Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Absence of an association between socioeconomic indicators and traumatic dental injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and search for scientific evidence on the association between socioeconomic indicators and traumatic dental injury (TDI) in the primary dentition. METHODOLOGY The PubMed, ISI, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for articles addressing possible associations between socioeconomic indicators and TDI in the primary teeth in journals dating from the inception of the databases through to December 2013. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and analyzed the quality of the studies. Meta-analysis was undertaken. Pooled estimates were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and odds ratios (OR). RESULTS Sixteen articles were included in the systematic review. Children from families with household income less than two times average salary (U$ 592) (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66-0.90) or more than three times the average salary (U$ 888) (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65-0.89) had a significantly lower chance of having TDI in the primary dentition. TDI was not associated with socioeconomic status (high vs low - OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.43-1.36; high vs medium - OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.72-1.48; medium vs low - OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.42-1.19), house ownership (owned vs rented - OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.98-1.66), mother's schooling (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.74-1.08), or father's schooling (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.62-2.74). CONCLUSION The scientific evidence demonstrates that socioeconomic indicators are not associated with TDI in the primary dentition. The evidence of an association between a low income and TDI is weak. In general, studies had low risk of bias. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm this association.
3D regularized velocity from 3D Doppler radial velocity

The availability of sequences of 3D Doppler radial velocity datasets provides sufficient information to estimate the 3D velocity of Doppler storms. We present a regularization framework for computing the 3D velocity field of storms from the underlying 3D radial velocities via an intermediate least squares computation. We obtain very realistic Doppler velocities, which can be used to estimate and predict the motion of Doppler storms. Such information is fundamental in the tracking of Doppler storms over time.
Combinaison de modèles phylogénétiques et longitudinaux pour l'analyse des séquences biologiques : reconstruction de HMM profils ancestraux

Statistical modelling of homologous sequences through profile HMM disregards the phylogenetic links between those. Here we present models harnessing an efficient combination of horizontal and vertical features, simultaneously figuring sequences as chains of aminoacids and products of an evolutionary process. Such models belong to the phyloHMM family introduced in the ’90s (e.g. Mitchison & Durbin). Focusing on the detection of remote homologues in databases, we develop a framework for an exhaustive derivation of phylo-HMM parameters basing on the phylogeny. The models we build are ancestral reconstruction HMM, output by a process of phylogenetic inference of conserved positions, Match and Insert emission probabilities, and transition probabilities. Finally, we propose new models of evolution for transitions between states of the HMM and for insert lengths. The training framework we describe has been implemented and tried on testbenches of homologous sequences. It brings improved likelihoods and a better discriminative power on detecting remote homologues in large databases of proteins sequences.
Clinical use of lenvatinib in combination with everolimus for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma

Introduction Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 2%–3% of all cancers in adults, and its pathogenesis is mainly related to altered cellular response to hypoxia. Lenvatinib, a novel multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), represents a therapeutic option, in combination with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus, for the treatment of metastatic RCC (mRCC). Aim The objective of this article is to review the evidence about the treatment of mRCC with combination of lenvatinib plus everolimus. Evidence review Phase I studies supported clinical activity of lenvatinib in mRCC. A randomized, Phase II, open-label, multicenter trial demonstrated the clinical efficacy of combination treatment with lenvatinib plus everolimus in patients with progressive mRCC after prior therapy with TKI. Median progression-free survival was improved by 9 months with the combination therapy compared to the single-agent everolimus, with an overall response rate of 43% for the experimental regimen. Lenvatinib plus everolimus appeared to be slightly less toxic than single-agent lenvatinib and more toxic than single-agent everolimus; grade 3–4 adverse events occurred in 71% of patients. Currently, lenvatinib plus everolimus has US Food and Drug Administration approval for its use in mRCC after failure of previous treatment with TKI. Conclusion The combination therapy with lenvatinib plus everolimus might be a promising choice for second-line treatment of mRCC patients. Based on the results of the Phase II trial, it is possible to speculate that the combination therapy could be appropriate for patients with high disease burden or strongly symptomatic patients.
Sodium currents in axon‐associated Schwann cells from adult rabbits.

