Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbiological Analysis after Complete or Partial Removal of Carious Dentin in Primary Teeth: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Since viable bacteria can persist in tooth cavities regardless of the technique used for caries removal, the objective of the present randomized clinical trial was to examine the microflora of primary teeth treated by complete or partial removal of carious dentin. Deciduous molars with acute carious lesions in the inner half of dentin and vital pulp were randomly divided into two groups of 16: complete removal, in which the carious dentin was completely removed with the help of a caries detector dye, and partial removal, in which the carious dentin was completely removed from the dentinoenamel junction and lateral walls, while the necrotic carious dentin from the cavity floor was only removed superficially. Dentin samples were obtained with a sterile No. 3 bur after caries removal and 3–6 months after protection with calcium hydroxide cement and restoration of the cavities with resin composite. The samples were stored in thioglycolate. Decimal dilutions were then prepared and seeded for the enumeration of Streptococcus spp. , mutans streptococci, Lactobacillus spp. and total microorganisms. Before sealing, a larger number of microorganisms was detected in teeth submitted to partial caries removal compared to the complete removal group. However, after sealing the level of colonization was similar in the two groups for all microorganisms studied. The results suggest that persistence of bacteria does not seem to be a reason for reopening of cavities in deciduous teeth after partial caries removal.
Arsenate reduction mediated by the plasmid‐encoded ArsC protein is coupled to glutathione

Resistance to arsenate conferred on Escherichia coli by the ars operon of plasmid R773 requires both the product of the arsC gene and reduction of arsenate to arsenate. A genetic analysis was performed to identify the source of reducing potential in vivo. in addition to the ars genes, arsenate resistance required the products of the gor gene for glutathione reductase and the gshA and gshB genes for glutathione synthesis. Mutations in the trx and grx genes for thioredoxin and glutaredoxin, respectively, had no effect on arsenate resistance. Although resistance required the arsC gene, the rate of reduction of arsenate to arsenate was nearly the same in cells lacking the ars operon. In strains deficient in glutathione biosynthesis this endogenous reduction was greatly diminished, and cells exhibited increased sensitivity to arsenate. When glutathione was supplied exogenously to such mutants, resistance was restored only to cells expressing the ars operon, and only such cells had detectable arsenate reduction after addition of glutathione. Since ArsC‐catalysed reduction of arsenate provides high level resistance, physical coupling of the ArsC reaction to efflux of the resulting arsenite is hypothesised.
Visual Clue Based Extraction of Web Data from Flat and Nested Data Records

This paper studies the problem of identification and extraction of structured data items from the nested and flat records of given web pages. Each of such pages may contain several groups of structured records. Most of the existing methods still have certain limitations. In this paper, we propose a more novel and effective technique for the extraction of data items. Given a page, the proposed technique first identifies the data region based on the visual clue information. It then extracts each record from the data region and identifies it whether it is a flat or nested records based on visual information ‐ the area covered and the number of data items present in each record. The next step is data items extraction from these records and transferring them into the database. Once the data items are present in the database knowledge discovery can be carried out. This technique extracts data items fro the both nested and flat records. Our experimental results show that the proposed technique is effective and better than existing techniques.
Sex Ratio Distortion in Hybrids of Drosophila albomicans and D. nasuta

Yung-Yu Yang, Fei-Jann Lin and Hwei-yu Chang (2004) Sex ratio distortion in hybrids of Drosophila albomicans and D. nasuta. Zoological Studies 43(3): 622-628. A sex-ratio distorter in Drosophila albomicans was uncovered by the hybridization between Japanese Okinawa D. albomicans females and Indian D. nasuta males. The F 1 male from this cross produces female-biased offspring. The genic nature demonstrated in the present study suggests that meiotic drive instead of non-disjunction of the sex chromosomes during meiosis is the major cause for this. The meiotic driver was found to be located on the neo-X chromosome of D. albomicans, whose genome also contains drive suppressors, while that of D. nasuta is suppressor-free. In addition, hybrid F 1 and F 2 males were found to be semisterile probably due to an interaction between the 3rd and Y chromosomes of D. nasuta and the autosomes of D. albomicans. http://www.sinica. edu.tw/zool/zoolstud/43.3/622.pdf
Title Correlation between three assay systems for anti-Müllerianhormone ( AMH ) determination

