Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histomorphometric analysis of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix as osteopromotive material in rabbit mandibles.

PURPOSE The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of homogenous demineralized dentin matrix (HDDM) slices in surgical bone defects created in the mandibles of rabbits and occluded with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane in the promotion of bone growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surgical bone defects were created in 36 adult rabbits and divided into 4 groups: bone defect (control), bone defect with PTFE membrane, bone defect with HDDM, and bone defect with both HDDM and a PTFE membrane (HDDM + PTFE). The rabbits were sacrificed after 30, 60, and 90 days, and the bone defects were examined histologically and by histomorphometric analysis (analysis of variance and the Tukey test). RESULTS The volume of newly formed bone matrix was significantly greater in the HDDM and HDDM + PTFE groups than in the control and PTFE groups. The discrete inflammatory reaction found in the HDDM and HDDM + PTFE groups did not prevent the osteopromotive activity of the dentin matrix. DISCUSSION HDDM slices were biocompatible and were resorbed during the bone remodeling process. They stimulated the newly formed bone until 30 days after implantation. CONCLUSION Bone repair was accelerated in the bone defects treated with HDDM in comparison to the control group.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles of Bacteria from Diabetic Foot Infections in Selected Teaching Hospitals in Southwestern Nigeria

One of the serious complications associated with diabetes is foot ulcer and this condition affects the quality of life in patients in all classes, races and ages. Chronic wounds are prone to colonization by wide array of microorganisms which could be extremely hazardous to patients if effective and timely therapeutic intervention is not made. This study was conducted to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacteria from diabetic foot infections in southwestern Nigeria. Samples were collected from a total of 142 diabetic foot ulcer patients with moistened sterile cotton swabs. Nutrient agar, Mac-Conkey agar, blood agar and mannitol salt agar media were used for the isolation of total viable bacteria, Gram-negative non-spore forming lactose fermenters, fastidious bacteria and staphylococci, respectively. Morphological and biochemical characteristics of pure cultures were determined in accordance with standard laboratory criteria. API 20 E and API 20 NE were used for the confirmation of identity of the bacterial isolates. The disc diffusion technique was employed for the determination of antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial isolates in accordance with standard procedures. The antibiotics investigated included amikacin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, gentamicin, imipenem, linezolid, methicillin, netilmicin, ofloxacin, oxacillin, penicillin, piperacilin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and vancomycin. One hundred and seventy-seven isolates were encountered and these were characterized into eleven bacterial species. These included Staphylococcus aureus (22.03%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.95%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.43%), Proteus mirabilis (8.48%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.91%), E. coli (7.35%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (6.78%), Streptococcus pyogenes (5.65%), Morganella morganii (5.09%), Citrobacter freundii (4.52%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (2.83%). Gram-negative bacteria showed 76.99% susceptibility to the antibiotics while 22.85% was resistant. Gram-positive bacteria showed 93.75% susceptibility and 5.01% resistance to the antibiotics. This study revealed that there is no definite aetiologic bacterial agent for diabetic foot infections and many of the associated bacteria are sensitive to certain antibiotics.
Analytic and numeric evaluation of EEG forward problem using spherical volume conductor models

This paper investigates the effects of inhomogeneity and anisotropy on the EEG forward problem using spherical head models. The role of skull and brain anisotropy along with the effects of inhomogeneity in different layers of the spherical volume conductor have been quantified, numerically and analytically, using statistical modalities such as RDM, MAG and CC. The paper also investigates the effect of mesh density, selection of element type and role of adaptive mesh refinement on the accuracy and convergence of the finite element method.
["Sex buddies": a high risk behavior for contracting HIV among homo/bisexual men].

OBJECTIVE Despite prevention efforts, the prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) remains substantial among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study describes and analyzes how a group of MSM manages sexual risk with sexual partners. METHOD Qualitative study by means in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 MSM, aged 21 to 40 years old, who had had at least one episode of UAI within the previous 3 months. A grounded theory approach was used to understand sexual risk management with sexual partners as seen by the MSM interviewed. RESULTS Most MSM were involved in UAI when they established relationships with <<sex buddies>> as a way to balance their need for sexual expression with their need for sexual security. In these relationships, the partner's serostatus was assessed on the basis of trust and the assumption of sharing the same serologic status. CONCLUSIONS Subjective evaluations (e.g. trust, intuition) played a key role in the decision to engage in UAI with <<sex buddies>> without precise knowledge of their HIV serostatus. Future approaches need to include the role of subjectivity in making decisions related to risk management and the specific contexts (e.g. type of sexual partner) in which UAI takes place.
Sevoflurane versus propofol for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia with the laryngeal mask airway in children

