Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT AT A NIGERIAN TEACHING HOSPITAL.

BACKGROUND There has been an increase in the awareness of dental implant as a replacement option for missing teeth and this has consequently led to an increased demand for dental implant. AIM & OBJECTIVES To determine the distribution and pattern of implant placement in a tertiary hospital in a developing country. MATERIALS & METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at the University College Hospital to assess the treatment outcome of all the patients who had had osseointegrated root form endosseous dental implants over a period of five years. The data obtained included age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), medical history, reason for implant placement, number of implants per patient, distribution of missing teeth, complications and treatment outcome. The data were analyzed for percentages, means, SD and presented in tables and figures. RESULTS Forty two implants (40 conventional & 2 immediate) were placed in the 23 patients (M-15, F=8). There were 15(65.2%) males and 8(34.8%) females. Pre-implant placement ridge augmentation was done in 3(7.1%) patients while 9 (39.1%) patients had augmentation during implant placement surgery. Left maxillary central incisor was the most commonly replaced tooth in 31% followed by the right maxillary central incisor in 19%. The success rates in the study at 1 year and 5 years were 97.4% and 95.2% respectively. CONCLUSION A high success rate (95.2%) of implant therapy at 5 years recorded in this study compared favorably with what is obtainable in many other countries of the world.
A new perspective on DGP gravity

We examine brane induced gravity on codimension-1 branes, a.k. a DGP gravity, as a theory of five-dimensional gravity containing a certain class of four-dimensional branes. From this perspective, the model suffers from a number of pathologies which went unnoticed before. By generalizing the 5D geometry from Minkowski to Schwarzschild, we find that when the bulk mass is large enough, the brane hits a pressure singularity at finite radius. Further, on the self-accelerating branch, the five-dimensional energy is unbounded from below, implying that the self-accelerating backgrounds are unstable. Even in an empty Minkowski bulk, standard Euclidean techniques suggest that the spontaneous nucleation of self-accelerating branes is unsuppressed. If so, quantum effects will strongly modify any classical intuition about the theory. We also note that unless considered as Z2-orbifold boundaries, self-accelerating branes correspond to ‘wormhole’ configurations, which introduces the usual problematic issues associated with wormholes. Altogether these pathologies present a serious challenge that any proposed UV completion of the DGP model must overcome.
Power spectrum analysis contribution to the detection of cardiovascular dysautonomia in multiple sclerosis

In multiple sclerosis (MS) autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction is an uncommon, but potentially dangerous event, to which studies of spectral analysis of heart rate variability have not been applied, yet. Material and methods – We studied 16 patients with definite MS (11 women and 5 men, mean age 30.3 ± 7.4 yrs., mean EDSS 2.06±1.42) and 16 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls. Besides cardiovascular reflex tests (valsalva manoeuvre, deep breathing, lying to standing, Blood Pressure response to standing and sustained handgrip), each underwent spectral analysis of the R‐R interval short‐term variability at rest and after tilting, to detect three components: very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF). A recent brain MRI was obtained from patients, to compare plaque characteristics with spectral parameters. Results – At cardiovascular reflexes, only four patients (25%) showed an impairment, mostly of a mild degree. VLF and LF at rest were lower in MS subjects than in controls (p<0.01). No significant correlation was found between spectral parameters and lesion area or localization as detected on MRI. Conclusions – Spectral analysis could usefully flank reflex tests to detect autonomic subclinical cardiovascular abnormalities.
Effect of dual pulmonary vasodilator therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease: a retrospective analysis

Background Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are managed according to evidence-based treatment guidelines. Methods and results In this single-centre retrospective analysis, we examined outcomes of patients with PAH caused by congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) with respect to exercise capacity and survival of adults treated with either bosentan or sildenafil monotherapy or bosentan-sildenafil dual therapy between January 2007 and January 2014. Of the 82 patients analysed, 29 had Down syndrome; 54 (65.8%) received bosentan monotherapy, 16 (19.5%) sildenafil monotherapy and 12 (14.6%) dual therapy. Mean treatment duration was 2.5 years for all patients and 4.1 years for 38 patients treated for ≥2 years. Pooled patient and treatment data showed initial improvement followed by stabilisation in mean 6 min walk distance (6MWD). For Down and non-Down patients, mean 6MWD increased and then stabilised on bosentan monotherapy. Mean 6MWD of patients on dual therapy at the time of analysis was 246.3 m before PAH-specific therapy initiation, 211.9 m immediately prior to addition of a second therapy and 214.4 m at last visit while on dual therapy. 1, 2 and 3-year survival rates for all patients from time of treatment initiation were 96%, 87% and 80%, respectively. Conclusions For the majority of patients, monotherapy with a PAH-specific medication provided improved and sustained exercise benefits. For the small percentage of patients who required it, add-on therapy appeared to prevent further deterioration in exercise capacity but did not improve 6MWD.
Novel regulation and functional interaction of polycistronic miRNAs

