Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparative evaluation of antioxidant enzymes and selenium in the serum of periodontitis patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

Context: Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease with an aberrant response characterized by exaggerated inflammation, involving the release of excess proteolytic enzymes and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Diabetes mellitus is a group of complex multisystem metabolic disorders characterized by a relative or absolute insufficiency of insulin secretion and or concomitant resistance to the metabolic action of insulin on target tissues. Increased production of ROS necessitates elevated requirements for the nutrients involved in antioxidant defenses: Selenium, zinc, and copper. Inflammatory states promote a decrease in the amount of systemic glutathione levels. Catalase is a central antioxidant enzyme constituting the primary defense against oxidative stress. Aims: This study has been designed to evaluate the comparison of glutathione, catalase, and selenium levels in the serum of diabetes mellitus type 2 patients and healthy individuals with and without periodontal disease. Settings and Design: This study is a case control study. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a case - control study comprising of 150 subjects, inclusive of both sexes and were divided into three groups of 50 patients each. Group I: 50 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis. Group II: 50 subjects who are systemically healthy with the chronic periodontitis. Group III: 50 subjects who are systemically healthy and not suffering from Periodontitis: Serum samples were taken for estimation of glutathione, catalase, and selenium from all groups, and Subjected to biochemical analysis after which atomic absorption spectrophotometry method was used to obtain their levels in serum. Statistical Analysis Used: ANOVA and Tukey HSD. Results: The serum levels of glutathione in diabetic patients with periodontitis were significantly lower with a mean of 61.36 + 8.054 when compared to healthy individuals with and without periodontitis with a mean of 56.93 + 6.874 and 90.36 + 6.564 respectively (P ≤ 0.005). The serum levels of catalase were significantly lower in diabetic patients with periodontitis with a mean of 19.30 + 7.355 when compared to healthy individuals with and without periodontitis with a mean of 20.71 + 6.472 and 36.09 + 5.108 respectively (P ≤ 0.005). The serum levels of selenium were significantly lower in diabetic patients with periodontitis with a mean of 81.41 + 55.419 when compared to healthy individuals with and without periodontitis with a mean of 161.44 + 84.787 and 193.84 + 66.713 respectively (P ≤ 0.005). Conclusions: The findings from the study suggest that the levels of glutathione, catalase, and selenium are significantly lower in diabetic patients with periodontitis and also in healthy individuals with periodontitis, but are highest in healthy controls, showing that the serum levels are inversely proportional to inflammation and tissue destruction.
Growth and sexual maturation of low birth weight infants at early adolescence.

OBJECTIVE To assess the growth and sexual maturity of non-handicapped children with birth weight less than 2000 g at 12 years. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Infants discharged from a Neonatal Special Care Unit of a referral hospital with birth weight less than 2000 g between 1987-1989 and followed up till the age of 12 years. METHODS The height, weight and head circumference was measured. Sexual maturity was determined by Tanners score and age of menarche in girls was reported by parents. Parental height and weight was recorded. Intelligence quotient was determined by Weschslers Intelligence Scale. RESULTS The cohort of 180 low birth weight (LBW) infants (birth weight less than 2000 g) was divided into 3 groups according to their gestation - preterm SGA (n=73), full term SGA (n=33) and preterm AGA (n=74). Ninety full term AGA infants served as controls. Preterm SGA children had significantly less height (mean deficit 5.8 cm), weight and head circumference (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in sexual maturity and onset of menarche between the study group and controls. There was a correlation between head circumference and IQ and preterm SGA children had the lowest mean IQ (85.4 +/- 17.7). Mothers height contributed 14% variance to a total variance of 25.3% for Z score of height at 12 years. Mothers weight contributed a variance 21.1% to a total variance of 29.4% for Z score of weight. CONCLUSION Preterm SGA children were shorter, lighter and had the smallest head circumference, and also had the lowest IQ. Mothers height and weight was an important determinant of height and weight at 12 years.
Overweight and Obesity, Lipid Profile and Atherogenic Indices among Civil Servants in Abakaliki, South Eastern Nigeria

