Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro evidence that lipopolysaccharide of an oral pathogen leaks from root-end filled teeth.

AIM The ability to achieve a complete apical seal of the root canal system is thought to be important in the success of non-surgical and surgical endodontics. The aim of this study was to establish whether or not root-end filled teeth allow leakage of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from a known oral pathogen in vitro. METHODOLOGY Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from a virulent strain of Prophyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) (A7436 from patient with refractory periodontitis), was isolated by the Westphall and Jann technique, dialysed extensively, lyophilyzed, resuspended in distilled water and analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Root canals from 10 teeth were instrumented endodontically and the apical 3 mm of resected roots were filled with gutta-percha. The teeth were mounted in 12 mL polypropylene vials by using sticky wax and root surfaces were covered with two layers of nail varnish. Teeth were filled with 3.3 mg mL-1 LPS and the vials filled with 11 mL of Tris Buffered Saline (TBS) containing 0.05% sodium azide. Both positive and negative controls were run in parallel with the experimental specimens. Aliquots were removed each day and subjected to slot blot analysis to quantitate the amount of LPS that had leaked into the bottom of the vials. The density of slots was analyzed using a laser densitometer and regression analysis was used to generate a standard curve, confidence intervals and experimental values. RESULTS The data indicated that teeth obturated apically with gutta-percha leaked, whilst no LPS leakage was detected in teeth covered completely with nail varnish (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In vitro teeth with gutta-percha root-end fills can permit leakage of LPS from an identified oral pathogen.
A shared care approach in obesity management: the general practitioner and a hospital based service.

OBJECTIVE To describe the process of establishing a Shared Care obesity management programme between general practitioners and a hospital based specialist obesity service and to compare outcomes of the Shared Care programme (SC) to an established hospital based programme (MOS). DESIGN A comparative study of two obesity management programmes. Patients were matched on gender, age and BMI (kg/m2). SUBJECTS 29 female and eight male (age: 47.0 +/- 2 years, BMI 35.9 +/- 0.8 kg/m2) patients enrolled in the Shared Care programme (SC) were matched to 81 female and 20 male (age: 45.8 +/- 1.1 years, BMI 35.7 +/- 0.4 kg/m2) patients enrolled in a hospital based programme (MOS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Relative and absolute weight loss and retention rate were compared between the programmes at 10 and 26 weeks. Food habits were assessed at enrolment and week 10 of the programme in the SC group by a Food Habits Questionnaire and cognitive restraint, disinhibition and hunger were assessed by the Eating Inventory Questionnaire. RESULTS Shared Care patients (n = 28) lost significantly more weight than the MOS patients (n = 60) (SC 4.8 +/- 0.6 kg and MOS 2.6 +/- 0.4 kg; p = 0.0016) over the 10 weeks of the programme. At 26 weeks both groups demonstrated a 5 kg weight loss. There was a significant improvement in food habits, and cognitive restraint, disinhibition and hunger over the 10 weeks of the programme in the SC group. Patient satisfaction was reflected in a better retention rate at 26 weeks by the Shared Care group. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that the obese patient managed in a shared care setting achieved better weight loss in the short term and attrition was lower in the longer term than a similar patient attending a specialist service based in a hospital.
Endoscopy vs. extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the treatment of distal ureteral stones: ten years' experience.

