Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV-risk behaviour among non-heroin using cocaine injectors and non-injectors in São Paulo, Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate HIV-risk behaviour among cocaine users in relation to preferred route of administration and to relate this to reported HIV serostatus. Two hundred and ninety-four patients were interviewed in 15 different services that offer treatment, assistance or counselling to drug users and/or HIV-positive patients using a structured questionnaire that had been developed and piloted in Brazil. At the time of interview, lifetime use of snorted cocaine was 94%, of smoked crack 82% and of injected cocaine 32%. Twenty-eight per cent described themselves as HIV-positive, 32% as negative and 40% were unaware of their status. Non-injectors tended to be younger, had used fewer substances, had spent less time using cocaine, were less likely to have had sex with other drug users or to have been tested for HIV. Non-injectors had high levels of contact with injectors. Those reporting a positive HIV result were older, had used more classes of drugs, had used cocaine for longer and were more likely to have injected and participated in at-risk behaviours. The findings are discussed in terms of policy changes that may be necessary to reduce the high level of risk behaviour among Brazilian cocaine users.
DNA rearrangements and phenotypic switching in prokaryotes

Microorganisms have numerous strategies for coping with environmental changes. In many systems, a single cell has the capacity to generate a seemingly infinite array of phenotypic variants in just a few generations of growth. The resulting heterogeneous population is well equipped for sudden environmental change; even if only a few cells in the population possess a phenotype needed for survival, these cells have the capacity to regenerate a similarly diverse population. Phenotypic switching in these systems usually results from high‐frequency DNA rearrangements which are the subject of this review.
Evidence of in situ proliferation of adult adipose tissue-derived progenitor cells: influence of fat mass microenvironment and growth.

CONTEXT Adipocyte formation in human adult adipose tissue (hAT) originates from resident progenitor cell differentiation in the stroma vascular fraction of the AT. The processes involved in the self-renewal of this cell population remain to be defined. OBJECTIVE The objective was to study in situ and in vitro hAT progenitor cell (defined as CD34(+)/CD31(-) cells) proliferation. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS In situ progenitor cell proliferation was assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analyses on hAT from lean to obese subjects using the proliferation marker Ki-67. The effects of adipokines, hypoxia, and conditioned media (CM) from adipocytes, capillary endothelial cells, and macrophages isolated by an immunoselection approach were studied on hAT progenitor cell growth. Cell death in hAT was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-fluorescein end labeling method. RESULTS Ki-67-positive staining was observed in AT progenitor cells. Fat mass enlargement in obese patients was associated with an increased Ki-67(+) progenitor cell population together with a new fraction of small adipocytes and increased cell death. HIF-1alpha mRNA expression in freshly harvested progenitor cells was positively correlated with body mass index. Adipocyte- and capillary endothelial cell-CM, hypoxia, leptin, IL-6, lysophosphatidic acid, and vascular endothelial growth factor, all increased hAT progenitor cell proliferation in vitro. Macrophage-CM had an antiproliferative effect that was suppressed by an antioxidant. CONCLUSIONS The fraction of proliferative progenitor cells in adult hAT is modulated by the degree of adiposity. Changes in the progenitor cell microenvironment involving adipokines, hypoxia, and oxidative stress might play a key role in the control of the self-renewal of the local pool of AT progenitor cells.
The Challenging Behaviour Scale (CBS): development of a scale for staff caring for older people in residential and nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES A review of behavioural rating scales identified the need for a measure of resident behaviours that staff in care homes for older people find difficult to manage. A 25-item, broad-based rating scale, the Challenging Behaviour Scale (CBS), was developed to meet this need and its psychometric properties were examined. DESIGN Cross-sectional surveys. METHODS Ratings of 484 residents, living in 16 homes across England, were used to examine four methods of collecting inter-rater reliability data. Ratings of 382 residents living in 13 homes were used to evaluate criterion validity and to establish norms. Six further homes were used to explore qualitatively the validity of the suggested norms. Ratings of 98 residents living in four further homes were used to examine concurrent validity. The predictive validity of the CBS 'challenge' score was evaluated, using time-sampled direct observation of challenging behaviour in 237 residents, living in 11 homes. RESULTS The scale records staff reports of the incidence, frequency and 'management difficulty' of resident behaviour and it can also identify 'challenging residents' through a computed score. It has good internal consistency, good test-retest reliability and adequate validity. Inter-rater reliability is good when staff receive training or when staff groups of at least three, of mixed qualifications, complete the scale. Norms are suggested for prospective studies of the prevalence of challenging behaviour. CONCLUSIONS The CBS is quick to complete and may have potential for the evaluation of psychosocial interventions in care settings. It is, as far as we know, the first staff observational rating scale that is based on the reports of care staff, who constitute the backbone of residential care provision. Suggestions for improvements in criterion and content validity are outlined.
Acute thrombosis of bioabsorbable scaffold in a patient with acute coronary syndrome.

