Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Dentine Hypersensitivity in a General Dental Practice in Greece

Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a sample of patients visiting a general dental practice. Study design: The study population consisted of 1,450 patients, 690 males and 760 females, aged 18-69 years. All individuals were clinically examined and answered questions regarding variables such as gender, age, educational level, occupation status, teeth affected and any factor that initiated the sensitivity. The clinical examination involved assessment of sensitive teeth per patient, while the amount of buccal gingival recession associated with the sensitive teeth was also recorded. Statistical analysis performed by using methods of descriptive statistics and chi square-test. Results: Two hundred and sixty four patients were diagnose as having dentine hypersensitivity, giving a prevalence rate 18.2% . Prevalence rate for hypersensitivity in females (19.34%) was significantly higher (p=0.0015) than males (16.95%). The mean number of sensitive teeth per patient showed a peak in the 40-49 year age group in males and in 60-69 year age group in females. The commonest teeth affected by dentine hypersensitivity were the first and second premolars, the canines and the first molars of maxilla and mandible. The majority (85.9%) of sensitive teeth had at least 1-3 mm of gingival recession while the most commonest pain-initiating stimuli was the consumption of cold drinks (56.1%). A statistically significant difference recorded between dentine hypersensitivity and educational level (p=0.00094). Conclusions: The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in the adult sample of the present study was 18.5%. There was also a tendency for the patients with sensitive teeth to come from higher social classes
Proton‐donative antioxidant activity of fucoxanthin with 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)

Reactions between a carotenoid, fucoxanthin and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl were investigated both under anoxic and aerobic conditions. Fucoxanthin equimolarly reacted with 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl under anoxic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, only a part of fucoxanthin consumed 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and the degree of reaction fluctuated with repeated trials. β‐Carotene or other carotenoids, β‐cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, licopen and lutein, were also examined in the reaction with 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl under anoxic conditions. All these compounds scarcely reacted with 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl.
Do Microbiological Factors Account for Poor Pregnancy Outcome among Unmarried Pregnant Women in Poland?

Objective: Being unmarried is a well-known risk factor for poor pregnancy outcome such as preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the prevalence and risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and selected bacteria isolated from the lower genital tract and to determine the socioeconomic and microbiological characteristics that might be responsible for poor pregnancy outcome observed among unmarried pregnant women. Methods: The study population comprised 196 pregnant women attending 10 randomly selected outpatient maternity units in the Lodz region, central Poland. Cervicovaginal samples were obtained between 8 and 16 weeks of gestation. Based on Spiegel’s criteria, gram-stained vaginal smears were examined for BV and the BV-associated flora was sought by culture. To evaluate the risk factors, relative risk ratios were calculated using EPI INFO software. Results: Among 196 pregnant women, 40 (20.4%) were unmarried. BV was diagnosed among 55 (28.1%) women studied.In the univariate analysis, unmarried pregnant women were characterized by younger age, primary educational level, poor economic situation and excessive smoking during pregnancy, as compared to married women. The unmarried status was a borderline risk factor for BV (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 0.94–4.9) after adjustment for age, smoking and education. An analysis of the microbiological culture from the lower genital tract revealed that unmarried pregnant women had a higher risk for several types of pathological microflora, as compared to married women. However, this finding was significant only for Mycoplasma hominis. The independent risk factors of M. hominis were the young age of the subject and a low concentration of Lactobacillus spp. Conclusions: The observed socioeconomic, demographic and microbiological differences between unmarried and married women could be responsible for the poor pregnancy outcome among unmarried pregnant women in Poland. Unmarried pregnant women should be covered by comprehensive medical care even before pregnancy.Further studies taking into account the role of psychological stress, patterns of sexual behavior and substance abuse during pregnancy could help identify the factors responsible for adverse pregnancy outcome among unmarried pregnant women.
High-Yield Production of a Bacterial Xylanase in the Filamentous Fungus Trichoderma reesei Requires a Carrier Polypeptide with an Intact Domain Structure