BACKGROUND The lower third is the location of the great majority of ureteral stones. Treatment of these stones remains controversial: in situ extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) vs. ureteroscopy (URS). METHODS During the last decade, 633 distal ureteral calculi were treated at our institution using in situ SWL (Siemens Lithostar electromagnetic lithotripter) in 395 patients and URS (with 11.5F instrument and ultrasonic lithotripsy) in 228 patients. The patients' age and stone size were similar in the two groups. All SWL therapies were performed on an outpatient basis. RESULTS The overall success rate was 99% for SWL, and the efficiency quotient (EQ) was 92.4%. The treatment was more effective for <10 mm calculi. In the URS group, there was a 92% overall success rate with an EQ at 91.2%. Compared with SWL, URS was more time consuming, at least for the initial cases; often required intravenous sedation; entailed routine placement of a ureteral stent; and more often led to hospitalization. On the other hand, stone clearance was rapid after URS, although most of the SWL patients were stone free at the end of 6 weeks. The cost was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION We believe that multiple factors should be considered when deciding the most appropriate approach to distal ureteral calculi. In situ SWL provides optimal first-line treatment for calculi < 10 mm, whereas URS is better reserved for stones >10 mm.
Developmental changes in mesophyll diffusion conductance and photosynthetic capacity under different light and water availabilities in Populus tremula: how structure constrains function.

Finite mesophyll diffusion conductance (g(m) ) significantly constrains net assimilation rate (A(n) ), but g(m) variations and variation sources in response to environmental stresses during leaf development are imperfectly known. The combined effects of light and water limitations on g(m) and diffusion limitations of photosynthesis were studied in saplings of Populus tremula L. An one-dimensional diffusion model was used to gain insight into the importance of key anatomical traits in determining g(m) . Leaf development was associated with increases in dry mass per unit area, thickness, density, exposed mesophyll (S(mes) /S) and chloroplast (S(c) /S) to leaf area ratio, internal air space (f(ias) ), cell wall thickness and chloroplast dimensions. Development of S(mes) /S and S(c) /S was delayed under low light. Reduction in light availability was associated with lower S(c) /S, but with larger f(ias) and chloroplast thickness. Water stress reduced S(c) /S and increased cell wall thickness under high light. In all treatments, g(m) and A(n) increased and CO(2) drawdown because of g(m) , C(i) -C(c) , decreased with increasing leaf age. Low light and drought resulted in reduced g(m) and A(n) and increased C(i) -C(c) . These results emphasize the importance of g(m) and its components in determining A(n) variations during leaf development and in response to stress.
Comparison of filtering methods for extracellular gastric slow wave recordings

Background Extracellular recordings are used to define gastric slow wave propagation. Signal filtering is a key step in the analysis and interpretation of extracellular slow wave data; however, there is controversy and uncertainty regarding the appropriate filtering settings. This study investigated the effect of various standard filters on the morphology and measurement of extracellular gastric slow waves.
The multiplicity of Staphylococcus aureus in chronic rhinosinusitis: Correlating surface biofilm and intracellular residence

The biofilm paradigm of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is increasingly understood to play a key role in the pathophysiology of this disease. The role of intracellular infection of sinonasal epithelial cells has been suggested as a potential reservoir of pathogenic organisms that can lead to recalcitrant disease despite maximal medical and surgical treatment. Could a surface biofilm play a role in allowing intracellular infection to occur, and what are the factors associated with potential intracellular infections? The aim of this study was to investigate these questions.
US women desire greater professional guidance on hormone and alternative therapies for menopause symptom management

Objective: Women increasingly use alternative therapies for menopause symptom relief. We examined 1) current use and perceptions of hormone and alternative therapies for symptom relief among US women, and 2) healthcare provider involvement in women's decision making. Design: An online survey was completed by a national sample of 781 US women aged 40 to 60 years (72% survey completion rate) drawn from the Knowledge Networks panel in June 2004. Nationally representative estimates of women's use and perceptions of hormone and alternative therapies were made by accounting for sampling weights and survey design. Results: Hormone therapy was reported among 263 or 37% of this largely symptomatic sample, of whom 59% had stopped primarily due to concern about its potential risks. Herbal products and soy supplements separately were used among 31% and 13% of symptomatic women, of whom 41% and 67% were current users. Forty-four percent of herb users considered these products helpful with symptom relief. Sampled women generally felt ill informed about proper doses and usage of herbal products. Also, 58% of the sampled women expressed at least some concerns about these products, whereas proven safety was the most important factor when women consider such products. Despite considering healthcare providers the most reliable source of information, sampled women expressed low confidence in their ability to give sufficient information about treatment options for menopause symptoms. Conclusions: Alternative therapies have become increasing popular and are quickly approaching hormone therapy in frequency as therapies for symptom relief among menopause-age women in the United States. However, large gaps exist between patient expectations and provider preparedness to guide patient decision making.
Effectiveness of hip or knee replacement surgery in terms of quality-adjusted life years and costs

