Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Shock Absorption Tests on Implant-Supported Crowns: Influence of Crown Materials and Luting Agents.

PURPOSE To investigate the force absorption capacity of implant-supported crowns made of different restorative materials and connected to abutments with different luting agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS Molar crowns were milled of different computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture materials (n = 8 crowns per material): polymethyl methacrylate, polyether ether ketone, composite, lithium disilicate, titanium, and zirconia. Crowns were mounted on titanium implant replicas using different luting agents: uncemented, temporarily cemented (zinc oxide-eugenol cement), conventionally cemented (zinc oxide phosphate cement), and adhesively bonded. As a reference, one implant replica was tested without a crown. Force absorptions of the different combinations of crown materials and luting agents were determined by applying an increasing force (0 to 250 N) on the occlusal crown surface and measuring the resulting force below the implant. Mean curves of applied and resulting forces up to 200 N were determined (six measurements per group), and slopes were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed (one-way analysis of variance, Bonferroni post hoc test, α = .05). RESULTS Significant (P < .001) differences in the applied and resulting forces were found between the crown materials that were uncemented, temporarily cemented, cemented, and adhesively bonded. Materials with higher moduli of elasticity (ceramics, titanium) showed steeper slopes of the force curves and lower shock-absorbing capacity than resin-based materials, but were influenced more by the luting agents. The damping effects of resin-based materials were higher in combination with all cementation and luting modes. CONCLUSION Shock absorption tests exhibited a strong material-dependent damping behavior of implant-supported crowns. The shock-absorbing capacity of crown materials with high moduli of elasticity may benefit from conventional cementation.
On Zero-Truncation of Poisson, Poisson-Lindley and Poisson-Sujatha Distributions and their Applications

Detailed study of Lindley distribution (1.3) has been done by Ghitany et al. [4] and shown that (1.3) is a better model than exponential distribution for modeling some lifetime data. Recently, Shanker et al. [5] showed that (1.3) is not always a better model than the exponential distribution for modeling lifetime’s data. In fact, Shanker et al. [5] has done a very extensive and comparative study on modeling of lifetime data using exponential and Lindley distributions and discussed various lifetime data-sets to show the superiority of Lindley over exponential and that of exponential over Lindley distribution. The PLD has been extensively studied by Sankaran [1] and Ghitany & Mutairi [6] and its various properties have been discussed by them. The Lindley distribution and the PLD have been generalized by many researchers. Shanker & Mishra [7] obtained a two parameter Poisson-Lindley distribution by compounding Poisson distribution with a two parameter Lindley distribution introduced by Shanker & Mishra [8]. A quasi Poisson-Lindley distribution has been introduced by Shanker & Mishra [9] by compounding Poisson distribution with a quasi Lindley distribution introduced by Shanker & Mishra [10]. Shanker et al. [11] obtained a discrete two parameter PoissonLindley distribution by mixing Poisson distribution with a two parameter Lindley distribution for modeling waiting and survival times data introduced by Shanker et al. [12]. Further, Shanker & Tekie [13] obtained a new quasi Poisson-Lindley distribution by compounding Poisson distribution with a new quasi Lindley distribution introduced by Shanker & Amanuel [14]. Volume 3 Issue 5 2016
Homocysteine and all-cause mortality in hypertensive adults without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions

Background: Previous studies support an association between elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) levels and increased all-cause mortality. However, few prospective studies have examined this association in hypertensive patients, and/or tested any effect modification by the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T genotype. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial. Serum tHcy and folate were measured at baseline. Individual MTHFR C677T genotype (CC, CT, and TT) was determined. Evidence for death included death certificates or home visits. Cumulative hazards of all-cause mortality by tHcy quartiles were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and group differences were compared by log-rank tests. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by Cox proportional-hazard regression models, adjusting for age, sex, baseline folate, vitamin B12, blood pressure, body mass index, smoking and alcohol drinking status, study center, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose, creatinine, and treatment group. Potential effect modification by the MTHFR genotype on the relationship between tHcy and all-cause mortality was tested. Results: The analyses included 20,424 hypertensive patients (41% males) without a history of myocardial infarction or stroke. Baseline mean age (SD) was 60 ± 7.5 years and mean (SD) serum tHcy was 14.5 ± 8.4 &mgr;mol/L. After a mean follow-up period of 4.5 years, there were 612 (3%) all-cause deaths. Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed a graded relationship between tHcy quartiles and all-cause mortality. The HRs, using the lowest quartile as the reference, were 1.2, 1.2, and 1.5 in Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. A linear trend test, using natural log-transformed tHcy, resulted in an HR of 1.5 (95% confidence interval 1.2–1.9, P < .001) after adjustment for lifestyle and health-related variables. Whereas the MTHFR genotype alone had little effect on mortality, it significantly modified the tHcy–mortality association, which was much stronger in the CC/CT genotype than in the TT genotype (P for interaction < 0.05). Conclusions: Among Chinese hypertensive patients without cardiovascular comorbidities, elevated tHcy was a significant risk marker for death from all causes, and the association was subject to effect modification by MTHFR genotypes. If confirmed that tHcy and MTHFR genotypes may serve as useful biomarkers for mortality risk assessment and targeted intervention.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of Peyronie's disease: long-term results.