We compared patient outcomes for propofol vs sevoflurane with the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) using either spontaneous breathing (SB) or pressure controlled ventilation (PCV). One hundred and twenty children undergoing minor surgery below the umbilicus were randomly assigned to receive either (1) propofol 3 mg·kg−1 followed by a maintenance infusion of 5 mg·kg−1·h−1, or (2) induction with sevoflurane 7% followed by maintenance with 1.7%. Following LMA insertion, patients were given atracurium and underwent PCV if surgery was expected to last ≥30 min. The following assessments were made: time to LMA insertion/removal, airway problems, cardiorespiratory effects and recovery characteristics. The first time insertion success rates were similar, but insertion time was shorter with sevoflurane (115±67 s vs 252±107 s, P < 0.0001). One patient coughed during placement, but there were no other problems during any phase of anaesthesia in any group. Heart rate was higher in the sevoflurane group following insertion, during maintenance and emergence (all P < 0.03). There were no differences in blood pressure and oxygen saturation among groups PECO2 in the SB group was unaffected by the agent used. Emergence was more rapid (232±104 s vs 348±127 s, P < 0.0001) and postoperative agitation more common (15%vs 0%, P=0.02) with sevoflurane. There were no differences in the Aldrete scores among groups. Patient outcome was similar for the SB and PCV groups. We concluded that the techniques described here using propofol and sevoflurane are equally suitable for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia with the LMA in children undergoing minor surgery below the umbilicus. Emergence is more rapid, but postoperative agitation more common with sevoflurane.
The MECP2 duplication syndrome

In this review, we detail the history, molecular diagnosis, epidemiology, and clinical features of the MECP2 duplication syndrome, including considerations for the care of patients with this X‐linked neurodevelopmental disorder. MECP2 duplication syndrome is 100% penetrant in affected males and is associated with infantile hypotonia, severe to profound mental retardation, autism or autistic features, poor speech development, recurrent infections, epilepsy, progressive spasticity, and, in some cases, developmental regression. Most of the reported cases are inherited, however, de novo cases have been documented. While carrier females have been reported to be unaffected, more recent research demonstrates that despite normal intelligence, female carriers display a range of neuropsychiatric phenotypes that pre‐date the birth of an affected son. Given what we know of the syndrome to date, we propose that genetic testing is warranted in cases of males with infantile hypotonia and in cases of boys with mental retardation and autistic features with or without recurrent infections, progressive spasticity, epilepsy, or developmental regression. We discuss recommendations for clinical management and surveillance as well as the need for further clinical, genotype–phenotype, and molecular studies to assist the patients and their families who are affected by this syndrome. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
18F-FDG PET in Parkinsonism: Differential Diagnosis and Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment

Accurate differential diagnosis of parkinsonism is of paramount therapeutic and prognostic importance. In addition, with the development of invasive therapies and novel disease-specific therapies, strategies for patient enrichment in trial populations are of growing importance. Imaging disease-specific patterns of regional glucose metabolism with PET and 18F-FDG allows for a highly accurate distinction between Parkinson disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian syndromes, including multiple-system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration. On the basis of a preliminary metaanalysis of currently available studies with inclusion of multiple disease groups, we estimated that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for visual PET readings supported by voxel-based statistical analyses for diagnosis of atypical parkinsonian syndromes are 91.4% and 90.6%, respectively. The diagnostic specificity of 18F-FDG PET for diagnosing multiple-system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration was consistently shown to be high (>90%), whereas sensitivity was more variable (>75%). It is increasingly acknowledged that cognitive impairment represents a major challenge in PD, with mild cognitive impairment being a prodromal stage of PD with dementia (PDD). In line with clinical and neuropsychologic studies, recent PET studies demonstrated that posterior cortical dysfunction in nondemented PD patients precedes cognitive decline and the development of PDD by several years. Taken together, the current literature underscores the utility of 18F-FDG PET for diagnostic evaluation of parkinsonism and the promising role of 18F-FDG PET for assessment and risk stratification of cognitive impairment in PD.
Proton circulation in Vibrio costicola

