Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of the Brixton Spatial Anticipation Test in Stroke: Ecological Validity and Performance Characteristics

Executive dysfunction predicts functional recovery post-stroke. However, traditional neuropsychological tests have limitations with this population due to required verbal response, complex motor response, and lengthy administration time. This study examined the ecological validity and performance characteristics of a relatively new measure of executive function, the Brixton Spatial Anticipation Test, which does not place the aforementioned demands on these patients. A total of 57 ischemic stroke patients with frontal lobe and subcortical lesions were administered the Brixton, on average 2 weeks post-stroke, during inpatient rehabilitation and assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) upon discharge. Brixton performance was significantly correlated with the FIM Total and FIM Cognitive Subtotal at discharge but unrelated to FIM Motor Subtotal. After controlling for global ability measured by the RBANS, Brixton performance accounted for additional variance in predicting FIM Total score at discharge. Interestingly, patients with subcortical strokes in the thalamus and basal ganglia performed significantly worse than patients with strokes in the frontal cortex on the Brixton, supporting the role of subcortical structures in the frontal lobe circuitry and executive function. Based on the present findings, the Brixton is a sensitive measure conducive to the stroke population and has strong ecological validity for identifying cognitive functional outcomes post-stroke.
Over-expression of forkhead box P3 and its association with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand, interleukin (IL) -17, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta during the progression of chronic periodontitis.

AIM T regulatory (Treg) cells have been detected in periodontitis lesions, and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression has been negatively correlated to receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). The aim of this study was to correlate T-helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and Treg transcription factor expressions, in gingival tissues from patients undergoing active periodontal tissue destruction, with bone loss-associated cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 10 chronic periodontitis patients undergoing disease progression, the mRNA expressions of T-bet, GATA-3, Foxp3, RORC2, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-10, IL-17, RANKL, interferon (IFN)-gamma and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 were quantified using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The levels of these markers were compared between active and inactive periodontal lesions. RESULTS In active periodontal lesions, Foxp3, T-bet, RANKL, IL-17, IL-1beta and IFN-gamma were significantly over-expressed compared with inactive lesions. The expression of IFN-gamma was the highest within the active periodontal lesions, similar to that of TGF-beta1 within the inactive ones. There was a positive correlation between RANKL and IL-17. Additionally, RANKL and IL-17 were positively correlated with RORC2, but no correlation was detected with Foxp3. CONCLUSIONS These results lead us to speculate that Foxp3(+) cells that do not have a regulatory function might have a role in the pathogenesis of active periodontal lesions by down-regulating TGF-beta1 and IL-10 synthesis that lead to the over-expression of Th17-associated cytokines RANKL and IL-17.
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain imaging using N,N,N′‐trimethyl‐N′‐(2 hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐5–123Iiodobenzyl)‐1,3‐propanediamine 2 HCl (HIPDM)

