Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral health status of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy. STUDY DESIGN A total of 94 patients of both sexes in the age group of 2-14 years who were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were selected for the study. The oral cavity was examined for dental caries using def-t and DMF-T indices, gingival status was evaluated by using the modified gingival index, and the WHO oral toxicity scale was used to record oral mucositis. RESULTS Statistical analysis was done by using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Both DMF-T and def-t were highest in children during the maintenance phase of the chemotherapy followed by the induction therapy with radiotherapy (I 2 ) and induction therapy (I 1 ) phases. The prevalence of gingival inflammation was highest in the maintenance phase of the chemotherapy followed by the induction therapy with radiotherapy (I 2 ) and Induction therapy (I 1 ) phases. Signs and severity of oral mucositis were highest in children undergoing induction therapy with radiotherapy (I 2 ). CONCLUSION Good oral care is essential to maintain healthy oral cavity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as improvement in oral conditions may diminish their sufferings and prevent the spread of serious infections from oral cavity.
Effects of Bone Block Position and Orientation within the Tibial Tunnel for Posterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Reconstructions

Background Posterior laxity occurring after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a tibial tunnel could be related to thinning and permanent elongation of the graft as it is cyclically loaded in vivo. Hypothesis The orientation and position of the bone block within the tibial tunnel will have a significant effect on thinning and elongation of the graft after cyclic loading. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods In test series 1 (27 fresh-frozen graft pairs), all bone blocks were positioned flush with the posterior opening of the tibial tunnel; 1 graft was oriented with the bone block facing posteriorly, whereas its pair was tested with the bone block facing anteriorly. In test series 2 (20 graft pairs), all grafts were oriented with the bone block facing posteriorly; 1 graft had the bone block positioned flush with the posterior tunnel opening, whereas its pair was tested with the bone block recessed 1 cm from the posterior opening. Results In series 1, 3 of 27 grafts with posterior bone block orientations failed at the tunnel edge before 2000 cycles of testing could be completed; all specimens with anterior bone block placements survived the testing intact. In series 2, 3 of 20 grafts with recessed bone blocks failed at the tunnel edge, whereas all those with flush bone blocks survived. Conclusions The best position for the bone block of a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft was flush with the posterior tunnel opening with the bone block facing anteriorly in the tibial tunnel.
Anti-microRNA-21/221 and microRNA-199a transfected by ultrasound microbubbles induces the apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells

Gene therapy, particularly microRNA (miRNA), is a promising candidate in the treatment of cancer; however, it is challenging to develop gene delivery systems. Ultrasound microbubbles have been used for gene delivery with excellent results. The present study aimed to investigate the transfection efficiency of HepG2 cells using ultrasound microbubbles. The effects of three miRNAs (miR-21, miR-221 and miR-199a) on HepG2 cells were also determined by performing ultrasound microbubble-mediated gene transfection. Three recombinant plasmids containing anti-miR-21, anti-miR-221 and miR-199a were fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein. For the transfection of genes, the type of contrast agent, the concentration of microbubble contrast agent and the exposure intensity of ultrasound were optimized. The expression of miRNAs was detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. To determine the effect of anti-miR-21, anti-miR-221 and miR-199a on HepG2 cells, MTT, cell cycle analysis and Annexin V-PE/7-ADD apoptosis assays were performed. The optimal condition was 10% sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles at an ultrasound frequency of 2.0 MHz and mechanical index of 0.28. When cells were transfected with three recombinant plasmids using ultrasound microbubbles, there was significant downregulation of miR-21 and miR-221 and upregulation of miR-199a (P<0.05). All three treatments inhibited cell proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of cells. The present data indicated that the delivery of anti-miR-21, anti-miR-221 and miR-199a may be mediated by ultrasound microbubble contrast agents. With this approach, cell proliferation may be effectively inhibited and cell apoptosis may be induced. These are novel cancer therapy targets.
Gender relations in access, control and utilisation of microfinance resources: a case of women in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County, Kenya

