Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supragingival irrigation with 0.06% chlorhexidine in naturally occurring gingivitis. I. 6 month clinical observations.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of supragingival irrigation with 0.06% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) on naturally occurring gingivitis. The relative benefit of CHX irrigation in comparison with CHX rinsing, water irrigation, and normal oral hygiene was evaluated. In a blind, placebo-controlled 6-month study 222 patients were assigned to one of four groups: Group 1: Once daily irrigation with 300 ml water followed by irrigation with 200 ml 0.06% chlorhexidine gluconate (experimental); Group 2: Twice daily rinsing with 15 ml 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control); Group 3: Once daily irrigation with 500 ml water (irrigation control) and Group 4: Sodium fluoride dentifrice for normal oral hygiene only (negative control). All groups used the same sodium fluoride dentifrice for tooth brushing. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months patients were examined for Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Plaque Index (PLI), Pocket probing depth (PD), Calculus Index (CI), and stain. After the baseline visit all patients received a supra- and subgingival oral prophylaxis. At 6 months GI and BOP were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) reduced by adjunctive CHX irrigation (42.5% and 35.4%, respectively), CHX rinse (24.1% and 15.0%), and water irrigation (23.1% and 24.0%) compared to tooth brushing alone. Plaque was significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) reduced only by CHX irrigation (53.2%) and CHX rinse (43.3%) while calculus and staining were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) increased in the two chlorhexidine groups (276.4% (irrigation) and 273.2% (rinse)). Although significant (P less than or equal to 0.05), pocket probing depth reduction was minimal after CHX irrigation (4.6%). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Isolation of cDNAs encoding the CD19 antigen of human and mouse B lymphocytes. A new member of the immunoglobulin superfamily.

The CD19 (B4) molecule is a m.w. 95,000 cell-surface protein of human B lymphocytes that is expressed before Ig and persists throughout differentiation. In this report, cDNA clones that encode the CD19 molecule were isolated and the amino acid sequence of CD19 was determined. A cDNA clone that selectively hybridized to RNA from CD19+ cell lines was selected from a human tonsilar cDNA library using differential hybridization. This cDNA was used to isolate additional cDNA clones. Four of the five longest cDNA clones isolated were sequenced and found to contain unique sequences presumed to be introns. One clone, pB4-19, was near full length (2.1 kb) and did not contain these putative introns. pB4-19 contained an 1685 bp open reading frame that could encode a protein of about 60 kDa. COS cells that were transfected with pB4-19 expressed a nascent cell surface structure reactive with the anti-B4 antibody. Immunoprecipitation of this structure from surface-iodinated COS cells with the anti-B4 antibody revealed a m.w. 85,000 protein. Northern blot analysis indicated that pB4-19 hybridized with a predominant mRNA species of 2.4 kb and a minor species of 1.5 kb, found in only CD19+ cells. The pre-B cell line, PB-697, also expressed four larger RNA species that hybridized with pB4-19. cDNA clones that encode the putative cytoplasmic portion (247 amino acids) of the mouse CD19 molecule were also isolated and found to be highly homologous (79 and 75%) with the human CD19 nucleotide and amino acid sequences. The deduced amino acid sequence of the CD19 cytoplasmic tail shared no significant homology with other known proteins but the putative extracellular region contained two Ig-like domains indicating that CD19 is a new member of the Ig superfamily.
Varicocele testis and testicular temperature.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether there is an association between scrotal skin temperature and impaired semen quality in patients with varicocele testis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Two groups of men (all newly enlisted soldiers), 39 with an asymptomatic varicocele testis and 38 normal control subjects, were compared for semen quality and scrotal skin temperature. RESULTS The semen quality in the men with varicocele was significantly lower than that in the control subjects; however, there was no significant difference in scrotal skin temperature between the groups. CONCLUSION This study confirmed previous observations showing a possible relationship between varicocele testis and impaired sperm quality, but there was no apparent difference in scrotal skin temperature in men with or without a varicocele.
Studying the Maximum Instantaneous Non-Synchronous Generation in an Island System—Frequency Stability Challenges in Ireland

Synchronous island power systems, such as the combined Ireland and Northern Ireland power system, are facing increasing penetrations of renewable generation. As part of a wider suite of studies, performed in conjunction with the transmission system operators (TSOs) of the All-Island system (AIS), the frequency stability challenges at high and ultra-high wind penetrations were examined. The impact of both largest infeed loss and network fault induced wind turbine active power dips was examined: the latter contingency potentially representing a fundamental change in frequency stability risk. A system non-synchronous penetration (SNSP) ratio was defined to help identify system operational limits. A wide range of system conditions were studied, with results showing that measures such as altering ROCOF protection and enabling emulated inertia measures were most effective in reducing the frequency stability risk of a future Ireland system.
Efficient In Vitro Expansion of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Specific T-Cell Responses by gag mRNA-Electroporated Dendritic Cells from Treated and Untreated HIV Type 1-Infected Individuals

