Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. I: overview and methodology for assessment of validity.

AIMS The purpose of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Validation Project was to assess the diagnostic validity of this examination protocol. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the project's methodology, descriptive statistics, and data for the study participant sample. This article also details the development of reliable methods to establish the reference standards for assessing criterion validity of the Axis I RDC/TMD diagnoses. METHODS The Axis I reference standards were based on the consensus of two criterion examiners independently performing a comprehensive history, clinical examination, and evaluation of imaging. Intersite reliability was assessed annually for criterion examiners and radiologists. Criterion examination reliability was also assessed within study sites. RESULTS Study participant demographics were comparable to those of participants in previous studies using the RDC/TMD. Diagnostic agreement of the criterion examiners with each other and with the consensus-based reference standards was excellent with all kappas > or = 0.81, except for osteoarthrosis (moderate agreement, k = 0.53). Intrasite criterion examiner agreement with reference standards was excellent (k > or = 0.95). Intersite reliability of the radiologists for detecting computed tomography-disclosed osteoarthrosis and magnetic resonance imaging-disclosed disc displacement was good to excellent (k = 0.71 and 0.84, respectively). CONCLUSION The Validation Project study population was appropriate for assessing the reliability and validity of the RDC/TMD Axis I and II. The reference standards used to assess the validity of Axis I TMD were based on reliable and clinically credible methods.
Vital signs: nonfatal, motor vehicle--occupant injuries (2009) and seat belt use (2008) among adults --- United States.

BACKGROUND Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States among persons aged 5-34 years. Seat belts have been shown to be the most effective method for reducing injuries among adults in the event of a crash. METHODS CDC used 2009 data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System--All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) to provide U.S. estimates of the number and rate of nonfatal, motor vehicle--occupant injuries treated in emergency departments among adults aged ≥18 years. In addition, CDC used 2008 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to estimate the prevalence of self-reported seat belt use among adults in the United States. Seat belt use was examined further by type of state seat belt enforcement law. RESULTS In 2009 in the United States, an estimated 2.3 million adult motor vehicle--occupants had nonfatal injuries treated in emergency departments. The nonfatal, motor vehicle--occupant injury rate declined 15.6% from 1,193.8 per 100,000 population in 2001 to 1,007.5 per 100,000 population in 2009. In 2008, self-reported seat belt use was higher in states with primary enforcement laws (88.2%), compared with states with secondary enforcement laws (79.2%). If the secondary law states had achieved 88.2% seat belt use in 2008, an additional 7.3 million adults would have been belted. From 2002 to 2008, self-reported seat belt use increased overall from 80.5% to 85.0%. CONCLUSIONS Nonfatal, motor vehicle--occupant injuries treated in emergency departments have declined in recent years but still affect a substantial proportion of the adult U.S. population each year. Self-reported belt use increased from 2002 to 2008, and was higher in states with primary enforcement laws compared with states with secondary enforcement laws. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE Seat belt use is a proven method to reduce motor vehicle--occupant injuries, and the results of this analysis demonstrate that states with primary enforcement laws have higher prevalence of self-reported seat belt use. To help reduce the number of motor vehicle--occupant injuries, 19 states without primary enforcement laws should consider enacting them.
Frequencies of polymorphisms in CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes influencing warfarin metabolism in Slovak population: implication for clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES The study was aimed at establishing an effective molecular-genetic method for detecting polymorphisms in genes CYP2C9 and VKORC1, which affect the pharmacogenetics of warfarin, and at determining their prevalence in Slovak population. BACKGROUND Warfarin, derivative of coumarin, belongs to the most commonly prescribed oral anticoagulants with narrow therapeutic index. An insufficient dose of warfarin can result in failure to produce the antithrombotic effect, whereas an overdose increases the risk of bleeding. It was proven that genetic variability in two genes, CYP2C9 a VKORC1, has a significant influence on the individual's response to the dosage of warfarin. METHODS In a control group of 112 randomly selected individuals, we tested the frequency of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms including CYP2C9*2 (430C>T), CYP2C9*3 (1075A>C), VKORC1*2 (1173C>T) by allele-specific Real-Time PCR and VKORC1*2 (-1639G>A) by using PCR-RFLP. RESULTS Due to the combination of frequent alleles CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1*2 in Slovak population we determine that 25% of population need a standard 5-mg daily dose of warfarin, while 44%, 23%, and 8% need 4 mg, 3 mg and 2 mg of warfarin per day. CONCLUSION Slovak population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and frequencies of SNPs were in accordance with other published results in European populations (Tab. 5. Fig. 3, Ref. 51).
The inherited long QT syndrome: from ion channel to bedside.

