Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Molecular Analysis of Community- or Hospital-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a growing public health concern that has been associated with pediatric fatalities. It is hypothesized that the evolution of CA-MRSA is a recent event due to the acquisition of mec DNA by previously methicillin-susceptible strains that circulated in the community. This study investigated the genetic relatedness between CA-MRSA, hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA), and nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome (nmTSS) isolates. Thirty-one of 32 CA-MRSA isolates were highly related as determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and spa typing yet were distinguishable from 32 HA-MRSA strains. The 31 related CA-MRSA isolates produced either staphylococcal enterotoxin B (n = 5) or C (n = 26), and none made TSS toxin 1. All CA-MRSA isolates tested contained a type IV staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) element. In comparison, none of the HA-MRSA isolates (n = 32) expressed the three superantigens. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns were different between the CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA isolates; CA-MRSA was typically resistant only to β-lactam antibiotics. Six of twenty-one nmTSS isolates were indistinguishable or highly related to the CA-MRSA isolates. MnCop, an nmTSS isolate obtained in Alabama in 1986, was highly related to the CA-MRSA isolates except that it did not contain an SCCmec element. These data suggest that CA-MRSA strains may represent a new acquisition of SCCmec DNA in a previously susceptible genetic background that was capable of causing nmTSS. CA-MRSA poses a serious health risk not only because it is resistant to the antibiotics of choice for community-acquired staphylococcal infections but also because of its ability to cause nmTSS via superantigen production.
Oncogenic Transformation by Inhibitor-Sensitive and -Resistant EGFR Mutants

Background Somatic mutations in the kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase gene EGFR are common in lung adenocarcinoma. The presence of mutations correlates with tumor sensitivity to the EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib, but the transforming potential of specific mutations and their relationship to drug sensitivity have not been described. Methods and Findings Here, we demonstrate that EGFR active site mutants are oncogenic. Mutant EGFR can transform both fibroblasts and lung epithelial cells in the absence of exogenous epidermal growth factor, as evidenced by anchorage-independent growth, focus formation, and tumor formation in immunocompromised mice. Transformation is associated with constitutive autophosphorylation of EGFR, Shc phosphorylation, and STAT pathway activation. Whereas transformation by most EGFR mutants confers on cells sensitivity to erlotinib and gefitinib, transformation by an exon 20 insertion makes cells resistant to these inhibitors but more sensitive to the irreversible inhibitor CL-387,785. Conclusion Oncogenic transformation of cells by different EGFR mutants causes differential sensitivity to gefitinib and erlotinib. Treatment of lung cancers harboring EGFR exon 20 insertions may therefore require the development of alternative kinase inhibition strategies.
Comparison of peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol and lidocaine for the relief of post-tonsillectomy pain

Abstract Background: Several studies have reported the use of peritonsillar infiltrations of local anaesthetics and/or locally active analgesic drugs for the relief of post-tonsillectomy pain, with variable results in terms of quality and duration of analgesia. We aimed to compare the effects of peritonsillar infiltration of lidocaine versus tramadol versus placebo on post-tonsillectomy pain. Methods: Sixty patients over the age of 10 years undergoing bilateral elective tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia were randomised into three groups. The first group received peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol, the second 2 per cent lidocaine and the third normal saline. In all groups, peritonsillar infiltration was carried out after tonsillectomy but prior to tracheal extubation. Post-operative comparisons were made to assess the quality of pain control and the patients' analgesic requirements. Results: Peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol provided an analgesic effect comparable to that of lidocaine in the first 6 hours post-operation, as reflected by visual analogue scale pain scores and opioid requirements, which were lower compared with the placebo group. Conclusion: Peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol provided pain control in the first 6 hours post-tonsillectomy which was comparable to that of lidocaine.
EBSD study to analyse mechanisms of phase boundary and grain boundary development in WC-Co cemented carbides

A systematic characterisation of the boundary structure in WC-Co cemented carbides was made as a function of the cobalt content and carbon potential using electron backscattered diffraction technique, with the aim to analyse the mechanisms of WC/Co phase boundary and WC/WC grain boundary development. The fraction of grain boundaries with basal or prismatic habit planes was estimated using a stereological method. Special grain boundaries were classified as a function of the rotation axis between adjacent grains. Although a few special grain boundaries originate from the powder, most grain boundaries form during heat treatment. The development of grain boundaries and phase boundaries during sintering is discussed from the results. The surprising lack of variation in the distribution of boundary types over large changes in volume fraction and composition is particularly commented. Finally, a mechanism of cooperative migration of grain boundaries and phase boundaries is proposed to explain microstructural observations associated with grain growth.
Cattle Specific Immune Mechanisms used against the Protozoan Theileria annulata

Theileria annulata, the causative agent of tropical theileriosis, is an intracellular protozoan parasite transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma. This tick-borne disease (TBD) exerts a high impact on livestock production in many developing tropical and subtropical countries. With an intricate life cycle and wide distribution around the world, many advances were made to restrict the impact and to control this TBD through the use of acaricides, chemotherapy and attenuated vaccines. However, an overreliance on these chemicals has meant new approaches for developing more effective vaccines are needed. Decades of studies support the idea that the humoral immune response elicited against the sporozoite stage of the tick life cycle may protect the host from infection. Further protective responses provided by cytotoxic T-cells, macrophages, and Natural Killer cells have also been identified as critically important during T. annulata infection. Here our focus will be the bovine immune response upon T. annulata infection, particularly the differential humoral and cellular immune responses. Our aim is to highlight the importance of the mechanisms potentially involved in protective immunity as well as significant findings, which may be incorporated into novel strategies for tropical theileriosis control.
Long-term efficacy of adalimumab in the treatment of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist, in the treatment of uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methods Adalimumab was initiated in 94 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis to treat active arthritis and/or active associated uveitis. In 18 patients, therapy was discontinued after a short period because of inefficacy or side effects. The activity of uveitis (using Standardized Uveitis Nomenclature [SUN] criteria and clinical examination) and arthritis (number of swollen or active joints) was evaluated at the start and at end of the study. Results At the end of the study, uveitis was under good clinical control in two thirds of 54 patients (31% did not need any local treatment and 35% used only 1–2 corticosteroid drops a day), and one third had active uveitis (at least three corticosteroid drops a day). According to SUN criteria, adalimumab treatment for uveitis showed improved activity (a two-fold decrease in uveitis activity) in 28% of patients, with a moderate response in 16 patients, no change in a further 16 patients, and worsening activity (a two-fold increase in uveitis activity) in 13% of patients. The overall proportion of patients with active arthritis decreased. At the beginning of the study, 69% of patients with uveitis had more than two active joints, and at the end of the study only 27% had active joint disease. In 27 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis without uveitis on adalimumab, the number of active joints decreased from 93% to 59%. Systemic corticosteroid treatment could be stopped in 22% of patients with uveitis and in 11% of those without uveitis. Most of the patients had received methotrexate, other immunosuppressive therapy, or other biological drugs before initiating adalimumab. Conclusion Adalimumab is a valuable option in the treatment of uveitis associated with active juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Infrared Semiconductor Metamaterials

Abstract : The central objective of this program is to create a new class of programmable infrared optic that can steer or focus beams and is reconfigurable at electronic time scales. To achieve this goal, we must create subwavelength infrared metasurface resonators with a phase response that can be dynamically and continuousy tuned between 0 and 2pi. The major accomplishments of this program are 1) establishing an approach for widely tunable resonators and metasurfaces 2) experimentally demonstrating widely tunable semiconductor antennas and 3) designing and demonstrating electrically reconfigurable metasurfaces based on heterojunction resonators.
Fungal Infections in Renal Transplant Patients

Organ transplantation has always been considered to be the standard therapeutic interventions in patients with end-stage organ failure. In 2008, more than 29,000 organ transplants were performed in US. Survival rates among transplant recipients have greatly improved due to better understanding of transplant biology and more effective immunosuppressive agents. After transplant, the extent of the immune response is influenced by the amount of interleukin 2 (IL-2) being produced by the T-helper cells. Transplant immunosuppressive therapy primarily targets T cell-mediated graft rejection. Calcineurin inhibitor, which includes cyclosporine, pimecrolimus and tacrolimus, impairs calcineurin-induced up-regulation of IL-2 expression, resulting in increased susceptibility to invasive fungal diseases. This immunosuppressive state allows infectious complication, leading to a high mortality rate. Currently, overall mortality due to invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in solid organ transplant recipients ranges between 25% and 80%. The risk of IFI following renal transplant is associated with the dosage of immunosuppressive agents given, environmental factors and post-transplant duration. Most fungal infections occur in the first 6 months after transplant because of the use of numerous immunosuppressors. Candida spp. and Cryptococcus spp. are the yeasts most frequently isolated, while most frequent filamentous fungi (molds) isolated are Aspergillus spp. The symptoms of systemic fungal infections are non-specific and early detection of fungal infections and proper therapy are important in improving survival and reducing mortality. This article will provide an insight on the risk factors and clinical presentation, compare variation in treatment of IFIs in renal transplant patients, and evaluate the role of prophylactic therapy in this group of patients. We also report the course and management of two renal transplant recipients admitted to Staten Island University Hospital, both of whom developed pulmonary complications secondary to Aspergillus infection.
TetR Family Member PsrA Directly Binds the Pseudomonas rpoS and psrA Promoters

