Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CA-MRSA Decolonization Strategies: Do They Reduce Recurrence Rate?

BACKGROUND: Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus commonly presents as a skin and soft tissue infection. Recurrence of the infection is common even after incision and drainage of the affected area. OBJECTIVE: This Evidence-Based Report Card reviews whether decolonization strategies will reduce the rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infection (MRSA-SSTI) recurrence or colonization in patients with a history of MRSA-SSTI. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted from 1987 to the present day. The studies that were evaluated included individuals with recurrent skin and soft tissue infections that used decolonization procedures to decrease recurrence. The literature search generated 754 articles. Of these, 288 articles were eliminated due to duplication. Of the 466 remaining citations, 372 were not relevant. Of the remaining 94 full-text articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria. These studies were then reviewed and findings synthesized. FINDINGS: Four studies found topical decolonization procedures were effective in reducing colonization rates. Of the studies that used combination decolonization therapy, 3 of 4 studies showed a decrease in colonization rate. Despite successful decolonization, the rate of SSTI recurrence did not decrease. Two studies that showed a decrease in SSTI recurrence utilized different study parameters. In one study, the decolonization regimen was completed monthly over 1 year. The other study treated family members in addition to the affected individual. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of topical or systemic decolonization regimens to decrease recurrent SSTIs in individuals with a history of MRSA-SSTI. CONCLUSION: The focus of decolonization should be focused on the prevention and spread of infection. Hygiene education should be provided to patients, household members, and close contacts to reduce infection rates.
Intramuscular wire electromyography of the subscapularis

The action of the subscapularis muscle is an important component in maintaining shoulder stability. Because of its relative inaccessibility, there have been few electromyographic (EMG) studies of its normal patterns of activity. The subscapularis is innervated by two or more distinct nerves, and therefore the upper and lower parts of the muscle may have different functional roles depending on the position of the humerus. The purpose of this study was to develop safe, reproducible insertion paths to the upper and lower parts of the subscapularis. Six subjects with no previous history of shoulder injury were evaluated. The paths of insertion were designed based on previous anatomical studies as well as dissections. Two pairs of intramuscular wire electrodes were inserted: one directed toward the upper subscapularis and one toward the lower subscapularis. Electrode locations were confirmed using posteroanterior and lateral radiographs and through electrical stimulation. EMG data were recorded during isometric internal rotation exercises with the humerus in 0 or 90° abduction. Significant differences were observed in the EMG activity recorded from the two pairs of electrodes. The EMG activity of the upper subscapularis either remained the same or decreased in going from 0 to 90° abduction, while that of the lower subscapularis increased. The observed differential response confirmed that the electrodes were in different parts of the subscapularis. These preliminary results suggest that in future EMG studies, the subscapularis should be considered as at least two independent muscle units.
Complexes of horseradish peroxidase with formate, acetate, and carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide, formate, and acetate interact with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by binding to subsites within the active site. These ligands also bind to catalases, but their interactions are different in the two types of enzymes. Formate (notionally the "hydrated" form of carbon monoxide) is oxidized to carbon dioxide by compound I in catalase, while no such reaction is reported to occur in HRP, and the CO complex of ferrocatalase can only be obtained indirectly. Here we describe high-resolution crystal structures for HRP in its complexes with carbon monoxide and with formate, and compare these with the previously determined HRP-acetate structure [Berglund, G. I. , et al. (2002) Nature 417, 463-468]. A multicrystal X-ray data collection strategy preserved the correct oxidation state of the iron during the experiments. Absorption spectra of the crystals and electron paramagnetic resonance data for the acetate and formate complexes in solution correlate electronic states with the structural results. Formate in ferric HRP and CO in ferrous HRP bind directly to the heme iron with iron-ligand distances of 2.3 and 1.8 A, respectively. CO does not bind to the ferric iron in the crystal. Acetate bound to ferric HRP stacks parallel with the heme plane with its carboxylate group 3.6 A from the heme iron, and without an intervening solvent molecule between the iron and acetate. The positions of the oxygen atoms in the bound ligands outline a potential access route for hydrogen peroxide to the iron. We propose that interactions in this channel ensure deprotonation of the proximal oxygen before binding to the heme iron.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Indian breast cancer patients

Incidence of breast cancer in Indian women is not as high as in Western countries, nonetheless age‐adjusted incidence rates (AAR) have risen from 17.9 to 24.9 per 100,000 from 1965 to 1985. Although these rates are still approximately one quarter to one third of incidence rates in North America and Europe, respectively, due to the large population of women at risk, nearly 80,000 new cases were diagnosed in India in 2000. Although identification of BRCA1 and BRCA2 has greatly increased our understanding of breast cancer genetics in populations of Western European descent, the role of these genes in Indian populations remains unexplored. Analysis of a series of 20 breast cancer patients from North India with either family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer (2 or more affected first degree relatives) or early age of onset (<35 years) led to identification of two novel splice variants (331+1G>T; 4476+2T>C) in BRCA1 (10%). In addition, two BRCA2 missense variants were each identified in more than one patient (two unrelated individuals each) and likely represent population‐specific polymorphisms. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of Mitochondrial DNA Barcodes in Species Conservation

