Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micro-computed tomography (CT) based assessment of dental regenerative therapy in the canine mandible model

High-resolution 3D bone-tissue structure measurements may provide information critical to the understanding of the bone regeneration processes and to the bone strength assessment. Tissue engineering studies rely on such nondestructive measurements to monitor bone graft regeneration area. In this study, we measured bone yield, fractal dimension and trabecular thickness through micro-CT slices for different grafts and controls. Eight canines underwent surgery to remove a bone volume (defect) in the canine’s jaw at a total of 44 different locations. We kept 11 defects empty for control and filled the remaining ones with three regenerative materials; NanoGen (NG), a FDA-approved material (n=11), a novel NanoCalcium Sulfate (NCS) material (n=11) and NCS alginate (NCS+alg) material (n=11). After a minimum of four and eight weeks, the canines were sacrificed and the jaw samples were extracted. We used a custombuilt micro-CT system to acquire the data volume and developed software to measure the bone yield, fractal dimension and trabecular thickness. The software used a segmentation algorithm based on histograms derived from volumes of interest indicated by the operator. Using bone yield and fractal dimension as indices we are able to differentiate between the control and regenerative material (p<0.005). Regenerative material NCS showed an average 63.15% bone yield improvement over the control sample, NCS+alg showed 55.55% and NanoGen showed 37.5%. The bone regeneration process and quality of bone were dependent upon the position of defect and time period of healing. This study presents one of the first quantitative comparisons using non-destructive Micro-CT analysis for bone regenerative material in a large animal with a critical defect model. Our results indicate that Micro-CT measurement could be used to monitor invivo bone regeneration studies for greater regenerative process understanding.
Are Electronic Medical Records Trustworthy? Observations on Copying, Pasting and Duplication

As routine use of on-line progress notes in US Department of Veterans Affairs facilities grew rapidly in the past decade, health information managers and clinicians began to notice that authors sometimes copied text from old notes into new notes. Other sources of duplication were document templates that inserted boilerplate text or patient data into notes. Word-processing and templates aided the transition to electronic notes, but enabled author copying and sometimes led to lengthy, hard-to-read records stuffed with data already available on-line. Investigators at a VA center recognized for pioneering a fully electronic record system analyzed author copying and template-generated duplication with adapted plagiarism-detection software. Nine percent of progress notes studied contained copied or duplicated text. Most copying and duplication was benign, but some introduced misleading errors into the record and some seemed possibly unethical or potentially unsafe. High-risk author copying occurred once for every 720 notes, but one in ten electronic charts contained an instance of high-risk copying. Careless copying threatens the integrity of on-line records. Clear policies, practitioner consciousness-raising and development of effective monitoring procedures are recommended to protect the value of electronic patient records.
GM‐CSF as an Alternative to Dose Modification of the Combination Zidovudine and Interferon-α in the Treatment of AIDS‐Associated Kaposi's Sarcoma

Combined zidovudine (ZDV) and interferon-α (IFN) is an appealing therapy for AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma because of the antirctroviral as well as antitumor potential of this combination. Overlapping myclotoxicity of these agents, however, frequently complicates their clinical use. This phase I/II study was undertaken to test the safety and efficacy of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in those patients who became neutropenic while receiving ZDV (1,200 mg/day) and IFN (9 MU/day). Despite a “high-risk” population of patients, the tumor response rate among evaluable patients was 50% (33% overall). Sixty-four percent of patients required GM-CSF and all patients receiving GM-CSF had a prompt improvement in their absolute neutrophil count (ANC). The use of GM-CSF was associated with an improved end of study ANC (p; < 0.05). but was not associated with tumor response, CD4 count improvement, or improved change in hemoglobin concentration. GM-CSF/ZDV/IFN was not associated with increased toxicity over ZDV/IFN; however, two unusual events occurred in the GM-CSF/ZDV/IFN group: erythema multiforme and glucose intolerance. Dose-limiting thrombocytopenia and anemia were seen in two patients and anemia in one patient on GM-CSF/ZDV/IFN. No consistent alterations in serum HIV p24 antigenemia were noted in either group. The use of GM-CSF mitigated the neutropenia of combined ZDV and IFN. Further study evaluating the utility of this hematopoietic growth factor in combination therapies for AIDS patients is warranted.
From a “Perfect Storm” to “Smooth Sailing”

