Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) Method for the Assessment of Optimal Treatment Timing in Dentofacial Orthopedics

The present study introduces a further modified version of the Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) method for the detection of the peak in mandibular growth, based on the analysis of the second through fourth cervical vertebrae in a single cephalogram. The morphology of the bodies of the second (C2 –odontoid process), third (C3), and fourth (C4) cervical vertebrae were analyzed in 6 consecutive cephalometric observations (T1 through T6) of 30 orthodontically untreated subjects. Observations for each subject consisted of two consecutive cephalograms comprising the interval of maximum mandibular growth (as assessed by means of the maximum increment in total mandibular length, Condylion –Gnathion: Co-Gn), together with two earlier consecutive cephalograms and two later consecutive cephalograms. The analysis consisted of both visual and cephalometric appraisals of morphological characteristics of the three cervical vertebrae. The construction of this new modified version of the CVM method was based on the results of both ANOVA for repeated measures with post hoc Scheffe’s test (P < 0.05) and discriminant analysis. The new clinically improved CVM method is comprised of six maturational stages (cervical stage 1 through cervical stage 6, ie, CS1 through CS6). CS1 and CS2 are prepeak stages; the peak in mandibular growth occurs between CS3 and CS4. CS6 is recorded at least 2 years after the peak. The use of the CVM method enables the clinician to identify optimal timing for the treatment of a series of dentoskeletal disharmonies in all three planes of space.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the black field cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus

Abstract In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the black field cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus, with the total length of 15 660 bp is determined for the first time. This mitochondrial genome harbors 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), and one control region (D-loop). The overall base composition is A (40.44%), C (17.12%), G (9.84%), and T (32.60%), so the slight A–T bias (73.04%) was detected. Phylogenetic analysis showed that T. oceanicus is closely related to T. emma that is also a member of the genus Teleogryllus.
HOW WE TEACH Classroom and Laboratory Research Projects Classical and novel pharmacological insights offered by the simple chick cardiomyocyte cell culture model: a valuable teaching aid and a primer for “real” research

Freestone NS, CL. Classical and novel pharmacological insights offered by the simple chick cardiomyocyte cell culture model: a valuable teaching aid and a primer for “real” research. Adv Physiol Educ 41: 163–169, chick embryo cardiomyocyte model of cell culture is a staple technique in many physiology and pharmacology laboratories. Despite the relative simplicity, robustness, and reproducibility inherent in this model, it can be used in a variety of ways to yield important new insights that help facilitate student understanding of underlying physiological and pharmacological concepts as well as, more generally, the scientiﬁc method. Using this model, this paper will show real data obtained by undergraduate students in the authors’ laboratories. It will ﬁrst demonstrate classical pharmacological concepts such as full and partial agonism, inverse agonism, and competitive reversible antagonism and then move on to more complex pharmacology involving the charac-terization of novel receptors in these cells.
Intra-Arterial Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Transplantation Correlates with GM-CSF, PDGF-BB, and MMP-2 Serum Levels in Stroke Patients: Results from a Clinical Trial

Bone marrow mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) intra-arterial transplantation improves recovery in experimental models of ischemic stroke through secretion of cytokines and growth factors (GFs), enhancing neoangiogenesis, and enhancing neuroplasticity. In this study, we tested whether BM-MNC transplantation in stroke patients induces changes in serum levels of cytokines and GFs. A phase I/II trial was conducted in middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke patients with autologous intra-arterial BM-MNC transplantation between 5 and 9 days after stroke. Follow-up was done for up to 6 months. Eight cases and nine controls were included, and the serum levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), β nerve growth factor (β-NGF), and matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) were measured before and 4, 8, and 90 days after transplantation. The correlation of these serum levels with dose of cells and clinical outcomes was studied. A total of 1.59 × 108 (±1.21 × 108) BM-MNCs were injected in cases; of them 3.38 × 106 (±2.33 × 106) were CD34+ cells. There was a positive correlation between total BM-MNCs injected and levels of GM-CSF and PDGF-BB at 90 days after transplantation (r = 0.929, p = 0.001 and r = 0.714, p = 0.047, respectively), and a negative correlation between total CD34+ cells injected and MMP-2 levels at 4 days after transplantation (r = −0.786, p = 0.036). Lower plasma levels of MMP-2 at 4 days and higher levels of PDGF-BB at 90 days were associated with better functional outcomes during follow-up (p = 0.019 and p = 0.037, respectively). When administered intra-arterially in subacute MCA stroke patients, BM-MNCs seem to induce changes in serum levels of GM-CSF, PDGF-BB, and MMP-2, even 3 months after transplantation, which could be associated with better functional outcomes. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) special issue of Cell Transplantation.
The effect of the Nintendo Wii Fit and exercise in improving balance and quality of life in community dwelling elders.

