Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age Differences in Output-Monitoring Accuracy

ABSTRACT Output monitoring refers to memory for whether an intended action has been completed. Failures in output monitoring can lead to action repetitions or action omissions. Output monitoring is difficult for both younger and older adults, but few studies have examined age differences in output monitoring. Two experiments using a picture-based prospective memory task with an output-monitoring component were conducted to investigate the role of increased contextual detail and pre-exposure on output-monitoring accuracy in younger and older adults. Across the two experimental manipulations older adults demonstrated less accurate output monitoring by primarily committing errors of repetition. Pre-exposure to targets resulted in worse output-monitoring accuracy for both younger and older adults.
Targeting the pain, inflammation and immune (PII) axis: plausible rationale for LLLT

Abstract Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in many clinical contexts. Although its precise mechanism is unclear, its current use is based predominantly on its non-invasive nature and popular patient acceptance. This review attempts to provide a framework for the clinical disease-disorder states focusing on the etiopathology namely; pain, inflammation and immune response termed the PII axis. Following a brief introduction, the literature on the ability of LLLT to modulate the PII axis in specific disease states is reviewed. The triad of critical parameters for LLLT namely, the dose, the biological context and the mechanism are highlighted. This work suggests that LLLT could be a potent primary interventional modality when used to specifically target the PII axis in clinical disease management. Zusammenfassung Die Low-Level-Laser-Therapie (LLLT) ist in vielen klinischen Zusammenhängen verwendet worden. Obwohl die genauen Mechanismen der LLLT noch unklar sind, beruht ihr aktueller Einsatz vor allem auf dem minimal-invasiven Charakter der Methode und der hohen Patientenakzeptanz. Der vorliegende Review-Artikel nähert sich dem Thema ausgehend vom Krankheitsverlauf verschiedener klinischer Erkrankungen und Störungen und fokussiert hierbei auf die Schmerz-Entzündungs-Immunantwort-Achse (pain, inflammation, immune response – PPI – axis). Nach einer kurzen Einführung wird basierend auf der aktuellen Literatur diskutiert, inwieweit es möglich ist, mittels LLLT die PII-Achse in bestimmten Krankheitsstadien zu modulieren. Die Triade kritischer Parameter für die LLLT, nämlich die Dosis, der biologische Kontext und der Mechanismus werden besonders herausgestellt. Im Ergebnis liegt die Vermutung nahe, dass die LLLT eine potente Interventionsmethode im Disease-Management darstellt, wenn sie zielgerichtet auf die PII-Achse ausgerichtet ist.
Bone reaction adjacent to microplasma-sprayed CaP-coated oral implants subjected to occlusal load, an experimental study in the dog. Part I: short-term results.