The inherited long QT syndrome is caused by mutations of at least 5 ion channel genes. Mutations of the cardiac sodium ion channel gene and 3 potassium channel genes have been identified to this time. A genetic locus on chromosome 4 has been identified, but no gene has been discovered as of yet. More than 120 mutations of the genes have been discovered. The majority of cases are inherited by autosomal dominant transmission. Syncope occurs in approximately two-thirds of gene carriers, with sudden death in 10% to 15% of untreated patients. The primary electrophysiologic disturbance is delayed recovery of the action potential, because of diverse physiologic perturbations dependent upon the specific ion channel and mutation. The delayed recovery predisposes individuals to the development of early afterdepolarizations and initiation of torsade de pointes arrhythmias. The torsade produces the syncope and sudden death. Patients with self-terminating torsade have syncope, whereas those whose torsade degenerates to ventricular fibrillation experience sudden death. The torsade maintenance appears to be because of complex reentry or repetitive triggered beats, both of which have been proposed as capable of explaining the unique and characteristic QRS morphology of torsade. It is proposed that the degree of dispersion of recovery at the time of torsade determines whether the torsade degenerates to ventricular fibrillation or self-terminates. The signs of long QT syndrome are prolongation of the QT interval on the electrocardiogram and abnormalities of T wave morphology. QTc values average 0.49 seconds and vary somewhat by genotype. Approximately 12% of long QT gene carriers have a normal QTc, < or =0. 44 seconds. Thus, a normal QTc interval does not exclude long QT syndrome. T wave morphology is relatively characteristic for each genotype. Diagnosis is likely with a QTc > or =0.48 seconds in females and > or =0.47 seconds in males. Values between 0.41 and 0.46 seconds require additional evaluation, as the disorder can neither be excluded nor made with those QTc intervals. Diagnosis is enhanced by identification of T wave abnormalities consistent with long QT syndrome. The principal treatment is beta-blocker therapy. Appropriate dosing, with ascertainment of efficacy and compliance with administration, are the key elements in therapeutic success. Molecular physiology-based strategies are being considered, including the use of sodium channel blockers in LQT3 and potassium administration in LQT1 patients.
Positive association between resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis and overwintering survival of cabbage loopers, Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Development of resistance to insecticides has generally been associated with fitness costs that may be magnified under challenging conditions. Lepidopterans which are resistant to the biopesticide Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) have been shown to have reduced fitness, such as lower survival when subjected to overwintering stress. Recently, resistance to Btk has been found in some populations of Trichoplusia ni Hübner in greenhouses in British Columbia. This situation provides an opportunity to investigate potential trade-offs between overwintering survival and insecticide resistance in a major pest species. Here, we assess the survival and eventual fecundity of Btk resistant and susceptible T. ni pupae exposed to cool temperatures. Contrary to our expectations, resistant T. ni had higher overwintering survival than susceptible individuals. This is the first account of a potential advantage associated with Btk resistance. Resistant and susceptible moths had reduced fecundity and smaller progeny after cold exposure compared to controls, and this may counteract the survival advantage. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that this is sufficient to select out the resistant phenotype in the presence of strong selection for resistance and in the absence of immigration of susceptible moths. The appearance of resistance without evidence of a trade-off in overwintering survival presents a major challenge to management in production greenhouses.
Normobaric Hypoxia Induces Tolerance to Focal Permanent Cerebral Ischemia in Association with an Increased Expression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 and its Target Genes, Erythropoietin and VEGF, in the Adult Mouse Brain

Tolerance to cerebral ischemia is achieved by preconditioning sublethal stresses, such as ischemia or hypoxia, paradigms in which the decrease of O2 availability may constitute an early signal inducing tolerance. In accordance with this concept, this study shows that hypoxia induces tolerance against focal permanent ischemia in adult mice. Normobaric hypoxia (8% O2 of 1-hour, 3-hour, or 6-hour duration), performed 24 hours before ischemia, reduces infarct volume by approximately 30% when compared with controls. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying this neuroprotection, the authors investigated the effects of preconditioning on cerebral expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and its target genes, erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Hypoxia, whatever its duration (1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours), rapidly increases the nuclear content of HIF-1α as well as the mRNA levels of erythropoietin and VEGF. Furthermore, erythropoietin and VEGF are upregulated at the protein level 24 hours after 6 hours of hypoxia. The authors' findings show that (1) hypoxia elicits a delayed, short-lasting (<72 hours) tolerance to focal permanent ischemia in the adult mouse brain; (2) HIF-1 target genes could contribute to the establishment of tolerance; and (3) this model might be a useful paradigm to further study the mechanisms of ischemic tolerance, to identify new therapeutic targets for stroke.
Molecular alterations in odontogenic keratocysts as potential therapeutic targets