Policymakers shape implementation and sustainment of evidence-based practices (EBPs), whether they are developing or responding to legislation and policies or negotiating public sector resource constraints. As part of a large mixed-method study, we conducted qualitative interviews with 24 policymakers involved in delivery of the same EBP in two U.S. states. We analyzed transcripts via open and focused coding techniques to identify the commonality, diversity, and complexity of implementation challenges; approaches to overcoming those challenges; and the importance of system-level contextual factors in ensuring successful implementation. Key findings centered on building support and leadership for EBPs; funding and contractual strategies; partnering with stakeholders; tackling challenges via proactive planning and problem solving; and the political, legal, and systemic pressures affecting EBP longevity. The policymaker perspectives offer guidance on nurturing system and organizational practice environments to achieve positive outcomes and for optimally addressing macro-level influences that bear upon the instantiation of EBPs in public sector child welfare systems.
Vulnerable but invincible: high‐risk children from birth to adulthood

This report summarizes the major findings of a 40‐year longitudinal study of a multi‐racial cohort of children who had been exposed to poverty, perinatal stress, parental psychopathology and family discord. Individuals are members of the Kauai Longitudinal Study, which followed all children born in 1955 on a Hawaiian island from the prenatal period to middle age. Several clusters of protective factors were identified that enabled most of the high‐risk individuals to develop into competent, confident and caring adults. Implications of the findings for developmental theory were discussed and issues for future research identified.
Hspa4 (HSP70) is Involved in the Radioadaptive Response: Results from Mouse Splenocytes

Abstract Kang, C-M. , Park, K-P., Cho, C-K. , Seo, J-S. , Park, W-Y. , Lee, S-J. and Lee, Y-S. Hspa4 (HSP70) is Involved in the Radioadaptive Response: Results from Mouse Splenocytes. Radiat. Res. 157, 650–655 (2002). In a continuation of our earlier study on the involvement of HSP25 (now known as Hspb1) and HSP70 (now known as Hspa4) in the induction of an adaptive response, we examined the involvement of these proteins in the induction of the adaptive response using an animal model system. C57BL6 mice were irradiated with 5 cGy of γ radiation three times in 1 week (for a total of 15 cGy), and a high challenge dose (6 Gy) was given on the day after the last low-dose irradiation. The survival time of the low-dose preirradiated mice was increased to 30%. The induction of apoptosis induced by 6 Gy was also reduced by this low-dose preirradiation regimen. To elucidate any link existing between the HSPs and the induction of the adaptive response, reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed using splenocytes. High-dose radiation up-regulated the expression of Hspb1 and especially Hspa4, while expression of other HSPs such as HSC70 (now know as Hspa8), Hsp90, and αB-crystalline (now known as Cryab) did not change. When splenocytes from Hspa4 transgenic mice were preirradiated with a low dose of radiation, a reduction in cell death after high-dose irradiation was observed. These results suggest that Hspa4 is a key molecule in the induction of the adaptive response.
Adolescents’ Exposure to Sexually Explicit Material on the Internet

Drawing on a survey of 745 Dutch adolescents ages 13 to 18, the authors investigated (a) the occurrence and frequency of adolescents’ exposure to sexually explicit material on the Internet and (b) the correlates of this exposure. Seventy-one percent of the male adolescents and 40% of the female adolescents had been exposed to some kind of online sexually explicit material in the 6 months prior to the interview. Adolescents were more likely to be exposed to sexually explicit material online if they were male, were high sensation seekers, were less satisfied with their lives, were more sexually interested, used sexual content in other media more often, had a fast Internet connection, and had friends that were predominantly younger. Among male adolescents, a more advanced pubertal status was also associated with more frequent exposure to online sexually explicit material. Among female adolescents, greater sexual experience decreased exposure to online sexually explicit material.
Application of the American society of clinical oncology frameworks to compare tyrosine kinase inhibitors used in first line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: had we solved the mystery?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The approval of multiple biological therapies as a first line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the last decade have made the selection of the best treatment between these drugs, especially tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), a great challenge to oncologists and patients. The four TKIs recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines in this setting have a relatively similar mechanism of action and analogical adverse events. Areas covered: In this article, the two published American Society of Clinical Oncology frameworks are applied to calculate the net health benefits of the four TKIs used as the first line in mRCC and this was balanced against their monthly cost. The available clinical data that is present for each drug has been displayed and compared to the use of the ASCO frameworks. Expert commentary: There is an urgent need to develop a comprehensive model incorporating all relevant aspects of each drug together. Oncologists should consider all data available for the drugs in order to give the patients an informed opportunity to select the best drug fitting for them.
Novel silicon sensors for neutron detection

