Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body dysmorphic disorder in aesthetic rhinoplasty candidates

Objective: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder defined as obsessive ideas about distorted physical appearance, leading to social, professional and personal dysfunction. Many of these patients seek aesthetic surgery and are generally dissatisfied with the outcome of their surgery. In the present study patients coming to the otolaryngology clinic of Thaleghani Hospital in Tehran seeking rhinoplasty were evaluated. Methodology: Between October 2010 and October 2011, 130 patients seeking rhinoplasty were recruited in a cross-sectional study. These patients were consecutively interviewed in the otolaryngology clinic of Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Questionnaires were filled containing demographic data. BDD was evaluated by a separate questionnaire. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire was filled to evaluate depression and anxiety. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software. The frequency and standard deviations were calculated. Differences between groups were evaluated by using the chi-square, and t-tests. Results: Ninety nine (76.2%) of rhinoplasty candidates were female and thirty one (23.8%) were male. Eighty five (65.4%) were single and thirty eight (29.2%) were married while seven were divorced. About 63.8% were University students or University graduates. Mean age was 26.43±6.29 years old. 41 patients (31.5%) had BDD. Among BDD patients 12 (29.3%) had concurrent depression and 11 (26.8%) had concurrent anxiety. No statistically significant correlation was found between the presence or severity of BDD and age, gender, marital status, level of education and profession. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) among rhinoplasty candidates, psychiatric evaluation is advisable before surgery to avoid unnecessary operations and patient dissatisfaction.
Training Professional Economists: The Australian Experience

My first acquaintance with Ray Petridis occurred more than twenty years ago. I had just finished an Honours degree at the University of Sydney and was embarking on a Masters degree at the University of New England. Ray came and gave a staff seminar on ‘Economists in a Federal System’. He was on the lecture circuit with this paper that was part of an international study of ‘Economists in Government’ coordinated by A.W. Coats and later published as a book by Duke University Press and as a special issue of the History of Political Economy (Petridis 1981). Little did I then realise that I would be replicating Ray’s professional training by doing a PhD at the same institution (Duke University), having the same supervisor (Craufurd Goodwin) and later also working on economists in government (in my case, Arthur Okun). Indeed, one of my first tasks as editorial assistant for HOPE was to help with the publication of the Coats volume that included the Petridis paper. Petridis (1981) examined, in a considered and scholarly way, the role and impact of the large number of graduates in economics employed by Australian governments. This work predated by a decade the publication by Michael Pusey on Economic Rationalism in Canberra that was to generate so much controversy and ill-feeling. The ensuing debate on economic rationalism ‘at best led to some misconceptions about economics and economic policies. At its worst, the argument has degenerated into diatribe’ (King and Lloyd 1993, p. vii). Petridis concluded that his research led to a basically positive view of the contribution of economics graduates. However, there was some disquiet about the overuse of economic analysis for essentially social problems and a lack of pragmatism on the part of graduates. Moreover, it was felt that a ‘multidisciplinary approach should be cultivated which would help to counter the tendency to perceive particular problems through the narrow lens of a single specialism’ (Petridis 1981, p. 432). In this chapter I take up some of these themes but from the perspective of the nature of postgraduate training in economics. I examine the purposes of postgraduate education and the role of economics in preparing students for academic and other employment options. The scope for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the international dimension reshaping postgraduate education, lead to proposals for improving the learning process at the postgraduate level.
Sustained delivery of therapeutic concentrations of human clotting factor IX – a comparison of adenoviral and AAV vectors administered in utero

Prenatal somatic gene therapy has been considered for genetic disorders presenting with morbidity at birth. Haemophilia is associated with an increased risk of catastrophic perinatal bleeding complications such as intracranial haemorrhage, which could be prevented by gene transfer in utero. Prenatal gene therapy may be more promising than postnatal treatment, as the fetus may be more amenable to uptake and integration of therapeutic DNA and the immaturity of its immune system may permit life‐long immune tolerance of the transgenic protein, thus avoiding the dominant problem in haemophilia treatment, the formation of inhibitory antibodies.
Five-year evaluation of two resin-retained ceramic systems: a retrospective study in a general practice setting.

