Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in Classification of Infection: A Systematic Review of Recent Plastic Surgery Literature

Background Surgical site infections, also referred to as wound infections, are commonly studied within the plastic surgery literature. The definition of these terms is not standardized in the literature. Individual studies may select criteria to use in identifying infection. This may have important implications upon interpretation of study results. Methods Studies evaluating surgical site infection in the plastic surgery literature were identified through search of the MEDLINE database across the five year period ending March 2016. Infection rates were calculated for included studies. Studies were grouped by method of defining infection. Subgroups were compared by calculating percentage of studies reporting greater than 10% infection rates. Results Three hundred five articles were identified, 77 met study criteria. Thirty-one articles reported criteria for infection and 46 articles did not report criteria for infection. Methods used by studies to define infection were based on treatment received, national/organization definition, characteristics of infection, and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding. Studies defining infection by national/organization definition included the greatest percentage reporting infection rates over 10% with 75% of studies. Studies reporting criteria for infection reported infection rates over 10% more often than studies that did not report criteria. 47.5% of studies reporting criteria for infection reported rates over 10% compared with 31.8% of studies which did not. Conclusions Criteria used to define infection differs across studies in the plastic surgery literature. Comparison of reported infection rates on the basis of criteria for infection suggests an effect upon infection rate. Many studies do not report criteria used to identify infection and should consider reporting strict criteria for infection.
Diet and Brain Health: Which Role for Polyphenols?

BACKGROUND The aging of western societies is leading to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions, threatening the health status and then the sustainability of our healthcare systems. In particular, dementia is being increasingly recognized as a public health priority, given its enormous socioeconomic burdens further amplified by the absence of treatments really effective in improving the clinical course of the disease. METHODS The question of whether some degree of cognitive deterioration is an inevitable part of aging or should be considered as a pathological pre-stage of dementia is currently debated. This is a field in need of research because accelerated brain aging as well as further decline in cognition might be preventable in the early stages of cognitive impairment. Herein, we discuss evidence from clinical and experimental studies on the role of polyphenols in preserving cognitive performance across life. RESULTS In recent years, the possibility of favorably influencing the cognitive trajectory through promotion of lifestyle modifications has been increasingly investigated. In particular, the relationship between nutritional habits and brain health has attracted special attention. Dietary polyphenols exhibit a strong potential to promote brain due to their efficacy in protecting neurons against oxidative stress-induced injury, suppressing neuroinflammation and in ameliorating cardiovascular risk factor control and cardiovascular function thus counteracting neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. CONCLUSION Emerging evidence suggest that dietary polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, may exert beneficial effects on the central nervous system thus representing a potential tool to preserve cognitive performance throught senescence.
Model for Heterogeneous Random Networks Using Continuous Latent Variables and an Application to a Tree–Fungus Network

Summary The mixture model is a method of choice for modeling heterogeneous random graphs, because it contains most of the known structures of heterogeneity: hubs, hierarchical structures, or community structure. One of the weaknesses of mixture models on random graphs is that, at the present time, there is no computationally feasible estimation method that is completely satisfying from a theoretical point of view. Moreover, mixture models assume that each vertex pertains to one group, so there is no place for vertices being at intermediate positions. The model proposed in this article is a grade of membership model for heterogeneous random graphs, which assumes that each vertex is a mixture of extremal hypothetical vertices. The connectivity properties of each vertex are deduced from those of the extreme vertices. In this new model, the vector of weights of each vertex are fixed continuous parameters. A model with a vector of parameters for each vertex is tractable because the number of observations is proportional to the square of the number of vertices of the network. The estimation of the parameters is given by the maximum likelihood procedure. The model is used to elucidate some of the processes shaping the heterogeneous structure of a well‐resolved network of host/parasite interactions.
A "Consumer" Survey of Educational Provision for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

The researchers report the results of a survey of 140 deaf and hard of hearing students attending integrated or self-contained high school classrooms in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The survey was designed to gather information about educational experiences and preferences for various types of educational placements. There were no gender differences in placement, but there were hearing status differences (81.6% of the students in segregated placements had severe or profound hearing losses, compared to 52.4% of the students in integrated settings). Even though students were aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the different placement options, 80% indicated that they were generally satisfied with their current placement. One implication is that a range of options seems to be more appropriate than a one-size-fits-all model, at least from students' perspectives. The views and preferences of students should be considered when educational provisions are designed for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Analyzing the Impacts of Urbanization and Seasonal Variation on Land Surface Temperature Based on Subpixel Fractional Covers Using Landsat Images

