Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low Biofilm Lysine Content in Refractory Chronic Periodontitis

BACKGROUND Chronic periodontitis is controlled without antibiotics by scaling and root planing (SRP) to remove dental biofilm. It has been previously reported that the epithelial barrier to bacterial proinflammatory products is impaired when biofilm lysine falls below the minimal content of normal blood plasma. Aims were to examine whether being refractory and requiring antibiotics to supplement SRP were associated with low biofilm lysine contents. METHODS Sixteen patients with periodontitis and six periodontally healthy volunteers (HVs) (respective mean ages: 57 ± 6 and 36 ± 8 years) were examined. Patients with periodontitis received SRP and surgery, and HVs received prophylaxis. At quarterly maintenance or prophylaxis visits during the subsequent year, therapeutic response was good (GR, n = 9) or poor (PR, n = 7; including five cigarette smokers). Biofilm cadaverine, lysine, and other amino acid (AA) contents were determined by liquid chromatography. Cadaverine mole fraction of lysine plus cadaverine (CF) indicated biofilm lysine decarboxylase activity. RESULTS Biofilm lysine was 0.19 ± 0.10 and 0.20 ± 0.09 μmol/mg in GRs and HVs, but 0.07 ± 0.03 μmol/mg in PRs (Kruskal-Wallis: P <0.01). All AAs were depleted in biofilm from smokers, but only lysine was depleted in biofilm from non-smokers. CF was inversely associated with clinical attachment level (CAL) at baseline before therapy in all patients (R2 = 0.28, P <0.01) and with CAL change after therapy in GR (R2 = 0.49, P <0.05). Lysine and cadaverine contents discriminated PRs from GRs and HVs (Wilks' λ = 0.499, P <0.012). CONCLUSIONS Refractory responses requiring antibiotic therapy result from smoking and/or microbial infections that starve the biofilm and epithelial attachment of lysine. Biofilm CF is associated with periodontitis severity pretherapy and extent of therapeutic response post-therapy.
Relationship between Postconcussion Headache and Neuropsychological Test Performance in High School Athletes

Background: The relevance of headache to outcome after sports-related concussion is poorly understood. Hypotheses: High school athletes reporting headache approximately 1 week after injury will have significantly more other concussion symptoms and will perform more poorly on neuropsychological tests than athletes not experiencing headache. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Study participants included 109 high school athletes who had sustained concussion and who were divided into two groups: those reporting headache 7 days after injury and those reporting no headaches. The two groups were compared regarding on-field markers of concussion severity at the time of injury and symptoms and neurocognitive test results collected via ImPACT, a computerized neuropsychological test battery and postconcussion symptom scale, at a mean of 6.8 days after injury. Results: Athletes reporting posttraumatic headache demonstrated significantly worse performance on reaction time and memory ImPACT neurocognitive composite scores. These athletes also reported significantly more symptoms other than headache and were more likely to have demonstrated on-field anterograde amnesia. Conclusions: Findings suggest that any degree of postconcussion headache in high school athletes 7 days after injury is likely associated with an incomplete recovery after concussion.
Incorporation of Host Complement Regulatory Proteins into Newcastle Disease Virus Enhances Complement Evasion

ABSTRACT Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus, is inherently tumor selective and is currently being considered as a clinical oncolytic virus and vaccine vector. In this study, we analyzed the effect of complement on the neutralization of NDV purified from embryonated chicken eggs, a common source for virus production. Fresh normal human serum (NHS) neutralized NDV by multiple pathways of complement activation, independent of neutralizing antibodies. Neutralization was associated with C3 deposition and the activation of C2, C3, C4, and C5 components. Interestingly, NDV grown in mammalian cell lines was resistant to complement neutralization by NHS. To confirm whether the incorporation of regulators of complement activity (RCA) into the viral envelope afforded complement resistance, we grew NDV in CHO cells stably transfected with CD46 or HeLa cells, which strongly express CD46 and CD55. NDV grown in RCA-expressing cells was resistant to complement by incorporating CD46 and CD55 on virions. Mammalian CD46 and CD55 molecules on virions exhibited homologous restriction, since chicken sera devoid of neutralizing antibodies to NDV were able to effectively neutralize these virions. The incorporation of chicken RCA into NDV produced in embryonated eggs similarly provided species specificity toward chicken sera.
The use of a single Hem-o-lok clip in securing the base of the appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND During laparoscopic appendectomy, the standard technique in securing the base of the appendix is by endoloop ligatures or a stapler. We earlier demonstrated the possibility of the application of a double Hem-o-lok(®) clip in securing of the base of the appendix. The application of only one plastic clip would, however, lower the cost of the laparoscopic procedure even further and shorten the surgery time. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the possible advantages of securing of the base of the appendix using only one Hem-o-lok clip. PATIENTS AND METHODS The 90 patients with acute appendicitis were randomly divided into three groups: In the first group, the base of the appendix was secured using one endoloop ligature, in the second group using a 45-mm stapler, and in the third group using only one nonabsorbable Hem-o-lok clip. The data collected included age, gender, surgery time, time of endoloop/stapler/clip application, hospital stay, costs associated with these, and intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS There were no significant differences in hospital stay among the three groups of patients; but the average time of the operation was significantly longer in the endoloop group than in the stapler group (P=.002), whereas the endoloop and Hem-o-lok groups were not statistically different (P=.22). The time of application of the endoloop was significantly longer than for the stapler (P<.0001) and Hem-o-lok (P<.0001) groups. The time of application of the stapler was significantly shorter than that of the Hem-o-lok (P<.0001). However, the price of one endoloop is €28.85, for the stapler is €230.7, and for one Hem-o-lok clip is €2.35. CONCLUSION The use of one Hem-o-lok clip is as safe as an endoloop and/or stapler; however, the time of the laparoscopic procedure using the Hem-o-lok was shorter in comparison with the use of an endoloop, with the cost of the procedure being the lowest.
Effect of dietary fat on growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 human breast carcinomas in athymic nude mice: relationship between carcinoma growth and lipid peroxidation product levels.

