Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Apico‐Coronal Implant Placement on Post‐Surgical Crestal Bone Loss in Humans

BACKGROUND Contradictory results exist regarding influence of apico-coronal implant placement on crestal bone levels. METHODS Complete charts of patients ≥18 years old with one or more dental implants were included. Demographic, medical, surgical, and prosthetic information was recorded. Implant bone levels were evaluated at initial placement, implant uncovery, prosthetic delivery, and 3 to 6, 7 to 11, and 12 to 18 months post-implant placement. RESULTS Charts of 55 patients and 134 implants were included. At baseline, 19.5%, 67.3%, and 13.3% of implants were recorded as equicrestal, subcrestal, and supracrestal, respectively, on their mesial aspect, and 32.1%, 50.0%, and 17.9% on their distal aspect, respectively. At time of prosthetic delivery, mesial aspect implant position was equicrestal in 35.4%, subcrestal in 17.7%, and supracrestal in 46.9% of cases, whereas on their distal aspects, the same categorical positions were found in 28.4%, 21.1%, and 50.5% of implants. For the mesial aspect of the implant, 3- to 6-, 7- to 11-, and 12- to 18-month intervals, and for the distal aspect of the implant, 7- to 11- and 12- to 18-month intervals, along with diabetes (for both mesial and distal), were associated with a statistically more apical position of the bone compared with baseline. Although the odds ratio of a subcrestal implant position at follow-up times was statistically greater for implants located subcrestally at surgery, linear measures of differential crestal bone loss (CBL) as a function of the categorical initial placement of the implant (supracrestal, equicrestal, subcrestal) at 3- to 6-, 7- to 11-, and 12- to 18-month time points generally showed no significant differences among groups. CONCLUSION A subcrestal position of the implant at time of surgery leads to reduced odds of having implant threads exposed; however, it is associated with similar linear CBL compared with an equicrestal or supracrestal surgical position.
Cilostazol in Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment (CAIST Trial): A Randomized Double-Blind Non-Inferiority Trial

Background: Aspirin is a proven antiplatelet agent in acute ischemic stroke, and there are no current guidelines for other antiplatelet treatments. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of cilostazol with aspirin in acute stroke. Methods: Patients with measurable neurological deficits (NIHSS score ≤15) within 48 h of onset were randomly assigned to cilostazol (200 mg/day) or aspirin (300 mg/day) for 90 days. The primary endpoint was a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days. Cardiovascular events, bleeding complications, and other functional outcomes were also assessed. Statistical analysis was carried out by intention-to-treat and per-protocol bases. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00272454). Results: In total, 458 patients were enrolled (mean age of 63 years, median NIHSS of 3), and mRS at 90 days was obtained in 447 patients. The primary endpoint was achieved in 76% (173/228) of those randomized to cilostazol and in 75% (165/219) assigned to aspirin, which supported the pre-specified non-inferiority of cilostazol to aspirin (95% CI of proportion difference: –6.15 to 7.22%, p = 0.0004). These results were also supported by per-protocol analysis (p = 0.045). Cardiovascular events occurred in 6 patients (3%) treated with cilostazol, and in 9 patients (4%) treated with aspirin (p = 0.41). Adverse events were more common in cilostazol-treated patients during the trial (91 vs. 85%, p = 0.055), while the frequencies of bleeding complications (cilostazol 11%, aspirin 13%, p = 0.43) or drug discontinuation (cilostazol 10%, aspirin 7%, p = 0.32) were not different. Conclusion: Cilostazol is feasible in acute ischemic stroke, and comparable to aspirin in its efficacy and safety.
Association between QRS duration and obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND Both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and prolonged QRS duration are associated with hypertension, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. However, possible links between QRS duration and OSA have not been explored. METHODS Cross-sectional study of 221 patients who underwent polysomnography at our center. Demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and ECG were collected to explore a relationship between OSA and QRS duration. RESULTS The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was positively correlated with QRS duration (r = 0.141, p = 0.03). Patients were divided into 3 groups: AHI < 5 (61), AHI 5-29 (104), and AHI > 30 (55). The mean QRS duration prolonged significantly as OSA worsened (AHI < 5, 85 ± 9.5; AHI 5-29, 89 ± 11.9; and AHI > 30, 95 ± 19.9 ms, p = 0.001). QRS ≥ 100 ms was present in 12.7% of patients with severe OSA compared with 0% in the rest of the sample (p < 0.0001). After adjustment for age, race, and cardiovascular risk factors, this association remained significant in women but not in men. CONCLUSION QRS duration and OSA were significantly associated. Severity of OSA independently predicted prolonged QRS in women but not men. Nevertheless, prolongation of QRS duration in either sex may potentiate arrhythmic risks associated with OSA.
Weight Management: Perception, interest, and preferences in adult cancer survivors