INTRODUCTION This study compared the effect of Nintendo Wii Fit to the Matter of Balance program, a valid and reliable program, on improving balance, and well-being to decrease the risk of falls. METHODS Residents of an independent living senior housing facility were recruited and thirty-two residents ages 63 to 90 participated. Participants were separated into three groups: (1) Wii Fit group (n=11) completed balance games on the Wii Fit in individual sessions twice a week and supplemental home exercises; (2) Matter of Balance Group (n=11) completed exercises from the Matter of Balance Program in a group setting twice a week; (3) Control group (n=10) received no intervention. Intervention lasted three weeks. RESULTS/FINDINGS One-way ANOVA's were completed. Scores from the assessments were not statistically significant at post-test Berg Balance Scale (p=0.837); Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment (p=0.913); SF-36 (p=0.256). Results from a self-report demonstrated that Wii Fit is an enjoyable form of exercise for an elderly population. CONCLUSION Although, the interventions failed to significantly increase balance, with an increase in intervention duration of Wii Fit or Matter of Balance balance may be improved. Although results were not significant this study adds to the growing body of evidence regarding the use of Wii Fit as a rehabilitation tool.
Direct and indirect effects of environmental variability on growth and survivorship of pre-reproductive Joshua trees, Yucca brevifolia Engelm. (Agavaceae).

UNLABELLED • PREMISE OF STUDY Accurate demographic information about long-lived plant species is important for understanding responses to large-scale disturbances, including climate change. It is challenging to obtain these data from desert perennial plants because seedling establishment is exceptionally rare, and estimates of survival are lacking for their vulnerable early stages. Desert wildfires, urbanization, and climate change influence the persistence of the long-lived Yucca brevifolia. Quantitative demographic attributes are crucial for understanding how populations will respond to disturbances and where populations will recede or advance under future climate scenarios. • METHODS We measured survival in a cohort of 53 pre-reproductive Y. brevifolia at Yucca Flat, Nevada, USA, for 22 yr and recorded their growth, nurse-plant relationships, and herbivory. • KEY RESULTS Herbivory by black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) caused severe losses of plants during the first and second years (45% and 31%, respectively). Surviving plants experienced <2.5% annual mortality. Survival for the population was 19% over 22 yr. Plants <25 cm in height had lower life expectancy. Average growth rate (± SD) for plants that survived to the last census was 3.12 ± 1.96 cm yr(-1), and growth rates were positively associated with precipitation. Thirty-year-old Y. brevifolia had not yet reproduced. • CONCLUSIONS A rare establishment event for Y. brevifolia during 1983-1984, triggered by above-average summer rainfall, provided a unique opportunity to track early survival and growth. Infrequent but acute episodes of herbivory during drought influenced demography for decades. Variability in survival among young Y. brevifolia indicates that size-dependent demographic variables will improve forecasts for this long-lived desert species under predicted regional climate change.
Efficacy of Sunitinib Re-Exposure after Failure of an mTOR Inhibitor in Patients with Metastatic RCC

Background: The sequential use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) followed by mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) has been recently established for the systemic treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, subsequent treatment in mTORi-refractory disease remains undetermined. We analyzed the efficacy of sunitinib re-challenge after failure of an mTORi at 2 German centers. Patients and Methods: Thirteen patients who failed both sunitinib and an mTORi were analyzed, and all patients were re-exposed to sunitinib. Tumor assessment was performed every 2nd cycle of sunitinib or every 3 months. Tumor response was assessed according to RECIST criteria. Results: Initial treatment with sunitinib was associated with a median progression free survival (PFS) of 21 months. Objective response consisted of 2 (15%) complete remissions and 7 (54%) partial remissions (PR) as best response. At the time of re-exposure, 12 of 13 (92%) patients again showed clinical benefit which was associated with a median PFS of 6.9 months and consisted of 2 (15%) PR and 10 (77%) disease stabilizations. Conclusions: In sunitinib-responsive patients, re-challenge with sunitinib has been successfully introduced after mTORi-refractory disease, underscoring the at least partially transient nature of TKI resistance in mRCC.
Synthesis and 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity of C21 Steroids Having 1,4-diene or 4,6-diene 20-ones and 4-Azasteroid 20-Oximes

The synthesis and evaluation of 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of some 4-azasteroid-20-ones and 20-oximes and 3β-hydroxy-, 3β-acetoxy-, or epoxy-substituted C21 steroidal 20-ones and 20-oximes having double bonds in the A and/or B ring are described. Inhibitory activity of synthesized compounds was assessed using 5α-reductase enzyme and [1,2,6,7-3H]testosterone as substrate. All synthesized compounds were less active than finasteride (IC50: 1.2 nM). Three 4-azasteroid-2-oximes (compounds 4, 6 and 8) showed good inhibitory activity (IC50: 26, 10 and 11 nM) and were more active than corresponding 4-azasteroid 20-ones (compounds 3, 5 and 7). 3β-Hydroxy-, 3β-acetoxy- and 1α,2α-, 5α,6α- or 6α,7α-epoxysteroid-20-one and -20-oxime derivatives having double bonds in the A and/or B ring showed no inhibition of 5α-reductase enzyme.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Sickle pomfret Taractichthys steindachneri (Perciformes: Bramidae)