Purpose Analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is becoming of recognized importance in reproductive medicine, but assays are not standardized. We have evaluated the correlation between the new Gen II ELISA kit (Beckman-Coutler) and the older ELISA kits by Immunotech (IOT) and Diagnostic Systems Laboratories (DSL). Methods A total of 56 archived serum samples from patients with subfertility or reproductive endocrine disorders were retrieved and assayed in duplicate using the three AMH ELISA kits . The samples covered a wide range of AMH concentrations (1.9 to 142.5 pmol/L). Results We observed good correlations between the new (AMH Gen II) and old AMH assay kits by IOT and DSL (R00.971 and 0.930 respectively). The regression equations were AMH (Gen II)01.353 × AMH (IOT)+0.051 and AMH (Gen II)01.223 × AMH (DSL) – 1.270 respectively. Conclusions AMH concentrations using the Gen II kit are slightly higher than those from the IOT and DSL kits. Standardization of assay results worldwide is urgently required but this analysis facilitates the interpretation of values obtained historically and in future studies using any of the 3 assays available. Meanwhile, adapting clinical cut-offs from previously published work by direct conversion is not recommended.
Effect of 3-Aminopropanol on Choline-Deficiency in Rats.∗

Summary 3-Aminopropanol, like 2-amino-2-methylpropanol, increased the incidence of hemorrhagic kidneys and the level of liver fat of weanling male rats consuming a low-choline diet. Choline, dimethylethanolamine and monomethylethanolamine prevented the antilipotropic action of 3-aminopropanol. In the presence of 3AP betaine and methionine prevented the occurrence of kidney hemorrhages but only partially reduced the liver fat. Ethanolamine had little influence on the occurrence of hemorrhagic kidneys and only partially reduced the liver fat. Betaine and ethanolamine together in the diet were quite effective, whereas, methionine and ethanolamine together were only moderately effective. The inhibitory action of 3-aminopropanol was not as great as that of 2-amino-2-methyl-propanol.
Influence of Human Serum Albumin on Longitudinal and Transverse Relaxation Rates (R1 and R2) of Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agents

Objectives:Exogenous magnetic resonance (MR) contrast media (CM) are used to improve detection and delineation of physiological and pathologic structures. Temporary binding between CM and proteins such as human serum albumin (HSA) may alter the relaxation-enhancing properties of specific contrast agents. In this study, the presence and strength of HSA interaction with different CM was investigated. Material and Methods:Three contrast agents were chosen: Gd-DTPA, Gd-BT-DO3A, and Gd-BOPTA, each of which is known to have a different protein interaction. Samples were prepared using 7 different HSA concentrations, all at a constant CM concentration of 0.5 mmol/L. The relaxation rates, R1 and R2, of each sample were measured at 1.5 T. Virtual docking studies were performed to estimate the number of high affinity-binding sites of Gd-BOPTA and the surface of the HSA dimer. Results:Gd-BOPTA caused the greatest increase in R1 and R2, which followed an exponential dependency with increasing HSA concentration. Between the range of 0 and 7 g/dL of HSA, Gd-DTPA and Gd-BT-DO3A showed a relative change in both relaxation rates of approximately 13% and 22% for R1 and 26% and 30% for R2, respectively. In contrast, Gd-BOPTA demonstrated a relative increase of approximately 108% and 363% for R1 and R2, respectively. Changes of HSA concentration within physiological range (3.5–5.5 g/dL) resulted in an increase of R1 and R2 of approximately 40% when using Gd-BOPTA. The docking study revealed that approximately 10 small hydrophobic pockets exist on the HSA surface where the aromatic tail of Gd-BOPTA can fit in and a stronger noncovalent binding can occur compared with Gd-DTPA and Gd-BT-DO3A. Conclusion:Relaxation rates of Gd-BOPTA showed a strong dependency on HSA. In contrast, Gd-DTPA and Gd-BT-DO3A demonstrated little or no relevant dependency. On the basis of these results, the influence of serum protein concentration should be considered in both research studies and in clinical use.
High performance multilayered high temperature cofired ceramic for wide band packaging

