Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the influence of passive ultrasonic irrigation on the seal of root canal fillings.

AIM To evaluate the influence of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) on the seal of root canal fillings. METHODOLOGY A total of 40 mandibular premolars were distributed equally into two groups and the root canals were cleaned and shaped; they were then filled with gutta-percha and AH26 (sealer) using the warm vertical compaction technique with the System B (Analytic Technology, Redmond, WA, USA) device. In one group PUI was applied, after completion of instrumentation and hand-irrigation. In the other group, PUI was not applied. Thereafter, leakage of glucose was evaluated by measuring its concentration once a week for a total period of 56 days using a glucose penetration model. Differences between the groups in terms of glucose concentrations were statistically analysed with the Mann-Whitney test; the level of significance was set at P=0.05. RESULTS After the first month the root fillings in teeth where PUI had been used, sealed the root canal significantly better than in teeth where no PUI had been used (P=0.017). CONCLUSION Root fillings sealed the root canal better when PUI had been used.
Surgeon, test (and heal) thyself: sharps injuries and hepatitis C risk

Sharps injuries experienced by surgeons are common, but are under‐recognised and under‐reported. The overall risks of transmission of blood‐borne viruses to surgeons are low, with hepatitis C posing the greatest transmission risk. Recent trials show that early treatment of acute hepatitis C results in a cure rate approaching 100%. Surgeons and theatre staff should be encouraged to report and follow up sharps injuries to allow early detection and treatment. Additionally, because exposures to blood‐borne viruses may be unrecognised, surgeons should have regular tests for blood‐borne viruses. There should be no restriction of practice in the “window period” between potential exposure and obtaining results of testing, because of the overall low risk of transmission.
Natural History and Risk Factors for Microalbuminuria in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE— To describe the natural history and risk factors for persistent microalbuminuria in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes followed for up to 15 years. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— This study contained a longitudinal cohort of 972 patients; analysis of baseline risk factors was performed using logistic regression and predictors over time using survival analysis. Albumin excretion rate was measured on three consecutive timed overnight urine collections on at least two occasions. Normoalbuminuria was defined as a median albumin excretion rate <7.5 μg/min, borderline microalbuminuria as 7.5–20 μg/min, and microalbuminuria as 20–200 μg/min. Microalbuminuria was further classified as persistent if its duration was >12 months. Median age was 12.7 years (interquartile range 11.5–14.4) and diabetes duration 6.5 years (4.1–9.3) at first assessment, and median follow-up was 6.2 years (range 1–15.3). RESULTS— The incidence of persistent microalbuminuria was 4.6 (95% CI 3.3–6.1) per 1,000 patient-years. Predictors of persistent microalbuminuria from the first assessment using multiple logistic regression were high cholesterol (odds ratio 2.2 [95% CI 1.2–4.0]) and borderline microalbuminuria (2.5 [1.2–5.2]). Predictors using Cox regression were HbA1c (hazard ratio 1.4 [95% CI 1.1–1.7]), age at diagnosis (1.2 [1.1–1.3]), obesity (3.6 [0.8–15.5]), and insulin dose (2.7 [1.0–7.5]). CONCLUSIONS— Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes who have borderline microalbuminuria are more than twice as likely to develop persistent microalbuminuria. In addition to poor glycemic control, clinical markers of insulin resistance were associated with an increased risk of microalbuminuria.
The Case of “Less is More”: Modelling Risk-Preference with Expected Downside Risk

Abstract This paper discusses an alternative explanation for the empirical findings contradicting the positive relationship between risk (variance) and reward (expected return). We show that these contradicting results might be due to the false definition of risk-perception, which we correct by introducing Expected Downside Risk (EDR). The EDR parameter, similar to the Expected Shortfall or Conditional Value-at-Risk, measures the tail risk, however, fits and better explains the utility perception of investors. Our results indicate that when using the EDR as risk measure, both the positive and negative relationship between expected return and risk can be derived under standard conditions (e. g. expected utility theory and positive risk-aversion). Therefore, no alternative psychological explanation or additional boundary condition on utility theory is required to explain the phenomenon. Furthermore, we show empirically that it is a more precise linear predictor of expected return than volatility, both for individual assets and portfolios.
Cerebellar stimulation fails to modulate motor cortex plasticity in writing dystonia

Primary dystonia is characterized neurophysiologically by reduced inhibitory mechanisms and abnormal regulation of plasticity responses. The potential of anodal cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation as a therapeutic tool in writing dystonia was examined, after the observation that cerebellar stimulation reduces responses to an associative plasticity protocol in healthy subjects.
Overexpression of Sialyl Lewis x Antigen Is Associated with Formation of Extratumoral Venous Invasion and Predicts Postoperative Development of Massive Hepatic Metastasis in Cases with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

