Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Difference in Degrees of Satisfaction with Orthognathic Surgery and Orthodontic Treatment between Skeletal Class III and Cleft Patients.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the degrees of satisfaction with orthognathic surgery and orthodontic treatment between skeletal Class III and cleft patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS The samples consisted of Class III group (N = 25) and Cleft group (N = 16). The Modified Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaires, which had 5 domains (oral function [OF], awareness of dentofacial deformity [ADD], social relationship [SR], facial esthetics [FE], and nose/lip esthetics [NLE]), were evaluated with 5 rates (0 [very satisfactory] to 4 [very unsatisfactory]) at initial visit (T1), just before surgery (T2), 3 to 6 months after surgery (T3), and at debonding or 1 year after surgery (T4). The scores at each stage, amount of change between stages, and effect size (ES) in the 5 domains were investigated. RESULTS Compared to Class III group, Cleft group exhibited lower satisfaction scores of NLE domain during all stages (all P < 0.001) and of SR domain and total domains at T4 stage (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Cleft group showed significant improvement of satisfaction scores in FE domain during T1-T2 (P < 0.01), in SR, FE, NLE, and total domains during T2-T3 (all P < 0.01), in OF, SR, and total domains during T3-T4 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.01), and in all domains during T1-T4 (ADD, P < 0.05; OF, SR, and NLE, P < 0.01; FE and total, P < 0.001). Cleft group exhibited large improvement of ES only at SR and FE domains during T2-T3 (-0.81 and -1.09, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Owing to lower satisfaction of NLE domain at all stages in cleft patients, clinicians should recommend adjunctive cosmetic surgery for nose and lip after completion of treatment.
Numerical simulation of two-phase non-Newtonian blood flow with fluid-structure interaction in aortic dissection

Abstract The behavior of blood cells and vessel compliance significantly influence hemodynamic parameters, which are closely related to the development of aortic dissection. Here the two-phase non-Newtonian model and the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method are coupled to simulate blood flow in a patient-specific dissected aorta. Moreover, three-element Windkessel model is applied to reproduce physiological pressure waves. Important hemodynamic indicators, such as the spatial distribution of red blood cells (RBCs) and vessel wall displacement, which greatly influence the hemodynamic characteristics are analyzed. Results show that the proximal false lumen near the entry tear appears to be a vortex zone with a relatively lower volume fraction of RBCs, a low time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and a high oscillatory shear index (OSI), providing a suitable physical environment for the formation of atherosclerosis. The highest TAWSS is located in the narrow area of the distal true lumen which might cause further dilation. TAWSS distributions in the FSI model and the rigid wall model show similar trend, while there is a significant difference for the OSI distributions. We suggest that an integrated model is essential to simulate blood flow in a more realistic physiological environment with the ultimate aim of guiding clinical treatment.
Differential Proliferation Effects after Short-Term Cultivation of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells on Different Feeder Layers

Objective Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provide the cellular basis for sperm production transforming the male’s genetic information to the next generation. We aimed to examine the effect of different feeder layer on proliferation of SSCs. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, we compared the in vitro effects of the co-culture of mouse SSCs with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), sandos inbred mice (SIM) embryo-derived thioguanine- and ouabain- resistant (STO) feeders, and neonate and adult testicular stroma cell (TSC) feeders on the efficiency of mouse SSC proliferation and colony formation. Cells were cultivated on top of MEFs, STO, and neonate and adult TSCs feeder layers for 30 days. The number and diameter of colonies and also the number of cells were evaluated during day 7, 15, 25, and 30 of culture. The mRNA expression of germ cells and somatic cells were analyzed. Results In our study, we observed a significant difference in the proliferation rates and colony size of SSCs among the groups, especially for MEFs (P<0.05). SSCs can proliferate on MEFS, but not on STO, neonate or adult TSCs. Using immunocytochemistry by KI67 the proliferative activities of SSC colonies on MEFs were confirmed. The results of Fluidigm real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed a high expression of the germ cell genes the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF), deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), and DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 4 (DDX4 or VASA) in SSCs, and a low expression of these genes in the feeder layers. Furthermore, we observed a higher expression of vimentin and integrin-B1 in feeder layers than in SSCs (P<0.05). Conclusion Based on the optimal effect of MEFs for better colonization of SSCs, these feeder cells seem to be appropriate candidates for SSC cultures prior to transplantation. Therefore, it is suggested using these feeder cells for SSC cultivation.
Forced Marriage, Coercive Control, and Conducive Contexts: The Experiences of Women in Scotland

