Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Palatal Fistula Closure Using Buccal Fat Graft After Palatoplasty for Cleft Palate: Two Case Reports

Fistula recurrence is high after secondary follow-up operation to close the fistula after primary palatal surgery. Therefore, preventing fistula recurrence is important. Here, we describe the technique of closing palatal fistula after palatal surgery with a buccal fat graft in 2 cases. We elevate the mucosal flap around the palatal fistula, suture the nasal mucosa, transplant the buccal fat between the nasal and oral mucosa for the palatal fistula after palatal surgery, and suture the oral mucosa. Palatal fistula did not recur after surgery. This method is simple and useful for suturable fistula and does not require a local flap.
Polymer electrolytes for lithium polymer batteries

In this review, state-of-the-art polymer electrolytes are discussed with respect to their electrochemical and physical properties for their application in lithium polymer batteries. We divide polymer electrolytes into the two large categories of solid polymer electrolytes and gel polymer electrolytes (GPE). The performance requirements and ion transfer mechanisms of polymer electrolytes are presented at first. Then, solid polymer electrolyte systems, including dry solid polymer electrolytes, polymer-in-salt systems (rubbery electrolytes), and single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes, are described systematically. Solid polymer electrolytes still suffer from poor ionic conductivity, which is lower than 10−5 S cm−1. In order to further improve the ionic conductivity, numerous new types of lithium salt have been studied and inorganic fillers have been incorporated into solid polymer electrolytes. In the section on gel polymer electrolytes, the types of plasticizer and preparation methods of GPEs are summarized. Although the ionic conductivity of GPEs can reach 10−3 S cm−1, their low mechanical strength and poor interfacial properties are obstacles to their practical application. Significant attention is paid to the incorporation of inorganic fillers into GPEs to improve their mechanical strength as well as their transport properties and electrochemical properties.
Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review

Abstract Introduction This is an overall review on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). Sources of data We identified studies in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, AMED, Web of Science and Google Scholar using keywords including ‘mindfulness’, ‘meditation’, and ‘review’, ‘meta-analysis’ or their variations. Areas of agreement MBIs are effective for improving many biopsychosocial conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, addiction, psychosis, pain, hypertension, weight control, cancer-related symptoms and prosocial behaviours. It is found to be beneficial in the healthcare settings, in schools and workplace but further research is warranted to look into its efficacy on different problems. MBIs are relatively safe, but ethical aspects should be considered. Mechanisms are suggested in both empirical and neurophysiological findings. Cost-effectiveness is found in treating some health conditions. Areas of controversy Inconclusive or only preliminary evidence on the effects of MBIs on PTSD, ADHD, ASD, eating disorders, loneliness and physical symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Furthermore, some beneficial effects are not confirmed in subgroup populations. Cost-effectiveness is yet to confirm for many health conditions and populations. Growing points Many mindfulness systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate low quality of included studies, hence high-quality studies with adequate sample size and longer follow-up period are needed. Areas timely for developing research More research is needed on online mindfulness trainings and interventions to improve biopsychosocial health during the COVID-19 pandemic; Deeper understanding of the mechanisms of MBIs integrating both empirical and neurophysiological findings; Long-term compliance and effects of MBIs; and development of mindfulness plus (mindfulness+) or personalized mindfulness programs to elevate the effectiveness for different purposes.
Special collection: The Rise of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases The Contribution of Wildlife Hosts to the Rise of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in North America

Wildlife vertebrate hosts are integral to enzootic cycles of tick-borne pathogens, and in some cases have played key roles in the recent rise of ticks and tick-borne diseases in North America. In this forum article, we highlight roles that wildlife hosts play in the maintenance and transmission of zoonotic, companion animal, livestock, and wildlife tick-borne pathogens. We begin by illustrating how wildlife contribute directly and indirectly to the increase and geographic expansion of ticks and their associated pathogens. Wildlife provide blood meals for tick growth and reproduction; serve as pathogen reservoirs; and can disperse ticks and pathogens—either through natural movement (e.g., avian migration) or through human-facilitated movement (e.g., wildlife translocations and trade). We then discuss opportunities to manage tick-borne disease through actions directed at wildlife hosts. To conclude, we highlight key gaps in our understanding of the ecology of tick–host interactions, emphasizing that wildlife host communities are themselves a very dynamic component of tick–pathogen–host systems and therefore complicate management of tick-borne diseases, and should be taken into account when considering host-targeted approaches. Effective management of wildlife to reduce tick-borne disease risk further requires consideration of the ‘human dimensions’ of wildlife management. This includes understanding the public’s diverse views and values about wildlife and wildlife impacts—including the perceived role of wildlife in fostering tick-borne diseases. Public health agencies should capitalize on the expertise of wildlife agencies when developing strategies to reduce tick-borne disease risks.
Recent advances and current controversies in genetic testing for personalized nutrition