PURPOSE This study performed a clinical evaluation of two ceramic systems retained with resin-bonded cement, observed clinical outcomes over time, and compared the two systems used (IPS Empress and Vitadur Alpha) and differences between inlays and onlays. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three general practitioners placed 317 restorations (215 IPS Empress and 102 Vitadur Alpha) in 153 patients. The first clinical registration was performed 6 to 36 months after placement of the restorations by calibrated investigators using the CDA criteria. A second follow-up was performed 36 months later. The mean time in function for all restorations at follow-up was 60 months. RESULTS At the first examination, five restorations were not clinically acceptable because of fractures and caries. At follow-up, another 16 restorations were judged as failures. The most significant changes over time were an increase in rough surfaces, evidence of increasing marginal discrepancy, and slight mismatch in color between restored tooth and ceramic restoration. When comparing IPS Empress to Vitadur Alpha, there was no difference in clinical performance. When comparing inlay and onlay restorations, there was a tendency toward a higher number of failures in the inlay group. The overall success rate was 92%. CONCLUSION Ceramic restorations performed well after 5 years in function and provide a good treatment alternative that can be successfully managed in general dental practice.
The Measles Virus V Protein Binds to p65 (RelA) To Suppress NF-κB Activity

ABSTRACT Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factors are involved in controlling numerous cellular processes, including inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity, and cell survival. Here we show that the immunosuppressive measles virus (MV; Morbillivirus genus, Paramyxoviridae) has evolved multiple functions to interfere with canonical NF-κB signaling in epithelial cells. The MV P, V, and C proteins, also involved in preventing host cell interferon responses, were found to individually suppress NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression in response to activation of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor, RIG-I-like receptors, or Toll-like receptors. NF-κB activity was most efficiently suppressed in the presence of V, while expression of P or C resulted in moderate inhibition. As indicated by reporter gene assays involving overexpression of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, which phosphorylates the inhibitor of κB to liberate NF-κB, V protein targets a downstream step in the signaling cascade. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that V specifically binds to the Rel homology domain of the NF-κB subunit p65 but not of p50. Notably, the short C-terminal domain of the V protein, which is also involved in binding STAT2, IRF7, and MDA5, was sufficient for the interaction and for preventing reporter gene activity. As observed by confocal microscopy, the presence of V abolished nuclear translocation of p65 upon TNF-α stimulation. Thus, MV V appears to prevent NF-κB-dependent gene expression by retaining p65 in the cytoplasm. These findings reveal NF-κB as a key target of MV and stress the importance of the V protein as the major viral immune-modulatory factor.
Corneometiy measurements to evaluate skin dryness in the modified soap chamber test *

Background/aims: Patch test procedures have been developed to compare the irritation potential of surfactant‐based products. Skin changes due to product application are usually assessed visually by a trained evaluator using standard scoring scales or instrumentally. This study has been carried out to optimize the assessment of skin dryness in the Modified Soap Chamber Test both by visual scoring and Comeometer measurement, with transepidermal water loss as an additional measure.
Effect of resveratrol on resistin and apelin gene expressions in adipose tissue of diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM Adipose tissue plays a major role in glucose homeostasis. Dietary antioxidants such as resveratrol (RSV) may offer some protection against the early stage of diabetes mellitus and the development of complications. The present study investigated the effects of RSV on biochemical parameters and resistin and apelin gene expressions in adipose tissue of rats with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diabetes was induced using a single dose of streptozotocin + nicotinamide. Three groups of diabetic rats were treated with different doses of RSV (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight per day). Oxidative status, serum biochemical parameters, insulin, and HOMA index were measured. Finally, resistin and apelin gene expressions were determined in rats' adipose tissue using RT- PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS A significant reduction in serum glucose level was observed in rats treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg per day RSV compared with the diabetic control. Resistin expression in adipose tissue was reduced in RSV-treated groups, while no significant changes were observed in apelin expression. CONCLUSION The results showed that RSV improves insulin sensitivity due to a simultaneous decrease in blood glucose and an increase in insulin. We concluded that RSV has potential hypoglycemic effect, probably by increasing insulin levels and changing the expression of resistin.
Biological variation of glycated haemoglobin in a paediatric population and its application to calculation of significant change between results

Background To determine precisely the probability that a change between two glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) results is significant and that clinical actions may be required, the biological variation of HbA1c must be known. However, it has not been evaluated in a paediatric population. We therefore determined the long-term biological variation of HbA1c in a paediatric population and used it to generate a probability curve for significant changes between two consecutive HbA1c measurements. Methods A group of 24 boys and 14 girls with cystic fibrosis (CF) but without diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance has been selected. HbA1c has been measured at least five times over five consecutive years for all subjects. We have used the Fraser and Harris method to calculate within-subject biological variation (CVI), which allowed the determination of the probability that a change is significant between results. Results As within-subject variances are equivalent for girls and boys (P > 0.1), both genders were merged for biological variation analysis. The CVI calculated for HbA1c was 4.8% and the between-subject variation (CVG) was 12.8%. Then, a probability curve based on the CVI found was generated and showed that a change of 14% between two consecutive HbA1c results corresponding to a probability of 95% was significant. Conclusions We determined for the first time the biological variation of HbA1c in a paediatric population, which is higher than the ones found for adult populations. The probability curves generated from these data could be invaluable tools for clinicians to balance HbA1c results with other clinical parameters.
Complications of Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia Patients in Sistan and Baluchistan, South-East of Iran