Abstract The complete mitogenome sequence of Taractichthys steindachneri was sequenced and analyzed in this study. The complete mitogenome of T. steindachneri is 16 723 bp in length, which contains 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 13 protein-coding genes and 2 non-coding region, a rep region and a control region (D-loop). This study will be useful for studying on the molecular systematic, taxonomic status and conservation genetics.
Antidepressants and suicide risk: how did specific information in FDA safety warnings affect treatment patterns?

OBJECTIVE From June 2003 through October 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released five safety warnings related to antidepressant use and the increased risk of suicidality for children. Although researchers have documented a decline in antidepressant use among children over this period, less is known about whether specific safety information conveyed in individual warnings was reflected in treatment patterns. METHODS Thomson Reuters MarketScan claims data (2001-2005) for a national sample of privately insured children were used to construct treatment episodes (N=22,689). For each new episode of major depressive disorder, it was determined whether treatment followed specific recommendations included in warnings released by the FDA. Treatment recommendations pertained to the use of the antidepressants paroxetine and fluoxetine and to patient monitoring. Treatment patterns were expected to change as the risk information conveyed by the FDA changed over time. RESULTS The timing of FDA recommendations was associated with trends in the use of paroxetine and fluoxetine by children with major depressive disorder who were initiating antidepressant treatment. However, no evidence of increases in outpatient visits (indicative of monitoring) among depressed children initiating antidepressant use was found. CONCLUSIONS Release of specific risk and benefit information by the FDA was associated with changes in prescribing but not in outpatient follow-up. These results suggest that the FDA plays an important role in communicating information to the public and providers. Yet, although public health safety warnings were associated with changes in some practice patterns, not all recommendations conveyed in warnings were followed.
Association of Intraplaque Hemorrhage and Acute Infarction in Patients With Basilar Artery Plaque

Background and Purpose— High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) is ideal for serial examination of diseased arterial walls because it is noninvasive and has superior capability of discriminating tissue characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical relevance of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) in patients with basilar artery (BA) atherosclerosis using HRMRI. Methods— We analyzed HRMRI and clinical data from 74 patients (45 symptomatic and 29 asymptomatic), all of whom had >50% BA stenosis. High-signal intensity within a BA plaque on magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo was defined as an area with an intensity that was >150% of the signal from the adjacent muscle. The relationship between IPH within a BA plaque region and clinical presentation was analyzed. Results— Thirty patients were positive for IPH on HRMRI (42.3%, 24 symptomatic and 6 asymptomatic). Symptomatic lesions in the MR-positive IPH group were significantly more prevalent than in the MR-negative group (80.0% versus 48.8%; P<0.01). Also, MR-predicted IPH was significantly more prevalent in the high-grade stenosis group (P<0.001) than in the low-grade group. The relative risk of an acute focal stroke event among patients who were magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo–positive for IPH compared with patients who were magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo–negative was 1.64. Conclusions–– IPH within a BA plaque region on HRMRI is highly prevalent and is associated with acute stroke.
Cost-effectiveness of a Fourth-Generation Combination Immunoassay for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibody and p24 Antigen for the Detection of HIV Infections in the United States

Abstract Purpose: The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first 4th-generation HIV test. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the 4th-generation assay versus a 3rd-generation test in screening for HIV infections in the United States. Methods: An exploratory microsimulation model was developed that follows hypothetical individuals and simulates the course of HIV/AIDS, treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy, and transmissions. Results: With a 1% HIV prevalence, screening 1.5 million individuals with the 4th- versus 3rd-generation assay resulted in detection of 266 additional HIV cases at an incremental cost per additional HIV case detected of $63,763, an additional 489 life years and 395 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and 26 HIV transmissions prevented. Although lifetime costs were increased by $33.6 million, the incremental cost/QALY gained was $85,206. The 4th-generation test was more cost-effective in high incidence settings. The number needed to screen to detect one additional HIV case was 5,635. Conclusions: Screening using the 4th-generation assay may be cost-effective for HIV detection in appropriate settings, resulting in increased case identification, fewer transmissions, extended life, and increased quality of life. With early and accurate detection, this 4th-generation test may provide a suitable alternative to current 3rd-generation tests.
How adult are our learners?

