Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Porcelain fracture resistance of screw-retained, cement-retained, and screw-cement-retained implant-supported metal ceramic posterior crowns.

PURPOSE The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the porcelain fracture resistance between screw-retained, cement-retained, and combined screw- and cement-retained metal-ceramic (MC) implant-supported posterior single crowns; and to investigate the effect of offsetting the occlusal screw-access opening on porcelain fracture resistance of screw-retained and cement-retained MC implant-supported posterior single crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty standardized MC molar-shaped restorations were fabricated. The 40 restorations were divided into four groups (SRC, SRO, CRP, and CSC) of 10 specimens each. Group SRC: screw-retained, screw-access hole placed in the center of the occlusal surface; Group SRO: screw-retained, screw access hole placed 1 mm offset from the center of the occlusal surface toward the buccal cusp; Group CRP: cement-retained, zinc phosphate cement was used; Group CSC: cement-retained with a screw-access hole in the center of the occlusal surface. The screw-retained restorations and abutments were directly attached to 3i implant fixtures embedded in acrylic resin blocks. Subsequently, all test specimens were thermocycled and vertically loaded in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min until fracture. Mean values of load at fracture (in N) were calculated in each group and compared with a one-way ANOVA and Tukey's Studentized test (alpha= 0.05). RESULTS Mean values of loads required to fracture the restorations were as follows (N): Group SRC: 1721 +/- 593; Group SRO: 1885 +/- 491; Group CRP: 3707 +/- 1086; Group CSC: 1700 +/- 526. Groups SRC, SRO, and CSC required a significantly lower force to fracture the porcelain than did the CRP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The cement-retained restorations showed significantly higher mean fracture loads than the restorations having screw-access openings in their occlusal surface. The position of the screw-access hole within the occlusal surface did not significantly affect the porcelain fracture resistance.
Variants in FSHB Are Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Luteinizing Hormone Level in Han Chinese Women.

CONTEXT A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified three susceptibility loci (8p32.1, 11p14.1, and 9q22.32) for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women of European ancestry. The 9q22.32 locus was previously found in our Chinese PCOS GWAS. Replication of the other two loci is necessary to determine whether the same variants confer risk to PCOS in Han Chinese women. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of the European GWAS loci on PCOS susceptibility in Han Chinese women. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS This was a genetic association study at a university hospital in composed of 1601 PCOS cases and 1238 age-matched controls. Interventions and Main Outcome Measure: After screening of the regions that cover 500 kb upstream and downstream of the two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using our previous Chinese GWAS data, rs11031010, located in the region of follicle-stimulating hormone B polypeptide (FSHB) gene, was selected for further replication. The other SNPs near rs804279 (GATA4/NEIL2) were excluded based on our previous GWAS data. Then, the variant rs11031010 was genotyped in an independent cohort and the associations with PCOS, endocrine and metabolic traits were assessed. RESULTS In the current replication study, rs11031010 was associated with PCOS in Han Chinese women (P = 2.76 × 10(-3)), even after adjustment for age and body mass index. Meta-analysis with our previous GWAS data showed that the allele frequency difference of rs11031010 between PCOS and controls reached genome-wide significance (P = 4.27 × 10(-8)). PCOS women with AA and AC genotypes had a significantly higher LH level than individuals carrying the CC genotype (P =1.60 × 10(-4)). The genetic risk score based on sixteen total Chinese PCOS-risk SNPs, calculated by total number of risk alleles for each subject, was associated with the diagnosis of PCOS (P < 1.00 × 10(-4)). CONCLUSIONS Variants in FSHB gene are associated with PCOS and LH levels in Han Chinese women. FSHB is thus likely to play an important role in the etiology of PCOS, regardless of ethnicity.
Comparison of physical activity between children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children

