Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Platelet‐rich fibrin/biphasic calcium phosphate impairs osteoclast differentiation and promotes apoptosis by the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND The study explored the effect of platelet-rich fibrin/biphasic calcium phosphate (PRF/BCP) on differentiation and survival of osteoclasts obtained from peripheral blood of CP patients. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 25 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 25 healthy individuals were assayed for cluster of differentiation14+ (CD14+ ) expression and monocytes were induced to differentiate into osteoclasts for 21 days in-vitro in the presence of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). We assessed the number of osteoclasts by tartrate-acid resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positivity. The mechanism of apoptosis was studied with reference to expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-xL, nuclear factor kappa-light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), caspase 3/9 and DNA fragmentation. RESULTS We observed a relative increase in the proportion of circulating osteoclasts in test group than control group (healthy individuals). In addition, osteoclast precursors in untreated cells (CP) were more osteoclastogenic as compared to cells treated with PRF/BCP and hence, there was a significant increase in the number of osteoclasts in CP. In PRF/BCP treated cells, we found a direct inhibition of transcription factor NF-κB with an increased caspase 3/9 levels and caspase 3 activity. Additionally, the protein expression and transcriptional profile of Bax was upregulated and Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL levels were down-regulated on treatment with PRF/BCP. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that the PRF/BCP displayed an inhibitory role in osteoclasts formation and its molecular mechanism of action was related to the apoptosis induction through intrinsic mitochondrial pathway.
Geriatric Patients with Hip Fracture: Frailty and Other Risk Factors Affecting the Outcome

Background: Hip fracture is a devastating health-care problem in a geriatric patient, leading to high mortality and morbidity. Preoperative risk assessment in the geriatric patient is often inexact because of the difficulty in measuring their poor physiologic reserves. Aims: The primary objective was to find the association of modified frailty index (MFI) with 90-day mortality in geriatric patients who received anesthesia for fractured hip. Secondary objectives were to assess the association of preoperative waiting time with the 90-day mortality and the correlation of preexisting medical conditions with poor functional outcome among the survivors. Settings and Designs: This prospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care institution. Subjects and Methods: In this prospective observational study, done over a period of 1 year, 60 geriatric patients aged ≥65 years who received anesthesia for fractured hip and fulfilled selection criteria were recruited. The association of MFI with 90-day mortality and the correlation of preexisting comorbidities with poor functional outcome among the survivors were assessed. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent sample t-test, Mann–Whitney test, and odds ratio were used as applicable. Results: Total 60 patients were available for analysis as two patients dropped off from final 62 on follow up, fifty three patients survived after 90 days. MFI and 90-day mortality showed a significant direct correlation with P < 0.0001. However, no association was found between the preoperative waiting time and 90-day mortality. Preexisting medical conditions showed a significant association of dementia with total dependence afterward with a P = 0.02. Conclusion: There is significant statistical correlation of MFI with the 90-day mortality in the geriatric hip-fractured patients undergoing surgery.
Research on Mechanisms and Controlling Methods of Macro Defects in TC4 Alloy Fabricated by Wire Additive Manufacturing

Wire feeding additive manufacturing (WFAM) has broad application prospects because of its advantages of low cost and high efficiency. However, with the mode of lateral wire feeding, including wire and laser additive manufacturing, gas tungsten arc additive manufacturing etc., it is easy to generate macro defects on the surface of the components because of the anisotropy of melted wire, which limits the promotion and application of WFAM. In this work, gas tungsten arc additive manufacturing with lateral wire feeding is proposed to investigate the mechanisms of macro defects. The results illustrate that the defect forms mainly include side spatters, collapse, poor flatness, and unmelted wire. It was found that the heat input, layer thickness, tool path, and wire curvature can have an impact on the macro defects. Side spatters are the most serious defects, mainly because the droplets cannot be transferred to the center of the molten pool in the lateral wire feeding mode. This research indicates that the macro defects can be controlled by optimizing the process parameters. Finally, block parts without macro defects were fabricated, which is meaningful for the further application of WFAM.
Design and Test of a New Inductive Force Sensor

