Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Healing of surgically created circumferential gap around non-submerged-type implants in dogs: a histomorphometric study.

OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to evaluate the healing of surgically created circumferential gaps around non-submerged-type implants according to varying size and healing periods in dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS In four mongrel dogs, all mandible premolars were extracted and after an 8-week healing period, non-submerged-type implants were placed. Circumferential coronal defects around the implants were performed surgically with a customized tapered step drill. Groups were divided according to the width of the coronal gaps: 1, 1.5, or 2 mm. First the right side of the mandible was prepared, and after 8 weeks, the left side was prepared. The dogs were sacrificed following an 8-week healing period. Specimens were analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically. RESULTS As the size of the coronal gap increased, the unfilled area tended to be greater. In terms of bone-to-implant contact and bone density, both the 1 and 1.5 mm groups showed a larger percentage of coronal defect than the apical side, while the 2 mm group showed contrary results in the 8-week groups. The general histologic features in the 16-week groups were similar to the findings of 8-week groups but were more matured, with a higher percentage of lamellar bone. A certain amount of bone filling and osseointegration was observed in the defects of all the groups. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that the remaining defect, small enough to be clinically neglected, irrespective of gap size within 2 mm, does not need any kind of regenerating procedures.
Recent clinical trials of hydroxyzine in generalized anxiety disorder

Numerous clinical trials in the 1960s and 1970s have attested to the anxiolytic efficacy of hydroxyzine and its beneficial effect on sleep, as well as in reducing stress and anxiety associated with coronary disease. Experience with hydroxyzine has also shown a lack of organ toxicity and an absence of dependency. Recent controlled clinical trials with hydroxyzine have confirmed its efficacy (at a fixed dose of 50 mg) in generalized anxiety disorder superiority over placebo on all anxiety measures from the first week with early target symptoms which are grouped in a cognitive component of anxiety. Efficacy was maintained throughout the 4 weeks of treatment and after abrupt discontinuation. In another controlled trial vs. lorazepam, hydroxyzine demonstrated greater and more rapid cognitive improvement.
Attitudes toward prophylactic oophorectomy and screening utilization in women at increased risk of developing hereditary breast/ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian cancer screening uptake and attitudes toward prophylactic oophorectomy in women at risk of developing hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. STUDY METHODS Ninety-five unaffected women, who approached 1 of 14 familial cancer clinics for advice about their breast/ovarian cancer risk and surveillance and prophylactic options, were assessed in a cross-sectional design when they attended the clinic. RESULTS Among high-risk women ages 30 and over who had not had a prophylactic oophorectomy, 48% reported ever having had an ovarian ultrasound, and among women ages 50 and over 23% had had a serum CA 125 test. Twenty-three percent of women would consider, and 27% would not consider, a prophylactic oophorectomy should the genetic test indicate a germline mutation associated with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer, while 38% were unsure. Twelve percent had already undergone a prophylactic oophorectomy. Interest in prophylactic oophorectomy was associated with increased breast/ovarian cancer anxiety (chi(2) = 5.14, P = 0.023), but not objective cancer risk (chi(2) = 0.40, P = 0.53). CONCLUSION Findings demonstrate that breast/ovarian cancer anxiety, rather than objective risk, is the major factor which determines women's attitude to prophylactic oophorectomy. Women are likely to benefit from interventions aimed at reducing breast/ovarian cancer anxiety. Research on the impact of prophylactic oophorectomy would be helpful in the development of educational strategies and decision aids to assist women who are trying to make a decision under conditions of uncertainty.
Magnesium Intake, Quality of Carbohydrates, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Results From Three U.S. Cohorts