The clinicopathological factors and expression of sialyl Lewis antigens which are the cell adhesion molecules to endothelial cells were compared in relation to the extent of the postoperative hepatic metastasis in 23 consecutive patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma whose clinical courses were carefully monitored and documented. The overall survival of cases with massive hepatic metastasis (MHM) was significantly poorer than that of those with local or no hepatic metastasis (p = 0.0453). Postoperative MHM was significantly correlated with the presence of duodenal invasion (p = 0.0418), the presence of portal vein invasion (p = 0.0435), the presence of extratumoral venous invasion (p = 0.0052) and high expression of sialyl Lewis x antigen (p = 0.0022). Multivariate analysis confined significant correlation between the high expression of sialyl Lewis x antigen and the development of MHM (p = 0.0402). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the overall survival of patients with a high expression of sialyl Lewis x antigen was significantly poorer than that of patients with a low expression of the antigen (p = 0.0216). These results indicate that the overexpression of sialyl Lewis x antigen plays an important role in the development of MHM, and also predicts a poorer overall survival of these patients. Further studies with more cases are warranted to confirm these results.
Successful small-scale irrigation or environmental destruction? The political ecology of competing claims on water in the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania

In the Uluguru Mountains of Tanzania, an expansion in informal hosepipe irrigation by small-scale farmers has enabled the development of horticulture and resulted in improvements in farmers’ livelihoods. This has taken place largely independently of external support and can be seen as an example of the ‘private’ irrigation that is increasingly viewed as important for sub-Saharan Africa. However, these activities are seen by both representatives of government and some donors, as the cause of both environmental degradation and water shortages downstream, especially in the nearby city of Morogoro. As a result, there have been attempts to evict the farmers from the mountain. Negative narratives persist and the farmers on the mountainside are portrayed as a problem to be ‘solved’. This article explores these tensions, contributing to debates about the formalisation of water management arrangements and the place of the state in regulating and adjudicating rights to access water. We argue that a focus on legality and formalisation serves to obscure the political nature of competing claims on resources that the case illustrates.
Sperm calcium levels and chlortetracycline fluorescence patterns are related to the in vivo fertility of cryopreserved bovine semen.

Cryopreserved bovine semen is less fertile than fresh semen for reasons that have not been fully elucidated. Cryopreservation is known to disrupt the sperm plasma membrane and it induces premature capacitation of a sperm subpopulation, which may be a result of the increased internal calcium levels after thawing. To test the hypothesis that sperm intracellular calcium level is correlated with in vivo fertility, we used the fluorescent calcium indicator, indo-1, and flow cytometry to assess intracellular calcium levels in frozen-thawed sperm from bulls of varying degrees of fertility. We also tested a second hypothesis that the physiological status of sperm, as assessed by the chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescent assay, is correlated with fertility. As detected by indo-1 fluorescence, the intracellular calcium level is negatively correlated with bull fertility immediately after thawing (P = .0362; n = 3 ejaculates from each of 10 animals). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the 3 most and least fertile bulls over 4 hours of incubation (P < .05; n = 3 ejaculates per bull). Finally, there was a positive correlation between sperm displaying the CTC acrosome reaction pattern and fertility (P = .0014; n = 3 ejaculates from each of 10 bulls).
Penicillin-binding components of penicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Three strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae with low-level resistance to penicillin, one strain with resistance to penicillin, and three strains susceptible to penicillin were compared. The three susceptible strains had very similar patterns of penicillin-binding components (PBCs) as detected by fluorography after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Gels of these strains showed four major bands and a single minor band. All of the resistant strains showed different PBC patterns from those obtained for susceptible strains. The most marked changes were observed with the most resistant strain SPR110, which showed markedly reduced intensity of PBC 3 and a reduction in intensity of PBCs 1 and 2, as well as additional bands in the region of band 2. Low-level resistant strains had band densities different from the susceptible strains principally for PBC 3. No beta-lactamase activity or plasmid was detected in the resistant strains. An apparent difference in affinity for cloxacillin was also demonstrated between some of the PBCs of susceptible strain S. pneumoniae SPS101 and resistant strain S. pneumoniae SPR110. Penicillin resistance in the low-level resistant and the resistant strains was associated with PBCs possessing different properties from those seen in the three susceptible strains. Reduction in affinity for penicillin or a reduction in the amount of a PBC protein, or both, are the probable explanations of penicillin resistance in these strains.
Improvement of quality of life in hospitalized depressed elderly