BACKGROUND: Obesity in cancer survivors has been recognized as a growing crisis in cancer care, but cancer survivors may not perceive weight status as important and may not be motivated to manage weight. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate survivors' perception, interest, and preferences for weight management and to identify characteristics that may affect attitudes toward weight management. METHODS: This cross‐sectional survey assessed cancer survivors' attitudes toward weight management with patients attending oncology outpatient clinics at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. FINDINGS: Among 209 respondents who completed the survey, 35% were overweight and 27% were obese. Most participants indicated that they would like to lose weight or were interested or very interested in participating in weight management programs. The results reinforce the need for the oncology team to provide weight management support to cancer survivors.
Serum theophylline concentration levels and preventative effects on exercise‐induced asthma

One of the specific characteristics of asthma is bronchia! hyperresponsiveness. Many factors affect asthmatic patients [1]. Exercise is a very important triggering factor for bronchoconstriction in children. School-age asthmatic children are usually required to participate in various sports programmes [2]. There is much in the literature about exercise-induced asthma (EIA). and many studies have been published about the preventive effects and mechanisms of various drugs [3,4]. Many reports exist about exercise-induced early responses, but there is also a iate response phase [5]. The concept of late responses is not well accepted at present. However, in spite of careful treatment, some asthmatic patients may develop an exercise-induced late asthmatic response. The authors have already studied what drugs can be used to prevent exercise-induced late response, but there are no reports concerning bronchodilator effectiveness for preventing it. The authors investigated sustained-release theophylline effects on exercise-induced early and late responses. The effectiveness of the newly-proposed scrum theophylline therapeutic level of 5-15ng/ml, instead of 10-20|ig/ ml. was also studied by testing to sec whether a slightly greater than 5|. ig/nii serum thcophyllitie concentration would be effective at preventing EIA.
Piperazine analog of vesamicol: In vitro and in vivo characterization for vesicular acetylcholine transporter

The probes to detect vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in vivo are important to evaluate the mapping and function in cholinergic system. To develop high‐specific and high‐affinity radiotracer for single photon emission computed tomography, we investigated piperazine analogs which replaced the piperidine ring of (‐)‐vesamicol with a piperazine ring. We found that the piperazine analog of iodobenzovesamicol, trans‐5‐iodo‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐[4‐phenylpiperazinyl] tetralin (DRC140), had high affinity for VAChT in rat brain. We carried out binding assay in subcellular fraction of the rat brain. The highest Bmax for [125I]‐DRC140 binding was observed in the synaptic vesicle fraction (1,751 fmol/mg protein), followed by the crude vesicle (821 fmol/mg protein) and the P2 fraction (187 fmol/mg protein). These Kd values were similar to the affinity of highly purified synaptic vesicular fraction (Kd = 0.3 nM) with a one‐site model. The possibility that [125I]‐DRC140 recognizes sigma receptor was excluded by our finding large inhibition constants (Ki = 849 nM for haloperidol, Ki = 3,052 nM for 1,3‐di(2‐tolyl)guanidine). In vivo distribution studies with the [123I]‐DRC140 in rats showed a rapid brain uptake. The highest brain area was in striatum, followed by frontal cortex, occipital cortex, and hippocampus. The lowest brain area was cerebellum. The radioactivity of high‐accumulated areas in ex vivo autoradiography was reduced by a preinjection of (‐)‐vesamicol and these levels were reduced to the radioactivity in cerebellum. These results show that [125I]‐DRC140 can provide extremely high specific tracer with excellent brain permeability as a ligand for single photon emission computed tomography. Synapse 38:27–37, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle enzyme release does not predict muscle function impairment after triathlon.

BACKGROUND We sought to determine the effects of a long distance triathlon (4 km swim, 120 km bike-ride, and 30 km run) on the four-day kinetics of the biochemical markers of muscle damage, and whether they were quantitatively linked with muscle function impairment and soreness. METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Data were collected from 2 days before until 4 days after the completion of the race. PARTICIPANTS Twelve triathletes performed the triathlon and five did not. MEASURES Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), muscle soreness (DOMS) and total serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST and ALT activities were assessed. RESULTS Significant changes after triathlon completion were found for all muscle damage indirect markers over time (p < 0.0001). MVC of the knee extensor and flexor muscles decreased over time (p < 0.05). There is disparity in the time point at which peak values where reached for DOMS, MVC and enzyme leakage. There is no correlation between serum enzyme leakage, DOMS and MVC impairment which occur after triathlon. CONCLUSIONS Long distance triathlon race caused muscle damage, but extent, as well as muscle recovery cannot be evaluated by the magnitude of changes in serum enzyme activities. Muscle enzyme release cannot be used to predict the magnitude of the muscle function impairment caused by muscle damage.
Control of hot carrier degradation in LDMOS devices by a dummy gate field plate: experimental demonstration