HIPDM-SPECT brain imaging was performed in four patients with intractable complex partial seizures (CPS). Three patients had an epileptogenic focus in one temporal lobe and underwent anterior temporal lobectomy. Interictal HIPDM-SPECT demonstrated decreased regional cerebral perfusion (rCP) in the epileptogenic area in only one patient, but ictal studies showed increased rCP in the epileptic foci of all three patients. In the fourth patient, interictal HIPDM-SPECT showed increased rCP in the area of epileptogenic focus; when antiepileptic medication was taken, rCP decreased. HIPDM-SPECT brain imaging is useful for localizing epileptogenic foci in CPS.
Monozygotic twins are discordant for chronic periodontitis: white blood cell counts and cytokine production after ex vivo stimulation.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of concordance in the number of leucocytes and their cytokine secretion after ex vivo stimulation in a twin population discordant for the amount of periodontal breakdown. MATERIAL AND METHODS Venous blood was collected from 18 adult twin pairs (10 monozygotic and eight dizygotic twins). Each twin pair consisted of a diseased twin (proband) and his/her co-twin. In venous blood, leucocytes were counted. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12p40 were assessed after stimulation of monocytic cells, while IL-13 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were determined after lymphocytic stimulation. RESULTS In the study population as a whole, probands showed higher total numbers of leucocytes and lower IL-12p40 levels compared with their co-twins. In monozygotic twins, no difference was found in the leucocyte counts, but probands secreted more IL-6 than their co-twins; an opposite trend was found for IL-12p40. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the observed discordance in periodontal breakdown in the studied monozygotic twin population may be related to the relatively high levels of IL-6 and the low levels of IL-12p40 secretion after ex vivo stimulation of whole-blood cell cultures. This cytokine secretion profile may be regarded as a risk indicator of periodontitis.
Derivation of a Cross-Domain Embedded Performance Validity Measure in Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective: Performance validity assessment is increasingly considered standard practice in neuropsychological evaluations. The current study extended research on logistically derived performance validity tests (PVTs) by utilizing neuropsychological measures from multiple cognitive domains instead of from a single measure or a single cognitive domain. Method: A logistic-derived PVT was calculated using several measures from multiple cognitive domains, including verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test-II Trial 5, Total Hits, and False Positives), attention (Brief Test of Attention Total score), and language (Boston Naming Test T-score, and Animal Fluency T-score). Due to its cross-domain nature, the cross-domain logistic-derived embedded PVT was hypothesized to have excellent classification accuracy for non-credible performance. Participants included 224 patients who completed all measures and were moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) patients (N = 66), possible mild TBI (MTBI-FAIL) patients who failed at least 2 independent PVTs (N = 67), and possible mild TBI patients who passed all PVTs (MTBI-PASS; N = 91). Logistic regression and ROC analyses were conducted on the MTBI-FAIL group and the STBI group. Results: Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the MTBI-FAIL group was significantly lower on all measures than the MTBI-PASS and the STBI groups. Using logistic regression, CVLT Total Hits, BTA, and the CVLT False Positives best differentiated between the MTBI-FAIL and STBI groups. The logistically derived PVT had excellent classification accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] = .84), with sensitivity at . 54 when specificity was set at . 90, higher than any individual variable. Conclusions: Findings support the use of this logistical-derived variable as an embedded PVT and support further research with this type of methodology.
Patient morbidity and root coverage outcome after subepithelial connective tissue and de-epithelialized grafts: a comparative randomized-controlled clinical trial.

AIMS The aim of this randomized-controlled clinical trial was to compare the patient morbidity and root coverage outcomes of a coronally advanced flap (CAF) with connective tissue (CTG) or de-epithelialized gingival (DGG) grafts. METHODS Fifty patients with one recession each were treated. In the control group, the CTG was harvested using the trap-door approach while in the test group the CTG resulted from the de-epithelialization of a free gingival graft. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were demonstrated between groups in patients's pain killer consumption, post-operative discomfort and bleeding. Lower stress and better ability to chew were demonstrated in the CTG group. Analgesic consumption increased with increasing height of the graft and in the case of dehiscence/necrosis of the primary flap. Pain was negatively correlated with the residual thickness of soft tissue covering the palatal bone. A statistically greater increase in buccal soft tissue thickness was observed in the DGG group. CONCLUSIONS No differences were demonstrated in the post-operative pain and root coverage outcome in patients subjected to CAF with CTG or DGG.
Studying self-awareness in children: validation of the Questionnaire of Executive Functioning (QEF)

Abstract Objective: People with accurate representations of their own cognitive functioning (i.e. cognitive self-awareness) tend to use appropriate strategies to regulate their behavior. Due to the lack of appropriate instruments, few studies have examined the development of this ability among children. Method: This study tested the measurement properties of the self-rating and other-rating forms of the Questionnaire of Executive Functioning (QEF), designed to tap children’s knowledge of their executive functioning. Specifically, the construct, convergent, and discriminant validities were investigated and a self-other discrepancy score was computed to assess children’s executive self-awareness. Participants were 317 children aged 7–14 years old. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses carried out on the QEF confirmed the eight-factor structure of both versions. There were significant correlations between the QEF and the parent versions of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, the Dysexecutive Questionnaire for Children, and the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory. Both forms of the QEF were able to distinguish between children who had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and control participants. A statistical difference was observed between the TBI and control groups on this score, suggesting that TBI may trigger self-awareness impairments in children. Conclusion: The good psychometric properties of the two forms of the QEF were established. Furthermore, results of the analyses carried out on the different discrepancy scores seem to indicate that the QEF could help clinicians to detect patients with self-awareness deficits.
Dental implants in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: clinical outcome and peri-implant findings.

