Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Intense Pulsed Light and the 1,064 nm Nd: YAG Laser on Sun‐Damaged Human Skin Histologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis

background Nonablative methods may produce collagen synthesis in sun-damaged skin. objective To study the effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) and 1,064 nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser: a histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of sun-damaged skin. materials and methods Nine subjects participated. Five subjects received five-monthly treatments with IPL (560 nm cutoff filter, 8 × 35 mm spot size, pulse duration 2.4/4.2 milliseconds, pulse delay 15 milliseconds, fluence 28–35 J/cm2). Four subjects received treatment with a 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser (130 J/cm2, triple pulse, 7.0/7.0/7.0-millisecond pulse duration, 75-millisecond delay). Routine histology and immunohistochemistry on 2 mm punch biopsies were taken before treatment and then at 3 and 6 months. We quantified collagen in the upper dermis and expression of heat shock protein 70 and procollagen 1. results Pretreatment specimens contained solar damage. After treatment with the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser, the amount of collagen in the papillary dermis was slightly thicker than in those subjects treated with the IPL device (nonsignificant differences). Scattered dendritic cells in the papillary and upper reticular dermis expressed heat shock protein 70 and procollagen 1 after treatment with either light device. conclusion Both the IPL and 1,064 nm Nd YAG laser-induced heat activation of superficial dermal dendritic cells resulted in deposition of collagen in the papillary dermis without evident morphologic damage to the epidermis or dermis.
Factors influencing peer online citing behavior

Peer influences, including academic prestige, friendship, and gender, on affecting online citing behavior under a student test-construction learning task are investigated. Seventy-five fifth-grade students from three classes participated in the devised online educational activities for twelve weeks. Quadratic Assignment Procedure multiple regression and simple regression were adopted. Significant differences were found between friendship and the number of peer citations. However, non-significant effects were found between academic prestige and gender and the number of peer citations. Significance of this study as well as suggestions for future research are provided.
Evaluation of total antioxidant level of saliva in modulation of caries occurrence and progression in children

Context: Recent studies have implicated a direct relation between dental caries and salivary total antioxidant level (TAL), which can be suggested as an indicator (either harmful or protective) for susceptibility of individuals for dental caries. Aim: To evaluate the total antioxidant level (TAL) in unstimulated saliva of children, and to correlate the TAL with caries experience and BMI (body mass index). Settings and Design: 60 children, aged 6-12 yrs, were randomly selected for the study. Two groups were made (study group n=30 and control group n=30), and subdivisions based on gender were made out of both groups [male (n=15) and female (n=15)]. In control group, subjects with no dental caries and study group, subjects having decayed teeth score ≥4 were included. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V. 21). Shapiro – Wilks test showed that TAL (absorbance) did not follow normal distribution. Hence, for comparison between cases and control for TAL non-parametric test namely Mann- Whitney U test was applied. Results: Statistically significant strong positive correlation was seen between age and TAL (P< 0.05).
Towards Understanding Apparent South Australian GP Resistance to Adopting Health Informatics Systems

This paper reports on a qualitative study of the attitudes of 23 South Australian practitioners in General Practice (GP) towards adopting an unspecified data amalgamating Health Informatics (HI) system. Findings suggest key areas of concern are associated with the potential for diminution of control over change and adoption was primarily influenced by a perceived need to protect the role and value of GPs. If change was seen as involuntary, uncertain or without demonstrable benefit to relevant patient outcomes, the prospect of change tended to manifest as passive or active GP resistance. Findings suggest increased exposure to use of HI systems influences GP perception of both the importance and certainty of potential implementation outcomes. It was concluded that discrete attitudes towards the use of HIS technology could be identified. Determined by contextual GP perceptions of competing managerial, technological and political factors, they are not mutually exclusive and more appropriately seen as a series of developmental and co-existing perspectives.
Catching Up, Social Capability, Government Size and Economic Growth

We provide a thorough assessment of the importance of catching up for the explanation of growth differences across countries. The results show that when capital accumulation and labor force growth are controlled for there is significant catching up in labor productivity; an effect that is strengthened when social capability is accounted for. In an extension of the basic model it is shown that there is an independent effect of the change in trade intensity and trade regime on productivity growth. A final aspect covered is the effect of government expenditure on productivity growth, and how it affects the realization of the catching-up potential. The level of total outlays, consumption and transfers invariably have a negative impact on the rate of growth of total factor productivity. Government investment is not found to have any effect on TFP-growth, while educational expenditure exerts a positive influence on TFP-growth.
Cannabis and Psychosis: What is the Link?