This article is based on the first Scottish study of survivor perspectives of forced marriage. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight survivors. Our thematic analysis identified five key themes: understandings of forced marriage, the “grooming” process, betrayal, legal responses, and women’s resistance. Utilizing Stark’s framework of coercive control and Kelly’s concept of conducive contexts, we illuminate hitherto under-appreciated dynamics of forced marriage: (a) the conceptualization of forced marriage as a process rather than an event, (b) the role of mothers within patriarchal contexts, and (c) betrayals of family and services as compounding long-term adverse effects of forced marriage.
The Morphology, Structure, Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of Nanotubular Titania Coatings before and after Autoclaving Process

The autoclaving process is one of the sterilization procedures of implantable devices. Therefore, it is important to assess the impact of hot steam at high pressure on the morphology, structure, and properties of implants modified by nanocomposite coatings. In our works, we focused on studies on amorphous titania nanotubes produced by titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) electrochemical oxidation in the potential range 5–60 V. Half of the samples were drying in argon stream at room temperature, and the second ones were drying additionally with the use of immersion in acetone and drying at 396 K. Samples were subjected to autoclaving and after sterilization they were structurally and morphologically characterized using Raman spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). They were characterized in terms of wettability, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Obtained results proved that the autoclaving of amorphous titania nanotube coatings produced at lower potentials (5–15 V) does not affect their morphology and structure regardless of the drying method before autoclaving. Nanotubular coatings produced using higher potentials (20–60 V) require removal of adsorbed water particles from their surface. Otherwise, autoclaving leads to the destruction of the architecture of nanotubular coatings, which is associated with the changing of their mechanical and biointegration properties.
A modified Wald test for reference scaled assessment of analytical equivalence

ABSTRACT For the reference scaled equivalence hypothesis to reduce the deficiency of the current practice in analytical equivalence assessment, the Wald test with Constrained Maximum Likelihood Estimate (CMLE) of the standard error was proposed to improve the efficiency when the sample sizes of test and reference product lots are small, and variances are unequal. However, by using the Wald test with CMLE standard error, simulations show that the type I error rate is below the nominal significance level. We proposed the Modified Wald test with CMLE standard error by replacing the maximum likelihood estimate of reference standard deviation with the sample estimate (MWCMLE), resulting in further improvement of type I error rate and power over the Wald test with CMLE standard error. In this paper, we further compare the proposed MWCMLE method to the Exact-test-Based (EB) method and the Generalized Pivotal Quantity (GPQ) method with equal or unequal variances, or equal or unequal sample sizes of both product lots. The simulations show that the proposed MWCMLE method outperforms the other two methods in type I error rate control and power improvement.
A Comparative Study of Fitness Levels among Norwegian Youth in 1988 and 2001

We compared the fitness levels of cohorts of 15-year-old youth in 1988 and 2001 to ascertain whether there was a negative trend in fitness. The subjects were 15-year-old boys and girls from the same geographical area, n = 192 in 1988 and n = 191 in 2001. They participated voluntarily and could leave the project whenever they wished. The following variables were used to assess fitness: Maximal oxygen uptake, jump height, shoulder flexibility, and hamstring flexibility. Maximal oxygen uptake was estimated with submaximal ergometer cycling, jump height by the Sargent jump-and-reach test, shoulder flexibility as the distance between thumbs when doing straight-arm backwards circling while holding a broomstick, and hamstring flexibility by an active straight-leg-raise test. Differences between groups and quartiles were analyzed by Gosset’s (Student’s) t-test, using a significance level of 0.05. The two cohorts did show different levels of physical fitness. The 1988 group was 3.9 cm better on jump height and 4.2 cm better on shoulder flexibility, while the 2001 group had 3.3° better hamstring flexibility. The lowest performing quartile did less well in 2001 on oxygen uptake and jump height. We recommend an increased focus on improving fitness in low-performing adolescents.
Prevalence and Correlates of Lifetime Alcohol Use among Adult Urban Populations in Iran: A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Study

ABSTRACT Globally, alcohol use is one of the leading contributors to the burden of disease. The aim of this study was to provide data on prevalence and correlates of lifetime alcohol use among Iranian adults living in urban areas. This cross-sectional study investigated knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Iranian adults towards drug and alcohol use. Participants were recruited from the capital cities of five provinces—Tehran, West Azerbaijan, Markazi, Kerman, and Khorasan Razavi—in 2015. We used multivariate logistic regression models to conduct data analysis. Completing the questionnaire were 2,065 participants (44.06% female). Prevalence of lifetime alcohol use was 28% (95% CI: 25–29%). Lifetime alcohol use was significantly associated with male gender (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.74, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.26– 2.39), positive attitude towards alcohol (OR = 2.15, CI: 1.60–4.34), lifetime stimulants use (OR = 5.73, CI: 3.56– 9.23), and lifetime opioids use (OR = 4.47, CI: 3.12– 6.39). Estimated lifetime prevalence of alcohol use in our study was higher than the regional average. Primary alcohol prevention programs need to target sub- populations who are at risk for alcohol use and provide services that impede the development of positive attitudes towards alcohol.
Concomitant Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Direct-Acting Antivirals in HIV Coinfection: A Case Report

