Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Practice-Based Comparison of Brief Cognitive Behavioural Treatment, Two Kinds of Hypnosis and General Anaesthesia in Dental Phobia

Background: A practice-based study was carried out to assess the comparative effectiveness and acceptability of standardised hypnosis, hypnosis with individualised imagery, cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) and general anaesthesia (GA) in the treatment of dental phobia. Methods: A 4-group design was used with 4 repeated measurement occasions. Of an initial total of 137 dental phobics, 77 completed the study with sample sizes of between 14 and 29 patients in the 4 groups. Participants completed questionnaires of dental anxiety at the beginning of the trial, before and after the first dental appointment and again before the second dental appointment a week later. Results: Standardised hypnosis evidenced a significantly higher rate of premature termination of treatment than CBT. The completer analysis showed a significant reduction of dental anxiety after CBT and individualised hypnosis compared to the GA condition. The intent-to-treat analysis showed significant improvement only after CBT. Conclusions: The results suggest that CBT is the treatment of choice in dental phobia when taking both effectiveness and acceptability into account.
Morphological and chromosomal abnormalities in gamma radiation-induced mutagenized faba bean genotypes

Abstract Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the influence of gamma radiations on morphological and chromosomal abnormalities in twenty mutagenized faba bean populations, representing first and second generations (M1 and M2) of five faba bean genotypes. Materials and methods: Five faba bean genotypes were exposed at two doses of gamma radiations (25 and 50 Gy). For determining the types of chromosomal aberrations caused by the gamma radiation, mitotic and meiotic cells were isolated from root tips and pollen mother cells, respectively. Results: The M1 generations of the five genotypes varied for sensitivity to gamma radiations, for seedling emergence. The genotype Skah 2 was more sensitive than other genotypes, the order of sensitivity of other genotypes was Misr 3 > ILB 4347 > Hassawi 2 > Hassawi 3. However, seedling emergence of the M2 generations was not as much reduced as that of the M1 generations. Ten different chlorophyll-deficient mutants were identified among the M2 generations. Gamma radiations also caused the development of abnormal leaflets, flowers and pollen grains. The most common types of chromosome aberrations in the mitotic cells were stickiness, laggard and chromosome breaks, whereas the most common types in the meiotic cells were stickiness and disturbed polarity. Conclusion: The gamma radiation decreased the seedling emergence and induced a wide range of morphological and chromosomal abnormalities in faba bean.
The Effect of Delayed Responding on Stroop-Like Task Performance Among Preschoolers

ABSTRACT Forty-four preschoolers completed 2 conditions of a Stroop-like procedure (e.g., saying “boat” for car and “car” for boat) that differed in whether a 3-s delay was imposed before responding. The test card was visible during the delay period for half of the children and occluded for the other children. Preschoolers’ interference control was significantly improved in the delay condition. There was no difference between the two delay variants (test card visible or occluded). Children were more prone to interference as testing progressed regardless of whether the delay was present. These results suggest that delays effectively reduce interference by reducing the potency of the competing response during test trials, although memory demands may moderate the effectiveness of delays.
Effect of sugar cane extract, commercial probiotic and their mixture on growth performance and intestinal histology in broiler chickens.

Problem statement: As the intestinal function is intimately affected by fed diets, many kinds of natural substances and probiotics have bee n supplemented to broilers to raise poultry productivity due to activating intestinal function. Besides, the intestinal histology is clearly alter ed by intestinal functions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Sugar Cane Extract (SCE) and commercial probiotic (SPB), either alone or in comb ination, could improve growth performance and how intestinal histological alterations would be ob served in these birds. Approach: A total of 64, 7-d- old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups, consisting of 4 replicates of 4 birds each. Commercial mash starter and finisher di ets were supplemented with 0.05% SCE, 0.4% SPB, or a mixture of 0.05% SCE and 0.4% SPB (SCE + SPB). Results: Body weight gain was better in all the experimental groups than the control. Th e greatest improvement was observed in the SCE + SPB group. Most values of villus height, villus are a, cell area and cell mitosis in all intestinal seg ments were higher (p<0.05) in the experimental groups tha n in the control group. Most epithelial cells on th e villus apical surface of the experimental groups we re composed of protuberant cells. In addition, cell clusters composed of these cells were observed in t he duodenum of the SCE + SPB group and in the jejunum of the SCE group. In the ileum, the SCE + SPB group had the most protuberant cells. Conclusion: The present results of enhanced light microscopic p arameters and protuberant epithelial cells in SCE and SPB groups suggest that the intest inal villi and epithelial cells might be hypertroph ied by SCE and SPB. The fact that a synergistic effect was observed with regard to growth performance and intestinal histology in the SCE + SPB group sug gests that SCE is a good supplement to probiotics.
Intravenous administration of ONYX-015, a selectively replicating adenovirus, induces antitumoral efficacy.

