Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The mucosal attachment to titanium implants with different surface characteristics: an experimental study in dogs.

BACKGROUND Findings from in vitro studies have indicated that the orientation and proliferation of cells on titanium surfaces may be influenced by the topography of the surface on which they are grown. It may be argued, therefore, that differences may occur in the mucosal attachment to titanium implants with different surface roughness. AIM The present experiment was performed to study the composition of the soft tissue barrier that formed to implants prepared with well-defined smooth or rough surfaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS Five beagle dogs were used. Four implants made of c.p. titanium were placed in the right edentulous mandibular premolar region. After 3 months, two different types of abutments were connected: one experimental (OA) with a dual, thermal acid-etched surface ('Osseotite'), and one regular (RA) abutment with a 'turned' surface. At the end of a 6-month period during which proper plaque control had been maintained, biopsies including the implant and the surrounding soft and hard tissues were obtained, decalcified and processed for light and electron microscopy. A confocal He-Ne laser profilometer was used to study the surface topography of the abutments. RESULTS The attachment between the peri-implant mucosa and titanium abutments with either a turned (RA; 'smooth') or acid-etched (OA; 'rough') surface was similar from both a quantitative and a qualitative aspect. The attachment comprised a barrier epithelium and a zone of connective tissue attachment of similar dimension at RA and OA. It was further observed that the 'inner' zone of the connective tissue attachment at both types of abutment was composed of about 30-33% fibroblasts and 63-66% collagen. CONCLUSION It was demonstrated that the soft tissue attachment that formed to implants made of c.p. titanium was not influenced by the roughness of the titanium surface.
A Bactericidal Monoclonal Antibody Elicits a Change in Its Antigen, OspB of Borrelia burgdorferi, That Can Be Detected by Limited Proteolysis1

mAb CB2, directed against outer surface protein B (OspB), causes bacteriolysis of Borrelia burgdorferi in the absence of complement. How this happens is unknown. We examined the effect of mAb binding on OspB tertiary structure by using limited proteolysis to probe changes in protein conformation. Truncated OspB (tOspB) that lacked N-terminal lipid was cleaved by four enzymes: trypsin, endoproteinase Arg-C, endoproteinase Asp-N, and endoproteinase Glu-C. CB2 affected the cleavage by trypsin and Arg-C, but not by AspN or Glu-C. None of the enzymes cleaved CB2 under these conditions. Both trypsin and Arg-C cleaved tOspB near the N-terminus; CB2 slowed the rate of cleavage, but did not affect the identity of the sites cleaved. Irrelevant mAb had no effect, indicating that the effect was specific. CB2 was active against tOspB of strain B31, but not against tOspB of strain BEP4, to which it does not bind, suggesting that binding was required to elicit the effect on cleavage. With trypsin, CB2 showed a maximal effect at 8 mol of tOspB to 1 mol of mAb. At this ratio, not enough CB2 was present to bind all the tOspB; therefore, either CB2 shows turnover or CB2 acts by binding tOspB and effecting a change in this tOspB such that it, in turn, propagates the effect in other molecules of tOspB. Regardless of the mechanism, these data show that CB2 elicits a change in tOspB that can be measured by its reduced susceptibility to protease cleavage.
Brief Paradoxical Sleep Deprivation Impairs Reference, but Not Working, Memory in the Radial Arm Maze Task

Selective deprivation of paradoxical sleep after learning results in memory deficits in a variety of tasks. The present experiment was designed to examine the effects of paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) upon spatial working and reference memory. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained for 10 days in an eight-arm radial maze. Food rewards were available in four of the arms, while the other four arms were never baited. After each daily training session, different groups of rats were given 4 h of PSD, beginning either immediately, 4 h, or 8 h after the training experience. An additional group received PSD during the period 13-24 h following daily training. The group that received PSD for 4 h immediately following daily training showed significant impairment compared to the other groups, but the deficit was limited to the reference component of the task. This result suggests that PSD causes deficits only in long-term forms of spatial memory.
Classification criteria for psoriatic arthritis: development of new criteria from a large international study.

