Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dental caries in adult Lithuanians

There are few data on the incidence of dental caries in Lithuanian adults. The aim of the present study was to describe caries and treatment experience among 35-44 and 65-74-year-olds, and to relate this to certain selected independent variables (gender, urban/rural residence, drinking water fluoride levels, and years of education). A total of 680 subjects selected based on a stratified random sampling procedure (response rate 52%) were examined by one examiner. Dental caries was recorded as DMFT following the WHO recommendations. The results showed that the median DMFT scores were 18 for the 35-44-year-olds (n = 380) with median DT = 2, MT = 5, FT = 7. For the 65-74-year-olds (n = 300) the median DMFT was 24, with DT = 1, MT = 18, FT = 2, respectively. One percent of all 35-44-year-olds and 11% of 65-74-year-olds were edentulous. In the younger age group, statistically significant differences in the DMFT scores were related to gender, urbanization and drinking water fluoride levels. Participants from areas with high fluoride content in the drinking water (>1.5 ppm F/l) had lower DT, MT, and FT values. Females and participants from urban areas had higher numbers of FT. Participants with more years of education had lower DT, MT, and higher FT values. In the elderly, DMFT scores were related to water fluoride levels and years of education. Individuals with more years of education had higher numbers of FT and lower MT values in this age group. Poor oral hygiene was associated with high numbers of DT in both age groups. The data indicate that dental caries is widespread among adult Lithuanians.
Multiplex analysis of circulating cytokines in the sera of patients with different clinical forms of visceral leishmaniasis

The clinical spectrum of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a chronic intracellular parasitic disease, ranges from a subclinical, asymptomatic infection to severe clinical disease (kala‐azar). In experimental leishmaniasis, mice that have a Th1 response to infection tend to have limited disease while a Th2 response is associated with disease progression. Humans with VL most often have mixed rather than polarized responses. However, most clinical studies have used methods that require a relatively large sample volume, thus limiting their scope. Measuring multiple cytokine levels in blood samples using a multiplexed microsphere assay (MMA) may be useful to further evaluate the Th1/Th2 paradigm in humans.
Purification and Characterization of the Human SR 31747A-binding Protein

SR 31747A, defined as a sigma ligand, is a novel immunosuppressive agent that blocks proliferation of human and mouse lymphocytes. Using a radiolabeled chemical probe, we here purified a target of SR 31747A and called it SR 31747A-binding protein (SR-BP). Purified SR-BP retained its binding properties and migrated on SDS-polyacrylamide gel as a M r 28,000 protein. Cloning of the cDNA encoding human SR-BP shows an open reading frame for a 223-amino acid protein, which is homologous to the recently cloned sigma 1 receptor. Interestingly, the deduced amino acid sequence was found to be related to fungal C8-C7 sterol isomerase, encoded by the ERG2 gene. The ERG2 gene product has been identified recently as the molecular target of SR 31747A that mediates antiproliferative effects of the drug in yeast. Northern blot analysis of SR-BP gene expression revealed a single transcript of 2 kilobases which was widely expressed among organs, with the highest abundance in liver and the lowest abundance in brain. Subcellular localization analysis in various cells, using a specific monoclonal antibody raised against SR-BP, demonstrated that this protein was associated with the nuclear envelope. When studying the binding of SR 31747A on membranes from yeast expressing SR-BP, we found a pharmacological profile of sigma 1 receptors; binding was displaced by (+)-pentazocine, haloperidol, and (+)-SKF 10,047, with (+)-SKF 10,047 being a more potent competitor than (−)-SKF 10,047. Scatchard plot analysis revealed K d values of 7.1 nm and 0.15 nm for (+)-pentazocine and SR 31747A, respectively, indicating an affinity of SR-BP 50-fold higher for SR 31747A than for pentazocine. Additionally, we showed that pentazocine, a competitive inhibitor of SR 31747A binding, also prevents the immunosuppressive effect of SR 31747A. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that SR-BP represents the molecular target for SR 31747A in mammalian tissues, which could be critical for T cell proliferation.
Prognosis of Canine Mast Cell Tumors: A Comparison of Three Methods

In this study, age, sex, recurrence, metastasis, death rate, and histologic patterns were in agreement with those of previous reports on canine mast cell tumors. Histologic grading, mitotic index, chromosome nucleolar organizer regions stained with silver (AgNORs), and anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were evaluated as indicators of prognosis. Histologic grading, AgNORs estimated in 100 cells, and PCNA-labeled fraction estimated in five high power fields (HPFs) were significantly different between recurring and nonrecurring tumors. Those prognostic factors were also significantly different between tumors that metastasized and those that did not. The survival time was lower in dogs with mast cell tumors with histologic grade 3 (Patnaik's), AgNOR counts higher than 2.25, and PCNA count in five HPFs higher than 261. The significance of these factors as markers for prognosis determined by logistic regression analysis differed with the time period considered. By combining the three most significant prognostic factors in a prognostic index, three models were obtained to determine the probability of nonrecurrence at 3, 6, and 9 months after surgery. The models were accurate in the prediction of the outcome of up to 80% of mast cell tumors. The use of these models provides a less subjective means of prognosticating mast cell tumors than the use of any one component alone.
Active and Passive Vaccination against Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome with Andes Virus M Genome Segment-Based DNA Vaccine

