Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excess Fluoride Interferes with Chloride-channel-dependent Endocytosis in Ameloblasts

Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause cystic fibrosis (CF). Both CF and dental fluorosis result in protein retention in mature enamel. We hypothesized that excess fluoride might cause protein retention by interfering with CFTR function, resulting in abnormal expression of proteases and pathological endocytosis. Millimolar concentrations of fluoride reduced uptake of Emdogain, an enamel matrix derivative, in ameloblast-like PABSo-E cells, while stimulating an acidic intracellular environment at the same time. When CFTR function was inhibited by either an siRNA or a chloride channel inhibitor, CFTRinh-172, fluoride’s effect on Emdogain uptake was partially blocked. Treatment of cells with CFTR siRNA down-regulated expression of proteases MMP20 and KLK4 and increased intracellular pH. We conclude that excess fluoride inhibits endocytic activity of ameloblasts through the CFTR chloride channel or other chloride channels. The intracellular pH might be the key mechanism by which abnormal proteolytic activity and defective endocytosis cause the residual protein observed in enamel of patients with CF and dental fluorosis.
Body Mass Index and Renal Cell Cancer: The Influence of Race and Sex

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for renal cell (or renal) cancer. The increasing prevalence of obesity may be contributing to the rising incidence of this cancer over the past several decades. The effects of early-age obesity and change in body mass index (BMI) on renal cancer have been studied less thoroughly, and the influence of race has never been formally investigated. Methods: Using data gathered as part of a large case-control study of renal cancer (1214 cases and 1234 controls), we investigated associations with BMI at several time points, as well as with height. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using logistic regression modeling. Race- and sex-stratified analyses were conducted to evaluate subgroup differences. Results: Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) early in adulthood (OR = 1.6 [95% CI = 1.1 to 2.4]) and 5 years before diagnosis (1.6 [1.1 to 2.2]) was associated with renal cancer. The association with early-adult obesity was stronger among whites than blacks (test for interaction, P = 0.006), whereas the association with obesity near diagnosis was marginally stronger in women than men (test for interaction, P = 0.08). The strongest association with renal cancer was observed for obese whites both in early adulthood and before interview (2.6 [1.5 to 4.4]); this association was not present among blacks. Estimates of the annual excess rate of renal cancer (per 100,000 persons) attributed to both overweight and obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m2) ranged from 9.9 among black men to 5.6 among white women. Conclusion: Obesity, both early and later in life, is associated with an increased risk of renal cancer. The association with early obesity seems to be stronger among whites than blacks.
The history of longitudinal research: implications for the future.

I deeply appreciate the honor of being asked to present a paper to you. I suspect that my appreciation is enhanced even beyond its normal magnitude by reason of the fact that I am not a psychologist and actually have never taken a formal course in psychology. I am sure you would never have let me in here because I am a psychiatrist, and I have difficulty making nmyself' believe that the particular bit of training I have in radiology and pediatrics would have motivated you to invite me. I have about come to the conclusion that the novelty of listening to a psychiatrist who has five publications to his credit in the American Journal of Roentgenology must have been the deciding factor. I have decided to devote this paper primarily to three topics. The first will be the history of the evolution of the longitudinal interdisciplinary research movement in this country-a movement which contributed substantially to the blossoming of the field of developmental psychology-and, two, to present to you briefly some examples of longitudinal developmental research from my own experience and institution. Finally, I shall try to emphasize the importance of the study of individual differences and the necessity of applying a longitudinal approach in their research. The term "longitudinal research" as it is used in our scientific society implies to some scientists a sort of "womb-to-tomb" research plan, replete with inadequate design, inexact instruments of measurement, and lowresearch product. Longitudinal research is also frequently considered an inordinately expensive mode of attempting to answer questions. In light of such a perception of the longitudinal method, it is hardly surprising that it
Rigorous analysis of traveling wave photodetectors under high-power illumination

An efficient hybrid method for the rigorous analysis of traveling-wave photodetectors (TWPDs) is presented. The method consists of a combination of the 2D drift-diffusion based semiconductor simulation in conjunction with a full-wave EM analysis of the overall structure. While the 2D simulation determines the conductivity profile of the semiconductor layers under illuminations of different optical power levels, the 3D simulation characterizes the corresponding RF performance of the TWPD. Comparison with available experimental data has shown excellent agreement.
Risk Factors for Reoperation in Patients Treated Surgically for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Subanalysis of the 8-year Data From the SPORT Trial

