Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dentists' familiarity with tobacco cessation programs in dental settings in Iran.

OBJECTIVES The current study assessed Iranian dentists' practice, knowledge, perceived barriers, and attitudes toward helping patients to quit. We hypothesized that Iranian dentists would have limited knowledge and awareness of tobacco cessation methods or of their important role in encouraging patients to quit. We expected the combination of quantitative and qualitative research to yield important insights regarding effective methods of engaging Iranian dentists in tobacco intervention. METHODS From a list of registered dentists following an initial screening, we randomly selected a total of 1,000 dental practices in 10 randomly selected provinces. Following an initial letter describing the study, we mailed a questionnaire. For the qualitative part of the study, we used a convenience purposeful sampling of 16 dentists. RESULTS Despite repeated contacts, only 35 percent of those contacted returned completed surveys. Key findings not only included generally positive attitudes toward tobacco cessation programs, but also identification of major barriers including concerns about patient resistance, lack of supportive organization, and opportunities for training. Dentists were far more likely to ask patients about smoking than to provide actual cessation support. Female dentists were more likely to ask patients. The qualitative interviews shed further light on barriers to intervention. CONCLUSIONS Interpretation of the findings is limited by the relatively low response rate. However, despite identified barriers to intervention, we are encouraged by dentists' overall knowledge and interest in tobacco cessation services. We plan to use the current findings to inform development of continuing education programs and incorporation of tobacco cessation counseling into dental school curricula in Iran.
Dietary intake of persistent organic pollutants and potential health risks via consumption of global aquatic products

The concentration levels of typical persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including dioxin‐like PCBs (DL‐PCBs) and non–dioxin‐like PCBs, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in global aquatic products from major producing countries were summarized. Daily intakes of these compounds via consumption of various aquatic products for global consumers were also estimated based on available literature data. Risk assessment based upon existing criteria for OCPs and PBDEs shows that there is minimal risk to global consumers from consumption of aquatic products, with the exception of products from specific regions located around known heavy‐point sources. Exposure to dioxins through consumption of aquatic products, excluding marine fish, is also in the range of the acceptable level, lower than 4 pg World Health Organization toxic equivalent (WHO‐TEQ)/kg bw/d; however, dioxin intake via marine fish may cause hazards to human health, especially for Europeans. Regarding PCBs, there is cancer risk for global consumers via consumption of aquatic products, especially marine fish, based on cancer and noncancer hazard ratio assessment. Generally, European consumers have higher exposure levels of PCDD/Fs and DL‐PCBs, while Americans and Asians have relatively higher exposure levels of OCPs and PCBs. In contrast, all global populations are found to have lower exposure levels of PBDEs, which may be attributed to its relatively shorter history of use compared with PCBs and OCPs. Finally, the estimated total amounts of PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs stored in global aquatic products constitute only a small portion of the total amount that has been used, and the majority obviously occurs in other environmental media or even remains in commercial products. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2135–2142. © 2010 SETAC
Effects of various principles from Chinese herbal medicine on rhodamine123 accumulation in brain capillary endothelial cells.