Impervious surface areas (ISAs) and vegetation are two major urban land cover types. Estimating the spatial distribution of ISA and vegetation is critical for analyzing urban landscape patterns and their impact on the thermal environment. In this paper, linear spectral mixture analysis (LSMA) is used to extract their respective subpixel land cover composition from bitemporal Landsat images and the accuracy of the fractional covers is assessed with a subpixel confusion matrix at the category level and the map level by comparing with the reference data from high-resolution images. The percent ISA was divided into discrete categories representing different urban development density areas. Mean land surface temperature (LST) is calculated for each ISA category to analyze the thermal characteristics of different levels of development in the urban area of Fuzhou, China. ISA and vegetation variations are also quantified between different ISA categories and different dates. The contribution index is also calculated based on each ISA category to analyze the impact of different landscape patterns on the urban thermal environment. The results show that ISA category is an important determinant of the urban thermal environment. Furthermore, seasonal variations significantly impact the strength of this relationship. In the study area, the contribution indices were highest in the 90%–100% ISA category in summer 2013 and early spring 2001. The analytical methodologies used in this study can help to quantify urban thermal environmental functions under conditions of urban expansion and explore the climate adaptation potential of cities.
Development and Validation of a Response Bias Scale (RBS) for the MMPI-2

This study describes the development of a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) scale designed to detect negative response bias in forensic neuropsychological or disability assessment settings. The Response Bias Scale (RBS) consists of 28 MMPI-2 items that discriminated between persons who passed or failed the Word Memory Test (WMT), Computerized Assessment of Response Bias (CARB), and/or Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) in a sample of 1,212 nonhead-injury disability claimants. Incremental validity of the RBS was evaluated by comparing its ability to detect poor performance on four separate symptom validity tests with that of the F and FP scales and the Fake Bad Scale (FBS). The RBS consistently outperformed F, FP, and FBS. Study results suggest that the RBS may be a useful addition to existing MMPI-2 validity scales and indices in detecting symptom complaints predominantly associated with cognitive response bias and overreporting in forensic neuropsychological and disability assessment settings.
Reversible Acute Pulmonary Edema due to Uncontrolled Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Individuals with Renal Failure

On eight separate occasions, four functionally anephric diabetic patients (on maintenance hemodialysis) experienced episodes of severe hyperglycemia with acute interstitial and alveolar pulmonary edema demonstrated clinically and by chest x-ray without electrocardiographic or enzymatic evidence of an acute myocardial lesion. Three patients had normal stress 201Tl scanning. The fourth patient, who experienced three such episodes, had normal coronary angiograms and only a mild elevation of the left-ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Clinical and chest x-ray improvement were immediate following insulin therapy and control of hyperglycemia, without phlebotomy or dialysis. Since these episodes were observed during a 1-yr period, this syndrome may be more common than suspected. It is concluded that in functionally anephric diabetic individuals: (1) pulmonary edema can be precipitated by uncontrolled diabetes; (2) endogenous fluid shifts may contribute to the cause of acute pulmonary edema; (3) clinical and radiologic improvement can be achieved with adequate insulin therapy; and (4) blood glucose levels should be monitored and controlled in diabetic patients with renal failure.
Evaluation of the Influence of Salt Treatment on the Structure of Pyrolyzed Periwinkle Shell

This paper investigates the effect of use zinc chloride in varying impregnation ratios ranging between 0.1 and 1.5 to chemically activate carbonized periwinkle shells. Studies to characterize the activated carbon were conducted at ambient conditions. The experimental results revealed that the impregnation ratio at 1.0 gave the optimum values for parameters such as iodine number and porosity; and minimum values for parameters like pH and moisture content which represent properties for characterizing maximum adsorption. This study successfully demonstrates the potential of ZnCl 2 can be used as an activating agent for producing high quality activated carbon which overall has the capacity to impact positively on the quality of the environment. @JASEM
Risk of falls in Alzheimer's disease: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE Falls are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Identification of the potential risk factors and developing preventive strategies for falls will have a significant impact in maintaining the quality of life in AD. PATIENTS Clinical follow-up of 124 (74.1+/-6.1 years, range 62-88) mild to moderate AD patients in an outpatient memory clinic. METHODS Postural sway, cognitive function, use of neuroleptics, severity of periventricular and deep white matter lesions, and the presence or absence of silent brain infarctions on magnetic resonance imaging were assessed at baseline. RESULTS A total of 104 patients (84%) completed the study. Fall events were confirmed in 42.3% (44/104). After adjustment for age, gender, and cognitive status, a high grade of periventricular white matter lesions (odds ratio 8.7 [95%CI 1.5 to 51.8], p = 0.017) and neuroleptic drug use (odds ratio 3.5 [95%CI 1.2 to 10.5], p = 0.027) were significantly associated with an increased risk of falls. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that periventricular white matter lesions and the use of neuroleptics may be related to falls in mild to moderate AD. A comprehensive risk management of brain ischemia as well as the use of the smallest efficacious dose of neuroleptics in the treatment of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of AD should be recommended to help reduce the risk of unexpected falls.
Microbicide Acceptability Among High-Risk Urban U.S. Women: Experiences and Perceptions of Sexually Transmitted HIV Prevention