BACKGROUND A new microplasma spraying equipment (MSE) to deposit calcium phosphate ceramic (CaP) coatings onto titanium substrates has been developed. With this system, it is possible to spray fine particles and to apply textured hydroxylapatite coatings onto titanium surfaces. Moreover, due to the low heat power of the microplasma jet, overheating of the powder particles as well as excessive local overheating of the substrate is diminished. Furthermore, because of the small laminar plasma jet, it is possible to achieve high spray efficiency in the case of spraying for dental implants. Also, the low level of noise (25-50 dB) and hardly any dust makes it possible to operate MSE under conditions of normal workrooms. OBJECTIVE The aim was to investigate, in a mandibular dog model, bone biological properties and the occlusal loading effects of titanium implants provided with newly developed microplasma-sprayed CaP coatings. MATERIAL AND METHODS For histomorphometrical evaluation, 48 screw-type titanium implants were inserted into the mandibles of six adult beagle dogs. The implants were either acid etched without additional coating, coated with a conventionally plasma-sprayed CaP ceramic, coated with a microplasma-sprayed CaP ceramic or with a microplasma-sprayed coating at the apical part only. To assess the effect of occlusal loading, a split-mouth design was used. Six weeks after implantation, the implants in one half of the mandible of each dog were functionally loaded, while the contra lateral implants served as control. Six weeks after loading, the animals were sacrificed and bone-to-implant contact as well as the amount of bone around the implants were assessed. RESULTS Irrespective of surface and functional load, no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) were found either for bone-to-implant contact or for the amount of bone between the various implant surfaces. On the other hand, functional loading of the non-coated implants was associated with a tendency towards crestal bone loss. CONCLUSION Within the limits of the experiment, we conclude that functional loading of MPS CaP coatings induces a favorable bone response, and furthermore, that the bone response, irrespective of the loading condition, does not differ from conventional plasma-sprayed CaP coatings.
Onlay bone grafting of the mandible after periosteal expansion with an osmotic tissue expander: an experimental study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the space-maintaining capacity of a titanium mesh or a bioresorbable mesh after periosteal expansion and to assess bone formation under a titanium mesh or a bioresorbable mesh on the lateral border of the mandible by qualitative and quantitative histological analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 13 rabbits, a self-inflatable soft tissue expander was placed intraorally, bilaterally under the mandibular periosteum via an extra oral approach. After 2 weeks, the expanders were removed and a particulated onlay bone graft was placed and covered by a titanium mesh or a bioresorbable mesh. After 3 months, the animals were sacrificed and specimens were collected for histology. RESULTS The osmotic soft tissue expander created a subperiosteal pocket and a ridge of new bone had formed at the edges of the expanded periosteum in all sites. After the healing period of 3 months, soft tissue dehiscence was recorded in two of the sites with bioresorbable meshes. The mean bone fill was 65% under the titanium mesh and 85% under the bioresorbable mesh (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the titanium mesh and the bioresorbable mesh regarding the height of the meshes, mesh area and mineralized bone area. Scanning electron microscopy shows that new bone is growing in direct contact with the resorbable mesh and the titanium mesh. CONCLUSION This study confirms that an osmotic soft tissue expander creates a surplus of periosteum and soft tissue and that new bone can be generated under a titanium mesh or bioresorbable mesh.
Use of centromeric and telomeric DNA probes in in situ hybridization for differentiation of micronuclei induced by lomefloxacin

Classification of micronuclei induced by lomefloxacin, a difluorinated quinolone bactericidal agent, in mouse bone marrow was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using DNA probes for the centromere repeated minor satellite DNA and the telomeric hexamer repeat (5′‐TTAGGG‐3′). Colchicine and mitomycin C were used as a positive control aneugen and clastogen, respectively, and these compounds produced the expected responses. Single doses of 40, 80, 160, or 320 mg/kg lomefloxacin were given via oral intubations and bone marrow was sampled at 24 and 48 hr after treatment. The micronuclei showed significant increases in both sampling times after doses of 320 mg/kg. A statistically significant increase of micronuclei frequency was also detected for 160 mg/kg lomefloxacin at 48 hr aftertreatment. The responses were directly correlated with bone‐marrow cytotoxicity. Following treatment with 160 and 320 mg/kg lomefloxacin, 48.2 and 50.0% of the induced micronuclei, respectively, showed double labeling with centromeric signals and several telomeric signals, indicating that the induced micronuclei were composed of whole chromosomes. Similarly, 51.8 and 50.0% of the induced micronuclei, respectively, were centromere‐negative, demonstrating that lomefloxacin not only induces chromosome loss but also chromosome breakage. The results also showed that chromosomes can be enclosed in a micronucleus before and after centromere separation. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of the potential of lomefloxacin to induce aneugenic effect in mice. However, given the high doses used in this study, the clinical significance of this finding is uncertain. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stability, marginal bone loss and survival of standard and modified sand-blasted, acid-etched implants in bilateral edentulous spaces: a prospective 15-month evaluation.