Background: Thalassemia syndromes are among prevalent hereditary disorders imposing high expenses on health-care system worldwide and in Iran. Organ failure represents a life-threatening challenge in transfusion- dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) patients. The purpose of the present study was to determine the frequency of organ dysfunctions among TDT patients in Sistan and Baluchistan province in South-East of Iran. Materials and Methods: Laboratory and clinical data were extracted from medical records as well as by interviews. Standard criteria were applied to recognize cardiac, gonadal, endocrine and renal dysfunctions. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS statistics software (Ver.19). Results: A total of 613 TDT patients (54.3% males and 45.7% females) were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 13.3 ±7.7 years old. Cardiac events comprised the most encountered complications (76.4%), following by hypogonadism (46.8%), parathyroid dysfunction (22%), thyroid abnormalities (8.3%), diabetes (7.8%) and renal disease (1.8%). Hypogonadism comprised the most identified complication in patient <15 years old, while the cardiac complications were the most frequent sequela in patients >15 years old (P<0.01). Conclusion: As cardiac events are significantly more common among TDT patients, close monitoring of the heart function is recommended for identifying patients with cardiac problems.
The Coupling of Glucose Metabolism and Perfusion in Human Skeletal Muscle: The Potential Role of Endothelium-Derived Nitric Oxide

Insulin-mediated glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle is associated with a commensurate increase in muscle perfusion. The link between insulin action and vasodilation may be mediated by endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO). The evidence suggests that insulin causes an increase in the production of EDNO in insulin-sensitive but not insulin-resistant subjects. This defect in insulinmediated vasodilation may contribute to 1) enhanced presser sensitivity and 2) reduced rates of insulin-mediated glucose uptake. We propose that the endothelium is an insulin target tissue that exhibits an increase in the release of EDNO in response to insulin. We postulate that the insulin-resistant state of obesity is associated with insulin resistance at the level of the endothelium, reduced EDNO release, and impaired vasodilation. Thus EDNO may act as the mediator coupling glucose metabolism to vasodilation. The interaction between insulin and the endothelium to enhance EDNO release describes a novel insulin action that deserves further exploration.
Evaluation of the use of general practice age-sex registers in epidemiological research.

AIM This study set out to show how well samples from general practice registers compare with census data, to describe those characteristics of the population and of the register that influence the response to postal surveys, and to demonstrate how general practice records can be used to assess non-response bias. METHOD The data for this study were obtained from a large postal survey about low back pain among the general adult population aged 20-59 years in eight areas of the United Kingdom, using general practice age-sex registers as the sampling frame. RESULTS The overall response rate was 59%. In the areas chosen, general practice registers yielded samples of size and age-sex composition close to that predicted from national census data. Responses were more likely to be obtained from women, from older age groups and from practices where the sample lists had been inspected for errors. The use of computerized registers and a letter of recommendation from the general practitioner had no effect on the response rate. Inspection of the general practice records of subsamples of respondents and non-respondents to determine consultation rates suggested that there was little response bias in respect of the subject of the survey. CONCLUSION General practice registers can provide a suitable sampling frame for epidemiological purposes. Inaccuracies in the register can be reduced to some extent by careful inspection, but an irreducible minimum remain. Information held in general practice records can be useful in assessing response bias in health surveys.
Investigation into qualitative discourses of the occupational safety and health inspectors in order to promote enforcement

The aim of this study is to conduct an ex-post evaluation of the OSH Enforcement Act. The focus of the study was to collate the views of occupational safety and health (OSH) inspectors on how the OSH Enforcement Act and the practices of the governmental OSH inspectorate operate from an effectiveness perspective. The questionnaire included open questions addressed to OSH inspectors. The results indicated that there is a tension between the quantitative performance targets, e.g., the number of inspections and the effectiveness of the practical enforcement work. Harmonizing the enforcement practices should be implemented at two levels: OSH local agencies and individual inspectors. OSH inspectors believe that developing the professional skills of OSH inspectors and the monitoring of OSH management systems are important ways of promoting the effectiveness of OSH enforcement.
Ventricular Dilation Following Intraventricular Hemorrhage in the Premature Infant

