Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of orthodontic treatment on periodontal clinical attachment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Insertion of orthodontic fixed appliances has been known to induce a mostly transient qualitative and quantitative alteration of the intraoral microbiota. However, the extent to which treatment with fixed appliances might have a lasting adverse effect on the periodontal attachment of the teeth has not yet been investigated in an evidence-based manner. Objectives Aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of comprehensive treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances on clinical attachment levels of adolescent and adult periodontally healthy patients. Search methods Seven databases were searched from inception to February 2017. Selection criteria Prospective non-randomized longitudinal clinical studies. Data collection and analysis After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment according to the Cochrane guidelines, Paule-Mandel random-effects meta-analyses of the clinical attachment loss and its 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results A total of 9 trials were identified that included 335 treated patients (at least 34 per cent male / 66 per cent female) with an average age of 22.6 years. The average pooled clinical attachment loss was 0.11 mm (9 studies; 335 patients; 95 per cent CI = 0.12 mm gain to 0.34 mm loss; P = 0.338) with high heterogeneity. Furthermore, one study hinted that a small amount of clinical attachment might be gained by intrusion of upper incisors. Additional analyses indicated that the results were robust to addition of untreated patient groups, while patient age and timing of outcome measurement might play an important role. Conclusions According to existing evidence from longitudinal clinical studies orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances has little to no clinically relevant effect on periodontal clinical attachment levels. Registration PROSPERO (CRD42017057042). Funding None.
Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy versus Arthrotomy

Although some patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are successfully treated by nonsurgical means or by arthrocentesis or arthroscopic surgery, there is still a group of patients who do not respond to these procedures and for whom an arthrotomy and disc surgery (discoplasty) are necessary. Arthroscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic modality in the treatment of TMJ disorders being an alternative to arthrotomy ( „open“ TMJ surgery) and can be very effective in eliminating symptoms as pain, mandibular dysfunction, hypomobility, acute and chronic „closed lock“ due to osteoarthritis and arthrosis with adhesive capsulitis, where nonsurgical treatment has been unsuccessful. Bony ankylosis and fibrosis are best managed by open arthrotomy procedures. It has been found that a total of 22 of the 137 arthroscopies were diagnostic only, which resulted in immediate arthrotomy, including arthroplasty, meniscectomy [1]. Arthroscopy is a technique for direct visual inspection of internal joint structures, including biopsy and other surgical procedures per‐ formed under visual control. In 1918 Takagi first described arthroscopy of the knee joint examinations using cystoscope [2]. Onishi in 1970 was the first to report arthroscopy of the human temporomandibular joint and the first results were published by him [3,4]. The progress in research and applications of TMJ arthroscopy in joint disease have led to the acceptance of small operative procedures as a safe, minimally invasive means of effectively treating a number of intra-articular and degenerative TMJ problems [5-7]. Arthroscopic surgery has been an effective treatment for TMJ disorders refractory to nonsurgical treatments [8-10]. TMJ arthroscopy has been variously reported as successful in up to 80% of cases where outcome of arthroscopic surgery to the TMJ correlates with the stage of internal derangement [11-13]. Studies have been variable in their scientific methods and some long-term outcomes studies have been completed where both quality of life and functional outcome have been assessed [14-16]. For enabling direct comparison of the clinical results following arthroscopic
Risque de cancer du poumon associé aux expositions environnementales de fumées de soudage : 2 études cas- témoins basées sur la population montréalaise.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to gas and arc welding fumes and the risk of lung cancer among workers exposed to various agents at various concentrations and over a wide range of occupations. Methods: We conducted two population-based case-control studies in Montreal (1979-1986 and 1996-2001), including 857 and 736 cases respectively and frequency-matched controls. Detailed job histories were obtained by interview and evaluated by an expert team of chemist-hygienists to estimate intensity, duration and cumulative exposure to multiple substances for each job. Gas and arc welding fumes were among the agents evaluated, and we estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for lung cancer using logistic regression, adjusting for smoking history and other relevant covariates. Subsequent analyses allowed us to explore other avenues, such as effect-measure modification by smoking. Results: The results from both studies were similar, so a pooled analysis was conducted. No significant association was found between lung cancer and gas welding fumes (OR=1,13; 95% CI=0,90-1,42) or arc welding fumes (OR=1,01; 95% CI=0,80-1,26). However, when restricting attention to light and non-smokers, we found an increased risk of lung cancer in relation to gas welding fumes (OR=2,78; 95% CI=1,66-4,65) and arc welding fumes (OR=2,20; 95% CI=1,32-3,70). When we further narrowed attention to workers with the highest cumulative exposures, we found even higher risk of lung cancer for gas (OR=4,63; 95% CI=2,14-10,03) and arc welding fumes (OR=3,45; 95% CI=1,59-7,48). Discussion: There was no detectable excess risk due to welding fumes among smokers; but among light and non-smokers there were excess risks related to both types of welding fumes. The effect of welding fumes may be masked in smokers or light and non-smokers may be more vulnerable.
α‐Hemolysin enhances Staphylococcus aureus internalization and survival within mast cells by modulating the expression of β1 integrin