OBJECTIVE Magnesium intake is inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes in many observational studies, but few have assessed this association in the context of the carbohydrate quality of the diet. We hypothesized that higher magnesium intake is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in the context of a poor carbohydrate–quality diet characterized by low cereal fiber or high glycemic index (GI) or glycemic load (GL). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS; 1984–2012, n = 69,176), NHS2 (1991–2013, n = 91,471), and the Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study (1986–2012, n = 42,096), dietary intake was assessed from food frequency questionnaires every 4 years. Type 2 diabetes was ascertained by biennial and supplementary questionnaires. We calculated multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) of magnesium intake and incident diabetes, adjusted for age, BMI, family history of diabetes, physical activity, smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, GL, energy intake, alcohol, cereal fiber, polyunsaturated fats, trans fatty acids, and processed meat, and we considered the joint associations of magnesium and carbohydrate quality on diabetes risk. RESULTS We documented 17,130 incident cases of type 2 diabetes over 28 years of follow-up. In pooled analyses across the three cohorts, those with the highest magnesium intake had 15% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared with those with the lowest intake (pooled multivariate HR in quintile 5 vs. 1: 0.85 [95% CI 0.80–0.91], P < 0.0001). Higher magnesium intake was more strongly associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes among participants with high GI or low cereal fiber than among those with low GI or high cereal fiber (both P interaction <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Higher magnesium intake is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in the context of lower carbohydrate–quality diets.
The influence of socio-economic status on casual blood pressures of the adult Nigerians

Background Studies into social inequalities in health tend to focus more on parental socio-economic status (SES) as it affects the children. We aimed to test the hypothesis that socio-economic inequalities would not affect the casual blood pressure among Nigerian adults. Methods and results Resting blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate of 1067 sedentary adults were measured. Rate pressure product and pulse pressure were later calculated. Second, a structured questionnaire, which objectively assessed the SES of the subjects, was administered. Subsequently, a self-rating SES ladder was employed to classify the subjects into different socio-economic groups. This was used as a check for the structured questionnaire. A Pearson product correlation coefficient comparing the two outcome measures revealed a high correlation (r=0.951, P<0.01). Socio-economic status was found to have an inverse significant (P<0.05) effect on systolic pressure, heart rate and pulse pressure. The 95th centile blood pressure obtained was 154/91 mmHg. Conclusion Low SES is associated with development of hypertension among the Nigerian adults.
Combined‐modality therapy for squamous carcinoma of the buccal mucosa: Treatment results and prognostic factors

Reports on locoregional control and survival of squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa are scarce in literature. In this study, a single institution's experience of combined surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (RT) for buccal mucosal malignancy with favorable results was analyzed and presented. The prognostic factors on locoregional control were also discussed.
Estradiol is associated with mortality in critically ill trauma and surgical patients

Objective:Sexual dimorphism (variation in outcome related to sex) after trauma–hemorrhage and sepsis is well documented in animals, with the pro-estrus state being proinflammatory and associated with a survival advantage. Although some observational studies confirm this pattern in humans, others demonstrate no difference in mortality. Estrogens are important modulators of the inflammatory response and insulin resistance in humans and have been linked to increased mortality during sepsis. Our objective was to determine whether sex hormone levels were associated with outcomes in critically ill surgical patients. Design:Prospective cohort. Patients:A total of 301 adult critically ill or injured surgical patients remaining in the intensive care unit for ≥48 hrs at two academic medical centers. Interventions:None. Measurements:Blood was collected 48 hrs after intensive care unit admission and assayed for sex hormones (estradiol, testosterone, prolactin, and progesterone) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-&agr; and interleukin-1, -2, -4, -6, -8, and -10). Demographic and outcome data were also collected. Main Results:Estradiol was significantly higher in nonsurvivors (p < .001). Analysis by quartiles of estradiol demonstrated greater than a three-fold increase in the mortality rate for the highest vs. the lowest estradiol quartiles (29% vs. 8%, p < .001). Estradiol was also higher in nonsurvivors. An estradiol level of 100 pg/mL was associated with an odds ratio for death of 4.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.56–13.0) compared with a reference estradiol level of 45 pg/mL. Conclusions:We conclude that serum estradiol correlates with mortality in critically ill and injured surgical patients and discuss potential mechanisms for this observation.
Thallium Redistribution in Dogs with Severe Coronary Artery Stenosis of Fixed Caliber