The currently accepted interval of weekly cast changes in the treatment of clubfeet seems unsubstantiated. A force sensor is needed to determine the adaptation rate of a clubfoot to establish what cast change interval would be most effective and efficient. We developed a force sensor based on the principle that the resonance frequency of an LC-tank changes when a metal target is brought in close proximity. A thin rubber ring between the LC-tank and the metal target transformed this proximity sensor into a force sensor. With a static load test and an incremental load test, the performance of the constructed force sensors was characterized. The custom-made sensor showed excellent sensitivity ((1.7±0.8×105) counts/N), resolution ((0.15±0.06) mN), and accuracy ((3.5±3.0) %) for the application. The observed drift was (2.1±0.7) %/log10(h), which is lower than other thin force sensors. Preliminary results of measurements in the treatment of Dupuytren fingers and clubfeet show good functioning for long-term force measurements.
Barriers to active self‐management following treatment for head and neck cancer: Survivors' perspectives

Active self‐management practices may help head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors to deal with challenges to their physical, functional, social, and psychological well‐being presented by HNC and its treatment. This study investigates the factors perceived by HNC survivors to act as barriers to their active self‐management following primary treatment.
Characterization, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticoagulant activities of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Petiveria alliacea L. leaf extract

Abstract Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf extract of Petiveria alliacea (PA) was the focus of this research work. The PA-AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) study. Studies were made on the AgNPs for antibacterial, antifungal, anticoagulant, free-radical scavenging, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities. The crystalline PA-AgNPs were monodispersed, with a size range of 16.70–33.74 nm and maximum absorption at 410 nm. FTIR analysis displayed prominent peaks at 3430.6, 1711.8, and 1165.9/cm, which showed the existence of phenolic compounds and proteins in the synthesis of AgNPs. PA-AgNPs was active against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, with 100% inhibition. The PA-AgNPs also displayed good antifungal properties, as the concentrations of 100 and 150 µg/mL had 100% inhibition toward Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. However, there was 66.67% inhibition of Aspergillus niger. It scavenged both DPPH and H2O2 by 70.69 and 89.02%, respectively. PA-AgNPs also prevented the coagulation of human blood. This study, being the first of its kind to use the leaf extract of PA for the synthesis of AgNPs has shown that PA-AgNPs can find biomedical applications.
Big Data Analytics: Opportunity or Threat for the Accounting Profession?

ABSTRACT Contrary to Frey and Osborne's (2013) prediction that the accounting profession faces extinction, we argue that accountants can still create value in a world of Big Data analytics. To advance this position, we provide a conceptual framework based on structured/unstructured data and problem-driven/exploratory analysis. We argue that accountants already excel at problem-driven analysis of structured data, are well positioned to play a leading role in the problem-driven analysis of unstructured data, and can support data scientists performing exploratory analysis on Big Data. Our argument rests on two pillars: accountants are familiar with structured datasets, easing the transition to working with unstructured data, and possess knowledge of business fundamentals. Thus, rather than replacing accountants, we argue that Big Data analytics complements accountants' skills and knowledge. However, educators, standard setters, and professional bodies must adjust their curricula, standards, and frameworks to.
Methyl donors dietary supplementation to gestating sows diet improves the growth rate of offspring and is associating with changes in expression and DNA methylation of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 gene

The study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal dietary methyl donors on the performance of sows and their offspring, and the associated hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) expression of the offspring. A total of 24 multiparous sows were randomly fed the control (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with methyl donors (MD) at 3 g/kg betaine, 15 mg/kg folic acid, 400 mg/kg choline and 150 μg/kg VB12 , from mating until delivery. After farrowing, sows were fed a common lactation diet through a 28-days lactation period and six litters per treatment were selected to be fed until at approximately 110 kg BW. Maternal MD supplementation resulted in greater birthweight (p < 0.05) and increased the piglet weights (p < 0.01) and litter weights (p < 0.05) at the age of day 28, compared with that in CON group. The offspring pigs in the MD group had greater ADG (p < 0.05) and tended to lower F:G ratio (p = 0.07) compared with that of CON group from day 28 to 180 of age. The offspring pigs from MD group had greater serum IGF-1 concentrations and expressions of hepatic IGF-1 gene and muscular IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1r) protein at birth (p < 0.05), and greater hepatic IGF-1 protein (p = 0.03) and muscular IGF-1r gene expressions (p < 0.05) at slaughter, than that from the CON group. Moreover, the methylation at the promoter of IGF-1 gene in the liver of newborn piglets and finishing pigs was greater in the MD group than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal MD supplementation throughout gestation could enhance the birthweight and postnatal growth rate of offspring, associated with an increased expression of the IGF-1 gene and IGF-1r, as well as the altered DNA methylation of IGF-1 gene promotor.
Consensus‐based journal rankings: A complementary tool for bibliometric evaluation

