Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dental anxiety among young adolescent patients in Israel.

AIM To evaluate adolescents' dental anxiety using self-reported questionnaires previously given to adults. SAMPLE AND METHOD One hundred and four patients (42 boys, 62 girls) aged 12-18 years who attended their paediatric dentist completed a questionnaire in the waiting room. The survey consisted of three sections: sociodemographic information for the children, a dental anxiety scale (DAS), and a dental fear survey (DFS). RESULTS The scores of the girls were higher than the boys in every DAS item as well as in the total score. Girls showed higher DFS scores than boys in most items. The most anxiety-provoking stimuli were feeling and seeing the needle. In the most anxiety provoking stimuli, among the boys who reported higher DFS scores (categories 3, 4, 5), the DAS scores were higher than the scores of the girls. As the stimulus became less anxiety-provoking, such as sitting in the dental chair, the DAS scores of the girls in these categories were higher than boys. Significantly more girls' responses were in categories 3, 4 and 5 in the items dealing with the needle and the drill, while no significant difference was observed among the boys and girls regarding sitting in the dental chair. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that individual personality traits may be the final factor to indicate those who will eventually develop higher dental anxiety, and those who will not. The difference could be also in the conditioning process and learned responses (male and female education) that these individuals have experienced in life.
Corticobasal degeneration as cause of progressive non‐fluent aphasia: Clinical, radiological and pathological study of an autopsy case

A Japanese male developed gradual loss of spontaneous speech at age 60. Three years later meaningful speech had deteriorated to the point that it had become restricted to monotonous utterances. Neuropsychological examination at age 62 showed that he had severe non‐fluent aphasia. A brain MRI demonstrated mild cortical atrophy with ischemic lesions in the cerebral white matter. He was diagnosed as having primary progressive aphasia. At age 63, he was admitted to the hospital to reevaluate the neurological condition. Neurologic examination showed severe non‐fluent aphasia, hyperreflexia, snout and sucking reflexes. No alien hand was observed. He was able to walk, dress, wash himself and use chopsticks as well as name real objects. At age 65, 99mTc‐hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime single photon emission computed tomography (HMPAO‐SPECT) revealed diffuse cerebral hypoperfusion that was particularly prominent in the left frontal lobe. An MRI showed progressive cortical atrophy with the definite atrophy of the left paracentral gyrus. The hippocampal formation and putamen were also atrophic. He died of pneumonia at age 67. The brain weighed 810 g with atrophy of the frontal lobe, globus pallidus, enlargement of the lateral ventricles and depigmentation of the substantia nigra. Microscopic examination showed severe neuronal loss and gliosis in the cerebral cortex, globus pallidus interna and substantia nigra. Ballooned neurons were observed in the cerebral cortex. Gallyas‐Braak method revealed numerous astrocytic plaques and argentophilic threads in the cerebrum. Clinical diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration sometimes is difficult in individuals with atypical clinical presentations. More exact clinical and radiological criteria may warrant a diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration.
Resistance Exercise Countermeasures for Space Flight: Implications of Training Specificity

While resistance exercise should be a logical choice for prevention of strength loss during unloading, the principle of training specificity cannot be overlooked. Our purpose was to explore training specificity in describing the effect of our constant load exercise countermeasure on isokinetic strength performance. Twelve healthy men (mean ± SD: 28.0 ± 5.2 years, 179.4 ± 3.9 cm, 77.5 ± 13.6 kg) were randomly assigned to no exercise or resistance exercise (REX) during 14 days of bed rest. REX performed five sets of leg press exercise to volitional fatigue (6–10 repetitions) every other day. Unilateral isokinetic concentric-eccentric knee extension testing performed before and on day 15 prior to reambulation included torque-velocity and power-velocity relationships at four velocities (0.52, 1.75, 2.97, and 4.19 rad·s−1), torque-position relationship, and contractile work capacity (10 repetitions at 1.05 rad·s−1). Two (group) · 2 (time) ANOVA revealed no group · time interactions; thus, groups were combined. Across velocities, angle-specific torque fell 18% and average power fell 20% (p < 0.05). No velocity · time or mode (concentric/eccentric) · time interactions were noted. Torque · position decreased on average 24% (p < 0.05). Total contractile work dropped 27% (p < 0.05). Results indicate bed rest induces rapid and marked reductions in strength and our constant load resistance training protocol did not prevent isokinetic strength losses. Differences between closed-chain training and open-chain testing may explain the lack of protection.
Role of non‐selective adenosine receptor blockade and phosphodiesterase inhibition in cisplatin‐induced nephrogonadal toxicity in rats

1. It is well documented that cisplatin (CDDP) treatment increases the expression of adenosine A1 receptors in both kidney and testes. However, the effect of adenosine at these receptors is controversial. Adenosine A1 receptors have been documented to be involved in either cytoprotection or aggravation of nephrotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the non‐selective adenosine receptor inhibitor theophylline and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline on CDDP‐induced renal and testicular toxicity.
Stress‐induced pressor and corticosterone responses in oxytocin‐deficient mice

We used oxytocin knockout (OTKO) mice to investigate the role of oxytocin in regulation of blood pressure, heart rate and stress reactivity (pressure reactivity and plasma corticosterone). Male OTKO and control wild‐type mice with carotid arterial catheters were exposed to intermittent shaker stress for 7 days (2 min stressors, 45 times per day). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously (24 h) before stress (basal), on stress days 1, 3 and 7 (S1, S3 and S7) and 1 day poststress (recovery). Plasma corticosterone (Cort) was measured before stress and 30 min after the last stress on day 7. Twenty‐four hour averages of MAP and HR were lower in OTKO mice than in controls (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.005, respectively) with a significant diurnal rhythm. Chronic stress (S1 and S3) produced an increase in 24 h average MAP in OTKO mice, but not in controls. There were no stress‐related changes in 24 h average HR values between control and OTKO mice. The immediate pressor responses were analysed during the dark and light periods (19.00 and 08.00 h). During the dark period, stress‐induced pressor responses were observed only in OTKO mice (S1 and S3). In the light period, stress‐induced MAP increases were seen on all days in OTKO mice and on days S1 and S3 in controls. There were no differences in baseline Cort between the groups; however, OTKO mice showed a reduced response to chronic stress (+298 versus+411%, OTKO mice versus controls, P < 0.005). In conclusion, oxytocin deficiency alters the endocrine and pressor responses to chronic stress, suggesting that the endogenous oxytocin system is important in regulating the stress‐induced pressor response.
Walking capacity and ability are more impaired in progressive compared to relapsing type of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND Patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) have been attributed greater walking disability than relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients but quantitative data on walking speed and ability are lacking. AIM To investigate the impact of type of MS on severity of reduced walking ability and capacity taking into account age, sex, height and disease duration. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational multi-center study SETTING European MS centers providing either in- or out-patient services, or both. POPULATION This study included 502 patients: 259, 162 and 81 patients showed RRMS, secondary and primary progressive MS respectively. METHODS Walking was evaluated by T25FW, six minute walk test and MS-Walking Scale-12. Patient characteristics were compared using a one-way ANOVA, and simple and multivariate regression analysis were applied with the walking measures. RESULTS In adjusted (sex, age, weight, height and disease duration) analyses, walking impairments were more than 20% greater in progressive types of MS compared to RRMS. There were also indications of greater walking impairment in primary compared to secondary progressive MS patients. CONCLUSION Clinical walking impairment was larger in progressive compared to relapsing-remitting type of MS. The biological disease mechanism, being degeneration or inflammation, impacts on disability. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT Health care professionals must be aware of different severity of walking impairment in progressive compared to relapsing type of MS, and need for intensive treatment. Also, studies must report rehabiltiation effects according to MS type.
Women with recurrent postmenopausal bleeding should be re-investigated but are not more likely to have endometrial cancer

Objectives We aimed to determine the prevalence of endometrial cancer in patients presenting with recurrent postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) after initial negative investigations. Study design This was a retrospective study carried out in a dedicated PMB clinic. All patients presenting with recurrent PMB between 1 January 2003 and 31 May 2009 were studied. All patients had transvaginal ultrasound, speculum examination and endometrial sampling attempted. Main outcome measure The prevalence of endometrial cancer in patients presenting with recurrent PMB after initial negative investigations. Results A total of 1536 women with PMB were seen over a period of 56 months. Sixty-six required definitive treatment after their first visit. One hundred and twenty-six re-presented with recurrent bleeding. The prevalence of endometrial cancer in women presenting for the first time with PMB was 3.04% whereas that in women presenting with recurrent PMB after initial negative investigations was 4%. One of these women re-presented within six months of initial visit and another within one year. All the other cancers were diagnosed more than one year after initial negative investigations (range 19.6–57.1 months). One woman had an endometrial cancer even though the endometrial thickness was less than 3 mm. Conclusions Women with recurrent PMB after initial negative investigations are no more likely to have endometrial cancer than those presenting for the first time but re-investigation is indicated if six months has elapsed.
Silver Activates Calcium Signals in Rat Basophilic Leukemia-2H3 Mast Cells by a Mechanism That Differs from the FcεRI-Activated Response1

We previously showed that silver stimulates degranulation and leukotriene (LT) C4 production in rat basophilic leukemia mast cells and now show that silver induces these events by a mechanism that differs from the FcεRI-mediated response. In common with FcεRI cross-linking, silver induced tyrosine phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and furthermore, PD98059, a specific inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase dose-dependently inhibited the silver-induced LTC4 production. In contrast to FcεRI cross-linking, silver had no effect on the production of IL-4 and TNF-α, indicating that different mechanisms are involved in the activation by these two stimuli. In line with this, silver had no or only marginal effect on the tyrosine phosphorylation of FcεRIβ, Lyn, Syk, and linker for activation of T cells, the early and crucial events in FcεRI signaling. Silver induced calcium signals that were involved in the metal-induced degranulation, but not LTC4 production. Unlike Ag, the silver-induced calcium signals were resistant to the depletion of thapsigargin-sensitive calcium stores and the inhibition of tyrosine kinases and phospholipase Cγ. These findings indicate that silver activates mast cells by bypassing the early signaling events required for the induction of calcium influx. Our data strongly suggest the existence of an alternative pathway bypassing the early signaling events in mast cell activation and indicate that silver may be useful for analyses of such alternative mechanisms.
Copper-Dependent Iron Assimilation Pathway in the Model Photosynthetic Eukaryote Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

ABSTRACT The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a valuable model for studying metal metabolism in a photosynthetic background. A search of the Chlamydomonas expressed sequence tag database led to the identification of several components that form a copper-dependent iron assimilation pathway related to the high-affinity iron uptake pathway defined originally for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They include a multicopper ferroxidase (encoded by Fox1), an iron permease (encoded by Ftr1), a copper chaperone (encoded by Atx1), and a copper-transporting ATPase. A cDNA, Fer1, encoding ferritin for iron storage also was identified. Expression analysis demonstrated that Fox1 and Ftr1 were coordinately induced by iron deficiency, as were Atx1 and Fer1, although to lesser extents. In addition, Fox1 abundance was regulated at the posttranscriptional level by copper availability. Each component exhibited sequence relationship with its yeast, mammalian, or plant counterparts to various degrees; Atx1 of C. reinhardtii is also functionally related with respect to copper chaperone and antioxidant activities. Fox1 is most highly related to the mammalian homologues hephaestin and ceruloplasmin; its occurrence and pattern of expression in Chlamydomonas indicate, for the first time, a role for copper in iron assimilation in a photosynthetic species. Nevertheless, growth of C. reinhardtii under copper- and iron-limiting conditions showed that, unlike the situation in yeast and mammals, where copper deficiency results in a secondary iron deficiency, copper-deficient Chlamydomonas cells do not exhibit symptoms of iron deficiency. We propose the existence of a copper-independent iron assimilation pathway in this organism.
Are large dinners associated with excess weight, and does eating a smaller dinner achieve greater weight loss? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract There are suggestions that large evening meals are associated with greater BMI. This study reviewed systematically the association between evening energy intake and weight in adults and aimed to determine whether reducing evening intake achieves weight loss. Databases searched were MEDLINE, PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane Library of Clinical Trials, EMBASE and SCOPUS. Eligible observational studies investigated the relationship between BMI and evening energy intake. Eligible intervention trials compared weight change between groups where the proportion of evening intake was manipulated. Evening intake was defined as energy consumed during a certain time – for example 18.00–21.00 hours – or self-defined meal slots – that is ‘dinner’. The search yielded 121 full texts that were reviewed for eligibility by two independent reviewers. In all, ten observational studies and eight clinical trials were included in the systematic review with four and five included in the meta-analyses, respectively. Four observational studies showed a positive association between large evening intake and BMI, five showed no association and one showed an inverse relationship. The meta-analysis of observational studies showed a non-significant trend between BMI and evening intake (P=0·06). The meta-analysis of intervention trials showed no difference in weight change between small and large dinner groups (−0·89 kg; 95 % CI −2·52, 0·75, P=0·29). This analysis was limited by significant heterogeneity, and many trials had an unknown or high risk of bias. Recommendations to reduce evening intake for weight loss cannot be substantiated by clinical evidence, and more well-controlled intervention trials are needed.
Phosphate binder use and mortality among hemodialysis patients in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS): evaluation of possible confounding by nutritional status.

BACKGROUND Poor nutritional status and both hyper- and hypophosphatemia are associated with increased mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. We assessed associations of phosphate binder prescription with survival and indicators of nutritional status in maintenance HD patients. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study (DOPPS [Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study]), 1996-2008. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 23,898 maintenance HD patients at 923 facilities in 12 countries. PREDICTORS Patient-level phosphate binder prescription and case-mix-adjusted facility percentage of phosphate binder prescription using an instrumental-variable analysis. OUTCOME All-cause mortality. RESULTS Overall, 88% of patients were prescribed phosphate binders. Distributions of age, comorbid conditions, and other characteristics showed small differences between facilities with higher and lower percentages of phosphate binder prescription. Patient-level phosphate binder prescription was associated strongly at baseline with indicators of better nutrition, ie, higher values for serum creatinine, albumin, normalized protein catabolic rate, and body mass index and absence of cachectic appearance. Overall, patients prescribed phosphate binders had 25% lower mortality (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.68-0.83) when adjusted for serum phosphorus level and other covariates; further adjustment for nutritional indicators attenuated this association (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.97). However, this inverse association was observed for only patients with serum phosphorus levels ≥3.5 mg/dL. In the instrumental-variable analysis, case-mix-adjusted facility percentage of phosphate binder prescription (range, 23%-100%) was associated positively with better nutritional status and inversely with mortality (HR for 10% more phosphate binders, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96). Further adjustment for nutritional indicators reduced this association to an HR of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92-0.99). LIMITATIONS Results were based on phosphate binder prescription; phosphate binder and nutritional data were cross-sectional; dietary restriction was not assessed; observational design limits causal inference due to possible residual confounding. CONCLUSIONS Longer survival and better nutritional status were observed for maintenance HD patients prescribed phosphate binders and in facilities with a greater percentage of phosphate binder prescription. Understanding the mechanisms for explaining this effect and ruling out possible residual confounding require additional research.
Assessment of prolactin secretion in children: a profile of circadian prolactin secretion and the principles for interpreting it.

INTRODUCTION Prolactin (Prl) is secreted in a circadian pattern, although no method of interpreting it has yet been established. The aim of the study was to assess Prl secretion in children on the basis of the Prl circadian profile and to establish principles for the interpretation of the results obtained by this method. MATERIAL AND METHODS The analysis comprised 41 healthy short children (25 boys); aged 5.2-16.3 years, in whom hormonal disorders and chronic diseases had been excluded. The children were divided into prepubertal or pubertal subgroups. Serum Prl concentrations were measured every 3 hours for 24 hours. To assess the rhythm the parameters of macroscopic analysis were calculated and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. The group for comparison consisted of 30 children aged 8.9-17.2 years with hyperprolactinaemia. RESULTS In each subgroup significantly higher Prl concentrations were observed at night than by day. No statistical differences were noticed between the groups regarding Prl concentrations at particular time points or parameter values during circadian Prl rhythm evaluation. In the group analysed weak correlations were found between age and Prl peak and trough levels. On the basis of ROC analysis criteria for the existence of normal circadian Prl rhythm in children were established. CONCLUSIONS 1. The presence of normal circadian Prl rhythm is observed if at least one of the following three criteria is fulfilled: amplitude >1.8779; X(n)/X(d) ratio >1.685; regression index <-0.4107. 2. No interpretation in relation to sex, age and stage of puberty is necessary for the circadian prolactin secretion rhythm in children.
What kind of milk can prevent infant's sideropenic anemia--comparative study.

INTRODUCTION The most common cause of sideropenic anemia in infants, during the period of their fast growth and development, is inadequate nutrition or insufficient intake of food rich in iron. The aim of this paper is to provide the insight into the problem of anemia and to emphasize nutrition as an important etiologic factor in the onset and prevention of anemia in infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two retrospective studies were conducted at the Institute for Child and Youth Healthcare of Vojvodina. Department for Infant and Small Children's Pathology. The first study covered the period of eight years (1988-1995), and it included a total of 507 children, aged 1-24 months. The second study covered the period of two years (2010-2011) and a total of 290 children aged 1-12 months were included. The diagnosis of anemia was made according to clinical examination or after taking routine laboratory tests. According to the criteria of the World Health Organization, all children were divided into those with severe, moderate or mild anemia. RESULTS Out of 507 children examined in the first study, 333 (65.68%) were breastfed, while 174 (34.32%) had never been breastfed. In the second study, 206 (71.03%) out of 290 children were breastfed, while 56 (19.31%) had never been breastfed. In both studies the highest percentage of children breastfed for the longest period was among children with mild form of anemia, while the children who were breastfed for the shortest period had severe anemia. In addition, the highest percentage of anemic children was supplementary fed with cow's milk in both studies. CONCLUSION Short natural diet, early introduction of supplementation and choice of milk could be determining factors in the development and manifestation of anemia.
Complications After Tracheal and Cricotracheal Resection and Anastomosis for Inflammatory and Neoplastic Stenoses

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate complications and success rates of tracheal resection and anastomosis (TRA) and cricotracheal resection and anastomosis (CTRA) in patients treated in 2 academic institutions. Methods: Retrospective charts review of 137 patients submitted to TRA/CTRA. Fifty (36.5%) had neoplastic (group A) and 87 (63.5%) benign (group B) stenoses. Using univariate analysis, age, medical comorbidities, previous radiotherapy, type of TRA/CTRA, association with neck dissection and thyroidectomy, length of resected airway, and preoperative tracheotomy were evaluated to identify factors predictive of complications and outcomes. Results: The mean length of resected airway was 2.7 and 3 cm in groups A and B, respectively. Overall decannulation and complication rates for group A were 96% and 36%, and 99% and 46% for group B, respectively. Length of airway resected and presence of preoperative tracheotomy had a statistically significant effect on major surgical complications. Age older than 70 and cardiovascular and pulmonary comorbidities were significantly associated with the incidence of major medical complications. No statistically significant difference was found considering the complication rates of group A versus group B. Conclusion: Even though the overall success rate of TRA/CTRA is high, it should always be regarded as a major surgical procedure with a non-negligible incidence of complications.