Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The shifting trajectory of growth in femur length during gestation

Bone size is a determinant of bone strength and tracks in its percentile of origin during childhood and adolescence. We hypothesized that the ranking of an individual's femur length (FL) is established in early gestation and tracks thereafter. Fetal FL was measured serially using 2D ultrasound in 625 Norwegian fetuses. Tracking was assessed using Pearson correlation, a generalized estimating equation model, and by calculating the proportion of fetuses whose FL remained within the same quartile. Baseline FL Z‐score (weeks 10 to 19) and later measurements correlated, but more weakly as gestation advanced: r = 0.59 (weeks 20 to 26); r = 0.45 (weeks 27 to 33); and r = 0.32 (weeks 34 to 39) (p < 0.001). Tracking within the same quartile throughout gestation occurred in 13% of fetuses. Of the 87% deviating, 21% returned to the quartile of origin, so 34% began and ended in the same quartile, 38% deviated by one quartile, and 28% deviated by two or more quartiles by the end of gestation. A standard deviation higher baseline FL Z‐score, placental weight (150 g), maternal height (5 cm), and weight (10 kg), was associated with a 0.25, 0.15, 0.10, and 0.05 SD higher FL Z‐score at the end of gestation, respectively (p ranging from <0.001 to 0.02). Tracking within the same percentile throughout the whole of gestation, as suggest by growth charts, is uncommon. Deviation from tracking is more common and is the result of changes in growth velocity within and between fetuses and is partly influenced by maternal, fetal, and placental factors. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Effects of estrogen deficiency and/or caffeine intake on alveolar bone loss, density, and healing: a study in rats.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of caffeine and/or estrogen deficiency on ligature-induced bone loss (BL), trabecular bone area (TBA), and postextraction bone healing (BH). METHODS Rats were assigned into one of the following groups (15 each): 1) control = non-ingestion of caffeine/sham surgery; 2) caffeine = ingestion of caffeine/sham surgery); 3) ovariectomized (OVX) = non-ingestion of caffeine/ovariectomy; or 4) caffeine/OVX = ingestion of caffeine/ovariectomy. The rats were under caffeine administration for 65 days and/or estrogen deficiency for 51 days. On day 21 after ovariectomy, one first mandibular molar received a ligature and the contralateral tooth was not ligated. The first maxillary molars were extracted 8 days before sacrifice. BL, TBA, the positive cells for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were analyzed in the furcation area of mandibular molars. Histometric BH and gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, BMP-7, osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein were evaluated in alveolar sockets. RESULTS The caffeine group presented the greatest BL and the OVX group the highest number of TRAP-positive (TRAP(+)) cells around ligated teeth (P <0.05). The control group presented higher TBA and BH than the other groups (P <0.05). All test groups presented higher RANKL/OPG(+) cells than the control group around ligated/unligated teeth. The OVX and caffeine/OVX groups presented a greater number of TRAP(+) cells around unligated teeth than the control group (P <0.05). There were no differences among groups for gene expression (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Caffeine increased BL in ligated teeth. Caffeine and/or estrogen deficiency decreased TBA in the unligated teeth and reduced BH after tooth extraction.
New attempts to modify periodontal risk assessment for generalized aggressive periodontitis: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND Periodontal risk assessment (PRA) model was designed for risk evaluation of treated patients with periodontal disease. However, its use on generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) had been scarcely reported. This study aims to investigate the association of original PRA/modified PRA (MPRA) and compliance of periodontal maintenance with long-term treatment outcomes of Chinese patients with GAgP. METHODS Eighty-eight patients from a GAgP cohort, who completed active periodontal treatment (APT) and accepted reevaluation 3 to 11 years (mean of 5.5 years) afterward, were enrolled. PRA was modified (three strategies involving replacement of bleeding on probing with bleeding index >2, counting sites with probing depth ≥6 mm and changing method of bone loss [BL] calculation) to classify patients into different risk groups based on data at the first recall after APT. PRA and three MPRA models were investigated regarding long-term association with tooth loss (TL) and alteration of bone level (∆BL). RESULTS Based on original PRA, 87 patients (98.8%) had a high-risk profile. According to three MPRA models, annual TL per patient values were greater in high-risk groups than in low-to-moderate risk groups (MPRA-1, 0.20 ± 0.33 versus 0.04 ± 0.14; MPRA-2, 0.18 ± 0.32 versus 0.05 ± 0.14; MPRA-3, 0.17 ± 0.32 versus 0.05 ± 0.15; P <0.05). By MPRA-1, irregular compliers with low-to-moderate risk profile had greater ∆BL (0.027 ± 0.031, indicating bone increment) than those with high risk (-0.012 ± 0.064, tendency for BL). For regular compliers, no significant differences of annual TL or ∆BL were found between risk groups. CONCLUSIONS MPRA models could be used for evaluating the long-term outcomes of Chinese patients with severe GAgP, especially irregular compliers. High-risk patients of MPRAs exhibited more TL and less bone fill than low-to-moderate risk ones.
La relación comunicativa entre el profesional sanitario y el paciente asmático en Pediatría

