Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Method Simulation of Bone Resorption Beneath a Complete Denture

Bone resorption beneath a maxillary complete denture was simulated by the finite element method, assuming that a threshold of compressive strain exists in the alveolar bone above which the resorption occurred. The pattern of predicted resorption was observed when 100 N of force was applied to three positions occlusally, and 20 N was applied facially. Moreover, we observed the effect of rebasing the denture after initial resorption. The results indicate that resorption was initiated on the facial and occlusal surfaces of the alveolar ridge and proceeded palatally. The resorption was greater as the occlusal load point moved facially and when the force was applied in the facial direction. When the load point was toward the facial, rebasing the denture accentuated the resorption, but when the load point was toward the palatal, the resorption was almost the same regardless of rebase. The pattern of simulated bone resorption was similar to that reported from clinical observations, which suggests that the resorption may be associated with compressive strains developed in the alveolar bone. The results argue for the importance of occlusal adjustment of dentures to move the occlusal load point palatally and produce balanced occlusion in protrusion and lateral excursions, especially after a rebase procedure.
Manifestation of Brugada Syndrome After Pacemaker Implantation in a Patient with Sick Sinus Syndrome

A 49‐year‐old woman experienced syncope 10 months after DDD pacemaker implantation for sick sinus syndrome. ECG revealed abnormal ST elevation in leads V1 to V3 during a paced rhythm. Multifocal premature ventricular contractions followed by ventricular fibrillation were documented. Saddleback‐type ST elevation was confirmed after a mode change to AAI. The diagnosis of Brugada syndrome was made, and the DDD pacemaker was upgraded to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Brugada syndrome can be easily overlooked if the classic ECG findings are not initially noted but may be observed even during pacing therapy.
Comparison of media and techniques for detection of group A streptococci in throat swab specimens

Detection of group A streptococci in primary throat cultures was compared by using aerobic and anerobic incubation with selective nonselective media. Sheep blood agar plates incubated anaerobically detected 98% of the group A streptococci, whereas aerobically incubated blood agar plates which had been stabbed at the time of inoculation detected only 63%. Blood agar plates containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (23.75 and 1.25 mirograms per ml, respectively) detected only 70% of group A streptocci when incubated aerobically and 84% when incubated anaerobically.
Helicobacter pylori infection and infertility

Objective To determine (1) the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in male and female patients with reproductive disorders and controls; (2) the presence of anti-H. pylori antibodies in samples of follicular fluid, vaginal secretions and sperm; and (3) the existence of a structural homology between a major spermatozoa protein, tubulin, and H. pylori proteins. Patients and methods Serum samples from 167 patients with infertility and 837 age- and gender-matched controls (blood donors) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting to determine the seropositivity for H. pylori infection. The presence of anti-H. pylori antibodies in samples of follicular fluid, vaginal secretions and sperm was determined using the same techniques. The possible cross-reactivity with spermatozoa of anti-H. pylori hyperimmune sera and human antibodies was studied by immunofluorescence. The N-acid homology of human tubulin with the principal H. pylori proteins was assayed by the WU-blastp program available on the Internet. Results The prevalence of infection was significantly higher in patients than controls (49.1%v. 33.5%, P < 0.001). Follicular fluids from infected patients contained specific antibodies in all cases, sperm samples in about 50% of cases, and vaginal secretions in a minority of cases. Sera to H. pylori whole antigens and VacA reacted with the tails and the pericentriolar area of human spermatozoa (which are rich in tubulin); sera to urease and heat-shock protein (Hsp) did not. Follicular fluids with anti-H. pylori antibodies immune reacted with spermatozoa. A linear homology was found between β-tubulin and three H. pylori proteins, flagellin, VacA and CagA. Conclusions H. pylori infection may increase the risk of developing reproductive disorders or worsen the clinical expression of this syndrome.
A single strain of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum causes fatal typhlohepatitis in red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) to be distinguished from histomonosis

