Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Double-blind comparison of teicoplanin versus vancomycin in febrile neutropenic patients receiving concomitant tobramycin and piperacillin: effect on cyclosporin A-associated nephrotoxicity

A prospective, randomized, and double-blind study comparing teicoplanin with vancomycin in the initial management of febrile neutropenic patients was conducted. Teicoplanin was administered at 6 mg per kg of body weight every 24 h (q24h) intravenously (i.v.) after initial loading at 6 mg/kg q12h for three doses. Vancomycin was administered at 15 mg/kg q12h i.v. Patients also received piperacillin (3 g q4h i.v.) and tobramycin (1.5 to 2.0 mg/kg q8h i.v.). Of 53 patients enrolled, 50 were judged to be evaluable. Among these, 25 received teicoplanin and 25 received vancomycin. At enrollment, both groups were comparable in age, sex, renal function, underlying hematologic condition, and concurrent therapy. Both groups had similar sites of infection and microbial pathogens. Empirical antimicrobial therapy resulted in the cure of or improvement in 23 (92%) teicoplanin patients and 21 (84%) vancomycin patients (P = 0.67). Failures occurred with two vancomycin patients but no teicoplanin patients. Clinical response was indeterminate for two patients in each group. Adverse reactions occurred significantly more often in the vancomycin group than in the teicoplanin group (P = 0.01), and these reactions required the termination of the study regimens of 6 vancomycin versus 0 teicoplanin patients (P = 0.02). Nephrotoxicity was observed more frequently in the vancomycin group (10 versus 2 patients; P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant deterioration of renal function when vancomycin and cyclosporin A, but not teicoplanin and cyclosporin A, were used concurrently (P = 0.02). Among patients who received vancomycin and amphotericin B or teicoplanin and amphotericin B concurrently, deterioration in renal function was equivalent in both groups. Teicoplanin in the dosage employed was tolerated better than vancomycin in the empirical treatment of fever and neutropenia in our patient population.
Discursive Legitimation of Global Accounting Standards: Principles-Based as Discourse

This paper analyses the roles of discourse in the legitimation process of institutions. In particular, it explains the theoretical significance of “principles-based” as discourse and describes how this discourse roles and functions in the global diffusion of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). By applying the critical discourse analysis and the Latourian framework, I conduct qualitative analysis on the principles-based versus rules-based debate. My findings show two kinds of translation in the diffusion of IFRS: problematization of rules-based accounting standards and translational implementation of IFRS. Overall, this paper suggests that the principles-based discourse plays a critical role in the institutionalization of global accounting standards.
Evidence for Complete Translational and Reflectional Invariance in Visual Object Priming

The magnitude of priming on naming reaction times and on the error rates, resulting from the perception of a briefly presented picture of an object approximately 7 min before the primed object, was found to be independent of whether the primed object was originally viewed in the same hemifield, left—right or upper—lower, or in the same left—right orientation. Performance for same-name, different-examplar images was worse than for identical images, indicating that not only was there priming from block one to block two, but that some of the priming was visual, rather than purely verbal or conceptual. These results provide evidence for complete translational and reflectional invariance in the representation of objects for purposes of visual recognition. Explicit recognition memory for position and orientation was above chance, suggesting that the representation of objects for recognition is independent of the representations of the location and left—right orientation of objects in space.
Comparative analysis of pre‐replication complex proteins in transformed and normal cells

