Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Periodontal infection and preterm birth: results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that chronic periodontal infection may be associated with preterm births. The authors conducted a prospective study to test for this association. METHODS A total of 1,313 pregnant women were recruited from the Perinatal Emphasis Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Complete periodontal, medical and behavioral assessments were made between 21 and 24 weeks gestation. After delivery, medical records were consulted to determine each infant's gestational age at birth. From these data, the authors calculated relationships between periodontal disease and preterm birth, while adjusting for smoking, parity (the state or fact of having born offspring), race and maternal age. Results were expressed as odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals, or CIs. RESULTS Patients with severe or generalized periodontal disease had adjusted odds ratios (95 percent CI) of 4.45 (2.16-9.18) for preterm delivery (that is, before 37 weeks gestational age). The adjusted odds ratio increased with increasing prematurity to 5.28 (2.05-13.60) before 35 weeks' gestational age and to 7.07 (1.70-27.4) before 32 weeks' gestational age. CONCLUSIONS The authors' data show an association between the presence of periodontitis at 21 to 24 weeks' gestation and subsequent preterm birth. Further studies are needed to determine whether periodontitis is the cause. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS While this large prospective study has shown a significant association between preterm birth and periodontitis at 21 to 24 weeks' gestation, neither it nor other studies to date were designed to determine whether treatment of periodontitis will reduce the risk of preterm birth. Pending an answer to this important question, it remains appropriate to advise expectant mothers about the importance of good oral health.
Is total comprehensive income or net income better for the evaluation of companies' financial performance?

The aim of the paper is to compare the utility of the net income and the total comprehensive income for the evaluation of goodness in connection with companies’ investments. For the research, we use the data of the consolidated financial statements for 2010, 2011 and 2012 published online by companies listed on the Prime Market of the Czech Republic Stock Exchange. In the last part of the work, we show the results of empirical research on the income statement of the Czech companies, which have adopted IAS/IFRS principles. The results show that the Czech companies’ financial statements have no propensity to separate the income statement section into two statements rather than integrating it into a single one, while the reclassification of the income statements privileges the reclassification by nature. The results show that the total comprehensive income possesses informative content and gives further information for the evaluation of financial performance.
The therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells for the treatment of autoimmune disease

Introduction: Immune tolerance remains the holy grail of therapeutic immunology in the fields of organ and tissue transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, and allergy and asthma. We have learned that FoxP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells play a vital role in both the induction and maintenance of self-tolerance. Areas covered: In this opinion piece, we highlight regulatory T cells (Treg) cell biology and novel immune treatments to take advantage of these cells as potent therapeutics. We discuss the potential to utilize Treg and Treg-friendly therapies to replace current general immunosuppressives and induce tolerance as a path towards a drug-free existence without associated toxicities. Expert opinion: Finally, we opine on the fact that biomedicine sits on the cusp of a new revolution: the use of human cells as versatile therapeutic engines. We highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with the development of a foundational cellular engineering science that provides a systematic framework for safely and predictably regulating cellular behaviors. Although Treg therapy has become a legitimate clinical treatment, development of the therapy will require a better understanding of the underlying Treg biology, manufacturing advances to promote cost effectiveness and combinations with other drugs to alter the pathogenicity/regulatory balance.
omparison Between Gutta-Percha and Resilon Removal sing Two Different Techniques in Endodontic etreatment

d f n w u t 3 E w M c a s c g bstract his study compared the remaining filling material and orking time when removing gutta-percha/AH 26 and esilon/Epiphany from root filled extracted teeth. The oot fillings were removed using chloroform and two ifferent rotary systems (K3 and Liberator files). The mount of residual filling material on the canal walls as imaged and measured using image analyzer softare. The group filled with Resilon/Epiphany and rereated with K3 files demonstrated the least residual illing material on the walls (p 0.05). There was no tatistically significant difference between the guttaercha/AH26 and Resilon/Epiphany groups when the iberator files were used (p 0.05). In the groups filled ith Resilon/Epiphany, the filling was removed faster han groups filled with gutta-percha/AH 26 (p 0.05). 3 rotary system was faster than Liberator to remove oth gutta-percha and Resilon (p 0.05). Resilon/ piphany was effectively removed with K3 or Liberator otary files. (J Endod 2006;32:362–364)
Ischaemia/Reperfusion Enhances Phenylephrine-Induced Contraction of Rabbit Aorta Due to Impairment of Neuronal Uptake

