Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of human beta-defensin-3 in gingival epithelia.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of the newly discovered human beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) in human gingiva. BACKGROUND Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are a group of small, broad-spectrum, cationic antimicrobial peptides. Our recent study showed that the expression levels of hBD-1 and 2 peptides were associated with periodontal conditions. METHODS A total of 49 gingival biopsies were collected, including 33 samples from 21 patients with chronic periodontitis and 16 samples from 16 periodontally healthy subjects. The expression of hBD-3 was detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Double staining was undertaken to identify hBD-3 peptide-positive cells, using CD-1a and cytokeratin 20 as markers for Langerhans cells and Merkel cells, respectively. RESULTS hBD-3 peptide was detected in 88% of the samples, which was confined to the gingival epithelia. In healthy control subjects, hBD-3 peptide was more frequently detected in the basal layer as compared to the patients (53% vs. 18%, p < 0.05). In patients, hBD-3 expression extended from the basal layer to the spinous layers (82%), in which hBD-3 was confined to the basal and deep spinous layers in clinically healthy tissues from patients, whereas it extended to the superficial spinous layers in pocket tissues from patients (0% vs. 50%, p < 0.05). In both groups, hBD-3 peptide was expressed not only in gingival keratinocytes, but also in Langerhans cells and Merkel cells. hBD-3 transcripts were detected in 90% of the samples and they were confined to the basal and/or suprabasal layers of gingival epithelia. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that hBD-3 is frequently expressed in gingival epithelia. The appropriate expression of hBD-3 peptide may contribute to the maintenance of periodontal homeostasis, possibly through its antimicrobial effect and promotion of adaptive immune responses.
Femoral pseudoaneurysms: management with percutaneous thrombin injections--success rates and effects on systemic coagulation.

PURPOSE To determine the success rate of percutaneous ultrasonographically (US) guided thrombin injection in the treatment of femoral pseudoaneurysms and to evaluate the effects of thrombin injection on systemic coagulation parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty femoral pseudoaneurysms (37 simple pseudoaneurysms with one lobe and 13 complex pseudoaneurysms with two or three lobes) were treated with US-guided percutaneous thrombin injections. Pseudoaneurysm size, neck length and width, thrombin dose, outcome of therapy, and complications were documented prospectively. Duplex sonographic follow-up examinations were performed at 12-24 hours and 5-7 and 21-25 days. In 25 patients, activated thromboplastin time, Quick test (prothrombin time), thrombin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, antithrombin III, thrombin-antithrombin III complex, and prothrombin fragments 1 and 2 were determined before and at 2, 5, and 10 minutes after thrombin injection. Differences in results before and those after thrombin injection were evaluated by means of the one-sample t test. RESULTS Mean volume of pseudoaneurysms was 5.84 cm(3) +/- 4.89 (SD). Fifty-eight thrombin injections were performed. Mean thrombin dose was 357 IU +/- 291 in simple and 638 IU +/- 549 in complex pseudoaneurysms. Primary success rate was 36 of 37 (97%) for simple and eight of 13 (61%) for complex pseudoaneurysms. Reperfusion occurred in four complex pseudoaneurysms (none in simple ones). Secondary success rate was 100%. No thromboembolic, infectious, or allergic complications occurred. During follow-up, reperfusion was detected in one patient with a complex pseudoaneurysm. Levels of thrombin-antithrombin III complex increased significantly (P <.05) after thrombin injection, whereas changes in all other laboratory tests were not significant. CONCLUSION US-guided percutaneous injection of thrombin is successful and safe in the management of femoral pseudoaneurysms. The increase of thrombin-antithrombin III complex indicates the possibility of thrombin passage into the arterial circulation.
Hyperlactataemia and hepatic steatosis: mitochondrial toxicity of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