La deteccion precisa y la dosimetria de neutrones en campos de radiacion mixtos y pulsados es un tema instrumental demandado con gran interes por las comunidades medica e industrial. Estudios recientes de la contaminacion de neutrones alrededor de los aceleradores lineales medicos han aumentado la preocupacion sobre el riesgo de cancer secundario en pacientes sometidos a tratamiento de radioterapia en las modalidades de fotones con energias superiores a 8 MeV. En respuesta a esa necesidad, en esta tesis se ha desarrollado una innovadora alternativa a los detectores estandares con un metodo activo para medir los neutrones alrededor de un acelerador lineal medico. Para tal fin, se han fabricado y optimizado nuevos detectores de silicio ultra delgados con electrodos 3D. El volumen activo de estos sensores tiene solo 10 ? m de espesor, lo que permite un alto rechazo a rayos gamma, lo cual es necesario para discriminar la senal de neutrones en el campo de la radiacion periferica en radioterapia (con un alto fondo gamma). Estos detectores de neutrones son una solucion prometedora para estimar el riesgo del paciente, puesto que pueden proporcionar al personal medico una respuesta rapida para una planificacion optima del tratamiento. Tambien pueden ser utilizados en otras areas con campos de radiacion mixtos de neutrones/gamma tales como entornos nucleares y aeroespaciales, o microdosimetria. Ademas, las caracteristicas intrinsecas de los dispositivos de silicio como robustez, pequeno tamano, peso ligero y bajo consumo, los hacen ideales para ser empleados como sistemas de deteccion de neutrones portatiles. La investigacion presentada en este trabajo describe las simulaciones Monte Carlo llevadas a cabo para optimizar el diseno de los prototipos, los procesos de fabricacion de los detectores y su caracterizacion con fuentes radiactivas. Finalmente, se muestra el buen funcionamiento de estos nuevos detectores 3D ultra–delgados de silicio para la deteccion de neutrones en salas de radioterapia.
Protein, methionine+cystine and lysine levels for Japanese quails during the production phase

An experiment was conducted at Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia/Unesp - Botucatu for 168 days to evaluate the effects of protein, Met + Cys and lysine diet levels on egg production and egg quality of laying Japanese quails. Quails with 42 days of age were reared in a completely randomized design. There were 1,944 quails distributed in four replicates of 27 birds per pen, according to a factorial 3x3x2 with three crude protein levels (16, 18 and 20% CP), three Met + Cys levels (0.700; 0.875 and 1.050%) and two lysine levels (1.100 and 1.375%). Birds fed diets with 18 and 20% CP had higher feed intake and egg production than those fed diets with 16% CP. There was significant interaction (p 0.05) of the protein level on feed conversion per dozen eggs; however, improved feed conversion per egg mass was seen for birds fed diets with 20% CP compared to those fed diets with 16% and 18% CP. Protein and lipid percentage in the yolk increased when dietary protein level increased from 16 to 18%. Increasing Met + Cys from 0.700% to 0.875% reduced yolk protein percentage. Higher lipid percentage in the yolk was seen in eggs from quails fed diets with 1.050% Met + Cys, whereas 1.375% lysine in the diet of resulted in decreased egg production and egg mass, besides poorer feed conversion per dozen eggs and per egg mass.
Expression of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Transgenes in Neurons of Adult and Developing Mice

The DNA sequences important for cell-specific expression and developmental regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) were analyzed in transgenic mice. A construct containing 0.5 kb of CRH 5' flanking DNA linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene was expressed in many brain regions and in several ectopic peripheral sites, suggesting that this portion of the CRH gene contains basal promoter activity but lacks DNA elements necessary for appropriate tissue specificity. Cell specificity of transgene expression was examined with a CRH-beta-galactosidase reporter construct containing the same 0.5-kb CRH promoter fragment, but also including the CRH structural gene and 2 kb of CRH 3' flanking DNA. Transgene expression was observed in inappropriate regions of the brain, but no expression was detected in peripheral tissues, suggesting that these additional CRH sequences suppress inappropriately high levels of peripheral expression. Cell-specific expression improved significantly with the inclusion of 8.7 kb of CRH 5' flanking DNA. Individual transgenic lines exhibited expression in a number of the major CRH neuronal groups including the paraventricular nucleus, medial geniculate nucleus, inferior olivary nucleus, and Barrington's nucleus. Transgene expression was properly activated in Barrington's nucleus during development. This study demonstrates that the regulatory control of cell-specific and developmentally appropriate CRH expression is complex, utilizing multiple DNA sequence elements located upstream and downstream of the CRH transcription start site.
Handling, Blood Sampling, and Temporary Captivity Do Not Affect Plasma Corticosterone or Movement Patterns of Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus Polyphemus)

