Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral health-related quality of life of elderly Germans--comparison of GOHAI and OHIP-14.

OBJECTIVE To obtain information about the subjective oral health status of non-clinical elderly populations of urban regions of Germany, one in the East and one in the West, by using OHIP-14 and, for first time, the GOHAI, and, furthermore, to compare the results obtained by use of both instruments. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN Cross-sectional. CLINICAL SETTING Randomly chosen, non-clinical elderly population in urban regions of Germany. PARTICIPANTS 197 participants (51% male) born in the years 1930-1932. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES GOHAI, OHIP-14. RESULTS Median GOHAI score was 54; median OHIP-14 score was 2. Scores indicative of severely impaired oral health were rare. The effect of living in eastern or western Germany was of minor significance. Although the internal consistency of both measures was comparable and the same positive association with psychological wellbeing, absence of dry mouth, burning mouth, and removable dentures (p < 0.05) was observed, differences occurred. In simultaneous analysis of all items, factor analysis revealed only partial overlap of the items in extracted factors. Furthermore, the extreme score indicating no impairment was five times more frequent for OHIP-14. Of those who scored zero in OHIP-14, only 20% had the GOHAI equivalent score of 60, and for some GOHAI items the answer category for highest impairment was obtained. CONCLUSIONS GOHAI scores for this randomly chosen non-clinical group enable comparison with scores for Germany measured in the future. The differences between GOHAI and OHIP-14 make it necessary to select the most appropriate instrument for a planned purpose and study population.
Cell Membrane Fusion by Chloroprocaine

The cytotoxicity of the local anesthetics chloroprocaine, procaine, and lidocaine was studied in murine and human cells. Murine glial and hepatic cells, and human fibroblasts were individually exposed to chloroprocaine, procaine, and lidocaine in concentrations ranging from 1.6 × 10–3M to 0.2 × 10–3M. The cells of all three cell lines underwent membrane fusion after exposure to chloroprocaine as indicated by the presence of the high number of multinucleated cells in the cultures. The 0.8 × 10–3M concentration was the most fusogenic, and caused multinucleation in 30% of glial and hepatic cells, and in 23% of fibroblasts. Membrane fusion and multinucleation also occurred in mixed human and murine cell cultures that were exposed to 0.8 × 10–3M concentration of both commercial and crystalline solutions of chloroprocaine, with a portion of multinucleated cells that was 27 and 17%, respectively. Cell membrane fusion was not caused by procaine, lidocaine, sodium bisulfite (the antioxidant present in the commercial solutions of chloroprocaine), or chloro-aminobenzoic acid and dyethylamino-ethanol (the two chloroprocaine metabolites). The fusogenic effect of chloroprocaine on cell membrane has not been previously described for any local anesthetic.
Middle management’s role in strategy implementation projects: a behavioral analysis

Abstract The ability of businesses to adapt their strategy quickly and effectively to the changing environment in an ever more globalized economy has become one of the key success factors for sustainable competitive advantage and above average economic returns. Success factor oriented research has identified a number of obstacles that hinder effective strategy implementation and there is growing support in the research community that the behavior of middle management, who frequently take on key positions in strategy implementation projects, is of significant importance for success or failure. However, most studies have looked at the issue from a descriptive perspective, only few have analyzed the role of middle management from a normative viewpoint. This study builds upon Porter and Lawler’s qualitative model of managerial motivation which is transformed into a quantitative principal agent model to analyze the behavior of middle managers as key actors in executing strategic projects. The analysis highlights the necessity of adequate incentive systems for strategy implementation projects. Further, the importance of managing both objective and perceived implementation risk is demonstrated. Finally, the authors suggest distinguishing obstacles of strategy implementation into process issues and behavioral issues.
Nucleotide sequence of the vaccinia virus thymidine kinase gene and the nature of spontaneous frameshift mutations