1. Patch‐clamp and electron‐microscopic studies were carried out on individual axon‐Schwann‐cell complexes 2‐6 h after they were isolated from the sciatic nerves of rabbits 5, 10 and 20 weeks old. 2. Under Hoffman modulation contrast optics Schwann cells associated with both myelinated and non‐myelinated axons could be seen. Frequently, fine cable‐like structures about 1 micron in diameter, which are presumably axons, could be seen in isolation from a Schwann cell. 3. Cross‐sectional electron‐microscopic studies directly demonstrated the presence of axons engulfed by Schwann cells. For Schwann cells associated with non‐myelinated axons, multiple fine axons (approximately 1 micron) could be seen enclosed by one or few turns of spiralling tongues of Schwann cells. Schwann cells associated with a single large myelinated axon showed characteristic compact myelin wrappings. No membrane fusion between Schwann cells and the axons could be detected. 4. Giga‐seals could readily be formed when a patch pipette was pressed against the body region of a Schwann cell associated with either non‐myelinated or myelinated axons. In contrast, giga‐seals were only infrequently obtained on fine cable‐like structures (1 micron) visually identified to be separated from the Schwann cell body. 5. Whole‐cell recordings made from the body region of a Schwann cell revealed a TTX‐sensitive fast inward current. Intriguingly, the expression of this current appeared to be dependent on the type of associated axon; this current was detectable in virtually all recordings made at the body region of Schwann cells associated with small non‐myelinated axons, but not from those associated with large myelinated axons. 6. The inward current was like a neuronal sodium current; it had voltage‐gated kinetics similar to the Hodgkin‐Huxley sodium current, and exhibited a reversal potential close to the expected Nernstian potential for sodium ions. 7. From the observed size of the whole‐cell membrane capacity and the electron‐microscopic observations that the surface area of the Schwann cell at the body region was much larger than that of a 1 micron non‐myelinated axon, it was argued that the whole‐cell recordings were from Schwann cells rather than from single axons. Furthermore, the peak sodium current density was similar to that of Schwann cells cultured from new‐born rabbits in which axons were presumed to be absent. 8. The results suggested that Schwann cells normally associated with non‐myelinated axons in the rabbit sciatic nerves maintain an active synthesis of neuronal‐like sodium channels throughout normal development.
Mapping tissue angiotensin‐converting enzyme and angiotensin AT1, AT2 and AT4 receptors

Background The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) functions as both a circulating endocrine system and a tissue paracrine/autocrine system. As a circulating peptide, angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a prominent role in blood-pressure control and body fluid and electrolyte balance by acting on the AT1 receptor in the brain and peripheral tissues. As a paracrine/autocrine peptide, locally formed Ang II also plays additional roles in tissues involving the regulation of regional haemodynamics, cell growth and remodelling, and neurotransmitter release. Evidence is emerging that Ang II is not the only active peptide of the RAS, and other Ang II fragments may also have important biological activities. Objectives To provide a morphological basis for understanding novel actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), Ang II and related peptides in tissues, this article will review the localization of ACE and AT1, AT2 and AT4 receptors in the central nervous system, blood vessels and kidney. Results and conclusion Autoradiographic mapping of the major components of the RAS has proved a valuable strategy to reveal, or suggest, cellular sites of novel actions for Ang II and related peptides in tissues. First, colocalization of ACE and AT1 receptors in the substantia nigra, the caudate nucleus and putamen of human and rat brain, which contain the dopamine-synthesizing neurons, suggests that the central RAS may be important in modulating central dopamine release. Secondly, the distribution of AT4 receptors with a striking association with cholinergic neurons, motor and sensory nuclei in the brain reveals that Ang IV may modulate central motor and sensory activities and memory. Thirdly, the occurrence of high levels of ACE and AT1 and/or AT2 receptors in the adventitia of blood vessels suggests important paracrine roles of the vascular RAS. Finally, the identification of abundant AT1 receptor and elucidation of its roles in the renomedullary interstitial cells of the kidney may provide a new impetus to study further the role of Ang II in the regulation of renal medullary function and blood pressure. Overall, circulating and locally produced Ang II and related peptides may exert a remarkable range of actions in the brain, kidney and cardiovascular system through multiple angiotensin receptors.
Design of a photovoltaic power conditioning system for hierarchical control of a microgrid

