Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association of smoking and diabetes with periodontitis in a Korean population.

BACKGROUND Smoking and diabetes are well-known risk factors for periodontitis. The aims of this study are to examine whether these factors are associated with periodontitis in representative samples of Koreans and to estimate the interaction impact of smoking and diabetes on periodontitis in this population. METHODS The Korean National Oral Health Survey (KNOHS) 2006 collected nationally representative samples of oral epidemiologic data. A community periodontal index (CPI) of 3 to 4 and a CPI value of 0 to 2 were classified as periodontitis and non-periodontitis, respectively. A total of 4,118 participants from KNOHS 2006 were interviewed on smoking and diabetes. Periodontitis was the outcome variable. Smoking and diabetes were the major explanatory variables. The confounders consisted of age, sex, education, occupation, monthly income, and residential area. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations of smoking and diabetes with periodontitis after adjustment for confounders. RESULTS The overall prevalence of periodontitis, current smoking, and self-reported diabetes in Korean adults was 10.1%, 25.9%, and 4.5%, respectively. Associations of smoking and diabetes with periodontitis were : current smokers, odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02 to 1.90; and diabetes, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.77. The association between diabetes and periodontitis was not significant and there were no synergistic interactions of smoking and diabetes on periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that smoking has a significant impact on the periodontal health of Korean adults, but the combined effect of smoking and diabetes had no significant impact.
Passively switched cable-driven transmission for high-speed/high-force robot finger

Graphical Abstract This paper presents a novel cable-driven force magnification mechanism (FMM) that can passively switch from a high-speed (HS) phase to a high-force (HF) phase depending on the load. This is intended to provide an appropriate change in the reduction ratio in applications such as grasping with robotic or prosthetic hands. This mechanism uses only one actuator and does not require sensors to operate. Moreover, its stiffness remains low in the HS phase and increases sharply only after it enters the HF phase. This can result in a better impact tolerance during HS moves as opposed to continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), for which the stiffness increases proportionally. The developed prototype weighs 156 g and has dimensions of , excluding protruding parts. We used a simple 50 mm long cable-driven finger to demonstrate HS–HF two-phase grasping. The effects of the main design parameters were studied experimentally. For a selected configuration, the finger moved at an average joint speed of 372 deg/s in the HS phase and produced a fingertip force of 24.6 N in the HF phase. The compliant characteristics during an HS collision were examined and verified experimentally.
Resistance of Hydraulic Calcium Silicate Cements to Dislodgment in Short- and Long-term Assessment.

PURPOSE To investigate the resistance to dislodgment produced by Biodentine (Septodont) and White-MTA (Angelus) after immersion in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for different durations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Dentin disks 1 ± 0.1 mm thick were obtained from the middle third of the roots of 6 human maxillary canines. On the coronal surface of each dentin disk, four 0.8-mm-diameter holes were drilled. Then the slices were halved using a low-speed saw diamond disk, and the two holes in each half were filled with one of the two tested materials. Each filled half was immersed in PBS solution (pH 7.2) either for 7 days (short term) or 60 days (long term) at 37°C. The push-out test was performed after both time periods. A general linear model (GLM) for repeated measures ANOVA was used to verify the effect of the material and duration of contact with PBS on the push-out strength. The material was considered as the within-subject contrast and the contact duration as the between-subjects effect (p < 0.05). RESULTS Repeated measures GLM indicated a significant impact of material and time on the push-out strength of the samples (p = 0.000 and p = 0.033, respectively). Biodentine significantly improved the push-out strength compared to MTA at both times (p = 0.000). The lack of significance in the interaction between material and time indicates that PBS immersion positively influenced the push-out values of both tested materials. CONCLUSION Long-term PBS immersion positively influenced the resistance to dislodgement from dentin of all cements tested. The Biodentine cement provided greater resistance to push-out force than did the MTA.
Are Current Dietary Habits in Mediterranean Islands a Reflection of the Past? Results from the MEDIS Study

In the 1960s, the recorded dietary pattern of Southern European populations was typical of the traditional Mediterranean diet. However, diets have been rapidly changing. The aim of the current work was to examine the extent by which present food habits of inhabitants residing in various Mediterranean islands uphold past dietary traditions of the Mediterranean diet. A population-based, multi-stage sampling method was used to voluntarily enroll 876 men and 936 women (aged > 65 years) from 12 Mediterranean islands. Demographic, behavioral, clinical, and dietary data were collected. Principal component analysis derived fruits, vegetables, and greens as part of the main dietary pattern across most Mediterranean regions. Surprisingly, Crete had the highest frequency of fast-food and sweets consumption. Malta had the lowest frequency of fish and vegetable consumption and the lowest MedDietScore. As Mediterranean populations gradually move away from traditional dietary patterns, public-health efforts to preserve these diets are needed.
Prevention of ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation by omega 3 fatty acids.

