Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Surface Treatments and Thermocycling on Bond Strength of a Silicone-based Denture Liner to a Denture Base Resin.

AIM The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of three different surface treatments and thermocycling on the tensile strength of a silicone lining material to denture resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 96 cube-shaped specimens were fabricated using heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin. Three millimeters of the material was cut from the midsection. The specimens were divided into four groups. The bonding surfaces of the specimens in each group received one of the following surface treatments: no surface treatment (control group), airborne particle abrasion with 110 pirn alumina particles (air abrasion group), Er:yttrium aluminum garnet laser irradiation (laser group), and air abrasion + laser. After the lining materials were processed between the two PMMA blocks, each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 12), either stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours or thermocycled between 5 and 55°C for 5,000 cycles. The specimens were tested in tensile and shear strength in a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance and Tamhane's post hoc tests (α = 0.05). The mode of failure was determined, and one specimen in each group was examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Surface-treated groups demonstrated significantly higher tensile strengths compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, no significant differences were found between surface-treated groups (p > 0.05). The tensile strength was significantly different between thermocycled and water-stored specimens (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION Altering the surface of the acrylic denture base resin with air abrasion, laser, and air abrasion + laser increased the tensile strength. Thermocycling resulted in decrease in bond strength of silicone-based liner to surface-treated acrylic resin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Pretreatment of denture base resins before applying the soft liner materials improves the bond strength. However, thermocycling results in decrease in bond strength of soft denture liner to surface-treated acrylic resin.
[Resonance frequency analysis in immediate loading of dental implants].

Immediate loading of dental implants aims to shorten treatment time. Stability at implant insertion is critical to success. The aim of this prospective study is to compare primary implant stability, measured by insertion torque (IT) with resonance frequency analysis (RFA) expressed as ISQ. Patients requiring implant therapy were treated by teeth extractions, placement of 1-9 MIS implants, bone augmentation as needed and fixed provisional restorations. We measured IT and ISQ for non-submerged loaded (NSL), non-submerged non loaded (NSNL) and submerged (S) implants. 14 patients, aged 34-79 years, were recruited. 53 implants were inserted (38 maxillary & 15 mandibular). 30 implants, 18 in fresh extraction sites, were immediately loaded. ISQ was 63.3 +/- 2.8 (S.E.), 67.2 +/- 3.5 (S.E.) and 58.8 +/- 2.7 for the NSL, NSNL and S groups, respectively (p = 0.0459). IT was 40.4 +/- 1.8 Ncm, 46 +/- 4.0 and 35.3 +/- 2.1 (p = 0.0646). ISQ and IT were not statistically different between extraction vs. non-extraction and augmented vs. non-augmented sites. We found a significant difference in IT between maxillary & mandibular sites, and a significant correlation between ISQ & IT and between ISQ & implant diameter. These data suggest that ISQ is correlated to IT and is influenced mainly by implant diameter and not by implant length, location or bone level. Finally, a case including immediate implants, bone augmentation and immediate provisional restoration is presented.
Electron microscopy of frozen hydrated sections of vitreous ice and vitrified biological samples

The preparation and high resolution observation of frozen hydrated thin sections has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM and STEM) on model systems, including pure water, protein solutions, catalase crystals, myelin sheath and various tissues. The state of the ice is determined by electron diffraction. Mass measurement in the electron microscope is used to determine section thickness and control hydration. An adequate depth of vitrified material for sectioning can be obtained from many biological suspensions or untreated tissues. Frozen hydrated sections around 100 nm thick can be produced under optimal conditions from vitreous ice or from vitrified biological samples. Sectioning, transfer and observation in the electron microscope is feasible without alteration of the sample hydration or its initial vitrification. Biological structures can be preserved and observed down to 10 nm. Under favourable working conditions, specimen compression during sectioning and electron beam damage are the factors limiting high resolution observations.
Effect of yoga on oxidative stress in elderly with grade-I hypertension: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Hypertension, especially in elderly is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the underlying cause of hypertension. Yoga has been found to control hypertension in the elderly, but the underlying benefits of mechanism in relation to oxidative stress regulation remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of yoga on oxidative stress in elderly with Grade-I hypertension. METHODS An open parallel-arm randomised controlled study was conducted at BLDE University's Shri B.M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, India on elderly male individuals with Grade-I hypertension (n=57, age 60-80 years). Study (Yoga) group was assigned for yoga intervention and control group for walking for one hour in the morning for six days in a week for three months under the supervision of yoga instructor and physical training instructor respectively. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of oxidative stress and antioxidants such as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C levels were estimated. RESULTS Yoga practice for three months has significantly reduced serum MDA level (p<0.001), and enhanced antioxidants level such as SOD activity (p=0.007), serum GSH (p=0.002) and vitamin C (p=0.002). In the control group, we observed a significant increase in serum MDA level (p=0.04) and reduction in serum vitamin C level (p=0.015) with no significant difference in the SOD activity and GSH level. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that yoga is an effective means to reduce oxidative stress and to improve antioxidant defense in elderly hypertensive individuals.
ComE/ComE∼P interplay dictates activation or extinction status of pneumococcal X‐state (competence)