The importance of microRNAs in gene expression and disease is well recognized. However, what is less appreciated is that almost half of miRNA genes are organized in polycistronic clusters and are therefore coexpressed. The mir-11∼998 cluster consists of two miRNAs, miR-11 and miR-998. Here, we describe a novel layer of regulation that links the processing and expression of miR-998 to the presence of the mir-11 gene. We show that the presence of miR-11 in the pri-miRNA is required for processing by Drosha, and deletion of mir-11 prevents the expression of miR-998. Replacing mir-11 with an unrelated miRNA rescued miR-998 expression in vivo and in vitro, as did expressing miR-998 from a shorter, more canonical miRNA scaffold. The embedded regulation of miR-998 is functionally important because unchecked miR-998 expression in the absence of miR-11 resulted in pleiotropic developmental defects. This novel regulation of expression of miRNAs within a cluster is not limited to the mir-11∼998 cluster and, thus, likely reflects the more general cis-regulation of expression of individual miRNAs. Collectively, our results uncover a novel layer of regulation within miRNA clusters that tempers the functions of the individual miRNAs. Unlinking their expression has the potential to change the expression of multiple miRNA targets and shift a biological response.
Information and consent for newborn screening: practices and attitudes of service providers

Objectives: To gather information about the practices and attitudes of providers of maternity care with respect to informed consent for newborn screening (NBS). Methods: A questionnaire concerning information provision and parental consent for NBS was sent to all 1036 registered lead maternity carers (LMC) in New Zealand. Results: 93% of LMC in New Zealand report giving parents information concerning NBS, most frequently after delivery (73%) and in the third trimester (60%). The majority (85%) of LMC currently obtain some form of consent (verbal or written) for NBS from parents and consider this to be the ideal approach (94%). Despite this a significant minority of LMC (23%) reported considering that NBS should be mandatory. Of those in our survey who believed that NBS should be mandatory, paradoxically most (89%) still believed that some form of parental consent should be obtained; of those who believed testing should not be mandatory, only a small proportion (10%) would accept parental refusal without question. Conclusions: When the results of this survey are considered in conjunction with existing evidence there appears to be a consensus that good quality information in the prenatal period should be an integral part of any NBS programme. The issue of consent is more complex and there is less agreement on the preferred degree of parental involvement in decisions to allow babies to undergo NBS. A policy that both strongly recommends NBS but also allows parental choice appears to be most consistent with the views of LMC in this survey.
Symptom manifestations and expressions among Korean immigrant women suffering with depression.

AIM This paper is a report of a study to investigate the culture-specific symptom manifestation and expression of depression in Korean immigrant women in the United States of America (USA). BACKGROUND The literature indicates that Korean immigrants to the USA report higher levels of depressive symptoms than immigrants from other Asian ethnic groups, and women immigrants tend to encounter more gender-related emotional difficulties. However, because of traditional cultural beliefs, immigrants may not seek treatment for depression and, when they do, tend to leave treatment prematurely. METHODS We used an ethnographic method based on Spradley's Developmental Research Sequence with a sample of 17 Korean immigrant women who scored mild-to-severe depression on a Korean version of the Hamilton Depression Inventory Scale. Data were collected from 2005 to 2006, and consisted of tape-recorded interviews, field notes and diaries. FINDINGS Depressive symptoms were complex, intertwined and felt in all domains of the person's existence. They were expressed mainly through emotional and physical suffering, and the expression of suffering as a way of life. Themes elicited were emotional entrapment, shame and failure as women, disappointment at not being able to live a normal life and emotional restraint, as emotions were not generally expressed verbally but instead were expressed somatically, bodily and metaphorically. CONCLUSION Being aware of culture-specific symptoms of depression among Korean immigrant women can assist nurses in caring for them and thus improving their therapeutic alliances and preventing them from prematurely terminating treatment.
Interlaboratory variability of CD34+ stem cell enumeration. A pilot study to national external quality assessment within the Czech Republic

