Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Temperature and Vacuum Mixing on Bone Cement Properties

To analyze the influence of varying viscosity and mixing temperature (22° C and 6° C) on macro- and microporosity, density, and compressive strength in vacuum mixed bone cement, high, medium, and low viscosity cement were mixed in 2 vacuum mixing systems and compared with bowl mixing at atmospheric pressure. At 22° C, vacuum mixing significantly reduced void volume to less than approximately 3 per mill. The reduction was most pronounced in low viscosity cement. Microporosity also was reduced in all cements by vacuum mixing and to highest degree in low viscosity cement. At 6° C the reduction of micropores was more pronounced in high viscosity cement. In medium and especially low viscosity cement, the prechilling gave an increased number of micropores. Cement density also was significantly reduced in low viscosity cement at 6° C. Vacuum mixing significantly increased compressive strength by approximately 15% in all cement types (30 days). The temperature did not significantly influence compressive strength, but low viscosity cement generally was stronger when mixed at 22° C. It is concluded that vacuum mixing improves cement quality. However, the temperature influences the final result; in particular, low viscosity cement should not be mixed after prechilling to 6° C.
Diagnostic efficacy of microscopy, rapid diagnostic test and polymerase chain reaction for malaria using bayesian latent class analysis

Introduction: The diagnostic techniques for malaria are undergoing a change depending on the availability of newer diagnostics and annual parasite index of infection in a particular area. At the country level, guidelines are available for selection of diagnostic tests; however, at the local level, this decision is made based on malaria situation in the area. The tests are evaluated against the gold standard, and if that standard has limitations, it becomes difficult to compare other available tests. Bayesian latent class analysis computes its internal standard rather than using the conventional gold standard and helps comparison of various tests including the conventional gold standard. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital setting, we have evaluated smear microscopy, rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of malaria using Bayesian latent class analysis. Results: We found the magnitude of malaria to be 17.7% (95% confidence interval: 12.5%–23.9%) among the study subjects. In the present study, the sensitivity of microscopy was 63%, but it had very high specificity (99.4%). Sensitivity and specificity of RDT and PCR were high with RDT having a marginally higher sensitivity (94% vs. 90%) and specificity (99% vs. 95%). On comparison of likelihood ratios (LRs), RDT had the highest LR for positive test result (175) and the lowest LR for negative test result (0.058) among the three tests. Conclusion: In settings like ours conventional smear microscopy may be replaced with RDT and as we move toward elimination and facilities become available PCR may be roped into detect cases with lower parasitaemia.
An analysis of the decision-making process for single implant treatment in general practice.

PURPOSE To study the frequency of and factors associated with the decision to perform single implant treatment after tooth extraction by general practitioners in a private, fee-for-service setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred practitioners with a general dental practice in Ghent were randomly selected. Clinicians were asked to fill in a study form for every single extraction they performed during an 8-week period. The form related to the treatment decision and a number of patient- and clinician-related factors. RESULTS Ninety-four general dentists (52 men, 42 women; mean age 49; range 24-68) agreed to participate and extracted 1180 single teeth. After exclusion of third molars and cases where the reason for tooth loss would generally prohibit replacement, 900 cases were identified. In 24% of these patients, there was no treatment decision and in 18% replacement was deemed unnecessary. When replacement was necessary (n = 526), removable partial denture (RPD), fixed partial denture (FPD), single implant treatment and resin-bonded bridge were chosen in 54%, 24%, 21% and 1% of the patients, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the decision-making process for single implant treatment against RPD and FPD. In relation to RPD, single implant treatment was more likely in highly educated patients with few missing teeth and no bone loss at adjacent teeth. In relation to FPD, single implant treatment was more likely in patients with intact adjacent teeth and when the tooth was extracted by a female dentist. Experience in implant prosthetics was positively associated with single implant treatment in all analyses. CONCLUSIONS Single implant treatment is not the most common procedure in daily practice to restore a single tooth gap. Patient's education, oral factors and clinician-related factors may affect the decision-making process, whereas medical factors may not.
The Personal Experience of Pregnancy for African-American Women

This study describes the personal experiences of pregnancy for African-American women. Data were obtained from two group interviews with four African-American nurse-midwives who had experienced pregnancy and had extensive professional experience in the provision of health care services to pregnant African Americans. Three major themes were constructed from the interview narratives. The first concerned the experience of pregnancy as a transition experience from childhood to adulthood and from womanhood to motherhood, involving heightened senses of maturity, self-esteem, and intimacy. The second identified stresses experienced by African-American women, including the lack of material resources and emotional support. The last theme concerned the provision of effective support in pregnancy. The significance of interpersonal relationships with the pregnant women’s mothers, other significant women, and their partners was described. Implications for practice included suggestions for the provision of effective emotional support from health care professionals such as attentive listening and the elimination of environmental factors that communicate lowered personal value.
Cognition and mortality in older people: the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study.

