Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of different sintering process on flexural strength of translucency monolithic zirconia

Background Sintering process is responsible for the strength of zirconia restoration. This study evaluated the effect of different sintering temperatures and sintered-holding times on flexural strength of translucency monolithic zirconia. Material and Methods One hundred and thirty five zirconia bar specimens (width-length-thickness = 10×20×1.5 mm) were prepared from yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) ceramic and randomly divided into nine groups to be sintered at different temperatures [decreasing- (SD, 1350°C), regular- (SR, 1450°C), and increasing- (SI, 1550°C) sintering temperature] and different sintered-holding times [shortening- (HS, 60 min), regular- (HR, 120 min), and prolonged- (HP, 180 min) sintered-holding time]. Flexural strength was determined using three-point bending test in a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple comparisons were used to determine for statistically significant difference of flexural strength (α=0.05). Weibull analysis was applied for survival probability, Weibull modulus (m), and characteristics strength (σo) of the flexural strength. The crystal sizes were microscopically examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The phase composition of zirconia was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results The mean±sd (MPa), m, and σo of flexural strength were 1080.25±217.19, 5.54, and 1167.53 for SDHS, 1243.41±233.17, 5.19, and 1352.30 for SDHR, 1298.92±235.68, 6.24, and 1394.79 for SDHP, 1303.34±171.87, 8.40, and 1377.90 for SRHS, 1331.73±278.84, 5.31, and 1444.50 for SRHR, 1348.13±283.35, 5.32, and 1460.68 for SRHP, 1458.45±289.19, 4.51, and 1604.41 for SIHS 1581.34±190.56, 8.20, and 1675.21 for SIHR and, 1604.10±139.52, 12.57, and 1667.90 for SIHP. The flexural strength was significantly affected by altering sintering temperatures and holding times (p<0.05). Enlarging grain size and increasing t→m phase shifting related with raising temperatures and times. Conclusions Increasing sintering temperature and prolonged sintered-holding time lead to enhancing flexural strength of translucency monolithic zirconia, and are suggested for sintering process to achieve durable restoration. Key words:Flexural strength, monolithic zirconia, sintering temperature, sintered-holding time.
Semiclassical Treatment of High-Lying Electronic States of H2.

We report quantum-mechanical and semiclassical WKB calculations for energies and wave functions of high-lying 2Σ states of H2+ in atomic units. The high-lying states we present lie in an unexplored regime, corresponding asymptotically to H ( n ≤ 146) plus a proton, with R ≤ 120 000 a0. We compare quantum-mechanical energies, spectroscopic constants, dipole matrix elements, and phases with semiclassical results and demonstrate a high level of agreement. Our quantum-mechanical phases were determined by using Milne's phase-amplitude procedure. We compare our semiclassical energies for low-lying states with those of other researchers.
Objective ocular surface tolerance in patients with glaucoma treated with topical preserved or unpreserved prostaglandin analogues