Replication-incompetent viral vectors are being developed for the gene therapy of cancer. Although some of these may eventually be proven to have significant localized antitumoral activity, none to date have been shown to infect and cause regression of established tumors following i.v. administration. Because cancer is a systemic disease in almost all fatal cases, the lack of i.v. efficacy is a major limitation to treatment with replication-incompetent viral vectors. ONYX-015 (d11520) is an attenuated adenovirus that replicates in and causes selective lysis of cancer cells. We carried out i.v. efficacy and distribution studies in nude mice with s.c. and intraparenchymal tumor xenografts. ONYX-015 infected and replicated efficiently within tumors following i.v. administration. Viral titers in livers were relatively high 3 h after administration but decreased rapidly, becoming undetectable after 24 h. Effective antitumor doses were not associated with hepatic toxicity. Viral replication within tumors was associated with regressions in several tumor models. Selectively replicating viruses like ONYX-015 hold promise as agents to treat metastatic cancer.
Cortical and central atrophy in chronic schizophrenia

CT of the brain was carried out in 43 chronic schizophrenics of more than 5 years' duration and less than 60 years of age, and 39 normal controls matched for age, sex and education. There was no statistical difference between controls and schizophrenics as regards cortical atrophy (as measured by the interhemispheric and Sylvian fissures and mean sulcal width). Highly significant differences were found regarding central atrophy. Third ventricle measurements were normal in 9.3%, there was slight enlargement in 37.2%, moderate in 48.8% and extreme in 4.7% The cella media index denoting lateral ventricle dilatation showed changes in 46.5%, slight in 9.3% and the remaining 44.2% were normal.
Factors Associated With Physical and Sexual Violence Among Canadian Women Living With Physical Disabilities

We examined victimization data from a Canadian survey of 1,095 women with disabilities to determine the following: a) Who experienced abuse, b) the forms of abuse, and c) the factors associated with abuse. A convenience sample of Canadian women (18 years +) completed a mailed survey. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample and types of abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual). Sequential logistic regression was used to determine factors related to physical and/or sexual violence. Those who reported cultural identities other than Canadian (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.12–3.32) were more likely to have reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence, as were those with an annual household income less than $20,000 (OR = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.97–5.25) or between $20,000 and $49,999 (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.29–3.36). Women with two or more health conditions (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.93–5.32) and those who had some or most activities limited by pain were also more likely to report having experienced physical and/or sexual violence (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.08–2.41). In contrast, women who had not received information about sexuality (OR = .68, 95% CI = .42–.96 and older women (OR = .46, 95% CI = .28–.73) were less likely to report having experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Our findings are important to public health professionals and practitioners in the detection and prevention of violence among women living with physical disabilities (WLD).
Treatment of developing Class II Division 1 malocclusion with Jumper Twin Block.

UNLABELLED The objective of this study was to determine dental and skeletal effects of the jumper twin block appliance in the treatment of developing Class II, Division I malocclusion. METHODS 15 girls aged 9 to 11 years old with class II division 1 and samephysical maturation status were included in the study over one year. Cephalometric data and study models were analyzed statistically with Paired t-test. RESULTS The jumper twin block had skeletal and dental effects. Stimulation of forward mandibular growth, backward displacement of the maxilla, significant increase in the anterior and posterior facial height, retroclination of the upper incisors, proclination of the lower incisors and significant improvement of the overjet and overbite had been found. CONCLUSIONS The jumper twin block appliance with gradual bite advancement was effective in treatment of developing Class II division 1 malocclusion.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of salivary sCD44 level determination in oral malignant and potentially premalignant lesions

A key factor in the lack of improvement in prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) lesions over the years is the fact that a significant proportion are not diagnosed or treated until they reach an advanced stage. A molecular marker for malignant transformation in innocent looking oral lesions and a monitor for the aggressiveness of malignant lesions might be of help. The present study included 40 subjects: 10 healthy control subjects, 10 patients with potentially premalignant oral lesions with dysplastic changes and 10 others without, in addition to 10 patients suffering from OSCC. Levels of soluble CD44 (sCD44) were measured in whole unstimulated saliva (WUS) using an enzyme linked immune- assay (ELISA). In patients suffering from malignant lesions the salivary sCD44 level was correlating well with the grading of the lesion. Also, most of the patients with the highest salivary sCD44 levels showed postoperative relapse. A highly significant difference was found in the mean value of salivary sCD44 level between the control group and the premalignant with dysplasia and the cancer groups, and on the other hand, a non significant difference was found between the control and the premalignant without dysplasia group. Also, a highly significant difference was found between salivary sCD44 level in cancer patients and those with premalignant lesions without dysplasia, and non significant difference between the cancer patients and those with premalignant lesions with dysplasia. A ROC Curve was created to estimate salivary sCD44 level with the highest sensitivity and specificity which was 100% and 66.7% respectively. Results indicated that a level of salivary sCD44 lying within the range of 19.2 to 20.4 ng/ml could indicate malignant transformation within oral mucosal lesions.
Electroretinographic abnormalities in a rat glaucoma model with chronic elevated intraocular pressure.