Nucleotide sequencing of a 1,300-base-pair vaccinia virus DNA segment previously shown to contain a thymidine kinase (TK) gene revealed an uninterrupted reading frame of 177 codons capable of producing a polypeptide with a molecular weight of 20,102. Mapping of the TK mRNA by primer extension indicated a unique 5' end that precedes the initiation codon by only six nucleotides. Multiple 3' ends within a 10-nucleotide region, about 30 nucleotides beyond the termination codon, were located by nuclease digestion of DNA-RNA hybrids, and the length of the TK transcript, exclusive of polyadenylate, was estimated to be approximately 570 nucleotides. The region preceding the TK mRNA start site is extremely A + T rich and has sequence homologies with three other early genes. Genetic information is so compressed in this region of the DNA that the putative transcriptional regulatory sequence of the TK gene overlaps the coding sequence of a late gene. Only nine nucleotides separate the termination codon of the late gene from the initiation codon of the TK gene. Downstream, 66 nucleotides separate the TK termination codon from the apparent initiation codon of another early gene. The nature of three independent TK- mutants was revealed by nucleotide sequencing. Each has a nucleotide reiteration leading to a +1 frameshift and a nonsense codon downstream. The location of one frameshift mutation provided evidence that the first ATG is used for initiation of protein synthesis.
Global terrestrial stilling: does Earth’s greening play a role?

Previous studies have documented that surface wind speed (u) has been increasing over the ocean but decreasing over land for the past several decades. The decreasing u at the surface over land has been referred to as terrestrial stilling. A plausible hypothesis for terrestrial stilling is an increase in surface roughness associated with changes in land surface (e.g. enhanced vegetation growth, landscape fragmentation or urbanization). One of the most widespread land surface changes is enhanced vegetation leaf area index (LAI) known as greening, particularly over the middle to high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere where strong stilling is observed from weather station data. In this study, we examine the hypothesis that enhanced vegetation LAI is a key driver of global terrestrial stilling. We first characterized the trend in u over the ocean using long-term satellite altimeter measurements, and the trend in u over land using continuous wind records from 4305 in situ meteorological stations. We then performed initial condition ensemble Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project-type simulations using two state-of-the-art Earth system models (IPSL-CM and CESM) to isolate the response of u to the historical increase in LAI (representing the greening) for the period 1982–2011. Both models, forced with observed sea surface temperature and sea ice and with LAI from satellite observation, captured the observed strengthening of Pacific trade winds and Southern Ocean westerly winds. However, these simulations did not reproduce the weakening of surface winds over land as significantly as it appears in the observations (−0.006 m s−1 versus −0.198 m s−1 during 1982–2011), indicating that enhanced LAI (greening) is not a dominant driver for terrestrial stilling.
The architecture of internal blood vessels in human fetal vertebral bodies