Summary: We studied the effect of ischaemia and reperfusion on vasoconstrictor and vasodilator mechanisms. Anaesthetized rabbits were subjected to 4-h abdominal aortic occlusion and 1-h reperfusion in vivo. Segments of the abdominal (ischaemic-reperfused) and thoracic (control) aorta were then removed for in vitro studies. Ischaemia/reperfusion had no significant effect on relaxant responses to either acetylcholine (ACh:endothelium-dependent) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP:endothelium-independent). The sensitivity of the aorta to contraction by phenylephrine was significantly increased in aortic rings with or without endothelium (by 2.2- and 3.7-fold, respectively), but was not different after 4-h ischaemia without reperfusion. In contrast, responses to methoxamine, serotonin, and U46619 were not affected by ischaemia/reperfusion. Moreover, the relative increase in aortic sensitivity to phenylephrine was prevented by treatment of control and ischaemic-reperfused aortic rings with the neuronal uptake inhibitor cocaine (10−5M). These results suggest that after 4-h ischaemia, reperfusion damages sympathetic neuronal uptake mechanisms in rabbit aorta. As a result, phenylephrine, an agonist normally susceptible to neuronal uptake, may exert more potent contractile effects. Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxant mechanisms in the aorta appear to be resistant to acute ischaemia and reperfusion.
Investigating The Drivers Of SMEs' Banking Loyalty In Hong Kong

Previous research into bank customer loyalty has focused primarily on retail banking, with business customer loyalty, despite its importance to banks, receiving relatively less attention, particularly in the Asian banking sector. This research reports on a study examining the choice behaviour of 40 small-to medium enterprises in Hong Kong. The study suggests that customer loyalty is greatly influenced by guanxi, overdraft pricing and service in terms of service efficiency. The findings suggest that banks operating in Hong Kong need to develop a banking strategy that focuses on service and on developing a sustained relationship with their customers, and that this strategy may have the greatest chance of increasing customer loyalty in this relatively disloyal sector. Background
Clinical manifestations of diarrhea in calves infected with rotavirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

The susceptibility of gnotobiotic, colostrum-derived, or suckling calves to four bovine rotavirus isolates was found to be age dependent. Calves older than 7 days remained clinically normal, although they excreted virus in their feces and subsequently developed antibody against the virus, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, fed to gnotobiotic, colostrum-deprived, or suckling calves ranging in age from a few hours to 26 days old, only caused diarrhea in animals younger than 24 h old. In contrast, diarrhea was consistently induced in 1- and 2-week-old calves infected with both enterotoxigenic E. coli and rotavirus. In general, diarrhea appeared after a rotavirus incubation period of approximately 3 days and was independent of the order in which the two microbial agents were given, the age of the calf, or the level of circulating rotavirus antibodies. The disease episode coincided with the excretion of rotavirus, rather than enterotoxigenic E. coli, in the feces. Infection with enterotoxigenic E. coli became established within 24 h of inoculation, and in older calves enterotoxigenic E. coli was often excreted in very small numbers and for a longer period than rotavirus.
Reactive Oxygen Species Mediate Sevoflurane- and Desflurane-Induced Preconditioning in Isolated Human Right Atria In Vitro