ABSTRACT Developing an immunotherapy to keep human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication suppressed while discontinuing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is an important challenge. In the present work, we evaluated in vitro whether dendritic cells (DC) electroporated with gag mRNA can induce HIV-specific responses in T cells from chronically infected subjects. Monocyte-derived DC, from therapy-naïve and HAART-treated HIV-1-seropositive subjects, that were electroporated with consensus codon-optimized HxB2 gag mRNA efficiently expanded T cells, secreting gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin 2 (IL-2), as well as other cytokines and perforin, upon restimulation with a pool of overlapping Gag peptides. The functional expansion levels after 1 week of stimulation were comparable in T cells from HAART-treated and treatment-naïve patients and involved both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, with evidence of bifunctionality in T cells. Epitope mapping of p24 showed that stimulated T cells had a broadened response toward previously nondescribed epitopes. DC, from HAART-treated subjects, that were electroporated with autologous proviral gag mRNA equally efficiently expanded HIV-specific T cells. Regulatory T cells did not prevent the induction of effector T cells in this system, whereas the blocking of PD-L1 slightly increased the induction of T-cell responses. This paper shows that DC, loaded with consensus or autologous gag mRNA, expand HIV-specific T-cell responses in vitro.
Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections: clinical description of the first 50 cases.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of a novel group of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tic disorders, designated as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal (group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal [GABHS]) infections (PANDAS). METHOD The authors conducted a systematic clinical evaluation of 50 children who met all of the following five working diagnostic criteria: presence of OCD and/or a tic disorder, prepubertal symptom onset, episodic course of symptom severity, association with GABHS infections, and association with neurological abnormalities. RESULTS The children's symptom onset was acute and dramatic, typically triggered by GABHS infections at a very early age (mean = 6.3 years, SD = 2.7, for tics; mean = 7.4 years, SD = 2.7, for OCD). The PANDAS clinical course was characterized by a relapsing-remitting symptom pattern with significant psychiatric comorbidity accompanying the exacerbations; emotional lability, separation anxiety, nighttime fears and bedtime rituals, cognitive deficits, oppositional behaviors, and motoric hyperactivity were particularly common. Symptom onset was triggered by GABHS infection for 22 (44%) of the children and by pharyngitis (no throat culture obtained) for 14 others (28%). Among the 50 children; there were 144 separate episodes of symptom exacerbation; 45 (31%) were associated with documented GABHS infection, 60 (42%) with symptoms of pharyngitis or upper respiratory infection (no throat culture obtained), and six (4%) with GABHS exposure. CONCLUSIONS The working diagnostic criteria appear to accurately characterize a homogeneous patient group in which symptom exacerbations are triggered by GABHS infections. The identification of such a subgroup will allow for testing of models of pathogenesis, as well as the development of novel treatment and prevention strategies.
The relationship between stress, strain and social capital

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of social capital in reducing the negative externalities associated with stress, as well as the physical and psychological strain indicators among police officers. Despite the fact that there is a large multidisciplinary literature on stress or on social capital, the link between both factors is still underexplored. In this empirical paper we therefore aim at reducing such a shortcoming. We focus on a strategically important work environment, namely law enforcement agents, that is not only characterized as physically and emotionally demanding, but also as an essential part for a well-functioning society due to the fact that inefficiencies in the police force can induce large negative externalities. Using a multivariate regression analysis focusing on eight different proxies for stress and strain, and two proxies for social capital and conducting several robustness checks, we find strong evidence that an increased level of social capital is correlated with a lower level of strain. From a policy perspective, our findings suggest that stress reduction programs should actively engage employees to build stronger social networks.
Validity and reliability of two protocols for measuring Reachable Workspace Volume in able-bodied and stroke subjects.

BACKGROUND Researchers are measuring Reachable Workspace Volume (RWV) to assess the effects of various interventions on impaired upper extremity function. These measurement protocols have not been validated. OBJECTIVE Assess the validity and reliability of two RWV protocols. METHODS Fifteen able-bodied subjects and eight stroke subjects participated. Two RWV protocols (POLES and PLANES) were completed and compared with hemi-spheric volume estimations using the average reach in the Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT). RWV, based on the movement of a single hand marker, was calculated using a 3D motion analysis system (Vicon, Centennial, CO, USA). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) represented reliability, Pearson's linear correlation coefficient (r) between RWVs and MFRT represented validity, and p < 0.05 represented significant differences between the volumes. RESULTS For the able-bodied subjects, the POLES protocol had excellent validity and excellent reliability, the PLANES protocol had good validity and excellent reliability, and both RWVs were significantly larger than estimated MFRT volume. In the stroke subjects, both protocols had good validity, excellent reliability, and RWVs which were significantly smaller than the estimated MFRT volume. CONCLUSIONS Both measurement protocols provided valid and reliable measures of RWV. MFRT may underestimate RWV in able-bodied subjects, and overestimate RWV in stroke subjects.
Hepatocyte growth factor signaling pathway inhibits cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase and bile acid synthesis in human hepatocytes