PURPOSE Controversial data on ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy) for the treatment of Peyronie's disease are controversial. This study was performed to access the efficacy, reliability and the side-effects of the ESWT. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 2000 to 2004, 157 patients with an average age of 58 years and with Peyronie's disease were enrolled for a conservative treatment. All 150 eligible patients were treated with ESWT, using Dornier Compact Delta II UIMS lithotripter. The median number of treatments per patient was 3.5 with the delivery of 2000 shock waves (SW) for each treatment. There was no use of anaesthesia and analgesy. An ultrasound study was made for each patient before treatment. We considered: plaque size, penis curvature, pain, penis rigidity and tumescence, sexual intercourse ability and side-effects. Median follow-up of the study was 36.9 months. RESULTS Average duration of the treatment was 20 minutes without relevant side-effects. With reference to the curvature, we obtained a significative reduction in 33.3% of the patients, whereas the plaque size was not statistically reduced. Regarding the pain issue we achieved good results with a reduction in more than 90% of the patients and a complete relief in 6%. The quality of the intercourse was reported slightly enhanced. No significant difference was observed in penis tumescence and rigidity. CONCLUSIONS ESWT is a non-invasive treatment for the Peyronie's disease. Our study confirms that the best results are obtained regarding pain and less with the curvature. For the plaque size and quality of sexual intercourse the results are not satisfactory.
A Comparative Study of 20% Azelaic Acid Cream Monotherapy versus a Sequential Therapy in the Treatment of Melasma in Dark-Skinned Patients

Background: Melasma is a commonly found hyperpigmentary disorder in dark-complexioned persons, which is rather difficult to treat. Azelaic acid (AZA) 20% is considered efficacious in the treatment of melasma, although the response is rather slow. It has also been combined synergistically with topical retinoic acid, where the results were satisfactory. Objective: The study was done to evaluate the usefulness of a sequential therapy of potent topical steroids +20% AZA cream versus only 20% AZA cream in the treatment of melasma. Methods: This was a prospective, single-blind, right-left comparison pilot study with (1) twice daily application of 20% AZA to one half of the face for 24 weeks and (2) a potent topical steroid, 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream, to be applied for 8 weeks only and then to be followed by 20% AZA cream only for the next 16 weeks on the other half. Concomitant use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen was also mandatory. Thirty Indian patients (25 females, 5 males), whose ages ranged from 21 to 45 years and who were not pregnant, nursing or on any concurrent therapy, completed the study. Clinical evaluation, photography and the overall response were assessed at 4, 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Results: At 4, 8 and 16 weeks, the lightening of melasma was significantly more marked on the side receiving the sequential therapy rather than the side receiving only 20% AZA cream (p < 0.001). However, at 24 weeks, although the difference was still significant (p = 0.0052), as many as 96.7 and 90% of patients of each group (sequential therapy and AZA) had good to excellent responses to treatment. The side-effects noted were mostly mild and transient and mainly local irritant effects. Conclusions: A sequential therapy of topical potent steroids +20% AZA cream can be considered as another alternative treatment for melasma, which combines the beneficial effects of both besides perhaps increasing the compliance of the patients. 20% AZA monotherapy itself is also an effective and well-tolerated therapy for melasma in dark-skinned races.
Evaluation of Maternal and Neonatal Risk factors for Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Background; Hypoglycemia is the most common metabolic disorder in the newborn. Objectives: to identify its prevalence, risk factors, type of presentation, determine treatment schedule and prognosis. Patient and methods: A case control study of ninety six neonates found to have hypoglycemia after screening of six hundred twelve neonates who were admitted to special care baby unit (SCBU) of child’s central teaching hospital over the period between 1 st of December 2007 and 30 th of June 2008, and ninety six neonates were considered as control from these neonates who were admitted for other reasons but had no hypoglycemia, Blood sugar levels regarded significant in our study were less than 35 mg/dl at 1–3 hrs of life, less than 40 mg/dl at 3–24 hrs of life and less than 45 mg/dl after first 24 hrs of life. History was taken for all neonates, systemic examination and serial measurements of blood sugar was undertaken in the first 7 days of life. Packed red cell volume (PCV) was done to all neonates and blood culture was done if sepsis was a suspicion. Results: Significant risk factors were: low birth weight, large for date, prematurity, respiratory distress, chronic maternal illnesses diabetes mellitus, perinatal asphyxia and tocolytic drug intake, The first 24 hrs of life were the most critical period for developing hypoglycemia, 43.3% of neonates were asymptomatic and 56.7% were symptomatic. The most frequent symptoms were lethargy, poor feeding, jitteriness, respiratory distress and seizure (62.5%, 26.4%, 22.9%, 20.8% and 16.6% respectively), all newborn neonates respond to treatment and nine neonates died for reasons other than hypoglycemia. Conclusion: It is important to identify hypoglycemia in neonates with risk factors as early as possible for proper management to decrease morbidity and mortality.
Stimulating S-adenosyl-l-methionine synthesis extends lifespan via activation of AMPK

