Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protected specimen brush or bronchoalveolar lavage to diagnose bacterial nosocomial pneumonia in ventilated adults: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE We conducted a meta-analysis by using summary receiver operating characteristic curves to compare the diagnostic value for bacterial nosocomial pneumonia of the following: a) quantitative culture (colony-forming units per milliliter or CFU/mL) of respiratory secretions collected with a bronchoscopic protected specimen brush (PSB); b) quantitative culture of a bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); and c) the percentage of infected cells (IC) in BAL. DATA SOURCES All studies published in the English or the French language, through January 1, 1995, on the evaluation of PSB or BAL for the diagnosis of pneumonia were considered for analysis. The relevant literature was identified through computer and reference searching and by experts in the field. STUDY SELECTION A study was included if at least two of three independent readers regarded its purpose as the evaluation of CFU-PSB, CFU-BAL, or IC-BAL for the diagnosis in human beings of bacterial nosocomial pneumonia in ventilated adults and if the study was prospective and published in a peer-reviewed journal. DATA EXTRACTION Three readers reviewed all published articles and decided whether to include each study; consensus was defined as agreement by at least two readers. The authors of each original article included in the meta-analysis were asked to complete a questionnaire in which they were asked to check and to correct the data extracted by one of the independent readers. DATA SYNTHESIS Summary receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the efficacy of three diagnostic tests. Eighteen studies on CFU-PSB (795 patients) were included, as well as 11 studies on CFU-BAL (435 patients) and 11 on IC-BAL (766 patients). The accuracy of these tests was not different. However, it seems that administration of previous antibiotics markedly decreased accuracy of CFU-PSB (p = .0002) but not the accuracy of CFU-BAL and that of IC-BAL. CONCLUSION Both PSB and BAL are reliable to diagnose bacterial nosocomial pneumonia. Because CFU-BAL and IC-BAL seemed more resistant to the effects of antibiotics, we recommend BAL rather than PSB if the patient is already receiving antibiotics.
Amatoxin and phallotoxin concentration in Amanita bisporigera spores

Even though amatoxins and phallotoxins have been well characterized in basidiocarps of Amanita species, to our knowledge no report of these toxins in spores of Amanitas has been published. Reversed phase HPLC was used to determine nonzero concentrations of α-amanitin (0.30 mg/g), and phallacidin (0.02 mg/g) in spores taken from white Amanita sect. phalloideae species. We did not find significant amounts of phalloidin in Amanita spores. We also report concentrations of these toxins from pileus and stipe tissues that are similar to previously reported values, lending support to the hypothesis that toxin concentrations in spores are much less than in other basidiocarp tissues.
Clinicomycological profile of pityriasis versicolor in Assam

Background: Geographical variation in the distribution of Malassezia species associated with pityriasis versicolor (PV) has led to the necessity of studying epidemiological, mycological, and clinical characteristics of PV. Aims: To study the epidemiological, mycological, and clinical characteristics of PV in a tertiary care hospital. Settings and Design: The study was carried out with a cross-sectional design. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty-two consecutive PV patients were subjected to detailed history, clinical examination, and investigations. Skin scrapings were processed by direct microscopy and culture. Isolates were identified by phenotypic characteristics and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Association of Malassezia species with clinical and epidemiological characteristics was studied. Statistical analysis of the data was done using statistical software. Results: Maximum number of PV cases (33.9%) belonged to the age group of 21–30 years with a male preponderance. 61.4% of the patients had a sedentary lifestyle, 70.2% showed the gradual onset of the disease, 51.1% presented with pruritus and in 66.4% of the patients symptoms were continuous. Most commonly involved body site was neck (27.8%), 77.09% of the lesions were bilaterally asymmetrical, 87.4% were macular, and 89.3% were hypopigmented. Malassezia furfur (77.3%) was the predominant species. Sedentary lifestyle (61.4%) and increased sweating (48%) were the most commonly associated predisposing factors. Conclusion: PV is more common in males. Distribution of Malassezia species varies significantly from those reported in other parts of India. M. furfur was the most common species responsible for PV in our region. Hence, further studies are required to evaluate the exact cause of this variation.
Effects of Glucose on Insulin Secretion, Glucokinase Activity, and Transgene Expression in Transgenic Mouse Islets Containing an Upstream Glucokinase Promoter-Human Growth Hormone Fusion Gene

