Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effective dose reduction using collimation function in digital panoramic radiography and possible clinical implications in dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to evaluate the effective dose for a full size panoramic image and nine different panoramic protocols using collimation. The secondary aim was to estimate possible reduction of effective dose in clinical situations. METHODS Effective dose, according to International Commission on Radiological Protection 2007 was determined for a full size panoramic image and nine different panoramic protocols applying collimation on an anthropomorphic Rando phantom, using metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor dosemeters. The collimation protocols were chosen based on common diagnostic questions. 10 exposures were made for each protocol using a Planmeca ProMax® 2D (Helsinki, Finland). The mean effective doses were calculated according to clinical default exposure settings and compared for all protocols. A retrospective analysis of 252 referrals to a specialist clinic in dentomaxillofacial radiology assessed usability and dose reduction applying nine different collimation protocols, based on possible collimation of panoramic images. Dose reduction was calculated applying collimation feature in comparison to constant use of full size panoramic imaging. Referrals were categorized according to indication for radiographic examination. RESULTS: Effective dose of a full size panoramic radiograph was 17.6 µSv at 8 mA and 66 kV. The dose reduction for the collimated images compared to a full size panoramic radiograph ranged from 4.5 to 86.9%. Potential total dose reduction in the studied sample was 35% if collimation feature had been applied. In four out of five of the referrals, collimation was possible and in 61% of the referrals the indication for radiographic examination was restricted to the dental alveolar region, reducing the dose by 40.3% compared with a full size panoramic image. CONCLUSIONS: Since the effective dose may be reduced without losing diagnostic information in the area of interest, collimation feature of panoramic imaging should be routinely applied when the diagnostic task allows.
The global problem of childhood diarrhoeal diseases: emerging strategies in prevention and management

Acute diarrhoeal diseases remain a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality particularly among young children in resource-limited countries. Recent large studies utilizing case–control design, prospective sampling and more sensitive and broad diagnostic techniques have shed light on particular pathogens of importance and highlighted the previously under recognized impact of these infections on post-acute illness mortality and growth. Vaccination, particularly against rotavirus, has emerged as a key effective means of preventing significant morbidity and mortality from childhood diarrhoeal disease. Other candidate vaccines against leading diarrhoeal pathogens, such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. , also hold significant promise in further ameliorating the burden of enteric infections in children. Large studies are also currently underway evaluating novel and potential easy-to-implement water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) preventive strategies. Given the ongoing global burden of this illness, the paucity of new advances in case management over the last several decades remains a challenge. The increasing recognition of post-acute illness mortality and growth impairment has highlighted the need for interventions that go beyond management of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. The few trials of novel promising interventions such as probiotics have mainly been conducted in high-income settings. Trials of antimicrobials have also been primarily conducted in high-income settings or in travellers from high-income settings. Bloody diarrhoea has been shown to be a poor marker of potentially treatable bacterial enteritis, and rising antimicrobial resistance has also made empiric antimicrobial therapy more challenging in many settings. Novel effective and sustainable interventions and diagnostic strategies are clearly needed to help improve case management. Diarrhoeal disease and other enteric infections remain an unmet challenge in global child health. Most promising recent developments have been focused around preventive measures, in particular vaccination. Further advances in prevention and case management including the possible use of targeted antimicrobial treatment are also required to fully address this critical burden on child health and human potential.
The Effect of Erythromycin on Mucociliary Transportability and Rheology of Cystic Fibrosis and Bronchiectasis Sputum

Background: Erythromycin has been shown to diminish sputum production in hypersecretory states by a mechanism that is still unclear. Objectives and Methods: We have investigated the effect of erythromycin on the ciliary transportability of cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis sputum in vitro using the mucus-depleted bovine trachea. Results: Additional erythromycin in concentrations up to 20 µg/g did not significantly alter the ciliary transportability of sputum from 6 cystic fibrosis and 6 bronchiectasis patients. Sputum viscoelasticity measured with parallel-plate rheology was also little changed. These erythromycin concentrations also had little effect on the beating frequency of bovine tracheal cilia. Conclusions: These results suggest that the presence of erythromycin in sputum neither alters the physical properties of the gel nor the activity of cilia. The clinical effects of erythromycin on pulmonary hypersecretory states therefore have another explanation.
Reactivity of Small Intramyocardial Arteries from Atherosclerotic and Non-Atherosclerotic Human Hearts

