of compact bone (3/10) or both (3/10). Foci of mineralization in form of ossicles or cementicles were noted in 5 out of 10 cases. Conclusion: COD is a nonneoplastic process usually confined to the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws or edentulous alveolar processes. Depending on the location and extent, it can be either focal/periapical/florid variant. Histopathological features of COD can overlap with other fibro-osseous lesions. Hence, the correlation of clinical, radiological and histopathological features is of paramount importance in the accurate diagnosis of COD.
Prevalence of odontogenic cysts and its associated factors in South Indian population

Background: Odontogenic cysts (OCs) constitute a major part of oral pathological lesions, but little is known about their distribution patterns in various populations. Aims: The aim was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the cases of histopathologically diagnosed OCs that report to our institution and to analyze the factors associated with the presence of OCs and to study the biologic behavior of different types of cysts. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 596 oral and maxillofacial specimens during 2013–2017. Out of these, the cases which were histopathologically proven as OCs were separated and data were collected and analyzed regarding the age, gender, primary symptom, site, radiographic feature, histopathologic diagnosis, treatment given, recurrences and associated conditions if any. Results: Of the 596 cases included in the study, 67 (11.2%) had a histopathological diagnosis of OCs. 41 cases were inflammatory cysts and 26 developmental cysts. 28 cases (41.8%) were reported as periapical cysts, 10 cases (14.9%) were odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), 9 cases (13.4%) were dentigerous cysts, 8 cases (11.9%) were inflamed cyst wall, 5 cases (7.5%) each of residual cyst and developmental OCs and one case (1.5%) each of orthokeratinized OC and calcifying OC. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of OCs was similar to other reported studies. Periapical cysts were the most common cysts reported, followed by OKCs showing that the latter were more frequent than dentigerous cysts.
Common Opioids Involved in Drug Poisoning Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: Opioids poisoning is of the most important cause of mortality. The objective of the study was to compare the demographic factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of the most common opioids involved in drug overdose presenting to the Emergency Department. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2016 to March 2017 in the Clinical Toxicology Department of the main referral center of the university. All poisoning cases with common opioids were included in the study. Demographic factors, clinical manifestations, and outcome were recorded in a check list. ANOVA, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and binary logistic regression analysis were used for outcome prediction. Findings: Two hundred and thirty six patients with opioids poisoning were evaluated during the study period. The most common opioids involved in poisoning were methadone (47.9%), tramadol (24.2%), and opium (21.6%). Patients with opium poisoning were older than others (P < 0.0001). The rate of suicide was more in the tramadol group, while the past history of psychological problems was more observed in the methadone group (P < 0.0001). Increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.09; P = 0.05) and addiction (P = 0.01; OR, 7; 95% CI: 1.55–31.52) was associated with an increased complications or death. Also patients with somatic disease had more chance of complications/death (P = 0.04; OR, 3.71; 95% CI: 1.06–12.97). Kind of opioids was not a predictive factor in the outcome of the patients with acute poisoning. Conclusion: Age, addiction, and somatic disease should be considered as more important factors in outcome prediction with opioids poisoning, including opium, tramadol, and methadone.
Evaluation of Hematological profile in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Cross-sectional Study

Aims: The purpose of this study was to estimate hemoglobin (Hb) level, red cell indices (RCIs), serum iron level and Vitamin B12 level in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and to analyze the association of these parameters in different stages of OSMF. Setting and Design: This case–control study comprised of 65 individuals, with 40 OSMF patients and 25 controls. The OSMF patients were graded clinically according to the classification by Arakeri et al. Fasting blood samples were collected from both groups for hematological evaluation. Statistical Analysis Used: The mean values and standard deviations were calculated by Chi-square test. Normality of various parameters was evaluated by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The independent t-test was used to compare more than two means simultaneously. Correlation analysis was done by Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient method. Results: The OSMF patients were in the age range of 21–67 years, with a mean age of 39.85 ± 10.42 years. The mean value of Hb of the control group was 14.24 ± 1.03 g/dL, whereas that of OSMF group was 11.18 ± 2.06 g/dL (P < 0.001). The mean value of the serum iron level of the control group was 119.67 ± 42.42 μg/dL, whereas that of the OSMF group was 45.04 ± 10.41 μg/dL (P < 0.001). The mean value of serum Vitamin B12 levels of the control group was 422.98 ± 112.57 μg/dL, whereas that of the OSMF group was 211.78 ± 45.17 μg/dL (P < 0.001). The RCIs including packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) and MCH concentration were significantly reduced in OSMF cases. Iron deficiency was present in 38 patients among the study group and Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 22 patients of the study group. Conclusion: OSMF causes depletion of minerals and trace elements, and its replenishment is required for the healing of tissues and performing daily routine activities.