BACKGROUND Both cognitive ability and cognitive decline have been shown to predict mortality in older people. As dementia, a major form of cognitive decline, has an established association with shorter survival, it is unclear the extent to which cognitive ability and cognitive decline predict mortality in the absence of dementia. OBJECTIVE To determine whether cognitive ability and decline in cognitive ability predict mortality in older individuals without dementia. DESIGN The Sydney Memory and Ageing Study is an observational population-based cohort study. Participants completed detailed neuropsychological assessments and medical examinations to assess for risk factors such as depression, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking and physical activity. Participants were regularly assessed at 2-year intervals over 8 years. SETTING A community sample in Sydney, Australia. SUBJECTS One thousand and thirty-seven elderly people without dementia. RESULTS Overall, 236 (22.8%) participants died within 8 years. Both cognitive ability at baseline and decline in cognitive ability over 2 years predicted mortality. Decline in cognitive ability, but not baseline cognitive ability, was a significant predictor of mortality when depression and other medical risk factors were controlled for. These relationships also held when excluding incident cases of dementia. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that decline in cognition is a robust predictor of mortality in older people without dementia at a population level. This relationship is not accounted for by co-morbid depression or other established biomedical risk factors.
Synthesis and characterization of macroporous chitosan/calcium phosphate composite scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Chitosan scaffolds reinforced by beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and calcium phosphate invert glass were fabricated with a low-cost, bioclean freeze-drying technique via thermally induced phase separation. The microstructure, mechanical performance, biodegradation, and bioactivity of the scaffolds were studied. The composite scaffolds were macroporous, and the pore structures of the scaffolds with beta-TCP and the glass appeared very different. Both the compressive modulus and yield strength of the scaffolds were greatly improved, and reinforced microstructures were achieved. The bioactivity tests showed a continuous decrease in both Ca and P concentrations of a simulated body fluid (SBF) after the scaffolds with beta-TCP were immersed in the SBF for more than 20 h, which suggests that an apatite layer might be formed on the scaffolds. However, the same was not observed for the pure chitosan scaffolds or the scaffolds incorporated with the glass. This was further confirmed by micrographs from scanning electron microscopy. This study suggests that the desirable pore structure, biodegradation rate, and bioactivity of the composite scaffolds might be achieved through controlling the ratio of chitosan and calcium phosphates or beta-TCP and the glass.
Correlates of Risky Alcohol Use Among Women From Appalachian Ohio

Women from Appalachian regions of the United States face a number of health-related disparities, including mental health and substance misuse. Alcohol misuse is a significant public health concern among women in the United States, associated with numerous adverse consequences for the woman, her unborn children, and any children in her care, yet data on correlates of risky alcohol use is limited among women from Appalachian Ohio. The current study examines the prevalence and predictors of risky alcohol use (e.g., heavy episodic drinking) in 2,349 women from 18 clinics in the Community Awareness Resources and Education I (CARE I) study in Appalachian Ohio. Alcohol use history was collected over the past 30 days. Regression models were employed to identify predictors of heavy episodic drinking. Results indicate that 20% of the current sample reported heavy episodic drinking. Being an emerging adult (18–26 years), single, a current smoker, and reporting a history of 4 or more partners were independently associated with heavy episodic drinking. Self-identifying as Appalachian was not protective or predictive of heavy episodic drinking. Further research identifying risk factors and enhancing protective factors will inform culturally competent preventive efforts, particularly for emerging adult women from Appalachian Ohio at risk for alcohol misuse and associated morbidities.
The Effects of 3 Years of Calcium Supplementation on Common Carotid Artery Intimal Medial Thickness and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Older Women: An Ancillary Study of the CAIFOS Randomized Controlled Trial