AIM To search for novel effective P-glycoprotein (P-gp) reversal agents in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). METHODS Using rhodamine123 (Rh123) to examine the functional activity of P-gp in cultured bovine brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC) and screen various principles on P-gp modulation in BBB. RESULTS All of tested compounds (1-10 micromol/L) increased the intracellular accumulation of Rh123 in a concentration-dependent manner. The rank order of these agents in increasing Rh123 accumulation in BCEC was: cyclosporin A (CsA) > tetrandrine (Tet) > vincrinstine (VCR) approximate, equals flunarizine (Flu) > dl-tetrahydropalmatine (dl-THP) > dauricine (DRC) > azithromycin (Azi) > verapamil (Ver) approximate, equals berbamine (BBM) > daurisoline (DRS) > berberine (BBR) approximate, equals doxorubicin (Dox) > l-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) > tetramethylpyrazine (TMP). These agents at concentration of 10 micromol/L increased Rh123 accumulation by 346 %, 203 %, 136 %, 129 %, 115 %, 103 %, 92 %, 87 %, 81 %, 75 %, 67 %, 67 %, 63 %, and 54 %, respectively. The effects of CsA, Tet, Ver, Flu, Azi, and dl-THP on cellular accumulation of Rh123 in BCEC were reversible. When CsA, Tet, Ver, Flu, Azi, or dl-THP-pretreated BCEC were examined at 48, 36, 24, 36, 36, or 12 h, respectively, after removing the agent, the amount of cellular Rh123 accumulation in BCEC returned to control levels (no drug treatment). CONCLUSION The functional activity of P-gp on the blood-brain barrier could be modulated by various MDR-reversing agents and some principles with low toxicity extracted from medicinal herbs, such as some isoquinoline alkaloids without permanent modifying effects on the intrinsic level of P-gp function.
SERO-PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN PREGNANT MOTHERS AND NEW BORN INFANTS IN EASTERN PROVINCE, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoa of worldwide distribution. In immunocompetent adults, it is usually the cause of asymptomatic infection. However, infection during pregnancy poses a special risk because of the teratogenic effect of toxoplasma. Objective: Determine the sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and newborn infants in King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Eastern Province. Methods: In this hospital-based study, sera from 175 pregnant females were screened for toxoplasma IgG and IgM. Results and Conclusion: A very low number (N=1/175, 0.57%) of pregnant mothers seroconverted during pregnancy, although many (N=69/175, 39.4%) were recorded with inactive toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Delivery was normal in all cases except for a small number (N=1/175, 0.57%) of newborns (as recorded from cord blood) who were positive for toxoplasmosis.
Biological analysis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

The biological behaviour of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cannot be easily predicted from preoperative clinical examination alone. As a result, there is little standardization in the surgical treatment of GIST. In this study, we analyzed the clinicopathology and immunohistochemistry of 20 cases of GIST to clarify factors associated with tumors showing malignant potential. Immunohistochemical analysis of KIT, CD34, vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), s-100, p53, ki-67, bcl-2 and bax expression was performed on 20 surgically resected GIST. An apoptotic index (AI) was calculated for each sample using a TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling method. With regard to bcl-2, t(14;18) translocations were also investigated using a polymerase chain reaction based method. Finally, the relationship between these biological results and clinicopathological data was analyzed. Of the 20 cases studied, two patients died due to lung or liver metastasis. All cases stained positive for vimentin, nine cases were positive for alpha-SMA and three cases positive for s-100. All cases were stained for both KIT and CD34, which tended to correlate with malignant potential. There was significant difference in frequency of bcl-2 overexpression (p<0.05) and trend in Ki-67 labeling index (p=0.098) between benign and malignant cases. However, with regard to bcl-2, no chromosomal t(14;18) translocations were detected in four analyzed cases. In GIST, overexpression of bcl-2 may play an important role in increasing malignant potential. Furthermore, Ki-67 L.I. and bcl-2 overexpression may be useful in predicting malignant potential, and therefore help to determine the surgical treatment, follow-up manner, and the necessity of adjuvant therapy.
Nanoemulsion from essential oil of Pterodon emarginatus (Fabaceae) shows in vitro efficacy against monogeneans of Colossoma macropomum (Pisces: Serrasalmidae).

Outbreaks of diseases pose a major threat to sustainable aquaculture development worldwide. Application of herbal products to combat parasitic diseases provides an alternative approach for sustainable aquaculture. This study investigated the in vitro antiparasitic effects of an oil-in-water nanoemulsion prepared using the essential oil from Pterodon emarginatus, against monogeneans infesting Colossoma macropomum. Gill arches from C. macropomum (47.6 ± 14.5 g and 13.5 ± 1.4 cm) that were naturally parasitized by Anacanthorus spathulatus, Notozothecium janauachensis and Mymarothecium boegeri were immersed in different dispersions of the P. emarginatus nanoemulsions (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/L). The major compounds presented in the essential oil of P. emarginatus were β-elemene, β-caryophyllene and α-humulene. Characterization of these nanoemulsions showed that they have a small mean droplet size and low polydispersity index, which is concordant with stable systems. In this in vitro trial, the P. emarginatus nanoemulsion concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/L presented 100% helminthic efficacy against monogeneans of the gills of C. macropomum. The highest two concentrations used (400 and 600 mg/L) were seen to immobilize the parasites after only 15 min. Therefore, it would be worthwhile testing these concentrations in therapeutic baths against monogeneans of C. macropomum.
Estimating policy positions of local parties in elections with multi-vote ballots

