Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effectiveness of remineralization preparations used in paediatric dentistry practices

Aim: The goal of preventive dentistry is to intervene prior to the formation of dental caries. This study evaluated the remineralization effects of fluoride varnish, casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphates (CPP-ACP) and casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphates (CPP-ACFP) cream, and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) varnish. Materials and Methodology: Samples with early artificial caries lesions were randomly divided into the following 5 groups with 20 samples in each group: (I) control, (II) fluoride varnish, (III) CPP-ACP cream, (IV) CPP-ACFP cream and (V) TCP varnish. The effectiveness of these remineralization agents was evaluated using a laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Results: In the pre- and post-treatment evaluations, the DIAGNOdent remineralization measurements were statistically significant in all the groups, except the control group (p 0.05). The EDX analysis evaluated the Ca/P ratio between the groups. These results indicated that the CPP-ACFP group was significantly higher than the control group, the CPP-ACP group and the TCP group (p 0.05). In SEM imaging, the most extensive mineral accumulation was observed in the CPP-ACFP group. Conclusion: Three analytical methods demonstrated that CPP-ACFP was the most effective remineralization material tested in this study. How to cite this article: Tatar E, Toptanci IR. Evaluation of the effectiveness of remineralization preparations used in paediatric dentistry practices. Int Dent Res 2019;9(3):138-44. Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.
Synchronistic events and management decisions. A conceptual framework toward an Affect-Cognitive Theory

Despite the increasing trust on the digitalization of organizational activities, here it is strongly assumed that management decision making is still a matter of human being and his biased perceptions. To support this claim, it is considered and theoretically addressed the habitual phenomena of perceiving meaningful coincidences in the daily life and their effect on management decisions. Coincidences are pivotal in scientific discoveries and enterprises’ foundations. However, how their perception affects management decisions has been overlooked by management studies. To fill this gap, a conceptual framework based on Jung’s synchronicity principle and management cognitive literature has been built. In particular, it shows that affective states felt during the occurrence of meaningful coincidences – also called synchronistic events –activate a series of cognitive errors that drive the assignment of a symbolic content to the coincidences, resulting in different risk-oriented management decisions. The proposed theorization advances the behavioral strategy field, enhancing the understanding of the cognitive aspects surrounding management decisions.
A Numerical Study for Blow-up in Solutions of the Generalized 2-D Benjamin-Ono Equation

The Benjamin-Ono (BO) equation is a nonlinear partial integro-differential equation that describes internal waves in deep stratified fluids. Here we present a numerical study of the blow-up phenomenon for the BO-generalized KP version with different types of nonlinearities. A dynamic rescaling is used to identify the type of the singularity and explore the investigation of observed blow-ups. For the numerical experimentations, an exponential time-differencing fourthorder Runge-Kutta method combined with a space-scheme based on the Fourier spectral method is used.
Measuring the Efficiency of Rice Production in Myanmar Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Rice production in Myanmar is constrained by biophysical and socioeconomic factors. Nonetheless, efficient farm practices can enhance productivity, farmersâ€™ profit, and the price and quality of marketed rice. This study analyzed the profitability and efficiency of rice production in the Ayeyarwaddy Region of Myanmar and identified the influencing socioeconomic characteristics and farm-specific characteristics. Primary data from 130 randomly sampled farmers in the Ayeyarwaddy Region were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and Tobit regression analysis. According to the average overall technical efficiency, farmers have an additional rice yield potential of 25 percent that can be attained by improving input utilization. The best practices benchmarked in the region showed that technical inefficiency is caused by excessive use of inputs, especially herbicides and animal power. Most rice farms in this study suffer from allocative and economic inefficiencies resulting from wrong combinations of input usages. The average economic efficiency level indicates that farmers can increase their profitability by 57 percent if they adapted to reduce input costs. Moreover, efficiency was significantly higher for farmers who were younger, better educated, more experienced, had access to agricultural extension services, and cultivated the Aye Yar Min variety. Efficiency can be improved by setting up farmersâ€™ cooperatives to increase the scale of operations. Moreover, the government should intervene to reduce input prices, control the quality of input seeds, and install an appropriate financial crop insurance mechanism. Effective and systematic agricultural extension services should be widespread to improve the efficiency and decision-making skills of rice farmers in the study area.
WHO EMRO | Predictors of adherence to antihypertensive medication in northern United Arab Emirates

