Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enamel matrix derivative in propylene glycol alginate for treatment of infrabony defects with or without systemic doxycycline: 12- and 24-month results.

BACKGROUND This aim of this study is to compare regenerative therapy of infrabony defects with and without administration of post-surgical systemic doxycycline (DOXY) 12 and 24 months after therapy. METHODS In each of 57 patients, one infrabony defect (depth ≥ 4 mm) was treated regeneratively using enamel matrix derivative at two centers (Frankfurt am Main and Heidelberg). By random assignment, patients received either 200 mg DOXY per day or placebo (PLAC) for 7 days after surgery. Twelve and 24 months after surgery, clinical parameters (probing depths [PDs] and vertical clinical attachment level [CAL-V]) and standardized radiographs were obtained. Missing data were managed according to the last observation carried forward. RESULTS Data of 57 patients (DOXY: 28; PLAC: 29) were analyzed (26 males and 31 females; mean age: 52 ± 10.2 years; 13 smokers). In both groups, significant (P <0.01) PD reduction (DOXY: 3.7 ± 2.2 mm; PLAC: 3.4 ± 1.7 mm), CAL-V gain (DOXY: 2.7 ± 1.9 mm; PLAC: 3.0 ± 1.9 mm), and bone fill (DOXY: 1.6 ± 2.7 mm; PLAC: 1.8 ± 3.0 mm) were observed 24 months after surgery. However, the differences between both groups failed to be statistically significant (PD: P = 0.574; CAL-V: P = 0.696; bone fill: P = 0.318). CONCLUSIONS Systemic DOXY, 200 mg/day for 7 days, after regenerative therapy of infrabony defects did not result in better PD reduction, CAL-V gain, or radiographic bone fill compared with PLAC 12 and 24 months after surgery, which may be attributable to low power and, thus, random chance.
Regional fractionation and dominant frequency in persistent atrial fibrillation: effects of left atrial ablation and evidence of spatial relationship.

AIMS The aim was to study regional fractionation and dominant frequency (DF) to determine if any relationship exists between the two parameters and also to assess the impact of limited left atrial ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients undergoing catheter ablation of persistent AF using three-dimensional navigation were studied. Regional left atrial electrograms were analysed in the frequency domain by assessing DF and organization index (OI), and for degree of fractionation [using complex fractionated electrograms (CFE)-mean] before and after circumferential pulmonary vein and left atrial roof ablation. Twenty-three patients with persistent AF were studied. After ablation, global CFE-mean increased [100 ± 5 to 147 ± 11 ms (P= 0.0003)], DF decreased [6.1 ± 0.2 to 5.3 ± 0.2 Hz (P= 0.0003)], and OI was unchanged [0.27 ± 0.01 to 0.26 ± 0.02, (P= 0.70)]. Comparing sites close to and distant from ablation lines, percentage change in CFE-mean was 94 ± 10 vs. 37 ± 6% (P< 0.0001), DF change was -13 ± 3 vs.-12 ± 2% (P= 0.98), and OI change was 3 ± 6 vs. 10 ± 5% (P= 0.75), respectively. There was modest correlation between CFE-mean and DF points prior to ablation (r = -0.33, P< 0.0001) which was reduced following left atrial ablation (r = -0.24, P= 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Left atrial ablation reduces global left atrial DF and decreases the degree of fractionation. Complex fractionated electrograms-mean and DF appear to share only modest spatial correlation and are affected to different extents by ablation, suggesting that they are either separate entities or reflect different components of the same substrate.
Going above and beyond

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings For organizational success on a global scale, companies are looking for employees who will perform above and beyond the job description. These extra-role behaviors benefit both the individual and the organization. Good strategic human resource practices (SHRPs) such as reward management (RM) and employee development (ED) can increase the potential for employees performing such organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). Employees who have emotional exhaustion (EE) are likely to demonstrate reduced extra-role behaviors. Managers need to ensure there are good SHRPs in place and that employee EE is reduced. Good congruence (Person-Organization fit) is beneficial for increasing OCB. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Thyroid gland disorders in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the frequency of thyroid disorders in primary Sjögen's syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS 121 consecutive patients meeting Vitali's criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome and 74 with rheumatoid arthritis underwent thyroid hormone assays, tests for antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibodies, tests for antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens. Antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibodies were also assayed in 404 controls. RESULTS frequencies were calculated separately in males and females, and data in females were subjected to statistical analysis. As compared with controls, Sjögren's syndrome patients were more likely to have antimicrosomal antibodies (9% versus 17.6%, P < 0.05) and both Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis patients were more likely to have antithyroglobulin antibodies (1% versus 13.4% and 10.9%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Hypothyroidism was more common among Sjögren's syndrome patients (13.4%) than rheumatoid arthritis patients (3.1%) (P < 0.05). Sjögren's syndrome patients with thyroid disorders were less likely to have antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factors or a Chisholm's stage 3 or 4 lip biopsy. CONCLUSIONS our data confirm that thyroid disorders are more common in primary Sjögren's syndrome than in rheumatoid arthritis and controls. Production of autoantibodies and severe histologic lesions were less common in Sjögren's syndrome patients with than without thyroid disorders.
Efficient Identification of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Mutants Resistant to a Protease Inhibitor by Using a Random Mutant Library