ABSTRACT Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rapidly progressing human disease with one of the highest case fatality rates (30 to 50%) of any acute viral disease known. There are no vaccines, effective antiviral drugs, or immunologics to prevent or treat HPS. In an attempt to develop HPS medical countermeasures, we constructed an expression plasmid, pWRG/AND-M, that contains the full-length M genome segment of Andes virus (ANDV), a South American hantavirus. Transfection experiments in cell culture indicated that both the G1 and G2 glycoproteins are expressed from pWRG/AND-M. Rhesus macaques vaccinated by gene gun with pWRG/AND-M developed remarkably high levels of neutralizing antibodies that not only neutralized ANDV but also cross-neutralized other HPS-associated hantaviruses, including Sin Nombre virus. To determine if the antibodies elicited in the monkeys could confer protection, we performed a series of passive-transfer experiments using a recently described lethal HPS animal model (i.e., adult Syrian hamsters develop HPS and die within 10 to 15 days after challenge with ANDV). When injected into hamsters 1 day before challenge, sera from the vaccinated monkeys either provided sterile protection or delayed the onset of HPS and death. When injected on day 4 or 5 after challenge, the monkey sera protected 100% of the hamsters from lethal disease. These data provide a proof of concept for a gene-based HPS vaccine and also demonstrate the potential value of a postexposure immunoprophylactic to treat individuals after exposure, or potential exposure, to these highly lethal hantaviruses.
Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy of transgenic models of cancer

The complexity of cancer, where a single genetic alteration can have multiple functional effects, makes it a fascinating but humbling disease to study, and the necessity of investigating it in its entirety is more imperative than ever before. Advances in transgene technology have made it possible to create cancer cells, or mice with specific genetic alterations, and the application of an array of both functional and molecular non‐invasive MR methods to these transgenic cancer cells and mice to characterize their phenotypic traits is revolutionizing our understanding of cancer. With the establishment of multi‐modality molecular imaging centers within barrier or pathogen‐free facilities, multi‐parametric and multi‐modality imaging of transgenic mouse models of human cancer are becoming increasingly prevalent. In this review, we outline some of the methods currently available for generating transgenic mice and cancer cell lines. We also present examples of the application of MR methods to transgenic models that are providing novel insights into the molecular and functional characteristics of cancer and are leading to an era of ‘non‐invasive phenotyping’ of the effects of specific molecular alterations in cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urinary excretion of hippuric acid and m- or p-methylhippuric acid in the urine of persons exposed to vapours of toluene and m- or p-xylene as a test of exposure

Ogata, M. , Tomokuni, K. , and Takatsuka, Y. (1970). Brit. J. industr. Med.,27, 43-50. Urinary excretion of hippuric acid and m- or p-methylhippuric acid in the urine of persons exposed to vapours of toluene and m- or p-xylene as a test of exposure. Twenty-three male volunteers were exposed in groups of four or five to toluene and m- and p-xylene vapour for periods of 3 hours or of 7 hours with one break of an hour. Urine was collected at hourly intervals for several hours, and thereafter all urine was collected until 18 hours after the end of the exposure period, and was analysed for hippuric and methylhippuric acids. It was shown that hippuric acid was excreted equivalent to 68% of the toluene absorbed, and m-methylhippuric acid equivalent to 72% of the m-xylene absorbed. Up to hydrocarbon concentrations of 200 ppm the total quantity of hippuric acids excerted was proportional to the total exposure (ppm × hours). In descending order of precision the following were also related to exposure: rate of excretion during the exposure period; concentrations of hippuric acid in urine corrected to constant urine density; and concentrations in urine uncorrected for density. The last could not be used to calculate exposure, but the others could be to give screening tests to show whether workmen could have been exposed to concentrations greater than the maximum allowable. The effects of exposure on blood pressure, pulse rate, flicker value, and reaction time were measured. There were some variations which suggested that the MAC of toluene should be set higher than 200 ppm.
Identification of 1-hydroxypyrene as a major metabolite of pyrene in pig urine.