Regular physical activity is important for promoting health and well-being; however, physical activity behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have received little attention. We compared physical activity levels among 53 children with ASD and 58 typically developing children aged 3–11 years who participated in the Children’s Activity and Meal Patterns Study (CHAMPS). After adjustment for age and sex the amount of time spent daily in moderate and vigorous activity was similar in children with ASD (50.0 minutes/day and typically developing children 57.1 minutes/day). However, parents reported that children with ASD participated in significantly fewer types of physical activities than did typically developing children (6.9 vs. 9.6, p <.0001) and spent less time annually participating in these activities than typically developing children (158 vs. 225 hours per year, p < 0.0001) after adjusting for age and sex. Although both groups of children engaged in similar levels of moderate and vigorous activity as measured by accelerometry, children with ASD engaged in fewer physical activities and for less time according to parental report, suggesting that some of the activity in children with ASD is not captured by standard questionnaire-based measures.
Association of genetic polymorphisms of EGFR with glioma in a Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE Several studies indicated that genetic polymorphisms in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene were associated with glioma risk. However, the relationship between EGFR genetic polymorphisms and glioma remains unclear in the Chinese population. METHODS We designed a case-control study by selecting 300 histologically confirmed adult glioma patients and 300 cancer-free controls to analyze the distribution of EGFR genotype. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs730437 and rs1468727, were genotyped by using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS We found that the CC genotype of rs1468727 was more common in the glioma group than in the control group (p=0.021). We also found that the C allele frequency was higher in the glioma group than that in the control group (p=0.005; odds ratio [OR]=1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.101-1.740). For rs730437, we found both the AA genotype (p=0.011) and A allele frequency (p=0.003; OR=0.703; 95% CI: 0.558-0.886) were significantly lower in the glioma patients than in the control subjects, respectively. Haplotype analysis showed that the A T haplotype frequency was higher in the control group than in the glioma group (p=0.005; OR=0.722; 95% CI: 0.575-0.908). However, the CC haplotype frequency was higher in the glioma group than in the control group (p=0.003; OR=1.423; 95% CI: 1.129-1.793). CONCLUSION Our study indicates that polymorphisms in the EGFR gene are associated with glioma susceptibility in the Chinese population.
Dynamic user-centric spectrum handoff in 5G systems: Optimized criteria based resource management framework

The demand for spectrum resources has increased dramatically with the advent of modern wireless applications. Spectrum sharing, considered as a critical mechanism for 5G networks, is envisioned to address spectrum scarcity issue and achieve high data rate access, and guaranteed the quality of service (QoS). From the licensed network's perspective, the interference caused by all secondary users (SUs) should be minimized. From secondary networks point of view, there is a need to assign networks to SUs in such a way that overall interference is reduced, enabling the accommodation of a growing number of SUs. The potential solution for this problem is represented by spectrum handoff, which aims to help SUs to vacate the occupied licensed spectrum and find suitable network resources to resume the unfinished transmissions. Inspired by this, we process the performance analysis of different pricing strategies as Proposed Subscriber Class based Pricing (PSCP), Flexible Pricing (FP), Adaptive Pricing (AP) and QoS-DP in case of operator's profit and secondary users (SUs) satisfaction in different traffic load (TL). The simulation results prove that without considering SUs' attributes, although total network revenue (TNR) can be high, it causes to “user churn” due to dissatisfaction with an allocated high price. The introduced optimal pricing strategy based on the SUs' attributes is related to QoS-Driven Pricing (DP).
Improved photovoltaic conversion chain with interleaved method

This paper presents a parallel connection of three-cell interleaved boost converters used as an adaptation stage dedicated to photovoltaic applications. Indeed, this structure associated to a MPPT control improves the efficiency and reliability of a photovoltaic power conversion chain. An additional current sharing control has been incorporated to assure a uniform distribution of power between each DC-DC converter. Every voltage and current ripples present on the load and photovoltaic (PV) source implying the switch stresses are reduced with this technique compared to a classical structure. Finally; experimental results show that the proposed technique can be used for impedance matching of a PV array.
The Pineal Gland, but Not Melatonin, Is Associated with the Termination of Seasonal Testicular Activity in an Annual Reproductive Cycle in Roseringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri

The role of the pineal gland and its hormone melatonin in the regulation of annual testicular events was investigated for the first time in a psittacine bird, the roseringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Accordingly, the testicular responsiveness of the birds was evaluated following surgical pinealectomy with or without the exogenous administration of melatonin and the experimental manipulations of the endogenous levels of melatonin through exposing the birds to continuous illumination. An identical schedule was followed during the four reproductive phases, each characterizing a distinct testicular status in the annual cycle, namely, the phases of gametogenic quiescence (preparatory phase), seasonal recovery of gametogenesis (progressive phase), seasonal initiation of sperm formation (pre‐breeding phase), and peak gametogenic activity (breeding phase). In each reproductive phase, the birds were subjected to various experimental conditions, and the effects were studied comparing the testicular conditions in the respective control birds. The study included germ cell profiles of the seminiferous tubules, the activities of steroidogenic enzymes 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD), and Δ53β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ53β‐ HSD) in the testis, and the serum levels of testosterone and melatonin. An analysis of the data reveals that the pineal gland and its hormone melatonin may play an inhibitory role in the development of the testis until the attainment of the seasonal peak in the annual reproductive cycle. However, in all probability, the termination of the seasonal activity of the testis or the initiation of testicular regression in the annual reproductive cycle appears to be the function of the pineal gland, but not of melatonin.
Dairy consumption, systolic blood pressure, and risk of hypertension: Mendelian randomization study