The study sought to investigate gender relations in access, control and utilisation of microfinance resources among women in Kiharu Constituency, Murang’a County of Kenya. Specifically, the study set out to determine the factors that influence access, control and utilisation of microfinance resources, identify challenges that women face in accessing MFIs resources, those that MFIs face in extension of resources to women and strategies that can enhance access, control and utilisation of resources among women in Kiharu. The study was guided by the feminist conflict theory. It targeted women who had accessed microfinance resources from MFIs with a total study sample of 140 respondents consisting of 90 women beneficiaries of MFIs and 20 male spouses of women beneficiaries. Others were 4 key informants who were MFI officers and 2 government Chiefs who were opinion leaders. There were two focus group discussions involving 12 women beneficiaries each. An interview schedule was used to collect data from women beneficiaries, their spouses, whereas key informant guides were used for key informants and opinion leaders. Focus group discussion guide and observation checklist were also utilised. Qualitative data was analysed using themes and quantitative data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study findings established that age, women’s marital status, the level of formal education and number of children depending on women influenced access to microfinance resources. In addition, patriarchal ideologies, community perceptions of gender roles, gender-based violence and religion also impacted access to microfinance resources. On the other hand, lack of assets for collateral, access to information, gender division of labour in households, high interest rates, women’s attitude to MFI debts and short repayment periods were challenges that women faced in accessing resources. Diversion of loan and high default rates were some of the problems that MFIs face in extension of resources to women. The study concludes that gender relations influence access, control and utilisation of resources. These includes cultural expectations that dictates the power relations at the household level, lack of assets for collateral among women beneficiaries and unfriendly policies, especially for the borrowing and repayments, and interest rates.On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that: MFIs should formulate gender sensitive policies among which is the alternative means of collateral for women to access resources; review the loan repayment period in accordance to the ability of one’s business; review the strict weekly meetings and introduce women friendly modes of information dissemination on MFI products and procedures. Further, the Government, NGOs and Civil Societies on the ground should sensitise community on gender equity and human rights using community-based structures.
Imatinib Blocks Spontaneous Mechanical Activities in the Adult Mouse Small Intestine: Possible Inhibition of c-Kit Signaling

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are postulated to serve as pacemakers that physiologically generate electrical slow waves in the gastrointestinal tract. Imatinib is a novel and potent inhibitor of c-Kit tyrosine kinase and a new therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) which presumably arise from ICCs. The effects of imatinib on the basal rhythmic mechanical activities of small intestinal circular muscles were investigated in ring preparations of the gut. The small intestinal rings of BALB/c mice exhibited spontaneous contractile activity at a rate of 40.8 ± 4.9 contractions/min. Imatinib (1– 81 µmol/l) dose-dependently abolished spontaneous contractile activity in the 9- to 27-µmol/l concentration range. Contraction was restored by washing imatinib out with a fresh buffer. High K+-induced contraction was not affected by imatinib, suggesting that the drug does not have nonspecific inhibitory actions on the smooth muscles. The small intestinal rings of adult W/Wvmice, which lack a functional c-Kit activity,exhibited only small and irregular spontaneous contractions. These results demonstrate that imatinib affects bowel contractions, and suggest that the c-Kit signaling of ICCs plays an essential role in the spontaneous movements in circular muscles of the mouse small intestine.
CLINICAL, EPIDEMIOLOGIC, AND ENDOSCOPIC PROFILE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH COLONIC POLYPS IN TWO REFERENCE CENTERS.

BACKGROUND The main goal of this paper is to investigate the frequency, clinical profile, and endoscopic findings of children and teenagers submitted to colonoscopies. METHODS Patients of below 18 years of age, diagnosed with polyps by means of colonoscopies at two reference centers of pediatric endoscopy were followed-up between 2002 and 2012. The clinical variables evaluated in this study included: gender, recommendation of colonoscopy, associated signs and symptoms, age of onset of symptoms, age at identification of the polyp, interval of time between the onset of symptoms and the endoscopic diagnosis of colonic polyps, and family history of intestinal polyposis and/or colorectal cancer. The characteristics of the polyps also included: number, morphological type, histology, and distribution. Polyposis syndromes were also investigated. RESULTS From the 233 patients submitted to colonoscopies, polyps were found in 74 (31.7%) patients, with a median age of 6.6 years, of which 61% were male. Juvenile polyps were identified in 55 (74%) patients, with 7 (9%) characterized within the criteria for juvenile polyposis. Patients with intestinal polyposis syndromes were diagnosed in 35% of the patients. The most frequent clinical presentation was hematochezia. Abdominal pain with acute episodes of intestinal partial obstruction or intussusception with emergency laparotomy was observed in the majority of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients leading to an increased morbidity. CONCLUSIONS Even though juvenile colonic polyps are the most frequent type of diagnosed polyps, the present study identified a significant level of children with polyposis syndromes (35%), associated with a higher morbidity of these individuals.
High-dose therapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma: up-front or rescue treatment? Results of a multicenter sequential randomized clinical trial.