The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of electroretinographic (ERG) measurements to document progression of the retinopathy in a rat glaucoma model. Thirty four rats with a chronic intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation induced in one eye by cautery of three episcleral/extra-orbital veins were studied in four separate groups. ERGs were recorded sequentially in Group A rats (n = 12) at baseline, and after approximately 20, 40 and 60 days of high IOP, and in three additional groups of rats (n = 6 or 10 per group) after approximately 58, 30 and 175 days of high IOP, respectively. Scotopic ERG parameters recorded simultaneously from both eyes in Group A rats were: a- and b-wave amplitudes, implicit times, oscillatory potential amplitudes (OPs) determined at three different light-flash intensities, and the light-adapted (photopic) ERG b-wave amplitude. In the other groups of rats, only scotopic ERG a-wave, b-wave and OP amplitudes were measured.In Group A rats that were followed sequentially, all the ERG parameters recorded with attenuated stimuli showed significant time-dependent changes in glaucomatous eyes relative to their contralateral normal eyes, with OPs showing the earliest significant difference after only 3 weeks of high IOP. When different groups of unilateral glaucomatous rats were compared beyond 8 weeks of elevated IOP only the OPs showed a continued decrease with time and good discrimination between glaucoma and normal eyes. Over a 25 week period of high IOP the scotopic OPs measured with attenuated light stimuli declined at the rate of approximately 1.5% per week and provided the best ERG measure to monitor progression of retinal pathophysiology in the vein-occlusion rat glaucoma model.
[Study on effect of Polygonatum sibiricum on Yin deficiency model rats induced by long-term overload swimming].

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of Polygonatum sibiricum on Yin deficiency model rats induced by long-term overload swimming. METHOD Except for the normal group, all of the remaining rats performed the long-term overload swimming for eight weeks, with five days every week and once every day, to establish the Yin deficiency model. The daily swimming time increased from 10 min to 180 min at the end of the 7th week, with the water depth of 60 cm and the water temperature at 30 degrees C. After the success of the modeling, the rats were orally administered with different doses of aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum (2.5, 10 g x kg(-1)) for eight weeks. After the final administration, their blood were collected from orbits to measure immunoglobulin A, G and M (IgA, IgG, IgM), interleukin 2 and 6 (IL-2, IL-6) and cAMP, cGMP contents in plasma General behavioral indicators (weight, facial temperature, pain threshold and holding power) of rats were observed during the drug administration. RESULT Compared with the model control group, aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum was given for eight weeks to significantly increase the rat weight and holding power of Yin deficiency model rats, decrease the facial temperature and the sensitivity of pain threshold, and increase IgA, IgG, IgM and IL-6 content and IgG content in serum, but without statistical difference. Aqueous extracts from P. sibiricum (10 g x kg(-1)) could also increase IL-2 content in serum, and decrease cAMP content and cAMP/cGMP ratio. CONCLUSION P. sibiricum could improve the general behavioral indicators (weight, holding power, pain threshold and facial temperature), immunologic functions (IgA, IgG, IgM) and cyclic nucleotide (cAMP, cAMP/cGMP), so as to ameliorate such Yin deficiency symptoms as dysphoria in chestpalms-soles, weight loss, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, immunologic dysfunction and cyclic nucleotide system disorders.
A New Basal Sphenacodontid Synapsid from the Late Carboniferous of the Saar-Nahe Basin, Germany

A new basal sphenacodontid synapsid, represented by an anterior portion of a mandible, demonstrates for the first time the presence of amniotes in the largest European Permo-Carboniferous basin, the Saar-Nahe Basin. The new taxon, Cryptovenator hirschbergeri gen. et sp. nov., is autapomorphic in the extreme shortness and robustness of the lower jaw, with moderate heterodonty, including the absence of a greatly reduced first tooth and only a slight caniniform development of the second and third teeth. Cryptovenator shares with Dimetrodon, Sphenacodon, and Ctenospondylus, but notably not with Secodontosaurus, enlarged canines and a characteristic teardrop outline of the marginal teeth in lateral view, possession of a deep symphyseal region, and a strongly concave dorsal margin of the dentary. The new find shows that sphenacodontids were present in the Saar-Nahe Basin by the latest Carboniferous, predating the record of sphenacodontid tracks from slightly younger sediments in this region.
Risks and predictors of readmission for a mental disorder during the postpartum period.

