Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effect of a Community-Based Lay Health Advisor Training Curriculum to Address Immigrant Children's Caries Disparities

Previous programs had not designed the culturally adequate Lay Health Advisor (LHA) oral health training curriculum for medically underserved population. We evaluated the effects of LHA training curriculum for addressing immigrant children's caries disparities in their access to dental care. We used a pre/post-test study design. Immigrant women were recruited from churches, schools, and immigrant centers in an urban area. Four training classes were held. Each training cycle lasted 15 consecutive weeks, consisting of 1 weekly 2-h training session for 12 weeks followed by a 3-week practicum. The curriculum included training in caries-related knowledge, oral hygiene demonstrations, teaching techniques, communication skills, and hands-on practice sessions. Thirty-seven LHA trainees completed the course and passed the post-training exam. The data were collected using self-report questionnaires. The level of oral health knowledge, self-efficacy and attitudes toward oral hygiene were significantly increased after LHA training. There was a significant and over twofold increase in trainees' oral hygiene behaviors. An increase of >20% in LHA and their children's dental checkup was observed following training. After training, LHAs were more likely to have 3+ times of brushing teeth [Odds Ratio (OR) = 13.14], brushing teeth 3+ minutes (OR = 3.47), modified bass method use (OR = 30.60), dental flossing (OR = 4.56), fluoride toothpaste use (OR = 5.63) and child's dental visit (OR = 3.57). The cross-cultural training curriculum designed for immigrant women serving as LHAs was effective in improvement of oral hygiene behaviors and access to dental care.
A novel 3D thermal impedance model for high power modules considering multi-layer thermal coupling and different heating/cooling conditions

Thermal management of power electronic devices is essential for reliable performance especially at high power levels. One of the most important activities in the thermal management and reliability improvement is acquiring the temperature information in critical points of the power module. However accurate temperature estimation either vertically or horizontally inside the power devices is still hard to identify. This paper investigates the thermal behavior of high power module in various operating conditions by means of Finite Element Method (FEM). A novel 3D thermal impedance network considering the multi-layer thermal coupling among chips is proposed. The impacts to the thermal impedance by various cooling and heating conditions are also studied. It is concluded that the heating and cooling conditions will have influence on the junction to case thermal impedances and need to be carefully considered in the thermal modelling. The proposed 3D thermal impedance network and the extraction procedure are verified in a circuit simulator and shows to be much faster with the same accuracy compared to FEM simulation. This network can be used for life-time estimation of IGBT module considering the whole converter system and more realistic loading conditions of the device.
Exome sequencing reveals FAM20c mutations associated with fibroblast growth factor 23–related hypophosphatemia, dental anomalies, and ectopic calcification

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays a crucial role in renal phosphate regulation, exemplified by the causal role of PHEX and DMP1 mutations in X‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal recessive rickets type 1, respectively. Using whole exome sequencing we identified compound heterozygous mutations in family with sequence similarity 20, member C (FAM20C) in two siblings referred for hypophosphatemia and severe dental demineralization disease. FAM20C mutations were not found in other undiagnosed probands of a national Norwegian population of familial hypophosphatemia. Our results demonstrate that mutations in FAM20C provide a putative new mechanism in human subjects leading to dysregulated FGF23 levels, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, dental anomalies, intracerebral calcifications and osteosclerosis of the long bones in the absence of rickets.
Holding Multinational Corporations Accountable? Achilles Heels in Alien Tort Claims Act Litigation

For over 30 years, human rights, environmental and other plaintiffs’ attorneys have hailed foreign nationals and, in the last 15-20 years, multinational corporations, into U.S. District Courts to answer ATS claims against them, for torts wherever they have occurred, often in remote corners of the world. In cases such as Unocal, Royal Dutch and Blackwater, to name a few, attorneys have procured large settlements. With those multinationals as defendants and with larger settlements, however, have come more sophisticated and better equipped defense lawyers who have raised ancillary and adjective issues that have not been raised before, or at least inquired into in detail. This article discusses a few of them, such as choice of law, piercing the corporate veil, secondary liability, agency, and partnership or joint venture. Most recently, the crowning issue, whether corporations may be held at all under the ATS has come to the fore and, if answered in the negative, will bring things full circle, ending the heyday of ATS litigation.
Researching process and organization: 'in situ reflexive probing' as a process methodology