Background Concurrent head-to-head comparisons of healthcare interventions regarding cost-utility are rare. The concept of favorable cost-effectiveness of total hip or knee arthroplasty is thus inadequately verified. Patients and methods In a trial involving several thousand patients from 10 medical specialties, 223 patients who were enrolled for hip or knee replacement surgery were asked to fill in the 15D health-related quality of life (HRQoL) survey before and after operation. Results Mean (SD) HRQoL score (on a 0–1 scale) increased in primary hip replacement patients (n = 96) from 0.81 (0.084) preoperatively to 0.86 (0.12) at 12 months (p < 0.001). In revision hip replacement (n = 24) the corresponding scores were 0.81 (0.086) and 0.82 (0.097) respectively (p = 0.4), and in knee replacement (n = 103) the scores were 0.81 (0.093) and 0.84 (0.11) respectively (p < 0.001). Of 15 health dimensions, there were statistically significant improvements in moving, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, distress, and vitality in both primary replacement groups. Mean cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained during a 1-year period was € 6,710 for primary hip replacement, € 52,274 for revision hip replacement, and € 13,995 for primary knee replacement. Interpretation Hip and knee replacement both improve HRQoL. The cost per QALY gained from knee replacement is twice that gained from hip replacement.
Religious Polarization, Religious Conflicts and Individual Financial Satisfaction: Evidence from India

The extant literature finds religion to be a major determinant of life satisfaction. However, in contexts characterized by religious tensions, the outcome may be very different. In particular, the literature shows that religious polarization has a major influence on some economic outcomes. The analysis presented in the paper tries to identify the impact of religious polarization on a major component of life satisfaction: financial satisfaction. The paper inquires how belonging to a minority religion and living in areas with different levels of religious polarization affect the individual satisfaction with the financial situation of the household. The results show that the members of minority religious groups are less satisfied than the members of the dominant group, and that the financial satisfaction decreases—for a given income—as the religious polarization increases.
Implicit processing of heroin and emotional cues in abstinent heroin users: early and late event-related potential effects

Abstract Background: The abnormal cognitive processing of drug cues is a core characteristic of drug dependence. Previous research has suggested that the late positive potential (LPP) of heroin users is increased by heroin-related stimuli because of the attention-grabbing nature of such stimuli. Objectives: The present research used a modified emotional Stroop (eStroop) task to examine whether there was an early posterior negativity (EPN) modulation to heroin cues compared with emotional or neutral stimuli in heroin dependent subjects. Methods: Fifteen former heroin users and 15 matched controls performed the eStroop task, which was composed of positive, negative, heroin-related, and neutral pictures with superimposed color squares. Participants responded to the color of the square and not to the picture while behavioral data and event-related potentials were recorded. Results: There were no significant differences of EPN amplitudes to emotional and neutral stimuli between heroin users and controls. However, heroin users displayed increased EPN modulation for heroin cues, whereas this modulation was absent in controls. Conclusions: Drug-related cues acquire motivational salience and automatically capture the attention of heroin users at early processing stages, even when engaged in a non-drug-related task. The EPN to heroin cues could represent a novel electrophysiological index with clinical implications for selecting abstinent drug users who are at increased risk of relapse or to evaluate treatment interventions.
Transformation of Accountability Values in Local Cultures: An Acculturative Ethnography Study on Catholic Churches in Tana Toraja