An 80-year-old male patient was referred to the emergency department with symptoms of unstable angina. An ECG revealed ST-segment depressions in leads V4–V6 and laboratory values showed an increased high-sensitive troponin level (0.016 ng/mL). Subsequent coronary angiography demonstrated a ruptured plaque in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ( Panel A ). Therefore, percutaneous coronary intervention was performed with the implantation of …
Molecular phylogeny of Sydowiellaceae—resolving the position of Cainiella

Cainiella is an ascomycete genus associated with arctic alpine plants. The systematic position of Cainiella has long been unclear, with current classifications placing the genus in either Sordariales or Xylariales. Our molecular results, based on mtSSU, ITS and nLSU rDNA data, clearly show that the genus belongs in the Sydowiellaceae (Diaporthales). The study also includes new sequences of Sydowiellaceae and contributes to a better knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships of that family.
Fadolmidine‐induced ocular hypotension in normotensive rabbits

Fadolmidine, a novel selective α‐adrenoceptor agonist, was evaluated for its efficacy to lower intraocular pressure in normotensive rabbits (n = 5–6). The dose‐response profile between 0.004 μg and 12.5 μg of fadolmidine was determined. The effect of pH on the partition of fadolmidine was studied in order to select an optimal pH for topical fadolmidine administration. After topical administration, fadolmidine significantly lowered the intraocular pressure in normotensive rabbits. The onset of action was immediate, with no initial increase in intraocular pressure. A significant decrease in intraocular pressure was already observed at 1 h after dosing. The maximum decrease in intraocular pressure was observed after a 2.5 μg dose of fadolmidine in both eyes at 2 h after dosing. The mean maximum decrease in the treated and untreated eye was 6.4 mmHg and 3.9 mmHg, respectively. In conclusion, fadolmidine is a potent intraocular pressure lowering agent. In addition, fadolmidine does not cause a significant initial increase in intraocular pressure. Because of the strong dependence of the distribution coefficient on pH, the pH of the administered solution is important, with physiological pH being optimal in this respect.
Interactions Between an Oscillating Wave Surge Converter and a Heaving Wave Energy Converter

In this paper, we investigate the mutual hydrodynamic interactions between two different kinds of devices, namely, an Oscillating Wave Surge Converter modeled as an oscillating flap and a generic Heaving Wave Energy Converter modeled as a vertical truncated cylinder. A three-dimensional mathematical model based on linear potential flow theory is developed. It is assumed that the effects of the evanescent modes of the disturbed potential due to one converter are negligible in the vicinity of the other, by considering a reasonably large distance of separation between the two devices. We then investigate the influence of location, oblique wave incidence, and other parameters on the power absorption characteristics of the two bodies. The isolated hydrodynamic characteristics of a truncated cylinder have been studied extensively in the literature. Garrett (1971) was the first to analyze the diffraction problem by using the series expansion of eigenfunctions of the velocity potential, while Yeung (1981) extended the approach to obtain the solution to the radiation problem. There are also numerous studies that have investigated the interaction in an array of truncated cylinders. Most of them have employed the interaction theory of Kagemoto and Yue (1986), which uses the addition theorems of the Hankel and Bessel functions. The theory of Kagemoto and Yue (1986) is, in fact, quite general and can be applied to arbitrary geometries, provided their isolated diffraction solution is known. Recent studies have analyzed thoroughly the hydrodynamics of flap-type OWSCs, both in isolation and in arrays. The solution method uses Green's integral equation formulation and Green's function theory, yielding hypersingular integrals that are solved numerically via a collocation scheme using the Chebyshev polyno- mials of the second kind. The mathematical approach followed in the latter is quite different from that adopted for truncated cylinders. In our model, we unify the above two methods and express the final solution as a combination of the isolated cases of the respective bodies. The net spatial potential is then required to satisfy the boundary conditions on the OWSC and on the HWEC simultaneously. While a numerical collocation scheme is used for the boundary condition on the OWSC, the method of matched eigenfunctions is employed between the core and exterior regions of the truncated cylinder. In the following sections, we first derive the theory for the interactions between the two systems. Then we perform a few case studies, demonstrating the effect of the distance and location of the individual devices on the performance.
Aichi virus infection in children with acute gastroenteritis in Finland

SUMMARY Aichi virus has been proposed as a novel causative agent of acute gastroenteritis. In addition to several Asian countries, South America and Africa, Aichi virus has also recently been found in Europe. Our objective was to study the causative role of Aichi virus in children with acute gastroenteritis in Finland. We analysed 595 stool specimens from infants in an efficacy trial of rotavirus vaccine and 468 stool specimens from children in a hospital-based epidemiological and aetiological study of acute gastroenteritis. The screening was done by nested reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction amplifying a 519-bp segment and a 223-bp segment in the 3CD junction region of non-structural proteins. Aichi virus was detected in five stool samples (0·5%), of which four were co-infections with other gastroenteritis viruses. Two Aichi virus genotypes, A and B, were found. Aichi virus appears to be rare in children with acute gastroenteritis in Finland.
The effect of diet on pregnancy outcomes among pregnant with abnormal glucose challenge test.