The internal vascular system of vertebral bodies was investigated in 17–24 wk human fetuses by acrylic dye injection and by corrosion casting/scanning electron microscopy. The regions of intervertebral spaces did not contain blood vessels. The radial metaphyseal vessels were at the stage of centripetal ingrowth into the vertebral body cartilage and their terminal, blindly ending segments had a form of cuff‐like capillary plexuses. The anterolateral equatorial arteries communicating with the vessels of the ossification centre were only rarely found. The centre was usually supplied by 2 posterior (nutrient) arteries which branched into an arcade‐like array of arterioles equipped with occasional sphincters and giving origin to a dense network of peripherally located capillaries. Numerous blind capillary buds formed the advancing border of the ossification centre. The veins usually accompanied the arteries. In the ossification centre the venous compartment consisted of sinuses drained by larger posterior veins. In the 17 wk fetus, an axial avascular area was observed in the place of notochord localisation, indicating the formation of a ring‐shaped ossification centre around the notochord remnants at earlier stages of fetal development.
What influences the willingness of community physicians to provide palliative care for patients with terminal cancer? Evidence from a nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVE Community physicians have a vital role in delivering palliative care, yet their willingness and factors that influence its provision have rarely been explored. Our aims were to identify the willingness of community physicians to provide palliative care for patients with terminal cancer and to investigate the factors that influence their willingness to provide such care. METHODS Through a structured questionnaire, this nationwide study surveyed 708 community physicians who were potential pilots to provide palliative care. Four hundred and ten valid questionnaires (58.0%) were retrieved and analysed. RESULTS The majority of respondents expressed a willingness (92.4%) to provide palliative care if they encountered patients with terminal cancer. However, they would limit their services to consultation (83.4%) and referral (86.8%), and were less likely to see patients and prescribe medicine (62.0%), to provide phone follow-ups (45.6%), to provide home visits (42.2%) or to offer bereavement care for the family (35.1%). The results of stepwise logistic regression analysis for the willingness to provide home visits showed that 'less perception of barriers', 'family medicine specialist' and 'older than 50 years' significantly predicted higher willingness, while 'female' predicted lower willingness. There was no significant association between the willingness and the knowledge score. CONCLUSIONS Community physicians' beliefs and experience in palliative care rather than their knowledge influence their willingness to provide palliative care for patients with terminal cancer. Only through active participation in the real-world clinical setting and active health policy administration can community physicians overcome obstacles to providing palliative care.
Resveratrol-mediated autophagy requires WIPI-1-regulated LC3 lipidation in the absence of induced phagophore formation

Canonical autophagy is positively regulated by the Beclin 1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class III (PtdIns3KC3) complex that generates an essential phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P), for the formation of autophagosomes. Previously, we identified the human WIPI protein family and found that WIPI-1 specifically binds PtdIns(3)P, accumulates at the phagophore and becomes a membrane protein of generated autophagosomes. Combining siRNA-mediated protein downregulation with automated high through-put analysis of PtdIns(3)P-dependent autophagosomal membrane localization of WIPI-1, we found that WIPI-1 functions upstream of both Atg7 and Atg5, and stimulates an increase of LC3-II upon nutrient starvation. Resveratrol-mediated autophagy was shown to enter autophagic degradation in a noncanonical manner, independent of Beclin 1 but dependent on Atg7 and Atg5. By using electron microscopy, LC3 lipidation and GFP-LC3 puncta-formation assays we confirmed these results and found that this effect is partially wortmannin-insensitive. In line with this, resveratrol did not promote phagophore localization of WIPI-1, WIPI-2 or the Atg16L complex above basal level. In fact, the presence of resveratrol in nutrient-free conditions inhibited phagophore localization of WIPI-1. Nevertheless, we found that resveratrol-mediated autophagy functionally depends on canonical-driven LC3-II production, as shown by siRNA-mediated downregulation of WIPI-1 or WIPI-2. From this it is tempting to speculate that resveratrol promotes noncanonical autophagic degradation downstream of the PtdIns(3)P-WIPI-Atg7-Atg5 pathway, by engaging a distinct subset of LC3-II that might be generated at membrane origins apart from canonical phagophore structures.
PEG- and PDMAEG-Graft-Modified Branched PEI as Novel Gene Vector: Synthesis, Characterization and Gene Transfection

