Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incisal Apical Root Resorption Evaluation after Low-Friction Orthodontic Treatment Using Two-Dimensional Radiographic Imaging and Trigonometric Correction.

BACKGROUND Root resorption shall be taken into consideration during every orthodontic treatment, and it can be effected by the use of different techniques, such as the application of low friction mechanics. However, its routinely assessment on orthopantomography has limitations related to distortions and changes in dental inclination. AIM The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the severity of apical root resorption of maxillary and mandibular incisors after low-friction orthodontic treatment, using the combination of panoramic and lateral radiographs, and applying a trigonometric correction. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A hospital based Retrospective study at the orthodontic Department (Dental School, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy). MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-three subjects (53 females and 40 males; mean age, 14 years) with mild teeth crowding were treated without extractions by the same operator using a low-friction fixed appliance following an integrated straight wire (ISW) protocol. The pre- and post-treatment tooth lengths of the maxillary and mandibular incisors were measured on panoramic radiographs. A trigonometric factor of correction for the pre-treatment length was calculated based on the difference between the pre and post-treatment incisal inclination on lateral cephalograms. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The changes in lengths were investigated using the Student's t-test for paired values (p<0.05). RESULTS Maxillary central incisors showed no changes (0.3%, 0.6%), maxillary lateral incisors showed a small increase (1.4%, 1.8%) that was attributed to the completion of root development in younger patients, mandibular central and lateral incisors underwent slight resorption (-3.1%, -3.4%). A statistically significant difference was found for the mandibular incisors but not for the maxillary ones. CONCLUSION In patients with mild crowding and consequent low amount of root movement, a low-friction orthodontic treatment can lead to slight apical root resorption, mainly involving lower incisors. The use of a trigonometric correction in the panoramic radiograph analysis may reduce the limitations of this 2D evaluation.
lon transcriptional regulation of genes necessary for capsular polysaccharide synthesis in Escherichia coli K-12

It has previously been observed that Escherichia coli lon mutations increase the levels of enzymes involved in the synthesis of colanic acid capsular polysaccharide (A. Markovitz, p. 415-462, in I. Sutherland, ed., Surface Carbohydrates of the Prokaryotic Cell, 1977). To determine how lon regulates these enzymes, we have isolated, mapped, and characterized lac operon and lac protein fusions to genes necessary for capsule synthesis by the Mu d(lac Amp) in vivo fusion technique of Casadaban and Cohen (M. J. Casadaban and S. N. Cohen, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 76:4530-4533, 1979). At least five genes have been identified which share a common pattern of regulation: they are transcribed at low levels in lon+ strains and at significantly higher levels in lon strains. These genes are located in a cluster close to udk at 45 min on the E. coli map; we have named these genes cpsA, B, C, D, and E. An additional locus, cpsF, located at 90 min, is regulated in a similar manner to cpsA to E but is not essential for colanic acid synthesis. Similar studies on the transcriptional regulation of fusions in the gal and manA operons, also necessary for colanic acid synthesis, do not show significant regulation by the lon locus. Therefore, the regulatory system described here does not extend to all genes in the colanic acid synthesis pathway.
Amoxicillin in treatment of acute uncomplicated exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study in general practice.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a broad-spectrum penicillin, amoxicillin, was superior to placebo in resolving symptoms of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in patients from general practice. 131 general practitioners included 278 patients over a period of 30 months. The patients were randomly assigned to treatment with amoxicillin 750 mg b.i. d. or corresponding placebo for 7 days. Patients with pneumonia, a temperature above 38.5 degrees C or heart rate over 100 were excluded for safety reasons. The main effect parameter--the doctors' overall evaluation of the treatment--did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference between amoxicillin or placebo, 63% versus 64% of the patients. Resolution of symptoms was obtained by 19% (25/132) of the patients in the amoxicillin group compared with 10% (13/136) of the patients in the placebo group, P = 0.03. The present findings do not favour routine use of antibiotics in an attempt to improve the course of acute exacerbations as defined in this study in patients with chronic bronchitis.
CHEMICAL, CLINICAL, AND IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE PRODUCTS OF HUMAN PLASMA FRACTIONATION XXX. THE USE OF SALT-POOR CONCENTRATED HUMAN SERUM ALBUMIN SOLUTION IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC BRIGHT'S DISEASE.

