Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association between selected risk indicators and severity of peri-implantitis using mixed model analyses.

AIM The aim of the study was to assess possible risk indicators for peri-implantitis at different levels of severity using multi-level analyses. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and nine subjects attended the examination, 69 females and 40 males. Mean time of implants in function was 8.4 years (standard deviation 4.6) (subject level). The participants were examined clinically and radiographically. Information regarding general health and habits was gathered, with special emphasis on smoking, oral hygiene and susceptibility to periodontitis. The relation between possible risk indicators and the following features were assessed: • Detectable peri-implantitis: detectable radiographic bone loss (>0.4 mm) and inflammation • Overt peri-implantitis: radiographic peri-implant bone loss 2.0 mm and bleeding on probing /suppuration at pocket probing depth 4 mm. RESULTS Multi-level statistical analyses identified location in the maxilla as risk indicator for detectable peri-implantitis. Regarding overt peri-implantitis, gender (male) and history of periodontitis were identified as risk indicators. CONCLUSION Individuals with a history of periodontitis were prone to peri-implantitis, peri-implant bone loss ≥ 2.0 mm and overt in the present study. No association was found between smoking and peri-implant disease in the present study population.
Similar birthweight in children born to HIV‐2 infected and HIV‐negative women in Guinea‐Bissau

The impact of HIV-1 on child health and mortality in Africa has been demonstrated in many studies. Overall reported rates of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 range from 13% to 48%. Studies on vertical transmission of HIV-2 are limited but available data suggest that it is rare and occurs in < 5%. Birthweight is an important determinant of child survival in Africa and studies have shown significantly decreased birthweight in children born to HIV-1-seropositive mothers compared with seronegative controls whereas in industrialized countries only marginal differences have been observed. In a study from Rwanda which also took into consideration HIV-status of the newborn only HIV-infected children had lower birthweight and uninfected children born to HIV-infected mothers had similar birthweights as children born to HIV-negative mothers. Only one study has previously described the effect of maternal HIV-2 infection on the birthweight of the offspring but in a limited number of infants. (excerpt)
Environmental Factors Associated with Type 1 Diabetes Development: A Case Control Study in Egypt

Uncertainty still exists regarding the role of some environmental risk in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) both globally and in Egypt. The objective here was to explore the potential environmental risk factors associated with the development of T1DM among children in Egypt. A case-controlled study of 204 T1DM children and an equal number of age and sex-matched controls was conducted in Assiut, Egypt. Data regarding the parental, gestational, neonatal, and childhood possible risk factors for T1DM were evaluated. The final sex adjusted multivariable logistic regression model revealed that the risk for T1DM was significantly higher among rural residents (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.30–4.25), those with parental history of T1DM (aOR = 9.03, 95% CI: 1.02–83.32), birth through cesarean section (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.09–5.03), and having history of early introduction of cow milk in the first year of life (aOR = 19.49, 95% CI: 8.73–45.53). On the other hand, a protective effect was observed between at least six months’ breastfeeding, vitamin D supplementation in the first year of life, high physical activity, and the development of T1DM. Educational programs should be adopted to improve awareness and knowledge of the parents to avoid the increased risk factors and encourage protective practices.
The plant cell nucleus

Communication between the cytoplasm and the nucleus is a fundamental feature shared by both plant and animal cells. Cellular factors involved in the transport of macromolecules through the nuclear envelope, including nucleoporins, importins and Ran-GTP related components, are conserved among a variety of eukaryotic systems. Interestingly, mutations in these nuclear components compromise resistance signalling, illustrating the importance of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking in plant innate immunity. Indeed, spatial restriction of defence regulators by the nuclear envelope and stimulus-induced nuclear translocation constitute an important level of defence-associated gene regulation in plants. A significant number of effectors from different microbial pathogens are targeted to the plant cell nucleus. In addition, key host factors, including resistance proteins, immunity components, transcription factors and transcriptional regulators shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus, and their level of nuclear accumulation determines the output of the defence response, further confirming the crucial role played by the nucleus during the interaction between plants and pathogens. Here, we discuss recent findings that situate the nucleus at the frontline of the mutual recognition between plants and invading microbes.
Mechanical Thrombectomy of Distal Occlusions in the Anterior Cerebral Artery: Recanalization Rates, Periprocedural Complications, and Clinical Outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation are at risk for either primary or, following mechanical thrombectomy, secondary occlusion of the anterior cerebral artery. Because previous studies had only a limited informative value, we report our data concerning the frequency and location of distal anterior cerebral artery occlusions, recanalization rates, periprocedural complications, and clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy in the anterior circulation between June 2010 and April 2015. RESULTS: Of 368 patients included in this analysis, we identified 30 (8.1%) with either primary (n = 17, 4.6%) or secondary (n = 13, 3.5%) embolic occlusion of the distal anterior cerebral artery. The recanalization rate after placement of a stent retriever was 88%. Periprocedural complications were rare and included vasospasms (n = 3, 10%) and dissection (n = 1, 3.3%). However, 16 (53.5%) patients sustained an (at least partial) infarction of the anterior cerebral artery territory. Ninety days after the ictus, clinical outcome according to the modified Rankin Scale score was the following: 0–2, n = 11 (36.6%); 3–4, n = 9 (30%); 5–6, n = 10 (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Occlusions of the distal anterior cerebral artery affect approximately 8% of patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation receiving mechanical thrombectomy. Despite a high recanalization rate and a low complication rate, subsequent (partial) infarction in the anterior cerebral artery territory occurs in approximately half of patients. Fortunately, clinical outcome appears not to be predominately unfavorable.
Functional variants of TSPAN8 are associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

