Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in primary endodontic infections in a Chinese population.

AIM To assess the prevalence of three black-pigmented bacterial species (Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia) using microarray technology in root canals of teeth associated with primary endodontic infections in a Chinese population. METHODOLOGY Microbial samples were taken from root canals of 80 teeth with pulp necrosis and primary endodontic infections in a Chinese population. DNA extracted from the samples was amplified by PCR with universal bacterial primers based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, and the products hybridized with the microarrays in which the specific oligonucleotide probes were added. The results of hybridization were screened by a confocal laser scanner. Pearson chi-square test and the two-sided Fisher exact test were used to analyse whether a significant association existed between the species and symptoms as well as in co-existence of two target organisms by a statistical software package (SAS 8.02). RESULTS The 16S rRNA gene microarray detected at least one of the three test species in 76% of the study teeth. P. endodontalis, P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were found in 50%, 33% and 45%, respectively. A significant association was found in the presence of the pair P. endodontalis / P. gingivalis (P < 0.005). Both P. endodontalis (P <0.05) and P. gingivalis (P <0.005) had a statistically significant association with the presence of a sinus tract. The simultaneous presence of P. endodontalis and P. gingivalis was also associated with the presence of a sinus tract (P<0.005) and abscess formation (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The three black-pigmented bacteria were prevalent in teeth with pulp necrosis and primary endodontic infections in a Chinese population. P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis were associated with the presence of sinus tract and abscess formation.
The Digital Workforce and the Workplace of the Future

The authors reflect on ways increased prevalence of technology and digital natives entering the workplace influence how work is approached. They talk about competencies of the digital workforce and suggests both digital natives and digital immigrants could have the skills needed to utilize technology for manipulating data, problem solving, and new product creation. They comment on interpersonal relating and identity development in digital workforces, and the utilization of technology at work.
Demonstration of a marked reduction in the amount of GPIIb in most type II patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia

Summary. In this study employing a sensitive immunoblot assay, we have characterized GPIIb and GPIIIa in thrombasthenic platelets from seven type II and four type I patients from 10 unrelated families. The amounts of GPIIb and GPIIIa were both markedly reduced in all these patients, and abnormal molecular weight GPIIb or GPIIIa was not detected. In all of four type I patients the amount of GPIIb was much lower than that of GPIIIa. In this study, however, we found that the amount of GPIIb was also lower even in six out of seven type II patients. Immunodepletion of patients’platelets with AP2 (a monoclonal antibody specific for the GPIIb‐IIIa complex), AP3 (specific for GPIIIa) or AMF7 (specific for αv) further confirmed that GPIIIa existed in excess, and demonstrated that excess GPIIIa were mostly in free form and not associated with GPIIb or αv. The reduction of GPIIb may represent an abnormality in GPIIb processing in these type II and type I thrombasthenic platelets. It remains unclear whether these two subgroups represent distinct categories.
IgA red cell autoantibodies and autoimmune hemolysis

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to examine the interrelationships and clinical significance of IgA red cell antibodies in the autoimmune response. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The records of 5235 patients referred to an immunohematology center over a 14‐year period were critically examined for patients who had IgA autoantibodies, defined as elutable IgA immunoglobulins that would rebind to normal cells. RESULTS: One hundred twenty‐four patients (61 male) aged 6 to 98 years had warm‐reacting IgA autoantibodies. In 75 individuals, these were idiopathic; neoplasms were the most common associated conditions in the individuals with secondary IgA autoantibodies. IgA was the only immunoglobulin present in 6 patients; all others also had IgG and/or IgM coating their cells, and 102 individuals also had increased amounts of cell‐bound complement. In a comparison by chi‐square test of populations with haptoglobins of < 0.1 g per L, IgA was shown to act synergistically with IgG in producing hemolysis (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Autoimmune hemolysis due to IgA antibodies alone in rare, with red cell destruction occurring through mechanisms similar to those for IgG. Most commonly, IgA acts synergistically with other immunoglobulins (usually IgG) and complement; the hemolysis may be severe. Whether IgA autoantibodies alone can activate complement remains controversial, but increasing evidence suggests that they can, possibly via the alternative pathway, and that this activation may result in intravascular hemolysis.
Comparative study between computer assisted-navigation and conventional technique in minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty, prospective control study.