OBJECTIVES Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance, first time detected in pregnancy. Diagnostic criteria for GDM have changed over the decades. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of diet on birth weight, number of large for gestational age (LGA) (birth weight > 90th percentile) babies, total maternal weight gain, gestational age and route of delivery among patients with positive 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) and negative 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted among patients with positive 50 g GCT and negative 100 g OGTT. A plasma glucose value of 140 mg/dL was used as the threshold to define an abnormal GCT result. In group 1 50 patients were given a caloric diet and compared with group 2 with 50 patients without a given diet. Patients were followed up until delivery and evaluated for birth weight, number of LGA babies, total maternal weight gain, gestational age and route of delivery. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the groups in maternal age, parity, body mass index and gestational age at delivery. There were significant differences in birth weight, number of LGA babies, total maternal weight gain during pregnancy. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.7±1.2 weeks in group 1 and 38.9±1.1 weeks in group 2 (p = 0.615). The mean birth weight in group 1 was 3328±399 g and 3623±485 g in group 2 (p = 0.007), cesarean rate was 32% in group 1 and 40% in group 2 (p = 0.405). CONCLUSIONS In the management of patients with positive 50 g GCT and negative 100 g OGTT, patients who were prescribed medical nutrition therapy by a dietitian experienced in GDM management had better perinatal outcomes.
Nosocomial Infections and Drug Susceptibility Patterns in Methicillin Sensitive and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

AIM Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections and is known for its ability to develop resistance to antibiotics. The drug susceptibility pattern of Methicillin Sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) may vary. AIMs and Objectives: This study was carried out to determine and compare the drug susceptibility patterns in nosocomial MSSA and MRSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted between September 2009 and August 2011. Standard conventional methods were used for the isolation and identification of S. aureus. MRSA was identified by the cefoxitin (30 μg) disk method. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and the interpretation of the results was done using CLSI guidelines. RESULTS Out of 685 strains of S. aureus studied, 173(25.25%) were MRSA and 512 (74.25%) were MSSA. Out of 173 MRSA strains, 114(65.89%) were isolated from pus, 22(12.71%) from vaginal swab, 18(10.40%) from central catheter tip and the remaining from other specimens. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and least number of isolates were susceptible to penicillin. MRSA displayed significantly higher resistance to other antibiotics. 45.7% of MRSA strains were resistant to clindamycin, 64.7% to ciprofloxacin, 87.3% to cotrimoxazole, 54.3% to erythromycin, 17.3% to gentamicin, 16.8% to netilmycin, and 58.38% to tetracycline. Inducible clindamycin resistance was detected in 37 (21.38%) strains of MRSA. CONCLUSION Nosocomial infections caused by MRSA is a significant problem. MRSA and MSSA differ with their susceptibility to antibiotics. All MRSA isolates in our hospitals were susceptible to vancomycin. Proper selection of the antibiotics based on antibiotic susceptibility test results is needed for effective treatment and prevention of emergence of resistance in MRSA and MSSA.
Lower frequency of obstructive sleep apnea in spondyloarthritis patients taking TNF-inhibitors.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep disturbances, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), commonly limit function and quality of life in people with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Systemic inflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of both OSA and SpA, and suppression of inflammation with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) inhibitors may decrease OSA severity. In this study, we compared the frequency of OSA in patients receiving and not receiving TNF-inhibitor therapy. METHODS Data were collected from 63 consecutively screened veterans with SpA. Participant interviews, examinations, chart reviews, and referrals to the Salt Lake City Veteran Affairs (SLCVA) Sleep Center were used to obtain demographic data, comorbidities, SpA features, therapy data, and sleep study outcomes. RESULTS OSA occurred in 76% of SpA patients. OSA was less common in patients receiving TNF-inhibitor therapy (57%), compared to patients not receiving TNF-inhibitor therapy (91%) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS OSA is underrecognized in veterans with SpA, and TNF-inhibition was associated with a lower frequency of OSA.
Characterization of the tol-pal and cyd region of Escherichia coli K-12: transcript analysis and identification of two new proteins encoded by the cyd operon

Sequence analysis showed that the cyd operon is immediately upstream of the tol-pal region. Northern (RNA) blot analysis demonstrated that the transcript for the cyd operon terminates just before the promoter for transcription of the tol genes. The cyd transcript contains cydA cydB followed by two open reading frames: orfC, encoding a 37-residue peptide, and orfD, encoding a 97-residue peptide. Both OrfC and OrfD are synthesized in minicells.
Energy-dense meals improve energy intake in elderly residents in a nursing home.

BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that malnutrition is common among nursing home residents. AIM We hypothesized that addition of natural energy-dense ingredients to a standard diet would improve voluntary energy intake and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and decrease infections in elderly residents under nursing home care. METHODS Thirty-five residents in a municipality nursing home (median age 83 years) were served either a standard diet (1600 kcal/day) (control group, n=18) or the same meals fortified with natural energy-dense ingredients (2100 kcal/day) (experimental group, n=17). Energy intake and ADL function were measured before and after the intervention. All episodes of infection were registered. Non-parametric statistics were used. RESULTS Energy intake increased in the experimental group from 23.5 (21.3-28.5) kcal/kg/body weight before, to 31.9 (29.7-33.7) kcal/kg/body weight during the intervention (P<0.001). There was no change in energy intake in the control group. ADL function in the experimental group was unchanged, while it decreased significantly in the control group (P<0.001). The number of infections tended to be lower in the experimental group than in the control group (5 vs 13). The cost for the energy-dense ingredients was approx. 0.11 EUR per resident and day. CONCLUSIONS Addition of natural energy-dense ingredients to regular meals is an inexpensive way to improve voluntary energy intake in elderly nursing home residents, a treatment that was accompanied by maintained ADL function.
Decentralized management schemes for real-time and reliable communication in industrial wireless sensor and actuator networks

Current wireless technologies for industrial applications, such asWirelessHART and ISA100.11a, use a centralized management approach in which a central network manager handles the requirements of the static network. However, such a centralized approach has several drawbacks. For example, it cannot cope with dynamicity/disturbance in large-scale networks in a real-time manner while it also incurs a high communication overhead and latency for exchanging management traffic. In this thesis, we address the drawbacks of the centralized management approach utilized in WirelessHART and ISA100.11a for real-time industrial monitoring and control applications. More specifically, we propose new decentralized network management schemes to provide an end-to-end reliable and real-time communication for battery-powered and harvested-powered devices in a distributed manner. These schemes enable the network devices to join the network, schedule their communications, establish end-to-end connections by reserving communication resources to address real-time requirements, and cope with network dynamicity (e.g., node/edge failures) in a distributed manner. To evaluate wireless protocols in the domain of industrial monitoring and control, a reference point is needed. To that end, we developed aWirelessHART simulator in NS-2 as a reference point to evaluate other protocols. We validated theWirelessHART simulator with a WirelesHART deployment at an industrial plant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first implementation that supports the WirelessHART network manager as well as the whole stack of the WirelessHART standard. To address the requirements of battery-powered I/O devices, we propose a distributed management scheme to address real-time and reliable communication requirements. This scheme considers the full mesh topology in which I/O devices are capable of participating in routing and distributed network management tasks, such as communication resources scheduling. We then propose a second distributed management scheme for hybrid networks to be used for real-time industrial wireless automation. This scheme addresses the requirements of energy constrained I/O devices. In this scheme, the I/O devices cannot participate in routing and distributed management tasks. The routers can dynamically reserve communication resources and manage the I/O devices in the local star sub-networks. We demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves higher network management efficiency compared to the ISA100.11a standard, without compromising the latency and reliability requirements of industrial wireless networks. To better support and address the requirements of energy harvested I/O devices, we extend ISA100.11a. The proposed extension makes management more decentralized by delegating a part of the management responsibility to the routers in the network. It also allows the I/O devices to choose the best routers according to different metrics using local statistics and advertised routers’ ranks.
The relationship between fairness, cognitive control, and numerical encoding

Fairness, or the ability to distribute resources in a manner that accords with societally recognized principles of justice, is a hallmark of human cooperation. Young children rapidly develop the ability to enact fairness, but the cognitive underpinnings of this ability remain unknown. The present study investigated 4-7-year-olds’ acquisition of three principles of fairness -equality (the principle that all parties should have the same), merit (the principle that those who work harder should get more), and starting opportunity (the principle that those who started with less should get more) -in relation to their emerging cognitive control and memory for numerical information (numerical accuracy). Cognitive control predicted children’s equal sharing, whereas numerical accuracy predicted merit-based sharing. Children up through the oldest age we tested ignored starting opportunities. The results suggest that different principles of fairness may be underpinned by distinct cognitive processes.