This study aimed to assess the predictors of non-adherence to antihypertensive medications in northern United Arab Emirates. In a cross-sectional, multicentre study in Ajman Emirate, 250 patients with hypertension were randomly selected from outpatient clinics. Participants answered an interview questionnaire about sociodemographic and clinical data and completed the Morisky medication adherence scale. Non-adherence to antihypertensive medication was reported by 45.6% of patients. Sociodemographic predictors of non-adherence were sex and number of children. Therapy-related predictors of adherence were hospital admissions, number and cost of medications, medication perceived effectiveness and use of traditional remedies. Patient-related predictors of non-adherence were forgetfulness, method of identifying medication and poor awareness of hypertension complications. Health-care-related predictors were regular follow up at clinics, education and counselling, frequency of changing medication by physicians and awareness of physicians’ instructions.
Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine herpesvirus-1 infection in the region of Tiaret, Algeria

Abstract The bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) has a worldwide distribution. It is highly contagious and considered as the major pathogen in cattle herds. It is known to cause infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), abortion, infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IPV), and infectious balanoposthitis (IBP) that result in great loss for the livestock sector. A cross-sectional study was carried out between the period of July 2016 to October 2016 to determine the seroprevalence and identify risk factors associated with bovine herpesvirus-1. Information regarding herd management was recorded through personal interviews with farmers. In total, 184 animals were sampled from 21 herds. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the true prevalence was 31.17%. The multivariable random-effects logistic regression model revealed that animals aged between 2 and 5 years old were 12 times more likely to suffer IBR than younger animals ( 5 years) were 11.8 times more likely to suffer IBR than the younger ones (OR=12.84; p=0.011). However, there was no significant effect of the herd size and origin of animals on odds of being IBR seropositive (p=0.078 and p=0.079 respectively). Based on these results, epidemiological control and prevention measures must be put in place to reduce the prevalence of this disease and ultimately eradicate it. Keywords: infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), Tiaret, BoHV-1, risk factors, seroprevalence
The problem of paediatric patients in developing countries: do we actually know how to feed the malnourished children?

The problem of malnutrition affects both developed and developing countries. The disease-related malnutrition in hospitalised patients is well-described and the treatment recommendations reflect the health care conditions of developed countries. However the diagnosis and treatment of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is inconsistent both in the international and in the developing countries’ guidelines. The aim of this article is to start a discussion about the guidelines for the treatment and nutrition of malnourished infants and children in developing countries. The differences appear primarily in the hydration and nutritional status assessment, treatment of hypoglycaemia, additional supplementation and partly in nutrition itself. In general, we do know how to treat children with SAM, however the differences in the guidelines can cause a lot of difficulty in making decisions in emergencies, particularly for infants under 6 months.
A laboratory study of the use of lime stabilisation on contaminated and uncontaminated clays

This study presents the results of experimental research carried out to investigate the effects of lime treatment on naturally deposited kaolinite clay, containing quartz, and a contaminated clay, containing calcium sulfide and heavy metals, known as galligu. The efficacy of lime stabilisation may be evaluated using unconfined compressive strength (U CS) tests which were carried out for different lime contents (0%, 5% and 10% of the sample mass) and various curing times (7, 28 and 90 days). Chemical and mineralogical changes of the two clays were established using X - R ay diffraction (XRD) and X - Ray flu orescence (XRF) in order to establish their effect on the geotechnical properties of the stabilised materials. Lime stabilised clay demonstrated improved geotechnical characteristics including a drop in moisture content (the ratio of the mass of water to the mass of solids in soil), increase in bulk density (the weight of the soil in a given volume, in this case 1m 3 ) and decrease in air voids (pockets of air between aggregate particles in the soil). However the net geotechnical improvements in the natural clay were demonstrably less than the galligu, principally in terms of strength. Galligu as recovered has a high moisture content and the alkaline conditions were able to supply sufficient moisture and the optimum chemical environment for effective cation exchanges and pozzolanic reactions. For the natural clay the lime addition caused an increase in the optimum moisture needed for effective compaction, which was higher than the natural moisture content of the clay.
Prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Its Rifampicin Resistance among Patients Attending General Hospital Mararaba as a Case Study