OBJECTIVE To compare the accuracy of existing classification criteria for the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to construct new criteria from observed data. METHODS Data were collected prospectively from consecutive clinic attendees with PsA and other inflammatory arthropathies. Subjects were classified by each of 7 criteria. Sensitivity and specificity were compared using conditional logistic regression analysis. Latent class analysis was used to calculate criteria accuracy in order to confirm the validity of clinical diagnosis as the gold standard definition of "case"-ness. Classification and Regression Trees methodology and logistic regression were used to identify items for new criteria, which were then constructed using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS Data were collected on 588 cases and 536 controls with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 384), ankylosing spondylitis (n = 72), undifferentiated arthritis (n = 38), connective tissue disorders (n = 14), and other diseases (n = 28). The specificity of each set of criteria was high. The sensitivity of the Vasey and Espinoza method (0.97) was similar to that of the method of McGonagle et al (0.98) and greater than that of the methods of Bennett (0.44), Moll and Wright (0.91), the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group (0.74), and Gladman et al (0.91). The CASPAR (ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis) criteria consisted of established inflammatory articular disease with at least 3 points from the following features: current psoriasis (assigned a score of 2; all other features were assigned a score of 1), a history of psoriasis (unless current psoriasis was present), a family history of psoriasis (unless current psoriasis was present or there was a history of psoriasis), dactylitis, juxtaarticular new bone formation, rheumatoid factor negativity, and nail dystrophy. These criteria were more specific (0.987 versus 0.960) but less sensitive (0.914 versus 0.972) than those of Vasey and Espinoza. CONCLUSION The CASPAR criteria are simple and highly specific but less sensitive than the Vasey and Espinoza criteria.
Oligodendroglia in the avian retina: Immunocytochemical demonstration in the adult bird

Immunohistochemical techniques were used in conjunction with an avian‐specific probe for oligodendrocyte (OLG) marker, the antibody for transferrin binding protein (TfBP), to study the characteristics and distribution of OLGs in the retina of chickens and quails. For comparison, other antibodies such as myelin basic protein, Rip, and those for labeling Müller cells and microglia were used. A large population of OLGs was found to be distributed throughout the retina, with the distinct pattern of a central‐to‐peripheral gradient. It was possible to detect a spectrum of OLG morphology that bore a resemblance to the subtype of the mammalian central nervous system. In addition to these mature OLGs, limited numbers of TfBP‐positive (TfBP+) cells with the morphology of immature OLGs were found in the immediate vicinity of the optic head. The majority of OLGs appeared in the ganglion cell layer throughout the retina, whereas OLGs in the nerve fiber layer were seen mainly in the central zone of the retina, near the optic nerve head. Double‐labeling experiments showed that OLGs were associated with myelin only in the central region, where the majority of retinal OLGs occurred, but not toward the periphery of the retina. The present study is the first comprehensive analysis of the morphological features and spatial distribution of OLGs in the adult avian retina and provides in vivo evidence for the existence of a substantial population of both mature and immature OLGs in the retina of adult birds. The putative functions of TfBP+ OLGs including myelination and the tropic role of the ganglion cells are discussed in conjunction with the physical properties of TfBP and structural characteristics of the avascular retina of birds. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:173–183, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and causes of blindness in the rural population of the Chennai Glaucoma Study

Aim: To study the prevalence and causes of blindness in a rural south Indian population. Methods: 3924/4800 enumerated (81.75%) subjects, aged 40 years or more from rural Tamil Nadu, underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination—visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure, gonioscopy, cataract grading (LOCS II), retinal examination, and SITA Standard where indicated. Blindness was defined using WHO criteria as best corrected visual acuity of less than 3/60 and/or visual field of less than 10 degrees in the better eye. The influence of age, sex, literacy, and occupation was assessed using multiple logistic regression. Results: 753 subjects (19.2%; 321 males, 432 females) presented with a visual acuity of <3/60; 132 subjects (3.36%, 95% CI: 2.80 to 3.93) were diagnosed to be blind. Cataract was responsible in 74.62% of eyes; glaucoma, cystoid macular oedema, optic atrophy, and corneal scars accounted for 3.79% each. Bilateral causes of blindness were cataract (78.63%), glaucoma (4.29%), optic atrophy (3.42%), cystoid macular oedema, and corneal scars (2.56% each). In 19 eyes (7.2%) the blindness was probably related to cataract surgery. Blindness was positively associated with increasing age (p<0.0001). Conclusion: 3.36% of the studied rural population was bilaterally blind, with cataract being the single most important cause.
Filarial elephantiasis among Haitian women: social context and behavioural factors in treatment