This paper describes the first phase of an interdisciplinary project between members of the Pediatric Pneumology Service of the Hospital Son Espases and faculty of the Department of Applied Pedagogy and Educational Psychology at the University of the Balearic Islands, whose objective is to analyze the communication process between health personnel and the asthmatic patient. The aim is to determine how to improve communication between these professionals (pediatricians, pneumologists, pediatricians, emergency room and graduate nurses) and patients with asthma, aged from 5 to 12 years. Specifically, the paper presents the approach to the pulmonology department, the development of the methodology, the design of the observation tool and first conclusions.
Tweeting about testing: do low-income, parenting adolescents and young adults use new media technologies to communicate about sexual health?

CONTEXT Little research exists about adolescents' and young adults' use of new media technologies to communicate about sexual health. Understanding how young people at high risk for STDs use these technologies can inform media-based interventions. METHODS Between October 2010 and March 2011, a sample of 94 low-income, parenting adolescents and young adults recruited at clinics in Connecticut completed an audio computer-assisted self-interview about their use of media technologies, communication with friends about sexual health and willingness to use media technologies for such communication. Descriptive statistics were calculated; characteristics of those willing and those unwilling to communicate were compared in chi-square, t and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS Ninety-three percent of participants had mobile phones; 71% used Facebook regularly. Participants discussed sexual health more often with close friends than with casual friends, and preferred to have such conversations in person (71% with close friends and 68% with casual friends), over the phone (52% and 45%) or via text message (30% and 28%), rather than through social networking sites (0-9% and 2-7%). Fewer than one-third reported being willing to share sexual health information with friends through a specific new media technology. Those who were willing were predominantly black (59%); of those who were unwilling, 51% were Latino. Condom self-efficacy, STD knowledge and number of Facebook friends were greater among those who were willing than among those who were unwilling. CONCLUSIONS For conversations about sexual health, young urban parents prefer private forms of communication; thus, social networking sites may not aid STD interventions.
Who seeks abortions at or after 20 weeks?

CONTEXT Recent years have seen the introduction of state bills seeking to ban abortions after 20 weeks, but little empirical data exist on who is affected when such bans become law. METHODS As part of a larger study, 272 women who received an abortion at or after 20 weeks' gestation and 169 who received first-trimester abortions at 16 facilities across the country in 2008-2010 were interviewed one week after the procedure. Mixed effect logistic regression analyses were used to determine the characteristics associated with later abortion (i.e., at 20 weeks or later). Causes of delay in obtaining abortion were assessed in open- and closed-ended questions; profiles of women who received later abortions were identified through factor analysis. RESULTS Women aged 20-24 were more likely than those aged 25-34 to have a later abortion (odds ratio, 2.7), and women who discovered their pregnancy before eight weeks' gestation were less likely than others to do so (0.1). Later abortion recipients experienced logistical delays (e.g., difficulty finding a provider and raising funds for the procedure and travel costs), which compounded other delays in receiving care. Most women seeking later abortion fit at least one of five profiles: They were raising children alone, were depressed or using illicit substances, were in conflict with a male partner or experiencing domestic violence, had trouble deciding and then had access problems, or were young and nulliparous. CONCLUSION Bans on abortion after 20 weeks will disproportionately affect young women and women with limited financial resources.
Do implant length and width matter for short dental implants (<10 mm)? A meta-analysis of prospective studies.