This report describes a case of concomitant treatment of advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with chemoimmunotherapy along with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus in a patient coinfected with HIV. The patient tolerated gemcitabine, dexamethasone, cisplatin, and rituximab and achieved sustained virologic response after treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir.
Hyperprogressors after Immunotherapy: Analysis of Genomic Alterations Associated with Accelerated Growth Rate

Purpose: Checkpoint inhibitors demonstrate salutary anticancer effects, including long-term remissions. PD-L1 expression/amplification, high mutational burden, and mismatch repair deficiency correlate with response. We have, however, observed a subset of patients who appear to be “hyperprogressors,” with a greatly accelerated rate of tumor growth and clinical deterioration compared with pretherapy, which was also recently reported by Institut Gustave Roussy. The current study investigated potential genomic markers associated with “hyperprogression” after immunotherapy. Experimental Design: Consecutive stage IV cancer patients who received immunotherapies (CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or other [investigational] agents) and had their tumor evaluated by next-generation sequencing were analyzed (N = 155). We defined hyperprogression as time-to-treatment failure (TTF) <2 months, >50% increase in tumor burden compared with preimmunotherapy imaging, and >2-fold increase in progression pace. Results: Amongst 155 patients, TTF <2 months was seen in all six individuals with MDM2/MDM4 amplification. After anti-PD1/PDL1 monotherapy, four of these patients showed remarkable increases in existing tumor size (55% to 258%), new large masses, and significantly accelerated progression pace (2.3-, 7.1-, 7.2- and 42.3-fold compared with the 2 months before immunotherapy). In multivariate analysis, MDM2/MDM4 and EGFR alterations correlated with TTF <2 months. Two of 10 patients with EGFR alterations were also hyperprogressors (53.6% and 125% increase in tumor size; 35.7- and 41.7-fold increase). Conclusions: Some patients with MDM2 family amplification or EGFR aberrations had poor clinical outcome and significantly increased rate of tumor growth after single-agent checkpoint (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors. Genomic profiles may help to identify patients at risk for hyperprogression on immunotherapy. Further investigation is urgently needed. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4242–50. ©2017 AACR.
Pharmaceutical Industry Support of US Patient Advocacy Organizations: An International Context

Objectives To examine whether the share of pharmaceutical industry funds allocated to patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) is disproportionately large in the United States relative to other industrialized countries and to compare pharmaceutical companies’ disclosure practices across industrialized countries. Methods We examined funding of PAOs among the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in 2016. We compared funding allocated to organizations across 8 large industrialized countries and pharmaceutical companies’ disclosure practices in each country. Results Only 6 of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies disclosed their financial transactions with PAOs in the United States. All 10 companies disclosed transactions in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with varying levels of disclosure in other countries. In 2016, the 6 companies that disclosed transactions in the United States allocated 74% of their patient advocacy funding ($88 million) in the United States. Conclusions The disproportionate funding of US PAOs in the absence of any disclosure requirements suggests that the United States should consider adoption of regulatory actions to enhance the transparency of relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and PAOs, and to ensure the integrity of public health decision-making.
Theta burst stimulation in neglect after stroke: functional outcome and response variability origins