ABSTRACT Background: Quality of life is important for all individuals, but is frequently overlooked in psychiatric populations. Our purpose was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of depressed psychiatrically hospitalized elderly patients, examine the association of QOL and depression, and explore any QOL differences related to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Methods: This Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved prospective study recruited geropsychiatric inpatients aged 65 years and older who were depressed, had Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) scores >18/30, and adequate communication skills. Surveys were completed upon admission and discharge to measure depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)), quality of life (Linear Analogue Scales of Assessment (LASA); Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)), cognitive function (MMSE; Executive Interview (EXIT 25)), and coping (Brief COPE Inventory (COPE)). Spearman correlations and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to assess changes in measures during hospitalization and relationships among variables. Results: The 45 study participants who completed the study had a mean age of 74 years. The majority were female (67%), married (58%), Protestant (60%), with at least high school education (78%). Admission scores demonstrated severe depression (HDRS 24.88 ± 10.14) and poor QOL (LASA overall QOL 4.4 ± 2.79, and SF-36 mental [27.68 ± 9.63] and physical [46.93 ± 10.41] component scores). At discharge, there was a significant improvement of depression (HDRS 24.88v12.04, p < 0.0001) and QOL (LASA overall QOL 4.4v6.66, p < 0.0001; and SF-36 mental [27.68v39.10, p < 0.0001] and physical [46.93v50.98, p = 0.003] component scores). Not surprisingly, depression was negatively correlated with overall QOL, mental well-being, physical well-being, and emotional well-being at both admission and discharge. For the group who received ECT, there was a greater magnitude of improvement in SF-36 vitality (p = 0.002) and general health perception (p = 0.04), but also a reduction in EXIT 25 scores at discharge (p = 0.008). Conclusions: There was improvement of both QOL and depression during the course of hospitalization. Additionally, improvement of QOL was associated with improvement of depression. Perhaps future studies could develop interventions to improve both mood and QOL in elderly depressed inpatients.
Sustained-release fampridine and the role of ion channel dysfunction in multiple sclerosis

Ion channel dysfunction is an important mechanism that contributes to functional disability and axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent studies have revealed that there are complex rearrangements of voltage-gated Na+ channels that occur with acute brain inflammation in MS, with up-regulation of primitive Na+ channel isoforms such as Nav 1.2 during acute inflammation. While these changes may help support neural conduction, increased expression of ‘persistent’ Na+ conductances and altered function of the Na+/K+ pump may contribute to axonal degeneration in MS. Increased expression of K+ channels due to demyelination has also been considered as a contributing factor to conduction failure in MS. Recent phase II and phase III clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in walking speed in patients receiving fampridine SR, a K+ channel blocker. This medication appears to be well-tolerated with a low risk of serious adverse events and provides benefits in both relapsing and progressive forms of MS.
Shock Dependence and Volatility Transmission Between Crude Oil and Stock Markets: Evidence from Pakistan

This paper investigates shock dependence and volatility transmission between the crude oil and equity markets, based on crude oil returns and stock index returns for the period 2 January 2009 to 27 January 2014. We employ the bivariate BEKK-GARCH (1, 1) model developed by Engle and Kroner (1995) as well as the Engle and Granger (1987) cointegration and unit root tests. These parameterization tools are more flexible and innovative than other specifications, which often give counter-intuitive results. The results of the cointegration test reject the notion of a long-run relationship between the crude oil market and stock market. The results of the BEKK-GARCH model suggest that shocks and volatility created in the oil market have a significant effect on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. They also reveal bidirectional shock persistence and a unidirectional volatility spillover between crude oil prices and Pakistani equity prices. These empirical findings can help predict price movements in each market efficiently. The empirical results are also important for policymakers involved in shock prevention and for portfolio managers seeking optimal portfolio allocation.
Day-ahead resource scheduling including demand response for electric vehicles

Summary form only given. The energy resource scheduling is becoming increasingly important, as the use of distributed resources is intensified and massive gridable vehicle (V2G) use is envisaged. This paper presents a methodology for day-ahead energy resource scheduling for smart grids considering the intensive use of distributed generation and V2G. The main focus is the comparison of different EV management approaches in the day-ahead energy resources management, namely uncontrolled charging, smart charging, V2G and Demand Response (DR) programs in the V2G approach. Three different DR programs are designed and tested (trip reduce, shifting reduce and reduce+shifting). Other important contribution of the paper is the comparison between deterministic and computational intelligence techniques to reduce the execution time. The proposed scheduling is solved with a modified particle swarm optimization. Mixed integer non-linear programming is also used for comparison purposes. Full ac power flow calculation is included to allow taking into account the network constraints. A case study with a 33-bus distribution network and 2000 V2G resources is used to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.
Complement-mediated bactericidal system: evidence for a new pathway of complement action