BACKGROUND This meta-analysis of prospective clinical trials was conducted to determine the effects of dental implant length and width on implant survival rate of short (<10 mm) implants. METHODS An electronic search of the PubMed database for relevant studies published in English from November 1998 to March 2012 was performed. Selected studies were randomized clinical trials, human clinical trials, or prospective trials with a clear aim of investigating the success or survival rate of short (<10 mm) implants. RESULTS Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were subsequently analyzed. A total of 525 short (<10 mm) dental implants were analyzed, of which 253 were 3.5 mm in diameter (48.19%), 151 were 4.0 mm (28.76%), 90 were 4.1 mm (17.14%), 21 were 4.8 mm (4%), and 10 were 5.1 mm (1.9%). All implants included in this meta-analysis had a follow-up period of 12 to 72 months. The included studies reported on the survival rate and diameter of the implants. Six of the studies used "short implants" (7 to 9 mm), and the remaining were classified as "extra-short implants" (≤ 6 mm). Five-year estimated failure rates were 1.61% and 2.92%, respectively, for extra-short and short implants (z = -3.49, P <0.001, 95% confidence interval = 0.51% to 4.10%). Furthermore, it was found that the wider the implant, the higher the failure rate (estimated failure rate = 2.36%, 95% confidence interval = 1.07% to 5.23%). CONCLUSIONS Neither implant length nor width seemed to significantly affect the survival rate of short implants (<10 mm). Nonetheless, further well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Flebotomíneos (Diptera, Psychodidae) de capoeira do Município do Paço do Lumiar, Estado do Maranhão, Brasil: Área de transmissão de leishmaniose

Apresentam-se a riqueza de especies, a abundância relativa, a flutuacao sazonal e horaria dos flebotomos estudados em uma capoeira da Ilha de Sao Luis - MA, area de transmissao de leishmanioses tegumentar e visceral. Os flebotomos foram capturados em armadilha luminosa, das 18h as 6h, uma vez por mes, de marco de 1997 a fevereiro de 1998. Foram coletados 489 especimens (251 machos e 238 femeas) de dez especies: Lutzomyia antunesi (45,19%), Lutzomyi whitmani (29,4%), Lutzomyia longipalpis (7,56%), Lutzomyia sordellii (6,34%), Lutzomyia flaviscutellata (4,5%), Brumptomyia avellari (4,09%), Lutzomyia evandroi (1,85%), Lutzomyia umbratilis (0,61%), Lutzomyia corossoniensis (0,41%) e Lutzomyia trispinosa (0,41%). Os flebotomos estiveram presentes o ano inteiro, com maior abundância na estacao chuvosa (janeiro a junho), e em todos os horarios, principalmente entre 0h e 1h.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN OESTROGEN AND HER-2 IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STAINING OF CORE AND EXCISION BIOPSY SPECIMENS IN BREAST CANCER

published: Vermaak JS, Cairns A, Hale M. Breast Cancer: Comparing oestrogen and HER-2 immunohistochemical staining of core and excision biopsy specimens. (Abstract) South African Journal of Surgery 2011;49(3):152-153. (See appendix B) Awarded the Scaeles-Antrobus Cancer Research Trust Prize. (See appendix C) 3. University of the Witwatersrand Faculty Research Day Vermaak, JS, Cairns A, Hale M. Oestrogen and Her-2 Immunohistochemical Staining compared in the core and excision biopsy specimens of Breast Cancer. Poster presentation on the 22nd of September 2010 at the University of the Witwatersrand Faculty Research Day, Johannesburg, South Africa. (See appendix D)
Small molecule antagonists of α4 integrins: novel drugs for asthma

