Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Post-gel shrinkage, elastic modulus, and stress generated by orthodontic adhesives.

OBJECTIVES To measure post-gel shrinkage, elastic modulus, and flexural strength of orthodontic adhesives and to predict shrinkage stress using finite element analysis (FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS The following 6 orthodontic adhesives were tested: Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), Transbond Plus Color Change (3M Unitek), Greengloo (Ormco, Brea, Calif), Ortho Connect (GC America, Alsip, Ill), Trulock (RMO, Denver, Colo), GoTo (Reliance, Itasca, Ill). Post-gel shrinkage was measured using a biaxial strain gauge during light curing. Elastic modulus and flexural strength were measured with a 4-point bending test. Analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc tests were used to compare the shrinkage, elastic modulus, and flexural strengths among the materials (α = .05). Shrinkage stresses caused by the post-gel shrinkage and elastic modulus values were calculated using a cross-sectional FEA of a metallic bracket bonded to an incisor. RESULTS Properties were highly different among the adhesives (P ≤ .0001). Transbond XT (0.38 ± 0.09 percent volumetric contraction) and GoTo (0.42 ± 0.05 percent volumetric contraction) had the lowest post-gel shrinkage; Transbond Plus Color Change had the highest (0.84 ± 0.08 percent volumetric contraction). OrthoConnect (6.8 ± 0.6 gigapascals) had the lowest elastic modulus; GoTo (28.3 ± 3.1 gigapascals) had the highest. Trulock (64.1 ± 8.2 megapascals) had the lowest flexural strength; Greengloo (139.1 ± 20.7 megapascals) had the highest. FEA showed that the highest shrinkage stresses were generated with Transbond Plus Color Change and the lowest with OrthoConnect. CONCLUSIONS Post-gel shrinkage of orthodontic adhesives was comparable with restorative composites, which are known to create shrinkage stresses in restored teeth. FEA indicated that this shrinkage creates stresses in the adhesive and in the enamel around the brackets.
Proposed new diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine

Introduction ICHD-3 criteria for chronic migraine (CM) include a mixture of migraine and tension-type-like headaches and do not account for patients who have a high frequency of migraine but no other headaches. Materials and methods Patients from the Danish Headache Center and their relatives with ICHD-3 defined CM were compared with patients with high frequency episodic migraine (HFEM). Danish registries were used to compare the socioeconomic impact in these two groups. A Russian student population was used to determine the generalizability of the number of patients fulfilling CM and the proposed diagnostic criteria for CM. Results There was no difference in the demographic profile between the two groups in the Danish cohort. The number of lifelong or annual attacks (p > 0.3), comorbid diseases, or self-reported effect of triptans (p = 1) did not differ. HFEM patients purchased more triptans than CM patients (p = 0.01). CM patients received more early pension (p = 0.00135) but did not differ from HFEM patients with regard to sickness benefit (p = 0.207), cash assistance (p = 0.139), or rehabilitation benefit (p = 1). Discussion Patients with HFEM are comparable to CM patients with regard to chronicity and disability. We therefore suggest classifying CM as ≥ 8 migraine days per month (proposed CM), disregarding the need for ≥ 15 headache days per month. The proposed diagnostic criteria for CM approximately doubled the number of patients with CM in both the Danish and the Russian materials. Extending the definition of CM to include patients with HFEM will ensure that patients with significant disease burden and unmet treatment needs are identified and provided appropriate access to the range of treatment options and resources available to those with CM. Conclusion Patients with migraine on eight or more days but not 15 days with headache a month are as disabled as patients with ICHD-3 defined CM. They should be included in revised diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine.
Impact of the Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine on Hospital Admissions for Diarrhea Among Children in Kenya: A Controlled Interrupted Time-Series Analysis

Abstract Background Monovalent rotavirus vaccine, Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline), was introduced in Kenya in July 2014 and is recommended to infants as oral doses at ages 6 and 10 weeks. A multisite study was established in 2 population-based surveillance sites to evaluate vaccine impact on the incidence of rotavirus-associated hospitalizations (RVHs). Methods Hospital-based surveillance was conducted from January 2010 to June 2017 for acute diarrhea hospitalizations among children aged <5 years in 2 health facilities in Kenya. A controlled interrupted time-series analysis was undertaken to compare RVH pre– and post–vaccine introduction using rotavirus-negative cases as a control series. The change in incidence post–vaccine introduction was estimated from a negative binomial model that adjusted for secular trend, seasonality, and multiple health worker industrial actions (strikes). Results Between January 2010 and June 2017 there were 1513 and 1652 diarrhea hospitalizations in Kilifi and Siaya; among those tested for rotavirus, 28% (315/1142) and 23% (197/877) were positive, respectively. There was a 57% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8–80%) reduction in RVHs observed in the first year post–vaccine introduction in Kilifi and a 59% (95% CI, 20–79%) reduction in Siaya. In the second year, RVHs decreased further at both sites, 80% (95% CI, 46–93%) reduction in Kilifi and 82% reduction in Siaya (95% CI. 61–92%); this reduction was sustained at both sites into the third year. Conclusions A substantial reduction in RVHs and all-cause diarrhea was observed in 2 demographic surveillance sites in Kenya within 3 years of vaccine introduction.
Incidence and outcome of caesarean section in the private sector--3-year experience at Pretoria Gynaecological Hospital.