Study Design. Retrospective analysis of prospective data from the degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) arm of the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial. Objective. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for reoperation in patients treated surgically for DS and compare outcomes between patients who underwent reoperation with nonreoperative patients. Summary of Background Data. Several studies have examined outcomes following surgery for DS, but few have identified risk factors for reoperation. Methods. Analysis included patients with neurogenic claudication (>12 weeks), clinical neurological signs, spinal stenosis, and DS on standing lateral x-rays. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate patient characteristics and risk factors. Treatment effects (TEs) were calculated and compared between study groups. Results. Of 406 patients, 72% underwent instrumented fusion, 21% noninstrumented fusion, and 7% decompression alone. At 8 years, the reoperation rate was 22%, of which 28% occurred within 1 year, 54% within 2 years, 70% within 4 years, and 86% within 6 years. The reasons for reoperation included recurrent stenosis or progressive spondylolisthesis (45%), complications such as hematoma, dehiscence, or infection (36%), or new condition (14%). Reoperative patients were younger (62.2 vs. 65.3, P = 0.008). Significant risk factors were use of antidepressants (P = 0.008, hazard ratio [HR] 2.08) or having no neurogenic claudication upon enrollment (P = 0.02, HR 1.82). Patients who were smokers, diabetics, obese, or on workman's compensation were not at greater risk for reoperation. At 8-year follow-up, scores for SF-36 bodily pain (BP), Oswestry Disability Index, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons/Modems version (ODI), and stenosis frequency index were better in nonreoperative patients. TE favored nonreoperative patients for SF-36 BP, physical function, ODI, Stenosis Bothersomeness Index, and satisfaction with symptoms (P < 0.001). Conclusion. The incidence of reoperation for patients with DS was 22% 8 years following surgery. Patients with a history of no neurogenic claudication and patients taking antidepressants were more likely to undergo reoperation. Outcome scores and TE were more favorable in nonreoperative patients. Level of Evidence: 2
Effects of axon degeneration on oligodendrocyte lineage cells: Dorsal rhizotomy evokes a repair response while axon degeneration rostral to spinal contusion induces both repair and apoptosis

Wallerian degeneration in the dorsal columns (DC) after spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with microglial activation and prolonged oligodendrocyte (OL) apoptosis that may contribute to demyelination and dysfunction after SCI. But, there is an increase in OL lineage cells after SCI that may represent a reparative response, and there is evidence for remyelination after SCI. To assess the role of axonal degeneration per se in OL apoptosis and proliferation, we cut the L2‐S2 dorsal roots producing massive axonal degeneration and microglial activation in the DC, and found no evidence of OL loss or apoptosis. Rather, the numbers of OL‐lineage cells positive for NG2 and APC (CC1) increased, and BrdU studies suggested new OL formation. We then tested contusion SCI (cSCI) that results in comparable degeneration in the DC rostral to the injury, microglial activation, and apoptosis of DC OLs by eight days. NG2+ cell proliferation and oligodendrogenesis was seen as after rhizotomy. The net result of this combination of proliferation and apoptosis was a reduction in DC OLs, confirming earlier studies. Using an antibody to oxidized nucleic acids, we found rapid and prolonged RNA oxidation in OLs rostral to cSCI, but no evidence of oxidative stress in DC OLs after rhizotomy. These results suggest that signals associated with axonal degeneration are sufficient to induce OL proliferation, and that secondary injury processes associated with the central SCI, including oxidative stress, rather than axonal degeneration per se, are responsible for OL apoptosis. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NC‐6300, an epirubicin‐incorporating micelle, extends the antitumor effect and reduces the cardiotoxicity of epirubicin