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure microbicide acceptability among high-risk women in Hartford, Connecticut, and contextual factors likely to affect acceptability and use. Goal: The goal of this study was to assess usefulness of microbicides for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention for high-risk women. Study: Ethnographic interviews (n = 75) and a survey (n = 471) explored women’s perspectives on HIV/STI prevention, vaginal contraceptives similar to microbicides, and microbicide acceptability. Participants (n = 94) in a 2-week behavioral trial used an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer to simulate microbicide use during sex with primary, casual, and/or paying partners. Results: Findings showed limited experience with vaginal contraceptives, but high interest in microbicides as an alternative to condoms, indicated by an acceptability index score of 2.73 (standard deviation, 0.49; scale of 1–4) in the overall sample. General microbicide acceptability varied by ethnicity, prior contraceptive and violence/abuse experiences, relationship power, and other attitudinal factors. The simulation trial indicated significant willingness to use the product in various locations and with all types of partners. Conclusions: Vaginal microbicides may improve prevention outcomes for high-risk inner-city women.
PATINAMENTO DE PNEUS DIAGONAIS DE UM TRATOR 4x2, EM FUNÇÃO DA VARIAÇÃO DA PRESSÃO INTERNA E CARGA NA BARRA DE TRAÇÃO

Pelas pesquisas as maiores perdas de energia ocorrem no contato roda-solo, assim, o comportamento de um trator agricola 4x2 foi analisado quanto aos niveis de patinamento em funcao de diferentes cargas impostas a barra de tracao e diferentes pressoes internas dos pneus. O objetivo foi conhecer as pressoes internas mais adequadas nos pneus motrizes do trator, proporcionando os menores o patinamentos. Com pneus de tracao diagonais, testou-se sete pressoes internas e tres cargas na barra de tracao do trator. A pressao interna recomendada pelo fabricante, de 110kPa, proporcionou os melhores desempenhos em solo firme e em solo solto. Pressoes internas mais baixas reduziram o patinamento na maioria dos casos estudados.
Detection of simulated interstitial lung disease and catheters with selenium, storage phosphor, and film-based radiography.

PURPOSE To evaluate the diagnostic performance of storage phosphor and digital selenium radiography (DSR) with asymmetric and symmetric screen-film systems at different speeds in the detection of simulated interstitial lung disease and catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patterns of simulated interstitial lung disease and catheters were superimposed over an anthropomorphic chest phantom. Hard-copy images were generated at DSR (200-, 400-, and 600-speed), storage phosphor radiography (200- and 400-speed), and asymmetric (400-speed) and symmetric (200- and 400-speed) screen-film imaging. Surface doses were measured, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found between the detector systems with the same speeds for each interstitial pattern. Significantly poorer results were found at 600-speed DSR than at 200-speed DSR. Detection of catheters and nodules over high-attenuation areas was significantly worse with the symmetric screen-film system than with the other detectors. The surface dose with the DSR system, without a grid, was about 50% less than that of the other detector systems, with grids, at the same speed. CONCLUSION No significant difference was found in the diagnostic performance at DSR, storage phosphor radiography, and film-based radiography for simulated interstitial lung disease at corresponding speeds; there was a reduction in the surface dose of about 50% with the 400-speed DSR system.
Modulation of nuclear factor-kappaB improves cardiac dysfunction associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest*

Objective:The hypothesis is that partial nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-&kgr;B) inhibition can alleviate cardiopulmonary dysfunction associated with ischemia and reperfusion injury following cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (CPB/DHCA) in a pediatric model. Design:Animal case study. Subjects:Two-week-old piglets (5–7 kg). Interventions:Piglets received 100 &mgr;g/kg of SN50, a peptide inhibitor of NF-&kgr;B translocation and activation, 1 hour before CPB. The control group received saline. Animals were cooled to 18°C with CPB, the piglets were in DHCA for 120 minutes, and the piglets were then rewarmed on CPB to 38°C and maintained for 120 minutes after CPB/DHCA. Measurements:Sonomicrometry and pressure catheters collected hemodynamic data. Transmural left and right ventricular tissues were obtained at the terminal time point for determination of NF-&kgr;B activity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data are expressed as mean ± sd. Main Points:Oxygen delivery was maintained at 76 ± 13 mL/min at baseline and 75 ± 5 mL/min at 120 minutes after CPB/DHCA (p = 0.75) in SN50-treated animals vs. 99 ± 26 mL/min at baseline and 63 ± 20 mL/min at 120 minutes in the untreated group (p = 0.0001). Pulmonary vascular resistance (dynes·sec−1·cm−5) increased from 124 ± 59 at baseline to 369 ± 104 at 120 minutes in the untreated piglets (p = 0.001) compared with SN50-treated animals (100 ± 24 at baseline and 169 ± 88 at 120 minutes, p = 0.1). NF-&kgr;B activity was reduced by 74% in left ventricles of SN50-treated compared with SN50-untreated animals (p < 0.001). Plasma endothelin-1 (pg/mL), an important vasoconstrictor regulated by NF-&kgr;B, increased from 2.1 ± 0.4 to 14.2 ± 5.7 in untreated animals (p = 0.004) but was elevated to only 4.5 ± 2 with SN50 treatment (p = 0.005). Conclusions:Improvement of cardiopulmonary function after ischemia/reperfusion was associated with the reduction of NF-&kgr;B activity in piglet hearts. Maintenance of systemic oxygen delivery and alleviation of pulmonary hypertension after CPB/DHCA in piglets administered SN50, possibly through a reduction of circulating endothelin-1, suggest that selective inhibition of NF-&kgr;B activity may reduce ischemia and reperfusion injury after pediatric cardiac surgery.
Stenting for acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in the superior sagittal sinus