Little is known about how the vascular reactivity of the coronary microcirculation is affected by upstream atherosclerotic disease. We have examined, with a wire myograph, the responses of intramyocardial arteries from hearts in which the epicardial vessels were either free of atherosclerotic lesions (non-diseased group) or were affected by atherosclerosis (diseased group). Vasodilator responses of preconstricted vessels to substance P (84.1 ± 12.6 compared to 42.0 ± 19.7%) were less in vessels from the diseased group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the relaxation to bradykinin (70.2 ± 21.2 compared to 100.6 ± 7.9%) was increased in vessels from the diseased group (p < 0.05). The dilator responses to acetylcholine, adenosine diphosphate, histamine and sodium nitroprusside showed no significant differences between arteries from each group. 5-Hydroxytryptamine was without any significant vasodilator effect in arteries from either group. Assessment of contractile function revealed that the responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine, acetylcholine, U46619, endothelin-1 and L-NG-monomethylarginine in each group were not significantly different. Histamine, noradrenaline and dopamine were without any significant contractile response. These results demonstrate that upstream atherosclerosis does not confer any global impairment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant responses or smooth muscle hyperreactivity to vasoconstrictors in the arteries that penetrate the myocardium.
Hyperinsulinaemia as a Risk Factor for Developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objective: To determine the validity coefficient of the total prostate gland volume as an expression of the transition zone (TZ) volume. To test the hypothesis of hyperinsulinaemia as a causal factor for the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients and Methods: Three hundred and seven consecutive patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were studied. A subgroup of 114 patients were tested with regard to the validity coefficient between the total prostate gland volume and the TZ volume. In the total material of 307 men, a BPH risk factor analysis was performed in which groups of men with the following conditions were related to the annual BPH growth rate: men without or with metabolic disease; men with different components of the metabolic syndrome, and men with low or high fasting plasma insulin values. The prostate gland volume and the TZ volume were determined using ultrasound. The presence of non–insulin–dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and treated hypertension was obtained from the patients’ medical records. Data on blood pressure, waist and hip measurement, body height and weight were collected and body mass index and waist/hip ratio were calculated. Blood samples were drawn from fasting patients to determine the insulin and HDL–cholesterol values. Results: In the subgroup of men subjected to measurement of both the total prostate gland volume and the TZ volume, the correlation coefficient between total prostate gland volume and the TZ volume was r.s. =0.97 (p<0.0001) which, thus, constituted the validity coefficient. The median annual BPH growth rate in the total group was 1.03 ml/year. The median annual BPH growth rate was faster in men with metabolic disease (p<0.0001), NIDDM (p<0.0001), treated hypertension (p<0.0001), obesity (p<0.0001) and dyslipidaemia (p<0.0001) than in men without metabolic disease. Moreover, the annual BPH growth rate correlated positively with the diastolic blood pressure (r.s. = 0.27; p<0.001), the BMI (r.s. = 0.22; p<0.001) and four other expressions of obesity, and negatively with the HDL–cholesterol level (r.s. = –0.15; p<0.001). The median annual BPH growth rate was faster in men with a high than in men with a low fasting plasma insulin level (p = 0.019). When the patients were divided into quartiles, the median annual BPH growth rate increased statistically significantly with increasing fasting plasma insulin levels. The fasting plasma insulin values correlated with the annual BPH growth rates (p = 0.009). When performing a multivariate analysis using the total prostate gland volume as dependent variable, fasting plasma insulin (p = 0.001) and age (p<0.001) became statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of the present report suggest that the total prostate gland volume constitutes a valid expression of BPH. The findings support the hypothesis that hyperinsulinaemia is causally related to the development of BPH and generate the hypothesis of an increased sympathetic nerve activity in men with BPH.
The second Euro Heart Survey on acute coronary syndromes: Characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with ACS in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin in 2004.

AIMS Our study aimed to examine the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in Europe and the Mediterranean basin, and to compare adherence to guidelines with that reported in the first Euro Heart Survey on ACS (EHS-ACS-I), 4 years earlier. METHODS AND RESULTS In a prospective survey conducted in 2004 (EHS-ACS-II), data describing the characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 6385 patients diagnosed with ACS in 190 medical centres in 32 countries were collected. ACS with ST-elevation was the initial diagnosis in 47% of patients, no ST-elevation in 48%, and undetermined electrocardiographic pattern in 5% of patients. Comparison of data collected in 2000 and 2004 showed similar baseline characteristics, but greater use of recommended medications and coronary interventions in EHS-ACS-II. Among patients with ST-elevation, the use of primary reperfusion increased slightly (from 56 to 64%), with a significant shift from fibrinolytic therapy to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The use of PPCI rose from 37 to 59% among those undergoing primary reperfusion therapy. Analysis of data in 34 centres that participated in both surveys showed even greater improvement with respect to the use of recommended medical therapy, interventions, and outcome. CONCLUSION Data from EHS-ACS-II suggest an increase in adherence to guidelines for treatment of ACS in comparison with EHS-ACS-I.
Expectation–maximization‐based joint data detection and channel estimation for a cellular multi‐carrier code division multiple access network using single‐hop relaying