Knowles proposed a model to describe the characteristics of adult learners. This may be summarised by a move away from highly structured teaching methods (pedagogic teaching) to more explorative and less formal ones (andragogic teaching). This paper explores whether this progression occurs across an undergraduate nursing programme. Twelve questions based upon Knowles' model were incorporated into a Likert scale questionnaire. The sample was inclusive across three cohorts of an undergraduate nursing programme (n = 555). No significant differences were found within the sample with reference to gender or branch. Some significant differences were present with reference to age and year of study, but these suggest that students regress from the characteristics of the adult learners within these parameters. Some significant differences were present with reference to ethnicity, suggesting that some ethnic-minority students were more willing to add to learning with independent study. The research findings do not conform to predictions based upon Knowles' model. There is no evidence that students gain more of the characteristics of andragogy as they progress through their studies. Instead, there is some evidence that students become less willing to take responsibility for their learning. This should be of concern to those involved in health education.
A Pilot Study Linking Endothelial Injury in Lungs and Kidneys in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently have albuminuria (indicative of renal endothelial cell injury) associated with hypoxemia. Objectives: To determine whether (1) cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced pulmonary and renal endothelial cell injury explains the association between albuminuria and COPD, (2) CS‐induced albuminuria is linked to increases in the oxidative stress‐advanced glycation end products (AGEs) receptor for AGEs (RAGE) pathway, and (3) enalapril (which has antioxidant properties) limits the progression of pulmonary and renal injury by reducing activation of the AGEs‐RAGE pathway in endothelial cells in both organs. Methods: In 26 patients with COPD, 24 ever‐smokers without COPD, 32 nonsmokers who underwent a renal biopsy or nephrectomy, and in CS‐exposed mice, we assessed pathologic and ultrastructural renal lesions, and measured urinary albumin/creatinine ratios, tissue oxidative stress levels, and AGEs and RAGE levels in pulmonary and renal endothelial cells. The efficacy of enalapril on pulmonary and renal lesions was assessed in CS‐exposed mice. Measurements and Main Results: Patients with COPD and/or CS‐exposed mice had chronic renal injury, increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratios, and increased tissue oxidative stress and AGEs‐RAGE levels in pulmonary and renal endothelial cells. Treating mice with enalapril attenuated CS‐induced increases in urinary albumin/creatinine ratios, tissue oxidative stress levels, endothelial cell AGEs and RAGE levels, pulmonary and renal cell apoptosis, and the progression of chronic renal and pulmonary lesions. Conclusions: Patients with COPD and/or CS‐exposed mice have pulmonary and renal endothelial cell injury linked to increased endothelial cell AGEs and RAGE levels. Albuminuria could identify patients with COPD in whom angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor therapy improves renal and lung function by reducing endothelial injury.
Ube3a loss increases excitability and blunts orientation tuning in the visual cortex of Angelman syndrome model mice.

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of the maternally inherited allele of UBE3AUbe3aSTOP/p+ mice recapitulate major features of AS in humans and allow conditional reinstatement of maternal Ube3a with the expression of Cre recombinase. We have recently shown that AS model mice exhibit reduced inhibitory drive onto layer (L)2/3 pyramidal neurons of visual cortex, which contributes to a synaptic excitatory/inhibitory imbalance. However, it remains unclear how this loss of inhibitory drive affects neural circuits in vivo. Here we examined visual cortical response properties in individual neurons to explore the consequences of Ube3a loss on intact cortical circuits and processing. Using in vivo patch-clamp electrophysiology, we measured the visually evoked responses to square-wave drifting gratings in L2/3 regular-spiking (RS) neurons in control mice, Ube3a-deficient mice, and mice in which Ube3a was conditionally reinstated in GABAergic neurons. We found that Ube3a-deficient mice exhibited enhanced pyramidal neuron excitability in vivo as well as weaker orientation tuning. These observations are the first to show alterations in cortical computation in an AS model, and they suggest a basis for cortical dysfunction in AS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of the gene UBE3A Using electrophysiological recording in vivo, we describe visual cortical dysfunctions in a mouse model of AS. Aberrant cellular properties in AS model mice could be improved by reinstating Ube3a in inhibitory neurons. These findings suggest that inhibitory neurons play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of AS.
The individual, the group and the psychology of terrorism

Northern Ireland lived through a campaign of terrorism for thirty years. This has now ended and substantial progress has been made towards political stability through a long-term peace process. Using his experience as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, but also as leader of a political party, negotiator in the peace process and subsequently Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord Alderdice explores the psychology of political terrorism. He examines the role of individual and group psychology, the evolution and dissolution of a ‘group mind’, splitting, and the factors that contribute to division and violence. He describes the frustration of healthy pathways for change, and humiliation, shame and rage as key factors in triggering regression into political violence. Containment, respect and a group psychological process are identified as necessary for evolution towards a more healthy state. It is suggested that application of these Northern Irish insights to the issue of terrorism in other places and especially in the Middle East, may open new and more psychologically sophisticated ways of addressing the problem of terrorism.