Annual journal rankings are usually considered a tool for the evaluation of research and researchers. Although they are an objective resource for such evaluation, they also present drawbacks: (a) the uncertainty about the definite position of a target journal in the corresponding annual ranking when selecting a journal, and (b) in spite of the nonsignificant difference in score (for instance, impact factor) between consecutive journals in the ranking, the journals are strictly ranked and eventually placed in different terciles/quartiles, which may have a significant influence in the subsequent evaluation. In this article we present several proposals to obtain an aggregated consensus ranking as an alternative/complementary tool to standardize annual rankings. To illustrate the proposed methodology we use as a case study the Journal Citation Reports, and in particular the category of Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (CS:AI). In the context of the consensus rankings obtained by the different methods, we discuss the convenience of using one or the other procedure according to the corresponding framework. In particular, our proposals allow us to obtain consensus rankings that avoid crisp frontiers between similarly ranked journals and consider the longitudinal/temporal evolution of the journals.
Development of a toileting performance assessment test for patients in the early stroke phase

Abstract Purpose: The study aimed to develop a toileting performance assessment test to measure the toileting performance ability of patients in the early phase after stroke. Methods: In this study, 214 stroke patients were enrolled. Cronbach’s α, Spearman’s rank correlations (ρ values) with the toileting-related items of the functional independence measure and Barthel Index, interrater reliability (weighted κ), and responsiveness (standardized response mean) were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic and the area under the curves were utilized to determine the cutoff scores for the significance of the independence of toilet ability with the functional independence measure and Barthel Index. Results: Cronbach’s α was ≥0.90. The p values between toileting performance assessment test and Barthel Index and between toileting performance assessment test and functional independence measure were 0.88 and 0.86, respectively. The weighted κ for each item was ≥0.61. The standardized response means were 0.81 for the functional independence measure, 0.70 for the Barthel Index, and 0.93 for the toileting performance assessment test. Cutoff scores of the toileting performance assessment test were 18 points. Conclusions: The toileting performance assessment test has acceptable psychometric properties and proved useful in assessing toileting performance ability of patients in the early phase after stroke. Implications for rehabilitation Toileting performance assessment test demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, and it can be useful for assessing the toileting ability of patients in the early phase after stroke. Toileting performance assessment test should provide information that leads to lowered risk of falls while toileting, and the information gathered can assist patients in achieving early toileting independence after stroke. As the development of toileting performance assessment test excluded patients with cognitive disabilities, the item for cognitive function should be developed as well.
Carotid artery wall mechanics in young males with high cardiorespiratory fitness

What is the central question of this study? Common carotid artery (CCA) two‐dimensional strain imaging detects intrinsic arterial wall properties beyond conventional measures of arterial stiffness, but the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on two‐dimensional strain‐derived indices of CCA stiffness is unknown. What is the main finding and its importance? Two‐dimensional strain imaging of the CCA revealed greater peak circumferential strain and systolic strain rate in highly fit men compared with their less fit counterparts. Altered CCA wall mechanics might reflect intrinsic training‐induced adaptations that help to buffer the increase in pulse pressure and stroke volume during exercise.
The Impact of Client Information Technology Capability on Audit Pricing

Abstract This paper explores the question: “How does a client's information technology (IT) capability influence audit pricing? ” Company data for the years 2004 through 2012 are employed. Firms appearing on the InformationWeek 500 (IW500) annual list of U.S. organizations with superior IT functions serve as a proxy for companies with superior IT capability. Our findings suggest that companies with superior IT capabilities incur higher levels of audit fees. In addition, as client size increases, the audit fees of firms with advanced IT capabilities increase at a greater rate than firms without such capabilities. These findings contrast with prior research by Chen et al. (2014) that found in the immediate post-Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) period for the years 2004 through 2007, client IT capability reduced audit fee increases. In addition, we replicate the Chen et al. (2014) results and find that IT capability did not influence audit fee increases during the subsequent recession and recovery periods. Further, superior capability clients see smaller audit fee increases when exogenous shocks such as SOX regulations occur. These results suggest a revised interpretation of Chen et al. (2014) may be warranted. This study contributes to the literature by providing a more complete picture of how a client's IT capability affects audit fees.
Chapter 10 Systems Design , Modeling , and Simulation in Medicine