This study examines the abundance of the major protein constituents of the pre‐replication complex (pre‐RC), both genome‐wide and in association with specific replication origins, namely the lamin B2, c‐myc, 20mer1, and 20mer2 origins. Several pre‐RC protein components, namely ORC1‐6, Cdc6, Cdt1, MCM4, MCM7, as well as additional replication proteins, such as Ku70/86, 14‐3‐3, Cdc45, and PCNA, were comparatively and quantitatively analyzed in both transformed and normal cells. The results show that these proteins are overexpressed and more abundantly bound to chromatin in the transformed compared to normal cells. Interestingly, the 20mer1, 20mer2, and c‐myc origins exhibited a two‐ to threefold greater origin activity and a two‐ to threefold greater in vivo association of the pre‐RC proteins with these origins in the transformed cells, whereas the origin associated with the housekeeping lamin B2 gene exhibited both similar levels of activity and in vivo association of these pre‐RC proteins in both cell types. Overall, the results indicate that cellular transformation is associated with an overexpression and increased chromatin association of the pre‐RC proteins. This study is significant, because it represents the most systematic comprehensive analysis done to date, using multiple replication proteins and different replication origins in both normal and transformed cell lines. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1333–1347, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Faecal and pharyngeal shedding of rotavirus and rotavirus IgA in children with diarrhoea

In 70 children 0–4 years of age with acute diarrhoea, the shedding of rotavirus and the excretion of rotavirus‐specific IgA antibody in the stools were examined throughout the period of clinical symptoms. Quantitative detection of rotavirus and IgA was performed by an ELISA technique. The maximal rotavirus shedding was found between the second and fifth day and the maximal excretion of IgA antibody about the seventh day, which marked the clinical recovery of most children. Throat swabs were examined for both virus particles and specific IgA antibody to try to document the respiratory spread of rotavirus infection. Rotavirus antigen could not be demonstrated in the throat swabs, but specific IgA antibody was detected at levels comparable to the faecal specimens obtained at clinical recovery. The observations indicate that the presence of rotavirus secretory IgA limits the duration of diarrhoea and plays a major role in the intestinal resistance to infection.
Variational cumulant expansion for the Heisenberg model with the critical temperature determined to third order.

The variational-cumulant-expansion (VCE) method is adopted to calculate the Heisenberg model. The free energy of the model is expanded to the third order, and the analytical formulas for the critical temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ are given for each order. The first order of VCE corresponds to the mean-field theory, the second order gives the same result for ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ as the 1/z expansion, and the third order gives a more complicated correction. As a comparison, the results of the two-dimensional (2D) Ising model for VCE to the seventh order are shown. We carry out a trial to predict the critical temperature of the infinite order of the VCE, and get a very accurate result for the 2D Ising model. A prediction of ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ for the Heisenberg model is also made.
Association of Mycoplasma penetrans with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

A cross-sectional study was done to determine the seroprevalence of Mycoplasma penetrans in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-seropositive and -seronegative persons recruited in France. The data were analyzed with respect to the sociodemographic, clinical, and biologic status of the patients. M. penetrans seropositivity was associated with HIV infection (18.2% of HIV-seropositive vs. 1.3% of HIV-seronegative persons were M. penetrans-seropositive; P < .001). M. penetrans infection was predominantly but not exclusively associated with homosexual practices in HIV-seropositive subjects and thus presumably sexually transmitted. M. penetrans seroprevalence increased with progression of HIV-associated disease. No association was found between M. penetrans and Kaposi's sarcoma. Thus, there is an unambiguous association between M. penetrans and HIV, particularly among homosexual persons, but its clinical significance remains to be investigated.
The perisperm-endosperm envelope in Cucumis: structure, proton diffusion and cell wall hydrolysing activity.