A 40 year old heterosexual black African man presented to the accident and emergency department with a 4 minute episode of loss of consciousness with associated incontinence. On inquiry, he gave a 1 month's history of left sided headache, weight loss, fever, and a right axillary swelling. He had a medical history of recurrent malaria, typhoid as a child, drainage of groin abscess in 1999, and severe acne. An HIV antibody test had been negative in 1993. On admission he was taking ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily, prescribed by a primary care physician as treatment for the axillary infection; he had recently completed a course of isotretinoin as treatment for acne. He worked as a delivery driver, drank no alcohol, and was a non-smoker. He had been resident in the United Kingdom for 7 years. On examination he was pyrexial, temperature 38.5°C, had oral candida, severe acne, and a 4 cm diameter infected sebaceous cyst in the right axilla. There was no lymphadenopathy and examination of the respiratory, cardiovascular, abdominal, and nervous systems was normal. Investigations on admission to hospital included a computed tomograph (CT) scan of the head (with contrast) which showed a single ring enhancing lesion in the left basal ganglia with surrounding oedema and mid-line shift. A diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis was made. Subsequently, an FDG PET (positron emission tomography) scan and cranial magnetic resonance image (MRI) supported this diagnosis. Other investigations showed HIV-1 antibodies detected, cytomegalovirus IgG positive, DAT negative, Toxoplasma gondii IgG > 1:1024, serum cryptococcal latex agglutination (CRAG) …
Addressing pediatric wait times using the model of human performance technology

Background When traditional approaches to waitlist management are unsuccessful, service managers and providers must consider alternatives. Purpose To describe how the model of human performance technology was used to address an extensive pediatric waitlist. Methods Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with clinicians, educators, and parents and analyzed according to the model. Findings The need for a paradigm shift from a linear model of service delivery to a continuum of service was identified which could meet the unique needs of each child and family. Services include information, education, and supports, and all are grounded in principles of family-centred care. Implications The model of human performance technology provided a systematic approach with which to reveal the reason for extensive wait times for pediatric occupational therapy service. The model suggested a paradigm shift from a linear model of care to a continuum of care grounded in family-centred care. Implementation and evaluation of this new care model are ongoing.
Association Between Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs and Sleep Quality in a Large College Student Sample

ABSTRACT Objective/Background: Poor sleep and nonmedical use (NMU) of prescription drugs (NMUPD) are both common among college students. Since lack of sleep adversely influences academic performance, this study examined the association between NMUPD and subjective sleep quality among college students. Participants: Students who completed the American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment data (Fall 2010, Spring 2011; N = 135,874). Methods: Associations were examined between NMUPD in four classes over the past 12 months (antidepressant, painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants), and five aspects of sleep quality (Enough Sleep, Early Awakening, Daytime Sleepiness, Difficulty Falling Asleep, and Problem With Daytime Sleepiness) in the past seven days. Results: Any NMUPD (at least one class), NMU of stimulants specifically, and NMU of painkillers specifically were associated with getting fewer days of Enough Sleep (OR: 0.86, 0.93, and 0.84 respectively), more days of Early Awakening (OR: 1.28, 1.10, and 1.28 respectively), Daytime Sleepiness (OR: 1.23, 1.13, and 1.16 respectively), and Difficulty Falling Asleep (OR:1.32, 1.10, and 1.27 respectively; p < .0001, each). NMU of sedatives was significantly associated with having Problem With Daytime Sleepiness (OR: 1.10), more days of Early Awakening (OR: 1.12), and Difficulty Falling Asleep (OR: 1.17; p < .0001). Conclusions: NMUPD is associated with poor sleep among college students. Therefore, behavioral medicine screening and treatment of this vulnerable population should consider sleep health, NMUPD, and the potential that these problems may be comorbid.
Evaluation Of Gingival Microleakage Of Composite Restorations With Glass Fiber Inserts, Polyethylene Fiber Inserts And Prepolymerized Composite Inserts: An In Vitro Study