Purpose: Preservatives in glaucoma medications have been associated with ocular toxicity. We compared ocular signs and symptoms in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension treated in monotherapy with preserved or preservative-free prostaglandin analogues. Methods: Observational cross-sectional clinical study in real life. 82 patients treated for at least 6 months with prostaglandin analogue were assessed for intraocular pressure, ocular symptoms and ocular signs including conjunctival hyperaemia, tear break-up time and tear meniscus height measured using objective and non-invasive methods (OCULUS Keratograph 5M). Patients presenting with symptoms of ocular toxicity with preserved prostaglandin analogues were switched to preservative-free latanoprost, and a second assessment was processed 6 months after. Results: At inclusion, 30 (36.6%) patients were treated with preservative-free latanoprost, 25 (30.5%) with preserved latanoprost, 16 (19.5%) with preserved travoprost and 11 (13.4%) with preserved bimatoprost. Patients treated with preservative-free latanoprost reported significantly less ocular symptoms upon instillation (mainly burning) and between instillations than patients treated with preserved prostaglandin analogues. The mean conjunctival hyperaemia (limbal + bulbar) was significantly lower with preservative-free latanoprost (2.08 ± 0.55) compared to preserved latanoprost (2.50 ± 0.7, p = 0.0085), preserved travoprost (2.67 ± 0.82, p = 0.0083) and preserved bimatoprost (2.68 ± 0.67, p = 0.0041). There were no relevant between-group differences in mean tear meniscus height and break-up time. Ocular symptoms and conjunctival hyperaemia improved when preserved prostaglandin analogues were switched to preservative-free latanoprost for 6 months while intraocular pressure reduction was maintained. Conclusion: Overall, this study suggests a better subjective and objective ocular tolerance when patients were treated with preservative-free latanoprost than with other preserved prostaglandin analogues monotherapy. Switching to preservative-free latanoprost maintained intraocular pressure at the same level as preservative prostaglandin analogue, but improved ocular surface tolerance.
Predictive value of simulated SAR and temperature for changes in measured temperature after phase-amplitude steering during locoregional hyperthermia treatments

Abstract Introduction: On-line adaptive hyperthermia treatment planning can be useful to suppress treatment limiting hot spots and improve tumor temperatures during locoregional hyperthermia. This requires adequate prediction of changes in heating patterns after phase-amplitude steering. We investigated the predictive value of simulated SAR and temperature for changes in measured temperature after phase-amplitude steering during locoregional hyperthermia. Methods: All treatment sessions of 75 patients with pelvic malignancies treated between September 2013 and March 2018 were evaluated. Phase-amplitude adaptations during the 60 min steady-state period were analyzed. Treatment planning was performed using Plan2Heat, based on CT scans with (thermometry) catheters in the vagina, rectum, and bladder in situ. The predicted SAR and temperature along the thermometry tracks were extracted from the simulated distributions. Correlations between changes in average measured temperature and the simulated SAR and temperature were evaluated for single phase-amplitude steering events, unaccompanied by other (steering) actions. Results: A total of 67 phase-amplitude steering events were suitable for analysis. Simulated changes in both SAR and temperature correlated with the measured temperature changes. For the vagina, R2 = 0.44 and R2 = 0.55 for SAR and temperature, respectively. For the rectum, these values were 0.53 for SAR and 0.66 for temperature. Correlations for the bladder were weaker: R2 = 0.15 and R2 = 0.14 for SAR and temperature, respectively. This can be explained by convection in the bladder fluid, unaccounted for by present treatment planning. Conclusion: Treatment planning can predict changes in an average temperature after phase-amplitude steering. This allows on-line support with phase-amplitude steering to optimize hyperthermia treatments.
Heart-Rate Variability in Elite Synchronized Swimmers.

PURPOSE To determine whether heart-rate variability (HRV) was correlated with other training-load and training-tolerance markers for monitoring the effect of a training session on elite synchronized swimmers. METHODS The authors recorded the resting HRV of 12 elite swimmers (mean age = 21.5 [3.5] y) 3 times over 1 wk with a cadence of 48 h prior to the 2015 World Swimming Championships. They continuously monitored heart rate and obtained salivary cortisol (SC) samples before and after the last training session of the week. The authors measured capillary blood lactate (La) 2, 4, and 8 min after the last training session and monitored recovery HRV. They assessed rating of perceived exertion (RPE) over the entire session and tested the association between the highest La concentration (Lapeak), SC, and RPE and relative changes (Δ%) in the natural logarithm of the root-mean-square successive difference of intervals (LnRMSSD). The authors also calculated the smallest worthwhile change of the averaged pre and post LnRMSSD measurements. RESULTS There were periods of pronounced bradycardia (60.5 [16.7] beats/min) during training exercises corresponding to apneic exercise. The magnitude-based inferences showed nonclinically meaningful changes of LnRMSSD. Lapeak (6.8 [2.7] mmol/L) correlated positively with Δ%LnRMSSD and Δ%SC (r = .89, P = .001 and r = .61, P = .04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS There was no change in LnRMSSD and Lapeak, Δ%SC, and RPE indicated reduced sympathetic activation and positive adaptation to the stress imposed by the session. Isolated HRV assessment may reveal a controversial interpretation of autonomic nervous system status or the training tolerance in elite synchronized swimming athletes due to the influence of the diving response.
Phonemic fluency improved after inhibitory transcranial magnetic stimulation in a case of chronic aphasia