ABSTRACT Emergence of drug-resistant mutant viruses during the course of antiretroviral therapy is a major hurdle that limits the success of chemotherapeutic treatment to suppress human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication and AIDS progression. Development of new drugs and careful patient management based on resistance genotyping data are important for enhancing therapeutic efficacy. However, identifying changes leading to drug resistance can take years of clinical studies, and conventional in vitro assays are limited in generating reliable drug resistance data. Here we present an efficient in vitro screening assay for selecting drug-resistant variants from a library of randomly mutated HIV-1 strains generated by transposon-directed base-exchange mutagenesis. As a test of principle, we screened a library of mutant HIV-1 strains containing random mutations in the protease gene by using a reporter T-cell line in the presence of the protease inhibitor (PI) nelfinavir (NFV). Analysis of replicating viruses from a single round of infection identified 50 amino acid substitutions at 35 HIV-1 protease residue positions. The selected mutant viruses showed specific resistance to NFV and included most of the known NFV resistance mutations. Therefore, the new assay is efficient for identifying changes leading to drug resistance. The data also provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of drug resistance.
Description and prediction of the income status of borderline patients over 10   years of prospective follow-up.

BACKGROUND Research shows that individuals suffering from borderline personality disorder are economically disadvantaged, but longitudinal data is lacking. AIM This study examined the income of borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients and axis II comparison subjects over 10 years of follow-up and assessed predictors of income among BPD patients. METHOD Data on income was obtained for 264 BPD patients and 63 axis II comparison subjects at 6-year follow-up and for surviving patients at five follow-up waves. Baseline and time-varying predictors of income were assessed using information from interviews and self-report measures. RESULTS Regardless of diagnosis, a greater proportion of people shifted into the higher income groups over time. Being in a higher income group was more likely to happen and happened more rapidly for axis II comparison subjects than for BPD patients. Results regarding the BPD patients indicated that childhood emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse were associated with a greater likelihood of being in a lower income group, whereas years of education and a higher IQ were associated with a greater likelihood of being in a higher income group. CONCLUSION Borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients show enduring lowered economic functioning. Their economic functioning seems to be negatively affected by childhood emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse but positively affected by years of education and IQ. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of select seminal plasma proteins on endometrial mRNA cytokine expression in mares susceptible to persistent mating‐induced endometritis

In the horse, breeding induces a transient endometrial inflammation. A subset of mares are unable to resolve this inflammation, and they are considered susceptible to persistent mating-induced endometritis PMIE Select seminal plasma proteins cysteine-rich secretory protein-3 (CRISP-3) and lactoferrin have been shown to affect the innate immune response to sperm in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of CRISP-3 and lactoferrin at the time of insemination had an effect on the mRNA expression of endometrial cytokines in susceptible mares after breeding. Six mares classified as susceptible to PMIE were inseminated during four consecutive oestrous cycles with treatments in randomized order of: 1 mg/ml CRISP-3, 150 μg/ml lactoferrin, seminal plasma (positive control) or lactated Ringer's solution (LRS; negative control) to a total volume of 10 ml combined with 1 × 109 spermatozoa pooled from two stallions. Six hours after treatment, an endometrial biopsy was obtained for qPCR analysis of selected genes associated with inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (INF)-γ, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1RN and IL-10, and inflammatory-modulating cytokine IL-6). Seminal plasma treatment increased the mRNA expression of IL-1β (p = .019) and IL-8 (p = .0068), while suppressing the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). Lactoferrin also suppressed the mRNA expression of TNF (p = .0013). In conclusion, exogenous lactoferrin may be considered as one modulator of the complex series of events resulting in the poorly regulated pro-inflammatory response seen in susceptible mares.
Condition adaptation in synchronous consensus