1-Hydroxypyrene is a major metabolite of pyrene given orally to pigs. A method for isolating the metabolite from urine is described, utilizing C18-adsorbent cartridges, h.p.l.c. separation, and fluorescence detection. Unconjugated 1-hydroxypyrene can be detected in the urine of pigs following oral administration of as little as 1 mg pyrene. Identity of the 1-hydroxypyrene was confirmed by u.v. -absorption and fluorescence spectrometry, mass spectrometry, and by comparison with the retention time characteristic of synthetic 1-hydroxypyrene.
Biology and flow cytometry of proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitors cells

During development, hematopoiesis and neovascularization are closely linked to each other via a common bipotent stem cell called the hemangioblast that gives rise to both hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells. In postnatal life, this functional connection between the vasculature and hematopoiesis is maintained by a subset of hematopoietic progenitor cells endowed with the capacity to differentiate into potent proangiogenic cells. These proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitors comprise a specific subset of bone marrow (BM)‐derived cells that homes to sites of neovascularization and possess potent paracrine angiogenic activity. There is emerging evidence that this subpopulation of hematopoietic progenitors plays a critical role in vascular health and disease. Their angiogenic activity is distinct from putative “endothelial progenitor cells” that become structural cells of the endothelium by differentiation into endothelial cells. Proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitor cell research requires multidisciplinary expertise in flow cytometry, hematology, and vascular biology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitor cell biology and flow cytometric methods to detect these cells in the peripheral blood circulation and BM. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Hadamard renormalization of the stress-energy tensor for a quantized scalar field in a general spacetime of arbitrary dimension

We develop the Hadamard renormalization of the stress-energy tensor for a massive scalar field theory defined on a general spacetime of arbitrary dimension. Our formalism could be helpful in treating some aspects of the quantum physics of extra spatial dimensions. More precisely, for spacetime dimensions up to six, we explicitly describe the Hadamard renormalization procedure and for spacetime dimensions from 7 to 11, we provide the framework permitting the interested reader to perform this procedure explicitly in a given spacetime. We complete our study (i) by considering the ambiguities of the Hadamard renormalization of the stress-energy tensor and the corresponding ambiguities for the trace anomaly, (ii) by providing the expressions of the gravitational counterterms involved in the renormalization process, and (iii) by discussing the connections between Hadamard renormalization and renormalization in the effective action. All our results are expanded on standard bases for Riemann polynomials constructed from group theoretical considerations and thus given on irreducible forms.
Molecular linkage studies of bipolar disorders.

OBJECTIVES To review the reports of linkage findings for bipolar disorder. METHODS Literature review of published linkage findings in bipolar disorder. RESULTS There are several regions of the human genome that have been implicated repeatedly by independent investigators. These include 4p16, 12q24, 18q22, 18p11, 21q21 and 22q11. Two of these regions (18p11 and 22q11) are also implicated in genome scans of schizophrenia, suggesting that these two distinct nosological categories may share some genetic susceptibility. This hypothesis can only be tested when the underlying genes are identified.
Population-based study of non-infectious rhinitis in relation to occupational exposure, age, sex, and smoking.

BACKGROUND Many types of occupational exposure are associated with the risk of non-infectious rhinitis. We investigate the risk factors for this association. METHODS A random population of 2,044 subjects (aged 21-51) answered a questionnaire that was comprised of detailed questions on occupational exposure, nasal complaints, and smoking. NIR was defined as the sensation of nasal blockage and/or attacks of sneezing without having a cold. The incidence rates for NIR among exposed and unexposed were calculated. In the different exposed groups, only NIR with onset after the start of exposure was regarded as exposed. If a subject reported NIR before the relevant exposure started, he/she was excluded from that analysis. Relative risks (RR) were calculated as incidence rate ratios. Odds ratios controlling for smoking, age, and atopy were also calculated. RESULTS The incidence rate for NIR was 13.5/1,000 person-years. Males exposed to fire fumes (RR 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-4.1), women exposed to paper dust (RR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.9), and male cleaners (RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9-5.1) displayed an increased risk of developing NIR. Smoking was associated with an increased risk of NIR for both sexes. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to several occupational irritants is associated with a higher risk of developing NIR.
Effect of NaCl stress on health-promoting compounds and antioxidant activity in the sprouts of three broccoli cultivars

Abstract Health-promoting compounds, antioxidant and myrosinase activity in the sprouts of three broccoli cultivars under 40 mM, 80 mM and 160 mM NaCl were investigated. LangYan (LY) sprouts had the richest health-promoting compounds among the evaluated cultivars. Treatment of 40 mM and 80 mM NaCl significantly decreased the content of ascorbic acid and total phenolic as well as antioxidant activity, but did not affect glucoraphanin, sulforaphane and myrosinase activity compared to the control. However, 160 mM NaCl treatment significantly enhanced the level of total phenolic, glucoraphanin, sulforaphane, antioxidant and myrosinase activity, while significantly decreased ascorbic acid content. The results suggest that 160 mM NaCl treatment would enhance antioxidant activity and sulforaphane yield in broccoli sprouts. The health-promoting value of broccoli sprouts depends on plant genotype and could be affected by NaCl stress.
Recommendations of Association of Polish Surgeons and Polish Society of Oncological Surgery Gastrointestinal Fistulae in Patients Treated for Malignancy - Diagnostics and Treatment