BACKGROUND Both Minimally Invasive surgery (MIS) and Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS) are useful in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty was associated with decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and increased range of motion. Computer-assisted surgery in total knee arthroplasty was developed to improve the positioning of implants during surgery. OBJECTIVE To evaluate radiographic results relative to component position and limb alignment when using a navigation system compared with conventional technique in MIS-TKA. MATERIAL AND METHOD A prospective control study was performed in 180 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty by one surgeon. All patients were randomly divided into two groups, Conventional and Navigation TKA. Intra-, post-operative data, and postoperative limb alignment were recorded for comparison in both groups. RESULTS The postoperative mechanical axis was within 3 degrees of neutral mechanical alignment in 94% of the navigation group and 87% in conventional group (p = 0.13). Registration time of navigation group is 13.58 minutes. No statistical significant difference was found in tourniquet time and postoperative blood loss in both groups. CONCLUSION The use of navigation in total knee arthroplasty increases accuracy in limb and implants alignment, and does not increase complications and surgical times.
Visual Function Test among Commercial Drivers in a North Central State of Nigeria

Introduction: Vision is the most important source of information during driving and many driving related injuries have been associated with visual problems. Aim: To determine the prevalence of visual function impairment among commercial drivers in a north central state of Nigeria and their relationship with involvement in road traffic crash. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Ilorin metropolis, the capital of Kwara State located in north central Nigeria. Of the estimated registered commercial drivers in private, government owned and public motor parks in Ilorin metropolis, 328 drivers were selected using multistage sampling methods. Structured questionnaire was administered by trained research assistants and visual function tests were carried out by the principal researcher and an assistant. Data was analysed using SPSS version 18. The level of significance was set at p-value of less or equal to 0.05. Results: Using the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Commission's requirement for commercial drivers, the prevalence of visual function impairment among the respondents were 9.1%, 19.5% and 9.5% for visual acuity, visual field and color vision respectively. There was no statistically significant association between impairment in visual field, color vision and the respondents' rate of involvement in road traffic crash; but there was a significant association between visual acuity impairment and involvement in road traffic crash [P < 0.05]. Uncorrected refractive error was the commonest cause of visual function impairment among the respondents. Conclusion: This study concluded that visual acuity impairment was significantly associated with the commercial drivers' rate of involvement in road traffic crash. It is therefore recommended that transport and traffic regulatory agencies in Nigeria should ensure that all drivers applying for driving license undergo basic visual function tests. This could serve as a very strong tool in ascertaining the eligibility of an individual for commercial driving.
LMNA Mutations in Cardiac Transplant Recipients

Lamin A and C are components of the nuclear envelope, located at the nucleoplasmatic surface of the inner nuclear membrane within cells. Recently, mutations within LMNA encoding lamin A/C have been associated with various disease entities including cardiomyopathy. We screened heart transplant recipients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with a positive family history of LMNA mutations. Four index patients and one relative belonging to four unrelated families carrying LMNA mutations were identified. The mutations p.Q355X and p.S22L have not been reported before, whereas p.R190W has already been reported in other studied DCM cohorts. In the patients of the present study, the mean age at manifestation of heart disease was 37.6 years (range 30–45 years), with progression to end-stage heart failure requiring transplantation at a mean age of 45.8 years (range 35–54 years). Three patients presented initially with atrial fibrillation. These data confirm the involvement of LMNA mutations in patients with DCM and extend the mutational spectrum of LMNA. The p.R190W mutation has been reported in different populations and may therefore be useful for analyzing the impact of a specific LMNA mutation on the phenotype of muscle disease.
Relationships between non-acoustic factors and subjective reactions to floor impact noise in apartment buildings.

The aim of this study was to provide an understanding of how residents in apartment buildings perceive and react to impact sounds coming from the upstairs neighbours' dwellings. Based on existing theoretical and empirical studies on environmental noise, a conceptual model was developed to explain relationships among noise annoyance and non-acoustic factors. The model was then tested using structural equation modelling with survey data from residents living in apartment buildings (N = 487). The findings showed that the conceptual model was consistent with other models developed for environmental noises. The results indicated that annoyance induced by floor impact noise was associated with perceived disturbance, coping, and self-reported health complaints. Noise sensitivity had a direct impact on perceived disturbance and an indirect impact on annoyance, and moderating variables affected the non-acoustic factors. Exposure to footstep noises increased the impact size of noise sensitivity to disturbance. Predictability, marital status, and house ownership were found to influence the relationship between attitudes towards authorities and coping. In addition, a negative attitude towards neighbours (i.e., the noise source) moderated the positive relationship between annoyance and coping.
Ixodes (Ixodes) scapularis (Acari:Ixodidae): redescription of all active stages, distribution, hosts, geographical variation, and medical and veterinary importance.

