Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of dental images for the diagnosis of dental caries and enamel defects in children and adolescents: A systematic review

Aim The aim of this review was to determine if photographic examination and subsequent image analysis provides comparable accuracy to visual inspection for the diagnosis of common dental conditions in children and adolescents. Methods We searched the PubMed database for studies that compared diagnostic accuracy of the two inspection techniques. Studies were screened for inclusion and were assessed for quality and risk of bias using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies tools. Findings were reported according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Findings Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine of the included studies evaluated dental caries and eight evaluated enamel defects (one study evaluated both conditions). Conclusions Three studies found image analysis to be superior. For the remaining six studies the diagnostic accuracy was comparable. For enamel defects, three studies found image analysis to be superior, two found visual inspection to be superior and three studies reported comparable diagnostic accuracy. Most studies have found at least comparable results between photographic and visual inspection techniques. However, the wide variation in equipment and personnel used for the collection and interpretation of photographic images made it impossible to generalise the results. It remains unclear exactly how effective store-and-forward teledentistry is for the diagnosis of common dental conditions in children.
Flux pinning properties in Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub y/ single crystals and the effect of introducing nano-size MgO particles

The pinning properties in Bi(2212) single crystals prepared by the large temperature-gradient technique are reported in comparison with that of 5% MgO nano-size particle-added Bi(2212) crystals. We studied the scaling of volume pinning force density F/sub p/ to the irreversibility field B/sub irr/ as the scaling field parallel to the c-axis for these Bi(2212) crystals at low temperature from 18 K to 30 K. It was found that for the MgO added-crystals the normalized F/sub p/ was scaled to temperature but for a single crystal no scaling was observed for the irreversible field B/sub irr/ obtained from the field dependence of the irreversibility temperature. When a field B* which gives one percent of the maximum pinning force density F/sub pmax/ was substituted for B/sub irr/, F/sub p//F/sub pmax/ in single crystal scaled with B/B*. We discussed the origin of disagreement between the irreversibility field B/sub irr/ and field B* in a single crystal and the effect of the MgO addition to the Bi(2212) crystal. Critical current of the Bi(2212) crystal in low temperature region could be improved by the 5% addition of the MgO nano-size particles.
Ultrastructure of bovine in vitro-produced blastocysts cryopreserved by vitrification

Summary The objective of this study was to examine ultrastructural aspects of bovine in vitro-produced blastocysts associated with cryopreservation by vitrification. Morphologically good embryos were used and treated with ethylene-glycol-based vitrification solution (VS). The untreated embryos had conventional fine structure. The post-warming embryos treated with direct exposure to VS (one-step procedure) showed cellular damage structurally by cryopreservation, which included loss of microvilli, disruption of the plasma membrane, mitochondrial changes and swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum. However, nuclei and junctional regions seemed to be resistant to cryoinjury. In contrast, the post-warming embryos pre-equilibra ted with 10% ethylene glycol for 5 min and subsequent exposure to VS (two-step procedure) showed less damage than those treated by the one-step procedure. Post-warming embryos treated by the two-step procedure were cultured in vitro for 18 h. Some embryos survived and their structures re-formed to the former state, while other embryos showed serious injuries and could not reconstitute the blastocoele. Three post-warming embryos treated by the two-step procedure that survived after in vitro culture were transferred to three recipients and one of these resulted in pregnancy. These results indicate that cryopreservation by vitrification can damage membranous structures of the cells of bovine embryos, the extent and nature of this damage being dependent on the vitrification procedure.
A Placenta-Specific Enhancer of the Human Syncytin Gene1

Abstract The cis- and trans-acting factors that are critical for placenta-specific expression of the human syncytin gene are unknown. We identified a 146-base pair (bp) region of the 5′-flanking region of the human syncytin gene from nt−294 to −148 that is essential for basal gene expression in human BeWo and JEG3 choriocarcinoma cell lines but not in hepatoblastoma and kidney cell lines. Ligation of the 146-bp fragment to a SV40 promoter or a human β-globin minimal promoter markedly enhanced promoter activity in the placenta cells but not in the liver and kidney cells. DNase I footprint assays indicated that nuclear extracts from BeWo cells but not HepG2 cells protected four regions (FP1–FP4) of the 146-bp fragment. Site-directed mutagenesis of an SP1-binding site in FP3 and a GATA-binding site in FP4 significantly repressed promoter activity in the placenta cells. Overexpression of SP1 (Sp1 transcription factor) and GATA2 (GATA binding protein 2) and GATA3 induced syncytin promoter activity but had little or no effect on the activities of syncytin promoter fragments containing mutations in the SP1- and GATA-binding sites. GATA2 and -3 mRNA levels increased markedly during spontaneous in vitro differentiation of human cytotrophoblast cells when the cytotrophoblast cells fused to form a syncytium. These findings strongly suggest that the 146-bp region of the 5′-flanking region (nt−294/−148) of the human syncytin gene acts as a placenta-specific enhancer. Binding of SP1 and GATA family members to this enhancer is critical for cell-specific expression of the syncytin gene.
Asthma and Panic Attacks Among Youth in the Community