Twenty-six months after a left hemispheric ischemic stroke an aphasic patient showed a significant improvement in verbal fluency following ten daily sessions of inhibitory 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the right cortex homologous to the Broca’s area. No improvement was observed for other linguistic functions or for executive ones. Results confirm the segregation of neural circuitries subtending phonemic and semantic fluency and suggest a selective usefulness of the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.
Effects of exercise training on physical and psychosocial health in children with chronic respiratory disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Chronic disease in children is increasing, including the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), bronchiectasis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of exercise training on health outcomes in children with chronic respiratory disease. Method Five databases were searched for randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of exercise training on children with chronic respiratory disease. Following the PRISMA guidelines, eligible studies were identified and data were extracted. A meta-analysis was conducted for the outcomes cardiovascular fitness, lung function and quality of life (QoL). Results The initial search returned 3688 papers. Twenty-seven (17 in children with asthma, 10 in children with CF) were included in the systematic review and 24 of these were included in the meta-analysis. No studies were identified in children with bronchiectasis or BPD. Included papers had a total of 1009 participants aged 8–20 years. In addition to cardiovascular fitness, lung function and QoL, studies also assessed pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, muscular strength and inflammation. Meta-analysis showed a large significant effect size in favour of exercise for cardiovascular fitness (peak VO2) (standard mean difference (SMD)=1.16, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.70) and QoL (SMD=1.27, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.82) as well as a small, non-significant effect size for lung function (FEV1) (SMD=0.02, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.42). Conclusion Exercise training significantly improves cardiovascular fitness and QoL in children with asthma and CF. Further research is needed, particularly in children with bronchiectasis and BPD.
Genome-Wide Investigation of Genes Regulated by ERα in Breast Cancer Cells

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which has been detected in over 70% of breast cancer cases, is a driving factor for breast cancer growth. For investigating the underlying genes and networks regulated by ERα in breast cancer, RNA-seq was performed between ERα transgenic MDA-MB-231 cells and wild type MDA-MB-231 cells. A total of 267 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Then bioinformatics analyses were performed to illustrate the mechanism of ERα. Besides, by comparison of RNA-seq data obtained from MDA-MB-231 cells and microarray dataset obtained from estrogen (E2) stimulated MCF-7 cells, an overlap of 126 DEGs was screened. The expression level of ERα was negatively associated with metastasis and EMT in breast cancer. We further verified that ERα might inhibit metastasis by regulating of VCL and TNFRSF12A, and suppress EMT by the regulating of JUNB and ID3. And the relationship between ERα and these genes were validated by RT-PCR and correlation analysis based on TCGA database. By PPI network analysis, we identified TOP5 hub genes, FOS, SP1, CDKN1A, CALCR and JUNB, which were involved in cell proliferation and invasion. Taken together, the whole-genome insights carried in this work can help fully understanding biological roles of ERα in breast cancer.
Motor Neuron Abnormalities Correlate with Impaired Movement in Zebrafish that Express Mutant Superoxide Dismutase 1