A specially prepared dog model of myocardial infarction was used to test the efficacy of the long-chain polyunsaturated fish oil omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3) acids to prevent ischemia-induced malignant cardiac arrhythmias. The dogs had sustained a prior experimental myocardial infarction from ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and a hydraulic cuff was implanted around the left circumflex artery at that operation. After recovery from that procedure the animals were tested during a treadmill exercise test. With compression of the left circumflex artery sensitive animals will predictably develop ventricular fibrillation (VF). In such prepared dogs an emulsion of fish oil fatty acids was infused i.v. over a 50- to 60-min period just before the exercise-plus-ischemia test, and the effect on development of VF was recorded. The infusion was 100 ml of a 10% (vol/vol) emulsion of a fish oil concentrate containing 70% omega 3 fatty acids with free eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid composing 33.9% and 25.0% of that total, respectively. Alternatively, some animals similarly received an emulsion containing 5 ml of the free fatty acid concentrate plus 5 ml of a triacylglyerol concentrate containing 65% omega 3 fatty acids with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid composing 34.0% and 23.6% of that total, respectively. In seven of eight animals the infusion of the fish oil emulsion completely prevented the acute occurrence of VF in the susceptible animals (P < 0.005). In five of five of these animals the subsequent exercise-plus-ischemia test after a similar infusion of an emulsion in which soy bean oil replaced the fish oil fatty acid concentrates resulted in prompt development of VF. Possible mechanisms for this protective effect of omega 3 fatty acids against exercise and ischemia-induced malignant arrhythmias are considered.
Time dependent variations in biomechanical properties of cadaveric fascia, porcine dermis, porcine small intestine submucosa, polypropylene mesh and autologous fascia in the rabbit model: implications for sling surgery.

PURPOSE We investigated time dependent variations in tensile strength, stiffness, shrinkage and distortion in 6 materials commonly used for transvaginal anti-incontinence surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 15 rabbits were randomized into 3 survival groups (2, 6 and 12 weeks, respectively). Each rabbit had human cadaveric fascia, porcine dermis, porcine small intestine submucosa, polypropylene mesh and autologous fascia implanted on the anterior rectus fascia. At harvest tensiometry and image analysis were performed on each sling. Results were compared to baseline for each sling type and the percent decrease from baseline was compared among sling types. RESULTS Each type of human cadaveric fascia and porcine allografts showed a marked decrease (60% to 89%) in tensile strength and stiffness from baseline. Polypropylene mesh and autologous fascia did not differ in tensile strength from baseline. Polypropylene mesh increased in stiffness from baseline. Autologous fascia and small intestinal submucosa demonstrated a 41% and 50% decrease in surface area, respectively, at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge the relative contribution of biomechanical properties of sling material to the success of anti-incontinence surgery is unknown. However, rapid loss of tensile strength and stiffness in porcine and cadaveric materials may contribute to the early re-emergence of symptoms following successful sling surgery. The results of this study add scientific validity to the increasing use of synthetics in anti-incontinence surgery. Urologists selecting a sling material should be aware of its time dependent biomechanical fate relative to other sling materials.
Gender differences in experiencing negative encounters with healthcare: A study of long-term sickness absentees

Aim: In most countries there are gender differences in sickness absence and in absentees' return to work (RTW). According to different theories sick-listed persons' experiences of encounters with healthcare professionals can influence self-esteem and RTW. The aim was to analyse gender differences in sickness absentees' experiences of negative encounters with healthcare professionals. Methods: A questionnaire, comprising numerous questions on experiences of positive and negative encounters with professionals, was constructed and sent to 10,100 individuals who had been on sick leave for the last 6—8 months. The response rate was 58% (n=5,802). Results: Almost one-third (32%) of the female respondents and one-quarter of the male (24%), respectively, had experienced negative encounters. The most common of such experiences among both women and men were: that they were treated with indifference, with disrespect, that the professional did not take his/her time, did not listen, did not believe in, or doubted complaints. In regression analyses the women had higher significant crude odds ratios, ranging from 1.29 to 1.71, for agreeing to the separate statements on negative encounters. When adjusting for age, ethnicity, and level of education the gender differences were still significant for 14 of the 23 the statements. Conclusion: Women's high rate of sickness absence is considered a problem in most countries. The subjective experiences of women are an important factor to consider in efforts aiming at reducing the sick-leave rates. One important endeavour among professionals in healthcare could be to shift the focus towards a more empowering professional role.
Rainfall-Runoff relationship for streamflow discharge forecasting by ANN modelling