BACKGROUND:We examined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sevoflurane- and desflurane-induced preconditioning on isolated human right atrial myocardium. METHODS:We recorded isometric contraction of human right atrial trabeculae suspended in an oxygenated Tyrode’s solution (34°C, stimulation frequency 1 Hz). In all groups, a 30-min hypoxic period was followed by 60 min of reoxygenation. Ten minutes before hypoxia reoxygenation, muscles were exposed to 5 min of sevoflurane 2% or desflurane 6%. In separate groups, the sevoflurane 2% (Sevo + N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine [MPG]) or desflurane 6% (Des + MPG) was administered in the presence of 0.1 mM MPG, a ROS scavenger. The effect of 0.1 mM MPG alone was tested. Recovery of force after a 60-min reoxygenation period was compared between groups (mean ± sd). RESULTS:Preconditioning with sevoflurane 2% (85% ± 4% of baseline) or desflurane 6% (86% ± 7% of baseline) enhanced the recovery of the force of myocardial contraction after 60 min reoxygenation compared with the control group (53% ± 11% of baseline, P < 0.001). This effect was abolished in the presence of MPG (56% ± 12% of baseline for Sevo + MPG, 48% ± 13% of baseline for Des + MPG). The effect of MPG alone on the recovery of force was not different from the control group (57% ± 7% of baseline versus 53% ± 11%; P = NS). CONCLUSIONS:In vitro, sevoflurane and desflurane preconditioned human myocardium against hypoxia through a ROS-dependent mechanism.
Target pricing: a marketing management tool for pricing new cars

Over the past 15 years, many UK car manufacturers have learned that quality must be designed into cars before they are manufactured ‐ it is expensive, if not misguided, to create quality by inspection after the car has left the production line. Examines the rigorous cost management technique which helps prevent senior managers from launching low‐margin cars which do not generate enough returns on investment. Finds that most UK‐based car manufacturers employ the logic of target costing as a marketing management tool to determine the prices of new car models. Suggests that before a new car is launched, senior managers must determine its ideal selling price, establish the feasibility of meeting that price, and then control costs to ensure that the set price is met. Reports the conclusive evidence that when target costing works well, quantifiable hurdles are established in a transparent process, and senior managers are more likely to commit themselves to what the statistical numbers show.
Myosin heavy chain IIX overshoot in human skeletal muscle

The distribution of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, fiber type composition, and fiber size of the vastus lateralis muscle were analyzed by sodium dodecylsulfate polymerase gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), ATPase histochemistry, and immunocytochemistry in a group of adult sedentary men before and after 3 months of heavy‐load resistance training and, subsequently, after 3 months of detraining. Following the period of resistance training, MHC IIX content decreased from 9.3 ± 2.1% to 2.0 ± 0.8% (P < 0.01), with a corresponding increase in MHC IIA (42.4 ± 3.9% vs. 49.6 ± 4.0% [P < 0.05]). Following detraining the amount of MHC IIX reached values that were higher than before and after resistance training (17.2 ± 3.2% [P < 0.01]). Changes in fiber type composition resembled the changes observed in MHC isoform content. Significant hypertrophy was observed for the type II fibers after resistance training. Maximal isometric quadriceps strength increased after resistance training, but returned to pretraining levels after detraining. The present results suggest that heavy‐load resistance training decreases the amount of MHC IIX while reciprocally increasing MHC IIA content. Furthermore, detraining following heavy‐load resistance training seems to evoke an overshoot in the amount of MHC IIX to values markedly higher than those observed prior to resistance training. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 1095–1104, 2000
Payout Policy and the Period between the Ex-Dividend Date and the Payment Date: An Analysis of Taiwan Market over 2009-11

We study the payout policy of Taiwanese firms over 2009-2011 and collect payout events of three forms: distributing cash dividends, conducting share repurchases and reducing capital. Due to the dominant role of dividends, we focus on four issues pertaining to dividends. The first issue is on the increasing propensity of paying dividends, the second one is on the concentration of dividends among large and profitable firms, the third one is on how the period between the ex-dividend date and the payment date distributes, and the forth one is to claim that the reasonable period should be less than 16 days. Furthermore, we found that the OTC-listed payers contribute a fraction of only 7% of that contributed by TSE-listed firms, and the latter reveal a more stable and consistent payout policy. As a firm, especially for a TSE-listed firm, becomes mature its period tends to become shorter and more stable. We verify the association between the maturity of a firm and its dividend policy.
Cryptography Engineering - Design Principles and Practical Applications