Since 1996, induction of competence for genetic transformation of Streptococcus pneumoniae is known to be controlled by the ComD/ComE two‐component regulatory system. The mechanism of induction is generally described as involving ComD autophosphorylation, transphosphorylation of ComE and transcriptional activation by ComE∼P of the early competence (com) genes, including comX which encodes the competence‐specific σX. However, none of these features has been experimentally established. Here we document the autokinase activity of ComD proteins in vitro, and provide an estimate of the stoichiometry of ComD and ComE in vivo. We report that a phosphorylmimetic mutant, ComED58E, constructed because of the failure to detect transphosphorylation of purified ComE in vitro, displays full spontaneous competence in ΔcomD cells, an that in vitro ComED58E exhibits significantly improved binding affinity for PcomCDE. We also provide evidence for a differential transcriptional activation and repression of PcomCDE and PcomX. Altogether, these data support the model of ComE∼P‐dependent activation of transcription. Finally, we establish that ComE antagonizes expression of the early com genes and propose that the rapid deceleration of transcription from PcomCDE observed even in cells lacking σX is due to the progressive accumulation of ComE, which outcompetes ComE∼P.
IL-33 Precedes IL-5 in Regulating Eosinophil Commitment and Is Required for Eosinophil Homeostasis

Eosinophils are important in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and eczema. Whereas IL-5 is crucial for supporting mature eosinophils (EoMs), the signals that support earlier eosinophil lineage events are less defined. The IL-33R, ST2, is expressed on several inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, and is best characterized for its role during the initiation of allergic responses in peripheral tissues. Recently, ST2 expression was described on hematopoietic progenitor subsets, where its function remains controversial. Our findings demonstrate that IL-33 is required for basal eosinophil homeostasis, because both IL-33– and ST2-deficient mice exhibited diminished peripheral blood eosinophil numbers at baseline. Exogenous IL-33 administration increased EoMs in both the bone marrow and the periphery in wild-type and IL-33–deficient, but not ST2-deficient, mice. Systemic IL-5 was also increased under this treatment, and blocking IL-5 with a neutralizing Ab ablated the IL-33–induced EoM expansion. The homeostatic hypereosinophilia seen in IL-5–transgenic mice was significantly lower with ST2 deficiency despite similar elevations in systemic IL-5. Finally, in vitro treatment of bone marrow cells with IL-33, but not IL-5, led to specific early expansion of IL-5Rα–expressing precursor cells. In summary, our findings establish a basal defect in eosinophilopoiesis in IL-33– and ST2-deficient mice and a mechanism whereby IL-33 supports EoMs by driving both systemic IL-5 production and the expansion of IL-5Rα–expressing precursor cells.
How effective is alcoholism treatment in the United States?

OBJECTIVE Following in the footsteps of several prior attempts, this review seeks a meaningful and data-based answer to the common question of how people fare, on average, after being treated for alcoholism (broadly defined as alcohol use disorders). METHOD Findings from seven large multisite studies were combined to derive estimates of the average effectiveness of alcoholism treatment. To provide common outcome measures, conversion equations were used to compute variables not reported in the original studies. RESULTS During the year after treatment, 1 in 4 clients remained continuously abstinent on average, and an additional 1 in 10 used alcohol moderately and without problems. During this period, mortality averaged less than 2%. The remaining clients, as a group, showed substantial improvement, abstaining on 3 days out of 4 and reducing their overall alcohol consumption by 87%, on average. Alcohol-related problems also decreased by 60%. CONCLUSIONS About one third of clients remain asymptomatic during the year following a single treatment event. The remaining two thirds show, on average, large and significant decreases in drinking and related problems. This substantial level of improvement in "unremitted" clients tends to be overlooked when outcomes are dichotomized as successful or relapsed.
From the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery Endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair : Duplex ultrasound imaging is better than computed tomography at determining the need for intervention