Recently hierarchical control of microgrid has been the focus of extensive research due to its flexibility to effectively utilize the micro-sources while ensuring reliability. The work presented in this paper is focused on the design and development of a photovoltaic (PV) power conditioning system for a hierarchically controlled microgrid application. The PV interface is equipped with multiple functionalities such as droop characteristic control for both active and reactive power sharing, centralized power sharing, adaptive power control etc. All these features make the PV interface one of the main power contributing sources. A detailed control design procedure for this microgrid PV source is given. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is investigated with a laboratory prototype of the microgrid with hierarchical control supported by sources like Solar PV, Wind, hydro turbine driven synchronous machine and Fuel cell based renewable energy sources. The microgrid has the capability of reconfigurable control. The Local Source Controllers (LSC) are linked with Controller Area Network (CAN) for fast data transfer and RS-485 for bulk data transfer. Battery storage is provided for prolonged energy back up and ultracapacitor for transient and momentary power support during dynamic phase. The PV interface of this microgrid is investigated under various conditions such as large variation in its radiation level, maximum power point tracking, centralized control for active power, co-ordinate active and reactive power control with de-centralized operation, hierarchical control functionality of PV source with other microgrid sources etc. The intermittent nature of photovoltaic source causes a peculiar impact on the microgrid operation. This and other important observations are analyzed for further study and investigations into the control aspects of PV sources in a microgrid paradigm. The key simulation and experimental results are included to verify proper operation and control of the microgrid.
Staphylococcus saprophyticus Urinary Tract Infection

From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and Waterbury Regional Department of Pediatrics, Waterbury, Connecticut. Correspondence to: Michael A. Gerber, M.D., Waterbury Regional Department of Pediatrics, 64 Robbins Street, Waterbury, CT 06721. Received for publication October, 1981; accepted December, 1981. C3AGLJLASE NEGATIVE staphylococci have usually been dismissed as contaminants when isolated from urine cultures except in patients who have undergone manipulation or catheterization of the urinary tract. Recently, however, several reports from England and Sweden have established that one species of coagulase negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus saprophytz*cus, is a common cause of urinary tract infections in young female c~utpatients.l‘3 These findings have been corroborated by an investigation in this country. ~ The following case report and literature review are presented to alert pediatricians to the need to consider S. saprophyticus as one of the possible causes of urinary tract infections in children.
Analysis and Characterization of a Multipole Reconfigurable Transmitarray Element

A reconfigurable transmitarray element is presented that operates at 5.5 GHz and is low-profile, low-cost and easy to fabricate. The design consists of a three-layer structure implementing two slot-coupled patch antennas. Varactor diodes are used to load the patches and slot to create a third-order resonant structure. A simple circuit-based analysis approach is used to predict the response of the unit cell based on the location of its poles and zeros. Simulation and experimental results are presented, with experimental results achieving 245° of phase agility with less than 3 dB of variation in transmission magnitude throughout the tuning range. The effects of diode loss, angle of incidence, and mutual coupling are investigated. The element is also capable of functioning as a low-loss reconfigurable reflectarray element, making it particularly versatile for different scanning configurations.
[Frequency and risk of bronchopulmonary neoplasia related to asbestos].

BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of asbestos-related lung cancer and the importance of the occupational exposure to this inorganic fibre as a risk factor. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of 82 patients with lung cancer (mean age 62 SD 9 years) and 53 patients without pleuropulmonary disease (63 SD 13 years). The occupational exposure to asbestos was determined by a questionnaire. We determined the concentration of asbestos bodies (AB) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (93 patients) or lung tissue (42 patients) after chemical digestion, with the results being expressed as AB/mL BAL or AB/g dry lung, respectively. A concentration higher than 1 AB/mL or 1,000 AB/g was considered as marker of high asbestos burden in lung tissue, which could be potentially responsible for pleuropulmonary disease. The importance of asbestos occupational exposure as a risk factor for lung cancer was determined using logistic regression models. RESULTS 25 patients with lung cancer reported occupational exposure to asbestos (30%) and in 13 out of them AB were detected in BAL or lung tissue (24%), at high concentrations in 3 cases (4%). Six patients from the group without pleuropulmonary disease reported occupational exposure to asbestos (11%) and in 13 out of them AB were found in some samples (24%), with no case having high concentrations. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, diagnosis of bronchial neoplasia was associated with both smoking (OR 10.10, 95% CI 3.50-29.13) and occupational exposure to asbestos (OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.39-9.77). The association between asbestos exposure and lung cancer persisted statistically significant after adjustment for smoking (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.00-7.84). CONCLUSION In Spain, lung cancer was related to occupational exposure to asbestos in 4% of cases, and it appeared to exist a synergistic effect of smoking. Occupational exposure to this inorganic fibre doubles the risk of suffering from lung cancer.
Termination of Spiral Waves with Biphasic Shocks:

Virtual Electrodes in Biphasic Defibrillation. Introduction: This simulation study seeks to extend the virtual electrode polarization (VKP) theory for defibrillation to explain the success and failure of biphasic shocks. The goals of the study are to (1) provide insight into why optimal biphasic shocks have a lower voltage defibrillation threshold than monophasic shocks, (2) examine the mechanisms of biphasic shock failure and to determine whether they differ from those of monophasic and (3) study how the timing of biphasic shock delivery to a spiral wave affect voltage defibrillation threshold.
Low‐melt bioactive glass‐reinforced 3D printing akermanite porous cages with highly improved mechanical properties for lumbar spinal fusion

Although great strides have been made in medical technology, low back/neck pain and intervertebral disc degeneration initiated from disc degenerative disease remains a clinical challenge. Within the field of regenerative medicine therapy, we have sought to improve the biomechanical transformation of spinal fusion procedures conducted using biodegradable porous implants. Specifically, we have focused on developing mechanically strong bioceramic cages for spinal fusion and functional recovery. Herein, we fabricated the akermanite (AKE) ceramic‐based porous cages using low‐melting bioactive glass (BG) and 3D printing technology. The osteogenic cell adhesion on the cages was evaluated in vitro, and the spinal fusion was tested in the intervertebral disc trauma model. The results indicated that incorporation of 15% or 30% BG into AKE (i.e., AKE/BG15 and AKE/BG30) could enhance the compressive strength of bioceramic cages by 2‐ or 5‐fold higher than the pure AKE cages (AKE/BG0). In comparison with porous β‐tricalcium phosphate cages, the surface of AKE/BG15 and AKE/BG30 cages greatly promoted the growth and alkaline phosphatase expression of osteogenic cells. Histological and biomechanical analysis showed that the AKE/BG15 and AKE/BG30 readily stimulated the new bone tissue growth and improved the spinal biomechanics recovery. In the AKE/BG15 and AKE/BG30 cage groups, 4–6 of the rabbits demonstrated a successful fusion. In contrast, only 0–1 of the initial seeded AKE/BG0 and tricalcium phosphate cages resulted in fusion at 12 weeks post‐operatively. In summary, the akermanite‐based cages showed an increased bone regenerative effect within an intervertebral disc trauma model, and thus, provided a promising candidate for improving spinal fusion surgery.
Optimizing Contrast Media Injection Protocols in State-of-the Art Computed Tomographic Angiography