Much of the disability induced by chronic Bright's disease, particularly during the nephrotic stage, is attributable to thte coexistent disturbances in protein metabolism. The latter may be characterized as follows: 1, proteinuria; 2, hypoalbuminemia; and 3, depletion of tissue protein stores. During the past few years, numerous attempts have been made to correct the hypoalbuminemia, depletion of body protein stores, and attendant edema in patients with nephrotic syndromes by administering human plasma intravenously (1, 2, 3). This form of therapy obviously had as its objectives the use of protein solution as a diuretic agent by virtue of its high colloid osmotic pressure, the restoration of serum albumin level, and the replenishment of body protein stores. The last two objectives were rarely, if ever, attained because of the limited quantity and high cost of human
Examining hepatitis c virus testing practices in primary care clinics

Summary. Prior studies found that hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk assessment and testing in primary care clinics were suboptimal. We aimed to determine the actual HCV testing rate among patients with HCV risk factors and to identify variables predictive of testing. In order to do so, we performed a prospective cohort study among patients seen in four urban primary care clinics. At the initial visit, patients were given a questionnaire that listed HCV risk factors and they were instructed to check ‘yes’ or ‘no’ if they did or did not have a risk factor, respectively. Patients then handed this questionnaire to their physician during their initial visit. Among those who acknowledged having a HCV risk factor via the questionnaire, we determined the subsequent HCV testing rate and calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to identify variables predictive of testing. Of the 578 individuals who acknowledged having a HCV risk factor via the questionnaire, only 8% (46/578) were tested for HCV within 2 months of their initial visit. Among those tested, 11% (5/46) had a positive HCV antibody test result. The only variable predictive of HCV testing after adjusting for confounders was having a specific HCV risk factor identified and documented in the chart by physicians [16% (26/159) vs 5% (20/419); aOR 4.5, 95% CI 2.1–9.5]. In summary, 92% of patients with a HCV risk factor were not tested for HCV in the primary care setting, and efforts to improve such rates are clearly warranted.
Political and Interlocking Connections in the Boardroom on Private Equity Placements

ABSTRACT This study examines the influence of directors who are politically connected and/or have boardroom interlocking on private equity placements (PEPs) in Chinese listed firms. We document that interlocked directors can significantly influence the propensity to apply for PEPs and approval of PEPs and reduce the cost of PEPs while providing greater access to proceeds from PEPs through lowering information asymmetry and information cost. Although politically connected directors have a significant role in the approval of PEPs, they are more likely to reduce the monitoring effects and increase agency problems, which lead to increased cost of PEPs and reduced proceeds from PEPs. The results also reveal that political connection diminishes the benefits of interlocking directors for firms having directors with both interlocking and political ties.
Etanercept in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects ∼ 2% of the US and European populations [1]. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated the correlation between elevated levels of TNF and psoriasis, suggesting that interfering with the inflammatory effects of TNF may help resolve psoriatic lesions. The biological agent, etanercept, is a fully human soluble TNF-receptor fusion protein with proven efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. In several well-controlled clinical trials, etanercept showed sustained efficacy in reducing the signs and symptoms of psoriasis in patients with moderate-to-severe disease. With the exception of injection site reactions, adverse event rates were similar to placebo and did not increase across higher doses. No opportunistic infections, including tuberculosis, were reported. From analysis of the available clinical trials, etanercept appears to be an effective and well-tolerated agent for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Interaction of a salivary mucin-secretory immunoglobulin A complex with mucosal pathogens

This study examined the interaction of a human salivary low-molecular-weight mucin (MG2) with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using both solution-phase and solid-phase assays. In solution phase, MG2 in human submandibular-sublingual saliva (HSMSL) bound to the bacterial surface; however, the highly purified mucin isoforms (MG2a and MG2b) did not. Mucin binding appeared to be dependent on heterotypic complexing between MG2 and secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), although other salivary molecules may also be involved. In contrast, in a solid-phase assay in which HSMSL, MG2-containing fractions with secretory IgA, and purified MG2 were immobilized onto a solid surface, there was minimal adherence of S. aureus. The collective results suggest that mucin binding to S. aureus and P. aeruginosa may be predicated on the formation of an MG2-secretory IgA complex. Such interactions may facilitate microbial clearance from the oral cavity and play an important role in preventing colonization of the oral cavity and the respiratory tract by potential pathogens.
Effect of shoulder tightness on glenohumeral translation, scapular kinematics, and scapulohumeral rhythm in subjects with stiff shoulders