Objective: Color duplex ultrasound (CDU) imaging is a noninvasive alternative to computed tomography (CT) for the detection of endoleak. This study compared CT and CDU imaging in the detection of endoleaks requiring intervention after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: All EVARs performed at our institution from 1996 to 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. CDU and CT scans <3 months were paired and the presence of an endoleak and its type were recorded. Clinical follow-up was reviewed and interventions for endoleak were recorded. Interventions were performed for type I, for type II with sac enlargement, and for type III endoleaks. The first analysis of clinical test outcomes used the findings of CT scan as a gold standard and the second used the findings at time of intervention as a gold standard. Results: During the time period reviewed, 496 patients underwent EVAR, and 236 of these had CDU and CT follow-up studies paired <3 months of each other. Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, <1-111 months). We reviewed 944 studies or 472 pairs. Eighteen patients (7.6%) required intervention for 19 endoleaks: six type I, 11 type II, and two type III. Early endoleak (<1 month) requiring reintervention was detected in 1 vs late endoleak (mean, 28 months; range, 0.6-88 months) in 18. All type I and III endoleaks were treated with endovascular cuff or limb extension placement. Three type II endoleaks were treated with open ligation, and coil or glue embolization was used in eight. CDU imaging detected endoleaks requiring intervention in 89% of cases, whereas CT detected endoleak in 58% (P < .05). The ability to correctly identify the type of endoleak as confirmed at time of intervention was 74% with CDU imaging vs 42% by CT (P < .05). CDU, for the detection of endoleak requiring intervention, had a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 81%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 99%, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 16%, while CT had a sensitivity of 58%, specificity of 87%, NPV of 98%, and PPV of 15%. Conclusions: CDU imaging has a high sensitivity in detecting endoleaks requiring intervention, is better at identifying the type of endoleak, and is an excellent test for graft surveillance after endovascular aneurysm repair. Compared with CT scan, CDU imaging in our experience is the preferred test on which to base an intervention for endoleak. (J Vasc Surg 2009;50:1012-8.)
Randomized clinical trial comparing family-based treatment with adolescent-focused individual therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

CONTEXT Evidence-based treatment trials for adolescents with anorexia nervosa are few. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relative efficacy of family-based treatment (FBT) and adolescent-focused individual therapy (AFT) for adolescents with anorexia nervosa in full remission. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Stanford University and The University of Chicago (April 2005 until March 2009). PARTICIPANTS One hundred twenty-one participants, aged 12 through 18 years, with DSM-IV diagnosis of anorexia nervosa excluding the amenorrhea requirement. Intervention Twenty-four outpatient hours of treatment over 12 months of FBT or AFT. Participants were assessed at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and 6 months' and 12 months' follow-up posttreatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Full remission from anorexia nervosa defined as normal weight (≥95% of expected for sex, age, and height) and mean global Eating Disorder Examination score within 1 SD of published means. Secondary outcome measures included partial remission rates (>85% of expected weight for height plus those who were in full remission) and changes in body mass index percentile and eating-related psychopathology. RESULTS There were no differences in full remission between treatments at EOT. However, at both the 6- and 12-month follow-up, FBT was significantly superior to AFT on this measure. Family-based treatment was significantly superior for partial remission at EOT but not at follow-up. In addition, body mass index percentile at EOT was significantly superior for FBT, but this effect was not found at follow-up. Participants in FBT also had greater changes in Eating Disorder Examination score at EOT than those in AFT, but there were no differences at follow-up. CONCLUSION Although both treatments led to considerable improvement and were similarly effective in producing full remission at EOT, FBT was more effective in facilitating full remission at both follow-up points. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00149786.
Relationship of daytime blood pressure and severity of obstructive sleep apnea among Chinese: a multi-center investigation in China.

BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies have shown an independent and definite association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension. This study aimed to define the association between daytime blood pressure and severity of OSA in Chinese population in mainland of China. METHODS Twenty university hospital sleep centers in mainland of China were invited by the Chinese Medical Association (CMA) to participate in this epidemiologic study and 2297 consecutive patients (aged 18 - 85 years; 1981 males and 316 females) referred to these twenty sleep centers for evaluation of OSA between January 2004 and April 2006 were prospectively enrolled. Nocturnal polysomnography was performed in each patient, and disease severity was assessed based on the apneahypopnea index (AHI). These patients were classfied into four groups: nonapneic control (control, n = 257) with AHI < or = 5 episodes/hour; mild sleep apnea (mild, n = 402) with AHI > 5 and < or = 15 episodes/hour; moderate sleep apnea (moderate, n = 460) with AHI > 15 and < or = 30 episodes/hour and severe sleep apnea (severe, n = 1178) with AHI > 30 episodes/hour. Daytime blood pressure measurements were performed under standardized conditions in each patient at 10 a.m. in office on the day of referring to sleep centers for getting average value. All the patients were requested to quit medications related to blood pressure for three days before the day of assessing. RESULTS Both daytime systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure values were significantly related to AHI positively (r = 0.201 and 0.276, respectively; both P values < 0.001) and to nadir nocturnal oxygen saturation negatively (r = -0.215 and -0.277, respectively; both P values < 0.001), which were the parameters of OSA severity. In two special designed mean plots, means of daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased gradually with increasing AHI. Beyond AHI of 61 - 65, this increasing trend reached a plateau. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that OSA severity was associated with daytime blood pressure until AHI of 61 - 65, providing evidence for early OSA management, especially in OSA patients with concomitant hypertension.
The age-associated decline of androgens in reproductive age and menopausal Black and White women.