The ultimate guide to cryptography, updated from an author team of the world's top cryptography experts. Cryptography is vital to keeping information safe, in an era when the formula to do so becomes more and more challenging. Written by a team of world-renowned cryptography experts, this essential guide is the definitive introduction to all major areas of cryptography: message security, key negotiation, and key management. You'll learn how to think like a cryptographer. You'll discover techniques for building cryptography into products from the start and you'll examine the many technical changes in the field. After a basic overview of cryptography and what it means today, this indispensable resource covers such topics as block ciphers, block modes, hash functions, encryption modes, message authentication codes, implementation issues, negotiation protocols, and more. Helpful examples and hands-on exercises enhance your understanding of the multi-faceted field of cryptography. An author team of internationally recognized cryptography experts updates you on vital topics in the field of cryptography Shows you how to build cryptography into products from the start Examines updates and changes to cryptography Includes coverage on key servers, message security, authentication codes, new standards, block ciphers, message authentication codes, and more Cryptography Engineering gets you up to speed in the ever-evolving field of cryptography.
The effects of pH and Pi on tension and Ca2+ sensitivity of ventricular myofilaments from the anoxia-tolerant painted turtle

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine how increases in intracellular H+ and inorganic phosphate (Pi) to levels observed during anoxic submergence affect contractility in ventricular muscle of the anoxia-tolerant Western painted turtle, Chrysemys picta bellii. Skinned multicellular preparations were exposed to six treatments with physiologically relevant levels of pH (7.4, 7.0, 6.6) and Pi (3 and 8 mmol l−1). Each preparation was tested in a range of calcium concentrations (pCa 9.0–4.5) to determine the pCa–tension relationship for each treatment. Acidosis significantly decreased contractility by decreasing Ca2+ sensitivity (pCa50) and tension development (P<0.001). Increasing [Pi] also decreased contractility by decreasing tension development at every pH level (P<0.001) but, alone, did not affect Ca2+ sensitivity (P=0.689). Simultaneous increases in [H+] and [Pi] interacted to attenuate the decreased tension development and Ca2+ sensitivity (P<0.001), possibly reflecting a decreased sensitivity to Pi when it is present as the dihydrogen phosphate form, which increases as pH decreases. Compared with that of mammals, the ventricle of turtles exhibits higher Ca2+ sensitivity, which is consistent with previous studies of ectothermic vertebrates. Summary: Myofilament contractility of turtle ventricle is more sensitive to physiological levels of acidosis than to increased inorganic phosphate. The myofilament calcium sensitivities of ventricles from turtles and other ectotherms are similar.
When is Insider Trading Informative

Insider trades have been shown to earn abnormal returns. However, the information content of these trades is less certain. Based on the simple idea that insiders respond to benefi ts and costs in informative trading, this paper explores the relationship between insider trading informativeness and the information and regulation environments. We show that insider trades are more informative when firms are less transparent, and this correlation increases in the post-SOX period when reportings become timelier. Insider purchases are also more informative when SEC enforcement receives higher media attention. The correlation between informativeness and transparency, which is primarily driven by opportunistic trades, is manifested in long-term insider gains even after controlling for size and book-to-market. By asking \When is insider trading informative? ", we provide an affirmative answer to the question \Is insider trading informative? "
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Bangkok, Thailand: 1994–1995