Background: The association between dyslipidaemia, obesity and hypertension is well established, and all have been found to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aim: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity, plasma lipid profile and atherogenic indices as markers for CVD among civil servants. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and five (205) apparently healthy civil servants (106, 51.7% males) aged 21-60 years, mean and standard deviation (SD) 40.9 (11.3) years, enrolled between February and April 2008 were assessed for their plasma lipid profile and anthropometrics (body weight and height) using standard methods and techniques. Results: Prevalent rates of overweight and obesity were 34.2% (70/205) and 6.8% (14/205), respectively, with more men affected than women. Abnormal lipids observed were: Elevated total cholesterol 37.1% (76/205), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) 37.1% (76/205), triglyceride 6.8% (14/205), reduced high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) 8.8% (18/205) and elevated Atherogenic Index 10.7% (22/205) and Coronary Risk Index 9.8% (20/205), with the older age groups and higher Body Mass Index (BMI) groups being the most affected. Male subjects were found to have more favorable plasma lipid profile (lower LDL-C and higher HDL-C) than the females. Plasma lipids were positively correlated with BMI and artherogenic indices, except for HDL-C, which was negatively correlated with artherogenic indices and LDL-C but positively correlated with BMI. Conclusion: The findings show that civil servants in Abakaliki, particularly the females, those with higher BMI and advanced in age, exhibited unfavorable plasma lipids and social habits with a low level of physical activity, which may predispose them to CVD. In addition to epidemiological study of the general population, there is a need for education on healthier lifestyles such as good nutrition, weight reduction, smoking and alcohol cessation, greater physical activity and regular medical check-up.
A proteome approach defines protective functions of tobacco leaf trichomes

The leaf surface of most terrestrial plants is covered with plant hairs called trichomes. These epidermal appendages are thought to contribute to many aspects of plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses in a variety of species. Trichome development has been intensively studied in Arabidopsis, and the phytochemical composition of trichomes was analyzed in a number of plant species. However, comparatively little is known of the proteins expressed. We therefore initiated a proteome approach to better define the cellular mechanisms operating in plant trichomes using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis to separate proteins of whole leaves and isolated trichomes. Tobacco was chosen due to the presence of glandular trichomes involved in the secretion of defense compounds. Comparative image analysis of the protein patterns indicated a number of spots, which were highly enriched in trichomes relative to leaves. These spots were excised for identification by mass spectrometry. The results showed that among the proteins specifically enriched in trichomes, the components of stress defense responses were strongly represented. The high expression of stress‐related proteins was verified by Western blotting. Superoxide dismutase isoforms were additionally analyzed by activity staining. Our results demonstrate feasibility of the proteome approach to elucidate the cell biology of plant trichomes.
The parliamentary scrutiny of euro area national central banks

European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) involves several core principles for the organization of participating national central banks (NCBs / CBs), including their independence from political institutions. Early studies show that the level of national parliamentary scrutiny over euro area NCBs varied (Lepper and Sterne 2002). In this context, our article examines the extent to which parliaments make use of four distinct control mechanisms to hold CBs accountable. We explain the very different levels of parliamentary scrutiny over NCBs in Germany, France and Belgium during the 2013-2016 period. We find that the level of scrutiny depends principally on the presence of a longstanding tradition of CB independence — and specifically the manner in which independence has been politicized and interpreted by the political class. We argue that the strength of the parliament can also explain some variation.
Edge-Pursuit Comparator: An Energy-Scalable Oscillator Collapse-Based Comparator With Application in a 74.1 dB SNDR and 20 kS/s 15 b SAR ADC