Caesarean section (CS) rates vary worldwide from as high as 70% in Brazil to unrecorded levels in certain regions of Africa and South-east Asia. Rates fluctuate between 14% and 20% in the UK USA and Canada but are low and stable at around 10% in the Netherlands Sweden Denmark and Norway. A high incidence of CS has been reported in some private hospitals in South Africa. The Saving Babies report for South Africa did not include deliveries from private hospitals but showed a 15% CS rate for 118 495 public hospital births between April 1998 and March 1999. According to Eckerlund and Gerdtham an increased CS rate does not imply a lower perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) or a lower rate of asphyxia; therefore a controlled/monitored minimum CS rate is optimal. Steyn et al. state that a low constant CS rate can be maintained without compromising the PNMR. In light of Pomas study of American obstetricians it is likely that characteristics of South African obstetricians too influence CS rates so their commitment could and should facilitate lowering of the high CS rates in the country as a whole. (authors)
Association between atrial septal aneurysm and arrhythmias

Abstract Objective. This study aimed to assess the association of atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) with cardiac arrhythmias by comparing patients with ASA with a control group with non-ASA, matched for age and gender. Methods. 641 patients with ASA who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study. The control group consisted of 641 patients without ASA. Patients underwent physical, electrocardiographic and transthoracic echocardiographic examinations. Additional examinations such as transesophageal echocardiography, 24-h rhythm Holter monitoring, and electrophysiological study were performed when clinically needed. Results. There were no differences between the groups in respect to baseline demographic, clinical parameters and echocardiographic parameters except ischemic stroke and smoking status. Percentages of patients suffering from atrial premature complex (APC), ventricular premature complex (VPC), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) were higher in ASA patients compared to non-ASA patients. In addition, these parameters were independently associated with the presence of ASA in logistic regression analysis. Conclusions. Certain types of arrhythmias such as APC, VPC, SVT and paroxysmal AF have been shown to be independently associated with the presence of ASA.
Predictors of viral suppression among youth living with HIV in the southern United States

ABSTRACT Youth living with HIV (YLH) in the United States (U.S.) face significant problems with achieving viral suppression, especially in the South. To examine this issue, YLH with a detectable viral load (N = 61) were recruited from the southern U.S and assessed over 16 weeks for health and treatment factors. Participants were part of a smartphone-based intervention trial. Analyses focused on predictors of viral suppression controlling for intervention effects. Fifty-three percent achieved suppression. In univariate models, YLH who engaged in condomless sex four to 16 weeks into the study (odds ratio [OR] = 4.00; compared to those who did not) and self-reported ≥ 90% antiretroviral adherence in the first four weeks of the study (OR = 25.00; compared to youth with <90%) had a higher likelihood of suppression. Shifts in adherence-related social support (OR = 4.98) and appointments kept (OR = 2.72) were also associated with suppression. YLH endorsing illicit drug use had a lower likelihood of suppression (OR = 0.16; compared to those without use). Effects (except drug use) remained significant or approached significance in a multivariate model. Adherence promotion efforts should consider this population’s adherence-related social support, drug use, and risk for sexually transmitted infections.
Variations in hospital resource use across stroke care teams in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: a retrospective observational study

Objective To identify the main drivers of inpatient stroke care resource use, estimate the influence of stroke teams on the length of stay (LoS) of its patients and analyse the variation in relative performance across teams. Design For each of four types of stroke care teams, a two-level count data model describing the variation in LoS and identifying the team influence on LoS purged of patient and treatment characteristics was estimated. Each team effect was interpreted as a measure of stroke care relative performance and its variation was analysed. Setting This study used data from 145 396 admissions in 256 inpatient stroke care teams between June 2013 and July 2015 included in the national stroke register of England, Wales and Northern Ireland—Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme. Results The main driver of LoS, and thus resource use, was the need for stroke therapy even after stroke severity was taken into account. Conditional on needing the therapy in question, an increase in the average amount of therapy received per inpatient day was associated with shorter LoS. Important variations in stroke care performance were found within each team category. Conclusions Resource use was strongly associated with stroke severity, the need for therapy and the amount of therapy received. The variations in stroke care performance were not explained by measurable patient or team characteristics. Further operational and financial analyses are needed to unmask the causes of this unexplained variation.
Knowledge and Practices to Avoid Heat-Related Illness among Hispanic Farmworkers along the Florida-Georgia Line