Mast cells (MCs) are important sentinels of the host defence against invading pathogens. We previously reported that Staphylococcus aureus evaded the extracellular antimicrobial activities of MCs by promoting its internalization within these cells via β1 integrins. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms governing this process. We found that S. aureus responded to the antimicrobial mediators released by MCs by up‐regulating the expression of α‐hemolysin (Hla), fibronectin‐binding protein A and several regulatory systems. We also found that S. aureus induced the up‐regulation of β1 integrin expression on MCs and that this effect was mediated by Hla‐ADAM10 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10) interaction. Thus, deletion of Hla or inhibition of Hla‐ADAM10 interaction significantly impaired S. aureus internalization within MCs. Furthermore, purified Hla but not the inactive HlaH35L induced up‐regulation of β1 integrin expression in MCs in a dose‐dependent manner. Our data support a model in which S. aureus counter‐reacts the extracellular microbicidal mechanisms of MCs by increasing expression of fibronectin‐binding proteins and by inducing Hla‐ADAM10‐mediated up‐regulation of β1 integrin in MCs. The up‐regulation of bacterial fibronectin‐binding proteins, concomitantly with the increased expression of its receptor β1 integrin on the MCs, resulted in enhanced S. aureus internalization through the binding of fibronectin‐binding proteins to integrin β1 via fibronectin.
Sec61p‐independent degradation of the tail‐anchored ER membrane protein Ubc6p

Tail‐anchored proteins are distinct from other membrane proteins as they are thought to insert into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane independently of Sec61p translocation pores. These pores not only mediate import but are also assumed to catalyze export of proteins in a process called ER‐associated protein degradation (ERAD). In order to examine the Sec61p dependence of the export of tail‐anchored proteins, we analyzed the degradation pathway of a tail‐anchored ER membrane protein, the ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 6 (Ubc6p). In contrast to other ubiquitin conjugating enzymes (Ubcs), Ubc6p is naturally short‐lived. Its proteolysis is mediated specifically by the unique Ubc6p tail region. Degradation further requires the activity of Cue1p‐assembled Ubc7p, and its own catalytic site cysteine. However, it occurs independently of the other ERAD components Ubc1p, Hrd1p/Der3p, Hrd3p and Der1p. In contrast to other natural ERAD substrates, proteasomal mutants accumulate a membrane‐bound degradation intermediate of Ubc6p. Most interestingly, mutations in SEC61 do not reduce the turnover of full‐length Ubc6p nor cause a detectable accumulation of degradation intermediates. These data are in accordance with a model in which tail‐anchored proteins can be extracted from membranes independently of Sec61p.
Auch in Stockholm tickt nun die innere Uhr – Nobelpreis für die circadianen Rhythmen

Der Nobelpreis für Medizin ging in diesem Jahr an Michael Rosbash, Jeffrey Hall, Michael Young, die sich mit den molekularen Mechanismen circadianer Rhythmen u . a. bei der Fruchtfliege beschäftigt haben. Kein Zweifel, sie sind preiswürdig für ihre Forschungen. Leider kommt dieser renommierte Preis aber zu spät: Andere Forscher haben zuvor mit Phantasie, Durchhaltevermögen und gegen Widerstände dazu beigetragen, die Bedeutung circadianer Rhythmen aufzuklären.
Structure of the RPA trimerization core and its role in the multistep DNA‐binding mechanism of RPA