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the potential for estimating policy positions from electoral results in elections with multiple votes. When voters can spread their votes across multiple party lists in open list elections, they are more likely to select candidates from parties with similar policy positions. The electoral results can therefore be exploited to infer parties’ preferences based on the structure of vote combinations. The proposed data provide a valuable tool for analysing party behaviour in circumstances where ordinary methods for estimating policy positions fail, most importantly in electoral contexts with local competitors. Applying an ideal point model for count data, party preferences are estimated for a German municipality.
Ectopic Bone Tissue Engineering in Mice Using Human Gingiva or Bone Marrow-Derived Stromal/Progenitor Cells in Scaffold-Hydrogel Constructs

Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture can promote the osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). Gingiva-derived progenitor cells (GPC) represent a less invasive alternative to bone marrow MSC (BMSC) for clinical applications. The aim of this study was to test the in vivo bone forming potential of human GPC and BMSC cultured as 3D spheroids or dissociated cells (2D). 2D and 3D cells encapsulated in constructs of human platelet lysate hydrogels (HPLG) and 3D-printed poly (L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) scaffolds (HPLG-PLATMC) were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice; cell-free HPLG-PLATMC constructs served as a control. Mineralization was assessed using micro-computed tomography (µCT), histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in situ hybridization (ISH). After 4–8 weeks, µCT revealed greater mineralization in 3D-BMSC vs. 2D-BMSC and 3D-GPC (p < 0.05), and a similar trend in 2D-GPC vs. 2D-BMSC (p > 0.05). After 8 weeks, greater mineralization was observed in cell-free constructs vs. all 2D- and 3D-cell groups (p < 0.05). Histology and SEM revealed an irregular but similar mineralization pattern in all groups. ISH revealed similar numbers of 2D and 3D BMSC/GPC within and/or surrounding the mineralized areas. In summary, spheroid culture promoted ectopic mineralization in constructs of BMSC, while constructs of dissociated GPC and BMSC performed similarly. The combination of HPLG and PLATMC represents a promising scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications.
Phenotypic variability of del(2) (q22-q23): report of a case with a review of the literature.

An interstitial deletion of 2q22-q23 was found in a 2.5 year old boy with multiple congenital abnormalities (including Hirschsprung's disease) and severe mental retardation. Comparison with seven additional cases of 2q deletions from the literature does not allow the delineation of a clinically recognizable syndrome. Some of the previously reported patients had features rarely observed in chromosomal syndromes (i.e., occipital encephalocele and tracheo-esophageal fistula). Possible reasons for such phenotypic variability are briefly discussed.
Politics of engagement: The slacktivism of Canadian political leaders