Epirubicin is widely used to treat various human tumors. However, it is difficult to achieve a sufficient antitumor effect because of dosage limitation to prevent cardiotoxicity. We hypothesized that epirubicin‐incorporating micelle would reduce cardiotoxicity and improve the antitumor effect. NC‐6300 comprises epirubicin covalently bound to PEG polyaspartate block copolymer through an acid–labile hydrazone bond. The conjugate forms a micellar structure of 40–80 nm in diameter in an aqueous milieu. NC‐6300 (10, 15 mg/kg) and epirubicin (10 mg/kg) were given i.v. three times to mice bearing s.c. or liver xenograft of human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells. Cardiotoxicity was evaluated by echocardiography in C57BL/6 mice that were given NC‐6300 (10 mg/kg) or epirubicin (10 mg/kg) in nine doses over 12 weeks. NC‐6300 showed a significantly potent antitumor effect against Hep3B s.c. tumors compared with epirubicin. Moreover, NC‐6300 also produced a significantly longer survival rate than epirubicin against the liver orthotopic tumor of Hep3B. With respect to cardiotoxicity, epirubicin‐treated mice showed significant deteriorations in fractional shortening and ejection fraction. In contrast, cardiac functions of NC‐6300 treated mice were no less well maintained than in control mice. This study warrants a clinical evaluation of NC‐6300 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or other cancers.
Total paracentesis in cirrhotic patients with tense ascites and dilutional hyponatremia

OBJECTIVE:The safety of large-volume paracentesis with plasma expander infusion in ascitic cirrhotic patients with advanced liver disease, hyponatremia, or renal failure has not been elucidated. Our aim was to investigate the safety of total paracentesis in cirrhotic patients with ascites and severe hyponatremia.METHODS:Forty-five cirrhotic patients with tense ascites were treated with total paracentesis and infusion of plasma expanders. At inclusion, 20 patients showed severe hyponatremia (serum sodium <130 mEq/L). In the remaining 25 patients, serum sodium was >130 mEq/L (range, 133–146 mEq/L). RESULTS:Plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were significantly higher in patients with hyponatremia (PRA: 19.7 ± 5.8 ng/mL/h; PAC: 217 ± 35 ng/dL) than in those patients without hyponatremia (PRA: 4.9 ± 1.1 ng/mL/h; PAC: 95 ± 31 ng/dL), indicating a more severe systemic hemodynamic deterioration. After paracentesis, PRA and PAC increased similarly in both groups of patients. Serum sodium levels remained unchanged after paracentesis in patients with hyponatremia (127 ± 0.5 to 128 ± 1.5 mEq/L) and decreased slightly in patients without hyponatremia (137 ± 1 to 135 ± 1 mEq/L; p < 0.005). The incidence of complications during the first hospitalization, the probability of readmission for complications of cirrhosis, and the probability of survival at 1 yr were similar in both groups of patients.CONCLUSIONS:These results indicate that therapeutic paracentesis is a safe treatment for tense ascites in cirrhotic patients with severe hyponatremia.
Parallel Discourse Annotations on a Corpus of Short Texts

We present the first corpus of texts annotated with two alternative approaches to discourse structure, Rhetorical Structure Theory (Mann and Thompson, 1988) and Segmented Discourse Representation Theory (Asher and Lascarides, 2003). 112 short argumentative texts have been analyzed according to these two theories. Furthermore, in previous work, the same texts have already been annotated for their argumentation structure, according to the scheme of Peldszus and Stede (2013). This corpus therefore enables studies of correlations between the two accounts of discourse structure, and between discourse and argumentation. We converted the three annotation formats to a common dependency tree format that enables to compare the structures, and we describe some initial findings.
Angle of torsion of the femur and its correlates

Unpaired femora (171), devoid of gross pathology and grouped by gender (94 male and 77 female) and side (88 left and 83 right), were used to measure the angle of femoral torsion and the maximum femur length and to score the degree of prominency of the superior cervical tubercle, intertrochanteric line, quadrate tubercle, linea aspera, and adductor tubercle. The angle of torsion ranged from −9 to +35° with a mean of +12.3°. The means were not significantly different either by gender or side. The angle correlated negatively with superior cervical tubercle, intertrochanteric line, and adductor tubercle (P < 0.001), positively with quadrate tubercle (P < 0.001) but not with linea aspera, neck‐shaft angle, or length of femur. Bony prominences were significantly more apparent in males. There was no significant association between prominency and side. The torsion seems to be brought about by muscular activity and capsular and ligamentous strain at the hip. This study suggests to clinicians the possibility of correction of torsion defects in certain hip diseases of growing children by suitable alteration in posture of the lower extremity. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Role for APETALA1/FRUITFULL Transcription Factors in Tomato Leaf Development[C][W]