OBJECTIVES Chemical modification of the already proven sand-blasted and acid-etched (SLA) implant had increased its surface wettability and consequent early-term osseointegration characteristics. The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the stability changes, success, survival, peri-implant parameters and marginal bone loss (MBL) of the early-loaded standard (SLA) and modified sand-blasted, acid-etched (modSLA) implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 96 SLA and modSLA implants were placed in a bi-lateral, cross-arch position to the jaws of 22 patients. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was used to measure the implant stability in the surgery and following healing after 1, 3 and 6 weeks. At the stage of loading, a panoramic X-ray was obtained and RFA measurement was repeated for all implants. Implants were restored by metal-ceramic crowns and followed for 1 year to determine the success, survival rate, peri-implant parameters and MBL. Results were compared by one- and two-way ANOVA, log-rank test and generalized linear mixed models (P < 0.05). RESULTS One modSLA implant was lost after 3 weeks following the surgery yielding to a 100 and 97.91% success rate for SLA and modSLA implants, respectively (P = 0.323). At the loading stage, modSLA implants showed significantly lower MBL (0.18 ± 0.05 mm) than SLA implants (0.22 ± 0.06 mm; P = 0.002). In the loading stage, RFA value of the modSLA implants (60.42 ± 6.82) was significantly higher than the both implant types in the surgical stage (55.46 ± 8.29 and 56.68 ± 8.19), and following 1 (56.08 ± 7.01 and 55.60 ± 9.07) and 3 weeks of healing (55.94 ± 5.95 and 55.40 ± 6.50 for SLA and modSLA implants, respectively). CONCLUSIONS modSLA implants demonstrated a better stability and a reduced MBL at the loading stage. Both SLA and modSLA implants demonstrated a favorable success and survival at the end of 15-month follow-up.
An investigation to evaluate the analgesic and central nervous system depressant activities of Solanum nigrum (Linn.) in Homoeopathic potencies in experimental animal models

Background and Objective: In Homoeopathy, Solanum nigrum is clinically used in the treatment of ergotism, meningitis, irritation during dentition and some of the symptoms of neurological disorders but its Central Nervous System (CNS) potential has not been explored experimentally yet. Therefore, a preliminary study was conducted with an objective to evaluate the analgesic and CNS depressant effects of homoeopathic potencies of S. nigrum in experimental animal models. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Wistar albino rats using a hot plate, ice plate and Randall-Selitto assay for analgesic; rota-rod and open field test for CNS depressant activities. The different potencies (3X, 6X, 12X and 30C) of Solanum nigrum were administered orally (0.5 ml/rat/day) for 30 days and response was assessed after 30 minutes of drug administration on 10 th , 20 th and 30 th day. Results: The result shows that all the four potencies of Solanum nigrum has increased the latency time required to raise and lick the paws for thermal sensation on hot plate test and for cold sensation on ice plate test and also increased the degree of threshold pressure to mechanically induced pain on Randall-Selitto assay but depressed the motor coordination and locomotor activities. Conclusion: The result obtained from this preliminary study suggests that homoeopathic preparation of Solanum nigrum in different potencies possess analgesic and CNS depressant activities. Further detailed investigations are required for its possible human use.
DNA damage and toxicogenomic analyses of hydrogen sulfide in human intestinal epithelial FHs 74 Int cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a metabolic end product of sulfate‐reducing bacteria, represents a genotoxic insult to the colonic epithelium, which may also be linked with chronic disorders such as ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. This study defined the early (30 min) and late (4 hr) response of nontransformed human intestinal epithelial cells (FHs 74 Int) to H2S. The genotoxicity of H2S was measured using the single‐cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay. Changes in gene expression were analyzed after exposure to a genotoxic, but not cytotoxic, concentration of H2S (500 μM H2S) using pathway‐specific quantitative RT‐PCR gene arrays. H2S was genotoxic in a concentration range from 250 to 2,000 μM, which is similar to concentrations found in the large intestine. Significant changes in gene expression were predominantly observed at 4 hr, with the greatest responses by PTGS2 (COX‐2; 7.92‐fold upregulated) and WNT2 (7.08‐fold downregulated). COX‐2 was the only gene upregulated at both 30 min and 4 hr. Overall, the study demonstrates that H2S modulates the expression of genes involved in cell‐cycle progression and triggers both inflammatory and DNA repair responses. This study confirms the genotoxic properties of H2S in nontransformed human intestinal epithelial cells and identifies functional pathways by which this bacterial metabolite may perturb cellular homeostasis and contribute to the onset of chronic intestinal disorders. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone regeneration at implants placed into extraction sockets of maxillary incisors in dogs.