PURPOSE Implant prosthodontic treatment outcomes for patients suffering from autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with or without concomitant connective tissue diseases (CTD) were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-four female patients' (25 isolated RA; nine RA+CTD) implant survival/success rate, peri-implant conditions (marginal bone loss, pocket depth, plaque index, gingiva index and bleeding index) and incidence of prosthodontic maintenance were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS Implants evaluated presented a high implant survival (100%) and a 3.5-year success (93.8%) rate during the follow-up programme (mean 47.6 month) without difference between isolated RA (94.6%) and RA and concomitant CTD (92.3%), respectively. In isolated RA, acceptable marginal bone resorption (mean: 2.1 mm; SD: 0.5 mm), pocket depth (mean: 2.8 mm; SD:3.2 mm) and healthy soft-tissue conditions (plaque/bleeding/gingiva index Grade 0 in 80%) were noticed. However, patients with RA+CTD presented increased bone resorption (mean: 3.1 mm; SD: 0.7 mm) and more vulnerable soft-tissue conditions (higher bleeding index) differing significantly to patients with isolated RA (p<0.01). Peri-implant parameters were significantly influenced by the patients' underlying disease (RA, RA+CTD; Kruskal-Wallis test, Jonckheere-Terpstra test). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to isolated RA, in RA patients with concomitant CTD, differences in the peri-implant parameters such as pronounced marginal bone resorption and bleeding may be anticipated and appear to be significantly influenced by the patients' underlying disease.
Traumatic brain injury history is associated with earlier age of onset of Alzheimer disease

Abstract Objective: This study examined whether a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with earlier onset of Alzheimer disease (AD), independent of apolipoprotein ε4 status (Apoe4) and gender.Method: Participants with a clinical diagnosis of AD (n = 7625) were obtained from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set, and categorized based on self-reported lifetime TBI with loss of consciousness (LOC) (TBI+ vs. TBI−) and presence of Apoe4. ANCOVAs, controlling for gender, race, and education were used to examine the association between history of TBI, presence of Apoe4, and an interaction of both risk factors on estimated age of AD onset.Results: Estimated AD onset differed by TBI history and Apoe4 independently (p’s < .001). The TBI+ group had a mean age of onset 2.5 years earlier than the TBI− group. Likewise, Apoe4 carriers had a mean age of onset 2.3 years earlier than non-carriers. While the interaction was non-significant (p = .34), participants having both a history of TBI and Apoe4 had the earliest mean age of onset compared to those with a TBI history or Apoe4 alone (MDifference = 2.8 and 2.7 years, respectively). These results remained unchanged when stratified by gender.Conclusions: History of self-reported TBI can be associated with an earlier onset of AD-related cognitive decline, regardless of Apoe4 status and gender. TBI may be related to an underlying neurodegenerative process in AD, but the implications of age at time of injury, severity, and repetitive injuries remain unclear.
Pulmonary performance in asymptomatic young Nigerian population following the administration of ascorbic acid and salbutamol