Typhlohepatitis was observed in a flock of 2500 red-legged partridges in Great Britain, characterized by the sudden deaths of 15 birds within 2 days. Necropsy of five dead birds revealed severe lesions in the caeca with thickened caecal walls, a reddened lining and bloody contents. The livers contained multiple miliary lesions and similar pathological changes were found in the spleens of some birds. Microscopic examination of intestinal contents showed the occurrence of coccidial oocysts in two partridges. Different methods for the detection of bacteria from liver and intestine samples were conducted without positive results. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of protozoan parasites in the caecum, liver and spleen of the affected birds. In situ hybridization (ISH) for the detection of trichomonads resulted in positive findings and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum in the lesions. Additionally, archived tissues of red-legged partridges from different flocks suffering from severe typhlohepatitis in Great Britain in 2008 and 2009 were re-investigated by ISH and PCR. Beside the sporadic occurrence of histomonosis, in most of the cases trichomonads were detected by ISH in the caecum and liver of affected birds. Furthermore, dissemination of the flagellate into the lung and bursa of Fabricius could be demonstrated. Analyses of T. gallinarum DNA obtained from the different cases resulted in homologous nucleotide sequences. Altogether, the results demonstrate the circulation of a virulent strain of T. gallinarum in reared red-legged partridges.
Effects of anti-TNF-alpha treatment on lipid profile in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

UNLABELLED Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality appear to be increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which might be due to increased prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as an accelerated progression of atherosclerosis. Patients with active RA frequently show an atherogenic lipid profile, which has been linked with the inflammatory reaction. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pivotal proinflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in RA, may be involved in the development of the altered lipid profile observed in active RA. Our aim was to investigate the effects of anti-TNF-alpha treatment in combination with methotrexate (MTX) and corticosteroid therapy on lipid profile in patients with active RA. In this prospective study 34 consecutive RA patients were included (all women, mean age 51.6 +/- 7.9 years, range 46-72 years) with active (defined as Disease Activity Index 28 joint score [DAS-28], of at least 3.2) and refractory RA, in stable treatment with MTX (7.5-10 mg/week) and prednisone (7.5-10 mg/day) for 3 months. All patients received TNF-alpha blockers (n = 16, etanercept 25 mg twice weekly; n = 14, infliximab 3 mg/kg on 0, 2, 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter; and finally, n = 4, adalimumab 40 mg every other week). Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), triglycerides (TG) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels and the atherogenic index (ratio cholesterol/HDL cholesterol) were measured at base line, and at 16 and 24 weeks. Results were as follows: The DAS-28 was 6.9 +/- 2.1 at base line and decreased to 4.6 +/- 1.8 after 16 weeks, and further to 4.1 +/- 1.3 after 24 weeks (both, P < 0.01). Following anti-TNF-alpha treatment, the mean levels of total cholesterol were 168 +/- 24 mg/dL at base line and increased to 188 +/- 28 mg/dL at 16 weeks (P < 0.01), and 197 +/- 26 mg/dL at 24 weeks (P < 0.001). However, also the mean levels of HDL cholesterol were significantly higher than basal values after 16 and 24 weeks of treatment (34 +/- 12 mg/dL versus 36 +/- 18 mg/dL [P < 0.05] and 38 +/- 14 mg/dL [P < 0.01], respectively). TG and Lp(a) levels, as well as the atherogenic index were not significantly changed. Interestingly, variations in disease activity were significantly and inversely correlated with HDL cholesterol levels. IN CONCLUSION Short anti-TNF-alpha treatment was associated with a significant increase of both total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels, and correlated with decreased disease activity. The atherogenic index showed no changes during the study. Therefore, anti-TNF-alpha treatment might affect lipid profile in RA patients.
Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Associated Factors in the Adult Population in Yangon Division, Myanmar