Tetraspanins affect protein trafficking and are known to influence a wide variety of physiologic processes. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the tetraspanin gene TSPAN8 were found among the best ranked markers of genome wide association studies on bipolar disorder (BPD) (rs1705236) and type‐2 diabetes, but functional consequences remained largely unknown. In the present study, we examined 13 tagging SNPs covering the TSPAN8 gene, the intronic TSPAN8 SNP rs1705236 as well as two non‐synonymous (ns) SNPs in schizophrenia (SCZ) and BPD samples. In our analysis setting, we were not able to replicate the association of rs1705236 with BPD, nor did we find an association with SCZ. In the TSPAN8 upstream transcriptional control region however, we found rs4500567 to be associated with BPD. In contrast, in SCZ the nsSNP rs3763978 was associated with disease. The significance of both associations withstood conservative Bonferroni correction. In an attempt to link the polymorphisms to functional consequences, we performed an allele‐specific in silico mapping of transcription factor binding sites around rs4500567 and predicted the tolerance of the Gly73Ala exchange caused by rs3763978. The results argue for a differential promoter activity specific for the variant associated with BPD, but impaired protein functionality in SCZ. This suggests that TSPAN8 contributes to both diseases, yet with different underlying mechanisms: regulatory versus structural. Similar phenomena might also occur in other risk genes for both BPD and SCZ, providing a molecular basis for the genetic overlap of both entities. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Experience Sampling Method on Mobile Devices

The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) is used by scientists from various disciplines to gather insights into the intra-psychic elements of human life. Researchers have used the ESM in a wide variety of studies, with the method seeing increased popularity. Mobile technologies have enabled new possibilities for the use of the ESM, while simultaneously leading to new conceptual, methodological, and technological challenges. In this survey, we provide an overview of the history of the ESM, usage of this methodology in the computer science discipline, as well as its evolution over time. Next, we identify and discuss important considerations for ESM studies on mobile devices, and analyse the particular methodological parameters scientists should consider in their study design. We reflect on the existing tools that support the ESM methodology and discuss the future development of such tools. Finally, we discuss the effect of future technological developments on the use of the ESM and identify areas requiring further investigation.
A Comparison Study for Chloride-Binding Capacity between Alkali-Activated Fly Ash and Slag in the Use of Seawater

This study aimed to investigate the chloride-binding capacity of alkali-activated fly ash (denoted as FSW) and slag (denoted as SSW) samples and their synthesized Cl-bearing phases, which are capable of binding and immobilizing chloride when seawater is used as the mixing water. This study also examined the progressive changes in the pore structures of the FSW and SSW samples over time. The results show that the SSW sample is significantly more effective in the uptake of chloride ions compared to the FSW sample at 28 days of curing. While the FSW sample forms Cl-bearing zeolites (Cl-chabazite and Cl-sodalite) (possibly with similar types of geopolymeric gels), the SSW sample synthesizes Cl-bearing, layered double hydroxides (LDH) (Cl-hydrocalumite and Cl-hydrotalcite). Although both samples involve Cl-binding phases, the FSW sample is likely to be less efficient because it largely produces zeolites (or similar geopolymeric gels) with no Cl-binding capability (i.e., zeolites X and Y). Meanwhile, the SSW sample produces Cl-bearing LDH phases as well as C-S-H(I), which can physically adsorb chloride. The SSW sample exhibits both pore-size refinement and porosity reduction over time, while the FSW sample only exhibits pore-size refinement. Therefore, the SSW system is more advantageous in the use of seawater because it more effectively prevents Cl ingression due to greater impermeability.
FROM GIBSON'S FIRE TO GESTALTS A BRIDGE-BUILDING THEORY OF PERCEPTUAL OBJECTHOOD