Opto-electronic and wireless packages have to meet stringent technical performance and cost. Traditionally glass sealed metal machined packages respond to the demand. In 2003, with ever growing complexity, new technology now offers advantageous solutions. While keeping high hermiticity, low mechanical tolerance and electromagnetic compatibility, multilayered ceramic offers a superior flexibility at a lower cost. The present article provides insight on High Temperature Cofired Ceramic (HTCC) achievable electrical performance in the DC to 40 GHz range based on FEM modeling with Ansoft HFSS. We compare model and experimental results for ring and cavity resonators with quality factor up to 180. Based on the model we then derive wide band asymmetrical stripline and vertical interconnect.
Modulation of adiponectin and leptin during refeeding of female anorexia nervosa patients.

CONTEXT Several studies assessed adiponectin levels in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, however, data regarding the dynamics of changes in adiponectin levels during refeeding of these patients is limited and contradicting. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to assess adiponectin levels and the distribution of its different isoforms in AN patients before and after long-term refeeding, and to relate them to alterations in body mass index, leptin, insulin sensitivity, and additional endocrine parameters. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We conducted a longitudinal controlled study of 38 female adolescent malnourished AN inpatients, with 13 young, lean, healthy women serving as controls. Blood samples were obtained upon admission and thereafter at 1, 3, and 5 months (at target weight). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes in body mass index, leptin, adiponectin, insulin sensitivity, and adiponectin multimeric forms were measured. RESULTS At admission, leptin levels of AN patients were significantly lower, whereas insulin sensitivity (assessed by homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance), adiponectin levels, and the ratio of high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin to total adiponectin were significantly higher compared with controls. During weight recovery, leptin levels and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance increased significantly, whereas adiponectin and HMW adiponectin/total adiponectin ratio decreased significantly, to levels similar to controls. An initial increase in adiponectin levels was observed after 1 month of refeeding. There was no correlation between adiponectin and either T(4) or cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates hyperadiponectinemia, increased adiponectin HMW isoform, and increased insulin sensitivity in adolescent AN female patients and reversal of these findings with weight rehabilitation. We hypothesize that increased adiponectin levels may have a protective role in maintaining energy homeostasis during extreme malnourishment.
Hemizygous mice for the angiotensin II type 2 receptor gene have attenuated susceptibility to azoxymethane-induced colon tumorigenesis.

Evidence suggests that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors potentially reduces the risk of cancer, though the mechanism is unclear. To clarify a potential involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling in cancer risk, we have examined the effect of Ang II receptor deficiency on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon tumorigenesis. Male Ang II type 2 receptor gene-disrupted (AT(2)-null) mice with a 129/Ola and C57BL/6J genetic background, AT(2)-null mice with an SWR/J genetic background, and their corresponding control wild type mice were treated once a week with AOM (10 mg/kg, i.p., 4 consecutive weeks) or saline vehicle. All mice were killed 23-26 weeks after the initial injection of AOM, and tumor burdens were examined. AOM treatment caused the development of colon tumors in all wild type control mice regardless of genetic background (100% tumor prevalence), but only one tumor was present in AT(2)-null mice with a 129/Ola and C57BL/6J genetic background (11.1% tumor prevalence). Although the introduction of the AOMsusceptible SWR/J genetic background induced AOM susceptibility in AT(2) null mice, the tumor multiplicity (6.3) and tumor size (19.8 +/- 3.0 mm(3)) were significantly smaller than those in wild type mice (multiplicity, 12.0 and size, 36.8 +/- 3.2 mm(3)). AOM efficiently downregulated cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in the liver of wild type mice significantly more than in AT(2)-null mice. The levels of DNA methyl adducts formed in wild type mouse colon epithelium by AOM treatment were also significantly higher than in AT(2)-null mice. These results imply that the AT(2) receptor functions to augment AOM-induced downregulation of CYP2E1 expression in the liver, and thus increases AOM-induced tumorigenesis in the colon. The AT(2) receptor function in the liver may be a potential determinant of tumor susceptibility in chemical carcinogen-induced colon tumorigenesis.
Ageing and the Relative Price of Nontradeables

