Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Radiological Evaluation of Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery by Using CBCT.

BACKGROUND Evaluation of the maxillary sinus anatomy prior to sinus lift procedures is important to avoid surgical complications due to the close anatomical relationship between the posterior maxillary region and the maxillary sinüs. INTRODUCTION In order to avoid traumatizing the posterior superior alveolar artery and to prevent perioperative bleeding, locating exact position of the artery is imperative before the surgical procedures. METHODS 150 CBCT scans were evaluated. The distance from the inferior border of the PSAA to the alveolar crest (the vertical line from the artery to the crest) and floor of maxillary sinus, the distance from PSAA to medial sinus wall, nasal septum, zygomatic arch, position, distance from floor of maksiller sinüs to the alveolar crest and diameter of the PSAA were assessed. Locations of the artery were classified. RESULTS The artery diameters were mostly ≥ 1 mm. Artery was mostly intraosseous (59.7%), 21.7 % was superficial and only 18.7% was intra-sinuscular. CONCLUSION The location of PSAA is intraosseous in most patients. The artery diameters were mostly ≥ 1 mm and we can say that increasing the size also increases the risk of complications.
Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on expression of cyp1a in salmon (Salmo salar) following experimental exposure and after the Braer oil spill

The induction of hepatic CYP1A by selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was followed in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) by measurement of CYP1A messenger RNA (mRNA), CYP1A protein levels, and catalytically by the measurement of 7‐ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase activity. There was clear correspondence between all three methods of measurement both in terms of the specificity of response to five‐ and some four‐ring PAHs and in terms of the dose‐response relationship to methyl‐cholanthrene. The level of induction was compared with that measured in salmon confined in sea pens around Shetland and exposed to crude oil spilled from the Braer in January 1993. This oil was rapidly dispersed by the extreme weather (turbulence) at the time of the spill. The time course of the hepatic CYP1A induction was followed and related to the levels of oil measured in water and the concentration of PAHs determined in the flesh of the fish. Again there was a good correspondence between the different methods of measuring CYP1A expression, and the results show a rapid induction response in fish at the most contaminated sites and small, insignificant changes occurring at the reference stations. There was a clear concentration response between CYP1A and catalytic activity and between the exposure observed.
MICROBIAL QUALITY EVALUATION OF VELVET BEAN SEEDS (Mucuna pruriens L. DC.) EXPOSED TO IONIZING RADIATION (EVALUACIÓN MICROBIOLÓGICA DE SEMILLAS DE Mucuna pruriens L. DC. EXPUESTAS A RADIACIÓN IONIZANTE)

SUMMARY Seeds of Mucuna possess high nutraceutical value worldwide. We studied the occurrence of microflora, mycotoxins and textural features of seed samples of Mucuna pruriens before and after irradiation. Gamma irradiation of seeds (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 30 kGy) resulted in dose-dependent decrease in microflora. Raw seeds harbored 12 fungal species capable of quality deterioration. Surface sterilized seeds revealed lower incidence of fungi than unsterilized seeds indicating them as surface contaminants. The most common fungal genera isolated belonged to Aspergillus, Fusarium, Eurotium and yeasts. Seeds consist of toxigenic moulds viz., Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and Fusarium sp. Both surface sterilized and unsterilized seeds showed total elimination of fungi at 10 kGy. Percent co-occurrence of fungi also significantly decreased after irradiation. Aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin-A in raw seeds degraded or were reduced after irradiation at 10 kGy, in addition, irradiation resulted in improvement in seed textural features. Fungal contaminants of Mucuna seeds can be effectively decontaminated on employing gamma irradiation at 10 kGy for safety and improvement of shelf life.
The Association Between Race, Obesity, and Sperm Quality Among Men Attending a University Physician Practice in Washington, DC

A decades-long decline in sperm counts in Western countries has coincided with an increase in obesity rates, prompting study into their association. Few of these studies have incorporated men of color, the sperm health of whom is relatively unknown. The present exploratory study evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI), race, ethnicity, and sperm parameters among a diverse sample of U.S. men attending a Washington, DC physician practice. Semen samples were collected and processed at a single laboratory and sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and count were evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) 5th edition criteria. Multivariate models accounted for covariates related to sperm health. The study population (n = 128) was largely obese (45.3%) or overweight (34.4%), and 36.0% were black or Hispanic. Black men had lower adjusted sperm concentration compared to white men (75.0 million/mL to 107.4 million/mL, p = .01) and were more likely to have oligozoospermia (p = .01), asthenozoospermia (p = .004), and low sperm count (p < .0001). Hispanic men had higher adjusted sperm concentration compared to non-Hispanic men (124.5 million/mL to 62.1 million/mL, p = .007) and were less likely to have teratozoospermia (p = .001). Obesity and BMI were associated with lower sperm motility and count in crude models only. Given the study’s sample size its findings should be interpreted with caution but align with the limited epidemiological literature to date that has evaluated racial and ethnic differences in semen quality. Heightened clinical research attention is needed to ensure men of color are included in representative numbers in studies of urologic and andrologic health.
Community-level environmental characteristics predictive of childhood stunting in Bangladesh - a study based on the repeated cross-sectional surveys

