Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Precisão da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico para avaliação de defeitos ósseos periodontais

Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused by bacterial biofilm on the tooth surface, and it is characterized by gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, attachment loss and alveolar bone resorption. The correct assessment of the bone condition is critical to the diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis of periodontitis. The most used radiographs for periodontal diagnosis are periapical, bitewing and panoramic radiographs. However, the radiographs present limitations to the bi-dimensionality of these exams, which make their use limited. Recently, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been used when the radiographic examination does not provide the requerid information for periodontal treatment. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the precision of the CBCT in the measurement of periodontal bone defects when compared to the reference standard (in situ measurement). In this systematic review were selected the studies which the main objective was to evaluate the precision of the CBCT in the measurement of periodontal bone defects when compared the reference standard. The search was performed in four databases, and the studies were selected by two independent reviewers. The methodology of the selected studies was evaluated using the 14-item quality assessment tool for diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2). The quality of evidence and the strength of recommendation was assessed by GRADE (The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Tool, Development and Evaluation). The selection of the studies was performed in two phases. 16 articles were identified, and in seven studies the meta-analysis were performed. The results of the meta-analysis showed no statistical difference between the measurements of CBCT and in situ measurements for alveolar bone loss. In addition, it demonstrated a concordance of 82.82% between CBCT and in situ for the classification of the degree of furcation involvement. Based on a moderate level of evidence, it can be concluded that CBCT is especially useful in cases of furcation involvement, however, it only should be used in cases where clinical evaluation and conventional radiographic imaging do not provide the information necessary for an adequate diagnosis and proper periodontal treatment planning.
Abstract 3831: Development of near-infrared photoimmunotherapy targeting GD2-positive neuroblastoma

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a primary malignant tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. Despite the recent advances in the treatment of NB, patients with high-risk NB still have poor prognosis. Immunotherapy using anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), which binds to disialoganglioside GD2 on the surface of NB cells, has recently become a standard treatment for high-risk NB. However, the therapeutic efficacy of anti-GD2 mAb is insufficient in many clinical trials. Therefore, the enhancement of therapeutic potential of anti-GD2 mAb is needed to improve the clinical outcome of patients with high-risk NB. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a promising antitumor strategy to enhance the therapeutic potential of immunotherapy using an antibody-photoabsorber conjugate (APC). In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of anti-GD2-based NIR-PIT using anti-GD2 mAb conjugated to the photoabsorber IR700 (anti-GD2-IR700) in human NB cells. Methods: We used 3 human NB cell lines, including IMR-32, CHP-134 and SK-N-SH. The expression of GD2 on the cell surface of NB cells was analyzed by flow cytometric analysis. Anti-GD2-IR700 was synthesized by incubating anti-GD2 mAb and IR700. The mixture was purified with a Sephadex G50 column. The antitumor effect of anti-GD2-IR700 was evaluated using XTT assay. NB cells were incubated with anti-GD2-IR700, anti-GD2 mAb or PBS and NIR light was irradiated at 2.0J/cm2. Results: IMR-32 and CHP-134 cells, but not SK-N-SH cells, expressed GD2 protein on the cell surface. In GD2-positive IMR-32 and CHP-134 cells, administration of anti-GD2-IR700 significantly suppressed the cell viability compared to anti-GD2 mAb or PBS when combined with NIR light irradiation. In contrast, in GD2-negative SK-N-SH cells, anti-GD2-IR700 showed no significant inhibition of cell viability in combination with NIR light irradiation. Conclusion: These results suggest that NIR-PIT using an anti-GD2-IR700 is a promising antitumor strategy to promote the therapeutic efficacy of anti-GD2 immunotherapy for high-risk NB. Citation Format: Hiroshi Nouso, Hiroshi Tazawa, Terutaka Tanimoto, Morimichi Tani, Takanori Oyama, Hiroaki Sato, Kazuhiro Noma, Shunsuke Kagawa, Hisataka Kobayashi, Takuo Noda, Toshiyoshi Fujiwara. Development of near-infrared photoimmunotherapy targeting GD2-positive neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3831.
The influence of propofol and sevoflurane on hemostasis: a rotational thromboelastographic study