Aims: To determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its Rifampicin resistance among patients attending General Hospital, Mararaba. Study Design: This was a descriptive health-based research that involved clinically suspected tuberculosis patients whose sputum samples were referred to General Hospital Mararaba for diagnosis. Place and Duration of Study: Department of tuberculosis, General Hospital Mararaba Nasarawa state between May to July 2019. Methodology: A total of 100 suspected TB patients of both male and female were included in the study. Two sputum samples from each patient were collected from these patients with sputum containers and samples were processed under level 3 biosafety cabinet by mixing with the reagent that was provided with the assay following manufacturer’s manual and thereafter, the cartridge containing this mixture was placed in the Gene Xpert machine. The processing of the sample is fully automated and takes less than two hours. Results: An overall prevalence of 21.5% was recorded for Mycobacterium tuberculosis with a rifampicin resistance rate of 65.11% among positive patients. The highest prevalence of infection was observed among the age group of above 40 years (40.0%), males (23.9%), self-employed people (25.6%), those living in a rural environment (31.8%) and those with informal education (35.7%). There was no statistically significant relationship between the prevalence of MTB to sex, marital status, education, employment and ethnicity (P>0.05). Environment factor was however significant (p<0.05). Highest frequency for rifampicin resistance was recorded in the age group 20-29(39.2%), (64.28%) in males, rural areas (57.14%), self-employed persons (57.14%) and single people (50.0%). Age about rifampicin resistance was significant (p<0.05) while sex, occupation, environment and rural areas were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its Rif-resistance amongst patients attending General Hospital, Mararaba is comparatively high and indicative of the rate at which tuberculosis and drug resistance is still resilient despite various methods put in place to control it.
The analysis of unplanned readmissions after left ventricular assist device implantation as bridge-to-transplant.

Background In this study, we aimed to investigate frequency, patterns, etiologies, and costs of unplanned readmissions after left ventricular assist device implantation. Methods Between April 2012 and September 2016, 99 unplanned readmissions of a total of 50 consecutive bridge-to-transplant patients (45 males, 5 females; mean age 46.9±10.3 years; range, 19 to 67 years) who were successfully discharged after left ventricular assist device implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographic data, hemodynamic measurements before implantation, and readmissions after discharge were recorded. Hospitalizations due to major problems which were unable to be managed in routine outpatient clinic were accepted as unplanned readmissions. Survival analysis was performed. Results The readmission rate was 1.7 per year after discharge. Survival of patients who were readmitted within the first 90 days was found to be significantly lower than those without early readmission. The most common reasons of readmissions during follow-up were major infection (23.2%), neurological dysfunction (22.2%), cardiac causes (12.1%), bleeding (11.1%), and device malfunction (10.1%). Neurological dysfunctions (82,005 USD) and device malfunctions (73,300 USD) caused the highest economic burden. Conclusion Among patients with a left ventricular assist device, hospital readmissions are common. Development of preventive strategies as well as effective treatment methods focused on longterm adverse events is critical to reduce the frequency and costs of hospital readmissions.
Neurourology and Urodynamics

Funding information National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Grant/ Award Number: DK110669; Interstitial Cystitis Association, Grant/Award Number: 2016 Pilot Award Abstract Aims: In the human brain, supplementary motor area (SMA) is involved in the control of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs). SMA dysfunction has been implicated in several disorders involving PFMs, including urinary incontinence and urologic pain. Here, we aimed to provide a proof‐of‐concept study to demonstrate the feasibility of modulating resting PFM activity (tone) as well as SMA activity with noninvasive stimulation of SMA. Methods: We studied six patients (3 women + 3 men) with Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was applied to SMA immediately after voiding. We tested two rTMS protocols: high‐ frequency (HF‐rTMS) which is generally excitatory, and low‐frequency (LF‐ rTMS) which is generally inhibitory. PFM activity was measured during rTMS using electromyography. Brain activity was measured immediately before and after rTMS using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The rTMS protocols had significantly different effects on resting activity in PFMs (P= 0.03): HF‐rTMS decreased and LF‐rTMS increased pelvic floor tone. SMA activity showed a clear trend (P= 0.06) toward the expected differential changes: HF‐rTMS increased and LF‐rTMS decreased SMA activity. Conclusions: We interpret the differential effects of rTMS at the brain and muscle level as novel support for an important inhibitory influence of SMA activity on pelvic floor tone after voiding. This preliminary study provides a framework for designing future studies to determine if neuromodulation of SMA could augment therapy for chronic urologic conditions.
Surma-Aho, Antti; Björklund, Tua; Hölttä-Otto, Katja Assessing the development of empathy and innovation attitudes in a project-based engineering design course