Shoulder tightness may cause altered kinematics and lead to development of subacromial impingement, tendinitis, and degenerative changes. In this investigation, the humeral head translations, scapular kinematics, and scapulohumeral rhythm were determined with a three‐dimensional electromagnetic tracking device during arm elevations in six subjects with anterior shoulder tightness and in six subjects with posterior shoulder tightness to study the effects of anterior/posterior tightness on shoulder kinematics. Subjects with anterior tightness showed lower slopes in curves of glenohumeral elevation plotted against scapular upward rotation (scapulohumeral rhythm, 0.11 to 0.32; p = 0.021) and less posterior scapular tilt (2.9 to 7.5°; p = 0.002) during arm elevations when compared to the group with posterior tightness. The humeral head was positioned less posteriorly (2.2 to 3.4 mm; p = 0.004) and more superiorly (3.8 to 7.0 mm; p < 0.0005) during arm elevation in subjects with posterior tightness. The alternations in shoulder kinematics between subjects with anterior and posterior shoulder tightness may be relevant to the development of subacromial impingement, tendinitis, and degenerative changes as seen in subjects with stiff shoulders. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Lessons From an Ideal-typical Case of Interdependent Policy Making: Tax Competition in Switzerland

This synopsis presents the arguments and _ndings of this thesis and discusses the ambition, contributions, as well as the practical and normative implications of the analysis. Two articles of the cumulative dissertation investigate tax competition among Swiss cantons, and the third analyzes the politics of tax centralization in the European Union (EU). While the Swiss analysis substantially contributes to the theoretical and methodological challenges of the research on interdependent policy making, the implications of the EU article are of relevance for understanding the current institutional challenges of European integration.
Systemic resilience: principles and processes for a science of change in contexts of adversity

Despite the increasing popularity of discussions of resilience in disciplines as diverse as ecology, psychology, economics, architecture, and genetics (among many others), researchers still lack a conceptual model to explain how the resilience of one system relates to the resilience of other cooccurring systems. Models that explain resilience within a single system are more robust and better studied. Although some researchers argue that both ontological and epistemological weaknesses prevent such an integrated model from being developed (the incommensurability hypothesis), others have carried out metasyntheses using techniques like network citation analysis to identify common principles and processes that are associated with resilience across disciplines. Although useful, metasyntheses have yet to identify sufficient commonalities across bodies of research to account for a single model of resilience. This paper adapts methods used for the thematic synthesis of qualitative data to critically analyze metasyntheses of resilience and identify principles that explain patterns of resilience of different systems (biological, psychological, social, cultural, economic, legal, communication, and ecological systems are all considered). Sixteen purposefully selected published syntheses were reviewed, along with dozens of other supporting peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, supplemented by consultations with knowledge experts. Seven common principles across systems were identified. These include: (1) resilience occurs in contexts of adversity; (2) resilience is a process; (3) there are trade-offs between systems when a system experiences resilience; (4) a resilient system is open, dynamic, and complex; (5) a resilient system promotes connectivity; (6) a resilient system demonstrates experimentation and learning; and (7) a resilient system includes diversity, redundancy, and participation. Where evidence refutes a principle, discordant findings are highlighted. Together, these principles account for resilience as a sequence of systemic interdependent interactions through which actors (whether persons, organisms, or ecosystems) secure the resources required for sustainability in stressed environments.
Post-procedural pseudoaneurysms: Single-center experience

Objectives Pseudoaneurysms are a well-recognized complication of percutaneous angiographic procedures. Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection is currently the preferred treatment modality. This study was undertaken to evaluate our experience with the management of post-procedure pseudoaneurysms. Methods A retrospective study was undertaken of all patients who developed a post-procedure pseudoaneurysm between March 2004 and January 2013. Data were obtained from our prospectively maintained non-invasive vascular laboratory data base. Results Overall, 167 patients (80 men) with post-procedure pseudoaneurysms were identified. The mean age was 66 years. Post-procedure pseudoaneurysms developed following diagnostic coronary angiography (38%), coronary angioplasty (37%), peripheral vascular interventions (14.7%), or other access procedures (7.6%). Mean post-procedure pseudoaneurysm diameter was 2.8 ± 1.8 cm. One hundred forty-two post-procedure pseudoaneurysms were injected with thrombin under ultrasound guidance. Primary success rate was 93.5%. There were 12 (8.5%) procedural failures of which seven (58%) responded to reinjection, three (25%) required operative management, one was treated with ultrasound-guided compression, and one (8.3%) was simply observed. On multivariate analysis, failures were associated with increased aneurysm diameter (p = 0.006; odds ratio 2.23, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.96), end-stage renal disease (p = 0.013; odds ratio 1.15, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.78) and superficial femoral artery aneurysm origin (p = 0.031; odds ratio 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.86). There were two episodes of thrombus formation in the femoral artery; one resolved with anticoagulation alone, and the other required thrombectomy. Conclusions Percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection is an effective and safe method for managing post-procedure pseudoaneurysms. Failure rates are low and associated with large aneurysm size, superficial femoral artery origin and end-stage renal disease.
Essays in Mechanism and Market Design