Despite a recent profusion of methodologies within organizational research, much of what have been formulated remains within the remit of what we call here a ‘substantialist ontology’. This includes methodologies formulated within a ‘weak’ process theory which we assert remains wedded to a substantialist ontology. Methodologies anchored in a ‘strong’ process ontology, however, remain nascent. In this paper, we argue that the operationalization of process ontology requires the development of research methodologies that are inherently sympathetic to process and movement as fundamental features of reality. This, in turn, implies the need for greater conceptual integration and translation to the practical activity of fieldwork in process research. We address this lacuna by fleshing out a methodological approach that applies insights from the recent conceptual developments in the ‘practice turn’ to researching organizational practices in within the remit of a ‘strong’ process ontology. We call this ‘in situ reflexive probing’, a quasi-ethnographic methodology that can aid the development of ‘strong’ process research in organization and management studies.
What is the effect of treating secondary lymphedema after breast cancer with complete decongestive physiotherapy when the bandage is replaced with Kinesio Textape? – A pilot study

ABSTRACT Purpose: Secondary lymphedema (SL) following breast cancer is a well-known complication following surgery or radiation. SL may result in loss of functional ability, cosmetic deformities, physical discomfort, recurrent episodes of erysipelas, and psychological distress. There is no evidence as to what is the most effective treatment for SL. Methods: This randomized controlled pilot study included 10 patients treated for SL following breast cancer. The patients were included and screened for SL by a physiotherapist. They were randomized to treatment with CDP with Kinesio Textape or bandage for 4 weeks. Endpoints were quality of life, circumference of the arm, costs, and working environment for the physiotherapist. Results: The two groups were comparable according to baseline data. Outcomes on quality of life, costs, and working environment for the physiotherapist; the treatment with CDP with tape was superior to the CDP with bandage treatment. In regard to reducing the circumference there was no difference. Conclusions: This randomized controlled pilot study shows that CDP with tape can be an alternative to CDP with bandage. The quality of life is higher, the economy and working environment is better, and the effect measured by circumference is comparable. More RCTs are required to increase the evidence for CDP with tape. Implications: Treating lymphedema with CDP with tape after breast cancer is a good alternative to CDP with bandage and makes it possible to treat more patients with less resources.
Cognitive Enhancement Mediated Through Postsynaptic Actions of Norepinephrine on Ongoing Cortical Activity

We propose two distinct types of norepinephrine (NE)-neuromodulatory systems: an enhanced-excitatory and enhanced-inhibitory (E-E/E-I) system and a depressed-excitatory and enhanced-inhibitory (D-E/E-I) system. In both systems, inhibitory synaptic efficacies are enhanced, but excitatory ones are modified in a contradictory manner: the E-E/E-I system enhances excitatory synaptic efficacies, whereas the D-E/E-I system depresses them. The E-E/E-I and D-E/E-I systems altered the dynamic property of ongoing (background) neuronal activity and greatly influenced the cognitive performance (S/N ratio) of a cortical neural network. The E-E/E-I system effectively enhanced S/N ratio for weaker stimuli with lower doses of NE, whereas the D-E/E-I system enhanced stronger stimuli with higher doses of NE. The neural network effectively responded to weaker stimuli if brief -bursts were involved in ongoing neuronal activity that is controlled under the E-E/E-I neuromodulatory system. If the E-E/E-I and the D-E/E-I systems interact within the neural network, depressed neurons whose activity is depressed by NE application have bimodal property. That is, S/N ratio can be enhanced not only for stronger stimuli as its original property but also for weaker stimuli, for which coincidental neuronal firings among enhanced neurons whose activity is enhanced by NE application are essential. We suggest that the recruitment of the depressed neurons for the detection of weaker (subthreshold) stimuli might be advantageous for the brain to cope with a variety of sensory stimuli.
Influence of Type II Diabetes on Arterial Tone and Endothelial Function in Murine Mesenteric Resistance Arteries