To develop innovative solutions that fit end-users, engineers must understand the end-users’ needs. This user-centered aspect of engineering innovation has been highlighted in recent design thinking literature, where the construct of empathy has received increasing attention. Anecdotal support has been found for the benefits of empathy in engineering, and many engineering design thinking courses today teach engineering students to empathize with end-users. However, transitioning from anecdotal to evidence-based education requires being able to measure and track the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that educators attempt to impart on students. Thus, this study measures the development of empathic tendencies and innovation attitudes in students, and explores correlations between the two. Data was collected by administering a self-report survey in January and June 2017 to 237 students participating in a global multidisciplinary design thinking course. The survey included subscales for empathic tendencies, innovation self-efficacy, and innovation interests. The responses were analyzed for differences in distribution between the two surveys, as well as for correlations between items. It was observed that the students’ empathic tendencies and confidence in experimenting and associative thinking grew (p < 0.03). Furthermore, the empathic tendency scores displayed weak but statistically significant correlation with interest towards planning and research activities (p < 0.05, τb > 0.2). This study is among the first to quantify the development of empathy and innovation attitudes in engineering education. The results indirectly repeat prior research on the development of innovation capabilities in the scope of individual engineering courses. However, there are some limitations regarding the applicability of the utilized survey instruments, thus requiring further research with larger amounts of data and a mixed-methods approach to generalize the results.
Faculty of Science THE IMPACTS OF URBANIZATION ON THE BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES OF MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES (POECILE GAMBELI) 2020 | COLTON

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iii LIST OF FIGURES . v LIST OF TABLES . v INTRODUCTION . 1 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 5 Mountain Chickadee nest and feather sampling . 5 Estimating urbanization. 7 DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing . 7 Statistical analyses. 9 Ethics Statement . 12 RESULTS . 12 Community composition and abundance of potential pathogens. 12 Bacteria dissimilarity and modelling . 16 Discriminant functions analysis . 19 DISCUSSION . 20 Community composition of feathers and nests . 20 Effects of urbanization on mountain chickadees and their nests . 23 Differences in urban classifications . 25 Detection of potential avian pathogens using community filtering . 11 Recommendations for future work . 26 Opportunities in urban ecology . Error! Bookmark not defined. LITERATURE CITED . 28 SUPPLEMENTAL DATA . 35 Urbanization Index . 35 Project Data and R Code . 35
Assessment of antibiotic self-medication practice among public in the northwestern region of Pakistan

Background Self-medication with antibiotics is a common practice, which may lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a major health concern worldwide. The most common reason for the development of AMR is a lack of education and regulatory policies and the lack of community pharmacists. Objective To assess various factors that lead to self-medication with antibiotics, which might cause AMR and hinder effective healthcare. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out using a predesigned questionnaire to collect data from 800 respondents. The respondents were selected by simple random sampling during November 2014 to January 2015 from different regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Only properly completed questionnaires were assessed for different variables. The collected data were analysed using SPSS V.16. Results 527 people completed and returned the questionnaire—a response rate of 66%. Self-medication with antibiotics was reported by 135 participants (26%), with a higher prevalence of men than women (48% vs 38%, respectively). The main reason for self-medication was previous experience with the same antibiotic (68%). The most commonly used antibiotics were amoxicillin-clavulanate (40%) and major indications for self-medication were sore throat (29%) and flu (24%). Of the 527 respondents, only 104 (20%) were aware of AMR. Conclusions This study is the first to evaluate self-medication with antibiotics in KPK, Pakistan. In view of the high prevalence of self-medication, introduction of a public health policy through drug regulatory authorities, public awareness programmes/campaigns, patient education about AMR and appropriate use of antibiotics are critically required. The role of community pharmacists needs to be strengthened.
Vortmeyer et al. Nervous system in VHL syndrome

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a tumor syndrome that frequently involves the central nervous system (CNS). It is caused by germline mutation of the VHL gene. Subsequent VHL inactivation in selected cells is followed by numerous well-characterized molecular consequences, in particular, activation and stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors HIF1 and HIF2. The link between VHL gene inactivation and tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. Hemangioblastomas are the most common manifestation in the CNS; however, CNS invasion by VHL disease-associated endolymphatic sac tumors or metastatic renal cancer also occur, and their differentiation from primary hemangioblastoma may be challenging. Finally, in this review, we present recent morphologic insights on the developmental concept of VHL tumorigenesis which is best explained by pathologic persistence of temporary embryonic progenitor cells. Received: 14 May 2015; Accepted after revision: 06 June 2015; Published: 11 June 2015 Author for correspondence: Alexander O. Vortmeyer MD, PhD, Yale School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Connecticut, USA. E-mail: alexander.vortmeyer@yale.edu How to cite: Vortmeyer AO, Alomari AK . Pathology of the Nervous System in Von Hippel-Lindau Disease. Journal of Kidney Cancer and VHL 2015;2(3):114-129. Doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.15586/jkcvhl.2015. 35