Human breast carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 were transplanted s.c. to female athymic nude mice at 3-4 weeks of age. At 7-10 days after transplantation, the mice were divided into groups and fed for 6-8 weeks one of the following semi-purified diets containing different amounts and types of fat, i.e. 5% corn oil, 20% corn oil, 20% butter, 19% beef tallow/1% corn oil and 19% fish (Menhaden) oil/1% corn oil. In addition experiments, the fish oil diets were supplemented with antioxidants (vitamin E, 8 g or 2000 IU/kg diet plus tertiary butyl hydroquinone, TBHQ, 4 g/kg diet) or ferric citrate (3 g/kg diet). Tumor peroxidation product levels were assessed by measuring 2-thiobarbituric acid reactants (TBA assay). At the termination of the studies (6-8 weeks of diet feeding) mean human breast carcinoma volume (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) was the largest in mice fed the 20% corn oil diet, intermediate in mice fed the butter or beef tallow diets and the least in mice fed the fish oil diet. The difference in mean tumor volumes among mice fed the 20% corn oil diet and those fed the fish oil diet was significant (P less than 0.01). When comparing low (5% corn oil) and high (20% corn oil) fat diets, numerical increases in human breast carcinoma volume (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) were consistently observed in the high-fat diet groups but these differences were not always significant. Tumor lipid peroxidation product levels were determined on the MDA-MB231 tumors; tumor lipid peroxidation levels were significantly (P less than 0.01) increased only in mice fed the fish oil diets. Supplementation of the fish oil diets with antioxidants (vitamin E + TBHQ) significantly reduced the level of tumor peroxidation products and significantly increased tumor volume (P less than 0.05). When tumor lipid peroxidation product levels in the fish oil plus antioxidant fed mice were reduced to the level of that observed in the tumors of the corn oil fed mice, no significant differences in tumor volumes were observed in these two groups. In contrast, supplementation of the fish oil diets with ferric citrate, significantly (P less than 0.05) increased tumor lipid peroxidation product levels and decreased tumor volume. Thus, the type of dietary fat can clearly affect the growth of human breast carcinomas (MCF-7 and MDA-MB231) maintained in athymic nude mice. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Orderly Progression of Melanoma Nodal Metastases

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the order of melanoma nodal metastases. Summary Background DataMost solid tumors are thought to demonstrate a random nodal metastatic pattern. The incidence of skip nodal metastases precluded the use of sampling procedures of first station nodal basins to achieve adequate pathological staging. Malignant melanoma may be different from other malignancies in that the cutaneous lymphatic flow is better defined and can be mapped accurately. The concept of an orderly progression of nodal metastases is radically different than what is thought to occur in the natural history of metastases from most other solid malignancies. MethodsThe investigators performed preoperative and intraoperative mapping of the cutaneous lymphatics from the primary melanoma in an attempt to identify the “sentinel” lymph node in the regional basin. All patients had primary melanomas with tumor thicknesses > 0.76 mm and were considered candidates for elective lymph node dissection. The sentinel lymph node was defined as the first node in the basin from which the primary site drained. The sentinel lymph node was harvested and submitted separately to pathology, followed by a complete node dissection. The null hypothesis tested was whether nodal metastases from malignant melanoma occurred in equal proportions among sentinel and nonsentinel nodes. ResultsForty-two patients met the criteria of the protocol based on prognostic factors of their primary melanoma. Thirty-four patients had histologically negative sentinel nodes, with the rest of the nodes in the basin also being negative. Thus, there were no skip metastases documented. Eight patients had positive sentinel nodes, with seven of the eight having the sentinel node as the only site of disease. In these seven patients, the frequency of sentinel nodal metastases was 92%, whereas none of the higher nodes had documented metastatic disease. Nodal involvement was compared between the sentinel and nonsentinel nodal groups, based on the binomial distribution. Under the null hypothesis of equality in distribution of nodal metastases, the probability that all seven unpaired observations would demonstrate that involvement of the sentinel node is 0.008.
Image registration with subpixel accuracy of DCT-sign phase correlation with real subpixel shifted images

