Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical performance of endodontic restorations with prefabricated posts: sensitivity analysis of parameters with a 3D finite element model

Many studies have investigated the effect of different parameters of the endodontically restored tooth on its final strength, using in vitro tests and model simulations. However, the differences in the experimental set-up or modelling conditions and the limited number of parameters studied in each case prevent us from obtaining clear conclusions about the relative importance of each parameter. In this study, a validated 3D biomechanical model of the restored tooth was used for an exhaustive sensitivity analysis. The individual influence of 20 different parameters on the mechanical performance of an endodontic restoration with prefabricated posts was studied. The results bring up the remarkable importance of the loading angle on the final restoration strength. Flexural loads are more critical than compressive or tensile loads. Young's modulus of the post and its length and diameter are the most influential parameters for strength, whereas other parameters such as ferrule geometry or core and crown characteristics are less significant.
Combining extreme learning machines using support vector machines for breast tissue classification

In this paper, we present a new approach for breast tissue classification using the features derived from electrical impedance spectroscopy. This method is composed of a feature extraction method, feature selection phase and a classification step. The feature extraction phase derives the features from the electrical impedance spectra. The extracted features consist of the impedivity at zero frequency (I0), the phase angle at 500 KHz, the high-frequency slope of phase angle, the impedance distance between spectral ends, the area under spectrum, the normalised area, the maximum of the spectrum, the distance between impedivity at I0 and the real part of the maximum frequency point and the length of the spectral curve. The system uses the information theoretic criterion as a strategy for feature selection and the combining extreme learning machines (ELMs) for the classification phase. The results of several ELMs are combined using the support vector machines classifier, and the result of classification is reported as a measure of the performance of the system. The results indicate that the proposed system achieves high accuracy in classification of breast tissues using the electrical impedance spectroscopy.
Ridge Preservation of the Molar Extraction Socket Using Collagen Sponge and Xenogeneic Bone Grafts

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the alveolar ridge preservation technique using collagen sponge and xenograft after extraction. Study Design:Twenty patients were divided into the control group and the experimental group, which contained about 10 patients each. The control group patients were planned 3-unit bridge without performing implant and without special treatments for the extraction socket, and prosthetic treatments were performed after 3 months. In the experimental group, using collagen sponge and xenogeneic bone graft, alveolar ridge preservation was performed simultaneously with tooth extraction; implants were placed after 3 months. Clinical and histological evaluations and statistical analysis were performed. Results:The resorption rate of the width of alveolar bone 3 mm below the alveolar ridge of the control group was shown to be 20.74% and of the experimental group was an average of 14.26%, approximately a difference of 6% was observed, and it was statistically significant. New bone formation in the vicinity of bone graft materials was achieved well, and inflammation findings were not observed. Conclusion:The results indicated that in the ridge preservation using collagen sponge and xenograft, xenograft prevents the horizontal resorption of the alveolar ridge, and the upper collagen sponge blocks the infiltration of soft tissues to the lower area, and thus it has the advantage of the enhancement of bone fill.
Kinematics of blood lactate concentration during an incremental treadmill test in saddle horses

Summary The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetics of blood lactate concentration in 5 saddle horses during an incremental test on an inclined treadmill (3%). In order to mimic field conditions, the exercise test consisted of five 3 min bouts at increasing speeds (7.5, 8.3, 9.2 and 10 m/s); each bout being followed by 1 min rest. Blood samples were taken prior to each step, every minute during each step and every 30 s during each rest period. At low intensities of exercise, stability of blood lactate concentration was sometimes observed during the first minutes of the bout, followed by an increase in the second part. At higher intensities, blood lactate concentration rose more quickly and no stability was observed. Lactate concentration in the blood sample taken at t3′30 during the rest period, often reached a higher value than in the preceeding bout. The VLa4 calculated from blood lactate concentrations obtained at t3′ and t3′30 were not significantly different (P>0.05); mean ± s.d. 9.8 ± 0.7 and 9.8 ± 0.6 m/s, respectively. By using the blood lactate concentrations obtained at t4', the VLa4 appeared higher (mean ± s.d. 10.1 ±0.7 m/s).
A new ilio-femoro-tibial range of motion (IFT-ROM) test: reproducibility and effect of a passive stretching programme

The flexibility could be defined as an intrinsic property of the body tissues that determines the range of motion (ROM) achievable without injury at a joint or group of joints (Holt et al. 1996). In athletic sport, the performance seems to be directly correlated with the ROM of lower limbs (Mann & Herman, 1995). However, a lack of lower limb flexibility has been identified as a risk factor for subsequent musculoskeletal lesion (Witvrouw et al. 2003). Similarly, the lower flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles may contribute to the development of patellar tendinosis in an athletic population (Witvrouw et al. 2001). Consequently, the evaluation of the lower limb flexibility appears to be important to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in sports. In this way, the goal of this study is, in a 1 protocol, to evaluate the reproducibility of a new practical tool to measure the ilio-femoro-tibial range of motion (IFT-ROM) and, in a 2 protocol, to assess the effect of a stretching program on the IFT-ROM flexibility.
The Elderly in the Commonwealth Caribbean: A Review of Research Findings