Abstract Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that cannabis consumption is a risk factor for the development of psychotic symptoms. Nonetheless, controversy remains about the causal nature of the association. This review takes the debate further through a critical appraisal of the evidence. An electronic search was performed, allowing to identify 622 studies published until June 1st 2005. Longitudinal studies and literature reviews were selected if they addressed specifically the issues of the cannabis/psychosis relationship or possible mechanisms involved. Ten epidemiological studies were relevant: three supported a causal relationship between cannabis use and diagnosed psychosis; five suggested that chronic cannabis intake increases the frequency of psychotic symptoms, but not of diagnosed psychosis; and two showed no causal relationship: Potential neurobiological mechanisms were also identified, involving dopamine, endocannabinoids, and brain growth factors. Although there is evidence that cannabis use increases the risk of developing psychotic symptoms, the causal nature of this association remains unclear. Contributing factors include heavy consumption, length and early age of exposure, and psychotic vulnerability. This conclusion should be mitigated by uncertainty arising from cannabis use assessment, psychosis measurement, reverse causality and control of residual confounding.
Analysis of Dystrophin Deletion Mutations Predicts Age of Cardiomyopathy Onset in Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Background— Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy often result from deletion mutations in the dystrophin gene that may lead to expression of an altered dystrophin protein in cardiac muscle. Cardiac involvement is present in ≈70% of BMD and all X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy cases. To date, the timing of cardiomyopathy development remains unpredictable. We analyzed 78 BMD and X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy patients with common deletion mutations predicted to alter the dystrophin protein and correlated their mutations to cardiomyopathy age of onset. This approach was chosen to connect dystrophin structure with function in the heart. Methods and Results— Detailed cardiac information was collected for BMD and X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy patients with defined dystrophin gene deletion mutations. Patients were grouped based on the dystrophin protein domain affected by the deletion. Deletions affecting the amino-terminal domain are associated with early-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM; mid-20s), whereas deletions removing part of the rod domain and hinge 3 have a later-onset DCM (mid-40s). Further, we modeled the effects of the most common mutations occurring in the rod domain on the overall structure of the dystrophin protein. By combining genetic and protein information, this analysis revealed a strong correlation between specific protein structural modifications and DCM age of onset. Conclusions— We identified specific regions of the dystrophin gene that when mutated predispose BMD patients to early-onset DCM. In addition, we propose that some mutations lead to early-onset DCM by specific alterations in protein folding. These findings have potential implications for early intervention in the cardiac care of BMD patients and for therapeutic approaches that target the heart in dystrophinopathies.
The effect of class size on grades and course evaluations: Evidence from multisection courses

Using rich administrative data from a small Dutch liberal arts college, I study how the number of students enrolled in a course affects student grades and course evaluations. To identify the causal effect I exploit variation in class size across parallel sections of the same course taught by the same instructor in the same semester. I show that class size has a stronger negative effect on student grades in mandatory courses compared to electives. I show similar results for various components of student course evaluations: perceived overall course quality, perceived amount learned, student participation and engagement. I interpret these findings to be consistent with class size affecting educational outcomes through student engagement.
Do Nighttime Driving Restrictions Reduce Criminal Participation Among Teenagers? Evidence From Graduated Driver Licensing

To date, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have a three‐stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system that phases in driving privileges for teenagers. GDL laws effectively impose a statutory driving curfew and a limitation on the number of passengers in motor vehicles. Both the timing of motor vehicle access and a limitation on the peer influences available in a motor vehicle could significantly affect the production of criminal behavior. Using the Uniform Crime Reports 1995 to 2011 and a triple‐differences approach, we find that the implementation of GDL decreased criminal participation by 6 percent among teenagers ages 16 and 17, as measured by arrests. These effects are larger in magnitude in states where the nighttime driving curfew is required for a longer period of time. We also show that GDL plays an important role in reducing crime in periods of low gasoline prices, a time when teen driver prevalence would otherwise have been high. These results suggest that there is another benefit to states for adopting GDL laws and provide insight into the production of teenage crime.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Vincristine, Bleomycin and Methotrexate Combined with Radiotherapy in Advanced Head and neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

From September 1980 to August 1981, 25 patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were treated at the Centro Oncologico, Trento, by a chemo-radiotherapeutic combination. The treatment protocol consisted of 4–6 courses of VBM (vincristine, bleomycin and methotrexate) followed by conventional radiotherapy (65 Gy). Only to VBM responders (15 patients) were administered 10 cycles of vincristine-methotrexate. At the end of induction chemotherapy an overall response of 60 % (12 % complete, 48 % partial) was obtained. At the end of radiotherapy the responses were 52.5 % complete and 35.5 % partial, for an overall response of 88 %. The overall survival at 60 months was 8 %. This combined approach, in spite of the satisfactory immediate local response rate, does not offer advantages for survival in comparison to conventional treatment modalities.
Periodontal disease as a potential risk factor for low birth weight and reduced maternal haemomglobin levels.