AIM To compare the influence of autologous or deproteinized bovine bone mineral as grafting material on healing of buccal dehiscence defects at implants installed immediately into the maxillary second incisor extraction socket in dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the maxillary second incisor sockets of 12 Labrador dogs, implants were installed immediately following tooth extraction. A standardized buccal defect was created and autologous bone particles or deproteinized bovine bone mineral were used to fill the defects. A collagen membrane was placed to cover the graft material, and the flaps were sutured to fully submerge the experimental areas. Six animals were sacrificed after 2 months, and six after 4 months of healing. Ground sections were obtained for histological evaluation. RESULTS After 2 months of healing, all implants were osseointegrated. All buccal dehiscence defects were completely filled after 2 months irrespective of the augmentation material (autologous bone or Bio-Oss(®)) applied. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) on the denuded implant surfaces was within a normal range of 30-40%. However, the newly formed tissue at 2 months was partially resorbed (>50% of the area measurements) after 4 months. CONCLUSIONS Applying either autologous bone or deproteinized bovine bone mineral to dehiscences at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets resulted in high degree of regeneration of the defects with satisfactory BIC on the denuded implant surface.
The effect of implant design on insertion torque and immediate micromotion.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of insertion torque on micromotion to a lateral force in three different implant designs. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-six implants with identical thread design, but different cutting groove design were divided in three groups: (1) non-fluted (no cutting groove, solid screw-form); (2) fluted (90° cut at the apex, tap design); and (3) Blossom(™) (Patent pending) (non-fluted with engineered trimmed thread design). The implants were screwed into polyurethane foam blocks and the insertion torque was recorded after each turn of 90° by a digital torque gauge. Controlled lateral loads of 10 N followed by increments of 5 up to 100 N were sequentially applied by a digital force gauge on a titanium abutment. Statistical comparison was performed with two-way mixed model ANOVA that evaluated implant design group, linear effects of turns and displacement loads, and their interaction. RESULTS While insertion torque increased as a function of number of turns for each design, the slope and final values increased (P<0.001) progressively from the Blossom to the fluted to the non-fluted design (M ± standard deviation [SD]=64.1 ± 26.8, 139.4 ± 17.2, and 205.23 ± 24.3 Ncm, respectively). While a linear relationship between horizontal displacement and lateral force was observed for each design, the slope and maximal displacement increased (P<0.001) progressively from the Blossom to the fluted to the non-fluted design (M ± SD=530 ± 57.7, 585.9 ± 82.4, and 782.33 ± 269.4 μm, respectively). There was negligible to moderate levels of association between insertion torque and lateral displacement in the Blossom, fluted and non-fluted design groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Insertion torque was reduced in implant macrodesigns that incorporated cutting edges, and lesser insertion torque was generally associated with decreased micromovement. However, insertion torque and micromotion were unrelated within implant designs, particularly for those designs showing the least insertion torque.
The Hong Kong version of the Oxford Cognitive Screen (HK-OCS): validation study for Cantonese-speaking chronic stroke survivors

ABSTRACT This study reports the validation of the Hong Kong version of Oxford Cognitive Screen (HK-OCS). Seventy Cantonese-speaking healthy individuals participated to establish normative data and 46 chronic stroke survivors were assessed using the HK-OCS, Albert’s Test of Visual Neglect, short test of gestural production, and Hong Kong version of the following assessments: Western Aphasia Battery, MMSE, MoCA, Modified Barthel Index, and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. The validity of the HK-OCS was appraised by the difference between the two participant groups. Neurologically unimpaired individuals performed significantly better than stroke survivors on the HK-OCS. Positive and significant correlations found between cognitive subtests in the HK-OCS and related assessments indicated good concurrent validity. Excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities, fair test–retest reliability, and acceptable internal consistency suggested that the HK-OCS had good reliability. Specific HK-OCS subtests including semantics, episodic memory, number writing, and orientation were the best predictors of functional outcomes.
Translesion DNA synthesis polymerases in DNA interstrand crosslink repair

DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) are induced by a number of bifunctional antitumor drugs such as cisplatin, mitomycin C, or the nitrogen mustards as well as endogenous agents formed by lipid peroxidation. The repair of ICLs requires the coordinated interplay of a number of genome maintenance pathways, leading to the removal of ICLs through at least two distinct mechanisms. The major pathway of ICL repair is dependent on replication, homologous recombination, and the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway, whereas a minor, G0/G1‐specific and recombination‐independent pathway depends on nucleotide excision repair. A central step in both pathways in vertebrates is translesion synthesis (TLS) and mutants in the TLS polymerases Rev1 and Pol ζ are exquisitely sensitive to crosslinking agents. Here, we review the involvement of Rev1 and Pol ζ as well as additional TLS polymerases, in particular, Pol η, Pol κ, Pol ι, and Pol ν, in ICL repair. Biochemical studies suggest that multiple TLS polymerases have the ability to bypass ICLs and that the extent ofbypass depends upon the structure as well as the extent of endo‐ or exonucleolytic processing of the ICL. As has been observed for lesions that affect only one strand of DNA, TLS polymerases are recruited by ubiquitinated proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA) to repair ICLs in the G0/G1 pathway. By contrast, this data suggest that a different mechanism involving the FA pathway is operative in coordinating TLS in the context of replication‐dependent ICL repair. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of heritable genetic effects using new genetic tools and sentinels in an era of personalized medicine

The challenge of estimating human health effects from damage to the germ line may be met in the genomic era. Understanding the genetic, as opposed to postconception developmental basis of birth defects is critical to their use in monitoring heritable genetic damage. The causes of common birth defects are analyzed here: mendelian genetic, multigenic, developmental, inherited, or combinational. Only a small fraction of these (noninherited, mendelian genetic) are likely to be informative relative to germ cell mutagenesis, and these won't be discernible against the general background of birth defects. Targeted genetic testing as part of personalized medicine could be integrated into a strategy for assessing germ cell alterations in populations. Thus, “sentinel mutations,” as originally proposed by Mulvihill and Ceizel, need not be restricted to X‐linked or dominant mutations or conditions visible at birth. Several new sentinels related to personalized medicine are proposed, based on health impact (likelihood of monitoring), frequency, and genetic target suitability (responsiveness to diverse mutational mechanisms). Candidates could include CYP genes (related to metabolism of xenobiotics) important in optimizing drug doses and avoiding adverse reactions. High frequency LDLR mutations (related to familial high cholesterol) predict myocardial infarction in ∼50% of individuals. The more common recessive genetic diseases (cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, and others) monitored in newborn screening programs could be informative given parental analysis. New opportunities for genetic analyses need to be coupled with epidemiological studies on environmental exposures. These could focus on adverse outcomes related to tobacco, the mostubiquitous and potent environmental mutagen. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2011. Published 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A benefit of context reinstatement to recognition memory in aging: the role of familiarity processes

ABSTRACT Reinstatement of encoding context facilitates memory for targets in young and older individuals (e.g., a word studied on a particular background scene is more likely to be remembered later if it is presented on the same rather than a different scene or no scene), yet older adults are typically inferior at recalling and recognizing target–context pairings. This study examined the mechanisms of the context effect in normal aging. Age differences in word recognition by context condition (original, switched, none, new), and the ability to explicitly remember target–context pairings were investigated using word–scene pairs (Experiment 1) and word–word pairs (Experiment 2). Both age groups benefited from context reinstatement in item recognition, although older adults were significantly worse than young adults at identifying original pairings and at discriminating between original and switched pairings. In Experiment 3, participants were given a three-alternative forced-choice recognition task that allowed older individuals to draw upon intact familiarity processes in selecting original pairings. Performance was age equivalent. Findings suggest that heightened familiarity associated with context reinstatement is useful for boosting recognition memory in aging.