Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial shifts during dental biofilm re-development in the absence of oral hygiene in periodontal health and disease.

AIM To monitor microbial shifts during dental biofilm re-development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Supra- and subgingival plaque samples were taken separately from 28 teeth in 38 healthy and 17 periodontitis subjects at baseline and immediately after tooth cleaning. Samples were taken again from seven teeth in randomly selected quadrants during 1, 2, 4 and 7 days of no oral hygiene. Samples were analysed using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Species counts were averaged within subjects at each time point. Significant differences in the counts between healthy and periodontitis subjects were determined using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS The total supra- and subgingival counts were significantly higher in periodontitis on entry and reached or exceeded the baseline values after day 2. Supragingival counts of Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum ss vincentii and Neisseria mucosa increased from 2 to 7 days. Subgingival counts were greater for Actinomyces, green and orange complex species. Significant differences between groups in supragingival counts occurred for 17 of 41 species at entry, 0 at day 7; for subgingival plaque, these values were 39/41 taxa at entry, 17/41 at day 7. CONCLUSIONS Supragingival plaque re-development was similar in periodontitis and health, but subgingival species recolonization was more marked in periodontitis.
A Psychoneuroendocrine Perspective on the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Objectives: Pain is a multifaceted phenomenon. Next to and in interaction with aberrations in central pain processes, behavioral factors and the neuroendocrine regulation system are also involved in pain. Our aim is to summarize neuroendocrine findings in fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS], to discuss how neuroendocrine functioning interacts with pain and psychological factors, and to confer implications of this inquiry for the management of FMS. Findings: With respect to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning, on average, normal cortisol levels, reduced corticotrophin responses to multiple stressors, and an exaggerated corticotrophin response to exogenous corticotrophin-releasing hormone [CRH] are found. This may reflect a hypoactive status of CRH neurons and, as a consequence, upregulation of pituitary CRH receptors. Studies of autonomic nervous system functioning show a hyporesponsiveness to a variety of stressors and indicate a persistent hyperactive sympathetic nervous system. Although a causal role of constitutional or acquired neuroendocrine dysregulation in FMS is not refuted, the reviewed findings suggest that neuroendocrine dysregulation is a consequence of current pain, psychological stress and distress, sleep disturbance, inactivity, and low fitness. Conclusions: Essential aims in the tailored management of FMS are enhancement of functional capacity and quality of life, and symptomatic treatment of individual symptoms such as pain, distress, and sleep disturbances. Patient education, pharmacological interventions with analgesics and antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene training, and low-intensity physical exercise training are commonly employed in tailored management of FMS. Our review suggests that favorable neuroendocrine changes are to be expected as part of a successful outcome of these therapeutic strategies.
TLR2 and TLR4 gene promoter methylation status during chronic periodontitis.

AIM The objective of this study was to analyse the status of DNA methylation in the promoter region of the toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 genes in gingival tissue samples from healthy subjects, smokers and non-smokers affected by chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Genomic DNA and total RNA were purified from gingival tissue using the TRIZOL reagent protocol. Genomic DNA was then digested by methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), electrophoresed on a 10% polyacrylamide gel and stained using SYBR Gold. Real-time PCR was also performed to verify the transcript levels. RESULTS The CpG dinucleotides analysed were observed to be unmethylated in the majority of DNA samples of the three groups and statistical differences were not found among groups (p>0.05). However, a trend towards methylation was observed in the TLR2 HhaI site in the samples of the periodontitis non-smoker groups. In fact, the analysis of all CpG sites together shows which complete methylation is observed in the shortest level in the samples of periodontitis non-smoker group. The analysis of transcript levels demonstrated no difference among groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The results demonstrated major unmethylation of the TLR4 gene promoter in all groups. However, the results for the TLR2 gene promoter are inconclusive; this gene was found as a mosaic of methylated and unmethylated DNA in the majority of samples of the three groups and we also observed a trend towards the DNA methylation of CpG sites recognized by the HhaI enzyme.
The RANKL-OPG system in clinical periodontology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The receptor activator of NF-κB ligand-osteoprotegerin (RANKL-OPG) bi-molecular system is the "bottle-neck" regulator of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, both in physiological and pathological conditions. This review aims to elaborate the current knowledge on RANKL and OPG in periodontal disease, and to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic potential as biomarkers of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS To pursue this aim, electronic and manual searches were performed for identifying clinical and in vivo studies on RANKL and OPG in gingival tissue, gingival crevicular fluid, saliva and blood. Smoking and diabetes mellitus were also considered for their potential effects. RESULTS Papers fulfilling the inclusion criteria demonstrate that RANKL is up-regulated, whereas OPG is down-regulated in periodontitis, compared to periodontal health, resulting in an increased RANKL/OPG ratio. This ratio is further up-regulated in smokers and diabetics, and is not affected by conventional periodontal treatment. CONCLUSIONS The increased RANKL/OPG ratio may serve as a biomarker that denotes the occurrence of periodontitis, but may not necessarily predict on-going disease activity. Its steadily elevated levels post treatment may indicate that the molecular mechanisms of bone resorption are still active, holding an imminent risk for relapse of the disease. Additional adjunct treatment modalities that would "switch-off" the RANKL/OPG ratio may therefore be required.
Special issue introduction: Approaching spatial uncertainty visualization to support reasoning and decision making