Purpose of review Considerable interest in personalized nutrition exists among the general public, policymakers, healthcare organizations and the private sector, but there is also skepticism of its utility. The present review aims to provide a summary of current controversies in the field of nutrigenomics, and to highlight recent research on the potential impact of implementing genetic testing for personalized nutrition in practice. Recent findings Numerous companies already offer genetic testing for personalized nutrition based on research developments in nutritional genomics. However, controversy exists over whethexr genetics contributes to interindividual responses to diet; the utility of single genetic variants versus genetic risk scores; the ability of DNA-based nutritional advice to elicit positive behavior change and health effects; and whether genetic information makes a difference on the type of dietary advice provided. Potential factors contributing to the discrepant viewpoints are discussed. Summary Despite the existing controversies, a solid body of evidence demonstrates that genetic testing for personalized nutrition is a powerful tool to guide dietary recommendations to improve health and performance, and to elicit positive behavior change.
European Guidelines for Obesity Management in Adults with a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has been recently proposed as an appealing nutritional strategy for obesity management. The VLCKD is characterized by a low carbohydrate content (<50 g/day), 1–1.5 g of protein/kg of ideal body weight, 15–30 g of fat/day, and a daily intake of about 500–800 calories. Objectives: The aim of the current document is to suggest a common protocol for VLCKD and to summarize the existing literature on its efficacy in weight management and weight-related comorbidities, as well as the possible side effects. Methods: This document has been prepared in adherence with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature searches, study selection, methodology development, and quality appraisal were performed independently by 2 authors and the data were collated by means of a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Results: Of the 645 articles retrieved, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed, revealing 4 main findings. First, the VLCKD was shown to result in a significant weight loss in the short, intermediate, and long terms and improvement in body composition parameters as well as glycemic and lipid profiles. Second, when compared with other weight loss interventions of the same duration, the VLCKD showed a major effect on reduction of body weight, fat mass, waist circumference, total cholesterol and triglyceridemia as well as improved insulin resistance. Third, although the VLCKD also resulted in a significant reduction of glycemia, HbA1c, and LDL cholesterol, these changes were similar to those obtained with other weight loss interventions. Finally, the VLCKD can be considered a safe nutritional approach under a health professional’s supervision since the most common side effects are usually clinically mild and easily to manage and recovery is often spontaneous. Conclusions: The VLCKD can be recommended as an effective dietary treatment for individuals with obesity after considering potential contra-indications and keeping in mind that any dietary treatment has to be personalized. Prospero Registry: The assessment of the efficacy of VLCKD on body weight, body composition, glycemic and lipid parameters in overweight and obese subjects: a meta-analysis (CRD42020205189).
Outcome measures for technique survival reported in peritoneal dialysis: A systematic review

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) technique survival is an important outcome for patients, caregivers and health professionals, however, the definition and measures used for technique survival vary. We aimed to assess the scope and consistency of definitions and measures used for technique survival in studies of patients receiving PD. Method: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomised controlled studies (RCTs) conducted in patients receiving PD reporting technique survival as an outcome between database inception and December 2019. The definition and measures used were extracted and independently assessed by two reviewers. Results: We included 25 RCTs with a total of 3645 participants (41–371 per trial) and follow up ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years. Terminology used included ‘technique survival’ (10 studies), ‘transfer to haemodialysis (HD)’ (8 studies) and ‘technique failure’ (7 studies) with 17 different definitions. In seven studies, it was unclear whether the definition included transfer to HD, death or transplantation and eight studies reported ‘transfer to HD’ without further definition regarding duration or other events. Of those remaining, five studies included death in their definition of a technique event, whereas death was censored in the other five. The duration of HD necessary to qualify as an event was reported in only four (16%) studies. Of the 14 studies reporting causes of an event, all used a different list of causes. Conclusion: There is substantial heterogeneity in how PD technique survival is defined and measured, likely contributing to considerable variability in reported rates. Standardised measures for reporting technique survival in PD studies are required to improve comparability.
Performance of a system combining aerated lagoons and waste stabilization ponds in a temperate climate