It is experimentally demonstrated that hot carrier degradation in high voltage LDMOS devices can be minimized by adding a dummy gate field plate, DGFP, over the drain drift region close to the gate. The level of on resistance increase due to hot carrier stress can be controlled by design with the amount of the DGFP overlap of the drift region. Significant decrease in the degradation is experimentally observed by a 40% DGFP overlap without substantially affecting the breakdown voltage of the device. It was also demonstrated that the initial peak substrate/body current is a good indicator of the hot carrier degradation effect and can be used as a process monitor.
The impact of oral pain on quality of life during pregnancy in low-income Brazilian women.

AIMS To assess the effects of oral pain on oral health-related quality of life during pregnancy and document measures taken by pregnant women seeking relief for oral pain. Their experience of other types of pain were also investigated. METHODS A sample of pregnant women who were admitted to a public hospital to give birth were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Those who agreed were asked if they had experienced any pain due to problems with their mouth, teeth, or dentures during the 6 months prior to the interviews. Interviewees who answered affirmatively were questioned about the effects of this pain on their normal activities with the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) tool. RESULTS The study population consisted of 504 subjects (83% of the eligible individuals). A high prevalence of untreated dental caries was found. The prevalences of oral pain, headaches, back pain, and pelvic pain were 39.1%, 61.5%, 59.3%, and 60.9%, respectively. Of those reporting pain, 168 (33.3%) reported having had difficulty doing at least one of the activities included in the OIDP due to oral pain. The most frequently mentioned effects were difficulty in maintaining emotional balance (23.6%), difficulty eating (22.8%), and difficulty cleaning teeth (20%). The mean and median OIDP scores were 13.9% and 8.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION Oral pain during pregnancy was an important problem for this group of women and had a negative effect on their quality of life.
Effects of tetrahydrobiopterin on venous bubble grade and acute diving‐induced changes in cardiovascular function

Introduction: Self‐contained underwater breathing apparatus diving reduces cardiovascular function and increases pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) up to 3 days after a single dive. Acute antioxidants partially attenuated arterial endothelial dysfunction, whereas cardiac and PA functions were unaffected. We tested the hypothesis that acute tetrahydobiopterin (BH4), as a cofactor of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase, reduces bubble grade (BG) and attenuates alteration in cardiovascular function after diving because of increased NO bioavailability.
Gamma Glutamyltransferase Levels and Its Association with High Sensitive C - reactive protein in Sudanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between Gamma-glutamyltransferase and the marker of inflammation, i.e., high sensitive C reactive protein, in type 2 diabetic patients in Sudan.Materials and Methods: A prospective, analytical, hospital based, case control study was carried out Fedail Hospital and Khartoum Teaching Hospital. 100 patients (50 males and 50 females) presenting with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus were enrolled in this study compared to and 50 healthy control subjects from May 2012 to May 2013 were included in the study. Fasting blood glucose, Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and High sensitive C-reactive protein were measured.Results: A significant positive correlation between Gamma Glutamyltransferase and high sensitivity-C-reactive protein in patients with type 2 diabetes (r = 0.431, p
Fitness measures in selection analyses: sensitivity to the overall number of offspring produced in a lifetime

Age at first (α) and last (ω) breeding are important life‐history traits; however, the direction and strength of selection detected on traits may vary depending on the fitness measure used. We provide the first estimates of lifetime breeding success (LBS) and λind (the population growth rate of an individual) of European badgers Meles meles, by genotyping 915 individuals, sampled over 18 years, for 22 microsatellites. Males are slightly larger than females, and the opportunity for selection was slightly greater for males, as predicted. λind and LBS both performed well in predicting the number of grand‐offspring, and both detected selection for a late ω, until the age of eight. Differential selection (S′α) for an early α, however, was only detected using LBS, not with λind. In declining populations (λind < 1) selection favours reproduction later in life, whereas early reproduction is selected in increasing populations (λind > 1). As 41% of badgers were assigned only one offspring (λind < 1), whereas 40% were assigned more than two (λind > 1), this cancelled out S′α measured by λind.
Multihierarchical Interactive Task Planning: Application to Mobile Robotics

To date, no solution has been proposed to human-machine interactive task planning that deals simultaneously with two important issues: 1) the capability of processing large amounts of information in planning (as it is needed in any real application) and 2) being efficient in human-machine communication (a proper set of symbols for human-machine interaction may not be suitable for efficient automatic planning and vice versa). In this paper, we formalize a symbolic model of the environment to solve these issues in a natural form through a human-inspired mechanism that structures knowledge in multiple hierarchies. Planning with a hierarchical model may be efficient even in cases where the lack of hierarchical information would make it intractable. However, in addition, our multihierarchical model is able to use the symbols that are most familiar to each human user for interaction, thus achieving efficiency in human-machine communication without compromising the task-planning performance. We formalize here a general interactive task-planning process which is then particularized to be applied to a mobile robotic application. The suitability of our approach has been demonstrated with examples and experiments.
Modeling phosphorus transport in an agricultural watershed using the WEPP model.