The relationship between vitamin C and pulmonary function has been reported to be a protection against pulmonary dysfunction. Sympathomimetics like salbutamol are respiratory smooth muscle relaxants. This study is aimed at investigating the roles of vitamin C and salbutamol on pulmonary function in a Nigerian population. Undergraduate medical students who gave their informed consent were clinically screened and thirty (30) selected. The subjects were grouped, and given Ascorbic acid and Salbutamol. Spirometry and peak flow measurements were done on each subject. Ascorbic acid was given orally at a dose of 1.50 mg /kg body weight; and salbutamol at a dose of 70 μg/kg body weight, orally. Measurements were taken an hour after each administration of the drugs. Results show mean PEFR in male and female control as 485.76 ± 51.40 L/min, and 329.87 ± 34.90 L/min respectively. Ascorbic acid increases PEFR much more than salbutamol VT, ERV, IC, VC and IRV were increased by ascorbic acid while Salbutamol decreased ERV, IC, VC and IRV. The study supports the performance enhancing role of ascorbic acid, more pronounced in the males than females. There do not seem to be any beneficial roles of salbutamol in asymptomatic individuals. Key words: Lung function, Ascorbic acid, Salbutamol Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.19(1&2) 2004: 48-52
Clinimetric validity of the Trail Making Test Czech version in Parkinson’s disease and normative data for older adults

Abstract Objective: The influence of demographic variables on the Trail Making Test (TMT) performance in older individuals and empirical findings on clinical validity in predementia states, such as Parkinson’s disease mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), are limited. The principal aim of this study was to add normative data for the Czech population of older adults and explore the clinimetric properties between PD-MCI and PD patients with normal cognition (PD-NC). Method: The study included 125 PD patients classified as 77 PD-MCI and 48 PD-NC and 528 older individuals (60–74 years, further subdivided for normative tables into 60–64, 65–69 and 70–74 age groups) and very old individuals (aged 75–96, further subdivided into 75–79, 80–84, 85–96) cognitively intact Czech adults. Results: Mostly age, to a lesser extent education but not gender, was associated with most TMT basic and derived indices (TMT-B – A). However, the ratio of TMT-B/TMT-A was independent of both age and education. We provide corresponding T-scores that minimize the effect of demographic variables. The results showed a high discriminative validity of TMT basic and derived indices for the differentiation of PD-MCI from PD-NC (all p < .05). The classification accuracy for the differentiation of PD-MCI from controls was optimal for the TMT-B only (80% area under the curve) based on norm adjusted scores. The classification accuracy of the TMT for PD-MCI vs. PD-NC was suboptimal. Conclusions: The cut-offs and normative standards are useful in clinical practice for those working with PD patients and very old adults.
A Danish adaptation of the Boston Naming Test: preliminary norms for older adults and validity in mild Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Objective: The purpose of the present study was to develop a Danish adaptation of the Boston Naming Test (BNT) including a shortened 30-item version of the BNT for routine clinical use and two parallel 15-item versions for screening purposes. Method: The Danish adaptation of the BNT was based on ranking of items according to difficulty in a sample of older non-patients (n = 99). By selecting those items with the largest discrepancy in difficulty for non-patients compared to a mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) sample (n = 53), the shortened versions of the BNT were developed. Using an overlapping cells approach preliminary education and age norms for older Danes were constructed. Results: The Danish adaptation of the BNT had adequate reliability and the short versions were all highly correlated with the full 60-item BNT (BNT-60). The sensitivity and specificity of the BNT-60 was . 83 and . 86, respectively. The shortened versions displayed some reduction in sensitivity (.70–.77) but similar or better specificity (.86–.91). Post-test probabilities of mild AD associated with performances along selected score ranges of the BNT were estimated. Likelihood ratios were presented that can be combined with information regarding the base rate of AD in any setting in order to assist in interpreting the clinical significance of a given performance. Conclusion: The short Danish versions of the BNT were highly correlated with the full BNT indicating that they measure the same construct. The Danish versions had acceptable diagnostic accuracy discriminating between mild AD and older non-patients.
IL-23-producing CD68(+) macrophage-like cells predominate within an IL-17-polarized infiltrate in chronic periodontitis lesions.