Two kinds of rifts separate perceptual researchers: theoretical and modality-specific. Theoretical rifts divide modality-specific communities, and modality-specific rifts divide theoretical communities. Each group seeks to understand perception, but each uses such different approaches that synthesis into one coherent theory has been impossible. Here, we examine the fissures and propose a theory of perceptual objecthood that closes them. Neuhoff (Chapter 1) discusses theoretical rifts in audition. He distinguishes the constructivist psychoacousticians, who use simple stimuli and well-controlled artificial environments to explore lower-level sensory processes, from the ecologists, who use real-world stimuli and less controlled environments to explore higher-level sensation, cognition, and behavior. Both groups have learned a great deal about auditory perception, but the lack of a unified framework makes it difficult for them to share their knowledge. The gap between types of modality specificity is even wider. Most researchers work within a modality-specific community which has its own theories and terminology. Gibson (1966) illustrated this problem with his description of a fire,
EFFECT OF STORAGE AT 4 AND 10C ON THE GROWTH OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN AND ON QUESO FRESCO

ABSTRACT A five-strain rifampicin-resistant Listeria monocytogenes cocktail (ca. 3.0 log10 cfu/g) was introduced as a postpasteurization contaminant in queso fresco (QF) that was manufactured using a commercial procedure. L. monocytogenes was either inoculated into (IN) the curds before forming the cheese block or onto (ON) slices (52–66 g), individually vacuum-packed and stored at 4 and 10C. Growth was monitored for up to 35 days. Gompertz analyses showed small differences in lag time because of temperature, but growth rate and generation time were faster at 10C than at 4C. After 20 days for both the IN and the ON treatments, the maximum population density was 7.80 ± 0.17, regardless of the storage temperature. These results indicate that QF manufacture must be conducted using Good Manufacturing Practices and under hygienic conditions, and that the use of antimicrobials and/or postprocessing interventions is necessary to prevent the presence and growth of L. monocytogenes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Queso fresco (QF) is a popular, rennet-set, Hispanic-style fresh cheese made from pasteurized milk known for its crumbly texture and nonmelting properties. However, its high moisture content, near neutral pH and moderate salt content provide the ideal conditions for growth of various spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, notably Listeria monocytogenes. Past studies have examined the growth of L. monocytogenes on QF but were typically conducted using retail cheese of unknown manufacturing, handling and storage procedures. In this study, the growth of L. monocytogenes was monitored in and on QF made according to a commercial procedure used in the U.S.A. These data and a primary model that was created from the data can be used as the basis for food safety assessments and process and formulation improvements, or to monitor the effectiveness of antimicrobials and process interventions in preventing the presence and growth of L. monocytogenes associated with QF.
Symptom perception and functional morbidity across a 1‐year follow‐up in pediatric asthma

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between asthma symptom perception measured during a 5–6 week baseline and functional morbidity measured prospectively across a 1‐year follow‐up. Symptom perception was measured by comparing subjective ratings with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). We hypothesized that accurate symptom perception (ASP) would be associated with less functional morbidity. Participants consisted of 198 children with asthma ages 7–17 recruited from three sites. The children used a programmable electronic spirometer in the home setting to guess their PEFR prior to exhalation. Each “subjective” guess was classified as being in an ASP, dangerous symptom perception (DSP; underestimation of symptoms), or symptom magnification (SM; overestimation) zone based upon the corresponding measurement of PEFR or FEV1. An index of functional morbidity was collected by parent report at baseline and across 1‐year follow‐up. A greater proportion of ASP blows and a lower proportion of DSP blows based on PEFR predicted less functional morbidity reported at baseline, independent of asthma severity and race/ethnicity. A greater proportion of ASP blows (using PEFR and FEV1) and a lower proportion of SM blows (using FEV1) predicted less functional morbidity across 1‐year follow‐up. Symptom perception was not associated with emergency department visits for asthma at baseline or across follow‐up. In comparison to PEFR, FEV1 more frequently detected a decline in pulmonary function that children did not report. Symptom perception measured in naturalistic settings was associated with functional morbidity at baseline and prospectively across 1‐year follow‐up. Support was found for including multiple measures of pulmonary function in the assessment of asthma symptom perception. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:339–347. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortalité maternelle évitable en milieu urbain à Niamey (Niger)