We have analyzed in organ culture the effects of glucose on glucose-induced insulin secretion, glucokinase (GK) activity, and human growth hormone (hGH) expression in pancreatic islets from transgenic mice containing an upstream GK promoter-hGH fusion gene. Freshly isolated islets from these mice had a normal insulin secretory response to glucose but showed subtle defects after culture in low or high glucose for 4 days that may have been due to the accumulation of hGH in the culture media. Islets cultured from both normal and transgenic mice had approximately a fourfold induction of GK activity in response to an increased concentration of glucose in the culture media, whereas no such change in total islet hGH production was observed. Immunocytochemical localization of hGH in islets cultured in 3 mM glucose showed a pattern similar to that in freshly isolated islets. However, after culture in 30 mM glucose, hGH immunostaining became strikingly more heterogeneous. We conclude 1) that GK-hGH transgene expression does not appear to adversely affect glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo or in freshly isolated islets, 2) that glucose does not induce transgene expression, thus providing additional evidence against an effect of glucose on GK gene transcription in the islet, and 3) that glucose stimulates the co-release of hGH with insulin, thereby enhancing the heterogeneous staining pattern seen among pancreatic β-cells.
Factors influencing the purchasing behavior of TCM outpatients in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES To test the factors that influence Chinese medicine outpatients' behavior patterns in purchasing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) under the National Health Insurance (NHI) system in Taiwan. METHODS A structural questionnaire was developed and administered to randomly selected outpatients waiting for Chinese Medicine at pharmacies in two academic hospitals that offered Chinese Medicine services in central Taiwan. A total of 641 effective questionnaires were collected. SPSS 10.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was used to run descriptive analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). In addition, LISREL 8.30 (Analytical Package, Scientific Software International, Inc., Chicago, IL) was used to modify and analyze the relationship between the variables of the hypothetical pathway model. RESULTS Path analysis showed that "behavioral intention" and "suffering from disease" had positive and direct influences on the outpatients' patterns of purchasing TCM. Furthermore, "usable resources" was an important factor with direct influence on behavioral intention. When there were more usable resources, the behavioral intention became stronger and indirectly influenced the purchasing behavior of TCM outpatients. In addition, one-way ANOVA showed that the purchasing behavior was significantly influenced by the number of diseases that an individual suffered. The results of the pathway model showed that "behavioral intention" and "suffering from disease" had positive and direct influence on the TCM purchasing behavior of Chinese Medicine outpatients. However, "usable resources" was an important factor with direct influence on behavioral intention. When there were more usable resources, the behavioral intention became stronger and indirectly had influence on the TCM purchasing behavior. Furthermore, the analysis result of one-way ANOVA showed that the more chronic diseases the surveyed subject suffered, the more significant the influence on purchasing behavior became. CONCLUSIONS Under the current NHI system, patients with multiple chronic diseases are the major purchasers of TCM products not covered by NHI. Therefore, increasing the usable resources of TCM products for the patients with chronic diseases will help hospitals in developing TCM services under the current NHI system.
Toward a Deeper Understanding of Adoption Family Structure: Concepts Borrowed From Social Justice, Attachment Theory, and Relational Dialectics

Adoption and adoption family issues are not a regular part of most counselor preparation programs and, as such, mental health professionals do not have adequate training in adoption and adoption issues. The studies on adoption often reflect a lack of birth family participants and are focused instead on the adoptee and the adopted family. This paper provides a conceptualization of the adoption family system that integrates four perspectives: social justice, attachment theory—specifically object relations, the adoption triad (i.e., adoptee, all members of the adopted family, and all members of the birth family), and relational dialectics. These four dimensions comprise a fundamental conceptualization that mental health practitioners can use to help design treatments for adoptees and their families.
Analysis of Exchanges Between Novice and Cooperating Teachers During Internships Using the NCATE/NASPE Standards for Teacher Preparation in Physical Education as Guidelines

To be recognized as an accredited program, Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) programs in the country must abide by guidelines put forward by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), in collaboration with the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The guidelines are divided into nine standards and identify a number of outcomes (NASPE, 1998). The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the exchanges between novice teachers (NTs) and cooperating teachers (CTs), when using the NASPE Standards (1998) as a reference point, and determine if the focus of the exchanges differed over time and according to data source. Six pairs of CTs and their NT participated in the study. Data were collected through recorded conversations between NTs and their CT as well as NTs' logs. Data showed that the majority of conversations focused on planning and instruction (Standard 6) and management and motivation (Standard 4), while few related to diverse learners (Standard 3), growth and development (Standard 2), and communication (Standard 5). The small amount of information shared by CTs in some standards indicates a need for PETE programs to share the guidelines with CTs to make them aware of the importance of offering a variety of topics to interns, because CTs are the primary source of information during this crucial experience.
Defining and Combating the Mechanisms of Triclosan Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The MICs of triclosan for 31 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were 0.016 μg/ml (24 strains), 1 to 2 μg/ml (6 strains), and 0.25 μg/ml (1 strain). All the strains for which triclosan MICs were elevated (>0.016 μg/ml) showed three- to fivefold increases in their levels of enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase (FabI) production. Furthermore, strains for which triclosan MICs were 1 to 2 μg/ml overexpressed FabI with an F204C alteration. Binding studies with radiolabeled NAD+ demonstrated that this change prevents the formation of the stable triclosan-NAD+-FabI complex, and both this alteration and its overexpression contributed to achieving MICs of 1 to 2 μg/ml for these strains. Three novel, potent inhibitors of FabI (50% inhibitory concentrations, ≤64 nM) demonstrated up to 1,000-fold better activity than triclosan against the strains for which triclosan MICs were elevated. None of the compounds tested from this series formed a stable complex with NAD+-FabI. Consequently, although the overexpression of wild-type FabI gave rise to an increase in the MICs, as expected, overexpression of FabI with an F204C alteration did not cause an additional increase in resistance. Therefore, this work identifies the mechanisms of triclosan resistance in S. aureus, and we present three compounds from a novel chemical series of FabI inhibitors which have excellent activities against both triclosan-resistant and -sensitive clinical isolates of S. aureus.
Evaluation of TP53 mutations with the AmpliChip p53 research test in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Correlation with clinical outcome and gene expression profiling