Abstract: Molecular tools are a standard part of many conservation studies and can be informative at many different levels of analysis, although there are inherent limitations and strengths of different genes or parts of genes to inform specific questions. Animal DNA barcodes, 600‐ to 800‐base‐pair segments of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I, have been proposed as a means to quantify global biodiversity. Although mitochondrial (mt) DNA has a long history of use at the species level, recent analyses suggest that the use of a single gene, particularly mitochondrial, is unlikely to yield data that are balanced, universally acceptable, or sufficient in taxonomic scope to recognize many species lineages. Mitochondrial and nuclear genomes have different patterns of evolution and modes of inheritance, which can result in very different assessments of biodiversity. The ramifications of choosing a particular definition of species (species concept) need to be carefully considered because current efforts have designated DNA barcodes as the universal species concept without demonstrating its superiority over preexisting concepts. The results of such a barcoding paradigm may include a failure to recognize significant portions of biodiversity or nuclear/mitochondrial mixed lineages and could spuriously focus conservation resources on populations with relatively minor mtDNA divergence. DNA barcodes are most likely to provide potentially useful information for groups that are already well studied, and such taxa do not constitute the majority of biodiversity or those in most need of research attention. DNA barcode‐length sequences are an important source of data but, when used alone or out of context, may offer only a fraction of the information needed to characterize species while taking resources from broader studies that could produce information essential to robust and informed conservation decisions.
Source Apportionment of Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal PM2.5 in Seattle, Washington, Using Positive Matrix Factorization

Abstract As part of a large exposure assessment and health-effects panel study, 33 trace elements and light-absorbing carbon were measured on 24-hr fixed-site filter samples for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) collected between September 26, 2000, and May 25, 2001, at a central outdoor site, immediately outside each subject's residence, inside each residence, and on each subject (personal sample). Both two-way (PMF2) and three-way (PMF3) positive matrix factorization were used to deduce the sources contributing to PM2.5. Five sources contributing to the indoor and outdoor samples were identified: vegetative burning, mobile emissions, secondary sulfate, a source rich in chlorine, and a source of crustal-derived material. Vegetative burning contributed more PM2.5 mass on average than any other source in all microenvironments, with average values estimated by PMF2 and PMF3, respectively, of 7.6 and 8.7 μg/m3 for the outdoor samples, 4 and 5.3 μg/m3 for the indoor samples, and 3.8 and 3.4 μg/m3 for the personal samples. Personal exposure to the combustion-related particles was correlated with outdoor sources, whereas exposure to the crustal and chlorine-rich particles was not. Personal exposures to crustal sources were strongly associated with personal activities, especially time spent at school among the child subjects.
Low‐dose cyclosporine A therapy increases the regulatory T cell population in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a T cell dependent chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder successfully treated with cyclosporine A (CsA). Clinical observations indicate that even low‐dose CsA therapy is successful in severely affected AD patients. We studied the impact of low‐dose CsA therapy on the ability of T helper cells to be activated, and examined whether regulatory T (Treg) cells are increased in these patients.
Enablers and Barriers of Knowledge Spiral: A Case Study

Knowledge Management (KM) and knowledge sharing (KS) have become crucial tasks for both Middle Managers and Top Managers of many organizations, especially those who highly rely on the type of knowledge which is difficult to transfer from one person to another, or what is called "Tacit Knowledge". The objective of this case study is to review the practical knowledge transfer techniques, the main motivators and demotivators of a tacit knowledge transfer process, and the measures that can be taken to overcome the demotivation factors. Siemens is chosen for this case study because it has been recently rated as one of the top Knowledge-Management-driven companies. We present here our own observations on some of the KM practices that Siemens strives to implement in its branches in the Middle East countries and the barriers which are challenging such practices.
Expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand relates to inflammatory bone resorption, with or without occlusal trauma, in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) is an important factor in osteoclast differentiation, activation and survival; however, its involvement in inflammatory bone resorption, with or without occlusal trauma, is unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the distribution of RANKL-expressing cells in rat periodontium during lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation with or without occlusal trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS Lipopolysaccharide was injected into rat gingiva of the lower left first molar to induce inflammation. In addition, the occlusal surface of the upper left first molar of rat was raised by placing a gold inlay to induce occlusal trauma in the lower left first molars. The distribution of RANKL-expressing cells was immunohistochemically observed. RESULTS In the inflammatory model, many osteoclasts were observed at the apical inter-radicular septum on day 5 and they were reduced by day 10. On the other hand, in the inflammatory model with occlusal trauma, many osteoclasts were still observed on day 10. RANKL expression was similar to the changes in osteoclast number. The expression of RANKL increased in endothelial cells, inflammatory cells and periodontal ligament cells. CONCLUSION These findings clearly demonstrated that RANKL expression on endothelial cells, inflammatory cells and periodontal ligament cells is involved in inflammatory bone resorption and the expression is enhanced by traumatic occlusion. These results suggest that RANKL expression on these cells is closely involved in the increase of osteoclasts induced by occlusal trauma.
Genome-wide association study of co-occurring anxiety in major depression

