Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Erbium, Chromium-Doped: Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium, and Garnet and Erbium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Etching on Enamel Demineralization and Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two types of laser irradiation (erbium, chromium-doped: yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet [Er,Cr:YSGG] and erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet [Er:YAG]) and acid etching on enamel demineralization and shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic bracketsastry. Materials and Methods: Ninety premolars were selected, scaled, and polished with no fluoridated pumice, and metal brackets were bonded to them. Then, they were randomly allocated to three groups based on the etching procedure: phosphoric acid etching, Er:YAG (100 mJ, 10 Hz) laser etching, and Er,Cr:YSGG (600 mJ, 20 Hz) laser etching. Teeth to be evaluated for demineralization and SBS were exposed to pH and thermal cycling, respectively. For SBS test, a universal testing machine was used, and adhesive remnant was index scored after debonding. Microhardness of enamel was evaluated with Vickers test. Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05). Results: The acid-etched group exhibited significantly higher SBS values compared to the laser groups (P < 0.05); however, the difference between the Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser groups was not significant. Microhardness mean values in descending order were as follows: Er,Cr:YSGG, Er:YAG, and acid etched. There were significant differences between the laser and control groups (P < 0.001); however, the difference between the two laser groups was not significant (P = 0.320). There were no significant differences between the three groups in adhesive remnant index scores. Conclusion: Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser etching resulted in clinically acceptable SBS; therefore, apart from its other advantages over acid etching, it can be a good appropriate alternative for bonding of orthodontic brackets.
Advances in polycystic kidney disease and its nutritional management

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited disorder causing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Disease-modifying agents are being developed at a fast pace; however, approved management strategies still need to be improved. including water intake. Low sodium, low protein, and phosphorus diet, remains the cornerstone of the dietary management of these patients.
Novel use of bromelain in the management of infected prosthetic surgical mesh after ventral hernia repair

Surgical mesh infections from ventral hernia repairs are common in obese patients. Definitive management includes the surgical removal of mesh; however, obese patients are often poor surgical candidates with limited therapeutic options. We report the case of a 64-year-old male with an abdominal wall seroma secondary to an infected surgical mesh. This was on a background of multiple abdominal wall reconstructions for previous strangulated ventral hernias. A nonoperative novel approach utilizing bromelain percutaneously in conjunction with antibiotics successfully resolved the infected seroma. The purpose of this case is to detail the potential clinical application of bromelain in surgical site infections involving surgical prosthesis. We illustrate the successful use of bromelain as a nonoperative alternative for abdominal infections or when all other surgical and conservative therapies have been exhausted.
Anesthetic management of bilateral pulmonary alveolar proteinosis for whole lung lavage

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung diseases in which there is abnormal accumulation of lung surfactant in alveoli by lipoproteinaceous material. The standard method for management of such cases is whole lung lavage (WLL). We report a PAP patient for WLL under general anesthesia and discuss the anesthetic challenges and management strategies to maintain adequate lung isolation and oxygenation, implementation of lateral positions of the patient with prolonged procedure and hypothermia during the lung lavage.
Estimation of YKL-40 Acute-Phase Protein in Serum of Patients with Periodontal Disease and Healthy Individuals: A Clinical-Biochemical Study

Objective: YKL-40, an acute-phase protein, is a novel potential inflammatory marker. It is a member of “mammalian chitinase-like proteins. ” YKL-40 is secreted by activated neutrophils and macrophages in both acute and chronic inflammation. It is also shown to be produced by vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, arthritic chondrocytes, cancer cells, and embryonic and fetal cells. It might play an important role in the initiation or maintenance of pro-inflammatory response. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the concentrations of YKL-40 in the serum of healthy and periodontally affected individuals. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from forty patients of periodontally (Group C) affected sites (probing depth [PD] >5 mm) and gingivitis patients (Group B) affected sites (PD ≤ 3 mm) with bleeding on probing. Comparison with healthy controls was carried out by collecting serum samples from ten healthy volunteers (Group A). 5 ml of blood was collected from the antecubital fossa by venipuncture using a 20G needle with 5 ml syringe and immediately transferred to the laboratory. Serum was extracted from blood and stored at −70°C till the assay procedure, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the concentrations of YKL-40. Results: The mean YKL-40 concentration scores were significantly higher in Group C, i.e. 62.49 ± 8.33 when compared to Group B, i.e. 51.96 ± 4.30 and Group I, i.e. 44.23 ± 4.34, which was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001). In the present study, mean probing pocket depth was higher in Group C than Group A (P ≤ 0.001). A positive correlation was found between probing pocket depth and concentrations of YKL-40 in serum (r = 0.815), P < 0.001, i.e. when the pocket depth increases, concentration of YKL-40 also increases. Conclusion: In this study the presence of YKL-40 in serum samples was observed both in healthy and chronic periodontitis. In this study, the concentration of YKL-40 was elevated in chronic periodontitis group when compared to healthy group. With increases in the amount of destruction, there is substantial increase in clinical parameter and YKL-40 concentration in serum, which is directly related to pocket depth. This study shows that YKL-40 is a novel biomarker for periodontal disease progression.
Intralesional bleomycin: A treatment modality for conjunctival lymphangioma