CONTEXT It has been suggested that the risk of inpatient psychiatric readmissions is elevated during the postpartum period. To our knowledge, no prior study has compared mothers and nonmothers to determine whether the risk of readmission differs between these 2 groups of women. OBJECTIVES To compare mothers and nonmothers to assess whether childbirth increases the risk for psychiatric readmission and to identify predictors of psychiatric readmission during the postpartum period. DESIGN A population-based cohort study merging data from the Danish Civil Registration System and the Danish Psychiatric Central Register. SETTING The population of Denmark. PARTICIPANTS Two partly overlapping study populations included a total of 28 124 women, 10 218 of whom were mothers, who were followed up from January 1, 1973, through June 30, 2005. Main Outcome Measure Readmission rates to psychiatric hospitals during the 12 months after childbirth (first live-born child). RESULTS The period of highest risk of psychiatric readmission in new mothers was 10 to 19 days post partum (relative risk [RR], 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-4.37), and the period of lowest risk was during pregnancy (0.54; 0.43-0.69). Childbirth was associated with an increased risk of readmission during the first postpartum month, after which risk for readmission was higher among nonmothers (RR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.31-1.80). A previous diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder was the strongest predictor of readmissions 10 to 19 days post partum (RR, 37.22; 95% CI, 13.58-102.04). In all, 26.9% of mothers with this diagnosis were readmitted within the first postpartum year. CONCLUSIONS Mothers with mental disorders have lower readmission rates compared with women with mental disorders who do not have children. However, the first month after childbirth is associated with increased risk of psychiatric readmission, and women with a history of bipolar affective disorder are at particular risk of postpartum psychiatric readmissions.
Clinical outcomes, quality of life, advantages and disadvantages of metal stent placement in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Purpose of reviewThis review will discuss the immediate- and long-term success, complications and overall benefits of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) in malignant or benign obstruction of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Over recent years, indications such as benign disease have expanded, as has SEMS diversity with self-expandable plastic stents (SEPSs) or fully covered and biodegradable stents, for example. Recent findingsSEMSs have been increasingly used in malignant upper gastrointestinal obstruction with many reports confirming efficacy, despite a significant complication rate. Fully covered stents are increasingly used for a variety of benign oesophageal disease, but their place in gastric outlet obstruction is still unclear. Covered and uncovered stents have different functional characteristics and stent type must be selected on an individual basis. Biodegradable stents show promise and the outcome of experience in larger patient cohorts is eagerly awaited. SummaryThis area is an evolving field, in which the clinician requires up-to-date knowledge of therapeutic options to make individualized treatment choices in difficult clinical circumstances. Technical and clinical success for oesophageal or gastroduodenal SEMSs are then above 90%. Minor complications are common, but serious complications seldom occur. Biodegradable stents may be useful, especially when stenting is needed for a short period of time.
A microturbine generation system for grid connected and islanding operation

The paper addresses the up-to-date issue of distributed generation (DG). In order to fully exploit DO potentialities, advanced integrated controls that include power electronics facilities, communication technologies and advanced modeling are required. Significant expectations are posed on gas micro turbines that can be easily installed in large commercial and public buildings. Modeling of an existing microturbine and its advanced controls for both grid-connected and islanding conditions with privileged loads are developed and presented. Simulations have been performed on an electric network that reproduces a test facility on the way to be completed and already partially available for validation.
Dynamic vehicle routing in distributed manufacturing environments

This paper addresses a resource assignment problem in a distributed manufacturing environment. A robotic swarm representing shared resources of a production process is to be distributed to workstations in its mission space. A distributed control scheme is proposed which ensures cooperation of robots and thus sharing of resources on workstations. Each robot has a limited communication radius. Inside each others communication radius robots are able to exchange available data and therefore coordinate their efforts. The control law relies only on local available information. Simulation results are presented which show the performance of the control law.
Does exposure to dogs and cats in the first year of life influence the development of allergic sensitization?

Purpose of reviewThe goal of the review is to place studies published after 1 June 2002, concerning the relationship between early life exposure to cats and dogs and the later development of allergy, within the context of the effects of other environmental exposures on allergic disease. Recent findingsMost of the recent studies have shown that exposure to cats and dogs early in infancy reduces the prevalence of allergic sensitization or allergic disease later in childhood. While this general trend is relatively consistent, there are differences in specific findings between studies, such as the effect of parental allergies. Other studies suggest that the association between cat and dog exposure and a lower risk of allergy is due to either differences in other environmental exposures or to genetic differences between exposed and non-exposed children. It is impossible to directly compare the results from all of these studies since there are often important differences in racial/ethnic backgrounds of the children, climate, housing conditions, and the family and social customs of those enrolled in different studies. SummaryThe risk of a child developing any form of allergy appears to depend upon many factors including a child's genetic constitution, early environmental exposure to allergens and to other agents which interact with the immune system, and to allergen exposure later in life. It appears that exposure to something that is increased in homes with cats or dogs reduces the risk of allergic sensitization.