Given that TP53 alterations predict prognosis and response to therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), screening for TP53 mutations has an increasing role in patient management. TP53 direct sequencing is a time‐consuming method, while the AmpliChip p53 Research Test is a novel non time‐consuming microarray‐based resequencing assay and queries Exons 2–11. We evaluated the impact of TP53 mutations on clinical outcome by analyzing 98 untreated CLL using the AmpliChip p53 Research Test and direct sequencing and performed microarrays analysis on TP53 mutated and/or deleted cases. The AmpliChip p53 Research Test detected 17 mutations in 14 patients (17.3%); a significant association between TP53 mutations and del(17p) was recorded. From a clinical standpoint, a higher percentage of mutation was found in CLL with unfavorable outcome (17.2% vs. 7.1% in progressive vs. stable cases). Detection of TP53 mutations by the AmpliChip p53 Research Test was associated with a significantly worse survival (P = 0.0002). Comparison of the array and direct sequencing tests showed that the p53 Research Test detected more mutations, although it failed to identify two microdeletions. Finally, microarrays analysis showed a more distinctive signature associated with del(17p) than with TP53 mutations, likely due to a concomitant gene dosage effect. The AmpliChip p53 Research Test is a straightforward method that bears prognostic value. This study confirms a high percentage of TP53 mutations in CLL with unfavorable outcome and a significant association between TP53 aberrations and del(17p). Finally, specific gene expression profiles are recognized for TP53 alterations. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Adoption of Smart Buildings Using the Technology Acceptance Model

---------------------------------------------------------------------- ABSTRACT ----------------------------------------------------------- Objective: This study aimed to find a solution to the acceptance of smart buildings in Iran using the technology acceptance model (TAM). The main research question is the significance of this model relationships, as well as the anticipated adoption of smart buildings in Iran using variables included in the model. Methods: This descriptive study, is based on survey data collection methods and the way of analyzing data is correlational and casual study. Measurement tool was designed based on the standardized questionnaire presented by Davis. The reliability coefficient was 0.88. Statistical population is unlimited and included citizens of Iran in 1395. The sample consisted of 388 individuals. Given the infinity of society and Cochran formula, 384 individual is sufficient for this research. This study is a random sampling one that was done in the period of 30 days. Findings and conclusions: The results revealed that all relationships in the model are significant. And among the variables of the model, perceived usefulness, the attitude toward using, and features of smart buildings had the most intense relationship in acceptance this technology. Using regression equations, each of the dependent variables in the model, is predictable by the independent variables. Innovation of research: The intensity of relationship between variables in technology acceptance model and impact of each variable in explaining the criterion factor was analyzed. Research limitations: Many people tend not to complete the questionnaire and some ones answer questions unrealistic. Despite all the explanations to justify the respondents, still there are possible directions in responses. Practical consequences: Using regression equations obtained in this study, we can predict the criterion variables in the model of technology adoption.
Camera-based FDG PET and 67Ga SPECT in evaluation of lymphoma: comparative study.

