Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Normalization of spine densitometry

We investigated several transformations of bone mineral content (BMC) and area density (BMD), in particular volumetric density (BMAD), to ascertain the influence on (1) body size dependence, (2) diagnostic sensitivity, and (3) precision. These transformations were examined in a group of 657 normal postmenopausal women and 327 women with osteoporotic fracture. First, expression of results as BMAD removed some of the slight dependence on body size; 21% of the variation in BMC and 15% of the variation in BMD were associated with body weight, but only 8% with BMAD. Second, the Z scores compared with those for age‐matched controls for BMD and BMC were −1.85 and −1.71, respectively; the Z score for BMAD was −1.64. Third, the precision error for BMC was reduced by expressing results as BMD (1.1 versus 0.5%); BMAD degraded precision slightly (0.7%). BMD appeared to be the optimal expression for bone densitometry because it provided the best diagnostic sensitivity and lowest precision error; there was a minimal influence of body size on BMD results. This study also showed that osteoporotic women, even in the first postmenopausal decade, had low spine BMD, small vertebral area, and low body weight. Such women may be particularly at risk of crush fracture.
Inhibition ofStreptococcus mutans and Other Oral streptococci by hop (Humulus lupulus L.) constituents

We report the inhibition of the causative agents of dental caries, Streptococcus mutans and other oral streptococci, by the antimicrobially active ingredients of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.). The hop constituents studied were purified beta acid, xanthohumol, isoalpha acid and tetra iso-alpha acid. Cruder hop extracts were also investigated. The antimicrobial activity of these hop constituents was tested against four strainsof Streptococcus mutans as well as one strain each ofStreptococcus sanguis andStreptococcus salivarius and compared to antimicrobial essential oils used in mouthwashes in two independent assay systems. We found that all tested hop constituents inhibited the Streptococci. The minimum inhibitory concentration at pH 7.5 ranged from 2 to 50 μg/ml depending on the microorganism and hop phytochemical tested. Contrary to a previous report, there was no activity enhancement by ascorbic acid over and above the enhancement due to pH lowering. Thére was no resistance development to beta acid after 10 passages in a subinhibitory concentration of this acid. Antimicrobial activity of hop constituents was found to be greater than other plant products such as thymol, nerol, cinnamon oil, oil of clove, menthol and eucalyptol. The possibilities of using hop constituents in mouthwashes are discussed.
Effect of removing Ascaris on the growth of Guatemalan schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether successful deworming for 6 months in children with high levels of Ascaris improves physical growth. SUBJECTS Two hundred twenty-eight children (mean age, 9.7 years) in a highland Indian town in Guatemala. DESIGN Children were randomly assigned to receive albendazole or placebo at baseline and 12 weeks. Children and field workers were both blind to the group assignment. OUTCOME MEASURES Children's heights, weights, and mid-upper-arm circumferences were measured at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks. Fecal egg counts were taken at 0, 2, 12, 14, and 24 weeks to estimate the helminth burden (eggs per gram of feces [epg]). RESULTS Baseline helminth prevalences were Ascaris, 91%, and Trichuris, 82%. Ascaris intensities were high: half of the children had moderate burdens (10 000 to 50 000 epg), and 25% had heavy burdens ( > 50 000 epg). Trichuris burdens were light (72% < 1000 epg). The albendazole and placebo groups did not differ at baseline in epg, age, anthropometry, or socioeconomic status. The two rounds of treatment successfully reduced the Ascaris burdens but had less effect on Trichuris. At 6 months the treatment group showed a small gain in weight (0.18 kg) compared with the placebo group but no improvement in height or mid-upper-arm circumference. CONCLUSIONS The successful removal of ascaris in a population of school-aged children with relatively high loads may have modest effects on weight gain. Ascaris is one of the most common infections in school-aged children, but its effect on the host may be less than that of other helminths.
Salmonellosis in Trinidad: evidence for transovarian transmission of Salmonella in farm eggs.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the contents of farm eggs in Trinidad are contaminated with Salmonella and if transovarian transmission occurs. 750 fresh eggs from 10 farms supplying 75% of the country's eggs were cultured for Salmonella. Salmonella was found on the egg shells' surfaces from all farms, and in the egg contents from three farms. Isolates were obtained from the cultures of the contents and shells of nine (1.2%) and 35 (4.66%) eggs, respectively (p < 0.005). Serotypes found in the contents were S. enteritidis (0.8%; deduced to be contaminated by transovarian transmission) and S. typhimurium (0.4%); those isolated from the shells (contaminated by faecal transmission) were S. typhimurium (3.06%), S. enteritidis (0.67%), S. ohio (0.27%), S. cerro (0.27%), S. infantis (0.27%) and S. heidelberg (0.13%). This study provides the first evidence for Salmonella and, more importantly, S. enteritidis, in eggs in Trinidad. This is of major public health significance because S. enteritidis infected eggs appear normal and the organism is difficult to detect and control. The consumption of these eggs may increase the risk of Salmonella infection. Food safety practices, particularly the thorough cooking (> or = 70 degrees C) of all egg dishes and the refrigeration (< 10 degrees C) of shell eggs and egg dishes, are recommended.
Skeletal Maturity in Myelomeningocele