We present the results of a pilot study concerning the interlaboratory variability of CD34+ enumeration. Three surveys, each including a set of samples, were sent to participating Czech flow cytometry laboratories. The efficacy of this exercise was determined by the reduction in interlaboratory variation and the influence of method used on assay outcome. The variability in results of CD34+ enumeration declined with time. The mean coefficient of variation (CV) of measurement among laboratories dropped, from 58% in first survey to 32% in last survey. All tested variables (gating strategy, platform methodology, sample preparation) affected the variability of the assay. Sample preparation method was associated with a significant bias of absolute CD34+ cell counts. Initially, the outcome of the measurement was also affected by the participating laboratory (identified by a unique laboratory number; ULN). However, laboratories with poorer performance modified their protocols during the study, and the ULN ceased to influence the variability. This study was successful in reducing the interinstitutional variability of CD34+ enumeration. It was shown that the implementation of a standardized protocol does not guarantee accurate measurement. Our research design represents a useful tool, which allows verification of the proper use of a standardized method, the training of operators and feedback in response to the survey results.
Association of Drinking Pattern and Alcohol Beverage Type With the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Peripheral Arterial Disease in a Mediterranean Cohort

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and overall cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a Mediterranean cohort. It consisted of a cross-sectional analysis of a representative sample of Greek adults (n = 4153) classified as never, occasional, mild, moderate, or heavy drinkers. Cases with overt CHD, stroke, or PAD were recorded. In our population, 17% were never, 23% occasional, 27% mild, 24% moderate, and 9% heavy drinkers. Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower trend for the prevalence of the MetS (P = .0001), DM (P < .0001), CHD (P = .0002), PAD (P = .005), and overall CVD (P = .001) but not stroke compared with no alcohol use. Heavy drinking was associated with an increase in the prevalence of all of these disease states. Wine consumption was associated with a slightly better effect than beer or spirits consumption on the prevalence of total CVD, and beer consumption was associated with a better effect than spirits consumption. Alcohol intake was positively related with body weight, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and hypertension. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of the MetS, DM, PAD, CHD, and overall CVD but not stroke compared with no alcohol use in a Mediterranean population. Heavy drinking was associated with an increase in the prevalence of all of these disease states. Advice on alcohol consumption should probably mainly aim at reducing heavy drinking.
Anti‐inflammatory activity of topical THC in DNFB‐mediated mouse allergic contact dermatitis independent of CB1 and CB2 receptors

∆9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active constituent of Cannabis sativa, exerts its biological effects in part through the G‐protein‐coupled CB1 and CB2 receptors, which were initially discovered in brain and spleen tissue, respectively. However, THC also has CB1/2 receptor‐independent effects. Because of its immune‐inhibitory potential, THC and related cannabinoids are being considered for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Here we investigated the mechanism of the anti‐inflammatory activity of THC and the role of CB1 and CB2 receptors.
A cephalometric study on craniofacial morphology of Iranian children with beta-thalassemia major.

OBJECTIVE To study cephalometric and facial features of Iranian children with beta-thalassemia major. DESIGN Lateral cephalometric radiographs of thalassemic patients and controls who were matched for age, sex and ethnic origin were analyzed and compared. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION A total of 30 thalassemic patients (18 male and 12 females) from Aliasghar Hospital, and 30 controls from the Orthodontic Department of Azad University. OUTCOME MEASURE Size and shape differences in the craniofacial complex between thalassemic patients and controls. RESULTS All thalassemic patients had a Class II skeletal base relationship with an average ANB angle of 8.75 degrees. There was no record of dramatic maxillary prognathism. However, the mandible of the thalassemic patients appeared to be smaller in size and more retruded in the face. A pronounced vertical growth direction was evident from angular and linear measurements. The dental deviations in thalassemic patients were mainly seen in the proclination and significant overeruption of incisors and increased overjet. Marked convex lower face and prominent upper and lower lips were evident from soft-tissue measurements. CONCLUSION Anemia does not only produce overgrowth of the maxilla. It also produces a retardation of condylar and ramal growth of the mandible producing Class II skeletal pattern.
Gut Microbiota Predict Pulmonary Infiltrates after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