This paper reviews some recent research findings on demographic trends, socio-economic conditions, epidemiological characteristics of, and social attitudes towards elderly people (defined as all persons aged 65 years and over) in the Commonwealth Caribbean, which is used here to mean all those English-speaking nations in the region, from The Bahamas in the north to Guyana in the south. Except on demographic topics, social gerontological research in the region tends to be sparse, piecemeal and scattered which, together with the region's sociocultural diversity, poses difficulties for generalisation and comparison.
Relação entre a expressão da MUC1 e os estadiamentos TNM e Astler-Coller no câncer colorretal

The expression of tumor markers that correlates with the aggressiveness of cancers has been strongly investigated. Having colorectal cancer a significant incidence, biomarkers that can evaluate it concerning this aspect are not an exception in this inquiry. AIM: To establish a relation between aggressiveness of colorectal cancer according to TNM and Astler-Coller staging systems and the expression of Mucin1 (MUC1) in a determined sample of tumors. METHODS: 36 colorectal cancers resected by proctologists of the University Hospital of UFAL were examined regarding the presence of positive immunohistochemical reaction for MUC1 in cytoplasmic patterns. After that, the positive cases and its stages were correlated. RESULTS: Immunoexpression of MUC1 occurred in 50% of the cases. Among these, 61% were between stages T3 and T4; 39% between N1 and N2; all cases of the study were M0; and 40% were classified between C1 and C3 in Astler-Coller system. When evaluated MUC1 positivity in each stage separately, a proportional increase of both was perceived, mainly in stages "N" and Astler-Coller. CONCLUSION: The absence of imunohistochemical reactivity to MUC1 did not exclude the possibility of evolution for an advanced staged tumor. However, its presence denotes evolution of colorectal cancer for more aggressive stages.
Balancing Risks: The Core of Women's Decisions About Noninvasive Prenatal Testing

Background: Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell-free fetal DNA is having a significant impact on the delivery of prenatal care. Our objective was to identify how pregnant women characterize the risks and benefits of this screening test and their preferences in order to guide an informed decision-making process about its use. Methods: We conducted focus groups with women who were either pregnant or recently postpartum who received outpatient prenatal care. A moderator guide was used to elicit participants’ perspectives on noninvasive prenatal testing. Results: Despite the low chance of a false positive result, this aspect of NIPT was a key determinant in participants’ decision making about the screening test. Participants discussed how many of the drawbacks and considerations associated with prenatal screening would remain intact regardless of the accuracy of a new approach to assess fetal health. Conclusions: NIPT affects how women think about risk not only in regard to prenatal genetic screening but also broadly in the context of pregnancy. The unique and appealing aspects of NIPT do not simplify women's decision-making processes or reduce the support they need to make choices that align with their needs and preferences.
Mechanisms of heart development in the Japanese lamprey, Lethenteron japonicum

SUMMARY Vertebrate hearts have evolved from undivided tubular hearts of chordate ancestors. One of the most intriguing issues in heart evolution is the abrupt appearance of multichambered hearts in the agnathan vertebrates. To explore the developmental mechanisms behind the drastic morphological changes that led to complex vertebrate hearts, we examined the developmental patterning of the agnathan lamprey Lethenteron japonicum. We isolated lamprey orthologs of genes thought to be essential for heart development in chicken and mouse embryos, including genes responsible for differentiation and proliferation of the myocardium (LjTbx20, LjTbx4/5, and LjIsl1/2A), establishment of left–right heart asymmetry (LjPitxA), and partitioning of the heart tube (LjTbx2/3A), and studied their expression patterns during lamprey cardiogenesis. We confirmed the presence of the cardiac progenitors expressing LjIsl1/2A in the pharyngeal and splanchnic mesoderm and the heart tube of the lamprey. The presence of LjIsl1/2A‐positive cardiac progenitor cells in cardiogenesis may have permitted an increase of myocardial size in vertebrates. We also observed LjPitxA expression in the left side of lamprey cardiac mesoderm, suggesting that asymmetric expression of Pitx in the heart has been acquired in the vertebrate lineage. Additionally, we observed LjTbx2/3A expression in the nonchambered myocardium, supporting the view that acquisition of Tbx2/3 expression may have allowed primitive tubular hearts to partition, giving rise to multichambered hearts.
Determining possible thrombus sites in an extracorporeal device, using computational fluid dynamics-derived relative residence time