ABSTRACT Coastal morphology makes Bangladesh vulnerable to environmental hazards and climate change. Therefore, environmental characteristics may shape population health, including child health. The prevalence of stunting among under-five aged (U5) children is high in Bangladesh. However, there is a lack of research on environmental predictors of stunting. This study aimed to assess the association between community-level environmental characteristics and stunting using pooled data from the three latest Bangladesh demographic and health surveys (BDHS). According to the multilevel model, rainfall, distance to protected areas, and vegetation index showed a nonlinear association with stunting. The temperature was inversely, and distance to water bodies was positively related to stunting. Overall, results evidence the environmental characteristics are predictive of stunting, and these characteristics should be taken into account during intervention design to minimise the negative effects of environmental change on child health. Further research is also necessary to comprehend the causal pathways between environmental characteristics and stunting in Bangladesh.
Influence of plant growth regulators and nitrogen on Fusarium head blight of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Var. Kalysona)

A factorial field experiment was conducted on the demonstration plot of the Plateau Agricultural Development Project (PADP), Jos Plateau State in 1996 with three variables, nitrogen (0 or 80 kg/ha), growth regulator (none, ethephon or chlormequat) and inoculation (none, inoculation with macroconidia of Fusarium graminearum at anthesis or inoculation 1 week after anthesis). No head blight symptoms developed on plants in the field that year because of the dry conditions. Grain infection by Fusarium graminearum was assessed on a Fusarium selective medium. Nitrogen and growth regulators had no effect on grain infection. In 1997 and 1998, a 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted on the same site using the same growth regulator treatments and three inoculation treatments (no inoculation, heads inoculated with macroconidia or rows infested with Fusariumcolonized corn kernels that produced ascospores). The incidence of spikelet infection ranged from 2–4% in non-inoculated treatments to 7–25% in inoculated treatments. The incidence of seed infection ranged from 12–31% in non-inoculated treatments to 74–85% in inoculated treatments. Both growth regulators and inoculation treatments had significant effects (P=0.05) on spikelet infection and interacted with each other. These data suggest that growth regulators and nitrogen do not change the inherent susceptibility of wheat heads to F. graminearum, but dwarfed plants may be subject to higher inoculum doses because they are closer to ejected ascospores.
Population and environmental effects on the size-fecundity relationship in a common grasshopper across an aridity gradient

Abstract Body size is of primary interest to biologists because of its often positive correlation with fitness, in particular fecundity. The size-fecundity relationship is well established both within and among species. However, little is known about how the size-fecundity relationship differs among populations of the same species or whether it differs in response to environmental conditions experienced by a single population. This study examines the size-fecundity relationship in the pallid-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis pallidipennis: Acrididae, Oedipodinae) among seven populations that extend along an aridity gradient in the southwestern United States. Results showed a positive relationship between body size of field-caught females and precipitation along the gradient, but only among those populations that receive less than 12 cm rainfall a year. There was a positive relationship between body size and the number of mature oocyte in the ovaries and with the number of hatchlings. Potential fecundity, measured as the number of ovarioles, was not correlated with body size in any analysis. All analyses showed that populations differ in their size-fecundity relationships. This relationship was also examined in laboratory conditions that mimic years of high,versus low, food abundance. Results indicate that across the whole aridity gradient, the size-fecundity relationship is largely a function of available resources. The populations at the xeric end of the gradient however, change their reproductive strategy in years of low food abundance and invest more into reproduction per unit size than they do in years of high food abundance. Together, these results caution against assuming, a priori, a positive relationship between size and fecundity; results indicate this relationship depends on the measure of fecundity used, that populations can differ in this relationship and that this relationship can change with changes in environmental conditions. Last, when examined among individuals, body size explained less than 20% of the variation in fecundity, suggesting that body size is not the main determinant of reproductive success in this species.
Factors affecting calving date and its relationship with production traits of Hereford dams