Patients with severe coronary artery disease may have defects on initial rest myocardial thallium-201 (Tl-201) images which fill in over time. To study the time course and mechanism for this defect disappearance, a canine model of persistent reduction in regional myocardial blood flow was created using partial left anterior descending coronary occlusion with a balloon cuff. Radiolabeled microspheres to determine regional myocardial blood flow and Tl-201 were administered 20-30 minutes after constriction, and one group of dogs (n = 7) was killed 10 minutes, another group (n = 1)2 hours, and a third group (n = 6) 4 hours ater Tl-201 administration. Microspheres also were given immediately prior to death in the 2- and 4-hour groups and demonstrated no significant change in regional myocardial blood flow compared to 10 minutes. In the regions with 20-100% of normal flow, a linear correlation was demonstrated between 10-minute blood flow and Tl-201 activity at 10 minutes (r = 0.91; P < 0.001), 2 hours (r = 0.79; P < 0.001), and 4 hours (r = 0.66; P < 0.01) after Tl-201 administration. The slopes of the regression lines (Tl-201 vs. flow) became progressively lower between 10 minutes, 2 hours, and 4 hours, with a Tl-201 excess relative to flow in the ischemic flow zone. This was consistent with a relative increase in Tl-201 activity in the ischemic zone compared to the nonischemic zone and resolution of Tl-201 defects observed clinically. To determine the change in absolute myocardial activity of Tl-201, dogs in the 4-hour group also had transmural myocardial drill biopsies of both ischemic anterior and nonischemic posterior wall at 10 minutes after Tl-201 administration and immediately prior to death. These biopsies demonstrated that development of the Tl-201 excess relative to flow was significantly related to both release of Tl-201 from the nonischemic zone and accumulation of Tl-201 in the ischemic zone. These data show that the deficit of Tl-201 in an underperfused zone distal to a persistent severe coronary artery stenosis slowly resolves over time and that this resolution does not require restoration of normal blood flow. Both accumulation of Tl-201 in the ischemic zone and release from the nonischemic zone account for resolution of an initial Tl-201 deficit. Circ Res 48: 439-446, 1981
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of some antibiotics against Vibrio cholerae O139 isolates from Pondicherry

The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Vibrio cholerae O139, Bengal, an emerging intestinal pathogen has been determined by the Kirby Bauer technique and the MIC values of some antibiotics against these strains by agar dilution technique. All the strains were susceptible to tetracycline, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and a majority was susceptible to gentamicin (95·7%) and nalidixic acid (82·9%). Only 51% were susceptible to cefotaxime and most strains were resistant to furazolidone (95·7%), ampicillin (87·3%) and co-trimoxazole (91·5%). The study shows the importance of judicious use of antibiotics in cholera cases and the need for monitoring the susceptibility status of these strains particularly because of their ability to cause extra-intestinal infections like septicaemia.
Setup for the Measurement of Apparent Mass Matrix of Standing Subjects

This paper describes a system for the measurement of the apparent mass (AM) matrix of standing subjects. The system uses two electrodynamic shakers to generate vibrations along two mutually perpendicular axes (vertical and horizontal) and allows the identification of the full AM matrix with two tests, in which the standing subject is exposed to vertical excitation combined in turn with fore-and-aft and lateral vibration. A 3-D force platform measures the forces and the torques transmitted from the vibrating platform to the feet. The force platform, set up with piezoelectric load cells, has been designed in order to obtain a measurement bandwidth of 20 Hz. The supports of different load cells are meant to minimize bending moments on the sensors and to minimize the axes crosstalk. The force platform has been calibrated with a least-squares approach, using reference masses and a dynamometric hammer. The AM uncertainty, evaluated through the experiments' repeatability and reproducibility, is lower than 3.4% along the three axes (confidence level 68%). The measurement bandwidth is 20 Hz (±2%) and the crosstalk between orthogonal axes is lower than 5%, in accordance with the design requirements.
An update on mammography use in Canada.