This paper is concerned with channel estimation and data detection for a cellular multi‐carrier code division multiple access network using single‐hop relaying in the presence of frequency selective fading channels. The proposed expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm was used to jointly estimate both the coefficients of the channel between a relay and a base station and the data. EM algorithm is particularly suited to multi‐carrier code division multiple access systems because they have multi‐carrier signal format. The considered network uses single‐hop relaying technique to provide a higher quality transmission to the users with low quality channels. The base station (managing mechanism) gives them an opportunity to send their messages via the users with high quality channels in a time sharing mode. The performance of the proposed EM algorithm, with and without hopping and with cooperative communication technique, was analyzed by a computer simulation, and the results are presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Systemic Hyperoxia on Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients.

Purpose To assess the optic nerve head blood flow (ONH BF) response to hyperoxia in glaucoma patients using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG), and determine factors influencing vasoreactivity within the ONH. Methods We performed oxygen provocation testing in 15 eyes of 15 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and 15 eyes of 15 age-matched control subjects. During the test, LSFG-derived tissue mean blur rate (MBRT) and clinical variables, including blood pressure, were recorded. We evaluated differences in MBRT alteration during systemic hyperoxia between the groups. Additionally, we calculated the mean % change in MBRT against baseline and determined contributing factors. Results Despite similar clinical variables during systemic hyperoxia in both groups, the mean % change in MBRT against baseline was significantly lower in the POAG than control subjects (P < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that baseline MBRT and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were contributing factors to mean % change in MBRT (β = 0.44, β = -0.32, respectively). Additionally, baseline MBRT and SBP were strongly correlated to mean % change in MBRT only in the POAG group (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001; r = -0.60, P = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions POAG patients had a weaker vasoreactive response to hyperoxia than controls, and this impaired response was associated with lower basal ONH BF and higher SBP. These findings suggest that pre-existing vasoconstriction in the ONH of eyes with glaucoma might reduce the capacity of the vasoconstrictive response to hyperoxia. Alternatively, the pathways that mediate hyperoxia-induced vasoconstriction could be altered in POAG.
Inter-ictal brain SPET in frontal epilepsy: correlations with stereo-electroencephalography.

Single photon emission tomography (SPET) imaging holds promise for localization of the site of extratemporal seizures, but limited data currently exist; in particular, correlations with stereo-electroencephalography (S-EEG) have not been made. Ten patients aged 14-44 years (mean 25 years) with a proven frontal or central epilepsy by S-EEG and post-surgical follow-up were studied retrospectively: 7 patients had frontal cortectomy and one patient had a callosotomy for bifrontal epilepsy. All patients underwent clinical, inter-ictal and ictal video-EEG, computed tomography scan and/or magnetic resonance imaging, SPET and S-EEG examinations. SPET was performed inter-ictally, while on usual epileptic medications, using 99Tcm-HMPAO (n = 4) or 123I-IMP (n = 6) as the perfusion tracer. The SPET images were evaluated independently by two observers, blind to any data other than the diagnosis of frontral or central epilepsy. Localization of inter-ictal SPET hypoperfusion was compared with the epileptogenic (EZ), irritative (IZ) and lesional (LZ) zones, as defined by S-EEG. Six patients showed structural frontal abnormalities. One patient had normal SPET and one had a contralateral hypoperfusion. Therefore, concordance of sides was found in 8 of 10 patients (including one with bilateral SPET and S-EEG abnormalities). The hypoperfusion was equal to or larger than the EZ + IZ + LZ in 6 patients (5 had a frontal lesion). SPET hypoperfusion was smaller than the EZ in one patient, and different from the EZ, IZ and LZ in two patients. Although this was a retrospective study, it provides qualitative data regarding the significance of inter-ictal SPET abnormalities in frontal or central epilepsy. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Commodity trade between Pakistan and the US: is there evidence of the J-curve?

ABSTRACT A few studies that have attempted to estimate the short-run (J-curve) and long-run impact of exchange rate depreciation on Pakistan’s trade balance are either based on aggregate trade data between Pakistan and the rest of the world or between Pakistan and her bilateral trading partners. The findings are mixed at best. Considering the trade balance between Pakistan and the US, as one of its major partners, no significant effects have been discovered. Suspecting that the trade flows between the two countries could suffer from another aggregation bias, we disaggregate their trade flows by commodity and consider the trade balance of 45 industries that trade between the two countries. We find significant short-run effects of currency depreciation on the trade balance of 17 industries. The short-run effects last into the long run in 15 cases. The largest industry that account for more than 10% of the trade seems to benefit from real depreciation in the long run.
Drug-Excipient Compatibility Testing Using a High-Throughput Approach and Statistical Design