Received: July 4, 2014. Revised: 1st, July 25, 2014; 2nd, September 3, 2014. Accepted: September 11, 2014. Corresponding author: Hyo-Seok Na, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 463-707, Korea. Tel: 82-31-787-7507, Fax: 82-31-787-4063, E-mail: hsknana@ gmail.com Background: Using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) analysis, we investigated the difference in blood hemostasis, based on the primary anesthetic agents used during general anesthesia. Methods: Sixty-six adult patients scheduled for elective ophthalmic surgery under general anesthesia were evaluated with regard to changes in each parameter in INTEM, EXTEM, and FIBTEM analyses. The patients received intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil (TIVA group) or inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane (SEVO group). The ROTEM tests were performed 10 min before starting anesthesia and 1 h after finishing anesthesia. The INTEM and EXTEM analyses included the clotting time (CT), clot firmness time (CFT), alpha angle (α), and maximum clot firmness (MCF). The FIBTEM analyzed only MCF. Maximum clot elasticity (MCE) was calculated by (MCF × 100) ÷ (100 − MCF). The platelet component of clot strength was calculated as follows: MCEplatelet = MCEEXTEM − MCEFIBTEM. Results: The preoperative and postoperative parameters (CT, CFT, α , and MCF) in the INTEM, EXTEM, and FIBTEM analyses were not significantly different between the two groups. The MCEplatelet also did not show a significant difference. Conclusions: Presuming that the ophthalmic surgery had a minimal traumatic effect, we conclude that both anesthetic agents cause negligible changes in ROTEM analyses postoperatively. (Anesth Pain Med 2014; 9: 292-297)
Health-related quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction : trends and predictors

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1.1. Background of the study 1.1.1. Cardiovascular disease: a global challenge 1.1.2. Myocardial infarction (MI) 1.1.3. Management of myocardial infarction 1.1.4. Quality of life (QoL) 1.1. 5. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 1.2. Significance of the study 1.3. Conceptual framework 1.4. Study objectives
Teaching Caring Nursing to RN-BSN Students Using Simulation Technology

Teaching caring in nursing is critical to nursing practice. Nineteen RN-BSN students completed the Caring Behaviors Inventory in a pre-testlpost-test research design. The technological competency as caring in nursing theory supported the simulation intervention. The findings of the study revealed nurse caring behaviors increased post-intervention. The caring behavior “attentively listening to the patient” received highest starting and ending means. The caring dimensions of positive connectedness and professional knowledge and skill corresponded to the highest and lowest weighted means. The study provides quantitative support for teaching caring nursing and influencing nurse caring behaviors using simulation technology. Nursing implications are discussed.
Smoking and Smoking Cessation in those with Mental Health Difficulties in Ireland

ing data relating to admission and discharge dates, primary diagnosis at baseline admission (206), medical history, prescribed medications (in order to review the complexity of drug interactions with smoking); smoking status and smoking cessation advice or assistance (including relevant prescriptions [NRT, bupropion, varenicline, etc.]). Casenotes were paper-based, and recording of smoking status/care, where present, was not always in the same place. All documents within the 12 months preceding baseline interview were therefore reviewed as well as documents relating to the 3 months between baseline and follow-up in the case of respondents for whom a follow-up interview was completed. Where multiple admissions had occurred within the study period historical files were also requested and reviewed. For 3 of the 77 participants, complete casenotes for all admissions within the study period could not be located and so only partial review was possible. Data relating to smoking cessation care was coded in order to best capture documented reports of delivered cessation care. Coding resulting in the following variables which captured documented instances of:  Smoking cessation advice  Advice to cut-down  Advice to cut-down/quit
Promoting uptake of flexible sigmoidoscopy 'bowel scope' screening at St Mark's Hospital in London

In March 2013, NHS England extended its national bowel cancer screening programme to include once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy (‘bowel scope’) screening for men and women aged 55. Since roll-out of the programme began, uptake has been low and inequitable, with people living in the most deprived areas being the least likely to take part in screening. This thesis examines uptake at St Mark’s Hospital, a centre which serves a socioeconomically diverse population with below average uptake, and goes on to describe the development and evaluation of an intervention targeted at those who do not participate. Study 1 identifies and describes possible targets for intervention. The results of the study informed the design of a self-referral reminder letter and theory-based information leaflet to be sent to individuals who did not attend bowel scope screening (BSS) within one year of their original invitation. Study 2 describes a test of the intervention’s feasibility, with results demonstrating its potential to increase BSS uptake. Study 3 examines the effectiveness of the reminder letter and theory-based leaflet by comparing uptake against appropriate controls, namely: no reminder or the designed reminder letter sent with the standard information booklet used by the National Health Service. The results of the randomised controlled trial (RCT) demonstrate that uptake was significantly higher among the two groups receiving the reminder, with the group receiving the theory-based leaflet showing the highest rate of uptake. In Study 4, the materials were re-sent to those who had not attended BSS within 24 months of their initial invitation. The results of this extension to the RCT corroborate the outcome of the first reminder. This series of studies demonstrates the usefulness of additional reminders in the BSS programme, which is discussed alongside other implications for policy in the discussion of this thesis.
Brief Research Report: The Feasibility of Expiratory Resistive Loading Using the Threshold Inspiratory Muscle Training Device