The α4 integrins, α4β1 (VLA-4) and α4β7, are heterodimeric cell-surface proteins expressed on leukocytes involved in both cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. These two integrins are key regulators of physiologic and pathologic responses in inflammation and autoimmune disease. In particular, their central role in animal models of allergic lung disease has been well documented, and suggests a key role in human asthma. In addition, integrins are proven valid targets for small molecule drugs, following the development of both parenteral and orally active antagonists of platelet integrin αIIbβ3, and more recently, integrin β3. Therefore, there is a significant drive to develop small molecule inhibitors of α4 integrins for autoimmune diseases in general, and asthma in particular. The biology of α4 integrins in asthma has been recently reviewed, as has early work on the chemistry of α4 integrin antagonists. Here we summarise the recent rapid advances in this arena, particularly in the chemistry of α4 integri.
Behavior of under the Iranian Social Security Organization-Insured Persons on Utilization of Laboratory and Imaging Services

Background and purpose: Diagnostic services are very important as inherent part of modern medical care; about 70% of medical diagnoses are made based on their results. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of household income, geographical access, out of pocket, physician's visits and hospitalization of Iranian Social Security Organization-insured patients on the utilization of laboratory and imaging services. Materials and methods: In analytical study, the Iranian Social Security Organization database in each province in the period of 1998-2011 was searched. Study population included 24 million people covered by this organization ferred to the direct and indirect treatment sectors for laboratory and imaging services over these years. To estimate the model the fixed effects logarithmic regression via the Eviews software was used. Results: The following factors had a significant effect on the utilization of laboratory and imaging facilities: geographical access to the laboratory (β = 0.31) and imaging (β = 0.50) facilities, household income on the utilization of the laboratory (β = 0.24) and imaging (β = 0.43) services, outpatient visits on the utilization of the laboratory (β = 0.56) and imaging (β = 0.43) services, and inpatient services on the utilization of the laboratory (β = 0.35) and imaging (β = 0.51) services. Also, amount of out of pocket for using the mentioned services and referral burden of inpatient and outpatient for direct treatment had no significant relation with utilization of the services. Conclusion: If policymakers exclusively pay attention to the out of pocket, they cannot provide the appropriate utilization of services. Sometimes, to set the used utilizations, the channels such as commands of general practitioners or specialist and/or geographical access are often forgotten.
Effect of chronic periodontitis on serum and gingival crevicular fluid oxidant and antioxidant status in patients with familial Mediterranean fever before and after periodontal treatment.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of periodontal status on oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) who experienced familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and their response to non-surgical periodontal therapy. METHODS Data were obtained from 13 patients with FMF with generalized CP (FMF-CP), 15 systemically healthy patients with generalized CP, 15 systemically and periodontal healthy controls (HCs), and 14 periodontally healthy patients with FMF (FMF-HC). Each participant's total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in their gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum were recorded. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, and gingival and plaque indices in each participant were also measured. The GCF and clinical parameters at baseline and 6 weeks after periodontal treatment were recorded. RESULTS The study showed statistically significant improvement of clinical parameters in both FMF-CP and CP groups after periodontal treatment. The baseline GCF-TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in the CP group compared with the FMF-CP group (P <0.05). After periodontal treatment, the GCF-TOS levels were significantly reduced in members of the FMF-CP group (P <0.05). The GCF-TAS levels in members of the FMF-CP group were significantly higher than those of members of the HC group at baseline (P <0.05). Serum-TAS levels in the FMF-CP group were significantly higher than those in the CP and HC groups at baseline (P <0.05). The GCF-TOS level in the FMF-CP group was significantly higher than that in the FMF-HC group at baseline and 6 weeks. However, there were no significant differences in the serum-TOS and serum-OSI levels of those in the FMF-CP and CP groups at baseline and 6 weeks (P >0.05). CONCLUSION The results of the present study show that patients with FMF-CP displayed reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant status compared with those in the CP and HC groups.
Clinical outcomes of using lasers for peri-implantitis surface detoxification: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