Calving date (CD) records of 68 896 polled Hereford dams of 120 682 calves were coded within herd-year-season with date 1 being the date the first calf was born. Factors affecting CD and its relationship with production traits were investigated. Early calving was found to be associated with high performance, conceivably because dams calving early were able to utilize the season-dependent range pastures to their advantage thus providing adequate milk supply to their calves. Weight and age of dam, weight of calf, initial CD, index of milk production potential, and previous CD were found to have significant influence on current CD. Extremely small cows at previous weaning had a tendency to calve late. Cows calving in the spring produced calves with higher overall weight per day of age than did cows calving in other seasons. Initial CD was found to affect CD in subsequent parities. Repeatability of CD was estimated at 0·23. Heritability was estimated at 0·16 (s.e. 0·05) and indicated that additive genetic variance constitutes a moderate proportion of the variation in CD. Genetic correlation of CD with birth weight (−0·30, s.e. 0·10), post-weaning rate of gain (·0·64, s.e. 0·19) and yearling weight (−0·60, s.e. 0·11) indicated that ‘plus’ additive genes for CD influenced these traits favourably. However, the corresponding correlations with pre-weaning rate of gain (−0·03, s.e. 0·08) and weaning weight (−0·05, s.e. 0·03) were not significant.
Inhibition of Osteoclast Differentiation by 1.25‐D and the Calcimimetic KP2326 Reveals 1.25‐D Resistance in Advanced CKD

Active vitamin D analogs and calcimimetics are the main therapies used for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 19 pediatric patients with CKD1‐5D and 6 healthy donors (HD) were differentiated into mature osteoclasts with receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF). The effects of single or combined treatment with active vitamin D (1.25‐D) and/or calcimimetic KP2326 were evaluated on osteoclastic differentiation and osteoclastic‐mediated bone resorption. Although 1.25‐D inhibited osteoclastic differentiation, a significant resistance to 1.25‐D was observed when glomerular filtration rate decreased. A significant albeit less important inhibitory effect of KP2326 on osteoclastic differentiation was also found both in cells derived from HD and CKD patients, through a putative activation of the Erk pathway. This inhibitory effect was not modified by CKD stage. Combinatorial treatment with 1.25‐D and KP2326 did not result in synergistic effects. Last, KP2326 significantly inhibited osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. Both 1.25‐D and KP2326 inhibit osteoclastic differentiation, however, to a different extent. There is a progressive resistance to 1.25‐D in advanced CKD that is not found with KP2326. KP2326 also inhibits bone resorption. Given that 1.25‐D has no effect on osteoclastic resorption activity and that calcimimetics also have direct anabolic effects on osteoblasts, there is an experimental rationale that could favor the use of decreased doses of 1.25‐D with low doses of calcimimetics in SHPT in dialysis to improve the underlying osteodystrophy. However, this last point deserves confirmatory clinical studies. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Lessons from the Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Transporters—A Cancer Connection

Ca2+ is an integral mediator of intracellular signaling, impacting almost every aspect of cellular life. The Ca2+-conducting transporters located on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane shoulder the responsibility of constructing the global Ca2+ signaling landscape. These transporters gate the ER Ca2+ release and uptake, sculpt signaling duration and intensity, and compose the Ca2+ signaling rhythm to accommodate a plethora of biological activities. In this review, we explore the mechanisms of activation and functional regulation of ER Ca2+ transporters in the establishment of Ca2+ homeostasis. We also contextualize the aberrant alterations of these transporters in carcinogenesis, presenting Ca2+-based therapeutic interventions as a means to tackle malignancies.
PR3-ANCAs predict relapses in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients after rituximab

Abstract Background. The primary challenge of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patient care is the early detection of relapses to prevent organ damage and increase survival. Potential biomarkers for relapses are ANCA and B cells, but their predictive value is a matter of debate. Therefore this study investigated how ANCA and B-cell status related to relapses in AAV patients treated with rituximab (RTX) as remission induction (RI). Methods. This single-centre cohort study identified 110 ANCA-positive AAV patients treated with RTX between 2006 and 2018. Serial ANCA, CD19+ B-cell status and relapses were assessed >2 years. Results. Patients (31/110) relapsed within 2 years after RTX RI treatment. Patients who achieved and maintained PR3-ANCA negativity (n = 29) had few relapses (3%), while persistent proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA positivity (n = 49) and reappearance of PR3-ANCAs (n = 10) associated significantly with more relapses (37%, P = 0.002 and 50%, P = 0.002). Patients with incomplete B-cell depletion (n = 11) had significantly more relapses (54%) as compared with patients with B-cell depletion [n = 76 (26%), P = 0.02]. Also, patients with repopulation of B cells (n = 58) had significantly more relapses (41%) as compared with patients without B-cell repopulation [n = 27 (15%), P = 0.03]. Overall, the absence of PR3- or myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA positivity was highly predictive for remaining relapse-free. In PR3-ANCA-positive patients, 96% of the relapses occurred with persistent or reappearance of PR3-ANCAs and 81% with B-cell repopulation. In MPO-ANCA-positive patients, all relapses were restricted to patients with persistent MPO-ANCAs and B-cell repopulation. Conclusions. Upon RI treatment with RTX in AAV patients, ANCA and B-cell status were predictive of the majority of relapses and specifically their absence strongly predicted a relapse-free status. Therefore the implementation of ANCA and B-cell monitoring could guide therapeutic decision-making to prevent relapses in AAV patients treated with RTX.
Predictive modeling to identify potential participants of a disease management program hypertension