We evaluate the subpixel accuracy of Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT)-sign phase correlation (-SPC) for image registration. So far, the accuracy was evaluated using images captured by a commercial-off-the-shelf camera, which yields poor results. In the present paper, we use the subpixel-shifted images captured by an industry product camera in order to avoid the problems with a commercial-off-the-shelf camera. We demonstrate the DCT-SPC will be an alternative for phase correlation.
Television watching and other sedentary behaviors in relation to risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in women.

CONTEXT Current public health campaigns to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes have largely focused on increasing exercise, but have paid little attention to the reduction of sedentary behaviors. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between various sedentary behaviors, especially prolonged television (TV) watching, and risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in women. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective cohort study conducted from 1992 to 1998 among women from 11 states in the Nurses' Health Study. The obesity analysis included 50 277 women who had a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30 and were free from diagnosed cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or cancer and completed questions on physical activity and sedentary behaviors at baseline. The diabetes analysis included 68 497 women who at baseline were free from diagnosed diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Onset of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. RESULTS During 6 years of follow-up, 3757 (7.5%) of 50 277 women who had a BMI of less than 30 in 1992 became obese (BMI > or =30). Overall, we documented 1515 new cases of type 2 diabetes. Time spent watching TV was positively associated with risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In the multivariate analyses adjusting for age, smoking, exercise levels, dietary factors, and other covariates, each 2-h/d increment in TV watching was associated with a 23% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17%-30%) increase in obesity and a 14% (95% CI, 5%-23%) increase in risk of diabetes; each 2-h/d increment in sitting at work was associated with a 5% (95% CI, 0%-10%) increase in obesity and a 7% (95% CI, 0%-16%) increase in diabetes. In contrast, standing or walking around at home (2 h/d) was associated with a 9% (95% CI, 6%-12%) reduction in obesity and a 12% (95% CI, 7%-16%) reduction in diabetes. Each 1 hour per day of brisk walking was associated with a 24% (95% CI, 19%-29%) reduction in obesity and a 34% (95% CI, 27%-41%) reduction in diabetes. We estimated that in our cohort, 30% (95% CI, 24%-36%) of new cases of obesity and 43% (95% CI, 32%-52%) of new cases of diabetes could be prevented by adopting a relatively active lifestyle (<10 h/wk of TV watching and > or =30 min/d of brisk walking). CONCLUSIONS Independent of exercise levels, sedentary behaviors, especially TV watching, were associated with significantly elevated risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, whereas even light to moderate activity was associated with substantially lower risk. This study emphasizes the importance of reducing prolonged TV watching and other sedentary behaviors for preventing obesity and diabetes.
A Symposium Introduction: Filling the Hollow State

T he issue of nonprofit management education has never been more timely for individuals interested in the theory and practice of public administration. Privatization of government work, a trend that dates back to the Reagan and Bush administrations, has resulted in the hollow state, the "increasing separation of government from its output, and the increasing role of nonprofit organizations in the delivery of public services" (Milward, 1994, p. 73). As nonprofit staff assume a more prominent role in the production of government-financed programs, issues surrounding the educational preparation of these individuals makes this an appropriate topic for those concerned with the performance of public programs. In his examination of the scope of the nonprofit sector, Lester Salamon has found that government support of nonprofit organizations is extensive, providing a larger portion of resources to the sector than private giving. The most recent data show that 36% of the income in nonprofit organizations came from government, whereas 54% was derived from fees and 10% from private giving (Salamon, 1999, p. 36). However, this does not tell the whole story, for in certain instances (such as community development and civic organizations) government funds clearly dominate, representing 51 % of the income for these organizations. In fact, Salamon (1999) maintains that the level of nonprofit expenditures on selected social welfare functions outdistances "the levels of either federal government or state and local government expenditures on these same services" (p. 54). It is clear that in the hollow state, government has chosen to share its responsibility for service delivery with nonprofit organizations. As a result, public services in the community are jointly produced, requiring increased levels of collaboration and cooperation among workers in these sectors. A central task of the hollow state "is to arrange networks rather than to carry out the traditional task of government, which is to manage hierarchies" (Milward & Provan, 2000, p. 361). The incredible interpenetration of
Mechanisms for emergent usage of adaptive information systems: a critical realist case of e-financial systems in South Africa