The importance of proton movements was assessed in the moderate halophile Vibrio costicola. When anaerobic cells in acidic buffer (pH 6.5) were given an O2 pulse, protons were extruded regardless of the presence of Na+. At pH 8.5, however, V. costicola produced an acidic response to an O2 pulse in the absence of Na+ and an alkaline response when Na+ was present. An Na+/H+ antiport activity was confirmed at pH 8.5. All of these effects were prevented by protonophores or butanol treatment. Growth in complex medium at pH 8.5 was prevented by a high concentration (50 microM) of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone (CCCP) or a low concentration (5 microM) of another protonophore, 3,3',4',5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCS). The relative ineffectiveness of the former protonophore was caused by the proteose peptone and tryptone ingredients of the complex medium, since 5 microM completely prevented growth in their absence. The results are explained by a primary respiratory-linked proton efflux coupled to a secondary Na+/H+ antiport operating at alkaline pH. Evidence was seen for a role of Na+ in stimulating proton influx at alkaline pH, presumably via the pH homeostasis mechanism.
Barriers to the development of pediatric palliative care in Italy.

INTRODUCTION In recent years the emergence of new types of patient, clinical situations, technological frontiers and "health" objectives have changed considerably the needs of ill children, this also concerns pediatric palliative care (PPC). In Italy, despite the introduction of legislation (Law 38/2010) stipulating the right of children and families to access appropriate services for pain control and pediatric palliative care, the availability of these services is still limited. AIM The aim of this study is to highlight, through a review of the existing data and published literature, the critical issues that obstacle the planning and development of PPC services in Italy. RESULTS Four main areas identified were: socio-cultural setting; types of patients and nature of diseases requiring PPC; training for PPC providers; regulatory and political issues. CONCLUSIONS This type of analysis can provide the rational for advancing proposals and developing supportive, corrective and implementation strategies.
NECESIDADES PSICOLÓGICAS BÁSICAS EN EDUCACIÓN FÍSICA SEGÚN EL GÉNERO Y EL CICLO EDUCATIVO DEL ESTUDIANTE DURANTE LA ESCOLARIDAD OBLIGATORIA

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los efectos del genero y el ciclo educativo del estudiante sobre las necesidades psicologicas basicas en el area de Educacion Fisica durante la escolaridad obligatoria. Participaron 684 alumnos de la asignatura de Educacion Fisica (323 chicos y 361 chicas), con edades comprendidas entre los 11 y los 18 anos. Se utilizo la Adaptacion a la educacion fisica de la escala de las necesidades psicologicas basicas en el ejercicio. Los resultados senalan que, a medida que se avanza en los ciclos educativos, los estudiantes perciben una menor autonomia, competencia y relacion con los demas en el area. Respecto al genero, los alumnos perciben una mayor autonomia y competencia que las alumnas.
Deep versus shallow suction of endotracheal tubes in ventilated neonates and young infants.

BACKGROUND Mechanical ventilation is commonly used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units to assist breathing in a variety of conditions. Mechanical ventilation is achieved through the placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) which is left in-situ. The ETT is suctioned to prevent a build-up of secretions and therefore blockage of the airway. Methods of suctioning the endotracheal tube vary according to institutional practice and the individual clinician performing the task. The depth of suctioning is one of these variables. The catheter may be passed to the tip of the ETT or beyond the tip into the trachea or bronchi to facilitate removal of secretions. However, trauma to the lower airways may result from the suction catheter being passed into the airway beyond the tip of the endotracheal tube. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness and complications of deep (catheter passed beyond the tip of the ETT) versus shallow (catheter passed to length of ETT only) suctioning of the endotracheal tube in ventilated infants. SEARCH STRATEGY Using text words and subject headings relevant to endotracheal suctioning, searches were made of the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2002), MEDLINE (from January 1966 to December 2002, all languages), CINAHL (from 1982 to 2002). In addition, a call was placed on the list servers, NICU-NET and Neonatal-Talk for unpublished trials, conference presentations and current trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Controlled trials using random or quasi-random allocation of neonates receiving ventilatory support via an endotracheal tube to either deep or shallow endotracheal suctioning. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS No studies were found meeting the criteria for inclusion in this review MAIN RESULTS No studies were found meeting the criteria for inclusion in this review REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence from randomised controlled trials concerning the benefits or risks of deep versus shallow suctioning of endo-tracheal tubes in ventilated neonates and infants. Further high quality research would be required to conclusively establish whether there are any benefits to deep or shallow suctioning. However, as it may be considered unethical to conduct a trial of deep suctioning given anecdotal evidence regarding possible damage to the airway, it is proposed that a randomised controlled trial comparing deep with shallow suctioning may be considered in a NICU where the standard practice includes a deep suctioning technique.
xtraction of cellulose nanocrystals from old corrugated container ber using phosphoric acid and enzymatic hydrolysis followed by onication

Due to its amazing physicochemical properties and high environmental compatibility, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) hold great promise for serving as a strategic platform for sustainable development. Now, there has been growing interest in the development of processes using waste or residual biomass as CNC source for addressing economic and environmental concerns. In the present work, a combined process involving phosphoric acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis and sonication was proposed aiming to efficiently exact CNC from low-cost old corrugated container (OCC) pulp fiber. The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the yield and microstructure of resulting CNC was highlighted. Results showed that ellulose nano-crystals (CNC) hosphoric acid hydrolysis
School and Work in the Eastern Caribbean: Does the Education System Adequately Prepare Youth for the Global Economy?