Aim : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glass and polyethylene fiber inserts and pre polymerized composite on the microleakage of Class II composite restorations on gingival margins of root surfaces. Materials and Methods: In the present study thirty freshly extracted intact premolars were divided in to three groups based on the type of fiber inserts used, mesio-occlusal cavities were made on the proximal sides of premolar. As a liner flowable composite (Filtek Z350 was used and the rest of the cavities were filled with Filtek P‑60 (3M/ESPE) posterior composite. Specimens were stained with 2% Basic Fuchsin dye after thermocycling. Dye penetration was evaluated under steromicroscope after sectioning the samples. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskalwallis test and Mann whitney U test. Results: The results of this study showed that no statistical difference was observed between glass fibre inserts and prepolymesrised composite fiber inserts groups, and also between prepolymerised composite fiber inserts group and polyethylene fiber inserts groups. But statistical significance was observed between glass fiber inserts and polyethylene fiber inserts.
PROGRESS IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMORS: No Room for Complacency

Recent SEER data suggest that we have made modest improvements in the survival of children with brain cancer, from 58% 5-year survival in the period of diagnosis from 1975 to 1979 to 73% in the period from 1995 to 2000 [1]. These data must be viewed with both caution and discernment. First, even if accurate, they apply only to perhaps the 15% of the world’s children with brain tumors who happen to reside within the “developed” countries such as the United States. Second, it is important to remember that 5-year survival rates from the majority of childhood brain tumors (low-grade astrocytomas, craniopharyngiomas, children beyond infancy with medulloblastomas, and ependymomas) do not represent cures; late relapses, second malignancies, and late deaths from toxicities of the disease or from treatment are well recognized. Finally, of course, such survival statistics pay no attention to quality of survivorship; and a significant proportion of children who survive brain tumors carry a tremendous burden of physical, endocrinologic, neurocognitive, and psychological sequelae into their adult lives. Yet progress has been made, albeit frustratingly slowly, in treating some pediatric brain tumors. What has brought about those advances that have been accomplished in recent decades? The advent of advanced imaging—the CAT scan in the 1970s and the MRI in the 1980s—has facilitated earlier and more precise diagnosis and perhaps opportunities for more radical and less morbid tumor resections
[Curettage or not after spontaneous abortion?].

BACKGROUND In most cases of miscarriage, standard procedure has until recently been surgical revision of the uterine cavity. MATERIAL AND METHODS 94 women with first trimester miscarriage were randomized to surgical revision (n = 48) or expectation (n = 46) after informed consent. Women with unacceptable pain or bleeding, or uterine contents of more than 20 mm diameter on sonography were not included. The patients were followed up seven to ten days later with gynaecological examination, sonography, and determination of levels of haemoglobin, leukocytes, C-reactive protein and HCG. RESULTS In the revision group there were no operative complications, no cases of infection, and no unscheduled consultations. Mean duration of bleeding was 4.8 days (range 1-11 days). In the observation group there were no cases of infection, surgical revision was carried out in seven patients, and there were six unscheduled consultations. Mean duration of bleeding was 7.3 days (range 2-27 days). The women undergoing surgical revision had less pain and bleeding. INTERPRETATION Women with first trimester miscarriage may safely be observed without surgical revision but may have somewhat more pain and more vaginal bleeding than if revision is carried out.
Use of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine Oxidation in the Identification of Mycobacterium leprae