AIM To analyse antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages (Mo) or B cells depending on the regional site of chronic periodontitis (CP), and to investigate their relation to Th17 cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS Biopsies from oral mucosa as well as the coronal and bottom regions of CP were analysed by immunhistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and real-time PCR. RESULTS A predominance of CD68(+) Mo-like cells and CD20(+) B cells and strong Th17 infiltration was observed in the bottom region of CP lesions, while CD1a(+) DCs were only detected in the coronal regions, where Th17 infiltration was low. Furthermore, CD68(+) Mo-like cells displayed CD163 expression as a typical Mo-marker, but expressed in parallel typical DCs markers, such as CD11c or CD209 and TLR4. Interestingly, Th17-inducing cytokine IL-23p19 was produced by CD68(+) Mo-like cells, but not CD20(+) B cells. Moreover, the stimulation of in vitro generated CD68(+) Mo-like cells by Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived (Pg) lipopolysaccharide resulted in the upregulation of their IL-23p19 mRNA expression, which was inhibited by the blockage of TLR4. CONCLUSIONS In view of these data, a picture emerges that IL-17-producing cells in CP could be in part directed by CD68(+) Mo-like cells, which produce IL-23p19 upon TLR4 activation by Pg.
Histological evaluation of maxillary sinus floor augmentation with recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5-coated β-tricalcium phosphate: results of a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate histologically the outcome of maxillary sinus lift augmentation with a recombinant human growth and differentiation factor-5-coated β-tricalcium phosphate (rhGDF-5/β-TCP) or with a β-TCP and autogenous bone (β-TCP/AB) composite. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-one patients requiring unilateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation (residual alveolar bone height <5 mm) were randomly allocated in three treatment groups: (a) rhGDF-5/β-TCP and a 3-month healing period, (b) rhGDF-5/β-TCP and a 4-month healing period, and (c) β-TCP and intra-oral corticocancellous autologous bone (at 1:1) and a 4-month healing period. Cylindrical biopsies were harvested by means of a trephine bur during implant site preparation and evaluated histologically and histometrically. RESULTS One patient withdrew from the study before implant placement; 66 implants were inserted in the remaining 30 patients. Four out of 47 (8.5%) implants failed in patients treated with rhGDF-5/β-TCP. The proportion of newly formed bone was similar among groups and averaged 31.4% (± 17%) in the rhGDF-5/β-TCP/3-month healing group, 28% (± 15.5%) in the rhGDF-5/β-TCP/4-month healing group, and 31.8% (± 17.9%) in the β-TCP/AB group. The proportion of remaining β-TCP averaged 12.6% (± 14.4%) in the rhGDF-5/b-TCP/3-month group, 6.6% (± 6.3%) in the rhGDF-5/b-TCP/4-month group, and 16.5% (± 12.3%) in the β-TCP/AB group. The new bone was primarily woven and characterized by slender trabeculae and narrow osteoid zones, and in many instances bone was in contact with residual biomaterial particles. Presence of AB particle remnants was only trivial, while minimal amounts of inflammation were observed only in a few cases. CONCLUSION Sinus augmentation with rhGDF-5/β-TCP resulted in comparable amounts of new bone and of similar quality as those obtained with a β-TCP/AB composite graft.
Clinical and microbiological benefits of metronidazole alone or with amoxicillin as adjuncts in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIM To evaluate the effects of the adjunctive use of metronidazole (MTZ) or MTZ+amoxicillin (AMX) in the treatment of generalized chronic periodontitis (ChP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-one subjects (n=17/group) were randomly assigned to receive scaling and root planing (SRP) only or combined with MTZ (400 mg t.i.d.) or MTZ+AMX (500 mg t.i.d.) for 14 days. Clinical and microbiological examinations were performed at baseline and 3 months post-SRP. Nine plaque samples/subject were analysed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species. RESULTS Subjects receiving MTZ+AMX exhibited a greater mean gain of clinical attachment, reduction in probing depth (PD) in intermediate and deep sites and a lower percentage of sites with PD5 mm at 3 months, in comparison with those treated with SRP only (p<0.05). The major benefit from the adjunctive use of MTZ was a greater reduction in PD in deep sites. SRP+MTZ+AMX was the only treatment that significantly reduced the levels and proportions of all red complex pathogens and elicited a significantly greater beneficial change in the microbial profile in comparison with SRP only. CONCLUSION The adjunctive use of MTZ+AMX offers short-term clinical and microbiological benefits, over SRP alone, in the treatment of non-smokers subjects with generalized ChP. The added benefits of MTZ were less evident.