Rainfall-runoff modeling has been considered as one of the major problems in water resources management, especially in most developing countries such as Thailand. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models are powerful prediction tools for the relation between rainfall and runoff parameters. Lam Phachi watershed is located in Western Thailand. In each year, people usually undergo drought problem in dry season or flooding problem in wet season due to the influence of the monsoon leading to soil erosion and sediment deposition in the watershed. The goal of this work is to implement ANN for daily streamflow discharge forecasting in Lam Phachi watershed, Suan Phung, Rachaburi, Thailand. For model calibration and validation, two time series of rainfall and discharge are daily recorded from only one hydrologic station (K. 17) in water years 2009-2012. The data from the first three years are used as the training dataset and the last year are used as the test dataset. The results showed that the coefficient of determination (R2) of ANN equal to 0.88. On the other hand, these results could be applied to solve the problems in water resource studies and management.
Disparate cytokine regulation of ICAM-1 in rat alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary endothelial cells in vitro.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is expressed at high levels on type I alveolar epithelial cells in the normal lung and is induced in vitro as type II cells spread in primary culture. In contrast, in most nonhematopoetic cells ICAM-1 expression is induced in response to inflammatory cytokines. We have formed the hypothesis that the signals that control ICAM-1 expression in alveolar epithelial cells are fundamentally different from those controlling expression in most other cells. To test this hypothesis, we have investigated the influence of inflammatory cytokines on ICAM-1 expression in isolated type II cells that have spread in culture and compared this response to that of rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells (RPAEC). ICAM-1 protein, determined both by a cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by Western blot analysis, and mRNA were minimally expressed in unstimulated RPAEC but were significantly induced in a time- and dose-dependent manner by treatment with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, or interferon-gamma. In contrast, these cytokines did not influence the constitutive high level ICAM-1 protein expression in alveolar epithelial cells and only minimally affected steady-state mRNA levels. ICAM-1 mRNA half-life, measured in the presence of actinomycin D, was relatively long at 7 h in alveolar epithelial cells and 4 h in RPAEC. The striking lack of response of ICAM-1 expression by alveolar epithelial cells to inflammatory cytokines is in contrast to virtually all other epithelial cells studied to date and supports the hypothesis that ICAM-1 expression by these cells is a function of cellular differentiation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Local uncaging of caged Ca2+ reveals distribution of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels in pancreatic acinar cells

In exocrine acinar cells, Ca2+-activated Cl− channels in the apical membrane are essential for fluid secretion, but it is unclear whether such channels are important for Cl− uptake at the base. Whole-cell current recording, combined with local uncaging of caged Ca2+, was used to reveal the Cl− channel distribution in mouse pancreatic acinar cells, where ≈90% of the current activated by Ca2+ in response to acetylcholine was carried by Cl−. When caged Ca2+ in the cytosol was uncaged locally in the apical pole, the Cl− current was activated, whereas local Ca2+ uncaging in the basal or lateral areas of the cell had no effect. Even when Ca2+ was uncaged along the whole inner surface of the basolateral membrane, no Cl− current was elicited. There was little current deactivation at a high cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c), but at a low [Ca2+]c there was clear voltage-dependent deactivation, which increased with hyperpolarization. Functional Ca2+-activated Cl− channels are expressed exclusively in the apical membrane and channel opening is strictly regulated by [Ca2+]c and membrane potential. Ca2+-activated Cl− channels do not mediate Cl− uptake at the base, but acetylcholine-elicited local [Ca2+]c spiking in the apical pole can regulate fluid secretion by controlling the opening of these channels in the apical membrane.
Navigating pathways affecting type 1 diabetic kidney disease

Department of Pediatrics, InstituteG Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa,ItalyKey words: diabetes – genetics –insulin – nephropathy – renal diseaseCorresponding author:Massimo Trucco, MDDivision of ImmunogeneticsDepartment of PediatricsRangos Research Center, Children’sHospital of PittsburghUniversity of Pittsburgh School ofMedicine3460 Fifth AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15213USA.Tel: (412) 692-6570;fax: (412) 692-5809;e-mail: mnt@pitt.eduSubmitted 4 April 2007. Accepted forpublication 10 May 2007
Anatomical study of the perforating vessels of the lower leg

Difficulty of soft tissue defects of the lower leg demands the development of new methods to treat such defects. The aim of this study is the examination of perforators and the various ways of blood supply to the skin in the lower leg. Provided with certain regularity, we would be able to cure soft‐tissue defects also in the difficult zone of the distal segment and on the dorsum of the foot not harming vessels and not affecting mobility of muscles. Subcutaneous island‐flaps supplied by perforating vessels could replace free flaps.
Postoperative evaluation of patients with acromegaly: clinical significance and timing of oral glucose tolerance testing and measurement of (free) insulin-like growth factor I, acid-labile subunit, and growth hormone-binding protein levels.