ABSTRACT We have previously described a Pseudomonas gene, psrA, which enhances transcription of the rpoS sigma factor gene at stationary phase. We present molecular data which demonstrate that in Pseudomonas putida PsrA binds specifically to the rpoS and psrA promoters in DNA regions having similar palindromic sequences, C/GAAAC N2-4 GTTTG/C, where N is any nucleotide. The position of the initiation of transcription was determined for both promoters, and PsrA binds from positions −59 to −35 in the rpoS promoter and from −18 to +20 in the psrA promoter with respect to the +1 transcription site. Expression studies with a psrA-lacZ transcriptional fusion in wild-type and psrA::Tn5 knockout mutants revealed that psrA was under additional control in response to growth phase. A model for the role of PsrA in the regulation of rpoS and psrA is presented.
Cross-sectional study to evaluate the associated factors with differences between city and districts secondary school students of the southeast of Spain (Murcia) for their adherence to the Mediterranean diet

Introduction: The “Mediterranean diet” is recognized as one of the healthiest dietary patterns but, even in Mediterranean countries it is gradually being lost. Adolescence is a crucial period for changes in dietary patterns. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Adherence to Mediterranean diet (AMD) of secondary school students and evaluate possible variations between those residents in the city or in the districts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed with 379 secondary school students. To assess the AMD a self-administered questionnaire KIDMED was used. They were classified according to sex and residence (city or districts). Results: The body mass index (BMI) for the whole sample was 22.34 in boys and 20.79 in girls (p<0.05). Students from the city resulted more physically active than those from the districts (p<0.05). The average AMD score was 5.8, with 20.3% of students showing good adherence. In general, there was a low consumption of fruits, vegetables and pasta or rice, all foods included in the bottom of the dietary pyramid and the consumption of olive oil and legumes was very positive. Around 25% of students skip breakfast regularly. Conclusions: Although BMI was in general in the range of normality, AMD of secondary school students is lower than expected attending to previous studies. Consume of fruits and vegetables several times per day, having breakfast daily and regular physical activity should be promoted. Educational and informative activities should be designed for adolescents and also for their parents since in these stages menus at home are usually established by them.
Impact Evaluation of an Addiction Intervention Program in a Quebec Prison

Objectives This study evaluates the effects of a prison-based addiction intervention program. The evaluation is based on a multidimensional data collection that draws a portrait of the respondents’ substance use, and of their psychological/emotional, social, and judicial spheres. It measures the changes, or lack thereof, in substance use; the psychological/emotional, social, and judicial spheres; as well as the post-treatment services used. Method A quasi-experimental repeated measures design (0, 6 weeks, and 6 months) was used. Effects of the program were identified by comparing the results obtained by a group of inmates who had participated in the program (n = 80; experimental group) with those of another group who had received no intervention (n = 70; control group). Results The preliminary results suggested a certain treatment effect related to impulsivity and psychological distress. Conclusion Although the preliminary results were promising, the experimental and control groups did not differ significantly when more robust analyses were used.
Metabolic Syndrome as a Precursor of Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background— The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been well defined in persons with the metabolic syndrome (at least 3 of the following: abdominal adiposity, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, and impaired fasting glucose). The objective was to investigate risk for CVD, CHD, and T2DM according to metabolic syndrome traits. Methods and Results— The study followed a cohort of 3323 middle-aged adults for the development of new CVD, CHD, and T2DM over an 8-year period. In persons without CVD or T2DM at baseline, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (≥3 of 5 traits) was 26.8% in men and 16.6% in women. There were 174 incident cases of CVD, 107 of CHD, and 178 of T2DM. In men, the metabolic syndrome age-adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs were RR=2.88 (95% CI 1.99 to 4.16) for CVD, RR=2.54 (95% CI 1.62 to 3.98) for CHD, and RR=6.92 (95% CI 4.47 to 10.81) for T2DM. Event rates and RRs were lower in women for CVD (RR=2.25, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.88) and CHD (RR=1.54, 95% CI 0.68 to 3.53), but they were similar for T2DM (RR=6.90, 95% CI 4.34 to 10.94). Population-attributable risk estimates associated with metabolic syndrome for CVD, CHD, and T2DM were 34%, 29%, and 62% in men and 16%, 8%, 47% in women. Conclusions— Metabolic syndrome is common and is associated with an increased risk for CVD and T2DM in both sexes. The metabolic syndrome accounts for up to one third of CVD in men and approximately half of new T2DM over 8 years of follow-up.
The assessment of postoperative pain by monitoring skin conductance: results of a prospective study *