The cytotoxicity of polyethylenimine (PEI) was a dominating obstacle to its application. Introduction of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) blocks to PEI is one of the strategies to alleviate the cytotoxocity of PEI. However, it is well known that the transfection efficiency of PEGylated PEI is decreased to some extent compared to the corresponding PEI. Thus, the aim of our study was to enhance the transfection efficiency of PEGylated PEI. A series of tri-block co-polymers, PEG-g-PEI-g-poly(dimethylaminoethyl L-glutamine) (PEG-g-PEI-g-PDMAEG), as novel vectors for gene therapy was synthesized and evaluated. PEG-g-PEI was first obtained by linking PEG and PEI using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as coupling reagent. The anionic co-polymerization of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA) using PEG-g-PEI as a macro-initiator was carried out, followed by aminolysis with 2-dimethylaminoethylamine to obtain the target water-soluble tri-block co-polymer. The structures of the polymers were confirmed by FT-IR and 1H-NMR. The influence of the molecular weight of PEI and the length of the PDMAEG chain on the physicochemical properties and transfection activity of polymer/DNA was evaluated. All PEI derivates were revealed to compact plasmid DNA effectively to give polyplexes with suitable size (approx. 100 nm) and moderate zeta potentials (10–15 mV) at N/P ratios over 10. The PEG-g-PEI-g-PDMAEG tri-block co-polymers displayed particularly low cytotoxicity, even at high concentration, reflecting an improved safety profile compared to PEI 25k. Gene transfection efficiency of PEG-g-PEI-g-PDMAEG on HeLa in the presence and absence of serum was determined. Remarkably, the transfection activity of PEG-g-PEI (10k)-g-PDMAEG (PPP-4)/DNA polyplex formulations was nearly twofold higher than PEI 25k/DNA formulations in vitro, and the transfection efficiency was less affected by the presence of serum. These results indicated that the synthesized PEG-g-PEI-g-PDMAEG tri-block co-polymers are promising candidates as carriers for gene delivery.
Investigations of the Livelihood Strategies of Young Men and Women in Forested Landscapes of Eastern Cameroon

SUMMARY In rural African settings, people maintain diversified livelihood strategies to reduce risks and garner income. Although youth are currently the dominant demographic and an important group within forest communities of Central Africa, little is known about their dependence on the forest for their livelihoods. Given that young people are underrepresented in research studies, this study aimed to understand whether young people (aged 19–30) gain a large proportion of their livelihood from forest resources (including agroforestry). Focus groups and surveys were conducted in six villages in Eastern Cameroon to identify subsistence and income-driven activities of young people. In the context of many changes, young people continue to derive a large proportion of their livelihood from forest resources, especially agroforestry. Changes in livelihood activities were noted in the gender division of work and access to resources. Environmental pressure is likely to impact the livelihoods of these forest communities into the future.
An association study of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism and amphetamine response

Although genetic factors are known to be important in addiction, no candidate genes have yet been consistently linked to drug use or abuse. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has been implicated in the behavioral response to psychomotor stimulants and potentiates neurotransmitters that are strongly linked to addiction, is a logical candidate gene to study. Using a drug challenge approach, we tested for association between BDNF G196A (val66met) genotype and subjective responses to amphetamine (AMPH). Healthy volunteers participated in a double blind, crossover design in which they received placebo, 10 mg, and 20 mg oral d‐amphetamine in random order. Subjective and physical responses to ingestion of AMPH were measured at 30‐min intervals after drug ingestion. Each subject was genotyped for the BDNF G196A polymorphism and grouped and analyzed accordingly. The effects of AMPH on ratings of arousal, energy, and heart rate were compared in subjects with the val/val genotype (N = 67) and the subjects with either the val/met or met/met genotypes (N = 32). AMPH produced less pronounced self‐ratings of arousal and energy, yet higher increases in heart rate, in the val/met and met/met compared to the val/val group. These results suggest that BDNF is related to the subjective and physical response to low doses of AMPH. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severity Staging in Chronic Sinusitis: Are CT Scan Findings Related to Patient Symptoms?