A retrospective analysis of 90 patients (37 boys, 53 girls) with myelomeningocele was performed to determine the relationship between gender, presence of hydrocephalus, and level of myelomeningocele with skeletal maturity, as measured by bone age. Bone age was assessed using the Oxford method of skeletal maturity. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was present in 56 of the 90 patients. The mean bone age was found to be significantly less in patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. There was no difference in bone age when comparing gender or level of myelomeningocele. Identification of factors affecting skeletal maturity in patients with myelomeningocele is important in surgical planning for therapeutic operations such as osteotomies, timing of epiphysiodesis, and spinal fusion for scoliosis.
NATO-Russia Relations in the Twenty-First Century

INTRODUCTION: Thinking About Security and Democracy - Aurel Braun SECTION I Chapter 1. Electing to Fight: Emerging Democracies and International Instability - Edward Mansfield and Jack Snyder Chapter 2. Post-Postcommunist Russia, the International Environment and NATO - Timothy J. Colton Chapter 3. Russia, NATO Enlargement, and the Strengthening of Democracy in the European Space - S. Neil MacFarlane SECTION II Chapter 4. Enlargement and the Perils of Containment - Aurel Braun Chapter 5. NATO Beyond Russia - Stanley R. Sloan Chapter 6. Russia and NATO Enlargement - Jeffrey Simon SECTION III Chapter 7. NATO, the European Union, Russia and the Fight Against Terrorism - Peter R. Neumann Chapter 8. Can Russia be a Partner for NATO in the Middle East? - Robert O. Freedman Chapter 9. Is East-West Integration Possible? - Stephen J. Blank Conclusion: Tendencies and Prospects for Security and Democracy - Aurel Braun About the Contributors
Accommodative responses to eccentric and laterally‐oscillating targets

There is little information on the accommodative response to stimuli having naturalistic motion on the retina. In the present experiment, the steady‐state accommodative response al various dioptric levels was assessed with a Hartinger coincidence optometer as sinusoidal frequency of a small target was systematically altered across the horizontal foveal region (±2°). The steady‐state accommodative response became less accurate as target oscillation frequency increased, approaching the tonic accommodation level when the frequency was between 0.5 and 1 Hz (corresponding to peak velocities of 6.3 and 12.6 deg s−1, respectively). These results suggest that the accommodation system is reasonably robust to naturally‐occurring retinal‐image motion.
Localization of Ectopic Maxillary Canines — is CBCT more Accurate than Conventional Horizontal or Vertical Parallax?