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes (Ixodes) scapularis Say, 1821, is redescribed, based on laboratory reared specimens originating in Bulloch County, Georgia. Information on distribution, host associations, morphological variation, and medical/veterinary importance is also presented. A great deal of recent work has focused on this species because it is the principal vector of the agent of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmidt, Hyde, Steigerwaldt & Brenner) in eastern North America. Its distribution appears to be expanding, and includes the state of Florida in the southeastern United States north to the provinces of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, Canada, west to North and South Dakota, United States, and south to the state of Coahuila, Mexico. Although I. scapularis feeds on at least 125 species of North American vertebrates (54 mammalian, 57 avian, and 14 lizard species), analysis of the U.S. National Tick Collection holdings show that white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann), cattle, Bos taurus L. , dogs, Canis lupus L. , and other medium-to-large sized mammals are important hosts for adults as are native mice and other small mammals, certain ground-frequenting birds, skinks, and glass lizards for nymphs and larvae. This tick is a polytypic species exhibiting north-south and east-west morphological clines. Analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons revealed significant interpopulational variation that is expressed most significantly in the nymphal stage. Nymphs from northern (Minnesota, Massachusetts, Maryland) populations had relatively larger basis capituli with shorter cornua (except Maryland) than southern (North Carolina, Georgia) populations. Midwestern populations (Minnesota, Missouri) differed from eastern populations (Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia) in idiosomal characters (broader scuta, larger coxae III, and IV). In addition to Lyme disease, this tick is also a primary vector of the agent of human and rodent babesiosis, Babesia microti Franca. Under laboratory conditions it has transmitted the agents of deer babesiosis, Babesia odocoilei Emerson & Wright, tularemia, Francisella tularensis McCoy & Chapin, and anaplasmosis, Anaplasma marginale Theiler. Moreover, I. scapularis can reach pest proportions on livestock, and females can cause tick paralysis in dogs.
Estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) polymorphism can contribute to clinical findings in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background Estrogens have a modulatory effect on several immune responses, many of which are correlated to autoimmune diseases. Estrogens act through binding to their receptors, and an overexpression of these receptors has been identified in patients with different autoimmune diseases. Here we analyzed the association of a putative functional genetic variant in the main estrogen receptor (ERα) gene (ESR1), and the susceptibility to clinical findings and severity of SLE. Methods A total of 426 individuals (266 healthy controls and 160 SLE patients) were genotyped for the polymorphism rs2234693 in the ESR1 gene. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated and analyzed between cases and controls using Unphased software. Results The SNP rs2234693 was not associated with SLE per se but the minor allele rs2234693-C was correlated with the presence of nephritis and discoid skin rash. On the other hand, the rs2234693-CC genotype was correlated with the absence of arthritis as well as anti-ANA and anti-RNP autoantibodies. The comprehensive clinical analysis of these patients revealed a more severe status of the disease, characterized by a younger age of onset and higher number of organs involved when compared to European populations. Conclusions Minor allele rs2234693-C was associated with renal and cutaneous involvement, as well as the absence of arthritis, anti-ANA and anti-RNP autoantibodies.
A joint power control, time-sharing and routing scheme to minimize spectrum utilization in wireless mesh networks

Despite the abundance of the optimization models proposed so far in the literature to improve the performance or to reduce the deployment costs of wireless mesh networks, only a few works have addressed explicitly the minimization of spectrum utilization in these networks. Considering the scarcity of this critical resource mainly caused by the tremendous recent developments in wireless technologies, we address in this paper the problem of minimizing the number of used radio channels while satisfying a set of end-to-end traffic demands. We formulate to this end a mixed-integer linear program as a cross-layer optimization approach acting on various aspects, such as channel assignment, power control, medium access and flow routing. Due to the expensive computational costs required to find exact solutions, we propose various approximation schemes that provide near-optimal results in a reasonable amount of time. We illustrate the impact of various parameters such as radio patterns, requested traffic loads, network density on the total required spectrum. Results show how a knowledgeable exploitation of spatial reuse can save significantly spectrum utilization.
Molecular detection of cytokeratin-19-positive cells in the peripheral blood of patients with operable breast cancer: evaluation of their prognostic significance.