ABSTRACT Objectives: Farmworkers who harvest and weed field crops are at increased risk for heat exposure and heat-related illness (HRI). The study objectives were to: (1) train crew leaders to use the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) heat safety tool app and evaluate the utility of the app from a crew leader perspective; and (2) characterize heat safety knowledge, preventive practices, and perceptions of HRI risk among Hispanic farmworkers. Methods: Before harvest season, six crew leaders completed a 2-hour OSHA heat illness prevention training, including evaluation of a heat safety mobile app. Between August and October 2018, 101 Hispanic farmworkers participated in cross-sectional surveys about heat safety. Survey participants responded to questions about HRI prevention, HRI knowledge, and sociodemographics. Results: Crew leaders using the heat safety app rated the app very highly on relevance, functionality, value and privacy. Farmworkers did not report being overly concerned about HRI based on their survey responses. Nevertheless, 19% of farmworkers had experienced nonspecific symptoms from working in the heat, such as headache, dizziness, and nausea. In the multivariate linear regression model, farmworkers had lower heat safety knowledge scores if they were H-2A visa holders, female, and only “a little bit concerned,” compared to others who were “very concerned” about working in the heat. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the need for continued heat safety training for both crew leaders and farmworkers to reduce the risk of HRI, especially among less experienced farmworkers.
Gastroschisis Is Associated With Placental Delayed Villous Maturation

Gastroschisis is a congenital abnormality characterized by visceral herniation through an abdominal wall defect. While the cause of gastroschisis is unknown, it has been linked to risk factors including young maternal age, smoking, and alcohol use during pregnancy. To date, the only established placental correlate is amniocyte vacuolization. Based on our clinical experience, we hypothesized that delayed villous maturation (DVM) is also associated with gastroschisis. We conducted a retrospective slide review of 23 placentas of neonates with gastroschisis. Additionally, we selected 2 control groups of placentas: 1 with a previous diagnosis of DVM and 1 with normal villous morphology. All placentas were randomized and reviewed by 2 perinatal pathologists, who were blinded to the group; DVM and amniocyte vacuolization were assessed. Gastroschisis was associated with increased placental DVM in 65.2% of cases (vs 13.6% of controls; P = .0007) and increased amniocyte vacuolization in 52.2% of cases (vs 9.1% of controls; P = .003) compared to the control group. Based on the normal and DVM groups, kappa agreement between current slide review and initial pathology diagnosis was 0.419, indicating moderate agreement. Our study shows that gastroschisis is associated with placental DVM. This association may be due to (1) a common upstream factor contributing to both gastroschisis and DVM or (2) DVM may be a consequence of the altered placental and amniotic environment in the context of gastroschisis.
Perspectives of consumers in India on factors affecting recovery from schizophrenia

Background: Identifying patient perspectives about recovery may help the service providers to enhance active participation of patients in their recovery. Aim: This study aimed to explore patients’ perspectives about factors affecting recovery from schizophrenia. Methods: A semi-structured interview schedule was used to explore the perceptions of 18 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed. Codes were identified and similar codes were grouped together and main themes were identified. Results: Nine main themes on facilitators and barriers of recovery from schizophrenia were derived. Conclusion: Deeper understanding of patients’ perspectives of recovery from schizophrenia can help mental health professionals to plan appropriate recovery-oriented services.
Dectin‐2‐mediated signaling triggered by the cell wall polysaccharides of Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is rich in polysaccharides of the cell wall and capsule. Dectin‐2 recognizes high‐mannose polysaccharides and plays a central role in the immune response to fungal pathogens. Previously, we demonstrated Dectin‐2 was involved in the activation of dendritic cells upon stimulation with C. neoformans, suggesting the existence of a ligand recognized by Dectin‐2. In the present study, we examined the cell wall structures of C. neoformans contributing to the Dectin‐2‐mediated activation of immune cells. In a NFAT‐GFP reporter assay of the reported cells expressing Dectin‐2, the lysates, but not the whole yeast cells, of an acapsular strain of C. neoformans (Cap67) delivered Dectin‐2‐mediated signaling. This activity was detected in the supernatant of β‐glucanase‐treated Cap67 and more strongly in the semi‐purified polysaccharides of this supernatant using ConA‐affinity chromatography (ConA‐bound fraction), in which a large amount of saccharides, but not protein, were detected. Treatment of this supernatant with periodic acid and the addition of excessive mannose, but not glucose or galactose, strongly inhibited this activity. The ConA‐bound fraction of the β‐glucanase‐treated Cap67 supernatant was bound to Dectin‐2‐Fc fusion protein in a dose‐dependent manner and strongly induced the production of interleukin‐12p40 and tumour necrosis factor‐α by dendritic cells; this was abrogated under the Dectin‐2‐deficient condition. Finally, 98 kDa mannoprotein (MP98) derived from C. neoformans showed activation of the reporter cells expressing Dectin‐2. These results suggested that a ligand with mannose moieties may exist in the cell walls and play a critical role in the activation of dendritic cells during infection with C. neoformans.
3D printing of musculoskeletal tissues: impact on safety and health at work