Calcium is an essential nutrient for skeletal health; however, it has been suggested that supplemental calcium may be associated with adverse cardiovascular effects, raising widespread concern about their use. One suggested mechanism is via increasing carotid atherosclerosis, however few randomized controlled trials (RCT) of calcium supplements have assessed these mechanisms. The calcium intake fracture outcome study (CAIFOS) was a 5‐year RCT (1998 to 2003) of 1.2 g of elemental calcium in the form of calcium carbonate in 1460 elderly women. An ancillary study of 1103 women assessed common carotid artery intimal medial thickness (CCA‐IMT) and carotid atherosclerosis at year 3 (2001). The effects of supplementation were studied in intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses before and after adjustment for baseline cardiovascular risk factors. The mean age of participants at baseline was 75.2 ± 2.7 years. In ITT analyses, women randomized to calcium supplementation had no difference in multivariable‐adjusted mean CCA‐IMT (calcium 0.778 ± 0.006 mm, placebo 0.783 ± 0.006 mm, p = 0.491) and maximum CCA‐IMT (calcium 0.921 ± 0.007 mm, placebo 0.929 ± 0.006 mm, p = 0.404). Women randomized to calcium did not have increased carotid atherosclerosis (calcium 47.2%, placebo 52.7%, p = 0.066). However, in women taking at least 80% of the supplements, a significant reduction in carotid atherosclerosis was observed in unadjusted but not in multivariate‐adjusted models (p = 0.033 and p = 0.064, respectively). Participants in the highest tertile of total calcium (diet and supplements) had reduced carotid atherosclerosis in unadjusted and multivariable‐adjusted analyses compared with participants in the lowest tertile (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50–0.90], p = 0.008, and OR = 0.70 [95% CI 0.51–0.96], p = 0.028, respectively). In conclusion, these findings do not support the hypothesis that calcium supplementation increases carotid artery intimal medial thickness or carotid atherosclerosis, and high calcium intake may reduce this surrogate cardiovascular risk factor. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A new process for self-aligned silicon-on-insulator with block oxide and its memory application for 1T-DRAM

This paper proposes a new self-aligned process to form the silicon-on-insulator with block oxide. Based on the TCAD simulation, we have proved that the new process can get excellent short-channel effects immunity compared to the previous process [1]. Also, the new process can overcome the problem of the previous one, which can not be used on the thin BOX devices, so that the application of the block oxide can be applied extensively. In addition, we study how the height of the block oxide affects the devices performance in detail. Finally, we demonstrate a novel floating body cell using block oxide for 1T-DRAM application and its memory characteristics, large programming window and low leakage, are better than the conventional counterpart.
Risk factor analysis for metaplastic gastritis in Koreans.

AIM To conduct a retrospective study to determine the risk factors for development of metaplastic gastritis in Korean population. METHODS The database of 113449 subjects who underwent a gastroscopy for the purpose of a regular check-up at center for health promotion, Samsung medical center during 5 years was collected and retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 5847 subjects who had endoscopically diagnosed as a metaplastic gastritis or 10076 normal as well as answered to questionnaire were included for present study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups; Group I, normal and Group II, metaplastic gastritis. Age, gender, Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) seropositivity, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, smoking, alcohol consumption, total daily calories, folate and salt intake and dietary habit (out-eating, overeating, irregular eating) were retrieved from questionnaire or electronic medical record and compared between group I and group II. RESULTS The prevalence of group II was 11% (13578/113449) increasing its prevalence with age (P = 0.000). But, there was no significant association between 2 groups in BMI, family history of cancer, alcohol consumption, total daily calories, folate and salt intake and dietary habit (out-eating, overeating, irregular eating). Old age (P=0.000), male gender (P = 0.000), H pylori seropositivity (P = 0.010) and current smoker (P = 0.000) were significantly more common in group II at multiple logistic regression model. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that old age, male gender, H pylori seropositivity and smoking were risk factors for metaplastic gastritis, precancerous lesion of gastric cancer.
Age-related decrease of GABAA receptor subunits and glutamic acid decarboxylase in the rat inferior colliculus

A selective age-related decrease in both the protein and mRNA levels of the most abundant GABAA receptor subunits has been revealed in the rat inferior colliculus. The number (not affinity) of the native and fully assembled GABAA receptors assayed by 3H-muscimol binding was also decreased (35–49%). The decrease in GABA receptors was accompanied by a decrease in the protein and mRNA of the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase. No other region of the rat brain showed such large age-related changes in these GABAergic synaptic molecules. Specific antibodies and riboprobes in conjunction with a computerized image analysis system were used to quantify immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. In old Sprague-Dawley rats, the combination of beta 2 and beta 3 peptide subunits was reduced 55%, while the beta 2 and beta 3 mRNAs were decreased 31% and 22%, respectively. The gamma 2S and gamma 2L subunit proteins decreased 43% and 21%, respectively, while the gamma 2 mRNA, including both short and long forms, was reduced 61%. The alpha 1 subunit protein was decreased 28%, whereas the alpha 1 mRNA decreased 40%. The glutamic acid decarboxylase protein was reduced 62% while GAD65 mRNA decreased 42%. Similar age-related changes were also observed in the inferior colliculus of Fischer-344 rats. In contrast, no changes were observed in the level of expression of some glial and/or neuronal proteins such as S-100, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and 160 KDa neurofilament protein in the inferior colliculus. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A concise radiosynthesis of the tau radiopharmaceutical, [(18) F]T807.