Objective To compare the accuracy of cone-beam CT (CBCT) with conventional horizontal and vertical parallax for the localization of ectopic maxillary canines. Design Observational study. Methods A typodont was constructed using human teeth embedded in radio-dense impression material, containing a simulated ectopic canine. Image sets (vertical/horizontal parallax and CBCT scans) were obtained for nine positions. A photograph confirmed the true position of the canine. Six observers used horizontal (HP) and vertical (VP) parallax techniques with conventional radiographs and the axial, coronal and sagittal CBCT views to locate the canine tip. Images were manipulated as required using proprietary software (http://www.carestream.com and http://www.i-cat.com). Intra-observer reproducibility was calculated by one observer re-evaluating the image sets after 2 months. Individual observer validity was calculated in relation to the photographic position of the canine using weighted Kappa. Differences in the proportion of correct locations between CBCT and vertical/horizontal parallax were tested using McNemar tests (P<0·05). Results Intra- and inter-observer agreements were excellent (0·8985) and substantial (0·7528), respectively. Individual observer validity was substantial-excellent (0·7368–0·900). The canine position was correctly identified in 94% of cases located using CBCT, 83% using HP and 65% using VP. The differences between CBCT and vertical and horizontal parallax were highly statistically significant (P<0·01). Conclusion CBCT is more accurate than either horizontal or vertical parallax for the localization of ectopic maxillary canine teeth.
Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE To study the effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHOD From July 2005 to October 2005, 60 inpatients who underwent laparoscopic operations for non-cancer gynecologic conditions at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Medical College or Vajira Hospital were randomized into Group A (n = 30) or Group B (n = 30). Group A received 3 capsules of ginger (1 capsule contained 0.5 g of ginger powder) while Group B received 3 capsules of placebo. Both groups received their medicine 1 hour prior the operation. Nausea and vomiting were assessed with the Visual Analogue Scores (VAS) and presence of vomiting at 2 and 6 hours after the operation. RESULTS Median VAS at 2 hours post operation of Group A was not significantly different from that of Group B with the median of 0 (range, 0-5.4) and 0.15 (range, 0-10) respectively (95% CI from -2.59 to 0.90 and p = 0.142). At 6 hours post operation, the median VAS of Group A was significantly lower than group B, 0.55 (range, 0-7.4) versus 2.80 (range, 0-10) (95% CI from -3.61 to -0.73 and p = 0.015). Presence of vomiting at 2 hours was not different between the two groups, 10% in Group A and 20% in Group B (95% CI from -28% to 8% and p = 0.278). At 6 hours, 23.3% of group A had an episode of vomiting compared to 46.7% of group B (95% CI from -47% to 1% and p = 0.058). CONCLUSION Ginger has shown efficacy for prevention of nausea and borderline significance to prevention vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy at 6 hour post operation.
Evaluation of a Tensiometer to Provide Objective Feedback in Knot-Tying Performance

Training and assessment methods for knot tying by medical students or residents have traditionally been subjective. Objective methods for evaluating creation of a tied knot should include assessing the strength and quality of the knotted suture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a tensiometer as a feedback device for improving knot-tying performance. Twelve medical students with no knot-tying experience were selected to perform three-throw instrument ties with 00 silk suture. Students were randomly assigned to perform between 10 and 20 baseline knots and then received one of four feedback training conditions followed by 10 completion knots. Subjects were timed, and all knots were pulled in the tensiometer to assess for strength and slippage. Differences between baseline and completed knots for each subject were analyzed with an unpaired t test. Subjects receiving both subjective and tensiometer feedback demonstrated the greatest improvements in knot quality score (KQS) and slip percentage (Subject 1: 0.15 ± 0.9 vs 0.21 ± 0.05, P < 0.04, 75% vs 60%, P = NS; Subject 2: 0.22 ± 0.10 vs 0.29 ± 0.05, P < 0.02, 33% vs 0%, P < 0.05; Subject 3: 0.10 ± 0.07 vs 0.25 ± 0.07, P < 0.0001, 60% vs 10%, P < 0.01). Objective assessment of knot-tying performance is possible using the tensiometer device. Introduction of the tensiometer during the learning phase produced improved KQS and slip percentage in most students regardless of the number of baseline knots tied. Greatest improvements in performance were seen when the tensiometer was used in combination with subjective instruction.
A randomized trial to study first-line combination therapy with or without a protease inhibitor in HIV-1-infected patients