PURPOSE To compare gallium 67 (67Ga) scintigraphy and camera-based fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in the evaluation of patients with lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The performance of 67Ga scintigraphy and camera-based FDG PET in the detection of lymphoma was retrospectively evaluated and compared in 84 patients with lymphoma, with 219 suspected sites of disease. Eighty-nine percent of patients were examined during or after treatment. Camera-based FDG PET was initiated by equivocal characterization of the status of disease based on clinical, radiologic, and 67Ga scintigraphic assessment. Findings of 67Ga scintigraphy and camera-based FDG PET were compared on a per-patient and per-site basis for the whole group, for histologic subtypes, and for anatomic locations. Comparison of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between the two modalities for detection of lymphoma was performed with the McNemar test. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 67Ga scintigraphy and camera-based FDG PET at both patient- and site-based analysis. 67Ga scintigraphy helped to accurately define disease state in 63% of patients and in 33% of sites, compared with 83% and 87%, respectively, for camera-based FDG PET. For discordant findings between the two modalities, camera-based FDG PET findings were confirmed as true-positive in 71% and as true-negative in 92% of patients. Camera-based FDG PET had a significantly higher detection rate for both nodal and extranodal lymphoma sites. It provided accurate assessment of lymphoma involvement of the skeleton in 93% of sites compared with 29% for 67Ga scintigraphy and excluded active lymphoma in 10 67Ga-positive benign parahilar sites. CONCLUSION In this selected group of patients with lymphoma, camera-based FDG PET allowed a significantly more accurate definition of active disease compared with that allowed with 67Ga scintigraphy.
Factors associated with knowledge about tuberculosis and attitudes of relatives of patients with the disease in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the knowledge regarding tuberculosis among relatives of patients with tuberculosis and the possible factors associated with this event and also to conduct comparative analyses between groups of relatives with or with few knowledge regarding tuberculosis, considering their attitudes in both groups. METHODS Cross-sectional study in which the sample was obtained through simple and randomized method. The data were collected by trained interviewers and validated tool. Logistic regression analyses were done using statistical software SPSS, version 22.0. RESULTS Among the 110 subjects recruited for the study, 85 (87.5%) were women, and the mean age was 49 years. Regarding common symptoms of tuberculosis, 102 relatives (90.9%) pointed the chronic cough; regarding the knowledge about tuberculosis transmission modes, 100 (90.9%) of them pointed symptomatic respiratory as the probable infection source. The relatives also reported other tuberculosis transmission models: sharing of clothes (n = 87; 79.1%) and household utensils (n = 66; 60%); sexual relations (n = 50; 50%). Illiterate relatives (adjusted OR = 4.39; 95%CI 1.11 - 17.36), those who do not watch or watch little television (adjusted OR = 3.99; 95%CI 1.2 - 13.26), and also those who do not have the Internet access (adjusted OR = 5.01; 95%CI 1.29 - 19.38) were more likely to have low knowledge regarding tuberculosis. Regardless the group, with or without tuberculosis knowledge, the attitudes of both were satisfactory. CONCLUSION There are evidences that social inequity is associated to the tuberculosis knowledge of patient relatives.
Effectiveness comparison of transperineal pudendal nerve block as anesthesia method in transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy

Rev Mex Urol 2010;70(3):164-170 164 Corresponding author: Dr. Pablo J. J. Venegas Ocampo. Av. Universidad 1321 Colonia Florida; Delegación Álvaro Obregón, Distrito Federal. Telephones: 5322 2300 and 5322 2600, extensions: 89273 and 89186. Email: pablovenegas2007@yahoo.com. mx 1Urology Specialty Residents. 2Professor-in-Charge of Urology Course. 3Staff Research Consultant of the Teaching Department. 4Head of Urology Service. 5Urology Service Staff Physician. Hospital Regional Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos of the ISSSTE, Mexico City. Effectiveness comparison of transperineal pudendal nerve block as anesthesia method in transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy
cDNA cloning of the housefly pigment‐dispersing factor (PDF) precursor protein and its peptide comparison among the insect circadian neuropeptides

Pigment‐dispersing factor (PDF), an 18‐amino acid neuropeptide, is a principal circadian neurotransmitter for the circadian rhythms of the locomotor activity in flies. Recently, two completely different types of PDF precursor were clarified; that of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus and that of the last‐summer cicada Meimuna opalifera. The G. bimaculatus PDF precursor is extraordinarily short and comprises a nuclear localization signal (NLS), while the M. opalifera PDF precursor is of ordinary length, comparable to that seen for the precursors of crustacean β‐PDH homologues. Although their PDF peptide regions were exactly the same, the regions containing a signal peptide combined with a PDF‐associated peptide (PAP) were remarkably different from each other. Such a grouping suggested a fundamental role for the PAP peptide in the circadian clock, perhaps associated with PDF function. In the present study, the cDNA cloning of PDF from the adult brains of the housefly Musca domestica was carried out and it was found that an isolated clone (527 bp) encodes a PDF precursor protein of ordinary length. The PDF peptide shows a high sequence identity (78%–94%) and similarity (89%–100%) to insect PDFs and also to the crustacean β‐PDH peptides. In particular, there is only a single amino acid difference between the PDFs of Musca and Drosophila; at position 14 Ser for Musca PDF and Asn for Drosophila PDF. A characteristic Ser10 in Drosophila was retained in Musca, indicating the presence of a structural profile unique to these PDFs. The results of sequence analyses suggest that Musca and Drosophila PDFs are to be considered members of a single group that has evolved structurally. When the primary structure of the PAP regions was compared, the Musca PDF precursor also belonged to the same group as that to which the Drosophila PDF precursor belongs. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.