PURPOSE To investigate the association between maternal periodontal disease and its effect on haemoglobin levels and low birth weight infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational study included 770 mothers. Data regarding the periodontal status, pregnancy outcome variables, haemoglobin levels (Hb%) and other factors that may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes were collected. The data were analysed using the chi-square test and univariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Factors such as literacy (P = 0.002), adverse oral habits (P < 0.001), dental health negligence (P < 0.001), obstetric history (P = 0.001) and Hb% (P < 0.001) showed a significant association with periodontal disease. The study showed only seven mothers had not received antenatal care (ANC), which reflected the awareness of ANC during pregnancy. The reduced haemoglobin levels had an association with the severity of periodontal disease. The univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that mothers with a probing pocket depth (PPD) > 6 mm (OR = 2.21, 95% CI [1.07-4.55], P = 0.032) had a higher risk of giving birth to low birth weight infants. CONCLUSION Periodontitis significantly influenced low birth weight. The increase in the severity of periodontal disease was associated with an increased rate of pre-term infants. The severity of periodontitis influenced the maternal haemoglobin levels, i.e. more severe peridontitis was associated with lower haemoglobin levels. Severe anaemia and periodontal infection may have an adverse effect on pregnancy and fetal development.
The role of multi-scale phase synchronization and cross-frequency interactions in cognitive integration

8 Tiivistelmä . 10 1. Background . 12 1.1 The organization of the human cortex . 12 1.2 Working memory and attentional functions . 13 1.3 Network interactions in the brain . 14 1.4 Neuronal oscillations as a mechanism of cortical computations . 14 1.5 The functional significance of oscillations in cognitive functions . 15 1.6 Phase synchrony of oscillating neuronal assemblies. 16 1.7 Cross-frequency coupling . 18 1.8 Electrophysiological neuroimaging . 20 1.9 Estimation of functional connectivity . 21 1.10 Estimation of directed connectivity . 22 2. Aims . 22 3. Methods . 23 3.1 Data acquisition . 23 3.1.1 Simulating Data with Neural Mass Models . 23 3.1.2 Magnetoand Electroencephalography . 23 3.1.3 Stereo-Electroencephalography . 23 3.1.4 Structural imaging . 24 3.2 Signal pre-processing . 24 3.2. 1 Co-registration and inverse modeling . 24 3.2. 2 Removal of low-fidelity parcels and connections . 25 3.2. 3 Frequency filtering . 25
Mentoring in Context

In recent decades, mentoring has been identified, often uncritically, as an overwhelmingly positive workplace learning activity for men, women and minority groups in a variety of organisational settings such as schools, universities, hospitals, corporations, and government departments. This paper begins by exploring what is understood by mentoring, the functions it fulfils, and some of its benefits and hazards for the mentor, mentee (protege) and organisation. We then report on the findings of two meta-analytic like studies of mentoring. The first study draws upon 159 pieces of empirical research taken from the education literature. The second study draws on 151 pieces of empirical research taken from the business literature. The review of these two bodies of research is an attempt to clarify some of the significant outcomes of mentoring and to determine the extent to which a ‘dark side’ of mentoring exists. The paper concludes with implications for practice.
Paradoxical reaction following intravenous midazolam premedication in pediatric patients – a randomized placebo controlled trial of ketamine for rapid tranquilization

Background : Paradoxical reactions to benzodiazepines include restlessness, violent behavior, physical assault, act of self‐injury and need for restraints. These may occur at variable times after administration. This study was designed to determine the incidence of paradoxical reactions following intravenous midazolam premedication in pediatric patients and to compare the efficacy of extra doses of midazolam with low‐dose intravenous ketamine to rapidly tranquillize them.
Do Corporate Policies Follow a Life-Cycle?