The aim of our research was to develop a miniaturized high throughput drug-excipient compatibility test. Experiments were planned and evaluated using statistical experimental design. Binary mixtures of a drug, acetylsalicylic acid, or fluoxetine hydrochloride, and of excipients commonly used in solid dosage forms were prepared at a ratio of ~ 1:100 in 96-well microtiter plates. Samples were exposed to different temperature (40°C/50°C) and humidity (10%/75%) for different time (1 week/4 weeks), and chemical drug degradation was analyzed using a fast gradient high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Categorical statistical design was applied to identify the effects and interactions of time, temperature, humidity, and excipient on drug degradation. Acetylsalicylic acid was least stable in the presence of magnesium stearate, dibasic calcium phosphate, or sodium starch glycolate. Fluoxetine hydrochloride exhibited a marked degradation only with lactose. Factor-interaction plots revealed that the relative humidity had the strongest effect on the drug excipient blends tested. In conclusion, the developed technique enables fast drug-excipient compatibility testing and identification of interactions. Since only 0.1 mg of drug is needed per data point, fast rational preselection of the pharmaceutical additives can be performed early in solid dosage form development.
Role of autophagy in the reproduction of pathogenic fungi

Autophagy (macroautophagy) is an essential and highly conserved protein degradation mechanism in eukaryotes. In this process, cytoplasmic organelles, old proteins and other macromolecules are sequestered into a double membrane vesicle called autophagosome and delivered to a degradative organelle for degradation and recycling. Extensive studies have revealed that autophagy plays an essential role in the cellular processes such as cell differentiation, nutrient homeostasis and pathogenicity in pathogenic fungi. In this review, we introduce the process of autophagy and describe the role of autophagy in regulation of the fungal sexual reproduction, using the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans as an example. Furthermore, we summarize the autophagy related genes studied so far and the deduced physiological functions of autophagy for proper asexual and/or sexual reproduction in model pathogenic fungi. We also discuss perspectives on autophagy function in fungal reproduction.
[Characteristics of aggressiveness, hostility and self concept of law enforcement officers].

AIM The aim of the study was to characterize the aggressiveness and hostility as well as self-evaluation among police officers. METHOD The research was conducted in a period of four months, during the law enforcement officers psychological training. A group of 59 occupationally active police officers, aged between 22 and 48 were seen. Two psychological methods were used: Buss - Durkee Hostility - Guilt Inventory named in the Polish version "Nastroje i Humory" (NiH), adapted by M. Choynowski, which measures aggression and hostility and "Arkusz Samooceny" R. Cibora which measures self concept as well as self-evaluation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The findings show an average level of aggressiveness and hostility as well as quite a high self-evaluation among police officers. The older the police officers were, the higher the aggressiveness and the lower the self-evaluation were (p<0.05).
The Problems of the Public Enterprise System in Nigeria: Capitalist Privatization or Management along Islamic Lines?

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 The Nigerian public enterprise system has been quite large in size and scope of operations. Because of its importance, concern has been shown over the problems which are likely to hinder the efficient operation of the system. This paper examines the system to underscore its problems, and the sort of efforts being made or proposed to solve them. It focuses on privatization, which is being touted as the panacea to all problems. The argument is made that the privatization process, within the capitalist ethos and framework, would hardly be a viable option to follow in order to address the present problems. Both the theoretical and empirical bases of this argument are discussed. On this basis, the necessity of an Islamic perspective to the problems of public enterprise is suggested.
Evidence for an hMSH3 defect in familial hamartomatous polyps

Patients with hamartomatous polyposis syndromes have increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Although progression of polyps to carcinoma is observed, pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown. The authors examined whether familial hamartomatous polyps harbor defects in DNA mismatch repair (MMR), and assayed for somatic mutation of PTEN, a gene inactivated in the germline of some hamartomatous polyposis syndrome patients.
A decision-theoretic model of asset price fluctuations

Based on the psychological interpretation of conditional non-additive probability measures arising in Choquet expected utility theory we introduce a behavioral model of asset price fluctuations. In this model naive agents are prone to a confirmatory bias in the interpretation of new information about economic fundamentals. As a conceptual advantage over rational expectations asset pricing models our formal approach gives rise to model-endogenous concepts of “overpricing” and “underpricing”. As another interesting feature our model generates equilibrium price patterns that reflect underreaction of asset prices with respect to one period good news as well as overreaction with respect to several periods of good news. These empirical phenomena have received significant attention in the behavioral finance literature. In contrast to our approach, however, previous formal explanations have not been derived from decision-theoretic first principles but were rather ad hoc.