Objective: To compare one protease inhibitor (PI)-based and two PI-sparing antiretroviral therapy regimens. Methods: International, open label, randomized study of antiretroviral drug-naive patients, with CD4 lymphocyte counts ⩾ 200 × 106 cells/l and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels > 500 copies/ml. Treatment assignment to stavudine and didanosine plus indinavir or nevirapine or lamivudine. Primary study endpoint was the percentage of patients with plasma HIV-1 RNA levels < 500 copies/ml after 48 weeks in the intention-to-treat analysis (ITT). Results: In total, 298 patients were enrolled. After 48 weeks, the percentage of patients in the indinavir, nevirapine and lamivudine arms with HIV-1 RNA < 500 copies/ml was 57.0%, 58.4% and 58.7%, respectively, in an ITT analysis. After 96 weeks of follow-up, these percentages were 50.0%, 59.6% and 45.0%, respectively. The percentage of patients with HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/ml was significantly less for those allocated to lamivudine in an on-treatment analysis after 48 and 96 weeks of follow-up. Patients in the nevirapine arm experienced a smaller increase in the absolute number of CD4 T lymphocytes. There were no significant differences in the incidence of serious adverse events. Conclusions: A comparable virological response can be achieved with first-line PI-base and PI-sparing regimens. The triple nucleoside regimen utilized may be less likely to result in viral suppression to < 50 copies/ml, while the nevirapine-based regimen is associated with a lower increase in CD4 T lymphocytes.
Effects of meclofenoxate and citicholine on learning and memory in aged rats.

The maze method for active avoidance with punishment reinforcement and the step-through method for passive avoidance with negative reinforcement were used to study the processes of learning and memory in 22-month-old rats, as well as the effects of meclofenoxate (Mf) and citicholine (CCh) on these processes. Meclofenoxate, administered in a dose of 50 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days using the maze-training method, increased the number of responses to the conditioned stimulus, when retention tests were made 24 hours and 7 days after training, whereas citicholine, applied in the same way in a dose of 10 mg/kg, shortened the latency of the responses with reinforcement during the training and increased the number of correct responses to the conditioned stimulus in retention tests 7 days after the training. With the same pattern of administration, both Mf and CCh strongly prolonged the time spent by the animals in the light chamber (i.e., improved retention) in tests using the step-through method 24 hours and 7 days after the training. Both drugs prevented the occurrence of scopolamine-induced (2 mg/kg i.p.) amnesia. A comparison of the results obtained for 22-month-old rats with the results obtained in earlier experiments on 5-month-old rats under fully identical experimental conditions showed that the age-dependent differences in the memory process and in the effects on it of the psychotropic agents meclofenoxate and citicholine were not unidirectional in character.
Update on pathology of antibody-mediated rejection in the lung allograft

Purpose of reviewThe determination of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in the pulmonary allograft remains a diagnostic challenge. Herein, we review the pathologic findings from recent studies, including the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) summary statement on pulmonary AMR and preliminary data from the Banff allograft pathology study on AMR in lung transplant patients. Recent findingsSome pathologic findings, including acute lung injury and neutrophilic capillary infiltration, are likely to be associated with pulmonary AMR but do not appear to be specific pathologic markers. The ISHLT statement on pulmonary AMR lists numerous pathologic findings that may be associated with donor-specific antibodies (DSAs). Other recent studies, including the Banff study on pulmonary AMR, have found correlations between clinical AMR, defined in part by the presence of DSAs, and nonspecific acute lung injury and capillary neutrophils with or without C4d deposition. SummaryAt this time, the diagnosis of lung transplant AMR requires multidisciplinary coordination and is ultimately determined by the managing clinician. In the full clinical context, including knowledge of serologic data for the presence or absence of DSAs, pathologic interpretation may provide valuable information that can guide therapy and support the clinical diagnosis.
Demonstration, of Insulin Resistance in Coronary Artery Disease Documented With Angiography