Objective - This research aims to transform local values of accountability to religious organizations. Methodology/Technique - The research uses a deconstruction approach with acculturative critical ethnography. The research was conducted at the Catholic Church in Tana Toraja, South of Sulawesi Indonesia, using a in depth interview, observation, and artefact interpretation to determine accountability values. Findings - The results show identify three main dimensions of accountability; spiritual, leadership and finance. These dimensions are aligned with accountability in tongkonan values. A transformation is done by considering the Church as Christ's tongkonan and the spiritual accountability dimension binds all family members when participating in Church rituals. With respect to the leadership dimension, the leadership value of Panglaa Tondok encourage all Church members to be loyal to their leader and creates a concept of collegial collective leadership. Novelty - With respect to the financial dimension, the value of "kombongan" indicates that financial resources must be formulated together in a community of stakeholders. The transformation results of this research can be used to increase the accountability of church organizations and encourage the adoption of local cultural practices in the management of church organizations. Type of Paper: Empirical Keywords: Accountability; Acculturate; Reconstruction; Church and Tongkonan; Tana Toraja. JEL Classification: M4, M41
Rate of Physical Activity and Community Health: Evidence From U.S. Counties.

BACKGROUND Although previous studies supported the health benefits of physical activity, these studies were limited to individual-level research designs. Building upon a social-ecological model, we examined the relationship between physical activity and community health-the health status of a defined group of people-while accounting for the potential endogeneity of physical activity to health. METHODS We obtained U.S. county-level data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey and the 2014 County Health Ranking Database. We first conducted an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis to examine the relationship between the rate of physical activity and community health measured by the average perceived health score for each county. We then conducted a 2-stage least squares (2SLS) regression analysis to investigate this relationship after accounting for potential endogeneity. RESULTS Results from the OLS analysis indicated that the rate of physical activity was positively associated with community health. Results from the 2SLS analysis confirmed that the physical activity rate remained positively associated with community health. CONCLUSIONS In line with the social-ecological model, our findings provide the first evidence for the health benefits of county-level physical activity. Our results support extant research that has shown relationships between physical activity and individual-level, health-related outcomes.
BODY SIZE AND HAREM SIZE IN MALE RED‐WINGED BLACKBIRDS: MANIPULATING SELECTION WITH SEX‐SPECIFIC FEEDERS

We experimentally manipulated the strength of selection in the field on red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to test hypotheses about contrasting selective forces that favor either large or small males in sexually size dimorphic birds. Selander (1972) argued that sexual selection favors larger males, while survival selection eventually stabilizes male size because larger males do not survive as well as smaller males during harsh winters. Searcy (1979a) proposed instead that sexual selection may be self limiting: male size might be stabilized not by overwinter mortality, but by breeding‐season sexual selection that favors smaller males. Under conditions of energetic stress, smaller males should be able to display more and thus achieve higher reproductive success. Using feeders that provisioned males or females but not both, we produced conditions that mimicked the extremes of natural conditions. We found experimental support for the hypothesis that when food is abundant, sexual selection favors larger males. But even under conditions of severe energetic stress, smaller males did not gain larger harems, as the self‐limiting hypothesis predicted. Larger males were more energetically stressed than smaller males, but in ways that affected their future reproductive output rather than their current reproductive performance. Stressed males that returned had smaller wings and tails than those that did not return; among returning stressed males, relative harem sizes were inversely related to wing and tail length. Thus, male body size may be stabilized not by survival costs during the non‐breeding season, nor by energetic costs during the breeding season, but by costs of future reproduction that larger males pay for their increased breeding‐season effort.
LS8 cell apoptosis induced by NaF through p-ERK and p-JNK – a mechanism study of dental fluorosis