The early components of human complement (C1, C4, and C2) plus certain serum euglobulins will kill pathogenic strains of Shigella sonnei. Serum from patients with hereditary C3 deficiencies and specific antiserums to C3, C5, and C6 were utilized to demonstrate the absence of requirements for late-acting complement components in this unusual bactericidal system.
Clinical Significance of the Clopidogrel–Proton Pump Inhibitor Interaction After Peripheral Endovascular Intervention for Claudication

Objective: Despite numerous studies in the cardiology literature, the clinical impact of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel remains controversial. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of concurrent PPI and clopidogrel administration on outcomes after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTA&S) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) for claudication. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database (2004-2010) identified patients undergoing PTA&S of the SFA for lifestyle-limiting claudication (Rutherford Class III). Statistical analysis included univariate comparison (Wilcoxon, chi-square) of demographics, lesion characteristics, complication rates, and outcome measures. Patency comparisons were made with Cox-PH multivariable models and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: Totally, 109 limbs were treated in 103 patients. All were prescribed clopidogrel for 1 month; concurrent PPI use (+PPI) was identified after 42 (38.5%) interventions. There were no statistically significant differences in demographics, comorbidity prevalence, lesion length, degree of stenosis, or runoff associated with PPI use. There were no cases of early thrombosis in either group. There were more instances of patency loss (28 [50%] vs 21 [42%]; P = .40) in patients with +PPI, and a trend toward reduced primary patency that did not achieve statistical significance (P = .5). By multivariate analysis only TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) D lesions were independent predictors of primary (hazards ratio [HR] = 4.366; [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.291-14.764; P = . 018) and assisted patency loss (HR = 6.815 [1.181-39.327]; P = .032). Conclusions: The clinical significance of the clopidogrel-PPI interaction is a controversial topic that has been the subject of numerous studies in the cardiology literature. This is the first report to examine this medication interaction after peripheral intervention. While there is no apparent association between PPI coadministration with clopidogrel in this series, the high prevalence of PPI use among patients prescribed clopidogrel following peripheral intervention warrants ongoing attention to this purported medication interaction.
Orthorexic eating behavior 1 A new type of disordered eating

Persistent fixation on healthy nutrition and avoidance of food considered unhealthy in fear of developing an illness is known as “orthorexic eating behavior” and is being recently discussed as a new type of disordered eating. Further characteristics include the presence of overvalued ideas concerning effectiveness and supposed health-promoting effects of foods as well as obsessive and ritualized ways of preparing and consuming foods. The estimated prevalence of orthorexic eating behavior within the German general population amounts to 1–3 %, with predominantly young females affected. New studies indicate that symptoms of orthorexic and anorexic eating behavior tend to overlap, which brings up the question of possibly classifying orthorexia as a subtype of anorexia. Finally, this paper proposes a therapeutic approach combining interventions and methods from classic eating disorder therapy and nutritional counseling as a mean of treating possible consequences of mental or social distress caused by orthorexia.
Antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and the risk of an adverse outcome.

BACKGROUND Some studies suggest that combination antiretroviral therapy in pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection increases the risk of premature birth and other adverse outcomes of pregnancy. METHODS We studied pregnant women with HIV-1 infection who were enrolled in seven clinical studies and delivered their infants from 1990 through 1998. The cohort comprised 2123 women who received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy (monotherapy in 1590, combination therapy without protease inhibitors in 396, and combination therapy with protease inhibitors in 137) and 1143 women who did not receive antiretroviral therapy. RESULTS After standardization for the CD4+ cell count and use or nonuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, the rate of premature delivery (<37 weeks of gestation) was similar among the women who received antiretroviral therapy and those who did not (16 percent and 17 percent, respectively); the rate of low birth weight (<2500 g) was 16 percent among the infants born to both groups; and the rate of very low birth weight (<1500 g) was 2 percent for the group that received antiretroviral therapy and 1 percent for the group that did not. The rates of low Apgar scores (<7) and stillbirth were also similar or the same in the two groups. After adjustment for multiple risk factors, combination antiretroviral therapy was not associated with an increased risk of premature delivery as compared with monotherapy (odds ratio, 1.08; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.71 to 1.62) or delivery of an infant with low birth weight (odds ratio, 1.03; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.64 to 1.63). Seven of the women who received combination therapy with protease inhibitors (5 percent) had infants with very low birth weight, as compared with nine women who received combination therapy without protease inhibitors (2 percent) (adjusted odds ratio, 3.56; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 12.19). CONCLUSIONS As compared with no antiretroviral therapy or monotherapy, combination therapy for HIV-1 infection in pregnant women is not associated with increased rates of premature delivery or with low birth weight, low Apgar scores, or stillbirth in their infants. The association between combination therapy with protease inhibitors and an increased risk of very low birth weight requires confirmation.