Background and Objectives: Failure of uncomplicated gonococcal infections acquired in the Far East to respond to doses of ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been identified in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the Republic of the Philippines, 54.3% of strains exhibited decreased susceptibility to fluoroquinolones; 12% of strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin. This study was undertaken to compare the antimicrobial susceptibilities of gonococcal isolates in Bangkok, Thailand, with those in the Republic of the Philippines. Goal: To determine the frequency and diversity of antimicrobial resistance, particularly to fluoroquinolones, in gonococcal strains in Bangkok, Thailand. Study Design: Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from 101 patients with uncomplicated gonorrhea in Bangkok, Thailand, in July, 1994 (46 strains) and November, 1994 to July, 1995 (55 strains), were characterized by auxotype/serovar class, antimicrobial susceptibilities, and plasmid profile. Susceptibilities were determined to penicillin G, tetracycline, ceftriaxone, cefixime, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, erythromycin, kanamycin, and thiamphenicol. Results: Of 101 strains, 89.1% (90/101) were resistant to penicillin or tetracycline. Plasmid‐mediated resistance to penicillin or tetracycline was identified in 33.7% (34/101) of the isolates: penicillinase‐producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (17.8%; 18/101), tetracycline‐resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (7.9%; 8/101), and penicillinase‐producing/tetracycline‐resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (7.9%; 8/101). Most penicillinase‐producing strains (96.2%; 25/26) possessed the 4.4‐megadalton (Md) β‐lactamase plasmid; one strain possessed the 3.2‐Md β‐lactamase plasmid. Chromosomally mediated resistance to penicillin and tetracycline was exhibited by 51.5% (52/101) of strains, and 4.0% (4/101) were tetracycline resistant. All strains were susceptible to spectinomycin. Of 21.8% (22/101) strains exhibiting decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≥0.125 μg/ml), one strain (ciprofloxacin MIC, 0.5 μg/ml; ciprofloxacin inhibition zone diameter of 23 mm) had MICs of 2.0 and 8.0 μg/ml for ofloxacin and norfloxacin, respectively, indicating resistance to these agents. Decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was identified in strains with chromosomally mediated resistance to penicillin or tetracycline and in penicillinase‐producing strains. Conclusions: In Bangkok, Thailand, gonococcal isolates exhibit resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, kanamycin, and thiamphenicol. Decreased susceptibility to fluoroquinolones is emerging in a variety of strains of N. gonorrhoeae. Thus, all gonococcal infections should be treated with antimicrobial therapies known to be active against all gonococcal strains to reduce the spread of strains exhibiting decreased susceptibilities to fluoroquinolones.
Effects of Renal Denervation on Regional Hemodynamics and Kidney Function in Experimental Hyperdynamic Sepsis

Objective:To determine the influence of the renal sympathetic nerves on the pathogenesis of septic acute kidney injury. Design:Interventional control study to determine the effects of renal denervation in ovine hyperdynamic sepsis. Setting:Research Institute. Subjects:Twenty-four adult Merino ewes. Interventions:The effects of infusion of angiotensin II and norepinephrine and induction of hyperdynamic sepsis by administration of live Escherichia coli were examined in control sheep and in sheep at 2 weeks after bilateral renal denervation (n = 10/group). Measurements and Main Results:Systemic hemodynamics and renal function were measured in conscious sheep instrumented with flow probes on the pulmonary and renal arteries. Angiotensin II, but not norepinephrine, had a greater pressor effect in denervated animals. Sepsis increased cardiac output by 60%, renal blood flow by 35%, and arterial lactate by approximately four-fold. The denervated compared with the control group had a greater degree of hypotension during sepsis (68 vs 81 mm Hg; p = 0.003) and a reduction in the early polyuric response (from 496 to 160 mL at 2–8 hr of sepsis; p < 0.001). Creatinine clearance decreased similarly in both groups. Conclusions:In experimental hyperdynamic sepsis, renal denervation was associated with greater hypotension and a loss of the initial diuresis, but no significant change in creatinine clearance. In sepsis, the renal nerves help support arterial pressure and determine the initial diuretic response, but septic acute kidney injury developed similarly in the innervated and denervated groups.