This work explores the transient morphogenetic activity in developing leaves that underlies some of the variability in leaf shape and size. It finds that AP1/FUL genes, previously characterized mainly by their role in reproductive development, are negative targets of TCPs during tomato leaf development. The work also shows a role for TCPs in flowering induction. Flexible maturation rates underlie part of the diversity of leaf shape, and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaves are compound due to prolonged organogenic activity of the leaf margin. The CINCINNATA -TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA, PCF (CIN-TCP) transcription factor LANCEOLATE (LA) restricts this organogenic activity and promotes maturation. Here, we show that tomato APETALA1/FRUITFULL (AP1/FUL) MADS box genes are involved in tomato leaf development and are repressed by LA. AP1/FUL expression is correlated negatively with LA activity and positively with the organogenic activity of the leaf margin. LA binds to the promoters of the AP1/FUL genes MBP20 and TM4. Overexpression of MBP20 suppressed the simple-leaf phenotype resulting from upregulation of LA activity or from downregulation of class I knotted like homeobox (KNOXI) activity. Overexpression of a dominant-negative form of MBP20 led to leaf simplification and partly suppressed the increased leaf complexity of plants with reduced LA activity or increased KNOXI activity. Tomato plants overexpressing miR319, a negative regulator of several CIN-TCP genes including LA, flower with fewer leaves via an SFT-dependent pathway, suggesting that miR319-sensitive CIN-TCPs delay flowering in tomato. These results identify a role for AP1/FUL genes in vegetative development and show that leaf and plant maturation are regulated via partially independent mechanisms.
Formation of juvenile continental crust in the Arabian – Nubian shield : evidence from granitic rocks of the Nakasib suture , NE Sudan

Major and trace element data, U–Pb zircon ages, and initial isotopic compositions of Sr, Nd, and Pb are reported for ten granitic and one rhyolitic rock sample from the neo-Proterozoic Nakasib suture in NE Sudan. Chemical data indicate that the samples are mediumto high-K, “I-type” granitic rocks that mostly plot as “volcanic arc granites” on discriminant diagrams. Geochronologic data indicate that rifting occurred 790±2 Ma and constrain the time of deformation associated with suturing of the Gebeit and Haya terranes to have ended by approximately 740 Ma. Isotopic data show a limited range, with initial 87Sr/86Sr=0.7021 to 0.7032 (mean=0.7025), εNd(t) =+5.5 to +7.0 (mean=+6.4), and 206Pb/204Pb = 17.50–17.62. Neodymium model ages (TDM; 0.69–0.85 Ga; mean = 0.76 Ga) are indistinguishable from crystallization ages (0.79–0.71 Ga; mean=0.76 Ga), and the isotopic data considered together indicate derivation from homogeneously depleted mantle. The geochronologic data indicate that the terrane accretion to form the Arabian–Nubian shield began just prior to 750 Ma. The isotopic data reinforces models for the generation of large volumes of juvenile continental crust during neo-Proterozoic time, probably at intra-oceanic convergent margins. The data also indicate that crust formation was associated with two cycles of incompatible element enrichment in granitic rocks, with an earlier cycle beginning approximately 870 Ma and culminating approximately 740 Ma, and the second cycle beginning after pervasive high-degree melts – possibly hot-spot related – were emplaced approximately 690–720 Ma.
Investigation of Warm-Mix Asphalt Performance Using the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide

Warm mix asphalt (WMA) has been on the horizon of new asphalt technologies, and now it is at the forefront of many research and field projects. The process of investigating the implementation of WMA is a task that many state and local agencies are now facing. The purpose of this paper is to describe WMA technologies and provide a summary of laboratory and field tests that have explored the use of WMA. Several of the driving forces of WMA research are the potential for a reduction in energy, fuel consumption, and emissions as well as other benefits. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of the WMA additives DuraLife™ and DuraClime™ to hot mix asphalt (HMA) control mixtures. The comparison will be based upon dynamic modulus data that were collected at multiple temperatures and frequencies. The dynamic modulus data are input into the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) version 1.0, and the performance of the WMA mix is compared to the respective HMA control mixture. A statistical analysis was also performed on the dynamic modulus data. The statistical analysis of the experimental data has shown differences in the values of the dynamic modulus between the HMA and WMA mixtures tested at various temperatures. Meanwhile, the results of the MEPDG showed WMA had a better MEPDG predicted pavement performance. The performance of WMA has thus far aligned well with the HMA, and research in this area is continuing.
Treatment outcome of 42 replanted permanent incisors with a median follow-up of 2.8 years.

AIM To evaluate the treatment outcome of avulsed and replanted permanent incisors. MATERIAL AND METHODS 42 avulsed and replanted permanent incisors in 37 individuals were followed over a median observation period of 2.8 years (range: one year to five years). The mean age was 16.3 years at the time of replantation, with 81% of patients being younger than 20 years. RESULTS The tooth survival rate after replantation was 83.3% (35/42 teeth). Periodontal healing was observed in 20 teeth. External root resorption was the most frequent complication and was found in 22 of the 42 avulsed teeth: 21 teeth had replacement resorption. Of these 21 teeth, 14 teeth were still in situ at time of recall examination, seven teeth had to be extracted during the follow-up period due to progressive replacement resorption. One tooth had surface resorption. In contrast, infection-related resorption could not be observed in this sample. With regard to periodontal healing, no differences were found between teeth with short (less than 14 days) versus prolonged duration of splinting. Higher incidence of replacement resorption correlated with the extended duration of non-physiologic extraoral storage. CONCLUSION Use of a strict endodontic treatment protocol after replantation minimized the risk of infection-related root resorption. The occurrence of replacement resorption was mainly influenced by the duration of the non-physiologic extraoral storage time and storage medium.
Impact of the use of immunoglobulin palivizumab in the State of São Paulo: a cohort study 1

ABSTRACT Introduction: the use of palivizumab as prophylaxis of the respiratory syncytial virus is not a consensus. In Brazil, it is a public health program, but other countries do not consider it cost-effective. Objective: to identify the rate of hospitalization in Intensive Care Unit for respiratory illness or symptoms among children who received the immunoglobulin palivizumab, the proportion of children who failed to take any of the recommended doses and the impact of that failure on hospitalization. Method: cohort study conducted with 693 children enrolled in the palivizumab program in 2014 (85.1% of the population), with monthly assessment from April to September through a telephone call to the mothers or caregiver. The probability of hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit related to failure in taking the palivizumab, was analyzed through multiple logistic regression, with p<0,05. Results: the hospitalization rate was 18.2%; 2.3% of the children did not receive all the recommended immunoglobulin doses; the probability of hospitalization for respiratory illness or symptoms increased by an average of 29% at each missed dose (p=0.007; OR=1.29, CI=1.07-1.56). Conclusion: the increase in the chance of hospitalization related to missed immunoglobulin doses indicates the need to implement health education actions and active search for absent children by the health services.
Vitamin B6 Level Is Associated with Symptoms of Depression

Background: A low level of vitamin B6 might theoretically cause depression as vitamin B6 is a cofactor in the tryptophan-serotonin pathway. In the present study, we examined the association between depression and the phosphate derivative of vitamin B6 in plasma, pyridoxal phosphate (PLP). Methods: In 140 individuals, symptoms of depression were evaluated by the Major Depression Inventory, and biochemical markers of vitamin B deficiency were measured. Results: We found that 18 (13%) individuals were depressed. A low plasma level of PLP was significantly associated with the depression score (p = 0.002). No significant association was found between depression and plasma vitamin B12 (p = 0.13), plasma methylmalonic acid (p = 0.67), erythrocyte folate (p = 0.77), and plasma total homocysteine (p = 0.16). Conclusion: Our study suggests that a low level of plasma PLP is associated with symptoms of depression. Randomized trials are now justified and needed in order to examine whether treatment with vitamin B6 may improve symptoms of depression.