ABSTRACT Additive manufacturing (commonly referred to as 3D printing) created an attractive approach for regenerative medicine research in musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Given the high number of fabrication technologies available, characterized by different working and physical principles, there are several related risks that need to be managed to protect operators. Recently, an increasing number of studies demonstrated that several types of 3D printers are emitters of ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds whose harmful effects through inhalation, ingestion and skin uptake are known. Confirmation of danger of these products is not yet final, but this provides a basis to adopt preventive measures in agreement with the precautionary principle. The purpose of this investigation was to provide a useful tool to the researcher for managing the risks related to the use of different kinds of three-dimensional printers (3D printers) in the lab, especiallyconcerning orthopedic applications, and to define appropriate control measures. Particular attention was given to new emerging risks and to developing response strategies for a comprehensive coverage of the health and safety of operators.
Risk factors of intrahepatic biloma and secondary infection after thermal ablation for malignant hepatic tumors

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of biloma formation and secondary infection after thermal ablation for malignant hepatic tumors. Patients and methods: A total of 58 patients with 68 bilomas after thermal ablation were recruited as the complication group, and 61 patients with 72 lesions without major complications were selected randomly as the control group. The potential risk factors for biloma formation were analyzed with the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. To determine the optimum management method for biloma, patients with secondary infection were included for the subgroup analysis of risk factors. Results: A history of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment (odds ratio [OR]: 3.606, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.165–11.156, p = .026) and tumor location (OR: 37.734, 95% CI: 13.058–109.034, p = .000) were independent predictors of biloma formation. Among the 58 patients with biloma, 49 (84.5%) showed no symptoms (i.e., the asymptomatic group), while the remaining 9 (15.5%) developed symptoms related to secondary infections (i.e., the symptomatic group). There were significant differences in the history of biliary manipulation (p = .031) between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Conclusion: A history of TACE treatment and the distance from the biliary tract were independent predictors of biloma formation after thermal ablation. Therefore, protecting the bile duct (i.e., cooling of the bile duct and combing thermal ablation with chemical ablation) should be considered for high-risk patients. Moreover, active monitoring and management should be performed for patients with bilomas who underwent biliary surgery before.
A polar filter in DNA polymerases prevents ribonucleotide incorporation

Abstract The presence of ribonucleotides in DNA can lead to genomic instability and cellular lethality. To prevent adventitious rNTP incorporation, the majority of the DNA polymerases (dPols) possess a steric filter. The dPol named MsDpo4 (Mycobacterium smegmatis) naturally lacks this steric filter and hence is capable of rNTP addition. The introduction of the steric filter in MsDpo4 did not result in complete abrogation of the ability of this enzyme to incorporate ribonucleotides. In comparison, DNA polymerase IV (PolIV) from Escherichia coli exhibited stringent selection for deoxyribonucleotides. A comparison of MsDpo4 and PolIV led to the discovery of an additional polar filter responsible for sugar selectivity. Thr43 represents the filter in PolIV and this residue forms interactions with the incoming nucleotide to draw it closer to the enzyme surface. As a result, the 2’-OH in rNTPs will clash with the enzyme surface, and therefore ribonucleotides cannot be accommodated in the active site in a conformation compatible with productive catalysis. The substitution of the equivalent residue in MsDpo4–Cys47, with Thr led to a drastic reduction in the ability of the mycobacterial enzyme to incorporate rNTPs. Overall, our studies evince that the polar filter serves to prevent ribonucleotide incorporation by dPols.
Gender dimensions of HIV status disclosure to sexual partners : rates, barriers, and outcomes : a review paper

It has now been recognized that there are a number of barriers that HIV-infected individuals face when sharing their test results with friends family and most importantly sexual partners. There is considerable interest in finding strategies to encourage disclosure because of the public health benefits that may accrue from the disclosure of HIV status. The purpose of this review paper is to synthesize the current information available on HIV status disclosure in terms of the rates barriers and outcomes of HIV status disclosure among HIV-infected individuals. Particular emphasis is placed on womens experiences with disclosure to sexual partners. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and a solicitation of experiences and input from researchers and practitioners in the field the report aims to identify the major barriers and describe programmatic and policy strategies that have been adopted to address these barriers and support women through the disclosure process. The report ends with a section on recommendations for ways to move forward to increase disclosure rates and the support available to women who would like to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners safely. (excerpt)