SUMMARY: Periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage occurs commonly in the premature newborn. Recent studies indicate an incidence of 35–45%. Following PVH/IVH, the likelihood of developing hydrocephalus is related to the severity of the hemorrhagic lesion. Ventricular dilation may be due to an obliterative arachnoiditis affecting principally the posterior fossa or, less commonly, due to obstruction of flow of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricular system by clots or other debris. With moderate to severe hemorrhagic lesions, ventricular dilation may occur at the time of PVH/IVH. More commonly, progressive dilation begins one to three weeks following PVH/IVH. The classical clinical signs of hydrocephalus, ie. bulging of anterior fontanelle and inappropriate increase in head circumference, may not appear for days to weeks following onset of ventricular dilation. The precise significance of such normal-pressure hydrocephalus in the genesis of brain injury in the newborn is unknown. Following diagnosis of PVH/IVH, close surveillance of ventricular size with ultrasound scans is indicated. When there is slowly progressive ventricular dilation with normal intracranial pressure, the choice of therapy is made difficult because of frequent spontaneous arrest in such cases. Several modes of therapy have been reported including drugs to decrease the formation of cerebrospinal fluid and the use of serial lumbar punctures. When ventricular dilation is rapid with intracranial hypertension, ventricular drainage is indicated.
Quantification of Individual VOC Reactivity Using a Chemically Detailed, Three-Dimensional Photochemical Model.

Urban ozone reduction strategies targeting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have focused primarily in controlling the total mass of VOC emitted, neglecting the variation in potential ozone formation by individual species. This variation in ozone potential, termed reactivity, is examined here using a three-dimensional Eulerian photochemical airshed model with a detailed chemical mechanism. The Eulerian modeling results are compared with those of a similar study performed using a zero-dimensional model, which is the basis for reactivity quantification for alternative fuel regulations by California Air Resources Board. The results were well correlated between models for metrics calculated at similar precursor ratios; however, notable differences in reactivity were predicted for some important species, probably due to the multi-day simulation periods and the inclusion of cloud cover by the airshed model. 21 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs.
Culture-Laden Social Engagement: A Comparative Study of Social Relationships in Social Networking Sites among American, Chinese and Korean Users

In today’s online environment, social networking sites (SNSs) flourish across the globe as an effective venue for social engagement. The objective of this chapter is to conceptually discuss and empirically demonstrate how social interactions within SNSs are still culturally bound and mirror the users’ prevailing cultural orientations. After discussing a conceptual framework for illustrating cultural forces in social relationships within SNSs, the authors present findings from an online survey of SNS users from three cultures: the U.S., China, and South Korea.
Early Assessment of Visual Information Processing and Neurological Outcome in Preterm Infants

Psychological tests based on visual information processing have shown to be promising in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome in infants at risk. In the present study we prospectively investigated the early development in a group of 20 high-risk preterm infants by means of i) the Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence at 7, 9, and 12 months postterm and ii) a detailed battery for the early assessment of visual functions at 6 and 10 months postterm. The results were then correlated to the Griffiths development scales at two years. At around 7 months no correlation was found in our infants between the Fagan test and neurodevelopmental outcome, possibly as a consequence of the influence of abnormal oculomotor behaviour. At around 9 months most of the visual abnormalities were no more present and the Fagan test was significantly correlated with the outcome. At 12 months postterm a decline of the predictive value of the FTII was observed. In conclusion, nine months postterm age appears to be the best age for the early assessment of neurodevelopmental outcome in high-risk preterm infants, as the maturation of the attentional and visual systems allows a more reliable evaluation.
Quantitation of trans fatty acids in milk fat using spectroscopic and chromatographic methods

Summary Trans fatty acids (TFA) formed during biohydrogenation by ruminant animals were quantified in cows' milk fat by means of Fourier transform i.r. (FTIR) spectroscopy. When samples were analysed as the derived methyl esters, a spectral subtraction technique resulted in TFA values that were not biased by the unspecific absorption of intact triacylglycerols or influenced by the shape of the trans band. Austrian milk fat samples contained 20–50 g TFA/kg. Results obtained by analysis of TFA as triacylglycerols compared favourably with those obtained by using methyl esters. The findings of the FTIR method were further substantiated by applying argentation chromatography in combination with capillary gas chromatography to the same set of samples. Besides trans monoenoic acids, non-methylene interrupted cis, trans octadecadienoic acids contributed significantly to the total trans content. Two novel TFA, trans-11, cis-15 octadecadienoic and cis-9, trans-13 octadecadienoic acids, were identified in milk fat by means of their retention behaviour on argentation chromatography and gas chromatography as well as by an oxidative degradation procedure.