A study was performed among 4616 people aged 20 years and above in Yangon Division in 2003 to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors. The prevalence of hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, or use of antihypertensive drugs) was 33.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 32.1%-35.6%). The prevalence of prehypertension (systolic blood pressure = 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure = 80 to 89 mm Hg) was 29% (95% CI = 27.2%-30.8%). The multiple logistic regression showed that age, low physical activity, high intake of alcohol, obesity, high level of total cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus were associated with hypertension. Among the hypertensive participants, 53% were aware of their hypertension, and 32% were currently taking antihypertensive medication, but only 11% had their hypertension controlled. The study highlights the low level of control despite the high level of hypertension prevalence in Yangon Division.
Structural basis of the Axin–adenomatous polyposis coli interaction

Axin and the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor protein are components of the Wnt/Wingless growth factor signaling pathway. In the absence of Wnt signal, Axin and APC regulate cytoplasmic levels of the proto‐oncogene β‐catenin through the formation of a large complex containing these three proteins, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and several other proteins. Both Axin and APC are known to be critical for β‐catenin regulation, and truncations in APC that eliminate the Axin‐binding site result in human cancers. A protease‐resistant domain of Axin that contains the APC‐binding site is a member of the regulators of G‐protein signaling (RGS) superfamily. The crystal structures of this domain alone and in complex with an Axin‐binding sequence from APC reveal that the Axin–APC interaction occurs at a conserved groove on a face of the protein that is distinct from the G‐protein interface of classical RGS proteins. The molecular interactions observed in the Axin–APC complex provide a rationale for the evolutionary conservation seen in both proteins.
Dopaminergic modulation of the caudal photoreceptor in crayfish

In our study we investigated the influence of dopamine (DA) on the caudal photoreceptor (CPR) in crayfish. Here we report the following: (a) the chromatographic determination of DA in the sixth abdominal ganglion (6th AG) shows a variation in the content during a 24‐h cycle with the maximum value at dawn. (b) There are possibly dopaminergic neurons in the 6th AG with antityrosine hydroxylase antibodies. Immunopositive neurons (164) were located in the anterior and posterior regions of the 6th AG with the mean (± SE) diameter of their somata 23 ± 1 μm. In addition, there is immunopositive staining in axons, neuropilar fibers, and varicosities. (c) We also identified, using immunohistochemistry, 108 neurons in the sixth AG that contain dopamine D1‐like receptors, with the mean (±SE) diameter of their somata 18 ± 1 μm. (d) We examined the exogenous action of DA on the electrical activity of the CPR in the isolated sixth AG by conventional extracellular‐recording methods. This CPR displays spontaneous activity and phasic‐tonic responses to light pulses. Topical application of dopamine to ganglia kept in the dark increased the spontaneous firing rate of the CPR, whereas the photoresponse of the CPR remained unchanged. The effect on the spontaneous activity is dose‐dependent with an ED50 of 33 μM, and is blocked by the dopamine D1‐like antagonist SCH23390. These observations suggested that the DA is playing the role of a neurotransmitter or a neuromodulator of the CPR in the 6th AG in both species of crayfish, Procambarus clarkii and Cherax quadricarinatus. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The present status and future potential of radiotherapy in the management of esophageal cancer

The management of 2032 patients with squamous esophageal cancer seen in Edinburgh from 1931 to 1969 was studied. Since 1949 more radical surgical treatment has been offered and since 1956 more radical radiotherapy. From 1949 to 1969 there has been a swing over from mianly surgical to mainly radiation treatment associated with a rise in the overall one and five‐year survival rates to 32% and 9% respectively. The main reason for failure is the prevalence of disseminated disease. The significant mortality of surgical treatment limits its usefulness. Too often, radiotherapy fails because of recurrence of tumor within the irradiated volume. In the upper 2/3 of the esophagus irradiation is preferable to surgery because of better survival. In the lower 1/3 the two methods achieve similar long term survival but following irradiation the short term survival is better and the patient retains a normal stomach. Improvement could be achieved by prevention, earlier diagnosis, improved tumor delineation and a wide range of measures to improve the local effectiveness of irradiation.
Prediction of Outcome in Depressive Illness by the Newcastle Diagnosis Scale