The purpose of this research is to investigate the research problem: Why does emergent usage occur in adaptive information systems? Being motivated to explore this phenomenon from the experiential perspective, three research questions were posed: (1) What experiential factors describe emergent usage of adaptive information systems? (2) What generative mechanisms must exist for such emergent usage to be possible? ” (3) What explains the relations of the mechanisms to effect emergent usage of such information systems? Emergent usage of adaptive information systems, predominantly accessed with smart mobile devices has become pervasive. The research problem, therefore, arises as a result of the continued undertheorization of emergent usage of adaptive information systems and lack of theory to explain why such usage occurs. To answer the research questions, an intensive single organization case-study, underpinned by critical realism, was deployed. The research explored an adaptive e-financial system developed by the case organization for public use. The research was aimed at identifying the causal mechanisms and the enabling contextual conditions that explain the system’s emergent usage and the experiential factors that describe such usage. Multiple sources of qualitative data, namely, participant observation, interviews, and photography were used to collect data between 2012 and 2014. The retroductive data analysis employed a research model which was developed from a theoretical redescription of the phenomenon using a conceptual framework synthesized from literature and theories of complex adaptive systems (CAS) and meta-design. The findings were encapsulated in a concluding model termed, the Technology Emergent Usage Model (TEUM), as the key theoretical contribution of this thesis. TEUM is an explanatory case specific midrange theory. The theory’s relevance is based on its openness to flexible interpretation when applied to different contexts in future research, without making claim to its universality. Other contributions include methodological and practical contributions to highlight an area where there has been little or no empirical research to date.
Protective effect of bifidus milk on the experimental infection with Salmonella enteritidis subsp. typhimurium in conventional and gnotobiotic mice

The ability of Bifidobacterium bifidum from a commercial bifidus milk to antagonize Salmonella enteritidis subsp. typhimurium in vivo, and to reduce the pathological consequences for the host, was determined using conventional and gnotobiotic mice. Conventional animals received daily, by gavage, 0·1 ml bifidus milk containing about 109 cfu B. bifidum and germ‐free animals received a single 0·1 ml dose. The conventional and gnotobiotic groups were challenged orally with 102 cfu of the pathogenic bacteria 5 and/or 10 d after the beginning of treatment. Control groups were treated with milk. Bifidus milk protected both animal models against the challenge with the pathogenic bacteria, as demonstrated by survival and histopathological data. However, to obtain the protective effect in gnotobiotic animals, the treatment had to be initiated 10 d before the challenge. In experimental and control gnotobiotic mice, Salm. enteritidis subsp. typhimurium became similarly established at levels ranging from 108 to 109 viable cells g−1 of faeces and remained at these high levels until the animals died or were sacrificed. It was concluded that the protection against Salm. enteritidis subsp. typhimurium observed in conventional and gnotobiotic mice treated with bifidus milk was not due to the reduction of the intestinal populations of the pathogenic bacteria.
Effect of cortisol on blood pressure and vascular reactivity in the ovine fetus

The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular effects of exogenous cortisol in fetal sheep, (a) between 100 and 120 days of gestation when cortisol production is minimal and (b) after 130 days when endogenous plasma cortisol starts to rise. Chronically cannulated ovine fetuses (103–120 days, n = 9; 130–137 days, n = 7), received sequentially a 24 h infusion of vehicle (0.9% sodium chloride) and a 24 h infusion of cortisol at 100 micrograms/h. Blood pressure and heart rate changes to bolus injections each of angiotensin II and noradrenaline (0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 micrograms) were measured before and after the saline and cortisol infusions. Fetuses in each age group, served as additional controls receiving 48 h saline infusions. In both immature and mature age groups, the cortisol infusion increased basal fetal blood cortisol concentrations by 33.7 and 35.4 nmol/l respectively. In the immature group, cortisol, but not saline, caused significant 14.3 and 15.3% increases in basal systolic and diastolic pressures respectively. Basal blood pressure was higher in the mature group, but did not increase further despite the increase in cortisol levels. Furthermore, vascular responsiveness to angiotensin II but not to noradrenaline was significantly enhanced following the cortisol infusion, at both ages. Fetal heart rate did not change following the cortisol infusion. Exogenous cortisol contributes to the regulation of fetal blood pressure in the immature fetus, when other mechanisms have not developed. Cortisol might achieve this, in part, by enhancing vascular sensitivity to angiotensin II.