The human single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein, replication protein A (RPA) binds DNA in at least two different modes: initial [8–10 nucleotides (nt)] and stable (∼30 nt). Switching from 8 to 30 nt mode is associated with a large conformational change. Here we report the 2.8 Å structure of the RPA trimerization core comprising the C‐terminal DNA‐binding domain of subunit RPA70 (DBD‐C), the central DNA‐binding domain of subunit RPA32 (DBD‐D) and the entire RPA14 subunit. All three domains are built around a central oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding (OB)‐fold and flanked by a helix at the C‐terminus. Trimerization is mediated by three C‐terminal helices arranged in parallel. The OB‐fold of DBD‐C possesses unique structural features; embedded zinc ribbon and helix–turn–helix motifs. Using time‐resolved proteolysis with trypsin, we demonstrate that the trimerization core does not contribute to the binding with substrates of 10 nt, but interacts with oligonucleotides of 24 nt. Taken together, our data indicate that switching from 8–10 to 30 nt mode is mediated by DNA binding with the trimerization core.
Protein kinase D mediates a stress‐induced NF‐κB activation and survival pathway

The activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB is critical for a number of physiological responses. Here, we provide evidence for a signaling pathway that mediates NF‐κB activation in response to oxidative stress. We show that tyrosine phosphorylation of protein kinase D (PKD) at Y463 in the Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain is mediated by the Src and Abl tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, and that this is both necessary and sufficient to activate NF‐κB in response to oxidative stress. PKD activates NF‐κB through the IKK complex and more specifically, IKKβ, leading to IκBα degradation. We also present evidence that this pathway is required for increased cellular survival in response to oxidative stress. We propose a model in which protection from oxidative stress‐induced cell death requires the tyrosine phosphorylation of PKD leading to the activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB.
LC3‐associated phagocytosis: a crucial mechanism for antifungal host defence against Aspergillus fumigatus

LC3‐associated phagocytosis (LAP) is a non‐canonical autophagy pathway involved in the maturation of single‐membrane phagosomes and subsequent killing of ingested pathogens by phagocytes. This pathway is initiated following recognition of pathogens by pattern recognition receptors and leads to the recruitment of LC3 into the phagosomal membrane. This form of phagocytosis is utilized for the antifungal host defence and is required for an efficient fungal killing. Here, we provide an overview of the LAP pathway and review the role of LAP in anti‐Aspergillus host defence, as well as mechanisms induced by Aspergillus that modulate LAP to promote its survival in the host.
The Predictors of Low Back Pain in Helicopter Pilots

Objective: Helicopter pilots frequently complain about low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of age, body mass index, total flying hours, smoking habit, regular sports participation and core endurance on LBP, and to determine the predictors of LBP in helicopter pilots. Methods: Twenty-one military helicopter pilots (29.09±6.52 years) were assessed. Demographic information and total flying hours were recorded. Low back disability was evaluated with the Oswestry low back disability questionnaire. The prone bridge test, side bridge test, supine isometric chest raise test and Sorenson test were conducted to assess the core endurance. The parameters affecting the Oswestry disability score were analyzed with the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify the independent predictors of the Oswestry score. Dependent variable was the Oswestry score, and the independent variable were age, body mass index, total flying hours, smoking habit, regular sports participation, the prone-bridge, side-bridge, Sorenson and supine isometric chest raise test scores. Results: The low back disability was correlated with age and total flying hours (r=0.55, p=0.015; r=0.53, p=0.01). Results of the linear regression showed that age, total flying hours, smoking status, regular sports participation, the side bridge test score, the prone bridge test score were all the predictors of low back disability (R 2 =0.54, p<0.05). Conclusion: Increased t otal flying hours, smoking habit, sedentary lifestyle, the impaired back muscle endurance and age negatively affected the low back disability status. Modification of the lifestyle and improving the endurance of the back muscles might positively affect the disability level due to the LBP in helicopter pilots. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Normal Tablo"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
Epigenetics regulates transcription and pathogenesis in the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted parasite that colonizes the human urogenital tract. Infections range from asymptomatic to highly inflammatory, depending on the host and the parasite strain. Different T. vaginalis strains vary greatly in their adherence and cytolytic capacities. These phenotypic differences might be attributed to differentially expressed genes as a consequence of extra‐genetic variation, such as epigenetic modifications. In this study, we explored the role of histone acetylation in regulating gene transcription and pathogenesis in T. vaginalis. Here, we show that histone 3 lysine acetylation (H3KAc) is enriched in nucleosomes positioned around the transcription start site of active genes (BAP1 and BAP2) in a highly adherent parasite strain; compared with the low acetylation abundance in contrast to that observed in a less‐adherent strain that expresses these genes at low levels. Additionally, exposition of less‐adherent strain with a specific histone deacetylases inhibitor, trichostatin A, upregulated the transcription of BAP1 and BAP2 genes in concomitance with an increase in H3KAc abundance and chromatin accessibility around their transcription start sites. Moreover, we demonstrated that the binding of initiator binding protein, the transcription factor responsible for the initiation of transcription of ~75% of known T. vaginalis genes, depends on the histone acetylation state around the metazoan‐like initiator to which initiator binding protein binds. Finally, we found that trichostatin A treatment increased parasite aggregation and adherence to host cells. Our data demonstrated for the first time that H3KAc is a permissive histone modification that functions to mediate both transcription and pathogenesis of the parasite T. vaginalis.
Exploring the Volunteer First Aider's Experience Post-Resuscitation

Objectives This study aims to identify themes associated with St John volunteer first aiders’ post-resuscitation experience following an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest, and to make suggestions for future practice in education and research. Methods This study was exploratory and descriptive in design, utilising a single focus group as a means of data collection. All five participants from a single resuscitation event participated in the focus group. The focus group was electronically recorded and transcribed verbatim. The results were then thematically analysed. Finding The focus group participants described four themes associated with successful resuscitation of a casualty following sudden cardiac arrest. These themes were: postresuscitation casualty management; interactions with health care professionals; critical incident stress management and learning about the casualty's outcome. Discussion Education of first aid service providers should include post-resuscitation casualty management, this could be achieved by including the chain of survival in its entirety rather than the DRABCD (danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation and defibrillation) resuscitation action plan only. Similarly, ambulance paramedics require an understanding of semi-automatic external defibrillators as used by first aid service providers. In particular, the limitations of semi-automatic external defibrillators should be included in education programs for ambulance paramedics and emergency department staff. Finally, first aid service providers should implement formal mechanisms to provide feedback to participants regarding casualty outcomes following a critical event.
[Fertility Preservation in Prepubertal und Pubertal Children and Adolescents].

BACKGROUND Due to rising survival rates in cancer and autoimmune diseases fertility preservation before gonadotoxic therapies has become increasingly important. Although fertility can be significantly affected by gonadotoxic therapies, the possibility of fertility preservation during childhood has not been sufficiently considered so far. METHODS Selective literature research with presentation of fertility preservation methods, their indications, implementations, risks and efficacy. RESULTS Measures are indicated in all girls and boys at high risk of gonadal damage. The complexity of the techniques requires special expertise in the counseling and implementation, which is offered to girls in counselling Germany especially in the centers of FertiPROTEKT (www.fertiprotekt.com). In girls, mainly cryopreservation of ovary tissue is considered. In postpubertal girls cryopreservation of oocytes is also possible. In postpubertal boys sperm can be preserved. Freezing of testicular tissue is still experimental in prepubertal boys. Success rates are still difficult to quantify; birth rates of about 50% are discussed. All procedures are not covered by health insurance. CONCLUSION In children and adolescents, measures of fertility preservation should be considered in cases of highly gonadotoxic therapies, and appropriate advice should be given by specialists.
Tools for direct observation and assessment of clinical skills of medical trainees: a systematic review.

CONTEXT Direct observation of medical trainees with actual patients is important for performance-based clinical skills assessment. Multiple tools for direct observation are available, but their characteristics and outcomes have not been compared systematically. OBJECTIVES To identify observation tools used to assess medical trainees' clinical skills with actual patients and to summarize the evidence of their validity and outcomes. DATA SOURCES Electronic literature search of PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, and Web of Science for English-language articles published between 1965 and March 2009 and review of references from article bibliographies. STUDY SELECTION Included studies described a tool designed for direct observation of medical trainees' clinical skills with actual patients by educational supervisors. Tools used only in simulated settings or assessing surgical/procedural skills were excluded. Of 10 672 citations, 199 articles were reviewed and 85 met inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION Two authors independently abstracted studies using a modified Best Evidence Medical Education coding form to inform judgment of key psychometric characteristics. Differences were reconciled by consensus. RESULTS A total of 55 tools were identified. Twenty-one tools were studied with students and 32 with residents or fellows. Two were used across the educational continuum. Most (n = 32) were developed for formative assessment. Rater training was described for 26 tools. Only 11 tools had validity evidence based on internal structure and relationship to other variables. Trainee or observer attitudes about the tool were the most commonly measured outcomes. Self-assessed changes in trainee knowledge, skills, or attitudes (n = 9) or objectively measured change in knowledge or skills (n = 5) were infrequently reported. The strongest validity evidence has been established for the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX). CONCLUSION Although many tools are available for the direct observation of clinical skills, validity evidence and description of educational outcomes are scarce.