Objective To examine whether previous observed inverse associations of dairy intake with systolic blood pressure and risk of hypertension were causal. Design Mendelian randomization study using the single nucleotide polymorphism rs4988235 related to lactase persistence as an instrumental variable. Setting CHARGE (Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology) Consortium. Participants Data from 22 studies with 171 213 participants, and an additional 10 published prospective studies with 26 119 participants included in the observational analysis. Main outcome measures The instrumental variable estimation was conducted using the ratio of coefficients approach. Using meta-analysis, an additional eight published randomized clinical trials on the association of dairy consumption with systolic blood pressure were summarized. Results Compared with the CC genotype (CC is associated with complete lactase deficiency), the CT/TT genotype (TT is associated with lactose persistence, and CT is associated with certain lactase deficiency) of LCT-13910 (lactase persistence gene) rs4988235 was associated with higher dairy consumption (0.23 (about 55 g/day), 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.29) serving/day; P<0.001) and was not associated with systolic blood pressure (0.31, 95% confidence interval −0.05 to 0.68 mm Hg; P=0.09) or risk of hypertension (odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.97 to 1.05; P=0.27). Using LCT-13910 rs4988235 as the instrumental variable, genetically determined dairy consumption was not associated with systolic blood pressure (β=1.35, 95% confidence interval −0.28 to 2.97 mm Hg for each serving/day) or risk of hypertension (odds ratio 1.04, 0.88 to 1.24). Moreover, meta-analysis of the published clinical trials showed that higher dairy intake has no significant effect on change in systolic blood pressure for interventions over one month to 12 months (intervention compared with control groups: β=−0.21, 95% confidence interval −0.98 to 0.57 mm Hg). In observational analysis, each serving/day increase in dairy consumption was associated with −0.11 (95% confidence interval −0.20 to −0.02 mm Hg; P=0.02) lower systolic blood pressure but not risk of hypertension (odds ratio 0.98, 0.97 to 1.00; P=0.11). Conclusion The weak inverse association between dairy intake and systolic blood pressure in observational studies was not supported by a comprehensive instrumental variable analysis and systematic review of existing clinical trials.
Notch-Nrf2 Axis: Regulation of Nrf2 Gene Expression and Cytoprotection by Notch Signaling

ABSTRACT The Notch signaling pathway enables regulation and control of development, differentiation, and homeostasis through cell-cell communication. Our investigation shows that Notch signaling directly activates the Nrf2 stress adaptive response pathway through recruitment of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) transcriptosome to a conserved Rbpjκ site in the promoter of Nrf2. Stimulation of Notch signaling through Notch ligand expression in cells and by overexpression of the NICD in RosaNICD/−::AlbCre mice in vivo induces expression of Nrf2 and its target genes. Continuous and transient NICD expression in the liver produces a Notch-dependent cytoprotective response through direct transcriptional activation of Nrf2 signaling to rescue mice from acute acetaminophen toxicity. This response can be reversed upon genetic disruption of Nrf2. Morphological studies showed that the characteristic phenotype of high-density intrahepatic bile ducts and enlarged liver in RosaNICD/−::AlbCre mice could be at least partially reversed after Nrf2 disruption. Furthermore, the liver and bile duct phenotypes could be recapitulated with constitutive activation of Nrf2 signaling in Keap1F/F::AlbCre mice. It appears that Notch-to-Nrf2 signaling is another important determinant in liver development and function and promotes cell-cell cytoprotective signaling responses.
Individual variation in and androgen-modulation of the sodium current in electric organ

Electric fish of the genus Sternopygus produce a sinusoidal electric organ discharge (EOD) of low frequencies in males, high frequencies in females, and overlapping and intermediate frequencies in juveniles. Correspondingly, the cells of the electric organ, the electrocytes, generate action potentials which are of long duration in mature males, short duration in females, and intermediate duration in immatures. The androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) lowers EOD frequency and increases electrocyte action potential duration. We examined the electrocytes under voltage clamp to determine whether variations in the kinetic properties of the Na+ current might underlie these phenomena. We found that the fast inactivation time constants of the peak Na+ current (0 mV) ranged from 0.5 to 4.7 msec and varied systematically with EOD frequency and action potential duration. Voltage dependence of steady- state inactivation also varied with EOD frequency with the midpoint of inactivation being more positive in fish with low EOD frequencies. There was no correlation between the voltage at which the Na+ current activates, voltage at peak current, reversal potential, rate of recovery from inactivation, or TTX sensitivity and EOD frequency. We tested whether DHT influenced Na+ current inactivation by recording from electrocytes before and after juvenile fish of both sexes were implanted with a DHT-containing or empty capsule. We found that inactivation time constants were significantly slower in DHT implanted, but not control, fish. This is the first observation of functionally relevant individual variation in the kinetics of a Na+ current and the first demonstration that the kinetics of a Na+ current may be modulated by an androgen.
Reconstitution of Human Thymic Implants Is Limited by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Breakthrough during Antiretroviral Therapy

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected SCID-hu thymic implants depleted of CD4+ cells can support renewed thymopoiesis derived from both endogenous and exogenous T-cell progenitors after combination antiretroviral therapy. However, successful production of new thymocytes occurs transiently. Possible explanations for the temporary nature of this thymic reconstitution include cessation of the thymic stromal support function, exhaustion of T-cell progenitors, and viral resurgence. Distinguishing between these processes is important for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at reconstituting the CD4+ T-cell compartment in HIV-1 infection. Using an HIV-1 strain engineered to express the murine HSA heat-stable antigen surface marker, we explored the relationship between HIV-1 expression and CD4+ cell resurgence kinetics in HIV-1-depleted SCID-hu implants following drug therapy. Antiviral therapy significantly suppressed HIV-1 expression in double-positive (DP) CD4/CD8 thymocytes, and the eventual secondary decline of DP thymocytes following therapy was associated with renewed viral expression in this cell subset. Thymocytes derived from exogenous T-cell progenitors induced to differentiate in HIV-1-depleted, drug-treated thymic implants also became infected. These results indicate that in this model, suppression of viral replication occurs transiently and that, in spite of drug therapy, virus resurgence contributes to the transient nature of the renewed thymic function.
Potentially inappropriate prescribing and adverse health outcomes in community dwelling older patients.

AIMS This study aimed to determine the association between potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) and health related outcomes [adverse drug events (ADEs), health related quality of life (HRQOL) and hospital accident and emergency (A&E) visits] in older community dwelling patients. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 931 community dwelling patients aged ≥70 years in 15 general practices in Ireland in 2010. PIP was defined by the Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions (STOPP). ADEs were measured by patient self-report and medical record for the previous 6 months and reviewed by two independent clinicians. HRQOL was measured by the EQ-5D. A&E visits were measured by patients' medical records and self-report. Multilevel logistic, linear and Poisson regression examined how ADEs, HRQOL and A&E visits varied by PIP after adjusting for patient and practice level covariates: socioeconomic status, co-morbidity, number of drug classes and adherence. RESULTS The overall prevalence of PIP was 42% (n = 377). Patients with ≥2 PIP indicators were twice as likely to have an ADE (adjusted OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.02, 4.83, P < 0.05), have a significantly lower mean HRQOL utility (adjusted coefficient -0.09, SE 0.02, P < 0.001) and nearly a two-fold increased risk in the expected rate of A&E visits (adjusted IRR 1.85; 95% CI 1.32, 2.58, P < 0.001). The number of drug classes and adherence were also significantly associated with these same adverse health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Reducing PIP in primary care may help lower the burden of ADEs, its associated health care use and costs and enhance quality of life in older patients.
‘Subthreshold’ mental disorders

Background Subthreshold conditions (i. e. not meeting full diagnostic criteria for mental disorders in DSM–IV or ICD–10) are prevalent and associated with significant costs and disability. Observed more in primary care and community populations than in speciality settings, varying conceptualisations have been applied to define these conditions. Aims To examine definitional issues for subthreshold forms of depression (e. g. minor depression) and to suggest future directions for research and nosology in psychiatry and primary care. Method A Medline search was conducted. The relevant articles were reviewed with regard to specific categories of information. Results Studies applied a myriad of names and definitions for subthreshold depression with varying duration, symptom thresholds and exclusions. Prevalence rates also vary depending upon the definitions, settings and populations researched. Conclusions Future research needs to apply methodological and intellectual rigour and systematically consider a broader clinical and nosological context. In addition, collaboration between psychiatry and primary care on research and clinical issues is needed.