RATIONALE Pulmonary complications (PCs) cause significant morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Shifts in gut microbiota have been linked to HCT outcomes; however, their effect on PCs is unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether changes in gut microbiota are associated with PCs after HCT. METHODS A single-center observational study was performed on 94 patients who underwent HCT from 2009 to 2011 and who were previously enrolled in a protocol for 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing of fecal microbiota. The primary endpoint, PC, was defined by new abnormal parenchymal findings on chest imaging in the setting of respiratory signs and/or symptoms. Outcomes were collected up to 40 months after transplant. Clinical and microbiota risk factors for PCs and mortality were evaluated using survival analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS One hundred twelve PCs occurred in 66 (70.2%) subjects. A high comorbidity index (hazard ratio [HR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-4.00; P = 0.004), fluoroquinolones (HR, 2.29, 95% CI, 1.32-3.98; P = 0.003), low baseline diversity (HR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.22-5.32; P = 0.015), and γ-proteobacteria domination of fecal microbiota (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.10-5.65; P = 0.031), which included common respiratory pathogens, predicted PCs. In separate analyses, low baseline diversity was associated with PCs that occurred preengraftment (HR, 6.30; 95% CI, 1.42-31.80; P = 0.016), whereas γ-proteobacteria domination predicted PCs postengraftment (HR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.49-8.21; P = 0.006) and overall mortality (HR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.28-9.21; P = 0.016). Postengraftment PCs were also independent predictors of death (HR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.25-5.22; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate prospective changes in gut microbiota associated with PCs after HCT. Postengraftment PCs and γ-proteobacteria domination were predictive of mortality. This suggests an adverse relationship between the graft and lung, which is perhaps mediated by bacterial composition in the gut. Further study is warranted.
Shear bond strength to enamel of primary teeth irradiated with varying Er:YAG laser energies and SEM examination of the surface morphology: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess in vitro the influence of Er:YAG laser energy on the shear bond strength of a total-etch adhesive system to lased enamel of primary teeth, and to observe by SEM the morphological appearance of laser-ablated enamel surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the SBS test, primary canines were assigned to four groups (n = 12): a control (G1) and three groups irradiated with different Er:YAG laser energies- 60 mJ/2 Hz (G2), 80 mJ/2 Hz (G3), and 100 mJ/2 Hz (G4). In all groups, enamel surfaces were acidetched, Single Bond was applied, and resin cylinders were fabricated from Z250 resin. Bond strength was tested in shear (0.5 mm/min). For morphological analysis, 21 specimens were irradiated using the same energies, with or without acid-etching, and observed by SEM. RESULTS SBS means, in MPa, were: G1-14.28 (+/-3.24); G2-18.48 (+/-4.58); G3-17.82 (+/-4.38); G4-16.59 (+/-5.40). Overall, Er:YAG laser ablation of primary teeth enamel, prior to the adhesive protocol, influenced the shear bond strength. Bond strengths recorded after irradiation with energies of 60 and 80 mJ were statistically similar among them (p > 0.05), and both were superior to those yielded by the acid-etched control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between bond strengths recorded for control specimens and those irradiated with 100 mJ. SEM analysis revealed that the increase of laser energy resulted in increasingly uneven and microroughened surfaces, regardless of acid-etching association. CONCLUSIONS The favorable results of the present study suggest that Er:YAG laser irradiation may be a viable approach for the preparation and treatment of primary teeth enamel prior to the placement of adhesive restorative systems.
Long-term operation of a novel pilot-scale six tanks alternately operating activated sludge process in treating domestic wastewater

The performance of a new pilot-scale six tanks activated sludge process has been evaluated for 303 d, receiving real domestic wastewater with a flow rate of 15–24.4 L/h. Partial nitrification via nitrite and microbial community structure were investigated in this system. The result shows that the nitrite accumulation rate was achieved successfully over 94% in the last aerobic compartment through a combination of short hydraulic retention time and low dissolved oxygen (DO) level. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was used to correlate ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) numbers with nutrient removal via nitrite. It was shown that in response to complete and partial nitrification modes, the numbers of AOB population were 7.7×107 cells/g mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and 5.31×108 cells/g MLSS, respectively. The morphology of the sludge indicated that there is a small rod-shaped and spherical cluster which was mainly dominantly bacterial according to scanning electron microscope. Higher pollutant removal efficiencies of 86.2%, 98%, and 96.1%, for total nitrogen, , and total phosphorus, respectively, were achieved by a long-term operation of the six tanks activated sludge process at a low DO concentration and low chemical oxygen demand to nitrogen ratio which were approximately equal to the complete nitrification–denitrification with the addition of an external carbon source at a concentration of 1.5–2.5 mg/L.
Biomarkers , Genomics , Proteomics , and Gene Regulation Specific Detection of CD 56 ( NCAM ) Isoforms for the Identification of Aggressive Malignant Neoplasms with Progressive Development

Stefan Gattenlöhner,* Thorsten Stühmer, Ellen Leich,* Matthias Reinhard, Benjamin Etschmann,* Hans-Ulrich Völker,* Andreas Rosenwald,* Edgar Serfling,* Ralf Christian Bargou, Georg Ertl, Hermann Einsele, and Hans-Konrad Müller-Hermelink* From the Institutes of Pathology, * and Internal Medicine II, and the Department of Internal Medicine I, § University of Würzburg, Würzburg; and immunoGlobe Antikoerpertechnik GmbH, Himmelstadt, Germany