Lymphangioma is a benign hamartomatous lesion of vascular system which frequently involves orbit and ocular adnexa. A 35-year-old male patient presented with a subconjunctival mass extending from limbus to fornices. There was a history of recurrent swellings following episodes of upper respiratory tract infection. Bleomycin is an antineoplastic agent which acts on endothelial cells of the vascular channels, helps in collapsing the cystic cavity, and prevents its recurrence. We report a case where only bleomycin injection has been used intralesionally at multiple spots and patients have shown good cosmetic outcome without any recurrence noted after 1 year of follow-up.
Antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic potencies of Pandanus tectorius fruits via increasing scavenger receptor-B1 genes expression and inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death worldwide. The adverse side effects of currently available drugs urge to find more effective and safe remedial agents. Alternative candidates from natural resources are of great consequence in the emerging of new drugs. Pandanus tectorius (Pandanaceae) was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to cure certain diseases. Thus, the current study conducted to elucidate the potency of P. tectorius fruit as antiatherosclerosis and antihypercholesterolemia agents through the regulation of high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor (scavenger receptor [SR]-B1) gene expression and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase reductase (HMGCR) in vitro, respectively. The P. tectorius fruit was noncytotoxic against the HepG2 cell line confirmed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The P. tectorius fruit successfully upregulates the SR-B1 gene expression and downregulate the HMGCR. Moreover, an in vivo study showed that P. tectorius has good activity on the upregulation of HDL and subsequently downregulation of total cholesterol level. Moreover, P. tectorius fruit did not show any increase in toxicity biomarkers serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase in vivo. These results found that P. tectorius fruits have potency as the preventive agent for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis via SR-B1 and HMGCR mechanisms of action.
Primary Infertility Secondary to Posterior Urethral Valve

A 34-year-old civil servant presented to our facility, following a referral from a gynecologist who was also seeing the wife. The man presented with a history of anejaculation and the inability to impregnate his wife after 23 months of marriage. History, physical examination, and ancillary investigation led to a diagnosis of primary infertility secondary to posterior urethral valve which was subsequently ablated. Three weeks after ablation, he started ejaculating, and 2 months later, the wife became pregnant.
Unusual cause of epidural abscess in a renal transplant recipient