We examine whether corporate investment, financing, and cash policies are interdependent and follow a predictable pattern in line with the firm life-cycle. We find that investments and equity issuance decrease with firm life-cycle, while debt issuance and cash holdings increase in the introduction and growth stages and decrease in the mature and shake-out/decline stages of the firm’s life-cycle. These results are robust after using various proxies for life-cycle and controlling for firm, CEO and board level characteristics. Collectively, our results show that corporate policies follow a firm life-cycle.
The Impact of Social Amplification and Attenuation of Risk and the Public Reaction to Mad Cow Disease in Canada

Following the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada, and subsequently in the United States, confidence in the safety of beef products remained high. Consumers actually increased their consumption of beef slightly after the news of an increased risk from mad cow disease, which has been interpreted as public support for beef farmers and confidence in government regulators. The Canadian public showed a markedly different reaction to the news of domestic BSE than the furious and panicked responses observed in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. Using the social amplification of risk framework, we show that, while other countries displayed social amplification of risk, Canada experienced a social attenuation of risk. The attenuated reaction in Canada toward mad cow disease and increased human health risks from variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) was due to the social context at the time when BSE was discovered domestically. Mortality, morbidity, and psychosocial impacts resulting from other major events such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), West Nile virus (WNV), and the U.S.‐Iraq war made the theoretical risks of BSE and vCJD a lower priority, reducing its concern as a risk issue.
Optimizing endobronchial ultrasound for molecular analysis. How many passes are needed?

BACKGROUND The current oncologic management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requires pathologic differentiation between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, novel therapies for adenocarcinoma are clinically available for specific mutation profiles. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has been shown to adequately obtain specimens for molecular profiling. However, it remains unclear what quantity of specimens is needed to provide suitable mutational genotyping for adenocarcinoma. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal number of aspirations per EBUS-TBNA procedure required in the presence of rapid on-site cytopathology evaluation (ROSE) for maximal diagnostic yield for molecular mutational analysis. METHODS From March 2010 to February 2012, cytopathologic data were collected from consecutive cases of adenocarcinoma or NSCLC not otherwise specified (NSCLC-NOS), diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA and ROSE. Samples of material obtained were air-dried and wet-fixed. Samples were tested for the KRAS, EGFR, and/or ALK mutations. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Eighty-five patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA and were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma or NSCLC-NOS were identified. Of the 85 cases identified, 77 (90.6%) were classified as adenocarcinoma with the remaining 8 (9.4%) classified as NSCLC-NOS. Eighty-one of 85 (95.3%) were found to be adequate for molecular profiling. The median number of sites sampled was one. A median of four passes was needed to obtain adequate molecular profiling of 95.3%, using EBUS in conjunction with ROSE. CONCLUSIONS With the use of EBUS-TBNA and ROSE, a minimum of four needle passes may provide an adequate amount of specimen for advanced molecular marker analysis.
Citrullination enhances the pro-inflammatory response to fibrin in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts

Objective Fibrin deposits are characteristic of the synovial tissues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Once citrullinated, fibrin becomes an autoantigen and is thought to contribute in this way to perpetuate the disease. Our study aimed to analyse the responses of RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF) to native and citrullinated fibrin. Methods The transcriptome induced by fibrin in RASF was approached with whole-genome-based gene expression arrays. The upregulation of selected pro-inflammatory genes by fibrin was confirmed in additional primary cell cultures using quantitative PCR and ELISA. Citrullination reactions were carried out with recombinant human peptidylarginine deiminases (PAD) 2 and 4. Results In the whole-genome array native fibrin was found to modulate the gene expression profile of RASF, particularly upregulating mRNA levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. The induction of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by fibrin was confirmed in additional samples at both the mRNA and the protein level. Blocking and knockdown experiments showed the participation of toll-like receptor (TLR)4 in the induction of both cytokines. As compared with the native macromolecule, PAD2-citrullinated fibrin induced significantly higher expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in these cells. Conclusions Our results suggest that fibrin mediates inflammatory responses in RASF via a TLR4 pathway. In this way, fibrin and particularly its citrullinated form may contribute to sustain the cytokine burst in RA.
The disutility of tooth loss: a comparison of patient and professional values.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are to study how tooth loss affects the utility of the dentition from both patient and professional perspectives and to compare patient and professional utility values. METHODS One hundred six patients and 118 dentists were asked to read 19 different written scenarios accompanied by visual images and models, describing mouths with missing teeth, and to indicate on a visual analog scale the value of that oral health state. RESULTS Both groups of participants attached the greatest utility to missing incisor teeth and disutility of tooth loss decreased as the tooth in question became nearer the back of the mouth. When dentist and patient utility values for the loss of different tooth types were compared, using independent t-tests, differences were statistically significant for only one tooth loss scenario - the loss of upper canines. CONCLUSIONS The patient and professional groups valued tooth loss scenarios in a similar way. This finding is contrary to the majority of previous studies comparing patient and professional utilities.