Few studies have addressed the social and behavioural aspects of lymphatic filariasis. The research reported here investigated the ethnographic context of filarial elephantiasis among women in Léogane, Haiti, and focused on explanatory models of the illness, the impact of the disease on women's lives, and the difficulties patients experienced in following a therapeutic regimen provided at a local hospital. Qualitative data were collected through focus group and individual interviews and direct observation of patients enrolled in the treatment programme. Results indicate that traditional understanding and treatment for the disease are prevalent in the community, although biomedical explanations are gaining credence as a consequence of long‐term filariasis control activities in this area. Women's lives are substantially burdened both socially and economically by the physical impairment of elephantiasis, most notably in the loss of income due to restrictions on mobility. The degree of social discrimination encountered varies by the timing of onset of symptoms in the life course. Difficulties encountered with the physical therapy regimen included maintenance of the compressive bandage and availability of suitable foot wear. Similarities between these findings and those reported for other parts of the world are noted. Recommendations from the study cite the need for community education and peer support activities to provide a knowledge base and support structure for current and future intervention programmes.
Lattice B-field correlators for heavy quarks

We analyze the color-magnetic (or"$B$") field two-point function that encodes the finite-mass correction to the heavy quark momentum diffusion coefficient. The simulations are done on fine isotropic lattices in the quenched approximation at $1.5\,T_c$, using a range of gradient flow times for noise suppression and operator renormalization. The continuum extrapolation is performed at fixed flow time followed by a second extrapolation to zero flow time. Perturbative calculations to next-to-leading order of this correlation function, matching gradient-flowed correlators to MS-bar, are used to resolve nontrivial renormalization issues. We perform a spectral reconstruction based on perturbative model fits to estimate the coefficient $\kappa_B$ of the finite-mass correction to the heavy quark momentum diffusion coefficient. The approach we present here yields high-precision data for the correlator with all renormalization issues incorporated at next-to-leading order, and is also applicable for actions with dynamical fermions.
Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer Expression in Salivary Gland Tumors: A Correlation With Microvessel Density

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) as well as the correlation between EMMPRIN and microvessel density (MVD) in salivary gland tumors. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer expression and MVD were examined immunohistochemically on paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 95 patients with salivary gland tumors, who underwent surgical resection from 1998 to 2006. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to monitor EMMPRIN mRNA expression in frozen samples. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer expression in mucoepidermoid carcinomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas was significantly higher than in normal salivary gland tissues and pleomorphic adenomas(P < 0.05). The MVD of mucoepidermoid carcinomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas was significantly higher compared with pleomorphic adenomas(P < 0.05). The MVD of the EMMPRIN-positive expression group was significantly higher than the MVD of the EMMPRIN-negative expression group(P < 0.05). Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer mRNA expression in malignant salivary gland tumors was higher than that in pleomorphic adenomas(P < 0.05). This study suggests that EMMPRIN expression is an important feature of malignant salivary gland tumors and can be used as a biologic marker to characterize salivary gland tumors. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer is also a positive angiogenic factor in salivary gland tumors.
Localization and organization of the central pattern generator for hindlimb locomotion in newborn rat

An in vitro preparation of newborn rat isolated brainstem/spinal cord was used in order to locate the spinal network responsible in mammals for producing patterned locomotor activity. The spinal cord was partitioned by building Vaseline walls at various lumbar levels. When a mixture of serotonin and N-methyl-D,L-aspartate was bath applied to the upper lumbar cord (L1/L2 segments), rhythmic locomotor-like activity was induced and recorded in all the lumbar segments (from L1 to L5). Conversely, when the mixture of transmitters was bath applied to the lower lumbar cord, only tonic activity was induced in the lower lumbar segments. Intracellular recordings performed on motoneurons revealed that during elicited L1/L2 locomotor-like activity, they received a rhythmic synaptic drive that was often below the threshold for spiking, because the excitability of the neurons was too low. When the L1/L2 segments were isolated, their burst production capacities remained. The network located at the L1/L2 level was found to be responsible not only for generating the rhythm but also for organizing its alternating pattern. We demonstrated that the rhythmic synaptic drive that the motoneurons receive during locomotor-like activity comes directly from the L1/L2 network and that there is no relay at the segmental level. We conclude from our study that the network that organizes locomotion in the newborn rat is not segmentally distributed but is restricted to a specific part of the cord. This finding has important consequences, since it means that it is now feasible to study the activity of the rhythmic spinal network independently from that of the motoneurons.
Chronic Resveratrol Enhances Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation but Does Not Alter eNOS Levels in Aorta of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were administered the red wine polyphenol resveratrol in drinking water at 0, 0.448, or 4.48 mg/l (control, low, or high, respectively) for 28 days. The low dosage was chosen to mimic moderate red wine consumption. After the treatment period, thoracic aorta rings were excised for in vitro assessment of vasomotor function. Chronic resveratrol significantly improved endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (Ach), increasing maximal values to 80.8% ± 5.2% and 80.8% ± 5.0% in low and high groups, respectively, compared with 60.7% ± 1.4% in controls (P < 0.01). This treatment effect was eliminated in the presence of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) blocker Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. Resveratrol did not affect relaxation to sodium nitroprusside or systolic blood pressure in SHRs. In contrast to the SHR results, chronic resveratrol in Sprague Dawley rats did not affect vasomotor function in aorta rings in response to Ach. Hydrogen peroxide was reduced in the SHR thoracic aorta by a high dosage of resveratrol (P < 0.05), but it was not significantly altered in other tissues tested. Thoracic aorta immunoblots revealed no significant treatment effects in SHRs on eNOS, superoxide dismutases 1 and 2, gp91phox, or Hsp90. Thus, these data provide novel evidence of improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in hypertensive, but not normotensive, animals as a result of chronic resveratrol consumption mimicking dosages resulting from moderate red wine consumption. This response was not dependent on increases in eNOS expression but was dependent on improved NO bioavailability.
O31-6 Changes in psychosocial and physical working conditions and common mental disorders