This report comprises the first phase of analytical activities and focuses on the relevance of the education and training systems in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Its findings confirm the importance of strengthening the link between OECS education and training systems and employers' needs. Analytical findings have also informed the design of a project in St. Lucia to pilot a new market-driven training model requiring close partnership between the public and private sectors. The second phase has already been discussed with the OECS governments and is in the preparation stage. It will develop innovative approaches to expand, diversify and finance nurse training programs to efficiently reduce local shortages within the context of a growing global demand and migration of trained nurses from the Caribbean. The third phase is expected to investigate the factors contributing to learning outcomes, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. The study will inform policies and actions that could lead to improved education quality, which Caribbean stakeholders have identified as fundamental to ensuring a more competitive regional workforce in the longer run. This report's analyses and conclusions confirm many views expressed by government officials, educators, youth, students, teachers, labor union members, private sector representatives, and development partners who participated in two events: (i) the St. Lucia Industry Roundtable for Skills for the Tourism Industry, in November 2005, and (ii) the Caribbean Lifelong Learning Forum in May 2006.1 The report also was reviewed both internally at the World Bank by leading experts in education and training, and externally by OECS stakeholders, including government officials, the Caribbean Examinations Council(CXC), and University of the West Indies.
Factor Structure of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery in Individuals With Acquired Brain Injury

Objective: The National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) measures reading, vocabulary, episodic memory, working memory, executive functioning, and processing speed. While previous research has validated the factor structure in healthy adults, the factor structure has not been examined in adults with neurological impairments. Thus, this study evaluated the NIHTB-CB factor structure in individuals with acquired brain injury. Method: A sample of 392 individuals (ages 18–84) with acquired brain injury (n = 182 TBI, n = 210 stroke) completed the NIHTB-CB along with neuropsychological tests as part of a larger, multisite research project. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses supported a 5-factor solution that included reading, vocabulary, episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed/executive functioning. This structure generally held in TBI and stroke subsamples as well as in subsamples of those with severe TBI and stroke injuries. Conclusions: The factor structure of the NIHTB-CB is similar in adults with acquired brain injury to adults from the general population. We discuss the implications of these findings for clinical practice and clinical research.
Effects of Arginine Vasopressin on Differentiation of Cardiac Fibroblasts Into Myofibroblasts

Background: Differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into myofibroblasts is a critical event in the initiation of myocardial fibrosis (MF). Previous studies have shown that arginine vasopressin (AVP) facilitates MF. However, the effects of AVP on CFs-myofibroblasts transformation, and its possible mechanisms are still unknown. Methods: CFs obtained from neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats were stimulated with AVP in the absence or presence of AVP V1a receptor specific antagonist [d(CH2)5Tyr2(Me)]AVP. CFs-myofibroblast transformation was detected by expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen synthesis. Western bolt and immunofluorescent staining were used to detect expression of α-SMA, [3H]Proline incorporation was used to detect collagen synthesis. AVP-induced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) secretion was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CFs was also stimulated with exogenous TGF-β1 to find out the required dose to induce CFs-myofibroblast transformation. Results: 10−6 mol/L AVP increased α-SMA expression and collagen synthesis significantly, and this effect was blocked by [d(CH2)5Tyr2(Me)]AVP at the concentration of 10−7 mol/L. Meanwhile, AVP significantly increased TGF-β1 secretion of CFs in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was also blocked by 10−7 mol/L [d(CH2)5Tyr2(Me)]AVP. However, the maximum production of biologic active TGF-β1 induced by AVP is far less than the dose of exogenous TGF-β1 needed to induce CFs-myofibroblast transformation. Conclusions: AVP can induce CFs-myofibroblast transformation via its V1a receptor, AVP-induced increase of TGF-β1 synthesis, which also is mediated by V1a receptor, may play a minor role in the transformation. Inducing differentiation of CFs into myofibroblasts may be a mechanism of AVP contributing to MF.