This paper presents a new energy-efficient ring oscillator collapse-based comparator, named edge-pursuit comparator (EPC). This comparator automatically adjusts the performance by changing the comparison energy according to its input difference without any control, eliminating unnecessary energy spent on coarse comparisons. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the EPC in the phase domain shows improved energy efficiency over conventional comparators even without energy scaling, and wider resolution tuning capability with small load capacitance and area. The EPC is used in a successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) design, which supplements a 10 b differential coarse capacitive digital-to-analog converter (CDAC) with a 5 b common-mode CDAC. This offers an additional 5 b of resolution with common mode to differential gain tuning that improves linearity by reducing the effect of switch parasitic capacitance. A test chip fabricated in 40 nm CMOS shows 74.12 dB signal-to-noise and distortion ratio and 173.4 dB Schreier Figure-of-Merit. With the full ADC consuming 1.17 $\mu \text{W}$ , the comparator consumes 104 nW, which is only 8.9% of the full ADC power, proving the comparator’s energy efficiency.
Improved sensitivity of colour Doppler flow imaging of colorectal hepatic metastases using galactose microparticles: A preliminary report

The clinical application of ultrasonographic contrast agents in colour Doppler flow imaging of hepatic tumours is receiving increasing attention. Levovist is a suspension of galactose microparticles that provides reproducible concentrations of stabilized air bubbles with transpulmonary stability. Its effect on colour Doppler imaging was assessed in 26 patients with colorectal cancer and histologically proven hepatic metastases. Colour Doppler flow imaging was performed before and after intravenous injection of 10ml Levovist 300mg/ml. At 5–10 s after injection there was significant enhancement of the hepatic lesions with colour Doppler signals in 23 patients, lasting for a mean(s.d.) of 180(45) s. A consistent pattern of colour Doppler signal was observed, with increased enhancement predominantly around the tumour periphery and little or no central enhancement. These data suggest that Levovist may increase the sensitivity and specificity of colour Doppler flow imaging of colorectal hepatic metastases.
Microdeletion of 17q22q23.2 encompassing TBX2 and TBX4 in a patient with congenital microcephaly, thyroid duct cyst, sensorineural hearing loss, and pulmonary hypertension

Microdeletions of the long arm of chromosome 17 are being reported with increasing frequency. Deletions of 17q22q23.2 may represent a genetically recognizable phenotype although its spectrum of genomic abnormalities, clinical manifestations, and critical regions are not fully delineated. Isolated reports and small case series suggest that deletions of 17q22q23.2 result in haploinsufficiency of dosage sensitive genes NOG, TBX2, and TBX4, which may be responsible for many aspects of the phenotype. Shared clinical features in this group of patients include microcephaly, prenatal onset growth restriction, heart defects, tracheoesophageal fistula, and esophageal atresia (TEF/EA), skeletal anomalies, and moderate to severe global developmental delay. We describe a female patient who presented with severe congenital microcephaly, thyroglossal duct cyst, sensorineural hearing loss, mild tracheomalacia, abnormal auricles, pulmonary hypertension, developmental delay, and postnatal onset growth delay. She had no TEF/EA or heart defects. Using a high density oligonucleotide microarray, we identified a microdeletion at 17q22q23.2, resulting in the heterozygous loss of several genes, including TBX2 and TBX4 but not NOG. The breakpoints did not lie within known segmental duplications. This case helps to further delineate the critical region for TEF/EA, which is likely confined to the chromosomal region proximal to 17q23.1, and suggests that genes in 17q23.1q23. 2 may be associated with thyroglossal duct cysts. The role of TBX2 and TBX4 in pulmonary hypertension warrants investigation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adopting the edTPA as a High-Stakes Assessment: Resistance, Advocacy, and Reflection in Illinois.