ObjectiveVery short acquisition times and the increasing use of low-kilovolt protocols in standard computed tomographic (CT) angiography (CTA) examinations demand modifications in the contrast media (CM) injection regimen. The aim of this study was to optimize the use of tube voltage–adjusted CM delivery parameters, especially injection duration and iodine delivery rate (IDR), in thoracoabdominal CTA in a porcine model. Materials and MethodsEight pigs (53–72 kg) were examined with a third-generation dual-source CT system with a dynamic CTA protocol (4-dimensional spiral, 454-mm scan length, 2.5-second temporal resolution, 70-second total acquisition time). Six CM injection protocols were applied in randomized order and intraindividually compared. The standard CTA protocol was performed at 120 kV, with an injection of 300 mg iodine/kg body weight and a flow of 5 mL/s (IDR, 1.5 g/s). On the basis of phantom measurements for the low-kilovolt CTA protocols, the iodine dosage was adjusted to 150 mg iodine/kg (70 kV) and 210 mg iodine/kg (90 kV). Therefore, either the IDR was kept constant and the injection time was reduced, or the injection time was kept constant and the IDR was reduced by modifying the CM flow or concentration. Time attenuation curves, time to peak, and peak enhancement were calculated for different locations within the aorta, renal arteries, and large veins. ResultsThe heart rates were comparable among the different injection protocols (66.9–78.1 beats per minute). The average injection peak pressure depended on the flow rate and CM concentration and ranged from 42.9 to 114.7 psi. The average arterial peak enhancement was comparable for protocols with identical injection times and reduced IDR (362.4 HU [standard 120-kV protocol; 300 mg iodine/kg; IDR, 1.5 g/s], 360.0 HU [70 kV; 150 mg iodine/kg; IDR, 0.75 g/s], 365.4 HU [70 kV; 150 mg iodine/kg; IDR, 0.75 g/s; CM, 150 mg iodine/mL], 344.3 HU [90 kV; 210 mg iodine/kg; IDR, 1.1 g/s]). Higher peak enhancements could be achieved by applying protocols with identical IDR and a reduced injection time (502.5 HU [70 kV; 150 mg iodine/kg; IDR, 1.5 g/s] and 394.6 HU [90 kV; 210 mg iodine/kg; IDR, 1.5 g/s]). ConclusionsBy adjusting the IDR, low-kilovolt CTA is able to achieve comparable aortic enhancement with a significant reduction in CM dosage. A shorter injection time at constant IDR results in higher enhancement and a narrower scan window and might be preferable for fast CTA acquisition techniques. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATIONThe optimization of CM injection protocols is mandatory to achieve state-of the art CTA at low kilovolt and can reduce CM doses to patients.
Glucose-lowering Strategies in Diabetes: Pharmacological Development of New Antidiabetic Drugs.

BACKGROUND Insulin increases glucose uptake in muscles and fat and inhibits hepatic glucose production, thus serving as the primary regulator of the blood glucose level. In type 2 diabetes, insufficient insulin release and suppressed insulin action [named insulin resistance] lead to increased glucose production in liver and decreased glucose uptake by muscles and fat tissues, resulting in elevated blood glucose concentration which is dangerous to human health. Therefore, the anti-diabetic therapies are aimed at inhibiting excess blood glucose. METHODS A comparative analysis of two distinct glucose-lowering modes was used to develop a new feedback model for the purpose of identification of pharmacological targets in diabetes treatment. RESULTS The current brief opinion proposes an original feedback control of glucose-lowering regulation and its models which allow comparing two distinct strategies of glucose level correction, i.e., one of them allows reducing the increased threshold of insulin resistance, whereas the other allows overcoming this threshold/barrier using exogenous insulin treatment. Also, this analytic research presents selected examples comparing the influence of the two analyzed strategies on the normalization of glucose metabolism, their therapeutic potential and side effects associated with additional weight gain. These models show the pathological mechanism by which exogenous insulin provokes formation of a «vicious cycle» by its side effects associated with additional weight gain. CONCLUSION The presented model and findings can contribute to the development of new anti-diabetic targets and drugs with minimal side effects.