ABSTRACT A bacterial xylanase gene, Nonomuraea flexuosa xyn11A, was expressed in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei from the strong cellobiohydrolase 1 promoter as fusions to a variety of carrier polypeptides. By using single-copy isogenic transformants, it was shown that production of this xylanase was clearly increased (up to 820 mg/liter) when it was produced as a fusion protein with a carrier polypeptide having an intact domain structure compared to the production (150 to 300 mg/liter) of fusions to the signal sequence alone or to carriers having incomplete domain structures. The carriers tested were the T. reesei mannanase I (Man5A, or MANI) core-hinge and a fragment thereof and the cellulose binding domain of T. reesei cellobiohydrolase II (Cel6A, or CBHII) with and without the hinge region(s) and a fragment thereof. The flexible hinge region was shown to have a positive effect on both the production of Xyn11A and the efficiency of cleavage of the fusion polypeptide. The recombinant Xyn11A produced had properties similar to those of the native xylanase. It constituted 6 to 10% of the total proteins secreted by the transformants. About three times more of the Man5A core-hinge carrier polypeptide than of the recombinant Xyn11A was observed. Even in the best Xyn11A producers, the levels of the fusion mRNAs were only ∼10% of the level of cel7A (cbh1) mRNA in the untransformed host strain.
Distribution of Campylobacter spp. in selected U.S. poultry production and processing operations.

A study was conducted of 32 broiler flocks on eight different farms, belonging to four major U.S. producers. The farms were studied over I complete calendar year. Overall, 28 (87.5%) of the flocks became Campylobacter positive, and only four (12.5%) remained negative throughout the 6- to 8-week rearing period. In the majority of flocks, sampled every 2 weeks throughout production, Campylobacter-positive fecal and cecal samples were not detected until 4 to 8 weeks of age. In only six of the flocks were environmental samples found to be positive before shedding of Campylobacter was detected in the birds. Even in some of the Campylobacter-negative flocks, contamination of the rearing environment was positive for Campylobacter but did not result in the birds subsequently excreting the organism. These findings are discussed in relation to U.S. husbandry practices and present uncertainty about sources of Campylobacter infection for poultry flocks. Birds were often transported to the processing plant in coops that were already contaminated with Campylobacter, and the organisms were sometimes found in samples of scald water and chill water. After chilling, the proportions of Campylobacter-positive carcasses from different producers ranged from 21.0 to 40.9%, which is lower than in other studies, and possible reasons are considered.
Cessation of cannabis use by patients with recent-onset schizophrenia and related disorders.

BACKGROUND Cannabis abuse has been found to be a component risk factor for the onset and poor outcome during the early course of schizophrenia and related disorders. Cannabis use has become a target for prevention and treatment of schizophrenia patients. Therefore, knowledge of factors that influence continuation and cessation of cannabis use is crucial. However, little is known about factors associated with cessation of cannabis use in young schizophrenia patients. SAMPLING AND METHODS We examined medical records of 206 consecutively admitted young patients with schizophrenia or related disorders, to explore factors associated with cessation of cannabis use. RESULTS Of all patients that had used cannabis (167) in the past, more than half (87) ceased the use of cannabis before they were admitted to our clinic. Most patients ceased the use of cannabis after they became psychotic and after their first contact with psychiatric services. According to the urinalysis, only five patients seemed to have lied about their time of cessation. No differences in patient characteristics were found between patients that ceased their use of cannabis and patients that continued their use. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the start of treatment for psychosis is related to the cessation of cannabis use, at least in part of the patients.
Performance Analysis of Call Admission Control in SFR-Based LTE Systems

Inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) is considered as the most promising approach for LTE to mitigate inter-cell interference. One important approach for ICIC is Soft Frequency Reuse (SFR). However, the analytical model of SFR has not been fully studied yet as cell-center mobile platforms occupying channels from the center band or the edge band were not distinguished. We derive a new analytical model to describe the call admission control in SFR-based systems. The performance measures of interest are new call blocking probability and outage probability. Further, we compare the performance of SFR-based systems and non-SFR- based systems. The analytical results are validated with simulation results. The analytical results are in reasonable agreement with the simulation results.
Plasma and Urinary Alkylresorcinol Metabolites as Potential Biomarkers of Breast Cancer Risk in Finnish Women: A Pilot Study

Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are shown to be good biomarkers of consumption of rye and whole-grain wheat products in man. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate AR metabolites as potential biomarkers of breast cancer (BC) risk in Finnish women since intake of cereal fiber and its components has been proposed to reduce this risk through an effect on the enterohepatic circulation of estrogens. This was a cross-sectional and observational pilot study. A total of 20 omnivores, 20 vegetarians, and 16 BC women (6–12 mo after operation) were investigated on 2 occasions 6 mo apart. Dietary intake (5-days record), plasma/urinary AR metabolites [3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) and 3-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanoic acid (DHPPA)] and plasma/urinary enterolactone were measured. The groups were compared using nonparametric tests. We observed that plasma DHBA (P = 0.007; P = 0.03), plasma DHPPA (P = 0.02; P = 0.01), urinary DHBA (P = 0.001; P = 0.003), urinary DHPPA (P = 0.001; P = 0.001), and cereal fiber intake (P = 0.007; P = 0.003) were significantly lower in the BC group compared to the vegetarian and omnivore groups, respectively. Based on measurements of AR metabolites in urine and in plasma, whole-grain rye and wheat cereal fiber intake is low in BC subjects. Thus, urinary and plasma AR metabolites may be used as potential biomarkers of BC risk in women. This novel approach will likely also facilitate studies of associations between rye and whole-grain wheat cereal fiber intake and other diseases. Our findings should, however, be confirmed with larger subject populations.
Storage and Evolution of Mafic and Intermediate Alkaline Magmas beneath Ross Island, Antarctica

We present the results of phase equilibrium experiments carried out on basanite and phonotephrite lavas from Ross Island, Antarctica. Experiments were designed to reproduce the P–T–X–f O 2 conditions of deep and intermediate magma storage and to place constraints on the differentiation of each of the two predominant lava suites on the island, which are thought to be derived from a common parent melt. The Erebus Lineage (EL) consists of lava erupted from the Erebus summit and the Dry Valley Drilling Project (DVDP) lineage is represented by lavas sampled by drill core on Hut Point Peninsula. Experiments were performed in internally heated pressure vessels over a range of temperatures (1000–1150°C) and pressures (200–400 MPa), under oxidized conditions (NNO to NNO + 3, where NNO is the nickel–nickel oxide buffer), with XH2O of the H 2 O–CO 2 mixture added to the experimental capsule varying between zero and unity. The overall mineralogy and mineral compositions of the natural lavas were reproduced, suggesting oxidizing conditions for the deep magma plumbing system, in marked contrast to the reducing conditions (QFM to QFM – 1, where QFM is the quartz–fayalite–magnetite buffer) in the Erebus lava lake. In basanite, crystallization of spinel is followed by olivine and clinopyroxene; olivine is replaced by kaersutitic amphibole below ∼1050°C at intermediate water contents. In phonotephrite, the liquidus phase is kaersutite except in runs with low water content ( X H 2 O fluid < 0·2) where it is replaced by clinopyroxene. Experimental kaersutite compositions suggest that the amphibole-bearing DVDP lavas differentiated below 1050°C at 200–400 MPa and NNO + 1·5 to NNO + 2. Olivine- and clinopyroxene-bearing EL lavas are consistent with experiments performed above 1050°C and pressures around 200 MPa. The plagioclase liquidus at <1–2 wt % H 2 O suggests extremely dry conditions for both lineages ( X H 2 O fluid approaching zero for EL, ∼0·25 for DVDP), probably facilitated by dehydration induced by a CO 2 -rich fluid phase. Our results agree with previous studies that suggest a single plumbing system beneath Ross Island in which DVDP lavas (and probably other peripheral volcanic products) were erupted through radial fractures associated with the ascent of parental magma into the lower crust. The longer travel time of the DVDP lavas through the crust owing to lateral movement along fractures and the lack of a direct, sustained connection to the continuous CO 2 -rich gas flux that characterizes the main central Erebus conduit is probably responsible for the lower temperatures and slightly wetter conditions and hence the change in mineralogy observed.
An investigation into the use of music as potential auditory enrichment for moloch gibbons (Hylobates moloch).