Results to date indicate that high-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell support improves survival of patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM). We performed a multicenter, sequential, randomized trial designed to assess the optimal timing of HDT and autotransplantation. Among 202 enrolled patients who were up to 56 years old, 185 were randomly assigned to receive HDT and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) autotransplantation (early HDT group, n = 91) or a conventional-dose chemotherapy (CCT) regimen (late HDT group, n = 94). In the late HDT group, HDT and transplantation were performed as rescue treament, in case of primary resistance to CCT or at relapse in responders. PBSC were collected before randomization, after mobilization by chemotherapy, and, in the two groups, HDT was preceded by three or four treatments with vincristine, doxorubicin, and methylprednisolone. Data were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis using a sequential design. Within a median follow-up of 58 months, estimated median overall survival (OS) was 64.6 months in the early HDT group and 64 months in the late group. Survival curves were not different (P = .92, log-rank test). Median event-free survival (EFS) was 39 months in the early HDT group whereas median time between randomization and CCT failure was 13 months in the late group. Average time without symptoms, treatment, and treatment toxicity (TWiSTT) were 27.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]; range, 23.8 to 31.8) and 22.3 months (range, 16.0 to 28.6) in the two groups, respectively. HDT with PBSC transplantation obtained a median OS exceeding 5 years in young patients with symptomatic MM, whether performed early, as first-line therapy, or late, as rescue treatment. Early HDT may be preferred because it is associated with a shorter period of chemotherapy.
Topographic Position of Forelimb Motoneuron Pools Is Conserved in Vertebrate Evolution

The neuromotor conservatism hypothesis predicts that neuromotor patterns in homologous tetrapod muscles are conserved evolutionarily despite the musculoskeletal modifications of vertebrate limbs. A complete description of the anatomical organization of the neurons innervating homologous limb muscles is a prerequisite to any test of the neuromotor conservatism hypothesis. This study uses the retrograde neuronal tracer WGA-HRP to selectively label the motor neuron pools of seven homologous forelimb muscles in mice (Mus musculus) and iguanas (Iguana iguana): Mm. pectoralis, spinodeltoideus, biceps brachii, lateral and long heads of triceps brachii, and the supraspinatus and infraspinatus (in mice) or their reptilian homolog, the supracoracoideus (in iguanas). In vertebrates, motoneurons are arranged in longitudinal columns of cells in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Mouse motor pools average 1,952 μm in length, except the pectoralis pool which averaged 2,949 μm in length. Iguana pools average 3,196 μm in length. The number of neurons per pool ranged from 70–199 in mice and from 58–114 neurons in iguanas. In both iguanas and mice the motor pools for the spinodeltoids, biceps, and the supracoracoideus (or its mammalian homologs) lie anterior to the pectoralis and triceps motor pools. In the transverse plane, the pectoralis pool lies medial to those of the triceps. The pools of the biceps and spinodeltoids are located dorsal and lateral to those of the pectoralis and supracoracoideus (or its homologs in mammals). The resulting motor pool maps support the hypothesis that the anatomical organization of motoneurons in ancestral reptiles has been retained in these two tetrapod descendents.
EKF and UKF-based estimation of a sensor-less axial flux PM machine under an internal-model control scheme using a SVPWM inverter

This paper presents a comparative estimation study of rotor speed and position of a sensor-less axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motor (AFPMSM) drive system using extended Kalman filter (EKF) and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) algorithms. An internal model control (IMC) strategy is introduced to control the AFPMSM drive through currents, leading to an extension of PI control with integrators added in the off-diagonal elements to remove the cross-coupling effects between the applied voltages and stator currents in a feed-forward manner. The reference voltage is applied through a space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) unit. A diverse set of test scenarios has been realized to comparatively evaluate the state estimation of the sensor-less AFPMSM drive performances under the implemented IMC-based control regime using a SVPWM inverter. The resulting MATLAB simulation outcomes in the face of no-load, nominal load and speed reversal clearly illustrate the well-behaved performances of the two estimation algorithms. The UKF seems to be more promising under noisy conditions. Nevertheless, there is no clear preference for either where steady-state performance is more critical.
Does Rejection Hurt? An fMRI Study of Social Exclusion