BACKGROUND and Aims The envelope surrounding the embryo in cucurbit seed, which consists of a single layer of live endosperm cells covered by lipid- and callose-rich layers, is reported to show semi-permeability and also to act as the primary barrier to radicle emergence. Structure, development and permeability of the envelope and activity of cell wall hydrolases during germination of cucumber and muskmelon seeds were investigated. METHODS Sections of seeds were stained with aniline blue and Sudan III. Proton diffusion and endo-beta-mannanase activity were detected by tissue printing. A gel-diffusion assay was performed to quantify endo-beta-mannanase activity, while the activity of beta-glucanase was determined with laminarin as the substrate and glucose formation measured using the GOD-POD method. KEY RESULTS The lipid layer differentiated during seed development in cucumber in the epidermis of a multilayered nucellus, whereas the callose layer appeared to develop outside the endosperm cell layer. Accordingly, the envelope has been called the perisperm-endosperm (PE) envelope. Chloroform treatment of seeds, which resulted in a substantial reduction in Sudan staining of the lipid layer, also enhanced the permeability of the PE envelope to 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Proton diffusion occurred when the PE envelopes from seeds had their inner surface in contact with bromocresol purple-containing agarose gels, but not when their outer surface was in contact. Substantial endo-beta-mannanase activity was present in the caps of the PE envelopes, whereas a marked increase in beta-glucanase activity was observed in radicles prior to germination. CONCLUSIONS The lipid layer seems to contribute to the semi-permeability of the PE envelope. The diffusion of protons might create an acidic environment conducive to the activity of cell wall hydrolases, namely endo-beta-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78) and beta-glucanase [beta(1-->3)glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2. 1.6], which, in turn, may play a role in the weakening of the PE envelope necessary for the protrusion of the radicle in cucumber and muskmelon seeds.
Interaction Between Notch and Hif-α in Development and Survival of Drosophila Blood Cells

Ligand-independent Notch signaling promotes blood cell survival during normal development and under hypoxic stress. A blood cell type termed crystal cell in Drosophila functions in clotting and wound healing and requires Notch for specification and maintenance. We report that crystal cells express elevated levels of Sima protein orthologous to mammalian hypoxia-inducible factor–α (Hif-α) even under conditions of normal oxygen availability. In these platelet-like crystal cells, Sima activates full-length Notch receptor signaling via a noncanonical, ligand-independent mechanism that promotes hemocyte survival during both normal hematopoietic development and hypoxic stress. This interaction initiates in early endosomes, is independent of Hif-β (Τangο in Drosophila), and does not activate hypoxia response targets. Studies in vertebrate myeloid cells have shown a similar up-regulation of Hif-α protein in well-oxygenated environments. This study provides a mechanistic paradigm for Hif-α/Notch interaction that may be conserved in mammals.
Comparison of digital volume tomography and high-resolution computed tomography in detecting superior semicircular canal dehiscence – a temporal bone study

Abstract Conclusion: In detecting a thin bony coverage of a superior semicircular canal (SSC), digital volume tomography (DVT) scans in Poeschl projection seem to be superior to high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans. Still, a definite diagnosis of SSC dehiscence (SSCD) is not possible with any radiologic imaging technique. Objective: To compare CT and DVT to find out whether DVT is equal, better or worse in showing a thin bony layer on top of an SCC. Methods: In 11 human temporal bone specimens, the SSC was microscopically blue-lined leaving a thin bony coverage on top of it. All specimens were assessed with both high-resolution CT and DVT. After reconstructing the images in Stenvers and Poeschl projections, all images were evaluated by five independent examiners experienced in radiologic imaging of the temporal bone using a four-point ordinal scale, from 1 (distinct dehiscence) to 4 (distinct coverage). Results: The mean score for all CT scans was 2.58 compared with 3.22 for DVT scans (p = 0.000). Poeschl projection showed a mean score of 3.25 compared with 2.55 for Stenvers projection (p = 0.000). The best imaging modality was found to be DVT scans in Poeschl projections, with a mean score of 3.60.
Adverse Drug Reactions Reported With Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Background: No worldwide pharmacovigilance study evaluating the spectrum of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) induced by cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) in Alzheimer’s disease has been conducted since their emergence on the market. Objective: To describe ChEI related ADRs in Alzheimer’s disease (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine) and characterize their seriousness as reported by national pharmacovigilance systems to VigiBase, a World Health Organization International Drug Monitoring Program database, between 1998 and 2013. Methods: All ChEI related reports, submitted to VigiBase between 1998 and 2013 from the five continents were extracted. Analyses were carried out for general, serious, and nonserious ADRs. Results: A total of 18 955 reports (43 753 ADRs) from 58 countries were reported: 60.1% in women; mean age 77.4 ± 9.1 years. Most reports originated from Europe (47.6%) and North America (40.4%). Rivastigmine and donepezil were involved in most reports (41.4% each). The most frequently reported ADRs were neuropsychiatric (31.4%), gastrointestinal (15.9%), general (11.9%), and cardiovascular (11.7%) disorders. During the 2006-2013 period, serious ADRs remained more often reported than nonserious ones; the most serious were neuropsychiatric (34.0%), general (14.0%), cardiovascular (12.1%), and gastrointestinal (11.6%) disorders. Medication errors were reported in 2.0% of serious cases. Death occurred in 2.3% of the reports. Conclusions: This international pharmacovigilance study highlights the ADR pattern induced by ChEIs. Neuropsychiatric events were the most frequently reported ADRs. Serious cardiovascular events were frequently reported, suggesting that their significance has probably been previously underestimated. Given the frailty of the patients and the frequent comedications, caution is advised before introducing a ChEI.
Effect of fluconazole prophylaxis on fungal blood cultures: an autopsy‐based study involving 720 patients with haematological malignancy