AbstractThe Bertrix wastewater treatment plant was designed and built for experimental purposes, especially for comparing aerated lagoons and stabilization ponds in a temperate climate. This plant was designed for a capacity of 7500 inhab. eq, and aerated lagoons were dimensioned to eliminate 50% of the organic load. The remaining load has to be degraded in the series of stabilization ponds. In this paper we shall present the plant in more detail and the results of a 3-year study, i.e., 79 rounds of samples for each of the five ponds under study, placing emphasis on the performances of aerated lagoons and stabilization ponds. Principal components analysis (of inflow and outflow) of aerated lagoons and stabilization ponds will be presented and commented on. The most important factors are the hydraulic loading and the concentrations. Seasonal variations appear only in the basins9 temperatures. The fates of nitrogen compounds are quite different from those of organic compounds, confirming that a high efficiency of nitrogen removal is difficult to achieve, especially for short residence times (less than eight days). A few other conclusions of our study are given below: The ponds9 hydrodynamics has been studied and a mathematical model is now available If there is no stratification in the ponds, a thermal model can be proposed where the mean absolute difference is 0.7°C±0.2. In the system under study, the contribution of algal biomass to the system is very small.
Combination blood pressure lowering in the presence or absence of background statin and aspirin therapy: a combined analysis of PROGRESS and ADVANCE Trials

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objectives: To assess the effects of combination BP lowering on cardiovascular events and mortality in the presence of aspirin and/or statin therapy in a combined analysis of the ADVANCE and PROGRESS trials. Methods: We conducted an analysis of 14 682 participants allocated combination therapy with perindopril and indapamide or placebo followed up for a mean of 4.2 years. Participants were stratified into four groups defined by background use of medications at baseline: statin, aspirin, both or neither. Linear mixed effect models were used to assess differences in BP and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risks of major cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality and treatment discontinuation. Results: At baseline, 14% of patients were on both aspirin and statin, 35% on aspirin, 9% on statins and 42% on neither aspirin/statins. Compared with placebo, combination BP therapy reduced mean SBP by 5.7 mmHg in ADVANCE and 12.1 mmHg in PROGRESS, with no difference (P > 0.447) between patients by baseline use of aspirin/statin. Combination BP therapy reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.71–0.86), with no significant difference (P = 0.600) between aspirin/statin subgroups. Rates of treatment discontinuation were similar with combination BP therapy compared with placebo (18.4 versus 18%), with no evidence of difference across the subgroups (P = 0.340). Conclusion: BP lowering with perindopril and indapamide reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events independent of baseline use of aspirin and/or statins.
Risk of second HPV-associated cancers in men with penile cancer

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the risk of HPV-associated oral cavity, oropharyngeal or anal cancer in men with penile cancer to test the hypothesis of an increased risk to develop a second HPV-associated cancer later in life. Material and methods We conducted a population-based register study including all men in Sweden diagnosed with penile cancer between 2000 and 2012. For each patient, six men without penile cancer were matched based on age and county of residence. Data were retrieved from Swedish cancer and population registers, to assess the risk of oral cavity, oropharyngeal or anal cancer in patients with penile cancer. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risks in men with penile cancer were also compared with the background Swedish male population by use of standardized incidence ratios. Results In total, 1634 men with and 9804 without penile cancer were included in the study. Among men with penile cancer, four men were subsequently diagnosed with oral cavity cancer, one with oropharyngeal cancer and one with anal cancer. Corresponding numbers among the penile cancer-free men were ten, two and three, respectively. There was evidence of an increased risks of all three cancers under study with an HR of 2.84 (95% CI 0.89–9.06) for oral cavity cancer, 3.66 (95% CI 0.33–40.39) for oropharyngeal cancer and 2.34 (95% CI 0.24–22.47) for anal cancer. When comparing the incidence of these malignancies between penile cancer patients and the background population, the patterns of association were similar. Conclusions Our findings indicate that men with penile cancer are at an increased risk of a second HPV-associated cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx and anal canal. Considering that our study was based on small numbers reflecting the rarity of these cancers, larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
An In-vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Anti-candidal Herb (Olive) on Streptococcus Mutans

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of olive extracts on Streptococcus mutans in in-vitro conditions. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro experimental study was conducted in a laboratory setting. Ethanolic extract of olive was prepared separately by cold maceration technique. The extract was then diluted with an inert solvent, dimethylformamide, to obtain five different concentrations (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) of each. 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as a positive control and dimethylformamide was used as a negative control. The different extracts, along with controls, were then subjected to microbiological investigation to determine, which gave a wider zone of inhibition against S. mutans. The zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters. Results: Olive extract presented the largest zone of inhibition of 33 mm at the concentration of 8%. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of olive demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. mutans.
A Neighboring Aromatic-Aromatic Amino Acid Combination Governs Activity Divergence between Tomato Phytoene Synthases1[OPEN]