Objective. To determine the association between asthma and panic attacks among youth in the community. Method. Data were drawn from the Methods for the Epidemiology of Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders (MECA) Study (n = 1285), a community-based sample of youth age 9–17 in the United States. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between asthma and both panic attacks and panic disorder, adjusting for differences in sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid mental disorders. Results. Asthma was associated with a significantly increased likelihood of panic attacks [OR = 1.5 (1.01, 2.2)]. This effect was specific and persisted after adjusting for differences in demographics and psychiatric comorbidity. Severe asthma was associated with an even greater likelihood of panic attacks [OR = 2.2 (1.3, 4.0)]. There was a dose-response relationship between number of panic symptoms during a panic attack and the likelihood of asthma [OR = 1.2 (1.1, 1.3)] and severe asthma [OR = 1.3 (1.1, 1.4)], which remained significant after adjusting for differences in sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid mental disorders. Conclusions. These data suggest a significant association between asthma, severe asthma, and panic attacks among youth in the community. Replication of these findings is needed, as are future studies that investigate the nature of these links. In light of the increasing prevalence of asthma and hospitalization for asthma among youth in the United States and worldwide, these associations may be worthwhile to consider in future investigations.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of a Pakistani female cohort towards breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE To note knowledge, attitude and practices of females towards breast cancer. METHODS This KAP study was carried out at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from January to May, 2009. One thousand randomly selected adult females presenting as patients (excluding those with breast complaints) and their accompanying attendants were inducted and interviewed. Pre tested, structured questionnaire, containing 34 (open and closed ended) questions, along with demographic profile was used to gather data which was analyzed using SPSS version 13. Chi square test was applied at 5% level as test of significance. RESULTS Mean age of participants was 32.39 +/-10.47 years. Majority were married (88%), housewives (88%), and urban dwellers (75%) with average household income of Rupees 3000-6000 (33%). Majority (82.9%, n=829) had heard of breast cancer. Further questions were asked from these females. More than 50% participants were aware of cancer's relationship with increasing age, lack of breast feeding, painless lump, obesity, and smoking. Except for breast lump, over 50% participants had knowledge about breast cancer symptoms. >50% subjects had knowledge about diagnostic modalities, treatment and its relation with outcome. Majority (>90%) had positive attitude and intended to see a doctor immediately if they ever felt a breast lump, but had poor (28.3%) practices regarding breast self examination. CONCLUSION Majority of study participants had limited knowledge, poor practices, but positive attitude towards breast cancer.
Introduction: Assessment and Treatment of Youth Who Sexually Offend: An Overview

SUMMARY This introductory article provides an overview of the significant issues involved when dealing with youth who sexually offend, sometimes referred to as juvenile sex offenders or sexually reactive children or adolescents. There is not an accepted term or definition that is widely used to describe or refer to this population, and the precise prevalence or incidence rates are not known. Statistics are presented from various national studies, but methodological problems in the research are also noted. The authors briefly discuss the current research concerning youth who sexually offend, present some of the important issues in this area of research and practice, and list various types of sexual victimization that have been included when dealing with youth who sexually offend. The article then introduces the current volume, describing the articles and content. Identifying and treating youth who sexually offend is in its infancy in many ways. It is hoped that this volume will provide important information to help those in research and practice better understand the issues and dynamics of this population.
RNA Interference Shows Critical Requirement for NF-κB p50 in the Production of IL-12 by Human Dendritic Cells1

Specific NF-κB/Rel proteins regulate murine dendritic cell (DC) survival, differentiation, and activation, but little is known of their role in human cells because of limited loss-of-function analyses. RNA interference (RNAi) is a mechanism to effectively silence gene expression via sequence-specific double-stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). RNAi was used to assess the role of the p50 (NF-κB1) protein in the maturation and activation of cultured human monocyte-derived DC (MoDC). Transfection of cultured MoDC with siRNAs reduced p50 mRNA and protein levels in a specific, dose-dependent, and time-dependent manner. Basal or maturation-induced expression of HLA-DR and costimulatory molecules were not affected, whereas transcription of the IL-12 p40 gene and the secretion of IL-12αβ were reduced. Such MoDC induced less IFN-γ production by T cells in MLR. This is the first report of RNAi-induced phenotype in human primary DC with a method that caused no measurable toxicity or type-I IFN response. siRNAs appear useful for the study of signaling pathways in immune cells, revealing a pivotal requirement for p50 in MoDC for IL-12 production and induction of optimal type-1 immune responses.
Membrane binding of peptides containing both basic and aromatic residues. Experimental studies with peptides corresponding to the scaffolding region of caveolin and the effector region of MARCKS.

