Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Independent Behavior of Commensal Flora for Carriage of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Bacteria in Patients at Admission

ABSTRACT The important role of commensal flora as a natural reservoir of bacterial resistance is now well established. However, whether the behavior of each commensal flora is similar to that of other floras in terms of rates of carriage and risk factors for bacterial resistance is unknown. During a 6-month period, we prospectively investigated colonization with fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria in the three main commensal floras from hospitalized patients at admission, targeting Escherichia coli in the fecal flora, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) in the nasal flora, and α-hemolytic streptococci in the pharyngeal flora. Resistant strains were detected on quinolone-containing selective agar. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected. A total of 555 patients were included. Carriage rates of resistance were 8.0% in E. coli, 30.3% in CNS for ciprofloxacin, and 27.2% in streptococci for levofloxacin; 56% of the patients carried resistance in at least one flora but only 0.9% simultaneously in all floras, which is no more than random. Risk factors associated with the carriage of fluoroquinolone-resistant strains differed between fecal E. coli (i.e., colonization by multidrug-resistant bacteria) and nasal CNS (i.e., age, coming from a health care facility, and previous antibiotic treatment with a fluoroquinolone) while no risk factors were identified for pharyngeal streptococci. Despite high rates of colonization with fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria, each commensal flora behaved independently since simultaneous carriage of resistance in the three distinct floras was uncommon, and risk factors differed. Consequences of environmental selective pressures vary in each commensal flora according to its local specificities (clinical trial NCT00520715 [http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00520715 ]).
The implications of age-related neurofunctional compensatory mechanisms in executive function and language processing including the new Temporal Hypothesis for Compensation

As the passage of time structurally alters one’s brain, cognition does not have to suffer the same faith, at least not to the same extent. Indeed, the existence of age-related compensatory mechanisms allow for some cognitive preservation. This paper attempts to coherently review the existing concepts of neurofunctional compensation when applied to two different cognitive domains, namely executive function and language processing. More precisely, we explore the Cognitive reserve (CR) model in healthy aging as well as its two underlying mechanisms: neural reserve and neural compensation. Furthermore, we review the Compensation-Related Utilization of Neural Circuits Hypothesis as well as the Growing Of Life Differences Explains Normal Aging model. Finally, we propose, based on some functional neuroimaging studies, the existence of another compensatory mechanism characterized by age-related delayed cerebral activation allowing for cognitive performance to be preserved at the expense of speed processing: the Temporal Hypothesis for Compensation.
Half- vs full-dose trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (2004-2005): age, dose, and sex effects on immune responses.

BACKGROUND Optimal public health strategies for managing influenza vaccine shortages are not yet defined. Our objective was to determine the effects of age, sex, and dose on the immunogenicity of intramuscular trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV). METHODS Healthy adults aged 18 to 64 years, stratified by age (18-49 and 50-64 years) and sex, were randomized to receive full- or half-dose TIV. Hemagglutination inhibition titers against vaccine antigens were measured before and 21 days after immunization. A primary outcome of noninferiority was defined as a difference of less than 20% in the upper 95% confidence interval (CI) of the proportion of subjects with strain-specific hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers of 1:40 or higher after vaccination. Secondary outcomes included geometric mean titers, after vaccination side effects, and occurrences of influenza-like illnesses. RESULTS Among previously immunized subjects (N = 1114) receiving half- vs full-dose TIV (age, 18-49 years, n = 284 [half] and n = 274 [full]; and age 50-64 years, n = 276 [half] and n = 280 [full]), CIs for proportions of subjects with hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers of 1:40 or higher excluded substantial reduction for all antigens in the 18- to 49-year age group and for B/Shanghai/361/2002 (B) and A/Fujian/411/2002 (A/H3N2) in the 50- to 64-year age group. Geometric mean titer in the female 18- to 49-year age group exceeded male responses for all strains: responses to half-dose TIV that were comparable with male full-dose responses for A/New Caledonia/20/99 (A/H1N1) antigen, 25.4 (95% CI, 20.9-30.9) vs 25.6 (95% CI, 21.3-30.9); A/H3N2 antigen, 60.8 (95% CI, 50.8-72.7) vs 44.1 (95% CI, 37.6-51.8); and B antigen, 64.4 (95% CI, 53.9-76.9) vs 60.7 (95% CI, 51.4-71.7) (findings were similar for the 50- to 64-year age group). Some injection site and systemic reactions (myalgias and/or arthralgias [P < .05], headache [P < .001], and impact of fatigue [P < .05]) were significantly lower in men. The relative risk of medical visits and hospitalizations for influenza-like illnesses were similar in the half- and full-dose groups regardless of age. CONCLUSIONS Antibody responses to intramuscular half-dose TIV in healthy, previously immunized adults were not substantially inferior to the full-dose vaccine, particularly for ages 18 to 49 years. Significantly higher geometric mean titer responses in women were identified for all ages, regardless of dose or influenza strain. Half-dose vaccination may be an effective strategy for healthy adults younger than 50 years in the setting of an influenza vaccine shortage.
Nanoporous TiO(2) thin film on titanium oral implants for enhanced human soft tissue adhesion: a light and electron microscopy study.