This thesis considered how Canadian political leaders use social media to engage with constituents. It begins with a review of the literature on social media and engagement. communications including the role of the Internet as a new public sphere. This is followed by discussion of some of the risks related to online engagement for political leaders. Using an engagement hierarchy that placed dialogic forms of engagement above those that are for disseminating information, this qualitative study involved gathering Twitter data using online software program Netlytic and coding for the intention of the posts. An analysis of this data as well as statistical information and network images provided by Netlytic is presented before recommendations for future areas of study.
The Tunneled Supraclavicular Island Flap: An Optimized Technique for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Reconstructive procedures in the head and neck region use a wide range of flaps for defect closure. The methods range from local, mostly myocutaneous flaps and skin grafts to free microsurgical flaps. To ensure a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result, good texture and color of the flap are always essential. Moreover, the donor-site defect needs to be reduced, with no resulting functional or aesthetic impairment. We have found that the shoulder is a region providing an optimum skin texture match to the neck and face. In cadaver dissection, a vascular pedicle extending from the transversal cervical artery with two accompanying veins was found to vascularize a defined region around the shoulder cap. In line with these findings, the previously described fasciocutaneous island flap, nourished by the supraclavicular artery, was developed further and used purely as a subcutaneously tunneled island flap. The tunneling maneuver significantly improves the donor site by reducing scarring. The flap is characterized by a long subcutaneous pedicle of up to 20 cm. The pivot point is in the supraclavicular region and allows the flap to be used in the upper chest, neck, chin, and cheek. In this article, we introduce the anatomic features and present clinical cases underlining the surgical possibilities of the flap in reconstructive procedures with expanded indications.
Spike frequency is dependent on epilepsy duration and seizure frequency in temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES We wanted to investigate factors that are associated with frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges by investigating 303 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHODS We included all patients who consecutively underwent the adult presurgical evaluation program at our center and who had intractable, medial TLE with complex partial seizures due to unilateral medial temporal lobe lesions. The interictal EEG samples were automatically recorded and stored on computer. The location and frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges were assessed by visual analysis of interictal EEG samples of 2-minute duration every hour. RESULTS There were 303 patients (aged 16-63) who met the inclusion criteria. The median interictal epileptiform discharge frequency was 15 IED/h, the median seizure frequency was 4 seizures/month. According to univariate analyses, we found that age at monitoring, epilepsy duration, and higher seizure frequency were associated with higher interictal epileptiform discharge frequency. In the logistic regression analysis, we found that higher seizure frequency (p < 0.001) and longer epilepsy duration (p = 0.007) were independently associated with higher spike frequency, while the age at monitoring was not. CONCLUSIONS Seizure frequency and epilepsy duration (years of patient's life with seizure activity) were independently associated with IED frequency, suggesting that IED are modulated by seizures.
Genetics of anterior segment dysgenesis disorders

Purpose of review Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) disorders encompass a spectrum of developmental conditions affecting the cornea, iris, and lens and are generally associated with an approximate 50% risk for glaucoma. These conditions are characterized by both autosomal dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance often with incomplete penetrance/variable expressivity. This article summarizes what is known about the genetics of ASD disorders and reviews recent developments. Recent findings Mutations in Collagen type IV alpha-1 (COL4A1) and Beta-1,3-galactosyltransferase-like (B3GALTL) have been reported in ASD patients. Novel findings in other well known ocular genes are also presented, among which regulatory region deletions in PAX6 and PITX2 are most notable. Summary Although a number of genetic causes have been identified, many ASD conditions are still awaiting genetic elucidation. The majority of characterized ASD genes encode transcription factors; several other genes represent extracellular matrix-related proteins. All of the involved genes play active roles in ocular development and demonstrate conserved functions across species. The use of novel technologies, such as whole genome sequencing/comparative genomic hybridization, is likely to broaden the mutation spectrums in known genes and assist in the identification of novel causative genes as well as modifiers explaining the phenotypic variability of ASD conditions.
Spinal Mobility and Posture in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis at Three Stages of Curve Magnitude

Spinal posture and mobility were studied in 71 girls with progressive adolescent idiopathic thoracic scoliosis. Measurements were carried out by inclinometers and a compass in three planes; sagittal, frontal, and horizontal. The patients were divided into three groups according to the curve magnitude. Group I had curves smaller than 25 degrees, group 2 had curves between 25 and 35 degrees, and group 3 had curves greater than 35 degrees. The positional inclines of sacrum, upper lumbar and upper thoracic areas became more vertical as the curve size increased resulting in smaller lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis. In the thoracic spine flexion and banding to the right was smaller in group 3 than in the other groups. Rotations in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions decreased as the curve size increased. In the lumbar spine only bending to the left decreased significantly with the curve size increase. All thoracic and lumbar movements except lumbar rotations had a general tendency to stiffening as the curve size increased. Of the mobility measurements thoracic rotation most clearly decreased with increased curves, which together with straightening of the spine can be important features in the pathomechanism of a progressive idiopathic thoracic curve.
Looking Beyond Socioeconomic Status: Using Quantitative Measures of Student Misconduct to Identify "At-Risk" Schools

JACKL, ANDREW WAYNE. Looking Beyond Socioeconomic Status: Using Quantitative Measures of Student Misconduct to Identify “At-Risk” Schools. (Under the direction of Dr. Robert Serow). The research project used regression analysis to study the relationship between students’ misconduct and their schools’ corresponding level of academic achievement at the middle and high school levels. This was a non-experimental, ex post facto study conducted using data from a large, Southeastern school district collected over three academic years, 2001 to 2004. The operational variables for this analysis were defined as: 1) socioeconomic status (SES) as measured by the schools’ free or reduced lunch percentages, 2) student misconduct (DAR) as measured by the number of suspensions per 100 students in a given school year, and 3) academic achievement (ABC-PC) as measured by the schools’ overall academic performance composites calculated via North Carolina's accountability formulas. A data transformation was conducted on the DAR variable by calculating its logarithm (logDAR) to improve the normality of the variable’s distribution. Regression analyses were run using the SAS 9.1 analytic software package to determine the nature of the relationships between: 1) SES and ABC-PC, 2) logDAR and ABC-PC, and 3) logDAR and ABC-PC while controlling for SES. It was determined that: 1) SES has a significant relationship to ABC-PC at the middle and high school levels, 2) logDAR has a significant relationship to ABC-PC at the middle and high school levels, 3) logDAR does not have a significant relationship to ABC-PC at the middle school level when SES is entered into the regression equation as a control variable, and 4) logDAR does have a significant relationship to ABC-PC at the high school level, even when SES is entered into the regression equation as a control variable. Regression models using both SES and logDAR as independent variables had greater explanatory power than regression models using either SES or logDAR in isolation. It was concluded that quantitative measures of student misconduct, such as the logDAR covariate, can be useful in identifying schools at the greatest risk of academic failure – particularly at the high school level. LOOKING BEYOND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS: USING QUANTITATIVE MEASURES OF STUDENT MISCONDUCT TO IDENTIFY “AT-RISK” SCHOOLS
Course of multi-impulsive bulimia

Synopsis Thirty-two consecutively admitted females with bulimia nervosa (purging type) according to DSM-IV and additional impulsive behaviours (multi-impulsive bulimia (MIB)) and 32 age-matched female controls with DSM-IV bulimia nervosa (purging type) (uni-impulsive bulimia (UIB)) were assessed longitudinally on admission and at discharge following in-patient therapy and at a 2-year follow-up. Multi-impulsive bulimics were defined as presenting at least three of the six of the following impulsive behaviours in their life-time in addition to their bulimic symptoms at admission: (a) suicidal attempts, (b) severe autoaggression, (c) shop lifting (other than food), (d) alcohol abuse, (e) drug abuse, or (f) sexual promiscuity. Multi-impulsive bulimics were more frequently separated or divorced, had less schooling and held less-skilled jobs. Except for interoceptive awareness (EDI), which was more disturbed in multi-impulsive bulimics, there were no differences concerning scales measuring eating disturbances and related areas. Multi-impulsive bulimics showed more general psychopathology – anxiety, depression, anger and hostility, psychoticism – differed in several personality scales from uni-impulsive bulimics (e.g. increased excitability and anger/hostility) and had overall a less favourable course of illness. Multi-impulsive bulimics also received more in- and out-patient therapy previous to the index treatment and during the follow-up period. The data support the notion that ‘multi-impulsive bulimia’ or ‘multi-impulsive disorder’ should be classified as a distinct diagnostic group on axis I or that an ‘Impulsive Personality Disorder’ should be introduced on axis II. The development of more effective treatment for multi-impulsive bulimia is warranted.