Abstract Objectives. Co-morbidity between depression and anxiety disorders is common. In this study we define a quantitative measure of anxiety by summating four anxiety items from the SCAN interview in a large collection of major depression (MDD) cases to identify genes contributing to this complex phenotype. Methods. A total of 1522 MDD cases dichotomised according to those with at least one anxiety item scored (n = 1080) and those without anxiety (n = 442) were analysed, and also compared to 1588 healthy controls at a genome-wide level, to identify genes that may contribute to anxiety in MDD. Results. For the quantitative trait, suggestive evidence of association was detected for two SNPs, and for the dichotomous anxiety present/absent ratings for three SNPs at genome-wide level. In the genome-wide analysis of MDD cases with co-morbid anxiety and healthy controls, two SNPs attained P values of < 5 × 10–6. Analysing candidate genes, P values ≤ 0.0005 were found with three SNPs for the quantitative trait and three SNPs for the dichotomous trait. Conclusions. This study provides an initial genome-wide assessment of possible genetic contribution to anxiety in MDD. Although suggestive evidence of association was found for several SNPs, our findings suggest that there are no common variants strongly associated with anxious depression.
The effect of a 25-hour fast during the Day of Atonement on preterm delivery

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of the Day of Atonement fast (a 25-hour Jewish fast), on preterm delivery. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of all deliveries during the Day of Atonement and during the corresponding day a week earlier, between the years 1988 and 2011, was performed. Preterm delivery was defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Data on fasting status was deduced from the ethnicity (as only Jewish parturients fast during the Day of Atonement). Multivariable logistic regression model was used to control for confounders. Results: During the Day of Atonement in the studied period, 744 deliveries took place, out of which 52.1% (n = 388) were of Jewish patients (i.e. fasting group), and 47.9% (n = 357) were of non-Jewish patients. Out these, 6.3% (n = 47) were preterm deliveries. Jewish parturients were at significantly higher risk for preterm delivery during the Day of Atonement (adjusted OR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.03–3.83; p = 0.041). In the corresponding day, a week before the Day of Atonement, Jewish ethnicity was not found to be a risk factor for preterm delivery (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.50–1.69; p = 0.789). The model controlled for: previous preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction and placental abruption. Conclusions: A 25-hour fast is an independent risk factor for preterm delivery.
Small- and medium-sized enterprises and public procurement: A review of the UK coalition government's policies and their impact

This paper examines the public procurement policy towards small- and medium-sized enterprises adopted by the UK coalition government during its five-year term of office from May 2010 to May 2015. First, it determines the policy instruments that have been implemented; second, it tracks policy development throughout the period and, third, it considers measurement and assessment of policy outcomes. Finally, it discusses the direction and nature of the policy development and considers implications for future policy development and further research. The paper found that the coalition government had actively and consistently pursued the policy of improving small- and medium-sized enterprise access to public procurement throughout the parliament. It determined that the coalition government had advanced the UK's intervention approach by its efforts in monitoring progress against some targets and, especially, by its increased use of regulation. As the legislation was introduced at the end of the period of office, it has been too early to consider how effectively the new requirements are being implemented, but the need to consider compliance and enforcement is identified. An aspirational target to spend 25% with small- and medium-sized enterprises was ostensibly met by central government departments but there is a need to develop better ways of measuring and collecting data. Finally, the evidence has revealed a low level of awareness of the initiatives amongst the target small- and medium-sized enterprise audience.
Clinicopathologic features of long-term survivors and disease-free survivors after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: a study of a prospective cohort.