We have studied the binding of peptides containing both basic and aromatic residues to phospholipid vesicles. The peptides caveolin(92-101) and MARCKS(151-175) both contain five aromatic residues, but have 3 and 13 positive charges, respectively. Our results show the aromatic residues insert into the bilayer and anchor the peptides weakly to vesicles formed from the zwitterionic lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC). Incorporation of a monovalent acidic lipid (e.g., phosphatidylserine, PS) into the vesicles enhances the binding of both peptides via nonspecific electrostatic interactions. As predicted from application of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation to atomic models of the peptide and membranes, the enhancement is larger (e.g., 10(4)- vs 10-fold for 17% PS) for the more basic MARCKS(151-175). Replacing the five Phe with five Ala residues in MARCKS(151-175) decreases the binding to 10:1 PC/PS vesicles only slightly (6-fold). This result is also consistent with the predictions of our theoretical model: the loss of the attractive hydrophobic energy is partially compensated by a decrease in the repulsive Born/desolvation energy as the peptide moves away from the membrane surface. Incorporating multivalent phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) into PC vesicles produces dramatically different effects on the membrane binding of the two peptides: 1% PIP(2) enhances caveolin(92-101) binding only 3-fold, but increases MARCKS(151-175) binding 10(4)-fold. The strong interaction between the effector region of MARCKS and PIP(2) has interesting implications for the cellular function of MARCKS.
Viscous and osmotically mediated changes in fluid movement across synovium in response to intraarticular albumin.

Fluid exchange in synovial joints involves both interstitial and transcapillary flow. Here the influence of intraarticular albumin, a normal component of intraarticular fluid, on net transsynovial flow was explored by infusing albumin solutions into the synovial cavity of rabbit knees and recording net flow across the synovial lining. The latter is a discontinuous cell layer possessing matrix-filled intercellular spaces and fenestrated capillaries. Albumin solutions (10-250 g.liter-1) of known oncotic pressure and viscosity were infused at a constant pressure between 3 and 18 cm H2O, either in vivo or post mortem. The rate of absorption (outflow) of Krebs solution from the cavity at the same pressure was measured as the control. Albumin reduced the net rate of absorption of fluid from the joint cavity (Qs). The reduction in Qs in vivo, expressed as a fraction of control, was greater than the fractional reduction in the fluidity of the albumin solution (i.e., 1/relative viscosity). At high albumin concentrations in vivo, the net flow reversed direction and became a net filtration into the joint cavity. The change in Qs per unit change in intraarticular oncotic pressure was then 29.7 x 10(-3) microliters.min-1.cm H2O-1. Even when there was continuous net outflow across the lining, however, as at lower albumin concentrations or higher joint pressures, the intraarticular albumin became diluted compared with the infusate. When synovial blood flow was stopped by killing the animal, albumin had less effect on net transsynovial outflow than that in vivo. Outflow was still reduced by albumin but the fractional reduction was now less than the fractional reduction in bulk fluidity. Also, intraarticular dilution was less marked postmortem than in vivo. The observations were compatible with the view that the net transsynovial flow in vivo comprised two opposing flows, namely, capillary (fenestral) filtration into the joint cavity and interstitial flow from cavity to subsynovium. These two flows were affected oppositely by albumin: filtration was enhanced by the oncotic pressure of albumin in the pericapillary interstitium, whereas interstitial flow was reduced by the effect of albumin on fluidity. The results also raised the issues of whether fenestral filtration reduces nearby interstitial albumin concentration and how interstitial and bulk-phase fluidities are related.
Effective Implementation of a Quality Management Policy in Public Administration: Experiences from Spain and Lessons for Croatia

The aim of the paper is to determine institutional and other mechanisms which affect the effective implementation of a quality management policy in public administration, and to draw some lessons for Croatia on the basis of Spanish experience. The mechanisms of the Centre of Government which may foster a particular policy are discussed, and research is carried out on the policy of quality management in Spanish public administration. The study is based on desk research and an interview conducted at the Spanish Agency for the Evaluation of Public Policies and Quality of Services – AEVAL. Croatia is a beginner in the field and lacks some basic institutions required for the horizontal implementation of this policy at the central level. The
Three pheromone-binding proteins in olfactory sensilla of the two silkmoth species Antheraea polyphemus and Antheraea pernyi.