BACKGROUND Previous experimental studies have demonstrated direct soft tissue attachment for nanoporous titanium dioxide (TiO(2) ) thin film on implants, while implants without TiO(2) thin film have not shown this capability. PURPOSE The aims were to evaluate and compare TiO(2) surface-modified experimental microimplants with unmodified microimplants with respect to tissue interaction of the human oral mucosa evaluated by light microscopy on ground sections and semithin sections and transmission electron microscopy on ultrathin sections, and to characterize the inflammatory response and the level of the marginal bone resorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a single-center, randomized, comparative, clinical investigation with intrasubject comparison of implants with and without TiO(2) thin film in 15 patients. RESULTS Two comparator microimplants showed mild erythema and expulsion of fluids. The surrounding tissues around all test implants were clinically healthy. The oral mucosa in contact with the abutment part of the microimplant was 72% for the test implants and 48% for the comparator implants, a statistically significant difference (p =.0268). No statistically significant difference was found in other histological variables. The marginal bone loss in 14 weeks was 0.5 mm for the stable test (n = 11) and 1.7 mm for the stable comparator implants (n = 9; p = .0248). CONCLUSIONS The nanoporous TiO(2) surface modification has potential clinical benefits because of increased adherence of soft tissue and possible reduced bone resorption.
Antioxidative Activity of HDL Particle Subspecies Is Impaired in Hyperalphalipoproteinemia: Relevance of Enzymatic and Physicochemical Properties

Objective—Hyperalphalipoproteinemia (HALP) is characterized by elevated plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles with altered composition, metabolism, and function. The impact of such modification on antioxidative activities of HDL subfractions is indeterminate. Methods and Results—Gradient fractionation revealed that buoyant HDL2b and 2a and small dense HDL3b and 3c levels were elevated up to 2.0-fold in HALP subjects (n=9; mean plasma HDL cholesterol, 79 mg/dL) with low hepatic lipase activity. HDL2a, 3a, 3b, and 3c displayed lower specific antioxidative activity (sAA) during low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation (−15% to −86%, on a unit particle mass basis) than their normolipidemic counterparts (n=13). LDL oxidation was delayed by control HDL3a, 3b, and 3c (up to −79%) but specifically by HDL3c (−54%) in HALP. Paraoxonase activity was deficient in all HALP HDL subfractions. Paraoxonase, PAF-AH, and LCAT activities together accounted for ≈50% of variation in sAA. Abnormal chemical composition of HDL3b and 3c (cholesterol-deficient, triglyceride-enriched) in HALP was associated with impaired sAA. Systemic oxidative stress (as plasma 8-isoprostanes) tended to be elevated (1.5-fold) in HALP and negatively correlated with sAA (as TBARS). Conclusions—Intrinsic antioxidative activity of HDL subspecies is impaired in HALP, reflecting altered enzymatic and physicochemical properties.
Leadership and trust: Their effect on knowledge sharing and team performance

Team leaders who facilitate knowledge sharing and engender trust contribute to team effectiveness. While the separate effects of leadership, trust and knowledge sharing on team performance are well documented, few scholars have investigated the specific links between these factors. This study examines the relationship between the leader as the knowledge builder, trust in the leader and in the team, knowledge sharing and team performance. Surveys were collected from 34 engineering project teams (n=166 team members, 30 team leaders) and 18 managers in a large automotive organization. The results indicate that by building the team’s expertise, leaders enhance team members’ willingness to rely on and disclose information in the team, which in turn increases team knowledge sharing. Team knowledge sharing significantly predicted leaders’ and managers’ ratings of team performance. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Interventions on Prevention of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Heart Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