The number of fluctuations of skin conductance per second correlates with postoperative pain. The aim of this prospective study was to test the cut‐off value for the number of fluctuations of skin conductance per second obtained from a previous study. Seventy‐five patients were asked to quantify their level of pain on a numeric rating scale (0–10) in the recovery room. The number of fluctuations of skin conductance per second was recorded simultaneously. The number of fluctuations of skin conductance per second was different between patients with no (0.07), mild (0.16), moderate (0.28) and severe pain (0.33); p < 0.001. The tested cut‐off value for the number of fluctuations of skin conductance per second (0.1) distinguished a numeric rating scale ≤ 3 from > 3 with 88.5% sensitivity and 67.7% specificity. The number of fluctuations of skin conductance per second may be a useful means of assessing postoperative pain.
Physical activity and psychosocial benefits among breast cancer patients

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to provide health benefits for breast cancer patients. The effects of augmenting oncology healthcare provider (HCP) advice for PA with 3 months of telephone counseling versus contact control were evaluated in a randomized trial. Our goal in this secondary analysis was to examine the amount of PA (min/week) needed for psychosocial benefits among both groups.
Construction of polar codes for arbitrary discrete memoryless channels

We consider the construction problem of polar codes for general q-ary alphabets, analyzing different procedures that rely on the reduction of the alphabet of subchannels appearing in the code construction. As our first result, we estimate the capacity loss incurred by replacing a pair of output symbols with a single symbol (symbol merging). This enables us to propose an approximation algorithm of constructing polar codes for a variety of polarizing operations. The approximation error (capacity loss) of the merging step is at most O((1/μ)1/q-1) and the complexity of code construction is bounded above as O(Nμ4), where μ is the maximum size of the subchannel alphabet permitted by the algorithm. We also show that if the polarizing operation relies on modulo-q addition, it is possible to merge subsets of output symbols without any loss in subchannel capacity. Performing this procedure before each approximation step results in a further speed-up of the code construction, and the resulting codes have smaller gap to capacity. We show that a similar speed-up can be attained for polar codes over finite field alphabets.
Vinpocetine Reduces Carrageenan-Induced Inflammatory Hyperalgesia in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Cytokine Production and NF-κB Activation in the Paw and Spinal Cord

Vinpocetine is a safe nootropic agent used for neurological and cerebrovascular diseases. The anti-inflammatory activity of vinpocetine has been shown in cell based assays and animal models, leading to suggestions as to its utility in analgesia. However, the mechanisms regarding its efficacy in inflammatory pain treatment are still not completely understood. Herein, the analgesic effect of vinpocetine and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms were addressed in murine inflammatory pain models. Firstly, we investigated the protective effects of vinpocetine in overt pain-like behavior induced by acetic acid, phenyl-p-benzoquinone (PBQ) and formalin. The intraplantar injection of carrageenan was then used to induce inflammatory hyperalgesia. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated using the electronic von Frey and the hot plate tests, respectively, with neutrophil recruitment to the paw assessed by a myeloperoxidase activity assay. A number of factors were assessed, both peripherally and in the spinal cord, including: antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide anion, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) levels, as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Vinpocetine inhibited the overt pain-like behavior induced by acetic acid, PBQ and formalin (at both phases), as well as the carrageenan-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and associated neutrophil recruitment. Both peripherally and in the spinal cord, vinpocetine also inhibited: antioxidant capacity and GSH depletion; increased superoxide anion; IL-1β and TNF-α levels; and NF-κB activation. As such, vinpocetine significantly reduces inflammatory pain by targeting oxidative stress, cytokine production and NF-κB activation at both peripheral and spinal cord levels.
On the geometry phase in model-based algorithms for derivative-free optimization

A numerical study of model-based methods for derivative-free optimization is presented. These methods typically include a geometry phase whose goal is to ensure the adequacy of the interpolation set. The paper studies the performance of an algorithm that dispenses with the geometry phase altogether (and therefore does not attempt to control the position of the interpolation set). Data are presented describing the evolution of the condition number of the interpolation matrix and the accuracy of the gradient estimate. The experiments are performed on smooth unconstrained optimization problems with dimensions ranging between 2 and 15.