While research on uncertainty and decision-making has a long history across several disciplines, recent technological developments compel researchers to rethink how to best address and advance the understanding of how humans reason and make decisions under spatial uncertainty. This introduction presents a visual summary graphic to provide an overview of each article in this special issue. Upon viewing these visual summaries, the reader will find that each of these articles covers different topics in the uncertainty visualization domain, offering complementary research in this field. Extending this body of research and finding new ways to explore how these visualizations may help or hinder the analytical and reasoning process of humans continues to be a necessary step towards designing more effective uncertainty visualizations to support reasoning and decision-making.
Eye tracking for spatial research: Cognition, computation, challenges

Spatial information acquisition happens in large part through the visual sense. Studying visual attention and its connection to cognitive processes has been the interest of many research efforts in spatial cognition over the years. Recent technological developments have led to an increasing popularity of eye-tracking methodology for investigating research questions related to spatial cognition, geographic information science (GIScience) and cartography. At the same time, eye trackers can nowadays be used as an input device for (cognitively engineered) user interfaces to geographic information. We provide an overview of the most recent literature advancing and utilizing eye-tracking methodology in these fields, introduce the research articles in this Special Issue, and discuss challenges and opportunities for future research.
Low Spinal Block in Eclampsia

There are also certain precautionary factors concerned with the ski. With the modern Kandahar binding the boot is fixed firmly down on to the ski, for it is only with this rigid fixture that confident control can be obtained in fast downhill racing. Many trials are at present directed towards effecting a practical safety release for the foot during a fall, and so avoiding a fracture. But obviously this can be achieved only by sacrificing some of the security of the boot upon the ski. I think the best device for minimizing accidents is the " instep strap. " This does not approach the problem, as the safety release does, by aiming to protect the limb from a breaking-strain. It does so by helping to prevent the awkward fall which is the cause of the fracture. The instep strap passes from a loop in the Kandahar binding on one side, across the instep, around the boot, across the instep again, and down to the binding on the other side. This strap gives support at the point where the maximum aid is needed by the skier in fully controlling his skis in modern Vorlage technique.
Optimizing the mix of basic dental services for Southern Thai schoolchildren based on resource consumption, service needs and parental preference.

OBJECTIVES To identify the optimal levels and mix of basic dental services (sealants and fillings for permanent teeth and extraction of primary teeth) under two different dental settings: hospital-based and mobile dental clinics under specified resource constraints. METHODS A linear programming model is used based on explicit identification of system objectives and resource constraints. The objective was to maximize benefits as measured by parental willingness to pay (WTP) for basic dental services provided to schoolchildren subject to constraints on total resources, service need and parental preferences among different dental care settings. RESULTS Optimization was identified to require 270, 180, 552, 828, 228 and 532 cases of hospital sealant, mobile sealant, hospital filling, mobile filling, hospital extraction and mobile extraction, respectively. The corresponding current service levels were 48, 281, 191, 170, 479, and 677 respectively. The optimal service configuration produced a total WTP of 485 860 baht which exceeded the WTP for the current service configuration by more than 75.4%. CONCLUSIONS Mobile clinic fillings were the highest priority among basic dental services. The current service configurations fail to reflect the setting preferences and provide greater emphasis to extractions than the optimal configuration with less emphasis given to preventive and restorative services.
Self-rated oral health and associated factors in Brazilian elders.