Females of the sibling silkmoth species Antheraea polyphemus and A. pernyi use the same three sex pheromone components in different ratios to attract conspecific males. Accordingly, the sensory hairs on the antennae of males contain three receptor cells sensitive to each of the pheromone components. In agreement with the number of pheromones used, three different pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) could be identified in pheromone-sensitive hairs of both species by combining biochemical and molecular cloning techniques. MALDI-TOF MS of sensillum lymph droplets from pheromone-sensitive sensilla trichodea of male A. polyphemus revealed the presence of three major peaks with m/z of 15702, 15752 and 15780 and two minor peaks of m/z 15963 and 15983. In Western blots with four antisera raised against different silkmoth odorant-binding proteins, immunoreactivity was found only with an anti-(Apol PBP) serum. Free-flow IEF, ion-exchange chromatography and Western blot analyses revealed at least three anti-(Apol PBP) immunoreactive proteins with pI values between 4.4 and 4.7. N-Terminal sequencing of these three proteins revealed two proteins (Apol PBP1a and Apol PBP1b) identical in the first 49 amino acids to the already known PBP (Apol PBP1) [Raming, K. , Krieger, J. & Breer, H. (1989) FEBS Lett. 256, 2215-2218] and a new PBP having only 57% identity with this amino-acid region. Screening of antennal cDNA libraries with an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the N-terminal end of the new A. polyphemus PBP, led to the discovery of full length clones encoding this protein in A. polyphemus (Apol PBP3) and in A. pernyi (Aper PBP3). By screening the antennal cDNA library of A. polyphemus with a digoxigenin-labelled A. pernyi PBP2 cDNA [Krieger, J., Raming, K. & Breer, H. (1991) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1088, 277-284] a homologous PBP (Apol PBP2) was cloned. Binding studies with the two main pheromone components of A. polyphemus and A. pernyi, the (E,Z)-6, 11-hexadecadienyl acetate (AC1) and the (E,Z)-6,11-hexadecadienal (ALD), revealed that in A. polyphemus both Apol PBP1a and the new Apol PBP3 bound the 3H-labelled acetate, whereas no binding of the 3H-labelled aldehyde was found. In A. pernyi two PBPs from sensory hair homogenates showed binding affinity for the AC1 (Aper PBP1) and the ALD (Aper PBP2), respectively.
Effects of whole genome duplication on cell size and gene expression in mouse embryonic stem cells

Alterations in ploidy tend to influence cell physiology, which in the long-term, contribute to species adaptation and evolution. Polyploid cells are observed under physiological conditions in the nerve and liver tissues, and in tumorigenic processes. Although tetraploid cells have been studied in mammalian cells, the basic characteristics and alterations caused by whole genome duplication are still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to acquire basic knowledge about the effect of whole genome duplication on the cell cycle, cell size, and gene expression. Using flow cytometry, we demonstrate that cell cycle subpopulations in mouse tetraploid embryonic stem cells (TESCs) were similar to those in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We performed smear preparations and flow cytometric analysis to identify cell size alterations. These indicated that the relative cell volume of TESCs was approximately 2.2–2.5 fold that of ESCs. We also investigated the effect of whole genome duplication on the expression of housekeeping and pluripotency marker genes using quantitative real-time PCR with external RNA. We found that the target transcripts were 2.2 times more abundant in TESCs than those in ESCs. This indicated that gene expression and cell volume increased in parallel. Our findings suggest the existence of a homeostatic mechanism controlling the cytoplasmic transcript levels in accordance with genome volume changes caused by whole genome duplication.
Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for mild gallstone pancreatitis: time for a paradigm shift.

HYPOTHESIS Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis may undergo an early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) within 48 hours of hospital admission without awaiting the normalization of pancreatic and liver enzyme levels. This may decrease the hospital stay without increasing morbidity or mortality and may minimize the unnecessary use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. DESIGN A retrospective review. SETTING Two university-affiliated urban medical centers. PATIENTS A total of 303 patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis, of whom 117 underwent an early LC and 186 underwent a delayed LC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hospital length of stay, morbidity and mortality rates, and the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. RESULTS Similar hospital admission variables were observed in the early and delayed LC groups, although the delayed group was older (P = .006). The median hospital length of stay was significantly less for the early group than for the delayed group (3 vs 6 days; P < .001). There were no patients who died, and the complication rates were similar for both groups. However, the patients who underwent an early LC were less likely than patients who underwent a delayed LC to undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS An early LC may be safely performed for patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis, without concern for increased morbidity and mortality, resulting in shortened hospital stays and a decrease in the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The practice of delaying an LC until normalization of laboratory values appears to be unnecessary.