Summary. To investigate the utility of blood culture of invasive fungal infections in patients with haematological malignancies, an autopsy survey was conducted in 720 patients who were treated between 1980 and 1999. We identified 252 patients with invasive mycosis. These included Candida (n = 94), Aspergillus (n = 91), Zygomycetes (n = 34), Cryptococcus (n = 7), Trichosporon (n = 11), Fusarium (n = 1), and unknown fungi (n = 20). Of the 94 patients with invasive candidiasis, 20 had positive blood cultures. Of the 11 patients with invasive trichosporonosis, seven had positive blood cultures. The sensitivities of blood cultures were 1·1%, 0% and 14% for detecting invasive aspergillosis, zygomycosis and cryptococcosis respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation between results of Candida blood cultures and some variables, including prophylactic use of absorbable antifungals (P = 0·0181) and infection by Candida albicans (P = 0·0086). The sensitivity of blood cultures decreased when patients received antifungal chemoprophylaxis. Unless these agents are inactivated in culture bottles, conventional blood cultures might produce false‐negative results.
PEACH ANTIOXIDANT AND PHENOLIC ACTIVITIES INFLUENCED BY THE APPLICATION OF 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE (1-MCP) AT POST-HARVEST

Early maturing peach (Prunus persica) cultivars can fetch good market value but face a lot of post-harvest problems that lead to the post-harvest losses. The 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) can provide new insights into plant ethylene responses and extend the shelf life and quality of fruits. Therefore, fruits of peach cultivar ‘Early Grand’ were dipped in various concentrations of 1-MCP (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 µg l–1), stored for 40 days at 8 ±2°C with 50% relative humidity and analyzed the fruits for physicochemical attributes at 10 days interval. The highest concentration of 1-MCP at 0.9 µg l–1 significantly improved the activity of antioxidants, catalase, free radical scavenging assay and total phenols. However, the peach fruits treated with 1-MCP at 0.6 µgL–1 was effective in retaining the ascorbic acid, lowering the weight loss and fruit decay. Therefore, peach fruits can be treated with 1-MCP (0.6 µg l–1) solution for prolonging its shelf life up to 40 days under low temperature.
Ecstasy abuse and dependence among adolescents and young adults: applicability and reliability of DSM‐IV criteria