The edTPA, a national performance assessment for teacher candidates, has seen rapid adoption across the country since its development in 2009. Against the national backdrop of high stakes testing and accountability, the edTPA was developed to be an indicator of teachers’ readiness to teach. The varying perspectives and responses to edTPA in Illinois range from resistance and advocacy, to thoughtful reflection and programmatic changes to best prepare teacher candidates for success. In this paper we explore how Illinois institutions have responded to the adoption of edTPA as a high stakes assessment consequential for teacher licensure. Using a “politics of policy” (Cochran-Smith, Piazza, & Power, 2013) framework, this research aims to examine these divergent responses across the state.
Eradication of nasopharyngeal carriage of penicillin-non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae—is it possible?

Abstract Background: The South Swedish Pneumococcal Intervention Project (SSPIP) was started in 1995 with the aim of limiting the spread of penicillin-non-susceptible pneumococci (PNSP) in Skåne County, Sweden. As part of the SSPIP, eradication therapy with rifampicin in combination with 1 more antibiotic was considered on a social indication after prolonged carriage of 2–3 months. Methods: In this retrospective study, 125 medical records were analyzed. Children aged 0–10 y referred for eradication therapy in Malmö and Lund, due to a prolonged nasopharyngeal carriage of PNSP with a penicillin G minimum inhibitory concentration of ≥ 0.5 mg/l, between the y 1997 and 2011 were included. Two consecutive negative cultures, with the second one no shorter than 7 days after treatment completion, were required for the carriage to be considered eradicated. Results: Out of 125 children, 71 received treatment with rifampicin in combination with amoxicillin (n = 44), erythromycin (n = 22), or clindamycin (n = 5) for 7 days. Eradication treatment was successful in 91.5% of the children. Six children (8.5%) had treatment failure with amoxicillin and rifampicin; 3 were found by late follow-up. There was a trend towards a better outcome with erythromycin and clindamycin combinations in comparison to amoxicillin. Conclusions: Eradication therapy was successful, but a proper follow-up is essential.
The Relative Value Unit in Academic Geriatrics: Incentive or Impediment?

Although the number of older adults is rapidly expanding, the number of healthcare professionals trained in geriatrics is small and declining. The reasons are multifaceted, but because responsibility for training such professionals resides largely in academic health centers (AHCs), their support for geriatrics is critical. As AHCs face increasing financial pressure, many are seeking metrics to measure productivity and the Relative Value Unit (RVU) may be the one most commonly selected. Yet little is known about the RVU's effect on geriatric programs. Review of the literature and a survey of the leaders of the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs suggest that the advantages of an RVU‐based metric are likely eclipsed by its negative impact on the care of older adults, the ability of academic geriatrics to accomplish its mission, and even the survival of geriatrics. If the RVU is to continue to be used as the index of productivity, it should be modified—by reweighting its codes (or by adding new ones)—and complemented by interventions to ensure patient access, care quality, and efficiency. Because an alternative metric, such as a Patient‐based Value Unit may be preferable, this article describes the principles on which one might be based. Regardless, urgent action is required by all stakeholders to address this issue. Without it, the future of academic geriatrics—and with it the innovative care models, research, and training the nation needs to improve care and bend the cost curve—will be difficult if not impossible to sustain.
Hydromorphone for acute and chronic pain.