La mortalite maternelle est un probleme de sante publique particulierement aigu au Niger. Plusieurs etudes quantitatives ont permis d’etablir que le nombre de deces oscillait entre 650 et 700 pour 100 000 naissances vivantes. En zone rurale, le chiffre atteint 1 300 et, en zone urbaine, 420. L’etude qualitative de vingt-cinq deces maternels survenus dans les structures sanitaires chez des patientes residant dans la communaute urbaine de Niamey permet de mettre en evidence l’absence de diagnostic precis pour neuf patientes et le caractere probablement evitable du deces de douze autres. Quoique l’enquete ne se veuille pas quantitative, on peut penser que l’âge maternel egal ou superieur a 35 ans, le celibat, le fait d’etre primipare ou grande multipare sont des facteurs de risques de deces maternel. L’absence de diagnostic chez neuf patientes s’explique par la pauvrete des renseignements cliniques consignes dans les dossiers, rendant ceux-ci peu exploitables, par le petit nombre d’examens paracliniques, du a la situation difficile que traverse actuellement le pays, et par l’absence d’autopsies realisees chez les patientes decedees. Les facteurs « d’evitabilite » sont les suivants : negligence des services de sante, therapeutiques inadaptees, absence de transfusion, insouciance des patientes, absence de prise en charge medicalisee de l’avortement, erreur de diagnostic, problemes de transport. L’interrogatoire des parents des femmes decedees met en evidence une certaine resignation devant la mort, d’inspiration religieuse. Des etudes complementaires seraient cependant necessaires pour approfondir cet aspect des choses. Le caractere evitable d’une importante proportion de deces maternels est rencontre dans la plupart des etudes consacrees a ce sujet, dans les pays developpes comme dans les pays en developpement. L’enquete realisee a Niamey permet d’identifier certaines insuffisances responsables de situations dramatiques qui ne devraient plus exister si les sept recommandations preconisees etaient appliquees.
Social Activism in Information Systems Research: Making the World a Better Place

This paper reports on a panel held during the 2006 International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS). The panel titled, “Social Activism in IS Research: Making the World a Better Place,” was organized to question whether and how Information System (IS) research is making tangible impacts to our society. More specifically, each panelist was asked to address: (1) How can IS research, and researchers, make contributions to underdeveloped societies and underserved communities? ; and (2) How can IS researchers learn from the particularities of these communities to inform better research, teaching, and service? While each panel member had different perspectives to offer in relation to these two questions, all agreed that IS academe needs to raise its awareness and efforts considerably with a view to address the needs of underserved communities.
Perceived value of support for older adults coping with multi-morbidity: patient, informal care-giver and family physician perspectives

ABSTRACT This study investigated the perceived value of informal and formal supports for older adults with multi-morbidity from the perspectives of patients, care-givers and family physicians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 patients, their informal care-givers and their family physicians in an urban academic family health team in Ontario. Analysis was conducted using a General Inductive Approach to facilitate identification of main themes and build a framework of perceived value of supports. Participant views converged on supports that facilitate patient independence and ease care-giver burden. However, important differences in participant perceptions arose regarding these priorities. Physicians and care-givers valued supports that facilitate health and safety while patients prioritised supports that enable self-efficacy and independence. While formal supports which eased care-giver burden were viewed positively by all members of the triad, many patients also rejected formal supports, citing that informal support from their care-giver was available. Such conflicts between patient, care-giver and physician-perceived value of supports may have important implications for consumer and care-giver willingness to accept formal supports when supports are available. These findings contribute to the broader literature on community-based care by incorporating the perspectives of patients, informal care-givers and family physicians to understand better the barriers and facilitators of uptake of supportive services that contribute to successful ageing at home.
Tryptophan Metabolism via the Kynurenine Pathway in Experimental Chronic Renal Failure

Background: Kidneys are involved in tryptophan (TRP) metabolism in two ways. They eliminate TRP derivatives on the one hand, and they produce several enzymes taking part in TRP metabolism mainly via the kynurenine pathway on the other. The aim of the present study was to examine the time-course of changes in the peripheral kynurenine products degradation during experimental chronic renal failure in rats. Methods: Tryptophan, kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid, anthranilic acid and quinolinic acid were determined in plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography technique with UV, fluorescence and electrochemical detection. Results: A decreased TRP level and significant increase in kynurenine pathway metabolite concentrations in plasma of uremic rats were found. Conclusions: Substantial disturbances in the peripheral kynurenic pathway were observed in experimental chronic renal failure. They may contribute to several symptoms of uremia.
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy: A Reflection of Professional Growth

The Canadian Journal of Occupational therapy (CJOT) is the only Canadian refereed professional publication reflecting the views and professional development of occupational therapists in Canada. A study of all issues of CJOT published during three five-year periods was carried out to see if CJOT could be said to be improving in terms of reflecting professional trends. Some areas examined were quantity of articles, type of articles, references, authors and citations. It was found that although CJOT did reflect professional growth in many areas, there were a number of areas needing improvement before CJOT could be considered to be the primary professional publication for occupational therapists in Canada.