PURPOSE This study aims to clarify the clinicopathologic features of long-term survivors and disease-free survivors after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS The clinicopathologic features of 5-year survivors and disease-free survivors were elucidated in a cohort of 230 patients prospectively observed for > 5 years (64 to 192 months) after curative resection of HCC. RESULTS The incidence of 5-year overall and disease-free survivors were 37% (85 of 230) and 20% (45 of 230), respectively. Clinicopathologic features associated with 5-year survivors included female sex (P =.024), preoperative serum albumin > or= 40 g/L (P =.033), AST < 50 u/L (P =.001), tumor < 5 cm (P =.001), solitary tumor (P =.035), encapsulated tumor (P =.021), no venous invasion (P =.001), no microsatellite nodule (P =.001), and early pathologic tumor-node-metastasis (pTNM) stage (I or II, P <.001). Features favoring 5-year disease-free survivors were preoperative serum AST < 50 u/L (P =.007), tumor < 5 cm (P =.005), encapsulated tumor (P =.007), no venous invasion (P <.001), no microsatellite nodule (P =.001), and early pTNM stage (I or II, P <.001). By multivariate analysis, pTNM stage was the only significant predictive factor for both overall and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION This study shows that long-term disease-free survival > 5 years after resection of HCC can be achieved in patients with favorable tumor characteristics. Early pTNM stage was the most reliable predictor of both long-term overall and disease-free survivors.
Early Changes in Corneal Epithelial Thickness after Cataract Surgery – Pilot Study

Abstract Purpose: To assess early variations in central and paracentral corneal epithelial and non-epithelial thicknesses after uneventful clear corneal incision phacoemulsification. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with a senile cataract underwent coaxial phacoemulsification through a 2.75-mm-wide corneal incision created at 180° in a prospective cohort pilot study. Corneal sublayer thickness measurements were obtained with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT, Cirrus HD-OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA) before and after 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Central measurements were performed in the middle of the FD-OCT scan and in the 3-mm corneal diameter (paracentral 180° and 0° locations). Epithelial, non-epithelial and total corneal pachymetry were measured at the central and paracentral locations. Results: No significant changes in epithelial thickness were seen 1 week postoperatively. However, 1 month postoperatively, the central, 180°, and 0° paracentral epithelial thicknesses (52.7 ± 3.8, 53.1 ± 5.4, and 52.7 ± 5.3 µm, respectively) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) compared to preoperatively (57.2 ± 4.8, 58.0 ± 5.7, 56.6 ± 5.3 µm, respectively). The 1-week central, 180°, and 0° paracentral non-epithelial corneal thicknesses (515.5 ± 39.6, 534.3 ± 45.6, and 521.3 ± 36.9 µm) were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than preoperatively (486.2 ± 34.7, 498.2 ± 33.8, 497.5 ± 32.3 µm, respectively). The non-epithelial corneal thickness increase was significantly (p = 0.02) greater after 1 week in the central (29.3 ± 17.2 µm) and the 180° paracentral (36.1 ± 28.7 µm) locations than at the 0° paracentral location (23.8 ± 16.5 µm). Conclusions: Immediate postoperative corneal edema following phacoemulsification irregularly affects the cornea at the sublayer level. The initial central and paracentral non-epithelial thickening is compensated by subsequent central and paracentral epithelial thinning. These initial changes occurred more markedly closest to the main incision over the entrance pupil, which may have visual implications.
TFIIIC1 acts through a downstream region to stabilize TFIIIC2 binding to RNA polymerase III promoters

An in vitro system reconstituted with highly purified RNA polymerase III, TFIIIC2, and TFIIIB has been used to identify two chromatographically distinct human RNA polymerase III transcription factors, TFIIIC1 and TFIIIC1', which are functionally equivalent to the previously defined TFIIIC1 (S. T. Yoshinaga, P. A. Boulanger, and A. J. Berk, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:3585-3589, 1987). Interactions between TFIIIC2, TFIIIC1 (or TFIIIC1'), and the VA1 and tRNA1(Met) templates have been investigated by DNase I footprint analysis. Homogeneous TFIIIC2 alone shows only a weak footprint over the B-box region of the VA1 and tRNA1(Met) templates, whereas TFIIIC1 (or TFIIIC1') alone shows both a strong interaction over the downstream termination region and a very weak interaction near the A-box region. Importantly, when both factors are present simultaneously, TFIIIC1 (or TFIIIC1') dramatically enhances the level of TFIIIC2 binding and extends the footprint to a region that includes the A box. The downstream termination region is essential for this cooperative interaction between TFIIIC2 and TFIIIC1 (or TFIIIC1') on the VA1 and tRNA1(Met) templates and plays a role in the overall accuracy and efficiency of RNA polymerase III transcription.
Macrophage Image Segmentation by Thresholding and Subjective Surface Method

Abstract We introduce two level-set method approaches to segmentation of 2D macrophage images. The first one is based on the Otsu thresholding and the second one on the information entropy thresholding, both followed by the classical subjective surface (SUBSURF) method. Results of both methods are compared with the semi-automatic Lagrangian method in which the segmentation curve evolves along the edge of the macrophage and it is controlled by an expert user. We present the comparison of all three methods with respect to the Hausdorff distance of resulting segmentation curves and we compare also their perimeter and enclosed area. We show that accuracy of the automatic SUBSURF method is comparable to the results of the semi-automatic Lagrangian segmentation.