Bile acid synthesis in the liver is regulated by the rate‐limiting enzyme cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1). Transcription of the CYP7A1 gene is inhibited by bile acids and cytokines. The rate of bile acid synthesis is reduced immediately after partial hepatectomy and during the early stage of liver regeneration. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) released from stellate cells activates a receptor tyrosine kinase c‐Met, in hepatocytes and stimulates signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. This study demonstrated that HGF strongly and rapidly repressed CYP7A1 mRNA expression and the rate of bile acid synthesis in primary human hepatocytes. HGF rapidly induced c‐Jun and small heterodimer partner mRNA and protein expression and increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and c‐Jun. Specific inhibitors of protein kinase C, extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) blocked HGF inhibition of CYP7A1 expression. Knockdown of c‐Met by small interfering RNA resulted in a significant increase in CYP7A1 and blocked HGF inhibition of CYP7A1 mRNA expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that HGF induced recruitment of c‐Jun and small heterodimer partner (SHP) but reduced recruitment of the coactivators peroxisome proliferators activated receptor ρ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)–binding protein (CBP) to chromatin. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that HGF is a novel regulator of CYP7A1 and bile acid synthesis in human hepatocytes and may protect hepatocytes from accumulating toxic bile acids and developing intrahepatic cholestasis during the early stage of liver regeneration. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Comparison between DOQI and Canadian Guidelines for Peritoneal Dialysis

The recently published Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) Guidelines for Peritoneal Dialysis Adequacy differ in a number of ways from the United States National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) guidelines on the same topic. The three main differences are (1) the CSN targets are the same for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), whereas the DOQI targets are higher for APD; (2) the CSN guidelines have a lower creatinine clearance (CCr) target of 50 L/wk for low and low-average transporters compared to 60 L/wk for high and high-average transporters, but no such distinction is made by DOQI; and (3) the CSN has set lower limit targets as well as preferred targets for Kt/V and CCr. Other differences are that the CSN recommendations do not give Kt/V the same primacy over CCr that DOQI does. Also, the CSN recommendations give greater emphasis to the risks associated with high transport status. This review looks at the reasons for these differences and demonstrates that some are due to information that has become available since the publication of the DOQI guidelines. However, it is emphasized that, when recommendations are predominantly opinion- rather than evidence-based, geographic and economic factors may also account for differences.
The Statistical Anxiety Rating Scale: Further Evidence for Multidimensionality

The Statistical Anxiety Rating Scale has been conceptualized as multidimensional. Three of the six theoretical dimensions, Interpretation Anxiety, Test and Class Anxiety, and Fear of Asking for Help, tap anxiety about statistics; the other three dimensions, Worth of Statistics, Computation Self-concept, and Fear of Statistics Teachers, measure perceptions and attitudes toward statistics. This conceptualization of a second-order factor model consisting of two superordinate factors and six first-order factors has remained empirically untested. In 77 graduate students (15 men, 62 women; M age = 27.6 yr.) enrolled in applied statistics courses in Taiwan, a confirmatory factor analysis of two competing models based on subscale scores yielded results supporting the multidimensional construct validity of the scale. As multidimensionality was previously supported based on item scores, but not subscale scores, the findings are interpreted as partially consistent with previous research testing the theoretical factor structure of the scale.
Long leukocyte telomere length in prostate cancer patients at diagnosis is associated with poor metastasis-free and cancer-specific survival

Previous studies have suggested that leukocyte telomere length is associated with risk of developing prostate cancer. Investigations of leukocyte telomere length as a prognostic factor in prostate cancer are, however, lacking. In this study, leukocyte telomere length was investigated both as a risk marker, comparing control subjects and patient risk groups (based on serum levels of prostate-specific antigen, tumor differentiation, and tumor stage), and as a prognostic marker for metastasis-free and cancer-specific survival. Relative telomere length was measured by a well-established quantitative polymerase chain reaction method in 415 consecutively sampled individuals. Statistical evaluation included 162 control subjects without cancer development during follow-up and 110 untreated patients with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer at the time of blood draw. Leukocyte telomere length did not differ significantly between control subjects and patients, or between patient risk groups. Interestingly, however, and in line with our previous results in breast and kidney cancer patients, relative telomere length at diagnosis was an independent prognostic factor. Patients with long leukocyte telomeres (⩾median) had a significantly worse prostate cancer–specific and metastasis-free survival compared to patients with short telomere length. In contrast, for patients who died of other causes than prostate cancer, long relative telomere length was not coupled to shorter survival time. To our knowledge, these results are novel and give further strength to our hypothesis that leukocyte telomere length might be used as a prognostic marker in malignancy.
Toxicity of metals to roots of cowpea in relation to their binding strength