OBJECTIVE Self-rating provides a simple direct way of capturing perceptions of health. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of poor self-rated oral health among elders. METHODS National data from a cross-sectional population-based study with a multistage random sample of 4786 Brazilian older adults (aged 65-74) in 250 towns were analysed. Data collection included oral examinations (WHO 1997) and structured interviews at elderly households. The outcome was measured by a single five-point-response-scale question dichotomized into 'poor' (fair/poor/very poor) and 'good' (good/very good) self-rated oral health. Data analyses used Poisson regression models stratified by sex. RESULTS The prevalence of poor self-rated oral health was 46.6% (95% CI: 45.2-48%) in the whole sample, 50.3% (48-52.5) in men and 44.2% (42.4-46) in women. Higher prevalence ratios (PR) were found in elders reporting unfavourable dental appearance (PR = 2.31; 95% CI: 2.02-2.65), poor chewing ability (PR = 1.64; CI: 1.48-1.8) and dental pain (PR = 1.44; CI: 1.04-1.23) in adjusted analysis. Poor self-perception was also associated with being men, black, unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances, unfavourable clinical oral health and with not using or needing a dental prosthesis. CONCLUSION Assessment and understanding of self-rated oral health should take into account social factors, subjective and clinical oral symptoms.
Prevalence and Motivations of Vaginal Practices in Tete Province, Mozambique

ABSTRACT. Vaginal practices have been linked with an increase in risk for HIV transmission and other harms. In 2007, a household survey of 919 women was conducted in Tete province, Mozambique, as part of the World Health Organization Multicountry Study on Gender, Sexuality, and Vaginal Practices. Women aged 18 to 60 years old were interviewed to determine prevalence and motivations for vaginal practices. A large range of frequently used practices was identified. Nearly 80% of women reported three or more current practices, and virtually all had used at least three practices in their lifetime. Elongation of the vaginal labia minora was universal (99% of women), while a quarter stated they had made small vaginal cuts or incisions at least once. Ninety-two percent of women also reported ever use of intravaginal cleansing, and insertion of substances in the vagina was practiced by 72%. Around half (48%) reported ingestion of substances to affect the vagina, mostly to heat, tighten, or loosen the vagina. Application of substances on the genitalia (16%) and steaming (15%) were less popular. To prepare for sexual intercourse, women reported products were commonly applied, ingested, inserted, or steamed. Pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum were also associated with ingestion (26%), steaming (39%), and cutting (32%). Adoption of microbicides and condom use may be influenced by vaginal practices. HIV-prevention messages and interventions, including future microbicides, need to take into account the high prevalence of vaginal practices and motivations for their use. Further attention needs to be given to potentially harmful practices in HIV-prevention efforts in Mozambique.
The association between neighborhood social capital and self-reported dentate status in elderly Japanese--the Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study.

OBJECTIVES Little is known about the influence of social capital on dental health. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine the association between neighborhood social capital, individual social networks and social support and the number of remaining teeth in elderly Japanese. METHODS In December 2006, self-administered questionnaires were sent to 31,237 eligible community-dwelling individuals (response rate: 73.9%). Included in the analysis were 21,736 participants. Five neighborhood social capital variables were calculated from individual civic networks, sports and hobby networks, volunteer networks, friendship networks and social support variables. We used multilevel logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of having 20 or more teeth according to neighborhood social capital variables with adjustment for sex, age, individual social networks and social support, educational attainment, neighborhood educational level, dental health behavior, smoking status, history of diabetes and self-rated health. RESULTS The average age of the participants was 74.9 (standard deviation; 6.6) years, and 28.5% of them had 20 or more teeth. In the univariate multilevel model, there were statistically significant associations between neighborhood sports and hobby networks, friendship networks and self-reported dentate status. In the multivariable multilevel model, compared with participants living in lowest friendship network neighborhoods, those living in highest friendship network neighborhoods had an OR 1.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.30) times higher for having 20 or more teeth. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant association between one network aspect of neighborhood social capital and individual dentate status regardless of individual social networks and social support.
Influence of oral health-related behaviours on income inequalities in oral health among adolescents.

OBJECTIVES To determine income inequalities in both perceived oral health and oral health-related behaviours and the role oral health-related behaviours in explaining income inequalities in perceived oral health among Sri Lankan adolescents. METHODS The sample included 1,218 fifteen-year-olds selected from 48 schools in the Colombo district using a stratified cluster sampling technique. Data were collected by means of questionnaires to both adolescents and their parents. Perceived oral health status was the oral health outcome considered while oral health-related behaviours included brushing frequency, use of dental services in the preceding year and consumption of sugary food/drinks and fruit/vegetables. RESULTS Tooth brushing frequency, use of dental services in the preceding year and consumption of fruit/vegetables were associated with perceived oral health status. Also, the trends in perceived oral health and all oral health behaviours across ordered income groups were statistically significant. However, it was evident from the Poisson regression models that the effect of income on perceived oral health did not attenuate significantly following adjustment for oral health behaviours. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that oral health behaviours were associated with perceived oral health and also the existence of income gradients in perceived oral health and oral health behaviours. However, oral health behaviours were not accountable for the observed income gradients in perceived oral health.
Dieldrin uptake and translocation in plants growing in hydroponic medium