Significance Calorie restriction (CR) or methionine (Met) restriction extends the lifespan of diverse model organisms. Here we carefully examined how Met metabolites influenced aging in yeast. We showed that stimulating S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) synthesis, which consumes both ATP and Met, resulted in an extended lifespan and was epistatic to CR. Indeed, stimulating AdoMet synthesis led to AMP-activated protein kinase activation and increased lifespan. Furthermore, we revealed an effect of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine that contributed to longevity with a higher accumulation of AdoMet. The most common CR regimen involves reducing caloric intake, an unpopular trade-off. We have shown that stimulating AdoMet synthesis per se in yeast could produce physiological conditions that mimicked CR. Dietary restriction (DR), such as calorie restriction (CR) or methionine (Met) restriction, extends the lifespan of diverse model organisms. Although studies have identified several metabolites that contribute to the beneficial effects of DR, the molecular mechanism underlying the key metabolites responsible for DR regimens is not fully understood. Here we show that stimulating S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) synthesis extended the lifespan of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The AdoMet synthesis-mediated beneficial metabolic effects, which resulted from consuming both Met and ATP, mimicked CR. Indeed, stimulating AdoMet synthesis activated the universal energy-sensing regulator Snf1, which is the S. cerevisiae ortholog of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), resulting in lifespan extension. Furthermore, our findings revealed that S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine contributed to longevity with a higher accumulation of AdoMet only under the severe CR (0.05% glucose) conditions. Thus, our data uncovered molecular links between Met metabolites and lifespan, suggesting a unique function of AdoMet as a reservoir of Met and ATP for cell survival.
Low-Pressure UV Inactivation and DNA Repair Potential of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts

ABSTRACT Because Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts are very resistant to conventional water treatment processes, including chemical disinfection, we determined the kinetics and extent of their inactivation by monochromatic, low-pressure (LP), mercury vapor lamp UV radiation and their subsequent potential for DNA repair of UV damage. A UV collimated-beam apparatus was used to expose suspensions of purifiedC. parvum oocysts in phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.3, at 25°C to various doses of monochromatic LP UV. C. parvuminfectivity reductions were rapid, approximately first order, and at a dose of 3 mJ/cm2 (=30 J/m2), the reduction reached the cell culture assay detection limit of ∼3 log10. At UV doses of 1.2 and 3 mJ/cm2, the log10 reductions of C. parvum oocyst infectivity were not significantly different for control oocysts and those exposed to dark or light repair conditions for UV-induced DNA damage. These results indicate that C. parvum oocysts are very sensitive to inactivation by low doses of monochromatic LP UV radiation and that there is no phenotypic evidence of either light or dark repair of UV-induced DNA damage.
Cardiac Troponin Levels in Dogs with Dilate Cardiomyopathy

Summary This study was designed to determine plasma cTnI and cTnT concentrations in dogs with DCM and to investigate the value of these two parameters in this type of heart disease. For this purpose, 11 dogs with DCM diagnosed, via electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations nearby apparent clinical heart disease symptoms were studied. The correlation coefficients between serum CK, cTnI and cTnT values were determined insignificant and no important relationship was calculated between these values. High cTnI levels were determined for 10 of 11 (90.9%) dogs with DCM, while high cTnT levels were determined for 7 of 11 (63.6%) dogs with DCM. It is suggested that cardiac Troponins, especially cTnI is a strong candidate as a cardiac biomarker in animals.
Extramedullary Leukemia in Children With Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Report From the Children's Cancer Group