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relation between insulin resistance and coronary atherosclerosis, insulin sensitivity in lean nondiabetic, normotensive subjects with and without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The correlation between insulin resistance and degree of coronary stenosis was also investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Four groups were studied: 1) nine subjects with normal glucose tolerance(NGT) without CAD, 2) 10 subjects with NGT with CAD, 3) nine subjects withimpaired glucose tolerance (IGT) without CAD, and 4) 10 subjects with IGT with CAD. Insulin sensitivity was determined by the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) method using Sandostatin. Coronary angiography was performed in all study subjects, and the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis wasquantified in a modified Gensini score. RESULTS The SSPG (millimoles per liter) levels were significantly higher in the patients with CAD compared with control subjects (control vs. patient group: 4.8 ±0.5 vs. 7.9 ± 0.9 with NGT, P < 0.05; 5.6 ± 0.5 vs. 11.1 ± 0.8 with IGT, P < 0.001), indicating the presence of insulin resistance in patients with CAD. The coronary atherosclerosis score (CAS) was significantly and positively correlated with SSPG (r = 0.74, P < 0.05) and 2-h insulin area (r = 0.78, P < 0.01) in NGT subjects with CAD. On the other hand, the percentage fall of plasma free fatty acid (0–30 min) during an insulin sensitivity test was significantly decreased in the subjects with CAD and was inversely correlated with the CAS (r = −0.43, P < 0.05), especially in NGT subjects with CAD. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that in patients with CAD, insulin-mediated glucose metabolism is significantly impaired, and a significant correlation was noted between insulin resistance and severity of CAD. Therefore, the hyperinsulinemia often observed in patients with CAD is attributable to the compensatory mechanism of the β-cell to the inadequate action of insulin for glucose metabolism. Hyperinsulinemia in the presence of insulin resistance aggravates dyslipidemia and may stimulate the atheromatous process by an as-yet-unknown mechanism.
Food intake and prevalence of obesity in Brazil: an ecological analysis

Abstract Objective To investigate the correlation between the consumption of refined carbohydrates and fats and the prevalence of obesity in the state capitals of Brazil. Design An ecological evaluation of obesity and dietary risk factors was carried out in twenty-six state capitals of Brazil. Setting Analysis was based on the age-standardized prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30·0 kg/m2) among adults aged 20–59 years. Both intake and obesity prevalence were obtained from the last National Family Household Budget Survey (HBS). The survey was conducted from July 2002 to June 2003, based on a probabilistic national sample of 48 470 households. In each household, during seven consecutive days, all monetary and non-monetary expenses for food and beverages for family consumption were transformed into energy. The relative contribution of foods and food groups was expressed as the proportion (%) of total energy. Fruits and vegetables were also measured by the quantity bought in grams. Results Prevalence of obesity varied from 5·1 % to 13·6 % among women and from 5·2 % to 17·6 % among men. For women, there were statistically significant correlations between obesity and intake of sugar and soft drinks (rS = 0·60; P = 0·001), ready-to-eat meals (rS = 0·39; P = 0·05) and potatoes (rS = 0·40; P = 0·04). For men there were no such associations. Conclusions Increasing intake of refined carbohydrates, mainly soft drinks, may play a role in the prevalence of obesity among women in Brazil. Effecting changes in family purchase patterns may be a strategy to reduce obesity.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blocker Prevents Atrial Structural Remodeling in Rats with Hypertension Induced by Chronic Nitric Oxide Inhibition

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases in patients with hypertension. Angiotensin II is involved in structural atrial remodeling, which contributes to the onset and maintenance of AF in paced animal models. We investigated the role of angiotensin II in atrial structural remodeling in rats with hypertension. Ten-week-old male Wistar-Kyoto rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group (no treatment), an Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group (administered L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, 1 g/l in drinking water), an L-NAME+candesartan group (L-NAME plus candesartan—an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)—at 0.1 mg/kg/day), and an L-NAME+hydralazine group (L-NAME plus hydralazine at 120 mg/l in drinking water). Eight weeks after treatment, the L-NAME group showed significantly higher systolic blood pressure than the control group (197±12 vs.138±5 mmHg, p<0.05). Candesartan or hydralazine with L-NAME reduced systolic blood pressure to baseline. Chronic inhibition of NO synthesis increased the extent of fibrosis and transforming growth factor-β expression in atrial tissue, and both of these effects were prevented by candesartan, but not by hydralazine. Cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction were induced in the L-NAME group, and these effects were also prevented by candesartan, but not by hydralazine. In contrast, the decrease in thrombomodulin expression in the atrial endocardium in hypertensive rats was restored by candesartan and hydralazine. The ARB prevented atrial structural remodeling, a possible contributing factor for the development of AF, in the hearts of rats with hypertension induced by long-term inhibition of NO synthesis.