It has been known that the Cucurbitaceae family takes up a large amount of persistent organic pollutants from soils and that the translocation of those compounds in cucurbits is higher than those in non‐cucurbits. To understand the persistent organic pollutant uptake mechanisms of plant species, we compared the dieldrin absorption and transportation potentials of several plants in hydroponic medium. Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Moench), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), soybean (Glycine max), komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. peruviridis), white‐flowered gourd (Lagenaria siceraria var. hispida), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) were grown in a dieldrin‐added hydroponic medium for 10 d, and then the amount of dieldrin in their shoots and roots was measured. All of the roots contained dieldrin, whereas only the cucurbits (white‐flowered gourd, cucumber, and zucchini) contained considerable amounts of dieldrin in their shoots. The dieldrin uptake to the roots depended on the concentration of the n‐hexane soluble components in the roots, regardless of whether the dieldrin in the roots was translocated to shoots or not. The dieldrin uptake from the solution to the roots was thought to be due to a passive response, such as adsorption on the roots. The translocation of dieldrin from the roots to the shoots was probably through the xylems. The amounts of dieldrin in the shoots per transpiration rates were higher for cucurbits than for non‐cucurbits. It seems likely that cucurbits have uptake mechanisms for hydrophobic organic chemicals. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:142–148. © 2009 SETAC
Potential of rare actinomycetes in the production of metabolites against multiple oxidant agents

Abstract Context: Actinobacteria are a precious source of novel bioactive metabolites with potential pharmaceutical applications. Objectives: Representatives of 11 genera of rare Actinobacteria were selected for the evaluation of antioxidant activity. Material and methods: Fermentation broths of the Actinobacteria were extracted and dosage of 10 to 2000 µg/mL were applied for in vitro antioxidant-related bioassays. Cytotoxicity was assessed at the concentration of 2.5–20 µg/mL. Results: In the DPPH scavenging activity, 15 out of 52 extracts showed 17.0–26.8% activity in quantitative evaluation. Metabolites of five prominent antioxidant producing strains protected the DNA (pUC19) against UV-induced photolyzed H2O2-oxidative degradation. The potent antioxidant extracts inhibited two oxidative enzymes of xanthine oxidase in the range of 17.5–45.2% (three extracts had IC50 less than allopurinol) and lipoxygenase in the range of 36–55% (all five extracts had IC50 values less than daidzein). All these extracts could also protect eythrocytes from iron-induced hemolysis with ED50 values in a range of 0.014–1.25 mg/mL. Growth restoration of the yeast cells lacking the sod1 gene was observed by the antioxidant metabolite of Saccharothrix ecbatanensis UTMC 537 at the concentration of 1 mg/mL. Conclusions: The presence of nonidentical metabolites might be responsible for antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of S. ecbatanensis, newly described actinobacterium in family Pseudonocardiaceae. The scavenging of the free electrons, protection of DNA and model yeast cells against oxidative stress, in addition to the inhibition of the oxidating enzymes are the main mechanisms of the antioxidant effect of the introduced resource in this study.
Oral health-related quality of life is important for patients, but what about populations?

OBJECTIVES To review population-based research into oral health-related quality of life. METHODS Narrative review of selected publications. RESULTS In the 1970s, there were two incentives to assess nonclinical aspects of health: (i) a desire to understand the impacts of disease on individuals' quality of life; and (ii) a search for population-level measures that might better quantify the impact of health care systems on populations. Dental researchers responded to those incentives, creating dozens of questionnaires that assess individuals' ratings of subjective oral health and quality of life. This has been a boon for clinical dental research, for example, by showing marked improvements in subjective oral health in patients receiving implant-supported dentures. Also, health surveys show poorer subjective oral health among disadvantaged population groups. However, the same measures show only modest benefits of general dental care. Furthermore, several population surveys show that today's young adults, who grew up with widespread exposure to preventive dental programs, have poorer subjective oral health than earlier generations that experienced unprecedented levels of oral disease. Yet to materialize is the hope that 'socio-dental indicators' of subjective oral health might provide a meaningful metric to demonstrate population-level benefits of dental care. A fundamental limitation is that population health is a contextual measure, not merely the aggregated health status of individuals within the population. CONCLUSION While researchers have successfully broken with clinical dogma by assessing subjective dimensions of individuals' oral health, they have failed to explicitly ask people to assess the oral health of the community in which they live.