CONTEXT It is not exactly known when patients with acromegaly should be evaluated for cure after transsphenoidal adenomectomy (TA). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to define the optimal time point of postoperative evaluation by serial measurements of glucose-suppressed GH levels [oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)] and the GH-dependent parameters IGF-I, free IGF-I, acid labile subunit (ALS), and GH-binding protein (GHBP). DESIGN We describe a prospective study with 1-yr follow-up. SETTING The study was conducted at a university hospital. PATIENTS Seventeen patients with acromegaly were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures were OGTT results at 1, 2, 3, 8, and 12 wk after TA; weekly measured GH, (free) IGF-I, ALS, and GHBP levels up to 12 wk; and total IGF-I levels measured at 52 wk. RESULTS Postoperatively, nine patients were in remission with an OGTT GH nadir of less than 0.5 microg/liter and normalized IGF-I levels, whereas eight patients had persistent acromegaly. In both cured and noncured patients, OGTT results at 1 wk after TA were highly reproducible over time. In contrast, early postoperative IGF-I levels fluctuated and only stabilized at 12 wk. In all cured patients, free IGF-I levels rapidly normalized within 2 wk after TA (specificity, 100%). Preoperative ALS levels were elevated in all patients and normalized only in the cured patients after TA (specificity, 89%). Preoperative GHBP levels were low and increased from 2 wk after surgery. CONCLUSIONS We show that in the postoperative evaluation of patients with acromegaly, already 1 wk after surgery, an OGTT using 0.5 microg as the GH nadir cutoff value has a high predictive value for cure, whereas early IGF-I levels show varying patterns toward stabilization. Therefore, IGF-I should be measured as a predictive parameter not within 3 months after surgery. Free IGF-I and ALS levels may have an additional value in the postoperative assessment of disease activity.
Connections of vocal control nuclei in the canary telencephalon

Connections of two telencephalic vocal control nuclei, the hyperstriatum ventrale, pars caudale (HVc), and robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), were investigated in adult canaries. Methods used were transport of horseradish peroxidase and 3H‐adenosine and silver staining of degenerating axons. Three nuclei project to HVc: medial nucleus magnocellularis ofthe anterior neostriatum (MAN), nucleus interfacialis (NIf) of midneostriatum, and nucleus uvaeformis (Uva) of the diecephalon. Uva also projects to NIf. NIf and Uva have not been described previously. HVc projects to area X of lobus parolfactorius, to RA, and to field Avalanche of hyperstriatum ventrale. Nucleus RA receives projections from HVc and from lateral MAN. All these projections are ipsilateral. No gross male/female differences were apparent in the projections to and from HVc. Uptake of HRP by cell somata in HVc following localized injections of this substance into RA or HVc suggests that HVc is composed of rostrocaudally organized clusters of cells, with little lateral communication between them.
Perceived safety management practices in the logistics sector.

BACKGROUND Malaysia's progress on logistics has been slowed to keep pace with its growth in trade. The Government has been pressing companies to improve the safety of their activities in order to reduce society's loss due to occupational accidents and illnesses. Occupational safety and health is a crucial part of a workplace because every worker has to take care of his/her own safety and health. The main occupational safety and health (OSH) national policy in Malaysia is the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994. Only those companies which have excellent health and safety care have good quality and productive employees. This study investigated safety management practices in the logistics sector. OBJECTIVES The present study is concerned with the human factors to safety in the logistics industry. The authors examined the perceived safety management practices of workers in the logistics sector. The purpose was to identify the perception of safety management practices of Malaysian logistics personnel. METHODS Survey questionnaires were distributed to assess logistics personnel about management commitment. The quantitative method using the availability sampling method was applied. The data gathered from the survey were analysed using SPSS software. The responses to the survey were rated according to the Likert scale type, with '1' indicating strongly disagree and '5' indicating strongly agree. One hundred and three employees of logistics functions completed the survey. RESULTS The highest mean scores were found for fire apparatus, prioritisation of safety, and safety policy. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study also emphasise the importance of the management's commitment in enhancing workplace safety. Specifically, companies should maintain good relations between the employer and the employee to help reduce workplace injuries.
Ethics of research in Native communities.

a minority group that has lost control of its own affairs. Researchers interested in Native health issues need to understand that the process of research and publication of results might unwittingly cause further negative outcomes for Native people. Ideally, research into Native health should benefit both the researcher and the community. For this to happen, research teams and Native communities need to be partners at all stages of the studies, from concep-