This thesis consists of three essays on mechanism and market design. The first chapter studies the question of when we can eliminate investment inefficiency in a general mechanism design model with transferable utility. We show that when agents make investments only before participating in the mechanism, inefficient investment equilibria cannot be ruled out whenever an allocatively efficient social choice function is implemented. We then allow agents to make investments before and after participating in the mechanism. When ex post investments are possible and an allocatively constrained-efficient social choice function is implemented, efficient investments can be fully implemented in perfect Bayesian Nash equilibria if and only if the social choice function is commitment-proof (a weaker requirement than strategy-proofness). Our result implies that in the provision of public goods, implementation of efficient investments and efficient allocations is possible even given a budget-balance requirement. The second chapter analyzes the implementability of efficient investments for two commonly used mechanisms in single-item auctions: the first-price auction and the English auction. We allow uncertain ex ante investment and further ex post investment. Under private values, we show that both the first-price auction and the English auction implement efficient investments in equilibrium. In the third chapter, we study the controlled school choice problem employing the lower and upper bounds of type-specific constraints. In such a problem, it is known that the set of feasible, fair and non-wasteful assignments may be empty (Ehlers et al., 2014).
Score for the Targeting of Atrial Fibrillation: A New Approach to Diagnosing Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Background and Purpose: Detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) after ischaemic stroke is challenging. There are several methods to increase the detection rate of PAF, but it is first necessary to identify subgroups of patients at risk. In a previous study, we established a clinicoradiologic score that predicts atrial fibrillation (AF) in stroke patients. The purpose of the present study is to validate this score specifically for PAF patients. Methods: 500 consecutive ischaemic stroke patients were examined in our stroke unit. A blind evaluation of the STAF (score for the targeting of atrial fibrillation) was performed for each patient with or without AF. Firstly, we established the reproducibility of the STAF performance by comparing areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves in the preliminary and present studies. Secondly, to validate the predictive value of the STAF in occult AF, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were compared for each type of AF. Thirdly, the best threshold value was calculated. Results: AF was detected in 145 cases including 45% of paroxysmal forms. There is no significant score performance difference (p = 0.192) between the preliminary and prospective cohort areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves. This confirms the reproducibility of STAF performance. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the PAF group was 0.907 versus 0.911 for the permanent AF group (p = 0.906). The diagnostic value of the STAF is as good in permanent as paroxysmal AF. In PAF, a STAF ≧5 has a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 77%. Conclusions: Due to its reproducibility and predictive value, the STAF can be used by neurologists as part of a novel diagnostic strategy for occult AF.
A Rasch Analysis of the Frenchay Activities Index in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Study Design. A prospective interview study. Objective. To determine whether items of the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) measure Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), as a unidimensional construct, in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). To examine whether the response categories of the FAI are useful in discerning the various ability levels of IADL. Summary of Background Data. No known IADL scale has been designed for SCI patients. The FAI, to our knowledge, has never been validated in patients with SCI. Methods. A total of 233 persons with SCI participated in this study. The FAI was administered to the patients by interview at locations convenient for the participants. A Rasch analysis was used to examine the unidimensionality and appropriateness of the response categories of the FAI. Results. All but 2 items (“going outside” and “reading books”) of the FAI fitted the model's expectations. The results of Rasch analysis indicated that the response categories for the remaining 13 items of the FAI should be collapsed to create more suitable response categories (4 items, into dichotomies, and the remaining 9 items, into trichotomies). Thus, a revised 13-item FAI was formed by deleting the 2 misfitting items and collapsing the response categories of the items. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that the revised 13-item FAI assesses a single, unidimensional IADL for SCI patients living in the community. The revised FAI shows potential for assessment of IADL in SCI patients.