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons. ALS can be modeled in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through the expression of human ALS-causing genes, such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Overexpression of mutated human SOD1 protein causes aberrant branching and shortening of spinal motor axons. Despite this, the functional relevance of this axon morphology remains elusive. Our aim was to determine whether this motor axonopathy is correlated with impaired movement in mutant (MT) SOD1-expressing zebrafish. Transgenic zebrafish embryos that express blue fluorescent protein (mTagBFP) in motor neurons were injected with either wild-type (WT) or MT (A4V) human SOD1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). At 48 hours post-fertilization, larvae movement (distance traveled during behavioral testing) was examined, followed by quantification of motor axon length. Larvae injected with MT SOD1 mRNA had significantly shorter and more aberrantly branched motor axons (p < 0.002) and traveled a significantly shorter distance during behavioral testing (p < 0.001) when compared with WT SOD1 and noninjected larvae. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between distance traveled and motor axon length (R2 = 0.357, p < 0.001). These data represent the first correlative investigation of motor axonopathies and impaired movement in SOD1-expressing zebrafish, confirming functional relevance and validating movement as a disease phenotype for the testing of disease treatments for ALS.
Influence of Multiphase Processes on the Chemistry and Measurement of Organic Compounds in Indoor and Outdoor Environments

Organic compounds are ubiquitous in indoor and outdoor environments, with organic aerosols and gases impacting air quality, global climate, and human health. The life cycle of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere includes emission from indoor and outdoor sources, oxidation in the atmosphere to form secondary organic aerosol (SOA), and eventual deposition to a surface. Understanding each of these processes is necessary to predict the impact of organic compounds on indoor and outdoor environments, and this thesis presents the results of a series of studies across the life cycle of VOCs, examining the chemical and physical processes that transform organic compounds in the atmosphere. First, the chemistry of multifunctional hydroperoxides in SOA is studied by a series of laboratory studies utilizing a model hydroperoxyaldehyde designed to represent the highly oxidized multifunctional compounds that impact SOA growth in pristine environments. Measurements of reaction rates, equilibrium constants, and decomposition mechanisms provide insight into how chemical structure and aerosol properties affect the chemistry of multifunctional hydroperoxides in SOA. Second, emission rates, deposition velocities, reaction rates, and reaction products from a field study in a university art museum are presented. This study quantifies the significant impact of human activities on indoor VOC emissions, as well as the effect of indoor surfaces and indoor oxidants on the fate of those emissions. Lastly, this thesis iv presents a study aimed to improve researchers’ ability to make time-resolved measurements of gas-phase organic compounds that partition to instrument surfaces and to Teflon tubing commonly used for sampling lines. The simple chromatography model presented here accurately predicts the delay in instrument response caused by gas-surface partitioning across all the tubing lengths, diameters, flow rates, and analytes tested. Together, the studies presented in this thesis advance the understanding of, and the ability to measure, the fate of organic compounds in indoor and outdoor environments.
Nitrate-Rich Fruit and Vegetable Supplement Reduces Blood Pressure in Normotensive Healthy Young Males without Significantly Altering Flow-Mediated Vasodilation: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial

Nitric oxide (NO) is a primary vasodilatory factor released from endothelial cells of the peripheral vasculature. NO production is stimulated through enzymatic-dependent mechanisms via NO synthase and from dietary intake of nitrate-containing foods or supplements. We evaluated the efficacy of a nitrate-rich fruit and vegetable liquid supplement (FVS, AMPED NOx, Isagenix International LLC) versus a juice low in nitrates (prune juice, PRU) on circulating nitrates/nitrites as well as cardiovascular parameters in 45 healthy normotensive men (18–40 y). Blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and plasma nitrates and nitrites were measured at baseline and after two weeks of supplementation (2 oz/d). Subjects also completed questionnaires on sleep quality and mood since these measures have been associated with endothelial function. In contrast to PRU, FVS significantly increased plasma nitrates and nitrites (+67%, p < 0.001) and decreased diastolic blood pressure (−9%, p=0.029) after two weeks. The change in FMD for FVS supplementation versus PRU supplementation was not significant (+2% vs. −9%, respectively, p=0.145). Changes in sleep quality or total mood state did not differ between groups after the 2-week study. Thus, the nitrate-rich FVS supplement increased plasma NO and reduced diastolic blood pressure in young normotensive men, but increased plasma NO was not associated with improvements in FMD, mood, or sleep. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03486145.
Classical pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma in very young patients: the Italian experience