In this paper we identify the effects of ageing on the relative price of nontradeables versus tradeables. We consider two cases. In a first specification, age effects only account for short-run dynamics. An alternative case allows for permanent age effects. Estimating the respective cases by means of an ECM on a panel of OECD countries we find significant effects of demographic composition on the relative prices, even after correcting for the standard explanatory variables. Simulations based on population projections of the UN show that ageing might substantially contribute to inflationary pressures in the near future.
The influence of local versus global heat on the healing of chronic wounds in patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND In a previous study, it was shown that placing a subject with chronic diabetic ulcers in a warm room prior to the use of electrical stimulation dramatically increased the healing rate. However, global heating is impractical in many therapeutic environments, and therefore in the present investigation the effect of global heat versus using a local heat source to warm the wound was investigated. METHODS Twenty-nine male and female subjects participated in a series of experiments to determine the healing associated with electrical stimulation with the application of local heat through a heat lamp compared to global heating of the subject in a warm room. Treatment consisted of biphasic electrical stimulation at currents at 20 mA for 30 min three times per week for 4 weeks in either a 32 degrees C room or, with the application of local heat, to raise skin temperature to 37 degrees C. Skin blood flow was measured by a laser Doppler imager. RESULTS Blood flow increased with either local or global heating. During electrical stimulation, blood flow almost doubled on the outside and on the edge of the wound with a smaller increase in the center of the wound. However, the largest increase in blood flow was in the subjects exposed to global heating. Further, healing rates, while insignificant for subjects who did not receive electrical stimulation, showed 74.5 +/- 23.4% healing with global heat and 55.3 +/- 31.1% healing with local heat in 1 month; controls actually had a worsening of their wounds. CONCLUSIONS The best healing modality was global heat. However, there was still a significant advantage in healing with local heat.
Rheumatic manifestations of sleep disorders

Purpose of reviewWe have long assumed that rheumatic pain causes sleep problems, fatigue, and functional disability. This paper reviews the accumulating evidence from human and animal experimental research studies that show a bidirectional relationship of disordered sleep to pain and fatigue. Recent findingsThe studies demonstrate that both disturbances of sleep and sleep restriction result in increased sensitivity to noxious stimuli and musculoskeletal pain symptoms. The notion of central nervous system hypersensitivity affecting widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome is the result of a reduction in neurophysiologic inhibition of perception of noxious stimuli that is provoked by disordered sleep. Clinical and epidemiological studies show that sleep disturbances directly influence musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, mood, and overall well-being. Indeed, the interrelationships of the sleeping/waking brain with cytokine and cellular immune functions have important implications for the understanding of rheumatic disease pathology and management with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. SummaryThe determination of how disordered sleep affects musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, mood, and behavior is important in the assessment and management of patients with rheumatic illness. The high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndromes requires more research to determine whether treatments of these sleep disorders will benefit the symptoms of rheumatic diseases.
Levodopa treatment of Parkinson's syndrome. Improved intellectual functioning.