Spatial neglect is a strong and negative predictor of general functional outcome after stroke, and its therapy remains a challenge. Whereas inhibitory non-invasive brain stimulation over the contralesional, intact hemisphere has generally been shown to ameliorate neglect on a group level, a conspicuous variability of the effects at the individual level is typically observed. We aimed to assess the characteristics and determinants of the effects of inhibitory non-invasive brain stimulation in neglect, identifying which patients would respond to this therapeutic approach and which not. To this end, we prospectively included 60 patients with a subacute right-hemispheric stroke. In 30 patients with spatial neglect, continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) was applied over the left posterior parietal cortex in a randomized clinical trial, either in eight or 16 trains, or as sham stimulation. Thirty patients without neglect served as a control group. Neglect severity was measured with a neuropsychological test battery and the Catherine Bergego Scale, at admission to and at discharge from inpatient neurorehabilitation, as well as at 3 months follow-up. General functional outcome was assessed by means of the Functional Independence Measure and the Lucerne ICF-based Multidisciplinary Observation Scale. The impact of clinical and demographic factors was evaluated, and the influence of lesion location and extension was assessed by means of voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping. On a group level, both cTBS protocols (i.e. eight and 16 trains) significantly reduced neglect severity in both the Catherine Bergego Scale and the neuropsychological tests, at discharge and 3 months later. Furthermore, cTBS significantly improved general functional outcome. On an individual level, hierarchical cluster and voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping analyses revealed that the variability in the responses to cTBS is determined by the integrity of interhemispheric connections within the corpus callosum, in particular parieto-parietal connections. In cTBS responders, in whom neglect and general functional outcome were significantly improved, the corpus callosum was intact, whereas this was not the case in cTBS non-responders. Moreover, analyses based on the proportional recovery rule and the Maugeri predictive stroke recovery model showed that the recovery of neglect and of the activities of daily living was accelerated only in cTBS responders. Furthermore, the level of activities of daily living recovery of these neglect patients was brought close to the one of right-hemispheric control patients without neglect. Hence, in neglect patients with intact interhemispheric connectivity, cTBS over the contralesional posterior parietal cortex significantly improves and accelerates neglect recovery and, associated with it, general functional outcome.
Influence of Flour Particle Size Distribution on the Quality of Maize Gluten-Free Cookies

The objective of the present study was to analyse the influence of particle size distribution of maize flour in the formulation of gluten-free cookies. Different cookie formulations were made with three distinct maize flour fractions obtained by sieving (less than 80 µm; between 80 and 180 µm; greater than 180 µm). Cookies dimension, texture and colour were evaluated. Flour hydration properties and cookie dough rheology were also measured. Overall, an increase in maize flour particle size decreases the values of water holding capacity (WHC), swelling volume and G’ (elastic modulus) for the doughs. An increase in average particle size also increases diameter and spread factor of the cookies but decreases their hardness. A higher percentage of thick particles is more effective to reduce cookie hardness, but a certain percentage of thinner particles is necessary to give cohesion to the dough and to allow formation of the cookies without breaking. Cookies with a larger diameter also presented a darker colour after baking.
Reply: Dyspnea in Heart Failure: A Multiheaded Beast.

a pulmonary vasculopathy in patients with heart failure is problematic, as they cite no histologic studies supporting such a finding. Although the reduced diffusing capacity observed in patients with chronic heart failure is likely due to a thickened alveolar capillary barrier (2), there is a better explanation for the increased exercise physiologic dead space, unrelated to the decreased diffusing capacity (3). A comprehensive review of the prognostic importance of the V : E/VCO2 measurement in patients with heart failure (4, 5) included a discussion of the physiological factors responsible for the observed elevation in exercise dead space, mentioning both increased ventilation–perfusion heterogeneity and reductions in late-exercise tidal volume. Although increased ventilation–perfusion heterogeneity would certainly contribute to an increased exercise dead space, the few multiple inert gas elimination studies performed on patients with heart failure have not revealed an appreciable increase in V : A/Q : heterogeneity relative to findings in normal subjects (2). However, an early model of pulmonary gas exchange described by John West demonstrated that in the presence of normal extent of V : A/Q : heterogeneity, an increase in the overall V : A/Q : ratio increases the physiologic dead space measurement. During exercise, patients with severe heart failure and a very high V : E/VCO2 may reach 6 to 10 L of alveolar ventilation per liter of cardiac output, an increase adequate to explain the increased physiologic dead space measurement (3). The validity of separation of patients by Kee and colleagues (1) into high dead space and low dead space groups was dependent on an adjustment to end-tidal PCO2 to serve as a surrogate for arterial PCO2 in the Bohr-Enghoff dead space calculation. The equation used from the data of Jones and colleagues (6) is based on submaximal exercise data acquired on five fit young men and includes a negative correction for tidal volume. In this study, the adjusted values to represent arterial CO2 would therefore be smaller for subjects with larger exercise tidal volumes, leading to a lower dead space calculation. The only significant difference in Kee and colleagues’ Table 4 (1) describing the characteristics of low dead space and high dead space subjects was sex, which in this instance is most likely related to smaller lung size in women. To what extent the equation proposed by Jones and colleagues (6) reliably estimates PaCO2 in maximally exercising older patients with heart failure is uncertain, given the differences in V : A/Q :
A Fifty‐Two–Week, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Certolizumab Pegol in Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

The natural history of nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) is incompletely characterized, and there are concerns that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs provide inadequate disease control in patients with active disease. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of certolizumab pegol (CZP), an anti–tumor necrosis factor treatment, in patients with nonradiographic axial SpA with objective signs of inflammation.