The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model has been tested for its ability to predict soil erosion, runoff, and sediment delivery over a wide range of conditions and scales for both hillslopes and watersheds. Since its release in 1995, there has been considerable interest in adding a chemical transport element to it. Total phosphorus (TP) loss at the watershed outlet was simulated as the product of TP in the soil, amount of sediment at the watershed outlet, and an enrichment ratio (ER) factor. WEPP can be coupled with a simple algorithm to simulate phosphorus transport bound to sediment at the watershed outlet. The objective of this work was to incorporate and test the ability of WEPP in estimatingTP loss with sediment at the small watershed scale. Two approaches were examined. One approach (P-EER) estimated ER according to an empirical relationship; the other approach used the ER calculated by WEPP (P-WER). The data used for model performance test were obtained from two side-by-side watersheds monitored between 1976 and 1980. The watershed sizes were 5.05 and 6.37 ha, and each was in a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] rotation. Measured and simulated results were compared for the period April to October in each year. There was no statistical difference between the mean measured and simulated TP loss. The Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient was 0.80 and 0.78 for the P-EER and P-WER methods, respectively. It was critical for both methods that WEPP adequately represent the biggest sediment yield events because sediment is the main driver for TP loss so that the model can adequately simulate TP losses bound to sediment. The P-WER method is recommended because it does not require use of empirical parameters to estimate TP loss at the watershed outlet.
The effect of earthing ( grounding ) on human physiology

Previous research (12) showed that connecting the human body to the earth during sleep normalizes circadian cortisol profiles and reduces or eliminates various subjectively reported symptoms, including sleep dysfunction, pain and stress. We therefore hypothesized that earthing might also influence other aspects of physiology. Fifty-eight healthy adult subjects (30 controls) participated in a double blind pilot study. Earthing was accomplished with a conductive adhesive patch placed on the sole of each foot. An earthing cord led outdoors to a rod driven into the earth. A biofeedback system recorded electrophysiological and physiological parameters. Upon earthing, about half the experimental subjects showed an abrupt, almost instantaneous change in root mean square (rms) values of electroencephalograms (EEG) from the left hemisphere (but not the right hemisphere) and all of them presented an abrupt change in rms values of surface electromyograms (SEMGs) from right and left upper trapezius muscles. Signal variance in rms muscle potentials also increased significantly. Earthing decreased blood volume pulse (BVP) in 19 of 22 experimental subjects (p < 0.001) and in 8 of 30 controls (p ≅ 0.1, not significant); heart rate (HR) was not affected. From these results, it appears that earthing the human body has significant effects on electrophysiological properties of the brain and musculature, on the blood volume pulse, and on the noise and stability of electrophysiological recordings. Taken together, the changes in EEG, EMG, and BVP suggest reductions in overall stress levels and tensions, and a shift in autonomic balance upon earthing. The results therefore extend the conclusions of the previous study (12).
Customer satisfaction in Web 2.0 and information technology development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the individual and organizations best use Web 2.0 social networking technologies to improve its relationships with customers. Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical background used in the paper was the familiarity-liking theory and prospect theory to understand the extent of user satisfaction with the services. Online survey from Second Life users was conducted to investigate customer satisfaction in Web 2.0 social networks and recent development on information technologies. Findings – The findings suggested that IT development is the inseparable part of Web 2.0 and enables to understand customer satisfaction as well as their perception on online technology. Both customer satisfaction and IT development has positive influence on consumer’s service enjoyment and experience. Research limitations/implications – The generalizability of the paper is limited. The survey data in this study have some common method bias. The possibility of the existence of the common method bias cannot be completely eliminated. Practical implications – The paper provides the significance of customer satisfaction for organizations, researchers, managers, and policy makers. The paper provides validated measurements to facilitate evaluation of several major user satisfaction constructs. Originality/value – The recent development of information and communication technology (ICT), especially the internet and its related technologies has become the main force of the development of online social network. The number of Web 2.0 users has been growing so rapidly that it has become an important channel for marketers to reach their customers.
A case of trisomy 20?

Chromosome determination in a girl who at birth had an abnormal appearance and a cat's cry, and later a poor weight gain and psychomotor retardation, showed a probable trisomy of chromosome pair no. 20. The analysis was made by means of photometric examination of G‐banded chromosomes from lymphocyte cultures. The deviating chromosome was identified in fibroblast cultures as well.