The condition-based approach is one of the sophisticated methods used to overcome several impossibility results in the distributed consensus problem (e.g., impossibility of fault tolerance in asynchronous consensus or time complexity lower bounds in synchronous consensus). It introduces conditions on input vectors to specify subsets of all possible input vectors to consensus algorithms and condition-based algorithms can circumvent the impossibility if actual input vectors satisfy a particular condition. In this paper, we present a new condition-based paradigm for synchronous consensus. We introduce the new concept of adaptation on the time complexity of condition-based algorithms and present the adaptive condition-based approach to synchronous consensus. In our approach, all possible input vectors are classified into hierarchical conditions according to their difficulty called the legality level. The execution time of adaptive condition-based algorithms depends on the legality level of input vectors. We propose two adaptive condition-based algorithms for synchronous consensus. The first algorithm requires that the majority of processes be correct, and terminates within min{f+2, t+1} l rounds if l<f, where f and t are the actual and the maximum numbers of faults, respectively, and l is the legality level of the input vector. Moreover, the algorithm terminates in one round if l/spl ges/t and f-0 and terminates within two rounds if l/spl ges/f holds. Compared with previous algorithms, this algorithm achieves the best time complexity. The second algorithm can tolerate any number of faults, and terminates within max{3, min{f+3, t+2}-l} rounds if l<f holds, terminates in one round if l/spl ges/t and f=0, and terminates within three rounds if l>f holds.
Hostility and differences between clinic, self‐determined, and ambulatory blood pressure.

&NA; This study examined the role of personality factors in differences between three methods of assessing blood pressure (clinic, self, ambulatory) in 45 patients with mild hypertension. The data were obtained after the patients were withdrawn from antihypertensive medications and had achieved stable clinic diastolic blood pressure levels of 95 to 110 mm Hg, averaged over three visits in 2 to 4 weeks. Significant differences were obtained in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) as a function of method of assessment. These differences in both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were associated with individual differences in the total score and several subscales of the Buss‐Durkee Hostility Inventory (Assault, Resentment, Guilt), but not in anxiety, depression, or other characteristics. High hostile subjects had consistently high blood pressure values in both clinic, self, and ambulatory recordings. Low hostile subjects were significantly lower in self‐recorded blood pressure readings taken at home and in ambulatory recordings, compared with clinic values. Implications of these findings for “white coat hypertension” are discussed.
Risk factors associated with PICC-related upper extremity venous thrombosis in cancer patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the incidence and risk factors for peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis in patients with cancer. BACKGROUND With the widespread use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters, peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis in patients with cancer leads to increasing morbidity and mortality. It is very important to further explore the incidence and risk factors for peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related venous thrombosis. DESIGN AND METHODS Consecutive patients with cancer who were scheduled to receive peripherally inserted central venous catheters, between September 2009 and May 2012, were prospectively studied in our centre. They were investigated for venous thrombosis by Doppler sonography three times a day within 30 days after catheter insertion. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions' analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related thrombosis. RESULTS A total of 89 patients with cancer were studied in our research. Of these, 81 patients were followed up within one month. The mean interval between catheter insertion and the onset of thrombosis was 12.45 ± 6.17 days. The multivariable analyses showed that chemotherapy history, less activities and diabetes were the key risk factors for thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS Peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis had high incidence rate, and most cases had no significant symptoms. The history of chemotherapy, less activities and diabetes were found to be the key risk factors. It should be routinely scanned in high-risk patients every 3-5 days after catheter insertion, which would then find blood clots in time and reduce the incidence of pulmonary embolism. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Risk factors associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis are of critical importance in improving the quality of patients' life. It is very important to grasp the indications to reduce the incidence rate of peripherally inserted central venous catheters-related upper extremity venous thrombosis.
Hemoconcentration as an early risk factor for necrotizing pancreatitis

Objective:The aim of our study was to determine whether measurement of serum hematocrit during the first 24 h helps in distinguishing necrotizing from mild pancreatitis.Methods:From May 1992 to June 1996, a case-control study was performed with cases of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. We selected as a control the next patient admitted with mild pancreatitis.Results:There were 32 patients in each group. Logistic regression identified an admission hematocrit of ≥ 47% and a failure of admission hematocrit to decrease at 24 h as the best binary risk factors for necrotizing pancreatitis. At admission, more patients with necrotizing pancreatitis than with mild pancreatitis had a hematocrit ≥ 47% (11/32 vs 3/32; p= 0.03). At 24 h, 15 additional patients with necrotizing pancreatitis versus only one with mild pancreatitis showed no decrease in admission hematocrit (p < 0.01). Thus, by 24 h, 26 of 32 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis versus only four of 32 patients with mild pancreatitis met one or the other criterion (p < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity at admission were 34% and 91%; at 24 h, 81% and 88%. Conclusions:Hemoconcentration with an admission hematocrit ≥ 47% or failure of admission hematocrit to decrease at approximately 24 h were strong risk factors for the development of pancreatic necrosis.
A Bootstrap Method for Error Estimation in Randomized Matrix Multiplication