Abstract Objective: To investigate the possible biological mechanism of dental fluorosis at a molecular level. Material and methods: Cultured LS8 were incubated with serum-free medium containing selected concentrations of NaF (0 ∼ 2 mM) for either 24 or 48 h. Subcellular microanatomy was characterized using TEM; meanwhile, selected biomolecules were analysed using various biochemistry techniques. Transient transfection was used to modulate a molecular pathway for apoptosis. Results: Apoptosis of LS8 was induced by NaF treatment that showed both time and concentration dependency. The activity of caspase-3, -8, -9 was found to be increased with NaF in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot revealed that the protein expression of p-ERK and p-JNK were decreased, while the expression of p-P38 was increased. Inhibition of the p-ERK and p-JNK pathways resulted in a similar decrease for caspase-3. Conclusion: During NaF-induced apoptosis of LS8, p-ERK and p-JNK were closely associated with induction of apoptosis, which might be a mechanism of dental fluorosis.
Lack of Evidence for Improvement in Long-Term Glycemic Control by Pulsatile Insulin Infusion in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Baboon

To assess the potential therapeutic use of pulsatile intravenous insulin delivery, five streptozocin-induced diabetic baboons were treated with alternate 3- to 6-wk periods of pulsatile and continuous insulin infusion. Time-averaged insulin concentrations were matched during two pulsatile administration periods (P1 and P2) and an intervening period of continuous insulin administration (C). There were no significant differences among the overall means of four daily glucose determinations performed during the three periods (P1, 5.7 ± 1 mM; C, 5.6 ± 0.9 mM; P2, 5.3 ± 0.9 mM); the mean M value, a measure of the stability of glycemic control (P1, 4 ± 1.7; C, 3.9 ± 1.8; P2, 3.6 ± 1.5); the percentage of glucose values <2.8 mM (P1, 13 ± 8.5%; C, 14 ± 12%; P2, 13 ± 9.1%); or the glycosylated hemoglobin levels determined at the end of the P1 and C (7.5 ± 3.4 and 6.5 ± 1.8%, respectively [all values are means ± SD]). Fasting hepatic glucose production was suppressed to a similar degree during pulsatile and continuous insulin infusion (P1, 23 ± 3 μmol · kg−1 · min−1; C, 24 ± 8 μmol · kg−1 · min−1). Arterial glucagon levels were similar during pulsatile and continuous insulin infusion, both in the fasting state (84 ± 29 and 84 ± 31 ng/L, respectively) and postprandially (30 ± 14 and 27 ± 12 ng/L, respectively). Pulsatile insulin infusion failed to entrain a corresponding glucagon secretory rhythm. These data suggest that the metabolic consequences of long-term pulsatile and continuous insulin infusion in an animal model of human non-insulin-dependent diabetes are comparable.
Motor-Unit Recruitment Plays an Important Role in Determining the Relationship Between Muscle Force and Force Variability

Literature shows that force variability increases when force levels increase. However, this constant increase occurs only to a certain point (e.g., at around 50% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and 80% MVC). After this point, the increase of force variability either slows [1,2] or stops [3-5]. The potential underlying mechanism accounting for the changing rate of increase in force variability is discussed in this brief review. It concludes that among several factors, motor-unit recruitment appears to be the most important factor in determining the relationship between force and force variability although both motor unit discharge rate variability and synchronization have a significant impact on force variability as well.
CEO discretion, CEO tenure and executive pay-performance sensitivity: A dynamic model based on game theory

Abstract Following the latest research trend which argues that the effects of CEO discretion on executive pay-performance sensitivity (EPPS) are some “contingent effects” instead of the “fixed effects”, the paper innovatively addresses the moderating role of CEO tenure in the relationship between CEO discretion and EPPS. For this purpose, based on the insights of game theory, the study creates a comprehensive theoretical algorithm model of EPPS with the introduction of two new critical variables, namely CEO discretion and CEO tenure into the classical principal-agent models of EPPS. By adopting the method of differential calculus, the model solution is calculated and further discussed. According to the model results, CEO tenure can moderate the relationship between CEO discretion and EPPS. To be specific, CEO discretion of fresh CEOs is positively related to EPPS; while for senior CEOs, CEO discretion is negatively related to EPPS. This finding is of great significance to reconcile the conflicting views on the relationship between CEO discretion and EPPS by proving fresh CEOs’ firm-serving motivations and senior CEOs’ self-serving motivations.