Health care is changing at a very rapid pace. So does its attendant complexity and ever increasing reliance on high technology support. Technical medicine, where sophisticated, technology-based methods are used in education of healthcare professionals and in treatment of patients, is becoming a recognized discipline. Such methods require a new generation of engineers, scientists, systems designers, and physicians to integrate medical and technical domains. With this in mind, this chapter provides an overview of modeling and simulation technologies as applied to healthcare. A historical perspective is given followed by the discussion of how simulation helps in gaining professional competency and how it improves healthcare outcomes. Systems for support of medical training and clinical practice are discussed from both engineering and clinical perspectives. Challenges and opportunities for further development of complex simulation-based medical trainers are presented as well.
Using a Two-Step Transformation to Address Non-Normality from a Business Value of Information Technology Perspective

ABSTRACT Accounting information systems (AIS) research data may suffer from severe non-normality, which, if not handled properly, may lead to incorrect statistical inferences. To address this problem, we empirically evaluate the relative merits of a Two-Step normality transformation proposed by Templeton (2011) compared to four alternative distributions available to researchers (random-normal, original, natural log transformed, and winsorization transformed). Using 45 corporate financial performance ratios (CFP), we investigated three perspectives on measurement validity: construct validity, reliability, and difference testing. We then examined the efficacy of the Two-Step method in the context of business value of IT research—we regressed four IT investment and three control variables on 31 of theoretically relevant CFP indicators. The preponderance of our evidence shows that the Two-Step method consistently outperforms the prominently used alternatives in achieving statistical normality, retaining origi.
Neural Computations Underlying Causal Structure Learning

Behavioral evidence suggests that beliefs about causal structure constrain associative learning, determining which stimuli can enter into association, as well as the functional form of that association. Bayesian learning theory provides one mechanism by which structural beliefs can be acquired from experience, but the neural basis of this mechanism is poorly understood. We studied this question with a combination of behavioral, computational, and neuroimaging techniques. Male and female human subjects learned to predict an outcome based on cue and context stimuli while being scanned using fMRI. Using a model-based analysis of the fMRI data, we show that structure learning signals are encoded in posterior parietal cortex, lateral prefrontal cortex, and the frontal pole. These structure learning signals are distinct from associative learning signals. Moreover, representational similarity analysis and information mapping revealed that the multivariate patterns of activity in posterior parietal cortex and anterior insula encode the full posterior distribution over causal structures. Variability in the encoding of the posterior across subjects predicted variability in their subsequent behavioral performance. These results provide evidence for a neural architecture in which structure learning guides the formation of associations. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Animals are able to infer the hidden structure behind causal relations between stimuli in the environment, allowing them to generalize this knowledge to stimuli they have never experienced before. A recently published computational model based on this idea provided a parsimonious account of a wide range of phenomena reported in the animal learning literature, suggesting a dedicated neural mechanism for learning this hidden structure. Here, we validate this model by measuring brain activity during a task that involves both structure learning and associative learning. We show that a distinct network of regions supports structure learning and that the neural signal corresponding to beliefs about structure predicts future behavioral performance.
Does teaching social and communicative competences influence dental students’ attitudes towards learning communication skills? A comparison between two dental schools in Germany

Introduction: Teaching social and communicative competences has become an important part of undergraduate dental education. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of a longitudinal curriculum, addressing social and communication skills, on dental students’ attitudes towards learning these skills. Material and methods: Data on the attitudes towards learning communication skills were collected at two German universities and compared in a cross-sectional survey. 397 dental students were included, 175 students attended a longitudinal curriculum addressing social and communicative competences while 222 students did not. The dental students’ attitude towards learning communication skills was measured by a German version of the Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS-D). Results: Dental students who participated in a longitudinal communication curriculum had significantly lower negative attitudes towards learning communication skills than students who did not attend such courses. Differences in positive attitudes could not be found. Significant interaction effects were found for the factors gender and section of study: female students in the clinical section of their study who participated in the longitudinal curriculum reported higher positive attitudes and lower negative attitudes compared to female students in the preclinical section of study. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that a longitudinal curriculum addressing communication skills can enhance positive and reduce negative attitudes towards learning communication skills. More longitudinal data is needed to explore to what extent gender affects development of communication skills and how students’ attitudes towards learning communication change in the long run.