Background—Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication of cardiac surgery and has been associated with increased incidence of other complications and increased hospital length of stay (LOS). Prevention of AF is a reasonable clinical goal, and, consequently, many randomized trials have evaluated the effectiveness of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for prevention of AF. To better understand the role of various prophylactic therapies against postoperative AF, a systematic review of evidence from randomized trials was performed. Methods and Results—Fifty-two randomized trials (controlled by placebo or routine treatment) of &bgr;-blockers, sotalol, amiodarone, or pacing were identified by systematic literature search. The 3 drug treatments each prevented AF with the following odds ratios (ORs): &bgr;-blockers, 0.39 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.52); sotalol, 0.35 (95% CI, 0.26 to 0.49); and amiodarone, 0.48 (95% CI, 0.37 to 0.61). Pacing was also effective; for biatrial pacing, the OR was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.71). The influence of pharmacological interventions on LOS was as follows: −0.66 day (95% CI, 2.04 to 0.72) for &bgr;-blockers; −0.40 day (95% CI, 0.87 to 0.08) for sotalol; and −0.91 day (95% CI, 1.59 to −0.23) for amiodarone. The influence for biatrial pacing was −1.54 day (95% CI, −2.85 to −0.24). The incidence of stroke was 1.2% in all the treatment groups combined and 1.4% in controls (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.74). Conclusions—&bgr;-Blockers, sotalol, and amiodarone all reduce risk of postoperative AF with no marked difference between them. There is evidence that use of these drugs will reduce LOS. Biatrial pacing is a promising new treatment opportunity. There was no evidence that reducing postoperative AF reduces stroke; however, data on stroke are incomplete.
Helioseismic Analysis of the Hydrogen Partition Function in the Solar Interior

The difference in the adiabatic gradient γ1 between inverted solar data and solar models is analyzed. To obtain deeper insight into the issues of plasma physics, the so-called intrinsic difference in γ1 is extracted, that is, the difference due to the change in the equation of state alone. Our method uses reference models based on two equations of state currently used in solar modeling, the Mihalas-Hummer-Däppen (MHD) equation of state and the OPAL equation of state (developed at Livermore). Solar oscillation frequencies from the SOI/MDI instrument on board the SOHO spacecraft during its first 144 days in operation are used. Our results confirm the existence of a subtle effect of the excited states in hydrogen that was previously studied only theoretically (Nayfonov & Däppen). The effect stems from an internal partition function of hydrogen, as is used in the MHD equation of state. Although it is a pure hydrogen effect, it takes place in somewhat deeper layers of the Sun, where more than 90% of hydrogen is ionized, and where the second ionization zone of helium is located. Therefore, the effect will have to be taken into account in reliable helioseismic determinations of the astrophysically relevant helium abundance of the solar convection zone.
The Stages of Group Development: A Retrospective Study of Dynamic Team Processes

Abstract The number of organizations using teamwork is increasing. The team phenomenon has heightened our need to better understand what makes these groups more or less effective. Unfortunately, methods of assessing dynamic team processes such as group development have been limited. The purpose of this study was to create a simpler quantitative method of measuring temporal changes in group processes. A retrospective questionnaire was developed to measure the constructs of Tuckman's stage development model. Both the reliability and content validity analyses provided evidence that the retrospective method can be used to evaluate group development stages. Resume Le nombre d'organisations ayant recours au travail d'equipe est a la hausse. Le phenomene de l'«equipe » accroit la necessite de mieux comprendre ce qui rend ces groupes plus ou mains performants. Malheureusement, les methodes d'evaluation du type d'interactions au sein du groupe et de la dynamique qui en resulte, restent limitees. Le but de cette etude est de creer une methode quantitative plus simple pour mesurer les changements temporels dans la dynamique de groupe. Un questionnaire retrospectif a ete elabore pour mesurer les facteurs du modele a phases de Tuckman. Les analyses relatives a la fiabilite et celles relatives a la validite, ont montre que la methode retrospective peut servir a evaluer les phases du developpement du groupe.
A Discrepancy Analysis of the Job-Getting Process And a Study of Résumé Techniques

Two primary job-getting processes are interviewing and résumé preparation; yet much of what is written about these two procedures is speculation rather than fact. This article examines two major questions. Are there differences in how recruiters and students view the interviewing process? And, how do subtle visual changes to a résumé, such as typewriter face and paper color, affect recruiters? Attached to this research is another major question Beyond a student's major, what abilities do recruiters find most valuable? Responses to these questions are determined through questionnaires to professional recruiters and to students.
Secreted gliomedin is a perinodal matrix component of peripheral nerves

The interaction between gliomedin and the axonodal cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) neurofascin and NrCAM induces the clustering of Na+ channels at the nodes of Ranvier. We define new interactions of gliomedin that are essential for its clustering activity. We show that gliomedin exists as both transmembrane and secreted forms that are generated by proteolytic cleavage of the protein, and that only the latter is detected at the nodes of Ranvier. The secreted extracellular domain of gliomedin binds to Schwann cells and is incorporated into the extracellular matrix (ECM) in a heparin-dependent manner, suggesting the involvement of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Furthermore, we show that the N-terminal region of gliomedin serves as an oligomerization domain that mediates self-association of the molecule, which is required for its binding to neurofascin and NrCAM. Our results indicate that the deposition of gliomedin multimers at the nodal gap by binding to HSPGs facilitates the clustering of the axonodal CAMs and Na+ channels.
College Students' Motivations for Facebook Use and Psychological Outcomes