UNLABELLED The aim of this systematic review is to compare the clinical outcomes of lasers with other commonly applied detoxification methods for treating peri-implantitis. An electronic search of four databases and a hand search of peer-reviewed journals for relevant articles were conducted. Comparative human clinical trials and case series with ≥ 6 months of follow-up in ≥ 10 patients with peri-implantitis treated with lasers were included. Additionally, animal studies applying lasers for treating peri-implantitis were also included. The included studies had to report probing depth (PD) reduction after the therapy. RESULTS Seven human prospective clinical trials and two animal studies were included. In four and three human studies, lasers were accompanied with surgical and non-surgical treatments, respectively. The meta-analyses showed an overall weighted mean difference of 0.00 mm (95% confidence interval = -0.18 to 0.19 mm) PD reduction between the laser and conventional treatment groups (P = 0.98) for non-surgical intervention. In animal studies, laser-treated rough-surface implants had a higher percentage of bone-to-implant contact than smooth-surface implants. In a short-term follow-up, lasers resulted in similar PD reduction when compared with conventional implant surface decontamination methods.
Comparison of glycated hemoglobin levels in individuals without diabetes and with and without periodontitis before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy.

BACKGROUND Only a few studies have examined the association between periodontitis and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in individuals without diabetes. The aim of this study is to compare HbA1c levels in individuals without diabetes and with and without periodontitis before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy. METHODS This comparative study was done on individuals without diabetes who were 35 to 65 years old. Group A consisted of 30 individuals without periodontitis, and group B consisted of 30 individuals with periodontitis. Body mass indices and clinical parameters, including oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) score, gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and HbA1c level, of all participants were recorded. All participants received non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing). After 3 months, all participants were reexamined, and clinical parameters and HbA1c levels were evaluated and compared to baseline values. RESULTS There were significant differences between group A and group B in regard to baseline OHI-S, GI, PD, and HbA1c (P <0.05). There was no clinical attachment loss in group A, either at baseline or after 3 months. At the end of 3 months, group B showed improvement in all clinical parameters (P <0.05) and their HbA1c levels also significantly decreased (P <0.05), although the values never reached those of group A. CONCLUSION The HbA1c levels of individuals without diabetes and with periodontitis (group B) were significantly reduced 3 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy, although they never reached the same levels as those of the individuals without diabetes or periodontitis (group A).
What is the best predictor for oral cleanliness after brushing? Results from an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND Brushing performance is an important factor for brushing success. Thus, observing brushing performance might help to explain deficits in oral hygiene. However, it is unknown how brushing behavior observed at one time relates to brushing capabilities observed at another time. The authors assessed the predictive validity of video-observed habitual brushing behavior for the capability to achieve oral cleanliness several weeks later. METHODS Study participants (N = 101) were video-recorded while cleaning their teeth. Two independent, calibrated examiners assessed brushing duration, evenness of distribution of brushing time across areas of the mouth as one indicator of brushing systematics, and duration of specific brushing movements. Weeks later (mean: 6.4 weeks; range: 1 to 24 weeks), 70 participants were asked to remove plaque to the best of their ability, and degree of oral cleanliness was assessed immediately afterward. A forward regression analysis was performed to assess the predictive values of brushing parameters. RESULTS Regression analysis revealed that evenness of distribution of brushing time and duration of circling movements explained 20.8% of variance of oral cleanliness (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Evenness of distribution of brushing time and duration of circling movements are aspects of observed habitual brushing behavior that predict brushing capabilities in terms of oral cleanliness.