Purpose: Expiratory muscle training (EMT) has substantial clinical utility in many different populations. We hypothesized that the expiratory pressures of the Threshold IMT used in reverse will reflect the pressures calibrated for inspiratory muscle training (IMT) which would enable both IMT and EMT to be performed using the same device. Methods: Two experiments were performed to compare the Threshold IMT device‐in‐reverse pressure to that of the actual pressure measured under 2 separate conditions including manually generated expiratory flow using a bagmask valve device and expiratory flow generated by 6 healthy subjects. Results: The first experiment examining the effects of airflow introduced via bag found that the pressure quickly achieved the calibrated pressure and then decreased slightly, but maintained a pressure similar to that calibrated on the Threshold IMT device. The second experiment found results similar to the first trial, but with greater maintenance of the Threshold IMT device calibrated pressure. No significant difference was observed between the Threshold IMT device‐in‐reverse pressures to those that were measured directly during both experiments. Conclusion: The calibrated pressures of the Threshold IMT used in reverse reflect the pressures calibrated for IMT which enables both IMT and EMT to be performed using the same device.
A study of the molecular pathways of wood formation using peptide mass spectrometry

Wood consists essentially of secondary plant cell walls, composed of a cellulose and hemicellulose network impregnated with lignin. It is formed via the development of derivatives of a thin layer of cells (the vascular cambium) into xylem cells through cell division, expansion, secondary wall formation, lignification and, finally, programmed cell death. Throughout the formation of the resulting, complex matrix (wood) diverse proteins are involved. Hence, biosynthesis of wood is tightly regulated at the molecular level, primarily by transcriptional regulation, together with various post-transcriptional processes. In the studies this thesis is based upon, a key technique for studying proteins, liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, was used to elucidate pathways of wood formation. First, proteins involved in the central transcriptional unit Mediator, regulating most essential processes in plants, were identified in arabidopsis. Mediator subunits that most likely provide secondary cell wall activity are differentiated paralogous subunits located in the tail part of the complex. Point mutations in the Mediator tail subunit, Med5#2 affect secondary cell wall lignification. Moreover, control of xylem expansion may be indirectly regulated by Med25. A strategy to integrate transcript-, protein- and metabolite-data was then developed, using data acquired from analyses of poplar mutants with perturbed wood development. The results showed that lignin biosynthesis is heavily affected at both transcript and protein levels in the mutant with the strongest phenotypic deviations. Interestingly, when transcript levels are decreased, the protein levels are increased. Finally, the front of cell wall synthesis at poplar plasma membranes was dissected. A high coverage of proteins known to be involved in the cell wall synthesizing machinery and associated components was captured, as well as several potential new ones.
The development and testing of a novel intervention (Mii-vitaliSe) to support people with Multiple Sclerosis to be active - a pilot evaluation.

Title: The development and testing of a novel intervention (Mii-vitaliSe) to support people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to be active - a pilot evaluation. Background: There are many benefits of physical activity for people with MS, but also barriers to participation. Active home gaming might help to maintain enthusiasm to exercise over the longer term. Pilot research in the USA suggested the Wii™ can be used safely at home by mobile people with MS. Aims: To develop and conduct preliminary testing of a home-based physiotherapist-supported Wii™ intervention (Mii-vitaliSe) for people with MS. Trial design: A mixed method study incorporating service user involvement throughout. Mii- vitaliSe (incorporates off-the-shelf Wii™ software, physiotherapist support and resource materials) was developed and piloted. Methods: A mixed methods wait-list parallel arm randomised controlled trial. Thirty ambulatory people with moderate MS were randomised to receive Mii-vitaliSe (incorporating off-the-shelf Wii™ software, physiotherapist support and resource materials) either immediately (for 12 months) or after a 6 month delay (for 6 months). Outcomes included assessments of balance, gait, mobility, hand dexterity, activity levels and adherence at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Interviews (n=25) sought participants’ experiences of taking part and physiotherapists’ (n=2) feedback. Results: Recruitment (31%), screening and data collection (97% complete data at six months) procedures worked well and participants found randomisation to a delayed group acceptable. Preliminary estimates of effect size were calculated for the outcome measures and the largest (d=0.41) positive effect found for the iTUG (instrumented Timed Up and Go). On average participants used the Wii™ twice a week for 30 minutes. Some continued to use the Wii™ for 12 months. Support and advice from the intervention resources were perceived to be helpful and a range of physical and psychological benefits reported. Conclusions: A novel intervention using the Wii™ has been developed and undergone feasibility testing. Mii-vitaliSe offers a way for people with MS to increase physical activity levels but requires further development and evaluation. Trial registration number: ISRCTN42534180 Funding: The study was funded by a project grant awarded by the UK Multiple Sclerosis Society (Reference number 933/10).
Airway Inflammation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and Asthma: The United Airways Concept Further Supported