Based on the uses and gratifications framework, this study examined associations between motivations for using Facebook among college students, their concern for impression management, Facebook intensity, and psychological outcomes including sense of belonging and satisfaction with campus life. Using data from an online survey (N = 246), the study found that four motivations—entertainment, relationship maintenance, self-expression, and communication—together with impression management, were significantly associated with Facebook intensity. However, the impacts of Facebook intensity on psychological consequences were relatively limited. Theoretical implications of the study were discussed.
Body Concepts

Abstract In a society overwhelmed by HIV/AIDS, a particularly compelling public health question in South Africa is how young people integrate the scientific discourse of HIV/AIDS and pregnancy/contraception with lay beliefs and practices. Our objective was to conduct a preliminary exploration of concepts and related beliefs among young women and men regarding the body, disease and pregnancy. In-depth interviews were conducted with 50 sexually active students recruited from two high schools in a rural region of South Africa. Four primary themes emerged from the interviews. These were (1) sexual activity damages the body, (2) contraceptive use has deleterious effects, (3) menstruation causes physical and moral weakness, and (4) women's bodies are repositories of disease. Their discourses revealed beliefs that sexual activity can have severe physical consequences. A gendered difference emerged through the association of women's bodies with disfiguring, unclean, or immoral behaviors in juxtaposition to men's bodies. Women continue to be linked more closely to concepts of infection than were men. Men assume the role of authorities regarding condom and contraception use in their relationships with women. Findings are discussed in terms of improving young South Africans sexual health, in particular, the health status of women in sexual relationships with men.
Dual Drug Release Electrospun Core-Shell Nanofibers with Tunable Dose in the Second Phase

This study reports a new type of drug-loaded core-shell nanofibers capable of providing dual controlled release with tunable dose in the second phase. The core-shell nanofibers were fabricated through a modified coaxial electrospinning using a Teflon-coated concentric spinneret. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and ethyl cellulose were used as the shell and core polymer matrices respectively, and the content of active ingredient acetaminophen (APAP) in the core was programmed. The Teflon-coated concentric spinneret may facilitate the efficacious and stable preparation of core-shell nanofibers through the modified coaxial electrospinning, where the core fluids were electrospinnable and the shell fluid had no electrospinnability. The resultant nanofibers had linear morphologies and clear core-shell structures, as observed by the scanning and transmission electron microscopic images. APAP was amorphously distributed in the shell and core polymer matrices due to the favorite second-order interactions, as indicated by the X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopic tests. The results from the in vitro dissolution tests demonstrated that the core-shell nanofibers were able to furnish the desired dual drug controlled-release profiles with a tunable drug release amount in the second phase. The modified coaxial electrospinning is a useful tool to generate nanostructures with a tailored components and compositions in their different parts, and thus to realize the desired functional performances.
The Effects of Social Class on the Uptake of Orthodontic Treatment

The relationship between social class and uptake of orthodontic treatment was investigated in a longitudinal cohort study of 1018 children living in South Glamorgan, Wales. Previous studies have shown that working class people make less use of dental services and receive inferior dental care than middle class people. The present investigation examined the role of one factor which appears likely to contribute to this effect: namely, the uptake of orthodontic treatment by families from different social classes. If a significant association were shown then findings relating to the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment might be confounded by this social class factor.
Carbohydrate nutrition, insulin resistance, and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the Framingham Offspring Cohort.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the relation between carbohydrate-related dietary factors, insulin resistance, and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the Framingham Offspring Cohort. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We examined cross-sectional associations between carbohydrate-related dietary factors, insulin resistance, and the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in 2,834 subjects at the fifth examination (1991-1995) of the Framingham Offspring Study. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using the following formula (fasting plasma insulin x plasma glucose)/22.5. The metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. RESULTS After adjustment for potential confounding variables, intakes of total dietary fiber, cereal fiber, fruit fiber, and whole grains were inversely associated, whereas glycemic index and glycemic load were positively associated with HOMA-IR. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was significantly lower among those in the highest quintile of cereal fiber (odds ratio [OR] 0.62; 95% CI 0.45-0.86) and whole-grain (0.67; 0.48-0.91) intakes relative to those in the lowest quintile category after adjustment for confounding lifestyle and dietary factors. Conversely, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher among individuals in the highest relative to the lowest quintile category of glycemic index (1.41; 1.04-1.91). Total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, fruit fiber, vegetable fiber, legume fiber, glycemic load, and refined grain intakes were not associated with prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Whole-grain intake, largely attributed to the cereal fiber, is inversely associated with HOMA-IR and a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. Dietary glycemic index is positively associated with HOMA-IR and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. Given that both a high cereal fiber content and lower glycemic index are attributes of whole-grain foods, recommendation to increase whole-grain intake may reduce the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome.