Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obesity and periodontal disease in young, middle-aged, and older adults.

BACKGROUND The growing prevalence of increased body weight and obesity in the United States has raised significant public health concerns. Obesity has been implicated as a risk factor for several chronic health conditions, as well as being associated with increased mortality. Recently, an association between obesity and periodontal disease was found in a Japanese population. The purpose of the present study is to examine the relation between body weight and periodontal disease in a representative United States sample. METHODS Participants in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) who were > or =18 years and had undergone a periodontal examination were selected for the analysis (n = 13,665). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used as measures of overall and abdominal fat content, respectively. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between increased body weight and periodontal disease. BMI and WC were assessed independently in a multivariable logistic model containing the following variables: gender, race, education, poverty index, smoking, diabetes, and time elapsed since last dental visit. Significant interactions with age were found and analyses were then stratified by age: younger (18 to 34 years old), middle-aged (35 to 59 years old), and older (60 to 90 years old) adults. RESULTS A significant association between the measures of body fat and periodontal disease was found among the younger adults, but not middle or older adults. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) for having periodontal disease were 0.21 (0.080 to 0.565), 1.00 (0.705 to 1.407), and 1.76 (1.187 to 2.612) for subjects with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, 25-29.9 kg/m2, and > or = 30 kg/m2, respectively. Young subjects with high WC had an adjusted OR of 2.27 (1.480 to 3.487) for having periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS In a younger population, overall and abdominal obesity are associated with increased prevalence of periodontal disease, while underweight (BMI < 18.5) is associated with decreased prevalence. Obesity could be a potential risk factor for periodontal disease especially among younger individuals. Promotion of healthy nutrition and adequate physical activity may be additional factors to prevent or halt the rate of progression of periodontal disease.
Non-native English-speaking English language teachers: History and research

Although the majority of English language teachers worldwide are non-native English speakers, no research was conducted on these teachers until recently. After the pioneering work of Robert Phillipson in 1992 and Peter Medgyes in 1994, nearly a decade had to elapse for more research to emerge on the issues relating to non-native English teachers. The publication in 1999 of George Braine's book Nonnative educators in English language teaching appears to have encouraged a number of graduate students and scholars to research this issue, with topics ranging from teachers' perceptions of their own identity to students' views and aspects of teacher education. This article compiles, classifies, and examines research conducted in the last two decades on this topic, placing a special emphasis on World Englishes concerns, methods of investigation, and areas in need of further attention.
ATG16L1: A multifunctional susceptibility factor in Crohn disease

Genetic variations in the autophagic pathway influence genetic predispositions to Crohn disease. Autophagy, the major lysosomal pathway for degrading and recycling cytoplasmic material, constitutes an important homeostatic cellular process. Of interest, single-nucleotide polymorphisms in ATG16L1 (autophagy-related 16-like 1 [S. cerevisiae]), a key component in the autophagic response to invading pathogens, have been associated with an increased risk of developing Crohn disease. The most common and well-studied genetic variant of ATG16L1 (rs2241880; leading to a T300A conversion) exhibits a strong association with risk for developing Crohn disease. The rs2241880 variant plays a crucial role in pathogen clearance, resulting in imbalanced cytokine production, and is linked to other biological processes, such as the endoplasmic reticulum stress/unfolded protein response. In this review, we focus on the importance of ATG16L1 and its genetic variant (T300A) within the elementary biological processes linked to Crohn disease.
[Chromosome Y microdeletions in Czech men with severe reproductive disorders].

BACKGROUND The Y chromosome microdeletions belong to the frequent genetical causes of male infertility. The aim of our study was to introduce reliable molecular genetic diagnosis of Y chromosomal microdeletions and to determine the prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Czech males with serious reproductive disorders. METHODS AND RESULTS The Y chromosome microdeletions were screened in 198 Czech men with serious reproductive disorders with decreased sperm count. The Y chromosome microdeletions were disclosed in 8/198 (4.0%) examined males. The AZFc deletion type was revealed in 62.5% (5/8) and the combined AZFc + b microdeletion in 37.5% (3/8) of cases. Neither isolated AZFb nor AZFa microdeletion were found in any subject of the investigated group. CONCLUSIONS Incidence of individual types of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Czech males with serious reproductive disorders was assessed. The standardised molecular genetic diagnosis of Y chromosomal microdeletions was introduced into the practice.
Asymmetric Information and the Link Between Leverage and Mortgage Default

Borrowers with large mortgages relative to their home values are more likely to default. This paper asks whether this correlation is due to moral hazard—larger balances causing borrowers to default— or adverse selection—ex-ante risky borrowers choosing larger loans. To separate these information asymmetries, I exploit a natural experiment resulting from (i) the unique contract structure of Option Adjustable Rate Mortgages and (ii) the unexpected divergence, during the 2008 crisis, of two financial indices used to determine interest rate adjustments for these loans. I find that moral hazard is responsible for 60-70 percent of the baseline correlation between leverage and default, but adverse selection explains the remaining 30-40 percent. I construct and calibrate a simple model of mortgage choice and default with asymmetric information to highlight the policy tradeoff informed by my estimates. I show that optimal regulation of mortgage leverage must weigh losses from defaults against under-provision of credit due to adverse selection. ∗Columbia University. Email: c.hansman@columbia.edu. I am indebted to Pierre-André Chiappori, Jonas Hjort, Wojciech Kopczuk, and Bernard Salanié for their advice and guidance. I would additionally like to thank Eduardo Dávila, François Gerard, Arpit Gupta, Henrik Kleven, Rocco Macchiavello, Dan O’Flaherty, Tomasz Piskorski, Miikka Rokkanen, Christoph Rothe, Johannes Spinnewijn, Miguel Urquiola, Eric Verhoogen and members of the microeconomics colloquia at Columbia for their helpful comments and suggestions. This work has been supported by the National Science Foundation (SES-1559460) and by award # 98-16-02 from the Russell Sage Foundation. Any opinions expressed are mine alone and should not be construed as representing the opinions of the National Science Foundation or the Russell Sage Foundation.
The social-cognitive basis of personality disorders: commentary on the special issue.

For the first time, this special issue has collated the increasing knowledge on social cognitive functioning in personality disorders, namely in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Psychopathy (PP). The concept of social cognition subsumes more or less complex processes of emotion recognition, theory of mind, and empathy, that contribute to an individual’s ability to understand and respond adequately to the thoughts and feelings of others. Social cognitive functioning is also related to the concept of mentalizing as “a way to see ourselves from the outside and see others from the inside” (Oldham, 2009). No doubt, the capability to take the perspectives of others is a necessary precondition to form satisfying social interactions and reliable intimate relationships. While the majority of research in the field of personality disorders (PDs) has dealt with affect dysregulation, impulsivity as well as diminished pain sensitivity in BPD, up to now, social cognitive functions have gained in significance in PDs within the last years. Increasing interest in psychological, psychopathological, and neurobiological underpinnings of social cognitive functioning nowadays is not restricted to the field of PDs but may be particularly important in disorders with interpersonal dysfunctions being their prominent characteristic. Analyzing the roots of poor social cognitive functioning in PDs may crucially deepen our future understanding of the bio-psycho-social etiology of these disorders as the development of intact social cognitive functioning is closely related to the quality of interaction to early significant others and at the same time is modulated by genetics and epigenetics. Some fundamental insights have already been gained with regard to the development of emotion recognition capacities in supportive and adverse early social environments. Early traumata might result in a lifelong enhanced perception of threat (e.g., in the faces of others) with oxytocin probably being one of the most potent biological mediators of how human perceive the faces of their conspecies (di Simplicio, Massey-Chase, Cowen, & Harmer, 2009;
Possible autocrine loop of the epidermal growth factor system in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with finasteride: a placebo‐controlled randomized study

Objective To analyse the expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) system in prostate tissue and secretions obtained from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with or without finasteride (which primarily targets the androgen‐sensitive secretory epithelial cells in the prostate, with little effect on basal epithelial and stromal cells).
Study of Biofilm Production and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolated from Urinary Catheter at the University Hospital of Tlemcen

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important gram-negative opportunistic pathogen causing primarily urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and bacteraemia. The ability of bacteria to form biofilms on medical devices, e.g. catheters, has a major role in development of many nosocomial infections. There are various methods to detect biofilm production like Tissue Culture Plate (TCP), Tube method (TM), Congo Red Agar method (CRA), bioluminescent assay, piezoelectric sensors, and fluorescent microscopic examination. In the present study we screened 100 strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from urinary catheter at the university hospital of Tlemcen (Algeria) by three methods for the detection of biofilms (TCP, TM, CRA). Antibiotic susceptibility test of biofilm producing bacteria was performed by using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique according to CLSI guidelines. The TCP method was considered to be superior to TM and CRA. From the total of 100 clinical isolates, TCP method detected 69% as high, 21% moderate and 10% as weak or non-biofilm producers. We have observed higher antibiotic resistance in biofilm producing bacteria than non-biofilm producers. This study demonstrates a high propensity among the clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae to form biofilm and a significant association of biofilm with multiple drug resistance.
Nerve regeneration after immediate and delayed suture.

Introduction Material and experimental methods Histological methods The sheaths of the normal nerve fibre. 1. Progressive changes in the peripheral stump 1-1. Initial changes in the Schwann cells 1-2. Macrophages 1-3. The Schwann tubes and the movement of Schwann cells within them 1-4. Outgrowth of Schwann cells from peripheral stumps 1-5. Late changes in an uninnervated peripheral stump 1-6. Late changes in the Schwann cells 1-7. Retrograde re-innervation of peripheral stumps 1-8. Late changes in the endoneurium and perineurium 2. Re-innervation of the peripheral stump after immediate suture 2-1. Advance of axones in the peripheral stump 2-2. Increase in diameter and medullation of the fibres 3. Regeneration after delayed suture 3-1. The regenerative power of the central stump 3-2. The regenerative power of the peripheral stump 3-3. The quality of union between the stumps at secondary suture 3-31. The activity of Schwann cells at secondary suture 3-4. Re-innervation of nerve after long periods of degeneration Discussion Summary Description of the plates PAGE 63 64 65 67 69 69 69 70 71 73 73 74 76 78
History of sexual abuse among HIV- infected women

The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics associated with a history of sexual abuse among HIV-infected women enrolled in a public inner-city HIV outpatient clinic. A retrospective chart review of 238 women of childbearing age enrolled in the HIV outpatient clinic between 1987 and 1995 was performed. Characteristics of the study population were 83% African American, 69% single, and 53% finished high school or were still in school. The mean age was 25.7 years. Of the 238 women, 32% had a history of sexual abuse. Factors associated with sexual abuse history after controlling for age included living in a nonpermanent situation (OR=4.8), history of non-intravenous drug use (OR=4.65), and having dropped out of school (OR=2.2). HIV-infected women should be screened for a history of sexual abuse and carefully counselled regarding their reproductive choices and drug treatment.
A cc ep te d A rti cl e Evaluation of SmartStax and SmartStax PRO Maize against Western Corn Rootworm and Northern Corn Rootworm : Efficacy and Resistance Management Evaluation of SmartStax and SmartStax PRO against WCR and NCR

BACKGROUND: Cases of western corn rootworm (WCR) field-evolved resistance to Cry3Bb1 and other corn rootworm (CRW) control traits have been reported. Pyramid products expressing multiple CRW traits can delay resistance compared to single trait products. We used field studies to assess the pyramid CRW corn products, SmartStax (expressing Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1) and SmartStax PRO (expressing Cry3Bb1, Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 and DvSnf7), at locations with high WCR densities and possible Cry3Bb1 resistance, and to assess the reduction in adult emergence attributable to DvSnf7 and This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1002/ps.4554 A cc ep te d A rti cl e other traits. Insect resistance models were used to assess durability of SmartStax and SmartStax PRO to WCR resistance. RESULTS: SmartStax significantly reduced root injury compared to non-CRW-trait controls at all but one location with measurable WCR pressure, while SmartStax PRO significantly reduced root injury at all locations, despite evidence of Cry3Bb1 resistance at some locations. The advantage of SmartStax PRO over SmartStax in reducing root damage was positively correlated with root damage on non-CRW-trait controls. DvSnf7 was estimated to reduce WCR emergence by approximately 80-95%, which modelling indicated will improve durability of Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 compared to SmartStax. CONCLUSION: The addition of DvSnf7 in SmartStax PRO can reduce root damage under high WCR densities and prolong Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 durability.
Androgenic Response to Long-Term Physical Training in Male Subjects

An increase in endogenous androgen production has been observed following long-term physical training and the beneficial effects of training have been attributed in part to this phenomenon. Other investigators, however, found, in contrast lower testosterone levels in trained compared with untrained subjects. The purpose of the present study was to follow the long-term changes in total testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) levels in intensely training individuals. The changes in the body's anabolic state, induced by intense long-term physical training, were determined using the plasma resting T/C ratio. T and C levels of 35 young untrained subjects were measured at 6 week intervals during 18 weeks of strenuous physical training. All samples were drawn within one half hour of awaking (05.30-06.00). Mean serum T levels increased significantly at 6 weeks (28.7%, p less than 0.02) and decreased significantly at 12 weeks (20.6%, p less than 0.02), but did not differ at 18 weeks compared with levels before training was commenced (mean +/- SE, 16.9 +/- 0.2, 21.8 +/- 0.3, 12.8 +/- 0.2 and 17.3 +/- 0.2 nmol/l at 0, 6, 12, and 18 weeks, respectively). Mean serum C was increased significantly (21.3%, p less than 0.005) at 18 weeks (463.5 +/- 19.3, 507.7 +/- 22.1, 480.1 +/- 19.3, and 565.6 +/- 22.1 nmol/l). T/C ratio decreased significantly after 12 and 18 weeks of training. Our results do not support an association between reduced total testosterone levels and prolonged training. However, hypercorticolism with a relative catabolic state may occur.
Recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2, an inhibitor of tissue factor/factor VIIa, attenuates coagulation and the interleukin‐10 response in human endotoxemia

Summary. The tissue factor–factor (F)VIIa complex (TF/FVIIa) is responsible for the initiation of blood coagulation under both physiological and pathological conditions. Recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2 (rNAPc2) is a potent inhibitor of TF/FVIIa, mechanistically distinct from tissue factor pathway inhibitor. The first aim of this study was to elucidate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single intravenous (i.v.) dose of rNAPc2. The second aim was to study its effect on endotoxin‐induced coagulation and inflammation. Initially, rNAPc2 was administered to healthy volunteers in three different doses. There were no safety concerns and the pharmacokinetics were consistent with previous studies, in which rNAPc2 was administered subcutaneously. rNAPc2 elicited a dose‐dependent reduction of the endogenous thrombin potential and a selective prolongation of prothrombin time. Subsequently, the effect on endotoxin‐induced coagulation and inflammation was studied. The administration of rNAPc2 completely blocked the endotoxin‐induced thrombin generation, as measured by plasma prothrombin fragment F1+2. The endotoxin‐induced effect on fibrinolytic parameters such as plasmin–antiplasmin complexes and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 was not affected by rNAPc2. The administration of rNAPc2 attenuated the endotoxin‐induced rise in interleukin (IL)‐10, without affecting the rise in other cytokines. In conclusion, rNAPc2 is a potent inhibitor of TF/FVIIa, which was well tolerated and could safely be used intravenously in this Phase I study in healthy male volunteers. A single i.v. dose rNAPc2 completely blocked endotoxin‐induced thrombin generation without affecting the fibrinolytic response. In addition, rNAPc2 attenuated the endotoxin‐induced rise in IL‐10, without affecting the rises in other cytokines.
Prenatal Diagnosis, Phenotypicand Obstetric Charact eristics of Holoprosencephaly

The diagnosis of fetal malformations, especially those of the central nervous system, is strikingly important in the practice of genetic counseling. Early diagnosis is very significant, not only because of the prognosis, but also because of the emotional effects caused by the accompanying craniofacial malformations. The summary of the obstetrical and diagnostical characteristics should be useful in the management of holoprosencephaly. The analysis of the 50 cases we encountered between 1981 and 2000, including the anatomical, diagnostic and clinical aspects, as well as the associated craniofacial malformations, forms the essence of our publication. In one of the examined cases a familiar recurrence was verified.
Regulation of nucleoside diphosphate kinase and secretable virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: roles of algR2 and algH

Alginate is an important virulence factor for Pseudomonas aeruginosa during infection of the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. The genes encoding enzymes for alginate production by P. aeruginosa are normally silent. They are activated in response to several environmental conditions, including high osmolarity, exposure to ethanol, or long-term growth under conditions of nutrient deprivation. Several genes which participate in the activation of alginate gene promoters have been identified; among these is the algR2 (algQ) gene. AlgR2 is an 18-kDa protein which has been shown to regulate the critical algD gene encoding GDP-mannose dehydrogenase as well as to regulate the levels of a tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme, i.e., succinyl coenzyme A synthetase, and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (Ndk), an enzyme involved in nucleoside triphosphate synthesis. Succinyl coenzyme A synthetase and Ndk form a complex in P. aeruginosa. While algR2 is required for alginate synthesis at 37 degrees C, an algR2 insertion mutant was still able to make alginate slowly at 37 or at 30 degrees C. We used this observation to identify and clone a gene, termed algH. A strain with mutations in both algR2 and algH is unable to produce alginate at either 37 or 30 degrees C, and it is fully defective in Ndk production.
Construction of an AMR magnetometer for car detection experiments

A new construction of magnetometer with commercially available AMR (anisotropic magnetoresistive) sensors intended for vehicle detection experiments is presented. Initial experiments with simple AMR gradiometer indicated viability of the approach in a real- world setup. For further experiments and acquisition of representative data, a new design of precise multi-channel magnetometer was developed. The design supports two models of commercial AMR sensors: the proven and reliable, but obsolete Honeywell HMC1021-series sensors and newly available Sensitec AFF755B sensors. In the comparison the two types are similar in most achieved parameters, except offset stability in flipped operation regime. Unfortunately, the new AFF755B sensors seem to have perhaps inferior coupling of the flipping (set/reset) coil to the ferromagnetic core that causes insufficient saturation of the AMR material. The issue is being solved by Sensitec, current deliverables of the AFF755B have “product sample” status (September 2015).