Background It has been established that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) often have co-existing asthma. Objective We aimed to test two hypotheses: (i) upper and lower airway inflammation in CRSwNP is uniform in agreement with the united airways concept; and (ii) bronchial inflammation exists in all CRSwNP patients irrespective of clinical asthma status. Methods We collected biopsies from nasal polyps, inferior turbinates and bronchi of 27 CRSwNP patients and 6 controls. All participants were evaluated for lower airway disease according to international guidelines. Inflammatory cytokines were investigated using a Th1/Th2 assay including 14 chemokines and cytokines; tissue concentrations were normalized according to tissue weight and total protein concentration. Individual cytokines and multivariate inflammatory profiles were compared between biopsy sites and between patients and controls. Results We found significantly higher concentrations of Th2 cytokines in nasal polyps compared to inferior turbinate and bronchial biopsies. In addition, we showed that the inflammatory profile of nasal polyps and bronchial biopsies correlated significantly (p<0.01). From the Th2 cytokines measured, IL-13 was significantly increased in bronchial biopsies from CRSwNP patients with, but not without asthma. Conclusion Our findings support the united airways concept; however, we did not find evidence for subclinical bronchial inflammation in CRSwNP patients without asthma. Finally, this study indicates for the first time that nasal polyps potentially play an important role in the airway inflammation rather than being a secondary phenomenon.
Correlaes audiomtricas do questionrio de handicap auditivo para adultos

PURPOSE: to check the relations between self-perceived hearing handicap (participation restriction), audiometric findings and socio-demographic data in hearing impaired adults and compare the results between men and women. METHODS: 113 adults with post lingual sensorineural bilateral hearing loss of varying degrees took part in the study. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) was applied in the interview format. We obtained the correlation coefficient between total HHIA as well as the "social" one and "emotional" subscales scores with the mean audiometric thresholds (ISO, low, medium and high frequencies) and speech recognition thresholds (SRT). The HHIA scores were also correlated with the duration of deafness, educational level and socio-economic status. The HHIA scores between men and women were compared by means of the Student t test. RESULTS: weak but significant correlations were obtained between audiometric data and HHIA scores. There was no correlation between duration of deafness, educational level and socioeconomic status with HHIA scores. There was no significant difference in scores between men and women. CONCLUSION: data from this study reinforce the need for using an instrument for evaluating the participation restriction, since it cannot be inferred from the audiometric data and/or socio-demographic factors.
Prokaryotic expression and characterisation of recombinant M1 protein of an Indian H5N1 avian influenza virus

The type specific Matrix 1 (M1) protein of an Indian H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) was expressed as a histidine- tagged fusion protein in a prokaryotic expression system and characterized. The M1 gene was amplified by reverse transcription PCR using appropriately designed primers and cloned into the expression vector, pET28a (+). The orientation and reading frame of the recombinant expression construct (pET-M1) was confirmed by sequence analysis. The derived amino acid sequence homology between M1 of AIV H5N1 and other reference AIV subtypes was found to be 93.7% to 99.2%. The 33kDA recombinant M1 (rM1) protein was expressed as inclusion body after induction with 1 mM IPTG in E. coli BL21 (DE3)pLysS cells. The protein was purified to near homogeneity by affinity chromatography using Ni- NTA agarose column. The yield of the purified rM1 was found to be 2 mg/100 ml of induced culture. The rM1 was found to react specifically with H1-H15 AIV subtype specific sera in Western blot. The results indicated that the purified rM1 protein could be used as antigen for detection of type specific AIV antibodies by immunoassays.
Sensitivity and specificity of normalized truncated navicular height in assessment of static foot posture in children aged 6–12 years

Background: Normalized truncated navicular height (NTNH) is a non-invasive, easy to perform, and simple clinical measure of static foot posture. However, its sensitivity and specificity in evaluation of the static foot posture in children have not been investigated yet. Objective: To investigate the intra-rater reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of NTNH in evaluation of the static foot posture in children using radiographic measure as a gold standard measure. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a random sample of 300 school children aged 6–12 years old. Intra-rater reliability, minimal detectable change, sensitivity, and specificity of NTNH were investigated. NTNH as a clinical measure of static foot posture was calculated and compared to the radiographic measure and displayed on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: NTNH demonstrated an intra-rater reliability of ICC=0.98. The sensitivity and specificity of NTNH were 88.1% and 99.5%, respectively. The optimal cutoff point for the diagnosis of flat foot using NTNH in children aged 6–12 years is NTNH ≤0.19. Conclusion: NTNH is a sensitive and specific measure of static foot posture in the children aged 6–12 years. It is recommended to be used as a screening measure of static foot posture in children as it is easy, simple to perform, and a non-invasive clinical measure.