The prediction of conditions that may result in thrombus formation is a useful application of computational fluid dynamics. A number of techniques exist, based on the consideration of wall shear stress and regions of low blood flow; however, no clear guideline exists for the best practice of their use. In this paper, the sensitivity of each parameter and the specific mechanical forces are explained, before the optimal indicator of thrombosis risk is outlined. An extracorporeal access device cavity provides a suitable geometry to test the methodology. The recommended method for thrombus prediction considers areas with a calculated residence time (RT) and shear strain rate (SSR) thresholds, here set to RT>1 and SSR < 10 s− 1. Evidence of thrombosis was found for physiological waveforms with an absence of reverse flow, which is expected to ‘wash out’ the cavity. The predicted thrombosis sites compare well with evidence collected from explanted devices.
Origin of animal epithelia: insights from the sponge genome

SUMMARY Epithelial tissues are a key metazoan cell type, providing a basic structural unit for the construction of diverse animal body plans. Historically, an epithelial grade of organization was considered to be restricted to the Eumetazoa, with the majority of cell layers described for Porifera lacking any of the conserved ultrastructural characteristics of epithelia. Now with the use of genomic information from the demosponge, Amphimedon queenslandica, we identify orthologs of bilaterian genes that determine epithelial cell polarity or encode components of specialized epithelial junctions and extracellular matrix structures. Amphimedon possesses orthologs of most bilaterian epithelial polarity and adherens junction genes but few or no tight junction, septate junction, or basal lamina genes. To place this information in an evolutionary context, we extended these analyses to the completed genomes of various fungi, the choanoflagellate, Monosiga brevicollis, the placozoan, Trichoplax adhaerens, and the cnidarian, Nematostella vectensis. The results indicate that the majority of “epithelial” genes originated in metazoan or eumetazoan lineages, with only two genes, Par‐1 and Discs large, antedating the choanoflagellate‐metazoan split. We further explored the mechanism of evolution for each of these genes by tracking the origin of constituent domains and domain combinations. In general, domain configurations found in contemporary bilaterians are inferred to have evolved early in metazoan evolution and are identical or similar to those present in representatives of modern cnidarians, placozoans, and demosponges.
Global and targeted serum metabolic profiling of colorectal cancer progression

Patients with colorectal adenoma polyps (PLPs) are at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the development of improved and robust biomarkers to enable the screening, surveillance, and early detection of PLPs and CRC continues to be a challenge. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers of progression to CRC through metabolomic profiling of human serum samples with a multistage approach.
Microbiological Evaluation of Bacterial and Mycotic Seal in Implant Systems With Different Implant-Abutment Interfaces and Closing Torque Values

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible leakage of 3 species of bacteria (Streptococcus sanguinis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Actinomyces odontolyticus) and of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata in osseointegrated implants with different implant-abutment interface (IAI) geometry. Materials and Methods:Two groups of implants, (1) implant-abutment unit with a tube-in-tube interface and (2) implant-abutment unit with a flat-to-flat interface closed with different torque values, were compared in the study. In the first phase, the implants were assembled and cultured in vitro for 7 days. The implants and abutments were disconnected and samples were taken and cultured. In the second phase, the internal part of each implant was inoculated with 0.1 µL of microbial broth and then connected to the respective abutments. Afterward, medium samples were taken and cultured. Results:The group 1 implants were more resistant to colonization than those of group 2 (P < 0.05). The intragroup difference was significant between the implant-abutment units assembled with the recommended torque values and those with lower torque values (P < 0.01) for both the groups. Conclusion:IAI geometry influences both bacterial and yeast colonization inside the implants as well as the torque value used to connect abutments to implants.
Prevalence of Maxillary Sinus Pathology in Patients Considered for Sinus Augmentation Procedures for Dental Implants

Purpose:To determine the prevalence of maxillary sinus pathology in patients presenting for implant rehabilitation involving sinus augmentation procedures. Materials and Methods:Three-dimensional images of 275 patients were evaluated. Age and gender were recorded to see if they had any relationship to the prevalence of pathology. Scans were classified into 1 of the 5 categories based on the type of sinus pathology detected: healthy, mucosal thickening > 5mm, polypoidal mucosal thickening, partial opacification and/or air fluid level, and complete opacification. Results:Overall, 54.9% scans were classified as healthy, and 45.1% scans were classified as exhibiting sinus pathology. Men were more likely to exhibit pathology compared with females (P < 0.01). However, age did not seem to have any relation on the prevalence of sinus pathology. Of the patients who presented with evidence of sinus pathology, 56.5% had mucosal thickening (≥5mm), 28.2% with polypoidal thickening, 8.9% partial opacification and/or air/fluid level, and 6.5% complete opacification. Conclusions:It is proposed that, based on the findings of this study, 45.1% patients would require further consultation before proceeding with maxillary sinus augmentation surgery.
The Impact of Tumor Grade on Survival End Points and Patterns of Recurrence of 949 Patients With Early-Stage Endometrioid Carcinoma: A Single Institution Study