Metal phytotoxicity is important in both environmental and agricultural systems. A solution culture study examined the toxicity of 26 metals to roots of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ); new data were collected for 15 metals and published data for 11 metals. Metal toxicity, calculated as causing a 50% reduction in root elongation rate, was determined based on either the measured concentration in the bulk solution (EC50b) or the calculated activity at the outer surface of the plasma membrane (EA500°). The EC50b values ranged from 0.007 µM for Tl to 98,000 µM for K, with the order of rhizotoxicity to cowpea, from most to least toxic, being Tl = Ag > Cu > Hg = Ni = Ga = Ru = In > Sc = Cd = Gd = La = Co = Cs = Pb > Zn = Al = H > Mn > Ba = Sr > Li > Mg > Ca = Na > K. The EA500° values suggest that the binding of metals to hard ligands is an important, general, nonspecific mechanism of toxicity, a hypothesis supported by the similar toxicity symptoms to roots of cowpea by many metals. However, additional mechanisms, such as strong binding to soft ligands, substantially increase rhizotoxicity of some metals, especially Tl, Ag, and Cs. Besides direct toxic effects, osmotic effects or reduced activity of Ca2+ at the outer surface of the root plasma membrane (and resultant Ca deficiency) may decrease short‐term root growth. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1827–1833. © 2011 SETAC
Dietary Inclusion of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotic and Evaluating Performance of Laying Hens

Problem Statement: This study was conduct to compare effects of various commercial feed additives on performance of laying hens. Approach: To evaluate effects of dietary inclusion of feed additives (Yeasturer, A-Max, Thepax, Fermacto and Biomin) on performance of laying hens, 216 Lohmann LSL-Lite hens were divided in 36 cages (n = 6). Approach Hens in 6 cages (replicates) were assigned to feed on one of the 6 iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets (ME = 2720 Kcal Kg-1 and CP = 145 g kg-1) including control and diets with 0.5 g kg-1 of feed additives. Collected data of Feed Intake (FI), Egg Production (EP), Egg Weight (EW), Egg Mass (EM) and calculated Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) during 6-week trial period was analyzed based on completely randomized design using GLM procedure of SAS. Results and Conclusions: Dietary additive inclusion significantly affected on EW on 1-3 and 3-6 weeks. Feed additive did not have significant effect on EP, FCR, FI and EM. There was no significant difference in EP, EM, FI and FCR among the experimental groups. Hens received Yeasturer or A-Max showed improved EW compared to hens fed the control diet during weeks 1-3. Hens fed diets included additives showed improved egg shell weight and thickness compared to hens fed the control diet. There was no significant effect of dietary treatment on blood levels of cholesterol, TG and HDL. Adding Thepax or Biomin to diet significantly reduced blood levels of LDL compared to hens fed the other experimental diets. There was no significant effect of dietary treatment on diacritical counts of white blood cells. Recommendations: According to the results of the present study, probiotic Yesture and A-Max can be included in laying hens diets to improve EM. In addition, the commercial feed additives (Yeasturer, A-Max, Thepax, Fermacto and Biomin) used in this study had beneficial effects on egg shell quality characteristics in terms of shell weight and thickness and to decrease egg abnormalities due to poor shell, these feed additives could be recommendable.
Identifying malignant and benign breast lesions using vibroelastography

Vibroelastography is a technique to measure tissue elasticity using a multi-frequency shear wave approach. The method uses ultrasound to image dynamic deformation of soft tissue while an actuator applies surface vibrations. In this paper we evaluate vibroelastography for the first time in differentiating between malignant and benign breast lesions. A dataset of 20 lesions, including fibroadenoma and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) lesions was analysed. Ultrasound radio-frequency data were captured while the breast tissue was vibrated with a snap-on actuator at multiple frequencies at an amplitude of less than 100 microns. After the VE exam, the subjects underwent core-needle biopsy. The pathology report was used as the ground truth to validate the VE result. The VE results indicate that both benign fibroadenoma and IDC result in hardening of the tissue; however, IDC lesions exhibits higher values of elasticity compared to benign masses which can be captured using absolute and relative elasticity maps provided by VE.