In recent years, randomized methods for numerical linear algebra have received growing interest as a general approach to large-scale problems. Typically, the essential ingredient of these methods is some form of randomized dimension reduction, which accelerates computations, but also creates random approximation error. In this way, the dimension reduction step encodes a tradeoff between cost and accuracy. However, the exact numerical relationship between cost and accuracy is typically unknown, and consequently, it may be difficult for the user to precisely know (1) how accurate a given solution is, or (2) how much computation is needed to achieve a given level of accuracy. In the current paper, we study randomized matrix multiplication (sketching) as a prototype setting for addressing these general problems. As a solution, we develop a bootstrap method for \emph{directly estimating} the accuracy as a function of the reduced dimension (as opposed to deriving worst-case bounds on the accuracy in terms of the reduced dimension). From a computational standpoint, the proposed method does not substantially increase the cost of standard sketching methods, and this is made possible by an "extrapolation" technique. In addition, we provide both theoretical and empirical results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Dental Students' Educational Environment and Perceived Stress: The University of Malaya Experience.

BACKGROUND An equitable and positive learning environment fosters deep self-directed learning in students and, consequently, good practice in their profession. Although demotivating weaknesses may lead to repeated day-to-day stress with a cascade of deleterious consequences at both personal and professional levels, a possible relationship between these parameters has not been reported. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between students' perceptions of their educational environment and their stress levels. METHODS Sixty-one first year students at the Dental Faculty, University of Malaya, Malaysia participated. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) was used to determine educational environment while self-rated perceived stress level was measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). RESULTS Most students (62.39%) showed positive perceptions for the total and five domains of DREEM. The highest percentage was observed for "Students perception of learning" (64.04%) while the lowest was for "Students' social self-perception" (60.32%). At the same time, 61% of students showed high perceived stress levels. However, this was not associated with their DREEM scores. CONCLUSION Although a positive perception of their educational environment was found, minor corrective measures need to be implemented. Furthermore, longitudinal studies on an annual basis would provide useful input for strategic planning purposes.
Differential effects of glucocorticoids and gonadal steroids on glutathione levels in neuronal and glial cell systems

The aim of the present study was to investigate the short‐ and long‐term effects of glucocorticoids [corticosterone (CORT), dexamethasone (DEX), 6‐methylprednisolone (6‐MP)] and gonadal steroids [17β‐estradiol (E2), progesterone (PROG), testosterone (TEST)] on the levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in different cell systems of the CNS (neuronal hippocampal HT22 cells, primary hippocampal and neocortical brain cells, and C6 glioma cells). In HT22 cells, steroids exerted mainly long‐term effects. Significant increases of GSH levels were detectable after a 24 hr treatment with 10−7 M of DEX (122% ± 5%), 6‐MP (208% ± 32%), E2 (134% ± 10%), and TEST (155% ± 17%). A significant decrease occurred after incubation with PROG for 24 hr (79% ± 9%). In primary hippocampal cultures, a 24 hr treatment with DEX (140% ± 8%), E2 (123% ± 6%), and PROG (118% ± 5%) led to significant increases of the GSH levels, whereas, in neocortical primary cultures, only an incubation with E2 increased GSH (149% ± 8%). In C6 cells, hormone treatment led to both significant short‐term (1 hr: CORT 114% ± 5%, DEX 90% ± 3%, E2 88% ± 3%; 3 hr: DEX 115% ± 5%, E2 122% ± 6%, TEST 78% ± 4%) and significant long‐term (24 hr: CORT 74% ± 4%, 6‐MP 84% ± 5%, E2 115% ± 6%, PROG 91% ± 4%, TEST 116% ± 5%) effects. In summary, we were able to demonstrate differential effects of steroids on GSH levels in different cellular CNS models, showing an important influence of steroids and especially E2 on antioxidative cellular functions in neuronal and glial cells. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel function of theC‐terminal lipid moieties of Rab3A small G protein implicated in Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis — inhibition of interaction with GTP and reduction of this inhibition by phospholipid

Background: Rab3A small G protein is implicated in Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis. It undergoes post‐translational lipid‐modifications at its C‐terminal region. These lipid moieties are important for the actions of the regulators of Rab3A, but not for the interaction with its downstream target.
Cost sensitive improved Levenberg Marquardt algorithm for imbalanced data

Training of neural network is one of the most important aspects of neural network learning. Second order algorithm Levenberg Marquardt, is widely used for training purpose. But drawback related to this algorithm is large memory size, network size and network type. This work uses modified Levenberg Marquardt algorithm which removes memory size problem of traditional Levenberg Marquardt algorithm. Imbalance is major hurdle while training neural network. Cost sensitive approach is proven to be efficient technique to deal with this problem in case of neural network. This work utilizes the same approach to alleviate the effect of imbalanced dataset on neural network classifier.