Endovascular treatment for superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis is not always successful because of difficult access and long thrombus lesions. We report the first two cases of patients with acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis at the SSS that was not recanalized by anticoagulation, mechanical thrombectomy, or thrombolysis, but was successfully treated by stent placement. Case 1 was a 37-year-old woman with bilateral subdural hematomas. Digital subtraction angiography showed obstruction of the sinus from the SSS to the right transverse sinus. Recanalization was achieved by selective thrombolysis using urokinase followed by balloon angioplasty, but re-occlusion occurred on the next day of treatment. Repeated endovascular treatment including balloon angioplasty, thrombus aspiration and thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator failed to achieve recanalization. We thus placed intracranial stents in the SSS, which did achieve recanalization. Case 2 was a 69-year-old woman with a small infarction in the left parietal lobe. Digital subtraction angiography showed sinus obliteration from the SSS to the bilateral transverse sinuses. Recanalization was not achieved by balloon angioplasty, thrombus aspiration and selective thrombolysis. We thus placed intracranial stents in the SSS, which did achieve recanalization. Postoperative course was uneventful in both cases and venous sinus patency was confirmed by venography >1.5 years after treatment. When conventional endovascular strategies have been unsuccessful, placement of intracranial stents, which can easily gain access to the distal part of the SSS as compared with carotid stents, may be a useful treatment option for the acute sinus thrombosis in this region.
QUALIDADE DE VIDA DE DEFICIENTES VISUAIS

Estudo exploratorio analitico. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de deficientes visuais em Programa de Reabilitacao de um servico universitario. Metodos : O estudo foi realizado nos meses de outubro e novembro de 2004, com 16 deficientes visuais adolescentes e adultos acompanhados em programa de reabilitacao, dos quais 10 tinham baixa visao e 6 eram cegos. Para a avaliacao da qualidade de vida foi utilizada a versao em portugues do World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL– Bref). Na analise estatistica utilizou-se o programa SPSS com escores transformados de quatro a 20. As medianas dos escores de cada dominio foram comparadas e consideradas significativas se “p” fosse menor ou igual a 5%. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comite de Etica em Pesquisa. Resultados : Dos 16 deficientes estudados 50% eram do sexo masculino, idade variando de 18 a 61 anos, media de 38 anos. A avaliacao dos diferentes itens do WHOQOL-Bref nao mostrou diferenca estatisticamente significante entre os pacientes com baixa visao e os cegos. O estudo revelou melhor qualidade de vida nos dominios psicologico (15,66), e fisico (15,14). Nas questoes gerais o escore global foi 14,00. Conclusao : Os resultados apontam para uma boa percepcao de qualidade de vida nos aspectos fisicos e psicologicos e menor percepcao nos dominios das relacoes sociais e do meio ambiente, provavelmente decorrentes da situacao socio-estruturais e culturais dos pacientes.
Adrenergic Modulation of Preoperative Anxiety: A Comparison of Temazepam, Clonidine, and Timolol

To assess the influence of adrenergic modulation on preoperative anxiety, we used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to compare temazepam, clonidine, and timolol as preanesthetic medications in patients undergoing minor orthopedic surgery. All the active treatments resulted in less preoperative anxiety than the placebo (control) did. Induction of anesthesia was smoother in all the treated patients compared with the control group. Recovery was slowest in the temazepam and clonidine groups, but there were no significant differences between the groups after 90 min. Cardiovascular changes were most marked in the timolol group. Pain scores were lower in the temazepam and clonidine series in the early postoperative period. Neither clonidine nor timolol offers any major advantage over temazepam for premedication in these patients.