The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a cystic lesion, lined by uniformly thickened parakeratinized epithelium. Some lesions are large and tend to recur after surgical treatment. The neoplastic nature of OKCs remains a matter of dispute. It is known that some sporadic OKCs harbor PTCH1 mutations, and via the dissection of cyst epithelium, these mutations were demonstrated to occur much more frequently than previously thought. In addition to the classical PTCH1 mutations, Hedgehog pathway disturbance and Bcl-2 protein overexpression, as detected via genome-wide expression analysis of OKCs, have been published. Changes in DNA methylation patterns and alterations in microRNA expression levels have recently been reported in these lesions. We reviewed the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of OKCs as described over the past few years and explored the molecular alterations that can be therapeutically targeted.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE POSTERIOR LAYERS OF THE CORNEA IN SCHNYDERA'S CRYSTALLINE DYSTROPHY

A case of central crystalline dystrophy of Schnyder is presented in which ultrastructural studies were performed on the corneal specimen after penetrating keratoplasty. Electron microscopic changes were documented not only in the anterior but in the posterior stroma and in the corneal endothelium. In the posterior stroma and at the interface between the stroma and Descemeta's mem-brane, numerous ovoid, electron-lucent spaces were present that most likely represented foci of lipid deposi-tion. In addition, rare, focal areas of endothelial cell degeneration were observed that produced minute discontinuities in the endothelial cell covering of Descemeta's membrane. Changes in the posterior layers of the cornea in Schnydera';s crystalline dystrophy may contribute to the comparatively poorer surgical results obtained with lamellar rather than full-thickness grafts in these cases.
Inhibitory Activity of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Extract on Some Clinically Isolated Cariogenic and Periodontopathic Bacteria

Objective: To determine the in vitro inhibitory activity of green tea extract on some clinically isolated cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria. Materials and Methods: Twenty strains of each of Streptococcusmutans, Aggregatibacteractinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonasgingivalis, and Prevotellaintermedia were isolated from carious teeth and periodontal pockets of patients with dental caries and periodontal diseases. Green tea extract was prepared by aqueous extraction method and diluted from 50 to 1.56 mg/ml. Standard techniques of agar disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays were applied for qualitative and quantitative determinations of antibacterial activity of green tea extract on each isolates. Results: All clinical isolates of S. mutans (100%) were sensitive to green tea extract at concentrations 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/ml producing inhibition zones ranging from 10 to 38 mm. All periodontopathic isolates (A. actinomycetemcomitans, n = 20, P. intermedia, n = 20, and P. gingivalis, n = 20) (100%) tested were sensitive to 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/ml of this extract. The minimal inhibitory concentration of green tea extract for S. mutans was 3.28 ± 0.7 mg/ml and for A. actinomycetemcomitans 6.25, for P. gingivalis and P. intermedia 12.5 mg/ml. Conclusions: Our findings showed that green tea extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity on S. mutans,A. actinomycetemcomitans,P. gingivalis and P. intermedia and therefore may be used in mouthwashes or dentifrices for prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases.
Inhibition of killer‐target cell interaction by monoclonal anti‐H‐2 antibodies

The sites on target cells with which cytotoxic T lymphocytes interact were characterized using three different monoclonal BALB/c anti‐CBA antibodies derived from plasma cell hybrids. The antibodies all reacted with H‐2Kk and appeared to recognize public specificities H‐2.5,11 and 25, respectively. Allogeneic killing directed at products of H‐2Kk was inhibited by all three antibodies, irrespective of the H‐2 haplotype of the responder; cytotoxicity directed at products of another allele, H‐2Kd, or of the H‐2 D region on the same target cell was not affected. The antibodies did not inhibit killer cells carrying H‐2Kk. Cytotoxic reactions against minor histocompatibility antigens, including the male‐specific antigen H‐Y, were also blocked by all three monoclonal antibodies when restricted by H‐2Kk, but not when restricted by H‐2D on the same target cell. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes thus appear to interact with their target via the same, serologically defined H‐2Kk molecule which carries public specificities, whether they recognize it as an alloantigen or as self. This argues against the existence of separate H‐2 K‐encoded molecules recognized by killer cells only and against H‐2 specific modifications of minor histocompatibility antigens as the basis of H‐2 restriction.
Water Quality Changes from Riparian Buffer Restoration in Connecticut