Fungal infections cause morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients. The causative agent and risk factors differ depending on the time after transplantation. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) though rare is a life-threatening complication occurring in renal transplant recipients. Although pulmonary involvement is the most common presentation of IA, the spectrum is broad. Spinal cord involvement by aspergillus is rare and can present as paraspinal abscess, epidural abscess, vertebral osteomyelitis, discitis, or spinal cord necrosis. We report here a case of aspergillus epidural abscess in a 24-year-old male renal transplant recipient presented with paraplegia and successfully treated with surgery and antifungals. High index of suspicion and prompt diagnosis is very much essential for better outcome. Emerging fungal infections, different mode of presentation and its management is a great challenge to the treating nephrologist and physician.
Experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has practically become the current gold standard for the removal of symptomatic gallbladders with clear advantages. Its development has been slow in Sub-Saharan Africa. We reviewed our experience of this procedure at a tertiary facility in the subregion. Patients and Methods: All patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy from October 2014 to April 2018, at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, were retrospectively analyzed. The focus of the study was on patients' demographics, duration of symptoms, indications for surgery, procedure performed, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and morbidityand mortality data. Results: A total of 33 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. There were 27 (84.4%) females and 5(15.6%) males giving a male-to-female ratio of 5.4:1. The age range was from 9 to 78 years with a mean of 40.6 ± 2.9. The peak age of presentation was in the fourth decade. The most common indication was biliary colic. There was an instance of open re-exploration for a duodenal injury. There was no biliary injury during the procedures and no indication for common bile duct exploration. Most (18, 56.3%) of the patients were discharged within 24 h, 10 (30.3%) within 48 h, and the rest were discharged later. The relationship between the duration of hospital stay and the mean duration of surgery was significant (P = 0.014). There was no long-term morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our environment is safe and feasible with results comparable to other centers.
Syringic acid improves oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective: To determine the effects of syringic acid on hepatic damage in diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were given syringic acid at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg by oral gavage for 6 weeks. Syringic acid effects on the liver were evaluated by examination of plasma biochemical parameters, and pathological study. In addition, biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status of liver tissues were assessed. Real time-PCR was performed to investigate the mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis indices in different groups. Results: Syringic acid significantly attenuated the increase in most of plasma biochemical parameters in diabetic rats. Moreover, syringic acid treatment increased the catalase activity while it reduced the superoxide dismutase activity and hepatic malondialdehyde level in diabetic rats. There was no difference between the glutathione content of the treated and untreated groups. These findings were supported by alleviation of histopathological damages in the syringic acid-treated groups compared to the untreated diabetic group. Syringic acid also significantly up-regulated the hepatic mRNA expression of PGC-1a, NRF-1, and NRF-2 and increased the mtDNA/nDNA ratio in diabetic rats. Conclusions: Syringic acid can be considered as a suitable candidate against hepatic complications since it can reduce oxidative damages in diabetic cases. Furthermore, it has the potential of targeting hepatic mitochondria in diabetes.
Comparative Evaluation of Triple Antibiotic Paste, Propolis with Moxifloxacin, and Calcium Hydroxide as Intracanal Medicaments against Streptococcus spp. and Enterococcus faecalis in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Aims: The antimicrobial efficacy of intracanal medicaments such as calcium hydroxide, propolis with moxifloxacin, and triple antibiotic paste (TAP) was assessed against Streptococcus spp. and Enterococcus faecalis in chronic apical periodontitis (AP) patients with Type II diabetes mellitus (DM). Settings and Design: This study design was a randomized clinical trial. Subjects and Methods: Forty-five Type II DM patients with single-rooted teeth diagnosed as AP were instrumented, randomly divided into three groups, and medicated with either TAP, propolis with moxifloxacin, or calcium hydroxide. Bacteriological samples obtained from the root canals after instrumentation (S1) in the first treatment session, and after medication (S2) in the second session 1 week later, were assessed for bacterial growth of E. faecalis and Streptococcus spp. , by viable colony-forming unit counts. Statistical Analysis Used: Intragroup, intergroup, and pair-wise comparisons were done by Wilcoxon's signed ranked test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Mann–Whitney test, respectively (P > 0.05). Results: The microbiological analysis showed a significant reduction in microbial count from (S1) to (S2) in all the study groups. However, intergroup comparisons revealed no significant difference in decrease of microbial load between all three groups at the end of 1 week. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that antimicrobial efficacy of TAP, propolis with moxifloxacin, and calcium hydroxide were comparable.
Effect of tooth mousse on enamel erosion – An in vitro study

In industrialized countries, dental erosion has gained much more attention due to decrease in dental caries. Remineralization of carious lesion can be enhanced by using casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) which is an effective remineralizing agent. Aim: The study is performed to assess the after effect of Tooth Mousse (CPP-Casein Phosphopeptide-ACP) paste on dental erosion produced by drinks by applying contact profilometer. Materials and Methods: Twenty human teeth (molar and premolar) were collected from patients with either compromised periodontal conditions or extracted due to orthodontic purpose. Samples were categorized into four groups, i.e., Group-I-Coca Cola (10), Group-II-Frooti (10), Group-III-Coca-Cola + Tooth Mousse (10), and Group-IV-Frooti + Tooth Mousse (10). Ph is calibrated by using pH meter with digital electrode. At baseline and after erosive exposure, surface roughness of samples was calculated using profilometer. The values were then statistically interpreted using Bonferroni Post-hoc test. Results: In the present study, after remineralization by Tooth Mousse (Group III and Group IV) change in surface roughness (Ra values) after erosive challenge and remineralization by Tooth Mousse were significant for Group III (Coke + Tooth Mousse) when compared with Group-I (Coke), whereas it was nonsignificant for Group – IV (Frooti + Tooth Mousse) when compared to other Group-II. Conclusion: The present study shows protective effect of CCP-ACP paste on dental erosion that is caused by drinks.
Does stigma predict variability in self-esteem? role of stigma on self-esteem of persons living with HIV/AIDS in India