Objectives To describe features of patients with acute myeloid leukemia presenting with extramedullary leukemic tumors (EML). Methods Among 1,832 patients entered on Children's Cancer Group's chemotherapy trials with acute myeloid leukemia, 199 patients had EML, defined as any leukemic collection outside the bone marrow cavity. Three patient groups were denoted: group 1 (n = 109) with EML involving skin (with or without other sites of EML), group 2 (n = 90) with EML in sites other than skin, and group 3 (n = 1,633) without EML. Results The incidence of EML was 10.9%. Group 1 patients tended to be younger, had higher white blood cell counts, were more often CNS positive, had FAB M4 or M5 subtypes, and possessed more abnormalities of chromosome 11 than group 3 patients. Group 2 patients were younger, more often had the FAB M2 subtype, and had a higher incidence of t(8;21)(q22;q22) abnormality than group 3, but had similar white blood cell counts and incidence of CNS positivity at diagnosis. For group 1 the 5-year event-free survival was 26%, significantly worse than for group 3 at 29%. Event-free survival was better for group 2 patients (5-year estimate 46%), which remained a favorable prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. The authors retrospectively determined whether 118 (59%) of the EML patients received localized radiotherapy to the site of EML: 42 did and 76 did not. There were no differences in estimated event-free survival between patients who did and did not receive radiotherapy. Conclusions Non-skin (group 2) EML appeared to be an independent favorable prognostic factor. Localized radiotherapy to the site of EML at the end of induction chemotherapy did not improve outcome.
Effectiveness of situation redefinition and affective isolation in coping with stress.

Subjects in three threat conditions were told that they would receive a series of painful electric shocks, while the subjects in a no-threat condition were not told about shocks. In one threat condition (threat redefinition), the subjects were told to reduce stress by thinking of the shocks as interesting new physiological sensations. In another threat condition (threat isolation), the subjects were told to reduce stress by remaining detached and uninvolved. Data from self-report of anxiety, pulse rate, and skin resistance indicated that the threat of shock increased stress and that subjects using redefinition and isolation showed smaller increases in stress than subjects who were not told to use those coping strategies.
JPET # 195206 1 Cannabinoid receptor activation correlates with the pro-apoptotic action of the β 2-adrenergic agonist , ( R , R ’ )-4-methoxy-1-naphthylfenoterol , in HepG 2 hepatocarcinoma cells

Laboratory of Clinical Investigation (RKP, AR, MB, IWW) and Flow Cytometry Unit, Research Resources Branch (JS, RPW), National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA (LT); SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA (LJ). JPET Fast Forward. Published on July 9, 2012 as DOI:10.1124/jpet.112. 195206
Intentions in critical clinical settings: a study of medical students' perceptions

The aim of this pilot study was to develop a realistic clinical case for identifying Knobe's asymmetric effect, ie, the tendency to ascribe intentions to a larger extent when an act is considered wrong, as well as to compare medical students at the beginning and end of their curriculum. A vignette about a critically ill 72-year-old patient in need of an operation was used, with two different outcomes: the patient dies or the patient recovers. Approximately half of the students received the ‘recovery case’ and half the ‘death case’. The questions asked were whether it was right to perform the risky operation and whether the head of the clinic brought about the patient's death/recovery intentionally. Among students in their first term an asymmetry in response pattern was identified. This asymmetry was not found among students in their final term. The difference between term 1 and term 11 students is believed to be due to the socialisation of medical students towards clinical reasoning regarding the moral role of intentions. Although no Knobe effect could be detected among term 11 students, a related adaptation effect was detected, indicating that students at the end of their medical school also tend to adapt their ascription of intentions to their moral evaluation of the act. By using clinically relevant cases a new effect has thus been identified that might be useful when investigating experienced clinicians and their views on intentions. The cases and effect merit further investigation.
Activation of platelet protein kinase C by ultraviolet light B mediates platelet transfusion–related acute lung injury in a two‐event animal model

BACKGROUND: We recently reported that infusion of ultraviolet light B (UVB)‐exposed human platelets (HPs) can be the second event that mediates acute lung injury (ALI) in a two‐event mouse model of transfusion‐related acute lung injury (mTRALI). We have now identified changes in HPs induced by UVB light and responses of the recipient animal that mediate the mTRALI.
Indirect pulp capping in the primary dentition: a 4 year follow-up study.

PURPOSE Evaluate clinical and radiographic changes in primary teeth submitted to indirect pulp capping (IPC) over a 48-month-period. METHODS Twenty seven primary molars with deep caries, but without preoperative signs of irreversible pulpits, were treated with IPC. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups, according to the material used for protection of the dentin-pulp complex. (1) a calcium hydroxide liner (Dycal) and (2) glass ionomer cement (Vitremer). RESULTS After 48 months, Group-1 showed a success rate of 88.8% and Group-2 of 93%. No statistical significant difference between the groups was observed (P = 0.62). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The results of this study suggested that indirect pulp capping in primary teeth arrests the progression of the underlying caries, regardless of the material used as a liner.