Chronic sinusitis is a prevalent problem. The symptoms of CS cause patients to seek medical attention, and therefore the presence of symptoms drives the use of health care resources. There is widespread clinical belief that computed tomography (CT) scan findings may be a reasonable proxy for disease severity in chronic sinusitis, and many authors have proposed that CT scan findings make up the key component in severity staging systems for chronic sinusitis. However, the relationship between symptom severity and CT scan findings in chronic sinusitis has not been well explained to dale. To explore this relationship further, we examined data from consecutive patients with both a CT scan and a sinusitis symptom score, from ongoing prospective outcomes studies at two large academic centers in different cities (n = 254). CT scans were graded using two validated staging systems; symptom severity was assessed using two validated health status instruments and summary items. In addition, we explored multiple statistical modifications and permutations of CT staging to identify potential relationships between the two variables. In summary, no association between CT scan findings and symptom severity could be identified using both CT staging systems and patient-based symptom instruments. For instance, CT scans were examined: after eliminating normal scans, using different scoring algorithms, by worst side, by nonlinear association, when grouped into strata, and by eliminating patients with very severe disease; no statistical association was found between CT findings and patient-based symptoms using any of those techniques. Since symptom severity is a pivotal outcome measure in chronic sinusitis, these findings have significant implications for outcomes research and the development of severity staging systems.
Perceptions of Community College of the Air Force Graduates Regarding the Degree's Influence on Employability: A Case Study

The purpose of this single embedded case study was to answer the central question: How do CCAF graduates perceive the impact of their degree in enhancing their employability for the civilian workforce? Because veterans have historically suffered from high unemployment (Kleykamp, 2013), veteran employment is a highly politicized problem considering the large number who have discharged (Burnett-Zeigler, Valenstein, Ilgen, Blow, Gorman, & Zivin, 2011; Humensky, Jordan, Stroupe, & Hynes, 2013; Kleykamp, 2013; Loughran, 2014). This study used a theoretical framework of the transition theory to better understand the issues airmen faced when leaving the Air Force as well as hope theory to understand their motivations to complete their degree. Participants included currently serving enlisted airmen who were within a year of transitioning out of the Air Force and airmen who have separated/retired within the last two years. At the time of separation or retirement, the airmen had completed a CCAF degree. Data were gathered using field notes, interviews, a survey, and focus groups. The two groups of airmen were used for a cross-case synthesis in order to compare the changes in perceptions between the groups. Data analysis resulted in four directly related themes and three indirectly related ones. The former included the followings: a. The CCAF degree provides an impetus for further education; b. A college degree and certifications along with experience and skills are crucial to being viewed as employable; c. Preparing early and often, including attaining a degree and/or certification, is vital for a successful transition to the civilian workforce; and, d. Currently serving airmen valued the CCAF degree differently than those who had already separated/retired.
Predictors of hematoma volume in deep and lobar supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage.

IMPORTANCE Hematoma volume is the strongest predictor of outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Despite known differences in the underlying biology between deep and lobar ICHs, limited data are available on location specificity of factors reported to affect hematoma volume. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether determinants of ICH volume differ by topography, we sought to estimate location-specific effects for potential predictors of this radiological outcome. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS A total of 744 supratentorial primary ICH patients (388 deep and 356 lobar) aged older than 18 years admitted between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2010. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Intracerebral hemorrhage volume measured from the computed tomography scan obtained on presentation to the emergency department. Linear regression analysis, stratified by ICH location, was implemented to identify determinants of log-transformed ICH volume. RESULTS Median ICH volume was larger in lobar hemorrhages (39 mL; interquartile range, 16-75 mL) than in deep hemorrhages (13 mL; interquartile range, 5-40 mL; P < .001). In multivariable linear regression, independent predictors of deep ICH volume were intensity of anticoagulation (β = 0.32; standard error [SE] = 0.08; P < .001; test for trend across 4 categories of the international normalized ratio), history of coronary artery disease (β = 0.33; SE = 0.17; P = .05), male sex (β = 0.28; SE = 0.14; P = .05), and age (β = -0.02; SE = 0.01; P = .001). Independent predictors of lobar ICH volume were intensity of anticoagulation (β = 0.14; SE = 0.06; P = .02) and antiplatelet treatment (β = 0.27; SE = 0.13; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Predictors of hematoma volume only partially overlap between deep and lobar ICHs. These findings suggest that the mechanisms that determine the extent of bleeding differ for deep and lobar ICHs. Further studies are needed to characterize the specific biological pathways that underlie the observed associations.