An arteriograph was used to assess myogenic tone, smooth muscle contractility and the influence of endothelial function on mesenteric resistance artery reactivity in insulin-resistant mice (C57BL/KsJ-db/db) and age- and gender-matched wild-type mice. Increases in transmural pressure induced myogenic tone in arteries from both control and db/db mice. At 12 and 16 weeks of age, greater tone developed in diabetic than in control mice. In control, but not in db/db mice, pretreatment of arteries with L-NAME potentiated myogenic tone. Indomethacin and SQ29548 (PGH2/TXA2 receptor antagonist) had no efffect in control, but inhibited myogenic tone in db/db mice. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by acetylcholine and bradykinin, was depressed in db/db mice and potentiated by SQ29548 and LY333531 (protein kinase Cβ inhibitor). Messenger RNA expression levels for PKCβ were over-expressed 2.5-fold in db/db relative to those in control mice. However, expression levels of mRNA for eNOS, PKCα, and PKCξ were similar in the db/db and control mice. Collectively, these results suggest that the greater myogenic tone in resistance arteries from diabetic mice may be attributable, to greater amounts of one or more vasoconstricting prostanoids. Our data indicate that in diabetic mice, basal and agonist-stimulated NO releases are depressed and NO-mediated vasorelaxation in these mice may be countered by an endogenous vasoconstrictive prostanoid. This prostanoid-induced vasoconstriction is mediated by a PKCβ-dependent mechanism. Therefore, heightened activation of PKCβ and release of a vasoconstrictor prostanoid could play a role in endothelial dysfunction associated with type II diabetes.
Impact of chronic undernutrition on higher mental functions in Indian boys aged 10–12 years

Undernourished rural children 10–12 years of age demonstrated the following, when compared to normal nourished children: (i) a relative deficit of memory quotients assessed by the Wechsler memory scale; (ii) lower scores for abilities related to personal and current information, orientation, mental control, logical memory, digit span, visual reproduction and associative learning; (iii) impaired set formation and flexibility in attention as assessed by the card sorting test; and (iv) impairment in conditional learning on maze and conditional associative learning tests. The performance on the finger dexterity test for fine motor coordination was not affected in undernourished children.
Bilateral pediatric cataract surgery: outcomes of 390 children from Nepal and Northern India.

PURPOSE To report the outcomes of bilateral pediatric cataract surgery from eastern Nepal and northern India. METHODS Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of 390 children who underwent surgery bilaterally between 2007 and 2009 were analyzed. RESULTS Forty-two (10.8%) children came from Nepal and 348 (89.2%) from India (mainly Bihar State). Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with posterior capsule opening and anterior vitrectomy were achieved in 386 (99.0%) children bilaterally. Median age at surgery was 7 years and 69.2% were male. At first presentation, 243 (62.3%) of the children were blind (< 3/60 in the better eye). After more than 1 year, 53.5% had a normal visual status (range: 6/6 to 6/18), 5.6% of children were still blind, and mean refractive error spherical equivalent was +1.0 ± 2.4 diopters. Astigmatism changed from suture-induced with the rule at discharge to against the rule within 3 weeks of surgery. Mean long-term astigmatic error was 1.0 ± 0.9 diopters after 1 year. Glaucoma was rare. CONCLUSIONS Even in a setting with limited resources, successful, cost-effective, high-volume surgery for pediatric cataract is possible. Despite late presentation and limited follow-up, more than half achieved good outcomes after more than 1 year. Only 5.6% remained blind due to amblyopia or eye anomalies. Bilateral surgery during one hospital stay, IOL implantation with undercorrection according to age, aggressive surgery to prevent secondary cataract, intensive anti-inflammatory therapy, and provision of durable, high-quality spectacles to take home all proved beneficial because many children cannot attend for regular follow-up.
Validated protocol for FoxP3 reveals increased expression in type 1 diabetes patients

FoxP3 has become a key identifier of regulatory T cells. Investigators have used a variety of antibodies and methods for detecting FoxP3 by flow cytometry. To standardize FoxP3 antibody staining for use in clinical trial samples, we tested various antibodies from different vendors, cell preparation protocols and fix/perm reagents, and cell isolation procedures. Using this optimized staining protocol, we evaluated clinical specimens from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or type 1 diabetes.
Buspirone as an antidote to SSRI-induced bruxism in 4 cases.