One-half of a 35- by 250-m riparian buffer cropped in corn (Zea mays L.) was seeded with fine leaf fescue (Festuca spp.) and allowed to remain idle to determine water quality changes resulting from riparian buffer restoration. A corn control was also used in this paired watershed design located in Connecticut. Water, N, and P fluxes were determined for precipitation, overland flow, and ground water. Also, an N mass balance was calculated. Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) increased as ground water flowed through the restored buffer. Nitrate N (NO 3 -N) concentrations declined significantly but most (52%) of the decrease occurred within a 2.5-m wetland adjacent to the stream. An N mass balance for the 2.5-m strip indicated that denitrification only accounted for 1% of the N losses and plant uptake was from 7 to 13% of the N losses annually. Ground water was the dominant source of N to the buffer and also the dominant loss. Restoration of the riparian buffer decreased (p < 0.05) overland flow concentrations of TKN by 70%, NO 3 -N by 83%, TP by 73%, and total suspended solids (TSS) by 92% as compared with the control. Restoration reduced (p < 0.05) NO 3 -N concentrations in ground water by 35% as compared with the control. Underestimated denitrification and dilution by upwelling ground water in the wetland area adjacent to the stream were believed to be primarily responsible for the decreasing NO 3 -N concentrations observed.
Flow-sensitive four-dimensional velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging reveals abnormal blood flow patterns in the aorta and pulmonary trunk of patients with transposition

Abstract Background and objectives Flow profiles are important determinants of fluid–vessel wall interactions. The aim of this study was to assess blood flow profiles in the aorta and pulmonary trunk in patients with transposition and different ventriculoarterial connection, and hence different mechanics of the coherent pump. Methods In all, 29 patients with operated transposition – concordant atrioventricular and discordant ventriculoarterial connection, and no other cardiac malformation – and eight healthy volunteers were assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: n = 17 patients after atrial redirection, with a morphologic right ventricle acting as systemic pump and a morphologic left ventricle connected to the pulmonary trunk, and n = 12 patients after the arterial switch procedure, with physiologic ventriculoarterial connections. Flow-sensitive four-dimensional velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging was used to analyse systolic flow patterns in the aorta and pulmonary trunk, relating to helical flow and vortex formation. Results In the aorta, overall helicity was present in healthy volunteers, but it was absent in all patients independent on the operation technique. Partial helices were observed in the ascending aorta of 58% of patients after arterial switch. In the pulmonary trunk, mostly parallel flow was seen in healthy volunteers and in patients after arterial switch, whereas vortex formation was present in 88% of patients after atrial redirection. Conclusion Blood flow patterns differ substantially between the groups. In addition to varying mechanics of the coherent pumping ventricles, the absent overall helicity in all patients might be explained by the missing looping of the aorta in transposition.
The Five‐year Incidence of Blindness after Introducing a Screening Programme for Early Detection of Treatable Diabetic Retinopathy

The incidence of moderate visual impairment and blindness due to diabetic retinopathy was studied 5 years after introducing a screening system for early detection of treatable retinopathy. Photocoagulation was performed in patients with clinically significant macular oedema, severe preproliferative, and proliferative retinopathy. Eighty‐eight percent of 470 Type 1 and 88 % of 388 Type 2 diabetic patients were still available for follow‐up. In the Type 1 group, the five‐year incidence of blindness and moderate visual impairment were 0.5 % and 1.2 %, respectively. Corresponding figures for the Type 2 diabetic patients were 0.6 % and 1.7 %, respectively. The majority of patients with loss of vision had severe retinopathy at baseline. Among those who entered the screening programme with no or mild retinopathy, loss of vision occurred in only one of the Type 1 and four of the Type 2 diabetic patients. It is concluded that the risk for visual impairment and blindness due to diabetes can be substantially reduced by using programmes for early detection of and effective treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Lack of Awareness of Common Eye Conditions in the Community

ABSTRACT Purpose: Awareness of eye conditions aids health promotion activities and leads to better outcomes. We examined factors influencing the lack of awareness of common eye conditions in a population. Methods: The Singapore Malay Eye Study examined 3280 (78.7% response) Malays aged 40–80 years. We included 2112 (64.4%) participants with at least one of five eye conditions: 1504 (71.2%) with cataract, 1013 (47.8%) with myopia, 270 (12.8%) with diabetic retinopathy, 181 (8.6%) with age-related macular degeneration and 150 (7.1%) with glaucoma. Lack of awareness was defined in the questionnaire as not answering “yes” to previously being told by a doctor of having the eye condition. Results: Among 2112 participants, 83.2% were unaware of at least one of their eye conditions. After controlling for age, sex and socioeconomic factors, participants unaware of their eye condition were older (odds ratio, OR, 1.03, per 1 year, p < 0.001), had better visual acuity (OR 1.32, p = 0.04), lower education (OR 1.89, p < 0.001), poorer literacy (OR 1.44, p = 0.02), lower income (OR 1.73, p = 0.009), higher blood glucose (OR 1.08, per 1 mmol/L, p < 0.001), higher serum cholesterol (OR 1.20, per 1 mmol/L, p = 0.003), lower annual eye examination attendance (OR 2.08, p < 0.001) and were less likely to wear glasses (OR 2.90, p < 0.001) than those who were aware of their condition. Conclusions: In this community-based population, 80% of those with common eye conditions were unaware of their condition.