Background Previous studies on changes in working conditions and mental health are few and have typically focused only on psychosocial working conditions. We assessed the impact of changes in both psychosocial and physical working conditions on common mental disorders (CMD) in a cohort of midlife employees. Methods Repeat data were derived from the Helsinki Health Study, which is a cohort study on employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland (aged 40–60 years at baseline). Changes in working conditions were assessed between Phase 1 (2000–2002) and Phase 2 (2007). Common mental disorders were assessed at Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 (2012) using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). In total, 4946 participants were still employed at Phase 2. Logistic regression analyses using generalised estimating equations (GEE) were conducted to examine the association between changes in working conditions and the likelihood of CMD. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results After adjustment for sex, age, marital status, health behaviours and obesity, increased and repeated exposure to low job control, high job demands, and repetitive movements; and repeated exposure to awkward postures and rotation of back were associated with a higher likelihood of CMD at Phases 1–3. Fully adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.27 to 2.39 for psychosocial, and from 1.18 to 1.29 for physical working conditions. Conclusion Repeated and increased exposures to several adverse psychosocial and physical working conditions are associated with a higher likelihood of common mental disorders.
The kinematics and stability of single‐radius versus multi‐radius femoral components related to Mid‐range instability after TKA

There continues to be some dissatisfaction with the function of total knee arthroplasties (TKA). “Mid‐range instability” has been linked to multi‐radius femoral components allowing transient ligament slackness and instability during knee flexion. Single‐radius designs have been introduced to avoid this. We compared the kinematics and stability of eight natural knees versus multi‐radius and single‐radius TKAs in vitro. The loading conditions imposed across the range of active knee extension were anterior–posterior drawer forces, internal–external rotation torques, and varus–valgus moments. Significant differences were not found between the biomechanical behavior of the two TKAs. Both were significantly different from the natural knee in allowing greater anterior drawer laxity near extension, probably caused by excision of the anterior cruciate ligament, but no difference occurred beyond 30° flexion. No differences were found for any of the other degrees‐of‐freedom of movement. A geometric analysis suggested that the multi‐radius design may tense the MCL more than the single‐radius in mid‐flexion, contrary to expectation. These kinematic and stability tests did not find mid‐range instability of the knees, and so they could not demonstrate enhanced mid‐range stability of the single‐radius TKA over the older multi‐radius implant. This suggests that mid‐range instability may relate to unrecognized ligament laxity during surgery, rather than being inherent to a specific feature of implant design. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:53–58, 2012
The relationship between employee performance management and civil servants’ turnover intentions: a test of the mediating roles of system satisfaction and affective commitment

ABSTRACT In search of maximizing efficiency, public organizations found solace in the adoption of employee performance management (EPM) systems. While research supports that managing employees’ performance has favourable outcomes, it is still unclear why and under which conditions. Moreover, EPM systems might even create additional pressures and therefore increase turnover intentions and undermine public organization’s quest to maximize efficiency. We argue that when EPM systems are carried out consistently (i.e. internal consistency) and when they link civil servants’ individual goals to the organization’s strategic goals (i.e. vertical alignment), civil servants will be less likely to leave the organization. Hierarchical linear regression analysis shows that internal consistency relates to increased satisfaction with the EPM system and affective commitment to the organization. Vertical alignment relates to lower levels of turnover intentions. This relationship was mediated by EPM system satisfaction and affective commitment. These findings that contribute to our understanding of EPM systems can lead to favourable outcomes.