Identification of acid-fast bacteria failing to grow on artificial culture media under known conditions as Mycobacterium leprae now depends on the results of two time-consuming tests. At relatively low ambient temperatures, several thousand leprosy bacilli multiply within 6 to 9 months to maximal numbers of several million in the mouse footpad. Gross lesions or invasion of adjacent or remote tissues are absent (C. C. Shepard, J. Bacteriol. 90:1271, 1965). The other test requires intradermal injection of leprosy patients simultaneously with the heat-killed mycobacteria and with standard lepromin. (Shepard and Guinto, Intern. J. Leprosy 31:353, 1963). Leprosy bacilli are the only known mycobacteria failing to evoke dermal responses in Mitsudanegative leprosy patients. Both tests distinguish between the noncultivated species, M. leprae and M. lepraemurium. Since culture of M. leprae is
Urban biowaste for solid fuel production: Waste suitability assessment and experimental carbonization in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The poor state of solid waste management in Dar es Salaam (DSM), Tanzania, the large fraction of organic waste generated and a high charcoal consumption by city residents has triggered this research on carbonization of municipal biowaste. Char produced by the thermochemical conversion method of slow pyrolysis can be briquetted and used as cooking fuel alternative to wood-based charcoal. To explore the potential of biowaste carbonization in DSM, the most suitable organic wastes were selected and pyrolyzed in a simple, externally heated carbonization system developed as part of this study. A Multi-Criteria Analysis framework allowed to assess prevailing biowaste types regarding availability and accessibility, and respective suitability in terms of physical–chemical properties. The assessment, using data from a survey and lab analysis, revealed the following biowaste types with highest overall potential for char production in DSM: packaging grass/leaves (PG) used for transportation of fruit and vegetables to the markets, wood waste (WW) from wood workshops, and cardboard (CB) waste. Best practice carbonization of these biowastes in the pyrolyzer showed satisfactory char yields (PG: 38.7%; WW: 36.2%; CB: 35.7% on dry basis). Proximate composition (including volatile, fixed carbon and ash content) and heating value (PG: 20.1 MJ kg−1; WW: 29.4 MJ kg−1; CB: 26.7 MJ kg−1) of the produced char also compare well with literature data. The energy and emission-related aspects of the system still require further research and optimizations to allow financially viable and safe operation.
Vaginal–Perianal Compared With Vaginal–Rectal Cultures for Detecting Group B Streptococci During Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether vaginal–perianal cultures could be an alternative to the recommended vaginal–rectal screening cultures for the detection of group B streptococci (GBS) during pregnancy, and to compare patient pain and discomfort between the two collection methods. METHODS: Patients included were aged 18 or older and at 35–37 weeks of gestation. After consent, each patient underwent collection of a vaginal–perianal followed by a vaginal–rectal culture. Patients rated their pain on a 0-to-10 scale for each collection method and indicated whether one method had more discomfort than the other. The primary outcome of the study was the proportion of patients whose vaginal–perianal and vaginal–rectal culture results agreed with one another. RESULTS: Data were collected from 193 patients. The overall agreement rate between the vaginal–perianal and vaginal–rectal cultures was 186 out of 193 (96.4%; lower 95% confidence bound was 93.4%), yielding a 91.1% sensitivity and 98.5% specificity. There were two false positives and five false negatives. The GBS detection rates were similar between the two collection methods (P=.257). On average, pain was 3.4 points for the vaginal–rectal method and 1.2 points for the vaginal–perianal method (P<.001). More than two-thirds of the patients stated that the vaginal–perianal collection method had less discomfort than the vaginal–rectal method. CONCLUSION: Agreement was high between the recommended vaginal–rectal and the studied vaginal–perianal collection methods. Patients indicated less pain and discomfort with the vaginal–perianal collection method. Therefore, vaginal–perianal cultures may be reasonable, patient-preferred alternatives for the recommended vaginal–rectal cultures for detection of GBS during pregnancy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Underuse of lung protective ventilation: Analysis of potential factors to explain physician behavior*