A lack of neighboring aromatic-aromatic amino acid combination in one of the PSY core structures is responsible for the weak carotenogenic activity of tomato fruit-specific PSY1. Carotenoids exert multifaceted roles to plants and are critically important to humans. Phytoene synthase (PSY) is a major rate-limiting enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. PSY in plants is normally found as a small enzyme family with up to three members. However, knowledge of PSY isoforms in relation to their respective enzyme activities and amino acid residues that are important for PSY activity is limited. In this study, we focused on two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) PSY isoforms, PSY1 and PSY2, and investigated their abilities to catalyze carotenogenesis via heterologous expression in transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and bacterial systems. We found that the fruit-specific PSY1 was less effective in promoting carotenoid biosynthesis than the green tissue–specific PSY2. Examination of the PSY proteins by site-directed mutagenesis analysis and three-dimensional structure modeling revealed two key amino acid residues responsible for this activity difference and identified a neighboring aromatic-aromatic combination in one of the PSY core structures as being crucial for high PSY activity. Remarkably, this neighboring aromatic-aromatic combination is evolutionarily conserved among land plant PSYs except PSY1 of tomato and potato (Solanum tuberosum). Strong transcription of tomato PSY1 likely evolved as compensation for its weak enzyme activity to allow for the massive carotenoid biosynthesis in ripe fruit. This study provides insights into the functional divergence of PSY isoforms and highlights the potential to rationally design PSY for the effective development of carotenoid-enriched crops.
Transgenic Reduction of Cytokinin Levels in Roots Inhibits Root-Sprouting in Populus1[OPEN]

An analysis of a root-sucker–repressing technology for poplar plants that reduces root cytokinin contents. Root sprouts—the formation of new shoots from roots—is an important mechanism for local gene flow from poplar (Populus spp). An effective strategy to reduce root sprout formation could therefore help to ensure containment during field research and commercial deployment of poplar when grown as exotic or transgenic forms. We used a flavonoid glycosyltransferase gene promoter from Scutellaria barbata (SbUGT) to drive the expression of AtCKX2, a cytokinin oxidase from Arabidopsis that converts active to inactive cytokinins in roots of poplar. In the greenhouse, SbUGT::AtCKX2 transgenic plants exhibited a similar shoot growth habit, but had enhanced root growth and fewer root sprouts, compared to the wild-type control and transgenic events with low transgene expression in roots. Under field conditions, the transgenic trees also had similar growth habits and stem growth rates that were not statistically different from wild-type trees over 3 years. Removal of trunks generally induced high rates of root sprouting; however, in selected SbUGT::AtCKX2 transgenic poplar events there was an absence or fewer root sprouts compared to wild-type trees, consistent with the greenhouse results. Our study demonstrates that the SbUGT::AtCKX2 gene can effectively inhibit root sprouting of poplar trees under field conditions, and thus may provide a useful tool to address concerns associated with root-sprouting-mediated transgene spread.
Coronary CT angiography: a guide to examination, interpretation, and clinical indications

ABSTRACT Introduction The introduction of Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) has changed the paradigm in the field of diagnostic cardiovascular medicine. CCT is the primary tool in the assessment of suspected Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and should be followed by functional assessment when needed to stratify disease and to plan potential interventional or surgical therapy. Areas Covered We provided the current state of the knowledge on the main aspects of technique of examination, image interpretation and clinical indications. We have focused our attention on the basic routine applications and activities. Expert Opinion The primary role of CCT in suspected CAD will progressively become the standard approach. In general, any situation in which anatomy of the heart and thoracic vessels/structures is mandatory must be approached using CT first, whenever possible. The quantity and quality of information that can be provided by CCT is big and the operators should learn how to deal with this information. On the other hand, CCT is only apparently a straightforward and simple examination. It is actually the most complex diagnostic procedure that can be performed on CT and requires highly skilled operators and state-of-art-technology.
High-temperature reaction calorimetry of solid and liquid phases in part of the quasi-binary system Cu2S-Sb2S3

High-temperature reaction calorimetry has been applied in a thermochemical study of solid and liquid phases in part of the quasi-binary system Cu 2 S-Sb 2 S 3 . The enthalpies of formation at 298 K of the sulfosalts chalcostibite (CuSbS 2 ) and monoclinic skinnerite (Cu 3 SbS 3 ) from their end-member component sulfides (Cu 2 S and Sb 2 S 3 ) were determined