The Newcastle scores of a group of 64 and subsample of 52 severely depressed inpatients were not normally distributed. Evidence for discontinuity in these distributions was adduced from the contrast in outcome between the endogenous and neurotic patients thus defined, the endogenous consistently doing better than the neurotic group. The unipolar/bipolar system failed to predict different results for endogenous and neurotic patients unless unipolar was subdivided into endogenous and neurotic subgroups. The DSM-III criteria for major depression and melancholia failed to identify subgroups of differing prognoses.
Representations of self and other: a semantic space model.

This article describes a semantic space model of personality. According to the model, representations of facets of the self (e.g., actual self, ideal self) and of others are arrayed in a semantic space, with proximities among representations predicted to be associated with mood, self-evaluation, and broad personality dimensions. The relation of proximities among pairs of representations to personality and mood measures was found to be mediated by the spatial proximity of other representations, indicating that the representations constitute dynamic systems. Proximities among representations were shown to predict self-esteem and self-evaluative moods even after controlling for the contribution of the personality dimensions of Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Agreeableness. Generally, the semantic space model led to better predictions than did several related models concerning representations of self and other.
The associations between childhood factors and adult attachment : a study of gay men

There are a number of childhood factors reported to be associated with gay male sexual orientation including childhood gender non-conformity and socialization factors such as paternal and peer rejection. Attachment theory suggests that poor quality childhood relationships may be related to anxiety and avoidance attachment dimensions in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between these childhood factors and anxiety and avoidance in gay men's close relationships. A community sample of 192 self-identified gay men completed questionnaires and a 2 hour attachment interview. No major findings related to the avoidance dimension were significant. In terms of attachment anxiety, results were partially consistent with attachment theory: paternal and peer, but not maternal, rejection independently predicted anxiety. Quality of peer relationships largely mediated the association between parental rejection and anxiety. In addition, quality of peer relationships mediated the association between gender nonconformity and anxiety. Good quality relationships in one domain did not compensate for poor quality relationships in another domain. The importance of fathers and peers to gay men's current relationship functioning is discussed.
Proteome analysis of the plasma protein layer adsorbed to a rough titanium surface

In this study a label-free proteomic approach was used to investigate the composition of the layer of protein adsorbed to rough titanium (Ti) after exposure to human blood plasma. The influence of the protein layer on the surface free energy (SFE) of the Ti was evaluated by contact angle measurements. Ti discs were incubated with blood plasma for 180 min at 37 °C, and the proteins recovered were subjected to liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 129 different peptides were identified and assigned to 25 distinct plasma proteins. The most abundant proteins were fibronectin, serum albumin, apolipoprotein A-I, and fibrinogen, comprising 74.54% of the total spectral counts. Moreover, the protein layer increased the SFE of the Ti (p < 0.05). The layer adsorbed to the rough Ti surface was composed mainly of proteins related to cell adhesion, molecule transportation, and coagulation processes, creating a polar and hydrophilic interface for subsequent interactions with host cells.
A TIDAL DISRUPTION EVENT IN A NEARBY GALAXY HOSTING AN INTERMEDIATE MASS BLACK HOLE

We report the serendipitous discovery of a bright point source flare in the Abell cluster A1795 with archival EUVE and Chandra observations. Assuming the EUVE emission is associated with the Chandra source, the X-ray 0.5–7 keV flux declined by a factor of ∼2300 over a time span of 6 yr, following a power-law decay with index ∼2.44 ± 0.40. The Chandra data alone vary by a factor of ∼20. The spectrum is well fit by a blackbody with a constant temperature of kT ∼ 0.09 keV (∼106 K). The flare is spatially coincident with the nuclear region of a faint, inactive galaxy with a photometric redshift consistent at the 1σ level with the cluster (z = 0.062476). We argue that these properties are indicative of a tidal disruption of a star by a black hole (BH) with log (MBH/M☉) ∼ 5.5 ± 0.5. If so, such a discovery indicates that tidal disruption flares may be used to probe BHs in the intermediate mass range, which are very difficult to study by other means.
Targeting IL-8 in colorectal cancer