Objective:To determine the frequency of use of low-tidal-volume ventilation in appropriate patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and the factors associated with the choice of tidal volume. Design:Prospective observational cohort study of patients identified with ALI or acute respiratory distress syndrome from September 2000 to November 2002. Setting:Medical and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) at an academic tertiary-care hospital. Measurements and Main Results:Measurements included the proportion for whom the ventilation tidal volume (TV) was ≤7.5 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW) on days 2, 4, and 7 of ALI and the proportion for whom the ventilation TV was ≤6.5 and ≤8.5 mL/kg/PBW (sensitivity analysis). Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients undergoing ventilation with low and high TV were compared. Of 88 total patients studied, 39% had ventilation with TV ≤7.5 mL/kg/PBW on day 2 of ALI, 49% on day 4, and 56% on day 7. In contrast, 49% of patients had ventilation with TV >8.5 mL/kg/PBW on day 2 of ALI, 30% on day 4, and 24% on day 7. The use of low TV was significantly associated with clinical parameters indicative of worse disease severity, including low values for Pao2 (p = .01), Pao2/Fio2 (p = .08), and static compliance of the respiratory system (p = .006). Conclusions:Ventilation with a low TV was used in a minority of patients with ALI, despite results published in 1998 and 2000 supporting this approach. This may be related to clinicians’ underrecognition of less severe cases of ALI, their reserving of low-TV ventilation for more severe cases, or both.
Transcriptome-derived microsatellite markers for Dioon (Zamiaceae) cycad species1

Premise of the study: Dioon (Zamiaceae) is an endangered North American cycad genus of evolutionary and ornamental value. We designed and validated a set of microsatellite markers from D. edule that can be used for population-level and conservation studies, and that transferred successfully to D. angustifolium. D. spinulosum, and D. holmgrenii. Methods and Results: We tested 50 primers from 80 microsatellite candidate loci in the One KP D. edule transcriptome. Genotypes from 21 loci in 20 D. edule individuals revealed up to 14 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity from 0.15 to 0.92; one locus was monomorphic. Seven of those 21 loci were polymorphic in D. angustifolium, D. spinulosum, and D. holmgrenii, with up to seven alleles, and an observed heterozygosity up to 0.89. Conclusions: The transcriptome-derived microsatellites generated here will serve as tools to advance population genetic studies and inform conservation strategies of Dioon, including the identification and origin of illegal plants in the cycad trade.
Inhibition of bone resorption and stimulation of formation by mechanical loading of the modeling rat ulna in vivo

During normal growth of the rat ulna, bone is resorbed from the medial periosteal surface. This occurs as part of the modeling process by which the bone achieves its adult shape. By attaching strain gauges to the ulnae of rats in vivo, we measured the strains imposed on that surface of the bone during normal locomotion. We then applied mechanical loads to the ulnae of other rats in vivo for 6 consecutive days, inducing strains approximately double those we had measured. Fluorochromes were given on the 1st and 5th days. The histology of the medial ulnar periosteal surface was correlated with the amount of fluorochrome incorporation and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in serial sections. In the nonloaded ulnae, the surfaces were lined with bone resorbing cells. Corresponding areas of the loaded bones were lined with osteoid and osteoblasts. There was insignificant label incorporation in the nonloaded bones but almost continuous label incorporation in the corresponding regions of the loaded bones, which was significantly different from the nonloaded bones. TRAP activity of the periosteal cells in the loaded bones was significantly less than in the nonloaded limbs. It is widely acknowledged that loading induces bone formation, and this implies that it also has the ability to inhibit resorption. However, to date there has been little direct evidence for the inhibition of resorption in vivo by mechanical loading. The changes we have observed are similar to the sequence of cellular events that occur during the reversal phase of bone remodeling, in which osteoclastic resorption ceases and osteoblasts are recruited and begin formation. This model may help increase understanding of that process.
Private Valuation of a Public Good in Three Auction Mechanisms

We evaluate the impact of three auction mechanismsthe Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) mechanism, the second-price auction (SPA), and the random nth-price auction (NPA)in the measurement of private willingness-to-pay and willingness-to-accept for a pure public good. Our results show that the endowment effect is lower with the BDM mechanism. In this market mechanism, the effect disappears after a few repetitions. Yet, on a logarithmic scale, the random nth-price auction yields the highest speed of convergence towards equality of welfare indices. We also observe that subjects value public goods in reference to their private subjective benefit derived from their public funding.