Postoperative gastrointestinal fistulae occur more often in patients undergoing surgical treatment for oncological reasons than non-oncological reasons. Fistula is associated with a number of serious sequelae and complications: fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, acid-base abnormalities, local and systemic infection and progressive cachexia that increase morbidity, treatment duration and mortality. Development of fistula additionally delays or prevents specific treatment in oncology. For a patient, a fistula is associated with both physical and mental suffering resulting from concern over further therapy. Although the introduction of advanced surgical techniques, intensive postoperative care, total parenteral nutrition and modern enteral nutrition, resulted in decreased postoperative mortality, however the number of patients with gastrointestinal fistulae hospitalized in the departments of surgery is not decreasing. This may result from the fact that many patients still present for treatment in the advanced phase of their malignancy (clinical stage III/IV according to International Union Against Cancer – UICC) and consequently in worse general status, which poses a high risk of postoperative complications and requires more extensive procedures in progressively older patients. Thus gastrointestinal fistulae still remain a serious clinical problem. Main components of treatment of fistulae include: adequate draining, fighting of infections, artificial nutrition and drugs that decrease gastrointestinal secretion (e.g. somatostatin) that are intended to create conditions for spontaneous fistula healing. Some cases may require an early or late surgical intervention.
Impact of parathyroidectomy on neutrophil cytosolic calcium in chronic kidney disease patients: a prospective parallel group trial

Objectives. Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients display elevated basal cytosolic calcium concentrations (iCa2+). As parathyroid hormone is considered to substantially contribute to the inappropriate cellular entry of calcium in uraemia, we hypothesized that parathyroidectomy lowers PMN iCa2+.
Finite-element time-domain analysis of 2-D photonic crystal resonant cavities

An efficient novel time-domain finite-element approach for the analysis of photonic crystal resonant cavities is here introduced. This approach includes a current source, the full-band scheme, isoparametric triangular elements, and perfectly matched layers. The resonant frequency, quality factor, effective modal area, and field distribution can be obtained in a single simulation.
Functional analysis of the role of eyes absent and sine oculis in the developing eye of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus

In the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, a hemimetabolous insect, the compound eyes begin to form in the embryo and increase 5–6 fold in size during the postembryonic development of the nymphal stage. Retinal stem cells in the anteroventral proliferation zone (AVPZ) of the nymphal eye proliferate to increase retinal progenitors, which then differentiate to form new ommatidia in the anterior region of the eye. However, mechanisms underlying this type of eye formation have not been well elucidated yet. Here, we found that the homologues of the retinal determination transcription factor genes of eyes absent (eya) and sine oculis (so) are expressed during the cricket embryonic eye formation. eya is also expressed intensely in the AVPZ of the nymphal eye. To explore their functions, we performed knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi). Knockdown of Gb’eya resulted in loss of the embryonic eye. In the nymphal eye, RNAi against Gb’eya or Gb’so impaired retinal morphology by apparently transforming cornea structures into head cuticle. These results imply that Gb’eya and Gb’so are essential for the differentiation of the retinal progenitor cells and maintaining retinal structures during eye development.
Clinical fate of the patient with asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm and unfit for surgical treatment.

Previous statistical studies by the authors lent strong support to an aggressive policy of case selection in the surgical treatment of asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms. To test further the value of narrow operative contraindications, the clinical course of 156 patients with such lesions, who between the years of 1952 and 1971 had been deemed unfit for surgical treatment, was surveyed. Among the 127 patients who never came to operation, 90 died during the 20-year followup period. Although organ-fixed atherosclerosis (mostly coronary) was the leading cause of death (55.0%), rupture of the aneurysm continued to be an important source of loss of life (27.8%). Upon the whole, the findings corroborated the validity of an aggressive surgical approach and emphasized the prognostic threat of aneurysmal size and arterial hypertension in the nonsurgically treated patient.
Reversed Preservation Properties for Series and Parallel Systems

Recently Li and Yam (2005) studied which ageing properties for series and parallel systems are inherited for the components. In this paper we provide new results for the increasing convex and concave orders, the increasing mean residual life (IMRL), decreasing failure rate (DFR), the new worse than used in expectation (NWUE), the increasing failure rate in average (IFRA), the decreasing failure rate in average (DFRA), and the new better than used in the convex order (NBUC) ageing classes.