Many individuals with Parkinson's syndrome have an intellectual impairment which is large enough to be of both practical and theoretical significance. Forty patients with moderate to severe parkinsonism were examined with the WAIS before and after 5 to 13 months treatment with 4 to 8 gm of levodopa (L-dopa) daily. Approximately half of them improved the equivalent of 10 IQ points or more. The greatest improvement occurred on the function on which they were the most impaired prior to treatment, namely, perceptual organization. Patients with lower pretreatment IQs improved more than those with higher IQs. There was little or no relationship between physical or affective improvement and intellectual improvement.
Mutated p53 as a molecular marker for the diagnosis of head and neck cancer

In total, 10–30% of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) develop local recurrences despite seemingly adequate tumour resection. This may result from minimal residual cancer (MRC): small numbers of tumour cells left behind in the surgical margins, undetectable by routine histopathology. In recent studies, p53 mutations have been considered as selective and sensitive DNA markers of cancer cells. There are two potential problems in using mutated‐p53 DNA as a marker. Firstly, p53 mutations occur early in progression and might therefore detect unresected precursor lesions besides tumour cells. Secondly, DNA is a very stable biomolecule that might lead to false‐positive results. These two potential problems have been evaluated in this study. Fifty patients with a radical tumour resection were included, of whom 30 showed a p53 mutation in the primary tumour. Histopathologically tumour‐free surgical margins were quantitatively analysed for mutated p53 by molecular diagnosis (plaque assay) and subsequent (immuno)histopathology. p53 mutated DNA was detected in the surgical margins of 19/30 patients. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of small tumour foci in 2/19 mutated p53‐positive cases. In 7/19 cases, the tumour‐specific p53 mutation was found in unresected dysplastic mucosal precursor lesions. Moreover, in a number of cases small p53‐immunostained patches were detected, but the mutations found were never tumour‐related. By screening contralateral exfoliated cells and plaque assays on RNA it was shown that detection of mutated‐p53 DNA is prone to false‐positive results. In conclusion, using p53 mutations as a marker, both MRC and unresected mutated p53‐positive mucosal precursor lesions are detected within surgical margins. Molecular assessment of surgical margins using p53 mutations enables the selection of HNSCC patients at high risk for tumour recurrence, but tumour RNA seems at present to be a more specific biomolecule for analysis than tumour DNA. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of brain machine interface research in developing countries: Opportunities and challenges

Brain Machine Interface (BMI) research can not only improve the quality of life of the disable population all over the world but also augment our understanding on neural systems. However, the existing studies on BMI research solely focus on developed countries. BMI research in the perspective of developing countries is therefore, poorly explored. In this study, we outline the prospects, real-life applications, future scenarios and major challenges in the perspective of developing countries. We conclude with general recommendations on future developments and funding opportunities to support a continued and sustainable growth of the BMI field in developing countries. This study will provide directions on the initiation of BMI research in developing countries and assist scientists, educators and technologists in improving better understanding about the benefits, challenges, potentials and the current state-of-the-art of BMI research.
Integration of simian virus 40 into cellular DNA occurs at or near topoisomerase II cleavage hot spots induced by VM-26 (teniposide)

Inhibition of DNA topoisomerase II in simian virus 40 (SV40)-infected BSC-1 cells with a topoisomerase II poison, VM-26 (teniposide), resulted in rapid conversion of a population of the SV40 DNA into a high-molecular-weight form. Characterization of this high-molecular-weight form of SV40 DNA suggests that it is linear, double stranded, and a recombinant with SV40 DNA sequences covalently joined to cellular DNA. The majority of the integrants contain fewer than two tandem copies of SV40 DNA. Neither DNA-damaging agents, such as mitomycin and UV, nor the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin induced detectable integration in this system. In addition, the recombination junctions within the SV40 portion of the integrants correlate with VM-26-induced, topoisomerase II cleavage hot spots on SV40 DNA. These results suggest a direct and specific role for topoisomerase II and possibly the enzyme-inhibitor-DNA ternary cleavable complex in integration. The propensity of poisoned topoisomerase II to induce viral integration also suggests a role for topoisomerase II in a pathway of chromosomal DNA rearrangements.