Abstract Many studies have reported a more favorable outcome in younger patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The aims of this study were to find an appropriate age cutoff able to identify low-risk children and to describe the natural history of 135 very young patients affected by classic HL (cHL). The best age cutoff was identified at 7 years of age. EFS (p = .0451) and PFS (p = .00921) were significantly better in the group of younger patients. The OS rate at 10 years was 97.0% in the younger group and 92.5% in the older one (p = .0448). However, age was not found to be an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis and the better prognosis in younger patients seems to be related to more favorable disease characteristics at presentation.
Five-Year Lapsed: Review of Laparoscopic Myomectomy versus Open Myomectomy in Putrajaya Hospital

Study Objective: This study aimed to investigate the morbidity of laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) versus open myomectomy (OM), including intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, hospital stay, and complications and to evaluate the criteria for selection of cases suitable for LM. Design: This was a retrospective study. Setting: This study was conducted at tertiary hospital. Participants: The records of 67 women who underwent LM, 22 women who underwent OM, and 14 women who had laparo-conversion from January 2010 to November 2014 were reviewed. Measurement and Main Results: Fibroids up to 10 cm were removed by LM, while most fibroids more than 10 cm were managed through OM. The number and weight of myomas are significantly associated with laparo-conversion, with a rate of 17%. Mean blood loss was significantly reduced in LM group than the OM and laparo-conversion groups. Duration of hospital stay was also significantly less in LM (2 ± 1 days) compared to both OM and laparo-conversion groups (3 ± 1 days). Most women underwent LM (88%) had no postoperative complications compared to OM (50%) and laparo-conversion (57.1%). The number of fibroids removed and duration of surgery was positively correlated with blood loss in the women who underwent myomectomy. Conclusion: LM is an ideal surgical approach for removal of fibroids which are up to 10 cm diameter and <5 in number, while OM is useful for cases with multiple (5 or more), larger fibroids (>10 cm), and deeply located fibroids. Preoperative evaluation of the size and number of myomas is necessary to avoid laparo-conversion and to reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Ethnic differences in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among Middle Eastern Arabs and North African populations living in Qatar

ABSTRACT Aims: There are very few studies comparing epidemiology and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in different ethnic groups. Previous ethnicity studies have mostly determined OHCA differences between African American and Caucasian populations. The aim of this study was to compare epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of OHCA between the local Middle Eastern Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Arab and the migrant North African populations living in Qatar. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of Middle Eastern GCC Arabs and migrant North African patients with presumed cardiac origin OHCA resuscitated by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Qatar, between June 2012 and May 2015. Results: There were 285 Middle Eastern GCC Arabs and 112 North African OHCA patients enrolled during the study period. Compared with the local GCC Arabs, univariate analysis showed that the migrant North African OHCA patients were younger and had higher odds of initial shockable rhythm, pre-hospital interventions (defibrillation and amioderone), pre-hospital scene time, and decreased odds of risk factors (hypertension, respiratory disease, and diabetes) and pre-hospital response time. The survival to hospital discharge had greater odds for North African OHCA patients which did not persist after adjustment. Multivariable logistic regression showed that North Africans were associated with lower odds of diabetes (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25–0.91, p = 0.03), and higher odds of initial shockable rhythm (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.30–6.33, p = 0.01) and greater scene time (OR 1.02 95% CI 1.0–1.04, p = 0.02). Conclusions: North African migrant OHCA patients were younger, had decreased risk factors and favourable OHCA rhythm and received greater ACLS interventions with shorter pre-hospital response times and longer scene times leading to better survival.