Background: Persons living with HIV/AIDS experience high stigma, which limits their access to health-care institutions and treatment, thus affect health and mental health. Stigma is expected to decrease self-esteem; however, no strong evidence is established in scientific literature. The association between stigma and self-esteem in HIV/AIDS context is not well studied, especially in India. Aim: We conducted this study to examine the role of stigma for predicting self-esteem in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: Using a cross-sectional research design, we examined stigma and self-esteem in randomly selected 150 persons living with HIV/AIDS in Palakkad District, South India. The stigma was measured using HIV stigma scale while Rosenberg self-esteem scale was used to measure self-esteem. Multivariate linear regression model was used to test the association of stigma dimensions on self-esteem. Results: The persons living with HIV/AIDS experienced high stigma and low self-esteem. The “personalized stigma” was the strongest predictor which significantly reduced self-esteem (β = −0.706; P < 0.001). The independent variables predicted 56% variance on self-esteem. Overall, the model fit was significant at 0.001 level (F = 47.72). Conclusion: The tested model is useful in understanding various aspects of stigma and its potential role in determining self-esteem of persons living with HIV/AIDS in India.
Heat generation from magnetic fluids under alternating current magnetic field or induction coil for hyperthermia-based cancer therapy: Basic principle

Superparamagnetic particles (SUPs) have been used in many applications in the area of hyperthermia-based cancer treatment, as a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, as a carrier for drug, in the removal of toxic ions, etc. When SUPs are dispersed in liquid, they can experience Brownian motion and Néel's spin relaxations. In the presence of direct current magnetic field, SUPs do not show a hysteresis loop. Because of this, they are unable to produce heat. However, in alternating current magnetic field (AMF) of a few kHz and small magnetic fields, they can generate heat. For the treatment of cancer, hyperthermia temperature of 43°C is required, at which temperature cancer cells can be killed selectively, but normal cells can survive. The theory behind heat generation from SUPs in the presence of AMF will be discussed in this work.
Analysis of guideline conformity, surgical techniques, devices, consumables, and outcomes of the first 100 cases of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in adults during institutional hernia programme in a single surgical center

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to elucidate the guideline conformity and to analyze the surgical techniques, outcomes, and the use of devices and consumables for the first 100 cases of laparoscopic inguinal hernia (IH) repair performed during an institutional hernia programme (IHP) in a single surgical center. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the first consecutive 100 cases of laparoscopic IH repair performed during IHP. Patient's demographic, operation techniques, the use of devices and consumables, and outcomes are reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 185 IHs were laparoscopically repaired in 100 male patients with a mean age of 37.86 (range: 24–68) years from May 2015 to April 2019. Common indications for laparoscopic IH repair are bilateral IH (n = 85) and recurrences after the previous open repair (n = 11). A total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) was performed in 96 patients, and transabdominal preperitoneal repair was performed in four patients. The mean operation time was 35.97 (range: 10–90 min). Electrosurgical energy, surgical suction, and laparoscopic scissors were used in seven, four, and six patients, respectively. All the surgeries performed with low-cost standard polypropylene meshes. Surgical takers used in seven patients to anchor the mesh (n = 6) and close the peritoneal defect (n = 1). Conversion to open procedure was required in a single patient. The single hematoma was the only complication encountered. Seven patients developed unilateral recurrences after TEP repair for bilateral IH during the mean follow-up period of 2 years and 3 months. All the patients were discharged within 23 h of the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a higher level of guideline conformity of the laparoscopic IH repair with acceptable level of recurrence while using a minimum number of costly devices and consumables.
Computationally Efficient System Matrix Calculation Techniques in Computed Tomography Iterative Reconstruction

Background: Relative to classical methods in computed tomography, iterative reconstruction techniques enable significantly improved image qualities and/or lowered patient doses. However, the computational speed is a major concern for these iterative techniques. In the present study, we present a method for fast system matrix calculation based on the line integral model (LIM) to speed up the computations without compromising the image quality. In addition, we develop a hybrid line–area integral model (AIM) that highlights the advantages of both LIM and AIMs. Methods: The contributing detectors for a given pixel and a given projection view, and the length of corresponding intersection lines with pixels, are calculated using our proposed algorithm. For the hybrid method, the respective narrow-angle fan beam was modeled by multiple equally spaced lines. The computed system matrix was evaluated in the context of reconstruction using the simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART) as well as maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM). Results: The proposed LIM offers a considerable reduction in calculation times compared to the standard Siddon algorithm: 2.9 times faster. Differences in root mean square error and peak signal-to-noise ratio were not significant between the proposed LIM and the Siddon algorithm for both SART and MLEM reconstruction methods (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, the proposed hybrid method resulted in significantly improved image qualities relative to LIM and the Siddon algorithm (P < 0.05), though computations were 4.9 times more intensive than the proposed LIM. Conclusion: We have proposed two fast algorithms to calculate the system matrix. The first is based on LIM and was faster than the Siddon algorithm, with matched image quality, whereas the second method is a hybrid LIM–AIM that achieves significantly improved images though with its computational requirements.