PURPOSE To evaluate the prognostic significance of molecular detection of cytokeratin 19 (CK-19) mRNA-positive cells by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the peripheral blood of women with stages I and II breast cancer before adjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS The sensitivity and specificity of CK-19 mRNA detection by nested RT-PCR were investigated using MCF-7 and ARH-77 cells and blood from healthy women and patients with hematologic malignancies, metastatic colorectal cancer, and early and metastatic breast cancer. Peripheral blood from 148 patients with operable breast cancer, obtained before initiation of any adjuvant therapy, was tested for the presence of CK-19 mRNA-positive cells. RESULTS The nested RT-PCR assay for CK-19 mRNA detected one MCF-7 tumor cell in 10(6) normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells in four of five experiments; no signal was detected with the CK-19-negative ARH-77 cells. CK-19 mRNA was detected in the peripheral blood of 3.7% of healthy blood donors, 14.3% of patients with hematologic malignancies, and 3.2% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Detection rates for CK-19 mRNA-positive cells in the bone marrow/blood of patients with early or metastatic breast cancer were 63%/30% and 74%/52%, respectively. For stages I and II breast cancer, detection of CK-19-positive cells in the peripheral blood before adjuvant therapy was associated with reduced disease-free interval (P =.0007) and overall survival (P =.01). In multivariate analysis, detection of peripheral-blood CK-19-positive cells was an independent prognostic factor for disease relapse and death. CONCLUSION Molecular detection of CK-19 mRNA-positive cells by RT-PCR in the peripheral blood of patients with stages I and II breast cancer before initiation of adjuvant therapy has independent prognostic value as a marker of poor clinical outcome.
Tensile and Flexural Properties of Single Carbon Fibres

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)and pitch-based carbon fibres are widely used as a reinforcement in composite materials such as carbon fibre reinforced plastics, carbon fibre reinforced ceramics, carbon-carbon composites and carbon fibre reinforced metals, because of their high specific strength and modulus. Such composites have become a dominant material in the aerospace, automotive and sporting goods industries [1-3]. Currently, carbon fibres are derived from several precursors, with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) being the predominant precursor used today. The physical and mechanical properties of carbon fibres vary according to the precursor material and heat treatment conditions. PAN-based carbon fibres generally have high strength, high modulus and low density (1.75-2.00 g/cm 3 ). Carbon fibres can also be made from pitch and pitchbased carbon fibres tend to have high modulus, high thermal and electrical conductivities [4]. Extensive work has been conducted to study the texture, morphology and mechanical properties of PANand pitch-based carbon fibres [5-7].
Recent techniques used in transmission line protection: A review

This article presents a survey of the developments in digital relays for protection of transmission lines. For a modern power system, selective high speed clearance of faults on high voltage transmission lines is critical and this survey indicates the efficient and promising implementations for fault detection, classification and fault location in power transmission line protection. The work done in this area favor computerized relays, digital communication technologies and other technical developments, to avoid cascading failures and facilitate safer, secure and reliable power systems. Efforts have been made to include almost all the techniques and philosophies of transmission line protection reported in the literature up to October 2010. The focus of this article is on the most recent techniques, like artificial neural network, fuzzy logic, fuzzy-neuro, fuzzy logicwavelet based and phasor measurement unit-based concepts as well as other conventional methods used in transmission line protection.
A New Azole Derivative of 1,4-Benzothiazine Increases the Antifungal Mechanisms of Natural Effector Cells

ABSTRACT The most widely used drug for treatment of candidiasis is fluconazole (FCZ). Recently, a new derivative of 1,4-benzothiazine, compound FS5, was developed. FS5 had an appreciable protective effect against murine candidiasis. The present study was designed to dissect the antifungal mechanisms triggered by FS5 and to establish whether this compound could enhance the antimicrobial abilities of natural effector cells. The results show that intraperitoneal injection of FS5 in mice (i) induced an increase in circulating neutrophil levels comparable to that observed in FCZ-treated mice; (ii) enhanced phagocytosis and the killing activities of macrophages (Mφs) isolated from the spleen or peritoneal cavity, with the latter effect correlating with induction of nitric oxide synthesis and production by Mφs; and (iii) increased the levels of expression and synthesis of tumor necrosis factor alpha. These results suggest that the compound-induced synthesis of antimicrobial and proinflammatory molecules by heterogeneous Mφ populations is part of the beneficial effect of FS5 exerted against murine candidiasis.
Quantify-me: Consumer Acceptance of Wearable Self-tracking Devices

The usage of wearable self-tracking technology has recently emerged as a new big trend in lifestyle and personal optimization in terms of health, fitness and well-being. Currently, only little is known about why people plan or start using such devices. Thus, in our research project, we aim at answering the question of what drives the usage intention of wearable self-tracking technology. Therefore, based on established technology acceptance theories, we deductively develop an acceptance model for wearable self-tracking technologies which sheds light on the pre-adoption criteria of such devices. We validate our proposed model by means of structural equation modeling using empirical data collected in a survey among 206 potential users. Our study identifies perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, social influence, trust, personal innovativeness, and perceived support of well-being as the strongest drivers for the intention to use wearable self-tracking technologies. By accounting for the influence of the demographic factors age and gender, we provide a further refined picture