BACKGROUND This article updates mammography use by Canadian women aged 50 to 69, and reports trends from 1990 to 2008 among the provinces. Characteristics of non-users are examined. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS Data from the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used to update mammography use and to examine factors associated with non-use. Historical estimates were produced using the 2000/2001,2003 and 2005 CCHS, the 1994/1995, 1996/1997 and 1998/1999 National Population Health Survey and the 1990 Health Promotion Survey. Frequency estimates, cross-tabulations and logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS In 2008, 72% of women aged 50 to 69 reported having had a mammogram in the past two years, up from 40% in 1990. The increase occurred from 1990 to 2000/2001; rates then stabilized. Between 1990 and 2000/2001, the difference in participation between women in the highest and lowest income quintiles gradually narrowed-from a 26- to a 12-percentage-point difference. In 2008, the disparity widened to 18 percentage points. Non-use was high in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut. Non-use was associated with being an immigrant, living in a lower income household, not having a regular doctor and smoking.
Navigation and the mobility of older drivers.

OBJECTIVES Age related difficulties in navigating are believed to restrict driving mobility. A decline in mobility can have negative implications for peoples' well-being and independence. This problem may be more serious than the increased risk of collision that occurs with old age. The aim of this research was to determine the extent to which age-related difficulties in navigating restrict car travel. METHODS A postal questionnaire survey of 1,186 United Kingdom (U.K.) motorists (aged 21 to 85 years) was conducted to determine more about people's mobility, the restrictions to their driving, and their driving experience. RESULTS As predicted, respondents were found to report more navigation problems with increasing old age. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that navigation problems relate to reduced mobility (miles per week, trips per week, and average driving frequency) when controlling for other predictors of mobility (age, gender, employment, health, residential location, fitness, and ability to afford driving). DISCUSSION This research highlights the need to have better navigational support for drivers, particularly elderly drivers. Improved roads signs and in-vehicle navigation aids are two solutions that might help enhance the mobility of elderly drivers.
Phylogenetic and in silico structural analysis of the Parkinson disease‐related kinase PINK1

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Mutations in PINK1 were shown to cause recessive familial PD, and today are proposed to be associated with the disease via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage. The PINK1 gene comprises eight exons, which encode a ubiquitously expressed 581 amino acid protein that contains an N‐terminal mitochondrial targeting domain and a serine/threonine protein kinase. To better understand the relationship between PINK1 and PD we have first analyzed the evolutionary history of the gene showing its late emergence in evolution. In addition, we have modeled the three‐dimensional structure of PINK1 and found some evidences that help to explain the effect of some PD‐related mutations in this protein's function. Hum Mutat 32:369–378, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further Studies on the Standardization of Neonatal Bilirubin

Certain problems in the standardization of direct-reading instruments (bilirubinometers) were investigated. It was shown that the combination of wavelength setting and choice of pH is very important with respect to the standard to be used. It is emphasized that in fact there is no synthetic bilirubin standard which can be used as primary standard. Reasons are given why the only pragmentic solution proved to be a pool of neonatal serum.
Modulation of fibroblast type I collagen and fibronectin production by bovine bronchial epithelial cells.