Objectives This study aimed to determine the impact of tumor grade on patterns of recurrence and survival end points in patients with endometrioid carcinoma 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages I-II. Methods We identified 949 patients who underwent hysterectomy between 1988 and 2011. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on tumor grade. Kaplan-Meier plots were generated for each group for recurrence-free survival (RFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). Results Median follow-up was 52 months. Median age was 60 years. All patients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy. Eighty percent of patients underwent lymph node dissection, 83% had peritoneal cytology. There were 76 (8%) patients who developed tumor recurrence. Tumor recurrence rates were significantly higher in patients with grade 3 tumors compared to grade 1 (P = 0.006). Additionally, patients with grade 3 tumors developed significantly more frequent distant metastases compared to patients with grade 1 (P = 0.002). Five-year RFS for the patients with grade 1, 2, and 3 were 95%, 82%, and 68%, respectively (P = <0.001). Five-year DSS was 99%, 93%, and 79%, respectively (P = <0.001). Five-year OS was 89%, 84%, and 63%, respectively (P = <0.001). Lymphovascular space involvement and grade were significant independent predictors of RFS and DSS. For OS age, lymphovascular space involvement, grade, and body mass index were significant predictors. Conclusions International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade is a strong predictor of clinical survival end points in women with early-stage endometrioid carcinoma. The pattern of recurrence in patients with grade 3 tumors is mainly distant rather than locoregional. Further studies incorporating systemic therapy in the adjuvant settings in these patients are warranted.
Efficacy of Octreotide in the Therapy of Severe Nonproliferative and Early Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Study: Response to Gehrs

We appreciate both Dr. Gehrs' (1) careful examination of our study (2) on the efficacy of octreotide in the therapy of severe nonproliferative and early proliferative diabetic retinopathy and the opportunity to respond to her thoughtful comments. In response to her question concerning the baseline scores, the control group and octreotide-treated group baseline Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) scores were not different, with mean (± SD) values of 51.6 ± 4.0 for control and 51.6 ± 4.8 for treated groups. Although a reading center was not used in this pilot study, each retinal specialist used identical criteria for …
A new stent with streamlined cross-section can suppress monocyte cell adhesion in the flow disturbance zones of the endovascular stent

We proposed a new stent with streamlined cross-sectional wires, which is different from the clinical coronary stents with square or round cross-sections. We believe the new stent might have better hemodynamic performance than the clinical metal stents. To test the hypothesis, we designed an experimental study to compare the performance of the new stent with the clinical stents in terms of monocyte (U-937 cells) adhesion. The results showed that when compared with the clinical stents, the adhesion of U-937 cells were much less in the new stent. The results also showed that, when Reynolds number increased from 180 (the rest condition for the coronary arteries) to 360 (the strenuous exercise condition for the coronary arteries), the flow disturbance zones in the clinical stents became larger, while they became smaller with the new stent. The present experimental study therefore suggests that the optimization of the cross-sectional shape of stent wires ought to be taken into consideration in the design of endovascular stents.
VIII. Effects of non-oestrous inseminations and return patterns after second inseminations

Abstract The conception rate (C.R. = 49-day % non-return rate) for 863 605 first inseminations was 62.0% compared with 61.5% for 207 884 second inseminations. Most(135 759) second inseminations were made after a period between insemination (p.b.i.) of 18–24 days, a further 52 075 being made after a p.b. i. of 17 days or less. C.R. was 64.0% for the former proup of second inseminations and 55.5% for the latter. This lower C.R. was associated with a higher frequency of short return intervals (1–17 days) after these second inseminations and probably arose through more errors in oestrus diagnosis. Such errors will result in non-oestrous inseminations. Results obtained in one field trial with 1712 cows showed that if the non-oestrous intra-uterine insemination preceded the oestrous insemination, the C.R. for the latter insemination was not affected. In contrast, a second field trial with 65 cows indicated that if the non-oestrous second insemination was made within 3 weeks of the oestrous first insemination, th.
Bone water at the nanoscale: a molecular dynamics study

Bone water at the nanoscale: a molecular dynamics study T. Lemaire, T. -T. Pham, N. H. de Leeuw & S. Naili To cite this article: T. Lemaire, T. -T. Pham, N. H. de Leeuw & S. Naili (2015) Bone water at the nanoscale: a molecular dynamics study, Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 18:sup1, 1982-1983, DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2015. 1069586 To link to this article: http://dx.doi. org/10.1080/10255842.2015. 1069586