ABSTRACT Background Based on the premise of limited health-care resources, decision-makers pursue to allocate disease management programs (DMP) more targeted. Methods Based on routine data from a private health insurance company, a prediction model was developed to estimate the individual risk for future in-patient stays of patients eligible for a DMP Hypertension. The database included anonymous claims data of 38,284 policyholders with a diagnosis in the year 2013. A cutoff point of ≥70% was used for selecting candidates with a risk for future hospitalization. Using a logistic regression model, we estimated the model’s prognostic power, the occurrence of clinical events, and the resource use. Results Overall, the final model shows acceptable prognostic power (detection rate = 64.3%; sensitivity = 68.7%; positive predictive value (PPV) = 64.1%, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.72). The comparison between the selected hypothetical DMP-group with a predicted (LOH) ≥70% showed additional costs of about 69% for the DMP-group compared to insure with a LOH <70%. Conclusion The predictive analytical approach may identify potential DMP participants with a high risk of increased health services utilization and in-patient stays.
Quality Retention and Shelf-life Improvement of Fresh-cut Apple, Papaya, Carrot and Cucumber by Chitosan-soy Based Edible Coating

An increasing demand of natural preservatives to increase the storage life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables has received a great attention among researchers. The present study was conducted to evaluate quality retention and shelf-life improvement of fresh-cut apple, papaya, carrot and cucumber by chitosan-soy based edible coating. The examination of different parameters like weight-loss, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, color, total phenol content, ascorbic acid, browning potential and polyphenol oxidase activity was carried out to determine the quality of samples. A substantial difference was recorded in the weight-loss of coated samples when compared with controls. The chitosan-soy coating delayed the polyphenol oxidase activity and enzymatic browning in the samples. The study concluded that chitosan-soy coating has the ability to improve quality and prolong shelf-life, and could be used commercially for fresh-cut stuffs of fruits and vegetables.
Effect of Itraconazole, a Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitor, on the Steady‐State Pharmacokinetics of Vemurafenib in Patients With BRAFV600 Mutation–Positive Malignancies

The effects of itraconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of vemurafenib were evaluated in a phase 1, multicenter, open‐label, fixed‐sequence study. Patients with BRAFV600 mutation–positive metastatic malignancies received oral vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily on days 1 to 20 (period A) and oral vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily with oral itraconazole 200 mg once daily on days 21 to 40 (period B). A mixed‐effects analysis of variance model was used to compare log‐transformed area under the concentration‐time curve during the dosing interval and maximum plasma concentration values for vemurafenib in 8 patients between period B (vemurafenib plus itraconazole) and period A (vemurafenib alone). Multiple doses of itraconazole increased steady‐state exposure of vemurafenib by approximately 40%, with geometric least squares mean ratios (period B/period A) of 140% (90% confidence interval, 121‐161) for both maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration‐time curve during the dosing interval. There was no apparent increase in incidence or severity of adverse events during coadministration of vemurafenib with itraconazole. In conclusion, coadministration of itraconazole with vemurafenib resulted in a modest increase in exposure of vemurafenib at steady state and was generally well tolerated.
Polymeric Composite Dressings Containing Calcium-Releasing Nanoparticles Accelerate Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice.

OBJECTIVE Wound healing is a complex process that involves the interaction between different cell types and bioactive factors. Impaired wound healing is characterized by a loss in synchronization of these interactions, resulting in non-healing chronic wounds. Chronic wounds are a socioeconomic burden, one of the most prominent clinical manifestations of diabetes however, they lack satisfactory treatment options. The objective of this study was to develop polymeric composites that deliver ions having wound healing properties and evaluate its performance using a pressure ulcer model in diabetic mice. APPROACH To develop a polymeric composite wound dressing containing ion-releasing nanoparticles for chronic wound healing. This composite was chemically and physically characterized and evaluated using a pressure ulcer wound model in diabetic (db/db) mice to explore their potential as novel wound dressing. RESULTS This dressing exhibits a controlled ion release and a good in vitro bioactivity. The polymeric composite dressing treatment stimulates angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, granulation tissue formation and accelerates wound closure of ischemic wounds created in diabetic mice. In addition, the performance of the newly designed composite is remarkably better than a commercially available dressing frequently used for the treatment of low-exuding chronic wounds. INNOVATION The developed nanoplatforms are cell- and growth factor-free and control the host microenvironment resulting in enhaced wound healing. These nanoplatforms are available by cost-effective synthesis with a defined composition, offering an additional advantage in potential clinical application. CONCLUSION Based in the obtained results, these polymeric composites offer an optimum approach for chronic wound healing without adding cells or external biological factors.