Fluorine-18 labeled 7-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole ([(18) F]T807) is a potent and selective agent for imaging paired helical filaments of tau and is among the most promising PET radiopharmaceuticals for this target in early clinical trials. The present study reports a simplified one-step method for the synthesis of [(18) F]T807 that is broadly applicable for routine clinical production using a GE TRACERlab™ FXFN radiosynthesis module. Key facets of our optimized radiosynthesis include development and use of a more soluble protected precursor, tert-butyl 7-(6-nitropyridin-3-yl)-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole-5-carboxylate, as well as new HPLC separation conditions that enable a facile one-step synthesis. During the nucleophilic fluorinating reaction with potassium cryptand [(18) F]fluoride (K[(18) F]/K222 ) in DMSO at 130 °C over 10 min the precursor is concurrently deprotected. Formulated [(18) F]T807 was prepared in an uncorrected radiochemical yield of 14 ± 3%, with a specific activity of 216 ± 60 GBq/µmol (5837 ± 1621 mCi/µmol) at the end of synthesis (60 min; n = 3) and validated for human use. This methodology offers the advantage of faster synthesis in fewer steps, with simpler automation that we anticipate will facilitate widespread clinical use of [(18) F]T807.
Clinical Impact of Cystatin C/Cathepsin L and Follistatin/Activin A Systems in Breast Cancer Progression: A Preliminary Report

ABSTRACT This study was directed to assess the clinical impact of the circulating cathepsin L, cystatin C, activin A, and follistatin in breast cancer patients. The serum concentrations of these molecules were determined by immunoenzymatic assays, and their association with some clinico-pathological parameters of breast cancer progression was evaluated. Our results identified cystatin C and activin A as predictive markers for the presence of breast cancer and bone metastasis, respectively. Therefore, these proteins may have a clinical role as circulating biomarkers in the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of breast cancer patients.
A method for stable electrical connection of a multi-channeled polyimide electrode with PCB

We propose a novel packaging method of a thin polyimide multichannel microelectrode. For the simple electrical connection of polyimide (PI) electrodes, we made a via-hole at the interconnection pads of thin PI electrodes, and constructed a Ni ring by electroplating through the via-hole for the stable soldering and strong adhesion of the electrode to PCB. For the construction of a well-organized Ni ring, the electroplating condition was optimized, and the electrical property of the packaged electrode was evaluated. A 40 channel thin PI electrode was fabricated and packaged by the proposed method, and we performed the animal experiment with this packaged electrode for the high-resolution recording of neural signals from the skull of a rat.
Enhanced ‘Reading the Mind in the Eyes’ in borderline personality disorder compared to healthy controls

Background Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is partly characterized by chronic instability in interpersonal relationships, which exacerbates other symptom dimensions of the disorder and can interfere with treatment engagement. Facial emotion recognition paradigms have been used to investigate the bases of interpersonal impairments in BPD, yielding mixed results. We sought to clarify and extend past findings by using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), a measure of the capacity to discriminate the mental state of others from expressions in the eye region of the face. Method Thirty individuals diagnosed with BPD were compared to 25 healthy controls (HCs) on RMET performance. Participants were also assessed for depression severity, emotional state at the time of assessment, history of childhood abuse, and other Axis I and personality disorders (PDs). Results The BPD group performed significantly better than the HC group on the RMET, particularly for the Total Score and Neutral emotional valences. Effect sizes were in the large range for the Total Score and for Neutral RMET performance. The results could not be accounted for by demographics, co-occurring Axis I or II conditions, medication status, abuse history, or emotional state. However, depression severity partially mediated the relationship between RMET and BPD status. Conclusions Mental state discrimination based on the eye region of the face is enhanced in BPD. An enhanced sensitivity to the mental states of others may be a basis for the social impairments in BPD.
Studying Adolescence

Young people in their teens constitute the largest age group in the world, in a special stage recognized across the globe as the link in the life cycle between childhood and adulthood. Longitudinal studies in both developed and developing countries and better measurements of adolescent behavior are producing new insights. The physical and psychosocial changes that occur during puberty make manifest generational and early-childhood risks to development, in the form of individual differences in aspects such as growth, educational attainment, self-esteem, peer influences, and closeness to family. They also anticipate threats to adult health and well-being. Multidisciplinary approaches, especially links between the biological and the social sciences, as well as studies of socioeconomic and cultural diversity and determinants of positive outcomes, are needed to advance knowledge about this stage of development.