The use of music as enrichment has rarely been explored in zoos, despite evidence that music has a positive effect on a range of laboratory housed animals. In this study of moloch gibbons, Hylobates moloch, at Howletts Wild Animal Park (Kent, England), instrumental classical music was played to eight individuals in two family groups. Music was played 7 hr a day during three of six study weeks for each group, alternating with control weeks in which no music was played. In focal watches, data were recorded on a measure of activity, brachiation, and on two rates of affiliative behavior, giving and receiving grooming. In addition, to assess potential impacts on emotional state, data were recorded on self-scratching and self-grooming, two widely used indices of anxiety or stress. Analyses were carried out for each individual separately, as previous studies of primates indicate animals may differ in their response to enrichment. Results revealed little evidence for effects of music on gibbons' behavior. During the music compared to control weeks, the adult male from one group showed higher rates of self-scratching and higher durations of both self-grooming and grooming others. The adult female from the same group was groomed more during the music weeks than control weeks. For the six other animals, no significant differences in behaviors were seen between music and control conditions. Our findings suggest music may not be an effective enrichment for captive gibbons, and further highlight the importance of considering individual differences when assessing the effects of potential enrichment.
A multi-dimensional approach to the category ‘verb’ in Cantonese

Cantonese exhibits a pattern of variation among verbs that has often been interpreted as distinguishing a category of adjectives or a subcategory of adjectival verbs. However, neither of these approaches takes into account the complex patterns of overlap among the purported categories or subcategories. To account for these patterns, we propose a multi-dimensional, feature-based analysis, whereby morphological, phonological, syntactic, and semantic features interact to determine the distribution of each verb. While all verbs bear the same syntactic category feature, there are other features that affect the distribution of verbs independently of syntactic category. For example, constructions that resemble adjectival constructions in other languages license the semantic classes of verbs that are permanent, gradable, and/or non-dynamic, while constructions that resemble verbal constructions in other languages license the semantic classes of verbs that are dynamic, non-gradable, and/or non-permanent. Typological implications of this analysis are also considered.
An Audit of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Services of Anticonvulsants at a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Background: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is an important adjunct to the treatment of epilepsy. However, few studies have actually correlated plasma levels of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with treatment response. The present audit aimed to study (i) the association between seizure control and number of AEDs, plasma AED concentration, and concomitant use of antitubercular drugs; (ii) the pattern of indications for TDM requisitions; and (iii) the association between referral for toxicity and plasma AED concentration. Methods: This observational and retrospective study was carried out to analyze the TDM data of patients referred between January 2008 and December 2011. As per the International League Against Epilepsy Task Force 2009, patients were categorized into responders and nonresponders. Plasma AED levels were interpreted as below, within, and above the reference range. Results: Of 3206 TDM requisitions, 67% were monotherapy and 33% were 2 or more AEDs. Only 8% were responders as against 92% nonresponders. Of 95 patients on concomitant antituberculosis treatment, 72 were nonresponders, with odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 3.71 [2.19 to 6.23]. Breakthrough seizure (37%) was the most common indication followed by suspected toxicity and routine monitoring in 22% each and suspected nonadherence in 11% of the total requests. In 52% of patients, plasma levels were below the reference range, and they were equally distributed amongst responders and nonresponders. Among patients referred for suspected phenytoin toxicity, only 59% (50.6 to 67.8) had plasma concentrations above the reference range. Conclusions: TDM continues to remain an important tool to support dose individualization when the patient is receiving multiple AEDs or other drugs such as antitubercular medicines, to assess compliance, and to monitor and treat toxicity.
Managing One's Group Image: Dynamics of Group-Based Self-Esteem and Indentity Management Strategies