To elucidate bronchial epithelial cell (BEC)-fibroblast interactions with regard to extracellular matrix production, bovine BECs were cultured, and conditioned media were assayed for their effects on fibroblast extracellular matrix production. Bovine BECs were prepared by protease digestion and grown in serum-free medium. When confluent, 48-h conditioned medium (CM) was collected and added to confluent human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL-1) with 10 micrograms/ml ascorbic acid every other day. Type I collagen and fibronectin production from fibroblasts were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fifty percent BEC CM caused an increase in type I collagen (582 +/- 92 pg/10(3) cells/h versus 220 +/- 42, P < 0.001) and in fibronectin (1,422 +/- 60 pg/10(3) cells/h versus 360 +/- 24, P < 0.001) production after 4 days. These observations were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography in HFL-1 cultures labeled with [14C]proline. Dose-dependent stimulation was observed in response to BEC CM. Stimulation of macromolecule release was accompanied by increased steady-state fibronectin and alpha 1 (I) collagen mRNA levels. Sephadex G-150 column chromatography of BEC CM revealed two distinct peaks of activity at approximate molecular weights of 25 kD and > 66 kD. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-neutralizing antibody blocked the activity of both peaks, suggesting that TGF-beta produced by the epithelial cells may drive fibroblast matrix production and that a TGF-beta binding substance may be present, or that TGF-beta aggregation may occur. Because some partially purified preparations had increased stimulatory activity compared to crude supernatants, potential inhibitors of matrix production were also sought. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ultrasound visualization of the human yolk sac

Ultrasound scanning in early pregnancy sometimes reveals a 2–5‐mm spheric structure lying adjacent to the fetus. The occurrence of this structure was studied in 60 consecutive ultrasound examinations. In the 7th to 9th weeks the sphere was seen in 19 of 22 examinations, and in the 10th and 11th weeks it was seen in 10 of 20 examinations. The sphere was not demonstrated in any of 18 examinations in the 12th to 14th weeks. It is believed that the spheric structure is the yolk sac.
Iron deficiency and anaemia in heart failure: understanding the FAIR‐HF trial

Treatment of anaemia in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction has traditionally focused on erythropoietin‐stimulating agents. However, recent studies have shown that treatment with intravenous (IV) iron can improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients with CHF and iron deficiency (ID), with or without anaemia. The management of ID is becoming an important therapeutic target in patients with CHF, and in this article, we will review iron metabolism in the context of anaemia and heart failure. We will also focus on the importance of diagnosing and treating ID, preferably with IV iron preparations, in patients with CHF.
A Prospective Study of Fourniers Gangrenes' Natural History

Background: Fournier’s gangrene is a rare, rapidly progressive, necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia and perineum. Case series have shown a mortality rate of 20% to 40% with an incidence of as high as 88% in some reports. In this study we aimed to share our experience in the management of Fournier’s gangrene and to identify risk factors that affect mortality. Methods: Prospective study of 15 patients. Risk factors,microbiological finding, lab investigations, treatment and outcome are analysed Results: Finally for all the patients underwent debridement of necrotic tissues. secondary suturing was done in 60% cases, SSG applied in 20% cases, rest of the cases wound closed spontaneously. Conclusion: Fournier’s gangrene is still a very severe disease with high mortality rates. Early recognition of infection associated with invasive and aggressive treatment is essential for attempting to reduce these prognostic indices
HIV-positive women in northeast Brazil: Tubal sterilization, medical recommendation and reproductive rights

Abstract Tubal sterilization is the most common contraceptive method used by Brazilian HIV-positive women. This cross sectional study describes the main reasons why HIV-positive women decide to be sterilized and identifies factors associated with choosing sterilization in HIV-positive women in Ceará, northeast Brazil. Data from 229 non-sterilized women, 80 women sterilized before HIV diagnosis and 48 women sterilized after diagnosis were analysed. Of the women sterilized after HIV diagnosis, 96% had the procedure done in the postpartum, during a caesarean section. No desire for more children was the most common appointed reason to be sterilized (39.6%), followed by medical recommendation because of HIV (31.3%). Seventy-nine women (28.5%) had a child after HIV diagnosis. Of those, 46 (58.2%) were sterilized in the postpartum. Factors associated with sterilization for HIV-positive women were: having a child after diagnosis (AOR: 120.9; 95%CI: 27.8–525.4) and having at least three children (AOR: 2.8; 95%CI: 1.1–7.1). It is recommended that non-coercive counselling should be provided so that HIV-positive women can make informed decisions on their reproductive options.