A neuroimaging study examined the neural correlates of social exclusion and tested the hypothesis that the brain bases of social pain are similar to those of physical pain. Participants were scanned while playing a virtual ball-tossing game in which they were ultimately excluded. Paralleling results from physical pain studies, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was more active during exclusion than during inclusion and correlated positively with self-reported distress. Right ventral prefrontal cortex (RVPFC) was active during exclusion and correlated negatively with self-reported distress. ACC changes mediated the RVPFC-distress correlation, suggesting that RVPFC regulates the distress of social exclusion by disrupting ACC activity.
Gaps, disconnections, and discontinuities--the role of information exchange in the delivery of quality long-term care.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The smart use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is widely seen as a means of enhancing the quality of aged care services. One of the barriers to ICT diffusion in aged care is the failure to cater for the complex and interdisciplinary requirements of the aged care environment. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the layers of information exchange and communication and produce a conceptual model that can help to inform decisions related to the design, implementation, and sustainability of ICT. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative study conducted in 2010 within seven Australian residential aged care facilities. It included 11 focus groups involving 47 staff and 54 individual interviews and observation sessions. RESULTS The analysis of work processes identified key information exchange components related to the type of information (residential, clinical, and administrative) that is collected, stored, and communicated. This information relies on a diverse number of internal and external communication channels that are important for the organization of care. IMPLICATIONS The findings highlight potential areas of communication dysfunction as a consequence of structural holes, fragmentation, or disconnections that can adversely affect the continuity and coordination of care, its safety, and quality.
Inversion recovery measurements in the presence of radiation damping and implications for evaluating contrast agents in magnetic resonance

Relaxation measurements performed at high magnetic field in magnetic resonance (MR) may be adversely affected by the influence of radiation damping in concentrated samples such as water. We consider how the measured value of T1 is affected by this phenomenon for a gadolinium-doped water sample and for an undoped water sample and consider the implications for evaluating contrast agents. A simple method involving the application of a pulsed field gradient to de-phase residual transverse components of the magnetization is shown to be an effective method for suppressing this effect. Given the central role that measurement of the T1 of water plays in the assessment of contrast agents as well as a host of other MR applications, care should always be employed when measuring and interpreting T1 measurements at high magnetic fields.
A Pharmacovigilance Study of Antihypertensive Medicines at a South Delhi Hospital

The aim of the present study was to monitor adverse drug reactions associated with antihypertensive drugs. The study was conducted in medicine out patient department of 150-bed Majeedia Hospital at Hamdard University Campus in New Delhi. The study was conducted by way of one to one patient interview by a registered pharmacist using a questionnaire-based Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Form drafted according to the World Health Organisation Monitoring Guidelines. A total of 34 adverse drug reactions were observed in 250 hypertensive patients during the four month study. A high percentage of adverse drug reactions occurred in middle aged and female patients. Of the 34 adverse drug reactions, 18 (52.9%) were mild, 14 (41.2%) moderate and only 2 (5.8%) were classified as severe. Combination therapy was associated with significantly high occurrence (P < 0.05) of adverse drug reactions, with a total of 21 (61.8%) as compared to monotherapy (n=13, 38.2%). Cardiovascular adverse drug reactions constituted a major component, followed by gastrointestinal and respiratory complaints. Beta-blockers were the drug category associated with majority of adverse drug reactions, followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. The above pharmacovigilance study presents the adverse drug reaction profile of antihypertensive medicines prescribed in our University Teaching Hospital. It was concluded that calcium channel blockers were the most frequently prescribed drug category but beta blockers were associated with higher frequency of adverse drug reactions.
The process of educational change: a school-based management initiative in two Western Canadian public school districts

This study explored, described and attempted to understand the process o f chang e by examinin g th e conversio n t o school-base d management in two Western Canadian public school districts. Th e study sought to determine where, when, how and why the main actors and factors initiated and provided impetus to the change to schoolbased management. Th e emergence of these questions was based on a review of the literature on educational change, school improvement efforts an d th e chang e t o decentralize d decision-making . Th e literature indicates not only a need to explain the causes of change but also a need to determine ways to influence those causes, to change our planning processes and to produce better planners and implementers. A case study method was utilized with interviews of 43 persons to obtain their perceptions. The sample represented seven levels of district organizationa l structure : classroo m teachers , school principals, centra l offic e staff , superintendent(s) , assistant/ associate superintendent(s) , trustees , an d loca l teachers ' association representatives in each district. Othe r data sources included district documents and the researcher's field notes. The data were first analyzed descriptively by using Fullan's three phases of the change process: initiation, implementation, and continuation (including perceived outcomes) . A comparative analysis of the data was then undertaken between the two school districts. Finally, an interpretive analysis was undertaken in relation to the current literature on change in education.