As part of an ongoing National Institute on Drug Abuse study on the reliability of DSM substance use disorders, 173 adolescents and young adults have been interviewed to date with the CIDI‐Substance Abuse Module (SAM) to determine use and abuse of and dependence on ‘club drugs’ and other substances. Respondents are recruited from a substance abuse program, high school ads, college dorm flyers, the internet and chain referral. Retest interviews after 5 days determined the reliability of responses. Ecstasy use was reported by 52 respondents (30%); of these users 52% were female and 23% were non‐white. Nearly all users (94%) reported recent Ecstasy use. Among Ecstasy users, ‘continuing to use despite knowledge of physical or psychological harm’ was the most prevalent dependence criterion (63%), with excellent retest agreement (κ = 0.66). Withdrawal (59%) and tolerance (35%) were also commonly reported dependence criteria. Hazardous use was the most commonly reported abuse symptom. Most surprising were the rates of Ecstasy use disorders: 43% met DSM‐IV criteria for dependence; 34% met criteria for abuse; only 23% met neither. This is the first effort to assess the reliability of Ecstasy abuse and dependence, and the first to determine abuse and dependence using criteria specific to Ecstasy. The importance of additional studies and the relevance of such work to DSM‐V are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of applying lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of oats-common vetch mixed silage on the Tibetan plateau.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of oats-common vetch mixed silage by using a small-scale fermentation system on the Tibetan plateau. (i) An inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum) (L) or (ii) propionic acid (P) or (iii) inoculant + propionic acid (PL) were used as additives. After fermenting for 60 days, silos were opened and the aerobic stability was tested for the following 15 days. The results showed that all silages were well preserved with low pH and NH3 -N, and high lactic acid content and V-scores. L and PL silages showed higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid and crude protein content than the control silage. P silage inhibited lactic acid production. Under aerobic conditions, L silage had similar yeast counts as the control silage (> 10(5) cfu/g fresh matter (FM)); however, it numerically reduced aerobic stability for 6 h. P and PL silages showed fewer yeasts (< 10(5) cfu/g FM) (P < 0.05) and markedly improved the aerobic stability (> 360 h). The result suggested that PL is the best additive as it could not only improved fermentation quality, but also aerobic stability of oats-common vetch mixed silage on the Tibetan plateau.
Efferent connections from the lateral hypothalamic region and the lateral preoptic area to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of the rat

The lateral preoptic and lateral hypothalamic regions contain the majority of the cell groups embedded in the fibre trajectories of the medial forebrain bundle on its course through the hypothalamus. Recent studies have extended considerably the parcellation of the lateral hypothalamic region, and, therefore, the need to emphasize new insights into the anatomical organisation of projections from the neurons of the lateral hypothalamic region. In the present study we describe the anatomical organisation of efferent projections from the lateral preoptic and lateral hypothalamic regions to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on the basis of retrograde‐ and anterograde‐tracing techniques. Iontophoretic injections of the retrograde tracer, cholera toxin subunit B, into the PVN revealed that most hypothalamic nuclei project to the PVN. Within the lateral hypothalamic region, retrogradely labelled cells were concentrated in the intermediate hypothalamic area, the lateral hypothalamic area, and the perifornical nucleus, whereas fewer retrogradely labelled cells were found in the lateral preoptic area.
Buccolingual course of the inferior alveolar canal in different mental foramen locations: A cone beam computed tomography study of an Iranian population

Context: Better understanding of the anatomical location and course of the mandibular canal is necessary to avoid damaging inferior alveolar nerve. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the buccolingual course of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) in different mental foramen locations, using cone beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and twelve hemimandibular images were evaluated in this study. The location of mental foramen in relation to the apices of mandibular premolar and molar teeth were recorded. Nine measurements (in millimeters) were taken at the level of the IAC and posterior mandibular premolar and molar root apices. Relative distances of IAC to buccal and lingual mandibular cortex were calculated for different mental foramen types. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and P< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The distribution of subjects according to the type of mental foramen includes: Type 1 = 50.3% (at the level of second premolar apex), Type 2 = 33% (between the apices of first and second premolars), and Type 3 = 16.7% (between the apices of second premolars and first molars). The buccolingual ratio of the IAC position was statistically significant in different mental foramen types (P = 0.00). Conclusion: The position of IAC was affected by the location of the mental foramen. The direction of IAC gradually changed from lingual to buccal and from posterior to anterior.