BACKGROUND While morphine is the gold standard for the management of severe cancer pain, some patients either do not achieve adequate analgesia, or suffer intolerable morphine-related toxicity. For these patients alternatives such as hydromorphone are recommended. However, there appear to be gaps in our understanding of the efficacy and potency of hydromorphone. OBJECTIVES This review explores and assesses the evidence for the efficacy of hydromorphone in the management of pain. SEARCH STRATEGY Randomised trials which included hydromorphone were sought using electronic databases and by handsearching relevant journals. Date of the most recent search: February 2000. SELECTION CRITERIA RCTs which involved the administration of hydromorphone, for both acute and chronic pain conditions, in adults and children, were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS A data extraction form was designed for the purpose of the review. The validity of each trial for inclusion was assessed using criteria described in the Cochrane Handbook. A grade was allocated to each study on the basis of allocation concealment. A checklist was used to assess blinding. MAIN RESULTS Forty three studies (2725 subjects) were included in the review. Approximately half of these studies received a low quality score. In addition, the heterogeneity of the studies precluded combination of data and results. A meta-analysis was therefore not possible. Of the 43 included studies, 11 (645 subjects) involved chronic pain conditions (all cancer) and 32 (2080 subjects) acute pain. Three studies were placebo-controlled. Of the remainder, hydromorphone was compared with other opioids (morphine, fentanyl, sufentanyl, meperidine, oxycodone, diamorphine), bupivicaine and with itself, using different formulations. The routes of administration included intravenous, oral, spinal, intramuscular and subcutaneous. Overall, hydromorphone appears to be a potent analgesic. The limited number of studies available suggest that there is little difference between morphine and hydromorphone in terms of analgesic efficacy, adverse effect profile and patient preference. However, as most studies involved small numbers of patients, it is difficult to determine real differences between both drugs. In the context of both acute and chronic pain, the issue of equi-analgesic ratios between morphine and hydromorphone was not resolved. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS The studies included in this review were varied in terms of quality and methodology. However, the majority demonstrated that hydromorphone is a potent analgesic, that the clinical effects of hydromorphone appear to be dose-related, and that the adverse effect profile of hydromorphone is similar to that of other mu opioid receptor agonists.
Clinical application of functional magnetic resonance imaging in presurgical identification of the central sulcus.

OBJECT The authors sought to evaluate the advantages and limitations of functional magnetic resonance (fMR) imaging when it was used regularly in the clinical context to identify the central sulcus. METHODS A 1.5-tesla MR system comprising a spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in the steady-state functional sequence and a cross-hand cancellation analysis method were used to evaluate 50 surgical candidates with centrally located space-occupying lesions in the brain. Three-dimensional (3-D) models of the patient's head and brain showing the relative position of the tumor and the eloquent cortex were obtained in each case. A selective and reproducible focal activation was found, indicating the probable central sulcus position in 41 patients (82%). Direct cortical stimulation confirmed the fMR findings in 100% of 22 intraoperatively assessed patients. Failure to identify the central sulcus occurred in 18% of cases and was mainly a consequence of intrinsic damage in the primary sensorimotor region that resulted in severe hand paresis. CONCLUSIONS Although specific factors were identified that contributed to reduced sensitivity of fMR imaging in the clinical context, the present study supports functional assessment and 3-D representation of specific surgical situations as generally feasible in common practice.
What does premature ejaculation mean to the man, the woman, and the couple?

INTRODUCTION The relational impact of male and female sexual dysfunction, and specifically premature ejaculation (PE), is an important consideration. Published findings are consistent in identifying the negative psychosocial impact of PE on the man. However, the effect of PE on the female partner, especially in relation to her sexual functioning, has been less well studied. AIM Provide an overview of the impact of PE on the man, the woman, and the couple. METHODS Review of relevant literature. RESULTS Female partners of men with PE report significantly greater sexual problems, with reduced satisfaction, increased distress and interpersonal difficulty, and more orgasmic problems than partners of non-PE men. Both men with PE and their partners feel control over ejaculation is the central issue in PE. For both, the lack of control leads to dissatisfaction, a feeling that something is missing from the relationship, and an impaired sense of intimacy. If left untreated, the situation can lead to increased irritability, interpersonal difficulties, and deepening of an emotional divide. CONCLUSIONS When treating a man with PE, the partner's participation should be encouraged to enable the physician to fully understand the extent of the problem, and consider other relevant factors, from her perspective. Identifying the best approach for the couple requires consultation with each person individually and together. In clinical practice, treatments for PE are likely to include a combination of pharmacological, psychological, sexological, and/or behavioral approaches for both the man and his partner. It is important that physicians regard PE as the couple's problem and endeavor to include the partner in its management where possible.