Eine zentrale Annahme der Theorie der Sozialen Identitat (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) besagt, dass Mitglieder einer Gruppe durch Intergruppenvergleiche versuchen, eine positive soziale Identitat ihrer Gruppe im Vergleich zu einer Fremdgruppe herzustellen. Diese Annahme ist in der so genannten Selbstwerthypothese (Abrams & Hogg, 1988) in einer empirisch testbaren Weise neu dargelegt worden. Die Selbstwerthypothese postuliert zum einen, dass erfolgreiche Intergruppendiskriminierung die soziale Identitat und somit den Selbstwert erhoht (Teil 1 der Selbstwerthypothese; S. 320), und zum anderen, dass niedriger oder bedrohter Selbstwert den Wunsch nach Intergruppendiskriminierung aufgrund des Strebens nach positivem Selbstwert erhoht (Teil 2 der Selbstwerthypothese; S. 320). Rubin und Hewstone publizierten 1998 einen Ubersichtsartikel, der Studien zusammenfasste, die die beiden Teile der Selbstwerthypothese empirisch uberpruften. Zusammenfassend kann man sagen, dass wahrend der erste Teil der Selbstwerthypothese (erfolgreiche Intergruppendiskriminierung erhoht die soziale Identitat und somit den Selbstwert) empirisch belegt werden konnte, der zweite Teil der Selbstwerthypothese (niedriger oder bedrohter Selbstwert erhoht den Wunsch nach Intergruppendiskriminierung) nicht bestatigt werden konnte. Im Gegenteil, es zeigte sich, dass acht von zehn Studien den umgekehrten Zusammenhang fanden: Hoher Selbstwert fuhrte zum verstarkten Wunsch nach Intergruppendiskriminierung. Betrachtet man die in der Arbeit von Rubin und Hewstone (1998) zitierten Studien genauer, so stellt man fest, dass zahlreiche Studien die Formulierung niedrigen Selbstwert aufgriffen und dann lediglich den pretest Selbstwert erhoben und diesen mit der Moglichkeit, die eigene Gruppe zu bevorzugen oder die Fremdgruppe zu benachteiligen, korrelierten (z.B. Crocker & Schwartz, 1985; Sidanius, Pratto, & Mitchell, 1994). Andere Wissenschaftler und Wissenschaftlerinnen fokussierten auf die Formulierung „bedrohter Selbstwert“ und operationalisierten diesen indem sie zunachst den Selbstwert erhoben und diesen dann durch Misserfolgsruckmeldung bedrohten (Brockener & Chen, 1996; Brown, Collins, & Schmidt, 1988; Crocker & Luhtanen, 1990; Crocker, Thompson, 2 McGraw, & Ingerman, 1987; Seta & Seta; 1992). Diese Studien zeigten wiederholt, dass diejenigen Versuchspersonen, deren hoher Selbstwert bedroht worden war, verstarkt mit einer Bevorzugung der Eigengruppe und/oder einer Abwertung der Fremdgruppe reagierten. Diese Zusammenhange wurden zunachst fur personalen (Brockener & Chen, 1996; Brown et al., 1988; Crocker et al., 1987; Seta & Seta, 1992), spater auch fur gruppenbasierter Selbstwert gezeigt (Crocker & Luhtanen, 1990).
A U–HPLC–ESI–MS/MS–Based Stable Isotope Dilution Method for the Detection and Quantitation of Methotrexate in Plasma

Introduction: High-dose methotrexate (MTX) is used in the treatment of proliferative diseases such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Therapeutic drug monitoring of plasma MTX is important to monitor efficacy and adverse events. The authors aimed to develop a liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization, tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS)-based method to determine MTX in plasma for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies. Methods: Samples were analyzed using a Waters Acquity UPLC and Quattro Premier XE. A Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 &mgr;m) was used running an isocratic mobile phase of 21% methanol and 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate. The electrospray was operated in the positive ionization mode monitoring the following mass transitions: m/z 455.2 > 308.2 for MTX and m/z 458.2 > 311.2 for MTXd3. The analysis combined straightforward sample preparation, consisting of dilution and protein precipitation, with a 3-minute run time. Results: The method was linear up to 50 &mgr;M (r2 > 0.99), and the coefficient of variation was <6% for intraday and <10% for interday precision. Average recovery was 99%. There were no significant matrix effects. The lower limit of quantitation, defined as the lowest concentration at which the coefficient of variation <20% and S/N > 1:10, was 5 nM. Method comparison with the Abbott TDx fluorescent polarization immunoassay (FPIA) showed excellent agreement, and a small but significant negative constant bias was detected (LC-MS/MS = 0.98 × FPIA − 7.3). Conlusions: The authors developed a specific and sensitive stable isotope dilution LC–ESI–MS/MS method to monitor MTX concentrations in plasma within the clinically relevant range. The method can be easily applied in clinical laboratories because it combines straightforward sample pretreatment with LC-MS/MS.