Abstract Researchers often must capture or trap and physically handle wild animal species to obtain basic morphometric, physiological, or health data. Although these activities affect glucocorticoid levels in many species, few studies have been conducted to determine if they induce changes in animals' subsequent behavior. This is of particular concern to researchers who study Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), a threatened species often subjected to trapping and prolonged handling. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine if protocols requiring trapping, handling, blood sampling, injections with innocuous substances, nasal lavages, and temporary captivity affect Gopher Tortoises as indicated by changes in their plasma corticosterone levels, movement patterns, burrow usage, and home ranges. We examined these parameters four weeks prior to and four weeks following implementation of the manipulation protocols (experimental group) or a control date (control group). We found no effect resulting from implementation of the protocol on tortoises' plasma corticosterone levels or movement patterns, including mean distance traveled per move, mean number of days between moves, mean number of burrows used, and home range. The only significant finding was that tortoises in the experimental group showed an increase in the number of times they moved to other burrows from pre- to post-manipulation. However, the slight increase in the number of moves occurred during a time in the season when other studies have also documented increases in movement. Additionally, the increase in number of moves did not change the actual number of burrows used or home range. We conclude that the use of mildly invasive protocols involving short-term procedures and temporary handling do not significantly affect the subsequent corticosterone levels or daily movement patterns of Gopher Tortoises.
The shape matters! How structural changes in the electricity load curve affect optimal investments in generation capacity

Assessing the needs for investments in new electricity generation capacity requires sound assumptions about the future electricity load curve. Electricity market/system models usually apply today's consumption patterns by simply scaling the empiric load curve according to annual demand forecasts. Since this approach includes variations in the demand of specific end use appliances only as changes in the annual totals, it neglects future changes in the hourly demand structure (e.g. through efficiency measures or the use of new appliances). This paper aims to close this gap by developing a suitable approach to approximate the future electricity load curve, taking into account shifts in annual electricity demand. In the framework of a case study, we determine an adjusted future electricity load curve for a specific scenario. Subsequently, we assess the impacts of changes in the load curve on the investments in and the dispatch of both conventional and renewable power plants.
Effects of Lipopolysaccharide and Mannheimia haemolytica Leukotoxin on Bovine Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Alveolar Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT Bovine respiratory disease resulting from infection with Mannheimia haemolytica commonly results in extensive vascular leakage into the alveoli. M. haemolytica produces two substances, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and leukotoxin (LKT), that are known to be important in inducing some of the pathological changes. In the present study, we examined bovine pulmonary epithelial (BPE) cell and bovine lung microvascular endothelial cell monolayer permeability, as measured by trans-well endothelial and epithelial cell electrical resistance (TEER), after incubation with LPS, LKT, or LPS-activated neutrophils. Endothelial cell monolayers exposed to LPS exhibited significant decreases in TEER that corresponded with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and morphological changes. In contrast, BPE cells exposed to LPS increased the levels of production of inflammatory cytokines but displayed no changes in TEER, apoptosis, or visible morphological changes. Both cell types appeared to express relatively equal levels of the LPS ligand Toll-like receptor 4. However, TEER in BPE cell monolayers was decreased when the cells were incubated with LPS-activated neutrophils. Although the incubation of BPE cells with LKT decreased TEER, this was not reduced by the incubation of LKT with a neutralizing antibody and was reversed when LKT was preincubated with the LPS-neutralizing compound polymyxin B. Because BPE cells did not express the LKT receptor CD11a/CD18, we infer that contaminating LPS was responsible for the decreased TEER. In conclusion, LPS triggered changes in endothelial cells that would be consistent with vascular leakage, but neither LPS nor LKT caused similar changes in epithelial cells, unless neutrophils were also present.
External Sorting: Run Formation Revisited

External mergesort begins with a run formation phase creating the initial sorted runs. Run formation can be done by a load-sort-store algorithm or by replacement selection. A load-sort-store algorithm repeatedly fills available memory with input records, sorts them, and writes the result to a run file. Replacement selection produces longer runs than load-sort-store algorithms and completely overlaps sorting and I/O, but it has poor locality of reference resulting in frequent cache misses and the classical algorithm works only for fixed-length records. This paper introduces batched replacement selection: a cache-conscious version of replacement selection that works also for variable-length records. The new algorithm resembles AlphaSort in the sense that it creates small in-memory runs and merges them to form the output runs. Its performance is experimentally compared with three other run formation algorithms: classical replacement selection, Quicksort, and AlphaSort. The experiments show that batched replacement selection is considerably faster than classic replacement selection. For small records (average 100 bytes), CPU time was reduced by about 50 percent and elapsed time by 47-63 percent. It was also consistently faster than Quicksort, but it did not always outperform AlphaSort. Replacement selection produces fewer runs than Quicksort and AlphaSort. The experiments confirmed that this reduces the merge time whereas the effect on the overall sort time depends on the number of disks available.