CONTEXT The effect of race and obesity on the age-associated decline of androgens in reproductive-aged and menopausal women has not been well characterized. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine the impact of racial differences and body mass index (BMI) on the change in androgen levels during a woman's reproductive and early menopausal years. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a frequency-matched cross-sectional study at a tertiary academic medical center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Subjects included 260 healthy, nonhirsute and eumenorrheic, self-identified Black and White women, ages 15-60 yr. INTERVENTIONS A medical and reproductive history, physical exam, and blood sampling were determined in the fasting state during the early follicular phase. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum levels of androgens or androgen metabolites (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and total and free testosterone) and SHBG were measured and the BMI, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and the basal insulin resistance estimated by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance determined. RESULTS After controlling for differences in BMI, insulin resistance, and WHR, Black women had lower androgen levels than age-matched White women. All androgens, or androgen metabolites, declined similarly across the reproductive lifespan and menopausal transition in both Black and White women. Race was a significant predictor of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and total and free testosterone but not SHBG. CONCLUSIONS Eumenorrheic, nonhirsute Black women have a lower range of normal androgen levels than White women of the same age, BMI, WHR, and homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance. Race and age-adjusted data should be considered when evaluating androgen levels in women between the ages of 15 and 60 yr.
Adiponectin: from obesity to cardiovascular disease

Adiponectin is an adipokine whose biosynthesis is deranged in obesity and diabetes mellitus, predisposing to atherosclerosis. Evidence suggests that adiponectin has anti‐atherogenic properties by improving endothelial function and having anti‐inflammatory effects in the vascular wall. In addition, adiponectin modifies vascular intracellular redox signalling and exerts indirect antioxidant effects on human myocardium. However, its clinical role in cardiovascular disease is obscure. Adiponectin's positive prognostic value in coronary artery disease had been widely supported over the last years, but this view has been questioned recently. High adiponectin levels are paradoxically associated with poorer prognosis in heart failure syndrome. These controversial findings seem surprising as adiponectin has been viewed overall as an anti‐atherogenic molecule. Therefore, any certain conclusion about adiponectin's role in cardiovascular disease seems premature. Despite the rapidly accumulating literature on this adipokine, it is still unclear whether adiponectin is a key mediator or a bystander in cardiovascular disease. It is still uncertain whether adiponectin levels have any clinical significance for risk stratification in cardiovascular disease or they just reflect the activation of complex and opposing underlying mechanisms. Circulating adiponectin levels should be interpreted with caution, as they may have completely different prognostic value, depending on the underlying disease state.
Chromoblastomycosis: a review of 100 cases in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

BACKGROUND If not diagnosed earlier, chromoblastomycosis has a chronic evolutional course that may cause several problems, such as difficulty in managing therapy because of the recrudescent character of the disease, potential association with the growth of epidermoid carcinoma in affected regions, and poor quality of life and work incapacity to the patient. Although infrequent, new cases are reported in the state of Rio Grande do Sul every year, ratifying the necessity for further studies on this disease. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to review clinical features and response to therapy in patients with chromoblastomycosis and present data on the demography and history of this disease in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS We reviewed case records of 100 patients with skin lesions caused by chromoblastomycosis, who were treated between 1963 and 1998. The cases were confirmed by the histopathologic and mycologic analyses made by the Dermatology Service of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital. RESULTS There was a predominance of male patients (4:1) and of white farmers whose ages ranged from 50 to 59 years, with lesions on their lower limbs. Most of them were from the northern regions of the state. The average time between the appearance of the disease and medical diagnosis was 14 years. The verrucous type proved to be the most frequently reported lesion (53%). Thorn wounds were associated with the disease in 16% of the cases. Lesions uncommon to some parts of the body were also reported. In two of the cases, cutaneous lesions caused by paracoccidioidomycosis and chromoblastomycosis were found in the same patient. Epidermoid carcinoma was found in the same parts of the body affected by chromoblastomycosis. Eumycotic mycetoma and chromoblastomycosis were associated. Fonsecaea pedrosoi was found in 96% of the cases, and Phialophora verrucosa in 4% of the cases. CONCLUSION In our study, we observed a predominance of cases in the regions of Missões and Alto Uruguay, followed by the upper and lower northeastern slopes and the lowlands. Severe cases of chromoblastomycosis with intense skin involvement (eg, lesions with carcinoma) were observed. Statistical analysis showed recrudescence of the disease in 43% of cases despite the treatment used.