BACKGROUND One hypothesis to explain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced bruxism states that SSRIs increase extrapyramidal serotonin levels, thereby inhibiting dopaminergic pathways controlling movement. Previous reports have emphasized buspirone's postsynaptic dopaminergic effect as a partial antidote to the suppressed dopamine levels. CASE REPORTS Four patients, recently started on treatment with the SSRI sertraline, presented with new-onset complaints attributable to SSRI-induced bruxism. All 4 responded to adjunctive buspirone, a serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonist, with relief of bruxism and associated symptoms. DISCUSSION We expand the hypothesis put forth in previous reports by proposing that buspirone is not only acting postsynaptically in the extrapyramidal system, but also presynaptically on serotonergic neurons that influence masticatory modulation in the mesocortical tract. Our 4 cases support the concept of buspirone acting as a full agonist at the presynaptic 5-HT1A somatodendritic receptors located on the cell bodies of raphe serotonergic neurons that project to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain. These serotonergic neurons modulate the firing of the mesocortical tract, which itself projects from the VTA to the prefrontal cortex and acts on masticatory muscle activity through inhibiting spontaneous movements such as bruxism. While the literature is confusing and contradictory on definitions of bruxism and etiologies of incompletely understood movement disorders, we believe SSRI-induced bruxism is best conceptualized as a form of akathisia.
Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Rescue Both in Vitro and in Vivo Growth, Innervation, and Motility in Nitrofen-Exposed Hypoplastic Rat Lungs through Paracrine Effects

Lung hypoplasia can be prevented in vitro by retinoic acid (RA). Recent evidence suggests that amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells may integrate injured lungs and influence their recovery. We tested the hypothesis that AFS cells might improve lung growth and motility by paracrine mechanisms. Pregnant rats received either nitrofen or vehicle on E9.5. In vitro E13 embryonic lungs were cultured in the presence of culture medium alone or with RA, basophils, or AFS cells. In vivo green fluorescent protein-expressing (GFP+) rat AFS cells were transplanted in nitrofen-exposed rats on E10.5. E13 lung explants were cultured before analysis. The surface, the number of terminal buds, and the frequency of bronchial contractions were assessed. Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and α-actin protein levels were measured. The lung explants transplanted with AFS cells were stained for α-actin, PGP 9.5, and TTF-1. The levels of FGF-10, VEGFα, and TGF-β1 secreted by the AFS cells in the culture medium were measured. Comparison between groups was made by ANOVA. In vitro, the surface, the number of terminal buds, and the bronchial peristalsis were increased in nitrofen + AFS cell explants in comparison with nitrofen-exposed lungs. While nitrofen + RA lungs were similar to nitrofen + AFS ones, basophils did not normalize these measurements. PGP 9.5 protein was decreased in nitrofen lungs, but after adding AFS cells, the value was similar to controls. No differences were found in the expression of α-actin. In vivo, the surface, number of terminal buds, and peristalsis were similar to control after injection of AFS cells in nitrofenexposed rats. Colocalization with TTF-1-positive cells was found. The levels of FGF-10 and VEGFα were increased in nitrofen + AFS cell explants, while the levels of TGF-β1 were similar to controls. Lung growth, bronchial motility, and innervation were decreased in nitrofen explants and rescued by AFS cells both in vitro and in vivo, similarly to that observed before with RA. The AFS cell beneficial effect was probably related to paracrine action of growth factor secretion.
Outcome after cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma is predicted by fractional percentage of tumour volume removed

To determine if the fractional percentage of tumour volume (FPTV) removed at cytoreductive nephrectomy predicts disease‐specific survival (DSS), as metastatic renal cell carcinoma ((M+)RCC) is associated with poor overall survival with only a 10–20% patient survival at 2 years.
Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi-Yi-Qi Therapy Prevents Alcohol-Induced Osteoporosis in Rats

Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi-Yi-Qi therapy, which refers to reinforcing kidney, regulating qi, and invigorating spleen, is a traditional Chinese medicine, and we investigated its efficacy in treatment of alcohol-induced osteoporosis and its underlying mechanism. Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into alcohol-supplemented group, JIAN-GU-LING (JGL) group, calcium D3 + alfacalcidol group, and sham-treated group. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone biomechanical properties were assessed. Biochemical analyses of serum and urine specimens were detected. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA level of vitamin D receptor (VDR). There were markedly lower bone metabolic markers and biomechanical properties in alcohol-supplemented group compared with sham-treated group (all P < 0.05). BMD, BMC, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)2D3 were elevated in JGL group relative to calcium D3 + alfacalcidol group (all P < 0.05). U-Ca/Cr and U-P/Cr in JGL group were higher than those in the calcium D3 + alfacalcidol group (all P < 0.05). VDR mRNA level in the JGL group was elevated markedly in comparison with alcohol + calcium D3 + alfacalcidol group (P < 0.05). Based on our results, Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi-Yi-Qi therapy inhibits bone loss, promotes bone formation, and effectively improves bone metabolism in rats with experimental alcoholic osteoporosis. The disease reversal is evidenced by increased BMD and BMC, improved biomechanical properties, elevated VDR mRNA level, enhanced response sensitivity of 1, 25(OH)2D3, and reduced S-Ca/P.
[Optimizing conditions for the discontinuous production of unicellular protein using whey].

The cheese whey is one of the most important effluents which is being disposed off in our area. That is why the study for optimizing conditions in the process of recovering whey to produce protein biomass in a batch fermenter was undertaken. A yeast strain (Kluyveromyces marxianus var. lactis) was propagated on a medium based on whey from cheese making plants, the following conditions for cell development being optimized: temperature, pH and initial concentration of lactose. A methodology based on performing several tests ordered according to a "Latin Squares" structure was proposed; this enables the simultaneous study of three variables with a small number of experiences. Such experiences were performed in a cylindrical (air lift type) glass fermenter, obtaining a maximum yield (4.78 g/l by dry weight) when working with an initial lactose concentration equal to 4.8%. For all temperatures (27, 30 and 35 degrees C) and pH (3, 4 and 5) employed, an increase in the cell number occurred with the initial lactose concentration increasing from 2% to 4.8% (Table 2). It is preferable to work at 27 degrees C and pH 4 (since these conditions minimize the bacterial contamination) and with a lactose concentration equal to 4.8%, i.e. the concentration in the residual cheese whey. Thus, an optimum yield in protein biomass is obtained, enabling a good utilization of this effluent, and also diminishing its initial BOD from 60,000 to 15,000 ppm.
Parathyroid hormone inhibits proximal tubule Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) decreases the transepithelial transport of Na+ in the proximal tubule, an action ascribed to PTH-inhibited apical Na(+)-H+ exchanger-dependent Na+ entry. We tested the possibility that PTH could also diminish Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase-dependent Na+ exit. To dissociate effects on Na+ entry, studies were performed in a suspension of rat proximal tubules by measuring nystatin-stimulated ouabain-inhibitable O2 consumption (QO2) and monensin-stimulated ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake in the absence or presence of bovine PTH-(1-34) fragment. PTH inhibited the percent nystatin-stimulated QO2 in a concentration-dependent manner, with maximal effect at 10(-10) M. PTH-increased cAMP formation was seen at doses higher than 10(-9) M and was maximal at 10(-7) M. Dibutyryl cAMP (10(-4) M) only partially reproduced the PTH action on QO2. Angiotensin II (10(-6) M) blunted the effect of 10(-7) M PTH on QO2, although it did not change 10(-7) M PTH-dependent cAMP generation. The analogues PTH-(3-34) and [Nle8,Nle18,Tyr34]PTH-(3-34)-amide mimicked the effects of PTH-(1-34) on QO2 but did not affect cAMP formation. Monensin-stimulated ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake was inhibited by PTH in a dose-dependent manner, with 10(-7) M PTH being maximally inhibitory. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was also decreased by PTH-(3-34) in a concentration-dependent manner, with maximal effect occurring at 10(-8) M. Agonist-dependent inhibition of Na+ pump was not due to a decrease of mitochondrial activity, because mitochondrial uncoupled QO2 rates were the same in control and PTH-treated tubules. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)