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of death from gastrointestinal malignancy in the US. Chemokines and their receptors are being recognized as key regulators of cancers and increasingly as therapeutic targets for metastatic cancers, including colorectal cancer. Several studies have demonstrated that IL-8 and its receptor CXCR2 are two of the most significantly upregulated chemokines in colorectal cancer. IL-8 through binding to its receptors can act not only on inflammatory responses and infectious diseases, but also on cancer cells via their receptors to promote migration, invasion and proliferation, and in vivo angiogenesis. Therefore, IL-8 and CXCR2 may be important therapeutic targets against colorectal cancer. Areas covered: This review provides an update on the roles of IL-8 and its receptors in colorectal cancer preclinical models and translational relevance: i) Increased expression of IL-8 and/or its receptors has been characterized in colon cancer cells; ii) IL-8 signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells; iii) targeting IL-8 expression, or receptor-targeted strategies in colorectal cancer, eliminates the redundant function of IL-8 signaling and determines the effects of suppressing IL-8 signaling on tumor progression and development. Expert opinion: IL-8 and its receptor CXCR2 may function as significant regulatory factors within the tumor microenvironment and be important therapeutic targets in colorectal cancers. Not only may they lead to antitumor properties, but also they may chemosensitize the tumor toward the current chemotherapy.
Presepsin as a potential marker for bacterial infection relapse in critical care patients. A preliminary study

Abstract Background: Systemic bacterial infection carries a high risk of mortality in critical care patients. Improvements in diagnostic procedures are required for effective management of sepsis. Recently, the soluble CD14 subtype, or presepsin, has been suggested as a reliable marker of sepsis, and we set out to compare its diagnostic performance with that of procalcitonin (PCT). We focused on a cohort of septic patients who, during their hospitalization, relapsed after a period of clinical relief from symptoms. Methods: In total 21 adult patients were studied during their hospitalization in the Critical Care Unit of Policlinico Umberto I hospital; 74 plasma samples were collected at multiple time points, and presepsin levels were measured using a PATHFAST® analyzer. Results: Presepsin and PCT were significantly lower in healthy controls than in sepsis or severe sepsis (p<0.001), both enabled a significant difference to be detected between systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and severe sepsis (p<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) calculated from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was 0.888 for presepsin and 0.910 for PCT. In those patients in whom a clinical recurrence of sepsis was observed, while PCT levels normalized during the transient remission phase, presepsin levels (>1000 pg/mL) remained high. Conclusions: This study confirms the importance of monitoring a combination of several biomarkers in order to obtain a reliable diagnosis. Maximal presepsin levels could alert clinicians not to suspend antibiotic treatments and to carefully monitor septic patients’ state of health, even after clinical symptoms have disappeared and PCT levels returned to normal.
Macrophage apoptosis in muscle tissue in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis

Combining in situ tailing and immunocytochemical staining, we demonstrated that the infiltrating macrophages in muscle tissue sections during early phase of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in Lewis rats were eliminated by apoptosis at high frequency. These apoptotic macrophages were colocalized in the end‐plate regions. Apopto‐sis is a major cause for elimination of infiltrating macrophages during the early phase of EAMG. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 21:1071–1074, 1998.
The Signaling Adapter Protein DAP12 Regulates Multinucleation During Osteoclast Development

Deficiency of the signaling adapter protein DAP12 is associated with bony abnormalities in both mice and humans. We identify specific DAP12‐associated receptors expressed by osteoclasts and examine function of DAP12 in murine osteoclasts in vivo and in vitro. These data show a new role for DAP12 signaling in regulating formation of multinucleated osteoclasts.